will experience no disappointment on the perusal and practice of his forty " studies. Mr. Meves has arranged Mr. Bochsa's favourite March, and Polonaise for the piano-forte, with ability. Mr. Ries has put variations to the air La Biondina in Gondoletta, in his usual quaint and singular manner. They are difficult of execution; and to our ears he has endeavoured to evade, or to conceal the hacknied forms of writing variations under crude and chromatic passages. There is a canon in the octave closely written, but exhibiting a task more learned than agreeable. The entire composition seems to us more elaborate than pleasing. Mr. Kiallmark is, at least, a very industrious composer; for a month rarely passes without presenting to us one or more pieces from his pen. His compositions are generally adapt ed to the talents of middle rate performers; he, however, bestows a brilliancy on passages comparatively easy, which have the double charm of showing apparent difficulty, and yielding amusement. In the divertimento before us, Kimbolton Castle, there is too great a resemblance between some of the variations, and those of his preceding lessons; it is in other respects lively and pretty. Mr. Knapton's Alexandrina is in the same easy style. The melody is agreeable, and this attractive quality is well sustained throughout. Mr. Klose's Introduction and rondo, à la Hongroise is of the like description. It has, perhaps, too much same ness. Some of the passages are well adapted for practice, and it is not deficient in melody. Amongst several paltry compositions from English composers, the best is, perhaps, an adaptation of Voulez vous danser, by Mr. Tomlins. GLEANINGS FROM THE FOREIGN JOURNALS. Mutual Instruction. - In the 6th Number of the Hermes, there is a long article on the systems of Lancaster and Bell, which contains some valuable information on the progress the new method has made abroad, and a very candid examination of the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems, as compared with each other, and with the ordinary modes of instruction. The writer allows the validity of one defence of the new method, that something is better than nothing, where children are educated by means of it, who, otherwise, would not be educated at all. But he shows that the education so obtained, is exceedingly defective, compared with that obtained in the ordinary manner.The new method is also only elegible in point of cheapness for large assemblages of children, as the yearly expence of a school on the new system for seventy children, is calculated at 1063 franks, while, in the village schools of Germany, from 100 to 150 children are taught immediately by one master at nearly the same expence. We pity, says the German Reviewer, the common people in England, France, Spain, Italy, and Russia, whose instruction and education are so much neglected, that they can only acquire, through the most miseraof the commonest operations which aid, but ble substitute for instruction, a knowledge do not constitute cultivation.--The condi tion of our popular schools which do not require such an aid, and the intelligent views of those who have the direction of our seminaries, of whom not one individual qualified to judge, has yet declared himself in favour of the English invention, while many have declared themselves against it, will, it is to be hoped, prevent the introduction of this substitute into Germany. method to Bell's on the Continent, is The preference of the Lancasterian thus accounted for: We see that Bell's method has the ad vantage over Lancaster's, not merely in the principal difference with respect to religious instruction, but also in the greater simplicity of the means, and the greater care as to the written accounts to be given in to the proper authorities. Lancaster's again has the advantage over Bell's of a more artificial and extensive distribution of the operation of instruction, and a more exact method, in the whole process. The one leaves to the children more liberty in their natural movements-approximates, therefore, more to ordinary teaching, but affords less security for the result of the instruction. The other by its monitorial system, which is more extensively introduced, and distributed according to more correct calculation, secures better a common co-operation of all the parts in producing a general result; as, by distribution into subdivisions. it can be stow more attention on individuals, and yet by the word of command, by a whistle, &c. it can preserve all in regularity. The one system requires more assistance, more attention from the master, the other is more like a machine, which, when once wound up, goes of itself. Supposing the same materials of instruction, and the same attention paid to the execution of the two systems, the progress of the scholar in mechanical qualifications will be more rapid and certain, according to the Lancasterian mode, than according to that of Bell, while by the latter, the developement of the individual's mind, will be less injured, and it is less incompatible with the moral influence of the wisdom of an intelligent teacher on the minds and dispositions of youth. We may easily, therefore, perceive why Lancaster's system should have been so much more generally preferred out of England. As it is a more efficient instrument of tuition, as, by its military precision, it recommends itself more to the maxims of high patrons, and as, by the use of tables instead of books, it is also somewhat cheaper, it could hardly fail to obtain the prize where the Bishops of the English church had no influence. The Lancasterian system, has, it is said, been carried to a much higher degree of perfection in France, where it is called the system of mutual instruction, than in England.-Is this true? We suspect not. Sandwich Islands.-A correspondent of the Allgemeine Zeitung, has communicated some particulars respecting these Islands, which, from the recent death of Tameiameia their king, have become an object of considerable interest. He professes to derive his information from Dr. Adelbert von Chamisso, who, as naturalist, accompanied Captain von Kotzebue, in his circumnavigation, and visited the Islands in question in 1816 and 1817. No missionaries have ever been in the Sandwich Islands-What is said in the Missionary Register for 1818, as to the heir of the kingdom having been instructed in the principles of Christianity in the school of the foreign mission, at Cornwall, in America, merely proves the address with which a native of Owaihee knows how to give himself an air of importance when out of his country. The real heir of the kingdom, -whose name is Liolio (Reoreo), a son of Tameiameia, and who, on account of his descent by the mother's side, is more elevated, or rather, more holy (tabu) than the individual alluded to-showed himself addicted. to idleness and drunkenness; and of all the qualities of the old hero, possessed only bravery, which is common to all the natives of Owaihee. The kingdom of Tameiameia must fall to pieces by his death. His great vassals had already shared it among themselves, during his life, and they were ready, the moment his eyes closed, to take formal possession of their respective shares. No European, however powerful as a leader he may be on any of the Islands, need think of ruling over the natives, and, indeed, no such intention has been entertained by any of them. Much less need any European power think of the conquest of these Islands; for even should civil war favour the enterprize, it could have but a very transient success, for the Islanders would never endure a foreign yoke, and they are too powerful to be extirpated. Tamuri, the king of Atuei, will regain his former independence. Kareimoku, called by the Europeans, Bill Pitt, (sprung from the Regal House of Mauwi, spared and adopted by Tameiameia, on the conquest of that Island, aftewards educated and fondly cherished by him, and promoted to the highest dignity and power,) now governor of the Island of Owahu,-the most important of the whole groupe, as it alone possesses a harbour (Hannaruru, secured by a castle well provided with artillery,)—has long been ready to take possession of that Island.— Teimotu, of the old royal race of Owaihee, closely connected with Kareimoku, receives Mauwi for his share, and the feeble Liolio will only be able to retain possession by arms of his orginal heritage the Island of Owaihee. Whatever revolutions may happen, the Sandwich Islands will still remain for European navigators what they now are -a staple for their trade; and their avarice will only fan the flames of war, not with a view to conquer the kingdom, which is out of the question, but in order to have a market for arms, by which they can pay for the articles which they may require. LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. Gothic Architecture. The study of Gothic Architecture, which has, during the last fifty years, been so assiduously cultivated in England, where it has produced so many treatises, so many theories, and, what is still better, so many exquisite drawings and engravings has lately exercisedthe industryof the Germans, who possess many excellent and magnificent specimens of this style. Goethe has endeavoured to analyze its peculiar merits; and has assumed for it the distinctive appellation of German Architecture, in like manner as an antiquarian of our own country has wished to denote this peculiar species of building by the epithet English. Costenoble has published a work on the Architecture of the middle ages in Germany: and two others are now actually in the course of publication; one by Moller, in a series of outline delineations, both perspective and geometrical: this contains some very fine subjects from the Cathedrals of Ulm and Mayence, the Exchange at the latter place; and St. Catherine's at Oppenheim; together wwith several plates of details such as windows, doors, fonts, &c. The other work is entitled, "A Collection of remarkable Buildings erected in Germany during the middle Ages, engraved upon Stone, by Domenicus Quaglio, painter at the Court of Bavaria; 6 Nos. royal folio. Munich." In this publication the artist has not confined himself to what is merely historically, or architecturally important; but has in general selected such subjects as are adapted to produce an impression of antiquity, and a romantic and picturesque effect. He gives us fastnesses and castles piled upon the summits of lofty rocks; magnificently spired churches; subterraneous chapels; lonely cloisters; and views of open squares with old grotesque town-halls. He has, consequently, not confined himself to any particular age, or class of buildings, but delineated them promiscuously. Perfectly well acquainted with both perspective and chiaroscuro, and no less skilful in landscape, he represents the edifices and their sites with all the verity of nature: and, moreover, enlivens his scenery with appropriate groupes, chiefly represented in the costume of the ages to which the architecture belongs. One of the most ancient structures, is the church of St. Werner, or the hospital church at Upper Wesel, on the Rhine. A lad named Werner was killed in 1287, by some fanatical Jews, and was afterwards honoured as a saint, and this church, and another at Bacharach, which is one of the most beautiful productions of German architecture, were erected to his memory; the artist has preferred the less beautiful of the two, on account of its exceedingly fine and picturesque situation. This little church, or rather chapel, is built over a gateway in the wall of the town, through which we catch a view of the street while a procession of capuchins and groupes of men, women, and children, are seen passing through the gate the effect, both of the perspective, and light, and shade, are very masterly in this plate. Among the other subjects, are the chapel of St. Maximus at Salzburg; the interior of St. Margaret's chapel in the Castle at Nuremburg; the old church-yard and parsonage of the minister at Regensburg; the Templechurch at Bacharach; and the Abbey-church, at Kaiserheim. This last, which is a beautiful specimen of the light florid style, was built between 1340 and 1380, and is one of the most elegant in Germany. The central tower is particularly fine, although its spire was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1540. Another splendid and truly extraordinary publication of this description is the fac-simile of the design of the cathedral at Cologne, by Moller the artist, who is engaged on the collection of the architectural antiquities (Denkmahler) of Germany which we have above referred to. The lovers of this species of architecture will also find some interesting papers relative to the subject, by Busching in the Jahrbucher der Litteratur. Deafness. From observations that have recently been made, it has been suggested, that in cases of deafness, where the disorder is occasioned by the eustachian tube being stopped up, the patient might be cured by descending in a diving bell. Dr. Hamel, who descended in one at Howth, in the vicinity of Dublin, informs us that he suffered, during his re-ascent, a violent sensation of pain within his ear, in consequence of the expansion of air in the exterior cavities: yet, as the air escaped much easier than it entered, owing to the nearly conical form of that duct, he felt at almost every foot of his ascent an air bubble, that passed from his ear into his mouth, and each time afforded him considerable relief. The orifice which connects the eustachian tube with the mouth, forms a kind of valve; it is therefore exceedingly difficult to admit a passage here to the atmospheric air; but within a diving bell this is effected merely by the act of swallowing the saliva; and occasionally a violent report is heard nearly like that of a pistol, which is immediately succeeded by a cessation of the pain. At Vicole, in the Papal States, an old decrepid woman was lately arrested under the serious charge of witchcraft. She had not been discharged at the date of the last accounts. Lithography.-Mr. Sennefelder, the inventor of Lithography, has found the means of dispensing with the stone. He has in vented a lithographic paper, fit for all methods of printing. The following description of a lady of rank in Cairo, in the interior of the Harem, is given by a German traveller. She is seated on an Ottoman, covered with scarlet cloth, bordered with gold fringe. Her dress consists as follows:rose-coloured silk pantaloons, yellow boots and red babushes (slippers) over them, under-caftan of striped Aleppo silk, richly embroidered; upper-caftan of dark blue cloth; the head of the turban of common red cloth, but wound round with costly Indian muslins, printed with various colours; a rich diamond ornament* surmounts the red cap, a diamond crescent is placed in front, in the centre of the roll, which is rather higher here than behind, and over this is a bouquet of pinks of the most brilliant jewels, on elastic wires. Garlands of coloured stones are suspended on both sides, and the intervening space is filled with small diamond broaches, in various shapes, but without any symmetry or judgment. Two tassels of pearls are hanging down from the garlands; and diamond earrings with various drops finish this costly head-dress. The neck is covered with twelve rows of pearls, and the bracelets are of the same material, only smaller. The fingers are profusely covered with rings. A watch, in an enameled case, studded with pearls, is suspended over the breast by a heavy gold chain, near which is a little pocket, covered with diamonds. Twenty hair-tresses, ge. nerally artificial, and fixed to the turban, covered with magbubs, (a small gold coin,) or interwoven with pearls or diamonds, hang down over her back. A rich Cashmere shawl wound round the waist, and tied in a knot in front, finishes the dress of a lady, who in general is not very punctual in changing her linen, or any other part of her dress, which, in general, particularly the turban, is kept wearing, until it is either worn out, or literally covered with filth. But of all this finery nothing is seen, when the ladies go out. Wrapt up from head to foot in black silk, they would rather appear like ghosts than living creatures, if their sparkling eyes, which are the only distinguishable part about them, did not sufficiently indicate the contrary. This uniformity of dress, when abroad, it would also seem, very much facilitates the carrying on of intrigues among the Turkish ladies, since they must not be accompanied by any man, and it would be extremely difficult for the most jealous husband to find out his wife in this general disguise in which the Turkish women are seen, like shadows, slowly moving through the streets. Denmark. The vaccination in that country is carried on with the greatest success. By a report of the commission, appointed by government to superintend that medical branch, in the year 1818, it appears, that in that year only, the number that had been vaccinated within Denmark Proper, amounted to 27,994; on 22,538 this operation had been performed by regular medical men; on 3,688, by clergymen ; and on 1,768 by various individuals. According to a near approximation, the country had lost, within 50 years, from 1749 till 1798, by the small-pox, 2,100,000 individuals. Thus the vaccination which was introduced there in 1802, would have preserved there about 73,000 human beings. Bonpland, the naturalist, and the fellowtraveller of Humboldt, has established himself, with his family, at Buenos Ayres. He is at present engaged in laying out a garden, in which are many curious and interesting plants. He has discovered a plant in the river, containing a large quantity of tannin, with which he purposes forming an establishment on the Parana for the tanning of leather, which he expects will be very profitable to him. Finnish Literature. As long as Finland continued united to Sweden, we heard nothing whatever of its literature, since, with the exception of a few religious publications, all that was written appeared either in the Latin or Swedish language, and was considered as belonging to the literature of the latter. Yet since this province has been added to Russia, and may now, with respect to its language, be considered as a distinct country, its literary productions have likewise detached themselves from those of Sweden; and the developement of its culture begins to attract the attention of the rest of Europe. We may justly expect something from a people whose numbers amounted, in 1815, to 4,095,957 persons; who have been for centuries in the possession of a free constitution, and for whose intellectual progress such powerful measures have of late been taken. An institution has been founded at Abo, whose members have the charge of superintending the publication of all works of education, and of visiting all the schools in the province once a year. As apprehensions were entertained that the progress of letters and mental culture would be much retarded by numbers entering at the university without preparatory studies, it was enacted, in January, 1819, that, in future, no one should be permitted to matriculate who could not produce testimonials from his former masters, and prove his capacity by undergoing an examination in those studies which, according to the regulations of the school, are deemed indispensable. The government has, besides, * The favourite wife of Murat Bey, at Cairo, had one valued at 40,000 piastres. done all that was possible within the last six years, in order to facilitate to the students an acquaintance with foreign literature. Frenkel, the printer to the university, imported German works, yet he did not receive sufficient encouragement, German literature being not sufficiently understood. In order, therefore, to remedy this, a literary journal was commenced at Abo, in 1803, for the purpose of noticing foreign as well as domestic publications. This, however, was abandoned in the course of two years. Meyer, the bookseller, was more successful: in 1812, he made a journey into Germany, where he entered into engagements with the most respectable publishers; returned with an extensive stock of the best ancient and modern works, and from this time was employed in diffusing among his countrymen a taste for German literature. The new organization of the Abo university, in 1811, tended also to facilitate the culture of literature, by adding to the funds destined to the library; and even a small collection of books, which was first formed at Borgo, by the efforts of some liberal individuals, now received an accession of property, by which all the recent works published in the country, were procured. Soon after the union of New Finland with that part of the province which had long been under the dominion of Russia, a new printing office was established at Wiborg; and some years subsequently that of the Bible Society at Abo. And, since it is in contemplation to open a press at Helsingfort, it is to be hoped that those obstacles will be removed which have hitherto so greatly impeded and retarded the cultivation and encouragement of letters. The want of a journal had long been felt. That published at Abo, although originally of considerable literary importance, had for some years confined itself to merely political subjects; when at the beginning of the present year, Linsen and Berghom commenced a new periodical work, entitled Mnemosyne, which has been received with great approbation. The numbers which have already appeared, contain many valuable papers upon the history and language of the country: for the attention of many of the Finnish literati has of late been very properly directed to a zealous improvement of their native tongue, and a philosophical developement of its principles. The study of the Russian idiom has likewise been much cultivated since the union of New Finland with that country. Still academical dissertations constitute the more important part of Finnish literature; and these are principally composed in Latin that is not deficient in elegance. Extract of a Letter from an Officer who accompanied General Sir Charles Colville in his tour and inspection of the Deckan, containing a description of the memorable Hindu Caves at Ellore, 1st March, 1820: "These caves are eighteen miles from Arungabad, and consist of more than twenty excavations in a rocky mountain, which forms a semi-circle of about 2,000 yards. The largest of the caves is called Khylass, or Paradise. It is cut through the solid rock, and no other material is used. The chisel seems to have been the only tool employed. A most beautiful stone temple is formed, adorned, both inside and outside, with figures in basso relievo, and separate figures of the most exact symmetry, representing all the Hindu gods, their conquest of Ceylon, &c. There is a space between the scarped rock and temple with galleries, and a verandah under the former, in which there are fifty gigantic figures, with symbols of their history, &c., forming the whole Hindu Mythology. The dimensions of this cave are 240 feet in length, 140 in breadth, and the scarp 90 feet in height. The temple has a moveable appearance, from elephants, tygers, &c. being cut underneath the floor, which appear to support the whole building; the heads and part of their bodies only being exposed on the outside. Many of the other caves are equally extraordinary. There are flying figures, women, and all the fanciful tales of the Hindus, admirably depicted in stone. There is a miser, about ten feet in height, with his mother, wife and children clinging to his legs, whilst a thief is taking off his treasure. It is a group that might be placed near the Laocoon, and our sculptors might take lessons by a visit to these wonderful caves. There are no natives now in existence equal to any thing of the kind. Some thousands must have been employed; their origin is involved in obscurity. The general report is, that they were made about 1,000 years ago, when the Boodh, or the Brahmin religion was in the greatest splendour, and that they were used for schools, religious rites, &c., and the residence of their priests. There is a profusion and minuteness, elegance, and lightness in the figures, beyond description. The whole of the orders are displayed on the pillars, which are cut out as if to support the rooms inside. No chuman (lime) is used. There is some account of these caves in Colonel Fitzclarence's Travels, and some beautiful and correct views of them by Daniel. They are thought by some superior in magnificence, though in another way, to the Pyramids of Egypt." |