the great invention of the improved steam-engine. Nothing could have been more happy than this connection, which lasted more than a quarter of a century, and issued in the successful completion of the arduous undertaking. Assisted by the expert artisans now placed at his command, Watt completed, by the latter end of 1774, his fourth model engine, which, after careful examination, was deemed highly satisfactory. Yet the patentees well knew that much still remained to be done before it could be brought into extensive operation; that costly machinery must be constructed, to aid in the production of new engines; and that a protracted struggle with ignorance and prejudice must be expected before any remuneration could be hoped for. Of the spirited manner in which the mercantile part of the affair was conducted, some idea may be formed from the fact that more than £47,000 were spent before any profits were realized; but at length they began to pour in, and in no scanty measure.

Of the private character of this extraordinary man, a most pleasing account is given by Lord Jeffrey, who observes that perhaps no individual in his age possessed so much and such varied information; he had read so much, and remembered what he had read so accurately and well. His stores of general knowledge were immense, and still more astonishing was the command he always had over them. It seemed as if every subject casually started in conversation was that which he was best acquainted with. In social discourse he made everything so clear, plain,

and intelligible, that all were instructed and pleased; and being of a generous and affectionate disposition, he was always ready to impart information, and to assist and encourage those who applied to him for advice or help. An interesting picture is drawn of his personal appearance and manner, by a lady* who knew him when she was a child, and who thus describes the impression he made in society :-" His eye and countenance were calm, as if patiently investigating or quietly contemplating his object. His utterance was slow and unimpassioned, deep and low in tone, with a broad Scottish accent; his manners gentle, modest, and unassuming. In a company where he was not known, unless spoken to, he might have tranquilly passed the whole time in pursuing his own meditations. But this could not well happen; for, in point of fact, everybody practically knew the infinite variety of his talents and stores of knowledge. When Mr. Watt entered a room, men of science, men of letters, nay, military men, artists, ladies, even little children, thronged round him. I remember a celebrated Swedish artist having been instructed by him that rats' whiskers make the most pliant and elastic painting-brush. Ladies would appeal to him on the best means of devising grates, curing smoky chimneys, warming their houses, and obtaining fast colours. can speak from experience of his teaching me how to make a dulcimer and improve a Jew's-harp. On one occasion Mr. Watt visited Paris. It so happened that

Mrs. Schimmelpenninck.

I

while going through one of the palaces,-I believe the Tuileries, a French housemaid appeared much perplexed concerning some bright English stoves which had just been received, and which she knew not how to clean. An English gentleman was standing by, to whom she appealed for information. This was the

great statesman Charles James Fox; he could give no help. But,' said he, 'here is a countryman of mine who will tell you all about it.' This was Mr. Watt, to whom he was at the moment talking, and who accordingly gave full instructions as to the best mode of cleaning a bright grate." This anecdote Mrs. Watt used to tell with great diversion.

This illustrious man, and great public benefactor, attained the advanced age of eighty-four. As his death approached, he was perfectly conscious of his situation, and calm in the prospect of approaching eternity, expressing his thankfulness for the length of days he had been permitted to enjoy, and for the quiet and cheerful evening of life granted him after the prolonged labours of life had terminated.

His useful and honourable course had secured him the admiration of all the great and good men of his day, and when he sank to the grave, the whole nation hastened to pay to his memory the tribute which all acknowledged was his due. "The civilized world," says his distinguished biographer (Lord Brougham), "is filled with imperishable records of his genius, and the grateful recollection of the whole species embalms his memory." In Westminster Abbey is

the noble monument raised to him by the genius of Chantrey-it is his greatest work ;-and the inscription it bears, written by the pen of Lord Brougham, is so beautiful that we transcribe it here :

"Not to perpetuate a Name

Which must endure while the peaceful arts flourish,
But to shew

That mankind have learned to honour
Who best deserve their gratitude :
The King,

His Ministers, and many of the Nobles
And Commoners of the realm,
Raised this monument to

JAMES WATT;

Who, directing the force of an original genius,
Early exercised in philosophic research,
To the improvement of

THE STEAM ENGINE,

Enlarged the resources of his country,
Increased the power of Man,

And rose to an eminent place

Among the most illustrious followers of Science
And the real benefactors of the world.

Born at Greenock, 1736.

Died at Heathfield, in Staffordshire, 1819.

Surely such a tribute must make the heart of every

Englishman and every philanthropist rejoice!

JOSIAS WEDGWOOD

Born 1730-Died 1795.

They have embodied classical models in a domestic manufacture, like the Wedgwood china."-QUARTERLY REVIEW.

DURING the reign of Queen Elizabeth attempts were made to establish factories of pottery in England; and in the following century a species of enamelled stone-ware was produced in Staffordshire; but little of importance was accomplished till a second Palissy arose in England, in the person of Josias Wedgwood. The career of this remarkable man ranged from 1760 to 1795. Under him the ceramic art in our own country was raised to a high standard of excellence, and from him the admirable productions of more recent periods must be considered to have been derived.

He was the younger son of a Staffordshire potter, and was born on the 12th July, 1730, at Burslem, the principal seat of the potteries. In order fully to appreciate the surprising improvements made by him in this branch of industrial art, it will be necessary to take a glance at the state of the manufacture before his time.

Earthenware is made in several parts of this country, but is so extensively produced in the north-west of