4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



It was while attending the Annual Conference of the 

 Cryptogamic Society that he contracted the illness which 

 proved fatal. On the evening of Monday the 7th September 

 last he joined the members, who were assembled at Fochabers, 

 an good health and spirits. The following day was one of long 

 and arduous exertion in field-work, and at its close he was 

 unusually fatigued. On the morning of Wednesday the gih 

 symptoms of pleurisy developed themselves, but they were not 

 such as to cause any grave apprehension to the medical friends 

 who were with us. Although he was not able to rise from 

 bed during the remainder of the Conference, he was progressing 

 favourably, and was interested in our work. When members 

 left on Friday the i i th, it was in full hope that he would be 

 able shortly to return to his home and duties. On Sunday 

 the i 3th, however, a relapse took place, with complications, 

 and, though all that medical aid could do was done for him, 

 he sank rapidly. It was a painful shock to all of us to 

 learn that he died on Monday the I4th. It was matter of 

 great satisfaction that his sister reached Fochabers in time 

 to nurse him in his last hours. The end was peaceful. His 

 remains were interred in the Abbey Churchyard of Paisley, 

 beside those of his ancestors. 



Professor King was a man of sterling character, which 

 commanded the respect and esteem of all who came in 

 contact with him. He had many friends, and no one can 

 conceive the possibility of his having an enemy. Of a 

 singularly guileless, unselfish, and gentle nature, he uncon- 

 sciously attached to him all who had the privilege of his 

 acquaintance. The very quaintness of his peculiarities made 

 him more lovable. His enthusiasm in his favourite pursuits 

 was unwearying, and latterly the study of fungi became the 

 absorbing interest of his leisure hours. It was ever his 

 highest delight to impart to others the knowledge which he 

 possessed, and he was singularly patient in helping those 

 who had the desire to learn. Devoted to science, he took 

 little part in public affairs. Political or ecclesiastical con- 

 troversies were alike alien to his modest and gentle nature. 

 His presence will be long and sorely missed among us. 



JOHN STEVENSON. 



JAMES STIRTON. 



