Scoresby the Whaler.

A VOLUME of "Memorials of the Sea," has just been made public by the Rev. Dr. Scoresby, who, we may presume, raises this little monument to his parent's memory not less for example's sake, than out of filial affection and grateful remembrance. The author's aim has been to present a faithful portraiture of his progenitor, to show us what manner of man he was; and we shall endeavor to transfer a sketch of the picture to our columns, for the edification of such readers as are interested in the study of human effort and perseverance. There ought to be something worth reading in the history of a man whose memoir comprises two hundred and thirty-two pages.

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The name of Scoresby, it appears, is limited to one or two families in the north of England, most of whom have been of the yeoman class, with the reputation of good citizens and worthy members of society. There are, however, two or there exceptions to the uniform level: a Walter Scourby was "bayliffe of York" in 1312; another, Thomas, was lord mayor of the same city in 1463; and a second Thomas represented it in parliament in the reign of Edward III. So much for ancestral honors and dignities; and we pass to the individual who more immediately claims our attention. He was born in May, 1760, at Nutholm, about twenty miles from Whitby; went to an endowed school in the adjoining village of Cropton during the fine season only, as the distance was considerable, and the roads were uncomfortable in winter. Even these scanty ways and means of knowledge were cut off when William Scoresby grew to his ninth year: he was then placed with a farmer, and underwent the "rudiments" of cattlefeeding. In this situation he plodded on for more than ten years, until "unpleasant treatment" caused him to resent the indignity by walking to Whitby, and binding himself apprentice to a Quaker ship owner for three years. He then went to his father's house, and informed his parents of what had occurred, and returned forthwith to the farm to fulfil his duties until a successor should be appointed to his place. His next care was to set to work on such studies as might be useful in his new vocation, and so employ the interval prior to the sailing of the ship in the spring of 1780.

Mr. Scoresby here draws a paralled between his father

an1 Captain Cook: natives of the same county, both began life with farming work, though the great circumnavigator was afterwards apprenticed to a general shopkeeper; in which service, having been unjustly suspected of stealing "a new and fresh-looking shilling" from his master's till, he determined, if he could get permission to do so, to leave his employment as a shop-keeper, and, indulging a stronglyimbibed prepossession, turn to the sea. The result is well known.

According to agreement, Scoresby went a second time to Whitby in February to ratify his engagement; and finding that his services would not be required before April, he set out to return home on foot the same day, being desirous of losing no time from his studies. More than half the road lay across a wild uninhabited moorland district. Night had set in when a furious snow-storm surprised him; all