CHAPTER XIV.

The failure of the Ship protectors a source of great vexation to Davy.--His Letters to Mr. Poole.--He becomes unwell.--He publishes his Discourses before the Royal Society.--Critical Remarks and Quotations.--He goes abroad in search of health.--His Letter to Mr. Poole from Ravenna.--He resigns the Presidency of the Royal Society.--Mr. Gilbert elected _pro tempore_.--Davy returns to England, and visits his friend Mr. Poole.--Salmonia, or Days of Fly-fishing.--An Analysis of the Work, with various extracts to illustrate its character 283