Vm PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



who have been out with him at excursions will remember how 

 readily he sought to distribute the wealth of information which 

 his long experience had enabled him to accumulate. 



In addition to his botanical studies, however, Mr. Ramsay 

 found time to devote to numerous other pursuits. He was an 

 accomplished mathematician and an ardent musician. At one 

 time he enjoyed the reputation of ranking among the best 

 flutists in Glasgow, and took part as an amateur in more than 

 one concert. He was also one of the editors of the British 

 Minstrel, a popular musical miscellany. He was keenly in- 

 terested in the poetry of Scotland, and was thoroughly 

 acqtiainted with the works of all the leading writers of 

 Scottish verse. Along with Sir Michael Connal, he was for 

 some years associated with the Spoutmouth Institute, which 

 has been the means of exercising a beneficial influence on many 

 young men who would otherwise have fallen into the lower 

 ranks of society. For the last twenty-six years Mr. Ramsay 

 was connected with the large publishing establishment of 

 Messrs. Blackie & Sons. 



In spite of his advancing years, he continued hale and in 

 comparatively vigorous health until within a few weeks of his 

 death. He died on 10th inst., in the seventy-seventh year of 

 his age. 



Mr. Ramsay was elected a Member of this Society on 26th 

 February, 1861, and on 24th September of that year he was 

 appointed a Member of Council. On several subsequent occa- 

 sions he was elected to the office of Vice-President ; and he 

 frequently took part in the business of the meetings by 

 exhibiting specimens and reading papers on the Botany of the 

 district. In 1884, on the unanimous recommendation of the 

 Council, he was elected an Honorary Member. 



Although probably best-known to the older Members of the 

 Society, who have enjoyed the privilege of his personal 

 acquaintance, yet the results of his careful and accurate 

 botanical work, extending over so many years, and the 

 importance which has attached to his views on questions 

 relating to the Flora of the district, have made his name 

 familiar to most of the younger generation of local botanists. 

 The record of his life is full of encouragement to all who seek, 

 amid the stir of a busy life, to pass their leisure moments in 

 the calm and peaceful pursuits which the contemplation of 

 Nature affords. 



The following were elected Ordinary Members : Mr. G. Mac- 

 Lellan Blair, 2 Lilybank Terrace, Hillhead ; Mr. R. Kennedy, 

 B.Sc, 38 Granby Terrace, Hillhead; Mr. John Currie, 69 St. 



