MEMOIR OF DR. WALKER. 43 



effect, had not Mr. Smellie been induced by the 

 booksellers to undertake a translation of Buffon's 

 " Natural History of the Earth and of Quadru- 

 peds," then in the full bloom of its reputation. 



When the Professor's health began visibly to 

 decline, about twelve months before his decease, 

 he applied for the succession, and had then the sup- 

 port of Lord Kames ; after his death, however, his 

 lordship refused to make any application, but Sir 

 John Dalrymple of Cousland warmly espoused his 

 cause, and his letters afford a little insight into the 

 principles upon which professorships were to be ob- 

 tained. In one to Mr. Smellie, he tells him that the 

 minister of the day (Lord North) had given the 

 disposal of everything in Edinburgh to Thomas, 

 afterwards Lord, Dun das of Kerse, M.P., to enable 

 him to keep the town ; u I will write to him with 

 all my heart ; but as he is pushed in Edinburgh by 

 the Duke of Buccleuch, and is like to be pushed in 

 Stirlingshire by the Duke of Argyle, he is forced to 

 give everything with a view to his politics, much 

 against the natural turn of one of the best heads 

 and hearts I am acquainted with." And afterwards, 

 in another to the representative, " Smellie, besides 

 being very able for the business, has this advantage, 

 that he lives close to Edinburgh, is much liked, and 

 has a sagacious insinuating address, which may 

 make him useful to you in your politics; and he 

 will go through fire and water to do anything I bid 

 him, provided it is not wrong !" Mr. Smellie, in 

 his own behalf, was likewise constrained to appeal 



