Page images
PDF
EPUB

families; which indicates a population of four millions of inhabitants and upwards.

GIESKE the mineralogist, after a resi dence of eight years, draws a sombrous picture of the colony of East Greenland, which he visited and explored to the 62d degree of latitude. He is confident, from the information given him by the natives, that at present that rigorous coast is not inhabited, or even habitable, beyond the 64th degree at farthest; and that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to penetrate further.

FRANCE.

By a private letter from Paris, we learn, that a very interesting historical and biographical work is ready for the press, on the life and heroic achievements of the celebrated and lamented MARSHAL NEY, Duc d'Elchingen, Prince of the Moskwa, and once the favourite of Fortune and Victory. The work is preparing from a vast body of materials, by his brother-in-law, M. GAMOT, and will be illustrated by most curious original letters and state papers. This work, and the Memoirs of Napoleon, will leave no want of materials for authentic history.

We are anxious to hear more from France on the subject of the Marquis d'Etourville's Travels in Africa; and of the voyage of the Bourdelais round the world.

A very desirable establishment has recently been formed in Paris, under the very able direction of Mr. W. DUGKETT, a gentleman well known in the Literary circles of London, for teaching the English language to young French ladies. It will be on the plan of English boarding schools, and will unite every useful and polite accomplishment to that of a language now becoming fashionable in France.

The researches for the discovery of rock-salt, which commenced in July last, at Moyenire, in the department of La Meurthe, is carried on to advantage.

After exploring to the depth of 200 feet, and reaching the first layer, which is eleven feet in thickness, the workmen had to perforate a bed of gypsum and argil of 546 feet, when they came to a second stratum of salt eight feet in thickness. It is intended to remove the researches to two other neighbouring points, to ascertain the breadth and magnitude of the whole bed. The two points form a triangle nearly equilateral, each side of which may be about 6 or 700 toises in length. One of these points is in the city of Vic, and the other to the south of it. On this latter point, they have already pierced to the depth

of twenty-five feet of vegetable earth the orifice of each bore is 3 inches, which constantly fills up with fresh water. -The salt of the first bed is extremely white, and transparent as rock crystal; it is likewise very pure, and free from every noxious or terrene substance. The second appears to be intermixed with gypseous or argilaceous substances, but in a very small proportion. This salt is brown, not unlike a clouded flint; both the kinds are very compact, well crystallized, the fractures cubical, and the saline taste superior to that of any salt obtained by evaporation. It contains but very little of muriate of magnesia or of sulphate of calx.

M. LAMOUROUx, Professor of Natural History in the Royal Academy of Caen, is about publishing a work (with 40 plates,) containing some account of the inarine polypi that so abound in the calcareous formations of Lower Normandy. One stratum in the vicinity of Caen is almost entirely composed of them. They are in perfect conservation; and, from the singular characters which they exhibit, M. Lamouroux gives figures of the natural size, with some essential parts magnified by the aid of optical glasses. The work will be of use to geologists, by making them acquainted with antediluvian aui mals of a description not visible or known at present. Some constitute new genera, and others belong to known genera among these latter are sponges, and other animals of a similar kind. The work will include a figure and description of the fossile crocodile that has been discovered near Caen.

M. FOUACHE, à inerchant of Havre, and member of the Council-General of Commerce, has constructed a sugar-niill on a novel and original principle, the cy linders of which are in a triangular form, and placed horizontally. It is intended for a steam-engine on one of the planta❤ tions in the island of Martanique.

The proprietors of a public journal published at Boulogne, entitled the Telegraph, have announced their intention to offer a prize to the author of the best heroic poem on the evacuation of Parga; an island given up to the Turks by the English government, The poets of all enlightened nations are invited to the com petition. The prize to be a beautiful silver urn, with antique emblems, and bearing this motto, from Virgil: Nos patriæ fines, et dulcia linquimus

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

publication early in 1820, Voyage dans la Greèc, or a Voyage into Greece, by M. POUQUEVILLE, late consul-general of France at Janina, correspondent of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres of France, and member of the Ionian Academy of Corcyra. This work is now in the press, (F. Didot, printer,) and will make four volumes in octavo, with plates, representing inscription; and medals, and maps, by Dubocage, of the Institute. The two first volumes are finished.

The public have been already apprised of the publication, in the Armenian language, of the Chronicle of Eusebius; To which may be added, that Doctor Zohrab, who brought the manuscripts to Constantinople, has been an assistant to M. Majo, in the Latin translation, and in the publication, by augmenting it with a copious preface, with notes, and with the Chronicle of Dr. Samuel, an Armenian writer who lived in the thirteenth cen tury.

SPAIN.

Since the last revolution, two literary parties have been formed in Spain, one of which zealously defends the character of the ancient Spanish theatre, and the other professes to admire the French dramatic writers and Kotzebue.

UNITED STATES.

Mr. JOSEPH DELAPLAINE, of Philadelphia, proprietor of a National Gallery of Portraits, announces his intention of removing his establishment to the city of Washington. This Institution consists

of an extensive Gallery of Portraits, several paintings of different subjects, and a large collection of engravings, embracing the Shakspeare Gallery complete, of two hundred illustrative and historical subjects; and Mr. D. is flattering the vanity of British authors, by asking for copies of their portraits, to hangi in his trans-atlantic Temple of Fame.

The French Catholic mission in the state of Kentucky prospers to a degree almost incredible. The bishop, who assumed the direction of it in 1810, in the short space of four years procured the erection of twenty-seven churches, and founded forty-three distinct congrega tions. He is now raising a cathedral; and the Protestants readily second his wishes. The missionaries are spreading over a territory of five hundred leagues adjacent to the Missouri.

By letters from New Orleans, it appears, that it is intended to build a new town on the opposite bank of the river Mississippi, the name to be Macdonough. The plan of the town is laid out, all the land is already disposed of, and the work of building has commenced. The streets are to be large and airy, with public squares and spacious promenades, a basin, and a canal. This last, after passing through the town in an advan tageous manner, will communicate with the river. The new town will become the principal depôt of the trade of the river, as it is a better station for ships, and will be less encumbered with port-duties, &c. than New Orleans.

REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS.

"Oh! come while the pale Moon is waning." A favourite Song, composed and arranged for the Piano-forte; by Joseph John Harris. 2s.

[ocr errors]

N the melodies of this song (for it comprises two different movements) we find much novelty and pathos. The ideas, speaking generally, are appropriate, connected, and elegantly turned. Of the words (from the poetic pen of Miss Eliza Stewart), we can also speak in favourable terms; and it is but justice to say, that the influence of the Muse is equally apparent in the verse and in the music.

The admired Scottish Air "Auld Lang Syne," arranged for the Harp and Pianoforte; by J. Craven. 3s.

The present arrangement of this ancient Caledonian melody chiefly consists

of the five variations with which it is succeeded. These are conceived with taste and animation, and afford the ju venile finger an agreeable and improving practice. It is worthy of notice, that the adjustment for the harp is printed separately and distinctly from that for the piano-forte; by which convenient provision, while confusion to the eye is avoided, each performer is prevented from incommoding the other. "La Paloma;" a favourite Spanish Air, arranged as a Rondo for the Piano-forte; by G. Kiellmark. 2s. 6d.

pre

This air (a deserving favourite among the lovers of ingenious trifles) is ceded by an introductory movement of considerable animation and vigour; and which, while it consorts with the matter it ushers, claims some commendation on

its own separate account. The air itself is made the theme of a well-worked movement; and, in the shape it derives from Mr. Kiellmark's management, constitutes an acceptable exercise for young practitioners.

"What shall I do?" A Song; by William

Horsley, Mus. Bac. 28.

The marivo of this ballad is tender, and characteristically impressive. While the words (selected from the Poetical Miscellany) evince Mr. Horsley's lyric taste, the accompaniment (for the harp or piano-forte) manifests his judgment in accommodating and favouring the voice. The general effect of this little production is indeed so truly interesting, that we wish Mr. H. would more frequently oblige the public in the same province of composition.

The celebrated Hungarian Waltz, with Variations for the Piano-forte. Composed by T. H. Butler. 2s. 6d.

Mr. Butler has given to this popular air six variations, and a regular and formal finale. Whether Mr. B.'s aim was to furnish a welcome regale to the auditor, or an attractive practice for the young piano-forte student, he has in a respectable degree attained his object. The flow of his ideas is smooth and sprightly; and the several portions of his subsidiary composition are at once engaging in themselves, and so regulated as to preserve a climax in their volatility, and, by consequence, to gradually lead the finger forward to an improved power of execution.

The Grand Overture to the Opera " Il Don Giovanni," as performed at the King's Theatre; composed by Mozart. Arranged for two performers on one Piano-forte; by M. P. King, esq. 3s.

This is one of the best of the various arrangements of Mozart's operatic Overtures. Mr. King, aware that in a

task of this kind all that is left to the science and ingenuity of the adapter is, the judicious disposition and commixture of the execution of the two performers, has directed all his strength to those points; and with a degree of success which demonstrates his general taste, as well as his knowledge of the character and powers of the particular instrument for which he writes.

"Captain Marshall's Election," composed by Andrew Loder, and arranged as a Rondo for the Piano-forte; by T. H. Butler. 1s. 6d.

Though we do not discover any very striking trait either of strength or beauty in the melody we are now considering, it would be unjust not to acknowledge and applaud the ingenious use Mr. Butler has made of his materials, such as they are. From twenty-four bars, he has not only fabricated four folio pages of attractive music, but produced a consistent if not a uniform whole; and, by blending with his original matter his own appropriate and consentaneous ideas, bas realized a rondo, that will scarcely fail to have as many admirers as auditors.

Messrs. CLEMENTI and Co. of London, have invented a most pleasing and useful instrument, called "the Self-acting Harp." It works by barrels, like a barrel organ, but the action takes place on strings, in the manner of a piano forte, whose tune it assimilates. It is provided with flutes and a triangle, forming a com➡ plete band for dances and other purposes. Instead of requiring to be turned by a handle, the action is mechanically produced, and it only requires to be wound up occasionally. As a decisive improvement on the common barrel-organ, it deserves to be generally known and patronized.

NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED IN JANUARY.
With an HISTORICAL and CRITICAL PROEMIUM.

** Authors or Publishers, desirous of seeing an early notice of their Works, are requested to transmit copies before the 18th of the Month.

[blocks in formation]

tuous conduct and liberal feelings do not always lead to honours and fortune. Such a work is of necessity above criti cism; but, if tried by the severest tests, this ninth book, describing the events of 1815, cannot but be considered as one of the ablest specimens of historical conposition that has ever been given to the world. The style is as terse and ener

getic as Tacitus, while, in its authority and design, it vies with the Commentaries of Cæsar. Two editions have ap. peared in French and English, the latter by Mr. O'Meara. The publication of the other books may be expected to follow; and, as England is perhaps the only country in Europe where the press, protected by honest juries, and the subject, by the laws from personal outrage, would enable a public-spirited bookseller to print these works entire and without any abridgment or mutilation; so the whole may be expected to appear in London, in a manner which will entitle them to public confidence. There are no facts or sentiments which a man of Napoleon's high character ought not to be able to communicate to the world; while, at the same time, England, with all its faults on this particular subject, is, (America excepted,) the only country where the forms and the spirit of the laws permit their unshackled publication.

Another work, treating of the events of the same year, 1815, has appeared, in two volumes, by M. FLEURY, secretary to Napoleon, who did not follow the fortunes of his master; in which he is said to have been assisted by the Duc DE ROVIGO. The work exhibits the private life of the Emperor, with many traits of personal character highly in teresting. It has also appeared in French and English.

The other publication of an historical character which claims our notice, is the Life of the Protector Cromwell, by a descendant, OLIVER CROMWELL, esq. of Cheshunt. The work consists for the most part of a refutation, generally complete and satisfactory, of the libels pub. lished by the toad-eaters and sycophants who surrounded the court of the Stuarts. In performing this task, Mr. C. has had occasion to refer to many original documents, and has, in consequence, thrown new light on many events of those times. His private life of the Protector and fa. mily is peculiarly interesting, and has afforded us some rich materials for our Supplementary Number, published this day. In the entire work, as well in its projection as its execution and publication, Mr. C. has great merit. Of the important and beneficial influence which his ancestor exercised in political affairs, with the high ground which he assumed in all foreign relations during his Protectorship, to the glory and prosperity of his own country, we are fully sensible: but it would require even more argument than can be contained in a pon

3

derous quarto, and more authority than can be adduced from a partial survey of historical facts, to persuade the world that this destroyer and the usurper of regal authority was actuated by any other feelings but those of self-aggrandisement, and the most cold-blooded and calculating ambition. We in vain endeavour, after concluding the most elaborate reasoning and enquiries into his conduct and character, to rise from the perusal of his defence with the persuasion of his being an upright, sincere, aud truly patriotic Christian. He had in fact too subtle a judgment, too intimate an acquaintance with, and even contempt for, human nature, to be the simple, religious, and smooth-fashioned being he appeared. His own observation, that he was only a poor instrument in the hands of the Lord, though bypo. critical enough, was perhaps more true than many he uttered, as he appears to have been one of those rare characters who, in aiming at mischievous objects, by some fortunate coincidence of cir cumstances, are surprised to find they have only achieved something great and useful. The design, however, of the work is highly laudable, and the execution of it honourable to the talents of the author: though not without faults both of composition and matter, there is much, both useful and interesting, to be gleaned from it.

The proposed Series of Novelties for Novel Readers, has commenced with a Scottish story called GLENFELL, by a writer of eminence and evident skill; and by a translation of Madame Genlis PETRARCH and LAURA, executed in a manner which is calculated to raise the character of translations from the degra dation into which they were fast falling. It has in truth, in point of style, all the charms of an original work.

A very eloquent work, most ably translated by Mr. Black, has appeared on Germany and the Revolution, by Professor GOERRES, late editor of the Rhenish Mercury, a paper which has been accredited among the friends of liberal opinions all over Europe. This work embodies the same sentiments; and, if a tythe of the generous spirit of Goerres is felt by half the German people, the Confederates against the French Revolution in 1791 and 2, may yet live to repent their wicked meddling. The conferences at Carlsbad, and the resolutions of the Diet of Frankfort, combined with the suspicious character of the Holy Alliance, and the military attitude of Alex.

ander,

ander, seem to have aroused all the latent principles of German patriotism; and the fermentation is not likely to be allayed, without changes beneficial to liberty and the human race.

Spence's Anecdotes, which were so freely used by Dr. Johnson in his Lives of the Poets, and consulted by Malone and others, have at length appeared, in two several editions. One professes to give them entire, and is published by Mr. S. W. SINGER; and the other consists of the arranged abstract of them prepared by Mr. Malone. They promised inuch, and we opened them with anxiety; but it appeared that Dr. Johnson had made so good a use of them, as to leave little of interest for those who followed him. Nevertheless, the entire collection is most curious; and either edition, but particularly that of Mr. Singer, merits a place in every library, public and private. It may not be improper to add, that Mr. Spence flourished through the age of Pope, with whom he was intimate, and that these anecdotes consist of his memoranda, written partly with a view to his publication of a life of that distinguished poet, and that they have since been locked up in the Newcastle family.

Mr. W. B. TAYLOR, an artist who has proved his powers by his performances, Las commenced a work, in parts, two of which have appeared, on the History of the University of Dublin. It is printed in imperial quarto, to match the splendid Histories of the English Universities; and the plates, which introduce us to new scenes of architectural grandeur, are coloured as fac-similes of the interesting places they represent. Few persons, till they see this work, will have entertained correct notions of the magnitude and completeness of the academical establishments of the Irish metropolis.

Mr. AccuM, who has so successfully extended the researches of science to the concerns of life, has added new claims to the gratitude of the public, by a volume on the Adulterations of Food, and on the Fraudulent Sophistications of Bread, Beer, Wine, &c. &c. with methods of detecting them. No enquiry could be more usefal; and they have been conducted by Mr. Accum with great sagacity. We now only want laws for the commensurate punishment of the sordid and unprincipled delinquents.

Miss BENGER, the accomplished writer of the Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, as well as of several pleasing novels, has recently published Memoirs

of Mr. John Tobin, author of the Honey Moon, with a selection from his unpub. lished writings. From a perusal of the life of this interesting individual, we feel no reason to alter the favourable opinion entertained of the talents of this lady in biographical composition. While we warmly admire the feeling and judgment displayed in describing the character of this ill-fated genius, we are happy to agree with Miss B. in the enlightened view she takes of the causes of the late degraded state of the British drama, the prostitution of good taste, the neglect of real worth, and the loss of the true principles of scenic representation.

The champion novelist of the day has again exhibited himself on a new arena, in Ivanhoe, or the Jew of York,equipped in the trappings of the feudal tines, and in the chivalric character of an accomplished young Saxon of the woods. Though not perfectly historical in giving such a pompous picture of chivalric society at so early a period, (as it rather resembles Francis I. than Richard,) yet, as it serves to represent characters of untamed life, judiciously mingled with those of "high thoughts seated in a heart of courtesy," the union of two different periods of society may be admissible in a romance. With this, and the single exception of the want of a real story, we do not recollect perusing any work of Walter Scott's that has af forded us more pleasure than the present. The exquisite description, and dramatic power of character, are suffi cient to redeem greater faults than are perceptible in the novels of this original author.

A Warning Letter, and a Second Warning Letter, to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, intended principally as a call upon the middle ranks at this important crisis, we think, would have been more aptly denominated a call upon the Prince to dismiss his ministers, in order to make room for the Oppos:tion, and the Rev. Lionel Thotnas Berguer, to a place in power. In pursuit of this desirable object, he has not failed to blacken the character of the people, accusing them of the most incendiary designs, and determined resolutions to overturn the constitution; though we are happy to observe his misrepresentations have not been listened to by the princely ear to which they were addressed. We think the people would have had little reason to congratulate themselves upon the accession of those men to power who scruple not, even through the organ

of

« PreviousContinue »