rw rMiTTHTNTON., 215* 



and; in his latter years, at the request of the 'Committee 

 of Public Instruction, he had undertaken > to 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 

 6ther light works ; the most frivolous works of the day 

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

 a la dietk" 



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* which 

 contributed not less to this, and which struck all who 

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

 have of mankind. 



