426 JOHN DUNCAN, WEAVER AND BOTANIST. 



science, and the still greater number who admire virtue." 1 

 Many distinguished scientists contributed. Amongst these, 

 were the late veteran, Charles Darwin, who wrote as " a. 

 fellow-botanist ; " an eminent professor of Botany, as " an 

 old botanist like himself," sending him the kindest of 

 letters ; another, as " a fellow-worker in natural science ; " 

 and others in like strain a distinguished emeritus professor 

 in Aberdeen contributing " as an old weaver." 



The words of kindness were warm, and as varied as the 

 writers. One hoped " he might be spared for many years 

 to enjoy, not charity, but the willing gifts of admiring 

 although unknown friends ; " another gave in " sympathy 

 for the worthy veteran ; " another contributed " in memory 

 of a brother botanist and for Christ's sake ; " anothe* 

 "admired his steady, persevering industry as beyond all 

 praise," and wished he were " a richer man to do more ; " 

 another sensibly " came to the conclusion that he was one 

 to be helped as well as admired ; " another thought " he 

 had set a noble example of perseverance in the cause 

 of science ; " another was " thankful for the opportunity of 

 contributing ; " while still another " would like to see the 

 good old man and shake his hand." Mrs. Alfred Morrison, 

 of London, affected by " the touching story of the fine old 

 man," of whose falling on the parish it was "piteous to 

 think," sent 30 and the present of a handsome easy-chair 

 to comfort his declining years. 



Some of the letters were not a little curious. One 

 benevolent lady, who was sorry to hear that one who was, 

 like herself, a great lover of nature, was in want of aid, 

 said, "hie must promise to spend her gift in getting ten 

 barrels of coals, a pair of warm blankets, some clothing, and 



