270 TRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE, 



with the passion for the things of Spain that still burns 

 brightly. I can never ' mind ' anything that you write, 

 and about keeping birds in confinement, I have only 

 gone in for a large and serious collection since I became 

 crippled, and therefore could not see birds elsewhere 

 than at home." 1 



No one has better reason than the Editor gratefully 

 to remember that spirit of generosity so characteristic 

 of Lord Lilford to which Mr. Dresser refers. 



In 1893 we were contemplating a voyage of 

 exploration to the Island of Kolguev in Barents Sea, 

 which, as an untouched land, promised great results in 

 ornithology. As the island had never yet been visited 

 by an Englishman it was necessary to make a preliminary 

 voyage with the object of trying to obtain some infor- 

 mation from the sealers and fishermen of the Arctic 

 littoral. This we did that summer. On our return 

 we wrote our experiences to Lord Lilford, who makes 

 the following reference in his letter of reply : 



%. 

 "Ju/y 4th, 1892. 



" It is really most obliging of you to send me the 

 report about Kolguev. It is all quite new to me, and 

 if I was not infirm, and still had the old Glowworm, 

 I think that I should fit out at once for a visit to this 

 'island of the blessed' (birds)." 



1 To Mrs. Owen Visger. 



