CHARLES ST. JOHN'S NOTE-BOOKS: 1816-1S33.
Charles St. John's Note-books : 1846-1853. Edited by Admiral II. C. St. John. (David Douglas. 7s. 6d.)—Those who have derived delight from St. John's books on the field-sports and natural history of the Highlands will perhaps be disappointed by this slender volume. The " Memoir " by Mr. Cosmo Innes and the "Life at Rosehall" which are prefixed to the diaries have both been printed before. These diaries are new, and if they do not contain many unknown observations on Nature, they will none the less be read with pleasure; and some—ourselves among the number—may wish that they were fuller and extended over a greater period of years. St. John was born in l80a, and began life as a clerk in the Treasury. To one of his tastes London was naturally disgusting. How much more loathsome would he have found the life in London to-day. He soon retired to a shooting-lodge in Sutherland, lent him by his uncle, Lord Bolingbroke. Here and at other places in Scotland, blessed with a wife who shared his tastes and inclinations, he led the happiest life imaginable, lie loved wild life, and fished because he wanted fish to eat, and shot because he wanted venison. His friend Mr. hums persuaded him to write about the life and the surroundings which he knew so well how to describe. The diaries which are now published are the note-books in which he collected his materials. They deal with the life he led at Invererne, at Nairn, and at Elgin, and contain drawings and observations on birds and sport. Few persons are probably aware that St. John is buried in the ceme- tery at Southampton, and fewer stillthat his retriever's skull is buried with him.
Previous page
