XXVI 



and Mrs. Siddons, and was deeply impressed by the transcendent 

 powers of the latter. In all his attendance on English speaking, 

 whether in the Parliament, the courts, or the theatre, he was a 

 strict observer of the use and pronunciation of the language, and 

 had already begun to note peculiarities of expression, with a view 

 to ascertain how far the true English tongue was cormpted in 

 America. 



Mr. Pickering's incessant occupations prevented his journeying 

 much in England. He failed not, however, to visit Oxford, where 

 he could find so much to gratify his highest curiosity. His classi- 

 cal and mathematical scholarship, but for his modesty, might have 

 made him feel more at home either at Oxford or Cambridge than 

 anywhere else in England. 



Fortunately, he had an opportunity to visit the Continent before 

 his return to America. In the winter and spring of 1801, he 

 passed three or four months in travelling through France and the 

 Netherlands. In Paris, he was introduced to Madame de Stael, 

 the object of attraction to the literati and politicians of the day. 

 He saw Bonaparte at the height of his renown, with Italy at his 

 feet, whose noblest works of art he had transported to France. 

 As a lover of the fine arts, Mr. Pickering could almost visit Rome 

 in Paris. At Leyden, he became acquainted with the celebrated 

 Luzac, Greek professor in the University, who afterwards honored 

 him with his correspondence. In Amsterdam, he gained the friend- 

 ship of Dr. Ballhorn, who soon after published a learned juridical 

 work, dedicated " Viro clarissimo Joanni Pickering." To a youth- 

 ful scholar such testimonials of merit must have been as gratify- 

 ing as they were honorable. 



Soon after Mr. Pickering's return from the Continent, he set his 

 fcice homewards. The extensive library, before alluded to, was 



