tional concerns, down to the present time, and transiently touches on the incidents and vicissitudes which have rendered remarkable the eras in which they occurred.

In a certain sense, it may be considered as an epitome of British history, but, in many essential particulars, it differs widely from other publications which bear this name. The general outline of this work may be found in the following particulars, which we copy from the title-page.

"It consists of copious genealogical details of the British sovereigns, comprehending their births, marriages, deaths, and immediate issue, with the various branchings into foreign alliances, and the numerous illustrious families of the British aristocracy, accompanied with genealogical charts illustrative of the several dynasties, and the families emanating from them, with an appendix, exhibiting a chronological epitome of the successive holders of the several titles of the British, Saxon, and English nobility, considered as hereditary and hierarchical, accompanied with the various blazonry of their armorial bearings. The whole designed to obviate the difficulties eucountered by the students of British history, in acquiring a distinct identity of the several celebrated individuals prominent on the pages of its annals, from others who have been possessed of the same names, honours, or employ

ments."

Some sketches of biography are connected with the royal and illustrious personages whose names are introduced; and, in some instances, the author steps aside from his direct path, to notice remarkable incidents connected with the individual, or the age in which he lived. This circumstance has given to many pages a portion of interest which others want; and in a considerable degree relieved the tediousness which, to common readers, pedigree and heraldic emblems rarely fail to involve.

To the author, this must have been a work of herculean labour, and of indefatigable research. It must have furnished employment for many years, as the difficulties to be encountered, and the obstacles to be surmounted, must have been both numerous and formidable. In its accomplished state, it, however, stands as a proud monument of what application and perseverance can accomplish; and both the present race and future generations will enjoy the fruits of the writer's industry.

Although in some places brief as an index, and in others confined to mere chronological statement, many disputable facts are introduced to the reader's notice. On these, a diversity of opinion has been entertained, and no theory or historical analysis can be advanced, that will secure universal consent. Of this the author must have been well aware; it is therefore to be regretted that, in a work of such magnitude and importance, he has not mentioned the

sources whence his facts are drawn, and named the authorities on which his conclusions are founded. An attention to this would have added greatly to the respectability of his volume, and prevented those surmisings that may now be urged to his disadvantage. For these omissions, we fear there is at present no remedy, as it is scarcely practicable for the author to retrace his steps, and supply the deficiencies of which we complain.

The numerous tables, or genealogical charts, exhibiting the descent and connexion of branches belonging to royal dynasties, will be examined with peculiar interest by all who take pleasure in such researches. So far as the successive monarchs of these kingdoms are concerned, these tables are clear and intelligible; and beyond this, the interest excited ceases to be intense.

As an index to the kings of England, and a chronological register of families, titles, and honours connected with the English nobility, this work will be found of incalculable value. On many dubious passages in the history of our country, it will throw considerable light; and a little acquaintance with its contents will convince the reader that he may consult it with advantage, on subjects which seem, from being intelligible, to require no foreign

assistance.

REVIEW.-Descriptive Sketches of Tunbridge Wells, and the Calverley Estate, &c. Embellished with Maps and Prints. By John Britton, F. S. A., &c. 12mo. pp. 148. Longman. London. 1832. THE good ladies of our country may now purchase elegant cottons, decorated with beautiful colours, arranged in tasteful order, and in every respect highly attractive to the senses, at about sixpence per yard, for which, a few years since, they were content to pay about two shillings. On a similar principle, both ladies and gentlemen may now purchase a book for five shillings, which, with similar decorations, would have been thought cheap, about the beginning of the century, at more than double the price. Should any persons doubt this latter fact, we will refer them to Britton's Descriptive Sketches of Tunbridge Wells, and here we are certain that their scepticism must find a grave.

The embellishments of this work comprise two maps and twelve distinct engravings, all executed in a style that would have conferred an honour on a twelveshilling volume. Of the two maps, one

exhibits the face of Tunbridge Wells, a plan of its church, Baston House, some leading roads, and adjacent scenery; and the other presents to the reader a general view of Calverley Park and Plain. The plates represent, with much fidelity, a variety of conspicuous objects in this place of fashionable resort, where health at once gushes from its fountains, and is wafted with almost every breeze.

The descriptions, which have a reference to the objects represented in the plates, and also to the town and neighbourhood, are written in a lively and spirited style, but without descending to that frothy levity which none could admire but those whom it would be discreditable in a writer to please. Of many illustrious visitants, the names are preserved, and the whole is interspersed with anecdotes that are very amusing. In a brief manner, every thing of importance relating both to the ancient and modern history of this place, its improvements, local accommodations, and peculiar customs, Mr. Britton has carefully introduced, and perspicuously explained.

What the expense of living in Tunbridge Wells may be, we are not told; but if it bear any resemblance in cheapness to this book, we think the inhabitants will not frequently have unoccupied apartments to let. The paper on which it is printed is stout, and of superior quality; so that, unless the author's sale shall be extensive, which he has every reason to anticipate, we suspect that "Descriptive Sketches of Tunbridge Wells" will be an unprofitable

concern.

REVIEW.-An Indian Tale, and other Poems. By Benjamin Gough, 12mo. pp. 180. Effingham Wilson. London, 1832.

THERE can be very little doubt, if variety could compensate for deficiencies, that this is a publication of considerable merit. It musters thirty-four sonnets, and fifty-one miscellaneous pieces, besides the Indian tale, which occupies the first threescore pages. This goodly number furnishes the muse with very favourable opportunities to exercise the strength of her pinion, and to display the elevation and gracefulness of her flight.

The Indian tale, we are informed in the preface, is founded on an article which appeared in the fifth number of the Metropolitan Magazine. It is a love affair between an Indian girl and a Mahometan admirer, and the young lady's angry brother, giving way to vindictive feelings.

The adventure is narrated with much sim. plicity, and, excepting in some trifling instances, with great perspicuity. It contains many incidents, which are interwoven with sufficient ingenuity to appear without betraying poetical contrivance. The burning of Counlah on the funeral pile of her husband, together with the subsequent agony and death of her father, gives a climax to the catastrophe, which, in a poet of established fame, would command admiration.

The minor poems and sonnets possess various degrees of merit in their respective characters, but nothing to raise them above thousands of their fellow-mortals that are born to die, in infancy, in youth, and in riper years. From compositions so unimportant, no author can ever hope to acquire lasting reputation. Poetical literature is too thickly sown with trifles, for common articles to attract attention. This, however, is no argument against their merit. If gold were as plentiful as pebbles on the shore, it would be viewed with equal indifference. Scarcity is essential to estimated value. Poets therefore may anticipate the fate awaiting insignificant compositions, which, taken in the aggregate,

2. Advice to Emigrants to America, New South Wales, Cape of Good Hope, &c., by Thomas Dyke, Jun., (Simpkin, London,) is too contracted to furnish that varied information which all persons intending to emigrate want. So far as the author has entered into his subject, his observations may be of service; but, in eightyfour pages, no one can reasonably expect that the advantages and disadvantages of emigration, to all parts of the world, should be comprised.

3. Sequel to Principle and Practice; or the Orphan Family; a Tale, (Houlston, London,) will be perused with much interest by all who are acquainted with the

preceding parts. The story enters into domestic life, and develops incidents which most readers will find not inapplicable to themselves. It is a tale, we think, with which most young persons will be pleased.

4. The Gospel its Own Witness, &c., by the Rev. Andrew Fuller, late of Kettering, (Book Society, London,) appears before us in a new edition. It is a book which contains many important truths, that cannot be too widely disseminated. The observations are not common-place. They are the offspring of a mind enlightened by reading, and habituated to solid reflection, and enter a region in which such a guide is particularly wanted.

5. Hints on the Best Means for the Revival of Religion, by Oliver Henwood, (Prince, Bridport,) the author has confined to the topic under consideration. His observations are judicious and well selected, equally remote from extravagance and indifference. This important subject he recommends on scripture grounds, and applies his remarks with becoming energy, both to ministers and people. Practical utility seems to be the great object at which he aims; and, to promote this, his pamphlet is wholesomely adapted.

6. Arminian Methodism miscalled Derby Faith, by John Hackett, (Ward, Derby,) contains strong language; and, with fearless intrepidity, enforces the great and essential truths of the gospel.

7. A Brief Statement of the Practical Benefits of a Reform in Parliament, by Caleb Croxall, (Wilson, London,) is calculated to efface erroneous impressions which many among the working classes have strangely entertained. The benefits will be progressive, not instantaneous, and the influence of the measure upon posterity is pointed out with intelligent anticipation.

8. Observations on our Indian Administration, Civil and Military, by Lieut.Col. James Caulfield, C. B., (Smith and Co., London,) requires persons better acquainted than ourselves with Asiatic affairs, to decide on its merits or defects. The author appears to be conversant with the subjects on which he writes, and, from the candour of his sentiments, and the temperate language he employs, his book is entitled to a calm and dispassionate ex

amination.

9. An Essay on the Cultivation of the Infant Mind, &c., by John Brown, Master of Spitalfield's Infant School, 4th Edition, (Simpkin and Co., London,) communicates, in familiar language, and a pleasing strain, much useful information, every way adapted to the infant mind. The 2D. SERIES, NO. 21.-VOL. II.

system is admirable, and need only be known to command universal approbation. The rules, also, and reasons on which they are founded, must strike every reader with their propriety and force. This is beginning at the right end, and training up a child in the way that he should go.

11. Alfred, or the Wayward Son, a Domestic Story, and other Poems, by Thomas Hirst, (Simpkin and Co., London,) furnish many occasions for censure, but still more for praise. Several lines betray carelessness in composition, which attention might have prevented. "Trespasser and "intruder," in p. 26, are bad in rhyme; and "character" and "flatterer," in p. 29, are liable to the same remark. In page 27, "A vacant question dwindling to a whine," we do not understand; and the introduction of Earl Grey, Melbourne, Peel, Brougham, Lord Russell, and the Reform question, into Alfred, or the Wayward Son, appears very ill-timed. In the meanwhile, the story is admirably told, the incidents are brought forward to much advantage, and the whole is conducted to a pleasing termination. In many stanzas, a genuine spirit of poetry bursts upon us, and the general character of the sentiments that pervade the narrative is calculated to secure serious approbation.

12. An Encyclopedia of Cottage, Farm, and Village Architecture, &c., by J. C. Loudon, F.L.S., &c., (Longman, London,) presents us with a specimen of a large work now publishing under the above title. It contains numerous wood engravings, accompanied with brief descriptions, and is a work of fair promise.

13. The Conversational Method of Teaching Languages, &c., by S. B. L. P., (Souter, London,) has a captivating exterior, but the test of experiment can alone give certainty to its character.

14. An Appeal to the Unprejudiced, containing a Statement of Facts connected with the New Church, Gosport, by the Rev. Joshua Bryant, (Simpkin and Co., London,) more than intimates that he has been treated in an unworthy manner by a few self-sufficient and purse-proud persons, with whom he had the unhappiness to come in contact: and, admitting his statement to be correct, we think he has acted judiciously in publishing a narrative of the facts, which will not only answer the end of vindicating himself and his conduct, but also be read with interest by all the friends of a liberal church policy. The pamphlet is written in a clear style, and contains some goodhumoured touches of wit and sarcasm, not at all out of place.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

THE mean temperature of July was 65 degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer. The maximum of 73 degrees was noticed on the mornings of the 6th and 13th; the direction of the wind on the former occasion was southerly, and on the latter south-westerly. The mininum of 59 degrees occurred on the mornings of the 19th and 21st with a northerly wind. The range of the thermometer was 14 degrees, and the prevailing wind north-west. The direction of the wind has been north-westerly, 73 days; northerly, 63; south-westerly 6; north-easterly 5; easterly 13; westerly 13; south-easterly 1; and southerly.

This month, especially the latter part, has been very dry; rain having fallen only on eight days from the 14th to the end, there was only one day on which rain was observed, it was but a slight shower; the prevailing winds, during this period, were the north-west and north; and during the former part of the month, the south-west prevailed. From the 6th, to the 10th, considerable wind was observed. On the evening of the 12th a considerable storm of thunder passed over the eastern part of the metropolis; the lightning was very vivid, and heat-lightning occurred during the night.

WESLEYAN METHODISM.

THE eighty-ninth annual conference of this respectable body of Christians was held at Liverpool in July, 1832, when about three hundred ministers were present. The Rev. Robert Newton was chosen president, and the Rev. E. Grindrod, secretary. During this conference, about thirty-seven sermons were preached in the chapels, and about sixteen in the open air. Many preachers during the past year have died, and some few have withdrawn themselves from the connexion: but others have been admitted, through which every deficiency has been supplied. Although, in Derby and elsewhere, secessions have taken place, it appears that there has been, on the whole, an increase of 8,188 members throughout the connexion during the year.

RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN JAMAICA.

THE general outline of this disgraceful affair has been already laid before the public through various channels. It was noticed on several occasions at the anniversaries held in May last, and, by the public papers, circulated through every

Among those who addressed the listening assembly, the Rev. Peter Duncan, and the Rev. W. Knibb, commanded the greatest attention. The former of these gentlemen is a Wesleyan missionary, and the latter a Baptist missionary, and both, having been in the island during the insurrection, had witnessed many occurrences which they detailed, and partially suffered from the malevolent rancour with which the fountains of justice, in Jamaica, appear to be polluted.

The insurrection, they traced to its only legitimate cause, the diabolical system of slavery; and against the insinuations of the planters, that the missionaries had induced the slaves to revolt, their defence was most triumphant. When their chapels were demolished by the brutal white men, an effort was made to obtain redress; but although the evidence was decisive against several individuals, the grand jury ignored the bills. Equally unsuccessful were their efforts to bring a miscreant to justice, who had besmeared a missionary with tar, and then set him on fire. From the Jamaica papers several extracts were given, corroborative of their testimony, and confirmatory of facts which, except among those whose natures have been brutalized by slavery, appeared too dreadful to be perpetrated.

From the various circumstances which transpired at this meeting, one inference is obvious, namely, that it is to the British legislature and the British public the negro must look, for the humanity and power which will finally break his chains.

Of this public meeting, a detailed and interesting account may be found in the Christian Advocate for August 20, to which we acknowledge our obligations.

BAPTISM OF A JEW.

An adult son of Abraham was baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by the Rev. J. B. Cartwright, A.M., at the Episcopal Chapel, Cambridge Heath, London, on Sunday the 5th of August last.

Previous, to his baptism he had worked with the baptized Hebrews in the Institu

tion in Durham place, and also there received instruction in the truths of the gospel; but being unbaptized, he could not be received as an inmate therein. It was under the teaching of the Rev. J. C. Reichardt, superintendant of the Durham-place Hebrew Institution, that he professed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the true Messiah, and the only Saviour of mankind.

The name of this convert was Samuel, and as he preferred the retaining of it to the adoption of another, he was named Samuel during the ceremony of baptism. His conduct has hitherto corresponded with his profession, and the feeling sense which he manifests of the grace of God, operating by the Holy Ghost upon his heart, evinces that he has not merely put on the name of Jesus, "but, renewed in the spirit of his mind, put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

To the Rev. J. C. Reichardt he expressed himself to this effect, previous to his baptism, "I feel more and more convinced that Jesus is the true Messiah, and that without Him I cannot be saved; but the indescribable feeling on being cut off at a stroke from all my relations, and every friend of my youth, by my profession of Christianity, is at times more than I can bear up against; yet I must give up all for Him who gave himself a sacrifice for me.'

Alas for Israel, thy rowers have brought thee into deep waters! Yet the consideration is awful, that a son of Jacob cannot believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to the salvation of his soul, without instantly subjecting himself to the curses of all his brethren. Arise, O Jehovah, in behalf of Thy people, and let Thy promise be accomplished, "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob."

W. COLDWELL.

King's Square, Aug. 13th, 1832.

NEW PROCESS IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF SUGAR.

MR. EDITOR, SIR,-The interest which your journal takes in topics of practical scientific inquiry, induces me to present to the notice of your readers, a description of the important results from recent trials in Demerara, to obtain pure raw sugar direct from the cane juice; a desideratum which has presented itself to most writers on the West Indian colonies, as one of the anticipated final results of scientific inquiry. The cele

brated Bryan Edwards, in his History of the British West Indies, says, "It is not an extravagant hope, that the time will come, when the salt of the cane, which we call sugar, will be made pure, and strike into transparent crystals."

It has always been deemed desirable to diminish the large quantity of deteriorated material, uncrystallizable sugar, molasses, and colouring matter, which were obvious products of the former mode of operation, from the intense and long-continued degree of heat employed in the processes. It was at length suggested as a matter of interesting probability, that this important object might be obtained by effecting the concentration of the cane juice, in a vacuum pan, under diminished atmospheric pressure, and a temperature insufficient to produce any change in the chemical composition of the sugar. This mode of operation was proposed by the Hon. Edward Charles Howard, and subsequently introduced with complete success into the principal Sugar Refineries in Great Britain, with the most important advantages to the refiners.

The substitution of the present improved process to the ordinary one, for the preparation of sugar from the cane juice, has already been attended with the most complete success. The sugar thus obtained is in perfect pure transparent granular crystals, developing the true form of the sugar, and being entirely free from the least portion of uncrystallizable sugar, or colouring matter. The saving from the deteriorated material, in the production of molasses, gives an increase in the quantity of the sugar to the planter of 25 per cent, while this readily ensures an additional price in the market of 10s. to 12s. per cwt. The sugar is a purer sweet than even the best refined; it possesses a rich mellifluous taste, and is more fitted for all purposes of manufacture, solution, or domestic economy. It is not apt to become acescent in solution, and, for all culinary purposes, from its superior quality it readily ensures a preference.

In the manufacture of rum from the molasses, which are separated during the process, there is no danger of deterioration in the production of empyreuma; an almost unavoidable attendant upon the old mode of manufacture, when ordinary molasses are employed. The time and labour of the operation are also greatly decreased, and the sugar is ready for shipment in four days, in lieu of three weeks, as heretofore.

This improved process is now in complete and successful operation on eight estates in Demerara, and the results of the