This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 Excerpt: ...selections from the volumes before us. We now close for the present by appending a string of these, taken with no great care of selection. First let us give a batch of notices of Sydney Smith--some of them admirable: 27th. Breakfasted at Rogers's: Sydney Smith, Lord Cawdor, G. Fortesque, and Warburton. Smith, full of comicality and fancy; kept us all in roars of laughter. In talking of the stories about dram-drinkers catching fire, pursued the idea in every possible shape. The inconvenience of a man coming too near the candle when he was speaking, " Sir, your observation has caught fire." Then imagined a parson breaking into a blaze in the pulpit; the engines called to put him out; no water to be had, the man at the waterworks being an Unitarian or an Atheist. Said of some one " He has no command over his understanding; it is always getting between his legs and tripping him up." Left Rogers's with Smith, to go and assist him in choosing a grand pianoforte; found him (as I have often done before) change at once from the gay, uproarious way, into as solemn, grave, and austere a person as any bench of judges or bishops could supply: this I rather think his natural character. Called with him at Newton's to see my picture: said in his gravest manner to Newton," Could n't you contrive to throw into his face somewhat of a stronger expression of hostility to the Church establishment " Went with him from thence to two pianoforte makers: chose one at woods. Dined at Agar Ellis's: company, Lord and Lady Harewood, the Archbishop of York, and his wife and daughter; Greville, Lord and Lady Clifton, Sydney Smith, etc. Sat next to Sydney Smith, right opposite Lord Harewood and the Archbishop I an odd conjunction of signs. Some demonstrations o...