The late Mr John Sadler. By William Craig, M.D. 73 



bank." It is difficult to conceive of a Botanist being reared in 

 more favoured circumstances for prosecuting his favourite study. 

 Moncrieffe HiQ, "the Glory of Scotland," afforded ample oppor- 

 tunities for an ardent and zealous young botanist. In the im- 

 mediate neighbourhood were also Kinnoull Hill, Q-len Farg, the 

 banks of the Tay and the Earn, Invermay, and other places all 

 rich in botanical specimens, and young Sadler from his earliest 

 years was well acquainted with their '* Wild Flowers." To use 

 his own words : — " This highly interesting district, as well might 

 be expected, forms a grand field for the pursuit of natural his- 

 tory in all its branches, but perhaps more especially for that of 

 botany, or the studying of plants." 



In 1854, John Sadler removed to Edinburgh to become Assist- 

 ant to Professor Balfour, at that time Professor of Botany in the 

 University of Edinburgh, and from this time dates his connection 

 with the Royal Botanic Garden. He was then only seventeen 

 years of age, and no doubt was attracted to Edinburgh by the 

 fame of Professor Balfour, then in the zenith of his popularity 

 and attracting students from all parts of the world. This step 

 marked a new era in Sadler's history. That innate love of 

 botanical study which distinguished him from his earliest years 

 found a new and wider field for developement, and subsequent 

 events showed that it was fortunate for botanical science that 

 John Sadler became assistant to so distinguished and zealous a 

 botanist. He was a diligent and successful student, and per- 

 formed the duties of assistant to the entire satisfaction of the 

 Professor. Professor Balfour from the very first took a deep 

 interest in this young assistant. He found in him all that a 

 professor could desire in a student. There soon arose a friend- 

 ship between Professor Balfour and his assistant which existed 

 to the very last, and which subsequent years only deepened and 

 strengthened. The Professor loved him as a member of his own 

 family, and John Sadler on his part had a profound love and 

 admiration for his distinguished master. This mutual love and 

 esteem ripened into a friendship which was deep and lasting. 



Shortly after removing to Edinburgh he took up his residence 

 in Experimental Cottage, situated within that part of the Eoyal 

 Botanic Garden which was then used as the Experimental Gar- 

 dens, and from this time to his death he resided within the 

 Garden. 



From being junior assistant he gradually rose to be principal 



J 



