FEW things are more calculated to give pleasure to those interested in the welfare of our country, than the rapid progress which education has made amongst the people within the last few years. In the Memoir of Grattau, prefixed to this volume, I have confined myself to indicating the growth of his character and genius, to commenting on the most important crisis of his life, co uding with a general review of his career, and with some plain remarks on the inestimable value of his example. I might have gone seriatim through all the facts of his life; but, within the limited space assigned to me, there would have been room for scarcely more than a meagre abridgment of his biography. The course I have adopted seemed to be more useful. This edition having been designed for the public, and not fur students of oratory, I have refrained from extended criticism on Grattan's eloquence. The topic has been treated of by Lord Brougham, Sir James Mackintosh, the Rev. George Croly, the late |