APPRECIATIVE LETTER BY LADY GEDDE8 103 
greatly, and we liked to hear his views as to their 
age and possible purpose, for we longed to know 
their history. The Professor’s botanical excursions 
with his students brought them often to the river, 
on their way to Seaton grounds, where wild flowers 
abound, and where they had permission to botanise. 
On these occasions, the party was rowed across in 
our river boat. 
“ Though not of a commanding figure, he was, 
in these days, alert. There was about him a modest 
dignity, and his manner was courteous and kindly. 
The countenance was sensitive and gentle in 
expression, but shaded by a persistent sadness— 
characteristics which drew towards him the 
affection of his students. Many of these became 
very distinguished men, among others Matthews 
Duncan, who rose high as a London medical man, 
and Thomas Keith, the celebrated surgeon. 
Another, the Rev. Dr Wisely, still survives in 
Malta; and I have heard all speak with devotion 
of their Professor. If it be a test of the great 
teacher to inspire enthusiasm and love of work, 
then MacGillivray seemed to be endowed with a 
double gift. My brothers were of the band who 
followed him, and one of them made a fine collec¬ 
tion of shells, still preserved in a cabinet by the 
family.. I think Keith did the same. A favourite 
excursion by the lads was to the fisher quarter, 
where they waited for the arrival of the boats, and 
secured specimens for a few pence. They often got 
some rare prize, and I remember even now, their 
return on one occasion with a large rare bivalve. 
The fisher folk believed the lads to be medical 
students, and begged them to prescribe for any 
invalid; and Thomas Keith told me, with roars of 
laughter, that a fisherwoman would not let him go 
till he had prescribed for her child; so he said, 4 1 
advised a poultice of warm teadeaves, as that at 
