mirth, but eccentricity alone could control risibility on such pro- 

 vocation, and excite feelings of such asperity. 



Colonel Hill, Mr. Kirwan's son-in-law, now more than eighty 

 years of age, has thus described to me the occupation of Mr. Kir- 

 wan's day. He rose at four o'clock in summer, and half an hour 

 later in winter, and descended to his study, which consisted of two 

 rooms, each having a fire at all seasons. These rooms were fur- 

 nished with presses all round; they were filled with books, and 

 when they would hold no more, the tables became gradually 

 covered, and at length the floor. Here he remained until nine 

 o'clock, when tea and toast were brought to him. He then com- 

 pleted his toilet ; walked out for exercise or business, but always 

 followed by his carriage; returned at two; resumed his studies 

 until five; dined in his study; descended to the drawing-room, 

 where he met his daughters and visitors, this being the hour for 

 their admission. Such was the uniform tenor of his private life 

 while he resided in Cavendish-row ; and he would not allow any 

 infringement on his habits. 



But he had public evenings : each Wednesday at six o'clock 

 was the time appointed for the admission of his friends, and then 

 they were politely and hospitably received. At seven the knocker 

 was removed from the hall-door, and this was the signal to persons 

 arriving at that hour that he was not to be seen ; for he felt disin- 

 clined to disturb his guests with introductions or the noise of the 

 knocker. Those already admitted were entertained with tea and 

 coffee, and other refreshments, but above all with conversation 

 enriched by extensive knowledge, travel, and intercourse with the 

 most remarkable men of the age. During this interval Mr. Kirwan 

 sat or reclined on a sofa, rolled in a cloak, and another thrown over 

 his lower limbs, his hat on, a long screen behind him, and a 

 blazing fire before him, no matter whether winter or the dog-days. 

 He always solicited permission from his company to wear his hat, 

 and was allowed the privilege of wearing it even in Courts of 

 justice ; nay, he wore it at the levees of the Lords Lieutenant, 

 which he constantly attended in the capacity of a state officer, being 

 Inspector- General of His Majesty's Mines in Ireland. 



After entertaining his company until nine o'clock in summer, or 



