Monteleone.

"Monteleone is built upon a little eminence, which commands a vast elevated platform, situated between the bay of St. Euphemia, that of Gioia, the chain of the Apennines, and the sea. A magnificent spectacle presents itself on every side, and the view is crowned in the distance by the bluish smoke of Etna. The appearance of this little town, surrounded by a castle encompassed with fine trees, is equally pleasing and picturesque. Its population is about seven thousand souls. It has some streets regularly built, and embellished with fine houses. Lofty mountains, covered with forests, rising majestically close to the town, secure it from the winds and hoar frosts of the north; the springs which issue from the foot of these mountains fertilize the surrounding country, and moderate the excessive heat of summer, rendering this town a most agreeable abode at every season of the year." 121-2.

The Route from Palmi to Scylla. "Palmi, built upon the sea-coast at the foot of Monte Corona, is one of the finest towns that can be met with in any country. Destroyed by the earthquake of 1783, it has been rebuilt on a regular plan. The centre of the town is occupied by a grand square, with a superb fountain playing in the midst of it. The surrounding country is delightful, and the inhabitants have an appearance of health and comfort rarely to be found in Calabria. On setting out from Palmi to Scylla we entered a forest of chesnut-trees, whose height was prodigious.

The

"On quitting these fine chesnut-trees, we beheld all at once, and as if by enchantment, a view so transporting, that an involuntary burst of surprise and admiration escaped us. Strait which separates Sicily from Calabria, always animated by a great number of ships and small craft, which cross each other in every direction, produces an extraordinary effect. In the distance is seen the superb Messina, with its magnificent harbour and splendid country, covered with beautiful seats. Towns, villages, and palaces are grouped together on the acclivity of mountains covered with the finest verdure; lastly, that vast colossal mass, Mount Ætna, which by turns fertilizes and ravages Sicily, terminates a horizon, the charms of which are inexpressible. Setting out before daylight to contemplate the height of the mountain, we beheld the sun's earliest rays emerging from the bosom of the deep and gilding the

summit of the volcano, which is covered with eternal snows. The moment being favourable to distinguish, at least in distant perspective, the varied beauties of this sublime picture, we remained admiring it till the instant when the sun, expanding its light over every object, gave an equal tinge to all with its vivid brilliancy. After a quarter of an hour's walk across some thick fern, the colour of which could scarcely be discerned, it was so covered with dust, we reached a field occupied by the 20th regiment, and here I learned the cause of this singular appearance. The regiment having been out at exercise very early on the morning before, found itself suddenly enveloped in the thick

ashes which the wind wafted down from Mount Etna, and which fell in such quantities during a quarter of an hour, that they were obliged to take shelter in their barracks." p. 112-116.

the beau ideal of Paradise. The sea shores present an enchanting prospect at all points. The Strait resembles a majestic river, which opens to itself a passage between two lofty mountains: the currents purify the air, and cause a breeze which moderates the great heat of the summer season: in a word, the climate, soil, and situation of Reggio, present to the imagination all that poetical fable has invented as most alluring and seductive. This happy country carried on before the war a considerable trade in silk, wines, oil, and oranges." p. 120-21.

Orsomarzo.

"It would be extremely difficult to meet with any situation more sublimely terrific and extraordinary than the spot where this village lies engulfed. Surrounded on all sides by gigantic mountains, terminating in conical points, it seems, as it were, placed at the bottom of a vast well. The descent is by a steep flight of steps, following the windings of a torrent, which rushes down with a loud roaring, and forms grand cascades. This torrent passes through the village, whence, finding vent through the narrow cleft of a rock, it fertilizes a fine wellcultivated country, which presents a most striking contrast with the horror inspired by this hideous abyss.

"It appears inconceivable how any human beings could ever have thought of fixing their abode in such a place. The path which follows the course of this torrent is cut through the rock." p. 337-8.

We recommend this volume to all who desire to pass an evening pleasantly.

The History of Godmanchester, in the County of Huntingdon; comprising its Ancient, Modern, Municipal, aad Ecclesiastical History. By Robert Fox. 8vo. London, 1832. Baldwin & Cradock. "Aunciente and reverende" antiquaries, as we write ourselves, admirers of the quaintness of Verstegan, the laborious matter-of-fact of Dugdale, and the prosing of Tom Hearne, we yet bid good morrow to any new labourer, and good speed to every antiquarian work,whether embracing the "ample space and verge enough" of a whole county, or confining its less ambitious survey within the narrow limits of a single parish. We rejoice even in that dillettante taste for antiquities, which renders the literary coterie of remote villages, proud of the pinnacled beauty of their church spire-of the picturesque ruins of their castle-and anxious to celebrate in prose, or "sweeter verse," even the mouldering brass in the chancel, or the crumbling sculpture of the font,-because this taste affords a pledge, that our few remaining relics will be guarded with reverend care.

No young gentleman who, with his best Bramah pen, has indited a sonnet to the market-cross of his native town, on the rosetinted page of a lady's album, would, in after years, when arrived at the dignity of bailiff, or the authority of mayor, vote for its destruction;-nor would the country gentleman who, for the edification of admiring friends, had compiled a minute account of his parish church, including its three dozen of epitaphs, and the monument of Sir Somebody, wigged to the life, and attended by should heave so stout a gentleman to the angels, gazing and wondering how they sky, permit destruction to fall on that place whence he first gathered the laurels of authorship; but would rather summon Mr. Gwilt, and at his own proper cost and charge defray the expense of reparation.

But to come to the work before us, we sincerely commend the industry which Mr. Fox has exhibited in every chapter of his work, and the attention which has been bestowed on its "getting up." It is, however, rather as supplying a deficiency in local history, that the work is important, than for any very peculiar attractions in the town Godmanchester itself. Towns which have gained a place in the general history of the country or which have been the residence of celebrated families-or boasted the possession of some splendid and wonder-working shrine-or some royally-endowed and royallyprotected abbey-or have become celebrated by the extent of their early commerce, or the importance or peculiarities of their ancient manufactures: these are what the antiquary more willingly takes as his theme. Now, the town of Godmanchester has none of these sources of interest; it has, however, the claim of a very high antiquity, having been a Roman station. Subsequently to the Saxon conquest it became a Danish settlement, and exchanged its name for that of Gormundceaster, in honour of Gormund, more commonly termed Guthrum, the celebrated Danish leader. At the period of the compilation of the Domesday Book, it was a village belonging to the king, inhabited only by villeins and bordars. In the reign of John, the "men of Gumercestr'" were emancipated from their state of thraldom, by that monarch's grant of the manor at a fee farm rent of 150l. per ann.; and since that period the town seems to have continued in a prosperous state, and but slightly disturbed by those political changes which exercised such important influence on many other towns. Still the "men of Gume'cestr'" were not without their own peculiar sources of discontent and annoyance, or of boast and rejoicing. Under the first head, we may place divers unconscionable proceedings of Sir Reginald Grey-a powerful baron in the reign of Edward the First, who seems to have been foremost in the work of obstructing the river Ouse, which at this period was navigable for vessels as far as Godmanchester; and, in subsequent times, similar proceedings on the part of the Abbot of Ramsey and the Prior of Huntingdon, which ended by completely stopping the navigation. But then, to counterbalance this, the "men of Gumecestr"" received an additional charter from Richard II., confirming to them the charter of John; and another from James the First, which is still in force. They also boasted numerous religious guilds and chantries, and many bequests to the poor. A free grammar school was also founded in the reign of Elizabeth, and subsequently other schools ;-much of the information relating to these is derived from original documents, and is curious and interesting. Should Mr. Fox, on any future occasion, appear before the public, we would recommend him not to be so anxious after numerous authorities, for any historical or biographical fact, but content himself with two or three well selected. Standard authorities, on historical and, in the greater number of instances, inand antiquarian subjects, are indeed few; formation derived from sources as nearly contemporaneous as the subject will admit, will be found the most correct. We must therefore protest against Hume being, in any instance, brought forward as authority. All

that he furnishes respecting the sources of the ancient royal revenue, will be found in Madox's Exchequer; while for public instruments and documents of every kind relating to the state, let the writer repair to the invaluable collection of Rymer, especially that new edition lately edited with such laborious skill, under the superintendence of the Record Commission. Nor is it only on subjects of antiquarian research that an author would do well to inquire into the character of his authorities he needs the exercise of great caution even in selecting from works comparatively of yesterday. We wish Mr. Fox, in his memoir of that celebrated leader of the English presbyterians, Stephen Marshall, had followed this rule; he would then have found that Walker's History of Independency' is a work which even the most ultra-Tory is ashamed to acknowledge. The vulgar phrase derived from that contemptible book, "a set of godly cut-throats," is a disgrace to the volume, and a libel on the historical knowledge of the author;-if the mild and conscientious Stephen Marshall is thus to be classed, what terms are to be applied to those who actually drew the sword? The day has past away, we trust, for ever, when men, neither deficient in sense or learning, applied the scurrilous epithets of "canting crew" and "presbyterian rebels," to those great men who, at hazard of fortune, fame, and life, stood between the country and destruction.

con

It would be unjust, however, to clude without affording our readers some specimen of the information contained in this handsome volume: we therefore select the following document from the town records, showing that even at the close of the fifteenth century, villenage was not entirely disused : "Court holdyn at Godmynchest the Thursday next befor the feste of Synt Thom Apli A Rgni henr vij xiijo. To this court cam John Fostar and Rychar Fostar, and delyvd to Willm Arwait and John Laxton bayliffs this lett foloyng. "Ryght welbeloued friendis I recommaunde me to you, and wher as now of late it hathe ben seyd and surmysed bi divs psons that Rychard fostand John Fost schulde be villens and bondmen of blode to me belongying to myn mans of hamton and wynwyke to ther gret noys and detryment and for as myche as it is medefull to schewe the truthe of any dowte I ascerteyn you and evy of you of very truthe that the seyd Rychard Fostar and John Fostar bene free borne and of fre condicone and not bonde to me, nor to no man that I have wt in ye Reine of Yngland that I knowth,-god who have yow in his moste assured kepyng, gevyn undyr myn Synet and Synemanuell at Bokyngham Castell the xvith day of Decembyr.

"By Sy Willm Knyvett." The following quaint document we insert for the amusement of our lady readers :"Gumecester-Ad visum Franci Plegii ibn tent in festo Sci Michis Anno VIII Caroli R. "It being proved upon the oath of Mgret Conyers and others taken before the Bailiffs (that whereas the Bailiffs by their constitutions had cast out gleanes and peaze out of the houses of divers ill-disposed psons that lay at the backs of their chimneys and in other places of ther houses in great daunger of firing both ther

houses and ther neighbours) that Dorothie Walpoole widowe did take a fire stick in her hand and swore by God's blood she would set the gleanes and peaze the Bailiffs had cast out of her house on fire, and bid a red plague of God light upon the Bailiffes and all that came with them and that they might rotte like dewe against the sunne, wch fire stick being snatched out of her hand she took up another and swore she would set her house on fire were it not for William Maile's house: for which her disorder Mr Bailiffes sent her to the stocks from whence she was by authority sent to the house of correccon and ther punished according to her deserts and to the terror of all other lewde queanes not conformable to good government."

The Fair of May Fair. 3 vols. London, 1832. Colburn & Bentley.

THE tales which compose these volumes are said to be from the pen of Mrs. Gore; and there may be some truth in the supposition, for they treat of the manners and manœuvring of the gentler sex, with the sarcastic acuteness of one who seems both by nature and observation to be familiar with such quicksilvery topics. There are three classes of novel writers: the first knows all about the world and its ways-the second knows much about the workings of the human heart and the third unites the knowledge of both : it is to the first of these classes the present writer properly belongs. She is shrewd, penetrating, and full of worldly wisdom-she is also sneering and sarcastic-she has taken accurate measure of the well-padded, curled, painted, and perfumed body of fashion, and made herself acquainted with the artificial manners of polished life-she is great in all matters concerning dress, and matrimony, and elopements-she discourses of those amiable and polished persons

Who gave the ball or paid the visit last,

with an air quite official and patronizing; and, on the whole, we know of few writers of the present day on whose pages, upon occasion, the courtly and the high-bred look more in character: but then we must leave the reader to determine the value of such artifi

cial exhibitions.

There are six tales in these three volumes viz. 1. The Flirt of Ten Seasons-2. The Separate Maintenance-3. Hearts and Diamonds-4. A Divorce-5. My Grand-daughter-6. The Special Licence. The names denote the leading characters of each, and the merits of the whole are nearly balanced. The able from its nature, in extracts, than others tale most to our liking would be less acceptone degree lower in the scale of merit, though it would be easy to find clever specimens in any of the narratives. We choose to confine ourselves to the Flirt of Ten Seasons,' inasmuch as we consider the Flirt-a certain Honourable Adela Richmond, and her plotting mother, Lady Germaine, as very cleverly drawn-or rather painted-for it came to that at last. The first appearance of the Flirt is very good:

exchanged for the Court Guide, the muslin frock expanded into the brocaded train, the flaxen ringlets raised from her shoulders and braided into a Grecian contour. Lady Germaine had resolved that her daughter should remain a child till she was almost a woman; and, now, by a transforming touch of the wand of Fashion, chose that she should become a woman, though almost a child. From the hour she was presented at court, Adela found it decreed that her laugh should subside into a smile-her natural demeanour into a graceful glide-her playful frankness into a courteous discretion. It took her full a week to make her own acquaintance after the singular metamorphosis effected by Lady Germaine's interposition." i. 4-5.

Adela was every way qualified for carrying on a successful campaign against man and the monied interest-she was young, lovely, high-born, and rich-she had a passion for whatever was externally graceful and imposing; and, consequently, there was little fear that her heart would interpose between her and any splendid alliance she might contemplate; yet nothing could end more unfortunately than all her speculations. She set the shafts of her beauty and wealth against a Sir Burford Raymond-a virtuoso, with fifteen thousand a year--and imagined that she had made a decided impression: the following passage will show the result:

"It was really amusing,-at least it would have amused any one but Nicodemus Fagg, who was alone present on the occasion, and was too much of a manœuvrer on his own account to see any matter for jest in the avidity of others,-to observe the inventorial eye with which Lady Germaine made the tour of Sir Burford's mansion. All that she saw or heard was with reference to Adela, to a liberal settlement, to a widow's thirds. What cared she for Pæstum or

Pompeii,-or whether the Guido to which her observation was directed by Sir Burford, had originally graced the Houghton collection or the ing to her of the incense-pots and pateræ in use Lanfranchi palace ?-While her host was talkamong the Phoenicians, exhibiting an unimpugnable specimen of Corinthian metal, or rehearsing the beauties of the sardonyx of Polycrates while he paraded a chalice adorned with studs of that precious gem,-Lady Germaine was secretly reverting to the possibility that all these treasures might be made heir-looms, and alienated from the personalty so precious to the cupidity of widowhood. The only interest vouchsafed by the dowager to the objects placed before her eyes, arose from a doubt concerning their reconvertibility into the currency from whence they sprang: the only care entertained by the daughter, in surveying the home she was already determined to render her own, arose from in

certitude whether a suite so encumbered with

objects of virtù, were favourable to fashionable hospitality?-She almost doubted whether Sir Burford would not prove too blue to be a giver of balls.

rarities.

"Why did he hesitate ?-Was he aware that the existence of his handsome cousin of the Guards might interpose a dangerous obstacle to his conjugal happiness?-Did it occur to him

that twenty and four-and-forty are epochs divided by twenty-four fatal anniversaries of mortal nature?-that the bright ringlets of the fashionable belle were less accordant with the outline of his own bald pate, than the heads of Paris and Helen in his favourite intaglio?—that Middle age and youth

Cannot live together?that the Almack's Goddess, the nymph of the park, would certainly have experienced little inclination for a niche in his gallery, had it not been for the splendour of the car on which her journey thither was to be executed?-No! he thought of none of these things!-Regarding himself as the most attractive of mankind, as a partie inferior only to the Duke of Derbyshire, he still hesitated, from secret motives, to throw the Satrap kerchief of election to the lovely Adela Richmond. This vacillation of mind was extremely tiresome and perplexing to Lady Germaine. What was the man about? Opulent, independent, in every sense his own master, what could prevent him from accelerating an event, which forty-four years subtracted from three-score left him so little leisure to enjoy ? Perhaps he was breaking off some unsatisfactory connexion:-perhaps he was building a carriage, perhaps a wig;-but why not propose ad interim and terminate the dilemma? Still he went on accepting her ladyship's dinner-parties,—sitting nailed to a chair at the back of her ladyship's opera-box,-calling her ladyship's carriage:-but why not propose?-Could it be respect to the memory of his father, which suggested the delay of so festive a rite as the hymeneal? Absurd!-impossible! in the nineteenth century, and a man so intellectual. No! no! Sir Burford Raymond was too much of a philosopher for the old woman's prejudice of filial tenderness.

46

May passed away,-June came and went with its roses,-strawberries were already out of season (except for the lower classes') and cherries were becoming plebeian food;-yet no proposal!- Lady Germaine grew angry; and began to lament that her nephew Lord Germaine was still at Eton, and too juvenile to be alarming either as a rival or antagonist. Certainly the conduct of Sir Burford was such as to call for explanation. For three months he had entirely engrossed her daughter's attention. He must have seen that, in compliment to his mute courtship, Adela had remained sedentary at half the balls of the season; had given up waltzing, riding, flirting; had sobered herself down to the decorum of the middle-aged Strephon: had assumed the sententious prosiness of the learned Fellow, the demure gravity of the English gentleman.' She had forfeited half her natural graces by forming herself on the model of a Dorsetshire Baronetess! All this was lost time, unless the head of the house of Raymond had serious intentions. Another season gone; gone in fruitless manoeuvres, and most unsatisfactory self-denial. It was difficult to say whether Lady Germaine were most irate against Sir Burford, her daughter, or herself.

was

"In the midst of her misgivings and vexations, it struck her that the Reverend Nicodemus might be the secret enemy, the preacher of precaution. Such a Tartuffe as he looked:-so sly, so smooth, so mischievous!--Surely a man with so glozing a smile, and a voice so hypocritically tuneful, must be open to bribery and corruption? Lady Germaine took to helping him at table to the heads of the carp, the foie gras of the ragout mêlé, the thighs of the pheasant poult; nominated him her Chaplain, and enclosed him a hundred pound note in the letter of appointment. The Reverend Nicodemus accepted, bowed, smiled, and ate,-but said not a word; when, three days after the last-named act of munificence, 'SIR BURFORD RAYMOND, BART. for Italy,' was announced among the fashionable

departures: while the learned Pundit and his new chaplain forwarded to the Dowager their cards of P.P.C. by the hands of the under footman." i. 83-9.

It fared no better with all her other speculations, and, after a ten years' campaign, Adela admonished by beauty which required frequent repairs to keep up to the conquering place was obliged to sit contentedly down in single sorrowfulness, and lament the insensibility of all men, monied or titled. Those and in this fortunate island they cannot be few-who have some leisure hours to dispose of, may bestow them with much entertainment to themselves on these amusing and sarcastic volumes.

The Extraordinary Black Book. A new edition, greatly enlarged and corrected. By the Original Editor. London, 1832. E. Wilson. THE original editions were portentous, and alarming enough; and we are happy to say, that the additions do not appear to be in the "dead weight," but in tables, abstracts, comments, and new chapters. The nature of the work is well known, and we believe it is generally admitted to have been compiled with great care.

Population of Great Britain, according to the Returns made to Parliament in 1831; together

with the Annual Value of Real Property as as

sessed in 1815. Arranged alphabetically by John Gorton. London, 1832. Chapman & Hall.

WE have had several works published since the late Population Returns, but the alphabetical arrangement gives such facilities for reference, that we have not seen one where the information sought for could be so easily obtained as in this; and the value of property, as assessed in 1815, is a valuable addition. The work is arranged in columns, under the heads Names of Places''Parish'-'Counties'-'Assessed Annual Value' - Population;'-there is not, therefore, one superfluous word.

THIS is an excellent manual; the perspicuity and accuracy with which it is written will make it an invaluable guide to the student in this most important study. The plan followed is excellent; and the wood-cuts with which the work is filled, are remakably neat and accurate.

Some Observations on the Utility of Fumigating and other Baths applied for the use of various Diseases. By Jonathan Green, M.R.C.S. London, 1832.

WE seldom take up a work of this nature without anticipating that it will be full of quackery; we have, therefore, great pleasure in acknowledging, not only that Mr. Green's work is free from it, but that it contains much valuable medical information on the use of baths.

The Catechism of Health; a Sure Guide to Health and Longevity. By B. C. Faust. Translated from the German. London, 1832. Richardson. THIS little work does not deserve the severity with which Dr. Granville is pleased to speak of it in the preface to his Catechism of Health.' Though it is very far from being perfect, it contains many valuable rules and precepts, and is written in that perspicuous and intelligible manner which is one great merit in works of this kind.

OUR WEEKLY GOSSIP ON LITERATURE
AND ART.

THE Ettrick Shepherd, we fear, has bejourney to London, from which so much was come a victim to these vacillating times-his expected, has ended disastrously, and the 'Altrive Tales,' on which he depended for bread, have been stopped, at least for a time. First, the fastidiousness of a bookseller, respecting the way in which the poet worded his description of dealings between them, delayed the work for a week; and secondly, the embarrassment of his publisher stopped the work after one volume only had been given to the public. Alas, for our good shepherd! he is as ignorant as a babe in the ways of the world. He came up to London like a lamb to the market: all who smiled he reckoned friends; all who shook him by the hand he accounted patrons; he mistook the applause which he received, for the voice of fame, and reckoned a London bookseller the heir of the gold-bin in the Bank, where a shovel stands ready to deal out the sovereigns. He believed that his day of happiness was come, or at hand: but it was all a dream; he has had a rude wakening. We are exceedingly sorry for him. The Magazines are rather strong this month: that of Tait has improved; Fraser has some clever things; Blackwood, a bright article on Tennyson's poems; The New Monthly, some smart papers; The Metropolitan is, on the whole, a good number; The Monthly promises well: a little satiric poem which it contains on Pitt's statue in Hanover Square, is, however, a mistake; the wit which is sharp upon a marble figure, is thrown away upon a bronze one. Of literary announcements, there are next to none: a Highland Tale is promised by Frazer, author of The Persian Adventurer;' Mr. Bull has purchased La Belle Assemblée, and the Hon. Mrs. Norton becomes editor; and Mr. Harral, the late editor, announces a new monthly work of the same nature, to be called La Cour des Dames.' The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge announce a Gallery of the most Eminent Men-and have named a hundred as a specimen of the whole: neither Ben Jonson nor Samuel Johnson is of the number; Kosciusko, however, is, for his engraved portrait has found its way into the windows as a specimen.

The Royal Academy Exhibition will open works exceeds all former example. There on Monday next. The number of exhibited will be near fourteen hundred, we hear, in all; the usual amount is little more than twelve hundred; the pictures are smaller them clever, have been unavoidably excluded. than usual; and several hundreds, many of In the sculpture-room, there are some fifty marble busts; many from the hands of Baily, Behnes, Rennie, Joseph, and others; none apparently of commanding excellence. There are five or six statues: one of Canning, very manly and graceful, by Chantrey; a statue of Thomson the poet, by Rossi-lifelike, and in the style of those dishabille figures made by Roubiliac; a female figure of great beauty, by Baily; a Cymbal-player, by Westmacott the younger, and a Gipsy Girl and Child, by Westmacott the elder-a creation of original beauty, and assuredly one of the very finest works that ever came from the artist's hand. There is also Two Boys, by Wyat,

of Rome, chiselled from one piece of marble: they are prettily grouped, and neatly carved; but Roman dresses sit ungracefully on the "Sons of- Thompson, Esq." Pitts has a little poetic work of great merit from Shakspeare's Midsummer Night's Dream;' the chief personage is our mischievous friend Puck, triumphantly seated on a mushroom, supported by swarms of elves; the modelling is coarse, but the spirit is fine-there is poetry in this same Pitts. Duncan's Horses, which ate each other, are put into a small-sized group by Lough; they are very wild and very extravagant, and not very natural. There is a bust by Baily of Lord Brougham, exceedingly like, but most superciliously sour; one of the King, by Francis, very narrow on the brow, and very wide at the cheeks; one of Lord Eldon, taken perhaps on the day of the second reading of the Reform Bill, for he looks sad and miserable. The finest bust, to our fancy, in the place, is that of a little girl by Henry Weekes: is a sweet and a graceful thing.

The German operas, we perceive, are to take place on Wednesdays as well as Fridays. Considering that the most distinguished musicians in the Opera orchestra are engaged at the Antient Concerts on the former evenings, we cannot hope to have a very efficient band. This is the more to be regretted, since the effect of the orchestral accompaniments in the classical compositions of the German school constitute a very important feature; and to execute them well, would require the fullest extent of our musical resources.

We rejoice in the presence of Meyerbeer, for an author's superintendence is the best security we can have for a fine performance of an opera. Meyerbeer is an opulent amateur, devoted to his art, and not likely to idle his time in fashionable coteries or forfeit his engagement should a more lucrative one offer, as Rossini did. On the first night of 'Semiramide,' the execution was most imperfect and unsatisfactory, and the success extremely doubtful: how could it be otherwise, when a rehearsal of some of the music was actually going on, when the doors were opened? Meyerbeer is too much devoted to his art, and loves honest fame too well to hazard such things. Il Crociato in Egitto' was well performed under the management of Ayrton, and we hope and believe the chefd'œuvre of the same composer will now have justice done to it. We also hope, that Meyerbeer will make such alterations in the mode of conducting, leading, beating time, and the other mummeries, as shall concentrate the attention of all parties, principals, chorus,

and band.

We understand his Grace of Devonshire has some scruples about allowing Robert le Diable' to be performed in French. We know not exactly what the difficulties may be; French performances have heretofore taken place at the Italian Opera House, and it is so desirable to have the original work performed, that we hope a point may be strained to gratify the public. Meyerbeer has the reputation of having by this opera made a sort of revolution in musical declamation, by altering the system of French recitative: it is evident, therefore, that the music and the language are intimately blended in feeling, and no translator could hope to attain the same excellence. We know Meyerbeer himself is exceedingly anxious on this subject.

Mendlessohn, the distinguished musical composer, is arrived in London. We heard some time ago that he had composed an opera for Covent Garden Theatre; let us hope that the report will prove true. We have not forgotten his descriptive overture to the 'Midsummer Night's Dream.'

While we are gossiping on literature and art, our friends will excuse us for reminding them that this is the "merry month of May,' and that the LITERARY FUND Society have their annual dinner on Wednesday, and the ARTISTS' BENEVOLENT FUND on Saturdayboth excellent institutions; and we trust there will be a strong muster of all who love either art, literature, or good fellowship.

SCIENTIFIC AND LITERARY

ROYAL SOCIETY.

The first measure of water, although conheat, was perceptibly not in contact with the tained within the iron cup, when at a white metal, but was repelled from it to some distance, in a state of buoyancy, and there moved freely in every horizontal position.

So circumstanced, the water evaporated slowly; but when, by the evaporation of successive measures, and the consequent lapse of time, the iron cup cooled down to the evaporating point, the water then evidently came in contact with the iron cup, thereby causing an augmented rate of evaporation, in the proportion of 90 to 6, or as 15 to 1; the rate being increased or multiplied fifteen times-or, in other words, a given quantity of water became converted into steam fifteen times quicker, at a moderately low, than at an intensely high degree of heat.

The second experiment was, that of preparing mould, and weighing about twelve pounds each; two cast iron massive cups, cast in the same from the bottom of one of these cups, ten sharppointed spikes were made to project vertically, two inches in length, and a quarter of an inch broad at the base.

These two cups were heated equally to a white heat, when into the cup without the spikes, one measure of water was poured, whilst into the cup furnished with the spikes four equal measures of water were poured. The result was, that the one measure of water which was placed in the cup without the spikes, and the four measures of water which were placed in the cup with the spikes, disappeared at the very same instant of time.

It was observed, upon taking from the fire instantly cooled down below the evaporating the cup having the spikes therein, that the upper extremities or points of the spikes were white heat; thus proving that the evaporating point, whilst, at their base, the metal was at a point must have been found at some intermediate space between the two extremities of the spikes.

Many modifications of this system of evaporating were made, with the view to its adaptation to some useful purpose.

practical difficulties continually presented themDuring the progress of these experiments, selves; but at length an idea occurred which led to the following result.

I had observed, if one vessel filled with water were placed within another vessel also filled with water, that the contents of the outer vessel might be made to boil, and that with the utmost rapidity, without the smallest steam-bubble being formed in the inner vessel. The cause of this result appeared to be, that a vast deal more heat had been taken up by the outer column, than by the inner column of water; yet, be it remarked, the thermometrical temperature of the water was the same in the two columns.

The heat required to generate any atmospheric steam in the inner column, could not, of course, be obtained from the outer column: here there must be more or less difference in the specific gravity of the water in the two columns, and that in proportion to the quantity of steam generated in the outer column.

To take advantage of this illustration of a law of nature, a cylindrical tin vessel was made, twelve inches in diameter, and eight inches in depth, with a tube three inches in diameter, and eighteen inches deep affixed to its base at the centre. This tube was open at the top in

ternally, and closed at the bottom. An inner tube, open both at the top and at the bottom, was placed inside the three-inch tube, supported upon legs about one inch from the bottom, leaving a space between the two tubes of above a quarter of an inch all around.

After filling the two tubes with water, the vessel was placed on a furnace of intense heat, leaving the tube completely immersed therein; when, the water in the inner tube, and the water which was mixed with the steam in the outer tube, soon beginning to circulate, there was produced a most rapid generation of steam; for the water in the outer column, taking up the heat as rapidly as it was given off from the fire to the metal, the current in its upward course, swept off the bubbles of steam at the instant of their formation. Such indeed was the force or

power of the upward continuous circulating current, that it carried with it substances of varied kind, which ultimately were driven to, and rested on the enlarged base of the cylindrical vessel where the water was quiescent.

These experiments have fully demonstrated, and that by the unerring law of nature, the important point before alluded to-namely, that of keeping water in close and undeviating contact with the heated metal in which it is contained, and that at the exact evaporating point calculated for the generation of steam, unattended by those numerous inconveniences incident to the present system.

The object of this paper has not been to enter into a detailed statement of the purposes to which this new system of generating steam may be made subservient, but simply to endeavour to explain the law itself, and the circumstances which led to its discovery, assured that the scientific mind will quickly perceive its numerous and important applications.

LINNEAN SOCIETY.

May 1.-A. B. Lambert, Esq. in the chair.Hugh Cuming, Esq., of Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square, was balloted for and elected. A

notice was read from Mr. Foljambe, of the capture, near Doncaster, of an example of Falco rufipes of Bechstein, a beautiful small species of European Falcon, that rarely visits this country, but has lately been added to the British Fauna; a paper by Mr. David Don, librarian, was also read, entitled,Some remarks on the plants that yield the cascarilla bark.'

Various donations in books and dried plants were on the table. The anniversary will take place on the 24th inst.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

THE anniversary of this flourishing society was held on Monday last in the theatre of the Royal Institution Lord Stanley, President, in the chair. The annual report, read by the Secretary, stated, that the Society had gone on increasing in prosperity each succeeding year since its formation. The receipts, during 1831, were 17,663., being an increase upon the preThe number of new ceding year of 18571. members, admitted within the said period, was 320; the visitors to the Gardens were 258,936; and the whole number of effective members belonging to the society, 2074. The report, which included various other particulars relating to the Farm, Museum, Gardens, and accession of ground in the Regent's Park, appeared to give very general satisfaction, and was ordered to be printed for distribution among the members.

The usual monthly meeting of the Society was held in Bruton-street, on the 3rd inst. Baring Wall, Esq. M.P. in the chair. Twenty-nine new members were elected; the visitors to the Gardens during April, were 12,777, and the balance in hand on the monthly accounts was stated to be 4751. 8s.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIEY.

May 1.-This being the anniversary meeting of the Society, the usual routine of affairs took place, viz. the election of officers, &c. for the ensuing year, the reading of the annual report of the auditors, and other matters incidental to such an occasion. We are happy to state, that the report of the condition of the Society's finances was of such a nature as to give much

satisfaction.

The exhibition was again very attractive, including as it did many of the most beautiful inhabitants of our stoves, and of the open ground. A curious sowing-machine, from Lord Vernon, was also examined by the Fellows.

Two papers were read on the construction of hot-beds, the heat in which was obtained through the means of hot water. The first was commu

nicated by Mr. Nash, of Royston; the second, by Mr. Osborn, of Ramsgate. Seven gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society.

WESTMINSTER MEDICAL SOCIETY.

April 28.-Mr. Chinnock in the chair. This being the last meeting of the Society for the session, the discussion On the nature, character, and treatment of Cholera Morbus,' was concluded, by the adoption of the following resolution-Dr. Granville moving, and Dr. J. Johnson seconding-"That the Westminster Medical Society, having devoted the uninterrupted space of six months to the serious and dispassionate consideration of the malady which has been prevailing in England since the latter end of September last, and especially in the metropolis; and, having heard the several arguments, depositions, doctrines, and facts, of the many members practically as well as theoretically engaged in that important inquiry, declare, that, in the opinion of the majority of the Society, the evidence brought forward to prove the said malady to be a CONTAGIOUS disease has completely failed; and that every circumstance which has come to the knowledge of the Society, shows the disease in question to have begun, progressed, and ended in the ordinary way of every other epidemic disorder."

The question as to the contagious or noncontagious character of this complaint, has occupied this Society's attention during the whole of the past session; and as the arguments and facts brought forward at the several meetings, had in many other shapes, been laid before the public, we did not give our usual epitome of their proceedings. We hope to continue our reports of the next session, when the discussions assume a tone of general or public interest. The Society adjourned to the second Saturday in October.

second to little in oil.

It is true that the ma

terials of which these pictures are composed, may not stand the wear and tear of time like works in oil colour, though some of the fine old water-colour pictures of Italy are enduring yet; and it is also true, that the world esteems such works but lightly, as compared with compositions in colours, which are supposed to be not only more lasting, but richer in effect. Be that as it may, we should like much to see a few of the landscapes of the Royal Academy hung beside some in the present collection by Copley Fielding, Robson, and De Wint; nay, we should not be alarmed, were we to hear that some of our Academy limners of beauty and loveliness, desired to place their works near the picture of 'Brunetta and Phillis,' by Miss LOUISA SHARPE, now in the Water-colour Gallery: we should feel little alarm for the lady. In truth, we think this is a very creditable Exhibition: the gallery is filled with works, to the amount of four hundred and odd, many of which are of high excellence; indeed, there are few in which we cannot recognize nature or science. We shall now proceed to point out a few, of which we think favourably, taking them as they appear in the Catalogue, and speaking of them just as we feel, and not otherwise.

1. Dunkeld;' G. F. ROBSON.-There is much truth and some beauty in this well-known scene; but it is on the lonely heath and the wild sea-shore where this artist shows most mastery.

3. King Cophetua and the Beggar-maid; H. RICHTER.-His Majesty seems sufficiently enamoured, nor is the maiden at all loth. The colouring and expression are natural, but the beggar-maid is attired like a princess, in defiance of the title of the picture.

22. The Welsh Harper;' G. F. ROBSON.In a lonely valley, where the sun is shining on hill and rock, on castle and lake, the old harper touches his strings, and though the listeners are few, they seem sensible of the sweetness of his music. The landscape, nevertheless, is the chief object of attraction; though made up of many parts, all is blended by the skill of the painter into an harmonious whole.

45.

Piazzetta, Venice;' S. PROUT.-This is a very literal transcript of the scene, but then almost all parts of the "Sea Sodom are beautiful: here we have houses, and water, and people, copied perhaps as the artist saw them; yet no one can accuse the picture of deficiency in either beauty or harmony.

46. Scene on the Braes of Balguiddo, Perthshire Evening;' G. F. ROBSON. - Barren though this landscape be, the artist has extracted beauty and splendour from the sterile waste. The varied outline of the hills lies against a clear unclouded sky; the moon touches rock and bush with her light, and shows her image, tranquil and pure, in the deep clear lake below.

60. At Ratisbonne;' S. PROUT.-This artist is here in his strength; his pencil revels in the picturesque architecture which he loves: a grand old Gothic tower, with its time-worn niches filled with mouldering statues, and citi zens standing round in groups pursuing their daily occupations.

62. Windsor, from Brockhurst-Clearing up after a shower;' W. TURNER.-The sun throwing a slanting light on the moist grass below, and the lofty towers above, produces a fine effect. The central tower, we are afraid, leans a little on one side; and the grass, we suspect, is greener than even grass on a river bank should be.

63. A Gipsy Camp;' P. DE WINT. - This painter seems well acquainted with that roving people called the gipsies-they love the lonely valley, the sheltered nook in the forest, the den among the hills, and even the ruined tower. There the men mend china, the children watch the asses, and the women wander forth to tell

fortunes and filch linen.