HIS OTHER FRIENDS AT NETHERTON. 2OO, 



gradually developed almost universal capacities in practical 

 work ; being a painter, clock and watch repairer, violin 

 maker, turner, plumber, plasterer, slater, bellhanger, uphol- 

 sterer, and stone-cutter. In all these occupations, he has 

 carried on regular employment, and left successful examples 

 all over the Vale of Alford. His house, exquisitely kept by 

 a poetical daughter who inherits much of her father's talent, 

 is at once a nest of cosiness and taste and a museum 

 of curiosities. 



Duncan and he kept up their intimacy to the end, living 

 as they did latterly only a few miles apart. John used to 

 drop in at Mountgarrie in passing, to talk over scientific 

 and political events, and was counted by his friend "a 

 great treat," and, contrary to the general opinion, a " wide- 

 awake" man. 



Another friend of John's was James Lamont, the farmer 

 of Mosshead, close by Netherton, now removed to Summer- 

 hill, New Machar, near Aberdeen. He was a conscientious, 

 estimable man, greatly respected in the parish, and his 

 advice was sought and valued by his neighbours. His 

 house was one of the few much frequented by the weaver. 

 Mr. Lamont admired John's devotion to his favourite study, 

 having seen him, with surprise, groping on hands and knees 

 in his search for plants in the neighbouring ditches and 

 marshes, now all drained. He still retains the greatest 

 respect for the man. 



John continued to visit Whitehouse after Black left it, 

 being acquainted with his successor in the garden, Lewis 

 Scott, and with the overseer, John May, who still survives 

 in Aberdeen, with pleasant memories of the botanist. Mr. 



P 



