258 Reminiscences of the late Mr. Whitney. 
during his excursion through the Eastern States in 1816. It is per- 
fectly characteristic of Mr. Whitney that his attention was directed 
even to the mangers for the cattle, and to their fastenings. The latter 
are so contrived, by means of a small weight at the end of the 
halter, that the animal could always move his head with facility, but 
could not draw out the rope so as to become entangled in it, not 
could he easily waste his hay. The fastenings of the doors, as well 
as all the other appendages and accommodations are equally in- 
genious. 
The great water wheels, which move the machinery of the manu- 
factory, are constructed entirely of wrought iron, combining the great- 
est strength, durability and beauty, with a projectile power like that 
of the fly-wheels in steam engines. ‘They are elegant objects, espe- 
cially when in motion. 
Mr. Whitney did not forget the domestic arrangements of his own 
house, which contained many specimens of that ingenuity which he 
evinced in common things, as well as in those that are more important, 
The several drawers of his bureaus were locked by a single move- 
ment of one key of a peculiar construction, and an attempt to open 
any drawer except one, would prove ineffectual, even with the right 
key, which however, being applied in the proper place, threw all the 
bolts at one movement. These bureaus are now in the house of 
Mrs. Whitney. 
During the decline of his health, and especially during his severest 
attacks, I was with him almost daily, and saw how intensely his pow 
erful and acute mind was directed to his own case, of which he mace 
himself perfect master.* It has been already stated in the memol!, 
that his health was subverted, and his life ultimately terminated by # 
very painful local affection, brought on, as he informed me, by & 
posure and fatigue during the last of his land journeys, through N wi 
Carolina, on his way to Georgia, to assert his just claims, $° long 
oe 
+g coun- 
* Such was the remark made to him by one of the greatest surgeons alert . 
try, who, after a painful examination in one of the great cities, gave 
agement to hope for any permanent relief. 
: fatal 
t Not only of the prostrate gland, but of the vicinal organs; this << were 
disease of Mr. Whitney’s illustrious friend, the late President Dwight; pich this 
removed most painfully, from life, two of the greatest and most useful men W 
country has produced. 
