198 MEMORIAL TRIBUTE 



been led to tliink that I liad occasionally been some- 

 what rude, or at least blunt, in my criticisms ; but I 

 do not perceive wherein I have much erred in that 

 respect, and I feel no inclination to apologise. I have 

 been honest and sincere in my endeavours to promote 

 the truth. With death, apparently not distant, before 

 my eyes, I am pleased to think that I have not 

 countenanced error through fear or favour. Neither 

 have I in any case modified my sentiments so as to 

 endeavour thereby to conceal or palliate my faults. 

 Though I might have accomplished more, I am 

 thankful for having been permitted to add very con- 

 siderably to the knowledge previously obtained of a 

 A'ery pleasant subject. If I have not very frequently 

 indulged in reflections on the power, wisdom, and 

 goodness of God, as suggested by even my imperfect 

 understanding of His Avonderful works, it is not be- 

 cause I have not ever been sensible of the relation 

 between the Creator and His creatures, nor because 

 my chief enjoyment, when wandering among the hills 

 and valleys, exploring the rugged shores of the ocean, 

 or searching the cultivated fields, has not been in a 

 sense of His presence. " To Him who alone doeth 

 great Avonders " be all glory and praise. Reader, 

 farewell ! — British Birds, vol. v., " Conclusion." 



" Scrfaant of ffiot, inell Uont " 



