The religious reflections, frequently recurring, will not be controverted by the pious reader; and the occasional attempts to describe the beauties of nature will be commended, at least, if they are not approved as perfect models in their kind. Man Art. 16. A Peep at the World; or the Children of Providence. By Harvey Sinclair. 12mo. 3 Vols. 125. sewed. Parsons. The unaffected ease with which this author delivers his history, and the true sensibility and natural feeling which he discovers, together with many judicious reflections on the manners and conduct of mankind, intitle his performance to commendation. Perhaps, if fewer episodes had been interwoven, the tale would have met with more admirers. We perceive, however, that Mr. Sinclair, whoever he may be, is a man of good education and of good understanding. The events related are generally more or less of a serious cast: but some are animated and lively. Art. 17. Virtuous Poverty, by Henry Siddons. 12mo. 3 Vols. 138. 6d. Boards. R. Phillips. It is the amiable object of Mr. Siddons, in this narrative, to inculIcate a strict regard for virtuous conduct in the various relations of life; and particularly, in the example of Henry and Cecilia, to promote a veneration for mutual love and domestic harmony, under every trial of adversity and every struggle of poverty. How far these benevolent views will be crowned with success, by means of this publication, is to us rather a doubtful speculation. The tale does not fascinate the reader so artfully as we could wish; and the egotism, so frequently occurring, brings the remembrance of the author to the mind more forcibly than that of the characters which compose the history. speaking of Barbadoes in India,' we almost suspect that the author confounds the geography of the East and West: but probably this is mere oversight. The introductory chapters, after the manner of Fielding, are not composed with his skill. This is, however, to be considered as a first attempt of the author; and we shall look for.. wards for some future specimen, in which his talent for novel-writing may appear more ripened and matured. In Art. 18. Harry Clinton. A Tale for Youth. 12mo. PP. 450. 4s. 6d. Boards. Johnson. All the materials of this interesting and instructive tale are selected from that celebrated production of Mr. Brooke, "The Fool of Quality," omitting those parts which are too wild and extravagant to intitle the original work to general attention. Mrs. Mary Hays, the editor (as appears from the Dedication) has attempted, by compressing the narrative to its present form, to exhibit for the instruction of youth a history of the practical education and culture of the heart. The volume certainly contains various and important lessons of virtue and benevolence; and several of the scenes make a powerful appeal to the sensibility of the reader: but whether some traits in the character of Mr. Fenton and his pupil Harry will not still be considered as bordering on excess in point of generosity, we shall leave to others to determine; as there appears little danger of stimulating youth to transgress Do Do transgress the bounds of moderation in the active duties of charity. Perhaps, however, a more useful lesson might be inculcated, by furnishing an example which the ability of young readers in general might enable them to copy. One passage occurs in this volume, which we wished had either been altered or omitted. We allude to the account of an English court of justice, where the Judge is represented as prejudiced against the innocent prisoner, and attempting to influence the jury to find her guilty. On the contrary, our youth should be taught to look up with reverence and profound respect to those venerable, learned, and uncorrupt characters, who preside over and adorn our courts of justice. Art. 19. The Eve of San Pietro. 12mo. 3 Vols. 10s. 6d. sewed. Cadell and Davies. The wonders of an Italian castle, the mysterious character of its possessor, and the deep depravity of a confidential monk, furnish a variety of matter in these volumes to entertain and terrify the mind of a romantic reader. It will readily be perceived that the writer has chosen a path already beaten, and perhaps sufficiently explored by. her fair precursor. If we had not read the works of Mrs. Radcliffe, we might have been induced to give considerable credit to the author. of the Eve of San Pietro for ingenuity, and invention of marvellous scenes and events: but if we cannot avoid considering this as a work of imitation, the degree of merit, which attaches to it, is propor-. tionably diminished; and more particularly since the copy is in many respects inferior to the original. Yet we with pleasure observe that this writer has talents of no ordinary standard; and as this production is a first attempt, we shall point out, for the information of the author, a few instances in which revision and correction are requisite. Vol. I. at p. 62. from the want of proper stops, (an omission frequently recurring in other places,) the sense is very ambiguous in the expression for three hours,' &c. At page 68, a false concord- thou shall at page 78, thou and you are confounded. Page. 197, laying for lying. Vol. II. p. 267, Viola draws a Tasso from her pocket, although she had been shut up without any supply of that kind. Vol. III. p. 3. egress is used for ingress. This list will be ample enough to suggest to the author the necessary corrections, to which we allude. We must add that there is too much of the marvellous in this tale, and the d volume is almost occupied in accounting for the previous prodigies. AGRICULTURE. Man Art. 20. Observations on the Utility of cutting Hay and Straw, and bruising Corn, for feeding of Animals, arranged and elucidated, not by chemical Test, but agricultural practice; with a full and particular Description of the best Machines for that Purpose; with approbationary Certificates annexed. Also a new and valuable Discovery (of the utmost Importance to the agricultural World) by which Means every Farmer may separate the most nutritious Parts of his Straw, for feeding Animals, from the Refuse, which may Do may be used for Litter. By W. Lester, Farmer and Engineer, Piccadilly. 8vo. pp. 34. 58. sewed. Symonds. Puffing is become almost as common among the inventors of agricultural implements as among the venders of quack medicines; and certificates of approbation are published in one instance in the same manner as certificates of cures are furnished in the other. Mr. Lester speaks of himself as a person who has made machines in agriculture his study through life, who has succeeded beyond all others in improving the Harrow, and who has expended nearly one thousand pounds in bringing to perfection a chaff-cutter. To recommend or advertise this last-mentioned implement (the price of which is 3l. 10s.) is the object of the pamphlet before us; in which the inventor gives two plates representing his patent straw-cutter, argues its utility, and proudly displays various testimonies in its favour. It works with a fly, to which one knife or cutter is affixed, and is no doubt a handy machine: but, had we not been let into the secret that nearly one thousand pounds had been spent in experiments, we should have thought that it ought to be afforded at a lower price. Of the valuable discovery announced with so much display in the title, we shall allow Mr. Lester to give his own account: It will be found by examining the straw of corn, that the greater part of this substance is contained in the cavity of the straw immediately above the knots, in the form of pith, which being scraped out with a penknife, when the knots are cut longitudinally, and put upon the tongue, the sweets are immediately perceptible. This may be found in all straw in a dry state, but much more when it is green. The under part of the knot does not contain any of this sweet pithy substance visible to the naked eye, but appears an empty space, void of any substance; so that it seems as if the valves contained in the knot had closed, and prevented the superabundant support of the seed from subsiding to its parent earth. This pithy saccharine substance, I presume, was in a liquid state at the time the seed was perfecting, which, when completed, the efforts of nature probably stop, and congdation takes place; by which means these reservoirs become charged with the above sweet nutritive substance. May this not be the case with all our grasses that stand to perfect their seed, or that are cut before their seed is ripe? If so, the same means I propose to separate the more nutritious parts of straw, will hold good with regard to hay, by which means a richer food may be obtained, next unto corn, for ani. mals, than has yet been discovered in the annals of agriculture. Be this as it may, I must leave it for practice to demonstrate, and content myself with giving the hint.' The mode of operation is simple, and the expence trifling, within the reach of every farmer; it is only to cut his straw, and either heave it down before a wind, or throw it with a shovel, which will always separate the heavy substance from the light, in exactly the same way as dressing of corn. The separation will be complete if the straw is cut an inch long.' An Engineer living in Piccadilly presents no new idea, but we are now first informed of its being a residence for Farmers.. This, perhaps, may be objected to in some situations on the account of the refuse being cut too short for litter; but I do not believe this will be by any means a general objection.' I conclude, it will make no difference to the beast whether his bed be long or short, so that he can obtain the greatest quantity of nutri ment from the smallest quantity of food.' With submission to Mr. Lester, we apprehend that neither man nor horse, after a good supper, would say that it made no difference to him whether he laid down on pins and needles, or on a soft bed of feathers or straw. POETRY. Art. 21. Adversity; or, the Miseries of the Seduced, a Poem; in- As it is to be regretted that poverty of spirit should be sometimes found to accompany the possession of wealth, while the "Willing Mind" is too often destitute of the means of doing good; so in regard to Poetry, it occasions us pain whenever we observe the "rich vein" denied to a generous and compassionate disposition.-The me ritorious object of this poem is to plead the cause of suffering humanity; and to warn the innocent and unwary, of the sorrows and guilty pangs which vice entails on her deluded votaries :-but to what purpose is the author abundant in charity and tender regard for his brethren, when his poetical stores are so scanty and defective? Let us examine his little stock of goods.-1st, With regard to the quantity of words, as in emigrated' and numbers of others, it is false. 2d,Choice of expression, as in Yelp,' and varment for vermin, it is low and vulgar. 3d, The metre is frequently violated. 4thly, The Rhythm is far from harmonious; and 5thly and lastly, The Rhyme is often as incorrect as the Rhyme of a ballad: viz., the wretched she.' ⚫ from public infamy.' These The pathos and elegant blending of you and thou, in the following lines, raised our admiration: Oh! Fell SEDUCER turn thy treacherous head And Weep in Tears of Blood-the woes you shed! MONSTER! 'tis not alone the hapless she, E'er too far steep'd in Blood-give o'er your Crimes; Heaven's reddest Wrath-Will surely be your Fate!' But for an example of all in one view, (or for an epitaph in a Country church-yard,) we should select the following lines s • His Moy • His hoards of wealth to Strangers then is given, Yet Dies-With the daring thought, of meeting Heaven.' The author's intentions, however, are benevolent and humane; and perhaps among some, into whose hands it may fall, this species of poetry may produce the impression which it aims to make. Man Art 22. The Wild Wreath. Dedicated (by Permission) to H.R.H. the Duchess of York, by M. E. Robinson. Crown 8vo. PP.240. 7s. Boards. R. Phillips. 1804. Several of the pieces which compose this collection flowed from the pen of the late Mrs. Robinson, mother of the fair Editor; and the other contributions are written by Mr. Merry, Mr Lewis, Mr. Twisleton, Miss Seward, &c. The general titles are Tales, Fugitive Pieces, Anacreontic Pieces, and Fairy Visions. The Foster-child, the Wintry day, the Sorrows of Memory, Harvest Home, and some other effusions of considerable merit, were already known to the lovers of English poetry, but we are indebted to Miss R. for binding them into a graceful garland. The few pieces which aim at wit are the least attractive in the collection. Among those that are now printed for the first time, we have to notice the wild romantic tale of the Lady of the Black Tower,' by Mrs. Robinson. The second part thus commences in a bold and impressive strain: Now the merry bugle horn Thro' the forest sounded far; The Summer sea was dark and still, The sky was streak'd with lines of gold, And, while she watch'd, she saw advance The sails were full; the breezes rose ; "Watch |