16 Preface. 
of the book have been obtained from Edward him- 
self, either by written communication or by “word 
of mouth.” Much of it is autobiography. Edward 
was alarmed at the idea of what he had commu- 
nicated being “put into a book.” He thought it 
might do me an injury. “Not a copy,” he said, 
“would be bought in Banff.” 
However this may be, the writing of the Biogra- 
phy has given me much pleasure. It has led me to 
seek health amidst the invigorating breezes of the 
North; and to travel round the rugged shores of 
Aberdeen and Banff, in search of the views of bays 
and headlands with which Mr. Reid has so beauti- 
fully embellished the book. 
It may be objected—“ Why write the life of a 
man who is still living?’ To this it may be answer- 
ed, that Edward has lived his life and done his work. 
With most of us, “He jacet” is all that remains to 
be added. If the book had not been written now, it 
is probable that it never would have been written. 
But it may be asked, “Is the life really worth writ- 
ing?’ To this question the public alone can give 
the answer. 
Lonpon, Movember, 1876. 
