various idioms of that extensive country, and to determine whether there really is that resemblance between them and the Sclavo*nian and German languages which has been pointed out by his theory. His intention is, to visit afterwards the mountains of Caucasus, the countries of Persia, and India beyond the Ganges. He allows himself three years for this undertaking. Undoubt edly, the conformity of dialects affords strong proof of the consanguinity of nations, where it can be effectively traced. To this should be added, and we hope the Professor will not overlook it, a comparison of religious opinions, rites, and ceremonies, with the influence they have had on the manners, the expressions, and the still remaining superstitions, preserved most strongly among the lower classes of the population.

The latest intelligence from M. Rask states his progress towards mount Caucasus, and his personal safety: but adds, that he finds himself under the necessity of waiting till certain feuds among the natives have : subsided.

Gas Lights, with Earthen-ware Reflectors. These reflectors, proposed by Mr Millington, are now used in the city of Bath. They are made of earthen-ware, with the common white glaze; are about eleven inches diameter, and cost about seven shillings a dozen. They not only considerably increase the light, but materially contribute to the protection of the head of the lamp, by preventing its being unsoldered, or injured by the flame.

Discovery of the mouth of the Niger. The mouth of the Niger has been discovered by M. Depuis. We understand, in addition to the information obtained by this traveller, that a gentleman in Jamaica, fond of geographical studies, by his own researches, and by the examination of negroes, arrived theoretically at the same conclusion. It would seem, that a little antiquarian lore in matters of this sort, is not unprofitable. The editor of a contemporary journal has an atlas, published in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, in which the Niger is represented discharging itself by several mouths at the bottom of the great south-west bay of Africa.

Account of Timbuctoo and Housa.. "Our limits will not admit of many extracts from this work; but as our manufactures are on the decline, and the nation is anxiously looking out for new markets, and as we know that the mind of the country and of the government are now strongly directed to a quarter of the world, in which, at no distant period, we anticipate a great outlet for British manufactures and industry, which, if the nation loses it, the fault must be her's alone. We cannot refrain from quoting the following passage respecting the trade to Africa:

Timbuctoo is the great emporium for all the country of the blacks, and even for Marocco and Alexandria; the principal articles VOL. VIII.

of merchandize are, tobacco, plattilias, beads of all kinds, cowries, small Dutch looking glasses, called in Holland Velt Spiegels, &c. In the Desert they buy rock salt of the Arabs, who bring it to them in camel loads, ready packed, which sells to great advantage at Timbuctoo, and in the several markets of Sudan. Shabeeny's caravan consisted of five hundred loaded camels, of which about two hundred carried rock salt.

The returns are made in gold dust, slaves, ivory, gum sudan, and other things of lesser consideration; the gold dust is brought to Timbuctoo from Housa, in small leather bags; cowries and gold dust are the medium of traffic. The (Shereess) Muhamedan princes, and other merchants, generally sell their goods to some of the principal native merchants, taking their gold dust with them into other countries. The merchants residing at Timbuctoo have agents, or correspondents, in other countries, and are themselves agents in return. Timbuctoo is visited by merchants from all the negro countries; some of its inhabitants are extremely rich; a principal source of their wealth is lending gold dust and slaves, at high interest, to foreign merchants, which is repaid by goods from Morocco or Marocco, as Mr Jackson calls it, and other countries to which the gold dust and slaves are conveyed. Shabeeny says that gold is found about sixteen miles from Housa. We can hardly credit the description which this muselman gives of the mode of collecting it. He says they go in the night with camels, whose legs and feet are covered to protect them from snakes; they take a bag of sand, and mark with it the places that glitter with gold; in the morning they collect the earth where marked, and carry it to the refiners, who, for a small sum, separate the gold.

Iron mines are in the desert; the iron is brought in small pieces by the Arabs, who melt and purify it; they cannot cast iron. They use charcoal fire, and form guns and swords with a hammer and anvil. The points of their arrows are barbed with iron; no man can draw the bow by his arm alone, but they have a kind of lever; the bow part is of steel, brought from Barbary, and manufactured at Timbuctoo." "

Double Refraction.-M. Soret has, in the Journal de Physique, (xc. p. 353), given two simple methods of ascertaining the double refraction of mineral substances. The apparatus for the first method is simply two plates of tourmaline, cut parallel to the axes of the crystal, and placed crossways, so as to absorb all the light. The substance to be examined is to be placed between these plates: if it be doubly refractive, the light re-appears through the tourmalines: if not, all remains dark. The second method consists in placing the mineral to be examined over a hole in a card, and examining the light transmitted through it by an achromatic prism of Iceland spar. If 2.F

the two images produced are coloured differently, it indicates double refraction.

British Silver.-Tuesday the 10th October, a block of silver of the value of £1,500 was smelted at Wheal Rose Mine, in Newlyn, the sole property of Sir C. Hawkins, Bart.

Lithography. We are glad to find that this interesting art continues to attract the public attention in this country, and we hope ere long to see it succeed still more than it has done in Germany and France. The perfection of the machinery employed is of the greatest consequence; and we therefore take an opportunity of laying before our readers a sketch of a new Lithographic Printing Press, constructed by Mr J. Ruthven of Edinburgh, on the principle of his patent, and which answers perfectly for printing from stone. It is represented as free from the disadvantages that have hitherto attended lithographic presses, and as thus promising to render the art very generally adopted. Any degree of pressure is at once brought to bear on the stone, by means of the lever. The rol

ler is found to clear the stone from the printing ink at each impression, and the labour of winding the bed through is much less than by the method hitherto used. By this machine a greater number of impres sions may also be obtained in a day than formerly. One of them has been for some time at work at the Lithographic Esta blishment of Mr Charles M. Willich, No 6, Dartmouth-street, Westminster, where we have inspected it, to satisfy ourselves of its merit, and where we believe it may be seen by the admirers of this interesting art. This press has also the advantage of being ap plicable to copperplate printing. Upon inquiry we learnt, that at length English stone has been found to answer the purposes of lithography. In the above establishment it has been used with perfect success for Transfer Lithography, in which branch it is even thought to be superior to the German stone. The press from which the sketch has been made is intended for printing from stones 10 inches by 15 inches. It is extremely neat, and works with great facility.

Agriculture, &c.-M. Cadet de Vaux has lately recommended, as an important and useful innovation, the reaping of corn before it is perfectly ripe. This practice originated with M. Salles of the Agricultural Society of Beziers: grain thus reaped, (say eight days before it is ripe) is fuller, larger, finer, and is never attacked by the weevil. This was proved by reaping one half of a piece of corn field, as recommended, and leaving the other till the usual time. The early reaped portion gave a hectolitre of corn more, for half a hectar of land, than the later reaped. An equal quantity of

flour from each was made into bread: that made from the corn reaped green gave seven pounds of bread more than the other, in six decalitres. The weevil attacked the ripe corn, but not the green. The proper time for reaping is when the grain, pressed between the fingers, has a doughy appearance, like crumb of bread just hot from the oven, when pressed in the same way.

It has long been believed that leaves of the elder-tree put into the subterraneous paths of moles, drive them away; but it is not so generally known, that if fruit-trees, flowering shrubs, corn, or vegetables, be

wiped with the green leaves of elder branches, insects will not attach to them. An infusion of elder leaves in water is good for sprinkling over rose-buds, and flowers subject to blights and the devastations of caterpillars.

If pieces of woollen rags be placed in currant-bushes or other shrubs, &c. it is found that the caterpillars uniformly take shelter under them in the night. By this means thousands of these leaf-devouring insects may be destroyed every morning, by removing these traps, with their tenants, at an early hour, and replacing the rags for the destruction of others.

Horse-dung, clay, sand, and pitch-tar, form a composition, which, when applied to the trunks and stems of fruit-trees, after they are properly cleaned, prevents that spontaneous exudation called gumming, which is very injurious to the growth of

trees.

Knight's opinion in regard to Oak. Mr Knight is of opinion, founded on actual experiment, that oak timber would be much improved, if the tree, after being barked in the spring, was permitted to stand till the following winter.

In the press, a new edition of the Rev. T. H. Horne's Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, in four vols 8vo. As the third volume will consist principally of new matter, it is intended to print an extra number of copies of that volume, for such purchasers of the first edition as may order the same on or before January 1, 1821. No more extra copies will be printed than are actually ordered.

The new satirical novel, entitled Edinburgh, by the author of London, or a Month at Stevens's, will shortly appear.

In the press, an Account of the most memorable Battles and Sieges since the fall of Troy, with a view of their consequences on the moral condition of mankind; by Mr J. Hallison.

A new edition of the Vicar of Wakefield, illustrated with 24 coloured engravings by T. Rowlandson.

The Feuds of Luna and Perollo, a romantic tale of the sixteenth century; in four volumes.

Scheming, a novel, from the pen of a person of fashion,

Illustrations of the Geology, Antiquities, and Scenery of the Shetland Islands, with a geological map and other engravings; by Dr S. Hibbert.

Divine Meditations and Holy Contemplations, by the late R. Sibbes, D.D.

The Universe, a poem; by the Rev.' Robert Maturin, author of Bertram, &c. Two volumes of Practical Sermons; by Dr Abraham Rees.

Miss Benger will shortly publish the Life of Anne Boleyn, Queen of Henry VIII. being the first of a Series of Historical Female Portraits.

A new edition of the Odes and other Poems of Henry Neele.

The Conchology of Great Britain and Ireland, arranged according to the Linnæan method; by Thomas Brown, Esq. F.R.S.E. In preparation, the private and confidential Correspondence of Charles Talbot, Duke of Shrewsbury, during the reign of King

William III.; never before published; illustrated with historical and biographical narratives from original documents; by the Rev. Archdeacon Coxe.

An Account of a new method of making dried Anatomical Preparations; by Mr Joshua Swan.

Society and Solitude, a novel; by Innes Hoole, Esq.; in 3 vols.

A new and improved edition of the Hermit in London.

The Prospectus of a new work, to be called Physiognomical Portraits, to consist of plates and letter-press.

Intellectual Powers, by Mr Martin of Liverpool.

A History of the Zodians, an ancient people; by Rev. T. Clarke, author of the Wandering Jew.

In the press, an original work, by Mr James Jennings; designed to contain a concise account of every thing most necessary and useful both in science and art; embracing the most recent discoveries and improvements in Agriculture, Chemistry, Domestic Economy, Gardening, Medicine, Moral Philosophy, &c. It will extend to about 1100 pages in octavo.

A new edition of the Clerical Guide, or Ecclesiastical Register, corrected throughout with great care.

The Portfolio, an original miscellany; to be published every two months.

A Practical Treatise on the Nature, Management, and Improvement of Country Residences, Rural Scenes and Objects; by Mr Pontey, author of "The Profitable Planter and Forest Pruner."

The Books of Genesis and Daniel defended against Count Volney and Dr Francis; by John Overton.

An Essay on the Medical Application of Electricity and Galvanism; by Mr Price, surgeon and electrician.

A new and improved edition of Cherpilloud's Book of Versions, or Guide to the French Language; also a new edition of the Key.

A Treatise of the Law of Common Recoveries, containing the whole modern theory and practice of Conveyancing; by a Gentleman of Lincoln's Inn.

Vindicia Hebraica; a Defence of the Hebrew Scriptures, as a vehicle of revealed religion; in confutation of Mr Bellamy's attacks on all preceding translations, and on the established version in particular; by Hyman Hurwitz.

The Crucifix exchanged for the Cross, illustrated in the memoir of Miss Margaret Leader, of Dublin.

A new Edition of Walton and Cotton's Complete Angler, is preparing for the press by Mr Bagster. It will be printed in a size for the pocket, with entire new Embellishments. Wale's designs for the Edition of 1760, will be engraved upon a reduced scale, as well as the portraits of Walton and Cotton. Other fresh prints, from the real scenery of both parts of the work, will be introduced, and among them an exterior View of the Palace of Theobalds in its present state, from an ancient painting. This Edition will be accompanied by new lives of Walton and Cotton; and great improvements and additions will be made to the Notes throughout. The representations of the Fish, with numerous smaller Embellishments, will be cut in wood. It will be published under the care of the Gentleman who edited the last Edition.

In the course of November will be published, in 1 vol. 8vo," Augustus, or the Ambitious Student."

A Second Edition of Mr Lloyd's Translation of Alfieri's Tragedies; to which will be added, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Alfieri.

Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Alfieri, in 1 vol. 12mo, with his Portrait, finely Engraved by Cooper.

A new edition of Dr Lawrence's Sermons, preached at St Mary's Oxford, at the Bampton Lecture, in the year 1804, on those Articles of the Church, improperly

considered Calvinistic.

Illustrations of the capital Operations of Surgery, Trephine, Hernia, &c. By Charles Bell, in five parts.

The Theological works of the famous Dr James Arminius, now first translated into English, from the Latin Original, with an account of his Life, by Brandt, in three large octavo volumes.

Poems, by Bernard Barton. Second edition.

A Journey round the Library of a Bibliomaniac; or, Century of Notes and Remembrances, concerning Rare and Valuable Books; by William Davis, Bookseller, author of the Olio of Bibliographical and Literary Anecdotes and Memoranda.

The Midnight Wanderer; or, a Legend of the Houses of Altenberg and Lindendorf; by Margaret Campbell, in 4 volumes.

Oliver Cromwell and his Times; by Thomas Cromwell, in 8vo.

Tales of Ton, (first series) containing Fashionable Characters; by Miss M'Leod, in 4 volumes.

Desultory Thoughts in London, with other Poems, in one volume, 12mo; by Charles Lloyd, author of Nugæ Canoræ, &c.

Anecdotes and Characters of the House of Brunswick, illustrative of the Courts of Hanover and London, from the Act of Settlement, to the Death of George the Third, with various documents; by John Brown, author of Northern Courts, &c.

Tea-Table Chat; or, Religious Allegories, told at the Tea-Table in a Seminary for Ladies; by Robert Burnside, A. M. Author of the Religion of Mankind.

Recollections of a Classical Tour, made in 1818, 1819, in different parts of Turkey, Greece, and Italy; by P. E. Laurent, Esq. 4to, with plates.

A Narrative of the Persecution of the Protestants, of the South of France, in the years 1814, 1815, and 1816; by Mark Wilks.

The works of Sir Richard Blackmore, now first collected with his Life and Notes; by Mr Chalmers, in 10 vols 8vo.

A Sketch of the Life of Galeacius Camacciolus, Marquis of Vicco, who died in 1592.

Transactions of the Associations of the Fellows and Licentiates of the King's and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland. Vol. III.

The Dark Secret; Embellished Facts, Collected from Letters lately found among the Family Papers, of the first wife of the late M. L, (formerly M. P. for G-n) to whose mother they were written; by A. T. Palmer, author of Authentic Memoirs of the Life of John Sobieski, King of Poland.

The Travels of Cosmo III. through a large part of England, with 40 Engravings.

A History of the Various Species of Palsy, with the Method of Cure; being the first part of the second volume of Dr Cooke's Treatise on Nervous Diseases.

The Young Arithmetician's Class-Book ; by J. W. Davenport.

A Scriptural View of True and False Religion; by the Rev. G. Scraggs.

The Young Navigator's Guide to the Sidereal and Planetary Parts of Nautical Astronomy; by Mr Kerrigan, of the Royal Navy.

The Practice of the Court of Insolvent Debtors; by Richard Hatt, late Agent, now Clerk.

Anston Park; a Tale, in one volume 12mo.

Remarks made during a Tour through the United States of America, in the years 1817, 1818, 1819; by W. T. Harris.

1 We have the pleasure of informing our readers, that the author of "The Ayrshire Legatees, or the Correspondence of the 'Pringle Family," has nearly ready for publication, "The Earthquake, a Tale," "in 3 vols.

The Mountain Bard, consisting of Ballads and Legendary Tales; by James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, Third Edition, with Corrections and Additions, and La Life of the Author, written by himself. F A Digest of the Law of Scotland; by Edward Lothian, Esq. advocate.

A Reply to a Letter addressed by the Superintendent of Police to the Lord Provost, relative to the late Proceedings and Investigation carried on in that Establishment. Observations Explanatory of a Decimal Interest Table, constructed on a New Principle; Shewing, on the Face of a single Sheet, the Interest of any Sum from £1 to £9,000,000, for any number of Days, from 1 to 365, at the rate of Five per Cent. To which is annexed, Rules for converting the Decimals to Sterling Money by Inspection, and for shewing the Application of the Table to every other rate per Cent; by Ebenezer Miller, accountant.

The Second Volume of Professor Leslie's Course of Mathematics, containing Geometrical Analysis, and the Geometry of Curve Lines, will be published in December. Dr Ure has in the press a Comprehensive Work on Chemistry, on the Model of Nicholson's Dictionary, some of the Practical Parts of which will be retained, but the great body of the present Publication will be printed from Dr Ure's own Manuscript, containing an Investigation of the Principles of the Science, and its Application to the Phenomena of Nature, Medicine, Mineralogy, Agriculture, and Manufactures.

Dr Brewster has nearly ready for publication a new edition of Ferguson's Astronomy. In accommodating it to the present state of the science, by means of Notes and Supplementary Chapters, he has studiously endeavoured to imitate the plainness of the original work. In this new edition, many alterations and additions have been made in the notes and supplementary matter; and the work put into a form more convenient and less expensive, with the view to its being more generally introduced into public schools.

New editions of Ferguson's Electricity, his Perspective, and his Ladies' and Gentlemen's Astronomy, edited by Dr Brewster, will speedily be published.

fitable and pleasant speculation, the superintendence of a new edition of THE CHALDEE MS. in the original tongue, with notes and illustrations.

"Hebrew, Chaldaic, Syriac, Greek, and German Languages. Mr Ferstandig, (late Student at the University of Halle, Professor of Oriental Literature,) begs leave to acquaint the Nobility, Gentry, Students of Divinity, and the Public at large of Scotland, that, as he has travelled through every College Town in Scotland (St Andrew's excepted), and he is sincerely convinced, that there is not one Professor in any of the Universities, or Private Individual in Scotland, who has any competent knowledge of Oriental Literature; and as that branch of study is so essentially necessary to the knowledge of Divinity, he has been requested by several of his Friends to reside in Edinburgh during the Winter Season, and to open Classes for the above Languages. He will, therefore, open his Classes from 9 to 11 Forenoon, and from 4 to 9 Evening, on Monday the 20th of November, at Mr Falkner's Class-Rooms, No 63, South Bridge, and continue to teach in Edinburgh during the Winter, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays; and in Glasgow, on Fridays and Saturdays.-Tickets for the Season, Five Guineas for each of the above Languages, or Twenty Guineas for the above five Languages.-N. B.-Should the Public suppose that the above charges against the reputation of their Professors are vague and extravagant, Mr F. will meet any of them in public, and pledge himself to vindicate the truth of his assertions.-Mr F. will commence his favourite Public Lectures, on the different Translations of the Old and New Testaments, in February, by Subscription."

We have so much respect and regard for our worthy friend the proprietor of OLD MORTALITY, that we willingly give a place to the following notice, though not strictly literary.

"Extraordinary Robbery.-Early in the morning of Friday last, Mr Ballantyne's stable, at Boroughmuirhead, was broken into, and every thing stolen except the horse; whether it is, that our notice has rendered OLD MORTALITY so classical that the thieves could not hope to get off with him undetected, or that the noise of DOMINIE SAMPSON (house-dog as well as déer-hound) scared them, cannot yet be ascertained; but as the police are in active search after the rogues, we trust the point will be determined before our next Number is ready.

"The theft was accomplished by the use of one of the numerous barrier stools, which were used when the road was repairing; and which are now left, very handily, to enable thieves to surmount walls, and get into houses by the first floor windows