SOS THE LAST SUMMERS AND WINTEES. 



more honourable to those who made it. But he declined 

 it, for reasons which he thus communicates to Sir W. 

 Jardine, in a letter dated 1 2th December : — 



" I may tell you privately, in case of erroneous rumours 

 reaching you, that, from mistaken notions of two or three 

 of my own friends, who chance to have it in their power- 

 to give the chair, regarding myself and capabilities, I was 

 asked ' to stand,' and assured that if I did so, the govern- 

 ment influence could be gained and the election secured. 

 They were ignorant of my constitution both of mind and 

 body, and of the now irremediable habits of half a century. 

 My fittest as well as most familiar place is by the fireside, 

 and there I shall remain, grateful to God for His goodness in 

 making it cheerful from time to time. If I knew either a 

 great deal more, or a great deal less, I would have no 

 difficulty ; because in the one case, I would feel that I was 

 fit for the chair, in the other case, I would not feel that I 

 was unfit for it. In regard to others, I told you at the 

 time, I was not to be a partisan, but wished a fair field and 

 no favour to the worthiest beyond their worth." 



The death of Professor Forbes was followed by a loss 

 still more personal and afflicting. For years Mr Wilson 

 had rejoiced in the society as well as the ministry of his 

 relative, the Rev. John Sym. With an intellect wonderfully 



