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1817.] transition is made, from a well-merited compliment to Mrs Grant, the celebrated writer of the Letters from the Mountains, to the many persons of learning and genius whom Scotland has in modern times produced; an attempt is made to characterize their peculiar endowments; and the Epistle concludes with some personal feelings and hopes, and fears and aspirations, of the author, in a supposed colloquy between himself and the enlightened friend with whom he holds his poetical correspondence.

The principal merit of this poem is the very great skill with which the character of epistolary composition is preserved. Though abounding in description, the writer always bears in mind, that the person to whom he is writing is as familiar with the objects described as he himself is; and, therefore, he rather recalls the remembrance of them by short and vivid touches than by any protracted and laborious delineation. It is an admirable specimen of a poetical journal.

The following passage has, we think, very extraordinary merit—it is simple, clear, and descriptive.

The Poet describes equally well the beautiful scenery of Balachuilish—the savage solitude of Glencoe—the quiet serenity of Glenroy—and the dream-like and breathless slumber of Loch Laggan. We quote the description of the last scene, for the sake of the elegant tribute to the genius of a most excellent person.

The second Epistle is addressed to the Poet's Wife, and contains remembrances of, and reflections on, all the most interesting feelings and incidents of his boyish and youthful days, interspersed with grateful acknowledgments of his present happiness, and many affecting expressions of contentment with his peaceful lot. That man is to be pitied, who can read this Epistle without sincere admiration of the writer's accomplishments, and affection for his amiable and simple character. What can be more touching than the following remembrance of his boyish happiness?

"Free as the gales, and early as the dawn: Forth did we fly along the level lawn,