169 
brought into use a new excavator of bis own invention, which 
subsequently did much excellent service in the construction of 
subaqueous works. While in and about Glasgow the deceased 
was induced to take two important contracts on his own account, 
two pieces of work involved in the extension of the harbour of 
Glasgow, namely, Plantation and Mavisbank Quays. In the 
former of these works, the superstructure was built on foundation 
piers which were formed of successive rings of brick-work, according 
to the plans of Mr James Deas, engineer to the Clyde Trust. In 
the construction of Mavisbank Quay, a marked improvement was 
made in the character of the subaqueous pier foundations, which 
were formed of concrete, the piers being most securely bound to- 
gether. The Milroy excavator was here used to excellent purpose, 
enabling the piers to sink to depths of 50 ft. to 60 ft. or 70 ft. 
In these harbour works Mr Milroy was closely associated with Mr 
Deas, and he had as his right-hand man Mr George A. Waghorn, 
who also saw much service under Mr Brassey’s firm. The various 
works which he carried out in the Glasgow district, including those 
for which he was the sole contractor, cost nearly 1J millions 
sterling. 
After having retired from active life, Mr Milroy passed his 
remaining years on the estate of Torsonce, which he acquired in the 
year 1879, and on which he occupied his time in making consider- 
able improvements by building, roadmaking, &c. At his death he 
was eighty years of age. He was of a most retiring disposition, 
and when not occupied in superintending the improvements on his 
estate, devoted the last years of his life to the study of those 
branches of science w r hich were most closely connected with his 
profession. He was elected a Fellow of this Society in 1875. 
