38 BRITISH BIRDS. 



pests. Three years later his knowledge of fish, and of 

 the local fisheries, was recognized by his being called on 

 to give evidence before the Solway Fisheries Commission. 



In 1901 he came near to making an astronomical 

 discovery, a new star, which was first observed by 

 Dr. Anderson of Edinburgh, early on February 23rd, 

 being seen the same evening by Robert Service. 



On the death of his father, in October, 1901, the conduct 

 of the business devolved on himself and his brother. 

 Enjoying a high reputation as a nurseryman and seeds- 

 man, the office work was strenuous, and he found even 

 less time for following his scientific pursuits. He was 

 persuaded, however, to take over the honorary duties of 

 secretary and curator of the Dumfries and Maxwelltown 

 Observatory Museum in 1903, and for seven j^ears he held 

 these posts to the entire satisfaction of the directors. 

 He was repeatedly in request as judge at local shows, 

 as well as at those of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural 

 Society, and as he also took a keen interest in politics 

 and local affairs, he found his time more than fulh^ 

 occupied . A few years later his brother dissolved partner- 

 ship, and his time had almost Avholly to be applied to his 

 business. 



There is no doubt that overwork brought on the illness 

 which eventually proved fatal to him.. He was stricken 

 by partial paralysis some twelve months ago, and a more 

 severe shock occurred in November, depriving him of 

 speech. It was a sad sight to his ma.ny friends to see 

 such a splendid specimen of manhood, and one ot 

 previously so active and so hearty a temperament, thus 

 afflicted. The generous response to a testimonial then 

 raised, as an expression of the esteem in which he was 

 held, and as some slight appreciation of his many services, 

 testified to the altection in which he was so widely held. 

 He died at his residence, Janefield, Maxwelltown, Dum- 

 fries, on May 8th, 1911, and three da^ys later was laid to 

 his rest in Troqueer Kirkyard, being survived by his 

 wife, two sons, and three daughters. 



