Born at Burslem, in Staffordshire, the son of a potter. Wedgwood had the merit of instituting an entirely new era in the manufacture of English pottery. By intelligent observation, the study of chemical appliances, and unwearied industry, he worked a complete revolution in the making, glazing, and painting of earthenware and china. His pottery-works in Staffordshire, ‘Etruria,’ became celebrated all over the world, and he earned for himself and his family great wealth as well as distinction. His delicate manufacture of embossing white figures on a coloured ground, called ‘_Wedgwood ware_,’ is well known and much prized. He first gave the impetus to the Staffordshire and other potteries which has enabled England to rival the first china manufactories in the world. EDMUND BURKE, Born 1728.—Died 1797.—George II.—George III. Born in Dublin, was one of the most distinguished parliamentary orators ever known. He was in opposition during the Grafton Ministry (1769), but was afterwards drawn to Fox by the debates on the taxation of the American colonies, especially on tea, against which Burke made a famous speech (1771). He also supported Fox with all the splendour of his oratory under the Duke of Portland (1783). The grandest of all his speeches was said to be that against Warren Hastings, in whose impeachment he took a great part. He also spoke in the strongest way against the French Revolution, and by so doing separated himself from Fox (1791). Burke died in 1797. His writings are voluminous; the best known are his _Reflections upon the French Revolution_ and his _Discourse on the Sublime and Beautiful_. He lived (when in the country), died, and was buried at Beaconsfield, in Buckinghamshire, where “Burke’s Grove” is well known. WILLIAM COWPER. Born 1731.—Died 1800.—George II.—George III. A poet, born at Berkhampstead, whose writings are full of the best and highest teaching. He is best known by _The Task_, _The Castaway_, and _Table Talk_; but his smaller poems, _On My Mother’s Picture_, _The Three Hares_, _John Gilpin_, etc., more fully show his sensibility, general kindness, and playful wit. He also translated the _Iliad_. Cowper’s blameless and useful life was darkened by fits of despondency and depression, which in the end nearly destroyed his mind; but the light of religion never failed him. SIR RALPH ABERCROMBIE Born 1738.—Died 1801.—George II.—George III. This brave General was engaged against Napoleon I. in Holland and Egypt, and always maintained the fame of English arms. He won two battles at Aboukir, in Egypt, the last of which cost him his life. He fought on, though desperately wounded, till the battle was over. LORD CORNWALLIS. Born 1738.—Died 1805.—George II.—George III.