6 Memoir of Mr. John Legg, of Market Lavington, Wilts. 



now that such an hypothesis was untenable, yet it prevailed even 

 among men of scientific attainments ; but our anonymous author, 

 more keenly alive to the truth, rejected these old-world fables, and 

 boldly announced that migration beyond seas was the true solution 

 of the problem; and doubtless his assertion, though long since 

 recognized as the truth, drew down upon him the scorn and ridicule 

 of many of his contemporaries. 



How far this treatise was read, and how far its theory was 

 accepted, we have no means of knowing ; but that it must have 

 attracted some notice is evident by the fact that a second edition 

 appeared almost immediately after its issue in 1780, " printed in 

 London for Stanley Crowder, Bookseller, No. 12, Paternoster Row, 

 and B. C. Collings, Salisbury. " Again a reprint was issued in 

 "London in 1795 by J. Walker, No. 44, Paternoster Row" ; and 

 once more this reprint was re-issued in " London in 1814," with a 

 new title-page, "Printed for John Brunsby, 33, Castle Street, 

 Leicester Square," and instead of " By a Naturalist," we read, " By 

 George Edwards," which, however, was only a rash guess on the 

 part of the publisher, and a very mistaken guess, as we now know. 

 The only clue to the true authorship of this book, as contained 

 within its covers, is that with the date at the end of the Introduction 

 (page ix.) is given the place where it was written, "Market 

 Lavington, Wilts " : and again, at page 6 the author gives his 

 residence as " Market Lavington, in Wiltshire." 



By the same author, and at the same date (February 1st, 1780), 

 and by the same publishers, another pamphlet of similar size and 

 shape (pages viii. and 52), also in paper covers, was anonymously 

 issued, entitled : — 



*' A new Treatise on the art of Grafting and Inoculation : wherein the different 

 methods are copiously considered ; the most successful pointed out ; and every 

 thing relative to these ancient healthful and agreeable Amusements, exhibited 

 in so clear and comprehensive a manner, as will enable those who are perfectly 

 unacquainted with this Department of Gardening, to become Masters of it in a 

 very short time. To which are added directions for chusing (sic) the best Stocks 

 for that purpose, and many curious experiments lately made by the author 

 calculated in a peculiar manner for the use and advantage of the Gardener, as 

 well as for those who would wish to make this rural and pleasing exercise, a part of 

 their amusement. By an experienced Practitioner in this branch of Gardening." 



