Georgio Isaaco Huntingford*, A. M. è Coll. Nov. Oxon. Soc. Lond. Ex Öffic. J. Nichols. Impensis J. Burdon, Bibliop. Winton. 1782." 8vo.

and of his ability to perform such a task he has now given proofs, by publishing the fruits of his own application. . . . . We congratulate Winchester School on the able Successor it will find in our Author, when Warton, full of years and honours, retires from that post, which he fills at present with so much credit to himself, and with approbation so universal: Ecce tibi exortus est Isocrates, magister illorum omnium, cujus è ludo, tanquam ex equo Trojano, meri principes exierunt. Cic. de Orat. II."

These appropriate compliments (which appeared in the Monthly Review, vol. LXVIII. p. 505, vol. LXIX. p. 161) were accompanied by a series of elaborate remarks on some supposed lapses of correctness, by a Critick (since acknowledged to be the Rev. Dr. Charles Burney) with great acuteness and singular scholarship; and were afterwards defended in an "Apology" annexed to a second Collection; in which the truly amiable Author displayed very conspicuously his uncommon mildness and candour, as well as incomparable learning. See hereafter, p. 146.

This very highly accomplished Scholar (on whom still higher honours most deservedly awaited) has been briefly noticed in vol. III. p. 701. He was born at Winchester in 1748; educated at Wykeham's School in that City, under Dr. Warton, and thence removed to New College, where he took the degree of M. A. 1776. He afterwards became an assistant at the celebrated School at which he had himself been brought up; and in 1782 published his first collection of " Monostrophics," compositions of eminent simplicity and eloquence, which not only exhibited his masterly knowledge of the beautiful language in which they are written, but ranked him high as a man of poctical genius. In 1789, he was appointed Warden of Winchester College; accumulated the degrees of B. and D. D. 1793; and in 1802 Lord Sidmouth, who had been brought up under him at Winchester, had an opportunity of doing honour both to himself and the mitre, by advancing him to the Bishoprick of Gloucester, then vacant by the translation of Dr. Beadon to Bath and Wells.-Bp. Huntingford was elected F. R. S. in 1804. He is unmarried; and his motive for continuing single in early life is highly creditable. An elder brother, Master of the Free Grammar-school at Warminster, died, leaving a young family; who found in this worthy Prelate an ample compensation for their severe loss. -Mr. Isaac Huntingford, who died Sept. 30, 1772, æt. 48, is commemorated on a flat stone in Winchester Cathedral.

Bp. Huntingford has favoured the Publick with several very valuable Works; amongst which may be noticed the "Greek Odes" printed in 1781 (of which there are only 50 copies); " Part the First of an Introduction to the Writing of Greek; after the Manner of Clarke's Introduction to Latin; for the use of Winchester College;

the

"M. Manilii Astronomicon, Libri quinque, cum Commentariis et Castigationibus Josephi Scaligeri, Jul. Cæsaris Scal. Fil. F. Junii Biturigis et Fayi. His accedunt Bentleii quædam Animadversiones Reprehensione digna; quibus omnibus Editor sua Scholia interposuit. Operâ et Studio Edmundi

the third Edition, with considerable Improvements, 1782," 4to. ; and," Part II. being Select Sentences from Xenophon's Cyropædia;" the first Collection of "Greek Monostrophics, 1782," Svo. "An Apology for the Monostrophics, 1784," 8vo. "Ethic Sentences [by the writing of which, Boys may become accustomed to the Greek Characters, and thus find less difficulty in reading the Language], 1788," 4to. "A Fast Sermon before the House of Commons, 1793," 4to. "Twelve Discourses on different Subjects, by George Huntingford, D. D. Warden of St. Mary's College, Winchester, 1795," 8vo. "Twelve Discourses on different Subjects; Volume the Second, 1797," Svo. "A Discourse preached before the Corps of Hampshire Fawley Volunteers, at the Church of St. Thomas, in the City of Winchester, on Sunday, March 19, 1797," 8vo. "A Call for Union with the Established Church, addressed to English Protestants; being a Compilation of Passages from various Authors, selected and published by George Isaac Huntingford, D.D. 1800;" reprinted in 1808. "A Sermon preached at the Anniversary of the Royal Humane Society, in St. James's Church, Westminster, on Sunday, April 24, 1803," Svo. "Thoughts on the Trinity, 1904," 8vo; a small but important work, in which the result of much reading and reflection is compressed; and the object and plan of which are thus clearly and concisely stated in the Preface: "Thoughts are here given in preference of Dissertations, for the sake of brevity and compression. The several clauses appear detached: there is, however, a connexion between them. The subject is begun on principles of abstract reasoning; continued, with reference to Heathen and Jewish opinions; pursued, with consideration of the Baptismal Form delivered by our Lord, and as taught by Evangelists, Apostles, Fathers. Of the question there is then taken a retrospect; which leads to the conclusion.-The mind of the Writer has long been much impressed with the force of this solemn charge: When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. He is anxious to obey it. On examination and reflexion being himself convinced, he employs his efforts to assist others, and support them in the antient faith."-The Right Reverend Author concludes with the Collect of our Church for Trinity Sunday, which he justly, in our opinion, considers as a very fine specimen of clearness and comprehension combined.' The references in his notes are very numerous, and prove that he has read much, as well as thought, on the momentous subject of his book. It is dedicated to Mr. Addington, to whom, as a private Friend, the Author had before dedicated his Apology for the Monostrophies' (1784)." The

K 2

Burton*, Arm. A, M. S. S. Trin. Coll. apud Cantab. aliquandò Socii." Svo.

"Six Discourses, delivered by Sir John Pringle, Bart. when President of the Royal Society; on oc

66

The praises of the upright Minister are here justly united with those of the Religious Monarch; and our constitution itself is considered as dedicated to God, by the perfect union of Religion with its Civil Polity." See the British Critic, vol. XXV. p. 624. Preparation for the Holy Order of Deacons; or the First Questions proposed to Candidates for the Holy Order of Deacons elucidated, in a Charge delivered previously to an Ordi nation; by George Isaac Huntingford, D. D. F. R. S. Bishop of Gloucester, and Warden of Winchester College, 1807:" 8vo. "Preparations for the Holy Order of Priests; or the Words of Ordination and Absolution explained, in a Charge delivered preyiously to an Ordination, 1809," Svo. The Petition of the English Roman Catholics considered, in a Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Gloucester, at the Triennial Visitation of that Diocese in the Month of June 1810," 8vo.

* Edmund Burton, Esq. of Trinity College, Cambridge; B. A. 1741; M.A. 1745. He published "The Satires of Persius, translated into English (Prose), with Notes critical and explanatory. By Edmund Burton, Esq. Barrister at Law, 1752," with curious Notes. "Ancient Characters deduced from Classical Remains. By Edmund Burton, Esq. M. A.; sometime Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1764," 8vo. The above-mentioned Edition of " Manilius," 1783, of which an elaborate critique may be seen in the Monthly Review, vol. LXXI. p. 456, and "A Dissertation on Suicide, 1790."-For some years Mr. Burton was also a valuable Correspondent to the Gentleman's Magazine, under the anagrammatic signature of Ruben du Mont. He had evidently a cultivated taste, but was somewhat too fond of singularity. His imagination was lively, but incorrect; and his style animated but fantastic.

The titles of these Discourses are: 1. On the different Kinds of Air; 2. On the Torpedo; 3. On the Attraction of Mountains; 4. On some late Improvements of the Means for preserving the Health of Mariners; 5. On the Invention and Improvements of the Reflecting Telescope; 6. On the Theory of Gunnery. The Gentlemen who were honoured with the Medal, in the above order, were, Dr. Priestley, Mr. Walsh, Dr. Maskelyne, Capt. Cook, Mr. Mudge, and Dr. Hutton. The Discourses had all been published separately, and were deservedly admired, for the good sense, variety of knowledge, and clearness of investigation, which they exhibited. Perhaps it will not be too much to say, that no eulogiums have ever appeared more worthy of being addressed to Philosophers by a Philosopher, and before a philosophical audience. That they are more replete with Science and Information than Oratory, is certainly no objection to them, considering the occasion of their being deliver

ed;

casion of Six Annual Assignments of Sir Godfrey Copley's Medal. To which is prefixed, the Life of the Author. By Andrew Kippis, D.D F. R. S. and S. A." Svo.

“A Second Appendix to Mr. Malone's Supple ment to the last Edition of the Plays of Shakspeare: containing Additional Observations by the Editor of the Supplement*," 8vo.

"Remarks, Critical and Illustrative, on the Text and Notes of the last Edition of Shakspeare." [By Mr. Ritson 4to.

ed; still less will it be an objection to the present re-publication of them. Their value is now enhanced by the prefixed Life of their Author; who, from his high rank and reputation in the literary world, is unquestionably a fit object for the researches of Biography," Monthly Review, vol. LXIX. p. 329.

* "Mr. Malone has shewn, in the Work before us, that, since the publication of his Supplement to the last edition of Shakspeare, he has very diligently studied our great Dramatic Poet; having pointed out some variations in the old copies of his Plays, and, by his industrious researches into our antient Writers, thrown niany new lights upon his Author. In a short Advertisement prefixed, he apologises for these Supplemental Annotations, by observing, as he had done on a former occasion, that 'till Shakspeare's whole Library shall have been discovered, till the plots of all his Dramas shall have been traced to their sources, till every allusion shall be pointed out, and every obscurity elucidated, somewhat will still remain to be done by the Commentators on his works.-The admirers of this delightful Poet are certainly much indebted to Mr. Malone, whose diligence and sagacity have, in the present Work, illustrated some obscure passages that had escaped the notice of foriner Criticks, and some controverted ones that had not been satisfactorily explained." Rev. John Duncombe, in Gent. Mag. vol. LIII. p. 505. ↑ Joseph Ritson, Esq. a native of Stockton in Yorkshire, was for some time a Student in Gray's Inn, and Deputy High Bailiff of the Duchy of Lancaster. That he was a man of considerable research and acuteness, will appear from the following Letter to George Allan, Esq.

Gray's Inn, Nov. 24, 1780.

"DEAR SIR, "I have just time to thank you for your valuable favour, which I have this moment received. I would not lose a minute to prevent, if possible, your having the trouble to copy the briefs. I am sorry I did not make myself properly understood, they are wholly and eternally at your service; and I shall feel much chagrin if my confused note should have occasioned you the least unnecessary inconvenience.

"When

"The Nature and Circumstances of the Demoniacs in the Gospels, stated, methodized, and con

"When I am a little more settled (having left Mr. Lloyd, and begun a little drawing business* for myself), I shall bestow a few hours, now and then, upon the Villare in earnest. When I have next the honour to write to you, I shall take the liberty of laying my whole plan before you. In the mean time may I beg you, at your best leisure, to recollect the other favours I was free enough to request of you in the note I left, (I mean the two lists, of Knights and Sheriff's).—The inclosed Letter should have attended the briefs, &c. but was mislaid.-I happened to purchase Mr. Noble's book [Mark Noble on Coins]-is the name a real one, or is it only assumed in allusion to the subject ?—I inclose you a note of some additions I have collected to Mr. Gough's book for Durham, which will not, I hope, prove unacceptable ;-A Mr. Prestwicht of Lancashire, who seems to have been bit by a Herald, often desires to be remembered to you.

J. RITSON."

During my researches into the "History of Hinckley," in the year 1781, I received from him the following friendly note: "Mr. Ritson presents his compliments to Mr. Nichols; and returns the papers, with many thanks for his civility. If Mr. Nichols will visit the Duchy-office (and Mr. Ritson apprehends that either Mr. Russell, who is himself a member of the Society of Antiquaries, Mr. Villiers, the Clerk of the Council, or Lord Hawkesbury, will, upon application, grant him free access) he will find an immense quantity of important matter concerning Leicestershire, of which it is probable no one has yet made use. Besides the Great Cowcher of the Duchy, which has an alphabe tical table of the names and places, there is a very good Index to the Inquisitions post mortem, an excellent Repertory, an accurate Index to the old Duchy Registers, (compiled by Mr. Topham), indexes of grants, leases, equity causes, and revenue proceedings, together with some useful miscellaneous collections called Great and Little Ayloffe. The Close and Patent Rolls, from the erection of the Duchy, down to Edward the Fourth's time, have unfortunately neither Calendar nor index, though they most richly deserve one. İfMr. Ritson had been more in the habit of going to the Duchy-office, or possessed any particular right of access to the Records, he would have very readily afforded Mr.Nichols any assistance in his power."

Mr. Ritson's principal publications were, "Observations on the Three Volumes of Warton's History of English Poetry, 1783;" one of the most illiberal productions ever seen. The next was,

"A Select Collection of English Songs, 1783," 3 vols. 8vo. He published also and wrote three sets of " Remarks" on the Editors of Shakspeare: 1. on Mr. Steevens's Edition, intituled, "Remarks, Critical and Illustrative, on the Text and Notes of the last Edition of Shakspeare," 1784, 8vo; 2. on Mr. Reed's re-publication of that Edition, 1786, particularly illiberal; Cursory Criticisms," &c. on Mr. Malone's Edition, 1790. * As a Conveyancer, or Special Pleader.

3. K

↑ Afterwards Sir John Prestwich, Bart. Author of "Respublica," &e. A well