536 MEMOIR OF 



early acquaintance with that eminent and amiable man, and 

 he executed it with the simplicity almost of filial reverence and 

 affection. 



The year 1779 was distinguished in this country by the ap- 

 pearance of the celebrated periodical paper, The Mirror. Of 

 the progress of a work which, both in its design and execution, 

 did so much honour to Scotland, Mr Tytler could not be an 

 indifferent spectator. Although not properly a member of the 

 Society, he was yet the friend of all who were known to be 

 members of it. To the beauty and excellence of the serious 

 papers in this work, Mr Tytler felt that nothing could be 

 added ; but it seemed to him that something was wanting up- 

 on the side of levity and gaiety ; not only for the purpose of 

 temporary popularity, but to give to the serious papers them- 

 selves their proper importance and relief. With this view, he 

 contributed to the Mirror the papers, Nos. 17. 37. 59. and 79. ; 

 and in 1785, to the Lounger, the papers, No. 7. 9. 24. 44. 67. 

 70. 79. 



Of these papers the original manuscript happens still to re- 

 main ; and it affords a very pleasing memorial of the manner 

 in which Mr Tytler was accustomed to pass his most vacant 

 hours. The manuscript occupies the blank leaves of some 

 sketch-books with which Mr Tytler always travelled, for the 

 purpose of landscape-drawing, and was written at inns, in the 

 evenings after the journeys of the day were done. It was in 

 this manner that the chearful activity of his mind found em- 

 ployment and amusement every where \ and that the hours 

 which most men pass in indolence or fretfulness, were passed 

 happily by him, in the offices of friendship, or in the enjoyments 

 of elegant composition. 



On the institution of the Royal Society in the year 1783, 

 Mr Tytler was one of its constituent members, and was un- 

 animously 



