MEMOIR OP DR. WALKER. 
43 
effect, had not Mr. Smellie been induced by the 
booksellers to undertake a translation of Buffons 
“ Natural History of the Earth and of Quadru- 
peds,” then in the full bloom of its reputation. 
"When the Professors health began visibly to 
decline, about twelve months before his decease, 
he applied for the succession, and had then the sup- 
port of Lord Karnes ; after his death, however, his 
lordship refused to make any application, but Sir 
John Dalrymple of Cousland warmly espoused his 
cause, and his letters afford a little insight into the 
principles upon which professorships were to be ob- 
tained. In one to Mr. Smellie, he tells him that the 
minister of the day (Lord North) had given the 
disposal of everything in Edinburgh to Thomas, 
afterwards Lord, Dundas of Kerse, M.P., to enable 
him to keep the town ; “ I will write to him with 
all my heart ; but as he is pushed in Edinburgh by 
the Duke of Buccleuch, and is like to he pushed in 
Stirlingshire by the Duke of Argyle, he is forced to 
give everything -with a view to his politics, much 
against the natural turn of one of the best heads 
and hearts I am acquainted with.” And afterwards, 
in another to the representative, — “ Smellie, besides 
being very able for the business, has this advantage, 
that he lives close to Edinburgh, is much liked, and 
has a sagacious insinuating address, which may 
make him useful to you in your politics; and he 
will go through fire and vrater to do anything I bid 
him, provided it is not wrong !” Mr. Smellie, in 
his own behalf, was likewise constrained to appeal 
