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SIR GEORGE SINCLAIR. CHAP. xvm. 



those to which I had devoted attention I found myself 

 completely eclipsed by my acute and ardent friend, who 

 was always as ready as he was able, to correct my mis- 

 takes, to guide my inquiries, and to add to my scanty 

 stock of general information. The extent and variety of 

 his scientific acquirements were incredible and almost 



OLD THURSO CASTLE. 



uviexampled. He knew as much about many sciences 

 as some professors know about one." 



Amongst the numerous persons introduced by Sir 

 George to Dick, were Thomas Carlyle and the Baroness 

 Burdett Coutts. With the former he had but little 

 conversation. They shook hands together across the 

 counter, and exchanged a few words of congratulation. 

 With the Baroness he discussed the discoveries of Mr. 

 Pengelly of Torquay, another eminent votary of science. 



Sir George often invited Dick to meet his distin- 



