ANECDOTE OF NORTHCOTE. 67 



mate ; whereas Geographe Bay is open to the northerly, so that our 

 peninsula may be a nice cool retreat in the hot weather ; I do not 

 think, therefore, that we shall ever desert it, indeed I hope we shall 

 not, for I have formed a complete attachment to it, having seen it 

 gradually improve, the forest, by degrees, having been levelled to 

 the ground, a good garden raised, paths made to the most frequented 

 parts, instead of the thick jungle that formerly existed, and a good 

 well of water, &c.; considering all this, and that it is the work of 

 our own hands, you will not wonder at the attachment. 



Though the halls of the wealthy no more shall invite me 

 To join in their revels, or feast at their board, 



Though the soft strains of music no longer delight me, 

 Deprived of whatever the gay world can afford, 



Though rarely society^s voice can deliver 



My soul from its thoughts, my abode from its gloom, 



While the depths of the wood and the still rolling river 

 Afford me the spot where IVe chosen a home. 



Yet do I repine not ; the calms of reflection 



Have soothed the wild tumults that once tossed my breast; 

 The past I regret not, nor shun recollection 



Of pleasures once followed, of pains once possessed ! ! 



Why do not C B , U B and S come out ? 



we will undertake to supply them with wheat at a very cheap rate. 



Tell E her seeds are most acceptable, English cabbage seeds 



producing larger hearts than the colonial. She must be particular 

 in getting true sorts. 



— ^ ♦ » 



ANECDOTE OF NORTHCOTE. 



NoRTHCOTE was a close observer of human nature, and those who 

 fell under his sarcastic scrutiny generally found how correctly he 

 had analyzed their characters: his cynical remarks were often 

 drawn from him by the encouragement his hearers gave, but though 

 as a critic these remarks were sometimes severe, they were honest 

 and frank. A young artist from Plymouth called upon him for 

 advice, and exhibited some drawings ; but not getting the injudicious 

 praise previously bestowed by foolish friends, he ventured to say, 

 "These were thought very well of. Sir, at Plymouth." — "Were 

 they ? " said Northcote, " then I advise you to carry them back 

 again, they will be thought nothing of here." Rogers. 



