ALEXANDER WILSON, 
Ixxxiii 
inches,) handsome and vigorous, inclining to the slender, 
rather than the athletic. Even when a poor Paisley weaver, 
he was remarkable for neatness of appearance, and for an 
air superior to his condition — as if the native dignity of his 
mind shone through his mien and bearing. His counte- 
nance, tinged with melancholy, was expressive of deep 
reflection ; his eye, penetrating and intelligent, especially 
when engaged in conversation. His eyebrows were 
strikingly arched, and his hair, which was dark and glossy, 
hung down over his shoulders.* Strong good sense, high 
moral worth, and a lofty spirit of independence, were the 
characteristic features of his mind. His conversational 
powers were greatly superior to those of the men with 
whom he was accustomed to associate ; and he acquired, 
in consequence, like Burns, somewhat of a dictatorial 
manner. There was a quickness, a strength, and an 
originality in his remarks, indicating mental endowments 
of a very high order ; and where did ever such endowments 
exist, without their possessor being conscious of their 
presence ? In no respect was his character more estimable, 
* Such is the account of his personal appearance, which we 
have been able to draw from the recollections of his friends in 
this country ; and it seems borne out by the engraving prefixed 
to this volume, the original of which was painted by James 
Craw, when Wilson was in his twenty-second year. The parti- 
culars preserved by his American biographer possess no little 
interest, exhibiting him as he was at a more advanced period of 
life, when moving in a more intelligent class of society than 
his youth had been accustomed to, and engaged in his favourite 
researches among the woods : “ In his person,” says Mr Ord, 
i( he was of a middle stature, of a thin habit of body ; his cheek- 
bones projected, and his eyes, though hollow, displayed consi- 
derable vivacity and intelligence; his complexion was sallow, 
his mien thoughtful ; his features were coarse, and there was a 
dash of vulgarity in his physiognomy, which struck the observer 
at the first view, but which failed to impress one on acquaintance. 
His walk was quick when travelling, — so much so, that it was 
difficult for a companion to keep pace with him ; but when in 
the forest, in pursuit of birds, he was deliberate and attentive — - 
he was, as it were, all eyes, and all ears.” 
