the hinder parts of a bird, or the hinder parts of a bird by the tendrils of a vegetable, we cannot but protest, on the present occasion, against characterizing as elegant, such terminations, the prototypes of which are violations of the positive laws and appointments of nature. But we do not mean to apply these censures generally to the subjects comprised in these plates: there are many from which very good hints may be derived, others which we think handsome without any alteration whatever, and others to which we have the single objection of the inability of our purses to pay for them. We think many of the contrivances, are admirable in point of convenience; and the mixture of woods is occasionally very pleasing. We observe, however, that Mr. S. whatever be his opinion of the power of form, depends very much on colour for producing his effects, and takes every advantage of the richness of the materials, which he undertakes to associate. As an upholsterer he is right: whether he is equally right as an artist, we presume not to determine. As he could not expect that every pattern should please all, so he must allow us to approve highly of some, and to pass others over without expatiating on their merits. Whoever wishes for pomp and magnificence, we advise to take counsel of the work before us; and when we shall be so far favoured with the largesses of Plutus, as to think such embellishment and decoration necessary for our apartments, we shall certainly not esteem our villas complete, till we have commissioned an assortment of furniture from No. 16, Princes Street, Cavendish Square. The work contains 13 plates of window curtains and cornices: 20 of beds, Gothic, military, dome, French, &c.: seats and sofas, about 30: tables of various kinds, 20: sideboards, 6: desks and book cases, 10: screens, candelabri, commodes, 12: stands of various kinds; wardrobes, mirrors, chandeliers, pedestals, stands for flowers, chimney glasses, &c. &c. With representations of apartments complete, their embellishments of every kind in situ. The whole is accompanied with explanations, and introduced by preliminary remarks, the ternor of which may easily be conceived by the reader, from the sentiments we have quoted, in the beginning of this article. The Posthumous Works of Mrs. Chapone, containing her Correspondence with Mr. Richardson, a Series of Letters to Mrs. Elizabeth Carter, and Fugitive Pieces, &c. 2 Vols. small 8vo. pp. 360. Price 7s. 6d. John Murray, London. 1807. IT should seem to be the fate of all who were intimate with the late Mr. Richardson, to be brought before the public, as objects of curiosity and amusement. Whether the privacies of friendship though innocent and even laudable, should be revealed, even after a lapse of time; may bear more than one question, on various points of propriety. What a writer intends for the public, becomes the property of that public, under circumstances very different from what was intended to be seen only by the party to whom it was addressed. The confidences of private friendship, the effusions of the moment, the incidents known to both parties, give peculiar zest to letters of friendship, but all the world cannot place themselves in the situation of friends, nor enter into those feelings which render such communications interesting. Mrs. Chapone, whose maiden name was Mulso, appears to have been a very agreeable and prudent young person. She lost her husband after a very short period of cohabitation, and remained the rest of her life in widowhood, respected by all who knew her. She died December 25, 1801, in her 75th year. She is best known as the author of Letters to the Ladies, and the present publication will detract nothing from her reputation. It consists of her life, written, as may be supposed, by a friend; and her letters, of which those to Mr. Richardson, while she was in a single state, are the most amusing. We always feel a kind of awkwardness when perusing one side only of a correspondence, since we cannot judge of the propriety of various remarks, while in perfect ignorance of those previous suggestions which gave occasion to them. We have observed nothing in these volumes to prevent our recommending them; and they will be a pleasure to readers who having conceived a good opinion of the writer from her former productions, desire to be more intimater acquainted with her. The Uncertainty of the Morrow, the substance of a Sermon preached at Fulham Church, Sept. 13, 1807, on occasion of the late awful Fire in the Premises of John Ord, Esq. by which his principal Gardener was burnt to death. By Rev. John Owen. A. M. Curate of Fulham, Second edition. 8vo. pp. 31. price 1s. Hatchard, London, 1807. When Providence furnishes an opening for usefulness it is our duty to improve it. The hearts of very few are proof against the lessons to be drawn from striking events; and when the heart is prepared, by having itself pondered those incidents which have occurred, we may safely advise to" strike the iron while it is hot." He was no fool who observed, "while I was musing the fire burned;" and a little additional labour, bestowed under such favourable circumstances, may do more towards making a lasting impression, than twenty times the pains taken at another time when all is cold, and repulsive to every effort. We, therefore, strongly recommend to the clergy, to take an honest advantage of events which have spoken to the feelings of the community whom it is their duty to address: a storm, an inundation, a general sickness, or, as in the present case, a fire, occupy the attention, as they engross the conversation of a village; and when the attention is rouzed instruction is heeded. Nor let merciful providences be forgotten: we fear that more prayers for rain, for dry weather, &c. are presented, than praises returned after those prayers have been granted: a storm which has passed over us without doing mischief, a sickness which rages in the next parish, yet is not suffered to approach us, a fire which is detected and smothered when barely kindled, is little attended to, little recollected. Such alas! is the gratitude of man! Tales from Shakespear. Designed for the use of Young Persons. By Charles Lamb. 2 Vols. small 8vo. pp. 500. Price 8s. Hodgkins, London, 1807. Mr. Lamb has undertaken a difficult task, in attempting to render the plots of Shakespear's dramas into Tales. Shakespear is the poet of the heart; he shews us the working of human nature in a vast variety of minute, and, to others, imperceptible particulars; but his Stories are seldom well chosen, or regular, or capable of orderly narration. They require, also, in those who would understand them, a considerable extent of information, since they contain allusions to a multiplicity of things as well in heaven above as in earth beneath. We take as an instance the first tale, the Tempest. If we suppose that the youthful mind can conceive of a desert island, wherein civilized inhabitants have lived for many years, (which after the perusal of Robinson Crusoe, may be supposeable enough) yet, what can it comprehend of the study of magic by a king, of the existence of witches, such as Sycorax, or of her offspring Caliban, or of the sprites, as instanced in Ariel. These characters may delight the mind whose studies are mature, and only such a mind is competent to judge concerning them. They are even best defended and explained by reference to ideas prevalent in the days of their author; but how should such information have reached the youthful mind? and without such information, of what advantage can stories relating to them be to the young? Times are so changed, that the Fairies of the Midsummer Night's Dream are little understood by the multitude among which they were formerly popular: the fool of King Lear is absolutely unintelligible, except by those who know something farther of former manners; and the whole story of Macbeth is futile to those who have no consciousness of its reference to the cha The preacher takes occasion from James iv. 14. Ye know not what shall be on the morrow, to discourse on the extreme im-racter of the first British Monarch, and to policy of postponing the important concerns of the soul, subject to so many interruptions and accidents as human life is, and to the disadvantages which ever attend procrastination. The Sermon is good, the manner of it is impressive; and we hope the beneficial effects of it will prove lasting. the sentiments asserted in his Demonolo- Nevertheless, we conceive that a per- formance of distinguished merit might have been composed, had the writer introduced in their places some of those beautiful descriptions with which his author abounds, or those reflections which manifest his knowledge of the human mind. We should have been happy too, had something like morals been deduced from such incidents as afford them; and indeed we have long since determined that no book intended for youth is deserving of praise which does not either explicitly or implicitly promote virtue, general or particular. The early hours of youth are invaluable; they should be improved; not always in a direct manner, and with a professed aim at improvement, yet always as really, and as effectually, as if that was, as indeed it ought to be, the study of life. The fatal events attending sudden violences of passion, when delineated to the view of those rising into life, may contribute to form a character, to which future years may be greatly indebted those which render affectation ridiculous, or which expose fraud by detection, or which display the insatiability yet fickleness of sycophants, or which contribute to explain the injurious effect of one predominant vice on an otherwise excellent character, these and others such like, are at the same time interesting and beneficial as old Herbert sagely sings A Tale may meet him who a sermon flies, We do not mean by these hints to discredit the efforts of Mr. L. who certainly has taken pains with his subject, but we mean to encourage him to attempt a superior performance: we presume that he will perceive clearly the advantages derivable from the principles we have advanced, or, if he does not, he will leave an opportunity to any who may think proper to interweave the interesting beauties of the great Dramatic Poet with elucidations, and morals. A Guide to Useful Knowledge: or the Elements of Astronomy, Geography, Natural Philosophy, Mythology, and History, for the Use of Schools. 18mo. pp. 183. price 2s. 6d. Boosey, London. 1807. The fourth edition of a useful little manual; which we should hardly have registered, had we not been informed, that this is properly the first edition which has been published; the former having been printed for the use of the author's school, only. Those heads of other seminaries, who having seen it, have approved of it, may now. procure it for their own use. We understand that the author is Mr. Keegan of Manor House, Kenning、 ton. Talents Improved, or the Philanthropist. By the Author of Interesting Conversations. 12mo. pp. 276. price 5s. Williams and Co. London. Unless we describe this volume as a religious novel, we hardly know under what class to arrange it. It contains very good sentiments against irreligion, and some strong characters. The hero of the tale, from being a mere deist, or no-thinker, becomes a christian, and does a great deal of good; in which we heartily wish him very many followers. We entertain no doubt on the good intentions of the writer, who is a lady, not uninformed on the subject of the differences in opinion among christians. The Orientalist; or Eastern Vocabulary : chiefly designed for the Use of Ladies going to the East Indies. By Mrs. Godfrey. 8vo. pp. 77. Price 5s. For the Authoress. Sold by Blacks and Co. London, 1807. A WELL intended little work, which may be useful to such English ladies as are likely to settle in a country of whose languages they have no previous knowledge. It comprises in two columns, one English the other Oriental, the ordinary words of common conversation. The etymologist will behold with surprise that strange jumble of terms, which makes up the Taing Causa, or current corrupt dialect of India. It is principally derived from the Portuguese, with such mixture of the native languages as circumstances demanded. The authoress has consulted her ear, and bas written her words as they are pronounced: this is good; but it would have rendered her work more complete, and more useful to those who have any acquaintance with European languages, had she added a third column, shewing distinctly how the words should be written, which would at the same time have suggested their de rivation, and of course contributed to the improvement of the learner. A short "Glossary," explaining things, is added, which we wish had been greatly augmented, as nothing can be more useful to ladies going to India, than information on many articles, which they will there find so common, as to be rather subjects of observation than inquiry ;-yet, observation must have its time as well as its opportunity: both might be greatly favoured by a work such as we allude to, and which, we dare say is completely within the abilities of the authoress. Mrs. G. hints, that she instructs ladies in the pronunciation of this dialect. Flowers of Literature, for 1806; or Characteristic Sketches of Human Nature, and Modern Manuers. To which-are added, a general view of Literature during that period, Portraits and Biographical Notices of Emi nent Literary and Political Characters, with Notes, Historical, Critical, and Explanatory. By Francis William Blagdon, Esq. Author of the Imperial Folio History of India (Published under the Patronage of His Majesty,) of the Quarto Life of Lord Viscount Nelson, &c. &c. To be continued Annually. Vol. V. small 8vo. pp. 612. 6s. Boards. Crosby. London 1807. The earlier volumes of this publication have not fallen under our critical cognizance; but we can safely pronounce the present to be an agreeable Melange, well calculated to furnish amusement for leisure hour. If window seats were in fashion, we should term it a good parlour window book. a To a certain class of readers, who love books because they may happen to be scarce, it will perhaps be a recommenda tion of the Flowers of Literature, to state that nearly the whole stock was consumed at the late destructive fire in Fleet Street; and that, consequently, both the present and former volumes are nearly out of print. Portraits, accompanied by slight biographical sketches, of the following personages, are given at the commencement of the volume :-The bishop of Londou, the late Mr. Fox, Mrs. Charlotte Smith, Mr. Montgomery, * and Mr. * Author of the Chimney Sweeper's Boy, &c. noticed in the Panorama, Vol. II. p. 1195, and of many other poems of superior an sterling merit. Cherry the comedian. These outlines are impartially drawn ; the general principles of the work are unobjectionable; and the critical remarks evince a considerable portion of taste and judgment. The Trial of Robert Henshaw, Esq. Custom Mas er of Bombay, on an Information exhibited at the instance of the Hon. East India Company for Corruption in Office, &c. 8vo. pp. 323. price 7s. 6d. Edinburgh, Lawrie. London, Black and Co. 1807. The adoption of most of the principles of English law, and of the trial by jury in India, might naturally be expected among a people who had experienced the advantages attending them in the mother country. The proceedings in this cause were perfectly correspondent to those which every day witnesses among ourselves. The information consisted of but the verdict was taken on the ninth thirty counts, varying in some particulars, count, which charged the culprit with having received 17,840 rupees (£2230.) as a gift and present against the statute 33 Geo. III. cap. 52. The trial took place Nov. 5. 1805. It lasted three whole days. The jury at first returned a verdict guilty but not to the extent charged in the information." This verdict the recorder desired them to re-consider; having retired three times and been inclosed till 6 o'clock in the evening of Nov. 8. They then returned a verdict of "guilty on the 9th count." They added a recommendation to lenity, with their reasons; but the act of parliament being imperative, Mr. H. was ordered to pay a fine equal to the amount of the presents unjustly received. of The history of this case is, that during 1804 a famine raged in certain parts of India, the Conkan, the Dekhan, and the Guzerat; that strong precautions were taken to avert the calamity from Bombay, and from the British army, then in the field, under Gen. Sir Arthur Wellesley; that Mr. H.being head of the grain department proposed those precautions; that he refused to suspend them in favour of Major Young, who had a numerous native establishment under his care, or in favour of the Paishwa, who wanted to purchase 1000 candies of grain for his highness's own use, although the Paishwa was an ally, and his application was supported by a certis L 3 : It is proper that such proceedings should be published in Britain, that all who intend to settle in India, may be well aware of the general exposure to which transgressions of every kind are liable: and that a sense of family honour may contribute to maintain their sentiments of rectitude and integrity. ficate from Col. Close, the British resident, ficulties which induced the Jury to occuat Poona; yet at this very time Mr. H.py nearly twenty-four hours in deliberasuffered two or more obscure merchants tion before they delivered their verdict. of Bombay, who paid him a compensation agreed on, to export so many parcels of grain, and in such quantities, as to require above thirty passes, or permissions, under his signature. This was accomplished by means of his native servant, Abbajie Gunnesh, who though possessed of no property was able to favour his master with what Mr. H. calls a loan, of 20,000 rupees, or as much more as was called for and Mr. H. though in circumstances by no means flourishing, yet wanted, and bought, a pearl necklace which cost 2,300 rupees. Suspicion of malpractices falling on Abbajie Gunnesh, he was tried for them, and on his trial the guilt of his master appeared: to avoid the weight of punishment which he saw would overwhelm him, he included his master in the crime, and this breach of confidence, of Mr. H's oath of office, aud of his own established regulations, lies very heavily on him, as an old servant of the Company, and one who had spent nearly all his life, with honour in their employment. A True Picture of the United States of America; being a brief Statement of the Conduct of the Government and People of that Country towards Great Britain, from the Peace of 1783. 8vo. pp. 100. Price 3s. Jordan and Maxwell, London. 1807. a We are for peace. Whoever takes Panoramic view of the world will see miseries enough, without wishing to increase them by the calamities of war. We, therefore, do not approve of any statement which by presenting an incomplete view of a political question, or one side of a case only, tends to disseminate a bitterness of spirit. A statesman, though of a warm heart, should be of a cool head: he should desire with his whole mind the welfare of his Country, but he should well consider and select the means which he adopts to effect his purposes. We do not deny that America has misbe The charge to the Jury is extremely honourable to the recorder, Sir James Mackintosh, who was occupied eight hours in its delivery; and of which the volume before us does not pretend to offer more than an imperfect outline. A trial extended to a late hour of a third day, un-haved; since we hold it as a principle, der the torrid zone, is certainly without example: it would have been attended with great fatigue any where, but especially in the sultry climate of India. And we are of opinion that the whole transaction is not only worthy of the character of the British nation, as proper to be brought before a Jury, for investigation, but that it must have appeared to the natives, as a very extraordinary exertion of patience in legal research, and perseverance in the attainment of justice, We infer, moreover, that the testimony of native Indians, is not received without hesitation in Courts of Justice, and that in this respect their moral character has much to gain. It would be "travelling out of the record," to observe that this has been strongly stated from other quarters: but, it may be noticed as affording some means of conjecture on the nature of those dif that a state of warfare between two He is |