It was in the summer of 1842 that I, in company with two friends, had first the privilege of visiting Lough's studio. It has remained a never-to-be-forgotten event. I remember even the sort of day it was, not fierce and glaring, but with the sunshine slightly veiled by clouds, so that the light was steady and subdued, the very light by which to see sculpture to perfection. The works I may have occasion to mention are well before the world, but I hope some description of the sculptor himself may be acceptable. Born in 1798, John Graham Lough must have been forty-four years old at the time of which I speak, but he scarcely looked his age. Indeed I think it is a characteristic of genius, at any rate artistic genius, to wear well in this respect. A handsome man he was, about, or a little above, the middle height, with magnificent eyes that lighted up the whole countenance, and altogether a picturesque figure in his working dress of blouse and cap. As is well known, Lough was of humble though respectable origin; but he was one of the few of what are called self-made men that in my long life I have ever known who were completely gentlemen. There was an ingrained kindliness in his nature which rendered him always courteous and considerate for others; and perceiving that his visitors had some real appreciation of art, he gratified them in many ways.