lost my awe for his greatness.  He had a worthy family, and maintained an excellent establishment.  Aytoun, who is now editor of Blackwood, married one of his daughters, and has proved, by his stirring ballads, that he was worthy of such an alliance.  In writing, the professor eschewed gas light, and made use of the more classic lamp.  A bottle of wine was his companion, and stood at his elbow until exhausted.  This will perhaps explain much of the convivial character of the ‘Notes.’  The old-fashioned quill pen was his preference; and as the hours advanced, and mental excitement waxed in activity, the profuse spattering of ink rattled like rain.  As a matter of course, his pay was of the highest rate, and his articles were read with avidity.  One reason of this may be found in the boldness with which he drags into the imaginary colloquies of Noctes Ambrosianae the literati of both kingdoms.  This liberty was sometimes felt keenly, and sharply resented.  Poor James Hogg, the ‘Ettrick Shepherd,’ who was just then getting a position in the literary world, sometimes found himself figuring unexpectedly in the scenes, as the victim of relentless wit.  As a retaliation, Hogg attacked Wilson in a sheet which he was then publishing in the Cowgate, under the aid and patronage of a hatter.

It was one of John Wilson’s fancies to affect a love of boxing, and it was a favorite theme in the ‘Ambrosial Discussions.’  From this some have imagined that he was of a pugilistic turn, whereas he knew nothing of the ‘science,’ and only affected the knowledge in jest.

Next to old ‘Kit North,’ the most truly beloved contributor to Blackwood was ‘Delta,’ whose poetry was for years expected, almost of course, in every number.  As Wilson’s identity was well-nigh lost in his imaginary character, so plain Dr. Moir was, in the literary world, merged in ‘Delta’ of Blackwood.  But to the inhabitants of Musselburg he sustained a character altogether different, and the gentle Delta was only known as one worthy of the title of ‘the good physician.’  I lived at Musselburg two years, and had ample opportunities of personal acquaintance.  Dr. Moir was a man of highly benevolent countenance, and of quiet and retiring manners.  His practice was very extensive, and at almost all hours he could have been seen driving an old gray horse through the streets and suburbs of the town.  The ancient character of Musselburg seemed to have been as congenial to his temperament as Nuremberg was to that of Hans Sachs.  Indeed, in antiquity it can glory over ‘Auld Reekie,’ according to the quaint couplet,—­

  ‘Musselboro’ was a boro’ when Edinburgh was nane;
  Musselboro’ll be a boro’ when Edinburgh is gane.’

Moir was buried at Inveresk, where his remains are honored by a noble monument; the memory of his genius will be cherished by all readers of Blackwood.  He died in 1854.

While engaged on the Encyclopedia to which we have made reference, I made the acquaintance of McCulloch, the distinguished writer of finances, who furnished the article on ‘Banking.’