252 TRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE, 



was engaged in the examination of specimens, I had the 

 opportunity of admiring his power of discrimination, as 

 well as his judgment in appreciating real or so-called 

 specific characters. His long experience and intimate 

 acquaintance with living animals gave him immense 

 advantages in forming a sound opinion on doubtful 

 questions, or in the identification ot museum specimens. 

 His caution in delivering an opinion on subjects not 

 studied by himself was remarkable, and may be an example 

 to many a ' scientific ornithologist.' Thus also in his 

 writings he invariably distinguishes his own observations 

 from information received by him from other sources. 



" His amiable nature made him friends in every grade 

 of society ; and he seemed to be particularly attached to 

 those who were in sympathy with his love of nature. 

 In my own recollection I never saw him so happy as 

 when he started in the morning for the day's shooting, 

 in company with his old friends, or when, in the evening, 

 he could smoke with them his after-dinner pipe and 'talk 

 shop.' A fluent conversationalist, never at a loss for the 

 most appropriate expression, it was a pleasure to listen 

 to him, especially as he blended his conversation with 

 touches of exquisite humour. As he talked, so he wrote. 

 He was the most punctual correspondent ; to every letter 

 addressed to him, even to such as required no reply, the 

 next post brought one in response. To those whom he 

 reckoned among his friends, he gave his love unstintedly ; 

 he wanted to know all about their life, and shared their 



