authority, will lay down other rules, and the subject will be finally left in a state of indecision. 9. A Catechism intended to explain and enforce the leading Doctrines and Duties of the Word of God, &c. by the Rev. Robert Simson, Master of Colebrookehouse Academy, Islington, (Duncan, London,) contains a series of questions and answers on the most important topics that can relate to man, favoured with a divine revelation, and as a candidate for eternity. These questions and replies do not flow from the monotonous process of catechetical routine, but from the subjects that may naturally be supposed to suggest themselves to a thinking mind anxiously inquiring after truth. The address to the pupils at the conclusion, contains many judicious observations relative to domestic economy and conduct, which we should rejoice to see uniformly adopted. 10. The Cultivation of the Mind; an introductory Lecture at the Opening of the Southampton Literary and Philosophi cal Institution, Nov. 12, 1828, by the Rev. J. Davies, (Hatchard, London,) is a pamphlet entitled to much respect, both from the nature of the subject of which it treats, and the manner in which the author has proceeded to set it before his auditors. From a large and very elaborate work on the mental powers, which we reviewed in our number for August last, we derive satisfactory proof that Mr. Davies is every way qualified for the task which he has here undertaken. To those by whom this lecture was heard, it must have afforded an exalted intellectual repast; and those who read it with similar expectations, will not be disappointed. 11. Anti-Slavery Reporter, No. 42, for December, 1828, is much larger than usual, and more than proportionately interesting. It fairly exposes the system of injustice and intolerance by which slavery is upheld, both as to the laws themselves, and the administration of them. In the charges of injustice and inhumanity, several islands are involved, but Jamaica, Barbadoes, and Berbice appear with superior prominence on the list of iniquity. These charges are supported by specific instances of oppression and cruelty, some of which are almost too shameful for detail. The planter, and his agents in the islands, still shut their eyes and ears against the claims of justice and humanity; but the Anti-Slavery Reporter is heard in England, and the cause which it espouses, we hope, will soon be avowed by the powerful voice of the British legisla ture. GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY. 88 MR. EDITOR. SIR,-The science of geology has received a splendid accession, by a discovery made, during the last month, of organic remains on the grounds of Gladish, Esq., at Northfleet near Gravesend. His attention was directed to the spot by an inquiry addressed to one of his workmen employed in digging gravel, whether he ever found any bones? "Yes, master," he replied, very often, plenty of them, here is one now. Upon further examination, he found it belonged to a series, lying in a stratified direction, embedded in a loose plastic clay nearly approaching to sand. All further examination in the bed was immediately suspended, and Mr. Gladish sent to some scientific friends at Gravesend, at whose suggestion letters were addressed to the Geological and Zoological Societies, who in reply intimated their intention of visiting the spot, which they accordingly did on the 3rd of December. Among those present were Dr. Buckland and several members of the Geological Society. The principal remains discovered and removed on that day were, a pair of antlers belonging to an unknown species of deer, which were found tolerably perfect, one below the other, at the distance of about five inches. They were quite firm when first discovered, but, by exposure to the air, they split and crumbled into small fragments under the touch. In this state drawings were made of them, after which they were removed in pieces, which will be again reunited by the finished drawings, which will give the shape and dimensions. The head was not then discovered, but was supposed to lie below them. Nearly on a level with them, but at some distance, was found the complete head of an ox. About three feet below, lay a long stratum of bones of various kinds, not yet removed, consisting of antlers, jaws, shoulder-blades, legs, &c.; and in other parts of the clay bed, at various depths, slight excavations have disclosed several minor depositories; and it is supposed that there is sufficient labour for some months of further research into these curious antediluvian remains, which from former discoveries promise to establish a most singular and interesting fact in geology. It has been recorded, that in various parts of the opposite side of the river in Essex, bones of the elephant and rhinoceros have been discovered, and at the Nore bones of small animals, as also on the 89 Observations on the Tallow Tree of China. coast of France. Between these, the discoveries at Northfleet form a connecting link, and render it probable that at the time these depositions took place, the whole site now occupied by the river Thames and the English channel, was one continued tract of land, over which the waters of the deluge swept, carrying these organic remains with them, and depositing them in such fissures and vacuities as they met with in their course. Upon a geological investigation of the spot, it was discovered that the beds of plastic clay and superstratum of sand were diluvial depositions, in a hollow bason in the solid chalk. The prodigious force with which the water washed down this cavity carried with it the disjointed bodies of these various animals, which subsiding by their own gravity, sunk into the clay, and were covered with a deep superstratum of sand. On the other side of this wall, as it may be termed, which has been left standing, the stratum of sand is diversified by thin strata of gravel and black earth, considered to be strongly impregnated with magnesia. This is an arrangement of a novel character, and affords an interesting feature in geology. The whole scene gave the highest gratification to Dr. Buckland and his scientific friends. The excavations are still proceeding, and some valuable discoveries are expected to be made during their progress. In conclusion I would observe, that it is a remarkable fact, noticed by geological writers, that among the numerous organic remains which have been discovered at various times and in various places, none of those of the human species have yet been detected, with the exception of that found at Guadaloupe, now in the British Museum; and this specimen, from the circumstance of wanting the head, has been disputed. There can be no doubt that the migrations of the human species at the time of the deluge were very confined, and perhaps their numbers few in comparison with those of beasts. It may be thought, that could the situation of the habitable part of the globe at that period be ascertained, and its geology investigated, some discoveries might be made. But it must also be considered, that this does not solve the problem, for if, as is supposed, the bones of tropical animals have been driven by the waters into the temperate zone, why should not those of man also be discovered? The subject is altogether fraught with mysterious interest, and our discoveries, 90 however imperfect and superficial, serve OBSERVATIONS ON THE TALLOW TREE OF THE tree producing tallow is the croton "The seed, after being pounded, was formed into a thick mass, by heating it with a small quantity of water in a large iron vessel. It was then put hot into a case formed to receive it. This consisted of four or five broad iron hoops, piled one Ya being the character which signifies a crow (that bird being fond of its fruit,) the other character, Rieou, signifies a mortar for separating the husk of rice, and enters into its name, "because,' says Du Halde, "when the tree grows old, its root decays within, and becomes hollowed in the form of a mortar."-Du Halde, tom. iii. p. 504. over the other, and lined with straw. The seed was pressed down with the feet, as close as possible, till it filled the case, which was then transferred to the press. Pressure, however, is not the only, or perhaps the most common method of obtaining the tallow; for it is sometimes procured by boiling the bruised seeds in water, and collecting the oily matter which floats on its surface. This tallow, which has all the sensible properties of that from the animal kingdom, is used in the manufacture of candles. Du Halde informs us, that every ten pounds is mixed with three of some vegetable oil, and a sufficient quantity of wax to give it consistence. The candles also receive additional support from a coating of wax. They burn with great flame, emit much smoke, and quickly consume.' By reference to a volume of the Transactions of the Philosophical Society of London, we find that this tree, which affords an oil or tallow to diffuse light through the Celestial Empire, was cultivated in England so far back as the year 1703, by a Mr. Coal.-Vide Philosoph. Transact. 'n. 286, p. 1427, n. 90. GLEANINGS. Earth from the Banks of the Nile.-Lord Bacon has observed, that if earth be taken from land adjoining the Nile, and preserved so as not to be wet or wasted, and weighed daily, it will not undergo any alteration, until the seventeenth of June, when the river beginneth to rise, and then it will grow more and more ponderous, till the river cometh to its height. Paddington Stages.-There are forty-eight Paddington stages to and from the Bank daily, each performing four times. The distance thither and back is nearly ten miles, and the duty is three-pence a mile; so that Paddington stages, passing and repassing, perform 384 times on the road, making 1920 miles per day, and which, for mile-duty only, yields the sum of £8.760. annually. The horses perform the journey thither and back but once each day, so impetuous is the speed; so that it requires 192 daily at work upon the road, for this single branch of public accommodation. If the coaches are full, the money exchanging hands amounts to nearly 300 guineas daily, and the persons conveyed amount to 5576. Death of the Rev. Daniel Tyerman.-The religious public will learn with deep regret, that letters have been received by the London Missionary Society, conveying the painful intelligence of the death of the Rev. D. Tyerman, which took place at the capital of Madagascar, on the 30th of July, 1828. R. Lyall, Esq. (Dr. Lyall) British agent, who arrived the day after Mr. Tyerman's decease, at the request of the Missionaries, examined the body, to ascertain the disease, and pronounced it to be apoplexy, and not to have arisen from any cause peculiar to Madagascar. Lyall had seen Mr. Tyerman frequently at the Mauritius, and considered him a very likely subject for such an attack; and observes, that the same event might, and very probably would, have occurred at any place: at the same time he admitted, that the fatigue of journeying might assist in hastening the sad event. More than seven years have elapsed since this devoted servant of Mr. 92 God, in company with George Bennet, Esq. who is speedily expected to return, left this country, to examine the Mission stations on the remote portions of the globe. During their journeys and voyages they have visited the South Sea islands, the Missionary establishments beyond the Ganges in the East Indies, the Mauritius, and several others. The same errand of; benevolence had brought them to Madagascar, where Mr. Tyerman has finished his labours, and found a grave. To harden Plaster Casts and Alabaster.-The following process has obtained a patent in France. shaped, is put for twenty-four hours into a furThe piece of plaster, or alabaster, after being nace. If the piece is only eighteen lines thick, three hours in the furnace, heated up to the temperature required for baking bread, is sufficient: if thicker, it is left in for a proportionably longer time, at the end of which it is withdrawn with caution, and cooled; after which it is put for thirty seconds into river water, withdrawn for a few seconds, and then again immersed for a minute or two, according to its thickness, The piece is then exposed to the air, and, at the end of three or four days, it has acquired the hardness and density of marble. It may then be polished. To Destroy Flies.-During the course of the last summer, numerous accidents to children were recorded, in consequence of a deleterious compoarsenic,) being employed for the destruction of sition, (generally king's yellow, a preparation of flies: this object may be accomplished very safely, wood sweetened with sugar. and completely, by a strong infusion of quassia Fall of an Aerolite.-The following account of an aerolite, weighing thirty-six pounds, which fell at eleven, A.M. Šeptember 14, 1825, at Vaigou, one of the Sandwich Islands, is given by a lieutenant of Captain Kotzebue, in his voyage round the world. A short time previously to its fall, the sky became charged with clouds, until the whole island was covered with a dense black veil. The fall of the stone was immediately preceded by a violent gust of wind from the N.W., and, even at sea, sounds like those of thunder were heard. Immediately after these detonations, the aerolite fell in the middle of the village of Ganagauros, and broke into pieces on touching the ground. The Russian travellers gathered many of these pieces, one weighing fifteen pounds. They resemble the aerolites generally known. Useful Cement.-A useful cement, for general purposes, is composed of two parts of rosin, melted over a slow tire, into which one part of the quantity of plaster-of-paris is to be introduced, and well mixed by stirring them; add two parts of shell-lac, and the whole, being in a fluid state, constitutes a firm and durable cement. Common Salt in Chili.-An incrustation of salt, 30 miles in length, and several miles in width, is found on the coast of Chili, to the south of Coquimbo. It has the appearance of that compact ice which forms on the surface of lakes and rivers in America towards the middle of winter. The thickness is about two feet. When a block of it is removed, the space is soon filled up by new salt. The great road runs for a considerable distance along the edge of this curious formation. It has frequently happened, that when mules, horses, and even men, have died in this part of the route, their bodies have been perfectly preserved for a long time afterwards. Death of Shungie and George, two New Zealand Chiefs.---From a Sydney Gazette, dated April 18, 1828, we learn that Shungie, the notorious New Zealand warrior, as well as the celebrated George, the chief of Whangooroa, where the Boyd was disastrously cut off several years ago, and her crew murdered, are both dead. For a length of time those two chiefs were opposed to each other in the most sanguinary warfare, but latterly, from motives of policy, they had united their forces, and, had not death opportunely intervened, they threatened to depopulate the island. We understand, in consequence of these deaths, that the Church and Wesleyan Missionaries enjoy a much greater degree of quietude, though they are not by any means free from that danger to which they must be exposed, whilst the natives continue in their barbarous condition. Duelling.-Augustus gave an admirable example how a person who sends a challenge should be treated. When Marc Antony, after the battle of Actium, defied him to single combat, his answer to the messenger who brought it was, "Tell 'Marc Antony, if he be weary of life, there are other ways to end it; I shall not take the trouble of becoming his executioner." Sunday Amusements.-In an old magazine, printed about 1789, the writer, speaking of.persons whose habit it was to resort to the various teagardens, near London, on a Sunday, calculates them to amount to about 200,000. Of these he considers not one would go away without having spent 2s. 6d and consequently £25,000 would have been spent in the course of the day. £25,000 multiplied by the number of Sudays in the year, gives, as the annual consumption of that day of rest, the immense sum of £1,300,000. The writer also takes upon himself to calculate the returning situation of these persons as follows:-Sober, 50,000; in high glee, 20,000; drunkish, 30,000; staggering tipsy, 10,000; muzzy, 15,000; dead drunk, 5,000.-Total, 200,000. A Equestrianism.-In South America, the whole population is equestrian.. No man goes to visit his next door neighbour on foot; and even the beggars in the streets ask alms on horseback. French traveller being solicited for charity by one of these mounted petitioners, at Buenos Ayres, made the following observations in his note-book: "16th November. Saw a beggar this morning, who asked alms of me, mounted on a tall gray horse, The English have a song that says, 'Set a beggar on horseback, and see how he'll ride!' I had often heard this mentioned, but I never saw one upon his way before." Literary Notices. Just Published. Poems; Lyric, Moral, and Humorous. Thomas Crossley. By "The Stepmother," a Tragedy in five acts. By the Author of "Longinus," a Tragedy, &c. Biblia Sacra Polyglotta: Bagster's Quarto Edition. The 5th and last part of this work is now ready for delivery. This Part contains the entire New Testament in Five Languages. The Syriac version is to be sold separately. The First Six Books of the Iliad of Homer, literally translated into English Prose, with copi ous Explanatory Notes, and a preliminary Dissertation on his Life and Writings. Twelve Moral Maxims of my Uncle Newbury. 18mo. The Third Volume of the Works of the English and Scottish Reformers, edited by the Rev. Thos. Russell, A.M. Twelve Lectures on Ecclesiastical History and Nonconformity, exhibiting a view of Church History. By Isaac Mann, A.M. 8vo. bds. A New and cheap Annual, entitled "Affection's Offering," a book for all seasons, but especially designed as a Christmas and New Year's Gift, or Birth Day Present. It will also be a most convenient and appropriate Prize Book for Schools. A New Translation of the History of Herodo. tus; intended for the use of general readers. By Isaac Taylor, jun. in one large volume 8vo. with short Notes and Maps. Proceedings at a Dinner, to commemorate the Abolition of the Sacramental Test. A Dissertation on the Priesthood of Christ, &c. By John Wilson, minister of the gospel, Montrose. Treatises and Letters of Dr. Nicholas Ridley, bishop of London, and martyr, 1555. On Completeness of Ministerial Qualification. By John Hinton, A.M. An Examination of Scripture Difficulties, elucidating nearly seven hundred passages in the Old and New Testaments. By Wm. Carpenter. 94 To be published Feb. 1st. in 8vo. with Plates and Woodcuts, half-bound in cloth, "A Treatise on Printing and Dyeing Silk Shawls, Garments, Bandanas, &c. in Permanent and Fancy Colours." By H. Mc. Kernan, experimental colour-maker and dyer. ་ Mr. John Hinds, author of the Veterinary Surgeon,' has a new work in the press, entitled, "The Groom's Oracle, and Stable Pocket Directory." A Volume of Sermons. By the Rev. W. F. Vance, assistant minister of St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row. Dialogues on Prophecy. Part Ten.' The Legendary Cabinet; a Selection of British National Ballads, ancient and modern, from the best authors. With Notes and Illustrations. By J. D. Parry, M.A. Cambridge. Natural History of Enthusiasm, Secular and Religious. The Monthly Bible Class Book; or, Scriptural Aids to promote a Revival of Religion among the rising generation. By John Morison. Portraits, entitled "The Ladies' Library," with portraits. The first part will appear early in January. "The Royal Book of Fate," will appear early in January, by Raphael, the London astrologer. Doctor Epps, author of the Internal Evidences of Christianity, deduced from Phrenology,' and Lecturer on Materia Medica and Chemistry, proposes to publish (by request) three Phrenological Essays. I. On the Faculty of Veneration. II. On Morality. III. On the best means of attaining Happiness. The Christian Minister's Pocket Companion; containing Selections of the most striking passages from the works of eminent authors, ancient and modern. One vol. 18mo. By W. Shuttleworth. In one handsome vol. 12mo. Scripture Balances; being a Selection of the Promises and Threatenings of the Holy Scriptures, systematically arranged. By the Rev. J. Young. author of Scripture Lyre,' &c. The Library of Religious Knowledge; consisting of a Series of Original Treatises on the most important subjects. The whole to be conducted by Clergymen of the Church of England. A number will appear every fortnight, price 6d. The publication to commence on the 31st of January. A Guide to Phrenology; with an Appendix, containing the mode of dissecting the brain, according to the method pursued by Drs. Gall and Spurzheim, &c. with Engravings. By Henry Wm. Dewhurst, Esq. Surgeon, Professor of human and comparative Anatomy, Zoology, &c. 95 Commercial Retrospect for 1828. Also, an Essay on the Minute Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Eye and its Appendages, contrasted with those of Animals; to be embellished with Plates, and dedicated by permission to G. J. Guthrie, Esq. F.R.S. Professor of Anatomy to the Royal College of Surgeons, and John Connolly, Esq. M.D. Professor of Medicine in the University of London. Andrew Ure, M.D. F.R.S. &c, has in the press, a large octavo volume, entitled, "A New System of Geology, in which the Great Revolutions of the Earth and Animated Nature are reconciled at once to Modern Science and Sacred History." This work will be illustrated by Copperplate Engravings of shells, characteristic of the strata and superposition of the bone-caverns, and of casts of fossil plants; besides about 50 Wood Engravings, representing the most curious animal inhabitants of the primeval world, described by Cuvier, and other fossil zoologists. The volume will appear about the end of January. Sherman's Guide to Acquaintance with God. Third edition, considerably improved. Matilda's Birth-Day; or, the Grand Magic Lantern. A Tale for Youth. 96 The Cambria and Celtic Repertory, intended as a Vindication of our Welsh neighbours from a charge which they have justly laboured under, of leaving literary stores to the care of strangers.' Counsels and Cautions for Youth. By the Rev. J. Thornton. One vol. 18mo. Letters on Missions. By W. Swan, Missionary at Selinginsk; with an Introductory Essay by Wm. Orme, Secretary to the London Missionary Society. One vol. 12mo. Preparing for Publication. In one volume octavo, embellished with a Portrait of the Author, Sabbath Meditations, in prose and verse, by the late Rev. James Pitt Vernon, A.M. To which will be added, a Biographical Memoir of the Author. By Charles James Mansfield, A.M. Dr. Davis, of Fitzroy-Square, Professor of Midwifery, &c. in the University of London, is preparing for publication, in one vol. 8vo. a Treatise on the Diseases and Constitutional Management of Children. Erratum: col. 1068, last line but one, for dignity read benignity. COMMERCIAL REROSPECT, LONDON, 30th DECEMBER, 1828. IN tracing a rapid sketch of the state of Trade and Commerce of the Year about to close, it is to be remarked, that no great fluctuations have occurred, except the natural rise in all kinds of Grain, consequent upon a deficient harvest. It is, however, matter of thankfulness, that the season up to this period has continued so mild, thereby permitting the out-door employment of the poor, and an importation of Grain from the Baltic-otherwise generally impracticable at this season of the year. In the insular situation of England, trade and commerce are inseparably connected with the political state of things. She has remained at peace, a state consonant with her best interests: it cannot, however, be denied, that she may have to complain of political wrongs from some powers, and commercial injustice from others. Still she maintains the "even tenor of her way," and thus holds in her grasp that preponderating influence amongst all powers, which may be said to constitute her the arbitress of all. The system of free trade, we think, is gaining upon popular opinion-although it has had to encounter the opposition of some who are real, and of many others who are only imaginary, sufferers; still, as a system, we must contend that Great Britain, by its adoption, is giving a lesson to Europe, and pointing out to the States of the New World, a path founded on the soundest principles of political justice, and the real welfare of every state. In the book of improvements, now adopting by this country, it is still to be regretted, that so few of the Agriculturists should be found willing to follow the advice of Whitmore and others, who have shewn that the Corn Trade might be thrown open, upon a basis compatible with the fair demands of the farmer, and the paramount just claims of the artisan and merchant. It may not be irrelevant here to advert to the conduct of America, in having adopted a restrictive system, (now justly exploded in England,) which can hardly fail of recoiling upon herself. Most of the staple branches of manufacture of this country are in a healthy, if not in a flourishing condition; the Cotton trade, in its great variety, and the Woollen trade: the same remark applies to the Iron trade, bar and pig iron. The various articles of Foreign produce are ruling generally at very moderate rates. We proceed to enumerate some of the leading articles of import, which are all rather under a peace medium. Raw Sugar has been subject to occasional fluctuations and partial amendment, but a marked difference may be observed in the relative difference which refined goods bear to the raw articles; refined sugar being evidently cheaper. Coffee for the last few months has been improving in value; the article presents favourable prospects of improving prices, Hides have, for a length of time, commanded high prices; but as peace has been concluded between the Brazils and Buenos Ayres, the trade will be thrown open, and considerable supplies will come in, and the articles will become more plentiful and cheaper. English oak-bark will derive a beneficial improvement from this cause. Cotton Wool remains at steady and low prices; the working classes engaged in this branch are now fully employed; and while the Foreign demand may be expected to revive in the spring, the Home customer is again putting forth his strength. Indigo is improving in price, owing to a consumptive demand, and a report of a failing crop in the East Indies. Olive Oil is rising in value; and the price of Linseed Oil is enhanced in consequence of the scarcity of seed for crushing. Although, in some quarters, the withdrawing of small notes is alleged as likely to occasion embarassment; on others, temporary rumours are raised, to shake credit; yet for our parts, we see every reason to anticipate an improving state of things, whilst we perservere in abstaining from war; and whilst we trust that the husbandman may get a fair protection, we would throw open as wide as possible the doors for trade and commerce. During the past year, the Printing and Bookselling businesses have greatly improved. In the Fine Arts, the demand is unexampled ; and in most places throughout the realm, the Engravers and Copperplate Printers may be said to be overwhelmed with work. LONDON: PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY H. FISHER, SON, AND CO. |