380 DICK'S HERBARIUM. CHAP. xxn. 



Pointing to a board laid across a chair, and bearing 

 a considerable number of stone slabs, cut and polished to 

 an equal size, he said, " Now, that's Caithness." " How 

 is that ? " said the visitor. " These are the specimens of 

 all the rocks of the county, from the most ancient :: 

 the most recent, and they are arranged accordingly." 

 The localities were indicated from which the rocks 

 had been taken, from Portskerra to Duncansby, from 

 Morven to Dunnet Head. Dick then proceeded to 

 show his collection of ferns, and a beautiful sight they 

 were. 



Dick was most careful in preparing his herbarium. 

 Not a single imperfect specimen was admitted. The 

 way in which they were attached to the leaves of his 

 books showed the artistic turn of his mind. The fine 

 natural curves of the plants, grasses, and ferns, were 

 carefully preserved. The very hairs about the stalks 

 and leaves were spread out at the correct angle ; and 

 the whole presented, as much as possible, the living 

 character of the plants. All indicated an immense 

 amount of labour, care, and observation. He wished to 

 preserve them as he found them, in a state of nature. 

 All their habitats were carefully attached to the Caith- 

 ness plants. 



To resume the visits of his friend. On one occasion, 

 when he passed through the shop and entered the 

 bakehouse behind, he found the occupant merrily singing 

 " The Soldier's Eeturn." He immediately joined in the 

 song. " Ah," said Dick, suddenly looking up from his 

 dough, " you've caught me." " I did not know you could 



