SINCLAIR, Sir JOHN, an eminent agricultural improver, and patriotic Scottish gentle man,. was b. at Thurso castle in 1754. He represented the Sinclairs of Ulbstcr, a branch of the noble house of Caithness. After a careful education, completed at Oxford, he studied law, and was admitteded a member of both the Scottish and English bars, but having, in his 16th year, succeeded to the family estate, he devoted himself to his duties as a northern landlord, and to the more engrossing pursuits of public life. In 1760 lie was returned to parliament for his native county, which he represented for many years. He wrote pamphlets on public affairs—on the navy, the militia force, the national finances, etc.. In 178-4 he published a History of the Revenue of the British Empire, an elaborate work in two 4to vols.; and in 1786 he was created a baronet. He traveled over Europa, gathering information on economical and commercial questions, and on his return set about establishing a society in Scotland for improving the breeds of sheep and the quality of wool. His exertions also led to the formation of the board of agri culture in 1793, of which he was president for 13 years. This institution was the pre cursor of numerous agricultural associations, by which the country was greatly benefi1+1. Sir John's most important undertaking was originating and carrying through the Statis tical Account of Scotland, completed in the year 1793 in 20 large vols., and comprising a
description of every parish in Scotland. The parochial clergy were the chief contribu tors, but the indefatigable baronet also employed statistical missionaries, and was for seven years actively engaged in prosecuting the work. Sir John wrote on all manner of topics, including even a tragedy and treatises on health Ind longevity; and his pub lications during 50 years of ceaseless exertion are said to amount in number to 3671 Not one of the whole seems destined to live; their value perished in the using; but the long and active life of their author was highly beneficial to his country. The venerable baronet died at Edinburgh, Dec. 21, 1835, in the 82d year of his age.
Sir John Sinclair left a numerous family, some of whom have attained to distinction. CATHERINE SINCLAIR, fourth daughter of the deceased baronet, was the author of a number of tales and descriptive works—Morlern, Accomplurhmeole, Modern Society, Scot land and the Scotch, Shetland and the Shetlanders, etc., which all evince literary taste and talent, combined with fine moral feeling; while her practical benevolence and social kindness greatly endeared her to her friuis, and to Edinburgh society generally. Miss Sinclair died, universally in 1864, aged 03.