and at some distance not sufficiently perceptible from the foliage of the
trees which rise around the figure.

[Illustration: GEORGE CANNING.]

The situation of the statue has been judiciously chosen, being but a short
distance from the senate wherein Canning built up his earthly fame. The
association is unavoidable; and scores of patriotic men who pass by this
national tribute to splendid talent may feel its inspiring influence.
Still, rather than speculate upon Mr. Canning's political career, we quote
Lord Byron's manly eulogium on the illustrious dead: "Canning," said Byron,
in his usual energetic manner, "is a genius, almost an universal one, an
orator, a wit, a poet, and a statesman." Again,

Yet something may remain, perchance, to chime
With reason, and what's stranger still, with rhyme;
Even this thy genius, CANNING! may permit,
Who, bred a statesman, still was born a wit,
And never, even in that dull house, could'st tame
To unleaven'd prose thine own poetic flame;
Our last, our best, our only Orator,
Ev'n I can praise thee.

It may be interesting to observe that the colour so much admired on bronze
statues is fine dark green from the oxide formed upon the metal, which,
being placed without doors, is more liable to be corroded by water holding
in solution the principles of the atmosphere; "and the rust and corrosion,
which are made poetically, qualities of time, depend upon the oxydating
powers of water, which, by supplying oxygen in a dissolved or condensed
state enable the metal to form new combinations."--_Sir H. Davy_.