DIDASCALIA. DRURY-LANE THEATRE. On Friday, Dec. 26, a new pantomime was brought out at this Theatre, called the Enchanters, or Harlequin Sultan. We trust our readers will not expect a long account of productions of this kind; we shall therefore only remark that the plot is in the usual stile of this species of entertainment-fine scenery, machinery, dresses, decorations, &c. Saturday, Dec. 27, Mr. Ray, jun. from Cheltenham, appeared in the character of Young Marlowe, in She Stoops to Conquer. He was very favorably received; his action is easy, and his delivery good. On Monday, Jan. 12, a new opera, entitled False Alarms, or My Cousin, written by Mr. Kenny, was produced at this Theatre, the characters of which are as follow. Mr. Bannister. Miss Pope. Bumper Lady Gayland Caroline Sedley Emily. Miss Umbrage Susan The heroine of the piece is Miss Sedley, who is beloved by Sir Damon Gayland, a jealous old rake, and at the same time is instrumental to his reconciliation with his young bride. To effect this, she comes, with the privacy of Lady Gayland, on a visit to the family, in the disguise of an officer; in which concealment she sees the very hearts of two lovers of her own, and makes her election of the honorable one, an Irish Licutenant, M'Lary. There is another love-plot, in which Edgar is the hero, Emily the heroine, and Tom Surfeit the interloper. This ends as satisfactorily as the other. Having given a slight idea of the plot, we are sorry to be under the necessity of censuring this piece; but when we enquire its pretensions to dramatic merit, we must pronounce it totally destitute of originality and character-not a spark of wit could we find in it and indeed all the characters have been before the public over and over again, and in every instance much better. Our readers will readily perceive the truth of our remark when we give them the list, which consists of a pert chamber-maid; a dull stupid drunken valet (Germanized, we presume, in compli inent to our taste for the original German drama, with which we have been lately surfeited ;) an intriguing jealous husband; a sentimental wife; a dashing young lady, dressed in officer's cloaths; a would-be-learn ed lady, with no other pretensions than wearing a trencher eap; an ignorant citizen; a low Atall, and his impudent valet; an Irish lieutenant; and an English captain, so desperately in love that he sits down on the stage to sing a ballad in praise of his fair one, and accompanies it himself on the grand piano forte. "Does this become a soldier?" In times like these should the stage be suffered to countenance such unwarlike tweedle dum and tweedle dee captains?-If so, all we can say is that" captain Braham is your only man ;" for his Smile and Tear had the best possible effect, and we have no scruple in affirming that it opportunely saved the play from sinking; it put the audience in a good humour although they had already yawned: forgetting perhaps that much ought not to be expected from an opera. Tom Surfeit was as ably performed by Bannister as the insipidity of the character would allow. What it wanted in wit he charitably supplied with swearing and blustering. Indeed the custom of swearing oaths has of late become such a very common practice upon the stage, that we suppose the performers imagine it makes amends for deficiency of wit. Hence the frequent dammes of Messrs. Bannister, Matthews, and some others, amounting to at least a dozen of vulgar oaths; which we conceive to be most disgraceful, and equally despicable in the author who suffers them, and in the actor who so far forgets his situation as to use them. Nor can we commend the liberty taken by Bannister in telling the spectators they had put him out, when one of his songs was very partially encored, at which the generality testified a most decided disapprobation. Had he been playing punchinello at Bartholomew fair it might have been in character, but at the theatre royal of Drury Lane-We did not like it by no manner of means, as his author says. All the performers did their utmost; but we cannot refrain from noticing Miss Duncan, who acted and sung with great spirit and judgment. She gave The North breeze blew keenly, and deep was the gloom, with the happiest effect, and was unanimously encored. The music is the joint production of King and Braham, and does them credit; indeed some of it is very pretty, particularly the two songs we have mentioned. King's is the most pleasing; Braham has introduced so much of science and execution as frequently to tire instead of delight. COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE. On Monday, Dec. 29, was produced at this Theatre a new pantomime called Harlequin and Mother Goose, or the Golden Egg, full of splendid scenery, machinery, tricks, &c. and intended as a treat for the holiday folks; it is one of the best we have witnessed. SUCCINCT ACCOUNT OF POMERANIA. According to the latest advices from the continent, there is reason to think that the German dominions of the King of Sweden will speedily become the "seat of events which may attract the attention of Europe: we therefore embrace the present opportunity of submitting to our readers, the latest information concerning those countries. In Pomerania is a strip of land lying on the borders of the Baltic: 60 geographical miles in length: 13 in breadth. Towards the east, its adjoins Pomerelia; on the south it borders Poland; on the west the Duchy of Mecklenburgh; and on the north the Baltic. It is a flat country, but has some few mountains; the highest of which is the Choltenberg, between Caslin and Zanow. some places part of the soil is sandy, but in general it is rich and fertile. Beans, turnips, Hax, hemp, and fruit, grow plentifully. The trees are very fine, especially the oaks. This country is famous for a breed of excellent geese of a very large size. These geese, the smoaked hams, and the salted salmon of Pomerania, are reckoned the best in Germany. Pomerania contains 68 towns, and about 460,000 souls. Several among these towns, such as Stettin, Stutgard, Colberg, and Costins, have rich manufactures. Such as are situated on the sea coast, carry on a very extensive trade, as may be inferred from the articles of inerchandise which, in one year, were exported from Stettin to Holland, France, Sweden, Prussia, and England, viz. : 10,089lbs. of starch: 72,423 lbs. of antimony: 105 pieces of worsted stuff: 107 tons of lapis calaminaris. 33,186 toises of wood for fuel: 130,900 rixdollars in value, of timber: 24 cases of linseed: 436,960 bricks: 639 cwt. of brass wire: 147 tons of potash: 408 cwt. of madder: 233 tous of soap: 5,812 cwt. of tobacco: 3,448 pieces of woollen cloth: The whole of the above was exported on board 1,671 vessels, besides 97 other ships that sailed from the same port in ballast. Pomerania is divided into anterior, and ulterior. That part of anterior Pomerania VOL. I. [Lit. Pan. Feb. 1807.] In which belongs to Sweden is composed, 1. Of the island and principality of Rugen. This island, now at almost an English mile's distance from the continent of which it was formerly a part, is 49 miles in circumference; the soil is very fertile and abounds in cattle ; the fisheries also are very productive. It contains 27 parishes, divided into four jurisdictions; 2. Of the country of Stralsund, the chief town of which, bearing the same name, is the capital of Swedish Pomerania, and is situated on the straight of Gellen, between the terra firma, and the isle of Rugen. There is a considerable college in this town; it has many independent citizens, a number of wealthy inhabitants, and a brisk trade. Stralsund was built in 1230, it was one of the Hanse Towns, and enjoyed great privileges. It is the residence of the government; and here the states of Pomerania are assembled. this city are manufactures of woollen and linen cloths, of starch, and brandies. It has sustained several sieges. It was taken by the elector of Brandenburgh in 1578, but Wallenstein was obliged to abandon the siege of it in 1628. It was taken and ravaged in 1715; was restored to Sweden at the peace in 1720. It was included in the agreement between Sweden and Russia in 1805, and its defences have since been increased. Nevertheless, it is understood, that, although the fortifications on the land side protect it againsta coup de main, it cannot sustain a regular attack. 3. Of the principality of Barth, which is ten miles long, and six broad; 4. Of the county of Gutzhow; 5, Of the Balony of Wolgast. These different countries contain about 160,000 inhabitants; and produce an annual income of 240,000 rixdollars. A more distinct and particular conception of the island of Rugen may be obtained from a work published at Altona, in 1805, in 8vo. entitled: Streifzüge, &c.; or, Excursions through the island of Rugen, in letters from a native. Rügen has lately become an object worthy the attention of travellers, particularly among the Germans, on account of its romantic scenery, fertile soil, and the great hospitality of the natives. The author of this work, who styles himself an Indigena, thinking that the accounts given by his predecessors, Rellstab, Zilner, and Nernst, were not so satisfactory as they might have been, has favoured the German public with his tour through the island during the summer of 1803. We are the more induced to present a few extracts, as we know of no account of this island in our own language. "Tacitus speaks of a German nation, the Rugi, who probably lived on the coast of the cast sea. Jornandes also mention them, and divides them into Ulm-Ragi, and Ethel 2 L Rugii. Helmod, the monk, a writer of the | in general, are stated to be more civilized, 12th century, describes the country as an than those in many of the German provinces; insula, quam incolunt Rani, qui et Ru- the young men enter the Swedish or Prusgiani vocantur. In low German, at present, sian armies, or cultivate their own estates. it is often called Roiyen, and in all official documents it is styled the principality of Rü gen. "The clergy are also exempt from all taxes and assessments; but are subject to the royal consistory. The King of Sweden Rügen lies on the northern frontier of is head of the church, and patron of sixteen Germany, and stretches along the coast of livings. They are the most enlightened of Swedish Pomerania from N. W. to S. E. the natives, and hospitality is one of their Its greatest distance from the continent is great characteristics. Far removed from morather more than three German miles, and dern infidelity, and tolerant in matters of reits nearest approximation about of a Ger-ligion, they do not denounce anathemas against man mile. Its greatest length is six miles and those who differ from them. a half, and breadth between five and six. Our author states the population at 27,426 souls, among whom 16,733 may be reckoned as vassals. "Rügen contains no river; but springs, streams, lakes, and canals, are not wanting. Owing to its elevated situation, it is subject to cold east winds; and storms pour from the westward. The winters are severe and long, so that the bays and creeks are covered with ice as late as the month of April. "The most remarkable minerals are am "The vassals (homines glebæ adscripti) compose the greatest part of the natives, and are divided into crown, feudal, allodial, church, and civic subjects. Should a noble, or a civic, vassal, wish to buy his freedom, the price depends entirely on the will of his lord; but a certain sum is fixed to be paid by the male and female subjects of the crown. "A Fire office was established in 1769. In 1803, the value of the property insured amounted to 1,537,448 crowns. When any building is burnt down, three-fourths of the estimated value are paid to the proprietor, to which the other insurers must contribute island is so covered with stones, that it is pre-ing in their names in the register of the oftheir proportions, according to the sum stand ber, chalk, quartz, granite, in immense blocks, porcelain and brick earths. tended there has been a shower of them. The Eight hundred species of plants may be reckoned as indigenous, of which some are of the greatest importance to the trade of the island. The forests are composed of the common timber-trees of other countries. "Wheat, rye, barley, oats, pease, buckwheat, coleworts, millet, and vetches, are the objects of agriculture; and the annual exportation of the five first mentioned is very considerable. It may be reckoned among the most fertile provinces of the north of Ger fice." Nuptial Ceremony in the Island of Rügen. "On the wedding day the guests assemble in the afternoon, but do not meet together in the same house; for the relations and friends of the bridegroon go to his house, and the bride invites her party separately. Then the two parties proceed to church, where they unite, and the bridegroom greets his mistress for the first time with a squeeze of the hand. After the ceremony both sexes separate, and the women accompany the bride to the warmbeer house, where she is presented with a pot of warm beer with raisins in it. Towards evening, one of the bride's attendants arrives, fires a pistol before the door, presents a can of beer to the company, and repeats some verses. Afterwards, the bride with her party retire to the house where the marriage is to be concluded. The supper commences with a large dish of rice, which, with the other dishes, are brought up by the butler and cupbearer, the bride's attendants. "The bride wears a crown made of boxleaves with gold and silver foil, The bridegroom is only distinguished by a white neckhandkerchief. The butler and cup-bearer receive white handkerchiefs from the bride, and when the former brings up the dish of rice, she binds it round his arm. The bride and bridegroom share the expenses of the wedding, in proportion to the number of guests invited by each.” Celebration of Harvest-Home in the Island of Rügen The author has omitted to mention that the porcelain earth is found on the island of Hiddensee; which furnishes a considerable manufactory at Stralsund. The small island of Pulitz, lying not far from Bergen, on the Jasmund territory, is a most charming and ro "The harvest generally begins about the middle of August. Rye is the first grain to be cut, which is done with the scythe: the sickle is not in common use. The honour of being first mower has given rise to a singu-mantic spot. Jasmund is the part most visit lar custom called "The Victory;" whence the proverb "who comes first, mows first." When a field of corn is to be mowed, whoever is inclined to be the first goes very early to the field, takes a few strokes with the scythe, and then lays himself down till his fellow-labourers appear. But it often happens that a rival has been before hand with him, and calls out that he need not trouble himself, as he has already gained the victory. Sometimes a third unexpectedly starts up in another place as victor, and this kind of rivalship causes a great deal of mirth. Yet the mowers, to avoid all disputes, have bound themselves by certain regulations. "When the harvest is got in, the landlord generally gives his labourers a supper, and weddings are often celebrated at this season. In the afternoon the family, with their guests, are assembled round the table. The conversation relates to the weather, the harvest, the landing of the French, &c. On a sudden, the sound of violins and fifes is heard; a procession of men and women advance from the barn, preceded by their banner, which is a harvest crown composed of yew, box, goldtinsel, ribbands, and gilt apples, all artfully arranged. While the landlord and his friends are coming out, those who form the procession seat themselves. When they are all quiet, one of the young women presents the crown to the landlord with a poetical address. "Then the master and mistress dance a short minuet, give the crown to another couple, and so on. If a bridal pair are present, they dance first, with the crown. But the life of the feast is after supper. All kinds of character dances are then introduced, such as the shoemaker's dance, the weaver's dance, the wink dance, &c. But the most original is the shepherd's dance, which consists of a pantomimical representation of sheep-shearing. The movements are all very violent, the men whoop and hollow, and the brandy-bottle passes briskly round. At midnight, the married and single form two parties, the former to protect the crown of the bride, the latter to force her from the dance. At last the married carry the day, and the crown (which the bride has lost in the fray) is replaced by a cap; and then the young women's dance begins. Thus they continue till broad dayfight. "Of the islands adjacent to Rügen, the island Oe is very small; and only contains one family." ed, and the most interesting in the island. The shore of the adjacent island Moen is high, and greatly resembles the shore of Jasmund. Its highest point is called Königstecht, King's seat; and another Königen's-stecht, Queen's seat. The author controverts the opinion, that the seat of the worship of the Goddess Hertha was ever removed to Rügen. This Goddess was, undeniably, worshipped by German nations which never lived here. The German reviewer in the " Allgemeine Literatur Zeitung" considers the work before us as the most complete of those lately published on this subject. The voyage of Zellner has merit, but the author's stay on the island was too short for the perfection of his work. ACCOUNT OF THE SCHAMANIC RELIGION IN SIBERIA. Translated from Sontag's Among all the religions of Asiatic Rus- On The most common name, by which the Asiatic magicians are known, is Schaman. But they only bear this epithet among the Tunguses, Buraetes and Ostiaks. The Tar tarian heathen, called them Cham, Ajun, and Abys; the Samojedes, Tadyb. These are all synonymous. They have not among all the heathen nations the same occupations, customs, and arts, but their appointment is universally similar. When a child shews a naturally weak habit of body, is subject to the cramp, and has copious bleedings at the nose, he is declared a proper subject to become a Schaman. When he is two years of age, an old priest takes him home to educate him, according to a preconcerted method of dedication, for his future situation. Among the Zeulents, the of 1015] fice of Cham is hereditary; so that the son is Their peculiar dress is in itself a part of Their most common instrument is the drum, which is made of willow or birch. It is three feet and a span long, covered at the top with skin, and open underneath; with a cross-stick by way of handle. The sun, moon, and stars, trees, rein-deer, horses, snakes, and idols are depicted on the skin. The drum-stick is covered with skin to deaden the sound, or bow-formed, and furnished with a claw, or a horn. Schamanism has no temples; nevertheless, particular hills, rivers, forests, and mountains are set apart for religious ceremonies. But the peculiar scenes of incantations are the Jurtes, especially at night; where the light of the fire in a smoky hut, and the surrounding darkness, strengthen the impressions of sorcery. The occupations of the Schamans are cer- deities may be offended, and therefore recon- All religious ceremonies are arranged and evils in the world are the work of bad spirits, it is no wonder that the Schamans are inuch engaged with the sick, whom they heal by all kinds of enchantments, after having discovered the cause of the malady by inspecting the entrails of victims. They have the most trouble with the dead, particularly in impeding the return of the departed spirits. The Schamans also prepare idols of wood, tin, or old rags; but not much art is employ ed, for the best are monstrous and unshapen. They use the drum to call up ghosts, and to exorcise them. When they are consulted on any important affair, they light a fire, smoke tobacco, and then beat the drum; afterwards they caper about the fire in strange convul sions, and often with sabres, and a horrible howl. In about half an hour the spirit appears, with which they fight; and as no one else sees any thing, they assert that they often, have to contend with very powerful ghosts, At last they throw something into the air, that belongs to the petitioner, by which the answer is conveyed into the drum, which the Schaman holds to his ear to return the wished-for information. There are other incantations for searching into futurity. A bladebone of mutton is thrown into the fire, and the cracks and marks it assumes are tokens of the future. Others throw forty small sticks into the air, let them fall on the drums, and presage events from their positions. Others answer questions according to the flight of an arrow, or the twang of a bow-string.-There are also female Schamans, who use nearly the same system of sorcery. AN ACCOUNT OF THE OSTIAKS, NEAR BE RESOW, IN SIBERIA.-By a Lady. From the same Work. Before the Russians conquered Siberia, it was under the dominion of the Tatars, who gave the name of Ouschtaik, signifying "savage," to the nations which inhabit it, as a mark of their contempt: hence they were called Ostiaks. The young females are pretty, but when they have been married a few years, they become the more ugly; and the old women are |