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Title: The Rural Magazine, and Literary Evening Fire-Side, Vol. 1 No. 4 (1820)
Author: Various
Release Date: April 20, 2015 [EBook #48748]
Language: English
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* * * * *
THE
RURAL MAGAZINE,
AND
LITERARY EVENING FIRE-SIDE.
VOL. I. PHILADELPHIA, _Fourth Month_, 1820. _No_. 4.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
THE DESULTORY REMARKER.
No. III.
He whose object is to make an impression on the public mind, must
first, as an indispensable preliminary, secure the public attention.
Much that is said or written, partakes in so great a degree of
an unimpressive and a common-place character, as to be utterly
disregarded. To succeed in obtaining the public ear, is as difficult
as it is important. This success is perhaps most efficiently
promoted, by listening with attention to every remark of criticism,
whether good-natured or severe;--by then adopting the counsels of
wisdom, and leaning on the solid column of experience. If these
papers should fail to acquire popularity, and, like many of their
predecessors, sink into _undeserved_ oblivion; it shall not be from
the want of a disposition to please, but from the absence of higher
powers. It is the peculiar province of genius to render prolific
the most sterile soil, to invest with interest the most intractable
topic, and to mould into the form of beauty the most unpromising
materials. For this rare and brilliant endowment, no adequate
substitute can be found.
Should every public speaker, or public writer, be required to
confine themselves to what is absolutely original, or strictly
relevant to their subject; what would become of a vast majority
of the tribe of authors, and ninety-nine out of a hundred of our
orators in Congress? Of a speech of three or five hours in length,
one effect may be confidently predicted; that those of the audience
who do not fall asleep, will be fatigued and justly irritated, by
such an unwarrantable trespass on their time and patience. Our
national character is not yet completely formed; but some features
of it are assuming a permanent shape. Among these, there is one,
by no means calculated to elevate us in the estimation of the rest
of the world. Instead of that simplicity and Spartan brevity, by
which republicans should be distinguished, we habituate ourselves
to the unnecessary use of a multitude of words. WE ARE GIANTS IN
PROFESSION, BUT PIGMIES IN ACTION. It has been confidently asserted,
that the speeches of one of the members of our federal legislature,
from Tennessee, have actually cost the United States more money,
than would defray the entire expense of completing the Delaware and
Chesapeake canal. Now that the Missouri discussion is terminated,
how _honourable_ to the nation, it is not my present purpose to
inquire; it would be desirable to ascertain whether the vote of a
solitary member was changed, by the endless speeches which were
delivered on the subject. If not, I should presume it was a pretty
clear point, that they cost the PEOPLE much more than they were
worth; and that such a prodigal waste of the time and treasure of
the nation, is highly reprehensible. But instead of arraigning the
conduct of others, and exposing their weakness and defects, it may
perhaps be the part of prudence to spare our censure for errors to
be met with much nearer home. By giving publicity to the following
communication, I trust I shall not trespass on the indulgence of
my readers; while at the same time I shall evince a spirit of no
fictitious candour, by which I wish at all times to be actuated.
"HARRISBURG, _March 20._
"_To the Desultory Remarker._
"SIR--You will pardon the liberty which, as a perfect stranger,
I take of addressing you. I have long cultivated a taste for
literature; not that which abounds in circulating libraries, but
that which is met with in those "_founts of English undefiled_,"
the classical poets and essayists of Great Britain. Of the latter,
I have a decided preference for ADDISON; because his humour is as
innocent as it is exquisite; and because his sincere and fervid
piety is diametrically opposed to every thing like monastic gloom
and austerity. He was a benefactor to mankind during the course
of his life; and left them his example in the hour of death--"_See
how a Christian can die!_" I have not trimmed the midnight lamp,
in perusing the pages of sentimental and mischievous nonsense; but
derive the highest gratification from those books which have long
enjoyed the united suffrages of virtue. But to my purpose. You have
embarked in an honourable undertaking, and one in which very few
have been successful. You should profit, not merely by the wisdom
of those that have gone before you, but also by their mistakes. I
have read your two first numbers; and unless some improvement shall
take place, either in your matter or manner, you will never be a
favourite of mine.--There is too much unvaried gravity, and studied
elaboration, in them.--When we take up a newspaper, or magazine,
we do not expect to meet with a sermon, however well disposed we
might be to welcome it on a proper occasion. Permit me to observe,
that a long, prosing, lifeless essay, _will never be read_; and, if
frequently met with, will create a distaste for the journal itself,
in which it may appear. Being friendly to your success, you will
indulge me in repeating, that should you fail to impart a greater
degree of vanity and interest, to your future numbers; if you do not
more frequently smooth the wrinkled brow of care, and assume the
aspect of cheerfulness, you will lose many of the female readers you
have at present, and among the rest,
"Your humble servant,
"STELLA."
This is a sensible, well written letter; and, if it would not be
indecorous to express an opinion as to another feature of it, not
overburthened with compliment. I am aware of the force and truth of
some of STELLA's observations; and will endeavour _occasionally_ to
profit by them. Though considerably advanced in the vale of years, I
hope never to be insensible to the good opinion of that sex, which
can successfully prefer claims to excellence, in every department
of virtue; and whose influence on the well-being of society, is so
incalculably important. What if my temples be encircled with the
frosts of many winters, and the wings of my fancy be enfeebled,
by that incurable malady, old age; I still shall be delighted to
minister to the pleasure of those, whose approbation is worth
desiring--
The wise and the learned, the witty and the fair.
An outline of the female character has been thus happily and
accurately sketched, by the pencil of a poet.--The last couplet is
descriptive of a trait in this character, which is as amiable as it
is true.
Oh! Woman, in our hours of ease
Uncertain, coy, and hard to please,
And variable as the shade
By the light, quivering aspen made;
_When pain and anguish wring the brow,
A ministering angel thou_.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
THE VILLAGE TEACHER.
In my younger days, I passed a considerable time in the pleasant
village of G----. The society was lively and agreeable; and, as
it consisted chiefly of ladies, our usual place of meeting was at
the tea table and the evening circle. Literature, the news of the
day, and our little amusements, furnished the principal subjects
of conversation; and although the society was elegant and well
educated, yet the frequency of our meetings often drove us, for
variety, to the intrigues and petty scandal of the neighbourhood.
The disposition for this kind of entertainment became at last so
strong, that we grew ashamed of it; and resolved one evening to
create a "Court of Scandal," by which all offences against the
good breeding and charity of speech should be tried, and whose
decisions we bound ourselves to obey. When I observe how strong is
our propensity for scandal, and with what greediness evil-speaking
is listened to, I cannot help wishing that there were such a
tribunal in every one's bosom. Did it exist, or rather did we
suffer the voice which there speaks, to be heard; we should often
be humbled at its decisions. If we unmask our actions and our
motives, we shall find this propensity at the bottom of much of
what is called--virtuous indignation. At one time, it assumes the
mock appearance of charity; at another, it tries to hide itself in
sallies of wit, or lurks beneath a half whispered insinuation, or
a kind doubt, or a malicious inquiry. Its seeds are deeply sown,
and take still deeper root in the human breast; and it requires the
strictest self-examination, and the greatest candour, to avoid being
overrun, if I may so express myself, with this nightshade.
I know of nothing more despicable, than the little mincing scandal
which buzzes about in our polite circles. Always on the wing, with
honey in its mouth, and poison and bitterness in its trail, it
spreads the injurious aspersion, and the doubtful insinuation; and
fastens them, like mildew, upon the fairest and purest characters.
It is a vice essentially grovelling, and low-minded, and which
grows upon us at unawares. It advances imperceptibly through all
its various degrees; from idle curiosity to the deep and settled
malignity, which has no pleasure but in the weaknesses, the errors,
and misfortunes, of those around it. Beware, reader! lest while
giving to my description a local habitation in the person of thy
neighbours, thou indulgest the disposition thyself, and turnest my
counsel into food for thy propensity.--But I have wandered from
my original plan, which was, to give some account of our court of
scandal, and of the decisions which it pronounced.
The first cause that came before it, was, a complaint from Julia
Manners against Miss Busy, who had circulated a report that Julia
was about to be married.
Miss Busy lived opposite to Julia's father's; and generally took
her morning and afternoon station at the parlour window. She one
day espied from thence, a well dressed young man escorting Julia
home. Her curiosity was immediately excited; and she sallied out
to the next neighbour's, to inquire who the stranger was, and to
wonder if he was not a suitor. The answer, _It is like enough_, was
sufficient. She continued her walk, discovered his name at the next
place where she inquired, and received some trivial confirmation
of her conjecture at a third. From that time forward, she asked
all whom she visited, or received, if they had seen Miss Manners'
suitor. Conjecture was built upon conjecture, till at last poor
Julia was to be married and sent off in the space of a fortnight.
After a patient hearing of an hour, the court decreed, that Miss
Busy should be interdicted any of our circle for two weeks, and that
her parlour windows should be kept closed for as many months.
Miss Lively happening to mention at the tea table, one afternoon,
that Maria Harwood had jilted Captain Jones, was immediately called
to an account. She blushed, and said it was common rumour, and that
she knew nothing but what she had heard. The court decided that
this circumstance would not excuse her, for that she thus lent the
authority of her name to an idle story which she confessed she had
no reason to believe was true. It was declared, that the person who
assisted in circulating what was mere rumour, shared in the guilt
of the fabricator; and that as Miss Lively was Maria Harwood's
particular friend, she had in this instance doubly offended. Miss
Lively was therefore examined again as to her authority for what she
had said. After much inquiry and prevarication, it turned out, that
her mother's chamber-maid had heard Mr. Harwood's cook say, that
it would serve such a proud thing right, if Miss Maria would turn
him off. The court ordered the fair offender to be reprimanded. The
punishment had the proper effect; and for six weeks she could not
mention an article of doubtful intelligence, without being asked if
it came from Mr. Harwood's cook.
The next cause which I recollect, was of rather a more intricate
nature. Julia Manners and Emma Harwood were near neighbours, and
lived on terms of close intimacy. Julia was unconcealing, generous,
and frank; free in her expressions, and warm in all her feelings.
Emma was amiable and correct, but jealous of her dignity; and rather
eager in listening to the opinions of others respecting her. Such
a disposition always finds some one ready to gratify it; and Emma
heard much to excite her jealousy, and alarm her pride. A young
lady, _a mutual friend_, wondered to Emma that she should be so
intimate with Miss Manners, and was sure she did not know all that
Julia said about her. _What?_ eagerly exclaimed Emma. "She could not
say: it was told in confidence, and she did not like to hurt any
one's feelings." This only excited more curiosity, and Emma at last
forced her half willing friend to confess, that Julia had called her
proud and touchy; and said she did not like her half so well as she
did her sister. Miss Harwood felt much hurt; and behaved very coolly
to her old friend for several weeks. Julia at last complained to the
court, and the affair was investigated. We found out, upon examining
the witnesses, that Julia had only tacitly assented to these
opinions, which had been expressed by the fair informer herself; and
had never suffered them to influence her conduct. Emma was thereupon
ordered to kiss her old companion, and make an acknowledgment before
the company of the injustice she had committed; and we unanimously
agreed to banish their mutual friend from our circle.
I had intended to give some further decisions of our court, in which
the gentlemen are particularly interested; but my good friends, the
Editors, are already looking askance for the end of my paper. _In
publica commoda peccem_--if I longer take up the room devoted to my
worthy neighbours, the farmers.
I shall only add, that we found our court of scandal so efficacious,
that it restored our conversation in a few weeks to its former tone,
and entirely banished the spirit of which I have complained.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
"THE STORY OF RUTH."
"And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the
reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord
bless thee."
There are moments in the life of every virtuous man, when the vices
and the enormities by which he is surrounded, and above all, the
glaring deficiencies which he is compelled to remark, even in those
"whom he hath delighted to honour," come back upon the mind with an
overpowering force, and spread their disheartening influence over
the whole train of his reflections. At such moments, when we have
turned with disgust from the corruptions of human nature, and have
almost been tempted to seek in "some boundless contiguity of shade,"
a retreat from their contaminating influence; it is peculiarly
delightful to recur to some scene of virtuous enjoyment, or to
disperse the gloom which has gathered around us by a reference
to the simplicity of other times. While dwelling upon the records
of ancient purity, we become conscious of a joyous complacency;
the mind is elated in the contemplation of its own capability of
happiness, and reposes with delight upon the recollection of those
peaceful pleasures, which can only exist among a virtuous people.
There is, perhaps, no narrative to be found among the works of
ancient or modern authors, upon which the man who has become
weary of the follies of the world, can dwell with more soothing
sensations, than upon the story of Ruth. It is not to the
unrivalled beauty of its style, nor to the pathetic eloquence
which it contains, nor to the affecting nature of its incidents,
that it is indebted for its principal attractions. But it is in
the delineations of the peculiar practices of a people, who, as
yet, had not forgotten the characteristic simplicity of their
fathers; and in the striking allusions to their habits of social
intercourse, that we feel ourselves most deeply interested. Many
have delighted to paint the pleasures of rural life in all their
most glowing colours; they have dilated upon its real and its
fancied enjoyments; and have laboured to represent it as divested
of all that shall darken the lustre of native purity, or detract
from the reverence of virtue. But it may well be doubted whether
they have ever presented us with so engaging, and yet so perfectly
natural a picture, as that which is to be found in the simple and
unlaboured narrative of inspiration. In the very salutations between
Boaz and his reapers, we seem to have an evidence of that happy
equality, and that habitual piety, which are alike the concomitants
of untainted simplicity, and the victims of luxury and corruption.
"The Lord be with you," was the address of "a mighty man of wealth"
to his reapers; "and they answered him, The Lord bless thee." These
are doubtless to be considered as the accustomed salutations of
the people; and they may frequently have carried with them nothing
more than the idea of mere ceremony. But they were salutations
which must have originated among a religious people; and it was a
ceremony which must have been associated with all that is helpless
and dependant in man, and all that is merciful and omnipotent in his
Creator.
C.
Most of our readers will probably recollect the amiable and
enterprising ELIZABETH FRY, who has been for some time past, like
the celebrated Howard, engaged in visiting the prisons of England.
The peculiarity of the undertaking, for a female, and her unexpected
success in drawing the attention of the wretched objects of her
care, to something like their native dignity, have excited much
interest in the public mind. A copy of the following letter, giving
some account of her proceedings in Glasgow, was handed to us, with
the privilege of publishing it.--ED.
Communicated for the Rural Magazine.
_Letter to Mrs. Fletcher, from a
friend in Glasgow._
Mrs. Fry's manner and voice are delightful; her communications,
free and unembarrassed.--She met, by appointment, several of the
magistrates, Mr. Erving, and a number of ladies, at Bridewell. She
told them, with much simplicity, what had been done at Newgate; and
proposed something similar, if practicable, in Glasgow.
She entered into very pleasant conversation with every one. All were
delighted when she offered to speak a little to the poor women:
but the Keeper of Bridewell said he feared it was a dangerous
experiment; for that they never, but by compulsion, listened to
reading, and were generally disposed to turn all into ridicule. She
said she was not without fear of this happening; but she thought
it would give pleasure to some, and would serve to show the ladies
what she meant. The women, about a hundred, were then assembled in
a large room; and when she went in, seemed astonished, misdoubting,
and lowering. She took off her little bonnet, and sat down on a
low seat, fronting the women; and looking round with a kind and
conciliating manner, but with an eye that met every one, she
said--"I had better just tell you what we are come about." She said
"she had had to do with a great many poor women, sadly wicked; more
wicked than any now present, and how they had recovered from evil."
Her language was often Biblical, always referring to our Saviour's
promises, and cheering with holy hope those desolate beings. "Would
you like to turn from that which is wrong? Would you like if ladies
would visit you, and speak comfort to you, and help you to be
better? Would you tell them your griefs? for they who have done
wrong have many sorrows."
As she read them the rules, asking them always if they approved,
they were to hold up their hands if they acceeded. At first we saw
them down, and many hands were unraised; but as she spoke, tears
began to fall. One beautiful girl near me, had her eyes swimming
in tears; and her lips moved as if following Mrs. Fry's. An older
woman, who had her Bible, we saw pressing upon it involuntarily,
as she became more and more engrossed. The hands were now almost
all ready to rise at every pause; and these callous and obdurate
offenders were, with one consent, bowed before her. At this moment,
she took the Bible, and read the parables of the _lost sheep_, and
the _pieces of silver_, and the _prodigal son_.--It is not in my
power to express the effect of her saintly voice, speaking such
blessed words. She often paused, and looked at the "poor women," as
she named them, with such sweetness, as won all their confidence,
and she applied with a beauty and taste such as I had never before
witnessed, the parts of the story--_His father saw him when he was
afar off_, &c.--A solemn pause succeeded the reading. Then, resting
the large Bible on the ground, we saw her on her knees before the
women. Her prayer was soothing and elevating; and her musical voice,
in the peculiar recitative tone of her sect. I felt it like a
mother's song to a suffering child.
Communicated for the Rural Magazine.
BRANDYWINE, _2d mo. 3, 1820._
REUBEN HAINES,
_Esteemed friend_--I avail myself of a leisure hour to communicate
my opinion on the subject on which we had some conversation when
thou wast at my house. I allude to the importance of a more general
use of mill feed for cattle in the neighbourhood of cities and
towns, where hay almost always commands a high price.
We will, in the first place, view the subject at the cost of the
respective articles in your market at this time.--Shorts can now be
had at 30 cents per double bushel, weighing about 35 lbs.
100 bushels of shorts, weighing 3500 lbs. neat,
will cost D.30 00
3500 wt. of hay, at 25 dolls. per ton, will cost 39 12
______
Difference, D. 9 12
Here there is a difference of $9, 12 cents, in favour of shorts,
in a given weight of each; but I am quite confident, in my own
opinion, that, taking an equal weight of each, there is _double the
sustenance_ in the shorts; and if this opinion be correct, it shows
the following important result:
7000 lbs. of hay, at 25 dls. per ton, would cost D.78 25
While 3500 lbs. of shorts, in which there is
equal if not greater nutriment, would cost only 30 00
______
Gain in favour of shorts, D.48 25
But it appears to me there is another important saving would result
to the farmer, from the introduction of mill feed. It would enable
him to keep his stock of horses at a great deal less expense than he
now keeps them. They would be more healthy, and _all his hay_ might
be saved for the horned cattle. By a very slight mixture of shorts
with cut straw, or cut corn-stalks, it would make very palatable
food; and the result in this method, compared with foddering on hay,
would be as follows.
One hundred bushels of shorts would be ample to mix with two tons of
straw, and two tons of stalks.
The shorts, as heretofore stated, would cost D.30 00
2 tons of wheat, barley, or oat straw, at 5 dolls.
per ton, 10 00
The corn-stalks are now generally put in the
barn-yard: allow what paid for hauling
them, say D.2 50 per ton, 5 00
Allow also for trouble in cutting the straw and
stalks, 10 00
______
55 00
_The Weight of the foregoing as follows_, viz.
The shorts, 3500 lbs.
2 tons of straw, 4480
2 tons of stalks, 4480
______
12,460 lbs.
An equal weight of hay, at the present price,
25 dolls. would cost 139 25
______
Difference, D.84 25
Thou wilt readily perceive, without my dwelling on it, that the
above method would answer equally well for store cattle as for
horses. By the present mode the corn stalks are almost wholly
lost, and a great proportion of the straw trodden under foot in
the barn-yards. One benefit that would result from the change of
feeding, and which must be obvious to every one, would be its
enabling every farmer to keep a larger stock; and thus _increase his
manure_,--the grand secret, after all is said, in farming well, and
doing it to advantage.
If it is alleged that my calculation of hay is too high, it may be
observed, that the shorts are also estimated at a price higher than
they often command in the Philadelphia market. I have known them as
low as 20 cents; and 25 cents is a very common price in the fall of
the year. They may safely be put in bulk in the 11th mo. and will
keep sweet until the ensuing spring.--I have thus hastily thrown my
ideas together on this subject. If thou canst glean from them any
thing of importance, I shall be glad.
Thy assured friend,
JAMES CANBY.
_Treatise on Agriculture_.
SECT. II.
Of the actual state of Agriculture in Europe.
12. The climate and soil of _Great Britain_ and _Ireland_, are
particularly favourable to husbandry; nor is her geographical
position less auspicious--placed, as she is, on the longest line,
and amidst the most important markets of the continent of Europe.
If to these advantages be added the laborious, enlightened, and
enterprising character of the nation, we cannot but expect results
the most favourable to agriculture: yet is the fact notoriously
otherwise. To show that this opinion is neither hasty nor unfounded,
we must enter into details, which may not be unprofitable.
The surface of England is estimated at 37,265,853 acres, which are
distributed as follows:
In pasturage, 18,796,458
In tillage, 11,350,501
In cities, roads & canals, 3,454,740
Lands fit for pasturage
or tillage not cultivated, 3,515,238
Lands unfit for cultivation, 2,148,921
Of the arable land the following annual disposition is made:
Lands unfit for cultivation, 2,148,921
In wheat and rye, 2,000,000
In peas, beans, and buckwheat, 2,000,000
In barley and oats, 4,000,000
In fallow, or in turnips or
cabbages, 3,400,000
The lands, in wheat and rye, yield on an average of ten years,
_three quarters_ per acre, or 6,000,000 quarters; yet there is an
annual deficit in England of 1,820,000 quarters, which must be drawn
from foreign markets.[1]
[1] A _quarter_ is equal to six bushels, and the average produce
in wheat and rye 18 bushels per acre. For the whole kingdom the
deficit is 2,820,000 quarters. See Geographic Mathematic, art. Great
Britain.
There is certainly nothing very flattering in this view of
English agriculture; but it may be said to be one of statists and
politicians, and probably underrated. Let us then see what their own
most eminent agriculturists, their Young and Sinclair, and Dickson
and Marshall, say on this subject--"_A very small portion of the
cultivated parts of Great Britain, is to this day, submitted to a
judicious and well conducted system of husbandry; not in fact more
than four counties_, (Norfolk, Sussex, Essex, and Kent:) _while
many large tracts of excellent soil are managed in a way the most
imperfect and disadvantageous_."[2]
[2] See the introduction to Dickson's Practical Agriculture, 2d vol.
quarto.
Nor is her management of cattle better. "Considering the domestic
animals in a general way, we find each species, and almost every
race, capable of great improvement, and, with a few exceptions, the
sheep much neglected. In some districts are whole races of cattle
incapable of improvement (within a reasonable time) in the three
great objects which they are expected to yield, viz. milk, flesh,
and labour."[3] We now add _some_ of the causes to which this
defective husbandry has been ascribed: "to enumerate all would be
impossible, from their number and complication."[4]
[3] Marshal, vol. iv. p. 575.
[4] Dickson's Practical Agriculture.
"1st. The _commons_, or unenclosed grounds, which in many places
amount to near one half of the whole arable land, and which are
submitted to the most absurd and ruinous system of culture."[5]
[5] Idem.
"2d. The _terms_ (amounting to personal servitude) under which many
of the lands are held."
"3d. The _shortness of leases_ given by corporations (civil and
religious) and by individuals, and which seldom exceed _three_,
_five_, or _seven_ years, excepting in the counties of Norfolk,
Sussex, Essex, and Kent, where (with great advantage to both
landlord and tenant) they are frequently extended to twenty-one
years."
"4th. The _tithes in kind_, paid by the farmers to the church; a tax
highly vexatious in its character, and oppressive in its effects: and
"5th. The _poor tax_, which has become enormous, and of which the
yeomanry pay three fourths. Of this tax it has been truly said, that
it is a powerful instrument of depopulation--a barbarous contrivance
for checking all national industry."[6]
[6] Young's Tour through Ireland, vol. ii. p. 302.
To these causes, assigned by British writers, may be added the
_increase_ of _population_, common to every nation of Europe, and
which in Great Britain is beyond all proportion greater than the
progress of agriculture; the _augmentation_ of _cattle_, which
occasions that of pasturage, and the diminution of tillage;[7] the
_establishment_ of _great farms_ at the expense of _small_ ones, and
the _multiplication_ of _parks_ and _pleasure grounds_; and lastly,
the _attraction of great cities_, and the _continual drafts_ made
upon the agricultural population, for the army and navy, and for
commerce and manufactures.
[7] Mr. Hume quotes with approbation an author, who complains of
the decay of tillage in the reign of Elizabeth, and who ascribes
it to the increase of pasturage, in consequence of the restraints
imposed on the exportation of grain, while that of butter, cheese,
&c. was free. The history of Europe, if read with an eye to public
economy, furnishes an abundant proof, that the greatest obstructions
to agriculture have arisen from the interference of government. We
have here no sly allusion to our own projects of a state board of
agriculture, of a chymico agricultural professorship, nor even of
an agricultural college, if the treasury in its wealth, and the
legislature in its wisdom, should deem such institutions useful or
necessary.
SECT. III.
Theory of Vegetation.
Vegetables may be regarded as the intermediate link in the great
chain of creation, between animals and minerals. The latter grow by
mere chymical affinity, and by additions, sometimes analogous and
sometimes foreign from their own nature; while plants, like animals,
have an organization that enables them to receive their food, digest
and assimilate it to their own substance, reproduce their species,
and maintain an existence of longer or shorter duration. Thus far
the learned are agreed, but at the next step they differ.
What is this food that gives to plants their developement, and
maturity, and powers of reproduction? Lord Bacon believed that
_water_ was the source of vegetable life, and that the earth was
merely its home, its habitation, serving to keep plants upright,
and to guard them against the extremes of heat and cold. Tull, on
the other hand, (and after him Du Hamel) pronounced _pulverized
earth_ the only pabulum of plants, and on this opinion built his
system of husbandry. Van Helmont and Boyle opposed this doctrine
by experiments: the former planted and reared a cutting of willow
in a bed of dry earth, carefully weighed and protected against
accretion by a tin plate, so perforated as to admit only rain and
distilled water, with which it was occasionally moistened. At
the end of five years the plant was found to have increased _one
hundred and sixty-four pounds_, and the bed of earth to have lost,
of its original weight, only _two ounces_. Boyle pursued a similar
process with gourds, and with a similar result. Notwithstanding
the apparent conclusiveness of these experiments, their authority
was shaken, if not subverted, by others made by Margraff, Bergman,
Hales, Kirwan, &c. &c. The first of these showed, that the rain
water employed by Van Helmont, was itself charged with saline
and other earthy matter; Bergman demonstrated this by analysis,
while Kirwan and Hales proved that the earth in which the willow
cutting was planted, could absorb these matters through the pores
of the wooden box which contained it, and that a glass case could
alone have prevented such absorption. Hunter, finding that oil and
salt entered into the composition of plants, concluded that these
formed their principal food, and accordingly recommended, as the
great desideratum in agriculture, an _oil compost_. Lord Kaimes
attempted to revive the expiring creed of Lord Bacon, but finding
from Hales' statics, that one third of the weight of a green pea was
made up of carbonic acid, he added _air_ to the watery aliment of
the English philosopher--but entirely rejected _oil_ and _earth_,
as too gross to enter the mouths of plants, and _salt_ as too acrid
to afford them nourishment. Quackery, which at one time or other,
has made its way into all arts and sciences, could not easily be
excluded from agriculture. Hence it was, that the Abbe de Valemont's
_prolific liquor_, and De Hare's and De Vallier's _powders_, &c.
&c. were believed to be all that was necessary to vegetation, and
found the more advocates, as they promised much and cost little.
But before the march of modern chymistry, quackery could not long
maintain itself; and from the labours of Bennet, Priestly, Saussure,
Ingenhouz, Sennebier, Schæder, Chaptal, Davy, &c. &c. few doubts
remain on this important subject.--These will be presented in the
course of the following inquiry.
1st. Of _earths_, and their relation to vegetation.
Of six or eight substances, which chymists have denominated
_earths_, four are widely and abundantly diffused, and form the
crust of our globe. These are _silica_, _alumina_, _lime_, and
_magnesia_.--The first is the basis of quartz, sand and gravel;
the second, of clay; the third, of bones, river and marine shells,
alabaster, marble, limestone and chalk; and the fourth, of that
medicinal article known by the name of calcined magnesia.--In a
pure or isolated state,[8] these earths are wholly unproductive;
but when decomposed and mixed,[9] and to this mixture is added
the residuum of dead animal or vegetable matter,[10] they become
fertile, take the general name of _soils_, and are again specially
denominated, after the earth that most abounds in their compositions
respectively. If this be silica, they are called _sandy_; if
alumina, _argillaceous_; if lime, _calcareous_; and if magnesia,
_magnesian_. Their properties are well known: a _sandy_ soil is
loose, easily moved, little retentive of moisture, and subject
to extreme dryness; an _argillaceous_ soil is hard and compact
when dry, tough and paste-like when wet, greedy and tenacious of
moisture; turns up, when ploughed, into massive clods, and admits
the entrance of roots with great difficulty. A _calcareous_ soil is
dry, friable and porous; water enters and leaves it with facility;
roots penetrate it without difficulty, and (being already greatly
divided) less labour is necessary for it than for clay. _Magnesian_,
like calcareous earth, is light, porous and friable; but, like clay
when wet, takes the consistency of paste, and is very tenaceous of
water. It refuses to combine with oxygen, or with the alkalies; is
generally found associated with granite, gneiss, and schiste, and is
probably among the causes of their comparative barrenness.[11]
[8] See Gisbert's experiments on _pure earths_ and _their mixtures_.
See also Davy's Elements of Agricultural Chemistry, p. 156.
[9] In this respect nature has been neither negligent or niggardly,
if (as Fourcroy asserts) the purest sand be a mixture of quartz,
alumina, and sometimes of calcareous matter. _Speculative geology_
is romance, and does not merit the name of science; yet is science
obliged to borrow her theory of soils. The alternation of heat
and cold, moisture and dryness, decomposed the mountains of
primitive, secondary and tertiary formation; rains, and the laws
of gravity, brought these from places of more, to places of less
elevation--where, by mechanical mixture and chymical combination,
the present substrata were formed. But these were yet naked and
unproductive, when the Cryptogamia family (mopes and lichens) took
possession of them, and in _due time_ produced that vegetable
matter, which made the earth productive and the globe habitable!
[10] Dead animal and vegetable matter, in the last stage of
decomposition, give a black or brown powder, which the French
chymists call _terreau_ or _humus_, and which Mr. Davy calls an
_extractive matter_; _this_ is the fertilizing principle of soils
and manures.
[11] The opinion is general among the chymists of Europe, that
magnesian earth is not only barren itself, but the cause of
barrenness in other soils in which it may abound, unless saturated
with carbonic acid. See Base, Tennant, and Davy.
In these qualities are found the _mechanical relations_ between
earths and vegetables. To the divisibility of the former it is
owing, that the latter are enabled to push their roots into the
earth; to their _density_, that plants maintain themselves in an
erect posture, rise into the air, and resist the action of the
winds and rains; and to their _power_ of _absorbing_ and _holding_
water, the advantage of a prolonged application of moisture,
necessary or useful to vegetable life. But besides performing these
important offices, there is reason to believe that they contribute
to the _food_ of vegetables. This opinion rests on the following
considerations and experiments:
1. If earths do not contribute directly to the food of plants, then
would be all soils alike productive; or in other words, if air and
water _exclusively_ supply this food, then would a soil of pure sand
be as productive as one of the richest alluvion.
2. Though plants may be made to grow in pounded glass, or in
metallic oxides, yet is the growth, in these, neither healthy nor
vigorous; and,
3. All plants, on analysis, yield an earthy product;[12] and this
product is found to partake most of the earth that predominates in
the soil producing the analyzed plant; if _silica_ be the dominant
earth, then is the product obtained from the plant _silicious_;
if _lime_ prevail, then is the product _calcareous_, &c. &c. This
important fact is proved by De Saussure.
[12] Davy says this never exceeds one fiftieth of the whole product.
_1st Experiment._
Two plants (the pinus abies) were selected, the one from a
calcareous, the other from a granitic soil, the ashes of which gave
the following products;
Granitic Calcareous
soil. soil.
Potash 3 60 15
Alk. and mu. sul 4 24 15
Carbonate of lime 46 34 63
Carbonate of magnesia 6 77 00
Silica 13 49 00
Alumina 14 86 16
Metallic oxides 10 52 00
_2d Experiment._
Two Rhododendrons were taken, one from the calcareous soil of Mount
de la Salle, the other from the granitic soils of Mount Bevern. Of
a _hundred_ parts, the former gave fifty-seven of carbonate of lime
and five of silica; the latter, thirty of carbonate of lime, and
fourteen of silica.
_3d Experiment._
This was made to determine whether vegetables, the product of a soil
having in it no silica, would, notwithstanding, partake of that
earth.--Plants were accordingly taken from Reculey de Thoiry, (a
soil altogether calcareous) and the result was a very small portion
of silica.
These experiments, says Chaptal, leave little if any doubt, but that
vegetables derive the earthy matter they contain from the soil in
which they grow.[13]
[13] Shæder maintains the doctrine, that the earths found in
plants are created there by the process of vegetation. His essay
on this subject was crowned by the academy of Berlin, in 1801. His
experiments were the first to determine the different quantities of
silica found in different kinds of grain.
2. Of _water_, as an agent in vegetation.
Seeds placed in the earth, and in a temperature above the freezing
point, and _watered_, will develope; that is, their lobes[14] will
swell, their roots descend into the earth, and their stems rise into
the air. But without humidity, they will not germinate; or deprived
of humidity after germinating, they will perish. When germination
is complete, and the plant formed, its roots and leaves are so
organized as to _absorb water_. The experiments of Hales prove,
that the weight of plants is increased in wet and diminished in dry
weather; and that in the latter, they draw from the atmosphere (by
means of their leaves)[15] the moisture necessary to their well
being.--Du Hamel (and after him Sennebier) has shown, that the
filaments that surround the roots of plants, and which has been
called their hair, perform for them in the _earth_, the office that
leaves perform in the atmosphere, and that if deprived of these
filaments the plants die.
[14] Moisten a bean in warm water, and detach the skin that covers
it, and it readily divides into two parts; these are called _lobes_.
[15] Bonnet's experiments show, that it is the under surface of the
leaf that performs this function, The upper surface has a different
office.
It would be easy, but useless, to multiply facts of this kind
tending to establish a doctrine not contested, but which after
all does not assert, that water makes part of the food of plants.
On this point two opinions exist--the one, that this liquid is a
solvent and conductor of alimentary juices: the other, that is
itself an aliment and purveyor of vegetable food at the same time.
The first opinion is abundantly established. Water when charged
with oxygen, supplies to germinating seeds the want of atmospheric
air, and saturated with animal or vegetable matter in a state of
decomposition, or slightly impregnated with carbonic acid, very
perceptibly quickens and invigorates vegetation. The second opinion
is favoured by some of De Saussure's experiments. On these, Chaptal
makes the following remark, which expresses very distinctly an
approbation of the doctrine they suggest:--"The enormous quantity of
hydrogen (which makes so large a part of vegetable matter) cannot
be accounted for but by admitting (in the process of vegetation)
the _decomposition_ of _water_, of which hydrogen is the principal
constituent; and that though there is nothing in the present state
of our experience that directly establishes this doctrine, yet that
its truth ought to be presumed, from the analysis of plants and the
necessary and well-known action of water on vegetation.
(To be continued.)
_Correction._--In copying the second section, page 55, an error
escaped in relation to the _Tuscan_ plough; the passage should have
read thus--"The plough of the north of Europe, like that of this
country, has the power of a wedge, and acts horizontally--that that
of Tuscany has the same direction, but very different form. With the
outline of a shovel, it consists of two inclined planes, sloping
from the centre, and forms a gutter and two ridges.
Review for the Rural Magazine.
_An Expose of the Causes of Intemperate Drinking, and the means
by which it may be obviated. By Thomas Herttell of the city of
New York. Published by order of the New York society for the
promotion of internal improvement_.--New York, 1819.--pp. 56.
This is an ingenious and interesting pamphlet. It is written with
much force and originality; and we think we shall do the public a
service by laying before our readers some of the author's remarks.
There is no vice which steals upon us in so many attractive and
deceitful shapes as that of intemperate drinking. In this country it
is a national sin and infects every class of society. We meet its
temptations in our social intercourse, at our public festivals--in
the resorts of business; we see it indulged in by men of eminent
character; spirituous liquors are kept in every sideboard, and
brought forth upon almost every occasion. One class of society
imitates the practice of another, and habitual drunkenness has
become the stigma and disgrace of our country.
The pamphlet before us, remarks (page 6) that "the existence of
this vice is now generally acknowledged, its progress marked, and
its effects deplored. It is traced to the grog-shop where many of
its most degrading _effects_ are discovered, and _mis_taken for
_causes_, and the remedy attempted to be applied."
"Though I am not disposed to become the advocate of grog-shops, or
to avert from them any portion of merited animadversion--or inclined
to become the apologist of those who, under colour of keeping a
tavern, follow the business of dram-selling; I am not willing
that these places should be considered either as the _primary_ or
_principal cause_ of the evil under review. The current opinion that
such is the case, is incorrect, as I shall endeavour to shew. And
I am induced to do this, from the conviction that the mistake is
calculated to stop investigation short of the true source, and thus
prevent the remedies from reaching the fountain-head of the evil.
It happens in this, as in too many other instances, that the little
sinners become the subjects of censure, while those whose crimes
differ from them only in magnitude, are overlooked, or treated with
complaisance. Is it _wrong_ to sell liquor by the _glass_, to those
who drink it--and is it _not wrong to sell it by the hogshead_, for
the purpose of being so disposed of? Are both these culpable, and
shall those who import and sell it by the cargo, escape obloquy?
And does the distiller differ from all those, in any other respect,
than that he makes while they sell the poison for the purpose of
its being drank? It is not my intention to censure the latter any
more than the former class of dealers in ardent drink; and justice
forbids that blame should attach itself exclusively to either. They
are all _particepes criminis_, inasmuch as they all contribute
facilities to the practice of intemperate drinking, and thus aid the
continuance and increase of the evil. But its most prolific sources
are not to be found among those classes of our fellow-citizens,
considered in the _business character_. They only conform to the
_customs_ and _habits_ of the community in which they live. They
find their neighbours in the practice of using ardent drink, and
profit by their folly. No one would be so weak as to invest his
money in ardent liquor with the expectation of _learning_ people
to drink. It is the _already acquired habit_, which constitutes
the basis of his calculations of profit. So far, therefore, from
grog-shops being the _primary_ or _principal cause_ of intemperate
habits, the reverse of the position approaches nearer the truth. The
habit of _intemperance is the cause of grog-shops_.
"As the vice under consideration did not originate at those places,
it is not limited to the class of people who drink there. The
customers of coffee houses, hotels, and other taverns, and the
sideboards and wine-cellars of private houses, prove the truth of
this position. The landlords of those establishments would take
it in dudgeon, to be told that their customers were of the lowest
grade of society; and the proprietors of well stored sideboards
and wine-cellars, would be highly offended at the imputation of
drinking, or learning to drink, at grog-shops. If the practice of
tippling was confined to the lower order of society, it could not
with any propriety be regarded as a national sin. The character and
habits of that class of the community can never alone constitute
national character. Admitting, therefore, that intemperate drinking
is justly attributed to us as a feature of our national character,
it follows irrefutably, that the _causes_ which produce that
_effect_ are not confined to the purlieus of bar or tap-rooms. The
upper classes of society never follow the examples of the lower: but
the latter do, as far as they are able, imitate the customs of the
former. Had the habit of intemperance originated in the lower class,
it would not, in all probability, have extended beyond it. As its
prevalence is so general as to become a reproach to the nation, the
inference is conclusive, that it is the progeny of higher parentage
than grog-shops."
"The radical sources of the evil" says judge Herttell, "are _in the
fashions, customs, and examples, of what are called the upper or
wealthy classes of the community_."
After remarking the common practice that intoxicating liquors are
universally used as a table drink, he proceeds, "Such being the
practice, the parents of a family must, of necessity, adopt one
of the two following measures:--The children must be permitted to
partake of the common table beverage, or they must not. In the
first case they are reared from their childhood to the _habitual
use of ardent drink_. If the other course is pursued, and the use
of the liquor interdicted to the children, while the parents daily
drink it in their presence, he is very little acquainted with
human nature, who does not know, that the value of the article
is thereby arbitrarily enhanced--the disposition to enjoy it
increased,--and, that as soon as the restraints of the parents are
removed, and an opportunity presents, the forbidden fruit will be
tasted, with as much avidity as if both conscience and justice
demanded satisfaction for lost time and pleasures. Under such
circumstances, how vain is it to hope that children will not acquire
the habit of intemperance--and how weak is it to wonder at their
becoming drunkards! Parents can hardly be said to have arrived
to years of discretion, who shall expect that their admonitions
against intemperance will be heeded, while their daily example is
counteracting their influence. How ridiculous is it for them, while
drinking wine and brandy in the presence of their children, to
attempt to persuade them, that it is not good for them! Should it
happen, that in a family of half a dozen sons, there should be a
sober man, the merit is his, and not his parents'; nor are they to
be pitied, except for their folly, should they all be drunkards; and
such is frequently the result. Thus, almost every family becomes a
school for intemperance, and a nursery of customers for taverns and
grog-shops.
"Again; inebriating liquors have become the medium _universally
adopted by society for manifesting friendship and good will, one
to another_. It need only to be mentioned to be admitted, that it
is the common practice, when friends or even strangers visit each
other, they have scarcely time after being seated, to make the usual
inquiries about health, and the common place remarks on the weather,
before they are invited to drink intoxicating liquors. The welcome
is deemed kind and sincere, in proportion to the frequency, and
earnestness of the importunities to drink--liberal in proportion
to the variety of the liquors; and their richness and profusion
add to the other temptations to drink. Not to offer them would be
deemed unfriendly, mean, or unmannerly. Not to accept them, would
be attributed to ill-nature, or a want of politeness. Hence, the
visitor drinks to reciprocate good will for the proffered kindness,
or in self-defence against the imputation of ill-breeding. And the
visited, takes a glass for the company's sake, as it is called;
and to evince his satisfaction on seeing his hospitality accepted
_in the spirit_ in which it is offered. In this way do the laws of
_fashion_ and _custom constrain people to drink_, who otherwise
would have no inclination, or who have acquired that inclination,
from the frequent if not daily occasions which occur, for tendering
and reciprocating through the customary channel, sentiments of
hospitality and good will to their associates, friends, and
strangers. _Thus is the vice of intemperate drinking ingrafted on
the virtue of hospitality_; and so long as that virtue is cherished,
and ardent liquors continue to be tendered as evidence of its
existence, so long will the use of that article as a drink continue,
and the vice of intemperance grow out of it. _This unnatural
blending of virtue and vice, together with the practice of using
inebriating drink as a table beverage, are the radical sources of
that intemperance, which is said to be "the crying and increasing
sin of the nation."_ It is at the family table, the first rudiments
of intemperance are taught; the first examples set, and the first
essays at tippling attempted. The practice is continued by the
frequent display of hospitality and politeness, through the medium
of ardent drink. The _acquired habit_, shows itself on holy-days, at
dining and other parties, and on all convivial occasions--is pursued
at taverns, and at last, descends to, and terminates its career at
grog-shops. Look at the catalogue of family misfortunes, and few
will be found to have escaped the direful disease of intemperance;
few which have not had their prosperity and happiness blighted by
the extreme of that vice, in some one or more of their members."
No doubt it is in the opulent that many of the vices of society
originate. Their weaknesses and errors are palliated; their example
imitated and their indulgences eagerly craved by the poor. While
therefore, the general practice of using ardent spirit continues
among them, our author reasons that the popular remedy of curtailing
the number of grog-shops, though it would lessen the _practice_
would not _destroy_ the habit of intemperance. Should there
remain a solitary place where liquor can be procured, the sin of
intemperance will continue to be committed, and its associate vices
and immorality entailed on society.
"What!" says he, "it may be asked by the reader, are we required to
relinquish the use of wine and ardent spirits, in order to prevent
their abuse by others? Shall we deny ourselves the _reasonable
enjoyment_ of them, because others become _intemperate_? Are we to
be interdicted the _moderate_ use of them, because others drink to
excess and get drunk? As well say the querists, might it be expected
that we should extract our tongues, because others back-bite their
neighbours!
"In the first place, permit me to remark, that I have not uttered a
word against the _moderate_ or _reasonable_ use of ardent liquors.
But before we go farther, it may be proper to analyze the terms,
_moderation_ and _intemperance_, as they relate to the use of
inebriating drink. There can be no objection to its _reasonable_,
_necessary_, and _moderate_ use. But I do contend, that the use
of it by any person _in a full state of health, is at all times
unnecessary_. The effect of strong drink, is to excite the animal
spirits to a preternatural action.--When taken by a person in full
health, it raises the animal spirits above the healthy standard.
This is _unnecessary_--and inasmuch as it creates a deviation
from a state of real health, it produces _disease_, and hence
its use is _immoderate_, _intemperate_. The _indirect debility_
which succeeds the exhausted stimulant, is another and a worse
state of _disorder_, which goes to confirm the truth, that the
_first_ draught of ardent drink taken by those in full health,
is _unnecessary_, _unreasonable_, and _excessive_. Nor is this
all--this indirect debility prompts a repetition of the draught--and
now the _practice_ of drinking has commenced. The animal spirits
having sunk as far below as they have been raised above the healthy
standard, an _increased_ quantity is required to raise them as
high as before. Thus the habit of intemperance _progresses_. The
spirits, now ebbing lower than before, demand increased support, the
yielding to which demand, _confirms the habit of intemperance_. But
it unfortunately happens, that the term _moderate_, when applied
to intoxicating drink, by those who use it, is as unmeaning as the
word _enough_ in the mouth of a miser, when speaking of his money.
Each drinks according to his taste and strength of habit, and calls
it _moderate_. Thus every grade of drinking, from the single glass
of the novice, to the full bottle of the initiated, is termed
_moderate_. And every degree of excitement, from _moderately merry_
to _moderately drunk_, is honoured with the same name. The real
truth is, it is a poor apology for a bad practice; and a _moderate_
degree of reflection would lead those not slaves to the habit, to
view it in that light."
"I have the authority of distinguished physicians for remarking,
that next to _intemperate eating_, intemperate _drinking_ engenders
more bodily diseases, than any other single cause. That _more die_
of disorders occasioned by drinking, _before they become drunkards_,
than _live to extend their intemperance to that extreme_. That the
constant exercise of the labouring class, _procrastinates_, while
the want of exercise tends to _facilitate_ the fatal effects of
intemperance in the other class of society--and hence it is, that
the _moderate drinking_, as it is modestly termed, of the _latter_,
destroys at least as many as the _drunkenness of the former_, and
in that ratio is as injurious to the community. The reason these
facts are not subjects of general observation, is, that when people
who are not reputed drunkards, die of complaints brought on by
drinking, their death is imputed to the disorder, while that escapes
being attributed to its true cause--whereas, reputed drunkards
stand little or no chance of dying by any other means; for be they
drowned by accident or hanged for murder, their end is generally,
and perhaps too often, correctly ascribed to intemperate drinking."
"It is really wonderful to witness how fertile is the love of
ardent liquor, in excuses and pretences for its gratification. It
is drank at one time, _because the weather is warm_--at another,
_because it is cold_. It is drank with enemies "to _reconcile
them_"--with friends, "_because they don't meet every day_"--on
all festive, anniversary and other holydays, "_because they
only come once a year_." And if at any or on all those times,
the bounds of _moderation_ are exceeded, it is allowed to be
_excusable_, "_because they are all extraordinary occasions!_" Real
or _pretended_ disorders are also often plead as an apology for
drinking ardent liquor; and instances are not rare where, though
it may have been regularly prescribed for medical purposes, and
may have cured the disorder, it has finally killed the patient. It
is doubtless for this reason, that distinguished gentlemen of the
faculty have admitted, that the internal use of ardent liquor, even
in cases in which it is indicated as a medical remedy, is often
productive of far more hurt than good.
"The most common pretence, however, is, that _the water is bad_, and
requires a _little spirits to qualify it_; and hence it is infused
with a poison of a more deleterious quality than any it naturally
possessed. This _qualifying_ of the water, has been the means of
_disqualifying_ many a valuable man, for nearly every purpose,
except to bring disgrace, ruin, and misery on himself, his family
and connexions."
"I have taken no pains to ascertain the authority by which retailers
of ardent drink are permitted to fix stands and booths at the Park
and other places, on days of public parade and festivity. The
concentrating of so many grog-shops at times and places of the
greatest collection of people, tends rather to produce tumult and
confusion, than to preserve good order. These places not only tempt
men to indulge to excess, but boys are often seen in them following
the example--and it has been remarked, that more of this youthful
class are seen disguised with liquor on those days, than in all the
year beside. Indeed, it very rarely occurs that a boy is seen thus
degraded on any other occasion. Should these travelling taverns
be permitted only on condition that ardent spirits should not be
carried to them, or sold, or given gratis there, it would remove
the greatest objection which can be urged against them. The public
would then be accommodated with every necessary refreshment, without
jeopardizing their peace by means of intemperate drinking.
"It would essentially benefit the community, should the _inducements
to frequent taverns be lessened_. This may be done in a variety of
instances. It is usual in the country towns, to muster the militia
at or in the immediate vicinity of taverns. This practice tends
neither to improve the morality or discipline of the men--and if
they must continue as now to be mustered at those places or _not
mustered at all_, I have no hesitation in saying, that the public
would sustain no material injury, should the latter course be
adopted; for it is certainly true, and the reason is obvious, that
many of the men, at the close of their exercise on those parade
days, are not so well qualified to serve their country, as when they
come to the rendezvous. Much of the evil of the present practice
would be obviated, should military officers, vested with power to
muster any corps of militia, in the country towns, for the ordinary
purposes of exercise or inspection, be bound by law to locate the
parade ground at least a mile from any tavern or retail grocery. The
carrying of ardent liquor to the rendezvous, and the selling it
there, or giving it gratis to any person, especially the soldiers,
should be interdicted, under proper penalties, and provision made
for due execution of the law. Other refreshments than ardent drink,
being as usual permitted, all the reasonable conveniences of taverns
would be enjoyed, and many of those disgusting instances of riot and
disturbance, occasioned by intemperate drinking, and which often
convert our militia parades in the country, into scenes of disorder
and insubordination, rather than schools for military instruction
and discipline, would be done away.
"The legislature should prohibit justices' courts being held at
taverns. The disgraceful scenes which are too often the consequences
of trials at those places, would thereby be prevented, and the cause
of _morality_, and not unfrequently, that of _justice_, essentially
benefited. The same objection lies, though perhaps not with equal
force, against sheriff's courts being held at those places. If the
Court House is not at hand, it must be a beggarly office which would
not afford the appropriating of a room for the performance of its
duties in the dwelling of its incumbent, or pay for the use of a
convenient place elsewhere for the purpose. The practice of holding
trials at taverns, before referees, appointed by order of the court,
is not exempt from serious objections.--These, however, being less
frequent, are not so productive of evil, and, perhaps, are more
difficult to be obviated.
"The holding of auction sales at taverns, as is frequently the case
in the country, is pregnant with mischief sufficient to justify
legislative interposition.--Those who have witnessed, can best
describe them--I only know them by description. On these occasions,
the number who go to buy, is but small, compared to those who attend
from other motives. The owner of the property for sale, is seldom
backward in circulating the glass freely at his own expense,
because he is like to receive more than cent. per cent. profit
from the consequent indiscretion of those who become affected with
the _spirit of bidding_. Many are thus led on to buy unnecessarily
and dear; and frequent instances occur, where people bid off more
than they have means to pay for--and thence law-suits, trials, at
taverns, family distress, the insolvent act, and perhaps poverty
and pauperism close the account. These are only the outlines of the
picture, which those who have seen the original, are best qualified
to fill up with neglect of _domestic concerns_--_horse-racing_ and
_jockeying_--_profane swearing_--_drunkenness_--_quarrelling_, and
sometimes _fighting_, and a variety of other _amusements_, not
unusual on such occasions.
"The lamentable consequences of holding the polls of our political
elections at public houses, are too generally known to require
particular description. Suffice it to say, that the noise and
tumult--the heated, irritating and useless discussions which
frequently occur, and which go to impair the respectability of the
electors, and the credit of the elective franchise, are oftner the
result of the _spirit of liquor_ than the _spirit of patriotism_.
As far as legislative provisions can obviate the evil, it ought to
be done. The expense would be small and the benefit great, should
each ward in the cities, and each town in the country, build a house
or room for the purpose of elections. The profit which might accrue
from its use on other occasions, would, in many instances, more
than pay the interest on its cost. It is a little remarkable, that
the sagacity which prompted the interdiction of military parades on
the days of election, as dangerous to the freedom of the elective
franchise, did not foresee and guard against the evils consequent on
locating the election polls at public houses.
"It is hoped that the good sense of the community will operate to
abolish the custom of giving extravagant entertainments, on any
occasion, in honour of distinguished characters. This practice,
by leading many to taverns, and tempting them to indulge freely,
is productive of more mischief than benefit to society. As an
example, it is bad. People, in the lower walks of life, cannot be
taught, that it is wrong to get drunk in company with, and out
of mere good humour to their friends, while they see too many of
the upper circles retire from those feasts, not exactly sober. I
humbly conceive it would be manifesting far higher respect for a
great man, to compliment him with a written address, approbating
his character and conduct, accompanied with a medal, a piece of
plate, or other present, embellished with appropriate insignia and
inscriptions.--These would be lasting testimonials of character and
worth. Being always visible, they would act continually as a stimuli
to urge others to emulate the honourable course by which they were
acquired;--whereas, those public entertainments are scarcely noticed
beyond the day they are _puffed_ in the newspapers--and if they
were, the honoured guest could derive no great satisfaction in the
reflection, that his friends had _eaten_ and _drank immoderately_,
in _honour of his virtues_. There is a strong family likeness
between these dinners and those _eaten ex-officio_ by our city
corporation.
"The meetings of self-created societies at taverns, cannot, perhaps,
at all times, be well avoided. There doubtless are many of those
institutions which are useful--but that there are many which do
more hurt than good, is equally true. They ought, indeed, to be
productive of great benefit, to counterbalance the evil tendency
they have, to draw their members to taverns at night. Many a good
citizen has, in this way, unwarily contracted irregular habits--and
many a deserving wife, and family of innocent babes, have had reason
to lament the truth of this remark. It will be a great pity, if
those societies cannot be prevailed on, to procure places at which
to hold their meetings.--This might easily be effected, unless too
strong a predeliction for tavern meetings should counteract so
reasonable a proposition."
"In the year 1740, Admiral Vernon commanded the British fleet in
the West Indies. His undress coat was made of _grogram_, a cloth
fabricated of silk and worsted. He was very unpopular in the fleet,
and the sailors, in allusion to his coat, nick-named him _Old
Grogram_; and afterwards, by way of shortening it, they called him
_Old Grog_. When ardent liquor was first given to sailors, and until
the time above-mentioned, it was drank _raw_--but being found to
produce many fatal bodily diseases, and the naval service thereby
much injured, the Admiral directed that the rum should be weakened
with water. The men were highly displeased at having their drink
thus _spoiled_, and in derision of the admiral, called it by his
abbreviated nick-name, "_Grog._" This is the reason that rum, mixed
with water, bears that name. Let it be observed, _because_ the
_raw_ rum was found to produce deleterious effects on the health
of the sailors, the Admiral ordered that it should be mixed with
water. Now, as it probably could not require many years to make that
discovery, it is fair to conclude, that the first use of ardent
spirits, as a daily drink on ship-board, could not have been a very
great length of time anterior to the year 1740."
"On another occasion, I have mentioned, and will here repeat,
that the baleful practice of giving ardent liquor to labourers,
ought to be exploded. This custom has so powerfully aided other
causes of intemperance, that there is scarcely to be found among
the labouring class, any who do not drink, and drink too much. It
is unquestionably owing, in a great measure, to this, that the
apprentices to many mechanical branches, are initiated into the
habit of intemperance, before they acquire a knowledge of their
trade; and it is certainly owing to the same cause, that many do
not gain a perfect knowledge of their business. Here, too, we see a
powerful objection operating, to prevent many respectable parents
from putting their sons to mechanical occupations. Hence, many a
promising mechanical genius is smothered in the warehouse, or doomed
to add a useless member to the already over-run and over-rated
learned professions. This serves to degrade the honourable calling
of mechanics, which suffers another depression from the necessity
which these circumstance create, of taking apprentices from the
lower circles of society, whose want of the requisite education
disqualifies them for attaining an adequate knowledge of their
trade. In addition to this, the master mechanic, growing wealthy
by his business, too often becomes infected with the follies
and _fashions_ of upper life--in which sphere some are fitted
only to appear ridiculous. Their sons, forsooth, must be _above_
their fathers' business. They must be brought up gentlemen--and,
of course, reared in idleness and extravagance, or become
_professionable_ men or _merchants_.--Thus, by their conduct,
they give countenance to those whose weakness may dispose them to
undervalue mechanical occupations.
"The great number of public holy-days (as they are termed) which
are generally observed, are not without their pernicious influence
on the morals of society.--Was the manner of their celebration
such as to honour the events they are intended to commemorate,
their observance, if not useful, would at least be innocent in
their consequences. But were we to judge their objects solely by
the manner in which they are kept, and the effects they produce,
we might be led to the erroneous conclusion, that they were
instituted to subserve the causes of vice and immorality. The
general suspension of useful employment on those days, is followed
by an increased indulgence in drinking; and this accounts for
there being more crimes committed on those days, than in any other
equal period of time. On the authority of a gentleman who was on
the Grand Jury which sat in the present year, I state, that far
the greatest portion of the business of that Jury, grew out of
crimes and disorders committed during the Christmas and New-Year
holy-days. When it is observed, that the court for the trial of
criminals is held once a month, and crowded with business, it would
be superfluous to add arguments to such facts.
"The custom of giving wine and other liquors at funerals, is not at
all calculated to increase the solemnity of those occasions. The
practice is bad, and ought to be discountenanced by those whose
example may influence others to follow it. Instances have happened,
where the _effects_ of this _ill-timed hospitality_, have been very
justly lamented. How such an absurd custom was first introduced, is
not, perhaps, so evident as the impropriety of its continuance.
"To conclude--'To what purpose,' an inconsiderate though
well-intentioned friend, has said, and others as thoughtless,
may say, 'do you attempt to write down the use of ardent drink?
Notwithstanding all you have said, or may say, people will continue
to drink as usual.' In the first place, I answer, _I am not sure
of that_--and in the next place, _I am sure_, that if they will
continue to use spirituous liquor as _a daily table drink_, and
give and receive it as the _token_ of _friendship_ and _good will_,
thereby associating the _vice_ of _drinking_ with the _virtue_ of
_hospitality_--if they will _accustom their children to the use_ or
_witness_ the use of ardent drink, and rear them in _idleness_ and
_extravagance_, with the mistaken idea of thus making them _ladies_
and _gentlemen_--if they will continue to 'have wine in their
(public) feasts,' and license taverns by thousands, and create a
thousand temptations to frequent them--if they will persist in the
practice of giving strong drink to the working class of society,
and _thereby contribute to degrade their character, and bring
useful industry_ into contempt--if they will continue to celebrate
their anniversaries by a course of unrestrained intemperance--then,
I again repeat, _I am sure_, that notwithstanding all their
professions of patriotism, morality, philanthropy and religion, they
cannot escape the imputation of loving ardent spirits more than the
work of reformation: and moreover, cannot avert, and will merit all
the ills which are flowing, and must continue to flow, from the
demoralizing influence of intoxicating drink. Intemperance, the
reigning sin of the nation, will go on 'increasing to increase,'
till immorality, spreading far and wide, shall debase the people,
corrupt their rulers, and destroy the liberties of our country.
Then dark illimited despotism, with its genial concomitant, blind
superstition, weak-minded bigotry, and black-hearted fanaticism;
while forging the chains, preparing the wheel, and igniting the
faggots of unholy and merciless persecution, will rear its head, and
impiously exult in the downfall of the only government on earth,
the existence of which, is not a reproach to the common sense of
mankind."
"_New York, January, 1819._"
_A view of Botany Bay._
In the 63d number of the Edinburgh Review, for July last, we find an
interesting account of the settlement called Botany Bay in New South
Wales, discovered by the Dutch in 1616, and taken possession of by
the British in 1770. On the close of the war by which the United
States obtained their independence, the government of Great Britain,
at a loss for a receptacle for convicts sentenced to banishment, at
last selected this remote country, and made the first settlement
there in 1778. This colony, now a very flourishing one, was thus
planted with the rogues of England, Ireland and Scotland, sent
thither, in exile, as a punishment for their crimes--transportation
to that distant and savage land being more dreaded there, perhaps,
than our penitentiary is here, from which escapes are made with
so much facility--the _certainty_ of punishment deterring from
the commission of crime more than its _severity_. The criminals
landed in this southern clime, finding themselves placed in a
new situation, where little could be got by theft, and having a
better chance than in the mother country of earning a comfortable
subsistence, often changed their habits, and became industrious, if
not honest men. They are probably destined to be a great nation,
having an abundant scope of territory, 2,700 miles in length, and
2,000 in breadth, (three-fourths the extent of Europe,) and will,
at a future day, in imitation of America, cast off the shackles of
colonial subjection, and assert the prerogative of self-government.
The climate of Botany Bay is represented to be equal to any in
Europe, but rather Asiatic than European--Favourable on the whole
to health and longevity. December, January, and February, are the
summer months of that country, and then the heat, which at noon is
at 80 deg. is tempered by a strong sea-breeze. The winter months,
June, July, and August, have very cold nights, and fire through the
day is comfortable.
The Reviewer humorously calls this colony "a land of convicts and
kangaroos," and sportively observes, that, "in this remote part of
the earth Nature (having made horses, oxen, ducks, geese, oaks,
elms, and all regular and useful productions, for the rest of the
world) seems determined to have a bit of play, and to amuse herself
as she pleases. Accordingly, she makes cherries with the stone on
the outside; and a monstrous animal, as tall as a granadier, with
the head of a rabbit, a tail as big as a bed-post, hopping at the
rate of five hops to a mile, with three or four young kangaroos
looking out of its false uterus to see what is passing. Then comes
a quadruped as big as a large cat, with the eyes, colour, and skin
of a mole, and the bill and web-feet of a duck--'puzzling Dr. Shaw'
and rendering the latter half of his life miserable, from his utter
inability to determine whether it was a bird or a beast. Add to this
a parrot, with the legs of a sea-gull; a skate with the head of a
shark, and a bird of such monstrous dimensions that a side bone of
it will dine three real carnivorous Englishmen; together with many
other productions that agitate Sir Joseph, and fill him with mingled
emotions of distress and delight."
The colony has made the following progress:
In 1778. 1817.
Horned cattle 5 44,753
Horses 7 3,072
Sheep 29 170,920
Hogs 74 17,842
Land cultivated _none_ acres, 47,564
Inhabitants 1,000 20,379
Sydney, the principal town and seat of government, has a population
of 7000 souls; it has a newspaper, a bank, and many public
and private buildings, that would not disgrace the best parts
of London--So says Mr. Wentworth, a native of Botany Bay, who
has lately published a statistical, historical, and political
description of the country.
The attention paid to the education of the children, by their
"larcenous forefathers," is worthy of commendation and of imitation
in other parts of the world, where the morals of the parent stock
are less depraved. "The town of Sydney contains 2 good public
schools, for the education of 224 children of both sexes. There
are establishments also for the diffusion of education in every
populous district throughout the colony: the masters of these
schools are allowed stipulated salaries from the Orphans' fund. Mr.
Wentworth states, that one-eighth part of the whole revenue of the
colony is appropriated to the purposes of education: this eighth he
computes at 2500_l._ Independent of these institutions, there is an
Auxiliary Bible Society, a Sunday School, and several good private
schools. This is all as it should he: The education of the poor,
important every where, is indispensable at Botany Bay. Nothing but
the earliest attention to the habits of children can restrain the
erratic finger from the contiguous scrip, to prevent the hereditary
tendency of larcenous abstraction. The American arrangements
respecting the education of the lower orders, is excellent. Their
unsold lands are surveyed, and divided into districts. In the centre
of every district, an ample and well selected lot is provided for
the support of future schools. We wish this had been imitated in
New Holland; for we are of opinion that the elevated nobleman,
Lord Sidmouth, should intimate what is good and wise, even if the
Americans are his teachers. Mr. Wentworth talks of 15,000 acres set
apart for the support of the Female Orphan schools; which certainly
does sound a little extravagant; but then 50 or 100 acres of this
reserve are given as a portion to each female orphan; so that all
this pious tract of ground will be soon married away. This donation
of women, in a place where they are scarce, is amiable and foolish
enough. There is a school also for the education and civilization
of the natives, we hope not to the exclusion of the children of
convicts, who have clearly a prior claim upon public charity."
Great exertions have been made in public roads and bridges. Toll
gates have been established on all the principal roads. The general
average of unimproved land in the neighbourhood of the town is 5_l._
sterling per acre. The inhabitants of New South Wales have suffered
greatly from the tyranny and caprice of the rulers placed over them
by Britain. There is no sufficient check on the Governor of the
colony--far from the parent country, there is no Council to restrain
his excesses, nor any Colonial Legislature to assert the rights of
the people. There is no trial by jury. The Governor imposes what
taxes he pleases.
[_Geo. Journal._
INTELLIGENCE.
Died, at Windsor Castle, George William Frederic Guelph on the 29th
of January.
His Majesty George the Third, was born on the 24th of May, 1738,
which since the alteration of the style, has become the 4th of
June. At his death, therefore, he had reached the advanced age of
eighty-one years seven months and twenty-six days. He was proclaimed
king on the 25th of October, 1760.--On September 8th, 1761, he was
married to her late majesty, and had issue seven sons and five
daughters, of whom six of the former and four of the latter survive
him. His royal highness the Prince of Wales was appointed Regent
on the 6th of Feb. 1811, and from that time he has been virtual
sovereign, acting in the name and on the behalf of his majesty. His
majesty, from the appointment of the Regent, remained in retirement
at Windsor Castle, under the guardianship of a council, who met
every month, or more frequently as occasions might require, and
issued a report of the state of his indisposition.
After the death of his late majesty had been formally announced, the
following instrument was prepared and signed.
"Whereas, it hath pleased the Almighty God, to call to his mercy
our late sovereign lord, king George the 3d. of blessed memory, by
whose decease the imperial crown of the united kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, is solely and rightfully come to the high and
mighty prince, George prince of Wales: We, therefore, the lords
spiritual and temporal of this realm, being here assisted with those
of his late majesty's privy council, with numbers of other principal
gentlemen of quality, with the lord mayor, aldermen and citizens
of London, do now hereby, with one voice and consent, of tongue
and heart, publish and proclaim, that the high and mighty prince,
George, prince of Wales, is now, by the death of the late sovereign,
of happy memory, become our only lawful and rightful liege, lord
George the 4th. by the grace of God, king of Great Britain and
Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. to whom we do acknowledge all
faith and constant obedience, with all hearty and humble affection;
beseeching God, by whom kings and queens do reign, to bless the
royal prince, George the 4th with long and happy years, to reign
over us.
Given at the court at Carlton-house, this 30th day of January, 1820.
GOD SAVE THE KING."
Then follows the signature of the Privy councillors, &c. present.
The king's fourth son, Edward Guelph, duke of Kent, &c. died at
Sidmouth, after a short but very severe illness on the 23d of
January. He was born November 2, 1767.
The interment of the king of England, took place on the 16th of
February; and on the following day, both houses of parliament
convened according to adjournment. A message from the new king
was received and read, and _an address of condolence and
congratulation_ was adopted in the house of lords.
A new parliament is to be summoned; and great activity every where
prevails in preparing for the approaching general election.
_Ancient Custom._--On the day that the present King was to be
proclaimed as George the Fourth, a procession was formed fronting
the Palace of Carlton-house, and proceeded for the city, when, on
the cavalcade arriving at Temple-bar they found the gates, according
to ancient custom, closed. "The City Marshall was sent forward to
the gate, intimation having been given to the lord Mayor that there
was a loud knocking at the gate, and a demand of admittance from
some persons outside. The Marshall went to the gate, and asked, 'Who
knocks,' and was answered, 'The Herald King at Arms. I attend with
a warrant to proclaim King George the Fourth. Open your gates.' The
City Marshall answered, 'I shall inform the Lord Mayor that you are
waiting at the gate.' The Marshall then rode back to the Lord Mayor,
and having informed him that the Herald King at Arms was in waiting
for admission, to proclaim George the Fourth, King of England, was
directed by his Lordship to give the admission required, which was
to be limited to the Herald King at Arms. The Marshall upon going
to the gates, said to the officers, 'Open one side of the gates
and admit the Herald King at Arms, and him alone.' The Herald then
rode in, supported by his guards, and was accompanied by the City
Marshall to the Lord Mayor. The Herald King at Arms presented
the warrant.--The Lord Mayor immediately said, 'admit the whole
procession into our city of London.'"
Sir Isaac Heard, the Garter-King-at-Arms, is 90 years of age.
George the 4th was proclaimed as King, at Liverpool, without parade,
on the 31st of Jan. but was proclaimed there again on the 19th
of Feb. with much pomp and ceremony.--There was a grand military
and civil procession; and among the latter, all the mechanic
professions, each with appropriate standards.
The late King is said to have given between 60 and $70,000 a year in
charities.
_London_, Feb. 18.
We have received this morning the Paris papers of Tuesday. They
are, of course, painfully interesting, for they communicate a
variety of facts connected with the assassination of his Royal
Highness the Duke de Berri. Among the most important of these is
the undeniable one, that the atrocious crime was committed from
political motives. This alarming truth was distinctly admitted,
not only by the Members of the two Chambers, who met to address
his Majesty, upon the mournful occasion but it is recognized by
the King himself, in the concluding sentence of his answer to the
Address of the Deputies.--"The Chamber cannot doubt," said his
Majesty, "that, feeling as a man, and acting as a king, I shall
adopt every necessary measure to preserve the _State from dangers,
of which I am but too forcibly forewarned by the crime of this
day_." The assassin himself, indeed, according to the letter of our
private correspondent, upon being interrogated, avowed that he had
exterminated the Duke, as the youngest of the Royal Family, "knowing
that nature would soon relieve him from the necessity of abridging
the days of the King."
The Duke of Berri was in his 42d year, and was, next to his aged
father, Count d'Artois, heir to the throne.
"The assassin is about 30 years of age; his name is Louvel. It
appears he was one of those who went and returned with Bonaparte
from Elba, and has since been employed, up to the very time of the
fatal deed, in his Majesty's hunting establishment.
A vessel has arrived at Portsmouth from St. Helena, which place
she left on the 10th of December. Bonaparte, at that time, was
well, and continued his out-door exercise, in the grounds attached
to Longwood. "His new house was nearly ready for his reception,
and it is in every respect a most spacious and commodious mansion;
containing, with a ball room, 17 excellent rooms."
MISCELLANY.
From a late report of the Secretary of the Treasury it appears that
the banking capital of the United States, including the United
States' bank, and excluding all banks incorporated since 1817,
amounts to $125,000,000.
A curious circumstance occurred on Monday week at Market Levington,
Wilts. A person named Jane Webb attended divine service attired
precisely in the same suit of mourning for our late sovereign George
III. as was worn by her for king George II. The singularity of its
make, attracted much notice. This venerable and frugal spinster has
attained her 76th year.
An oil spring has been discovered in the county of Morgan, Ohio,
which is stated to yield an inexhaustible quantity of this liquid.
It sells for fifty cents a gallon. It is used for lamps, for
currying leather, for mixing in medicines, &c. Whether it is
calculated for mixing in paints had not been ascertained.
_Worm in a Horse's eye._--Dr. William Scott, of Madras, has
extracted a worm from the aqueous humour of a horse's eye to which
he gave the name of _Accaris pellucidus_.
The legislature of New Jersey has passed a law for incorporating a
company for the purpose of embanking and draining the salt marsh on
Barbadoes neck in that state.
In the British Quarterly Review, mention is made of a British
statute now in force, in which the punishment of a certain offence
is _transportation_ for 14 years; and on conviction, one half
thereof is to go to the _informer_, and the other half to the
_king_! Did ever an Irish parliament make such a blunder as this?
_Virginia_ is much engaged in laying out works of internal
improvement; especially with a project of uniting the waters of
James river with those of Kenawha.
_The Bordeaux ship of discovery_, (says a New York paper) has
arrived at Bordeaux, after an absence of three years and a half.
This ship has traversed the Pacific Ocean, and collected at the
Sandwich Islands, some interesting accounts of the fate of _La
Peyrouse_ and his companions. A London paper states, that the
account will soon be published.
_Shawneetown, Illinois, Feb. 17._
_Arrival from New York!_--The Steam Boat Manhattan, from New
York, arrived here this day, 30 days from New Orleans. She brings
consignments for two houses in this place, from the city of New
York. Freight three dollars only.
_Imports at Liverpool from the United States._
_Flour, bbls._ _Rice, casks._ _Tobacco, hds._ _Cotton, bags._
1817 540,000 195,000 7,361 314,330
1818 350,000 100,000 110,000 423,500
1819 43,000 78,000 8,790 366,000
The Maine and Missouri questions are at length settled. Both
districts of country are admitted into the Union, as states; the
former, from its population, requiring no restriction of slavery;
and the latter admitted on the same terms--4 majority in the house
of representatives in favour of the bill as it has passed. The bill,
however, excludes slavery from all the territory North of 36-1/2
deg. of N. latitude, Missouri excepted.
From a respectable correspondent in Pauling, Duchess county, we
have the following singular case. Mr. Luther Brownwell of Beekman,
in that county having, in the month of April 1815, a sow with a
litter of five pigs, and she dying when they were only two days
old, he appropriated the milk of one of his new milch cows for
their support. The cow was milked four or five times a day for this
purpose, and the pigs were learned to drink the milk. When pasturing
time came, they were put in the field where the cow with nine others
was kept. At the age of two months, the pigs had the sagacity to
single out this cow from the rest, and when hungry would come round
her, root at her legs, squeak, and exhibit the usual signs of their
wants. The cow at length learned to lay down, and let them suck what
they wanted. In this way they grew very rapidly until some time in
September, when they were put up to fatten, and were killed the
November following. Their average weight was _240lbs._ or _1200lbs._
of pork, which he sold for $8,50 a hundred.
Aside from the singularity of this case, the inquiry naturally
presents itself, could the milk of the cow have been put to a more
profitable use? Is it not probable that her milk made an addition of
at least _600lbs._ to the quantity of pork? [_Plough Boy._
An apprentices' library is about to be established in New York, on
the same plan as the one in this city and in Boston. The library in
Boston consists of about 1000 volumes, principally of books on the
mechanic arts, of history, travels, and other useful knowledge, and
on moral and religious subjects.
_Steam Boats._--Among many interesting articles in the second number
of the German Correspondent, published in New York, we find the
following:
"The steam boat Blucher was lately launched at Potsdam. Several
members of the royal family were present, and Prince Albseeth
conferred the name. This is probably the largest steam boat in
Europe, the whole length being 200 feet. It draws but 20-1/2
inches of water. The boat contains _two_ engines, which perform
exceedingly well. The utmost precaution is used against accidents by
fire. As this vessel will carry merchandize of great value, and in
large quantities, the hold has been divided into nine compartments
by water proof partitions, so that, in case it should spring a leak,
there is every probability that the vessel would not fill--besides,
by means of tubes there is a communication between these chambers
and the locations of the engines, which are so arranged as to pump
any quantity of water out of the divisions where the leak may exist.
This improvement appears to be well calculated for the steam boats
on the Mississippi."
_Sagacity of a bear._--A bear which had stolen a sheep, being
closely persued by several dogs, promptly resorted to a most
ingenious expedient. He tore the sheep in pieces, and threw the
dogs one of the hinder legs; and while they were partaking of this
repast, had full time to escape.
This fact is formally certified, by a game-keeper in Transylvania,
where there are a great many bears. The most remarkable circumstance
was, that from that time the dogs would never attack any of these
animals, but on the contrary, received them in the most friendly
manner, as if they expected a dinner. The owner of the flock was
obliged to have the dogs shot, that he might not have those hungry
guests always about him. [_German Paper._
PHENOMENON.
_To the Editor of the Literary Gazette._
SIR,
I lately read an account of the figure, which, under some peculiar
state of the atmosphere, appears on the Hartz mountain, in Germany.
It reminds me of an extraordinary illusion to which I was once
exposed; if it have interest enough for publication, it is at your
service. About seven years since, I was one evening, in the month of
October, returning late from a friend's house in the country, where
I had dined, to the neighbouring town, about a mile distant: the
night was exceedingly dark, and I had been requested to take with
me a lantern; a pocket one could not be found, and I was provided
with that which the servants generally carried swung in the hand. I
had to pass through some fields over high ground: soon after I had
entered the second of these, I observed something large moving along
with me. I placed the lantern on the ground, and walking toward it,
saw a gigantic figure retiring with astonishing speed. I immediately
perceived it was my own shadow on a fog, which I had not before
observed. The appearance of retiring was phantasmagoric, and arose
from my interruption of the rays of light from the lantern, at a
lesser angle, as my distance from the light increased. My return
to the light was terrific; the figure appeared to advance upon me
with frightful rapidity, till it seemed forty feet high. If I had
been ignorant of the cause of this appearance, the effects might
have much alarmed me, and led to my telling such stories as I should
not have gained credit by relating: but aware of the cause, I was
delighted with the singularity of my situation; and might have
been thought mad by an observer, for every fantastic attitude and
action I could assume I did, to be mimicked by my new and shadowy
acquaintance. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
W.
_English vegetables._--In the former part of the reign of king Henry
VIII. there did not grow in England a cabbage, carrot, turnip, or
other edible root--and even Queen Catherine could not command a
sallad for dinner, till the king brought over a gardener from the
Netherlands.--The artichoke, apricot, and damask rose, then made
their first appearance in England.
_Coaches._--Coaches were introduced in 1585; before which time,
Queen Elizabeth rode, on public occasions, behind her Lord
Chamberlain.
_Ladies' Charity._--In the letters of Madame D. upon England, which
have just been published, we find the following passage, which shows
how little a woman used to the coteries of Paris can appreciate
the purest of our Christian charities.--"The most elegant women
in London have a certain day, upon which they go to a large room
surrounded with counters, at the end of Argyle Street; they go in
person, to sell, for the profit of the poor, the trifles, which they
amuse themselves in making during the course of the year. You may
imagine that a young gentleman who pays his court to a young lady,
is not permitted to hesitate at the price of the work of her fair
hands. In fact, I saw several who were really foolishly extravagant,
and the bank-notes were showered down on the counters of these
ladies.
"I observed in this assembly the prettiest young women I ever saw in
my life; all the men loiter delighted before her counter, and it was
she whose stock was the soonest disposed of.
The last man who stopped at it took a handful of bank-notes, and
exchanged them for a watch-ribbon. I departed, enchanted with this
scene."
_Chimnies._--In the age next preceding Queen Elizabeth, there were
few chimnies, even in capital towns: the fire was laid to the wall,
and the smoke issued at the roof, or door, or window. The houses
were wattled, and plastered over with clay; and all the furniture
and utensils were of wood. The people slept on straw pallets, with a
log of wood for a pillow.
"_The wisdom of Catwg_--The seven questions proposed by Catwg the
wise to seven wise men in his college at Llanfeithin, with their
answers.
"1. What constitutes supreme goodness in a man? Equity.
"2 What shews transcendent wisdom in a man? To refrain from injuring
another when he has the ability.
"3. What is the most headstrong vice in a man? Incontinence.
"4. Who is the poorest man? He who has not resolution to take of his
own.
"5. Who is the richest man? He who coveteth nothing belonging to
another.
"6. What is the fairest quality in a man? Sincerity.
"7. What is the greatest folly in a man? The wish to injure another
without having the power to effect it."
_Antediluvian oak._--In digging the capacious drain in Bilsby
parish, connected with the new work of sewers near Alford, at the
depth of thirty feet some oak trees have been found, which are at
this time the subject of examination by the curious. They are as
black as ebony, but the heart is firm wood, notwithstanding the
trees are believed to have been deposited for several thousand
years. The conjecture formed by those best qualified for considering
the subject of similar discoveries in other situations is, that they
existed before Noah's flood.
_Nugæ Antiquæ._--From a household book of the Earl of Northumberland
in the reign of Henry VIII. it appears, that his family, during
winter, fed mostly on salt fish and salt meat, and with that view
there was an appointment of 160 gallons of mustard. The Earl had two
cooks, and more than 200 domestics.
Holinshed says, that merchants, when they gave a feast, rejected
butchers' meat as unworthy of their table: having jellies of all
colours, and in all figures, representing flowers, trees, beasts,
fish, fowl and fruit.
The streets of Paris, not being paved, was covered with mud; and yet
for a woman to travel those streets in a cart was held an article
of luxury, and prohibited by Philip the Fair.
An old tenure in England binds the vassal to find straw for the
King's bed, and hay for his horse.
It was a luxurious change of wood platters for pewter plates, and
from wooden spoons to those of tin.
Holinshed says, "when our houses were built of willow, then had we
oaken men? but now that our houses are made of oak, our men are not
only become willow but, many, through Persian delicacy, crept in
among us, altogether of straw, which is a sore alteration."
_Reproof._--A person was remonstrating with a friend, inclined
too much to dandyism, on the absurdity of following such foppish
fashions. "They are really contemptible, (said he,) and I am sure
all who see you must think you ridiculous." "I don't value the
opinion of the world, (answered he,) I laugh at all those who think
me ridiculous." "Then you can never give over laughing," drily
observed his mentor.
_Anecdote._--When the English Court interfered in favour of the
protestant subjects of Louis XIV. and requested his majesty to
release some who had been sent to the gallies, the king asked
angrily, "What would the king of Great Britain say were I to demand
the prisoners of Newgate from him?" Sir, (replied the ambassador,)
my master would give every one of them up to your majesty, if, as we
do, _you reclaim them as brothers_.
If you think this little anecdote worth a place in the _Rural
Magazine_, you may be assured of its authenticity.
A. B.
"A guilty conscience needs no accuser."
A singular instance of the truth of this saying occurred a few days
ago, in Market Street. A sharper, under pretence of buying some
small article in a store, managed to take from a countryman present,
his pocket book, and having secured, as he supposed, his booty,
paid his little bill and retired. The honest storekeeper discovering
he had given him too little change, immediately went to the door and
called him to stop. The fellow supposing himself detected, took, to
his heels. The croud in the street observing the circumstances cried
stop thief! stop thief! He was soon overtaken and brought back, when
the pocket book, which had not been missed by the owner, was found
on him, and he taken before the proper authority.
Communicated for the Rural Magazine.
_A Newly discovered, cheap and durable Paint._
I send you for publication in the Rural Magazine, a receipt for a
newly discovered paint, it is cheap and will no doubt be useful to
some of your readers.
D.
To a common 3 gallon pail of whitewash, add 1 pint of cheap
molasses and 1 pint of white table salt. The best store lime
should be selected and boiling water used in slaking it. It should
be frequently stirred as you put it on. Two thin coats will be
sufficient to cover the weatherboards of out-buildings. It will not
wash or scale off like common whitewash and is beautifully white.
For other colours mix ochres of various kinds.
_Air Jacket._--Mr. Charles Kendal lately made an experiment on the
Thames, of the efficacy of his jacket, or Life-preserver, which
completely succeeded. He went from the southwark Bridge through
London Bridge with great ease and on to the London Docks in 20
minutes, walking upright in the water accompanied by his man all the
way.
_A new and cheap conductor of lightning and fluid._--Mr. Capostolle,
Professor of Chemistry in the departments of the Somme, affirms
that a rope of straw supplies the place of the expensive metal
conductors. The experiments, which he has made in the presence of
many learned men and which have been repeated by them, confirms as
he says that the lightning enters a rope of straw placed in its
way and passes through it into the ground so gently that the hand
of a person holding the rope at the time does not perceive it. Mr.
Capostolle brings the following proof of this assertion. It is
well known says he that a severe shock is received by a person who
immediately touches the Leyden vial. But if a person takes a rope of
straw, only seven or eight inches long, in his hand, and touches,
with the end of this rope a Leyden vial, so strongly charged that
an ox might be killed by it, he will neither see a spark, or feel
the slightest shock. According to Mr. Capostolle's opinion, such
conductor made of straw, which would not cost alone three francs,
would be able to protect an extent of sixty acres of ground from
hail; and if the houses and fields were protected in this manner,
neither hail nor lightning could do any damage to them.
_Economy of Nature._--In the sunshine vegetables decompose the
_carbonic acid gas_ of the atmosphere, the _carbon_ of which is
absorbed, and becomes a part of their organized matter, but the
_oxygen gas_, the other constituent is given off; thus the economy
of vegetation is made subservient to the general order of the system
of nature. Again, _Carbonic acid gas_ is formed in the respiration
of animals, and as yet no process is known in nature by which it can
be consumed, except vegetation. Animals thus produce a substance
which appears to be a necessary food for vegetables;--vegetables
evolve a principle necessary to the existence of animals: the two
kingdoms seem to be thus connected together in the exercise of their
functions, and, to a certain extent, made to depend upon each other
for their existence.
_Legible Writing._--The Grand Duke of Baden has issued an ordinance,
enjoining all public functionaries in his dominions, who sign their
names in an illegible manner, through _affectation_, to write them
in future so that they can be read, under the pain of having any
document illegibly signed, thrown back on their hands.
While Mr. Samuel Chandler was boring for salt near Zanesville,
Ohio, he found a metallic substance six feet three inches thick,
which being analysed, was found to be silver, nearly as pure as
the common coin. This singular account is attested in the National
Intelligencer by a member of Congress.
_Square Mile._--It may be thought wonderful that the whole
population of this country could stand on considerably less than
a square mile. Allowing six men to a square yard, the mile would
accommodate _eighteen millions five hundred and eighty five thousand
six hundred men!_
_Latitude of Trees in Sweden._--From the researches made in Sweden
on the different kinds of wood indigenous to the country, it has
been ascertained that the birch reaches the farthest north, growing
beyond the 70th degree; the pine reaches to the 69th; the fir tree
to the 68th; the ozier, willow, aspen and quince, to the 66th; the
cherry and apple tree to the 63d; the oak to the 60th; and the beech
to the 57th; while the lime tree, ash, elm, poplar and walnut, are
only to be found in Scavia.
[_Lond. Journ. of Science._
_Singular Anecdote of the Spider, by Capt. Bagnold._--Desirous of
ascertaining the natural food of the scorpion, I enclosed one (which
measured three fourths of an inch from the head to the insertion
of the tail) in a wide mouthed phial, together with one of those
large spiders so common in the West Indies, and closed it with a
cork, perforated by a quill, for the admission of air: the insects
seemed carefully to avoid each other, retiring to opposite ends of
the bottle, which was placed horizontally. By giving it a gradual
inclination, the scorpion was forced into contact with the spider,
when a sharp encounter took place, the latter receiving repeated
stings from his venomous adversary, apparently without the least
injury, and with his web, soon lashed the scorpion's tail to his
back, subsequently securing his legs and claws with the materials.
In this state I left them some time, in order to observe what effect
would be produced on the spider by the wounds he had received. On
my return, however, I was disappointed, the ants having entered and
destroyed them both.
[_Ibid._
_Spontaneous Combustion._--_From the Baltimore Morning
Chronicle._--At my mills there was an iron kettle used for holding
ashes--it had remained with ashes in from the 5th to the 9th month
at which time flaxseed oil was by accident spilled into the ashes;
in about 24 hours the ashes were found to be on fire, and wishing to
have it fully ascertained, whether it was the oil which occasioned
the ashes to take fire, I filled a kettle with cold dry ashes, in
which I poured a pint of flaxseed oil, and in 24 hours I examined
it, and found that, as far as the oil had penetrated the ashes were
in a state of combustion, and, applying some shavings and chips of
wood, it immediately caused them to blaze.
From an apprehension that many buildings have been consumed by fires
from the foregoing cause, I have been induced to give publicity to
the fact.
JOSEPH ATKINSON.
_Ellicot Patapsco Mills_, }
_1 mo. 22d. 1820._ }
_Spontaneous Combustion._--SIR I observe, in your paper of yesterday
that your correspondent _Davyana_ has made an _unsuccessful_
experiment, to verify the account given by Mr. Atkinson of a
_Spontaneous Combustion_, produced some time ago, at his mills near
Baltimore, by the accidental mixture of linseed oil and wood ashes.
An experiment has also been made, with a similar view, at the _Mint_
of the United States. The ashes employed were chiefly from hickery
wood, well sifted, and cold; and the quantity of linseed oil, one
pint. No change of temperature was perceived, till about 46 hours
after the oil had been poured on the ashes, when the mixture was
fairly ignited, and in a short time emitted flame, which continued
upwards of an hour. After the flame had ceased, the ignition
continued for about 18 hours, and the ashes were then poured out of
the vessel.
R. P.
[_Poulson's Am. Daily Adv._
_Gas lights._--The number of gas lights already in use in the
metropolis of London amounts to upwards of 51,000. The total length
of mains in the streets through which the gas is conveyed from the
gas light manufactories into the houses now measure 288 miles.
_Seed Potatoes._--It has been recently ascertained from the most
decisive experiments, that late potatoes, or such as are not ripe,
were the best seed, and that planting such restores a degenerated
variety to its original qualities. The discoverer of this fact
recommends the planting of seed from cold and late situations,
and to plant so late as June and July, taking up those unripe,
and preserving them as seed for the following year.
[_Vermont Intelligencer._.
_London._--The consumption of sheep and lambs in London, during the
last twelve months, amounted in number to one million, sixty-two
thousand, seven hundred. The number of horned cattle slaughtered,
was one hundred and sixty-four thousand--and by the inspector's
return, it appears, that the number of horse hides produced at
Leadenhall market, amounted to twelve thousand nine hundred.
BORING _legalized_.--Last week we mentioned that a silver mine was
said to have been discovered near Zanesville, in Ohio. By the last
Columbus papers we are informed that the bill incorporating the
"Muskingum Silver Mining Company" has passed the legislature.
It is said that the rock about twenty feet below the surface of
the earth, extends under nearly the whole territory of Ohio; that
the silver was found after penetrating the rock about 100 feet;
and that, therefore, there is an even chance that this stratum of
silver, near 7 feet in thickness, is as extensive as the state.
Verily, should this prove to be the case, what an alteration would
it make in our affairs! Neighbouring states would supply Ohio
with corn and whiskey--her keen speculators would become lazy
nabobs--Yankee pedlars might venture to drive their trade there,
without danger of being _bitten_--her rag banks, notwithstanding
all that has been said to the contrary, would prove to have had at
all times, a _specie foundation_: and Owl Creek and Cincinnati bank
notes command a premium over eastern funds.
Capt. SYMMES has long expressed great anxiety _to get into the
earth_, and, as it is a long journey to the north pole, (where there
is certainly a hole big enough for Capt. Symmes to get in) and
the Captain says he cannot undertake the journey for the want of
"disposable means,"--now, therefore, this may be entirely a manoevre
of the captain's, or of his friends, to get a cheap passage into
the earth, whereby he may embark near home, and without expense
in the outfit. At any rate, we hope the company will persevere in
_boring_--it is a good subject--for should they either find silver
or provide a passage for Capt. Symmes, they will silence the hungry
complaints of many speculators--both in real estate and in the
learned and fashionable _ologies_ of the day. [_Detroit Gazette._
STATE OF MISSOURI.
_Boundaries._--Beginning in the middle of the Mississippi river,
on the parallel of 36° N. lat.--thence west to the St. Francois
river--thence up the middle of the St. Francois, to 36° 30' N.
lat.--thence west till it intersects a meridian line, passing
through the middle of the mouth of the Kansas river, where it
empties into the Missouri--thence, from said point of intersection,
due north to the intersection of the parallel of latitude which
passes through the Rapids of the river Des Moines, (making this
line correspond with the Indian boundary)--thence east from the
point of intersection last mentioned, to the middle of the main
fork of the Des Moines--thence down the middle of that river to
the Mississippi--thence, down the middle of the Mississippi to the
beginning.
By the 8th section of the law authorising the people of Missouri to
form a state government, slavery is for ever prohibited in all the
territories of the United States, west of the Mississippi, north of
36° 30' except so much as is included in Missouri.
The Convention to form the constitution is to consist of 40
representatives, from the respective counties, as follows: Howard 5,
Cooper 3, Montgomery 2, Pike 1, Lincoln 1, St. Charles 3, Franklin
1, St. Louis 8, Jefferson 1, Washington 3, St. Genevieve 4, Madison
1, Cape Girardeau 5, New Madrid 2, Wayne and Lawrence 1.
_Red Snow._--Mr. Francis Bauer from a number of accurate
observations, with microscopes of great power on the Red Snow, in a
melted state, from Baffin's Bay pronounces the colouring matter to
be a new species of uredo (a minute fungus) to which he proposes to
give the name nivalis.
_Lapland._--The greatest water-fall in Europe has been recently
discovered in Lapland. It is on the river Latting; it is half a
mile broad, and falls in a perpendicular descent of _four hundred
feet_.
_Portugal._--The weather has been so severe at Lisbon, that in
one night, thirty-five fishermen and three sentinels were frozen
to death. The ice formed three inches thick in one night, a
circumstance unprecedented at that place.
_Russia._--It has been so cold in Russia, the past season, that all
the public places of amusement had been closed. The thermometer at
St. Petersburg, stood at 35-1/2 below Zero.
The frost has been severe in France and England. At Paris on the
11th, the thermometer of the engineer Chevalier, stood at 11 below
0. The Seine was frozen over.
Petitions are getting up in Ireland, in favour of a dissolution of
the union with Great Britain!
It had been colder in the month of January in England, than was ever
known before in that country. In the city of London the thermometer
stood twenty-three degrees below the freezing point. At Islington,
the silver in the barometer on the 14th, was down into the bowl.
Upwards of 2,200,000 eggs were imported into England from France the
last three months.
_Extraordinary produce of a potato._--A single potato was cut into
eyes, and planted in the garden of C. Moore, esq. at Woodbridge,
Suffolk; and the produce was the surprising quantity of a bushel
skep without being heaped, and it weighed _64lbs._--The potatoes are
remarkably fine and clean.
BROWNSVILLE, (PENN.) MARCH 13.
_Accident._--On Thursday last, the chain bridge over Dunlap's creek,
between Brownsville and Bridgeport broke down with a wagon and
six horses upon it. The wagon fell on the bank, this side of the
stream, the horses in the water. The driver, who was on the saddle
horse, was pitched between the two middle horses, where he was held
entangled in the gears, until relieved by the citizens. He received
no material injury, but two of the horses were killed. The team,
we understand, was the property of a person named Hackney, near
Winchester, (Va.) The distance from the floor of this bridge to the
surface of the water, must have been at least 30 feet.
_Leeches._--The Montrose (English) Review of January 1st, states
that a gentleman examining two bottles containing 3 leeches each,
found the water a complete mass of ice, with the leeches frozen. He
dissolved the ice gradually before the fire, when he found the whole
6 alive, and very animated.
_Annual consumption of the necessaries of life in London._
Consumption of bullocks, 110,000
Sheep and lambs, 976,000
Calves, 250,000
Hogs, 210,000
Sucking pigs, 60,000
Gallons of milk--the produce
of 8900 cows, 908,000
Quarters of wheat, 900,000
Chaldrons of coal, 800,000
Barrels (36 galls.) of ale
and porter 1,775,500
Gallons of spirituous liquors, 11,146,783
Pipes of wines, 65,000
Pounds of butter, 27,600,000
Cheese, 25,000,000
Acres of land cultivated
in the vicinity of London
for vegetables, 10,000
Ditto for fruit, 4,000
The sum paid annually
for vegetables amounts
to, _l._645,000
Abstract of the exports of cotton and tobacco from New Orleans from
the 1st of October, 1818, until the 31st of the same month, 1819.
_Cotton._
England 48,840 bales.
France 29,989
Holland 1,998
Coastwise 15,710
______
Total 95,537 bales.
_Tobacco._
England 10,122 hhds.
France 4,865
Holland and Germany, 7,632
Coastwise 13,048
______
Total 85,667 hhds.
_Fall of rain._--An account of the water that fell in rain and snow,
in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from 1812 to 1819, inclusive, and the
number of days, in each year, in which there was falling weather.
1819.
_Years._ _Inches._ _Days._ _Months._ _Inches._ _Days._
1812, 33-4/8 69 January, 1/8 1
1813, 40-1/8 75 Feb'ry, 2-5/8 6
1814, 52-2/8 74 March, 2-6/8 8
1815, 37-7/8 57 April, 2-1/8 5
1816, 30-7/8 70 May, 3-1/8 8
1817, 40-6/8 77 June, 1 4
1818, 36-4/8 68 July, 4-3/8 9
August, 8-3/8 11
Sept. 1-4/8 4
October, 1 2
Nov. 1-2/8 3
Dec. 2-2/8 5
______ __
31-4/8 66
_London Breweries._--The Breweries of London, (says a late traveller
over the British Island,) "may justly be ranked amongst its greatest
curiosities, and the establishment of Messrs. Barclay &. Co. is
one of the most considerable. A steam engine, of the power of 30
horses, does the greatest part of the work; for although there are
nearly two hundred men employed, and a great number of horses,
these are mostly for the out-door work; the interior appears quite
solitary. Large rakes with chains moved by an invisible power,
stir to the very bottom the immense mass of malt in boilers 12
feet deep; elevators which nobody touches, carry up to the summit
of the building 2500 bushels of malt a day, thence distributed
through wooden channels to the different places where the process
is carried on.--Casks of truly gigantic sizes are ready to receive
the liquors. One of them contains 3000 barrels. Now, at 8 barrels
to a ton, this is equal to a ship of 375 tons. By the side of this
are other enormous vessels, the smallest of which, containing about
800 barrels, are worth when full 3000 pounds sterling each. All this
immense apparatus is so arranged that every part is accessible,
and the whole is contained under one roof. The stock of liquor
is estimated at 300,000 pounds; the barrels alone in which it is
carried about to customers cost 80,000 pounds; and the whole capital
is not less than half a million sterling; 250,000 barrels of beer
are sold annually, which would load a fleet of 150 merchantmen, of
the burden of 200 tons each. The building is incombustible--walls of
brick, and floors of iron.
_Africa._--Several attempts are now making to explore the interior
of this country, and a scheme for opening a grand commercial
intercourse with Tumbuctoo and Sudan, has been planned, which
promises success through the protection of the emperor of Morocco.
_London Nov. 30._--We learn by a letter from the celebrated Italian
traveller, _M. Belzoni_, that he has recently performed a journey
into the deserts of Lybia, to examine there the environs and ruins
of the temple Jupiter Ammon. This journey lasted 50 days, during
which time he saw different ruins, several temples and other
remarkable objects. After having traversed the desert, he arrived at
the place where the temple is supposed to have existed. The country
was fertile, and he found some villages, but the inhabitants of
the country, where, perhaps, for several centuries a European had
not been seen, were very savage, and would not suffer him to pass,
because they imagined that he was looking for treasures in their
country. The ruins of the temple he discovered had been employed
in the construction of another temple, which is already in part
destroyed, and in forming the foundation of the cabins of a village.
The most remarkable thing, however, discovered by _M. Belzoni_ in
those environs is a spring of living water, of which _Herodotus_
makes mention, warm in the morning and evening, cold at noon, and
boiling hot at midnight. _M. Belzoni_ has brought away some of this
water for the purpose of analysing it.
_A Hint to Smokers._--The city of New York, is said to contain
130,000 inhabitants. Let 50,000 of them smoke only three Spanish
segars a day, and it will amount in the year to the enormous sum of
$1,095,000; a sum sufficient to pay the salary of the President and
Vice-President of the United States, the Secretaries of State, of
the Treasury, of war, and of the Navy, and of the Attorney, General,
for 20 years, 10 months, and 8 days.
[_N. Y. Gazette._
_Extraordinary Longevity._--Dr. KNOTT MARTIN, of Marblehead, who
died at the age of 88, left seven children by his first wife, who
are now living, at the following ages, viz:--
Thomas, aged 88--Knott, aged 87--Eleanor, aged 80--Hannah, aged
77--Richard, aged 73--Arnold, aged 71--and Mary, aged 69. The
aggregate of the seven being 554, and the average 78 years.
Also, by his second wife, Betsey, aged 53, and Bartholomew, aged 51.
He had three other children, one of whom died in infancy, and the
other two at an advanced age.
Eight of the nine now living reside at Marblehead, the other
at Beverly, and all of them have a numerous posterity.
[_Salem Register._
_An effectual Method of Preserving Poultry houses free from Vermin._
Sir--As I do not know that you have positively interdicted all
communications from farmer-_esses_, I must ask you to record a grand
discovery, which I consider myself to have made, in the noble art
of--_raising poultry_.
It may save much trouble to my sister housewives, to whom, according
to the order prescribed by the _lords of the creation_, this
department of domestic economy has been assigned. It is well known,
that in this branch of our humble duties, the greatest difficulty
arises from our poultry houses being so much infested with _vermin_;
or, to be more plain, in the slang of the poultry yard, with
_chicken lice_. Now, I have proved, by long experience, that they
will not resort to houses wherein the roots, nest boxes, &c. &c. are
made of _sassafras wood_. You may smile, and ask me, the _reason
of it_: I am no philosopher, but I tell you, _sassafras wood_ will
keep lice out of hen houses: I know it to be a fact, and when you
will tell me _why it is_ that chips of cedar wood or tobacco will
keep woollen free from _moth_, then I will endeavour to tell you
_why_ it is, that sassafras wood will keep away chicken lice--one is
universally known to be true, the other no less true, though less
known.
A SPINSTER. [_Am. Farmer._
The London Globe, of Jan. 29, says--"We understand that the lords of
the treasury have given directions to allow mechanics, artificers,
&c. to emigrate from Great Britain to any country and in any ship.
At Brighton, the wildest of the feathered tribe have been so
punished with the frost, that they have left the woods, for warmer
shelter in the habitations of men. Black birds, starlings, larks and
thrushes have been pursued by boys, at mid-day, and easily taken by
the hand.
MARRIED.
On the 6th of March, RUBENS PEALE, of Philadelphia, to ELIZA
PATTERSON, of Chesnut-Hill.
At Washington City, SAMUEL LAWRENCE GOUVERNEUR, Esq. of New York,
to MARIA HESTER MUNROE, youngest daughter of JAMES MUNROE, President
of the United States.
On the 2d ult. at the Friends' Meeting House, Alexandria, D. C. J.
ELLICOTT CAREY, of Baltimore, to ANN H. IRWIN, daughter of Thomas
Irwin, Esq.
THOMAS H. B. JACOBS, to JANE BOWEN, both of Chester County,
Pennsylvania.
DAVID STUCKERT, of Germantown, to MARGARET TAYLOR, of this city.
In December last, at New-Castle, (England) Mr. SILVERTOP to Mrs.
PEARSON. This lady has been married three times. Her first husband
was a Quaker, the second a Roman Catholic, and the third is of the
established church. Every husband was twice her own age; at 16 she
married a man of 32, at 30 she took one of 60, and now at 42, she is
united to a man of 84.
In England, on the 16th of Jan. last, WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, Esq.
eldest son of the honourable and philanthropic William Wilberforce,
M.P. to Miss MARY OWEN, second daughter of John Owen, A. M. Rector
of Pagelsham.
DIED.
On Monday afternoon, the 13th of March, after a lingering and
painful illness, Mrs. MARGARET WEBB, being in her ninetieth year.
On Monday night, between 6 and 7 o'clock, after a confinement of two
months, WILLIAM WAYNE, sen. in the ninetieth year of his age.
In England, 22d Nov. aged 95, JOHN SPOONER, who had been for more
than thirty years successively the stranger's attendant at Brimham
Rocks, in the county of York.
At Perth, Scotland, 1st Feb. widow M'LEAN, aged 102 years. Although
infirm, she had the complete enjoyment of sight, and never required
the use of spectacles.
At Inverfolla, Scotland, 5th of November, DONALD M'INTYRE, aged 101.
He was the last of the followers of Prince Charles, in that district
to whose interests he was ardently devoted, so much so, that amidst
the infirmities of old age he seemed "strong with the vigour of
youth" at the mention of his favourite's name, and the remembrance
of his misfortunes.
In Curracoa, A. D. M. SENIOR, aged 85, the oldest member of the
Hebrew community, and one of the oldest inhabitants of the island.
At New Orleans, 4th of Feb. Don FELIPE FATIO, Consul of Spain,
formerly secretary of the Spanish legation at Washington.
Near New Orleans, Mr. ETIENNE BORRIE, the first person that
succeeded in cultivating the sugar cane on the Mississippi.
In the city of Trenton, (N. J.) on the 8th of March, SAMUEL
LEAKE, Esq. in the 73d year of his age, formerly one of the most
distinguished advocates at the New Jersey Bar.
In Vincent township, Chester County, on the 3d of March Mr. JAMES
EVANS, in the 94th year of his age.
At Boston, on Tuesday, the 22d of Feb. the Rev. JAMES M. WINCHELL,
Pastor of the first Baptist Church of that city.
In January, at Grant's Braes, near Haddington, the venerable mother
of the Scottish Bard, ROBERT BURNS, in her 88th year.
In Hesse, Hamburg, FREDERICK LOUIS WILLIAM CHRISTIAN, Landgrave of
Hesse Hamburg, aged 72, leaving a very numerous offspring, one of
whom is married to Princess Elizabeth, of England.
In Hesse, WILHELMINA CAROLINE, wife of the Elector of Hesse Cassel,
aged 73. She was a daughter of Frederick V. king of Denmark.
In Germany, Count Stolberg, a celebrated German Poet.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.
Whether the result of education and early associations, or derived
immediately from Nature herself, there is excited in every bosom
possessed of sensibility, a sensation of awe and veneration, when
approaching the mansions of the dead. Here the storm of passion
subsides into peace; and even savage ferocity, when contemplating
the house appointed for all living, is moulded into mildness and
mercy. Who does not delight to behold the verdant hillock, which
designates the spot, where the remains of a dear friend or relative
are deposited, decorated with vernal beauty, and alike protected
from the withering inroads of neglect, and the rude approach of
violence? There is a chord in every feeling heart, which vibrates
in unison with the magic touch of memory when delineating in vivid
colours, some departed object of our love and affection. The
GRAVE-YARD furnishes a scene, in which memory is necessarily a
prominent actor.
THE GRAVES OF MY FATHERS.
Evergreen be the spot where in silence reposing,
The bones of my fathers so tranquilly sleep,
Let no hostile foot-step with rudeness imposing,
Disturb the fond vigils affection shall keep.
Leave to monarchs their pageants of pomp and of glory,
To heroes their laurels all dripping with tears,
Give to Jackson his fame in the pages of story,
Where the wrong of the Indian abhorrent appears;
Let the relics of princes whose names are enshrouded,
In the gloom and the darkness of Egypt's long night,
Be distinguish'd by tombs on whose summits beclouded,
The eagle seeks rest in her towering flight:
But spare, oh but spare me, that hallow'd enclosure,
Which spring will soon visit with aspect serene,
Where the earliest sunbeam to April's exposure,
Shall bespangle with flow'rets her favourite scene.
While the songsters of nature with voices in chorus,
Attuned to those feelings which nature inspires,
And that moss-cover'd temple arising before us,
Will quell all those rebels--our vicious desires:
Where the pure gospel fount so transparent in beauty,
Oft in silence refreshes with gladness the soul,
Which in humble devotion to heaven and duty,
Seeks through faith and repentance a glorious goal.
Evergreen be the spot where in silence reposing,
The bones of my fathers so tranquilly sleep,
Every tye of affection their virtues disclosing,
While the dew drops of eve shall in sympathy weep.
E.
AULD AGE
Is that Auld Age that's tirling at the pin?
I trow it is, then haste to let him in:
Ye're kindly welcome, friend; na dinna fear
To shaw yoursel', ye'll cause na trouble here.
I ken there are wha tremble at your name,
As tho' ye brought wi' ye reproach or shame;
And wha, "a thousond lies wad bear the sin,"
Rather than own ye for their kith or kin;
But far frae shirking ye as a disgrace,
Thankfu' I am t' have lived to see thy face;
Nor s'all I ere disown ye, nor tak pride,
To think how long I might your visit bide,
Doing my best to mak ye well respecked,
I'll no fear for your sake to be neglecked;
But now ye're come, and through a' kind of weather
We're doomed frae this time forth to jog the-gither,
I'd fain mak compact wi' ye firm and strang,
On terms of fair giff gaff to haud out lang;
Gin thou'lt be civil, I s'all lib'ral be,
Witness the lang lang list o' what I'll gie;
First, then, I here mak owre for gude and ay,
A' youthfu' fancies, whether bright or gay,
Beauties and graces, too, I wad resign them,
But sair I fear 'twad cost ye fash to find them;
For 'gainst your dady, Time, they cou'd na stand,
Nor bear the grip o' his unsonsy hand;
But there's my skin, whilk ye may further crunkle,
And write your name at length in ilka wrunkle.
On my brown locks ye're leave to lay your paw
And bleach them to your fancy white as snaw.
But look na, age, sae wistfu' at my mouth,
As gin ye lang'd to pu' out ilka tooth!
Let them, I do beseech, still keep their places,
Though, gin ye wish't ye're free to paint their faces.
My limbs I yield ye; and if ye see meet,
To clap your icy shackles on my feet,
Ise no refuse; but if ye drive out gout,
Will bless you for't, and offer thanks devout.
Sae muckle was I gi' wi' right good will,
But och! I fear that maer ye look for still,
I ken by that fell glow'r and meaning shrug,
Ye't slap your skinny fingers on each lug;
And unca fain ye are I trow, and keen,
To cast your misty powders in my een;
But O in mercy, spare my poor wee twinkers,
And I for ay s'all wear your chrystal blinkers!
Then 'bout my lugs I'd fain a bargain mak,
And gi' my hand, that I shall ne'er draw back.
Well then, wad ye consent their use to share,
Twad serve us baith, and be a bargain rare--
Thus I wad ha't when babbling fools intrude,
Gabbling their noisy nonsense, lang and loud;
Or when ill-nature well brush'd up by wit,
Wi' sneer sarcastic takes its aim to hit;
Or when detraction, meanest slave o' pride,
Spies out wee fau'ts and seeks great worth to hide;
Then mak me deaf as deaf as deaf can be;
At a' sic times my lugs I lend to thee.
But when in social hour ye see combin'd
Genius and Wisdom--fruits of heart and mind,
Good sense, good humour, wit in playfu' mood,
And candour e'en frae ill extracting good;
Oh, then, auld friend, I maun ha' back myhearing,
To want it then wad be an ill past bearing.
Better to lonely sit i' the douf spence
Than catch the sough o' words without the sense.--
Ye winna promise? Och ye're unco dour,
Sae ill to manage, and sae cauld and sour.
Nae matter, hale and sound I'll keep my heart,
Nor frae a crum o't s'all I ever part:
It's kindly warmth will ne'er be chilled by a'
The cauldest breath your frozen lips can blaw.
Ye need na' fash your thumb, auld carle, nor fret,
For there affection shall preserve its seat;
And though to tak my hearing ye rejoice,
Yet spite o' you I'll still hear Friendship's voice.
Thus, though, ye tak the rest, it shan'na grieve me,
For ae blythe spunk o' spirits ye maun leave me;
And let me tell you in your lug Auld Age,
I'm bound to travel wi' ye but ae stage:
Be't long or short, ye canna keep me back;
And, when we reach the end o't, ye maun pack.
For there we part for ever; late or air.
Another guess companion meets me there:
To whom ye--nill ye will ye, maun me bring;
Nor think that I'll be wae or laith to spring
Fra your poor dosen'd side, ye carle uncouth,
To the blest arms of everlasting youth.
By him, whate'er ye ye've rifl'd sto'wn, or ta'en,
Will a' be gi'en wi' interest back again:
Froze by a' gifts and graces, thousands moe
Than heart can think of, freely he'll bestoe.
Ye need na wonder, then, nor swell wi' pride,
Because I kindly welcome ye, as guide,
To one sae far your better. Now as tauld,
Let us set out upo' our journey cauld;
Wi' nae vain boasts, nor vain regrets tormented,
We'll e'en jog on the gate, quiet and contented.
[Taken from "Memoirs of Eliza Hamilton," by Miss Benger.
"DREADFUL HARD TIMES."
Yesterday I walked down, to that part of the town,
Where people collect at the sign of the Tun,
To discuss and debate the great matters of state,
And show how things that go wrong should be done:
There was ragged Sam Bent, who is not worth a cent,
There was idle Dick Lawless, and noisy Jack Grimes,
And swaggering Jim Bell, who has nothing to sell,
All cursing the Banks, and these dreadful hard times.
There was old daddy Slop, who has lost his last crop,
By neglecting to mend up some gaps in his fence;
There was shabby Ned Thorn, who had planted his corn,
But had never put hoe, no, nor plough to it since;
There was dashing Bill Sutton, with his fine dandy coat on,
Who was ne'er out of debt, nor was worth twenty dimes:
They too join'd the throng, and still kept up the song,
A curse on the Banks, and these dreadful hard times.
Next came in Dick Short, who was summon'd to court,
For some hundreds of half pints of whiskey and rum;
He had brought the last sack of his grain on his back;
Tho' his children were crying with hunger at home;
Here, landlord, said Short, come, bring me a quart;
I must treat these, my friends, Sir, and merry Jack Grimes;
I've the corn, sir, to pay, there's no booking to-day;
Then he fell to cursing the Banks, and hard times.
Next came in Tom Sargent who had lately turn'd merchant,
And bought a full store, I can scarcely tell how!
But this much I know, about twelve months ago,
That the Constable sold at the post, his last cow;
Yet Tom dash'd away, spending hundreds each day,
Till his merchants brought suits for their dry goods and wines;
So Tom join'd the throng, and assisted the song,
With a curse on these Banks, and these dreadful hard times.
Next appear'd Madam Pride, (and a beau at her side)
With her silks, spread with laces, quite down to her trail;
Her husband that day, unable to pay
For the dress she then wore, had been lock'd up in jail;
She turn'd to the throng, as she tripped it along,
And she "hop'd that the merchants would swing for such crimes
"As to make people pay their old debts, in this way;"
And she curs'd all the Banks, and these dreadful hard times.
Now said I, Mr. Short, you are summon'd to court,
And must soon go to jail for these long whiskey scores;
And you, Mr Drew, aye, and you sir, and you,
Who are hanging round taverns, and running to stores;
And you madam Pride, must your silks lay aside,
And you, Mr. Idle and you, Mr. Grimes,
Must all to your labours, like some of your neighbours,
And you'll soon put an end to these dreadful hard times.
[_Gallia Gazette._
WINTER.
Though now no more the musing ear
Delights to listen to the breeze
That lingers o'er the greenwood shade,
I love thee, Winter! well.
Sweet are the harmonies of Spring,
Sweet is the Summer's evening gale,
Pleasant the Autumnal winds that shake
The many coloured grove;
And pleasant to the sobered soul
The silence of a wintry scene,
When Nature shrouds her in her trance,
In deep tranquillity.
Not undelightful now to roam
The wild-heath sparkling on the sight;
Not undelightful now to pace
The forest's ample rounds;
And see the spangled branches shine,
And snatch the moss of many a hue
That varies the old tree's brown bark,
Or o'er the grey stone spreads.
The clustered berries claim the eye,
O'er the bright holly's gay green leaves;
The ivy round the leafless oak
Clasps its full foliage close.
ROBERT SOUTHEY.
TO ----.
When the bloom on thy cheek shall have faded away,
When thine eye shall be closed in the grave,
Thou shalt dwell in my heart like the last gleam of day.
That purples with twilight the wave.
And if souls are allowed in a happier sphere
To watch o'er the spirits they love,
Be the guardian--the friend that thou wert to me here,
Be my guide--my protector above.
I know thou must die, and the cold earth will hide
The form I shall ever adore;
But in death, as in life, it will still be my pride
Such virtue as thine to deplore.
And, oh! when I gaze in the stillness of night
On those orbs that bespangle the sky,
I will think there thou dwellest an angel of light,
And hearest thy sorrower's sigh.
It will sooth me to feel, though a wilderness grows,
This lone world all unpeopled for me;
That, though drooping and withering, there still is one rose
In this wilderness blossoms for thee.
Though it will not be thine its last blushes to greet,
To weep o'er its bloom to decay;
If worthy such bliss, in a world we shall meet
Where thou'lt chase every dew-drop away.
The following versification was from the pen of a very young, and
interesting woman, in reply to the solicitations of her family not
to accompany her unfortunate husband into exile.
The lovely author of these lines, whose beauty can only be exceeded
by her retiring modesty, is wholly unconscious of their publication,
and we well know will blush at celebrity which the accomplishments
of her mind, the graces of her person, and the misfortunes of her
destiny, have rendered inevitable.
_Versification from the book of "Ruth."_
INSCRIBED TO ----
Where'er thou goest, I will go,
O'er Egypt's sands, or Zembla's snow!
Where'er thy weary eyelids close.
There will thy Charlotte seek repose;
Though on the naked earth we lie,
While tempests rule the darkning sky,
Still, still undaunted will I be,
And find the holiest calm with thee.
That people whom thou call'st thy own,
Shall only to my heart be known,
And our great Father, God, above,
With equal warmth we both will love.
Where'er thy last expiring breath,
Is yielded to relentless Death,
On that same spot will Charlotte die,
And in the tomb, thy Charlotte lie.
The Lord do this, and more to me,
If more than this, part thee from me,
As living, but one heart we own.
So dying we will still be ONE.
[_Port Folio._
_The Peasant and his Wife._
HE.
The long, long day, again has pass'd
In sorrow and distress:
I strive my best--but strive in vain,
I labour hard--but still remain
Poor, and in wretchedness.
SHE.
Nay, we have health--you love your wife--
And she returns its flame;
Want still is absent from our cot,
God gives us breath to sooth our lot,
What more can you desire?
HE.
I wish'd to earn a little sum,
My dearest wife for thee;
I wish'd, by toiling day and night,
To gain some wealth that might requite
Thy fond fidelity.
SHE.
No wealth repays fidelity,
Nor gold nor monarch's crown;
My heart which doth to thee incline,
Finds all its love repaid by thine,
And smiles at Fortune's frown.
HE.
But ah! to see thee live in want,
It fills my soul with care.
That thou so noble just and good,
Must slave and toil for daily food,
That drives me to despair.
SHE.
I gaily work [God knows my heart]
Contented at your side:
More joys than wealth can give I prove,
To share thy sorrows and thy love;
Thy faithful heart's my pride.
HE.
But who, when I am snatch'd from thee
Will hush thy trembling sighs?
And when our babe shall weeping say,
"Oh mother! give me bread I pray!"
Who then will heed its cries;
SHE.
God! whom the worm and sparrow shields,
Man in his need can aid;
He'll be my comfort when thou'rt fled--
The orphan's sire will give him bread--
O! be his will obey'd.
HE.
Wife of my heart, how great thou art!
Thy love is all my weal;
I feel so proud of one like thee--
Thy love and thy fidelity
Inspire me with fresh zeal.
AGRICULTURE.
Thou first of arts, source of domestic ease,
Pride of the land, and patron of the seas,
_Thrift Agriculture!_ lend thy potent aid;
Spread thy green fields where dreary forest's shade;
Where savage men pursue their savage prey,
Let the white flocks in verdant pastures play;
From the bloom'd orchard and the showery vale
Give the rich fragrance to the gentle gale:
Reward with ample boon the labourer's hand,
And poor thy gladdening bounties o'er our land.
Columbia's sons, spurn not the rugged toil;
_Your nation's glory is a cultur'd soil._
Rome's Cincinnatus, of illustrious birth,
Increas'd his laurels while he tilled the earth:
E'en China's monarch lays his sceptre down,
Nor deems the task unworthy of the crown.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
"AMICUS" wishes to know why his communications have not appeared
in the _Rural Magazine_. This kind of request is sometimes very
difficult for an editor to comply with. In the present instance, we
feel much obliged to our correspondent for his intention of serving
us, and did we know him personally, would give him our reasons for
omitting his pieces.
We have anticipated the request of "AGRICOLA" of Susquehannah
county, by inserting in our last number the address of _Judge
Tilghman_. "AGRICOLA's" remarks upon, and large quotations from it,
could not with so much propriety be now admitted.
PHILADELPHIA,
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
RICHARDS & CALEB JOHNSON,
_No. 31, Market Street_,
At $3.00 per annum.
Griggs & Dickinson--_Printers_, _Whitehall_.
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rural Magazine, and Literary
Evening Fire-Side, Vol. 1 No. 4 (1820), by Various
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