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to greater advantage. Near the statue of Sir Joseph Banks, in the entrance of the Museum, is now a fine one of Shakspeare, similar to that which is in the vestibule of Drury-lane Theatre.

Goldsmiths' Company.—The new hall for the use of the Goldsmiths' Company will be a very handsome building when finished. Its exterior has an imposing appearance, particularly the front, in the centre of which are the Company's arms admirably well executed over the grand entrance, in alto relievo ; and the architect has been profuse in ornamental architecture, both in the front and at the sides, and at the back of the building. The sunken columns and pilasters are surmounted by Corinthian capitals, and other parts of the edifice exhibit corresponding embellishments. The interior of the hall has every convenience, both culinary and otherwise, for giving effect to the science of gastronomy, and preparing luxurious barquets suitable to the appetites and tastes of one of the most wealthy civic companies in the metropolis. The hall, however, is very inconveniently situated at the rear of the General Post-office, in Foster-lane, where a carriage cannot turn. The other avenues leading to it are equally narrow and incommodious.

The Postmaster-General has taken measures for extending the Threepenny Post to a circle of 12 miles from the General Post-office, including the following post towns:-Stanmore, Edgeware, Barnet, Hounslow, Southall, Waltham-cross, Romford, Bromley, Foot's Cray, Croydon, and Kingston, to all which places there will be a threepenny post delivery twice a-day (except Foot's Cray and Waltham-cross, which will have one delivery only) in addition to the general post delivery.

BEDFORDSHIRE.

At the annual meeting of the Beds Agricultural Society, a plough was introduced by Mr. Manning, of Elstow, made by Ransome, of Ipswich, with an improved plan for regulating the hind wheel by means of a lever, which enables the ploughman to alter the depth of the plough as circumstances require it, without stopping the horses-an advantage, we understood, from Mr. Manning, to be in some cases very considerable. The Duke of Bedford's plough was on the Scotch swing principle.

DEVONSHIRE.

A large fossil reptile of the antediluvian age has been taken out of the blue lias on Charmouth-beach, Devonshire. It had been previously sold for four sovereigns to a member of the Geological Society, and proved to be of the genus Ichthyosaurus, partaking of the alligator and lizard species. It measured about six feet in length, and was only to be reached at extremely low tides, which may account for its not having been discovered before.

ESSEX.

Desertion of Farms in Essex.-At the suggestion of a correspondent we have searched our file to ascertain the quantity of land advertised to be let in this county, from Lady-day to Michaelmas in the present year, and we find tenants wanted for upwards of ten thousand acres, vacated by as many as sixty occupiers. During that period the price of our best wheats fluctuated between 62s. and 67s. per qr., and the price of Consols was steady at 88 to 89. During the like period, in the year 1805, there were not more than two thousand acres announced for letting, including two farms in Steeple, belonging to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, containing upwards of eight hundred acres, which at that time it was the practice to let by tender. The advertisements of farms wanted to hire were, we observe, as numerous as those to be let. The price of our best wheat from Lady-day to Michaelmas, 1805, varied from 868. to 105s., and Consols from 57 to 59. During that year the lease of a farm in Rochford hundred, let upon such terms that the outgoing tenant became a bankrupt, was sold for 20001.-Chelmsford Chronicle.

HEREFORDSHIRE.

Ancient Coin-As some men were clearing a pool near the Rectory, at Stretton, in this county, of the mud, which had been accumulating for many years, they found a silver groat, of Richard III., in tolerable preservation, though it evidently has been clipped round the edge. On the obverse is the effigy peculiar to the coins of the monarch, with the style nearly obliterated, "Ricard. Di. Gr. Rex. Angl. Z France;" and on the reverse a cross with three pellets, not conjoined in each

centre quarter. On the outer circle is the legend, "Pos Devm Adivtorem Mevm;" and on the inner circle," Civiti London."

HAMPSHIRE.

The Allotment System.-The good effects resulting from a partial introduction of the Garden Allotment System in the neighbourhood of Romsey, Hants, has fully answered the expectations of its promoters. Lord Palmerston, and John Fleming, Esq., each set apart some acres of good land, conveniently situate near the town, which was let, at a moderate rent, to deserving labourers, in parcels of a quarter of an acrе. The cultivation of this land has fully occupied the leisure hours of the renters and their families, who have now a profitable return for their labour, being enabled, after payment of rents and taxes, and keeping back a winter's stock for themselves, to bring a quantity of potatoes and vegetables to market. On Monday last all the allotment tenants of Lord Palmerston attended at Broadlands farm to pay their rent, and, as a reward for their good conduct during the year, they were regaled with a good dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, and strong beer, which was served at the Fox public house, adjoining the ground. The conduct of the poor men was very orderly, and they departed highly pleased and gratified with his Lordship's liberality.

NORFOLK.

There has been recently dredged up at Thorpe, by the machine in the employ of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Company, an ancient sword, which, from its scimitar-like form and general character, has excited some curiosity and interest. Its entire length is three feet, two inches: its blade, of steel, though much corroded, is still very elastic, and in its broadest part two inches and a quarter. On each side, a few inches above the guard, is a rude inlaying of red gold, to represent a coronet of three points. The guard is slightly curved, and the extremities pierced with a quatrefoil. The grip appears to have been covered with some substance, which was lost on its removal from the bed of the river, as the metal in that part is very perfect. The pommel, of brass, is round, with the sides flattened, upon which is rudely engraved the figure of a monster with human face, and the body of a beast. Around this, on each side, is a similar figure, whose tail is covered with foliage. It appears, from Strutt and Meyrick, that scimitars were introduced as regular military weapons in the reigns of the first and second Edwards. There is no clue, however, in the local histories whereby we might assign a period to its being lost in the river, unless it was in the year 1277, when King Edward, according to Stow, quoted by Gurdon, in his "History of Norwich Castle," made a military progress through Suffolk and Norfolk, and kept his Easter at Norwich. This ancient weapon has been presented to the Norwich Museum by the Directors of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation.

SOMERSET.

Bath Abbey Church.-The workmen in their excavations on the north side have discovered further remains of the ancient fabric, on whose site the church was erected. Among these relics are some pavements of the basement of the old building in good preservation. A portion of these relics will be kept permanently open to public view, by which some idea may be afforded to antiquaries of the extent of the building and the character of its architecture.

WALES.

A cave is said to have been discovered within the Nash Rocks, near Presteign, in Radnorshire, on the estate of the Earl of Oxford, and at an elevation of some hundreds of feet from the plain. The descent from the entrance is 20 feet; the roof, full 30. The dimensions may be 300 feet in circumference, but the immense size and number of pillars render it impossible for the eye to ascertain the exact admeasurements. This natural curiosity consists in the petrified pillars, which appear to have been formed by dripping from the ceiling or roof. From the length of time Nature has been performing her work, many of them at least are six feet round at the top. They reach to the floor, and have become perfect pillars of stone, appearing like inverted cones; others are like icicles, or, in common terms, eaves droppings. The rocks are situated between the Hill Garraway mountains, near the river Enwell, where the remains of the ever-memorable Sir Samuel Romilly are deposited in the family vault of his late relative, Colonel Foley. It was there,

in the midst of cataracts and wildest picturesque scenery, that this great lawyer and legislator rested from the fatigues of his profession.

SCOTLAND.

Elgin Cathedral.-In consequence of the important discovery of four steps to the grand west entrance, which has been hid for ages past by rubbish, the Exchequer most readily ordered an excavation of the present approach, and a flight of stone steps to bring the visiter at once to the new level. The effect thus produced, by restoring to its original and just proportion this magnificent entrance, which has ever been an object of admiration to architects, artists, and all persons of taste from every part of the island, will be exceedingly striking. The directions of the King's architect for this purpose are now in progress of completion.—Elgin Courier.

IRELAND.

Cemetery. An extensive cemetery is about to be established beyond the limits of the city. The state of the churchyards in Dublin is frightful. But a few days since, we were informed by a clergyman, that a body was interred, if indeed that can be said, in one of the most populous neighbourhoods, not two feet from the surface. This is an outrage upon common decency, both towards the dead and the living, that calls for correction. A cemetery removed from the crowded dwellings of the living, and the noisy and busy scenes of life, if laid out with taste, and on a proper site, will become an object of interest and fond regard, and we cordially join in the anticipation of the Committee that it will have a moral and useful influence.-Dublin Evening Post.

Discovery of a Coal Mine in the Queen's County.—We have been informed that a coal mine has lately been discovered on that part of the estate of Sir Edward Walsh, Bart. called the "Rushes," in the Queen's County. If this mine should turn out to be productive, we understand it is the intention of the worthy Baronet to open several shafts without delay, which will give employment to a great number of the poor of that neighbourhood. Sir Edward Walsh is an excellent landlord, and one of those really patriotic Irish gentlemen who reside at home, and by the extent of the improvements on his estate, diffuses the blessings of comfort and happiness among the poorer classes.-Carlow Sentinel.

The potato crop will this year fall short by at least one-third of the usual average. This failure of the food of the peasantry of this country may possibly lead to another appeal to the charitable feelings of the British public; and the anomalous spectacle may be exhibited of a peasantry begging for the means of subsistence with one hand, whilst with the other they are straining to raise a princely income for an individual who would almost seem to feed upon their discontent.

The Board of Education in Dublin, up to the 16th of August, 1833, received 911 applications for aid to schools now existing, and 259 solicitations for aid to establish new schools, making a total of 1,170. They have complied with 573 applications in behalf of existing schools, and 112 for the founding new schools. The books and tracts employed in the schools in separate religious instruction, with the approbation of the members of the Board, who are of the same religious persuasion as the children for whose use they are intended, are thus enumerated :— For Protestant children-Bible, authorized version; New Testament, ditto; Church Catechism, ditto; the Church Liturgy; Confession of Faith of the Church of Scotland; Larger and Shorter Catechism of the Church of Scotland. For Roman Catholic children-Douay Testament; Reeve's History of the Old and New Testament; Gahan's ditto; Morality of the Bible; Gother on the Epistles and Gospels; Dr. Doyle's Catechism; Reilly's ditto; Henry's Historical ditto; Butler's General ditto; Catholic Christian Instructed; Gobbinet's Instruction to Youth; Think Well On't; Chalmer's Meditations; Imitations of Christ.

Rail Roads. The Stockton and Darlington Railway shares, costing 1067. 138. 4d. are at 297 10s. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway shares, costing 1007. are at 210. The Liverpool and Manchester shares, costing 257. are at 527. The Liverpool and Birmingham shares, on which 107. have been paid, are selling at 114. 10s. The London and Birmingham shares, on which 57. have been paid, are selling at 71. 10s. The two latter are only in progress.

Midland Counties Railway.-The provisional committees which had been ap pointed at the towns of Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby, in furtherance of the

objects of this important undertaking, have held a meeting at Loughborough, for the purpose of considering and maturing the plan to be laid before the public. The result is, that a prospectus will be published for the establishment of a grand line of railway, for travelling and the carriage of all kinds of merchandise, from Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, to a point of junction with the Birmingham and London railways, including a branch from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire collieries.

The facility in transmitting cattle of all descriptions from the east coast of Scotland to the London market has caused thousands of acres of arable land to be appropriated exclusively to grazing. The graziers are in high spirits, and are stocking their farms and rearing cattle for the London market, where Scottish beasts are in great request, and bring remunerating prices. Before the introduction of the cattlecarrying steamers, the cattle from Scotland had to travel from the most remote parts of the Highlands to the interior of England and of the metropolis; and besides the expense of time, feeding, and attendance, the animals fell off considerably, and were not in proper condition when they arrived at their place of destination. By the steamers the cattle are only about 48 hours on the passage to London, and are landed in excellent condition. Ham curers are suffering severely from the best of bullocks being bought up for the English market, and the consequent scarcity of prime rumps for curing. The attention of the graziers to the rearing of stock, to meet the increased and still increasing demand, will in a year or two, we trust, enable them to supply the English and the home market. In the mean time rump hams that formerly sold wholesale at 54d. or 6d. per lb. cannot now be supplied at less than 64d., and scarce. Last winter the price was the same, and will continue so until the number of cattle raised is equal to the demand.

Education Returns.-In pursuance of an address of the House of Commons to his Majesty on this subject, Lord Melbourne has addressed a circular to the overseers of the poor of every parish or place in England, requesting satisfactory answers to the following questions :-A return of the number of schools in each town, parish, or chapelry, or extra-parochial place; which return, after stating the amount of the population of the said town or place, according to the last census, shall specify-1. Whether the said schools are infant, daily, or Sunday schools. 2. Whether they are confined, either nominally or virtually, to the use of children of the Established Church, or of any other religious denomination. 3. Whether they are endowed or unendowed. 4. By what funds they are supported, if unendowed, whether by payments from the scholars or otherwise. 5. The number and sexes of the scholars in each school. 6. The age at which the children generally enter, and at which they generally quit school. 7. The salaries and other emoluments allowed to the masters and mistresses in each school. And shall also distinguish-8. Those schools which have been established or revived since 1818; and 9. Those schools to which a lending library is attached.

SHERIFFS FOR ENGLAND.
(From the London Gazette.)

The names of those who were nominated for Sheriffs by the Lords of the Council, at the Exchequer, on the morrow of St. Martin, in the fourth year of the reign of King William IV., and in the year of our Lord 1833.

Bedfordshire-Charles James Metcalf, of Roxton, Esq.; Joseph Morris, of Ampthill, Esq.; William Astell, of Everton, Esq.

Berkshire-Charles Archer Houblon, of Welford-park, Esq.; Bartholomew Wroughton, of Woolley-park, Esq.; Philip Pusey, of Pusey, Esq.

Buckinghamshire-Sir John Chetwode, of Chetwode, Bart.; George Simon Harcourt, of Ankerwyke-house, Esq.; Sir William Lawrance Young, of Princes Risborough, Bart.

Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire-R. Huddleston, of Sawston, Esq.; Richard Eaton,

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Derbyshire-William Palmer Morewood, of Alfreton-hall, Esq.; Ashton Nicholas Every Mosley, of Congreve-hall, Esq.; William Bache Thornhill, of Stanton, Esq.

Devonshire-Samuel Trehawke Kekewich, of Peamore, Esq.; Henry George Cary, of Tor Abbey, Esq.; Edmund Pollexfen Bastard, o' Kitley, Esq.

Dorsetshire-John Samuel Wanley Sawbridge Erle Drax, of Charborough, Esq.; Edward Doughty, of Upton, Esq.; Sir Henry Digby, of Mintun Magnor, Knt.

Essex John Round, of Danbury-park, Esq.; Thomas William Branston, of Skreens, Esq.; George William Gent, of Mostyn-park, Steeple Bumpstead, Esq.

Gloucestershire Josiah Gist, of Wormington Grange, Esq.; Harry Edmund Waller, of Farmington, Esq.; Michael Hicks Hicks Beach, of Williamstrip, Esq.

Herefordshire-Sir Samuel Rush Meyrick, of Goodrich-court, Knt.; John Bleeke Lye, of Hereford, Esq.; Richard Webb, of Donnington-hall, Esq.

Hertfordshire-William Robert Phillimore, of Newbury, Esq.; Levi Ames, of Wheathampstead, Esq.; William Robert Baker, of Bayfordbury, Esq.

Kent-George Stone, of Chislehurst, Esq.; John Ward, of Holwood, Esq.; Sir Edward Cholmley Deering, of Surenden, Bart.

Leicestershire-Charles Neville, of Holt, Esq.; Henry Greene, of Rollestone, Esq.; Thomas Frewen Turner, of Cold Overton, Esq.

Lincolnshire-Charles Keightley Tunnard, of Frampton, Esq.; Christopher Turner, of Stoke, Esq.; Thomas Earle Welby, of Allington-hall, Esq.

Monmouthshire-John Buckle, of Mathern, Esq.; George Rooke, of Llandogo, Esq.; Charles Marriott, of Dixton, Esq.

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Nottinghamshire - Slingsby Duncombe, of Langford, Esq.; Henry Saville Foljambe, of East Retford, Esq.; George Walker, of Eastwood, Esq.

Oxfordshire-William Francis Lowndes Stone, of Brightwell-house, Esq.; John Fane, of Wormsley, Esq.; Thomas Stonor, of Stonor, Esq.

Rutlandshire-Edward Watson Smyth, of Gunthorpe, Esq.; Godfrey Kemp, of Belton, Esq.; Samuel Stokes, of Cadecott, Esq.

Shropshire George Jonathan Scott, of Betton, Esq.; the Hon. Henry Wentworth Powys, of Berwick-house; Sir Ferdinand Richard Acton, of Aldenham, Bart.

Somersetshire-Francis Popham, of West Bagborough, Esq.; William Manning Dodington, of Horsington, Esq.; Thomas Leir, of Weston, Esq.

Staffordshire-Hugh Henshall Williamson, of Greenway Bank, Esq.; Thomas Hawe Parker, of Park Hall, Esq.; Edward Monkton, of Somerford, Esq.

County of Southampton-James Barlow Hoy, of Midanbury, Esq.; Eyre Coote, of Weston Park, Esq.; Henry Weyland Powell, of Lyndhurst, Esq.

Suffolk-John Garden, of Redisham, Esq.; Robert Sayer, of Sibton, Esq.; Sir James Henry Blake, of Langham, Bart.

Surrey-George Thomas Nicholson, of Waverley Abbey, Esq.; James Broadwood, of Lyne House, Esq.; Charles Barclay, of Bury Hill, Esq.

Sussex-Charles Dixon, of Stanstead Park, Esq.; the Hon. Robert Curzon, of Parham; John Davies Gilbert, of Eastbourne, Esq.

Warwickshire-Edmund Greswolde, of Maivern Hall, Esq.; Francis Lyttleton Holyoake, of Studley Castle, Esq.; Samuel Tertius Gal. ton, of Leamington Priors, Esq.

Wiltshire-Thomas Bolton, of Brinkworth, Esq.; Henry Seymour, of Knoyle, Esq.; Walter Long, of Chalcott House, Esq.

Worcestershire-John Somerset Packington, of Westwood, Esq.; Sir Edward Blount, of Morley Hall, Bart.; John Howard Galton, of Hadsor House, Esq.

Yorkshire-Henry Preston, of Moreby, Esq.; Richard Henry Roundell, of Gledstone, Esq.; Sir Thomas Aston Clifford Constable, of Burton Constable, Bart.

Esq.

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