EAGER (John) was born in the year 1782, in the city of Norwich, where his father, who was in one of the regiments of guards, had settled, after having retired from public service, and, following the natural bias of his own inclinations, had obtained some degree of reputation as a manufacturer of musical instruments, particularly in organ building. By him the son was iniated in the first rudiments of music, and was thereby enabled, at a very early age, to contribute essentially to his support. Eager is a rare example of persevering industry, combined with very considerable talent. A brief outline of his life may therefore be a useful stimulus to those who have nothing to depend on, but what arises from their own industry and application. When he was about twelve years old, the (then) duke of Dorset happened to visit Yarmouth, for the benefit of sea—bathing. His grace was exceedingly fond of music, and himself a tolerable performer on the violin. By accident, Eager was introduced to him, when the duke was so delighted with his power, young as he then was, over that instrument, that he persuaded his father to allow of the boy's accompanying him to Kent, assuring him of his patronage. Arrived at Knole, where a great part of his time necessarily hung idly and heavily on his hands, he first conceived a desire to cultivate his mind by the study of literature, and repair the defects of his previous education; which, till then, had, in fact, been almost entirely neglected.