264 NATIVE GENIUS. CHAP. xm. 



Natural History, illustrated by specimens of birds and 

 other objects. The lectures were first to be delivered 

 in Banff, and if they succeeded there, they were after- 

 wards to be delivered in Fraserburgh and other 

 towns. Edward proceeded to prepare his illustrations. 

 About 200 were put in readiness. He was also 

 negotiating for the purchase of a powerful magnifying 

 glass, so that his patrons might better see the minute 

 wonders of Nature as exhibited in her works. 



As there was then an institution at Banff, which 

 had been formed, amongst other purposes, " For the 

 Discovery and Encouragement of Native Genius and 

 Talent/' Mr. Boyd believed that the members would 

 at once give their hearty co-operation to his proposed 

 scheme. He proposed the formation of a local com- 

 mittee, in order that the rudimentary lectures might 

 be brought out under their patronage. Edward was 

 requested to name some gentlemen in Banff with 

 whom Mr. Boyd might communicate on the subject. 

 This was a poser ; for Edward knew only a few hard- 

 working men like himself. Nevertheless, he did 

 give the name of a gentleman, who, he thought, 

 might give his assistance. When the gentleman was 

 applied to, he politely declined. Edward was asked 

 to name another. He named another, and he also 

 declined. Thus the proposal, from which Mr. Boyd 

 had expected so much, fell to the ground, and it was 

 no more heard of. 



Shortly after this event, Mr. Boyd died suddenly. 



