to the English Press, and such as men of polished and enlightened minds delight to contemplate. Inasmuch as the new Journalists shall effect such noble ends by such laudable means, they will not only reflect credit on themselves but deserve well of their country; they may then, indeed, call their work registers of domestic literature, animated by a spirit of manly and liberal criticism; and they will materially contribute to illustrate the sentiment which the new London Reviewers have chosen for the motto of their prospectus, "Reviews show the progress of a country, or an age, in taste and arts, in refinement of manners, and in the cultivation of science. They mark the gradation of language itself, and the progressive or retrograde motions of the public mind upon the most interesting subjects in ethics, in politics, and religion." Were I not fully persuaded you will read this terse and polished sentence, with the liberal spirit, yet limited sense, in which it must have been written, by the very learned and ingenious author, DR. PARR, one of the chief ornaments - of erudition, I should desire you to place. the helping verb should between the first and second words of the passage, to signify the time WHEN the golden age of pure criticism shall return; not admitting we now enjoy it un, reservedly. LETTER XVII. FAKENHAM, August 27, 1798. THERE is not much to be said for this small town, but the little that truth affords will be to its advantage - Compact, neat, and agreeable are its epithets. The environs are in a part of the county which corresponds to this engaging character; and at the distance of a few miles, you are presented with beauties of a very distinguished kind. In its vicinity is RAINHAMHALL, very deservedly enumerated amongst the beauties of England. Amidst other capital paintings, that of Belisarius, by Salvater Rosa, has been particularly noticed. It is said to be the gift of the GREAT Frederick of Prussia. ARTHUR YOUNG, whose Tour into this county is published, and which I recommend to your attention, particularly the part which treats of the Norfolk husbandry, has marked Mr. STRANGE's print from this painting as admirable; though there is a doubt amongst the connoisseurs whether, after all, the original picture represents Belisarius or Caius Marius. It is not without good reason, that another Tourist has preferred the situation of this mansion to that of any other in the county, and he justly observes, that the country around is rich, and comfortlooking. The park and woods have been estimated at about 800 acres: and the house itself has the advantage of being built under the superintendance of Inigo Jones. The river on which the town stands might, probably, be called Fa-ken, part of which word, anciently, denoted water, as HAM, in the time of the Saxons, did a dwelling. But, there is something better than the finest edifice that the above-named great architect has left us a memorial of his art; -something more delightful to the traveller even than glassy lakes, vivid lawns, or luxuriant woods the urbanity and benevolence of its present noble possessor. By means of the first quality, every stranger who has the air and manners of a gentleman may become a guest, and by virtue of the last, all whose deservings are at all known may become its object: and those who have claims upon that benevolence on the simple recommendation of poverty, or the more sacred one of misfortune, will have their claims allowed. This is not only a county-character, but a good name, that, gathering well-earn'd plaudits as it goes, spreads to the remotest part of Great Britain; and in the course of a long and estimable life must have travelled into more distant lands. The Marquis has filled many great official situations, with honour to himself, and service to his country. With a great share of facile wit, he commixes a yet greater proportion of goodhumour; and if you should encounter him in of the walks or rides around his domain, he will soon make you forget that you see him for the first time, or that you have been introduced to him only by the affability of his own disposition. any |