215" 



and, in his latter years, at the request of the 1 Committee 

 of Public Instruction, he had undertaken -ticy compose 

 Elements of Natural History for the -use of the Primary 

 Schools ; but these elements were not completed. 



We are naturally led to- inquire, 'how it happened, 

 that one of frail temperament, -and with so many labo- 

 rious occupations, could reach so advanced an -age with- 

 out any painful- infirmities. This was owing to a care- 

 ful study of himself, and an attention calculated equally 

 to avoid excesses of body, heart, and intellect. Hia 

 regimen, without being austere, was very uniform ; he 

 always lived in easy circumstances, esteeming fortune 

 and grandeur at their- real value, and having little de- 

 sire for them. He had, in particular, the strength of 

 mind to avoid the danger to' which almost all literary 

 characters- are- exposed, an inordinate passion for re- 

 putation. His researches were an amusement to him 

 rather than -a labour. A portion of his time was em- 

 ployed in reading, with his wife, romances,* stories, and 

 Other light works ; the most frivolous works of the day 

 were read by him. This he called " putting his mind 

 a la diete" 



There can be no doubt, that this uniformity of regi-< 

 men, and constancy of health, contributed much to that 

 kindliness of disposition which rendered his society so 

 agreeable ; but another feature of his character j which 

 contributed not less to this, and which struck all who 

 came near him, was the good opinion he> appeared- to 

 have of mankind. 



