332 JOHN MILLER, F.G.S. CHAP. xx. 



fine collection ; but when such things are offered in the 

 market, they are likely to bring very little indeed. Still, 

 he was of opinion that if his collection was offered to 

 some scientific man, he might be able to realise enough 

 to pay his debts. 



One of Dick's geological friends was Mr. John 

 Miller, F.G.S., a gentleman of independent property. 

 He belonged to Thurso, but lived for the most part in 

 London. He had a great respect for Dick, and took a 

 deep interest in his fossil researches. When at Thurso, 

 Mr. Miller was a frequent visitor at the bakehouse, and 

 had many keen discussions with Robert Dick and 

 Charles Peach about geological subjects. He was him- 

 self a collector, and employed a Mr. Budge to obtain 

 for him new specimens of fossil fishes. He often con- 

 sulted Dick as to their interest and value. 



When the thought occurred to Dick of selling his 

 fossils to Mr. Miller knowing that he was buying them 

 from Budge he addressed to him the following letter : 



" Some years since you saw that I was distressed, 

 and you offered to relieve me. I put your proffered 

 kindness aside. Since then you have had many oppor- 

 tunities of knowing and seeing me; and I think you 

 will allow that anything like complaining was very far 

 from me. A recent event, however, has ruined me. 

 The ' Prince Consort,' on attempting to enter Aberdeen 

 Harbour, has become a total wreck. I had flour on 

 her, uninsured, to the amount of 45 : 13 : 6. 



"Enclosed is a note to Sir Roderick Murchison, 

 stating the matter, and promising to send him every 



