PROCEEDINGS—PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
care for the orphan, to aid the sick and suffering, to shed light on the 
darkness of ignorance, or in any other way to minister to the public 
good, has lost in him a powerful and steadfast friend. Mr. Coates 
became a member of the Society so far back as 1869, and, during the 
long period which has since elapsed, he has taken an active part in 
administering its affairs. Though not a working naturalist—the cares 
of business did not permit of that—he had a very high opinion of the 
value of natural science, and took a great interest in its progress. 
That this interest in the study of nature was acquired in youth may 
be inferred from the interesting paper entitled “ Personal Reminis¬ 
cences of Audubon ” which he contributed six years ago to our 
Proceedings. Whatever proposal was at any time brought forward 
for extending the usefulness of the Society received his heartiest 
support. To the building of the original museum he gave most 
generous aid, and when a few years ago it was proposed greatly to 
enlarge and extend it, his powerful influence and ready liberality 
contributed very greatly to the successful carrying out of the pro¬ 
posal. Throughout the whole life of the Society he has always been 
at hand in times of trial and difficulty, a capable adviser and a ready 
helper. And then the man himself. It was not possible to come in 
contact with him without forming the highest estimate of his unselfish 
character, his clear good-sense, and his earnest desire to benefit his 
fellow-men. In him the kindly heart prompted the kindly deed, as 
well as the kindly word which doubled its value. 
Mr. Barclay then proposed, in name of the Council of the Society, 
the following resolution, viz. :—“That the Society record in their 
Minutes the keen feeling of regret and bitter sense of loss with which 
they have heard of the death of Mr. Andrew Coates of Pitcullen. A 
member of the Society almost from the beginning, he took an active 
part in administering its affairs. His wise counsel, founded upon 
wide experience, helped greatly in guiding the Society safely through 
times of difficulty. Since the building of the Museum he has acted 
as one of the Trustees, and without his generous aid, always freely 
given, the Museum Buildings could not possibly have been so com¬ 
plete or so well equipped as they now are. The study of natural 
science had in him a steadfast friend, and to help it on he was ever 
ready to make use of the great influence which his high character, his 
active mind, as well as his kindly heart and open hand, enabled him 
to exert over all classes of the community. Further, that the 
members of the Society desire to express how deeply they sympathise 
with Mrs. Coates and the other members of the family in the sad loss 
they have sustained. That the Secretary be instructed to forward a 
copy of this Minute to Mrs. Coates.” 
Sir Robert Pullar seconded the above resolution, which was 
unanimously adopted. 
A letter was read from the President, Mr. Henry Coates, offering 
to present to the Society his collection of Mollusca. A vote of 
thanks was awarded to the President for his valuable gift. 
