X1V PREFACE. 
became reduced to a mere skeleton,—he gave and lent to every- 
one whatever they asked of him.” This one night in the week 
was sacred to its purpose: no engagement—not even illness— 
was allowed to interfere. It was always a pleasure to him to 
afford information, especially to young men, and they would 
avail themselves freely of the opportunity. Older naturalists, 
too, would often come, and their company was a great 
pleasure to him. In the earlier days this evening was no 
great undertaking; but in later years it was almost more 
than his powers permitted. He would come home weak and 
tired, and needing rest; or he may have been at home ill during 
the whole week: but Friday evening always found him at his 
post, ready to show the Collection, or patiently to name captures 
even if of no great interest or rarity. Of the many young men 
who were welcomed, few knew how a kind and courteous 
manner sometimes concealed bodily suffering. The Entomo- 
logical Club is now in its fiftieth year; and, with the exception 
of the eight years mentioned above, its Collection has always 
been under his care, and much of his time was devoted to it. 
In 1887 he abandoned the rope trade, and wrote to a 
relative as under :—‘ I am wholly without any definite prospect 
as regards business, having entirely given up my own, which 
was a very small affair. * * * Iam very indifferent as to 
any business engagement, as it is always so great a tie, and 
cannot be abandoned for any length of time without something 
like a dereliction of duty: moreover, I think that the opportu- 
nity for enjoying life will with me shortly expire, and I am 
desirous, while blest with strength and health, of visiting the 
country, and breathing the air of mountain-wilds unchecked by 
the necessity of returning on a certain day.” 
In the foregoing a record will be observed of that melancholy 
which, not only at this period but throughout life, at times’ 
beset him: it was not often of long duration, nor had it any 
real cause. Only a short time before, he had written :— 
“To me long life-time, though to thee forbidden, 
Perhaps may be granted.” 
Thus showing that the erroneous idea that his life would be 
short had only recently been entertained. 
It will be seen that he had already paid a visit to Wales: 
