58 Alexander Goodman More. [1354 



so much to do, he will be unable to join the British Asso- 

 ciation at Liverpool this year. With his varied occupa- 

 tions he has little time to spare, and I cannot say too much 

 of his kindness in giving up his little leisure so readily to 

 a stranger." 



The letter of introduction to the veteran botanist, 

 Dr. Mackay, was turned to account next day. 



" iyth. F. and I visited the College Botanic Garden, 

 and made acquaintance with Dr. Mackay, whom we found 

 to be a most good-natured old man, rather a martyr to 

 rheumatism, but most anxious to show us all he could, 

 and his kind fatherly manner was worth anything. He 

 showed us his own Erica,* and other things, took us 

 through the hot-houses and descanted with great readi- 

 ness on his discoveries, and the scarce plants of Wicklow, 

 where he was most anxious we should accompany him the 

 following day ; but, unfortunately, we could not spare the 

 time." 



Dr. Carte, Director of the Royal Dublin Society's 

 Museum, was absent from Dublin, as was also Mr. R. J. 

 Montgomery, the donor to that institution of the celebrated 

 " Montgomery Collection " of Irish birds. Mr. T. W. 

 Warren, however, was found at home and was pleased to 

 exhibit his collection, in which were comprised, amongst 

 other rarities, a Noddy, White-winged Tern, and Belted 

 Kingfisher. On the afternoon of August 15, a visit was 

 paid to Mr. J. J. Watters, author of the little manual on the 

 " Birds of Ireland," already alluded to, and " an hour very 

 pleasantly spent with him." Mr. Watters was a book- 

 binder, an enthusiastic collector of birds, and " a writer of 

 poetry in the Dublin University Magazine." The last 

 fact will not surprise readers of his book. 



On August 1 8th, the day of Dr. Mackay's proposed 

 start for the Wicklow exploration, " our stay in Dublin 

 came to a close, after a week spent in a very satisfactory 

 manner." 



It was with longing thoughts of Helianthemum breweri 

 in his head that, some hours later, he passed by Holyhead 

 mountain, " but could not wait for the time requisite to 



* Erica mackaiana, from Roundstone, Co. Galway. 



