MEMOIR OF THE LATE ROBERT BALL, LL. D. 
33 
record their high estimation of his ability and attainments as a man of 
science, and his character as a gentleman, and of the great services he 
had formerly rendered to the Society.” 
The Royal Irish Academy, the Dublin Natural History Society, and 
the University Zoological and Botanical Association, adjourned their 
meetings in testimony of their regret for his loss, and of their respect 
for his memory. 
Dr. Ball had been nominated President of the Natural History Section 
of the British Association for the Dublin Meeting, August, 1857. The 
members of that Section (D) commenced their proceedings by passing 
a resolution akin to these already given, and concluding with the words, 
“that this tribute of marked respect to his memory is due not merely 
on account of his great merit as a naturalist and promoter of science, but 
much more to his personal character, as a kindly, high-minded, and 
honourable man.” 
After giving, as has been done, these testimonies to the character 
and attainments of Dr. Ball, it is considered unnecessary to republish 
the obituary notices that appeared in the local journals, or in the 
“Athenaeum,” the “Literary Gazette,” and other periodicals in Great 
Britain. 
Dr. Ball was must willing at all times to communicate his informa¬ 
tion to those who sought it; and this, combined with his equable tem¬ 
per and amiability of disposition, rendered it a pleasure to hold inter¬ 
course with him on points of zoological research or observation. His 
papers on the Hedge-hog and the Prog, published in the “Irish Penny 
Journal” in 1840 and 1841, evince his desire to disseminate a know¬ 
ledge of what is true regarding the structure and habits of animals re¬ 
specting which many erroneous opinions are yet current. His contri¬ 
butions to some of our standard zoological works are acknowledged by 
their authors, Professor Bell, Mr. William Yarrell, and Professor Ed¬ 
ward Porbes. But it was in the long series of papers published by his 
friend, the late William Thompson, Esq., that Dr. Ball’s extensive know¬ 
ledge of the Irish Pauna was particularly manifested. These papers, 
with additions, were afterwards collected by Mr. Thompson, and in part 
prepared for publication, under the title of “The Natural History of 
Ireland.” Three volumes, treating of the Birds, were published during 
the lifetime of their lamented author; the fourth volume, which ap¬ 
peared in 1856, was a posthumous publication. Throughout its pages, 
the name of Dr. Ball is of continual recurrence ; and he not only gave 
his valuable aid to its revision as it passed through the press, but contri¬ 
buted additional information, which is appended as foot-notes. 
“Cast thy bread upon the waters,” would seem to have been Dr. 
Ball’s motto, so desirous was he at all times to impart the knowledge 
which he by ceaseless diligence had acquired. He not only freely gave 
from his accumulated stores, but he inspired others with an impulse for 
the further diffusion and advancement of science. That impulse yet 
survives, and will assuredly produce good results, though they may not 
be manifested until “ after many days.” 
vol. v. —rev. j 
