NEW PUBLICATIONS, ARCHITECTUre. WITH CRITICAL REMARKS. An Address read before the Society of Architects and Antiquaries of London, at the first meeting of their third session. By J. Britton, F. S. A. Hon. Secretary. Printed by Order of the Society. We have before noticed the formation of this society (Vol. iii. pp. 182-225), and with pleasure recur again to the subject of an institution which, whether it ultimately fulfil the object of its founders or not, deserves the support of all who wish well to the study of architecture, and desire to see it rise into excellence in this country. It is painful to reflect, that with us men of correct taste who have an earnest wish for excellence in art should be those who have least to do with its execution. There seen also to be many collateral causes operating to keep down the spirit of improvement in British architecture. Among these is the jobbing system, which substitutes every where flimsiness and finery for solidity and grandeur-the absence of a feeling of interest in any thing that can last beyond the duration of human life-and the starving plan of erecting public buildings, generated by the habit of employing the cheapest mode instead of the best. A proof of this occurs near Somerset House at the present moment. Instead of completing the entire front of Somerset House next the water, of which there is nearly a fourth part wanting, and thus extending that fine solid mass of building according to its original plan, thus adding to the beauty of the view from Waterloo. Bridge, a narrow strip of offices has been run up on the west side of the bridge, to correspond somewhat in external appearance with Somerset House. Blocks of stone have been laid on the edge of a brick quay for a foundation, and the spot of terrace above, instead of being formed of massive arches, was made by iron beams resting on the walls and covered with slabs of Portlandstone, which gave way on a few cartloads of clay being laid upon it. Thus do we build for immortality! This too is a public work, and close to a building erected by private individuals, which gunpowder or an earthquake could alone destroy, rising as it were in mockery of its feeble compa. nion. While these things continue, the best efforts will be unavailing to establish correct notions of art. Mr. Britton, in his present address, from which we have wandered a little, seems to be actuated by an honourable zeal for setting these matters right by giving additional stimulus to every thing which may direct the views of the club to the great object of its form ation. After noticing the origin of its meetings, he recommends harmony, and an absence of all religious and political discussion as tending to discord. He shews the want of an establishment for the promotion and encouragement of architecture, which is so neglected in the national academy; and he states that a committee has been formed out of the club to discuss the practicability of forming something of the kind. We most cordially wish the plan success, sensible as we are, that, if it he not effected by some VOL VI. NO. XIII. such means, it will never be effected at all. From our portrait-painting Academy, the higher branches of the different arts can expect little efficient assistance. Where there is no real feeling for great things, the common-place routine of the past will suffice for the future. Let a society then be instantly formed by the members of the club, and those that are willing to join in the design. Let it have an eye neither to the patronage nor promises of the great, nor to the hopes of better times, but erect itself upon the only certain basis-its own efforts, the purity and correctness of its taste, and the stamp of genius visible on its labours. It will then force its way to eminence, and mark itself with a character equally honourable to its members and to the land that gave them birth. Hoping we shall soon have to record something of interest respecting an institution so respectably begun, we take our leave of Mr. Britton and the society for the present. Specimens of Gothic Architecture, selected from various ancient Edifices in England. No. I. Vol. II. 4to. 17. Is. Lectures on Architecture. By J. Elmes. 8vo. 12s. ASTRONOMY. Lynn's Star Tables for the year 1822. Royal 8vo. 10s. A Celestial Atlas. By A. Jamieson, A. M. Royal 4to. 1. 5s. An Astronomical Catechism, with engravings. By C. V. Whitwell. 21s. BIOGRAPHY. Lives of Eminent Scotsmen. Part 4. 12mo. 2s. 6d. We have already noticed the preceding parts of this work. The lives in the present number are those of Alexander Hume, Bellenden, Boyd, Wilkie, Fergusson, Mickle, Geddes, and Grahame. We must do the writers the justice to say, that the nearer they approach to their own times, the more we feel the advantage they possess from being enabled to procure personal anecdotes and local information as to the subjects of their me moirs. We would mention the lives of Fergusson, Geddes, and Grahame, as instances of this kind; that of Fergusson, in particular, is beautifully and intercstingly written. BOTANY. Treatise on Bulbous Roots, with Directions for their Cultivation. By the Hon. and Rev. William Herbert. 8vo. 5s. The Botanical Register. By Sydenham Edwards, F. L. S. containing 8 coloured Specimens of exotic Plants. Number 82, price 4s. Geraniacere, or natural order of Geraniums. By R. Sweet, F. L. S. Number 24, price 3s.-Continued Monthly. The Botanical Cultivator, or a Practical Treatise on propagating, rearing, and preserving all descriptions of Plants By R. Sweet, F. L. S. 10s. 6d. E Hortus Suburbanus Londinensis, or a Catalogue of Plants cultivated in the neighbourhood of London; arranged according to the Linnæan System. Royal 8vo. 18s. Rosarum Monographia, or a Botanical History of Roses, with an Appendix for the Use of Cultivators. By John Lindley, Esq. F. L. S. Royal 8vo. 21s. A Natural Arrangement of British Plants. By S. F. Gray, 2 vols. 8vo. 21. 2s. EDUCATION. Clark's New School Maps of all the principal States and Kingdoms throughout the World, in 28 maps. Price 6d. A Dictionary of French Verbs, shewing their different Governments, &c. &c. By J. C. Tarver. 8vo. 7s. 6d. An Analysis of Penmanship, &c. By J. Hill, W. M. 5s. A Dictionary of French Homonymes, or a new Guide to the Peculiarities of the French Language, being a Collection of French Expressions similar in sound, but differing in signification, illustrated by numerous Anecdotes, Jeux de Mots, &c. particularly designed for those who are desirous of acquiring the Language of Social Intercourse. By D. Boileau. Crown. 8vo. price 9s. 6d. The Architectural Antiquities of Rome - No. 6. In 130 Engravings. By G. L. Taylor and Edward Cresy. To consist of 12 Nos. Imperial folio, price 17. 11s. 6d. India paper, 21. 2s. A Series of Portraits of Eminent Historical Characters introduced in the Novels and Tales of the Author of Waverley. With Biographical Notices. Part V. containing Prince Charles Stuart, Archbishop Sharp, The Earl of Southampton, The Regent Murray. In 12mo. Es.; 8vo. 10s. Proofs 14s. A Complete Treatise of Lithography, &c. 4to. 1. 16s. HISTORY. The History and Antiquities of the See and Cathedral Church of Lichfield; illustrated by a series of engravings of views, elevations, plans, and details of the architecture of the church; with biographical Anecdotes of the Bishops of Lichfield and Coventry. By John Britton, F.S.A. 4to. pp. 50. 16 engravings. 17. 18s. medium, 31. 3s. imperial. Were we to judge from the splendid engravings in the beautiful volume before us, we should say, that the Cathedral of Lichfield is one of the finest specimens of ancient architecture in the kingdom. The grouping of the three pyramidal spires (plate ii.), which are distinguished, in varied combination, from every approach to the city; the south-east view with the piece of water in the foreground (plate vi.); and the richly-ornamented door-ways (plates iii. v. xv.), impress us with the finest feelings of picturesque variety, romantic beauty, and religious veneration, which the contemplation of our cathedrals, grey with antiquity, always inspires. This cathedral, besides, as Mr. Britton elegantly describes it, is not, like those of Westminster or York, sur rounded by common dwellings, but is placed in an open lawn, and environed, at a small distance, with handsome houses, plantations, and gardens; while on the south is a lake, and on the north and east some fine forest-trees. An air of rural simplicity and genteel life appears around the edifice, and gives rise to the most pleasing and cheerful sentiments of religious tranquillity. With all these beauties, however, of architecture and situation, the cathedral of Lichfield has no pretensions to grandeur, and cannot vie with the noble and imposing cathedrals of York, Lincoln, Canterbury, Wells, or Durham; nor is it so impressive and beautiful as that of Salisbury. The dusky red colour of the stone also injures its appearance; and its soft and friable texture, easily crumbled by the weather, gives the walls the ragged appearance of speedy decay. To the architect and the antiquary, it affords other objects of beauty and interest, in the various styles which successive additions and repairs have given to its several parts, from "the unchronicled times of old" till the present day. Of all these the accurate and splendid engravings, by J. and H. Le Keux, Radcliffe, Turrell, and Lands, of ground plan, sections, elevations, and ornaments, given here by Mr. Britton, in his well-known tasteful style of topographical display, will afford a high treat, both to the professional architect and to the amateur; while the amusing anecdotes-{we were highly delighted with that of the monk miraculously hanging his cloak on a sun-beam), and the critical research into the topographical history of the cathedral, must prove interesting to every admirer of British antiquities. amateurs in modern art will also be much gratified with a fine print of Chantrey's celebrated monument of two children. MATHEMATICS. The The Geometrical Analyses and Geometry of Curve Lines; being Vol. II. of a Course of Mathematics. By John Leslie, Esq. Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh. 12mo. 4s. boards. MEDICINE, SURGERY, &c. A Treatise on the Nervous System. Vol. I. By J. C. Prichard, M. D. F.L. S. 8vo. 12s. Letters of Mary Lepel, Lady Hervey; with a Memoir and illustrative Notes. 8vo. The Editor of these papers professes no responsibility either for their publication or selection. He found them, he tells us, in the course of preparation for the press, and consented, at the request of a friend, to prefix a biographical sketch of Lady Hervey, and to add a few explanatory notes, which the lapse of time, or the original obscurity of the circumstances, rendered too often necessary. This lady has been celebrated by Pope for her "merit, beauty, and vivacity," and by Gay for her youth and sweetness. These qualities were, doubtless, more valuable to her contemporaries, than they will be likely to prove to the reader of these letters, where the author's vivacity is displayed on small facts and passing allusions, not very notorious in their own day and wholly forgotten in ours. They, however, who find interest in the literary gossip of Madame de Sevigne, will not be wholly dissatisfied with the perusal of this volume. We must except, we suppose, the 108th page, which, we are gravely assured by the Editor, not having passed under his own eye, contains some errors and omissions. Time's Telescope; or the Astronomer's, Botanist's, and Naturalist's Guide, for the year 1822, &c. &c. To look back with advantage, and forward with pleasure, is the sum and substance of human happiness! Fortunate is he who can do so; and still more fo:tunate is he who has this little work to assist him in his retrospect and prospect, thereby giving an additional value to the Time present. Whatever his pursuit, however multifarious his researches, he cannot fail of finding here both information and amusement, united to a degree of novelty and variety by no means to be expected in an annual publication of this kind. In this selection, good taste is evident; recapitulation has been avoided as far as possible, without omitting necessary information; whilst the author, without seeming to infringe in the slightest degree upon its contemporary utility, has with ingenious propriety rendered it specifically adapted to its place in the regular series, of which it forms the ninth volume. A wellexecuted frontispiece, of some of the finest shells, is accompanied by a useful introduction to the study of Conchology-a study so interesting to all sea-side tourists. Affecting History of Tom Bragwell. 2s. This is a sort of Newgate Calendar story, written with more good intention than power of making a right impression on the class of readers for whose perusal it is intended. The Art of employing Time to the greatest advantage-the true source of Happiness. 1 vol. post ¿vo. MUSIC. Observations on Vocal Music, &c. By William Kitchener, M. D. 12mo. 4s. NATURAL HISTORY. Zoological Researches in the Island of Java, No. II. By T. Horsfield, M. D. F. R. S. General History of Birds By J. Latham, M. D. Vol. I. 4to. 2l. Í2s. 6d. Zoological Illustrations, Vol. 1. By William Swainson, F.R.S. F.L.S. Royal 8vo. 21. 18s. 6d. boards. NOVELS, ROMANCES, &c. The Pirate. By the Author of Waverley, &c. The late appearance of this Work obliges us to defer making any observations in our present Number on its general merits. We shall therefore, for the present, merely give the author's introductory notice. "The purpose of the following narrative is to give a detailed and accurate account of certain remarkable incidents which took place in the Orkney Islands, concerning which the more imperfect traditions and mutilated records of the country only tell us the following erroneous particulars. "In the month of January, 1724-5, a vessel called the Revenge, bearing 20 large guns and 6 smaller, commanded by John Gow, or Goffe, or Smith, came to the Orkney Islands, and was discovered to be a pirate by various acts of insolence and villainy committed by the crew. These were for some time submitted to, the inhabitants of these remote islands not possessing arms nor means of resistance; and so bold was the captain of these banditti, that he not only came ashore and gave dancing parties in the village of Stromness, but before his real character was discovered, engaged the affections and received the troth-plight of a young lady possessed of some property. A patriotic individual, Jas. Fea the younger, of Clestron, formed the plan of securing the buccaneer, which he effected by a mixture of courage and address, in consequence chiefly of Gow's vessel having gone on shore near the harbour of Calfsound, on the island of Eda, not far distant from a house then inha. bited by Mr. Fea. In the various stratagems by which Mr. Fea contrived finally, at the peril of his life, they being well armed and desperate, to make the whole pirates his prisoners, he was much aided by Mr. James Laing, the grandfather of the late Malcolm Laing, Esq. the acute and ingenious historian of Scotland during the 17th century. "Gow, and others of his crew, suffered, by sentence of the High Court of Admiralty, the punishment their crimes had long deserved. He conducted himself with great audacity when before the Court; and from an account of the matter, by an eye-witness, seems to have been subjected to some unusual severities, in order to compel him to plead. The words are these:'John Gow would not plead, for which he was brought to the bar, and the Judge ordered that his thumbs should be squeezed by two men with a whipcord till it did break; and then it should be doubled, till it did again break; and then laid threefold, and that the executioners "It is said that the lady, whose affections Gow had engaged, went up to London to see him before his death; and that, arriving too late, she had the courage to request a sight of his dead body; and then touching the hand of the corpse, she formally resumed the troth-plight which she had bestowed. Without going through this ceremony, she could not, according to the superstition of the country, have escaped a visit from the ghost of her departed lover, in the event of her bestowing upon any living suitor the faith which she had plighted to the dead. This part of the legend may serve as a curious commentary on the beautiful tale of the fine Scottish ballad, which begins, even There came a ghost to Margaret's door,' &c. "The common account of this incident farther bears, that Mr. Fea, the spirited individual by whose exertions Gow's career of iniquity was cut short, was so far from receiving any reward from Government, that he could not obtain countenance enough to protect him against a variety of sham suits raised against him by Newgate solicitors, who acted in the name of Gow, and others of the pirate crew: and the various expenses, vexatious prosecutions, and other legal consequences, in which his gallantry involved him, utterly ruined his fortune and his family, making his memory a notable example to all who shall in future take pirates on their own authority. "It is to be supposed, for the honour of George the First's Government, that the last circumstance, as well as the dates, and other particulars of the commonly received story, are inaccurate, since they will be found totally irreconcileable with the following veracious narrative, compiled from materials to which he himself alone has had access, by The Author of Waverley." The Hand of Providence manifested in a faithful Narrative of Real Facts; illustrative of its punishment of Vice and reward of Virtue interspersed with genuine Anecdotes and suitable Reflections. 12mo. 68. If this story has the merit of being drawn from real life, it has none in the selection or execution of its subject, which, in itself equally dull and disagreeable, is treated in a style alike devoid of simplicity and grace. The plates are unfortunate likewise; one represents a man halfstrangled, and another the commission of suicide. These are not proper for the contemplation of youth. Maurice Powell: an Historical Welsh Tale of England's Troubles. 3 vols. 8vo. There is some attempt at good writing in this work, and were it not that we are reminded in some passages, a little too forcibly, of the Old Mortality by the author of Waverley, we should pronounce the character of John Lucas, the fanatic, to be original and well drawn. The story is not without merit in incident, and excites sufficient interest to reward the reader for the attention he may bestow upon it. The scene is laid during the troubles that existed in the contest between the Parliament and the Royalists. POETRY. The Pleasures of Conversation: a Poem. By William Cooke, Esq. A new edition, enlarged, with Poetical Portraits of the principal Characters of Dr. Johnson's Club. small 8vo. 5s. 6d. boards. The This didactic poem is written by the author of several well-known works. The novelties in the present edition are the portraits of the principal characters of Dr. Johnson's club, with whom the Author, now far advanced in the vale of years, was once acquainted, namely, Burke, Reynolds, Goldsmith, Burney, Wyndham, Garrick, Dr. R. Farmer, Boswell, Horsley, D. Barrington, Dr. R. Brocklesby, A. Murphy, and J. Nichols. object of the Poem is to recommeud assemblies of persons "of both sexes at one another's houses, for the purpose of discussing such occasional subjects as may be useful and ornamental to society." It is but too true, that we have been long deficient in conversational accomplishments, and we fear that some time must yet elapse before the tone of fashionable assemblies can be changed from their present vapidness, common-place, and affectation, to a higher and more intellectual character-to an intercourse that will interest the heart and contribute to enlighten the understanding. It would be super. fluous to say more of a work which has been long before the public; but in bearing our testimony to the beneficial nature of the author's views, as they regard society, we only do that which every one who has a relish for the delightful enjoyments of social intercourse, must agree with us in. If the superiority of man over the brute creation be in his intellectual powers, all that tends to exalt and refine, to cultivate and ornament them, must be reckoned among the nobler employments of life. The French have their shone pre-eminent in social converse; converzationes needed no extraneous aid to afford the most refined pleasure to all who partook in them. Let us hope that the time will soon arrive when we shall equal them-when neither cards nor visitings, dress nor equipage, scandal nor the weather, will, amid long intervals of taciturnity, he the subjects that consume all the moments of conversation in fashionable assemblages. Ancient Spanish Romances relating to the Twelve Peers of France, mentioned in Don Quixote, with English Metrical Versions. By Thomas Rodd. 2 vols. 8vo. 11. Specimens of the German Lyric Poets, &c. with Biographical Notices and woodcuts. 8vo. 10s. 6d. Poems, Divine and Moral. Selected by John Bowdler, Esq. 12mo. 68. Desultory Thoughts in London, Titus and Gisippus, with other Poems. By Charles Lloyd. 12mo. 7s. 64. feed, tion to ccasion.ce, howpreserving rost, should nay ultimately leed, keeping is cheap, to which rigidly commensuof lean cattle; and if conceded a little in their ly, they are still too exadmit of the most distant for the grazier to obtain re.on. This is one of the many which beset farmers in general; ely, that when they are purchasers of n cattle, they have to contend with a new interested men, who can and do, by combination, command the market, and secure their own prices. The same remark is equally applicable when they become sellers also, whether of fat beasts or grain;-a few of the principal butchers iary diffi- and merchants set the price, and the farinued low mers have no alternative but to submit to their terms. 1 deuriant ould re |