1 1 6 The Scottish Naturalist. 



they meet with any encouragement, they may possibly become 

 an acquisition to the world. They are young and vigorous, and 

 able to traverse Alpine regions in the pursuit of rare plants. 

 The eminent Dr Smith patronised and justly appreciated the 

 talents of the father. Perhaps you could apply to him for some 

 aid to this friendless family ; perhaps you will think of others 

 to whom you could make a similar application. Such sums as 

 shall be received it is, intended to place with a banker, and to 

 be under the superintendence of some people here who are to 

 direct the proper application of the cash. When this celebrated 

 botanist died he was completely in want, and I believe your 

 good friend Mr James Webster was the first to throw in a 

 temporary supply. 



" Be as kind to write to me at your convenience. From me 

 you can expect little information. In this small place the same 

 dull unvarying scene daily occurs ; but you are in the metro- 

 polis, conversing with men of eminence, and perhaps you could 

 communicate some information that would be amusing and in- 

 teresting to me. Say whether the celebrated Godwin be engaged 

 in any work at present. I lately, for the first time, perused his 

 1 Enquirer ' with greater interest than any book I ever read. I 

 hope he will still continue to illuminate the intellects of men, 

 which are, in general, sufficiently phlegmatic. You must have 

 observed that our friend Holcroft gave a genuine description of 

 the character of Buonaparte. Had he been less selfish and 

 despotical, he would have rendered himself truly great, and 

 have been the benefactor and regenerator of the world ; but 

 he seems to have felt too little interest in the happiness of his 

 species, and viewed them as instruments calculated for no other 

 purpose than to forward his schemes of self-aggrandisement, — 

 that is, what he considered to be aggrandisement. Sorry am I 

 to see that the distinguished few follow the footsteps of Buona- 

 parte in this respect. — Ever your sincere friend, 



" Will. Roberts. 



" Conclude your sketch with an observation that Mr William 

 Hutchison, writer in Forfar, is appointed to receive subscrip- 

 tions for the support of the poor indigent family of George, 

 and that any cash remitted to Mr Hutchison will be faithfully 

 applied for that laudable purpose." 



( To be continued. ) 



