IN MEMOEIAM. 229 



individuals and public institutions. One of the most notable of 

 these was the collection of Reports of the Challenger Expedition, 

 now contained in the library at the Millport Station, which has 

 proved very helpful to students and others in the course of their 

 biological researches there. 



But his sympathies extended over a much wider field than was 

 embraced in those departments of science which specially 

 attracted his notice. As an elder and Sabbath -school teacher he 

 took a prominent part in congregational work, while many 

 philanthropic objects, both at home and abroad, received his 

 hearty support. 



There is reason for believing that every society and institution 

 in which Mr. Somerville became actively interested derived 

 benefit from his keen enthusiasm, clear business insight, unflag- 

 ging energy, and unfailing perseverance When convinced of 

 the goodness of a cause which appealed to his sympathies, or the 

 advantages of a policy which he desired, he was seldom daunted 

 by difficulties or dismayed by obstacles in the way of its attain- 

 ment. His personal enthusiasm was itself instrumental in 

 persuading others to arrive at his own way of thinking ; while 

 those who were frequently brought into contact with him know 

 how unsparing were his efforts, how voluminous his correspond- 

 ence, how importunate his appeals, in seeking to further a desired 

 end. As a Society we must gratefully remember how often such 

 efforts were successfully made by him on our behalf, and how 

 largely they have resulted in the attainment of benefits of which 

 we are now in the enjoyment. 



Besides rendering many services as a contributor of specimens 

 and papers at the meetings of this Society, he occasionally held 

 office in the Council. He acted as a Vice-President from 1888 

 till 1891, and in 1899 was elected President for a full term of 

 three years. During his tenure of office as President, a special 

 meeting was held on 4th December, 1901. for the purpose of 

 celebrating the Jubilee of the Society, and its success was in 

 great measure due to his personal efforts to render the proceedings 

 worthy of the occasion. 



Although, owing to his failing health, a considerable period 

 had elapsed since his last appearance at the meetings of the 

 Society, many indications were from time to time received of his 



