PREFACE. 



THIS is the simple tale of the aged botanical weaver of 

 whom some account was given. is), "Good WbVcls '* of 1878, 

 since reprinted, in 1880, in H. A. Page's "Leaders of Men." 

 His pitiful case, when he was compelled to fall on the 

 parish through no fault of his, was also brought before the 

 country by the author in January, 1881. The appeal then 

 made was generously responded to by spontaneous contri- 

 butions from admirers in all parts, including Her Majesty 

 the Queen ; general interest was roused in the man ; his 

 case was advocated .by the press, not excepting our highest 

 journals; and accounts of him appeared in various places, 

 notably in Nature, which warmly espoused his claims and 

 gathered subscriptions. 



The more the author inquired into John Duncan's story, 

 the more did he perceive that, in many respects, it was 

 remarkable, and in several, unique. It revealed a man of 

 pronounced individuality, full of striking and admirable 

 elements, exhibiting great natural ability, high moral 

 character, singular independence, self-helpfulness and 

 modesty, pure-hearted love of Science, and enthusiastic 

 devotion to its study amidst no ordinary disabilities and 

 hardships, during a long life of nearly ninety years, such 



b 



734083 



