BYGONE HULL NATURALISTS. 287 



In 1805 Spence commenced his entomological researches, and was 

 at first chiefly interested in coleoptera. In connection with the 

 " Introduction to Entomology," Spence spent several months in 

 the summer of 1812 in London, making various researches, princi- 

 pally in the library of Sir Joseph Banks. He was the first editor 

 of the Hull Rockingham, a noted Whig newspaper, which started 



Marble Bust of W. Spence, by Marachetti, 

 in the Hull Museum. 



in 1808, and survived till 1843. In 1807 he wrote a pamphlet, 

 formerly well known, entitled " The Radical Cause of the Present 

 Distress of the West Indian Planters pointed out, and the Ineffi- 

 cacy of the Measures which have been hitherto Proposed for 

 Relieving them Demonstrated." This work was followed by 

 "Britain Independent of Commerce" (a work which established 

 his reputation as a political economist) and other similar produc- 



