258 Edward’s Girls help Him. [cuap. x1v. 
particularized here, are nevertheless duly appreciated. Like- 
wise, and in an especial manner, thanks to the fishermen 
generally of the district, particularly to our own and those 
of Whitehills, not only for their now unremitting attention 
in securing whatever they deem worthy of notice them- 
selves; but also, and above all, for their very valuable as- 
sistance given, and their warm-hearted kindness shown to 
my young folks when they go a-gleaning among them.” 
Indeed, Edward’s young folks were of great help to him 
at this time. Several of his eldest girls went about from 
place to place in search of rare fish, and they were some- 
times very successful. For instance, one of them, while 
living with Mr. Gordon, at Gardenstown, went on a zoolo- 
gizing excursion toward the village of Crovie. As the two 
were rounding the Snook, they observed a small fish being 
washed ashore. Mr. Gordon kicked it with his foot, think- 
‘ng it was of no use, and remarking that it was a young 
sea-cat. ‘‘Na,” said Maggie, “it’s nae sea-cat; it’s ower 
thin for that. I dinna ken fat it is; but I’ take it, and 
send it hame to my father, for he bade me never to miss 
naething o’ this kine.” So the fish was sent home, and it 
proved to be a very fine specimen of Yarrell’s blenny. 
On another occasion she sent home a specimen of the 
black goby, or rock-fish (Gobius niger), which had been 
taken from the stomach of a friendly cod. This was the 
first fish of the kind found in the Moray Firth; and of the 
six species of gobies found along the coasts of Great Brit- 
ain, it is the one most seldom met with. Maggie also made 
a good “find” at Fraserburgh, while on a zoological tour 
with her father. She was rummaging about among the 
sands, near Broadsea, accompanied by some of her acquaint- 
ances, when she observed something sticking up out of the 
sand. At first she thought it was a piece of tangle. She 
was about to leave it, when, prompted by curiosity, she 
gave it a pull, and, lo and behold! instead of a sea-weed, 
she brought out a long spindle-like fish. She at once took 
* 
