VI PREFACE. 



Murray, Esq., John Blackwood, Esq., and W. P. Kenne- 

 dy, Esq. Besides all the assistance derived from hia 

 own beautiful and comprehensive sketch of Mr. Wilson's 

 character, we are under great obligations to Professor 

 George Wilson for his personal communications ; and we 

 would especially commemorate the kindness of Sir Wil- 

 liam Jardine, who placed at our disposal a collection of 

 seventy-two letters, which scientific readers will only 

 regret that we have not used more freely. Nor can we 

 forbear to add,*that the book owes its existence and its 

 best materials to the affectionate zeal with which the 

 compiler has been aided by the members of Mr. Wilson's 

 family. 



48 Euston Square, London, 

 April, 16, 1859. 



