being reported to the regent, his highness drove away; and caused it to be signified to his lordship that his appearance at court would be dispensed with. This coolness continued for some months: but the earl, hearing of some naval equipments which he could not look at with indifference, forced his way to an audience; when he argued with so much spirit, and shewed such an intimate acquaintance with the most secret designs of the different courts on the continent, that the regent was forced to acknowledge some very deep and extensive machinations against the tranquillity of Britain.

In short, his abilities had such an ascendancy over the regent before he left France, that his highness, being once publicly asked what part he would take in the troubles of the north, answered, "Just what the British ambassador pleases." Nor was he less acceptable to the people in general; he was benevolent and charitable, and endeared to the lower rank by his splendour and hospitality.

Indeed the honour of his country had ever been the ruling motive of the earl of Stair. He had involved himself considerably in debt, in supporting his high character at the French court; and being unwilling to contract the scale of his magnificence, he solicited and obtained his recall. The king however was so well pleased with the conduct of his ambassador, that he declared he would have created him a duke, had not the law of the Union opposed it; and evinced such a sense of his fidelity, that no praise could go beyond it. The people, on the other hand, echoed back the praises of their sovereign; and every voice resounded with applause. The favour of George the First remained unabated to the last, and on the accession of George the Second he was received into the same confidence. In addition to the other honourable posts which he held, he was made lord-admiral of Scotland in 1730: but no allurements could divert him from what he considered as his duty to his country; and

when the plan of an excise was first brought into parlia ment by sir Robert Walpole, he was one of those who opposed it on the purest principles, and soon after resigned all his places. Yet he shewed no hostility against the minister, and on every occasion behaved with a moderation suitable to the dignity of his character.

Being disencumbered of office, his lordship now betook himself to the practice of agriculture; and by the improvements which he introduced in that art, was no less beneficial to his country than when in his proudest exaltation. He was still visited and caressed by all who were estimable in worth, celebrated for talents, or dig nified by rank. In urbanity, and colloquial fascination, he had no equal; and the excellent qualities of his heart equalled his brightest acquired accomplishments.

While employed in rural pursuits, a change of ministry took place; a war was on the point of breaking out, and his lordship was again invited into the service of his country. With the approbation of every good subject, and of every true Briton, he was, in 1742, made field-marshal of his majesty's forces, and ambassador-extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the States-general. The king now, emancipated from the counsels of Walpole, received him with a degree of tenderness and affection which convinced every spectator how much his majesty esteemed him; and soon afterwards sent him to Holland; where his eloquence and arguments had so much weight, that the States were not tardy in adopting the views of the British court.

To enumerate every praise-worthy action of this great general and politician, would swell this article to an improper length. At the successful battle of Dettingen, where he was commander-in-chief, he shewed the same unshaken courage, spirit, and intrepidity, as had adorned his youthful years; but finding active service too laborious at this season of life, he petitioned soon after to resign, and resumed his rural occupations with fresh delight.

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JOHN DALRYMPLE, EARL OF STAIR.

However, on the breaking out of the rebellion in 1745, he repaired to court, and made an offer of his services; which were gladly accepted. He accompanied the duke of Cumberland to Edinburgh, and assisted his operations. This was the last public service which he was able to perform. His health gradually gave way, or rather age asserted its sovereign sway over his constitution, and in May, 1747, he breathed his last.

The noble youth whose bosom beats high for Glory, and who views her temple within his reach, will contemplate the character of field-marshal the earl of Stair with emulation and delight; while those whose prospects are more limited, may copy this illustrious pattern in all the virtues of his heart, with pleasure and advantage. Equally fitted for camps or courts, he shone in hoth with distin guished lustre. His honour was unimpeached, and his veracity would by no subterfuge admit any degree of deception. He was great without pride, just without rigour, and bountiful without ostentation. His soul melted at distress; and his hand was ever open to relieve merit, or his favour ready to raise and cherish it. In a word, he possessed accomplishments and virtues which benefited his king, exalted his country, and dignified human nature.

In person he was above the ordinary stature, but graceful and handsome in an uncommon degree. His deportment inspired respect; and on his countenance was imprinted the soft smile of benignity, the emanation of a humane and virtuous heart. Indeed, all his personal graces were but so many indications of the superior beauties of his mind; and the love and admiration which he attracted were paid less as compliments to his exalted rank and station, than as a just tribute to his genuine worth.

SIR HANS SLOAN E.

Born 1660.-Died 1752.

From 11th Charles II., to 25th George II. THOSE who smooth the road to sciences or literature, and facilitate the acquisition to others, are often more permanently useful than such as are supereminently learned themselves. The greatest personal or mental acquirements die with the possessors; but those who labour that others may be wise, benefit all posterity. The founders of schools, of colleges, of lectures, and of libraries, are therefore entitled to no mean praise; and their fame deserves to live in the genius which they have excited, the patronage which they have bestowed, and the facilities which they have afforded to learning and to knowledge.

A's an author, Sloane was distinguished for one work only, the Natural History of Jamaica; as a naturalist and physician, he had equals, if not superiors; but, as the founder of that excellent institution the British Museum, he claims a place in the temple of British worthies.

Hans Sloane was a native of Killaleagh, in the north of Ireland; but of Scotch extraction. His first dawnings of intellect discovered a strong propensity to researches into the mysteries of nature, and the curiosities of art; and his parents, with a judgment which merits praise, encouraged his taste by a suitable education. Natural History was his delight; and by an easy transition, he adopted the medical art as a profession.

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perfect himself in this he repaired to London, the general repository of knowledge; where he attended the public lectures in every branch of science connected with his favourite pursuits.

Though so young, and without the recommendation of great alliances, he had the happiness to attract the notice of the amiable Boyle and the inquisitive Ray: the former,

one of the greatest experimental philosophers that ever lived; the latter, the best naturalist and botanist of his age. Under the auspices of these gentlemen, Sloane improved his natural abilities, and cultivated his particular taste to a high degree. A similarity of pursuits made them friends, and the young student was not ungrateful for the patronage which he received.

Having spent four years in London with unremitted attention to his favourite studies, he was advised to travel for further improvement. The university of Paris, at that time, was distinguished for its eminent professors in every branch of the healing art; and there Sloane deter mined to become a pupil. Meanwhile he frequented the hospitals, contracted an acquaintance with the most distinguished physicians, and every where experienced that reception which is due to science and to talents.

As a candidate for a solid reputation in the first ranks of his profession, he omitted no opportunity of acquiring knowledge; he thought no pains too great that opened a new field of improvement. From Paris he went, with warm and ample recommendations, to the most illustrious physicians and naturalists at Montpelier, a situation peculiarly favourable for botanical researches; and here he spent a whole year in the captivating investigation of nature's spontaneous productions.

About the close of 1684, Sloane returned to London; where he resolved to settle, and practise as a physician. His fame had preceded him; and the immortal Sydenham, a man too great to be tinctured with the meanness of professional jealousy, took him under not only his patronage but his roof, and introduced him with the warmest zeal to his friends. Thus in superior minds we find a generosity of sentiment which disdains all selfish considerations; while groveling souls are absorbed in private views, and hate that excellence which they cannot reach. The compliment paid by Sydenham to the young