Eulogium on Wilkam West. 161 
Sea = errr eee eee 
have distinguished himself as a public speaker,* as 
much as he did in the peaceful occupation of an im- 
prover of land. The board of agriculture of England 
having heard of his superior farm management, paid 
him the compliment of electing him an honorary mem- 
ber of their institution, shortly after its establishment. 
Mr. West attained the great age of nearly 84.— 
His mental faculties retained their full vigour to the last 
year of his life. By an irresistible mstinct of our na- 
tures, old age in any ove commands respect. But this 
respect is combined with veneration, when we associate 
the sight of grey hairs, and other remarks of the decay 
of the body, with ideas of virtue and eminent uscitlness 
in an honourable occupation. Such were tlie feelings 
which the presence’ of Mr. West excited m every one 
who saw him, whether upon his farm, by his fire side, 
upon the road, or in company. The review of a long 
and innocent life is always picasant, but when the mind 
in its retrospect upon past years, sees every one filled 
with labours for the benefit of country, family and 
friends, the sensations excited by it are more than plea- 
sant,—they are truly delightful. But Mr. West had 
-* In one case, he replied, at the particular request of his 
friends, to an eminent counsellor in the house, and gave so 
clear a view of the subject in a short speech that the question 
was carried on the side he espoused, by a very large majority. 
His opponent, aiterwards requested that the subject might 
undergo a private debate before six gentlemen of the bar. 
The proposal was agreed to, and on'the discussion of the 
question, the vote of the umpires was unanimous in favour 
ef Mr. West. 
VOL. Il. Ds 
