270 Edward’s Disappointment. [CHAP. Xv. 
that Edward had already been appointed keeper of the 
Scientific Society's Museum at Banff, at a salary of two 
pounds two shillings per annum. This was, of course, 
merely a nominal remuneration, and the occupation did not 
tend to feed Edward’s thirst for further knowledge in nat- 
ural history. He was therefore most willing to accede 
to Mr. Bate’s proposition; and he sent in his application, 
accompanied by testimonials, to Professor Quekett, of the 
Royal College of Surgeons. 
Unfortunately, Mr. Bate had been misinformed as to the 
nature of the proposed appointment. ‘I am fearful,” said 
Professor Quekett, in his letter to Edward, “that some of 
your kind friends have misinformed you as to the nature of 
the appointment which is vacant. It is only that of fourth 
museum porter. The duties are: to keep the room clean, 
dust bottles, etc., at the wage of a guinea a week. Now, 
from what I learn of you through your testimonials, and 
from what I have heard of your reputation and high stand- 
ing as a naturalist, I think such an appointment is far be- 
neath your notice.” 
Edward’s hopes were once more blighted. Science could 
do nothing for him, and he returned again to his cobbler’s 
stool. He had become accustomed to disappointment; 
nevertheless, he continued to pursue his work as a natu- 
ralist. In fact, he went on working harder than before. 
As Mr. Bate was only engaged with one branch of the 
crustacea—the sessile-eyed—and as other naturalists were 
engaged in investigating other branches of marine zoology, 
Edward was referred to these gentlemen, more particular- 
ly to the Rev. A. Merle Norman, of Sedgefield, Ferry hill, 
County of Durham; Mr. J. Gwyn Jeffreys, of London; and 
Mr. Joshua Alder, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, all of whom were 
great sea-dredgers. 
Zoologists usually take up some special subject and work 
it up. They freely correspond with their fellow-zoologists 
in different parts of the country with the object of obtain- 
