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Papal government-of his repairing to Italy and becoming an officer of the staff to Murat-of the arrangement between Lord William Bentinck and that personage, and the conduct of our government in consequence. Some very interesting extracts are given from the work, regarding Murat's concealment near Marseilles, before he was able to effect his escape to Corsica; and a few curious particulars of the author's reception at the English head-quarters, to which he was sent by Fouchè with propositions after the battle of Waterloo, and of his passage thither, through Blucher's army. The article concludes with noticing a story about the death of Berthier, which is said, with truth, not to be over and above credible.

6. The title of this article is, " Annual Parliaments and Universal Suffrage," and we suppose, that the way in which the subject is discussed here, will give satisfaction to the well informed and well disposed, whatever may be their political attachments. Regarding annual parliaments, the Reviewer proves clearly, by numerous references to the rolls of parliament, and other authentic records, that though it was provided by several statutes, that parliaments should be held every year, yet, that a new parliament was not chosen every year, but continued by prorogation for an indefinite period,—in one instance, so early as the reign of Edward IV. for near three years, and much longer by several of his successors. This prerogative of the crown was recognized in one of the first acts of the long parliament, by which a parliament which was continued by prorogation, and did not meet within three years after its last sitting, was declared to be dissolved. "We trust we have now proved," say the Reviewers, " to the satisfaction of our readers, that, 1st, The me thod of continuing parliaments by prorogation, was known from the earliest period of our parliamentary history. 2d, That the laws of Edward III. and other princes, for annual parliaments, did not affect, and were not intended to affect, this prerogative. 3d, That the statute of 16 Charles I. chap. 1. was the first act that touched or limited this prerogative of the crown; and, 4th, That the triennial act of King William was the first statute which limited the duration of parliament to a fixed and certain term of years."

The only remark we would beg leave to offer on this important part of the question is, that the statute of Charles, recognizing the prorogation of parliament for three years without being called together, seems to be in direct opposition to the more ancient laws, which required a parliament to be held every year; and some explanation of this obvious inconsistency might have been expected from this very learned writer.-As to universal suffrage, scarcely the vestige of a foundation for this claim can be discovered; and what we know of the structure of society in the earlier periods of our history, is sufficient of itself to convince us, that this pretended right never was exercised,-as we are certain, that in the present state of society, it never can be, without speedily blending, in one undistinguishable mass of ruin, the liberties, the energies, and the resources of the nation.

7. Wat Tyler, a dramatic poem ; and A Letter to William Smith, Esq. M. P. From ROBERT SOUTHEY, Esq. -The readers of the Edinburgh Review will at once anticipate the leading contents of this article.

8. Transactions of the Geological Society, Vol. II.-There are twentyfour papers in this volume, of which sixteen relate to different localities in the British islands, and three only to foreign geology. The account of it is favourable.

9. Tales of my Landlord.-This critique is introduced by some excellent remarks on the general character of the author's performances; and then the Reviewer exhibits a concise analysis of the present work, interspersed with copious and well selected extracts. What strikes us as rather singular is, that the circumstance of the author's being a Tory, which the critic thinks he has discovered him to be, is assign ed as a reason for passing over some of his peccadilloes, with scarcely any reproof. It is possible enough, that Reviewers, as well as Poets, may sometimes nod; for true it is, that the conclusion of this gentleman's lucubrations is not altogether in his usual style; and something a great deal better weighed, was to be expected on the topics to which he there adverts. Martin himself, in the corresponding article of the Quarterly Review, shews a more kindly disposition towards his homely brother in the hour of his tribulation.

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE.

Discovery of a rich vein of Lead Ore at Lead Hills. We are informed by Mr Braid, surgeon at Lead Hills, that a few weeks ago a very rich vein of lead ore was discovered in the Scots Mining Company's field. The vein is fully four feet wide, and filled from wall to wall with pure unmixed galena, or lead glance. This important and valuable discovery will in all probability raise the mines of Lead Hills to their former flourishing state.

Cumberland Lead Mines. We are also informed, that it is in agitation to re-open the lead mines of Cumberland, in Lanarkshire, the property of Michael Linning, Esq., which have been lately surveyed by

Professor Jameson.

In January last, Dr Macculloch read a paper to the Geological Society of London, on the Parallel Roads of Glenroy, in which the ingenious author, after a particular description of these appearances, entered into a minute consideration of all the hypotheses which have been suggested relative to the mode of their formation. He thinks the theory which regards them as the remains of the shores of a lake, is the most probable; but allows the difficulties attending every opinion as to their origin.

The absolute horizontality of these "roads" is a point which, hitherto, has been assumed from inspection with the naked eye, not proved by actual levelling. But we are happy to be able to inform our readers, that within these few days, this point has been determined in the most satisfactory manner. Mr Lauder Dick, with the assistance of some scientific friends, has ascertained, by a series of levellings, executed with the utmost care, that the “roads" are perfectly horizontal at every point. He has also examined minutely the corresponding appearances in the neighbouring valleys of Glengloy and Glenspian; and made a variety of observations, serving very much to confirm those views relative to their origin, which he lately delivered to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Artificial Congelation.-New theories of Chemistry and Geology may now be expected to start up from the recent discoveries of Professor Leslie, whose frigorific process, by the combined powers of absorption and evaporation, acts with uncommon energy and effect. He has lately ascertained, that the congealing power is not con tined to the absorbent earths, particularly

the porphyritic trap, but that oatmeal is capable of producing the same effects, by spreading about two quarts of it on a large dish, and putting it in an ex hausted receiver, when it will freeze nearly a pint of water in a few minutes; the latter being in a pot of porous earthenware. The fact itself is valuable, not only to confectioners and private fa milies at home, but also to residents in the hottest climes. The absorbent powder recovers all its qualities, after operation, if dried in the sun, or before a fire.

The

The interesting experiment, by Professor Leslie, announced in our First Number, under the above title, has been suc cessfully repeated by Mr Stodart. Stone from which he made his absorbent powder was taken from Salisbury Crags, near Edinburgh; this was pounded and dried; and with it, under an exhausted receiver, a small body of water was soon frozen. On preparing a very low receiver, and procuring a larger surface of earth, the process was accelerated, a larger body of water being soon converted into a cake of ice. Experiments were made with various other absorbents, of which pipe clay was the best, equalising in intensity the whin-trap itself. The latter, however, when in a state of complete decom position, will probably prove to be the best material for the refrigerating_process. This elegant discovery of the Professor promises to prove equally interesting to the philosopher, and important in its application to the common purposes of life in every climate. Whether required as a luxury in health or as a necessary in sickness, ice may at all times be readily procured.

At a late meeting of the Bath Literary and Philosophical Society, Dr. Wilkinson, in remarking upon a paper presented by Dr Wollaston, relative to the theory of the diamond-cutting glass, mentioned, that he had some micrometers, made by the late Mr Coventry, where the lines on glass had been so finely drawn, that the cross lines formed a series of squares; so minute, that 25 millions are equal to no more than one square inch.

The plan of a new drag for searching for drowned bodies has been submitted. to, and approved by, the same society. It consists of an iron-rod, at least six feet in length, divided into three parts by

two joints; so that, as the sides of rivers are generally sloping, the two extremi ties of the rod may lie on either bank, while the central part keeps its horizontal position on the bed of the river. To this road are attached a number of creepers, at the end of small chains, about a foot asunder. This instrument, towed by a small boat, will, it is conceived, completely search the bed and banks of any small

river.

African Expedition.-Accounts have been received from Lieutenant Campbell, on whom devolved the command of the expedition for Exploring the Joliba or Niger River, on the death of Major Peddie, stating his arrival at the head of the river Nunez, whence he intended proceeding across the mountains towards Bammakoo, the place at which Mr Park embarked; on the surface of which Lieutenant Campbell and his companions are in all probability at this

time.

Earthquakes. The following is an enumeration of earthquakes felt in different parts of the world since the first of January last:

Jan. 13. In the Gulf Stream.

17. At Chamouny, in Switzerland.
19. At the same place.

20. At the same place, and also at
Alcocer, in Spain.

Feb. 11.

13. At the same place.

14.

the expense of raising them will proba bly be not more than one-fifth part of the money.

Saturday, the 10th ult. Mr Moir exhibited a model of a machine before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, for impelling a vessel against the stream, without the application of sails, oars, or steam.

Bath Literary and Philosophical Society. March 17.-Mrs Grose favoured the Society with some specimens of the Cicada mannaferens, or locust of New South Wales, and likewise of the wild honey or manna deposited by that animal on a large Forest tree called the Eucalyptus. This insect continues but a short time in its winged state; it was first observed in November 1800, by Colonel Paterson, in the pupa state, and on the same day it appeared with its wings through an opening in the back of the outer covering; it was then in a very weak state, and slowly left its original abode. The rapidity with which the insect enlarges after this is surprising; in the course of a few hours it can fly to the top of the tallest eucalyptus, which generally grows to the height of sixty or seventy feet. On this tree Colonel Paterson first discovered the manna in great quantities, apparently produced by these insects. It may be collected both in a liquid and in a saccharine state: the inhabitants gathered it, and used it for some

18. At Madrid, Barcelona, Lerida, time as sugar, but soon discovered that

and Saragossa.

March 11. At Lyons.

15. At Chamouny, and Messina, in
Sicily.

18. At Madrid, Pampeluna, and
several other parts of Spain.
22. At Pampeluna.

25 At Frascati, Gensano, and

26.

28.

30.

other adjacent places in Italy.
One shock particularly vio-
lent.

At Chamouny.

ditto.

[blocks in formation]

2.

ditto.

ditto, very violent, direction from north to south. (Day not mentioned) At Palermo.

A gentleman at Blackheath has found that alcohol and snow, or ice mixed to gether, form an absorbent of such capacity, that the temperature of snow, when the alcohol is not very strong, is reduced from 32° to 17°.

Orders have gone down to Plymouth for the Resolute bell-vessel to repair to Portsmouth, in order that the state of the Royal George may be ascertained, preparatory to the removal of her hull, either together or in pieces. Her remains are estimated to be worth £56,000, while

it possessed in some degree the quality of manna. The extraordinary noise these little creatures make is deserving of notice: the males first begin with a note similar to that of the land-rail, and repeat it for several times; at length the females join, when the combination of notes exactly resembles the noise of grinding knives or razors; and hence the insect is popularly known by the name of the razor-grinder. It makes its appearance about the end of November, and early in January deposites its eggs in the ground. The larva is perfect in September, when it is formed into the pupa, in which state it remains until November. There is a species of the insect in New South Wales of the same appearance, and which make the same sort of noise, but produces no manna.

The university of Cambridge has recently received a gift of £20,000 from an unknown individual, who is stated to be on the verge of concluding a century, and who has adopted this plan in preference to a testamentary bequest, as the legacy duty is thereby saved. The gift is expressly to St Peter's College; the Master and Fellows of which, it is said, intend to expend the interest of the sum in founding some new Scholarships, and

augmenting the income of some of the poorer fellowships.

The Rev. Robert Tyrwhitt, of Jesus College, Cambridge, has bequeathed to that university £4000 navy five per cents, for the promotion of Hebrew learning.

The Rev. Dr Charles Burney, and the Rev. John Cleaver Banks, trustees of a certain fund appropriated to the use of the late Professor Porson during his life, have conferred to the university of Cambridge, £400 navy five per cent. stock, the interest of which is annually to be employed in the purchase of a book or books, to be given to the resident under-graduate who shall make the best translation of a proposed passage in Shakspeare, Ben Jonson, Massinger, or Beaumont and Fletcher, into Greek verse. -The passage fixed upon for the present year is the second part of Henry IV. act third, scene first, beginning with "O Sleep," and ending with "Deny it to a King."

The List of Publications entered at Stationers' Hall, has made its appearance, in 26 folio pages, for the year since June last. Above three-fourths of these have been demanded by the ten Universities, and Libraries entitled thereto. It appears that Trinity College, Dublin, and the Scottish Advocates' Library, are the only two institutions which do not demand novels and music.

We may soon expect to be gratified by the commencement of the Grand National monument, which is finally determined on, upon the design of Mr Wilkins, author of the Antiquities of Magna Græcia, and M.A. of Cambridge. There was a choice of two hundred designs, and the expense is estimated at £200,000.

FRANCE.

A translation into French of the "Tales of my Landlord" has just been published at Paris, in 4 vols 12mo.

Les Archives des découvertes et inventions pendant l'année 1816, lately published at Paris, contain accounts of the discoveries of M. Gay-Lussac on the combinations of azote and oxygen, and on prussic acid: of those of M. Poisson on the theory of the tides; and of M. Biot on light. M. Biot, it appears, is making rapid advancement in the career of the illustrious Malus; and his invention of the fine instrument to which he has given the name of colorigrade, proves how eagerly he seeks to turn the results of his discoveries to purposes of

use.

It is a well established principle, that three united agents concur in the destruc tion of alimentary substances-air, heat, and water; and that, by neutralizing one

of these agents, the action of the other two is paralysed. M. Fouque, jun. of Paris, is said to have succeeded in effecting this, by producing a vacuum in an apparatus, simple, easily used, and not expensive. He has made his apparatus of two sizes. One, which is intended to be kept in the kitchen to receive the dishes to be preserved, is made of a square piece of flat stone, thirteen inches in diameter. In this stone a circular groove is cut, and furnished with mastic (or lute); a cast-metal is fixed into the groove, and a hole is pierced in the top of the bell of one line in diameter. The other safe consists of a large earthen pot of a thin consistence, round the mouth of which a luted groove is cut, and a castmetal bell, with a hole in the top fitted into it, in the same manner as in the other safe. When the substances, which it is desired to preserve, have been placed in either of these safes, a little spunge is dipped into spirit of wine, of 33 degrees, then placed in a sauce upon the eatables, and afterwards set fire to by means of a match. A considerable dilation immediately takes place, which expels the atmospheric air; and in order to prevent its return into the apparatus, the hole in the top of the bell is quickly stopt with common wax. A small quantity of atmospheric air may perhaps get again into the bell; but not more, it is probable, than the combustion of the spirit of wine, not yet finished, will suffice to decompose, and convert into carbonic acid gas, the preservative property of which is well known.

A new census has been taken of the popu lation of Paris, which has been found to exceed 860,000 being 20,000 more than London within the bills of mortality.

Dr Esquirol has read to the Academy of Sciences of the Institute, a memoir on the kind of mental derangement to which he gives the name of hallucination, a new term, denoting a species of insanity, in which the patient receives, through one or more senses, those impressions which sight alone otherwise conveys. In support of the principles and considerations which he has developed, he adduces some very curious facts, and among others, the case of a person almost the only sign of whose derangement consisted in his hearing secret voices, which incessantly reproached him with something that he had done.

M. Laugier, who was the first that discovered the presence of sulphur and of chronium in aerolites has submitted to the Academy of Sciences a memoir, in which he proves, by the details of chemical analysis, the identity of the elements of those substances with the enormous masses of iron found in Siberia by Pallas, and which seem, in their composition and origin, to be like other masses found in

different parts of the world, in the midst of vast plains from all the fossils of which they differ.

Perpetual Motion.-To the many supposed solutions of the problem of perpetual motion, another has just been added by a M. Louis of Valence, formerly captain in the Neapolitan service. He has found, he says, "means to raise a column of water strong enough to force another to the same height. Thus, when the impulse is once given, this machine will perpetually retain its action, if there exists a fluid which does not lose by evapora tion, or a material indestructible by use. One may however employ a quantity of water sufficient in play for several years. This same machine may be employed as the impelling power, for the production of various kinds of regular motions. The inventor proposes to adapt a clep. sydra to it, and he is convinced, that, by means of a basin or reservoir, a private house might derive various advantages from it."

Ancient Tombs.-There has just been discovered at Baslieux, near Longwy, a considerable number of ancient tombs con

No

cealed under broad stones, the removal of which uncovers square compartments of brick-work. In each tomb was found a skeleton, rarely two, and several parts of arms, such as sabres, swords, javelins, arrows, daggers, axes, &c. An iron head of an arrow placed in the centre of a skull, is doubtless the sign of a combat. sign of christianity has been found among the numerous articles that have been collected. On a bas relief some persons think they recognise the principal Gallic Divinity, Mercury Teutates. According to appearances, it is thought that the time of the event which gave rise to these inhumations, may be fixed about the first irruptions of the Vandals, in the beginning of the 15th century.

No less than five new epic poems are announced as being soon to enrich the literature of France. Their titles are PhilipAugustus, by Mr Perceval Grandmaison; The Maccabees, by Mr Raynouard; The Holy War, by Mr Fontanes; Tasso, by Mr Campenon; and Richard, by Madame de Stael.

NETHERLANDS.

An ingenious mechanic in Holland invented, some years ago, a machine for deepening, and scouring canals, rivers, docks, ports, &c. which, at the depth of 12 or 20 feet, cuts up all sand, mud, or hard clay, with the greatest case. This machine can fill a mud-boat, containing

432 cubic feet, in the space of six or seven minutes with five to eight men, or with one horse power. It equally works at the borders or edges of rivers, the same as in the deep middle stream, clearing all away, or deepening as required. Also, a mill for draining marshes, overflowed lands, &c. which it performs with such celerity, that, for example, in 1770 acres, there are 77,101,200 square feet, which, multiplied by four, the depth given, contains 308,404,800 cubic English feet, for the mass of water to be drained; this can be done with ease by one mill in 359 days, whatever the wind may be; and an instance has been known of its emptying the amazing quantity of 320 tons per

minute.

GERMANY."

A

It has been recently ascertained, that fogs contain a great portion of water, but pended by the opposed powers of the elecnot in a condensed state, being kept sustric fluid with which it is charged. ed by a curious meteorological occurrence convincing proof of this was lately affordin Westphalia, where the fog being driven by a gentle north-east wind against the densation and congelation took place, and trees, the electric fluid was attracted, conby the preponderating weight of ice upon the largest trees were torn up by the roots,

their branches.

Messrs Kauffmann, senior and junior, of Dresden, have exhibited four instruthey call the Belloneon, the Cordalaudion, ments composing an orchestra, which the Automaton Trumpeter, and the Har monicord. The upper part of the Bellomidst of which are placed twenty-four neon exhibits a trophy of arms, in the trumpets reversed; and the lower part encloses two kettle drums with their sticks. It executes flourishes and marchit contained other wind instruments, it es with extraordinary perfection. If it might be compared with Mälzl's Panharmonicon, exhibited some time since in London and Paris. The Cordalaudion produces together and separately the sounds of the piano-forte, and of four flutes, which play with such precision and accuracy, that the illusion is complete. The Automaton gives out notes with double sounds. But these instruments, though highly curious, are surpassed by the Harmonicord. It is shaped like an upright piano-forte; a cylinder is adapted to it, and turns at a very small distance from the strings, which are the same as those of the piano. By pressing down the keys, which embrace four octaves and a half, the friction is effected.

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