ference to the soil which has nurtured and matured him ; a preference which would otherwise rather be regulated by the relative proportion of abstract good to be found in each. The hardy Norwegian, whose bleak and barren mountains scarcely afford nourishment for the pine, the birch, and the yew; the frozen Greenlander, who for three months in the year is deprived of the light of heaven, and for the space of six months is buried in one unvarying mass of snow; the phlegmatic Hollander, immersed in fogs, and mists, and exhalations; the Ethiopian, the Caffre, or the inhabitant of Guinea, cach appreciate the peculiarities, the comforts, or the phenomena, of their own climate, to the prejudice of all others. The swarthy negro, toiling under the heats of a tropical sun; the Italian, under serene skies, inhaling a balmy and equable atmosphere; the Highlander and the Dutchman, a great portion of their time shrouded in mists and fogs; and the Laplander, inhabiting regions which, speaking generally, are the most dreary that can be imagined, although respectively differing so essentially in their allotments of physical blessings, may however all of them be taken as illustrations of the thesis, that man is a creature of local attachments and sympathies; that he clings to his native soil; and that, under every deteriorating and unpropitious circumstance, he feels his own peculiar endearments, which probably in their character are unknown to his brethren of other latitudes, Ask the Swiss, shut up within his native vallies, and enjoying all the physical blessings, in his delicious retreats, which poets have feigned of an earthly Paradise, he will class, and perhaps with some justice, his native home among the fairest in the universe, and, of all others, the most capable of inspiring happiness and content. But ask the question of a Greenlander, existing between the seventieth and eightieth degree of north latitude, whose frozen soil is one perpetual privation of physical blessings,-whose circumstances in the abstract are the very reverse of the former, and he also will cling to the atmosphere and the soil which gave him birth, and reply that he has local endearments in the occupations and amusements of his leisure around his social hearths, while snows and intense frost have spread one common desolation throughout his native bourne, which he prizes beyond those which foreign climes can offer. Upon these points, however, Bolingbroke, it is worthy of remark, entertained a somewhat different opinion. In his "Reflections upon Exile," he has endeavoured, with all the aid of his powerful cloquence, to demonstrate the fallacy of the idea, that men have, in truth, any prejudice in favour of the country which gave them birth. He has enforced this opinion by various arguments, which bespeak no unsound philosophy; among which we find somewhat like the following. "Whereever we may be placed (thus flows the tenor of his speculations), we shall find creatures of the same figure, endowed with the same faculties, and born under the same laws of nature. We shall see the same virtues and vices flowing from the same general principles, but varied in a thousand different and contrary modes, according to that infinite variety of laws and customs, which is established for the same universal end-the preservation of society. We shall feel the same revolution, and the same sun and moon will guide the course of our year, The same azure vault, bespangled with stars, will be every where spread over our heads: there is no part of the world from whence we may not admire those planets which roll like ours in different orbits round the same central sun; from whence we may not discover an object still more stupendous,—that army of fixed stars hung up in the immense space of the universe; innumerable suns, whose beams enlighten and cherish the unknown worlds which roll around them; and, whilst I am ravished by such contemplations as these, whilst my soul is thus raised up to heaven,-it imports me little what ground I tread upon." Passages such as these, contain doubtless, in theory, much philosophical force and propriety; and, if addressed to a being wholly engrossed by the speculations of science, and divested of moral sentiments, might be unexceptional. But it must be recollected, on the other hand, that St. John wished to furnish himself with arguments drawn from philosophy for bearing his own exile; and it seems pretty certain, that the hypothesis which he labours here to establish, is by no means consonant to all past and present experience. In ancient history, the discontent and the grief of Marcel lus, Jus, Marius, and Themistocles, may be thought to have arisen from other sources than the privation of that fame and those honours in the gift of their countrymen; and those who in modern days have been driven to foreign shores, have always cherished fond recollections of their own soil. In, spite of the admonitions or the arguments of a science, which in its view soars above the prejudices of our nature, these sympathies, rooted within us, gain strength with years, and often predominate over every other consideration. (To be continued.) To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. SIR, MOST sincerely regret that I have lately occupied so considerable a portion of your useful pages; but, trusting to your love of practical science, I once more, and I hope for the last time on the subject in question, venture on your indulgence by a few observations in answer to the kind suggestions of J. S. H. at page 33 of your number for August, whose friendly hints I should consider it as ingratitude, absolutely to neglect; however, for the above reason, I hope J. S. H. will excuse my brevity. Fig. 1, page 33, is a more portable form of the instrument; but, in the present case, I do not perceive that it would on that account be more "convenient." After all, when prepared for use, it puts on nearly the same shape as the one originally constructed by me. Fig. 2 is most decidedly of an elegant shape; and, were it practicable, ought to be pre. ferred for beauty of design to any other perhaps which could be adopted. When I invented my first instrument, many plans and forms of the outward figure were under trial and consideration; and, in this way, an ingenious artizan whom I employed, wasted a great deal of time, labour, and materials, to little purpose, for theories are too often found incompatible with actual experience. Fig. 2 requires to be fashioned on a solid block or model; and this implies, that it must be composed of a great number of slips of thin fir, which consequently require numerous joinings with glue or other cement. I say thin fir, because no other species of wood will succeed so well in propagating the vibratorý impulse of sound. Now I beg to assure J. S. H. from the result of actual experiment in this way, that the requisite exposure of the apparatus to atmospheric effects, would speedily unglue the joinings of this outward case of the instrument; and, if not, the action of the solar beams, dry winds, &c. would literally warp the machine to pieces. Much time and application to the subject induced me to think that the form I have suggested, (many having been tried,) though not the most ele gant, as J. S. H. has shown, is at least the most effective: however, I do not hint that I consider it above improve ment. I will merely remark, that it is my opinion, if your correspondent could see the musicus ventusorum neatly constructed, he would not think it an inelegant instrument. The proposition to place the float-wheels within-side the outward machine, was tried in the course of the experiments I have alluded to, and I am very sorry it did not answer equal to their external situaticn. J. S. H.'s remark at the conclusion of his third paragraph,-"thus the wheel will stand still," is perfectly just. You, sir, I believe, are in possession of the remedy. A sketch with some observations having been forwarded during the month of July, I presume they came to hand too late for the current number, though I doubt not you will do me the favour to insert them hercafter. The defect alluded to by J. S. H. actually occurred when the musicus ventusorum was constructing; and, the drawings being made separately, one of them was unfortunately mislaid, and not sent or incorporated with the origi nal description. The propagation and improvement of practical science must give pleasure to every impartial and rational mind; J. S. H. will therefore accept my unfeigned thanks for his friendly suggestions, which I hope he will not conclude, from any of the foregoing observations, that I undervalue. W. H. WEEkes. Sandwich, August 2, 1823. To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. SIR, LIVE in a principal street in the north-west part of London, and,bappening lately to bave had a couple of young country friends married from my house, soon after the return of the bridegroom and bride from the church, (where they had been saluted by, and had paid, a gang of idle fellows called ringers,) ringers,) one of another gang of similar persons, who had assembled before my door, knocked at the same, and sent in a printed card, which is enclosed. This card might perhaps afford amusement to some of your readers, might serve to record a disgraceful custom now existing in the British metropolis, and it may, perhaps, if it he made public, tend towards abolishing this custom on which accounts, I request the favour that you will, when occasion serves, give it a place in your useful and entertaining pages; it is as follows: His Majesty's Royal Peal of Marrow-Bones and Cleavers of the County of Middlesex, instituted 1714. Honored Sir,-With_permission, we, the Marrow Bones and Cleavers, pay our usual and customary respects, in wishing, sir, you and your amiable lady joy of your happy marriage; hoping, sir, to receive a token of your goodness,-it being customary on these happy occasions. Sir,-We being in waiting your goodness, and are all ready to perform, if required. Book and medal in presence to show. It was intimated, through the servant, by the man who left this card, that, unless their customary fee was sent out, they should begin, aud continue their rough music before the house, as would also the drummers, with whom they were connected, he said, and who were in attendance near at hand. My young friends, to whom this card and message were delivered, not wishing to be the cause of a disturbance in the street, had, before I knew it, sent out several shillings to these vagabonds; who, on enquiry, I have since been told, almost daily, and often at several places in the same day, make similar exactions on newly-married persons. Conceiving, sir, this practice to be an illegal one, would it not be a proper act of the police magistrates of the adjoining districts, to direct a party of their officers to be in attendance, near the doors of any houses from whence they could learn that weddings were taking place, in order to apprehend, and bring before them, the card, "book and medal," bearers, of this and any similar gangs; to whom, I think, the salutary exercise of the tread-mill would be most applicable; as also to as many of their rough-music performers as should not instantly disperse, when their For the Monthly Magazine. T TRIP to FRANCE. UESDAY, July 16, 1822.--Left Loudon at eight in the morning by Mathews's Safety-coach; arrived at Brighton at five in the afternoon. Wednesday, 17th.-Went to the Custom-house, to have the passports and trunks examined. Left Brighton by the Swift steam-packet at half-past ten in the morning. Our voyage was very pleasant till five o'clock, when a part of one of the wheels of the steamengine broke; all on-board were panicstruck for three hours and a half we were detained in a state of dreadful anxiety. It was about mid-way: we had been out of sight of land about three hours. There were about fifty persons on-board.-Hot dinner provided at four; of which most partook. Our friend, Madame -, had a bad accident in getting out of the packet, -her foot was crushed between the small boat and the packet; a severe contusion, but fortunately no bone was broken. I suffered much from sickness, as did many others who went below: the captain desired a mattress to be brought on deck for me, and, as soon as I laid myself down, the sickness went off; it was the only way I could get relief. We did not arrive off Dieppe till half-past two in the morning: a fishing-boat came out to pilot us into harbour; French sailors on-board, singing a Hymn to the Virgin. Sourded the depth, and found we could not get in. Cast anchor, and made up our minds to remain on-board all night; some few went on shore in the fishingboat: we, with others, then went below, into the captain's cabin, which we were unwilling to do before, as there was no accommodation but on the floor. not allow of our going into harbour Thursday, 18th.-The tide would from the packet: at half-past six we left the packet in a fishing-boat, and arrived at the Hotel de l'Europe at half-past seven; took breakfast, walked about the town and the market: in it, pictures very indifferent; it is, saw the church,-nothing remarkable however, a fine building. Dieppe is a 1 very very clean town, and much business and cheerfulness reigns throughout; many shops of ivory-turnery, beauti. fully executed; the price of a carving of a pair of card players a hundred franks. We were much amused by the dress of its inhabitants, the high Norman cap, short petticoats, cushions in the hair behind, very long waists, blue stockings, wooden shoes, and red handkerchiefs, long ear-rings, and large gold crosses. Went to the Custom-house to have our trunks examined, and passports changed. Hired a barouche to take us to Rouen. Left Dieppe at one; dined at a village called Tôtes; walked out and chatted with the villagers, who were seated in parties, at work outside their doors. Miss N purchased a Norman cap. The roads most excellent; delightful fertile country; no hedges, apple-trees at the side of the road all the way. Arrived at Rouen at half-past ten in the evening: Hôtel Vatel, 70, Rue des Carmes, kept by Dusailly;-took coffee, and then retired to bed. As we approached Rouen we passed through Halle and Bouville, famous for cottonmanufactories, some English in particular, some of the Eatons of Manchester; most beautiful country places. The caparison of the horses amused as much, the collars are very large and heavy; and have the appearance of wings; rope traces. Dieppe is 12 leagues from Rouen. attempted the town while Mr. S Saturday, 20th.-Left Rouen at half-past five; sat in the centre coach; a French gentleman and his son nade our party in that part of the Diligence, avery agrecable and intelligent man. The French Diligence consists of three carriages, the cabriolet or caJache in front, holding three persons, the centre containing six, and the rotund, four; the conductor at top, and one with him: it is drawn by six horses, three abreast, driven by one postilion seated on the near shafthorse, dressed in a cocked hat, hair powdered and tied, thick short queue, short blue jacket with red collar, and pair of jack boots, so heavy that I could with difficulty lift them. Some stages we had only five horses; two, and three in front. They use a long whip, which they crack in famous style when they enter a town; the horses are all strong, stout, long-tailed cart-horses, but they trot at a good pace; their stages or posts are much shorter than ours. We went the lower road; the Friday, 19th.—Took a fiacre to see the Church of St. Ouen, a fine old building; viewed the Musée des Peintures. Maclon is a magnificent church, every stone being carved; it was founded A. D. 990, by Robert, Archbishop of Rouen, brother of Richard, I. Duke of Normandy, not finished till 1062; 410 fect in length, 83 in breadth; length of cross-country and views are beyond deaisles 164 feet, height of the spire 395 feet; there are seven entrances, and 130 windows. It contains the bodies of John Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, Henry, brother of Richard the First, and the heart of Richard Coeur de Lion, and many other illustrious personages. Crossed over in our tiacre the beautiful bridge of boats, which rises and falls with the tide, and opens for the passage of large vessels, contrived by Nichal Bourgeois, an Augustine Friar. In the Marché dès funocens, or Square aux Vaux, there is a fine statue of Joan d'Arc, named the Maid of Orleans. Walked about MONTHLY MAG. No. 387. scription beautiful, the roads are excellent, the carriage easy, horses good, and the conductor respectable and obliging. The cabriolet is the best from which to see the country, it is the same price, and is always taken some days before. Passed through a pretty village called Pont de Ladche, crossed the Seine, breakfasted at a town called Louvier, famous for its broad-cloth manufactory,-the best in France is made here. Gallian is a pretty village. Vermont:-Rosny here is the country residence of the Duchess of Berry; the park and gardens are beautiful; she had just entered the gate as 2 G we passed, I saw her and suite walk. ing towards the house. We dined at Mantes la golie, (remarkable for a fine stone bridge over the Seine, with 39 arches,) at the Table d'Hôte; a most excellent dinner. There is a little hill in the jurisdiction of this city that produces the best wine in France. Passed through Poissy, and St. Germains, famous as the residence of kings and the acqueduct which raised the water for the gardens to an amazing there; King James II. of England held height. Formerly the court was held a court there. The entrance to Paris is most beautiful; in the Champs Elysées we rode in the cabriolet, and were delighted with the prospect; passed the beautiful Barrière de Neuilly, across the Place Louis XV, Place Vendome, Boulvarde Italienne, and through the best parts of Paris;-arrived at half-past five in the evening at Paris, highly pleased with our journey from Rouen in every respect. Madame P. met us, we took a fiacre to the Hotel de Londres, Rue de l'Echequer, No. 70, Quartier Poissonniere; some of the servants English,-took coffee, and retired to bed. Sunday, 21st.-It rained all day, the only day it rained all the time we were in France, did not go out,-a little fatigued with our journey; dined at the Table d'Hôte; English fare, a little Frenchified; seventeen sat down to dinner, all speaking English. The Hotel was Maurice's, and now is kept by a French wontan, named Mari. Monday, 22nd.-Walked to the Louvre (it was shut) and through the gardens of the Tuilleries, and called at the Hotel de France. Dined at the Table d'Hôte. Evening; called at Hotel de France with Madame P. she returned with Madame S. we walked with Mr. S. in the Palais Royal; the fountains were playing; looked in at the Theatre des Avengles, where you enter without paying, and to the Caffée de la Paix likewise, only required to take tca, coffee, or some refreshment; there is rope-dancing, &c. like our minor theatres; it is an elegant building, up two pair of stairs, and was intended for an opera-house. We then went to the Caffee Mille Colonnes. Tuesday, 23d.-Mr. S. and Miss N. went to Pere la Chaise, and to see the model of the elephant. Walked in C. B. ing with Miss N. Madame and her daughter called. Wednesday, 24th.-Walked to the Palais Royale and the gardens of the Tuilleries. Dr. T. Mrs. D. and Madame C. B. called. Went to the Caffé de la Paix. Mar Thursday, 25th.-Went with Mr. and Mrs. B. to see the Pantheon, or new church of St. Genevieve; the building of this majestic temple was commenced by Louis XV, fulfilling a vow he made during his illness at Metz. He laid the first stone, Sept. 3, 1764; the vaults were, during the Revolution, intended for the marshals and generals and men of learning; Voltaire and Rouseau are there, as well as several of Bonaparte's shals. There is a remarkably strong echo; the columns are very beautiful; the chapiters highly finished; bas-relief figures reckoned very fine; went to the top,-fine view of Paris, it being quite clear from smoke. This magnificent edifice but badly represents St. Genevieve, an humble girl who took care of sheep; the patroness of Paris was a shepherdess. The old church of St. Genevieve, curious from its antiquity; there are two very fine large shells containing the holy water, given by Louis XVIII. There is a fine stone stair case, cut out of one stone, and a finely-carved pulpit of wood, execued by a Flemish artist. Saw the Courts of Justice, and the Library of Records, which is very extensive and kept in the greatest order; we were shewn the trials of Joan of Arc, of Ravaillac, and several others; the coat of Damian, and the skull of Ravaillae. From the Palace of Justice we overlooked the Conciergerie; saw the cell of Lavalette. In our walk passed the Temple, saw the window of the room in which Marie Antoinette was confined. Passed through the Marché des Innocens, in the centre of which is a superb fountain, exceeding any made by Bonaparte; on the angles are four lions, modelled at Rome from those of the fountain Termini; from each there is a jet d'eau it is dedicated to the nymphs of fountains. In this market the fish-women had, before the revolution, the privilege, on the birth of an heir of France, or of a marriage, or great victory, and on new-year's day, to pay their respects to the Queen and Princes; they were then served with a good dinner at Versailles, and one of the principal gentlemen officers of the palace was charged to do the honors |