32 MEMOIE OP BUFFOIT. 



" They were read with the view of hearing opinions 

 and receiving corrections ;" he willingly received any 

 hint of improprieties of style, and was open to imper- 

 fections when pointed out to him. It is not so cer- 

 tain that an opinion of pieces recited in this way 

 was always given with that candour which would 

 allow correction. 



He delighted also in what was luxurious or magni- 

 ficent, and was devoted to his dress almost to the ex- 

 treme of foppery. He spent much time at his toilet, 

 and even in his latest years had his hair dressed 

 and powdered twice, or three times daily. Every 

 Sunday he exhibited himself after service to the 

 peasantry of Montbarcl, dressed in a rich lace garment, 

 and attended by his son and principal retainers. 



In the private character of Buffon, we regret there is 

 not much to praise ; his disposition was kind and bene- 

 \ lent, and he was generally beloved by his inferiors, 

 followers, and dependents, which were numerous over 

 his extensive property ; he was strictly honourable, 

 and was an affectionate parent. In early youth he 

 had entered into the pleasures and dissipations of life, 

 and licentious habits seem to have been retained to the 

 last. But the great blemish in such a mind was hi? 

 declared infidelity ; it presents one of those exceptions 

 Xiong the persons who have been devoted to the study 

 of Nature ; and it is not easy to imagine a mind ap- 

 parently with such powers, scarcely acknowledging a 

 Creator, and when noticed, only by an arraignment for 



