202 Biographical Account of the 



then shoots away in an oblique direction, now descends in a 

 long curve so as almost to touch the water, then mounts on 

 high. When it wheels about, and sweeps down the wind, 

 its progress is extremely rapid. It walks with ease, using 

 short steps, runs with considerable speed, and, like the other 

 gulls, pats the sand or mud on the edge of the water with its 

 feet. It generally rests standing on one foot, with its head 

 drawn in ; but in a dry place it often reposes by laying it- 

 self down."—(Vol. v., p. 530.) 



These and many other passages bring most vividly before 

 the mind of even the unscientific reader, the habits of the 

 bird described. Many of them are indeed models of correct 

 and tasteful description. 



This work contains a full account of every species of bird 

 known at the time to inhabit or visit any part of Great Bri- 

 tain or Ireland. Doubtless the discovery of new species 

 must occasionally reward the researches of future ornitholo- 

 gists, but at this moment the work contains the only full and 

 detailed technical description hitherto given in this country. 

 The habits of the species are treated with equal extension 

 in every case where he had been enabled to study them ad- 

 vantageously ; and the internal structure, especially of the 

 alimentary organs, carefully described wherever it seemed 

 expedient to do so. In short, this work must long continue 

 to be the great Ornithological Thesaurus of the British Isles. 



His work on the Mollusca of Aberdeenshire gave an im- 

 pulse to the study of Conchology on the eastern coast of 

 Scotland. It is the first zoological book which has issued 

 from his college, and it has already reached the second edi- 

 tion ; but his edition of" Withering's British Plants" proved 

 to be the most popular of his works, having now reached 

 the eighth edition. He bestowed much pains in correcting 

 and improving it; and on receiving a complete copy of the last 

 edition a few weeks before his death, he remarked " This 

 book is now as perfect as I can make it." It is distinguish- 

 ed by the same minute accuracy and distinctness which 

 characterises his other works. 



A pleasing characteristic in all his writings, is the care 

 with which he awards to other writers and discoverers, what- 



