Proceedings. ]xxxix 
he was to do next. ‘‘ Well,” said he, ‘‘ it’s an awful disappoint- 
ment; but I think the best thing is to set to work and fill them 
again.” That statement was, I consider, philosophical, and 
shows a man with a most wonderful power of perseverance and 
determination. How many men out of a dozen would have 
made such a noble statement, and carried it into effect ? 
After a lapse of eight years his collection of Natural History 
objects had become considerable; he had some three hundred 
cases, all made by himself, and filled with birds, quadrupeds, 
insects, &c., and the next thing was, what was to be done with 
them ? 
He was never satisfied with his business, and he was anxious 
to raise money, in order that he might further his researches in 
Natural History. About that time a fair was held annually at 
Brandon, and Edward determined to publicly exhibit his col- 
lection. His first exhibit was in May, 1845. This exhibition 
turned out a success, and encouraged him to exhibit the follow- 
ing year. 
Led on by success, he deemed his collection sufficiently large 
and complete to remove it to a more important place, and he 
chose the City of Aberdeen. He set about and overhauled his 
cases, and, where necessary, made additions ; and, to please the 
public taste, arranged a few dramatic effects, such as ‘‘ The 
Death of Cock Robin,” ‘‘ The Babes in the Wood,” «‘ Pussy from 
Home,” &c. When the collection was deemed complete, he set 
out with a light and cheerful heart for the City of Aberdeen with 
the brightest expectations. His collection was now such a large 
one that it took six carrier’s carts to convey it. With it he took 
his wife and five children. Edward chose the finest street in 
Aberdeen, and the man, when he had got all ready, must have 
proudly looked upon his exhibition as one the public would visit 
and admire. 
What a disappointment was in store for the poor fellow ; how 
innocent he must have been of the life of the citizen! When 
the exhibition opened there was no rush; the few who called 
were more interested in selling specimens to Edward than in 
admiring his collection; some came to consult him about their 
pets, as if he were a veterinary surgeon; the remaining few knew 
nothing of Natural History; and as to the metamorphosis of 
the caterpillar, few understood or cared. The only consolation 
Edward got was a few kind words from Dr. Macgillivray; he 
was very much pleased with the collection, but truly said, ‘‘ The 
people of Aberdeen were not yet prepared for an exhibition of 
this kind.’”’ Edward, finding the attendance very small, thought 
it possible the admission was too high, so he reduced it to 
a penny; but the million never came. 
Things were coming to a crisis. The rent of the shop had to 
