viii PREFACE. 



book, therefore, has a special interest for me. But who 

 would not be interested by it ? I blush for my countrymen 

 that they did not long since put you in a position to turn 

 your genius and energy in research to the best account. 

 But no good work is ever lost ; and while the additions you 

 have made to the records of Natural History will always 

 be appreciated by those who are devoted to similar studies, 

 the noble fight you have made to find scope for the special 

 gifts God has given you, will animate many a heart and 

 cheer many a drooping spirit in every walk of life. 



" Long may you live to enjoy the boon of pur good 

 Queen and her generous minister is the earnest wish of, 

 yours most truly, THEODOKE MARTIN." 



When the trials and labours and difficulties which 

 Edward had encountered in his search for scientific 

 knowledge had become fully known, many friends 

 gathered round him for the purpose of lending 

 a helping hand. Subscriptions were got up at 

 Aberdeen the result of a spontaneous sentiment, 

 and entirely unsolicited. One hundred and eighty 

 donors freely offered their contributions. At the 

 head of the list we find the names of Madame Van 

 de Weyer, the Marquis of Huntly, the Earl of 

 Crawford and Balcarres, the Earl of Kintore, as well 

 as the most prominent citizens of Aberdeen. 



A meeting was held in Dean of Guild Walker's 

 Music Hall, at which Edward made a very character- 



