LIFE AND HABITS AT DROUGHSBURN. 



he kept carefully rolled and tied up in paper. He had a 

 special and unvarying cut of hair, by which it hung down 

 equally all round over his brows, with very little shed. 



To the Websters', he also used to go to read the news- 

 papers, and talk over matters treated there. When any 

 place was mentioned they did not know, John would 

 consult his atlas at home and tell them about it at next 

 visit, and sometimes bring down the book to point it out. 

 His conversation was chiefly about his varied experiences, 

 but a frequent topic was the history of Scotland, 'and 

 especially of the Covenanters and their sufferings. The 

 effect of sympathy and kindly appreciation on the reticent 

 old man, so shy and distant with all but the friendly, is 

 proved by this one fact, that, from Mrs. Webster, the 

 author has learnt more of John's early days than from any 

 other person about Alford. 



In his vigorous years at Droughsburn, John kept his 

 room, full to crowding though it was, neat and well 

 arranged ; for he was scrupulously clean, and methodical in 

 all he did, having " a place for everything and everything 

 in its place," if ever a man had, and every corner was 

 utilised. The extreme care he bestowed on all he did and 

 had, is shown by the excellent state in which his books, 

 and especially his frail and brittle plants, have been left. 

 Some of the books he preserved for more than sixty years, 

 and many of the plants for above forty, in spite of all their 

 natural enemies in dust, moths, mice and rats, all which 

 were unusually abundant in that old thatched building., 

 Indeed, the preservation of his specimens was marvellous 

 under the circumstances, and proves a watchful care that is 

 quite extraordinary. 



