I am already indifferent to literary criticism, and had almost forgotten Abel's approaching competition." The work went through two editions.] but is pleased with Macleod's [Footnote: "Narrative of a Voyage in His Majesty's late ship _Alceste_ to the Yellow Sea, along the Coast of Corea, and through its numerous hitherto undiscovered Islands to the Island of Lewchew, with an Account of her Shipwreck in the Straits of Gaspar." By John MacLeod, surgeon of the _Alceste_.] narrative.

He bids me tell you to say the best and what is least obnoxious of the [former] book.

The composition and the narrative are so thoroughly wretched that he should be ashamed to let it stand in his library.

He will be obliged to you to send him Leyden's 'Africa.' Leyden was a friend of his, and desired leave to dedicate to him while he lived." Mr.Murray, in his reply, deprecated the severity of the Marquess of Abercorn's criticism on the work of Sir H.Ellis, who had done the best that he could on a subject of exceeding interest.
_John Murray to Lady Abercorn_.
"I am now printing Captain Hall's account (he commanded the _Lyra_), and I will venture to assure your Ladyship that it is one of the most delightful books I ever read, and it is calculated to heal the wound inflicted by poor Ellis.

I believe I desired my people to send you Godwin's novel, which is execrably bad.