nded, whether in London or at Bedford, were ormly cordial, and some of the firmest friends of his life were made with them. Mrs. ward was a churchwoman, and, during her life, Howard seems to have usually accompanied at least once on Sundays, to the parish church ere later on he erected a monument to her nory), though he never shrank from acknowing himself a dissenter. He was a man of ngelical piety, firmly convinced of the truth of somewhat narrow Calvinistic creed in which nad been brought up, but of a large-hearted ity, tolerant of others who differed from him, ever ready to unite with any who were ined with the same spirit of benevolence and anthropy which grew upon him as he gave it cise.

bon after the marriage, in consequence of the state of Mrs. Howard's health, a change of Hence from Cardington was advised, and ward removed to Watcombe near Lymington, ne New Forest, where he purchased an estate. result of the experiment was not satisfactory. place was too damp; and after three or four s the estate was sold, and the Howards in improving the property. Their own house gardens were considerably altered, and it was this time that the root-house, which figures i well-known story of Howard and his son built. This was a favourite resort of Howar for quiet thought and meditation. He wo spend hours here, and had it fitted up with a s bookcase containing works of a devotional ch acter, such as Hervey's Meditations (a favou work among the Evangelicals of the last centu and the writings of Flavel and Baxter. Of improvements made on the estate, and of Howa efforts and plans for the good of his tenants, a m detailed account is reserved for the next chap He was now evidently looking forward to spend a quiet and retired life, with plenty to occupy b in the management of his property, and the p suit of those scientific studies and observations which he delighted. As he says himself, in earliest letter of his which has been preserved, had his books and instruments comfortably ab him, and was hoping for more time to enjoy the Ten or a dozen hands were employed on the est in digging and planting under his superintendenc and the only thing that was wanting to compl his happiness, the birth of a son and heir,

gong

band's arms.

asstu away

In the family register Howard

self has recorded his sad loss as follows: John, my son, was born about four o'clock, rch 27, 1765. Sabbath evening, March 31, 15, died the dear mother. Unaffected piety, ekness, and goodness ran through her whole . O God, sanctify the dear memorial! Thy ce imparting the same temper and mind; that both, by Thine unbounded goodness, in and ough Jesus Christ, may be followers of her faith I patience, and be for ever with the Lord. -O rious day!" 1

CHAPTER III

LIFE, FROM THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE TO HOWAI APPOINTMENT AS HIGH SHERIFF OF BEDFORD

Life at Cardington-A wholesome Despotism-Kindly lations with his Tenants-Foreign Travel-Letters | Abroad-Ascent of Vesuvius-Return Home-Tro among the Congregationalists-Howard's Sunda His Treatment of his Son.

A

FTER the death of his wife, Howard, wł health was not robust, continued to re quietly at Cardington, finding his recreation his meteorological observations, and in register the temperature; and his serious occupation the improvement of his estate, and earn endeavours to better the condition of his tena He was a sanitary reformer and an educationa in days when neither sanitary reform nor edu tion were of much account. The village Cardington lies low, and many of the cotta on his estate were damp and unheal Accordingly, new and improved ones V erected, each with a small garden attached ;

of his life. The greatest pains were taken to employment for the tenants; and stringent were laid down for their conduct. They avoid the public-house, and eschew all such sements as their landlord disapproved of. ✓ must attend public worship either at ch or at Chapel; and in order to facilitate ers, one of his own cottages was fitted up meeting-house, where from time to time enting ministers would conduct service. g though he was in politics, Howard was eliever in a wholesome despotism; and in r to secure full power to remove any who d to conform to his regulations, he only itted persons to his cottages as tenants vill.

all his efforts for the benefit of the poor, ward had the warm support of his neighbour, Samuel Whitbread, lord of the manor at lington, and owner of a considerable property e. Mr. Whitbread was a connection of the as family, and, through his wife, Howard ned to be his cousin. A close friendship ng up, not only between the two men, but between Howard and Lady Mary Whitd, a daughter of Lord Cornwallis, who was