PREFACE. xvii 



I had the will, and I did it ; and I suppose it was just by 

 being, as I have told you, never idle. I was never at peace 

 or rest unless I was at work, except sometimes when I was 

 overpowered with sleep ; and, take my word for it, that 

 sleep vexed me most terribly. I saw no good or use in it 

 though now I know better. I didn't want it, and I hated 

 a sluggard. Sleep to me was only a waste and loss of time ; 

 but I had to succumb sometimes, though an hour or an hour 

 and a half at most sufficed. I was up and at it again, 

 after that, either inside of the house or out. 



" But as well as working for nature, I had also to work 

 for my living, and, after a time, for the living of others. 

 Still I didn't lose sight of my favourite interests, despite the 

 cobbling of the old shoes ; and I am happy, nay I am proud, 

 of the position I now hold a position which, in one way or 

 another, is unique for a poor working-man to hold, and 

 I am glad indeed of being the first of my class who has 

 reached that height. However, my daily prayer is that He 

 who guides and rules all things may still grant me strength, 

 as heretofore, that I may not fall a victim to selfishness, and 

 thereby mar and dishonour the dignity of the position and 

 reputation attached to it. 



" I am glad to be able to add, though it may not be a 

 proof of any scientific talent, but rather of irresistible per- 

 severance, that I have been able to acquire, not only a 

 pretty fair understanding of the natural history productions 

 of the district in which I live, but, by the same ordeal of 

 hard work, I have contrived to gain, though but slightly I 

 allow, a general knowledge of Nature in other respects. 

 With all this trouble and saciifice, I must confess to you 

 that I have lived a very happy life." 



Mr. Edward concluded Ins address as follows : 

 b 



