32 MEMOIR. 



the Antiqicities of lona was fairly in the hands of the subscribers 

 that Graham's full attention was given to the birds. At first, 

 though a clever artist, his bird-pictures lacked the life and action 

 latterly attained, and as he himself tells us, the first attempts 

 would not in a very short time bear comparison with the later 

 productions ; so, as occasion offered and a good specimen was 

 found, the old picture was destroyed and replaced by a more 

 perfect representation. The peculiar charm of Graham's bird- 

 pictures lies in their being so true to nature ; he spent not hours 

 but days and weeks before making a drawing of any bird, in 

 closely watching its habits and attitudes, studying its different 

 notes and calls, and trying to find out, if possible, what each 

 meant in bird-language. He noted these calls as well as the 

 attitudes and habits of the bird, and it is this intimate acquaint- 

 ance with the living bird in its daily life and natural habitat 

 which gives that interest to Graham's pictures and notes which 

 few ordinary illustrations or descriptions are capable of inspiring. 

 To the writer, his companion in many a delightful bird-hunting 

 expedition, the memory of these days is as fresh as of yesterday, 

 and the enthusiasm of Graham kindled in himself a love of the 

 study of bird-life that has served to give special interest to many 

 a lonely hour when far from home and friends." 



Graham had a wonderful gift — what our American cousins 

 would call a magnetic power — of interesting those about him in 

 his own pursuits and studies ; and, as people from far and near 

 sent him specimens of anything shot that seemed in any way 

 out of the common, he in this way procured many interesting 

 specimens. 



