DECLINING YEARS (1873-1893) 299 



with the formation of the Plumage League, and on 

 January 28, 1886, Mr. Morris, who was one of the 

 earliest members of the Selborne League, at the 

 suggestion of the Hon. Mrs. R. Boyle, at once 

 consented to merge his Plumage League in Mr. 

 Musgrave's Selborne League. 



In all this work which Mr. Morris undertook for 

 those that could not speak for themselves he never 

 gave a thought to himself or his own interests, and 

 this remark applies to all he did and wrote through 

 life. He was the last man to tone down his words 

 or trim his sails to catch any favouring gale, from 

 whatever quarter it might blow ; still, it was a cause 

 of satisfaction whenever he knew that his efforts had 

 been appreciated by any whose opinions he valued. 

 It was, therefore, an agreeable announcement to him 

 when he learnt in 1888 that the Government, through 

 Mr. W. H. Smith, then First Lord of the Treasury, 

 had so far recognised his work as a naturalist as to 

 recommend him for a Civil List pension of jioo 

 a year. This recognition of his lifelong labours by 

 the Government of the day was a source of grati- 

 fication to him, and the addition to his income that it 

 brought him in his declining days was much valued. 



In 1886 he was seized with an acute and painful 

 attack of eczema. At one time it was thought the 

 illness might take a serious turn ; in time, however, 

 it yielded to the skill of his medical attendant, and 

 he eventually threw it off, but it left him weakened 

 considerably for some time, though not otherwise 

 injured as regards his general health. 



