MKMOIU OP THE LATH JOHN HEN BY GURNEY. 
1G5 
Mr. Gurney’s name was held by other naturalists, that seven new 
species were called after him, of which the finest was an Eagle, 
so named by his friend and correspondent, G. R. Gray ; and 
the most beautiful an Asiatic Pitta, by Mr. Allan Hume, for whom 
he collected many birds, which are now deposited with the rest of 
the Hume collection in the British Museum; the others belonging 
to the genera Baza, Turdus, Promerops, Ploceus, and Pseudoptynx. 
T have hitherto conlined myself strictly to a retrospect of 
Mr. Gurney’s career as an ornithologist, but I may be allowed 
to add that he married Mary -I ary, daughter of Richard Hanbury 
Gurney, of Thickthom, by whom ho leaves two sons, Mr. John 
Henry Gurney of Keswick, and Mr. Richard H. J. Gurney, now 
of North repps Hall. In 1854 he entered Parliament as member 
for King’s Lynn, and sat till 18G5, when he resigned his seat. He 
was a Justico of the Peace for the County of Norfolk, senior 
member of the Norwich Bench, and also a magistrate for King’s 
Lynn. In 18GG Mr. Gurney retired from active life, and resided 
first at Torquay; but in 1873 ho removed to the quaint old family 
mansion, Northrepps Hall, the natural beauty of the wooded slopes 
and valleys in which it is situated bearing evidence of the care and 
excellent taste in ornamental planting displayed both by himself 
and the late Miss Anna Gurney, who preceded him at Northrepps, 
and was as keen a naturalist as himself. Here, although suffering 
for the last twenty years from an incurable disease, by constant 
attention to diet and strict adherence to rule, although his strength 
gradually declined, he spent his days in peace and tranquility, and 
after a very brief linal illness passed away on the 20th April, 
1890, in his 71st year. 
Those who remember Mr. Gurney in his prime will recognise 
his somewhat portly figure and prepossessing features, lit up with 
a kindly smile, so well transferred to canvas in the Museum 
portrait ; but the personal charm of manner, the cultivated yet 
natural tone of voice, and cheerful greeting, can never be re- 
produced. Those who knew him intimately will recall with 
pleasure the infinite fund of quiet humour and flow of anecdote, 
the result of keen powers of observation of men and manners 
extending over many years — which made his companionship so 
delightful, even when his bodily powers were failing — and feel that 
his loss has created a void never to be filled. 
