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ADAM, JEAN.-A Scottish schoolmistress, author of a volume of poems, among which is the famous one of "The Sailor's Wife." Its authorship is erroneously given to William Mickle in many collections. Born in 1710; died in 1765.

ADAMS, CHARLES FOLLEN.- An American humorist, known chiefly from his "Leedle Yawcob Strauss," and poems of a similar character, which have been published in a volume, and enjoyed considerable popularity. Born in Mass. in 1842. At one time a journalist of Detroit, Mich. ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY.-Sixth President of the United States. Born in Mass., 1767; died in Washington, 1848. He stands eminent among American statesmen as an accomplished scholar, an astute diplomatist, a prolific writer of prose and verse, and a man of inflexible integrity. ADDISON, JOSEPH.-This immortal essayist, who also ranks high as a poet, was born in Wiltshire, England, May 1st, 1672, and was the son of the Dean of Litchfield Entering Oxford at the age of fifteen, he early distinguished himself. At twenty-three he published a poem on one of King William's campaigns, which brought him favor and a pension, and he then spent two years abroad. He wrote largely for "The Tattler" (Steele's project), and afterwards for " The Guardian." More famous than either was "The Spectator"-in point of time between the two-and to this he was the leading contributor. The fame these essays won was and is co-extensive with the English language. It was at its height when his "Tragedy of Cato" appeared, in 1713. On this his reputation as a poet principally rests, though he also wrote a few exquisite hymns and some other sacred pieces. In 1717 he was made Secretary of State, but held the office only a short time, retiring on a pension of £1,500 per annum. He died in the midst of busy literary labors, June 17, 1719. AINSLIE, HEW.-Was born in Scotland in 1792; removed to America in 1822, and died in Kentucky in 1878 The evening of an active business life was spent in literary pursuits. ALDRICH, JAMES.-A native of Suffolk county, New York. He engaged early in mercantile pursuits, but left them for literature, and was engaged as a writer for various periodicals. Born in 1810; died in 1856. ALDRICH, THOMAS BAILEY.-An American author, whose writings, both poetry and prose, are endued with the charms of a delicate fancy, playful humor, tender sentiment, and graceful diction. Born in New Hampshire in 1836, he has led an active literary life since his youth; is author of several volumes, and (since 1880) editor of the "Atlantic Monthly."

ALEXANDER, CECIL FRANCES.-The wife of Wm. Alexander, Bishop of Derry, Ireland; author of "Moral Songs," "Hymns for Children," "Poems on Old Testament Subjects," etc. Born near Strathbane, Ireland, about 1830. ALFORD, HENRY.-Dean of Canterbury, Eng.; a volumi. nous writer on critical and religious subjects, his chief work being "The Greek New Testament, with Notes." His poems appeared in 1835, and his sacred lyrics in a volume of "Psalms and Hymns," which he edited in 1844. Born in London, 18!0; died in 1871.

ALISON, RICHARD.-An English poet, of whom little is known. In 1590 he published "A Description of the Visible Church," and in 1616 “An Houre's Recreation in Musicke, apt for Instruments and Voyces."

ALLEN, ELIZABETH AKERS (FLORENCE PERCY).- Her maiden name was Elizabeth Chase; her first husband was the sculptor Paul Akers. She is widely known as the author of the lines, "Rock me to Sleep, Mother." Born in Maine, in 1832.

ALLINGHAM, WILLIAM.-Began his literary career with a volume of poems in 1850; in 1854 he published "Day and Night Songs," and received a literary pension in 1864. Born at Ballyshannon, Ireland, in 1828. AMES, MARY CLEMMER.-A versatile and brilliant writer, widely known as the Washington correspondent of the New York "Independent." The author of several novels, and of the memoirs of the Cary sisters. Was born in Utica, N. Y.

ANDERSON, ALEXANDER.-Noted as the first engraver on wood in America. A man of diversified talents and attainments-a poet, musician, illustrator, engraver, naturalist, and physician. Born in New York city, 1775; died in Jersey City, 1870.

ANDREW, JOHN A.-Massachusetts' famous "War Governor," and a distinguished lawyer and orator as well as statesman. Born in Maine in 1818; died at Boston in 1867. ARNOLD, EDWIN.-An English scholar and poet, born in 1832. Was for a time principal of the Government Sanscrit College at Poonoh, India. After returning to England in 1860), became editor-in-chief of the London "Telegraph." Published in 1879 the remarkable poem entitled "The Light of Asia"; and three years later the "Indian Song of Songs." ARNOLD, GEORGE.-Was born in New York in 1834 and died in 1865. An edition of his poems was published the year after his death. The most widely known, and perhaps the best, of his pieces is "The Jolly Old Pedagogue." ARNOLD, MATTHEW.—An English poet and critical essay. ist, the son of Dr. Thomas Arnold, the historian and head teacher of Rugby. Was born in 1822, and elected to the Chair of Poetry at Oxford in 1857 Is author of several books, and one of the foremost magazine writers of the day.

AUSTEN, SARAH.-Was noted for her elegant translations from the German. Her daughter, Lady Duff Gordon, inherited her talent, gaining by it a similar distinction. Was born in England in 1793; died in 1867.

AYTON, SIR ROBERT.—A favorite in the Court of James VI., and a poet of considerable merit, composing verses of refined elegance in Greek, Latin, French, and English. Born in Scotland in 1570; died in 1638.

BACON, FRANCIS, LORD.-The illustrious philosopher and statesman, whose fame sheds lustre on the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King James VI. Endowed with every advantage of birth, talent, and education, his career was crowned with the highest honors, and marked by as dire a downfall as is recorded in the history of mankind. The "Novum Organum" was his grandest work, and his volume of miscellaneous " "Essays" the most popular. Countless editions of the latter have been sold. Born in 1561; died in 1626.

BAILEY, J. M.-Belongs to the distinctive school of American humorists; earned a national repute by the witty character of his writings in "The Danbury News," and from them derived his familiar title of "Danbury News Man."