There are few individuals whose exertions are more beneficial to society, or whose labours are more arduous, than those who devote their time and attention to the painful task of reclaiming the unprofitable waste; and by dint of persevering industry convert the inhospitable wild, the haunt of the shivering savage, into rich fields crowned with smiling harvests, the chearful abode of social man, and the busy mart of commerce and plenty.

The subject of this memoir was born at Leith, in September 1738; his father commanded a ship in the merchant service for many years; his mother was the only daughter of J. Drummond, Esq. eldest brother of the late Provost Drummond, of Edinburgh. Mr. Hunter having observed in his son a desire for a maritime life, did not discourage these early propensities to his entering into this dangerous though honourable profession; and being about undertaking a voyage to the coast of Norway, he carried his son with him, although at too early an age to acquire much knowledge of maritime affairs, yet he thought it would serve to try how far a sea life might, after a short voyage, be really his choice.