relieved. Some parts of the country, from Amiens to Chantilly, are very beautiful, others much the reverse, and as few places between the former and latter afford much to amuse or edify us, I shall lead you to the palace of Chantilly, which belonged to the ci-devant prince de Condé. I have heard much of the outrages committed by a desperate mob on this venerable palace. I have also heard that, previously to these ravages, its architecture was greatly admired. The gardens are spacious and very elegant. There is also a Ménagerie, and magnificent stables. But the noble statues as well as most of the works of art now lie in scattered fragments. So much for human grandeur! L. M. B. I shall suppose myself just quitting Chantilly, after having received a summons to proceed, and having re-entered the Diligence, and seated myself in due form and order, the first thing that struck my notice after an agreeable ride, through a pleasant country, was St. Denys, about two leagues, or two leagues and a half from the illustrious city of Paris. It is almost unnecessary to inform you that St. Denys was formerly the burial place of the royal family, and has, I believe, been much spoken of in the history of France. The abbey called the Benedictine is still held in great veneration by the more rational part of the Parisians, and they say that the gothic architecture of this structure must ever be highly esteemed, though now in a ruined state. The revolutionists attacked this place with great fury, and according to their plan of abolishing royalty, and every thing royal, they greatly defaced it, but their attention having been drawn to another quarter, it was not entirely demolished, and I should think it more than probable, that his imperial majesty may cause it to be repaired, as he possibly, "ere his hour shall come," will select some royal spot for his august remains. Having left St. Denys, in about an hour and a half we entered Paris. The day was extremely hot, the hour of our arrival twelve. It was the market day at the Porte St. Denys, and the novel appearance of one street, with immense umbrellas, covered with red canvass, ranged on each side, and the noise of all the market women, speaking," or more correctly,bawling at the same time, struck us with surprise, but I cannot say it was a pleasing one; and we thought Paris was not very agreeable. Yet, as a convincing proof, that hasty judgments seldom prove correct, I very quickly changed my opinion, and when our elegant vehicle turned out of the Rue St. Denys we were gratified with a sight of the Boulevards, and a partial view of those elegant buildings with which Paris abounds. I then could only express myself by exclamations of "Oh mamma, did you see such a place? Did you see such a building?" The arrival of the Diligence at its place of destination put a stop to our remarks; and when we alighted we were led to an inner apartment, where we were obliged to sign our names, present our passports, and give a good account of ourselves. Here we were met by Mr. Haines, the gentleman to whose house we were going. When all our business with police officers, custom-house officers, officers du bureau des Diligence de Londres á Paris, was settled, our luggage was removed into a fiacre, or hackney coach, and we drove through a number of streets ere we arrived at the Fauxbourg St. Honore, but having passed the Barrier, we at last observed the name of the street Rue-Cisalpine, which we had been so earnestly looking for: as the fatigue of a long journey, over paved roads, during two days and two nights, added to the excessive heat of the weather, had made us anxious for a few hours repose. After the necessary introduction, and answers to "what sort of a journey have you had?" we were conducted to our respective apartments; when, notwithstanding our surprise at finding, instead of carpets, a luxury the English are used to, red brick floors, we enjoyed some hours rest, and were quite refreshed when we were summoned to dinner. I thought it was now time to look about me and see in what part of the city I was situated, and in opening the window, I observed a beautiful park, called le parade Monceau, or la folie de Charteres. It belonged, formerly, to the Duke of Orleans, who had every tree, stone, plant, and shrub brought from England, also the furniture of the palace; and as most of the materials and other articles were prohibited, and the difficulty of getting them to Paris consequently great, as well as the heavy duty charged on those which were permitted to pass, the Duke's fortune was nearly exhausted, and the establishment has borne the name of La folie ever since. The palace, at the time of the revolution, was converted into a house of entertainment, and the Park into a public walk; the different objects contained in the latter, could not fail to excite some interest. In one place are the remains of a beautiful temple, in another the ruins of an amphitheatre, in other parts caverns, and rude specimens of gothic architecture; in a word, every thing which fancy could invent or whim devise. I have taken many pleasant walks in the park; the novelty of which greatly pleased me, although reflection convinced me that the design was ridiculous. During my six month's stay at Monceau, I went out frequently, and consequently saw many parts of Paris. A friend of our's (Mr Priestly, nephew to the celebrated Dr. Priestly) who had been some time in Paris, accompanied us to those places most worthy of attention. The Thuilleries was the first we went to; The gardens are handsome and extensive; the great walk, facing the palace, has two fountains, the water of which is constantly playing; on each side is a range of orange trees, one entrance is in the Champs elysees, or Elysian fields; and the other by the Louvre. On the right, and on the left of this walk, is a terrace, and a great number of statues; there are also a number of seats for the accommodation of the public. The gardens of the Thuilleries form as fashionable a promenade as Hyde-park in London, and the greatest order presides. All persons enter at one gate and quit the gardens at another. Thus, on any particular occasion, such as the fête of Buonaparte, when the palace is elegantly and brilliantly illuminated, and the trees covered with lights, and the concourse of people almost incredible, still there is no crouding at the gates, and it is possible to walk without fear of personal injury, or of having pockets picked. The police of Paris is certainly very good, and might occasionally be of service in London. The sobriety too of the lower orders adds greatly to tranquility on all public festivities. The palace is a dirty heavy building (I should have said was; as it has been greatly beautified and adorned since I left France) at least, I thought it so; but this opinion might have been formed for want of judgment and of taste, I shall therefore leave the decision to better judges than myself. Behind the Thuilleries, is the Place Carousel, where, Buonaparte reviewed his troops, to the number of 15,000, on the 15th of every month. Here, I have very often had the honour of viewing this wonderful hero of modern times. I wish it were in my power to give you a description of the triumphal arch now erected near the grand entrance to the palace; but I have only had an imperfect account of it myself, and must therefore confine my detail to what I have really seen. As the Louvre is situated so near to the Thuilleries, I cannot avoid speaking of it, ere I shall conclude this long epistle. This celebrated palace is now the ap pointed receptacle for the national collection of statues and pictures. In the long gallery of the palace are arranged some of those master. pieces of painting, brought from Italy, and other subjugated nations; as well as those of the French artists. In the hall of Apollo are many beautiful statues. It is fitted up in an elegant style, and so indeed are most of the apartments. Strangers, and particularly the English, must feel delighted and astonished when they enter this palace. Over the entrance is written the "Central Museum of Arts." I paid it many visits, and always felt regret on quitting it. There are several paintings of battles, in which his Majesty shone conspicuous, previously to his being made first Consul. In some, there is a very striking likeness of himself. But flattery, where majesty is concerned, generally guides the pencil of the artist, and in almost all the others the resemblance is but small. L.M. B. - I think I left you at the Louvre in my last. I am almost at a loss to know which place I shall first carry your attention to. The council chamber of five hundred held in the Palais de Bourbon, so called in the reign of Louis the XVI. and named at the time of the revolution, Palais de liberte, during the consulship, attracted our observation. The chamber was fitted up very elegantly. There were three chairs more elevated than the rest, which were occupied, on particular occasions, by Buonaparte, Cambaceres, and Le Brun-I had the honour (if so it may be considered) of placing myself in each of these chairs. Yet believe me, I did not envy one of the above mentioned gentlemen their titles nor their mag. nificence. The cap of liberty was suspended over the chairs; but all this must long since have been abolished, and the palace, I should suppose, have changed its name. We next proceeded to the Hotel des Invalides. This is a beautiful building, the dome of which is magnificent. Around it are placed the flags taken from different nations, and our guide had par ticular pleasure in drawing our attention to some English colours, observing at the same time," Vous voyez, Mesdames, la gloire et la Bravoure Française." There is a beautiful chapel and very good library. The invalids appeared comfortable, contented, and happy. This institution is as honorable to the French nation, as the hospitals of Chelsea and Greenwich are to the English. The Jardin des plantes, in which is situated the national museum of natural history, was one of those places which interested me the most. In this spacious garden are hot-houses and green-houses, containing all the trees, plants and shrubs that could be procured from various parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and America; and a charming room for botanical students. At another part of the garden is the national menagerie,where beasts enjoy much more liberty and a better air than they can possibly have in the tower of London. Each animal has a spacious apartment, and the collection is very good. There is also a great variety of curious birds. In another spot is a monument erected to the memory of Rousseau. The museum consists of a spacious room and two smaller apartments, in which are arranged, with the greatest taste, natural curiosities of every description. A botanical student whom we met by chance in the garden, observing we were strangers, kindly devoted an hour or two to explain to us every thing most worthy of atten tion. "La politesse Française !" The manufactory of tapestry is well worth seeing. It is said to require the practice of twenty years to become proficient in the work, and the smallest piece there had occupied seven men nine years to bring it to completion; but when done, the beauty is exquisite. The artists work at the back of the frame, while the subject is traced on the front. I saw the judgment of Solomon completed; also, the miracle of the fishes, and Esther appearing before the king in behalf of Mordecai; also some representations of ancient battles. At that time they were employed, about a piece for the Thuilleries; the subject was the death of Dessaix. The national library can scarcely be seen in two or three visits. There is a suite of rooms, very spacious, filled with valuable manuscripts, and ancient and modern publications in all languages. There are two immense globes, which occupy two stories (the intermediate floor being pierced to receive them), of which I dare say you have heard frequent mention. There are public lectures twice a week on geography and astronomy. And persons, free of expense, are admitted into the library to read and study. A privilege, I believe rather difficult to be obtained in London, on such a liberal plan. It is certainly a great pity this valuable building should be situated immediately opposite the opera house, which has been already twice burnt, and the books and edifice, I have understood, were saved almost by a miracle. And now I am so near the opera, and having given you, in an unconnected manner, an account of those places which I recollect, I shall observe that I was much entertained with the performances at the opera, and being in a language. I could understand (French) I was as much gratified as I ever should be at a theatre, because I am not extremely partial to public places. The dancing, in which the French are known to excel, was really wonderful, and the effect of the stage splendid, though a spacious house must naturally look dismal from the lights being so disposed as to reflect only on the stage and performers. I approve of this plan, for surely that ought to be the attracting object, any other place might do as well for the purpose of gazing, or being gazed at, a fashion much adopted by the English at their places of entertainment. I will confess I have also received peculiar pleasure in seeing the tragedies of Racine, in which Talma and Mademoiselle Duchesnois were very great. The Theatres Comiques, did not interest me greatly, in most of their ludicrous pieces a John Bull was introduced, the character was always rendered either extremely ridiculous, or otherwise derogatory to the English, and however I may take the part of the French, Ialways felt hurt when my countrymen were represented in an unfavorable light. I went one morning with Mr. Priestly to the Pantheon; there were many monuments to the memory of illustrious characters, but most of them so much destroyed, and the place then in such confusion, that I retain but an imperfect idea of the whole. In a letter which I received some time since from Paris, they say "I wish we could now take you to many of these places, the sight of which afforded you pleasure when with us, they would now greatly delight you, as all are arranged in the most perfect order." The character of the French has been too often pourtrayed by competent judges of human nature, for me to presume to offer more than my real opinion of thern, not desiring that others should form from that any decided idea of their character, which I consider to be (notwithstanding you affirm that I think them superior to every other nation) a compound of contradiction. They are mean, yet extravagant. Polite, yet rude. Fearful of offending, yet apt to wound the feelings. They welcome strangers, and yet are themselves strangers to the true rites of hospitality. Premature and warm in their friendship, yet not generally to be confided in. It would be ingratitude in me, were I not loudly to proclaim, there are Parisians, who, understanding the sacred title of friend, are justly entitled to bear it. Their feelings are easily roused, and a tale of woe generally meets an ear of pity; yet, when offended, they are revengeful in the extreme. Not content with punishing the object who has offended them, they will extend their malice towards the several branches of a deserving family. The ladies are graceful and fascinating, nevertheless, in some points vulgar and inelegant; the slaves of pleasure, more perhaps from the effect of education and custom than of choice; but when a French lady (which is frequently the case) possesses some of the more solid feminine virtues, I think she shines superior to an English woman, inasmuch as her natural naviete, tempered by prudence, renders her a lively and agreeable companion; unlike the English, always inclined to view the brighter side of events, her temper is more equal, her several duties are performed with case and cheerfulness, and, I think I may add, she approaches as near perfection as human nature can hope to attain. Paris may boast several charitable institutions, but poverty and misery are very general. External grandeur is sought by most with avidity. Comfort seems here a secondary consideration with all. To the honour of the nation they are very sober. To the dishonour of the nation they are great gamblers. They, like all other people, have many virtues and many failings; much to be admired, much to be condemned. They are the professed lovers of liberty, and the victims of slavery. Such is my opinion of the French. Their principles I do not generally admire, nor wish to imitate, but their merits, I think, are far more numerous than the English would willingly allow them. L. M. B. script to some of his remarks on propulsion, to give at least a hint, that the whole subject matter contained in my Essay, published in the July number, was not only visionary and futile, but wholly borrowed. It is in fact a copy of what be published in a daily paper, and which would never have been replied to, but by the earnest solicitation of my friends, and if my reply was severe, as he supposes it to have been, it was so by necessity; he called it forth by the unqualified nature of his positions. A subsequent and short communication of his, through the same public print, has excited feelings on this occasion quite different from what otherwise might have been indulged. I can never wound a "fallen foe"-and should not now make any reply if it was not that yours is a standard work, where the pros and the cons should all appear together. My Essay, though drawn up in haste, was not drawn from hasty deductions-the subject was familiar to me, and I gave it to the public open to fair and candid animadversion. I claimed no originality, other than a new application of known principles. To have received, therefore, an impartial criticism from learned men, would have been pleasing, and no doubt, in some respects, might have been advantageous;-but I never did, and I never will, attempt to establish any plan of mine by derogating from the merit of others. What Mr. Busby means by say. ing (in the last communication in the public paper) that the point had been abandoned and now taken up again in despair," is to me inexplicable-I must consider it, however, I suppose, as a "ruse de guerre" to draw off attention and make a safe retreat. If Mr. Busby thinks that the communications in the public prints, signed “A friend to merit," came from me, he is mistaken, and the publisher of the paper may satisfy him of that fact. Now, in return, if Mr. Busby wishes his work to be examined with a candour which I court towards mine, I will undertake to point out some supposed imperfections in his arrangement-particularly as regards the action of the syphon, and perhaps may do him some essential ser vice. The following communication is inserted that both parties may be placed on an equal footing as far as respects the MaThe following is the answer alluded to gazine. in the beginning of these remarks, nearly in the words in which it appeared in the To the Editors of the American Monthly Commercial Advertiser." Magazine. GENTLEMEN, In the last number of your Magazine, Mr. Busby thought proper, by a post "Messrs. Lewis and Hall, "In your paper of the 7th inst. your correspondent, Mr. Busby, has made an effort to impress the public mind with the idea of the fallacy of my system for propelling vessels, by the power of fixed air, as published in the current number of the American Monthly Magazine. Although this really merits no serious reply, and I have hitherto thought it wholly superfluous to make any, yet I have so far yielded to the advice of my friends, as to endeavour to place Mr. Busby and his authorities in a proper point of view. And till I have time to give occular demonstration, I trust the following will serve to remove doubts imbibed by those who may have but partially considered the subject. The following are the particulars of his first reference: Extract from Dr. Franklin's letter to Mr. Ley Roy, dated Paris, Dec. 22, 1785. "Among the various means of giving motion to a boat, that of M. Bernoulli appears one of the most singular, which was to have fixed in the boat a tube in the form of an L, the upright part to have a funnel kind of opening at top, convenient for filling the tube with water, which descending and passing through the lower horizontal part, and issuing in the middle of the stern, but under the surface of the river, should push the boat forward. There is no doubt that the force of the descending water would have a considerable effect, greater in proportion to the height from which it descended, but then it is to be considered that every bucket-full pumped or dipped up into the boat, from its side or through its bottom, must have its vis inertia overcome so as to receive the motion of the boat, before it can come to give motion by its descent - To remedy this I would propose the addition of another side L pipe, and that they shall stand back to back in the boat, the forward one being worked as a pump, and sucking in the water at the head of the boat, would draw it forward, while pushed in the same direction by the force of the stern.' And after all it should be calculated whether the labour of pumping would be less than that of rowing. Perhaps this labour of raising water might be spared, and the whole force of a man applied to the moving of a boat by the use of air instead of water; suppose the boat constructed on this form-a tube, round or square, of two feet diameter, in which a piston may be moved up and down, the piston to have valves in it opening inward to admit air when the piston rises, and shutting when it is forced down, and let the air pass out, which, striking forcibly against the water abaft, must push the boat forward."" VOL. III.-No. v. 47 Extract from the specification of James Linaker, Master Millwright of the Dock-yard at Portsmouth. "First method, consists in applying a bucket similar to the bucket of a lifting pump, to be moved by any sufficient power backwards and forwards in a tube attached to said vessel, in a direction parallel or nearly so to the direction of the intended motion of said vessel, which is to be moved forward upon the water by the effect of this bucket drawing in the water at one end of this tube and delivering it out at the other in a direction of the motion of the said vessel; for this purpose the bucket and tube must be provided with valves, after the manner of a lifting pump. Second method consists of an improvement upon a method where a forcing pump has been used for the same purpose, but in lieu of admitting or drawing in the water by the piston of the forcing pump perpendicular to the direction of the intended motion of the vessel, I admit or draw in the water by the said piston of the forcing pump in a direction parallel or nearly so, but contrary to the direction of the intended motion of the vessel, through a tube attached thereto, by this means combining the effect of admitting or drawing the water in, along with the effect of forcing the water out in the best direction for giving the intended motion or impulse to the vessel." It is now necessary to show the difference between these theories and mine. It will be observed, that the means described by Doctor Franklin, as employed by Mr. Bernoulli, to give motion to his boat, are very simple, merely by the weight of the water which was poured into the top of the funnel part of a tube; and by its pressure on the water, under the surface of the stern, to push the boat forward. This idea of Mr. Bernoulli, is good as far as it goes, but does not resemble either of the methods exhibited in my Essay. Dr. Franklin's suggested improvements on Mr. Bernoulli's plan, are intended to facilitate its operation and increase its effects; and his proposition of substituting air for water, seems intended to save the labour of raising the water-but, in this respect, he appears not to have given the subject all that attention he was accustomed to bestow on philosophical researches. The doctor's idea of bringing the water in at the bows of the boat, to supply the pump, certainly exhibits the "negative" principle of applying power, and shows, though in an imperfect manner, one of the three operations of my plan. His application of |