In Jamaica, indeed, they talk of one Negro as a man of parts and learning; but it is likely he is admired for slender accomplishments, like a parrot who speaks a few words plainly."-- (III.

236.) The _Essays_ met with the success they deserved.

Hume wrote to Henry Home in June, 1742:-- "The Essays are all sold in London, as I am informed by two letters from English gentlemen of my acquaintance.

There is a demand for them; and, as one of them tells me, Innys, the great bookseller in Paul's Churchyard, wonders there is not a new edition, for he cannot find copies for his customers.

I am also told that Dr.
Butler has everywhere recommended them; so that I hope that they will have some success." Hume had sent Butler a copy of the _Treatise_ and had called upon him, in London, but he was out of town; and being shortly afterwards made Bishop of Bristol, Hume seems to have thought that further advances on his part might not be well received.
Greatly comforted by this measure of success, Hume remained at Ninewells, rubbing up his Greek, until 1745; when, at the mature age of thirty-four, he made his entry into practical life, by becoming bear-leader to the Marquis of Annandale, a young nobleman of feeble body and feebler mind.