402 The late John Turnhull. 



works on the botany and the birds of Eoxburghshire, and he had 

 much material collected as the g'roundwork of such a task, which 

 he was admirably qualified to carry out ; but incipient ill-health, 

 which seemed to weaken his power for work, hindered the 

 systematic prosecution of these undertakings in such a way as to 

 bring them to completion. 



Mr Brotherston settled in Kelso at the time of his marriage, 

 and though tempting offers were made to him, which would 

 have necessitated his leaving the place, he was not to be moved. 

 One of these offers was made by the late Professor Balfour, who 

 wished him to accept the post of demonstrator to his botany 

 class ; but he shrank from the idea of such work. He might 

 have aimed at and attained higher posts than that if his 

 ambition had led in that direction ; but he preferred a life of 

 less commotion, and more congenial to his love of nature and his 

 quiet pursuits. His death took place on the 16th March 1891, 

 within a few days of his completing his 57th year. 



Obituary Notice of the late John Turnhull, W.S., of 

 Abbey St. Bathans, F.S.A. Scot. 



It is with much grief that I have to record the death of John 

 Turnbull, Esq., of Abbey St. Bathans, who was one of the 

 oldest members of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, and was 

 elected on the 20th September 1843. Although he did not con- 

 tribute very largely to the Transactions of the Club, still he 

 added some papers of very considerable value, and was a most 

 enthusiastic and regular attender at the Meetings whenever he 

 could get relieved from his many professional engagements. In 

 drawing up this obituary notice of Mr Turnbull, I cannot do 

 better than copy a sketch which appeared in the Scotsman on the 

 22nd June 1891. It is evidently written by one who knew Mr 

 Turnbull well, for he has touched upon the natural character- 

 istics of his mind and life in such a happy manner, that little 

 remains to be added. 



" Mr Turnbull was the eldest son of Mr George Turnbull of 

 Abbey St. Bathans, and was born on the 3rd March 1820. He 

 was educated at the High School and the University of Edin- 

 burgh, where he acquitted himself with distinction, and at the 



