238 Mr. Boyd’s Proposal. [cHap. xin. 
this he was much encouraged by the late Rev. Mr. Smith, 
of Monquhitter..... We cordially wish Mr. Edward ev- 
ery success in the various fields of research upon which he 
has entered. It is but justice to a most deserving person 
to draw attention to his praiseworthy endeavors, in the 
midst of many difficulties, to perfect his knowledge of nat- 
ural history, and to recommend it to all around him, espe- 
cially the young. Happy would it be if our tradesmen 
were to take a leaf out of Mr. Edward’s book, and, instead 
of wasting their time, squandering their means, and imbit- 
tering their existence in the haunts of dissipation, they 
would sally forth in these calm summer evenings to rural 
scenes and sylvan solitudes, to woo Nature in her mildest 
aspect; to learn a lesson from the moth or the spider; to 
listen to the hum of the bee or the song of birds; to mark 
the various habits and instincts of animals, and thus to en- 
rich their minds with useful and entertaining knowledge.” 
Mr. Boyd’s object in publishing this notice was to at- 
tract the attention of the working-classes to the study of 
natural history; and with this object he was of opinion 
that Edward should endeavor to disseminate among them 
the information which he had acquired during his long ex- 
perience. He proposed that Edward should get up a series 
of rudimentary lectures on natural history, illustrated by 
specimens of birds and other objects. The lectures were 
first to be delivered in Banff, and, if they succeeded there, 
they were afterward to be delivered in Fraserburgh and 
other towns. Edward proceeded to prepare his illustra- 
tions. About two hundred were put in readiness. He was 
also negotiating for the purchase of a powerful magnifying 
glass, so that his patrons might better see the minute won- 
ders of Nature as exhibited in her works, 
As there was then an institution at Banff, which had 
been formed, among other purposes, “For the Discovery 
and Encouragement of Native Genius and Talent,” Mr. 
Boyd believed that the members would at once give their 
