VOLCANOES. TO LAPIS, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1822. WEEKLY. PRICE 34d. agitations, instead of being confined to a whose studies have formerly been of this deslimited tract, should extend over a large por-cription, and who still devotes some time to tion of the globe. In the second place, it is the pursuit. He has formed in the course of a notorious fact, that, where the convulsion the last 20 or 30 years, a pretty extensive colhas been comparatively extensive, the struc- lection of our early romances, together with ture of the agitated district has remained un- most of the poets whose productions are of a deranged; whereas, had internal expansion romantic character. Mr. Burke was not a SIR,-In the essay on Volcanoes, inserted in the Iris of last week, accompanying the sketch of certain theories which have been framed for the explanation of those pheno-produced this agitation, it is evident, that ex-greater admirer of the age of chivalry than is mena, are introduced certain original opinions, which appear to me to stand much in need of explanation. Amongst the minor inaccuracies, in the third paragraph of your communication, you state, that "there undoubtedly is in the interior of the earth, a large space filled with fire and water, &c. &c." an assumption not only gratuitous, but absolutely irrational :-an assertion, not only unsupported, but actually contradicted, by existing phenomena. In the first place, the question naturally occurs, how has this cavity been formed? how has this fire been excited?-how is it maintained? If, by the term fire, is implied, actual combustion, whence is obtained the necessary supply of fuel? Is it granite that burns? Or schist? Or if, by the term fire, is signified simply, the accumulation of caloric, I reply, although by the aid of iron, water may, by this agent, be decomposed, and a certain portion of hydrogen liberated; yet it is also a notorious fact, that, in such a process, the iron is rapidly oxydized and rendered incapable of effecting further decompositions : the supposition, therefore, that a process, thus necessarily limited in its duration, should have produced a quantity of hydrogen, sufficient for the maintenance of the various volcanic fires, during so many thousand years, is evi dently absurd. But supposing the existence, and maintenance of a central fire possible, yet is the hypothesis perfectly insufficient for the explanation of existing phenomena: the non-occurence of simultaneous eruptions proves, that the volcanoes in different parts of the globe have no communication with each other; the long interruption which takes place between eruptions, proves that the volcanic agent is not continually in action; the small portion of the globe, affected during eruptions, proves that the various volcanic sources are situated not far below its surface. You appear to consider the occurence of earthquakes, a proof of the existence of a central fire: I have no hesitation in asserting, that earthquakes do not originate in the operations of a central fire. For, in the first place, were this the case, it is evident that all tensive dislocations must constantly have taken place; the structure and organization of the disturbed tract, must have been deranged; the "shell of our world" must inevitably have been "broken up," and the earth "destroyed, at least as a habitable globe." The supposition, therefore, of the existence of a central fire is unsupported, and erroneous; and some other hypothesis must be adopted for the solution of existing pheno mena. "THE CLUB." No. VI.-FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 1822. -l'armi pietose, e 'l Capitano, Che'l gran Sepolchro liberò di Cristo. Molto egli oprò col senno, e con la mano; Motto soffri nel glorioso acquisto : E invan l'Inferno a lui s'oppose, e invano S'armò d' Asia e di Libia il popol misto; Che il Ciel gli diè favore, e sotto ai santi Segni ridusse i suoi compagni erranti. P. TASSO. One of our friends, who has subscribed to the Lectures on the History of English Poetry, which Mr. Tayler is now delivering at the rooms of the Literary and Philosophical Society, has been so charmed with the ability displayed by that gentleman, and so much interested by the subject of his discourses, that he has, for two or three evenings, scarcely spoken of any other subject at the Club. As our friend is a man of lively imagination, and ready elocution, he has insensibly communicated his own feelings to the other members of the Club, and in consequence we are all at present deeply engaged in poetry and romance. It was the less difficult to give this direction to our studies and conversation, as two or three of us, when we were a good deal younger than we are at present, were warmly attached to these branches of literature, and still think of them with that delight which usually attends the recollection of the first voluntary studies of youth. Our friend, the antiquarian, is one of those this gentleman. He thinks Tasso and Spenser greater poets than Milton and Pope, because the subjects on which they write are more agreeable to his taste. He told us the other evening that he had been kept up the whole of the preceding night by the romance of Perceforest, the folio edition of which, he had, by great good fortune, purchased from his cheesemonger for a few shillings. The reader who considers all these circumstances, will learn without surprise, that we have, for the present, abandoned all common subjects, and exist only in the regions of magic, and enchantment. We have smiled several times this evening, at the warmth with which several points of fabulous and romantic history have been contested amongst us; but our smiles were converted into laughter when the President gravely asserted, that Godfrey of Bouillon, was, in his opinion, a greater hero than the Duke of Wellington. The mention of Godfrey of Bouillon, naturally led to that of the Crusades, and we were detained a full quarter of an hour beyond the usual time of separation, by a discussion of tant expeditions. the policy, and consequences of those impor turned home, my thoughts were still occupied When I left the Green Dragon, and had rewith the subject; and instead of retiring to bed, I sat down in my elbow chair, and retraced in my own mind, the several opinions which I had heard during the evening, or read at different times, respecting the Crusades. If we may believe Voltaire, the Crusaders were a band of vagabond thieves, who had agreed to ramble from the heart of Europe, in order to desolate a country to which they had no right, and to massacre, in cold blood, a venerable prince, more than four-score years old, against whom they had no pretence of complaint. This is one of those smart, epigrammatic decisions of the Patriarch of Ferney, which his admirers repeat with an air of triumphant confidence, and which at once save them the trouble of thought and research, and flatter their vanity by reflecting disgrace upon the great objects of their ridicule,---superstition | just, necessary, or politic, than the first cruand priestcraft. Yet if, (with all proper deference for the father of the new philosophy,) we venture to consider the subject for ourselves, we shall, I think, be led to a conclusion much more favourable to the understandings and humanity of the warriors of the cross. In the age of the crusades, and for some centuries previous to those expeditions, it was the received opinion of the Christian world, that nothing could possibly be more meritorious, as it respected the obtaining of salvation, than a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The world is now of a different opinion; but men are to be tried by the notions which prevail in their own times, and not by those of a different period. While the merit of these pilgrimages was unquestioned, and when, in consequence, the number of pilgrims was great, their personal safety, and proper treatment, in the countries through which they had to pass, were of course objects of importance to all christian nations. Now the principal motive sade. Nor were the consequences of the crusades, generally speaking, less beneficial to Europe, than the causes from which they sprung were just and politic. Their first objects---the conquest of the Holy Land, and the preservation of the Greek empire, were obtained. The Turks and their allies were driven back almost to their native mountains, and Godfrey of Bouillon reigned in Jerusalem. The crusades prolonged the existence of the Greek empire four hundred years. In that space of time the maritime states of Venice and Genoa became formidable, and all the nations of the west increased so much in strength, that although, in the 15th century, Constantinople was taken by the Turks, yet the progress of their arms was effectually checked by the Christians, and their further successes have never been considerable or permanent. Besides these great and obvious advantages arising from the crusades, there were others of too much importance to be overlooked. When these expeditions commenced, Christen necessaries of life, among which are silk and sugar, were first brought into general use in Europe in consequence of the crusades. But there are two subjects connected with these expeditions which it is scarcely possible to dismiss with quite so much brevity. I allude to the personal character of Godfrey of Bouillon, and to the influence which the crusades had upon the popular literature of Europe. If the ex cathedra decision of Voltaire was entitled to credit, Godfrey of Bouillon must be considered as no more than the captain of a numerous banditti But we have already seen with how much injustice the appellation of vagabond thieves has been given to the warriors of the cross: and perhaps history does not furnish a finer example of the heroic character than is exhibited in the person of the illustrious leader of the first crusade. Uniting great personal courage with equal prudence, and, (for the age in which he lived) great military skill. Unaffectedly pious, and entirely disinterested, it was to his real and superior virtues, and not to art or selfish policy, that he was indebted for the kingdom of Jerusalem. Such intolerance and prejudice would hold up to the world as a vagabond thief! to the crusades was the cruelty exercised upon dom was parcelled out into a multitude of is the hero whom the professed enemies of the Christian pilgrims by the Turks; and SO When we speak, in our times, of the Turkish empire, we speak of a power alike weak, and despotic, which continues to exist only by the mutual jealousy of the Christian potentates. But at the period of the crusades, the Turks were a powerful and warlike people, governed by able and ambitious princes, and believing The Truce of God, as it was called, which themselves destined to subdue the world, and The limits of an essay do not permit me to the crusades to commerce and the arts; or to Their Very different was the opinion which, in the age of chivalry, was formed of the illustrious Godfrey and his companions in arms. riod, the favorite themes. The distant countries adventures and exploits were, for a long pein which they fought opened new and more splendid scenes to the imagination of the poet, and enabled him to blend, with his native superstitions, the grand and extravagant fictions of the east. Spells, and talismans, and enchantments; golden palaces, and gardens of unfading beauty, gave a novel delight to the inhabitants of less genial climes; while their piety and patriotism were equally gratified by exaggerated descriptions of the prowess and success of the heroes of the cross. From the songs of the minstrels, and the metrical romance, these heroes, and this mixture of Oriental and European imagery and fable, were transferred to the early prose compositions of a romantic character, which, from their commencement till the reign of Charles the 2nd, and perhaps still later, were the favorite studies of most classes of readers. Of the influence of such studies upon national character and manners I may hereafter speak add that some of our best English poets, as more particularly. At present I shall only Chaucer, Spenser, and Milton, were deeply versed in the old romances, and have evidently derived many of their incidents and illustrations, as well as many noble sentiments, from compositions for the existence of which we are indebted to the crusades. ON PHILOSOPHY. A. A. When a philosopher dies, I consider myself as losing a patron, an instructor, and a friend.' Dr. Goldsmith. WHEN we reflect that we are in a world ever variable and shifting, amongst beings whose characters and dispositions, inclinations and tempers, virtues and vices, are so numerous, fickle, and capricious, it behoves every reasonable being to study well the doctrine of philosophy, to give it long, continual, and serious reflection; to penetrate the very depths of its science, and engraft into the heart its incontestable truths. Its genial influence extends to all classes of society, however situated in life, or whatever the character of the individual. To the king upon the throne, it teaches, that he is frail and mortal, subject to all the diseases incident to human nature; that he does not stand alone superior to the humblest subject of his realm in the wisdom of the Omnipotent, nor escapes the great and ostensible decrees fixed upon by an overruling power. This exalted doctrine teaches him to rule in mercy, and to administer justice to all, with undeviating impartiality. It learns him also, to support with patience, the scoffs of the envious, the threats of the discontented, and the malice of his enemies ;-it shields him from the designs of the flatterer, the artifice of the cunning, and the intriguing influence of self-interested, crafty, and ambitious men. In a great measure it similarly guides and actuates the minds and conduct of nobles: their influence and power over those in the more humble walks of life, preponderates in a coequal degree with the head of the state, (unto whom they are required, to espouse faithfully and loyally, the dignity of his crown, as well as to be the firm and steady protectors of the liberties of the people); they are alike subject to the censure of the sovereign, and the detestation of the multitude; but, if integrity rule their actions, philosophy, with undaunted courage, strengthens and fortifies the heart, and they rise superior to every blast of calumny and reproach:-it also cautions them against falling into degeneracy and licentiousness, thereby setting a worthy example deserving imitation. down by such calamities, would almost, in That riches are blessings, under proper Wealth, unquestionably should be courted, sought after, and respected, that we may be enabled to dispense her blessings to those reduced to extreme distress, shut out from society, or disclaimed by the world ;-to be enabled to dry up the tear from the suffering widow's cheek, and to appease the anguishing cry of the unprotected orphan. It is the philosopher's maxim, not to disregard riches, inasmuch as, by possession, he has the power of exercising them to many advantages, and benevolent purposes. Yet, on the other hand, should all his endeavours to accumulate them, be of no avail, philosophy bids him be of good cheer, he has laudably exerted himself to obtain his object, and though success has not crowned his efforts, he has the inward satisfaction of having strenuously made the attempt :-if fortune has smiled for a time, then frowned, and made wings to his riches to flee away, he is consoled by religious philosophy, knowing well the various chances and changes which every thing is liable to on this sublunary earth, and that the immutable decree of nature is," man is born to trouble." delusion. Where then is man to find hope or Manchester, April, 1822. ACCOUNT OF FACTITIOUS GILDING FOR By John Robinson, Esq. F. R. S. E. exposed to the atmosphere. In preparing the factitious gilding in the small way, a quantity of pure tin is melted, and poured into a joint of bamboo, (perhaps a foot long, and two or three inches in diameter,) close at both ends, except the perforation at which the tin is poured in, which is instantly plugged up. The bamboo is then violently shaken, which, if well managed, soon makes the metal assume the form of a very fine grey powder: this being sifted, to separate any coarse particles, is mized up in thin melted glue, and, if I recollect right, is levigated on a stone with a muller. The result is poured into dishes, (commonly cocoa nut-shells) to settle, and the superfluous moisture poured off. When to be applied, it should be of the consistence of thin cream, and is laid on with a soft brush, like ordinary paint. When dry, it appears like a coat of common grey water colour. This is gone over with an agate-burnisher, and then forms a bright uniform surface of polished tin;—a coating of white or coloured roghun (oil-varnish) is immediately laid over it, according as it may be intended to imitate The middle ranks of society, and especially those who are in professional, commercial, and agricultural pursuits, cannot too strenuously grasp hold of the all-supporting aid of this god-like science. Dependant generally on the success of their avocations and enter- The humble peasant who earns his bread by prises, they launch their bark on a sea of the sweat of his brow, may derive unnumbered storms and tempests, dangers and vicissitudes; benefits from this comfortable study, if capatheir voyage of hope is chequered by a thou-ble of investigating its treasures!---it will learn sand mischances, and exposed to endless perils. him to bear with resignation and patience the Should the interposition of providence frus- storms of life, will alleviate the scourge of trate their designs and mar all their projects, oppression, and soften the rugged path of it would be the height of folly, as well as adversity--it will give vigour to his industry of impiety, to murmur and complain. Who to fulfil honestly and well the situation he is dares arraign the wisdom of infinite justice, in placed in, it will teach him to be obedient and the regulation of his works?-who dares to contented in his station, will reconcile him to say to the burning lightning, "thy blaze is his lot, and instil into his mind the truth, cursed, for it has destroyed my wealth;"-or, that "man wants but little here below, nor to the overwhelming flood, "ye are ministers that little long." The vicissitudes of life are so of evil for you have been my destruction;" many and various, and the human frame so or, to the desolating earthquake, "thou yawn- interwoven with ills and dangers, that to che-silvering or gilding. ing chasm art a hell, sent accursed to bereaverish the expectation of passing through the me of the fruits of my labours." Such awful world without sharing even a portion of its maledictions could only proceed from the heart woes and troubles, would be contrary to every of one totally regardless of consequences, principal of sound orthodoxy; yet it is wonliving only for the world, and, as he would derful as well as lamentable to observe, the gladly have it, the world for him. countless numbers who indulge in perpetual disquietudes and murmurings, arising from causes and effects, which no human power can control or subvert. The philosopher is almost tempted to smile on beholding man, so eagerly toiling to the end of his days in pursuit of true happiness, in a world where it is morally impossible to find it; the very progress of his labours are intermixed with vexations and perplexities, and the issue of all his assiduous exertions terminates in disappointment and If physical causes produce such feelings and sentiments, how must moral misfortunes affect the mind?-such, as being ruined by treachery, deceived by misplaced confidence, credit destroyed by the blast of calumny, reputation and honor by detestable scandal, fair fame, trampled and spit upon, and ALL unmerited and undeserved! Without thee, Philosophy, thou rational soother of the desponding heart, man, borne I have had tent-poles, travelling trunks, baskets covered with painted leather, and other articles, in constant tear and wear for years, in which, from its cheapness, this mode of ornamenting had been very liberally applied, and have often had occasion to remark the power which it appeared to have of resisting the effects of the weather. On a first trial, some little dificulty of manipulation may be found, in bringing the tin to a sufficiently impalpable powder, and also in hitting the proper quantity of glue to be put in. If the size be too strong, the agate has no effect; and if too weak, the tin crumbles off under the burnisher. A very little practice will make the process exceedingly easy. of Stanzas written in the Prison of the Conciergerie, by Mons. N. Montjourdain, (one of the numerous victims of the tyranny of Robespiere,) the day before he was guillotined. The time draws near when I must pay The awful debt to nature due; No lurking wish have I to stay, Nor does low fear my soul subdue: In grief and widowhood to sigh; Nor more on that soft bosom lie- Recal thee back to love and joy; My spirit from those blest abodes Where virtue dwells in bliss supreme, And grief shall cease to dim thine eye : My tender mother should not kill; But still endure life's good and ill; O cling to them in all alarms, Their constant stay-their other I : April 15th, 1822. L. N. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-If the inclosed free translation of the lines on Master Minasi, in your No. 10, meet with your approbation, I shall be obliged by its insertion in your next Number. MASTER MINASI. From the Italian. When Cupid heard the matchless strain, Which flowed from young Minasi's flute, His heart beat high with envious pain; He threw away his pipe, abash'd and mute. But soon the little warbler's potent charms Subdued all anguish in his breast; Love flew enamoured to th' enchanter's arms, And owned himself with heavenly rapture blest! 16th April, 1822. C. T. FAREWELL. Lines suggested on viewing some Specimens of Mr. What from the breast can wring a sigh Might shew us one who sighed-"Farewell." On such a portrait still the eye Of friendship might dwell anxiously; Or should a tender flame impart A TEAR. O that the chemist's magic art The little brilliant ere it fell, Its lustre caught from Chloe's eye, Then, trembling, left its coral cell The spring of sensibility. Sweet drop of pure and pearly light! In thee the rays of virtue shine More calmly clear, more mildly bright, Than any gem which gilds the mine. Benign restorer of the soul! Who ever fly'st to bring relief, The sage's and the poet's theme, No warder kept the massy gate, No merriment nor banquet shout, The court-yard and the vaulted arch, Here see the long-extended aisles, With ancient ivy crown'd; ̈. Scarce is there vestige of the hall, O Time! dread monarch of the world! SONNET. TO THE EARLY PRIMROSE. Sweet flow'ret! harbinger of brighter skies, That in the lonely thicket lov'st to dwell; Hail, bashful Primrose clad in tenderest dyes, Hail, meekest tenant of the silent dell! Tho' vivid robes the gaudy tulips boast, L. Y. They ne'er exhale a fragrance sweet as thine; And still thy simple vesture pleases most, Nor can their streaks thy soften'd hues outshine. Here to thy parent root unnoted cling Here bloom awhile, neglected and unknown; Save by the pensive bard who loves to sing, Careless of favour, fortune, or renown; Far from the great, alone, unstain'd, and free, Content to live-then fade, and die like thee' VARIETIES. MARQUIS DE PONTELIMAR. This nobleman was once engaged in arguing against the late King of Portugal, on the power of kings. The sovereign, who would admit no limitations to his authority, warmly observed, that If he ordered the Marquis to throw himself into the sea, he ought, without hesitation, to jump into it head foremost." Pontelimar immediately turned short, and went towards the door. "Where are you going?" asked the monarch, in a tone of surprise. To learn to swim, Sire!" replied the Marquis. The King langhed heartily, and the discussion ended. LINES ON THE ISLE OF MAN. When the Isle of Man was a place of security for unprincipled debtors, a wit, who happened to be there, but was leaving it, left the following lines in his bedroom; they are severe, but perhaps will not be thought too much so, by some of our readers. When Satan tried his arts in vain, The worship of our Lord to gain; The Earth (quoth he) and all is thine, Except one spot, which must be mine; 'Tis barren,-bare-and scarce a span, By mortals called the Isle of Man; That is a place I cannot spare, For all my choicest friends live there. CURIOUS SCHOLASTIC DISQUISITIONS. Amongst the subjects for the disquisitions of the learned, in the eleventh century, were the following ones; of the Substantial form of Sounds-of the Essence of Universals. The following question was a favorite topic; and, after having been discussed by thousands of the acutest logicians, through the course of a whole century, With all the rash dexterity of wit,' remained unresolved-When a hog is carried to market with rope tied about it's neck, which is held at the other end by a man; whether is the hog carried to market by the rope, or by the man? There were at one time, in one of the colleges of the University of Oxford, six Physicians. Of two, the feet and breath were offensive; one was remarkably lean; two were quarrelsome and turbulent; and one was ignorant in his profession. They were called Plague, Pestilence, and Famine; Battle, Murder, and Sudden Death.' DR. FRANKLIN. When Dr. Franklin was agent in England for the province of Pensylvania, he was frequently applied to by the ministry for his opinion respecting the operation of the stamp act; but his answers were aniformly the same-"That the people of America would never submit to it." After the news of the destruction of the stamped papers had arrived in England, the ministry again sent for the Doctor to consult with him, and in conclusion, offered this proposal,-"That if the Americans would engage to pay for the damage done in the destruction of the stamped papers, &c. &c. the parliament would then repeal the act." The Doctor, having paused some time upon this question, at last answered, "This puts me in mind of a Frenchman, who, having beated a poker red-hot, ran furiously into the street, and addressing the first Englishman he met thereHah! Monsieur, voulez vous give me de pleasire, de satisfaction, to let me run tis poker only one foot into your body?' My body?' replied the Englishman, what do you mean?' Vel den, only so far!' marking about six inches. 'Are you mad?' returned the other, I tell you if you don't go about your business, I'll knock you down.' Vel den,' said the Frenchman, softening his voice and manner, Vil you, my good Sire, only be so obliging as to pay me for the trouble and expence of heating this poker?' ་ FRENCH HUMOUR. During the tyranny of Robespierre, when the prisons of Paris were filled with victims of every rank and description, few of whom ever found their way out, except to undergo a sort of mock trial, which was usually followed by immediate execution, there was kept at the Conciergerie a dog remarkable for his superior size, strength, and sagacity; his name was Ravage, and it was his duty to guard the court-yard of the prison during the night. Some prisoners having made a hole for the purpose of escaping, nothing opposed their design except the vigilance of Ravage, and the noise he might make; he was however quiet, and the party got clear off. But though they were well aware that a moment's delay might be fatal, still they could not resist the desire of having their joke; and next morning the surprise and mirth of the whole prison were excited, on seeing Monsieur Ravage proudly parading the yard with a paper attached to his tail; which on examination was found to contain an assignat of 100 sous, and the following words, "On peut corrompre Ravage avec un assignat de cent sous et un paquet de pieds de mouton."-Ravage may be bribed with an assignat of 100 sous and a quantity of sheep trotters! ANECDOTE OF A GASCON, AND THE FRENCH Colbert, beyond a doubt, was one of the greatest ministers France ever possessed. A Gascon Officer having obtained a gratification of a hundred and fifty pistoles from Louis XIV. in 1680, went in search of Colbert, that the sum might be paid. The minister was at dinner with several nobles, the Gascon without any introduction entered the dining room, with that effrontery which the air of his native province inspires, and with an accent that bespoke his country, approaching the table he asked alond, "Gentlemen, with permission, pray which of you is Colbert?" "I am that person, said the minister, what is it you reOh, no great affair, said the other, a trifling quire?" " order of his Majesty to pay me five hundred crowns.' Colbert who was in a humour to amuse himself desired the Gentleman to take a seat at the table, orsiness after dinner. The Gascon accepted the offer dered him a cover, and promised to expedite his buwithout the least ceremony, and ate inordinately. Having dined, the Minister sent for one of his Secretaries, who took the Officer to the treasury. Here a hundred pistoles were counted, and given to him, on which he observed the order was for a hundred and fifty. "True, replied the Secretary, but fifty are retained for your dinner." "Fifty!" replied the Gascon, "fifty pistoles for a dinner! Where I dine I pay but twenty sous." "That I can very well believe," replied the Secretary, "but you do not dine with the Minister Colbert, and that is an honour for which you must pay." "Oh, very well," rejoined the Gascon, since that is the case, keep the whole; it is not worth my while to accept a hundred pistoles; I will bring one of my friends to-morrow, and we will eat up the remainder." This discourse was repeated to Colbert, who admired the Gasconade, and ordered the full amount to be paid the Officer. It was allowed that none but a Gascon was capable of such an act. THE DRAMA. MANCHESTER DRAMATIC REGISTER. Saturday, April 13th.-The Royal Oak with the Coronation. Monday, 15th.-Macbeth; with the Lady and the Devil. Wednesday, 17th.-Speed the Plough; with How to die for Love. Friday, 19th. For the Benefit of Mr. Bass: Damon and Pythias; Mr. Tibbs, or How to get a Dinner; and Therese, or the Orphan of Geneva. "Respecting the origin of this problem," observes Mr. Hutton, "a very curious circumstance is related. During the plague at Athens, which made a dreadful havoc in that city, some persons being sent to Delphos to consult Apollo, the deity promised to put an end to the destructive scourge, when an altar, double to that which had been erected to him, should be constructed. The artists who were immediately dispatched to double the altar thought they had nothing to do, in order to comply with the command of the oracle but to double its dimensions. By these means it was made octuple, but the god, being a better Geometrician, wanted it only double. As the plague still continued, the Athenians dispatched new deputies, who received for answer, that the altar was. more than double. It was then thought proper to have recourse to the geometricians, who endeavoured to find out a solution of the problem. There is reason to think that the god was satisfied with an approximation, or mechanical solution; had he required more, the situation of the people of Athens. would have deserved pity indeed.” REPOSITORY OF GENIUS. Answer to Charade, No. 12. Curfew. Charade, No. 13. ADDRESSED TO THE LADIES. Explore my name ye British fair divine, |