OBITTJAKIES. 



ROBERT GRAY. 



We regret to have to record the death of this well known 

 Ornithologist, which happened on the 18th February, in Edin- 

 burgh. He was a native of Dunbar, but spent most of his life in 

 the employment of the City of Glasgow Bank, in which he rose to 

 be Inspector of Branches. About twelve years ago he became 

 Superintendent of Branches in the Bank of Scotland, and for 

 some years was Cashier in the head office of that bank in 

 Edinburgh. His journeys in the discharge of his duties afforded 

 him opportunities of prosecuting his researches upon the Birds of 

 Scotland ; and the results of these researches were published in 

 his excellent books, " The Birds of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire " 

 (1869), and "The Birds of the west of Scotland" (187 1.) We 

 understand that he intended to bring out a second edition of the 

 latter, and also a work on the birds of the East of Scotland ; but 

 he has not lived to fulfil these intentions. 



DR. WILLIAM TRAILL. 



In Dr. William Traill of Woodwick and North Ronaldshay, 

 Orkney, there has passed away a devoted lover of nature, and a 

 man universally esteemed by those who had the pleasure of being 

 acquainted with him. On his personal history and character this 

 is not the suitable place to dwell ; suffice it to say that his record 

 in both is without reproach in the fullest sense. 



Born in Kirkwall in 1818, he began the study of Medicine in 

 the. University of Edinburgh when sixteen years of age, under the 

 supervision of his near relative, Dr. Thomas Stewart Traill, the 

 then Professor of Medical Jurisprudence. Professor Traill was a 

 distinguished naturalist ; and his collection of reptiles, especially 

 of snakes, was one of the most complete then in existence. The 

 young student under his guidance developed a strong taste for 



