xvi MEMOIR OF SIR J. G. DAL YELL. 



able variety of curve witli the utmost delicacy and accuracy. These were 

 all executed upon mathematical principles — after a method of his own con- 

 trivance — never before nor since attempted.* 



It is probable that his taste for natural history was acquired at Binns. 

 'lliat he had given early attention to this subject is evident from various 

 (•ircumstances, and confirmed by the following note, found among his 

 papers, in his own hand-writing. It is curious, as recording the first of 

 his observations. 



" Journal in Natural History. 

 " 1794, 

 " April 25. — Being the first of observation. I found in a standing water some particular 

 insects, to be immediately described. Also put two aquatic snails in the vessel marked : also 

 found a muskitoe [mosquito] escaping the form of an aquatic worm, but died in the carriage 

 home ; a caterpillar changing its skin on a holly tree. Saw an humble bee and several small 

 moths ; found one of Reaumur's Teignes aquatiques, the covering of small vegetable particles 

 joined together. 



" 26. — Saw the common red and white butterflies." 



In the second volume of " The Powers of the Creator," the " aquatic 

 worm" is delineated, with the fly produced, in Plate IV. figs. 21 and 22. 

 The worm, however, ought to have been bright scarlet, in place of Mack. 

 A collection of motlis, butterflies, lady-birds, &c., gathered sidii/ i/cni\s aqo, 

 is .>till in Miss DalycU's possession. Sir John had also a great taste for 

 mineralogy, and frequently discovered specimens of agate and jasper, 

 which he got cut into seals and brooches. 



While at the College of Edinburgh, Sir John qualified himself for 

 the Scottish bar, of which he became a member in 1796. In 1797 he was 

 a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and was chosen first 

 Vice-President. 



Next year he published his " Fragments of Scottish History, Edin- 

 burgh : Printed for Archibald Constable, at the Cross, 1798." He had 

 then attained his twenty-third year. The Fragments consisted of "The 



* It may perhaps be added, in illustration of Sir John's mechanical ingenuity, that he 

 made, when thrift and occupation were fashionable among the ladies, three beautiful spinning- 

 wheels, splendidly mounted with ivory. Also several sets of chess-men. The smallest of 

 his nroJuctions were two boxes, with lids, not larger than a very small pea. 



