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VARIETIES.

PATRIOTIC INTEGRITY.-During the American revolution, while General Reed was President of Congress, the British commissioners offered him a bribe of 19,000 guineas, to desert the cause of his country. His reply was, "Gentlemen, I am poor, very poor; but your king is not rich enough to buy me." COMPANY. In the whole course of my lie, I never knew one man, of what condition soever, arrive to any degree of reputation in the world, who made choice of or delighted in the company or conversation of those, who in their qualities were inferior, or in their parts not much superior to himself.--Lord Clarendon.

NEW OPERA.-Green-room report speaks highly of a forthcoming opera, in five acts, by the author of the Youthful Days and Stories of Mr.

Matthews. That best and most celebrated of

novels, Gil Blas, is the subject, and the piece will display the different ages of the hero, by means of three several performers. Miss Kelly will represent the lad at seventeen; Pearman, the young man; and Bartley will be the Gil Blas of fifty-two. We scarcely know a better subject for an opera, or better hands into which the subjects could have fallen.

THE LATE DR. DODD.-It is a curious fact-a fact throwing no little light on the character of the late unfortunate Dr. Dodd-that no great while before the detection of the crime for which he suffered, he wrote a comedy, called Sir Roger de Coverley, which he placed in the hands of Mr. Murphy, the celebrated dramatist, for the purpose of his perusing the piece, that if he deemed it worthy of representation, he might recommend it to Mr. Harris, the Covent Garden manager: and that the fate of this production, that is, its acceptance, or non-acceptance, at the theatre, was a subject of so much anxiety to him, even during his incarceration in Newgate, that while he was writing his " Thoughts in Prison," and had before him the prospect of a speedy and ignominious death, he sent a note to Murphy, requesting his opinion of the comedy.

ABEL AND HIS VIOL DA GAMBA-Abel, the German composer, and professional partner of Bach, was so attached to the viol da gamba, in the performance of which he excelled every cotemporary practitioner, as to prefer its thin, grating tones, to the notes of all other instsuments. At a dinner party one day given by the late Lord Sandwich at the Admiralty, the various attractions of the different musical instruments forming the subject of conversation, his lordship proposed that every gentleman should say which of them was his favourite; when Abel, after hearing with constrained patience, one guest name the organ, another the piano-forte, another the hautboy, another the clarionet, &c. &c. but no one name the Viol da Gamba, suddenly arose from his seat, and left the room: exclaiming "O dere be de brute in de world; dere be dose who no love de king of all de instrument."

ENGLISH PLAYS IN PARIS.

It is with feelings of regret and indignation that we have to record the unsuccessful experiment that has been made to establish English plays in Paris. We regret that the attempt was made by an individual, and by a company so il calculated to do credit to our national character in the histrionic art. The want of, talent, however, is no apology for the treatment that English plays and English players have met with in France,-treatment which degrades the French as a nation, and individually as men; and shows, that much as they may boast of their politeness, they are capable of as cool and malignant ferocity as the rudest barbarians with whom civilized man is doomed to mingle.

The following account is compressed from the French Journals :

"On Thursday the first appearance of the English company was advertised in the play-bill. The en

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tertainment consisted of Othello, and a little piece called the Rendezvous. The theatre was crowded; the performers in the orchestra had given up their places, and the space between the scenes was blocked up with spectators. The appearance of the house was generally calm and tranquil. Some symptoms of ill-will bad escaped-some stifled groans were heard before the rising of the curtain. This prelude even has nothing alarming in it, from custom. We know that it occurs on all first representations, from the impatience of one party or the other. The curtain is raised. Two actors appear in the scene, and their countenances excite, in proportion nearly equal, the clamour of applause and of the contrary accompaniment. Both the performers most respectfully bow to the audience. The applause predominates, and the hisses become silent. Roderigo commences to open his part, but with difficulty can be heard some of those guttural sounds which are only familiar to us by the parodies made by our actors in

"Thus this frightful pantomime terminated the representation of the master-piece of the great Shakspeare.

"The after-piece, imitated from one of the most pleasing entertainments of the Feydeau, might perhaps have inspired a less malevolent disposition, if the performance of it had been intrusted to actors who were even passable. But the actors, and, above all, the actresses, were ridiculous, and the only sentiment they could excite was that of compassion. That was not the sentiment which prevailed: one of the hardy opponents signalized himself by a last act of courage in throwing one of the largest pieces of copper money at the head of one of the actresses* who fainted from a severe wound she received in the eye: thus terminated this fine and glorious evening!" Notwithstanding such a reception, the English actors wished to try another performance, in order to ascertain whether the majority of the audience was against them or not. The play was Sheridan's School for Scandal :

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some caricatures of the English. At that moment loud bursts of laughter are heard from different quarters of the house; but the bursts of laughter "At the rising of the curtain," says the French are the more innocent, because they are uninten-paper we have just quoted, "some threatening cries, tional, and from which the greater part of the audi- repeated from the previous evening, prevented the ence, however well disposed, could not refrain. performers from speaking. They were obliged to Laughing is catching, and it is fatal to a tragedy. withdraw, and the manager, abused, insulted, and The first scene concluded unhappily in the midst of covered with filth by those unworthy to bear the name an hilarity, that each intonation, however slightly of Frenchmen, was forced to substitute a French pronounced, did not fail to increase. But the dis-play. Whilst they were making the necessary prepositions of those, who, without being favourable, parations, the same literary gentleman, of whom we saw nothing really offensive, changed on the entry of have spoken above, was recognized in one of the Othello, homely by nature, tall as a pole, destitute boxes, where he was among his friends. At once of grace and of dignity, and not appearing to possess new insults are addressed to him, accompanied with any of that theatrical action, more indispensable than injunctions to retire. Upon his refusal, the furious ever in a piece the language of which was not under- assailed his box with the same arms which they had stood. The general disapprobation was not ex- used against the theatre, and cried out A l'assault!' pressed, by these decided marks, to the English-The remonstrances and intreaties of his friends deit was to the carriage of the actor, to the frivolity termine the man of letters not to engage in a contest of his gestures, to the dryness of an organ, weak so unequal. He retires with calmness, escorted by and impaired. Unfortunately, however, this severity twenty of his friends, who undertake the duty of became still more and more legitimate by the appear-protecting him from insult.' ance of each new performer, and the presence of Desdemons had nothing which should have assuaged it. Iago only, and Emilia his wife, deserve to be distinguished in the crowd. Both one and the other preserved a decent place, and their action, with the language, permitted us to see them without pain, and to listen to them with interest.

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Towards the conclusion of this act the most violent conflicts took place in the pit. The combatants are lost; those who occupy the front benches are thrown into the orchestra-those in the orchestra climb the stage-the most frightful cries are heard fainting women are carried into the corridors-an stage- the curtain is let down. armed force appears, and occupies the front of the After half an hour of tumult, which it is impossible to describe, the curtain is again raised. Pierson appears, and demands if it was desired the play should continue. Yes, yes,' was the almost general reply. The negative cries of a very feeble opposition are stifled by the universal assent of the assembly.

"We notice particularly this circumstance; it appears to us decisive-it proves that the wishes of the majority were in accordance with the right; and thus the conduct of the opposition was as vexatious in its application, as illegal and arbitrary in its principle. time and to abridge their pain, the poor actors passed

"Whatever the result might be, to recover lost

as quickly as they could to the last part of the fifth act. But the nature of the entertainment was not adapted to bring back the public to a good humor.

"Othello's stifling Desdemona with the pillow was received with airs of indignation. Here, at least, the groans and murmurs were a just expiation for the outrage committed against Parisian taste and delicacy.

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The second representation at Porte St. Martin by the English company could not be concluded, or rather could not be begun. As soon as the actors appeared, to play the School for Scandal, the pit rose in a body, and a part of the spectators turned their backs to the stage. The English appeared at first not much intimidated, and for some made head against the storm; but a volley of potatoes, apples, and eggs, compelled them to retire."

Thus has terminated English acting in Paris, and thus has the "great nation" given a proof blished the triumph of Corneille over Shakesof its magnanimity and politeness; and estapeare by eggs, apples, and potatoes!

Some of the French journalists, reprobate the conduct of their brutal countrymen, by stating that French actors are only tolerated in London; but if this proves any thing, it is certainly not in favour of the French; for it shews. that, in England, the people are more tolerant than the government, while, in France, the people violate the laws and defeat the leniency of the government, in order to gratify national malignity. Another journalist, attributing the bad reception of Othello to the inferiority of English tragedy, gravely tells us, that Shakspeare must not be compared with Corneille : but it is just to admit, that there are, in the English tragedian, some rays of genius, which pierce through the darkness of the age. This is certainly very modest; but the merit of the play had nothing to do with the business: the French hate us: they cannot forgive us the battle of Waterloo, the conquest and military occupation of France,-and they shew their petty malignity against a few poor actors.

• The actress here anded to is, we understand, a Miss Gaskill, formerly of this town.-ED.

WEEKLY DIARY.

AUGUST.

REMARKABLE DAYS.

SATURDAY, 24.-Saint Bartholomew. The word Bartholomew means the son of Tolmai, or Tolomæus, the name of a family among the Jews, mentioned by Josephus. He preached the Gospel in Armenia, converted the Lycaonians, and afterwards visited India. Some authors assert, that he was crucified, like St. Peter, with his head downwards ; others, however, with more probability, say, that he was flayed alive, by order of Astyages, King of Armenia.

In the year 1662, on this day, 2000 ministers were ejected from their livings, because they would not comply with the Act of Uniformity. The anniversary of Bartholomew is also memorable for the cruel massacre of the Protestants in France, begun on this day in the reign of Charles IX. Some calculate the number of miserable sufferers at seventy, others at a hundred thousand!

The 24th of August is observed by the Jews as a day of humiliation, because the western light of the Temple was miraculously extinguished during the reign of Ahaz.

WINE AND WALLNUTS;

OR,

AFTER-DINNER CHIT-CHAT.
By a Cockney Greybeard.

CHAPTER VII.

ANOTHER VISIT FROM THE DOCTOR." "WHAT a treat it would have afforded posterity," said my old friend the Doctor, "if the author of those pictures we have seen to-day had put in practice his promise to that excellent creature, old Mistress Knowles; for I suppose my worthy friend Benjamin had as fine opportunities for making an interesting diary as any man of his time. I am sometimes fancying that even my diurnal notitia might excite some little interest hereafter, if it fell into the hands of some future Walpole, if another such should appear, who would thread the scraps together with his industry and his tact. Indeed I know not who has ever dressed up these things so well as he-setting you down to his table of remains and keckshaws, so neatly re-cooked and prettily garnished, that you partake of his entertainment with goût, and still retire with an appetite. Yes, for all his coxcomicality, for all his waspishness, yea, for all his greater failings, he is one of the most delightful of all our antiquarian gossips."

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up his quarters under my roof. He came, to use
his words, once more, and for the last time, to see
the sights.

Scarcely had he seated himself in his favourite old
fashioned arm-chair, which was my great-uncle Za-
chary's, than he began the aforementioned observa-
tions-We had been to see Mr. West's Gallery.

"Yes, Hardcastle," said he, " no man had better opportunities than he; for, certainly for more than half a century, his house had been the favourite morning lounge of almost all the distinguished men, natives and foreigners, who had any regard for the

Fine Arts.

"Here, friend West,' said Mistress Knowles, I have brought thee a blank book (it was a quarto, bound in morocco;) now promise me to write therein some daily scrap, of who has called to see thee, and somewhat of the conversation; a few minutes each day will suffice, and I will, by thy consent, write it clearly ont for thee at the end of the year, and bring thee another blank book. This was Mrs. Knowles the quaker, Dr. Johnson's friend. Mr. West promised to attend to her kind recommendation-actually is labour to me to write,' said he, but none to talk' filled a few pages, and then laid aside his pen. It -and so it seemed, for he proceeded with his painting, conversing all the while, as though his mind were completely abstracted from each pursuit. Certainly in the way of anecdote he was very circumstantial, and highly interesting; for he knew every body, and had something to say worth relating of every one he knew.

Mr. Walpole's. It was soon after the old Kingthen the young King, by the way-had pensioned Mr. West in so princely a manner, to enable him to relinquish the drudgery of portrait painting, and pursue his own choice, with his mind at ease. Yes, Sir, it was that munificent act that gave birth to these fine compositions, (directing his hand to the surrounding collection.) Sir, I well remember Mr. Gray was so moved, for all that had been said of his apathy, when he heard Mr. West's artless narrative of the interview-yes, Sir, so impressed with His Majesty's goodness, that he wiped a tear from his eye. It was done with such greatness of soul,' said Gray, so unostentatiously, with such consideration for tramelled genius, that I loved the King from that hour.'

"Mr. West commenced portrait-painter," continued this intelligent stranger; "but such was his predilection for the epic line, and such the ardour of his inventive mind, that he devoted the day to his sitters, and worked by lamp-light at his historical compositions, and not unfrequently for the greater part of the night, for several months in succession. pupil of the President's, Robert Muller-Ah! poor This intense application, I remember being told by a Muller!-brought on a severe fever, the effect of which changed his hair, which was of fine texture, and very dark, entirely to grey."

"Well do I remember seeing him employed upon his Regulus," said the Doctor, "and the interest His Majesty took in its progress, and bis fervent desire that it might turn out a piece of art worthy of the "I well remember your father's first coming to old Masters. It was the accomplishing of that very this country," said the Doctor to one of the sons of picture that gained him his pension-a masterly perthe venerable President, "and passing a very plea-formance certainly it was- the finest since the decline sant day in his company at Strawberry Hill. The of the great old schools, and little inferior, taking it. Honourable Mr. Horatio Walpole had expressed a for all in all, to Poussin himself. In truth, (said the desire for his acquaintance through the channel of Doctor in a whisper) I do not think my friend Benpoor Hogarth, who had excited his curiosity to see jamin ever painted a better piece. It is well drawn, Mr. West, from the high enconiums that great Mas- well composed, carefully wrought, and complete in ter had bestowed upon two pictures which your father expression. It is a picture of extraordinary pathos." had lately designed-the Pylades and Orestes, and In which criticism, or rather just eulogiam of the its companion, if I recollect rightly, the Continence unprejudiced Doctor, in favour of modern art, I ferof Scipio. vently join-though doctors differ touching this point.

Some have reported that Hogarth was envious
of rising talent--Now we shall see-No, Sir, the
ingenious little man said to Mr. Horace-or Mr.
Horatio-I do not remember which, for he used to
designate himself both ways- Now, Sir, we have
imported a young Artist, sprung from, originally, an
English stock, who will make a hurly-burly among

the connoisseurs, or I am mistaken. Now, Sir, as
your word is a sort of law among the great-among
the higher circles-who are, or who, at least, ought
to be the encouragers of living talent, (for Hogarth
was a man who minced not his words, but who spoke
out boldy,) I should beg to recommend this young
Mr. West to you; for in these specimens are com-
bined all the excellencies of the Italian school-all
that your great talkers-(I beg your pardon, Sir)—
all that they pretend to have been looking for. And
now that all is found, I hope the talent will not be
neglected and left buried under a bushel—you com-
prehend me, Sir.' This was driving the nail home,"
said the Doctor, accompanying the word by a loud
knock of his cane on the floor of the Gallery.

"I never understood that Mr. West was intro

a certain gentleman standing by; "and I had known
Mr. West from the time I was a very young man,
and that is more than half a century."

،، Mine to be sure, excepting as now, friend Hardcastle, when curiosity has enticed me to town, has not the chiaro-oscuro-the light and shadow of cha-duced to the Count at Twickenham by Hogarth," said racter, which are so bold and prominent in your metropolitan sketches; for here your collection abounds with studies of every region and every school; whilst my speculations are drawn from a sort of second-rate originals, such as hang about the circumscribed precincts of a college. Yet every spring and fall sends to and fro its characters; and some geniuses, fops, scholars, fools, and pedants, are to be met there, acting their daily parts in what might appear to many, the unvarying drama of the University."

This old friend, I should tell thee, gentle reader, is the Cambridge Doctor whom I mentioned having made me the Christmas visit of eighteen hundred and twenty, whose chit-chat is printed in a Chapter of the First Series, namely, in the month of January twenty-one. This said ancient Doctor, then, has Fately been in town again, and, as heretofore, took

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"Nor I neither," answered the Doctor, smiling courteously. "Poor Hogarth died, Sir, and not long after the period of which I am speaking. It was an old colleague of mine-no less a man than Thomas Gray. Yes, Sir, the poet Gray-one who, though not very companionable, nor very well mannered, was yet friendly, and certainly one of the most learned men in the world. It was he who introduced Mr. West to Mr. Horatio."

"Just as it should be," said the stranger with like courtesy; "Poetry and Painting, the sister Arts, walking hand in hand along the banks of the Thames, to that pretty little Gothic repository of taste, Strawberry Hill." Yes, Sir, and some time after I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Gray and young West at

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"In this very house," added the Doctor, "onceit must be five-and-forty years ago, aye, at leastdid I dine with as pleasant, with as interesting a little circle of friends, I verily believe, as ever sat with their knees under the same table. There were-let me see, (reckoning as usual on his fingers)-Sir Joshua, John Wilkes, Allan Ramsay, poor Doctor Dodd-ah, that was an awful affair! Mercy on me! I do think it was that fatal winter-Alas! alas!

،، Woollett, yes, he was one, a modest, sensible man; Wilson, too, aye! they were born for each other--what a surly dignity about him-yet never were two better friends. Woollett's favourite spaniel was there too, who had followed his fond master, and Mr. West would not turn him out. Samuel Wall, poor old Samuel, almost eclipsed by this American meteor, yet exhibiting his remaining light, and adding to the brilliancy of the conversation.

"There, Hardcastle, did I get a history of the struggle which Genius had to give birth to Art, and the difficulty of finding swaddling-clothes for her newly-born babe. Never till then had I known the apathy which prevailed, from the period of the Common-wealth, touching those almost divine pursuits, until George the Third rose like the mist-dispelling April sun, making desponding Genius smile.

"James Christie-Ah, my good friend the auctioneer, be was another of the party; certainly the first of his calling, and a noble soul he was. I hope his son is doing well, and treading in his father's steps. Yes, master Christie was there; he was handin-glove with all your great painters. That man, mark me, Sir, like Garrick, raised the consequence of his profession. They tell me the young man, his son, is a good classic. I think I remember him a stripling a slender genteel youth, who went to Eton. Bravo! Well, I love to see every thing improve. Why should we not have finished eloquence from that, as well as any other rostrum? A good field for rhetoric, some such catalogues as I have seen in PallMall some forty years ago, Ah, Mr. West (addressing the son, there were connoisseurs in those days.

-men of virti-hosts of such; but now, all-all extinct, excepting a sprinkling which, as I am told, congregate occasionally in the print-room at Montagu Honse, to turn over a folio of Mark Antonio's, and crack a joke with the facetious librarian. By the way, is not that Mister John Smith the son of our worthy old acquaintance at the Rembrandt's Head? Surely yes. Well, this is as it should be, the father was a first-rate authority, and the son-faith I recol- | lect him when no higher than my cane, and be was then considered a topping little connoisseur, well acquainted with hands. Verily I must go to the Museum and claim acquaintance with him, and see this new print-room, that I may compare notes with our Fitzwilliams;* not, I am concerned to say, that they are much sought for at our place. I wish to my heart his Lordship had bequeathed them to this print-room at Montagu House, or Somerset House, perhaps, for the advantage of our ingenious Tyros, for they have but a shabby library there for a national

Institution of Arts.

"Let me see, I think Mr. West shewed me a printed copy of the Plan of the school of Minerva, projected partly by Charles the First, for the education of young men of family. Yes, by that tasteful monarch, and Sir Kenelm Digby. Then, if I recollect, Sir Balthazar Gerbier established one some time afterwards, at a large house in Covent-garden, what was, till of late, the Royal Hotel. Ah! I could relate some comical stories of that celebrated tavern, which took place in my early days; but I do not know that they would be very edifying; being little else than the exploits of the bucks and bloods of the time. But mind me, I know of them only by report.

، It is not very creditable, though, to our progenitors, to find that the efforts which were made to plant the Arts on our soil were first made by foreigners. Vandyke, as I have heard, was a principal instigator of King Charles's scheme."

"We must not forget our countryman Wolsey, though," said the stranger; "had he lived, the arts perhaps would have taken root here nearly three centuries ago."

"Yes," said the Doctor, taking up the discourse again," and Harry Tudor, old Fidei_Defensor, might have become the English Leo. For, under the influence of the Lord Cardinal, he had invited both Titian and Raphael to visit England. Though no!" rejoined the Doctor, "No! the Reformation (spreading his hands and extending his arms,) the Reformation would have swept arts and artists clean away."

The Doctor would have opened a mighty volume of reflections upon this same Reformation, had I not looked at my watch; upon which, taking the hint that our boiled leg of mutton and terregonia might be somewhat over-done, he bowed to Mr. West for his polite attentions, when we bad him good morrow, and returned to Spring-Gardens just in time to wash our hands for dinner.-Lit. Gaz.

The fine collection of Prints, &c. bequeathed by Lord Fitzwilliam to the University of Cambridge.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.

In a visit which we paid some time ago to a worthy contributor, we became acquainted with two characters; upon whom, we have bestowed the names of Sense and Sensibility.

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Matilda, on the contrary, spent her childhood in Eng- | land, at the house of a relation; who, having imbibed her notions of propriety at a fashionable boardingschool, and made a love-match very early in life, was but ill prepared to regulate a warm disposition, and check a natural tendency to romance. The consequence has been such as might have been expected. Matilda pities the distressed, and Emily relieves them; Matilda has more of the love of the neighbourhood, although Emily is more entitled to its gratitude; Matilda is very agreeable, while Emily is very useful; and two or three old ladies, who talk scandal over their tea, and murder grammar and reputations together, consider Matilda a practised Heroine, and laugh at Emily as an inveterate Blue.

The incident which first introduced us to them afforded us a tolerable specimen of their different qualities. While on a long pedestrian excursion with Morris, we met the two Ladies returning from their walk; and, as our companion had already the privileges of an intimate acquaintance, we became their companions. An accurate observer of human manners knows well how decisively character is marked by trifles, and how wide is the distinction which is frequently made by circumstances apparently the most insignificant.

house was very neatly furnished, principally by the care of the two young ladies; but here again the diversity of their manners showed itself very plainly. The useful was produced by the labour of Emily; the ornamental was the fruit of the leisure hours of Matilda. The skill of the former was visible in the sofa-covers and the curtains; but the latter had decorated the card-racks, and painted the roses on the hand-screens. The neat little book-cases too, which contained their respective libraries, suggested a similar remark. In that of the eldest we observed our native English worthies, ---Milton, Shakspeare, Dryden, and Pope; on the shelves of her sister reclined the more effeminate Italians,-Tasso, Ariosto, Metastasio, and Petrarch. It was a delightful thing to see two amiable beings with tastes so widely different, yet with hearts so closely united.

It is not to be wondered at that we paid a longer visit than we had originally intended. The conversation turned, at one time, upon the late revolutions. Matilda was a terrible Radical, and spoke most enthusiastically of tyranny and patriotism, the righteous cause, and the Holy Alliance: Emily, however, declined to join in commiseration or invective, and pleaded ignorance in excuse for her indifference. We fancy she was apprehensive of blundering against a stranger's political prejudices. However that may be, Matilda sighed and talked, and Emily smiled and held her tongue. We believe the silence was the most judicious; but we are sure the loquacity was the most interesting.

In spite, therefore, of the similarity of age and person which existed between the two sisters, the first glance at their dress and manner, the first tones of their voice, were sufficient to distinguish the one from the other. It was whimsical enough to observe how every object which attracted our attention exhibited We took up the Newspaper. There was an account their respective peculiarities in a new and entertain-of a young man who had gone out alone to the rescue ing light. Sense entered into a learned discussion on of a vessel in distress. The design had been utterly the nature of a plant, while Sensibility talked enchant- hopeless, and he had lost his life in the attempt. His ingly of the fading of its flower. From Matilda we fate struck our fair friends in very different lights. had a rapturous eulogium upon the surrounding "He ought to have had a better fortune," murmured scenery; from Emily we derived much information | Matilda ; " " or more prudence," added Emily. relative to the state of its cultivation. When we "He must have been a hero," said the first ;-" or a listened to the one, we seemed to be reading a novel, madman," rejoined the second. but a clever and an interesting novel; when we turned to the other, we found only real life, but real life in its most pleasant and engaging form.

Suddenly one of those rapid storms, which so frequently disturb for a time the tranquillity of the finest weather, appeared to be gathering over our heads. Dark clouds were driven impetuously over the clear sky, and the refreshing coolness of the atmosphere was changed to a close and overpowering heat. Matilda looked up in admiration-Emily in alarm : Sensibility was thinking of a landscape-Sense of a wet pelisse. "This would make a fine sketch," said the first; "We had better make haste," said the second. The tempest continued to grow gloomier above us we passed a ruined hut, which had been long deserted by its inhabitants. "Suppose we take refuge here for the evening," said Morris; "It would be very romantic," said Sensibility; "It would be very disagreeable," said Sense: How it would astonish my father!" said the Heroine; How it would alarm him!" said her sister.

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As yet we had only observed distant prognostics of the tumult of the elements which was about to take place. Now, however, the collected fury of the storm burst at once upon us. A long and bright flash of lightning, together with a continued roll of thunder, accompanied one of the heaviest rains that we have ever experienced. We shall have an adventure! " cried Matilda: "We shall be very late," observed Emily. "I wish we were a hundred miles off," said the one hyperbolically; "I wish we were at home," replied the other soberly. "Alas! we shall never get home to-night," sighed Sensibility pathetically; "Possibly," returned Sense drily. The fact was, that the eldest of the sisters was quite calm, although she was aware of all the inconveniences of their situation; and the youngest was terribly frightened, although she began quoting poetry. There was another and a brighter flash; another and a louder peal; Sense quickened her steps-Sensibility fainted.

The Misses Lowrie, of whom we are about to give our readers an account, are both young, both handsome, both amiable: Nature made the outline of their characters the same; but Education has varied the colouring. Their mother died almost before they were able to profit by her example or instruction. Emily, the eldest of the sisters, was brought up under the immediate care of her father. He was a man of strong and temperate judgment, obliging to his neighbours, and affectionate to his children ; but certainly rather calculated to educate a son than a With some difficulty, and not without the aid of a daughter. Emily profited abundantly by his assis- conveyance from a neighbouring farmer, we brought tance, as far as moral duties or literary accomplish- our companions in safety to their father's door. We ments were concerned; but for all the lesser agrémens were of course received with an invitation to remain of society, she had nothing to depend upon but the under shelter till the weather should clear up; and of suggestions of a kind heart and a quiet temper. | course we felt no reluctance to accept the offer.

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The storm now died away in the distance, and a tranquil evening approached. We set out on our return. The old gentleman, with his daughters, accompanied us a small part of the way. The scene around us was beautiful; the birds and the cattle seemed to be rejoicing in the return of the sunshine,; and every herb and leaf had derived a brighter tint from the rain-drops with which it was spangled. As we lingered for a few moments by the side of a beautiful piece of water, the mellowed sound of a flute was conveyed to us over its clear surface. The instrument was delightfully played at such an hour, on such a spot, and with such companions, we could have listened to it for ever, "That is George Mervyn," said Morris to us. "How very clever he is!" exclaimed Matilda; "How very imprudent," replied Emily. "He will catch all the hearts in the place!" said Sensibility, with a sigh: "He will catch nothing but a cold!" said Sense, with a shiver. We were reminded that our companions were running the same risk, and we parted from them reluctantly.

After this introduction we had many opportunities of seeing them; we became every day more pleased with the acquaintance, and looked forward with regret to the day on which we were finally to leave so enchanting a neighbourhood. The preceeding night it was discovered that the cottage of Mr Lowrie was on fire. The destructive element was soon checked, and the alarm quieted; but it produced a circumstance which illustrated, in a very affecting manner, the observations we have been making. As the family were greatly beloved by all who knew them, every one used the most affectionate exertions in their behalf. When the father had been brought safely from the house, several hastened to the relief of the daughters. They were dressed, and were descending the stairs. The eldest who had behaved with great presence of mind, was supporting her sister, who trembled with agitation. "Take care of this box," said Emily; it contained her father's title-deeds. "For Heaven's sake preserve this locket!" sobbed Matilda ;-it was a miniature of her mother!

We have left, but not forgotten you, beautiful creatures! Often, when we are sitting in solitude, with a pen behind our ear, and a proof before our eyes, you come, band in hand, to our imagination!

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BITTERNESS. There are two salts of nauseous bitterness, namely, nitrate of silver, and hyposulphite of soda, which, when mixed, produce an intense sweetness (see Mr. Herschell's observations on the hydrosulphuric acid, in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal). This striking fact shows how little we know of the way in which bodies affect the organs of taste. Sweetness and bitterness, like acidity, seem to depend on no particular principle, but to be regulated by the state of combination in which the same principles exist at different times.

NETTLE. Nettle, urtica urens. In Shropshire it is dressed and manufactured, like flax, into cloth. This is the case also in France, where it is made into paper. This plant, when dried, is eaten by sheep and oxen. In Russia a green dye is obtained from its leaves, and a yellow one from its roots. In the spring a salutary pottage is made from the tops. In Scotland they make a runnet from a decoction of it with salt, for coagulating their milk, in the making of cheese.

HOPS.-Mr. Lockett, of Donnington, near Newbury, Berks, has manufactured cloth from hop-stalks.

The practice is used in Sweden-hops are largely used in dying.

CAOUTCHOUC. Mr. A. Aikin has discovered that caoutchouc, or Indian rubber, melted in a close vessel, when applied to the surface of iron or steel, preserves them from rust. Mr. Perkins employs it in preserving his steel blocks, plates, rolls, dies, &c. from oxidation. The caoutchouc is more easily applied if incorporated with oil of turpentine, and may, if so used, be removed when necessary by a soft brush charged with warm oil of turpentines

ILLUMINATING POWER OF GASES.-Mr. Brand some time ago discovered that the illuminating powers of olefiant, oil, and coal gases are as the numbers 3, 2, and 1; and that their heating powers are nearly

in the same ratio.

COAL, A VALUABLE PIGMENT.-Pit-coal when ground finely, is an excellent pigment either in oil or water. The best for this purpose is that which has a shining fracture. It affords, perhaps, the most useful brown the artist can place on his pallett; being remarkably clear, not so warm as Vandyke brown, and serving as a shadow for blues, reds, or yellows, when glazed over them. It seems almost certain that Titian made large use of this material. Coal when burnt to a white beat, then quenched in water and ground down gives an excellent blue black.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE PUBLIC CLOCKS.

TO THE EDITOR,

SIR, I recollect having seen, some time ago, in your paper, a complaint respecting some of the public clocks of this town, which scarcely ever go together. During the present week the clock of St. Ann's, and that of the Old Church, have differed about ten minutes. I have, in more than one instance, experienced much inconvenience from the circumstance. I hear the same complaint from other people. What can have occasioned the differences in the public clocks, I am at a loss to conjecture. If the clocks are out of order, they ought to be repaired; if the superintendant neglects his duty, he ought to be discharged.. The disorder has been of long continuance, and calls for a remedy; it is a public grievance, and, therefore, it is hoped, that it will engage the attention of those who are enabled to put an end to it. August 14, 1822.

DREAMING.

TO THE EDITOR,

CIVIS.

SIR,-Among the phenomena of the human mind, one of the most curious and least understood is that of dreaming; and though various conjectures have been formed, with respect to the time and manner in which the mind is affected by it, no philosopher has yet been able fully to explain it. It is not, of course, my intention to attempt it, because, like every body else, I do not understand it but, since whatever may be the cause of dreaming, all have had more or less experience in this mental operation, every one may be allowed to offer bis conjectures respecting it: but I only wish to state a few objections, to a very popular, and very pleasant opinion respecting the manner in which the mind is affected by dreams, and the extent of their duration. This opinion has been beautifully maintained by Addison, in one of his papers in the Spectator: but, though supported by so high an authority, and agreeing so well with the ideas we are apt to entertain of the native dignity and grandeur of the soul, I cannot help regarding it rather as a pleasing theory, than an opinion supported by experience, and corroborated by observation.

The above writer supposes, that in sleep the soul ranges unconfined through the fields of thought, unwearied by constant exercise, and acquiring more power and activity when her earthly companion is laid asleep. This evidently supposes, though I do not recollect it is expressly stated by the writer, that the mind is always occupied by thought, in sleep, as well as during our waking hours, that it takes no rest, nor needs any, and that while the body is tired

by exercise, no exertion is able to fatigue the mind. But if we listen to experience, we shall find that the latter, equally with the former, requires refreshment and repose, and that sleep was appointed for the rest and renovation of both. We know that the mind is unable to continue its exertions for a long period of time without relaxation, and we know that it actually is fatigued by the long continued exercise of its powers. Who that has ever spent the greater part of the day in mental labour, has not felt this to be the case? who has never found his mind so wearied as to be incapable of any exertion, and who, after a night's sleep, has not found it refreshed, awakened, and invigorated? How then can we think that the mind requires no repose, or that while the body is wrapt in slumber, the mind also does not sink into oblivion.

I am inclined to think that we never dream when we are sleeping soundly, but generally just before we awake. I know it may be said that we have sometimes dreams which appear to occupy a considerable time, and that occasionally. I know it is so; but he who has observed the rapid workings of the mind, when no external object engages its attention, and the thoughts are suffered to run on without restraint, and take their own direction, will be prepared to admit, that a dream which actually lasts only one or two minutes, may appear to have occupied a much longer time. This rapidity of thought, appears in sleep to be extreme, when we remember that any noise, a clap of thunder for instance, that we actually hear, frequently enters into the composition of a dream, and agrees exactly with what has preceded and follows it. This I can account for in no other way than by supposing that that clap of thunder gives rise to the dream, or at least that portion of it, and that the flight of thought is so rapid, that it all passes in the mind, almost while we are actually hearing the cause that excited it. August 15, 1822. V. D.

LITERARY NOTICES.

A Translation of Legendre's Elements of Geometry, which has gone through so many editions in France, is now in the press, edited by Dr. Brewster, and containing important additions, together with the diagrams engraved on wood.

Travels into the Arkansa Territory in America, with Occasional Observations on the Manners of the Aborigines. Ilustrated by a Map and other Engravings. By T. Nuttal, F. L. S. Tales of a Tourist, containing the Outlaw, and Fashionable Connexions. By Miss Lefanu, author of Strathalian, &c.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Our friend Mancunian, who wishes us to introduce Short-hand into the Iris, bas hardly considered the nature of our work.-We fear, too, that the subject would not be interesting to the majority of our readers. We should, certainly, be glad to receive a well written Essay on the subject, entirely. free from Stenographic characters. Communications have been received from Jono.Laertes. A Townsman.-L.-Sod.-Ecyob.-T. Q.-and A Constant Reader.

PEVEREL OF THE PEAK.-We have in preparation for our next number, a Plan of Pevere!'s Castle in the Peak (the scene of Sir Walter Scott's new. Novel,) which we shall accompany with an acenrate description of the place, and an account of the possessor, the Hero of the forthcoming volumes. Erratum.-In the motto to The Club," in No. infamiæ," read infamia." 28, for

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THE following plan and description, of the Castle of the Peak, which has been selected for the scene of the new Waverley-Novel, are taken from Mr. King's Sequel to his Observations on Ancient Castles,' published in the sixth volume of Archaeologia.'

We cannot agree with Mr. King in assigning such a very high antiquity to this castle, and we will presume to offer one or two reasons in support of our different opinion.

He tells us that there is not even any tradition preserved of the first building of Castleton. We have no doubt, in our own mind, that Mr. King looked too far back in his researches: and went a seeking for his tradition where, in chronological probability at least, he would have been more justified in expecting a prophecy. Every account, that we know of, serves to confirm the idea that the Castle of the Peak was built by William Peverel, a natural son of the Conqueror.

The inhabitants of the country have a tradition that it was built by King Peverel; and in Domesday book the manor is described as 'Terra Castelli Wi Peverel in Peche Fers'whereas, it is more than probable, that, if the Castle had any existence previously to the Conquest, it would have given its name to the surrounding neighbourhood, and assuredly have been described by its ancient title at the

survey.

But there is some herring bone work in the walls,' which, says Mr. King, 'shews that it must have been of vast antiquity.' This would seem to fix its erection in the Saxon era, which indeed is the object of the author, and whose utmost ingenuity is stretched to this purpose: and it has been absurdly supposed, by Pilkington, that being mentioned in Domesday is a proof of an earlier date than the Conquest.

The battle of Hastings was fought in A. D. 1066, and the survey was begun in A.D. 1081; so that an interval of 15 years, at the least, must have elapsed-plenty of time one would think for the building of such a castle as this. It is very credible that Saxons might be employed in the erection of it, which may account for the slight specimen of the peculiar work called Herring Bone.

But the most remarkable thing here,' (says Mr. K.) is a large niche in the wall, &c.' which he supposes to have been designed for the same purpose as a smaller one at Connisborough, and was indeed the Idol Cell, or little idolatrous chapel, in Pagan times;' and some small Idols having been dug up in the neighbourhood seems to confirm his suspicions.

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Mr. King is by no means certain that the niche | at Connisborough was intended for the purpose he mentions-he merely says that the design of it can hardly be mistaken' and that from its dimensions and form, it seems wholly unfit for any other purpose than that of containing some small idol.'

Mr. Gough says, 'not to insist that these Idols (found at Brough or Burgh near Castleton) might be Roman Lares or Penates, we have no authority for placing any religious apartment in our Castles prior to the introduction of Christianity among us.' And upon Mr. King's own reasoning, if the small niche at Connisborough were meant for small idols, the large one at Peak Castle must have been designed for large idols-and small ones having been discovered would be no corroboration of his surmises. Indeed there would be as much justice in an antiquary of A.D. 3300 taking one of our modern dining rooms for the Family Chapel, because he might discover a recess and a sideboard which had some correspondence with his ideas of a Communion place and Table.

The walls of the Castle on the south and west sides, are sufficiently entire to form a correct idea from them of what it has formerly been. The north-west angle is upwards of fifty feet high-but on the north and east the building is very much shattered and impaired. A view of it, in rather more perfect condition than that in which it now remains, may be seen in Buck's 'Ruins of Ancient Castles and

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Abbeys: a comparison of which, with the accurate and minute description, by Mr. King, will convey a very faithful conception of the place, to those who have not had an opportutunity of seeing it.

now quoting Mr.

"The next castle (we are King) which strikes us with high ideas of sti proudly, like a falcon's nest, on the summit of great antiquity, is Castleton in Derbyshire; perched an almost inaccessible rock, high impending over the mouth of one of the most horrid and august caverns that nature ever formed. The eminence whereon it stands is nearly insulated; the top of the adjacent hill over the cavern being much lower, and joined, even there, only by a steep precipice falling from the summit of the one down to the

other.

pendicular; and to the north and south so steep that On the west and east sides the rock is quite perit cannot be ascended without the utmost difficulty. The whole commands a fine view of the country round, and of the mountain called Mam Tor, with the double foss of the old encampment (so little known) placed on the highest brow of that shivering mountain.

Let us now examine the building itself. The ascent to it was by a narrow winding path, up a most formidable steep, where a very small band of men might defy an army; and after ascending this yon find the castle-walls to possess nearly the whole of the summit.

destroyed; and it seems to have had no mote or The great gate was on the eastern side, but is now draw-bridge; as indeed none could be necessary in such a situation.

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