A letter was read from Mr. Rudge, of Abbey Manor House, Evesham, on the blossoming of a rare plant, the cereus tetragonus. The plant was between nine and ten feet in height, and was twenty years old; it first blossomed in 1836, the flowers opening at sunset and shutting at sunrise. In the year 1837 it bore eight blooms, and this year 13; the petals were white slightly tinged on the base with green, the antlers and stigmas being yellow. A communication was also read from Mr Hogg on the river sponge, and the author concluded by expressing his opinion on this recondite point of vegetable physiology, that the different varieties were propagated by seeds analogous to the alga. SOCIETY OF SCHOOLMASTERS. fessor of Mathematics at Belfast College, demonstrating some new laws regarding the curvature of surfaces. The author, after commenting on the various theories that have been put forth in explanation of this phenomenon, denounced most strongly the method of equation usually adopted, by the differential calculus, as extremely falli ble; and proposed, as a more correct rule, that we should look for the lines of curvature upon the "normal points" of the surfaces of bodies, by which means he stated he had been enabled to arrive at his deductions. ELECTRICAL SOCIETY. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Sturgeon gave a summary, with experimental illustrations, of his paper "On the direct action which caloric exercises on magnetic poles." Adjourned to the 15th of January. On Tuesday, a general meeting of the members of this society was held at the society's rooms, Lincoln's Inn fields, the Rev. Richard Edwards, A.M., in the chair. The report stated that the society was formed in 1798, for the benefit of masters of endowed and boarding TO SUBSCRIBERS & CORRESPONDENTS. schools. A charitable fund was attached to it for the relief of distressed subscribers, their widows and orphans. During thirteen years 7.0007. had been distributed to forty families for claims that accrued, and 5,0007. in charitable donations. The funded property of the society amounted to 6,000l., and the annual expenses did not amount to 301. It had derived great advantage from the patronage of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, and the exertions made at various times by his Royal brothers. The report, in conclusion, stated that the society owed a great debt of gratitude to his late Majesty for his kindness and a yearly grant of fifty guiSeveral petitions were entertained and various sums given to applicants. neas. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. On Thursday evening, a full meeting of the members was held at Somerset House, the Rev. Professor Whewell, F.R.S., in the chair. The Rev. S. Wilberforce, of Oriel College, Oxford, Dr. Stephen Lees, and J. J. Adams, Esq., were elected into the society; and presents were announced from the Royal Institute of France, Dr. Silliman, and J. Taylor, Esq. Professor Owen then read an elaborate essay on the zoological characters presented by the fossil remains of Stonesfield quarry, consisting of several perfect jaws and teeth embedded in oolite or Portland stone. The question as to the class of which they form a part is one which has received the consideration of the ablest geologists and zoologists throughout Europe, including the great Baron Cuvier, and which involves the leading doctrines of geological science; and yet it still remains a subject of fierce controversy. Mr. Owen, utterly disregarding the opininion of the Saurian character of these remains, which are called phylocotherium, believed them to be of the highest order of mammalia, perhaps marsupia, and he mentioned as proofs of this their double-rooted teeth, fanged summits, and coronoid processes, and the fact of there being eleven molars in the ramus of each jaw. The animal to which they belonged might have been allied to the opossum, and, indeed, the remains closely resembled those of a species of that animal found in Australia. ROYAL SOCIETY. The ordinary meeting was held on Thursday evening, J. G. Children, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair. Donations to the library and museum were announced from the Board of Ordnance, the Royal Academy of Paris, and from Captain Jervis; and Professors Agassiz and Martius were proposed as foreign members by his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, and by the Marquis of Northampton; and were accodingly ballotted for and elected. Dr. Faraday having concluded his series of essays on electricity, a communication was read from J. R. Young, Esq., Pro We are much obliged to the author of "The Duelling System," &c.; but, unluckily, his last communications are not in exact accordance with our taste. If he will take the trouble of calling at, or sending to, Mr. Masters, No. 33, Aldersgate Street, (mentioning his initials,) he may receive his papers back, with a compliance with his request respecting THE ALDINE MAGAZINE. In reply to a constant reader respecting the firm of Rivington standing first in chronological order, (1710,) in THE ALDINE MAGAZINE, when the name of Richard Whitaker appears to a "Greek Prayer Book, 1638," the "Old Bookseller" has to remark, that he premised in the original prospectus to first notice the ancestors of the present race of booksellers, in which it will be found that the Rivingtons stand the first. The present respectable house of Whitaker is in no way connected with that of R. Whitaker, of 1638. BOOKS JUST PUBLISHED. The Reclaimed Family, By the author of "Edwin and Mary' f.c. 2s. 6d. bds. Harrison's Philosophy of Disease, 12mo. 4s. 6d' cl.. Combe's Physiology of Health, 7th ed. roy. 12mo. 7s. 6d bds.. Edwin and Mary, a tale, by Lady Tuite, 2nd. ed.'f. c. 3s. 6d. cl.. Oliver and Boyd's New Edinburgh Almanac, 1839, 18mo. 4s. bds.. Dowell's Explanation of the Old Testament, 12mo. 4s. cl.. The Philosophy of Death and the Future Life, by Rev. O. Dewey, and Dr. Channing, 32mo. 1s. 6d. cl.. Beauties of Holiness (Sacred and Moral Poetry,) 32mo. 3s. cl., 4s. silk.. A Wreath of Minstrelsie, by P. S. Sparling, 32mo. 3s. 6d. cl., 4s. silk.. Stephens's Incidents of Travel in Russia and the Turkish Empires, 2 vols. p. 8vo. 15s. bds.. Peter Pilgrim, by Dr. Bird, 2 vols. p. 8vo. 14s. bds.. Sketches of Sermons, new ed. 4 vols. 12mo. 24s. cl.. Stephenson's Christology of the Old and New Testaments, 2 vols. 8vo. 21s. cl.. The Evidence of Profane History,roy. 12mo. 10s. 6d. cl.. Whitfield's Lectures on Christian Doctrine, 12mo. 4s. cl.. Drummond's Rights of Animals, 12mo. 5s. cl.. Brown on the Payment of Tribute, n. ed., 8vo. 10s. 6d. cl.. Porquet's German Phraseology, 12mo. 3s. 6d. cl.. Stone's practice of Petty Sessions, 3rd ed. 12mo. 8s. cl.. Elphinstone's Account of the Kingdom of Caubul, new ed. 2 vols. 28s. cl.. Travers' and Green's Ophthalmic Surgery roy. 18mo. 6s. cl.. Annett Mowbray, by Mrs. Marshall, sq. 3s. cl.. The Child's Guide to Good Breeding, by Mrs. Marshall, sq. 2s. 6d. cloth.. Tarver's Choix, n. ed. 12mo. 7s. 6d., bd.. Prayers for the use of Christian Families, 8vo. 7s. 6d. cl.. Merivale's Poems, 2 vols. f. c. 14s. cl.. Pigott's Manual of Scandinavian Mythology, p. 8vo. 12s. cl.. Gauger's South Australia in 1837-8, 2nd ed. 12mo. 3s. cl.. Schloss' English Bijou Almanac, 1839, 1s. 6d. rn. 3s. mor.. An Exposition of Quackery and Imposture in Medi cine, roy. 12mo. 7s. 6d. cl. LONDON: Printed by Joseph Masters, 33, Aldersgate Street. THE ALDINE MAGAZINE OF Biography, Bibliography, Criticism, and the Arts. VOL. I. No. 5. DECEMBER 29, 1838. PRICE 3d. For the Accommodation of Subscribers in the Country, and Abroad, the Weekly Numbers of The Aldine Magazine are re-issued in Monthly Parts, and forwarded with the other Magazines.-Orders received by all Booksellers, Newsvenders, &c. of the rapid horse-coach system; and, in exSTEAM CARRIAGES AND RAILROADS. tent, the wear and tear of the machinery will hardly bear a comparison with that of the latter mode. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE "That the substitution of inanimate for animate power in draught on common roads is one of the most According to the plan proposed, a great important improvements in the means of internal communications ever introduced, and that its prac-about seven miles an hour, which is more than weight may be drawn at a steady motion of ticability is fully established." double the rate of the ordinary " fly waggons ;" and, it is said, at an expense in mechanical power far less than that of horses. The cost is estimated at two pence per ton per mile, which is equivalent to sixteen shillings and eightpence per ton for a distance of a hundred miles. Of the precious economy of Railway travelling, a grand instance, on a petty scale, has just been shewn in the new and extortionate scheme of the Greenwich Railway.* When we threw together a few loose thoughts on the bad and dangerous construction of Railroads generally-on the gross mockery and imposition under which their conveyances are conducted and urged the formation of Steam Carriage Companies for turnpike roads, either with or without stone tramways, we were not aware that a Company had actually been formed, and was on the point of commencing its operations expressly on that principle. Such, however, is the fact; and, thanks to an intelligent correspondent, we are enabled to state a few particulars of the plan. A few preliminary particulars should be borne in mind. An expenditure of two or three millions of money for enabling us to take a thirty miles' journey--or some six millions to establish a hundred-miles' line-or, as in other cases, an average expense of 15,000l. per mile, is a consideration of some importance; especially if it be taken into account that, upon many of the lines which have been formed at such an enormous cost, a return of even common interest upon the capital sunk is not likely to be realised. Without sinking one farthing in the formation of roads—for the roads are already formed -the working of locomotive engines, whether for waggons or for lighter carriages, will be achieved with vastly greater facility than that * Vide Letter of a Correspondent in a subsequent page. VOL. I. NO. V. With reference to turnpike roads, another material point in favour of steam carriages is the immensely reduced cost for wear and tear. It is well known, that the wear and tear of roads is caused, in part, by the narrow wheels of carriages, but chiefly by the feet of the horses. Now, in steam carriages of all sorts, it is a sine qua non that the wheels be broad; there are no horses' feet to inflict injury; and, the wheels, by being broad, will act as rollers on the road, pressing down every inequality they meet. If the present roads were to be run upon by steam carriages only, they would become, in time, almost as solid and even as a flagged pavement. The steam carriage company alluded to, is that which has been formed by Sir James Anderson, aided and supported by several noblemen and members of the House of Commons, in its direction; the Earl Balcarras, Lord Stewart de Rothesay, Captain Bodero, M.P., Mr. Broadwood, M.P., Mr. Hawkes, M.P., Mr. Stuart, &c. In an article published some time ago in the British and Foreign Review," it was estimated, that the average number of passengers taken by each train, between Liverpool and Manchester, was sixty; for which one engine was required throughout, and one in addition to assist on the inclined planes, which may be fairly called two for each train. It was also estimated by several engineers, and proved before a Committee of the House of Commons, that one steam carriage on a common road can London: Printed by J. MASTERS, 33, Aldersgate Street. E convey thirty passengers and their luggage. It is moreover stated, that Sir James Anderson has contracted with the company now formed, that the carriages to be supplied under his patent shall not only do so, but convey at least a ton of luggage, at an average speed of fifteen miles an hour, and at a cost of 4d. a mile for fuel. It is further estimated, that 1s. 3d. per mile will cover all expenses, or d. per mile for each passenger. Each of these carriages is to be supplied, by contract, for 10007., consequently a capital sunk of 2000l. (for two carriages) will enable sixty passengers to be taken on any road in the kingdom, at fifteen miles an hour; while it requires two engines to convey the same number on the Manchester line, at from twenty to twenty-five miles an hour, which line of road is said to have cost three millions of money in in its formation! Of all points, the safety of the passengers in steam carriages is chiefly to be provided for. Mr. Farey, in his evidence, observes as follows: It is apprehensions which have been entertained in some quarters as to the injury which would be likely accrue to agriculture, to the breeding of horses, and to the employment of human labour, are without foundation. Sir James Anderson's first carriage (built after his experimental carriage had been abundantly proved) is, we are informed, ready to be set to work; and it is expected to be brought forward in the spring, so soon as the roads shall be in a tolerably favourable state. LETTERS TO MY SON AT ROME LETTER V. ACCOUNT OF THE FIRM OF MESSRS. Aldine Chambers, Paternoster Row, The earliest notice of the eminent book "The danger of being run away with and overturned is greatly diminished in a steam coach. very difficult to control four such horses as can draw a heavy stage-coach ten miles an hour, in case they are frightened or choose to run away; and for such MY DEAR SON, quick travelling they must be kept in that state of courage that they are always inclined to run away, particularly down hill, and at sharp turns in the road. sellers of the Longman family-namely, that I Steam power has very little corresponding danger, have met with-is that of Thomas Longman, being perfectly controllable and capable of having (uncle of the late Thomas Longman, Esq.,) at the the power reversed to retard it going down hill. It sign of the Ship, in Paternoster Row, in 1726, must be carelessness that would occasion the over- when it appeared prefixed to the first edition turning of a steam coach. The chance of breaking of down has been hitherto considerable, but it will not Shelvock's Voyages;" making a differ be more than in stage-coaches when the work is ence of about sixteen years subsequent to the truly proportioned and properly executed. The commencement of the Rivingtons, whose name, risk of explosion of the boiler is the only new cause of as I before remarked, was prefixed to a publidanger, and that I consider not equivalent to the dan- cation in defence of the Church in 1718, and ger from horses." to bill heads in 1710. The name of Longman, however, appears to other works about the same period at the sign of the Ship and Swan; and again in 1730 to proposals for publishing a new edition of Thuanus' Hist., in seven volumes folio, (it might perhaps have been to the first edition, as well as to some of our early school books). It is evident that Mr. Longman was engaged in the most respectable works of that period. In 1734 I find his name in connection with the celebrated Tom Osborn's to Horsley's Britannia Romana, with one hundred engravings. He died June 18, 1755; his widow, June 16, 1762. Of course, almost every thing, with reference to safety, depends upon the construction of the boiler. Sir James Anderson's boiler is said to be so constructed that it cannot burst-or that, should it explode, no injury to life or limb can result. At present, we have not room to enter into an investigation of Sir James Anderson's boiler. We much regret, too, that we have not Maceroni's Memoirs at hand. Poor, neglected, illtreated Maceroni ! When we read his book a few months ago, we were perfectly satisfied as to the safety of his boiler, for every description of steam-engine; and in its favour he had the suffrages of several of our leading engineers. As the most successful projector The late Mr. Thomas Longman (nephew of of steam-carriages, before the plan of Sir James the above) appears to have succeeded to the buAnderson was brought forward, Colonel Mac-siness in 1755, under the most favourable auseroni ought not to be lost sight of. Had we further space, we should like to shew as we have the means of shewing-that the pices of a handsome property, valuable stock, and excellent connection. Good fortune has always attended this family throughout their ca. reer. At one time, indeed, Mr. Longman was very extensively engaged in the American trade, and it was said had an immense sum locked up in it at the commencement of the first hostilities between England and that country. It appears, however, that several of his correspondents behaved very honourably by paying large sums, and liquidating their debts subsequently to the amicable arrangements and peace of 1783. Mr. Longman continued to pursue the calm even tenour of his way; and with a fine, mild, placid disposition, his business always appeared more a source of amusement to him than of anxiety or care. He continued a select wholesale country business without the ambition of an increase, and held some of the finest copyrights of the best works, and general shares in others, of which I know of no regular catalogue containing the whole. It is deeply to be regretted that we have not a general catalogue in England that combines the advantage of names, dates, prices, and publishers' names: no general catalogue can be perfect without. Our former catalogues had only the titles and list of prices: the more recent ones have, it is true, prices and publishers' names, but no dates; and even that noble catalogue, "WATT's Bibliotheca Britannica," in four volumes quarto, although it contains the most valuable mass of information ever collected of the titles, dates, sizes, and prices of books at home and abroad, from the invention of printing to the nineteenth century, yet the names of the printers and publishers are generally omitted. Had these objects been attained, what an immense advantage would have been added to bibliographical knowledge as well as a knowledge of what each respective bookseller and publisher had achieved, and countless anecdotes of them and of their connection would have been the result. the germ of many a valuable publication. Under their auspices Mr. Thomas Davies (who was a pleasant member of the club) produced his "Dramatic Miscellanies" and his "Life of Garrick ;" and here first were suggested the ideas that led to the publication of Dr. Johnson's invaluable Lives of the most eminent British Poets." The same authority truly states that Mr. Longman was a man of the most exemplary character both in his profession and in his private life, and as universally esteemed for his benevolence as for his integrity. His liberal conduct to that ONCE King of Booksellers, George Robinson, in early life, in offering him unasked for any sum he wished on credit, was gratefully acknowledged by that gentleman, of whose extraordinary character and literary connections I shall have much to say in the future pages of THE ALDIne Magazine. To return to Mr. Longman and his establishment, to which I have alluded in my "FIFTY YEARS' RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD BOOKSELLER." I omitted to mention an accident that occurred to me in the early part of 1785. Mr. L. had just completed the reprints of Chambers's large dictionary, in four volumes folio, or 418 folio numbers, on which occasion I was hastily dispatched late of an evening for a load of them, as the house where I was initiated were subscribers for 150 sets. On returning with as many as I could carry before me, and not observing where the street water pipes had been taken up, I was precipitated, with the books, into a vortex, with the water flowing in upon me and them. This disaster weighed upon my mind considerably: however, Mr. Longman the next day removed it by exchanging many of the numbers, and by giving me an order for the theatre, previously to his retiring to his country mansion, (which might almost be termed "De Coverley Hall,”) at Hampstead. It was from near the same spot Amid the immense mass of works that pass that the celebrated GEORGE STEEVENS was in through the press belonging to an eminent pub- the habit of walking (lamp in hand) to London, lisher during a long series of years, and of at five o'clock on a winter's morning, to correct which few catalogues or documents remain to his and Dr. SAM. JOHNSON's edition of Shakedesignate them, much interest is lost to the spear. Mr. L. frequently gave me other opporrising generation with regard to literary asso-tunities of amusement at the theatre, one of ciations, combinations, and conversations. Mr. which, in particular, I cannot omit mentioning, Nichols, in speaking of the late James Robson, as it enabled me to enjoy the treat of seeing (an eminent bookseller of Bond Street,) and a the celebrated John Henderson in the character literary club of booksellers, to which he be- of Falstaff. This was in 1785, and I believe longed for thirty-five years, observes that Mr. the last time he ever performed. About the Longman, with the late Alderman Cadell, same period I had the gratification of seeing Messrs. James Dodsley, Lockyer, Davies, Peter Macklin, Edwin, Quick, Gentleman Lewis, and Elmsley, Honest Tom Payne of the Mew's Gate, the rest of the flower of the British stage perThomas Evans of the Strand, (all of whom I form. knew when a boy except the last named,) were members of this society, from which originated I was in the habit of going to Mr. Longman's almost daily from the years 1785 to 1787 or 1788 for various books for country orders, being what is termed, in all wholesale booksellers' shops a collector. In this department almost every apprentice is at first very properly initiated in the rudiments of his business by purchasing such books as his employer may not have in his establishment for the supplying of country orders. By this means he readily acquires a knowledge of the stock, habits, manners, and connexions of most other houses; of the value of books; and becomes fitted for a future active in-door department. To the latter position I was, from family arrangements, called into requisition earlier than was usual, in consequence of which I frequently attended the present Mr. Longman, whose father had wisely caused him to go through the whole routine of his profession; and I am informed Mr. L., although at the very head of the book trade, has pursued a similar course with his sons. Mr. Thomas Longman, sen., died at his country house at Hampstead, Feb. 5, 1797, (leaving his wife and two daughters amply provided for). He had three sons, the eldest of whom, the present Thomas Norton Longman, Esq., was brought up to and pursued the same even steady course of attention to business as long as it was necessary; for it was well known that he had been left a handsome fortune, and a stock almost unequalled in value in the trade. From those sources and subsequent arrangements, and an extension of business during the last forty years, a concern has emanated, perhaps unrivalled in extent and respectability in the world. Of its benefit and utility to lite rature more anon. one voyage, for he was quite a youth when, returning from the East Indies, an accident occurred which terminated his life. This was in 1799 or 1800. My brother-in-law was returning from India in the same ship, and had seen him reading on deck a short time before the accident occurred. He was of a quiet, retired disposition; and it was supposed that, overpowered by sleep, or from a sudden gust of wind, he slipped overboard. Every effort was made to save him, but in vain, for he sank to rise no more. The liberal conduct of the elder Mr. Longman to his old and faithful assistant, Mr. Christopher Brown, has been noticed by me on a former occasion. Of Thomas Norton Longman, Esq. Upwards of forty years have elapsed since this gentleman succeeded to the business of his highly-respected father, who I believe was not anxious for his extending it in new works and the miscellaneous literature of the day. Fortunately, however, for the cause of literature and authors of splendid talents, this gentleman not only branched out into its most extensive range, and entered the field of honourable competition with the first houses in Europe, but also extended his country trade at the same time. What countless sums have been transferred to authors and men of genius from this source; and what immense sums have been distributed amongst thousands of persons employed, and also in the consumption of articles nufactured. Mr. T. N. Longman commenced business about the year 1792-3, at a period when an additional duty was imposed upon paper. At that time I assisted Sylvester Doige of Edinburgh (who had been unfortunate) in the sale of his stock in London, which produced a large sum in addition on that account, and in large orders which I executed for America. Notwithstanding the advance upon paper, Mr. Longman's business increased very considerably. Mr. Thomas Brown entered when very young upon the establishment, and became a most attentive, valuable, and confidential assistant. Mr. Longman's second son, George Longman, Esq., was also left an ample fortune. He originally graduated with Mr. Chapman, an eminent wholesale stationer in King Street, Cheapside, who was in the habit, with Wright and Gill, Bowles and Gardiner, Jonathan Key, and others, of supplying the wholesale book sellers and publishers with immense quantities of paper (which requires great capital) for their standard, stock, and new books. Mr. George Longman in turn became still more largely connected with the paper trade, not only as a dealer, but also an extensive manufacturer at Maidstone, in Kent. For that borough he was an active member of Parliament for some time. He was also drawn for sheriff of London, but Idid not serve that office. While in business he was joined by Mr. Dickenson, who still car-seller in England, became a bankrupt, and the ries on the paper trade with the most eminent booksellers in the kingdom. Mr. Edward Longman, the third son, was intended for a naval station in the East India Company's service; but I believe he only went In 1794 the late Mr. Owen Rees entered into this extensive concern, and shortly after became a partner, under the firm of Longman and Rees. About this juncture the younger Evans, (James,) rating only as third wholesale book whole of his picked and select wholesale trade was transferred to the house of Longman and Rees, whose trade as publishers and wholesale booksellers not only rivalled the great house of the Robinsons, but within four years more it |