BALL, JOHN (1818-1889), Irish politician, naturalist and Alpine traveller, eldest son of an Irish judge, Nicholas Ball, was born at Dublin on Aug. 20, 1818. He was educated at the Roman Catholic college at Oscott near Birmingham, and at Christ's college, Cambridge. He was botanist, Irish civil servant (1846), Liberal M.P. for Carlow (1852), and under-secretary for the Colonies (1885-87). He was first president of the Alpine club (founded 1857), and it is for his work as an Alpinist that he is chiefly remembered, his well-known Alpine Guide (1863-68) being the result of innumerable climbs and journeys and of careful observation recorded in a clear and often entertaining style. He also travelled in Morocco (1871) and South America (5882), and recorded his observations in books which were recognized as having a scientific value. He died in London on Oct. 21, 1889.