account of the importance of the objects | sano.-Memoir on the Consecration of of which he had treated, and of his scien- Bishops in Sicily, Palermo, 1813.—Coltific researches, that the Academy had lection of the Addresses of several Bishops, been led to have the analysis (compte verbal) and Chapters in Italy, professing their admade out; adding, that though it was herence to the address printed at Paris, contrary to their usage to deliver to au- Jan. 6, 1811, under the name of the Methors a copy of their Reports on printed tropolitan Chapter of that city. works, the Academy had made an excep- Among the English works prohibited in his favour, and directed their Secretary are Cooper's Letters on the State of the to present him with a copy of this Report, Catholics in England. In Germany was and to thank him for having made then published at Ulm, in the German language, acquainted with a work, the interest and Annals of Catholic Theology and Eccleinstruction of which were such as had in-siastical Jurisprudence from the year 1807 duced them to give it an honourable place in the library of the Institute.

GERMANY.

Affinity of European Languages. We consider this subject as being of importance to a right understanding of the Early History of Europe. Some time ago, we reported the work compiled under the auspices of the Empress Catherine II. of Russia, in which an attempt was made to form a Comparative Vocabulary of all the Languages of the Earth; a subject, certainly, not to be lightly treated. M. J. G. Arndt, one of the literati to whom that task was committed, has lately published at Frankfort, in 1 vol. 8vo. 1818, what may be considered as in part a sequel to that Vocabulary. Uber den Ursprung, &c. an Essay on the Origin and the Affinities of the different languages of Europe. In this work the author explains his ideas on the affinity of languages, generally, on which subject his researches have been continual, and have much novelty. The first part of the Work includes beside languages of Europe, remarks on those of Asia, and on some of those of Africa. The second contains illustrations and evidences of na

tional languages, derived from History, and the earliest Historians; and finally a Comparative view of fifteen words in two hun dred languages. The whole is on the plan of the Great Russian Vocabulary.

ITALY.

The use of an Index Erpurgatorius has been to excite curiosity, rather than to suppress it: and those who are curious to know, among other things, what books his Holiness forbids to his disciples, will not be surprized to learn that in the Appendix of libri proscripti, which comes down to the end of September 1817, (printed by the presses of the Apostolic Chamber) areThe History of the Bible Society: published at Naples, 1817.-The History of the Inquisition, by Francisco Beccatini. Milan 1818.-The elements of Commerce, by the Abbate Antonio Genovesi, at. Bas

to 1815.-This also is prohibited.

We are not surprized that the History of the Bible Society is proscribed, as that, inight occasion an unpleasant suffusion in the countenance of the stoutest champion of the Romish faith: while the History of the Inquisition, it must be confessed, is absolutely unfit for popular perusal, unless in terrorem, by Heretics: but why some of the others are thus distinguished, we cannot divine: but must now satisfy our stimulated curiosity by ordering the books to be procured without delay.

Titian's Life and Works.

In our last we noticed the publication in progress of the life of that eminent painter, Corregio: we have now to report a similar attention paid to Titian, under the title of Dell' Imitazione Pittorica, &c. Of Picturesque Imitation, and on the excellence of the works of Titian; with the life of that Artist, by Stefano Ticozzi. Venice,

1818.

This work is printed in the same size (Svo.) as the Vite de' Pittori vecelli, the lives of the old Painters, published at Milan in 1807. It is divided into three books. In the first the author explains the fundamental principles of Painting: which in the second book he applies to the works of Titian, considered under the departmentr of composition, drawing, colouring, perspective, and anatomical knowledge. The third book contains critical observations on the Life of Titian. It is scarcely possi ble, but what this work must offer some things worth knowing, in respect to that branch of the Art, colouring, for which this master was most famous: We presume that we do a service to young Painters who may visit Venice in the course of their studies, by acquainting them with a work which they may find instructive; especially by comp ring its observations with the this Master. practice they will discover in the works of

Russi.

The Commission of Russian Legislation announces an official translation of the In

"I am but a gatherer, and dealer in other

The Dotterel Parson.

The dotterel is a very small bird, fond of imitations, and is to be found on the heaths. and moors of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and Cambridgeshire It used formerly to be taken in uets by a person approaching the bird, and stretching out a leg or an arm, when the bird made a similar motion with his leg or wing, which occupied its attention till the net was dropped over the whole

out of the maws of partridges at a certain | sions are common. A recent traveller (Dr. season of the year, which gives them a preparation far exceeding all the art of cookery.

Happy Expedient.

Helviot, a celebrated French actor, was one day walking on the Boulevards at Paris, accompanied by Baptiste and his lady; they were attracted by the sounds of a harp played by an old beggar. As the talent of the harper was not of the first order, he obtained but little notice from the Parisian promenaders. Helviot, however, was so mnch interested for him, that he stepped aside with his companions, to propose rendering him a service. Madame Baptiste lowered her veil, and sat down to the harp, while her husband and Helviot accompanied her in a trio with their voices. The excellence of the performance soon attracted an immense crowd, who expressed their admiration, by filling the hat of Helviot, who held it for the benefit of the beggar, with pieces of silver. The joy of the old man may easily be conceived.

Step by Step.

When Adrian VI, in his letters, had confessed that a reformation in the Romish church was expedient, but that it should be done step by step, Luther, on reading this confession, had marked in the margin of his copy of the letters," that his Holiness intended that an interval of a century should take place between each step."

Reproof.

Bright) gives an amusing description of one at Vienna during the winter of 181415. The climate (he says) was then nearly as changeable as that of London; from the middle of December, however, till the middle of February, there was sufficient frost to keep the ground almost continually covered with snow. The thermometer was often at 25o of Fahrenheit, during the day, and at midnight seldom below 20'. At this period the streets of Vienna were crowded with sledges the greater part of the wheel carriages having disappeared; even the hackney coaches had been taken from their wheels to be hung upon sledges. The horses' heads were adorned with plumes, and, as they passed over the hardened snow without occasioning any sound, it became necessary to provide them with bells which gave warning of their approach. From 50 to 100, arranged in order, upon a piece of leather or velvet, placed upon the horses' shoulders, produced a lively and agreeable jingling sound on every motion of the animal. The scene afforded by these sledges is much more gay than that produced by an equal number of wheeled carriages: there is always some emulation in adorning them with plumes or coloured cloths; and amongst the nobility, the vanity of possessing rich and beautiful sledges was once carried to such excess, and produced such large expences, that it was discouraged by the court. On the present occasion, however, the Emperor invited his nobility to assist in forming a magnificient procession of these vehicles for the amusement of his guests.

A member of the Society of Friends visit ed a lady of rank, whom he found six months after the death of her husband sitting on a sofa covered with black cloth, in all the dignity of woe; and gently taking her by the hand, he thus addressed her: "So, streets were crowded with an expecting On the day appointed for this parade the friend, I see that thou hast not yet forgiven multitude. The greatest good order prethe Almighty." This reproof had such anvailed: arising in part from the acustomed effect, that the lady immediately put away the trappings of her grief, and returned to her domestic duties.

A Fool's Wit.

subjection of an Austrian mob, and in part from the sedate and orderly feeling communicated by a Sunday dress. At two o'clock the procession began to move through the streets: it was indeed singu larly beautiful. There were nearly forty sledges prepared for the purpose, fitted up and adorned in the most splendid manner. They all varied in colour; green, blue, red of every shade, covered with ornamental work of gold and silver, and lined within with velvet and rich fur. They were gen

Triboulet, the fool of Francis I, was threatened with death by a man in power, of whom he had been speaking disrespectfully he applied to the king for protection. "Be satisfied, (said the King) if any man puts you to death, I will order him to be hauged a quarter of an hour after." "Ah Sir, (replied be) I should be much obliged if your Majesty would order him to be hang-erally built like light cars, for two persons, ed a quarter of an hour before."

Sledge-Processions.

In other countries where the winters are more severe, and the frosts more durable than they are in England, sledge-proces

a gentleman driving, and a lady sitting by his side; the former dressed in full uniform, the latter with high plumes of feathers, rich dresses, and a notable quantity of rouge. The greater part of this assembly were royal persons; two Emperors, three

all the fathers of the council, danced on the occasion.

Tributes to Shakspeare.

The room which is shown at Stratford as that in which the Bard was born, is covered in every part with the names of visitors, written by themselves, in pencil,&c. The surface is whitewash, laid on, perhaps, about 20 years ago, and in the interior, the ceiling, the sides, the projecting chim

Kings, two or three hereditary princes, several archdukes; amongst the ladies were two Empresses, two queens, archduchesses and princesses; and with them were ob served two of our own nobility. Each sledge was drawu by a single pair of horses, covered with richly embroidered cloths of gold, with plumes upon their heads and necks, and a great mass of silver or gilded bells hanging in the usual manner across their shoulders. A servant in a rich furney, and every portion of the surface has cloak stood behind each sledge, and be tween each, three or four equerries attended, in the uniforms and liveries of the Emperor, or of their respective masters. A band of military music preceded on a large sledge constructed for the purpose, and a similar band followed. A body of horse soldiers went before the whole, and another closed the procession.

This brilliant pomp passed and repassed throu..h all the principal streets of Vienna; then, leaving the town, proceeded to a palace of the Emperor at some distance, where a magnificient dinner and a theatrical exhibition had been prepared; and, at ten o'clock, the procession returned by the light of torches. As it approached over the glacis, and open space between the walls of the city and its suburbs, the effect was very striking, The ground was cov ered with deep snow, and the winding course of the procession was marked like a river of fire, by the flames of the moving torches. When they entered the streets, the effect was in a great degree lost; and, after a short circuit, the ladies were conducted to their respective habitations.

Anecdote of the late Mr. Sheridan. His father one day descanting on the pedigree of his family, was regretting that they were no longer styled O'Sheridan, as they had been formerly; indeed father, replied the late celebrated character, then a boy, we have more right to the O than any one else for we owe every body.

Ecclesiastical Dancing.

Louis II. of France, held a grand court at Milau, in 1501, when the balls are said to have been most maguificent. Two cardinals, De Narbonne and De St. Leverin, footed it there with the rest of the courtiers. Cardinal Paliarino relates, that the fathers, doctors, bishops, and other church dignitaries, assembled at the Council of Trent, rested for a while, in 1562, from their theo logical polemics, and deliberated on the important proposition of giving a ball to Philip II. King of Spain. This was agreed to; all the ladies of the city were invited, and the Spanish Bigot, together with

been written on. A list of the names
would exhibit all the character and genius
of the age, and of itself would be a curi-
osity. Among the names are those of their
R. Highnesses the Prince Regent and D. of
Clarence, of the half of both Houses of
Parliament, and of many distinguished fo-
reigners, among whom are Lucien Buona-
parte, and the Russian and Austrian Princes.
Even the tomb of Shakspeare, and his bust
are in like manner covered with names,
proud of an association with his and on
the very scroll, under the effigy, is inscribed
the name of " Wellesley," by the illustrious
Marquis; and by Lucien Buonaparte the
following lines:-

The eye of Genius glistens to admire
How Memory hails the sound of Shakspeare's
lyre;

One tear I'll shed, to form a crystal shriue
Of all that's grand, immortal, and divine.”
Dog-Smith.

Henry Smith, Esq. was formerly a silversmith in London, and having acquired a considerable fortune, formed the strange resolution of spending the remainder of his days as a common beggar, with a dog. He confined his limits to the county of Surrey, where he was known by the appellation of " Dog-smith;" but having given offence to an inhabitant of Mitcham, he was, by a Justice of the Peace, ordered to be publicly whipped. This he rescuted so much, that he left, at his death, 50%. a year, or 1,000l. in money, to every market town in the county, Mitcham excepted.

Armenian Relics.

"With great ceremony they exhibited before us (says Mr. Morier) some of the inost precious relics belonging to the church. The first and principal one was said to be the head of the very spear with which the Roman soldier pierced the side of our Saviour. As soon as it was brought forth, and laid on the altar, all the Armenians made a profound inclination of the head. It was about a foot in length. This relic, which is looked upon now as the first in their possession, and which is said, besides other miracles, to have the power of stopping the progress of the plague, appears

to be a new acquisition, for it is not mentioned among those which Chardin saw.The arm of St. Gregory, and the scalp of St. Repsime, are still there, but so incased in gold and ornaments, that neither of them can be distinctly seen.

Montpelier Medical Oath.

I, A. B. before the statue of Hippocrates, in the presence of the professors of this school, and of my dear fellow students, do swear, in the name of the Supreme Being, to be faithful to the laws of honour and probity in the practice of medicine. I will give my gratuitous attendance to the indigent, and will never require a fee beyond my labour. Admitted into the interior of families, my eyes shall see nothing that passes,-my tongue shall preserve the secrets that are entrusted to me,—aud my conduct shall never tend to corrupt morals or favour crime. Smollett's Tomb.

"The day we remained with the patriarch, we had an instance of the extent of Armenian superstition. They hold it for certain, that the head of the sacred spear, which is kept as a relic in the church, has amongst its many virtues the power of stopping the progress of the plague. This terrible disorder had broken out with violence at Teflis, and was making great havoc amongst the inhabitants. A deputation was, in consequence, sent to the patriarch, Situated on the banks of the Arno, berequesting the loan of the spear-head, in tween Leghorn and Pisa, in the most roorder that the evil might meet with a spee-mantic spot that even the vivid imagmation dy termination. We happened to be present when the deputation arrived. The patriarch received it in great form, and long consultations were held, whether the sacred instrument should be permitted to go out of the walls of Ectmiatzin or not. At length it was determined that it should proceed to perform its holy office, and after a multitude of ceremonies, such as chaunt ings, prostrations, kissings, and ringing of bells, it was delivered over to the deputation, who forthwith returned to Teflis. We afterwards learnt, that it was most devoutly believed by some at Teflis, that as soon as the spear head had entered the city through one gate, the plague, in the shape of a cow with a human head, had darted out through another, and that then the disorder instantly ceased."-Second Embassy to Persia.

Thrush and Opera-Singer.

A contemporary writer comparing the songs of nature with those of the opera, beautifully observes, "the opera-singer sings to please the audience, not herself, and does not always like to be encored in it; but the thrush that awakes at day-break with its song, does not sing because it is paid to sing, or to please others, or to be admired or criticised. It sings because it is happy : it pours the thrilling sounds from its throat to relieve the overflowings of its own heart-the liquid notes come from and go to the heart, dropping balm into it, as the gushing spring revives the traveller's parched and fainting lips. That stream of joy comes pure and fresh to the longing sense, free from art and affectation; the same that rises over vernal groves, mingled with the breath of morning, and the perfumes of the wild hyacinth, that waits for no audience, that wants no rehearsing, that exhausts its raptures and still :

Hymns its good God, and carols sweet of love."

of an Italian could select, rises the tomb of
our countryman Smollett, the author of
Roderic Random, &c. It is of a plain oc-
tagonal form, about 30 feet in height, aud
6 feet in diameter at the base, which forms
an apartment to which there are three
doors. The English who visit it from the
port of Leghorn have erected a plain mar-
ble table, surrounded with stone seats with-
in; and scarcely a vessel arrives, but the
officers and crews pay a visit to Smollet's
tomb. It is worthy of remark, that the tomb
is covered with laurel, so that hardly one
stone can be seen, and it is even bound up to
clear the entrance at the doors. The laurel
grows wild in all parts of Tuscany, and the
homage of friends has planted many a slip
on the tomb of departed genius. Four
marble slabs are placed inside, with in-
scriptions in the Italian, Latin, Greek, and
English languages. The Italian runs thus:
Stranger! respect the name of Tobias Smollett,
An Englishman,

A man of letters, and playful genius,
He died contented in Tuscany,
His soul requires your prayers.

LATIN.

J. B.