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"A man, whose name Munting once knew, but could it recollect, won, by this trade, (the sale of tulips) more an 60,000 florins in the course of four months."-In ort, the traffic and gambling in tulips was carried to as at a height as that in lottery tickets ever was.

In Thornton's Botanical Illustrations it is stated, that, so at was the rage for tulips once, in Holland, that the gomasters found it necessary to enact a law that no one uld give more than fifty pounds for a single root. the following is an extract from Carr's Tour through land. The passion of the Dutch for flowers is well wn. M. Dutens, in his very entertaining and insting Memoirs of a Traveller in Retirement, says, that e Kerms, or fair, held at the Hague, in the month of ,"I was witness to a circumstance which I could not rwise have believed, respecting the price of flowers in and. I saw 475 guineas offered, and refused, for a inth. It was, to be sure, the most charming flower ever was seen. It belonged to a florist, at Haerlem; another florist offered this for it. The reason which owner gave me for refusing the offer was, that the inth was known to all the amateurs of Europe, and he sold the bulbs every year for more than the interest 0 guineas. These bulbs produced the same sort of ir in all its beauty. This singular passion has not ided. At Haerlem, fine narcissuses and jonquils sell n immense price; and parties are made every summer sit the roses which grow in great perfection at Noord"-Page 173.

FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

1 Monday the 26th ultimo, the annual show of -, flowers, hothouse plants and fruits, was held de large room at the York Hotel, the room being fully decorated with evergreens in addition to the ant display of the favourites of Flora, and a band usic being in attendance. The fruits were displayed anti-room, by which arrangement the luscious gifts of na were inspected with much greater convenience attended former exhibitions. Notwithstanding the ourable state of the weather, the attendance of visitors umerous and highly respectable; yet though the room equently crowded, no inconvenience was experienced, promenaders were obliged to walk in one direction, bere was, consequently, no meeting or jostling with other. The appearance of the room, and the arrangesaltogether, were admirable.

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Mr. Whittingham

1 and 2 Feathered Roses....... Mr. Wheeler

1 and 2 Flamed ditto. Ditto

STOVE PLANTS.

1 Onocydium Andersonia.......... Mr. Rd. Harrison

2 Maranta zebrina ........................................J. Blackburne, Esq.

3 Onocydium flavinum........................... Mr. Rd. Harrison

4 Thunbergia alata..

5 Birchellia capensis

6 Dodymocarpos rhexia

7 Ixera coccinea

8 Erythrina cristagalli

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GREENHOUSE PLANTS.

1 Calceolaria corymbosa ....... Mrs. Cropper

2 Fuschia conica

3 Calceolaria rugosa..

. Feathered Byblomen ....Flamed ditto

4 Melaleuca fulgens

.....Ditto

......Ditto

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The best Pine, Mr. Powell. Second Ditto, Mr. Davis.-Best Black Grapes, Mr. Tayleur. Second Ditto, Mr. Smith, Fulwood Lodge.-Best White Grapes, Mr. Cunningham. Second Ditto, Mr. Tayleur.-Best Melon Silver Rock, Mr. Sandbach. -Best Strawberries, Mr. Roskell.-Best plate of Apples, Mr. Manifold. Second Ditto, Mr. Sandbach.-Best brace of Cauliflowers, Mrs. Rathbone. Second Ditto, Mr. Tayleur.-Best brace of Cucumbers, Mr. Powell. Second Ditto, Ditto.-Best dish of Mushrooms, Wm. Earle, Esq. Second Ditto, Mr. Tayleur.-Best Dish of French Beans, Mrs. Rathbone. Second Ditto, Ditto.-Best bunch of Asparagus, Mr. Roskell. Second Ditto, Mr. J. A. Yates.-Best brace of Lettuces, Mr. Isaac Cooke. Second Ditto, Mrs. Dyson.

EXTRA PRIZES.

A plate of Pears, Wm. Earle, Esq.-A plate of Nuts, Mr. Whalley. Best Rhubarb, Mr. Barnes.-Artichokes, Mr. J. A. Yates.-Cabbages, Mrs. Rathbone.

Apples of last year, remaining on the branch, Mr. Roskell.. A fine specimen of the Palm, Sabal Black Burniana, with Fruit and Flowers, John Blackburne, Esq. M.P.

Fig Tree, Mr. Powell.

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Washington

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· Bannerman and Co.

.J. Blackburne, Esq. Mr. Davis

. Ditto

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SITUATION FOR STUDY CLXXXIV.

White to move and compel the Black to win in 11 moves

Mr. Davies

Mrs. Cropper

6

.....Ditto

5

ERICAS.

J. Blackburne, Esq,

. Mr. Davies

. Mr. Whalley

Dr. Davies ..Ditto

3

H

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FEATHERED BYBLOMEN.

Neat and Clean

Mr. Appleton

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6 Vestita coccinea ..........................Ditto

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The Essayist.

[ORIGINAL.]

MEDITATIONS ON AN OLD HAT.

with a new one.

let an occasion slip,) he rails at the ignorance of the lower
orders, and the pride of upstarts; then he forces a laugh
at the folly of being governed by an exterior appearance,
and, casting an anxious look to the corner where is de-
posited the article that has occasioned this discourse, he
sips his malt liquor, with something of satisfaction at hav-

Talk not to me of the rewards attendant upon long at-ing thus given vent to the bitterness of his feelings. When, tachments, and the gratitude awaiting those who have served faithfully; I boldly assert that all, or almost all, are glad to get rid of an old servant and supply the vacancy In support of my assertion, I ask, what object is more universally dreaded or despised than an old hat? and, on the contrary, what is more treasured and honoured than a new one? A new hat is carefully preserved from the "pelting of the pitiless storm;” yea, even a gloomy cloud will drive its owner into the nearest shelter, in order

shoe.

The Envestigator.

[Comprehending Political Economy, Statistics, Juris dence, occasional passages from Parliamentary Spe of a general nature, occasional Parliamentary ments, and other speculative subjects, excluding P Politics.]

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

[From the New Times.]

The advance of the Russians to Jassy, the card Moldavia, coupled with their formidable preparation attack the Ottoman empire, and carry their arms as the ancient seat of government of the Greek empen in themselves, circumstances of so important a tauta likely to affect the general interests of the other E States, in so essential a manner, that the subject absorbs a large portion of public attention, and, quently, calls for the best elucidations it is in the pre the journalist to afford, as a guidance to his real Under this impression it is that a general outline military probabilities in her favour, her secret policy sa war, together with the means of defence posses Turkey, and the manner in which the other Allied P will be affected by the issue of the contest, are disqu which cannot fail to be particularly acceptable at

to keep its sleek covering and glossy hue from being tainted by a single spot; and when its master, at last, reaches his home, how tenderly does he brush it with the sleeve of his mayest draw a moral lesson for thine own conduct through mode of attack to be pursued by Russia, the polit

coat! with what an eye of minute curiosity does he examine its every part, to see whether it has sustained the slightest injury, and when, with a glad heart, he finds it still faultless, how carefully does he place it in its paper tenement! Alas! how different is the fate of an old hat! After having, in its plenitude of youth and beauty, served as a shield and guardian to the temple of the mind; after having, perchance, by adding its strength to the thickness of its master's skull, preserved him from the attack of some midnight ruffian; after having protected and saved him harmless from the blows of the dranken brawl, and the descending staves of the watchmen; after having, by its shining and fashionable appearance, gained him admittance into the gayest circles of society,I say, after having performed these, and numberless other pieces of service, equally important, when falling to decay, abroad it is exposed by its ungrateful master to all the inclemencies of the seasons,―to the rain, the blast, or the snow; and, at home, it is thrown carelessly aside, and obliged quietly to yield to the rude kicks and buffets of unfeeling servants. Nay, sometimes, when its place has been occupied by a spruce rival, it is forced again to appear on duty, and exercise its functions throughout the dreariness of a rainy day, while the new-comer glides on and basks amidst the sunshine and gladness of blue skies.

however, the hat is in reality unfit for any manner of scr-
vice on the head, it is made to serve the heel; for often
does its thrifty master, annihilating every vestige of its
former shape, convert it into a sock; and thus to the last
does it still endeavour to preserve the understanding; and
thus, though soulless itself, do its remains occupy a place
betwixt two soles-the sole of the foot and the sole of the
Gentle reader! do not toss up thy nose, and turn away
with an air of contempt from this little sketch of the vicissi-
tudes of an old hat, for, even from so trifling a subject, thou
life. Thou hast seen how prone man is to despise in ad-
versity those whom he has prized in prosperity; then let
thy mind be prepared, and thy spirit strengthened, to bear
up against the evils of thy destiny, instead of yielding
tamely, like that which is senseless and inanimate, to the
scorn and contumely that may encompass thee. Thou
hast seen how the ruined hat, in its final and worst mis-
fortune, though to the mortification of its body, labours
for the good of the sole, and verily I say unt othee, "Go
thou and do likewise.”

Manchester.

THE DIORAMA.

J. BOLTON.

sent moment.

On the North, that is, on the side facing Rus European dominions of Turkey may be cons bounded by the River Danube, at least as far as t military operations. By the peace made between the a sians and Ottomans, in 1812, the former obtained per of Bessarabia, the fortresses of Kilia and Isma thereby secured the navigation of the Danube. these facilities the principalities of Moldavia and W became so much exposed, that it would be impest nube as soon as the Russians move forward in foa the Turks to make any efficient stand there, and must, consequently, withdraw to the other side of t the latter make a rapid advance into Bulgari Varna, the former would, inevitably, be cu their resources. The Danube being thus rete first line of attack and defence, the nature of the requires that the Turks should take up a posisie it, between Rugzezuk and Silistria, which latter situated at the confluence of the Missovo, and has a taking care, at the same time, to guard the open Babatag and Istere, on the right, and the passager Danube, between Viden and Orsova, on the left.

In this position, it is, that the first stand may

excited, during the short period it has been open to the
The picture now exhibiting at this establishment has
public, in Liverpool, the greatest interest and admiration
in all who have seen it. We are also informed, that it
was one of the most successful of the series exhibited in
the Regent's Park, London. We do not feel surprised at
this indeed it would have been surprising if it had been
otherwise;-for, whether we view it as a work of art, in
which the effects of perspective, united with great truth
and harmony of colouring; extraordinary discrimination
in characterizing every object and component part of this
splendid production; the wonderful truth and force in
which the reflected lights are managed and dispersed over
the picture; the extraordinary clearness, transparency, and
depth of the shadows; the amazing force and brilliancy of
the lights; with the no less scientific, we had almost said
magical, effect produced by those gradations which belong
to aerial perspective, altogether combining to make the
contemplate it as a specimen of magnificent and richly-
whole a masterpiece of pictorial illusion; or, whether we
decorated architecture, exhibiting a grand display of massy
clustered columns, curiously-wrought capitals and archi-
traves; the roof rich in chiselled ornaments and carved
projections, affording examples of the taste of the four-
ture of Rostin Chapel cannot fail to excite the most unqua- of which rest on Orsova, on the one side, and
lified admiration and delight. If we add to these the ma- the other; both positions noted in the wars of
gical effect of sunshine introduced through the door and the first by its defence against the Austrians,
windows, and on the distant vista, now enlivening the scene second against the Russians. By the advantag
and giving it additional splendour, then, as the luminary mentioned, the wing-movements of an assailing a
is supposed to be gradually obscured, by a passing cloud, consequently rendered more easy and rapid
its ray's being withdrawn, leaves a solemn gloom, creating counter-movements of the enemy attacked, by
an affecting sensation, a delicious feeling, which, forget-means the former, if well prepared with boats,
ting that the whole is an illusion, produced by a powerful
effort of art, we are disposed to cherish, and believe, that
this, and such places as this, are the solitudes

pected from the Turks, unless it has been deter
abandon a bulwark formed by nature and art, and
scarcely be expected, as it is well known that a
a number of important military positions, which
able Ottoman force is assembled on the Danube,
and Shumbla. This first position is, however,
further reinforcements can readily be had from Adres
more hazardous by the peculiar course of the river,
there forms an arch, the convexity of which is t
towards the Ottomans. The assailants having
Wallachia, and arrived between Bucharest and

A man with an old hat steals along, in the broad light of day, almost like an escaped convict, afraid of being recognised; and would, if possible, never quit his own walls, except shrouded by the murky night, that concealer of thread-bare garments, and cloak of evil practices. A friend or acquaintance, on the opposite side of the street, he pretends not to see, for fear he should be seen in return, and have to cross to him, when all attempts to conceal the defects of his upper covering he well knows would be in teenth century; in either of these considerations, the pic- find themselves in the centre of a chord, the es

"Where heav'nly pensive contemplation dwells."
In short, if the picture of Roslin Chapel be not the ne
plus ultra of painting, we must confess that we know not

vain. If a titter be heard in the street while he is passing,
he dares not turn his head either to the one side or the other,
for he believes it to be at the expense of his hat, and con-
sequently, with a face glowing with the ruby tint of shame
and vexation, he quickens his pace, muttering a curse on
the supposed object of ridicule. All the pretty females
with whom he is intimate he shuns, as though they were
his mortal foes, and would rather go a mile from his road
than run the risk of meeting one of them. Though, when
his "old hat was new, he was the most gallant of men,
he now dares venture nothing more, at furthest, than a
side-long glance at the sweet forms and faces that pass
over this lower world, like earthly comets, lighting all sus-
ceptible hearts with the blaze of passion. If he enters an Bathing at Boarding Schools. It has been suggested
inn, almost before he has passed the door, his hat is in his to us, that the cork collar jacket would be most useful
hand, not through his extraordinary politeness, but merely from our own experience, that in spite of the strictest in-
to teach the boys at country schools to swim. We know,
to hide it from observing eyes; he next looks around the junctions, or the most severe punishment, boys will bathe
room for a retired corner, or dark nook, and, if he can find in hot weather; and the pits to which they resort are often
one obscure enough, there it is deposited; but he would very deep in some parts, and extremely dangerous: but if
rather place it under the table than on it. He has gene- every school was supplied with one or more of the cork
rally met with some illiberal remark from the vulgar, or turn with the luxury of bathing; and we do not hesitate
collar jackets, the master might indulge all his boys in
some slight from a ci-devant friend; therefore, if he has, to say, that he must be an uncommonly stupid boy who
by any means, an opportunity, (and he will, on no account, would not acquire the art of swimming in a very few trials.

what is.

chance of forcing the passage of the river, with le position, being more readily ably to select the act advance. It is, nevertheless, an arduous undertaking cross the Danube, in front of an enemy, the rivet quarter being both deep and wide, and the opera itself liable to accidents.

Some skirmishing and movements, on a large s may, therefore, be expected, before the invading ar the Russians can cross the river, and convey over artillery, heavy baggage, stores, and provisions, Bec bravery and military skill may be able, in the inter for 300,000 men, independent of cavalry, &c. effect, it would be impossible to foresee. In form when not organized as they now are; when not gre by so extraordinary a character as the present Sula roused to so high a pitch of fanaticism, the Turk ing the Danube, the Russians have still many st fought manfully in defence of their country. Af sitions to take, in order to secure the line of their nications, and, when taken, they will still have to gard

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and, besides, leave a large moveable force in the own ingenuity and exertions for every meal they had. [important advantage, namely, that of being a dead level, hourhood, to meet all emergencies. The Turks, Circumstanced as they were, it was natural for them to or nearly so, the adjoining wall being erected on what is bess, will avoid, as much as possible, general actions, keep a constant look-out for ships, and they saw several, ascertained to be a level by the mason's plumb. This wall driven to the plains, and endeavour to harass the as-but at a great distance, during the first month of their is marked into fifty-nine compartments, (I presume of ten by that species of guerilla warfare for which they residence on the island. The last they saw was the Hope, yards each, but that is not material,) and is numbered from well suited. The Russians, however, cannot pro- bound to Hobart Town, Van Dieman's Land, which, in south to north, and at each end there are iron posts of three till they have effected the reduction of Varna, by November, 1826, approached within a few miles of the to four feet in length, and tapering from the base upwards. means only can the conquest of Bulgaria be com- shore, and sent out a boat to fish. Paine and Proudfoot I rubbed some whiting over the base of one of these, at This operation will, most probably, be confided to ran with alacrity to the beach, and, hailing the boat, com-the north end of the walk, about two inches deep, and, reng detachment of the main army of the Russians, municated their situation to the officer, who, in reply, told tiring from it, when I arrived opposite the compartment b, in all likelihood, will advance towards the line of them that when he returned to the ship he would inform No. 15, I could no longer see the white part with the naked stains bounding the province of Romelia, in three the captain of the circumstances, and act according to his eye: I then retired to the end of the walk, and taking out lons. The basis of operations, for the capture of orders. He did return to the ship, and the unhappy men my spy-glass, I could see it, certainly, but it was suffi a, (for the defence of which the Turks have a strong had soon the mortification to see the boat hoisted in, and ciently indistinct to prove that it would, at last, become iched position) must be formed between Nicopoli and the vessel making all sail, in prosecution of her voyage. invisible, even with the best glass, if proper distance could tia; and here, certainly, some fighting may be ex- From that period to the appearance of the Palmira, twelve be obtained. The experiment, however, may be considered d, as the Turks will, no doubt, be there in consider- months afterwards, they had not seen a single ship. complete, on the well-known principle, that what once beforce. It may, perhaps, be deemed advisable to turn comes invisible to the eye, will, at last, become invisible osition, which certainly could be done by marching with the glass. This was about seven o'clock in the morn from Hezargrad to Adrianople, proceeding from ing. At noon of the same day, when the sun was full on oli on Kaizanlik, or by crossing the Danube, above the parade, I could not see the white part with the naked low Viden, and advancing to Philipopoli, either eye when I arrived opposite the compartment No. 10; gh Servia, or in a direct line. The Russians, howwhilst, in both these instances, the tops of the posts, which will be cautious what positions, and what enemies' are dark coloured, were distinctly visible, without the they leave behind them. Notwithstanding, if they glass, from one end of the walk to the other: thus proving obtain a body of Servians, as auxiliaries, they would that what is stated to take place on a surface supposed to tem extremely useful in that particular species of be convex, actually takes place on a surface known to be e, against which they will have to contend. The flat. -ns are restless, brave, fond of their independence, te the Turks. This combined aid would also enable vaders to hold the Pachas of Bosnia and Upper Alin check, in case they should send reinforcements to toman army, for the defence of St. Sophia, and by eans, also, would access to the valley of Maritza be ated, as well as to the roads of Philipopoli and Adri

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ISLAND IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN.

Correspondence.

FIGURE OF THE EARTH.

TO THE EDITOR.

SIR,-In a periodical work, entitled "Library of Useful Knowledge, (under the head Mathematical Geography, Treatise I.") published under the superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, second edition, 1827," whereof Henry Brougham, Esq. F.R.S. Again; if, from the same spot, you turn your eyes toM. P. is Chairman, and the Rev. W. Shepherd, Dr. Traill, wards the signal poles on Bidston Hill, and remark, that and J. Ashton Yates, Esq. of this town, are members of they are fixed in ground considerably higher than your hori. the committee; the first chapter treats of the spherical zontal line, you will find, that, though the bottom part of figure of the earth, and after an allusion to the voyages of these poles is much larger than the top, the very same apColumbus, Magellan, and Sir Francis Drake, it is added pearances will be observable in reference to them, as were (page 3)- After these voyages, the spherical figure of observable in reference to the post on the parade; and that, the earth was generally admitted by the philosophers of if the lower part of any one of them was painted any glaring Europe. A spirit of investigation soon after arose, and colour, (say to the extent of several feet, according to the NT OF TWO MEN RESCUED FROM A DESERT furnished an abundance of satisfactory proofs, which, state of the atmosphere at the time of trial,) it could not though of daily or frequent occurrence, had hitherto been be discerned with the naked eye, and would be so indisunobserved or unheeded. These proofs consist in certain tinct, when viewed through a good glass, as to convince remarkable appearances, either of objects on the surface you, that nothing but distance was wanted, to destroy its of the earth itself, or of the heavenly bodies. They are of visibility altogether, whilst the upper parts of the poles the following description:-If a person were situated upon might be distinctly seen without the glass: thus proving, an open and extensive plain, he would find, that, as he that what is stated to take place in reference to objects on departed from objects, the view of which were not hindered a surface that is supposed to be convex, or continually and by any unevenness in the plain, they would gradually dis-gradually bending or curving downwards, actually takes appear from their base upwards: in like manner, the hull place in reference to objects on a surface known to be conof a ship, proceeding out to sea, becomes invisible first, cave, or continually and gradually bending or curving upand afterwards the masts and rigging. The order in which wards. the parts of these objects successively disappear, cannot be explained by the mere supposition, that the distance he tween the object and the spectator gradually increasing, the object becomes first indistinct, and, at last, invisible; because, with respect to bodies, whose bulk is the same from the top to the bottom, this reason is applicable to all the parts alike, and would not account for the highest part of them being always the last visible; and with respect to bodies, the bottom part of which is the largest, (as in the case of a ship,) it would not only be insufficient to explain the fact, but would be directly contrary to experience; by which we are taught, that where distance alone is the cause of a body becoming first indistinct and then invisible, the larger and more bulky parts of it are seen the longest. The only supposition which can account for the order in which the parts of an object disappear, is, that the surface of the earth is continually and gradually bending or curving downwards; in other words, that it is a convex surface: and the circumstance that these appearances are the same, both in kind and degree, all over the earth, and in whatever direction the spectator moves from the object, or the object from the spectator, proves that this convex surface is everywhere, and in all directions, precisely, or very nearly, the same, and, consequently, that the earth

he 4 h of November, 1827, the Palmira made the sland of Amsterdam, or, as it is sometimes called, al's: the two islands situated in the same longideg. 53 min. east, and in 37 deg. 52 min. atitude-being often described by either name, in t maps and charts. At a distance of about five quantity of smoke was distinguishable on the ide. which induced the captain to run in as close as , supposing that some sufferers from shipwreck have lit the fire by way of signal; and when within of the shore, two men were distinctly seen standing ttle eminence near it. A boat was immediately I down, and Mr. Addison, the chief officer, proto ascertain the condition of the men, and afford ssistance as might be required. In less than an le boat returned with the two strangers. Their ince, at the first glance, was truly squalid and mithey had long beards; their old ragged clothes itched with seal skins, with the fur on. The bristly awild bog, fastened together, served for the breeches of them. Their shoes were also made of hog's fthe form called mocassin, which consists of a cirece, with the hair outside, and when the foot is n the middle of it, a cord, rove through the edges, the leather together round the ankle and instep. me of one was James Paine, about 22 years of age, he other, Robert Proudfoot, about 40, both sailors, tives of Edinburgh. They had been fourteen on the island. It appeared, from their own acthemselves, that they had joined the Governor, a schooner of about sixty tons, belonging to Van 's Land, at the Isle of France, that vessel being don a sailing voyage; and in September, 1826, ived off the northernmost island above menIt is customary for these ships to land a numtheir crew at the different islands, where seals a lions are procurable, and to take them up a few months afterwards, with the oil and skins Jay have been able to obtain. It happened to be evening that Paine and Proudfoot went ashore, the provisions were landed at a convenient point, two comfortable huts were discovered, roofed with -the habitations, doubtless, of some former advenThe boat had to return again to the schooner, e off more provisions, and four other men; but, getting on board, a smart breeze sprung up, the vesdriven to leeward, and nothing more was seen or of her at the island. The two sufferers were thus ⚫ themselves. Their only clothing was on their backs. Seem to have husbanded their little store of bread rovisions with great care, having made them last five

After that they were thrown entirely on their

is a sphere."

Again; if you take a walk into the country, and select some object placed on an eminence, in any exposed situa. tion, and paint its base as before, whether you ascend some distant hill yet higher, and so leave the object below your horizontal line, or go down into a valley, and so leave the object above your horizontal line, precisely the same appearances will be observable, though in different degrees, of course, according to circumstances: thus proving, that what is stated to take place, exclusively, in reference to objects on a surface which is supposed to be convex, actually takes place, indifferently, in reference to objects on surfaces which are known to be concave, convex, and flat.

That distance, alone, is not sufficient to account for these appearances, is proved by the fact, that the car of a balloon is frequently invisible, when the balloon itself can readily be seen; but, that "the only supposition which can account for the order in which the parts of an object disappear is, that the surface of the earth is confinually and gradually bending or curving downwards, in other words, that it is a convex surface," I positively deny; and, in opposition thereto, affirm, without the least fear of contradiction, that the increasing density of the atmosphere towards the surface of the earth, and of the sea, is the true solution of this phenomenon. It is unnecessary to enter into any elaborate proofs of You have only to Now, Sir, I shall assume these to be the generally re- this; it is so palpable, it can be seen. ceived and acknowledged proofs of the spherical figure of step abroad into the fields, or visit our piers and parades, the earth; these, at least, are the proofs that are submitted early in the morning, and in the evening, in order to obby the teachers of geography in all schools. I shall, there-tain the most indubitable evidence, both on land and on fore, proceed to demonstrate the fallacy of such proofs, water. and enable you to ascertain, without the possibility of error, I say nothing about the shape of the earth; but I think that what is so triumphantly asserted to take place, ex- it must now be conceded, that the appearance observable clusively, on a surface supposed to be conver, actually when ships approach each other at sea, is no proof what. takes place, indifferently, on surfaces known to be concave, ever of the spherical figure of the earth, precisely the same conver, and flat; and I shall, afterwards, account for this appearance being observable, indifferently, on convex, conphenomenon. cave, and flat surfaces; only the distances, of course, being unequal: the increasing density of the atmosphere towards the surface of the water being the proximate cause (I be lieve I may say so) of such a phenomenon, and distance, the remote and auxiliary one.

It so happens, Sir, that one of the best pieces of ground for the experiment, with which I am acquainted, is situated at your own doors; namely, that beutiful maarine parade at the Prince's Dock; and, though the length is not sufficient fully to develop all the proofs, it possesses one most

Distinctly understood, or no proof at all.

made, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, acNow, Sir, let inquiry be instituted; let experiment be cording to the ever-varying state of the atmosphere; it

will be found that the appearances, which I have de-
scribed, will be the same, both in kind and degree, all
over the earth, and in whatever direction the spectator
moves from the object, or the object from the spectator."
I have heard of "the persisting and ineradicable nature
of human opinion." I cordially agree with the writer,
who says,The obstinacy of individuals in maintaining
their own opinions, is not less conspicuous among men of
science than among those of less pretensions;" but I call
upon every member of the Committee of the Society for
the diffusion of Useful Knowledge; and, especially, I call
upon the members resident in this town or neighbourhood,
from actual experiment, publicly to refute and overturn
my positions, or, to afford me the weight of their respect-
able names, to establish and confirm them.
I remain, Sir,

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"De gustibus non disputandum est."

The following brief editorial article appeared in the Liverpool Mercury of Friday last, as a preface to the letter of a correspondent, which we omit. He informed us that there was a gentleman in Liverpool, who was partial to the flesh of dogs, cats, and rats, which were often served up to his table. By the sequel of the following article, it will be seen that the truth of this statement has been fully confirmed by the individual to whom this extraordinary taste has been ascribed, and whose letter, which we have just received, shall be given in our next :-

crest the crust more fantastically than pigeons' feet. After
a while they might be declared game by the legislature,
which would materially expedite their extirpation."
We may mention, en passant, the singular relish for
living maggots in decayed cheese-and for high-flavoured
game, which may be nosed across the street; the canni-
bal-like fashion of eating shell-fish alive; and the French
and Swiss custom of eating frogs and snails. We could,
indeed, almost fill our journal with instances, in illustration
of the proverb we have already quoted; but we shall con-
tent ourselves with one more, which we have reserved as a
climax to our enumeration of delicacies. Holcroft, in his
Travels in France, relates, that La Lande, the celebrated
French astronomer, was remarkable for hunting and eating
spiders; and, however disgusting the very mention of such
a diet may be, we place the fullest reliance upon the cir-
cumstance, as we know a most respectable German who
assures us that one of his tutors at the University was very
fond of spiders, the flavour of which he used to assimilate
to that of the raspberry. That these insects may be safely
swallowed, no one can doubt, who has seen the avidity
and impunity with which the starling will pounce upon
them, as its favourite diet.

yet have we, with reference to the evening in question, old-fashioned liking for calm retirement, with our house in peace, ere

"The iron tongue of Midnight hath told twelve." It is true we need not attend the play unless we che but there are temptations to a lover of the drama render his going to the Theatre something more voluntary act, that are absolutely irresistible. Andin this influence may operate only in a very limited still the occasion engenders a necessity for otherwise less fatigue, if nothing more, to servants (as well t the auditory as those of the players) already wear their multifarious labour of the week. Adding, thea this last, but not least," consequence, to an train of et ceteras, alike condemnatory of the int and its tendency, we are not without hope that the gers will abandon this their humour. Not, of out of any deference to what we have here advanc from the evident-shall we say, impropriety? of ceeding. It is the business, and should be the pr of the stage "to show virtue her own feature;" know that "The jewel, best enamell'd, In conclusion we should observe, that the gentleman adWill lose his beauty." verted to in the letter of An Epicure, and who is very Beware, then, ye guardians of its lustre! However well known to us, has paid us a visit, in consequence of wise sullied, tarnish it not by any deed of yours. the allusion made to him, last week, amongst our notes to The dramatis persona, strangers as well as old a correspondents. So far from being offended at that alluance, must this week content themselves with w sion, after having read the letter signed An Epicure, he have said for them, awaiting our leisure and a avowed that it was literally true, as far as he was con- opportunity to hear "our say" of them. They vis cerned, and that he did not care if all the world heard lose aught by delay, especially those of whom we b of what was considered his depraved taste. The dishes, but little knowledge; while the mere names of he maintained, were excellent, and it was a subject of enumerated in the bills, will be an adequate not regret, that, in consequence of a ridiculous prejudice, that what they were respectively advertised to do at they were thrown away as useless. done. In justice, nevertheless, to ourselves and a Westerne, we must say of him that he has more realized our expectations, which were not a little sang as our readers may recollect.

The Drama.

[FROM A CORRESPONDENT.]
THEATRE ROYAL

"Good, my Lord, will you see the players well bestow'd ?"
"My Lord, I will use them according to their desert."

We have, on more than one occasion, noticed the and well-merited compliments which have been be upon Mr. Westerne, and we now congratulate t upon the engagement of this gentleman at our where he made his début on Tuesday last, in the c of Count Belino, in the Devil's Bridge. It is the s of the most competent judges, that a more acc

The letter of An Epicure, which we have at length contrived to decipher, will afford our readers some amusement mingled with surprise, and will forcibly remind them of the old proverb, "One man's meat is another man's poison." The gentleman who forms the subject of that letter, has, it seems, so completely surmounted ordinary prejudices, and departed from ordinary habits, as to relish certain dishes from which more squeamish folks would revolt with horror. Rats, cats, and sucking puppies are said The theatrical amusements of the past week have been to be amongst the favourite dainties of this eccentric epi- somewhat more diversified, but not less pleasing, than precure; and, however singular his penchant may, at first viously. On Monday Othello was performed; on Tuesday sight, appear to people of ordinary taste, we shall show we had the Devil's Bridge; Wednesday reintroduced us that the dishes we have named, and many other still more to Venice Preserved; on Thursday we were presented with extraordinary, have ranked amongst the luxuries of the Rob Roy; and to Friday appertains the restoration of Virepicures of other countries and other ages. The notions ginius. We deem Saturday, at least in Liverpool, without of beauty amongst different nations do not differ more re-the pale of dramatic legitimacy; "not of note," there. markably than their notions of good eating. There is a beau ideal of the epicure as well as of the lover; and if our townsman, superior to vulgar prejudice, can relish a roasted bow wow, he may have acquired his relish from the writings of the ancient "Prince of Physicians," Hippocrates, who highly extolled dogs' flesh as superior to mutton or pork. The Romans, too, held sucking puppies in such esteem that they used to sacrifice them to their deities, as an incense grateful to the nostrils of the very gods.

"God's bodikins, man, much better. The less they deserve, singer never appeared on the Liverpool beards the more merit is in your bounty."

D'Arnay, who wrote a most amusing and esteemed work on the private lives of the Romans, assures us that they sometimes ate, as a delicate morsel, water-rats, and certain white worms, short and thick, which are found in decaying wood.

The relish for dogs' flesh was by no means confined to the mistress of the world, as Rome was called. The savages of North America, as Carver and other writers tell us, used, at their particular feasts, to use this flesh, to which they gave a decided preference over other dishes; and it is a matter of general notoriety, that, at this day, the flesh of the dog is publicly exposed in the shambles in China. Goldsmith informs us, that the dogs in that coun try, when they see a dog butcher, will sometimes attack and pursue him in the street.

voice and enunciation are excellent, and his ta abilities of Mr. Webbe, his musical tutor, who refined; equally creditable to his own genius, and the rare merit of directing the professional studies at favourite of the public, and of the matchless Miss There never was a more flattering first appearance that of Mr. Westerne, who was encored in almost songs.-Edit. Kal.

To Correspondents. VALUABLE REPRINT.-A correspondent, who subscribe self An Old Friend, reminds us of our promise to reall the Kaleidoscope a valuable scientific work, which a come very scarce. We have not forgotten our pi as our present volume is within a month of its exp we shall reserve the commencement of the rep of the work in question for the first number of ou volume. The engravings are now preparing.

fore, nor "likelihood." To the frequenters of the Theatre,
indeed, it is matter of astonishment, and equally so of
complaint with the corps dramatique,-that the short inter-
val of this unfruitful evening is not, as it was wont to be,
allowed the performers for repose. We entertain no ab-
stract veneration for the abuses of "times by-gone," from
the too prevalent notion that age sometimes sanctifies error,
and antiquity, like charity, pleads "trumpet-tongued," in
extenuation, if not for the perpetuity, of a multitude of
sins:" neither are we sufficient enthusiasts to regard each
modern alteration as an improvement, simply because it LEASOWE CASTLE.We shall defer the appearance of
chances in our day. While, then, we hail, with un-
mixed satisfaction, the increased activity, spirit, libe-
rality, and general judicious method which now happily
pervades the management of our theatrical concerns,
we must be permitted, also, to question the justice,
as well as the policy, of that arrangement which vouch-
safes to us the gratification of a Saturday night's exhibi-
tion. It is unjust, we conceive, inasmuch as it seriously
abridges the comfort and convenience of the actors, than
whom there are few persons of any other profession re-
quiring more ease and opportunity for laborious study,
and none possessing less of both; and it is impolitic, for
that this useless deviation from the good old custom (some
antiquated practices have virtue) has not yet been produc-
tive of more than "a beggarly account of empty benches."
our Manchester correspondent, J. Bolton, will be farda
a preceding page; and his verses which accompanied at
Nor is it probable, we think, even supposing it were de-
sirable, that any effort of the managers can possibly super- The verses of H. W. J. shall appear next week.-Th
induce popularity to sanction this, comparatively, unpro-
fitable violation of ancient usage.

We have mentioned water rats as a favourite dish of the
Romans; then why may not land rats be equally pala-
table? In Southey's Omniana there is a whimsical short
chapter entitled, "Three Methods of Lessening the Num-
ber of Rats;" the first of which modes is by cooking and
eating them. We shall here quote the passage:
Independently, however, of the wrong hereby inflicted
Introduce them at table as a delicacy:-they would on the performers, coupled with its inutility in a pecuniary
probably be savoury food; and if nature hath not made way, the opening of our theatre on Saturday evenings,
them so, the cook may. Rat pie would be as good as rook has attached to it a moral consideration, of rather a
pie; and four tails intertwined like the serpents of the questionable" nature.
Delphic tripod, and rising into a spiral obelisk, would 'the subject of suitable recreation for this particular night,

66

We are not over fastidious on

article on this subject until next week, in order t may, in the meantime, supply a copy of the inseri the monument erected on the spot where the Mrs. Boody was killed. Mr. HUNT'S THEORY.-As we find that the singular pe lately advanced by Mr. Hunt, as first communicated letter in the Mercury, are likely to give rise to s cussion, we have transferred that letter to the Kaic and shall follow it up with some other communit with which we have been favoured on the subject, r ing our privilege of saying a few words at the sequel MEDITATIONS ON AN OLD HAT.-The original lighte

discussion.

reserved for our next.

respondent is informed, that the note adverted to

last is intended for him.

G. W. W. received.-C. AI.'s music has also reached us
Printed, published, and sold, every Tuesday, by R. Sante
and Co., at their General Printing Office, Lardos
Liverpool, and to be had of all Booksellers.

OR.

terary and Scientific Birror.

"UTILE DULCI."

his familiar Miscellany, from which all religious and political matters are excluded, contains a variety of original and selected Articles; comprehending LITERATURE, CRITICISM, MEN and MANNERS, AMUSEMENT, elegant Extracts, Poetry, ANECDOTES, BIOGRAPHY, METEOROLOGY, the DRAMA, ARTS and SCIENCES, WIT and SATIRE, FASHIONS, NATURAL HISTORY, &c. forming A handsome Annual Volume, with an INDEX and TITLE-PAGE. Persons in any part of the Kingdom may obtain this Work from London through their respective Booksellers.

0. 415 Vol. VIII.

Chess.

PHILIDOR NOT INFALLIBLE.

"Whoe'er expects a faultless piece to see,
Seeks what nor is, nor was, nor e'er shall be."

LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY, JUNE 10. 1828.

The following singular letter is not so generally own as might naturally have been expected, when importance and originality, as well as the celebrity Mr. Philidor, are considered. We have spoken with veral chess-players who never read the letter of the onymous Modenese, although they are not wholly acquainted with the writings of that celebrated rsonage.

Some of our friends, on a first perusal of this ex ordinary composition, were much astonished, and nost shocked, at the temerity of a writer, who ed to question the dictum of Philidor, which has erally been recognised as law by the most accomshed chess players of Europe, and, we may add, the world at large.

have spoken with less confidence, and more accuracy, as I
shall distinctly point out when I come to those methods
of play which are opposed to our system, in the first dis-
engagement of the pieces, omitting the remainder,-which
is either more easy to understand, or less important to

observe.

In the first game this is his mode of attack:

WHITE.

1 Pawn .....E-4
2 Bishop ......C-4
3 Pawn.......C-3
4 Pawn ......D-4
5 Pawn
...... D-4

BLACK.

1 Pawn
......E-5
2 Bishop......C-5
3 Knight......F-6
4 Pawn ......D-4

PRICE 3 d.

The author prefers the situation of the white, and I pre. fer that of the black; because, at the present move, the black, instead of pushing his pawn to F 5, as he supposes, will advance pawn to E 3, threatening, at the same time, to move the knight to F 2, on which the white must play his knight to H 3; the black then takes the pawn H 2, with his knight; and, if the white should take the knight with the castle, the black gives check with queen at H 4, ruining his opponent's game; and if the white, instead of taking the knight with the castle, should take the pawn E 3 with his bishop, the black should then take bishop F 1 with the knight; and, in case the white retakes with his king, It is a maxim of this writer, that he who is strongly athe will lose the advantage of castling, having, besides, an tacked is always embarrassed in his defence as if the ad- isolated pawn: but, should the castle take the knight, the vantage of the first move ought not to cease, at most, in 18 black, by taking knight H 3 with the bishop, and aftermoves, as has been remarked by Marcus Aurelius Severi-wards checking at H 4, will gain a pawn, and a better ponus in the 18th chapter of his Theory of Chess. In the sition. Whether the white has profited by the second present game, however, I really cannot perceive the slightest move of the black, I leave you to determine: for my own embarrassment on the part of the Black, who does not even part, I compare it to a man returning from a combat, in want so many moves to destroy the mentioned advantage of the first move ;-if he will, instead of retiring at the fifth, move bishop to B 6, regulating himself according to the directions given in the first game of my Defence, thus :

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The anonymous Modenese has, however, examined
I analyzed Philidor's openings of the game, which
e generally been considered as infallible, as so
by mathematical demonstrations. In the con-
ding part of his letter he says, "By what has
n hitherto said, you will observe that the greater
t of those maxims which Philidor approves or
demns in the opening of games, fail in their pre- certain of taking off the adversary's king's pawn, and
7 Knight......D—2
ded success; and I should consider myself want-
in that sincerity which I owe to my own charac- thereby depriving the white of the strength of his two
if I should recommend you to follow his advice." pawns on the fourth file, upon which this author relies,
Iow far this Modenese has succeeded in proving from which proceeds a perfect equality of game, so far as
startling positions, we shall leave our readers to regards the pieces; moreover, the white will be inferior in
ermine. To those who are partial to the noble position on account of having an isolated pawn on his
ae of chess, it must be superfluous to enlarge upon queen's file.
importance of opening the game correctly.

In the second game he begins with the same opening,
n order to facilitate the right understanding of but supposes that the black, at the second move, instead
letter, one of our friends has done us the favour of answering with the bishop to C 5, as he has done above,
ranslate the moves into the simple phraseology plays pawn C 6,-when the white, advancing his pawn to
ch we have adopted in the Kaleidoscope. This
enable them to get through the letter of Mode-D4, obtains a better position; upon which I do not find
with comparative ease.
any thing interesting or worthy of your attention.

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*the celebrated anonymous Modenese, to a Friend, respecting the book of Mr. Philidor.

MY DEAR FRIEND,-I send you the account you rere, concerning Mr. Philidor's book, entitled "Analyse Echecs." It contains nine games, in which he invaply directs the white: in the two first, where the White the move, he gives that sort of attack, which he seems prefer: in the third and fourth he gives the move to the ck, in which he shows two different openings to be bad. the following four he gives the king's gambit; and in ninth, and last, the queen's gambit-finishing the rk with a beautiful demonstration of the victory of the hop and rook, against the rook, for which all our schools indebted to this Frenchman; in which he has distinshed himself by a brilliancy of play that is not to be nd in his commencement of games. In these he might

In the third game, he decides, that after the two kings' pawns have been pushed two squares, he who has the move must not play the king's knight to bishop's third square, concluding that such a step would lose the attack, and he gives it to the adversary.

It is truly admirable how the writer will discard the Guioco Piano Games, which have been approved of from age to age by the best chess players in Europe. We may collect from this what influence the love of novelty has upon the mind of man. But let us come to the moves by which he proves his assertion.

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which he has been wounded.

The bold assertion that it is bad, at the second move, to

play king's knight to bishop's third square, always surprised me, seeing that the author proves this by a worse move on the part of the white, as the second is, when he defends the king's pawn with the queen's pawn, instead of defending it with the queen's knight, as the best approved writers do. I call this move worse, inasmuch as it confines attacking position, which it would be at queen's bishop, the king's bishop, which cannot speedily be placed in any fourth square; and because it often happens that you are obliged to push the queen's pawn two squares, for which object you employ two moves, when one, only, might be sufficient; and, lastly, because, by defending with the queen's knight, at bishop's third square, you bring a piece into play in a position to act much better than it certainly could be supposed to do at its own square, by which it is seen in practice, that he who defends at the second move, his king's pawn with that of the queen, has, at least, a weak and a confined game for a long time.

Upon reasons similar to these the same move of Lopez was condemned by the most celebrated academies at Naples, who adopted that of the queen's knight; and I am satisfied, in my Treatise on the Defence, to follow their steps.

At the fourth game he pretends that he who plays first, cannot, at the second move, push the queen's bishop's pawn one square, as, if he does, he loses the attack, and, probably, the game. This assertion is also too bold, because

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Here the black should not take pawn D 4, which that author supposes to be his best move, but should play his knight to F 6, upon which, if the white take pawn E 6, the black should check with his queen at A 5, taking, afterwards, the doubled pawn, either with the queen or knight, according as the white may play; but if the white, instead of taking pawn E 6, should play bishop to G 5, the black will take pawn D 4; and, on the white retaking with his queen, or otherwise advancing pawn to E 5, attacking the knight, the black will still give

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