ii may serve to mitigate the severity of criticism to remark, that these essays were commenced merely as exercises in composition, without any reference to a separate publication, and that most of them were written during the hours of relaxation from the duties of a laborious and arduous profession. The title of this volume has always appeared to the author objectionable; but after it had been once adopted, he considered that a deviation from it would have manifested anxiety concerning that, which in reality is of no importance. As the essays were published periodically, a general title appeared necessary, though they should possess no other similarity with periodical publications than the iii name: and even when it was determined to collect them into a volume, the author preferred the title of Ponderer to the vague and indefinite appellation of Essays. It is necessary that the author should return his best acknowledgments to his correspondents, for three essays signed C. for two W. R. and for one T. and at the same time inform the reader, that for the imperfections of those subscribed L. he alone is responsible. Park-Row Academy, Bristol, June 1, 1812. CONTENTS. 11.-Biographical Facts illustrative of Dr, Johnson's description of Genius ..... 55 13.- On the Study of Topography, and a Re- view of some of the Associations which combine with the early History of Bristol 67 15. Biographical Notice of Yearsley and 16.-Description of a Visit to Brockley 17. Strictures on a few of the principal 18.-On the Influence of Mechanical Princi- |