with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

S04
him in the general preface. It was his misfortune to
be continually drawn aside from the business of his
employers by the delight he took in prosecuting ex-
periments in chemistry, electricity, and mechanics,
which consumed a large portion of his time and
money. He conducted for some time, with success,
a manufacturing process for preparing Magnesia, of
which he was the inventor ;
but after he had disclosed
his secret to the gentleman at whose expense it was
carried on, he was dismissed, without obtaining
either a share in the business, or a suitable compen-
sation for his services. He was the first in Scotland
who adventured in a fire-balloon, constructed upon
the plan of Montgolfier. He ascended from Comely
Garden, amidst the acclamations of an immense
multitude, and descended at the distance of a quarter
of a mile, owing to some unforeseen defect in the
machinery. The failure of this adventure deprived
him of the public favour and applause, and increased
his pecuniary difficulties. He again had recourse to
his pen for subsistence, and amidst the drudgery of
writing, and the cares which pressed upon him daily,
he exhilarated his spirits, at intervals, with a tune on
the Irish bagpipe, which he played with much sweet-
ness, interposing occasionally a song of his own com-
position, sung with great animation. A solace of
this kind was well suited to the simplicity of his