xiv MEMOIR OF WILLIAM YARRELL. 



purely intellectual character is seen in his works. The 

 part which the author himself always took most credit 

 for, was the geographical distribution of birds. He con- 

 sidered that in treating it as he had done, he smuggled 

 in a certain amount of geography under the garb of 

 ornithology. For the high qualities of accuracy, terse- 

 ness of description, and felicity of illustration, they speak 

 for themselves." Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, 

 1856. 



So much for the excellence of his works on Zoology, 

 of which the best tests are the continually-increasing 

 demand for them at home after twenty-two years' circula- 

 tion, and the frequency and confidence with which they 

 are quoted by naturalists abroad. With regard to Mr. 

 YarrelPs character as a man, the following extracts from 

 the obituary notices referred to, will show the estimation 

 in which he was held by those who were most intimately 

 acquainted with his conduct in private and public life. 

 " Strong social instincts," says a keen observer of men 

 and manners, " geniality of temper, warmth of heart 

 (exhibited in an extreme fondness for children), made him 

 loved, even as his simple and straightforward indepen- 

 dence of character made him respected. His advice, too, 

 was always valued, freely asked and freely given, for his 

 mind was observant, active, practical, and wholly un- 

 clouded by fancies or prejudices ; his knowledge varied 

 and accurate. Indeed he was essentially a reliable man, 

 knowing what he knew well, and caring to undertake 

 nothing that he was likely to fail in. For this a strong 

 will and perseverance is needed. It was strong enough 

 to keep a warm temper in thorough control ; for Mr. 

 Yarrell, knowing what was due to himself, knew also 

 what was due to others. He helped many, not only 

 with his advice but by his purse, ever valuing money for 



