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“ E. Leader Williams, C.E., was born at Worcester, and received his earliest instruction in art at the School of Design in that city. At twenty-three he was admitted as a student in the Royal Academy, and in the same year exhibited his first picture, "Cottage Children Blowing Bubbles," which was bought by an American connoisseur for £80. Two years later he visited Scotland for the first time, since which he has become one of the most popular delineators of mountain scenery, Wales and Switzerland, as well as the Highlands, being his favourite sketching-grounds. ”

“ He is now writing a book which, when published, will, it is predicted, make him for many years the most discussed man in Australia, and perhaps one of the most notable in the British Empire. His two Russian cats, which purr about his legs, and his large and varied collection of pet animals, are his sole recreation. ”

“ He early had the honour of being selected as pianist to the Queen, and soon became known as a very fashionable teacher; while his fame as a composer was continually increasing. Of all his songs, perhaps "The Message " has been the most widely and justly popular; though, indeed, he is a composer whose work can never be anything but brilliant and effective. ”