PUBLIC APPEAL MADE ON HIS BEHALF. 42$ 



Times, in an earnest, well-written leader, urged its readers 

 to listen, "amidst the clatter of politics and the rush of 

 business, to the world's still small voices, calls, and claims, 

 many of which were too often allowed to utter themselves 

 unheard, or, if heard, to remain unanswered," saying that 

 this was a clamant example. It referred to his herbarium as 

 " a noble work . . . many a patent of nobility and many a 

 pension having been conferred for a less valuable and less 

 dignified piece of labour ; " but it did not fear that " many 

 a comforting message would be sent to the brave old 

 botanist." The People's Journal, which is extensively read 

 by the humbler classes all over Scotland, specially took up 

 the case, declaring that it was " incumbent upon all who 

 desired to honour worth of character and to reward work 

 well done, to see at once that provision was made for the 

 free-hearted donor of the herbarium, who had no thought 

 of reaping any advantage when he presented it to the 

 University." 



Most of the subscriptions were accompanied with the 

 kindest, most appreciative and, in many cases, very touching 

 words of sympathy and admiration. Her Majesty sent 

 "the poor man" a donation of 10, as having been 

 " interested in his story and work." Several of the nobility 

 subscribed ; amongst others, the Duke of Argyle, who gave 

 10, saying that " the subscription ought to be zealously 

 supported by all who are interested in the pursuits of 

 science, and who honour the high moral and intellectual 

 qualities for which John Duncan was so distinguished." 

 The Dowager Lady Stanley of Alderley not only sub- 

 scribed herself, but successfully brought the case before her 

 numerous friends, recommending it to "the many who love 



