430 JOHN DUNCAN, WEAVER AND BOTANIST. 



to admirers of the humble and silent student, thus late but 

 not reluctantly acknowledged by his fellow-men ; but as 

 showing that a sound heart does exist in humanity, not- 

 withstanding its apparent callousness, amidst the over-eager 

 race for power, pelf, and self-indulgence, and that it requires 

 only to be fully informed and truly touched in a deserving 

 cause, to well out into most substantial and generous sym- 

 pathy. The appreciation of the honours thus bestowed, 

 as felt by the old man himself, was simply inexpressible. 

 They were valued a thousand times more than the comforts 

 by which they were accompanied, and became a well-spring 

 of quiet blessedness in his declining days and on his dying 

 pillow, that it must charm every contributor to have had 

 an opportunity of bestowing on such a susceptible, uncom- 

 plaining and grateful heart. 



The subscriptions were chiefly sent through the author, 

 but many were transmitted direct to their aged recipient 

 himself. He was then, however, far too weak to attend to 

 them, or even to sign the receipts ; and they were very 

 kindly taken charge of by the Rev. James Gillan, parish 

 minister of Alford. He acknowledged them all to their 

 thoughtful donors, and was kindlyindefatigable in everything 

 connected with the decaying old man, as were also several 

 others in the neighbourhood. In all, the handsome sum 

 of above 320 was subscribed. 



On receiving the first earnest of this pleasant harvest 

 from admiring friends, steps were at once taken by Mr. 

 Gillan and Mr. Reid, the kindly Poor Inspector, to increase 

 John's personal comforts in the cottage, and to supply the 

 more generous fare required for his increasing infirmities 

 than the little he had ever allowed himself, even in his 



