277 



In a few instances we have noted slight inaccuracies, such as, p. 121, the 

 spadisc of the Arum cordifoliwm is stated to exhibit a rise of 250° above the 

 surrounding temperature — a thing obviously impossible. P. 215, the traveller in 

 America after whom the river was named was Alexander (not George) McKenzie. 

 P. 107, newly-distilled dew should be nevfly-deposited dew. 



In discussing the seeming imperfections in the physical government of the 

 universe, the author has recourse to the doctrine of the philosophic poet, which 

 alone can obtain the acquiescence of reflecting and good men : — 



" 'Tis but a part we see, and not the whole ;" 



and still more in the moral 



" All partial evil, universal good." 



" Nor must we forget that the schemes of the self-existent are notbounded by 

 time but embrace eternity. In the present world, the moral government of 

 God is only begun. That may appear imperfect and disordered of which we 

 only see a part, when, if the whole were displayed and understood, every minute 

 particular, and the united result of the whole, would be found to be the perfection 

 of wisdom." — p. 105. 



We had marked many other passages for quotation which our limits will not 

 permit us to adduce ; we can only quote one, and must content ourselves with 

 stating that we eagerly long for the subsequent parts, as we consider it the most 

 delightful — we may truly say fascinating — work it has been our lot to meet with 

 for a very long time. We give this particular passage because it is new as well 

 as strikingly true, and will serve to shew how much the world has lost in the con- 

 versations and casual observations of Burns not having been preserved by some 

 discriminating person. Indeed, there is great reason to believe that the best 

 sentiments of that remarkable man have perished. 



" While yet a school-boy, I enjoyed an opportunity of hearing, in my father's 

 manse, a conversation between the poet Burns and another poet, my near relation, 

 the amiable Blacklock. The subject was the fidelity of the Dog. Burns took 

 up the question with all the ardour and kindly feeling with which the conversation 

 of that extraordinary man was so remarkably embued. The anecdotes by which 

 it was illustrated have long escaped my memory ; but there was one sentiment 

 expressed by Burns, with his own characteristic enthusiasm, which, as it threw a 

 new light into my mind, I shall never forget. ' Man,' said he, ' is the god of the 

 Dog : he knows no other ; he can understand no other. And see how he worships 

 him ! — with what reverence he crouches at his feet — with what love he fawns upon 

 him — with what dependence he looks up to him — and with what cheerful alacrity 



