The first census was taken in 1801. Footnote 48: 1740-1821. The friend and editor of Gibbon. Footnote 49: Founded 1754, mainly owing to the efforts of Mr. Shipley and Lord Folkestone. Footnote 50: This evidently depended on the Society of Arts. Footnote 51: King’s waiter. I have not been able to discover the precise nature of this sinecure. Footnote 52: ‘Mr. Young is not well, and appears almost overcome with the horrors of his situation; in fact, he is almost destitute. This is a dreadful trial for him, yet I am persuaded he will find some means of extricating himself from his distress—at least, if genius, spirit, and enterprise can prevail.’—_Early Diaries of Fanny Burney._ Footnote 53: Dr. Alexander Hunter, died 1809, editor of Evelyn’s _Sylva_, and author of _Georgical Essays_, ‘an able and esteemed work’ (Lowndes). ----- CHAPTER IV IRELAND, 1776-1778 The journey to Ireland—Characteristics—Residence at Mitchelstown—Intrigues—A strange bargain—Departure—Letter to his wife—A terrible journey. The events which followed the close of this year carried a better complexion than the preceding period, and therefore I shall in general remark that the last four or five years of my life had been detestable, my employments degrading, my anxiety endless, every effort unsuccessful, exertion always on the stretch, and always disappointed in the result, uneasy at home, unhappy abroad, existing with difficulty and struggling to live, never out of debt, and never enjoying one shilling that was spent. What would not a sensible, quiet, prudent wife have done for me? But had I so behaved to God as to merit such a gift? The only pleasant moments that I passed were in visits to my friend Arbuthnot[54] at Mitcham, whose agriculture so near the capital brought good company to his house. He was upon the whole the most agreeable, pleasant and interesting connection which I ever made in agricultural pursuits. He was brother of the present Rt. Honorable. I had in 1775 determined on making the tour of Ireland, to which the Earl of Shelburne[55] much instigated me, and I corresponded with several persons on the subject, who urged me much to that undertaking, but I was obliged to postpone it to the following year. The following is a note from Mr. Burke on the subject:— ‘Mr. Burke sends the covers with his best compliments and wishes to Mr. Young. He would be very glad to give Mr. Young recommendations to Ireland, but his acquaintance there is almost worn out, Lord Charlemont and one or two more being all that he thinks care a farthing for him. However, if letters to them would be of any service to Mr. Young, Mr. B. would with great pleasure write them.’