] FLORA ORCADENSIS. 
He lived in one of the best centres in Orkney from 
the point of view of the field botanist. Behind Swan- 
bister lay the extensive range of the Orphir and 
Stenness hills, and in front, across a narrow arm of 
the sea, lay Hoy and Walls, by far the best botanical 
hunting ground in Orkney. The material on which 
his work was based was the plant list in MS. form 
compiled by Dr Duguid and Mr Heddle, which the 
latter was preparing, no doubt, for part 1. of his 
“Natural History of Orkney.” As Dr Fortescue is 
still in his prime and as great an enthusiast as ever, 
with only the earlier stages of his life’s work behind 
him, there is no need of saying more here. He 1s now 
equipped, as never before, with the modern culture 
and learning of a university whose professor in this 
branch of science is an ardent expert. Let us hope 
Dr Fortescue may yet have time to return to his first 
love of Orcadian botany. Had he not left the county 
and engaged in professional work in Aberdeen, I 
would not have undertaken a work rightly belonging 
to him. His list, however, was a sealed book to most 
of those attracted by this hobby. Some handbook of 
the subject was urgently needed, I have already said 
that I felt it my duty to respond to frequent requests 
to prepare this “Flora.” When Dr Fortescue learned of 
the undertaking, he very generously and kindly got 
part ii. of bis list, which could not be obtained in the 
book market, typewritten, and by adding notes of his 
experience and knowledge since his list appeared, ren- 
rendered my obligations to him very deep indeed. His 
readiness to assist, and his willingness to give of labour 
ungrudginegly, are well-known characteristics of his, 
