APPENDIX. (87) 



him to lay out large fums, in the profecution of fome of his q'' "^R'^hu^ 

 projedls, without fufEcient oeconomy, and, of courfe, without 

 proper returns. His open, unfufpicious temper, alio, led him 

 frequently to put too much trufl and confidence in fome of 

 thofe who had the charge of his works, which proved to him. 

 the caufe of many cruel difappointments. But even from his 

 errors and failure the public have derived advantage ; and it is 

 furely indifputable, that a man, who pafTed fixty years in ac- 

 quiring knowledge, and enlightening his countrymen, is well 

 entitled to the gratitude of his country. During his life, his 

 public fervices were not altogether overlooked. He often met 

 with flattering marks of approbation from many liberal and 

 public fpirited. noblemen and gentlemen in this country ; and 

 the City of Edinburgh, then under the aufpices of Provofl 

 Drummond, when they honoured him with the freedom of 

 their City, was pleafed to add in his diploma, " That it was 

 given for eminent fervices done to his country." But enough 

 has not yet been done. Some farther tribute is due to his me- 

 mory : For there is a jufl debt of gratitude conftituted againft 

 the public, which cannot be confidered as difcharged, as long 

 as the Widow of Dr Roebuck, whofe fortune was funk in thefe 

 great undertakings, is left without any provilion for her imme- 

 diate or future fupport. 



END OF THE HISTORY, 



