176 THE WEDGWOODS. 



trivances of this great man, by which he executed stupendous 

 works in a short time that seem to have required ages, have 

 been properly noticed in the account of his life in the 

 * Biographia Britannica,' the -materials for which were fur- 

 nished by Mr. Wedgwood, who lived in habits of intimacy 

 and friendship with him, and ever revered his memory. 

 Mr. Wedgwood was the first treasurer of the canal, and an 

 active member of the committee for making and carrying it 

 on for more than twenty years." 



The Grand Trunk Canal was finished by Mr. Henshall, 

 brother-in-law to Brindley, in May, 1777, and was imme- 

 diately productive of the greatest benefit to the neighbour- 

 hood. Trade increased, freight of goods was lowered to 

 about the rate of thirteen shillings per ton, where fifty shil- 

 lings had before been paid, the despatch and receipt of goods 

 was more rapid and more certain, and the whole district 

 assumed a vitality which has gone on regularly increasing to 

 the present day. 



If for no other reason, the part he took in the carrying 

 out to a successful issue the scheme of canal communication, 

 to which undoubtedly the Staffordshire potteries owe their 

 prosperous increase, would fully entitle Josiah Wedgwood 

 to the thanks of his country, and to be ranked among the 

 foremost benefactors of mankind. 



