for, without calling in the aid of mineral substances. For, supposing the leaves, decayed branches, and the roots of annual and of aged plants, to increase the depth of soil, only one hundredth of an inch, annually, the increase, in 1000 years, would be 10 inches: a depth which the majority of soils do not reach. Let us, now, endeavour to explain how far mineral and fossil substances have been instrumental, in the formation of soils. The first plants which took root, after the present figuration of the surface of the earth was cast, were of cousse nurtured by the substances that were exposed upon it; and it would be a length of time, in most situations, before vegetable productions arrived at the state of luxuriance in which we now view them; and this may serve to account for the thinness of soils, at the present day, in various situations, and for the great variation in their depths, in a general view. Where natural clays, or other loose earthy strata, of a fertile quality, were exposed on the surface, there, vegetation would soon gain strength. On the contrary, where in durated strata, or those of a nature unfriendly to vegetation, though of a plastic or loose texture, occupied it, there, it would long remain destitute of cover, ing. Again, where water lodged in the substratum, so as to give an ungenial coldness to the surface, or where the surface was a blowing sand, or where the elevation was so great as to check vegetation, though the exposed surface were of a fertile quality, in such situations the growth of plants, and the accumulation of vegetable mold, would be slow; while on sounder and better textured grounds, more genially situated, the growth of soil would be rapid; and its depth would of course become comparatively great. But although the more fertile parts of the generality of soils, must necessarily, I conceive, have been produced in the manner above suggested, yet there can be few instances in which their entire bulk can be of vegetable origin. For, even in the state of nature, the substratum on which the vegetable mold was produced, would be raised and mixed with it, by moles, worms, and other inhabitants of soils; and, in the state of cultivation, the subsoil or base is still more liable to be turned up, and intimately blended with the vegetable matter, by the operations of the plow, and other implements. Hence there can be no risk in concluding that (unless where the accumulation of vegetable mold has been of extraordinary depth) cultivated soils partake more or less of the mineral strata on which they rest; and this might not inaptly serve to raise in the minds of mere mineralogists, the idea that the entire matter of soils may have been produced by the perishing and decomposition of those strata. The animal matter which has been accumulating on the surface, from the time of its being inhabited, I have refrained from mentioning, as it is of vegetable origin; vegetable mold highly elabo rated and rendered capable of giving a superior degree of fertilization to soils. I have embraced the present as a favourable opportunity of explaining my ideas respecting the origin, increase, and com ponent parts of cultivated soils. I have, for some length of time, been in posses sion of them; as may be seen in my SOUTHERN COUNTIES, district, Weald of Sussex, article Soif; but have not until now, deliberatively discussed and digested them." "THE EARLY MORNING AIR. (Leices tershire.) Having considered it a duty to endeavour to place Mr. Ainsworth's theory, concerning the food of plants, in its true light, and in strong colouring; lest, from the conspicuous place it fills, in a public report, a state par per!!! it might, in these talking, frivolous times, become fashionable; would be a want of candour not to bring before my readers a new idea, I believe, thrown out by Mr. A. which does his philosophical ingenuity great credit. The alchemists, though they failed in their main design, made some useful discoveries.. it . "P. xxxvii. We are told by mariners, that in the calmest weather, and perhaps in all parts of the globe, there is a land breeze that will generally fill their sails soon after Aurora makes her ap pearance; this is attributed to the sun; but if so, why not a sea (where there is no obstructions) as well as a land breeze? and why not follow the course of the sun? as this is, according to Dr. Ingerhousz, the exact time that plants begin to emit the pure air. Query, whether it is not the perspiration of the infinite number of plants united, that puts that tremulous elastic fluid in motion! If so, this will account for that hour being the most salubrious and pleasantest of all the 24; according to my poor judgment, I bave not the least doubt of it, as I have taken the opportunity, since writing this Essay, for numbers of mornings together, and always found the plants begin to wave at that time.' Hence, shall we say, the WHOLESOMENESS of EARLY RISING? which it would be difficult, perhaps, to account for, rationally (if really a fact, I mean) on any other ground." 81. A 81. A Treatise on the Construction of Maps: in which the Principles of the Projections of the Sphere are demonstrated, and their various practical Re lations to Mathematical Geography deduced and explained: systematically arranged, and scientifically illustrated from Twenty Plates of Diagrams. With an Appendix and copious Notes. By Alexander Jamieson, 8vo. Law, &c. WE are always happy to have it in our power to forward the views of scientific men who render services to their countrymen by publications explanatory of their particular pursuits. We view them in the light of persons who are too generous to conceal their knowledge under the impression that the world may become as wise as themselves, and applaud them in proportion: we therefore recommend this treatise to the patronage of the, publick, fully subscribing to the Author's motto," Nothing will contribute more to the advancement of Geographical studies, than the con struction of Maps" and feeling satisfied that Mr. Jamieson has paid the subject every possible attention, and with the happy art of familiarizing bis readers with his demonstrations. The Preface notices the antiquity of the Science, which precludes the probability of much originality at present; but, admitting that the Compiler has had any success in compressing and arranging the scattered materials of various Authors, and in uniting the theory of antient with the practice of modern discoveries, he modestly trusts he has done as much as might reasonably be expected. "As a work of this kind must depend upon a great many relations, geographical and mathematical, the first two sections very naturally introduce the student to the third," in which the orthographic, the stereographic, and the globular projections of the sphere, with their principles, are demonstrated; and the latter" is investigated in a manner entirely new, to prove its superiority and admirable fitness in the construction of Maps.” Certain combinations being proposed, the projections are handled in the form of problems, in the fourth section, in which practice supersedes theory; thus reducing them to a greater degree of simplicity than would have been the case had the subject been pursued in numerous subdivisions. The rhumb "The meridional, equatorial, and horizontal constructions of maps, in the seventh section, are singularly beautiful, and highly interesting, the subordinate parts of the problems having been en riched with valuable elucidations. The principles of developing a spheric sureighth section; and the application of face on a plane, are investigated in the the developement of the conic surface, in the construction of maps, possesses the rare qualities of simplicity and elegance, with a nice approximation to truth. The ninth section is of a miscellaneous nature, unfolding numerous projections of particular maps. These constructions are presented in a popular form, and include whatever appeared of essential consequence in modern practice. Hav ing treated so fully of the orthographie projection of the sphere, it seemed necessary to show its extensive application in the construction and use of the Anas lemma- an instrument that will solve many of the common astronomical problems; and the tenth section has been allotted to these subjects. With out pretending to contribute to the advancement of geographical studies, the Appendix will probably be deemed not the least interesting portion of this vo lume, since the ingenious resources which it discloses, are calculated to af ford very pleasing and instructive exer cises. The notes and illustrations with which the work concludes, will be found peculiarly useful, as the various histori cal and critical remarks which are blended with them, have resulted from numer ous sources of information, some of which are difficult of access. When the student has attentively studied the first three sections, he should exercise himself in drawing small planispheres, agreeably to the different methods laid down in the fourth section. Mercator's Projection may then be performed, or the constructions in the seventh section, may follow, on a small scale, those in the fourth and the eighth, and ninth sections, executed on the same plan, will form an agreeable variety, and make mathematical geography exceedingly interesting, as well as intelligible and instructive. But to facilitate the design of this volume, the student should provide himself with the necessary instruments mentioned in the work, and a book of imperial drawing paper, about 15 inches by 10, in which the projections may at first be made from scales, nearly 82. Sonnets, Odes, and other Poems, by the late Mr. Charles Leftley; together by with a short Account of his Life and Writings. To which is added, a Poetical Collection, consisting of Elegies, Ballads, and Sketches, on various Subjects, chiefly descriptive, written in India, and during a Voyage to and from Madras. By William Linley, Esq. late in the Civil Service of the East India Company. Longman and Co. 12mo. THE friendship of Mr. Leftley and the Editor of his Poems commenced at St. Paul's School, where the congeniality of their tastes, and an ardent love of Poetry, cemented an union of minds which death alone was capable of dissolving. Mr. Linley is diffuse on his friend's attainments; but it is painful to add that they were acquired under many domestic and pecuniary difficulties, and that they sufficed only to procure him the employment of Reporter of Parliamentary Proceedings to the Times Newspaper. A constitution naturally weak was soon impaired by his constant exertions of mind and body a decline ensued, and he died in 1797, aged 27. Mr. Linley introduces some critical remarks upon his Poetry, in which, he says, "there is something more than the mere ebullitions of fancy; his allusions are everywhere classical, and frequently instructive; and in some of his pieces there may be discovered a strength of language and an originality of conception which will fairly entitle him to a place in the first rank of modern Poets. We select the "Lines on quitting the Retreat of a dear Friend at Bridg. north," as affording a fair specimen of the Author's abilities. No more, proud Morf, your cloud-crown'd But now, no more these scenes 1 view : Mr. Leftley's productions terminate as The following is a specimen of Mr. Linley's powers: AUGUST*. To Summer. heart welcome, Summer! welcome to my [breeze, Thy rain fresh falling, and thy morning Rich with the fragrance of reviving flowers! start From feverish dreams reliev'd, joyous I Nor with less rapture, Summer, do I hail cloud that lowers, This is usually the season for con "The fleeting moments wing their way; tinual showers of rain; and, after the Far rolls the flaming car of day; Must I exclaim, adieu! adieu! very severe hot winds, they are refreshing and invigorating in a great degree. The gales from the land blow with their usual violence, but it becomes no longer necessary to exclude them, as they are cooled by the rains. What East Indians call the hot season is generally over by the end of July." Threat song, Wander'd the echoing groves among, And tun'd the lay that fancy has inspir'd." 83. Biblical Anecdotes, illustrative of the History of the Sacred Scriptures, and of the early Translations of them into various Languages. By James Townley. 12mo, pp. 208. Longman and Co. THIS Work is designed as an outline of the History of the Sacred Writings, and of the state of Biblical knowledge at different periods. "The DIVINE VOLUME the Author regards as an invaluable treasure, and cordially adopts the opinion, that all religious knowledge originates in Revelation; a sentiment which he embraces, because he thinks it impossible for any modifications of matter to suggest the idea of one Infinite Eternal Spirit, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things ;because the fact is indisputably established that the antient sages travelled into the East, or drew much of their information from Eastern sources;and because the most eminent Heathen philosophers have acknowledged themselves indebted to Tradition, for their purest and most sublime notions of the Deity, and his worship. Endeared to the Writer by these and similar sentiments, the WORD OF GOD has long been his delightful study, and every thing has interested him that related to his Bible. He was confident, therefore, that if the views of others were congenial with his own, he should render an acceptable service to many, who have neither opportunity, nor leisure, to consult scarce and expensive works, by presenting them with a series of Biblical Anecdotes,' illustrative of the History of the Holy Scriptures, and the early Translations of them into different languages." Such has been Mr. Townley's attempt; and it is but justice to say that he has well succeeded. GENT. MAG. June, 1815, 84. The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1814. Being an impartial Selection of the most ingenious Essays and Jeux d'Esprits that appear in the Newspapers and other Publications. With explanatory Notes, and Anecdotes of many of the Persons alluded to. Vol. XVIII. 12mo, pp. 368. Ridgway. The commendation we have given to the former Volumes may very justly be bestowed on the present. "As the commencement of this PubFrench Revolution, and as its main oblication was nearly coetaneous to the ject was to record the ingenious Essays and Satires to which that event gave birth; it has been thought expedient and proper to terminate the present For wit and humour the EIGHTEEN SERIES with the conclusion of the war. VOLUMES that have now been published may boldly challenge comparison with any former production of the kind.” We copy only one short Epigram: "Billy Snip went to skate, when, the ice being loose, He fell in; but was sav'd by good luck : Cried the Tailor, I'll never more leave my hot goose, To receive, in return, a cold duck."" 85. Al Kalomeric, the Son of Maugraby: an Arabian Tale. Now first faithfully translated from the Original MSS. of Abou Ali, Mohammed, Ben Ali, Ben Hassan Ebn Moclah; Prime Vizier to the magnificent and mighty Caliph Moctader Billah! Discovered since the taking of Paris by the Allied Powers of Europe, and replete with marvellous Coincidences! 8vo, pp. 49. Ginger. THE Hero of this modern Arabian Tale will easily be discovered by a short quotation: The "Al Kalomeric appeared about to fulfil the destiny he had prescribed; and as he drove Kings and Sultans by scores from their thrones, he supplied the va cancies thus effected by his sword, with the brothers of his body, and the lowborn miscreants of his former life. institutions of man were rendered objects of ridicule, by the substitution of the rabble for the native rulers, and of the earth to the hands of mechanics the transfer of sceptres from the princes and adventurers!-His power seemed to be bounded only by the limits of the known world; and even where his arms could not reach, his policy and cunning were subtle to subdue! Strange, however, to say, in the sea of Roum, not far from the coast of Schem, the island of El Copros presented alone an obstacle and boundary to his overwhelming am י. bition! bition! The prince and people of this comparative speck in the creation had, by the union of valour and wisdom, extended their renown to the uttermost regions of the earth. They were devoted to their national institutions, and considered it glorious to die in the defence of them. The capital, Famagoustan, was the school of true philosophy, and the seat of learning and science. Religion was cultivated in purity, and the moral precepts of the sages had resisted all the innovating schemes of 'the disciples and agents of Al Kalomeric. El Copros was naturally no favourite with the illustrious son of Maugraby, and he vowed a great oath of destruction against the Islanders; insomuch that he threatened to overwhelm their Island in the great sea, which had hi'therto only washed its shores. But the Prince of El Copros laughed, and the Island continued to maintain its ground in spite of the surrounding storms." 86. An easy System of Short Hand, upon an entirely new Plan, founded on long Practical Experience; from its Simplicity and Facility of Acquirement, peculiarly calculated for Persons who study by themselves; by which Short Hand may be learned in half the Time it could by any other Publication. By James Mitchell, M. A. 8vo, pp. 72, and Four Plates. G. Robinson, &c. OF many systems which have appeared, on this most important art, it has been complained that they were more calculated to refresh the memory of a person already instruct ed, than to facilitate the labours of one beginning to learn. The Author of this Treatise, who has been many years a teacher of the Art, had often occasion to feel the want of a proper book to put in the hands of his pupils, and was induced to draw it up their use. He remarked the difficulties which occurred, and contrived the means to obviate them. Besides the usual rules for abbreviating the spelling, by leaving out the vowels in the middle of words, and all silent letters, making the first letter stand for a word, &c. there are given in the present work several Chapters from the Bible, thus abbreviated, by help of which, the Student may both learn to spell in Short Hand, and also be much assisted in learning to read what he has written, which is generally a more difficult thing. In these Chapters all the words which may be written by means of one Short Haud character, are printed in italics. The for mode of joining the simple characters, and of forming difficult words, is pointed out; rules are given for the formation of arbitrary marks to express important words of frequent occurrence; and the means are shown by which a proficient may carry his abbreviations to the utmost extent consistent with legibility. 37. A familiar Treatise on Drawing, for Youth. Being an Elementary Introduction to the Fine Arts, designed for the Instruction of Young Persons whose Genius leads them to study this elegant and useful Branch of Educa tion. By Charles Taylor. Illustrated by Plates from the Designs of Bartolozzi, R. 4. Brown, A. Cipriani, R. A. De Marteau, Gerard Lairesse, Le Brun, Le Clerc, Mortimer, R. A. Paye, F.S.A. Poussin, Singleton, Vandyke. 8vo, pp. 16; and XXXIII Plates. C. Taylor. WE hesitate not to pronounce this a very useful and a very beautiful publication. But the Author shall introduce himself: "So general is the study of the imitative Arts, that it is needless to apologize for adding another elementary work to the number already in circulation. It is hoped that the present attempt will be found acceptable, as offering a desirable medium between the very expensive Essays on the Fine Arts on the one hand, and the inferior, confined examples on the contrary. Yet, while we set aside comparison with those costly originals as to their extent, we would not shrink to the real and intrinsic merit of the exfrom the most scrutinising criticism as amples here presented to the student: so that while thus a basis is offered, on which a superstructure of excellence may be founded, these specimens, selected from the highest authorities, will guarantee the youthful mind from that vitiated taste which inferior originals inevitably tend to produce." "The examples in this Essay need no expensive preparation: Black-lead Pencils for an accurate outline, Chalk for some, and a Pen and Indian Ink for others, are all the materials requisite. the Arts. For Indian Ink and Colours a "A great variety of Paper is used in smooth hard Paper is requisite for Chalks there are many sorts, from very smooth to very rough, and of various colours; blue, grey, drab, or brown. In these latter sorts the colour of the paper forms the middle tint of the subject, which is shadowed by black chalk, and heightened by white." 88. Gesta |