150 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 
dence of Mr. Connal himself. Country excursions were often 
arranged, at which he was present and sought to inspire an 
interest in the pure and elevating pursuits of botanical science. 
The members of the institute frequently visited him at Parkhall, 
and such occasions must have helped to brighten many a clouded 
life. This institution was one of his most cherished schemes, and 
all through life he took an active interest in its welfare. Its 
practical success has repeatedly been demonstrated in the honour- 
able career of many who had previously been brought under its 
influence. 
When twelve years of age, the death of his father and loss of 
his early home were deeply felt by him, and his sorrow for his 
bereaved mother was very great. In 1858 he availed himself of 
an opportunity of re-purchasing Parkhall, restored the furniture 
and hangings as at the time when the property was sold by his 
father, and presented it to his mother. 
Having a strong belief in the elevating power of education, he 
took a life-long interest in this subject, and was recognised as a 
leading authority on educational matters. In 1872 he was elected 
a member of the first School Board of Glasgow, and in 1877 was 
appointed chairman, He was twice re-elected to this position, 
which he occupied for a period of nine years. In 1885, on his 
retiral from the chairmanship of the Board, the honour of knight- 
hood was conferred upon him in recognition of his valuable public 
services. 
The local institutions with which he was connected are too 
numerous to be mentioned, but special reference may be made 
to a few of them. In 1856 he was elected director of Stirling’s 
Library, and had been its vice-president since 1879. At the time 
of his death he was the oldest of the directors. 
In 1809, the Glasgow Stirlingshire and Sons of the Rock 
Society was founded by seven young men, among whom was 
Mr. William Connal, uncle of Sir Michael. The latter was a 
member of the Society since 1834, and was very regular in his 
attendance at its business and social meetings. 
He became a member of the Philosophical Society of Glasgow 
in 1848, was elected a member of its council in 1879, and acted 
as a vice-president from 1880 till 1883. He was also one of the 
originators of the Ethnological and Geographical Section, formed 
