his remaining five years in congenial literary pursuits, serving for a time as the librarian of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He is described as a "little quaint old man, indescribably bent, but still wearing a hale aspect, who used to haunt the alcoves of the library at Harvard." After March, 1842, the place of the old scholar and reader in the college library was vacant.
Dr. Harris made no contribution of permanent value to American literature, unless the present book may be so considered. Besides the works mentioned, he aided (1805) in putting forth an encyclopedia, and a Natural History of the Bible; the result of the last-named labor was pirated by an English firm, which issued it in several editions. The Journal of a Tour, which we here republish, sold well, and was soon out of print. In recent years, the volume has brought a good price at antiquarian sales. In addition to the journal proper, Harris added a bulky appendix, entitled a "Geographical and Historical Account of the State of Ohio," from material collected during his visit at Marietta, annexing thereto: a "Letter to the Earl of Hillsborough on the navigation of the Ohio (1770);" the "Act of Congress forming the State;" the "Constitution of the State;" an "Account of the destruction of the Moravian Settlements on the Muskingum;" "Wayne's Treaty;" and a number of papers connected with the formation of the Ohio Company of Associates, and the establishment of the Northwest Territory. This appendix we have omitted as not within the sphere of the present series, and as containing information which can readily be secured elsewhere.
As an observer, two points characterize Harris's narrative—his enthusiasm for natural scenery, and the delight shown in its description; and the dryness of his
