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Annals of the Carnegie Museum. 



musical work in connection with the services of the First Presbyte- 

 rian Church, to seek recreation along other lines. While residing 

 in Allegheny he became acquainted with Dr. John Herron, who 

 had erected on the top of his house a small telescope which he in- 

 vited Mr. Mellor to use. He began the study of astronomy, and 

 purchasing whatever books he could obtain upon the subject, and 

 using the instruments which his learned friend placed at his dispo- 

 sal, he made considerable progress in the knowledge of this science. 

 He presently, however, discovered that in order to go deeply into 

 the mysteries of astronomy it would be necessary for him to have 

 larger facilities, and he discovered that astronomy as a hobby was 

 a pursuit, which in these days of improved telescopy could only be 

 followed by one possessed of larger resources than he at that time 

 felt he could devote to the study. He had become interested in 

 the microscope, and he turned in 1881 from astronomy to the study 

 of the infusoria and of microscopic plants. He soon became very 

 expert in the use of the microscope and began at the same time to 

 form a herbarium of the plants of Pennsylvania. His home life was 

 delightful, and his wife, who possessed great musical culture, found 

 it a pleasure when music palled for the moment, to encourage him 

 in his studies of natural history. He became a member of the 

 American Microscopical Society, and was an attendant upon their 

 meetings and the Treasurer of the Society from 1889 till 1894, when 

 he resigned. He took an active part in organizing the Botanical 

 Society of Western Pennsylvania, and the Iron City Microscopical 

 Society, and was the President of both organizations, and for many 

 years the Treasurer of the former. The local Microscopical Society 

 has passed out of existence, but the Botanical Society still flourishes 

 and is doing commendable work. 



In 1884 Mr. Mellor purchased a tract of over seven acres of land 

 in Edgewood on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The tract 

 contained a fine orchard and a bit of the surviving forest lingering 

 in a ravine which was one of its boundaries. His motive in seek- 

 ing this spot was to find a more healthful home for himself and 

 family, as the hand of death had been laid upon three of his chil- 

 dren, and he felt it desirable on this account to escape from the 

 city into the purer air of the country. He resigned his position 

 as organist of the First Presbyterian Church, and devoted himself 



