1867] Settled in Dublin. 195 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



SETTLED IN DUBLIN. 



[1867.] 



IMMEDIATELY, therefore, on his return to Dublin, began 

 his long connection with the Irish Natural History Mu- 

 seum. It was in several respects what may not inappro- 

 priately be called a new era in his life, and chiefly so from 

 the opportunities which it put within his reach of meeting, 

 helping, and encouraging those whose tastes led them to 

 the study of Nature. " For twenty years from that date," 

 as is said by one of those who knew him best, " his room 

 (in the museum) was the rendezvous of all naturalists who 

 came to Dublin. Here introductions were made, jealousies 

 dispelled, and friendships initiated and cemented. Every 

 nerve was strained to encourage, stimulate, and assist the 

 younger naturalists. More was their counsellor and guide, 

 and the Natural History of Ireland had in him a most 

 earnest advocate." Among these younger naturalists was, 

 at an early date, the writer of the few words just quoted. 

 Mr. More had not been many months in the Museum, when 

 a young student who occasionally went there " discovered 

 that there was somebody in the place, whose name (Mr. 

 Barrington says) I did not know, but who gave me so much 

 help, and took so great an interest in my inquiries, that I 

 thought him quite the most delightful person I had ever 

 met." Thus were laid the foundations of a most intimate 

 friendship, and Mr. More soon became a frequent visitor to 

 Fassaroe, on Sunday afternoons. Both botany and birds 

 were among the tastes which the friends had in common. 

 He had spoken to Professor Newton of " dismissing 

 botany from his mind altogether " when he got his " innings 

 at birds " ; but it must be admitted that on his occasional 

 opportunities of a country excursion he seldom left the 

 vasculum behind. During the summer of 1867 he took up 



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