18 18. J Prof. Smith md Mr. C ranch. 327 



of renouncing his trade and devoting himself to a life of science. 

 lie profited by the advantages of the metropolis in the way that 

 might have been expected from the enthusiasm of his disposition, 

 and added very considerably to his stock of knowledge, while, at 

 the same time, he became more devoted to the acquirement of 

 it. He was however compelled, after some time, to leave 

 London, and to resume his mechanical occupation in his native 

 country ; but nothing could repress his scientific ardour ; and 

 while he worked hard to procure a livelihood, he still devoted his 

 leisure moments to study. Shortly after his return to Devonshire 

 he married, and probably to a person of some property, as we 

 are informed that his domestic circumstances were so much 

 improved by his marriage, as to enable him to consign his busi- 

 ness entirely to his journeymen, while he devoted his own time 

 and attention almost exclusively to the pursuit of natural history. 

 The eagerness with which he prosecuted his scientific labours 

 was almost unexampled ; we are told, " that no difficulties nor 

 dangers impeded his researches. He climbed the most rugged 

 precipices ; he was frequently lowered down by the peasants 

 from the summits of the tallest cliffs ; he waded through rapid 

 streams ; he explored the beds of the muddiest rivers ; he 

 sought the deepest recesses. He frequently wandered for whole 

 weeks from home, and often ventured out to sea for several days 

 together, in the smallest skiffs of the fishermen. No inclemency 

 of weather ; no vicissitudes of storms and sunshine ever pre- 

 vented his fatiguing pursuits ; the discovery of a new insect 

 amply repaid the most painful exertions." He commenced his 

 career as an author about this period by some short essays in the 

 " Weekly Examiner ; " and gradually acquired a collection of 

 subjects in natural history, the reputation of which extended 

 even to the metropolis. 



In 1814, Dr. Leach, of the British Museum, visited Mr. 

 Cranch, in company with some other naturalists, and expressed 

 his admiration at the number of objects which he had assembled. 

 " We were all astonished " says the Doctor, " at the magnitude 

 of his collection of shells, Crustacea, insects, birds, &c. collected 

 entirely by himself, and still more so with the accuracy of their 

 classification, and with the remarks made by this self-educated 

 and zealous individual, lie conversed on all subjects connected 

 with natural history, with modesty, hut at' the same time with 

 that confidence which is the result of knowledge." The conse- 

 quence of this interview was to impress Dr. Leach with so high 

 an idea of the talents of Mr. Cranch, as to engage liim to investi- 

 gate the marine productions of the coast of Devonshire and 

 Cornwall, and to promise his interest to procure him a situation 

 in the British Museum, whenever any suitable vacancy should 

 offer. Immediately upon tin; receipt of this proposal, Mr. Cranch 

 determined entirely to abandon his trade ; he dismissed his 

 workmen, converted his shop and manufactory into apartments 



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