Biography : — John TempUlon^ Esq. 307 



ixeveF instructed in the art of drawing, he acquired such skill in represent- 

 ing tlie various objects he saw, that his delineations are remarkable for 

 their fidelity ; and his anxiety to impart knowledge made him particularly 

 attentive to whatever would tend to illustrate the subject. He has left 

 behind him lists, in each department, of the native productions which came 

 within his knowledge, with references and original remarks, and often 

 illustrated by drawings made by himself from the object, which he often 

 gratified his friends, and even strangers, with liberty to examine. It will 

 naturally be expected that some of these should be more full than others. 

 Ornithology was, I believe, the first object to which Mr. Templeton paid 

 attention, and whilst no department has been neglected, this is peculiarly 

 rich and interesting. 



The author of an address to the managers of our Belfast Institution, on 

 the cultivation of natural history, after speaking of Mr. Templeton as a 

 botanist, adds : " As none of the branches of natural history has escaped 

 his penetrating research, much of the natural history of our island has re- 

 ceived elucidation from his pen ; and very many of its natural productions 

 have been beautifully delineated by his spirited and able pencil. His labours 

 would form a most valuable present to the public." 



His reason for drawing so many figures was, the having observed so few 

 correctly given in published works. 



Natural science will, indeed, sustain a heavy loss, should these accumu- 

 lations of his genius and industry be withheld from the public ; but his son 

 may be reasonably expected to accomplish his father's design ; and though 

 these valuable remains will want that finish which, had life been spared, the 

 author was himself so well qualified to give, yet they were so much ad^ 

 vanced, that there seems no objection to their publication. As this, how- 

 ever, will be attended with heavy expense, it may be hoped that those who 

 respected the author while living, as well as those who are interested in the 

 pursuit of natural history, will give it all the countenance in their power, 

 and that the publication will take place as early as possible. When, in 

 1808, the Belfast Magazine was undertaken, Mr. Templeton supplied it 

 with two monthly articles, entitled, the Naturalist's Report, and the Me- 

 teorological Report, nearly as long as the work was continued, besides occa- 

 sional articles. The object of the former appears to have been, to notice 

 such circumstances as woidd serve to denote changes of weather, &c., for 

 the use of the husbandman and the gardener. In the introduction, after 

 pointing out the modes which the ancients had of foretelling changes in 

 weather, he proceeds thus : " But the celebrated Linnaeus was the first who 

 endeavoured to establish a calendar for the husbandman and the gardener, 

 independent of astronomical signs, which, in our northern and variable 

 climate, seldom prognosticate the changes of the weather with such cer- 

 tainty as might be expected. As plants, however, vegetate according to 

 the temperature which prevails, and flowers blow in a regular and never 

 varying order, we have certain means, which can never fail, for directing us 

 when to begin and leave off the various operations in husbandry and gar- 

 dening. Should we, therefore, find, after a few years' experience, that the 

 best crops were uniformly produced when we sowed or planted at the time 

 a particular tree or plant flowered, we have ever a sure guide, independent 

 of astronomical revolutions, and can direct others to pursue the same plan 

 in whatever country they are |)laced. Thus if we have found, that, on 

 sowing peas or other seed when the gooseberry flowered, they were ready 

 for gathering when the corn-marigold flowered, we are pretty sure that 

 each succeeding year the same uniformity will prevail, and by a little atten- 

 tion, the times of gathering other crops will soon be known ; a matter of 

 considerable importance to all who wish to enjoy the products of their 

 garden in succession. Advantages nearly similar may be derived from at- 

 tention to the migration of birds. These never fail to bring us the earliest 



