flew my kite, and obtained abundance of sparks. An old woman, curious to see what I was about, it was too tempting an opportunity not to give her a shock, which so frightened her, that she spread abroad a report in the village that I was no better than I should be; for that I was drawing down fire from heaven. The alarm ran through the village, and my poor mother entreated me to lay aside my kite.

My object was chiefly that of extending the small portion of mathematics, which the occasional master of Town Bank had been able to give me; but without any one to apply to for assistance, when I found myself at a loss, which frequently happened. I was sometimes disposed to shut my book; but, at this early period of life, I had an inherent and inveterate hatred of idleness; and that feeling has continued to haunt me until the advanced stage of human existence, at which I am now writing. In the midst of this dilemma I was informed that there lived, in the hills, an old farmer, of the name of Gibson, who went among his neighbours by the appellation of the wise-man, on account of his profound knowledge on almost every subject; that he had the reputation of being a thorough mathematician; that he made his own almanac, and could calculate eclipses-in short, like the village schoolmaster

"Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage,
And e'en the story ran that he could gage."

I determined to see this rustic wonder, and for that purpose walked some eight or nine miles into the hilly country, and was so much gratified with the information he gave me, on certain points that had floundered me; and with such good will, urbanity, and patience

withal, did he insense me, (as Doctor Wollaston would have said,) that I repeated my visit three or four times; and should have gone, at least once more, before quitting home, had I not felt somewhat ashamed to trouble him on that occasion, which was the following.

I had puzzled myself for a couple of days and nights with a problem in Simson's Conic Sections, which, without consulting any one, I found myself so much perplexed and confused, as to despair of ever being able to master: the failure preyed on my mind. On a future night I tried once more, and, after a vain attempt, fell into a disturbed sleep, in the course of which I became busily at work with my problem, or more correctly, perhaps, I dreamed to be so; and the result was, a true and satisfactory solution. In the morning, in full recollection of my dream, I took up my slate and pencil, and easily sketched out the solution. On mentioning the circumstance, in after years, to Doctor Young, he told me it was by no means an unusual case, and that many instances are on record of intricate points being unravelled in dreams, or disturbed sleep.

I have not yet finished with Mr. Gibson. From my acquaintance with him resulted an epoch in the progress of my life, which will be noticed hereafter in its proper place.

SECTION II.

Residence and Employment in Liverpool.

I NOW began seriously to reflect on my situation as far as regarded myself, but much more so with reference to my good parents, particularly as the views I took, regarding the future employment of my life, did not exactly correspond with theirs. My father, having been brought up among the Cumberland farmers of the mountains, had imbibed their notions respecting the clergy, whom they venerated so highly, as to persuade themselves that salvation was most likely to be secured to the family, by the introduction of one of the sons into the Church. No wonder, therefore, he should be anxious to educate me for the clerical profession. I had a serious objection to enter into holy orders; I did not conceive that I was calculated for that sacred profession; besides, without a college education, there was no chance of my being ordained, and I pressed this point on my father's attention. A friend, however, he said, had told him that, at a small expense, he could send me, as a servitor, or sizar, to one of the universities. My parents and myself were most regular attendants at church; and though of a serious turn of mind, as I was by nature and disposition, I could not bring myself to think, that I ever should be reconciled to the clerical office, and therefore was desirous rather, discouraging as the prospect seemed, to take my chance a little longer, in the hope that something might turn up, to afford me employment more suitable to my feelings.

About this time, when I had just passed my fourteenth year, a lady from Liverpool called one day at the cottage, when I happened to be at home, and said, without ceremony, that she came from a friend of ours, and that her visit was to me; that her husband's name was Walker, the proprietor of a considerable ironfoundry in Liverpool; and that in the course of her visit to the north, he had wished her to look out for an active and intelligent youth, to superintend the workmen and keep the accounts of the factory, under the guidance and instruction of one who, from age and infirmity, could not long continue his employment; that the youth would live in the family; that they had one son of about ten years of age, who, being of a weakly habit, it was their object to give him instruction at home, at least for some time to come. "Now," she said, "from the character I have heard of you at Ulverstone, and from age and appearance (perhaps a little too young), I think you would answer our purpose; and I may say, I am prepossessed in your favour; and if you think that such an appointment would suit you, I will write to my husband to mention you to him."

This flattering conversation could not fail to captivate at once a youth of fourteen; and having no relish for an inactive life, seeing no prospect of immediate employment, and anxious to relieve my parents from the increasing expense of maintaining me at home, I thanked Mrs. Walker, and said I should most gratefully accept an offer so kindly made, should Mr. Walker be of the same opinion with herself. The offer was made, on the lady's reaching home, and I lost no time

in proceeding to. Liverpool and joining my new friends and new abode in St. Thomas's Buildings.

The establishment of the iron-foundry was not very extensive, but it supplied labour to a considerable number and variety of workmen-foremen, moulders, carpenters, blacksmiths, and model-makers. There was also machinery for boring cannon, and other purposes. My duty was to overlook the workmen, to keep an account of the labour performed and to enter it in the books, to pay the weekly wages, to make the entries of all the metals received and of the manufactured goods delivered. I signed articles binding myself to serve three years; my salary was just enough to keep me handsomely in clothing and a little pocket-money.

Not long after my arrival, among the visitors of the manufactory was an Italian, from Naples, of the name of Leonardi, whose business in Liverpool, he told me, was to ascend in a balloon, the first he believed that had been sent up in England-at least, with any person in it; and as his was intended to be inflated with inflammable gas, he wished to know if he could be supplied with iron filings to produce it. We were just now boring up old guns for the merchants, war being declared against France and Spain, and there were plenty of borings to spare. This new species of flight into the air took hold of my fancy; the borings were supplied, and, with the permission (not readily granted) of Mr. Walker, I prevailed on Leonardi to let me accompany him, to which he made no objection, provided the balloon would rise with both, which was a point he could not say: however, when the day of trial came, the balloon was found wanting; it rose tardily