we refer to the preparation of certain The Mysteries of Trade, or the Great Source cient paintings, detect the adulteration of tea, and mix our own blacking. Now, though we are of opinion, that, on the whole, it is quite as well to allow every man to do his own work, yet it may not be amiss to have some general notion of the manner in which particular trades are conducted; since there are few points of knowledge, which may not, in some circumstances of a man's life, become a source either of advantage or enter tainment. In one point we disagree with the compilers of works of this sort; we mean in regard to the economy of their processes. There is one valuable article, which they rarely take into account, and that is, time; we find calculations of the value of ingredients, &c. proving mathematically, that, by following the directions of the author, we shall obtain various necessaries or luxuries of life at a much cheaper rate than they can be purchased; but the time employed in processes of this sort, even when conducted with that expedition which is the result of experience only, is much; and when they are attempted in the tedious and bungling manner of those who work by book, it is a very large, and, we may add, costly ingre dient. We expected to find, among the economical receipts, one or more relating to the preservation of an important perishable article of household economy; we refer to eggs, the price of which is so variable, being at one season, nearly or quite double what it is at another, that an unfailing method of preserving large quantities, for a length of time, is a matter deserving serious attention. By the following recipe, they may be preserved in the greatest per fection for two years. Take of quicklime, one peck; cream of tartar, two ounces; The following account of a practice, said our readers. MISCELLANY. PARTY SPIRIT. "A little THE number of those, who habitually look at the bright side of objects, is small. Of trouble, we may truly say, leaven leaveneth the whole lump." It is true, that they, who look only at the bright side, will be disappointed in their calcula tions, that their hopes will be blighted, and their plans frustrated; but, though others, who look at both sides, may experience the same evils, yet they will neither suffer so often, nor so intensely. That men will not overlook altogether and entirely the bleak and barren spots around them, is not the subject of complaint, but that the number of those who regard equally their advantages and disadvantages, is so very small. If the mass of mankind paid more attention to the good effects of causes and the good qualities of objects,-if they devoted more time to tracing the remote blessing and investigating the latent good,-and declaimed less about immediate and apparent evils, they would make fewer complaints of men and things, they would form juster estimates and more correct views of human life, and might be more happy. It is owing to this perverse attention to the present, this unphilosophical disregard of the future, this ready disposition to dwell upon the evil and overlook the good, that party spirt is the subject of such general detestation. The ill effects of party spirit being more obvious and more immediately felt than the good,-men forget that the evils to which it gives rise, are temporary, and seldom affect any but the violent men of party, whilst its blessings are eventually felt by the mass whom it actuates, and descend to their posterity. Not to dwell longer on the question of the general utility or entertainment of It is well known, that, in order to be able to supply and almost identified with that principle of Party spirit seems to be closely allied books of this kind, on which opinions must the public with fresh bread for breakfast, bakers are necessarily differ; we shall consider the in the h bit of working all night. About eleven the human mind, which urges every man to manner in which the design, whether ad- o'clock at night, they make the sponge or dough promulgate and propagate his own opinions, vantageous, or not, has been executed in which, of course, must have some time for fermen-and defend his own doctrines and asserthe work before us. As far as a limited tation; whilst this is taking place, the baker, who tions. In conversation, this principle proacquaintance with the subject, and a some- himself now; and as he is fearful of not awaking has perhaps slept little during the day, indulges duces various effects:-it urges some to be what hasty perusal, will enable us to judge in time to work the sponge into loaves, and of perpetually leading debate or provoking (for these books are not the most interesting baking it in the oven; he hits upon the following controversy upon favourite topics:-upon to one who merely reads them through), we ingenious but pernicious expedient. He knows others, its effects are less powerful; these should consider the execution good in the that the dough in the trough is every minute be- never start any subject, but only contribmain. The details appear to us to be suffi- coming more spongy, from the incessant action of the ferment. This enlargement of bulk will, of ute occasionally some few remarks; they ciently minute, and the principles and excourse, raise or resist any weight placed upon the make good seconds, but fail altogether as planations correct. We were not perfectly dough: consequently the lid of the trough, and any principals:-upon others, it produces still satisfied with the selection; the factitious weight laid upon it, will be elevated, when the fer- different effects; these will endure neither wines, for instance, occupy rather too mentation has arrived at that point, at which it may opposition nor contradiction, they will conlarge a portion of the work. They are be divided into loaves. The baker, therefore, con- descend neither to argue nor persuade. sidering a similar elevation of his own body as a but ordinary trash at best, and we think sufficient check on somnolency, lays himself down The varieties of character produced by parit quite as well, and much more economto sleep on the lid of the trough; the consequence ty spirit are similar to these, with which we ical to abstain from wine, than to manu-is, that he is certainly aroused from his unhealthy meet in conversation-and derive their orifacture it from parsnips, birch sap, or gilli-slumbers at the required period. gin from the same cause. Both in domesflowers. tic circles and public assemblies, we meet with professed disputants, humble partizans, and confirmed bigots. There are other receipts, which are not likely to be attempted by any but the manu facturer, who acquires his knowledge of these processes by an apprenticeship or by oral and practical instruction, and as these are not accompanied by any explanation of the rationale of the operations, there seems the less necessity for their introduction here; The compiler of this work objects to this kind of incubation, on the ground of its pernicious effects to the sleeper; it is probable that other objections will occur to the more fastidious of the buyers and consumers of the article, which is thus contrived a double debt to pay, A bed by night, a quartern loaf by day. That partics should exist can not surprise reflecting men. The difference in the habits, organs of sensation, and intellectual capacities of individuals, necessarily causes diversity of opinion; and this diversity is greater or less in proportion to the quantity of knowledge. Where the quantity of judice and bigotry; then it forms a particu- | writing. The brightest geniuses on both sides of knowledge is small, the matter of disagree- lar obnoxious character of the opposite party, the Atlantic are engaged in this kind of literary ment is small. In every country where which it associates with every individual be- labour. Besides the many works called Reviews, there is any degree of freedom, where con- longing to it, and invents odious epithets all scientific or literary journals are made up of arscience is not fettered, where the lips are which it applies indiscriminately to all its ticles upon books, and all newspapers which have not sealed, and where the press is not opponents; this often leads to rash and un- a due regard to respectability of character devote shackled, there will parties, both political reasonable decisions, and to determinations a column or two occasionally to this most dignified and religious, always be found. founded only on presumptions. Party spir- species of composition. The scarcity of new books, The wants and limits of human life are it, when it thus degenerates, operates even in this prolific age, is already felt and lamentsuch, that it is impossible any individual mostly upon the leaders of the parties and ed as a sore evil by all writers and readers of liteshould examine for himself the truth of all their most ignorant followers, "men of rary journals, and that sad day may not be afar off, the opinions and doctrines advanced by such poor, narrow souls, that they are not when reviews can no longer be written, because all others. Men, who have neither opportuni- capable of thinking upon any thing, but men write reviews, and the art and mystery of ty nor capacity to do this. are biassed to with an eye to whig or tory." one party or another by some prepossession enlightened,-whose eyes are not blinded book-making is forgotten. Sad indeed will be that or accidental motive; they then attach a by the mists of prejudice, whose judgments day, and doubtless the wits whom it will overshadcertain degree of reverence to the leader are not warped by the prepossessions of ow, will regard it,-to use the metaphor of a faof their party, which causes them to regard bigotry,-discern clearly and decide ra- Cimmerian darkness. But reviews are already behis opinions as correct, and consequently tionally. to adopt them with unreserved confidence. The more mous English minister,-as the dawn of more than ginning to turn one upon the other, and the prece REVIEW. Power, among parties, constantly changIt is in this way that the mass of mankind es from one to another. If the predomi- dent of the three respectable gentlemen who earnbecome party men. The enlightened few nant party, in the exultation of triumph, ed a good living by stealing from each other, affords examine for themselves, and decide differ- become uncharitable and rancorous, their a comfortable hope, that they may mutually, or ently according to the depth of their inves- very malignity produces a reaction, and rather reciprocally, supply an amount of aliment tigation and the perfection of their powers. experience soon teaches the wisdom and sufficient for the subsistence of the whole. At all In the dominions of ignorance and despo- advantages of sobriety and tolerance. By events, whatever be the end of the present system, tism, party spirit is never found,-for igno- the alternations of party spirit from indiffe- it will last my day, young though I am. The conrance removes all cause of difference. Even rence to excitement, from excitement to sciousness of genius burns within me, and urges the votaries of learning and science will indifference, the tone of society and gov- me to high endeavours; therefore I must review. appear harmonious, if deprived of freedom ernment is kept up, and upon the whole, I have tried ;-and with what success, you must of speech and liberty of the press, for they approximates to a higher standard; "old judge, as modesty forbids my expressing an opinion want a medium to convey their opinions. things pass away, and new ones take their upon that point. I offer to your acceptance the folSuch is the attraction of party, that al- place" opportunities are given for aban-lowing article, in which I have laboured to realize most every man ranges himself on one side, doning antiquated principles and exploded the beau ideal of a modern or the other, in religion and politics; and doctrines, for substituting new measures, there is hardly a science whose devotees and adopting more philosophical maxims. have not, at times, been divided into par- Party spirit is a visible demonstration of Mother Goose's Melodies. Third Amerities-so perfectly natural is it for men to the power of the people-it stimulates the can edition, from the thirteenth English disagree. This division of men into parties great and good to deeds of patriotism—and edition. Boston. 1824. 24mo. pp. 27. produces, in every case, beneficial results. if it sometimes ignorantly raises the unIt awakens the attention, it calls forth gen-worthy to influence and power, it as cerAMONGST the literary productions of antiius and talent, it arouses the spirit of inqui- tainly hurls them down again from their ill-quity, none have been so universally adry, it leads to deep and thorough investiga- gained elevation, to rise no more. Party tion, it brings the truth to light, and spreads spirit, then, is the quickening energy, the it with more celerity, with greater effect, very vivida vis of free governments;-it is and throughout a wider range than it would the angel which troubles the waters of libotherwise have been diffused. In religion, erty to preserve and increase their healing knowledge has led to a difference of opin- and salutary influence. ion, difference of opinion to variety of sects, and variety of sects to the discovery and propagation of truth, and to the confusion and overthrow of error and superstition. In politics, we march by similar steps from slavery and degradation to freedom and independence. And both in religion and politics, party spirit preserves what it assisted to gain. Whilst the spirit of liberty retains its activity, whilst diversity of intellect produces variety of opinion, whilst there is a "pride in debate, and a joy in victory,”"party spirit will exist, and, with few evils, confer many blessings on mankind. They who never consider remote and latent effects, but confine their views solely to what is present and obvious, will regard it The good effects of party spirit are great with detestation, and endeavour to procure and lasting. The evils which it produces for it the ignominious shroud of public opare confined and temporary; they are mis- probrium :whilst the patriot and philosorepresentation, falsehood, libel, and calum-pher will bless its existence, and pray for ny. There may, at first view, seem to be a its continuance, since "without parties, contradiction between the evil and good of cemented by the union of sound principles, party spirit; but it may be reconciled by evil men and evil principles cannot be succonsidering that the evil effects are expe- cessfully resisted." rienced by a few individuals in their character and reputation; the good effects are more confined to the mind, though they affect both measures and men; the ill effects are limited almost exclusively to the existing generation, the good extend to posterity. Party spirit too often degenerates into pre Cambridge, Jan. 1825. W. It seems to me, Mr Editor, that no stronger proof can be offered of the remarkable intellectual illumination of the present age, than that which may be drawn from the universal recognition of the truth, that reviewing is altogether the best mode of mired, none have enjoyed a reputation so These remarks were suggested by the perusal of the valuable work of which the title is prefixed to this article. It is not, as many of our readers may know, a new work, but a recent edition gratifies us with the opportunity of giving a particular account of its very interesting contents. Perhaps we cannot present a more impartial and satisfactory view of their character, than by selecting and illustrating at length some poem which may be a just specimen of the whole. The very first that offers itself, as we open the volume, affords such a literary banquet as is seldom | ing essential to Epic unity. In this respect given to the intellectual epicure. It is not Little Jack Horner sat in a corner He put in his thumb, and pulled out a plum, Let us examine how the work before us corresponds with this rule. Our poem commences in a manner perfectly original and highly impressive. The ordinary circumlocutory method is discarded, and we are immediately made acquainted with Little Jack Horner Vitiated indeed must be the taste, and corrupt the judgment, that can be insensible to the beauties exhibited in the introduction of this personage. John Horner's origin was probably obscure, and consequently attended with circumstances that could be neither important nor interesting. Moreover, a celestial or fictitious descent for a modern hero, are equally out of the question. Nothing, therefore, could be more happy than the sententious brevity and artful reserve of the authoress in this exordium. A rigid investigation of pedigree might have degraded the lofty opinion which Mr Horner's capital exploit is so well calculated to inspire, and to support which ought to have been the writer's principal aim. After this graceful introduction to the chief character, we are promptly and happily conducted to the scene of his heroic achievements. Little Jack Horner sat in a corner. With regard to chronology, the precise period, at which the events of the plot took place, is not directly specified;-a most ingenious artifice of the writer to secure that freedom and license which others enjoy amidst the impenetrable fog of antiquity. The time occupied by the action itself, was doubtless short; for it is obvious that the hero would have suffered no consideration to retard him in the prosecution of a design which must have engrossed all his faculties. But this is unimportant. With regard to place, however, the case is different, topographical minuteness be our authoress has been beautifully definite, The scene now opens a little wider, and Little Jack Horner sat in a corner He put in his thumb and pulled out a plum!" What a noble lesson does Mrs Goose thus happily and forcibly convey! What a sublime virtue is here exhibited? How great and pointed is the moral! Never was so splendid an instance of disinterestedness and devotion, as displayed by Mrs Goose's hero in liberating this unfortunate plum from its awkward and distressing situation! But our limits compel us to hasten on. A rapid review of the excellencies com. bined in this inimitable poem, may serve to render our estimate of its merits more comprehensive and correct. The subject is important, highly instructive, and justifies the magnificence of its apparel. The incidents are happy; the characters and description remarkably fine. These, howIt is necessary to remark, that, with reever, are secondary virtues, when comparspect to this passage, there exists an im-ed with the plot, which unites in perfection those indispensable requisites, unity and portant difference of opinion; it is not cerA becoming dignity is pretain that the line was written as it is print-greatness. ed, and many annotators insist upon the served throughout, and Mrs Goose seems insertion of "Thanksgiving" in lieu of the to have been well aware that the Epic "abhors the ludicrous." With regard to word "Christmas." It seems to us that there are few even plausible arguments in favour the principal personage, he is made to disof such a change, and we have retained play that happy medium of character, the text reading for the following, among the bounds of probability. His passions which reduces all his achievements within other powerful reasons, which we cannot now enumerate. In the first place, the are lofty, and at times incontrollable. He word Thanksgiving is highly injurious to is not exempt from the common frailties of the metre, as the smooth and rapid flow of human nature; and thus we behold him the dactylic rhythm is not suited to the dig-yielding to the irresistible temptation ofnity of the subject. Secondly, Christmas is an occasion vastly more important than the former, and far more consistent with that sober solemnity which prevails throughout the poem. We trust that we have been influenced to prefer the present reading, principally by these considerations. Still it is but fair to acknowledge that our decision may have been partially biassed, by religious prejudices; for we are staunch churchmen. The question, however, is a complicated one, and every reader, it is presumed, will exercise his own judgment. But we haste to the execution of our task. Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, mind. His fered by the Christmas pye, from whose durance vile he was soon to rescue, by force of thumb, an innocent and sweet being. This temporary transgression is perfectly natural, and very judiciously precedes his final exploit, the merit of which is incalculably augmented by the contrast. failings, compared with his good qualities, of the picture is relieved by some of the are as drops in the bucket. The dark side noblest virtues that can adorn the human "The magnanimous man," says Aristotle, "is one, whose character, being of great worth, is estimated by himself at its full value." Let us see how the philosopher's definition will apply to our hero. After a laborious and successful exertion of his physical powers; after an exploit that most distressing solicitude on account of "universal emancipation," Mr Horner is The plot thickens. We already feel al- might well be regarded as the embryo of our hero, who is gradually involving him- represented as retiring from notice, with self, unconscious of danger, in a dark and that modest confidence in his own worth intricate adventure. The greatness of the which forms the most prominent characteremergency rejects all digression or ampli-istic of genuine magnanimity. Such is the fying, and calls for the utmost rapidity of concluding sentiment; and this truly great narration and thought. Here, then, we man retires from the stage, content with are left to conjecture that the hero soon exclaiming "What a good boy am I!" becomes aware of his responsible situation; and the critical moment has arrived that is to develope the energies of his soul and body. He espies a beautiful and innocent being, suffering under the thraldom of a callous pye-crust. The incidents have been gradually concentrating to the proper focus. Every circumstance has contributed to heighten the intensity of the interest produced, and our expectations are now wrought up to the highest pitch. They are fully and immediately gratified by the unity and greatness of the catastrophe. C. LETTERS FROM A TRAVELLER. MY DEar Friends, I have now been, for nearly a month comfortably situated in my winter establishment, waiting, or, as the Scotch say, wearying for the commencement of the session, and filling up the intervals of more serious pursuits by making bread-seals and learning to play on the bagpipe. The site of this city is the most irregular that can be imagined. One may walk through a street, called the South-Bridge, and see people traversing the Cowgate twenty or thirty feet beneath him-and for crooked streets, it can only be equalled by Boston itself. The Old Town is built principally upon a hill, which bears some general resemblance to the one I have mentioned at Sterling, the castle being situated on its brow. Owing to this irregularity, the effect produced by the lamps, on a dark night, is very remarkable; and if a stranger were dropped down in Prince's street, in such a night, the only possible conclusion he could arrive at would be, that he was situated on the main-land of Laputa, and that the lights of the Old Town were in the floating island. good hexameter or pentameter verses. But the Calton and Costorphine hills, all command the most charming prospects, and Doctors of all kinds abound here, Doc- there is a mixture, of wildness and cultitors of Divinity and Physic, Horse Doctors, vation, which is altogether different from and Cow Doctors; observed a sign the any thing I have ever met with. A walk other day, which informed the public that of very few minutes round Arthur's seat the proprietor was a "sooty man and smoke brings one into the most perfect solitude; Doctor." In this particular the "gude and there are several places, to which, if town" equals a certain village in the neigh a man were conducted blindfold he would bourhood of Boston, where I once heard a no more imagine himself in the immediate little Miss ask a lady with great naïveté, neighbourhood of a great city, than if he if "there were any men in C, as she were in Juan Fernandes. There is behad seen only doctors." Every calling is tween Salisbury and St Leonard's crags here subdivided, Jacks of all trades" a dell of this description, where at noonday seem to be unknown. One man sells nee-one rarely sees any thing living, except a dles, and another thread. If you ask a few sheep; and from whence you may walk Bookseller for paper, he will send you to a in less than ten minutes into the CanonStationer, and you must get your pens of a gate, where you will be jostled, at every quill-cutter. step, by men, women, and children gentle I think the most sociable affairs, that and simple, exquisites and blackguards, have fallen under my observation in Edin-bareheaded varlets and barebottomed HighThe accounts we have of the height of burgh, are the funerals. Soon after I landers. some of the houses are very little exag- arrived here, I observed a troop of peo- I have made hardly a single acquaintgerated; it is a consequence of the ine-ple passing my window, with black crape ance as yet in this place, having deliverquality of their foundations. For you can pendants to their hats, and white cuffs, ed but one introductory letter; and when easily imagine that if the roofs of the such as the ladies wear with us. They I called for this purpose, and asked the buildings in Somerset street, for instance; were marching along in a crowd, talking servant girl if her master was at home, she were all nearly on the same level, as they and smiling; without tolling of bell, or replied, "Yes, sir, he's at home, but he's usually are here, those at the bottom of the any resemblance to a regular procession. no in, he has not yet come from the counstreet would have twelve or thirteen stories. And if I had not, after some amazed scru- try;" which mode of expression may be You must not suppose however that such an tiny, discovered a coffin, which some of them Scottish for aught I know, although it edifice is but one house, in our sense. Each supported upon two poles or handspikes, I savoured strongly of the other side of the story is a separate domicil, to which you should have been utterly at a loss to ac- Irish Channel. enter from a winding stair, which is public, count for this unusual posse. Since then, I Tomorrow the session begins, when I exand in point of fact, is a street or lane, set have noticed several of the same character.pect the scene will be changed, and I hope, up on end. Such houses as we inhabit are The nonchalance of the mourners is inimita among other pleasures, to see B's homehere called self contained. ble; their dress is uniform, and I shouldly face-not homely in our base sense, suppose that some of them were hired for the occasion, but that they would probably look more lugubrious, if they were paid for it. a fico for the phrase"—but homely, as the kindly Scotch dialect has it. In the mean time I have lived the life of an anchorite in respect to company, and in the midst of We were wont to laugh at Boston notions a metropolis am in danger of forgetting and the eagerness, with which our fellow- the sound of my own voice-since, like citizens run after every "strange fish" that Triangle of facetious memory, with the exclaims their attention, but to judge from the ception of my landlady, I converse with public prints, motley is a very good wear in none but the dead. The liberal tax upon this island. I observed the other day a no-light and air forbids my apartment to have tice of a man, who, a few years since, col- but one window; fortunately it is a large lected an enormous assemblage of people, one and looks towards the west, at which I in the very capital of one of the most cul- am as well pleased as a good mussulman is tivated nations of the world, to see him sail to have his house face towards Mecca-his down a river in a tub drawn by four geese, orisons (that is, if he lives on the Barbary and ride back in a car drawn by as many shore) fly over the great desert of sand, white tom-cats! Head of Confucius! and mine over the great expanse of waters. "Mais c'est un sage peuple, s'amuse bien." Farewell. The shops in Edinburgh look very beautifully in the evening, being illuminated by gas lights, disposed in a variety of fantastic forms. Near the town are large manufactories of this gas, which is conveyed through it, by means of pipes running beneath the pavement, and from which proceed smaller copper tubes leading to individual shops or houses. The stream, thus obtained, is suffered to jet out through holes, about large enough to admit a large pin, and arranged, according to the fancy of the occupant, in circies, fleurs de lis, &c. Some of the strees are also lighted in a similar manner, and the difference between the effects of this method and the "darkness visible" of oil lamps is prodigious. Edinburgh abounds now, as well as in the days of Monkbarns, with bookstalls. At I saw to-day a very beautiful display of a mean looking establishment of this kind archery, as I was walking through a public I picked up the other day Barclay's Argenis, promenade, called the meadows and resema book, which you may have seen, but prob- bling our mall. The archers were dressed ably have never read. This copy was in a handsome plaid uniform. I was much printed at Oxford in 1534, is perfectly entire, surprised at the distance at which they and stoutly bound. It has afforded me much shoot, and was told that the American Inamusement, as one of the great storehouses dians, who were here some years since, and from which the incidents and tricks of later who shot with great precision at short disnovels have been borrowed. When the tances, were confounded, when, on being heroine's eyes are red with weeping, she re-invited by the Archers' company to shoot moves the colour by a little cold water, with them, they beheld the distance at "admota gelida," and hides her blushes under a violent cough, "violentam tussim." Mistakes, disguises, subterraneans, and all the machinery of modern romance writers abound, and, like Mrs Radcliffe's, the dramatis personæ now and then spout poetry, in which the target was placed. There are probably more pleasant walks in the vicinity of this city than in that of any other whatsoever. In almost every direction, one meets with some new and romantic scenery. Arthur's seat, the Pentland's, POETRY. WOODS IN WINTER. When winter winds are piercing chill, O'er the bare upland, and away Through the long reach of desert woods, Its tender shoots the hoar-frost nips; Where, twisted round the barren oak, Where from their frozen urns mute spring's And voices fill the woodland side. Alas!-how changed from the fair scene, But still wild music is abroad, Pale, desert woods! within your crowd And gathered winds, in hoarse accord, Amid the vocal reeds pipe loud. Chill airs, and wintry winds! my ear I listen, and it cheers me long. H. W. L. THE LAKE OF A THOUSAND ISLANDS. But not so fair as thou hast been; How art thou faded! still and deep With their own blushing pride. Bright o'er thy breast a thousand isles Shone in the evening's purple glow; When parting twilight sunk to rest, Thy trembling vesper hymn. Yes, thou art fallen-thy temples, shrines, Dread silence o'er thy ruined aisles That marked their better day. No more the peasant by thee kneels, His crimes are pardoned there. Thy thousand isles are fading now; And o'er thy dark wave's curling crest Thy star hath set! Oh never more * This lake is situated near Rome, and is the same where was formerly a temple to Faunus, and whither king Latinus is represented by Virgil, as be taking himself to ask advice of the god concerning the marriage of his daughter Lavinia with Turnus. Tour in Italy. By án Américan. about the twelfth century before the Christian era. He promises to continue the work, and to translate other episodes of the same poem, from manuscripts which he has copied at Paris and at London; especially from a complete manuscript copy of the Mahabharata, which Mr Hamilton kindly communicated to him. The present volume contains, first, the voyage of Arjouna into the air; secondly, the defeat of the giant Chidinebah, killed by Bhima, Arjouna's brother; thirdly, the misfortunes and lamentations of a poor brahmin, in consequence of the cruel commands of the giant Baka, who was also vanquished and killed by the same Bhima; lastly, the history of Sanda and Oufa Sanda, two brothers, warmly attached to each other, until their love for the same female bred the most deadly hatred between them. COAL 'FORMATION WITHIN THE UNITED Professor J. Griscom, who is extensively and advantageously known by his "Year in Europe," has recently published an interesting account of the coal formation in this country, and particularly of the anthracite coal of Pennsylvania, which is now commonly known as the Lehigh coal. He begins with remarking upon the important advantages which Great Britain has derived from her coal mines, and certainly does not overrate the important benefits which we might expect from an adequate and cheap supply of this invaluable fuel. "The absolute importance of a plentiful supply of fuel, not only to health and domestic comfort, but to the successful 'prosecution of almost every branch of manufacturing industry, needs not the formality of demon While England is doing little or nothing to promote the study of the Sanserit language and literature, which, from her poli-stration. The extraordinary competition tical and commercial relations, ought to which the British nation maintains with all excite the strongest interest; and while the rest of the world, is inseparably conFrance makes the learned of Europe wait nected with the abundant supplies of coal too long for the communications which they which her mines afford; and when the pehave a right to expect from a country, which, riod arrives (which doubtless is still very besides the treasures of its libraries, pos- distant) in which this supply shall approxisesses so many learned men, versed in ori-mate to its termination, her vast internal ental literature; we see in Germany works resources, the commercial elevation, and in Sanscrit, and upon the Sanscrit, rapidly the dense population of that country, must succeed each other, equally distinguished by experience a reduction, and be finally the merit of the execution, and by the im- brought down to the standard which her portant aid which they afford towards the newly planted forests may be able to susstudy of this new branch of oriental litera- tain. But how striking is the fact that with ture. It is owing to the enlightened and her mines of coal, that island, at the distance munificent protection of his majesty the of three thousand miles, is able to supply the king of Prussia, and the labours of M. A. city of New York with an article so essenW. Schlegel and Mr Boff, that Germany tial as the fuel of its hearths-to supplant has for many years taken the lead of all the the wood of our interiora material so other continental nations in the study of the abundant, within less than one hundred Sanscrit. The latter gentleman has just miles, as to be a nuisance to the labourer, published a comparative analysis of the which it costs him much labour and expense Sanscrit, and the languages connected with to destroy. The dearness of fuel, at the it; he has also published a volume from present time, is a serious obstacle to the the Sanserit, translated into German verse, prosperity of manufactories in various parts containing several of the episodes of the of our seaboard, and a heavy tax to the inMahabharata, the most extensive poem habitants of our principal cities. Every known; being a kind of mythological, po-scheme, therefore, which shall open new etical, historical, and philosophical encyclo- resources, at a reasonable expense, for an pedia, comprehending narratives relative to article so indispensable, cannot fail, it is the history of Hindostan, from the creation prestimed, to become of high importance to of the world to the reign of Youdhishtirah, the public welfare, and lucrative to those who was living at the incarnation of Visknou, who shall embark in it.” |