1862.] '^^ [Dunglison. 



Dr. Bethune's fondness for the sport continued unabated to the 

 last, and even when harassed during the summer of 18(31, by the 

 consequences of an attack of the malady, which ultimately proved 

 fatal to him, he sighed for a brief return of his wonted enjoyment. 



An excellent photograph was taken of him a few years ago, at 

 the request of a small association of gentlemen in Brooklyn, in 

 which he is represented in his habiliments of study, with his books 

 of reference — as was his habit — distributed over the floor of his li- 

 brary, and the implements of his favorite sport hung around on the 

 walls. 



With a mind so eminently aesthetical, so appreciative of the sub- 

 lime and the beautiful, it is not to be wondered at that Dr. Eethune 

 should have wandered into the realms of poetry, and enriched its 

 domain by many choice flowers. 



From an early period he had given evidences of poetic taste, and 

 in the year 1848 had incorporated many of his effusions into an 

 elegant volume, entitled, " Lays of Love and Faith, with other Fugi- 

 tive Poems." His object in publishing these is thus stated by him 

 in a dedicatory sonnet. 



" As one arranges in a simple vase 



A little store of unpretending flowers, 



So gathered I some records of past hours, 

 And trust them, gentle reader, to thy grace ; 

 Nor hope that in my pages thou wilt trace 



The brilliant proof of high poetic powers, 

 But dear memorials of my happj' days. 



When heaven shed blessings on my heart like showers. 

 Clothing with beauty e'en the desert place; 



Till I, with thankful gladness in my looks, 

 Turned me to God, sweet nature, loving friends, 



Christ's little children, well-worn ancient books, 

 The charm of art, the rapture music sends, 

 And sang away the grief that on man's lot attends." 



IMany of these lays were tributes of affection to those most dear to 

 their author; whilst others were devotional, epigrammatic, patriotic, 

 or miscellaneous; and all exhibit a rich and vivid imagination, much 

 delicacy of sentiment and expression, and melody of versification. 



In the same year he edited " The British Female Poets, with Bio- 

 graphical and Critical Notices." The specimens which he gives are 

 well chosen, the biographical sketches ably written, and the charac- 

 teristics of each writer skilfully discriminated. 



Dr. Bethune's musical appreciation, too, was considerable; and 



