MARINE BIOLOGICAL STATION AT PORT ERIN. 51 



"Triton" expedition and the full results of the exploration 

 of the submarine ridge which so appropriately bears his name. 

 His health had been failing for several years. In June, 1879, 

 he had an attack of paralysis, and had to give up most of his 

 University work. He resigned his professorship in October, 



1881, and the Directorship of the Challenger Commission at 

 the end of that year. He was able, in an invalided condition, 

 to attend the Jubilee Meeting of the British Association, at 

 York, in August, 1881, and died at Bonsyde, on March 10th, 



1882, in his 53rd year. He was a man of handsome presence 

 and genial nature, with great personal charm of manner. 

 His general culture, large fund of information on many subjects, 

 his aptness and humour in conversation all contributed to 

 make him a social success in Edinburgh and the beau-ideal of 

 a host in his country home, where he gathered round him 

 a large circle of friends by no means confined to scientific 

 men. 



He had a quaint way of occasionally bringing in old 

 Scots sayings, or snatches of poetry, as for example, when he 

 thought a question unimportant : — 



" Twenty peacocks in the air. I wonder how they all 



got there*. 

 I don't know — and I don't care ! " 



or — more briefly — " Twenty Peacocks." 



Judged from the scientific point of view, he probably 

 turned out less original work than might have been expected. 

 He is to be regarded as one of those who promoted science 

 quite as much by his tact, influence and personality as by 

 his own researches. Much that he had planned and begun was 

 never completed, much that he might have done was prevented 

 by his stirring life, frequent changes of post, his important 

 administrative work and his numerous social duties. He was 

 inspiring in conversation, kindly in his help and advice to 



