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by placing her finger on her lip, and the expected visitor entered in a dress so simple and becoming, that Bertram, if he had been asked to describe it, would only have remembered the wearer's beauty and when the ample veil was thrown back, it discovered a coun tenance whose animation prevented him from immediately recognizing the shy half sullen English girl he had once detested. The muslin drapery which divided the saloon preserved him also from recognizance; and he now understood without approving his sister's design to render him an unsuspected auditor, while she exclaimed, "I have a recruit for your brigade of recluses, Sister Agnes! but first tell me how you contrive to keep time amongst such concert of unharmonized characters?" "By the very simple art," she answered, smiling, "of never attempting to play the first part. You have been told, that the seven members of my sisterhood are as various as the rainbow's seven colours, yet you shall see them all mixed in one arch of peace.' "I wish your arch of peace," said Lady Barbara, "would extend over a few more solitary damsels. It has always been a subject of great surprise to me, that no asylum is provided for the thou sands who learn nothing but to paint cockle-shells, break harpstrings, and fringe Ottomans;-or the twenty thou. sands who teach them. i have a charming young novice to introduce, if you have a vacant chair: one of those romantic heroines who love to live in suspense and spin cobweb-mysteries like spiders, but not quite so industrious."- "A woman of sentiment, I suppose?-Well, we shall soon cure her strange appetite for misery by making her acquainted with happiness, which, after all, is only another name for kindness. To-morrow is my thirtieth birthday, and it is pleasant to think what a mass of comfort is composed of mites, such as every hour supplies, if we would only stoop to find them. My life passes away like music too familiar to be noticed, and is sweet though it passes unremembered."

"The true life of an Englishwoman!" thought Bertram; and he smiled at the chance which had placed women of sentiment, of genius, and of common-sense, in sudden succession before him. His sister answered, with a comic glance, "Such music would be better with an accompaniment. A shepherd's pipe will

be easily found when you regain the lands of Dundrennan.""" That is impossible," replied her friend, very calmly; my cause was decided to day, and I have lost it. The minister gave evidence against my claim."

How! you have lost it through his means!-then I cannot expect you to receive his daughter-Yet she wants an asylum which I am unable to give." -Agnes paused a moment, and rejoined, with beauty itself in her look—“ I ought not to forget a friend because her father forgot me. He was a faithful witness, though not in my favour, and I honour him for his truth. His daughter shall find a home in mine, and, poor as I am now, you shall see I dare resolve to be happy.”—These last words, so often repeated by Bertram in his musings, were spoken in a tone which seemed the very echo of his own heart. He stood profoundly silent after her departure, remembering the long-past Hallowe'en, and the scheme of vengeance he had cherished since. "Courage, brother!" said Lady Barbara, laughing-" a spindle and a handful of grass were an ancient bride's gifts, but you must be content with the first since her estate is lost."-" That loss has determined me," he replied; “she knows how to hear it, and it renders us more equal. I thank you, sister, for shewing me three female characters ia their true light. The woman of sentiment feels too often-the woman of genius reasons too much—the pupil of Commonsense does both only at proper times. Sensibility and science are charming when united; but plain Goodsense, which endures misfortune and forgives faults, is the best qualification of a wife, and the-true national distinction of an Englishwoman."

Here the manuscript ended, and we are left to guess whether the fair Agnes pardoned the stratagem which conveyed Bertram's history into her hauds, or allowed him to realize the oracle of Hallowe'en. But the chronicles of the Eunomian Society informed us, that he returned to boast of his successful visit to Willow Hall, where his brotherhermits found their lost Juanas, Olivias, and Alphonsines, and exchanged their vague speculations for domestic comfort and commonsense

"the gift of beav'n, And tho' no science, fairly worth the Sev`n.”* V.

To the Editor of the European Magazine.

SIR,

AVING lately made in the

fathoms elevation above the ocean, and afford the highest interest to the tourist. I have made the excursion in a boat,

amused and charmed with many scenes in Cornwall, I was induced to give you some account of a parish where I received much pleasure and entertainment, called Illogan. I fixed my resi dence at a village known by the name of Portreath, which is situate near the sea it afforded me every convenience to examine the grand scenery around it, having a good inn and other suitable accommodations for the tourist. It is sometimes known by the name of Basset's Cove; has an harbour, and is a considerable mart for coal. The parish itself lies on the eastern border of the deanery of Penwith, and presents a front of magnificent cliffs, of the extent of five miles to the Bristol Channel. On the east, it is bounded by Port Towan and St. Agnes-Beacon; on the west, by the parish of Camborne; on the south east, by Redruth; on the south and south-west, by Stithians and Wendron. This, as well as the two former parishes, are rectories, and in the presentation of Lord de Dunstanville, who, together with his father, as I am informed, for several years attempted to establish a free warren over them; and claimed an exclusive right to all wastes, estrays, and the game: this, as it may be supposed, entangled them in continual broils with their neighbours, and rendered them unpopular to all holders of land in their vicinity. The right itself being rather dubious, it has been abandoned for the more practicable way of bounding and exercising other acts of ownership, on property likely to be disputed the rich minerals which every-where pervade the soil in these parts, make it highly prudent for the landholder to be careful to preserve his property it has been known, that a road-way about 15 feet wide, and 50 or 60 of it in length, has given to the owner 30007. for the copper found under it.

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The lover of sublime and picturesque scenery could not fail of being highly gratified with a view of the stupendous cliff's which erect their towering fronts to the heavens along this coast: at their feet batter the tremendous surge of the Atlantic, which it has for many ages resisted with little or no encroachment: in extent they are about four or five miles, and from twenty, thirty, and forty. Europ. Mag. Vol. LXXII. Nov. 1817.

possess what, I believe, in picturesque scenery may truly be appreciated real sublimity. The voyage is, however, perilous, and should not, by any means, be undertaken, but by people possessing a competent knowledge of the coast: and this too in favourable weather.

Port Towan stands at the western extremity of the parish of St. Agnes, and forms the boundary between this parish and Illogan: to the east of it is a fine sandy beach stretching itself two or three miles to the north-east, affording favourable ground for the fishermen to shoot their seines for pilchards; not that as yet it has been attended with much success. Mining is found a much better speculation in this neighbourhood, the earth in these parts being penetrated with lodes of tin and copper, in every direction : here mines surround you on every side. The vale itself gives name to a very considerable copper-mine, called Wheal Towan (a prefix bestowed on many mines, signifying Mine; to wit, Wheal Towan, i. e. Towan Mine), which has been wrought with great profit to the adventurers. This mine being evideatly opened on the prospect of a fine fissure of copper ore, which presents itself to the naked eye, being visible, together with its bryle or gossan, and its inclination, in an arch formed in an headland about two miles to the west of it. It presents itself on both sides this arch, and affords to the curious a better notion of mining and the nature of copper lodes, than a visit down the interior of our mines, which is attended with some danger and much fatigue: the machinery may be viewed in detail on the mines; but the nature of a lode will be best examined here. The dingey appearance of all earths and ores in combination under the surface, renders it difficult to the inexperienced to distinguish the copper from the circumjacent earths: the light of a candle does not enable you to perceive the colours of ores under ground better than it does other colours. under the surface is confusion to the inexperienced eye. The arch itself, which is 100 feet in height, and forty in its span, produces the grandest effect : its appearance is really sublime, Standing under it, the spectator is in3 H

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pressed with the most fearful apprehensions for his own safety: though its firmness and position precludes all real danger. It is formed, as stated above, out of an headland that projects into the sea from the united operation of the sea, frost, and rain, which sapped the softer earths, whilst the rock which forms its arch defied their impression.

A little to the west of this, is one of the largest cross-courses this county produces, with a lode of lead running parallel with it. A cross-course, or, as it is sometimes called, CrossGossan, Cross-Bar, &c. is either a vein of a metallic nature, or of soft earth or clay, which running in an opposite direction to copper lodes, intersect them at right angles, together with all circumjacent earths: so when a miner arrives at this grand intersection, he loses his lode, and has to seck it either to the right or the left of its course; sometimes it disappears altogether. It is always with apprehension the miner approaches the cross-course; he is in danger of losing the lode, and ruining the concern, or of letting down the water and drowning his mine, as it is called; which is destructive of the speculation. It invariably intersects the earth from north to south, dividing the hardest rocks and the richest metallic veins. No adequate conception of its use, in the grand design of Nature, has yet been ascertained. Farther yet to the west, there is a magnificent cavern, called Seal-hole, excavated by the force of the mighty waters, the softer earths yielding to its continual beat; the adamantine rock which forms its lofty dome stays its proud waves, and says, So far shalt thou come, and no farther.

Some miles to the west of this stands apparently a feebler boundary, though not less secure, a beach of white sand, composed chiefly of shell-fish, which seems to have been pounded up by a continual grinding of pebbles kept in motion by the agitation of the sea: in this sand, there is a quarter part of animal matter, composed, as I should suppose, of the fish which inhabits the shell; mixed with compost, it makes the best manure: fields manured exclusively with it, I have known to retain perpetual verdure; this sand, however, from time immemorial, has defied the encroachment of the sea; and yet at the same time it is so light and buoyant in the air, that a north

wester has been known to level large banks of it in the space of twelve hours. Considerable quantities of cultivated lands, some villages, and two churches, have been averwhelmed by it; the only method the inhabitants have of stopping its progress is, by planting rushes, and promoting vegetation. The aforesaid cavern incloses a space, it is computed, of 600 fathoms ' extent: when you enter it, you encounter a darkness that candles can hardly relieve, nor are you immediately sensible of its space, but are obliged to wait a considerable while for the light of candles to fill its ample extent. In its inmost recess, an adit pours its silver stream, and on every side water trickles down in musical cadence: pebbles of all sizes and colours floor the area, and remind you of being cautious where you tread : all this while, the sea intermits not a moment its incessant roar, and attracts your attention to the mouth of the cavern, which forms a beautiful perspective to the ocean, and is rendered highly interesting if a ship passes at the interval. Some curious visitor, about an hundred years ago, engraved his name high on one side of the cavern, with the date of the year: the astonishment is, how he could command the time and convenience to do it, as there is no accommodation for affixing a scaffold, or sufficient absence of the tide to afford time for its execution, the entrance to this cavern being only at low water. For the information of many of your readers, it may be necessary to state, that an adit is a passage, through which mines discharge their water taken up at high water mark, and is carried several miles through the country, serving as a common sewer to all contiguous mines.

Mining is by no means so easy or rapid a work as some of your London speculators seem to imagine; it is tedious and complicated in its whole process. No one should embark in coppermines, who looks for a return of his money under ten or twelve years. On a sixteenth or eighteenth share he should be able to advance a capital of 20007. or 3000l. without inconvenience to himself. It is the golden dream which expects immediate return, and invites the inconsiderate to embark in this speculation, that is found equally injurious to mining and the miner. Copper lodes are placed at a considerable depth in the

earth; our best mines being 150 or 200 fathoms deep; which cannot be put into a regular course of working under the period of twenty years; though there may be exceptions, where a mine is no sooner opened than ore is discovered; but these are fortunate exceptions, and ought not to enter into 'the calculation of the consistent miner: he must calculate on distant gain; and when he enters into a concern of this kind with honourable and respectable people (for there is an exception to be made, I am sorry to say, as Cornwall has black legs, ready to entrap Londoners, as adroit as the metropolis itself produces), he will find mining no losing concern. But for those to engage in it who are destitute of capital, it will be ruinous; and it is from this cause often we see mines taken up and abandoned with most ridiculous caprice; which gets it into undeserved disrepute. There is another circumstance injurious to mining, where inen no way connected with trade mix with merchants, in carrying on mines: here it is evident, as they have not a common interest, money is advanced against materials, and it happens whilst the independent adventurer is ruined, the merchant makes his fortune. These two classes of people should never embark in the same concern; if they do, it will be to the evident disadvantage of the former. It is astonishing with what adroitness the expenditure can be expanded, or contracted, to answer the views of the merchant, in absorbing the profits of the concern, let them be little or much; the independent adventurer seeing the speculation so managed, relinquishes in disgust.

Further yet to the west stands Portreath, which is a considerable mart for coal, and a depôt for copper ore, which is generally smelted in Wales. This affords a pretty active carriage between this country and the principality: the same vessels which bring over the coal, return freighted with copper ore.

The quantity of coal imported is estimated at 9000 whey, which gives the company, it is supposed, a profit, exclusive of the sale of other commo. dities, 9000l. per annum. A seine for pilchards is established here; though hitherto it has not answered the expectations of the proprietors; the coast being too much exposed to the northwest, having at all times to encounter an heavy swell. Added to this, the

common people, who are a little superstitious, like their Welsh neighbours, say it will never prosper, as an exemption from the payment of tithe, in favour of Quakers, who form the company, made in the grant, will defeat all their hopes of success. There cannot be a doubt, however, should the fishery ever be successful, it will be subject to tithe. The harbour is an estuary, and difficult of approach, which for shipping is only at high water: its entrance is guarded by a pier, which runs. a considerable distance into the sea; it would be still safer, if it were further extended. On one side of it there is a small fort of four guns, which commands its entrance, and was erected during the first American war, in consequence of a daring attack made by a privateer of that country, to cut out some merchantmen that had taken refuge there; which, however, was gallantly resisted by some countrymen, armed with fowling-pieces. Portreath forms an interesting scene, and is a comfortable spot for the weary tra veller to repose and enjoy its salubrious air.-As you ascend from hence to the parish-church, you pass through Trengore Vale, which is a pretty little winding solitary walk, after quitting the busy scene below. On an eminence on the left, you find a circular encampment, with a double ditch, serving, from its position, one should suppose, to keep up a communication between Portreath and the surrounding country. It was a place of considerable strength, and formed, it is very probable, at a very remote period, to protect some trade, perhaps that of tin: as the surrounding country abounds in stream works, wrought at a considerable distance of time from the present. Trengore Moor, there are found remains of what the country-people call a Jew's House; i. e. a place formerly used for smelting tin, whether by the Jews or Phenicians is a question: the latter undoubtedly were the first to visit these parts in pursuit of this metal: its marks are scoria, pieces of charcoal, and white tin, which streamers find when they approach places of this description. At the head of this vale stands the parish-church, which forms a picturesque object as you approach it: it makes a good sea-mark, and was often, as I am informed, white-washed for that purpose by the borough of St. Ives. Opposite Trengore, you observe Nance,

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once the residence of a family of that name, which is now extinct. Families fluctuate like all other earthly things: this estaté is now absorbed into another, which in its turn is fast approaching to extinction, likewise for want of an heir into whose bands another generation may see it pass, it is impossible to foretel; perhaps some fortunate miner, who accumulates riches, like the present possessor, not knowing who shall gather them. Sic transit gloria mundi.

The church is very neat, consisting of a nave and two aisles, with two detached aisles; these form a sort of termination of a transept: on the eastern side remains a part of the rood loft, which has been cut down; on the western, is seating for females, distinct from that appropriated for the men, who occupy the seating round the walls of the church: this order and separation of the sexes is at once decent and pleasing that appropriated for the women is low and open, with benches from the aisles to the nave: the sides of the seating are ornamented with gothic carving and gothic devices: they pretend to give the history of the world from the Creation to the Crucifixion: the trees of Life and Knowledge, the old Serpent in various disguises, and the Saviour who conquered him, are very prominent, whilst it descends to the minuteness of giving Malchus's ear on the blade of St. Peter's sword. Some of these modern barbarism has attempted to destroy; though it has not yet violated the pewing appropriated for females, by the introduction of high seating. On the south side of the altar is a mural monument, by the Rev. J. B. Collins, with an inscription, in memory of his wife and child, in pretty good Latin, which I give you below.

Memoriæ Sacrum Mariæ Luciæ filiolæ et Catharina Uxoris optimæ dilectissimæ Quæ utræque morti occubuerunt mense Decembris 1772

Hoc marmor posuit Reverendus Johannes Basset Collins, LL.B. Chara Vale conjux ! pete regna beata piorum!

Et patrio Abrami casta recumbe sinu ! Jam te expectat ibi, parvisque amplectitur ulnis

Filia; et O utinam sit mihi vita brevis !

Quid precor insanus? quo me dolor improbus urget?

Me prava in vitium tædia lucis agunt ?

At tu! discipulis maestris absente Ma gistro

Cui ferre auxilium plurima cura fuit, Nunc adsis, miseransque animo succurre gemente,

Vulnus et inflictum da mihi posse pati.

Beneath, on the floor, a small tablet records the privilege of children, in the words of Jesus Christ, "Talium enim est Dei regnum," and is placed there to the memory of the infant son of the curate, Mr. Keigwin, which surpasses all the laboured eulogy of inscriptive panegyric that was ever written; it speaks consolation to the sor rowing heart. There are some other inscriptions in this church, which, from their bad taste and bad composition, are not worthy to be recorded.

I was so fortunate as to attend divine service here of a Sunday morning, and was peculiarly pleased with the plain devout congregation I saw assembled: the service was read in an impressive manner by the clergyman, whose preaching, in manner and matter, was convincing, persuasive, and striking ; and it is but justice to observe, that both him and his congregation ap peared to be duly impressed with the business they were engaged in. A mutual esteem seemed to prevail between the curate and his congregation, which I wish was more generally the case: I am persuaded there would not then be those large secessions from the church that inconsiderateness and folly, in bestowing preferment, too, too often, now leads to; where neither talents nor qualifications are attended to in the appointment. Poor Church! how long will the folly and stupidity of patrons make thee a bye-word, and a reproach to dissenters; where, generally speaking, if there be a man of worth to gather and feed the flock of Christ, there too often succeeds an incompetent or an imprudent shepherd to scatter them. I wish things were dif ferent in the church, but there talents and virtue are never rewarded: private patrons are too capricious to be just. Here the congregation was full and attentive: and I could not but be very much pleased with the demeanor and satisfaction of the audience. As I was quitting the church, I could not avoid observing to a very respectable woman, "You seem to have a very good preacher here, Madam,”—“ Yes, Sir," she replied; " and, what is more, I have every reason to believe, a very