quently invites his pupils to accompany him to Highgate, Hendon, or Battersea Fields; and he has often represented to us the eagerness and delight with which they receive his remarks on anything which they happen to meet in their walk.-The work before us is certainly calculated not only to impart instruction to the young, but also to propagate among their elders, the system of instruction of which we have spoken at some length, but on which we should never be tired of dilating.

The Spelling Book of Utility. By RICHARD CHAMBERS, F. S. S. Sherwood & Co.

We are happy to observe that this gentleman, already so well known by his various works on elementary education, has directed his attention to the amelioration of the first manual of instruction—the child's spelling book. The author very justly observes in his preface that an unmeaning collection of sounds, not possessing any interest to the learner, such as are found in even the most popular spelling books, tends only to repress the curiosity of young minds, and to retard their advancement in the knowledge of language.

He has, therefore, endeavoured (and we think with great success) to blend interesting and useful information with the very earliest orthographical lessons. The developement of this plan, is materially assisted by a number of very beautiful and extremely accurate wood-cuts of many of the most important animals in the creation. Besides these

illustrations, we were agreeably surprised to behold, as a frontispiece, a well executed engraving from the graceful pencil of the departed Stothard. The circulation of this little volume will add greatly to the reputation of the talented author.

A New English Grammar. By the REVEREND GEORGE KING. Darton and Son, Holborn Hill.

This little work is, as it professes to be, an Elementary Treatise on the Grammar of the English Language. We think we may, without fear of contradiction, affirm, that we have never met with a work, which in so small a space, contains such extensive information; and it is, moreover, written in a manner so simple and familiar as will be readily understood by every child. In the school-room it will be found of the greatest utility; and to those mothers of families who prefer themselves to teach their children the first rudiments of knowledge, it must prove a most valuable acquisition.

Loudon's Magazine of Natural History. New Series, No. I. Longman and Co.

The First Number of the New Series of this interesting periodical made its appearance with the new year. It is neatly printed, and the the articles deserve the attention of the Naturalist. Those on the "Psychological Distinctions between Man and Brutes," on the "Lemar Hornet Sphinx,' and on the "Longevity of the Yew," appear to be the most interesting. But the most amusing paper, is that in which the "Naturalist" (a rival magazine) is reviewed. We think the Magazine of Natural History would prove more acceptable to the generality of readers, if the papers were on more extensive branches of the science than those which appear in the present Number.

MUSIC.

Cruse's Psalms. Prepared under the immediate Sanction and Protection of THE QUEEN. BY EDWARD CRUSE. D'Almaine & Co., Soho Square.

This splendid work is evidently the offspring of unwearied industry and an intelligent and reflecting mind; and in thus dedicating his extensive musical knowledge to the production of so valuable an addition of our church music, Mr. Cruse has gained for himself that good and lasting reputation which he so richly merits. The work opens with a simple yet ingenious essay on the rudiments of music, which will prove useful to those who are ignorant of the first principles of the science, to whom it is more particularly addressed. This is introductory to a very ably and concisely written treatise on singing, an attentive perusal of which, and a close inspection of its many illustrative examples, cannot fail to be rewarded with success. Next follow some lengthy remarks on congregational singing, and the duties of an organist. Not the most uninteresting portions exist in the biographical sketches of the composers, and in the numerous notes which are interspersed throughout the work. The musical portion of the volume consists not only of new music to each of the 150 psalms, but is enriched with choice specimens of the compositions of all the church writers since the reformation.

One of the most pleasing, yet unique, features of the work, will be found in the Melodies from every Musical Nation. These aboriginal melodies, though some few of them would defy the skill of the theorist, are here ably and appropriately harmonized, and made subservient to their peculiar purpose. While some lovers of harmony might object to their introduction in the church, on the ground that they are not strictly "orthodox," we should value them rather for their peculiar characteristics, than as particularly fitted for devotional purposes; though, at the same time, we are convinced that if these melodies were introduced in the service of the sanctuary they would not be found allied with any counteracting associations. The whole of the compositions (with the exception of an appendix containing the range of popular church melodies, and a collection of One Hundred Original Chants from the pen of the author) are adapted for four voices; and the organ condeusation is the most perfect we have seen.

Our limited space, forbids any lengthy remarks; but, for the satisfaction of our musical readers, and for the sake of acquitting ourselves as honourable reviewers upon a work of such intrinsic merit as the one now before us, we shall not refrain from offering at some future period, a few remarks on the peculiarities of the excellent compositions with which Mr. Cruse's work abounds.

Cruse's Original Cathedral Services, Part I. Chiefly in Imitation of the Olden Style; to which are added Sanctuses, Responses, Doxologies, and other parts of the Service, as used in many Churches. The whole arranged for Four Voices, with a Compressed Instrumental Accompaniment ; complete in Twelve Parts, each containing either a Morning or Evening Service. D'Almaine and Co.

This first part of an extensive and elaborate work, is an honourable specimen of ecclesiastical writing. Mr. Cruse has here afforded us an additional proof of his superior talent as a composer, and of his perfect

knowledge of the orthodox school. As chord succeeds chord, and bar succeds bar, in classical and rhythmical proportion our admiration increases, and we regard Mr. Cruse's compositions as the result of careful study and a highly cultivated mind.

In the Te Deum (the music of which is, throughout, most admirably adapted to its sublime and poetical language, and the character of each portion carefully preserved) we would allude more particularly to some excellent examples of harmony and modulation. In page 7, the unexpected transition from the key of C to that of A flat, without the interposition of the dominant chord; and in the succeeding page, a similar passage to the key of 7 flats, an escape from which formidable array of flats is effected by an enharmonic change upon the tonic note, through which we are almost imperceptibly led back to our original key of E major. In the Jubilate, the music to "O, go your way into His gates," &c. is a beautiful specimen of ancient harmony, the diatonic progressions of the base and other peculiar characteristics of "the olden time," standing out in fine relief, all which the scientific musician well knows how to appreciate.

We cannot too strongly recommend these Services to the notice of all Amateurs of Sacred Music.

MEETING OF SOCIETIES DURING THE MONTH.

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC.

PHRENOLOGICAL SOCIETY.-On the 2nd instant, a meeting of this society took place at their new apartments in Newman Street. After the minutes of the last meeting were read, and some other trifling business disposed of it was stated that the society had been refused permission to take a cast of the cranium of Tom Paine, for which they had made application to the gentleman who possessed the skull and other relics of that individual. A cast of the skull of Dr. Hogan, was presented by a member, after which, the report of a committee which had been appointed to examine some skulls lately presented, was read. After some further business had been transacted, the meeting adjourned.

Another meeting was held on the 16th, when Mr. Hawkins took the chair in the absence of the president. On our entry, the secretary, Mr. Syms, was reading the phrenological development of certain skulls presented to the Society on a previous evening; as far as could be ascertained, their several brains had been, in a phrenological point of view, compatible with their real character. After some remarks on a cast of Hogan, Mr. Herrin presented the society with a bust of the president, which was acknowledged by every one to be a most excellent production. Mr. Herrin stated that the artist, Mr. Butler, had acknowledged to him the great benefit which was likely to accrue to sculptors, from an acquaintance with the science of phrenology. A cast of the face and forehead of Blumenbach, the eminent physiologist, was then presented by the same gentleman. This wonderful man is now upwards of ninety years of age, retains every faculty, and is at the present time engaged in delivering lectures-the cast displayed the organs of causality and comparison very fully developed-Mr. Hawkins measured the distance between the pupil of each eye, and found it 23 inches. A cast of a South American child was then placed on the table, and the beneficial effects of education in the configuration of the brain demonstrated, but we regret that our limits will not admit of further notice. The meeting then adjourned.

VOL. I.

H

LONDON MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.-The originator of the many useful societies of this class, now contributing to the moral welfare of the youth of the metropolis, continues with unabated excellence to minister to that effect.

The lectures delivered twice a week, are generally those tendiug more to practical utility, than to mere intellectual gratification. The educational classes are more numerous and better attended than those at any other institution, and the committee deserve the greatest praise for the attention they display for the comfort of the members. The lectures which have been delivered during the past month, have been chiefly by Mr. Cowper on Engraving, Serle on the Drama, and Haydon on the Fine Arts. Our space will not allow us to give a sketch of each lecture, we shall therefore only notice those which contain any novelty.

On the 11th, Mr. Cowper delivered a lecture on the subject of Engraving by Machinery. He commenced by defining the connection between Turning, Carving, and Sculpture, those arts being but certain modifications of the principle of Engraving. The simplest form of engraving by machinery, was that presented by the ordinary turning-lathe, an instrument too well known to require description. The next mode was effected by the Rose Engine, a machine which had been much improved by Messrs. Holtzapfel and Co., who having kindly offered Mr. Cowper the loan of one, would thus enable him to explain its construction and uses. The appearance of the Rose Engine was very similar to that of the common lathe, from which however it differed in the following particulars. An iron bar or spindle crossed the top of the machine and was called the Mandril. This was sustained at its ends by two uprights, one of which was stationary, while the other, situated at the right or working side of the engine, had a free motion upon an axis at its foot. An instrument called a "Chuck," having a moveable centre, was then fixed upon the right end of the Mandril. To the Chuck was attached a piece of wood, or other material required to be turned. The machine was then put in motion in the usual manner by the foot of the operator, and the result was a rotation of the Mandril simultaneous with a backward and forward motion of its free upright. The wood of course obeyed this compound movement, and upon the application of the slide-rest, or cutting-stool, a corresponding figure was described consisting of a waved circle, very much resembling the outline of a rose. This being the most common pattern, had given rise to the name of the machine. By shifting the centre of the "Chuck," patterns of ovals and intersecting circles in every variety might be obtained. The best specimens of the working of the Rose Engine, might be seen on the cases of watches, &c.-Mr. Cowper then directed attention to some fine specimens of engine turning, as well in high as in low relief. He then explained the process of fac-simile Medal Engraving, and exhibited a first-rate specimen of that style in some plates recently published with the Athenæum. He also introduced to the notice of his audience, a hand-machine invented by M. Coulace, for the use of engravers in drawing parallel lines. This instrument, which applied to wood as well as to copper engravings, was used chiefly for shading spherical figures, in preference to the old mode of doing so by concentric circles. Mr. Cowper also described the common machine for ruling account books, &c., and deferred the completion of his subject until the following Wednesday.

On the 13th, on account of the indisposition of Dr. Birbeck, Mr. Bond delivered a lecture on tides and currents.

On the 20th Mr. B. R. Haydon delivered a lecture on Painting, which he illustrated by various figures and sketches. He argued that a previous knowledge of Anatomy was essentially necessary to Historical Painters, and instanced in favour of this opinion, two Anatomical Drawings which he had made; the one of a human skeleton, and the other, the skeleton of a lioness, placed in upright positions, from these he showed, that where the quadruped was weak, the man possessed strength, and vice versa. He afterwards addressed many clever remaks to his audience on composition, and directed their attention to some of the best of the cartoons of Raffaelle-the death of Ananias-Paul preaching at Athens, &c. He spoke in terms of the highest praise of the ancient Greek schools of art, and descanted at some length on the beauties of the Elgin Marbles.

MARYLEBONE LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION. The lectures which have been delivered in the elegant theatre of this institution during the past month, have been of a superior character. Mr. Serle displayed great research in the early history of the Drama, and eloquently descanted on the beauties of some of the most eminent dramatic writers; while his remarks on the foolishly strict observance of the three unities which some authors advocate, but which he considered only as clogs on the genius of the poet-were characterised by the most cultivated taste and judgement.

On the 19th, a lecture was given by Mr. De la Rue, Jun., on the history and manufacture of playing cards, which he rendered very interesting, although if we remember rightly, his account of the history of these articles, is but a repetition of what has already appeared in Singer's learned work on this subject.

SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES. Ordinary meeting, December 22, W. R. Hamilton, V. P. in the chair. Several gentlemen were elected Fellows. A letter was received from Mr. Amyott, accompanying a design of a monumental stone belonging to a mausoleum at Thugga, near Tunis, sent over by Sir T. Reade, British Consul at Tunis, under whose inspection it was taken by a young German artist-also a copy of the inscriptions of two others at Carthage.This part of Africa was described as being very rich in these remains. The paper by J. Bruce, Esq. explanatory of the life and character of Sir T. More, was then concluded, after which, the meeting adjourned to January 12.

On the 12th of January, a meeting of this society took place, Mr. Hamilton in the chair. Mr. Akerman exhibited a small bronze bottle, found at Autun, in France; it was curiously ornamented, and apparently belonged to the best period of Roman art, and Mr. Ellercomb communicated a paper written by Mr. Pearsall, on an ancient instrument of death called the Virgin, by which persons were privately despatched, after being condemned by the old irresponsible tribunals of Germany.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. The only meeting of much general interest, was that of the 5th of January. J. E. Gray, Esq. F. R. S. president in the chair, when-after a present had been received from Dr. Macreight, F. R.S.-V. P. of many hundred specimens of British flowering plants, for the purpose of distributing to the members for their herbaria-a communication was read from Mr. Daniel Cooper on the distribution of the localities of wild plants found in Battersea fields, accompanied by a map or plan of that locality on a scale of two feet to a mile, on which the names of the plants have been written in the situations where they have been found. Of the profusion of wild plants which may be procured there, Mr. Cooper observed, that of the 104 natural orders of British flowering plants, mentioned in Dr. Lindley's 1st edition of the Synopsis of the British Flora, 51 are indigenous to Battersea fields of the 503 Genera, 214 are there distributed-and of the 1500 estimated species, 406 may there be seen.

paper was also read from Mr. Hancock, descriptive of the plants found in the neighbourhood of Bristol.

On the 19th, a paper was read from Mr. Freeman on describing and arranging British plants, and Dr. Mc. Intyre's paper on the plants found about Wurley Common, Essex, was concluded.

MUSICAL.

A concert was given at the MARYLEBONE INSTITUTION, on the 20th of January, which went off very well. The audience was numerous-more so than we anticipated from the prevalence of the influenza, and although the orcnestra was not so large as on some former occasions, the pieces were played with much spirit and precision.