182 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



as the Cumbrae Naturalist, and the original " Station " consisted 

 of a sort of Noah's ark, perched high and dry upon the rocks. 

 To-day, a handsome and well-equipped building, with super- 

 intendent's house close by, stands out boldly as a lasting monu- 

 ment to the illustrious founder, and in the museum there are 

 gathered together his wonderful collections of animals and 

 plants of the Clyde area. Soon after the arrival of the large 

 party of members and friends, a meeting was held in the museum, 

 which was presided over by the Kev. John Smith, D.D., of 

 Partick, who, on behalf of the President and General Committee, 

 welcomed the members and visitors to the Station. 



Dr James F. Gemmill, M.A., of Glasgow University, who has 

 taken such an immense practical interest in the Station, followed 

 with a business-like statement, outlining the nature of the scientific 

 and educational work recently carried out at the Station, and 

 inviting attention to the many interesting exhibits which had 

 been arranged for inspection. Dr Gemmill particularly empha- 

 sised the great economic value of the research work at the Station, 

 and the benefit to the community at large of the knowledge 

 gained as a result of such research. 



FIG. 77. HERMIT CRAB IN WHELK SHELL. 



Mr C. R. Cowie, Convener of the Finance Committee, referred 

 in a most interesting speech to the educational work at the 

 Station, its claim upon the public, its interest and use to teachers, 

 and others, for original work in regard to increasing their know- 

 ledge of the fauna and flora of the Clyde area. 



Then followed Sir David M'Vail, who expressed thanks on 

 behalf of the visitors, and pointed out that great benefit would 

 accrue if a series of consecutive lectures and demonstrations 

 could be arranged at the Station. 



