CONTENTS. ON MODERN CRITIQUES. Zimmerman's Opinion of the Press ON MODERN TASTE. Partiality, Prejudice, and Fashion...... Anecdote of a Lady of distinction... Result of the Exercise of Genius Anecdote of Professor Porson 14 Anecdote of the late Lord Erskine Expressive Eloquence of Brutes Opinion of the Captive Usurper on the Animal Creation 26 Athenian Veneration for Animals Plutarch's Definition of Goodness. Cato's patriotic Economy 23 25 27 ib. ib. Scrutiny to which Authors are exposed Division of the profits of their Labours.... ib. 31 32 33 ..... 35 36 ΤΟ HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF SUSSEX. SIR, PERSUADED that great minds are ever ready to make allowance for error, and inclined to encourage the humblest talents rather than to search for defects, I appear before your Royal Highness in the character I have ventured to assume, without fear, though with unaffected diffidence of conscious imperfections. The love of literature, science, and justice in the higher classes, and more particularly in a Prince, must act as a spur to genius, improve the public mind, and be of general benefit to the nation at large. As the friend to literature—the patron of science-rewarder of merit-and respecter of justice-I was induced to solicit the honor of dedicating this Volume to your Royal Highness; and not from any vain conceit of its being worthy of so distinguished a patronage, in any other way than the furnishing a few hints of national interest for others of greater capacity than myself to enlarge and improve upon. Should the observations I have made emulate any of my countrymen to enter, I will not say more warmly, but more ably, on subjects I have merely glanced at for their improvement, I shall be satisfied with the part I have taken. And should only one individual be brought to a conviction of his errors, and reform his manners, on beholding a representation of himself, I shall rejoice that my labours have not intirely been exerted in vain. Happy in this opportunity of testifying the high respect in which I hold your Royal Highness's judgment, and that you may live for many years to encourage genius, promote learning, and improve the public taste, is the sincere wish of Sir, Your Royal Highness's most devoted, most obedient, and most humble Servant, THE AUTHOR. Mrs. Burnet, May-Place, near Dartford, Kent....... 1 1 C. The Hon. Georgiana Craven The Venerable Archdeacon Coxe The Rev. W. Sherlock Carey, Ashburton Mrs. W. S. Carey, Ashburton.... The Rev. James Carnegie, Seaford Mrs. Carnegie, Seaford.... John Carnell, Esq. Tonbridge... Miss Chandler, Vauxhall... Rev. B. T. H. Cole, Warbleton |