facetious associates wrote them on an illuminated lantern that he might
read them when he came upon the stage. Such is the way in which
anecdotes are manufactured, and conclusions of absence or imbecility
drawn. The speech of the ghost written on the paper lantern formed part
of the humour of the burlesque. Men, dull in comprehending the
eccentricities of genius, set down what passes their own understanding
to the account of the other's stupidity."

Here our notice of the Life of Hogarth would end, did we not feel
inclined to venture a word or two respecting the omission of Hogarth's
_Tailpiece_, engraved in Ireland's "Life," and there described as his
last work. With the superstitious tale attached to it almost every one
is familiar; yet some notice ought surely to have been taken of the
story, even had it only been to expose its falsehood and absurdity.

We find that we have proceeded but half through the volume, so that
Wilson, Reynolds, and Gainsborough must remain for another number.

* * * * *



SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.


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_Microscopic Objects._