CHAPTER XXXV. 



FAME, PAUPERISM AND WEAKNESS. 



EARLY in 1878, I wrote an account of my visit and a short 

 sketch of John's life, which appeared in " Good Words " * 

 of that year. It roused interest in the man, both local and 

 general. It also brought him not a little substantial 

 assistance from some who appreciated his story and rare 

 enthusiasm, as well as several visitors desirous of seeing 

 himself in his striking surroundings. With all this, the old 

 botanist was greatly gratified, as he had the best right to 

 be ; for the public appreciation which he had never sought 

 and which had been so much denied him in his long and 

 secluded life, had to some degree come at last, though late. 

 The Rev. Mr. Williams, meeting him a little after this, 

 spoke of" Good Words," and remarked, "So they have found 

 you out at last ! " He looked very thoughtful for a little, 

 and then said, " I kent it wu'd come to that, come time." 

 What precisely he meant it would be difficult to say. It 

 could scarcely be that he ever anticipated becoming in any 

 way famous in his lifetime, for of that there was not the 

 least likelihood, so far as he could expect or wish, and it 

 is most improbable he ever did. With such a quiet, simple 



* In April, May, and June, with a portrait of the man and a picture 

 of the cottage at Droughsburn, neither of which were very correct. 



