Charles Waterton: his home, habits, and handiwork : reminiscences of an intimate and most confiding personal association for nearly thirty years

Front matter

Cornell Hntoeraitg ffithrarg

BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE

SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND

Preface To The First Edition

The readers of the following pages may, in all probability, enquire why I have taken upon myself to issue to the public this little Volume.

In anticipation of such very natural and reasonable interrogatories, in the present instance, I am determined to clear the decks and take time by the forelock, by stating that my replies, which are simple, shall be now expressed, and, I trust, that they will be generally satisfactory.

The late Mr. Waterton's tastes in the science of natural history, and the more especially, in consequence of his ardent and enthusiastic partiality for ornithological pursuits, were so similar and naturally so closely interwoven with my own, — they so agreeably harmonised, particularly in the ornithological department of this system, and were always worked out in such mutually familiar confidence for upwards of a quarter of a centuiy, — that no surviving friend ever possessed similarly favourable opportunities which I so long and so absolutely monopolised, for

VI PEBFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

acquiring an intimate and a positively detailed knowledge of the Squire's every-day habits, of witnessing his marvellous manipulating faculty, and of ascertaining his general and unreserved sentiments, particularly on all subjects associated with any branch of practical natural history.

Another reason, and one which I am delighted and proud to entertain and express, is my absolute .love for the Memory of the man who was so warmly, so faithfully attached, and so abiding a friend.

It also gives me infinite pleasure to enumerate a third and very important reason, viz., that the chief part of what I have written had the careful and generous sanction of Mr. Waterton himself, as to its accuracy in dates and in facts.

I can easily conceive, that the purely English reader may complain, and probably not without some apparent reason, that the following pages are loaded with too great a profusion of Latin quotations, but this was one of the Squire's habitual peculiarities, and therefore, not to have introduced .them, would have been incompatible with the profession on my part, that I would endeavour to faithfully delineate the true character of the man.

Mr. Waterton's Latin quotations were so frequently

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. Vli

mingled — so naturally and happily interspersed in his ordinary conversations with me, and apparently, with such an ease and freedom of expression, that I had, very repeatedly, extreme difficulty in remembering even a moiety of them.

I respectfully crave the kind indulgence of those who may peruse the following pages, and who may have calculated upon a more elaborate production, that they would deal gently with their Author, whose limbs were stretched on a bed of severe sickness, and whose life was in imminent danger at the very moment when the melancholy and ever-to-be-lamented accident occurred to his old friend, which so speedily cut short his earthly career, — terminating a life full of years, and distinguished as justly, as it had been profusely adorned to its close, by the highest esteem and veneration of all who had the good fortune to enjoy his friendship.

Independently of sickness, as an irresistible preventive to the final accomplishment of my anxious wishes, I deeply regret that unavoidable delay in the completion of the Illustrations, and other unforeseen circumstances, have unfortunately occurred to interfere with and materially delay the publication of this sketch of "the Home, Habits, and Handiwork" of the far-famed

V1U PREFACE TO THE FIEST EDITION.

subject of this Memoir. I can now, however, with some degree of certainty, and with a vast amount of pleasure truly quote the poet : —

"1 've reached the harbour, hope, and chance, adie'i ! You 've played with me, now play with others too."

EICHAED HOBSON.

LEEDS, August, 1866.

PEEFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The Author having been called upon* for so early a re-publication of this work, its original purchasers are entitled to explanation why this second issue should contain so much additional matter and yet be issued at less cost than the first.

On a careful re-perusal, however, he was mortified to discover the omission of many temporarily forgotten incidents familiarly exhibiting the genuine characteristics of " the old Squire " which were apparently worthy of record.

When apprised of the demand for another Edition, retrospective occurrences were reconnoitred, which showed that in justice to the living as well as in admiration of the memory of the dead, many endearing amenities and: essentially characteristic eventualities claimed a merited insertion in its pages, the admission of which he trusts, will exculpate him from the charge of any less worthy motive, the sundry preparations for a

X PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

first edition being always much more costly than any re-production, even with additional matter.

The Author tenders his cordial thanks for the frankly expressed approbation of the volume already before the public, not only by those with whom he is personally acquainted, but by many distinguished individuals, on whose friendship, or even acquaintance, he has no claim.

LEEDS, January, 1867.

LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS.

1. View of Walton Hall, in the distance, — of the Ancient Ruin,— and

of the Cast Iron Bridge . . . To face the Title Page.

2. Boulby's Sun Dial 9

3. Front View of Mansion on the Island, surrounded by the Lake , 18

4. The Cast Iron Bridge Approach to the House . . . .23

5. The Stable Department, covered with magnificent Vines . . 29

6. " John Bull and the National Debt " . . . .30

7. "The Grotto" 34

8. Lofty Yew Fence encircling the Nesting Tower,— also, the Bridge,

and Fisherman's Hut . . . . . • .59

9. Escape and Re-Capture of one of the Rattle Snakes . . .69

10. The Sepulchral Resting-Place of the Late Mr. Waterton . . 92

11. The Poacher entrapped by the Squire into the Lock-up . . 128

12. South-West View of the House, and of the Sailing Boat on the Lake. 184

13. Mr. Waterton mounted on the Cayman, when living . . . 189

14. The distant Mansion and the Ruin,— the Little Island and the

Lombardy Poplar ....•■• 220

15. Mr. Waterton and the Author Photographed beneath the Lombardy

Poplar 259

Contents

Dedication ....

Preface to the First Edition Preface to the Second Edition.

List of Illustations Natural History in the Museum

CHAPTER II.— Page 30

Removal of the ancient Corn Mill, the Origin of " John Bull and the National Debt," which furnishes a remarkable Illustration of the Powers of Nature under peculiar circumstances . . . . .30

Knotty Questions as to the Future of "John Bull and the National Debt." 31 The Mill-Stone raised nearly a foot from the earth . . .31

Death of the Parent Stem and future Growth of a Radical Shoot . . 32

Another " Lusus Naturae," viz., the Union of the Spruce Fir and the Elm 32 This unnatural Union an Illustration of what Mr. Waterton designated

the Absurdity of ' ' the Union of Church and State " . . .32

The Author suspects that the Squire had a fore knowledge of the trees suicidal termination when he trained them . . . .32

Artificial Bird Nesting Boxes . . . . . .33

Ancient Saxon Stone Cross, and its mis-appropriation before it became the property of Mr. Waterton . . . . . .34

Magnificent Clump of Spruce Fir, a, specially attractive Nesting Retreat for many Birds . . . . . . . .34

" The Grotto," a favourite place of Observation for the Habits of Birds . 32 Description of "The Grotto" . . . . . .35

" The Grotto " a fascinating Retreat of Pic-Nic Parties . . .35

36 37 37 37 xvi CONTENTS.

Easy Terms ou which Access to the Grounds at Walton Hall was granted . 36 Cheerful Homage tendered to Mr. Waterton by the visiting Parties by

singing the " Fine Old English Gentleman " . 3'

Dancing and Music allowed in the Grounds Orderly Behaviour of "Visitors Visits of the more aristocratic Parties Soothing Influence of the Scenery around "The Grotto" The Squire details to the Author portions of his South American

adventures . . . . • • ■ .37

Visit of the Lunatics from Wakefield Asylum . . . 40

An Ox-Bye Titmouse builds her Nest in the Trunk of a Tree prepared for

Owls, but declines occupying it in future years because a Squirrel

had used it . ..... 40

Temples, &c, erected by the Squire and Jack Ogden, the keeper. . 41

Why Ogden had been installed Keeper . . . . .41

Death and description of Jack Ogden . . . . .42

Ogden's knowledge of the battle of Wakefield Green • . .42

Mr. Salvin's report of Mr. George Walker's recognition of the late Admiral

lord Clifford at Chatsworth . . . . . 43, 44

The Cross, near the Lower Temple, believed to be the first exposed to

public view, in England, since the Reformation . . .44

The number of visits paid by the Blue titmice upon feeding their young

recounted by Mr. Wier . . . . . . .44

Mr. Waterton's Interest in "the Juveniles " . . . .44

Trunks of Decayed Trees converted into Nesting Retreats . . 45

Three separate Nests in one Cavity . . . . .46

Birds of different Species, in an unreclaimed state, not generally disposed

to quarrel, — nor the Savage Races of Animals of the same Species 46, 47 Unusual Progeny of a Water Hen . . . . . .47

Water Hens particular Favourites of Mr. Waterton . . .47

Persistency of the Water Hen in the Maintenance of the Place for her

" Addled Egg " in all the Nests of the Brown Owl . . .48

Mr. Waterton's Opinion on the Accusation against the Carrion Crow of

sucking the Eggs of other Birds, with Evidence somewhat mitigating

The Heronry, opposite the Drawing-Room Windows, on the southern side

A Position, congenial to the Wants of the Herons, preserved for them . 50 A young heron a great delicacy on the table , . . .51

Herons speedy in the act of nidification . . . . .51

Means "used by Mr. Waterton for Observation -of the Habits of the

Herons appoint a Sentinal to guard their Young during their absence

from the Heronry . . . . . . . .51

A Heron " Spikes " a Magpie • • . . . .51

CONTENTS. XVU

Heron's Nests on the Ground in the Island of Islay. . . .52

The Keeper gathers up his Damaged Young Herons after a Storm . 52 Long Flights of the Heron . . . . . . .53

Wanton Destruction of the Heron in its Wanderings . . .53

Destructive Influence of the Soap and Vitriol Works established in the

neighbourhood of Walton Hall . . . . . 53, 54

Mr. Waterton, having tried peaceable means, obtained an Injunction, to

prohibit the Continuance of these Works . . . .54

Supposed destructive character of " The Scolytus " . . .55

Mr. Waterton enters into Controversy on this subject, in Opposition to

the generally-received opinion . . . . 55, 56

The Squire's Experiments, to sustain his Opinion in respect to " The

His Conviction respecting "The Scolytus," successfully vindicated . 57

Mr. Waterton, when very young, planted Trees for the future . . 57

The Hall a really commodious and convenient Family Residence . 57, 58

Further Description of the Mansion . . . . .58

Objects of Interest seen from the Front Windows of the Hall ; the Four

Sycamores, the Flaged Pathway, the Euin ; the Stone Cross ; Nesting

Tower for the Starling, Jackdaw, and White Owl ; splendid Hollies a

Retreat for the smaller British Birds ; the Yew Tree Grove, which

forms the larger Pheasantry, the Fisherman's Hut, the Lombardy

Poplar, the smaller Pheasantry, the Fruit Trees, the Rookery, &c. 58, 59 Opportunities, on the Island, realised iu the Spring, for instructive

Ornithological Observations . . . . . .59

Enchanting Surroundings of the southern Front . . . .60

Echo close to the Lake . . . . . . .60

Beautiful Prospect from the Windows of the Drawing Room . . 61

The Author attaches White Feathers to the Tail of a Swallow to test the

Ornithological Knowledge of a Gentleman . . ' .61, 62, 63,

Promiscuous Charity alluded to, which leads to singular encounters with

The Friends of the Celebrated Blondin apply to the Squire for an

Exhibition in the Park . . . . . . 64, 65

Exhibitions, of every kind, always at variance with the Squire's Tastes

and Feelings . . . . . . • .65

Calm Serenity of the Mansion and Park . . . . 65, 66

Marvellous Suppleness of Limb and Elasticity of Muscle enjoyed by Mr.

Waterton, even when above eighty years of age . . . .66

His fearless Courage; — His Riding the Cayman in South America 66, 67 Mr. Waterton engaged in a, more daring Exploit, at Leeds, with Rattle-

Assembly of Medical Gentlemen to witness the Experiments with Rattle- Snakes ........ 69

Some days previously, at Wakefield, the Squire undertook to re-arrange these Rattle-Snakes ■ . . . . ■ • .69

XVU1

CONTENTS.

Bangers attendant on the Leeds Experiments with the Rattle-Snakes . 70 Fearless Risks undertaken by Mr. Waterton in connection with the Leeds

daring Snake Adventures . . . . ...

The Leeds Experiments with the Rattle-Snakes successfully carried out Near Escape of one of the Rattle-Snakes, and extreme Terror of most of

the Party ........

Wonderful Self-Possession of Mr. Waterton whilst prosecuting these

Experiments ........

His Opinion, that Snakes attack only when provoked

Discriminating Courage of the Squire with an Orang-Outang from Borneo,

ir. the Zoological Gardens, London This Opportunity turned to account for Natural History Purposes 74, 75

These various hazardous Adventures attest the cool Courage of Mr.

Waterton ........

The Ape Searching the Squire's head reminds him of a Cambridge

Mr. Waterton recounts a conversation with » Man representing himself

Skilled in Egg Gathering at Filey .....

The Squire records an Anecdote connected with his old Farm Bailiff Quotation from a description of Walton Hall, by Sir James Stuart

71 71

72 72

76 76

CHAPTER III.— Page 80. Further Description of the Grounds at Walton Hall

The Rookery ....

The Nostel Priory Rookery .

Singular Habits of the Rook .

Almost friendless Position of this Bird

Arrest of Judgment in Support of the Rook

Accusations against the Rook

Pleadings on its Behalf

Balance of Testimony in Favour of the Rook

Insensibility of Farmers to its Value

The Farmers and Woodland Proprietors really benefited by the Rook

Extract from a Publication by Sir J. S. Menteth, Bart. . 86 87 88 89

President of the Gateshead Club, on the Essex Sparrow Club . . 90

Place of Interment of the Great-Grandfather of Mr. Waterton

The Dog-Kennel .......

Unnatural Position for the Nest of a Pea-Fowl, twenty-four feet from the Ground .......

Farm- Yard and Dove-Cote . . . . . 91 9 >

Remarkable Willow, from the Stump of which have sprung Twelve Stems designated by Mr. Waterton "'The Twelve Apostles," and one detrimentally influenced by a Storm being named "Judas " . .92

CONTENTS. xix

Capricious Freak of a Duck, by building her Nest in an Oak Tree, twelve

feet from the ground . . . . . . .93

Mausoleum, near this Oak Tree, constructed by Mr. Waterton for the

Reception of his Remains . . . . . .93

The Squire and the Author always hovered on the Lake to admire the two

Patriarchal Oaks . . . . . . . .93

The Squire's attachment to the place of his Nativity, and memory of his

Mr. Waterton claimed a place of Sepulture in the Grounds of his Forefathers ....... .94

The presence of the Solitary Heron consistent with the Wonderful

Allusion to the Erection of a Tomb in future near the Sepulchre . .94

The Lake fruitful in Fish of fine quality . . . .95

Securing of Pike by the Bow and Arrow a favourite Amusement of the

Detrimental Influence to Natural History, by removing from the Lalte a

principal part of the Weeds . . . . . .95

Singular Position of a Coot's Nest . . . . . .96

Diligence of the Coots in the Preparation of their Nests, and interesting

Habits of the Male and Female Birds . . . . .97

Habits and Peculiarities of the Land and Water Fowl could always be

easily examined . . . . . . . .98

Parental Kindness and persevering Attention of the various Birds.. . 98

An Assemblage of Herons an instructive sight . . . .99

The majestic Figure and singularly striking Peculiarities of the Heron . 99 The Telescope, in the Drawing Room, specially constructed for easy and

convenient Observation of the Birds ..... 100

Mr. Waterton unrivalled as a Field Ornithologist . . . 100, 101

Mr. Waterton represented as a second Apollo . . . 101, 102

The Squire's description to the Author of » deceitful party from

CHAPTER IV.— Page 106. Dubious Opinions of Authors as to the gregariousness of the Carrion

Doubtful Gregariousness of the Carrion-Crow affirmatively determined a

Walton Hall by Mr. Waterton 107, 108

A Pro and Con argument as to whether the Carrion-Crow covers her Eggs on leaving her nest ...... 108, 109

Monogamy of a Common Goose . . . . . 109

The Nightingale an annual Visitor to the Park .... 109

Validity of Protection among the Feathered Tribes . . 109, 110

XX CONTENTS.

General Concurrence and Harmony of Nature around Walton Hall

favourable to the Pursuits of Mr. Watertou .... 110

Visitors of all EankSj "warned off" those portions of the Lake, &o., sot

apart for Natural History Pursuits, during six months of tie year . 110 Memoranda of Birds which have been occasional Visitors to the Grounds,

&c, of Walton Hall 111,112

Immense Number and Variety of Water Fowl seen on the Lake when

covered with Ice in Winter . . . . .112

Complete Quietude and relying Confidence of the Birds . . . 113

Their probable Cause for Preference of this Resort .... 113 Attachment of Birds to particular Places . _ . . . . 114

Singular Accident to the Nest of a Pair of Coots, proving strong Attachment to Localities, however limited ..... 114 Faithfulness of the Male Bird, corroborated by Colonel Montague and

Mr. Selby . ' 115

Eigid Protection of the several Feathered Tribes by the Squire . . 116

Prolificness of the White and Brown Owl .... 116, 117 The most Eminent Agriculturists in this century admit that Farmers derive great benefit from the White Owl ; attested by Mr. Hepburn, in East Lothian, also by Mr. Eennie of Phantassie and Sir John

Sinclair 117, 118

Canada Geese . . • . . . , , H9

Pinioning of the Canada Goose, and proper Time for the Operation . 120

Cunning of the Canada Goose . .... 120

Means of increasing the Fecundity of the Canada Goose . . 120, 121

Instinct of the Cuckoo in depositing her Eggs .... 121

Experiments in Hatching Eggsj disregarding Instinct . . .121

The Squire's nice discrimination of the Songs of various birds . 121, 122 Mr. Waterton "fairly floored" by Mr. Salvin's clever Imitation of

a Kg 122

A Letter from Mr. Salvin to the Author narrating two Aiieodotes relative to Mr. Waterton ... ... 122, 123, 124, 125

Mr. Waterton's Antipathy to the Rat ..... 125

Tarring the Eat, and giving him Liberty .... 125, 126

Another Mode of " scaring away " Eats . 126

Anovel "Lock-up" ...... 126

Capture of a Poacher in the " Look-up," . . . 127 128

Self -Destruction threatened by the Poaoher, and his apparent Penitence .' 128 Mr. Watorton, at one time, a strict Preserver of the Game on his Estate .... too

Costliness of the rigorous Preservation of Game . . . [129

The frequent dangerous Encountors between Watchers and Poachers, a principle reason why the Squire became loss strict in the Preservation' of Game ■ • • ■ • • . . .129

No Superabundance of Game now in the Park . . . 129130

Mr. Waterton's favourite Cat, " Whitty," of late the ohief Poaoher .' 130

CONTENTS. xx i

Peculiarity and striking Contrast in the Crowing of the Game and Pheasant Cooks ..... 130

A Singular Pheasant-shooting adventure ..... 131

Unjust Accusation against the Squire, as to the wanton Destruction of » Foxes 131, 132 '

Intended "Lark" of a Party of Officers from some neighbouring

Barracks

. 132

Their Ignorance of the Art of Painting . . . . .132

Their Rudeness ......... 133

Amusing Rebuke, by Mr. Waterton . . . . .134

How the Squire administered Censure to the Officers, who, in ignorance of

his presence, continued to roundly abuse him . . . 134 135

Mr. Waterton makes himself known to the Officers, before parting . 135

Hospitality and Kind-heartedness of the Squire .... 135 Evidence of this in the Experience of the Author . . . 135, 136

Extracts from Mr. Waterton's Correspondence with the Author 136, 137, 138 The Squire and the Author study the Habits and various instinctive acts

of the Birds and their Feeding in the Grotto . . 138, 139, 140

Mr. Waterton's then, Intention as to his final Resting-Place within the

Grounds of Walton Hall ...... 140, 141

His Epitaph, written by himself, and given to the Author . . . 141

The Life of Mr. Waterton one of incessant Activity . . . 141

Improvements at Walton Hall during his Life . . . 141, 142

Wonderful Physical Capability of the Squire, with Instances witnessed by

the Author . . 142, 143

Mr. Waterton consults the Author relative to the Swelling of his Ankles

and indulges in Anecdotes on the occasion . . . 143, 144

His Fondness for Boating, and Freedom from Mishaps when enjoying this

Means of Health . . . . . . . .144

CHAPTER V.— Page 146

The Squire rarely or never accepted a gift, but his fondness for Surgery

ipduoed him under peculiar circumstances to break the rule . 146, 147 Abstemiousness of Mr. Waterton, and great Delight he had in Labour ......... 147

A strict Observer of the Discipline of his Church .... 148

His Predisposition, in early life, to Pulmonary Disease . . . 148

Mr. Waterton practised Venesection personally, especially when a Wanderer in South America, having been instructed in the Art by a professional Proficient, the late Dr. Marshall .... 148

In the practice of Venesection the Squire excelled .... 149

Mr. Waterton cautioned as to the Dangerous bungling of Operative Practice in Surgery ....... 150

XXU CONTENTS.-

His jocular Retort .....•■• 150

Venesection a great Relief to Mr. Waterton .... 151

The Squire remonstrated with by the Author against too frequently

" Tapping the Claret " . . . . . • -151

Humorous Reply of the Squire . . • ■ • 151

His Defence of the Rigour he imposed upon himself when Pasting . 152

Mr. Waterton a Total Abstainer from Alcoholic Drinks . . . 153

The " early to rest, and early to rise " plan practised by the Squire . 154

Early Hours of the Morning devoted to Taxidermy and other Natural . History Manipulations ..... 154

Mr. Waterton, for many years, denied himself the Comfort of Sleeping on

a Bed . 154

Testimony by Milton, and also by Ovid, to the beneficial effects of Sleep . 155 Mr. Waterton careful of the Comfort of others, and most liberal in his Private and other Charities ...... 155

The Squire thrice in Danger of Death, from Disease . . . 155

Mr. Waterton's Politics " Conservative," although opposed to the Union of Church and State ....... 156

The Squire's passionate Attachment to the Medical Profession, and excessive Admiration of the Priesthood of bis own Church, more especially » of the Jesuits ........ 157

Letter to the Author, extolling the Jesuits ..... 158

Mr. Waterton alludes to their being no poor rates before the Reformation. 158 When Religious Observances were concerned, no recommendation of Priest nor of Doctor, even when ill, could induce Mr. Waterton to refrain from practising them nor tempt him to go to Bed . . 159

The Squire's Determination to Fast frequently in excess of the requirements of his Church ....... 159

Severity of Mr. Waterton's Pasting during Lent .... 160

Playful Manner in which he was accustomed to adjust with himself the matter of Fasting ........ 161

Even in Old Age, Mr. Waterton would not, though advised, indulge in more liberal Diet ........ 162

Peculiarity of his Apparel . . . . . . .363

The Squire's Indifference to Fashion. ..... 163

Amusing Incident, arising out of his Indifference to Fashion and from the

peculiarity of his Apparel, the Squire not being known at the time . 163 Confusion of the Buyer of Wood, on Mr. Waterton afterward becoming known to him ........ 164

Mr. Waterton's severe Taste in Matters of Natural History . . 165

Extraordinary "Lusus Naturse" at the Foot of the Grand Staircase at Walton Hall ........ 165

Horns usually Weapons of Defence for Cattle .... 166

Additional particulars of this "Lusus Naturse" noticed . . . 166

Explanatory Allusions to Ruminating Animals by the Author 167, 168, 169 Sponge found in the Lake at Walton Hall ..... 169

Improvements in the Lake by a Water-Sluice at its Base . . . 170

CONTENTS. XXU1

Depth and Form of the Lake at Walton Hall . . . .170

The Seclusion of various parts of the Lake, ^tempting to every species of

Enjoyments of the Water-Fowl . . . . . .171

Important Lesson to be learnt from the Water Fowl in the Protection

and Defence of their Young, &c. ...... 171

Dredging of the Lake in 1857 ;— Curiosities revealed . . .172

Great Value of the Mud, in Cultivation, obtained from the Lake . . 172

Fertility of the Kitchen Garden at Walton Hall . . . .172

Bee-Hives in the Kitchen Garden ..... 173

Nesting Places for Sand-Martins, which, although for many years

had frequented the Grounds of Walton Hall, recently deserted them . 173 This Freak of the Sand-Martins a proof of an Understanding among

Objects almost innumerable in the Park, on the Lake, on the Island, and

in " The Grotto," not described, but worthy of Notice . . .174

Mr. Waterton's Memory remarkably retentive .... 175

An Allusion to a stench from a, dead herring near the Grotto, induces

the Squire to relate an incident regarding dead letters . . 175

CHAPTER VI.— Page 176

Mr. Waterton advises a lady in consequence of a scanty supply offish in the lake, to hang her keeper and flog her watcher weekly, introducing a nursery anecdote . . . . ... 176

The disapproval of understrappers in general, and in one special instance . 176 The numerous Good Deeds of Mr. Waterton attest his truly estimable character ......... 177

The Squire's successful Mode of Preserving his Natural History Specimens . . . . . ~. .177, 178

His Mode of applying Internal Manipulation for securing the life-like Form and Attitude of his Specimens . ... . . 179

Advantages secured by this Method in modelling either Bird or Animal

179, 180 Internal Modelling requires daily attention ..... 181

Objection to this Method- by Taxidermists generally . . . 181

Unheard-of Perseverance and Labour of Mr. Waterton . . . 181

His cheerful Readiness to aid the Amateur in the "bird-stuffing line," 182, 183 Arrangement for the Exclusion of Strangers and unknown persons from

Walton Hall 188

Walton Hall » convenient Family House, but with at least one disadvantage ......... 184

Large Fires, even in Summer, necessary for the Squire's peculiar Constitution ......... 185 xxiv CONTENTS.

Letter from Sir James Stuart Menteth, Bart., to the Author, descriptive

of Walton Hall and the Squire .... 186, 187, 188

Varied Knowledge necessary in describing the magnificent Contents of

Walton Hall 18 ^

Exquisite Specimens of Natural History in the Grand Staircase . . 189

This marvellous Collection of Subjects of Natural History the sole work of

Mr. Waterton's own hands. . . • • 189, 190

Attention directed to the extreme Peculiarity of some of the Specimens . 190 The Squire's Detestation of an Assumption of Knowledge . . -191

A singular Work of Art in the Extension Staircase, representing " John

Bull and the National Debt " . - - , • • • I 92

Mr. Waterton's Inventive Genius noticed . ... 193

The Squire attempts to Navigate the atmosphere . . 193, 194

An experimental Aerial Trip nearly proved fatal .... 195 Mr. Waterton became afterward convinced that he was " out of his

element" in attempting an " atmospheric trip " .... 195

Mr. Waterton's allusions to the dishonourable reviews of " The Wanderings " on their first issue ...... 196, 197

The Squire explains to Mr. Harrison how unjustly he had been treated . 197 " The Wanderings " gradually emancipated itself .... 198

The Squires explanation of there being no danger in riding the Cayman . 199 A similarly unjust review by the. Editor of the Zoologist, of " Charles

Waterton, his Home, Habits, and Handiwork " . . . 199, 200

His Knowledge of Practical Farming limited .... 200

Mr. Waterton's erroneous notions as to drainage . . . 201, 202

The Squire's opinion relative to the Mole benefiting the farmer in some

respects corroborated ...... 202, 203

Mr. Waterton's Liberality to the Poor of his neighbourhood, regardless of

their religious or political opinions : 204

Novel Arrangement with a Shoemaker at Wakefield for supplying Shoes. 205 Singular Instance of attempted Deception discovered . . . 206