326 



terrify a man of much less occupation than your- 

 self, and which you will naturally lay aside till you 

 can muster courage and find time to make so for- 

 midable an attack. Of the reception of this work, 

 I am in many respects doubtful ; but I do not suffer 

 my apprehensions to render me miserable. I have 

 taken all the pains in my power to make it deserv- 

 ing - of the public notice, and have endeavoured to 

 express the peculiar opinions which it may contain 

 with decency, though with freedom. If all this will 

 not do, I cannot help it ; nor would I alter or sup- 

 press those opinions to obviate censure or obtain 

 applause. In one place or another I have found an 

 opportunity of expressing my sentiments on the 

 great subjects of politics, morals, religion, and taste, 

 as well as on a variety of inferior topics, which I 

 hope are not impertinently introduced ; and by these 

 sentiments I am content to be judged of as long as 

 my book may continue to be read. 



Be assured, my dear friend, that I look forward 

 to our meeting again at Allerton with a satisfaction 

 that I should find it difficult to express. Let me 

 hear from you soon, and believe me ever affection- 

 ately and truly yours, 



W. Roscoe. 



Sir J. E. Smith to Mr. Roscoe. 



My dear Friend, Norwich, October 12, 1805. 



I send you a budget about the Plantce Scitaminea, 

 which will, I hope, be of some use and amusement 

 to you. May you feel as much pleasure in studying 



