informs us, that he saw, at some of the iron founderies in Sweden, furnaces constructed of the scoriæ cast into bricks, which answered fully better than common bricks. "It would be easy," says he, "to make any quantity of such bricks in some of the large iron founderies of Great Britain. We are persuaded that such bricks might be brought into use for a variety of purposes, with great advantage, and might even constitute a lucrative article of manufacture. Bricks made from the scoria of iron and copper founderies, would vie in beauty with marble and porphyry, and would possess a smoothness of surface, and a lustre, to which few marbles could reach." This hint, we trust, will not be neglected. The articles BLOCKADE, BLOCKMACHINERY, BLOW-PIPE, BLOWING MACHINES, and BORING, will be found to give very able and satisfactory accounts of their respective subjects. These, however, we cannot now stop to notice. We hasten to give some account of the article BoTANY, communicated by the learned president of the Linnean Society. It is difficult to say whether it is more valuable for the important information which it communicates, or pleasing from the graceful style in which that information is conveyed. In the fourth volume of the Encyclopædia, a general view had been given of the celebrated system of Linnæus, including the generic characters, as well as some of the specific differences of most plants then discovered, with their qualities and uses. The supplementary article exhibits a view of the subject more adapted to the progress and present state of the science. Within the last thirty years, botany has been so generally and so ardently cultivated, that it has been elevated from a dry systematic detail of classification and nomenclature, into a philosophical and practical study. How much the able author of this article has contributed to so important a change, is known to all who are in any degree conversant with the recent history of botany. Of the plan which he proposes to himself in the present short but masterly treatise, we dare not attempt an account in any other words than his own. "The differ ent modes in which different nations or schools have cultivated this science, the circumstances which have led some botanists to the investigation of certain subjects more than others, and the particular success of each, may prove amusing and instructive objects of contemplation. In this detail, the history of scientific botany will appear under a new aspect, as rather an account of what is doing, than what is accomplished. The more abstruse principles of classification will be canvassed, and the attention of the student may incidentally be recalled to such as have been neglected, or not sufficiently understood. The natural and artificial methods of classification having been, contrary to the wise intention of the great man who first distinguished them from each other, placed in opposition, and set at variance, it becomes necessary to investigate the pretensions of each. The natural method of Linnæus may thus be compared with his artificial one; and, as the competitors of the latter have long ceased to be more than objects of mere curiosity, we shall have occasion to shew how much the rivals of the former are indebted to both. In the progress of this inquiry, the writer, who has lived and studied among the chief of these botanical polemics, during a great part of their progress, may occasionally find a clue for his guidance, which their own works would not supply. No one can more esteem their talents, their zeal, and the personal merits of the greater part, than the author of these pages; but no one is more independent of theoretical opinions, or less dazzled by their splendour, even when they do not, as is too often the case, prove adverse to the discovery of truth. Nor is he less anxious to avoid personal partiality. Incorrup tam fidem professis, nec amore quisquam, et sine odio, dicendus est.” In the very limited sketch to which, in notices of this kind, we must necessarily confine ourselves, we can impart to our reader but a faint idea of the delight with which we have accompanied our author, while, in pursuance of this plan, he has traced, with equal erudition and judgment, the causes which paved the way for the general reception of the Linnean system, and the various improvements for which the science is indebted to the labours of subsequent cultivators; and the adventitious circumstances, which render botany almost a different sort of study in different parts of the habitable globe. We were about to attempt an analysis of this admirable article, but soon discovered that it was quite impossible to do it any justice without transcribing almost the whole. So valuable are the observations of this distinguished writer, that we cannot make a selection without perplexity, and without regret for omitting what seems equally entitled to be quoted; while his style is already so concise, though flowing, and his materials so compactly arranged, as nearly to defy all farther condensation. But whoever wishes to obtain a clear and comprehensive view of the recent history of Botany,-of the comparative merits of its improvers, and of the schools in which it has been cultivated,-will derive much satisfaction from the perusal of this treatise ;-in which, not the least interesting object is the author himself,-looking round in calm enlightened review on the wide field in which he himself has laboured with such ardour and success, imparting with impartial and unerring hand to its numerous cultivators their due meed of praise,correcting their errors,-collecting in a judicious arrangement the results of their several exertions, and removing every obstruction to the perfection of this elegant science. The article BREAKWATER, written by Mr Barrow, one of the Secretaries of the Admiralty, contains an interesting account of the repeated attempts made by the French Government to render the port of Cherbourg a safe station for ships of the line by means of a Breakwater; that is, an insulated dike of stones so placed as to obstruct and break the waves of the sea, and thus to convert a dangerous anchorage into a safe and commodious harbour. The result of all these at tempts, which have been carried on at an enormous expence, is, that at present, small spots only of that dike are visible above the surface of the sea at low water of spring-tides, and nowhere do these spots exceed three feet in height; the intermediate spaces are from 3 to 15 feet below the surface: and, taking the average, the whole dike, from one end to the other, may be about four feet below the surface of low water at the spring-tides. It is sufficiently high, however, to break the force of the waves, and to make the port of Cherbourg, in some winds, a safe anchorage for about 40 sail of the line. One of the grandest of Bonaparte's magnificent projects, was to establish a large dock-yard at Cherbourg, not merely for repairing, but also for constructing ships of war of the largest class; to dig a basin capable of containing 50 or 60 sail of the line; to construct dry-docks and slips for building and repairing, and to make it a naval port of the first rank. The basin was completed in 1813, at the expence of L. 3,000,000 Sterling. A wet-dock of the same magnitude, communicating with it, was then commenced, and is now in progress. The Breakwater in Plymouth Sound is constructed on sounder principles than that of Cherbourg, with less machinery, and fewer people. Compared in extent and dimensions with that of Cherbourg, it is only in the ratio of about one to four. This great national undertaking was first projected in 1806, at the suggestion of Lord St Vincent, but was strangely neglected till Mr Yorke was called to preside at the Board of Admiralty. The first stone of this great work was laid on the 12th August 1812; and on the 31st March 1813, the Breakwater made its first appearance above the surface of the Sound, at low water of the spring-tide. The total expence of this grand undertaking was originally estimated at L. 1,171,100,-the total sum expended up to the 12th August 1816 was L. 364,000; and as the work may be considered as more than half completed, it will be finished considerably within the original estimate. To those who know the importance of Plymouth harbour, as a station for watching the enemy's fleet at Brest, and at the same time its insecurity as an anchorage for ships of the line, from its exposed situation, and the heavy swell that almost constantly rolled in, especially when the wind blew fresh from the south-west to south-east, it must be gratifying to learn, that its good effects have already equalled the most sanguine expectations. The article BRIDGE exhibits an admirable view of the scientific and practical principles on which the structure of bridges depends. It is divided into the two heads of physico-mathematical principles, subservient to the theory of this department of architecture, and a historical account of the works either actually executed or projected, which appear to be the most deserving of notice. The first head is branched out into three sections, relating, 1. To the resistance of materials; 2. To the equilibrium of arches; and, 3. To the effects of friction. The second likewise consists of three sections, comprehending some details of early history and literature, an account of the discussions which have taken place respecting the improvements of the port of London, and a description of some of the most remarkable bridges which have been erected in modern times. A very interesting account is given of the CALEDONIAN CANAL by Mr Stevenson, Civil Engineer. In the conclusion of the article he gives the following statement with regard to the probable advantages of this grand national object, which cannot fail to be read with general interest and satis faction. "The writer of this article has repeatedly visited the works of the Caledonian Canal. With regard to the quality of the workmanship, he shall only mention, as a pretty conclusive circumstance with regard to the masonry, that, from end to end of this great work, he has not seen a single set or shake in the whole of the locks and walls. Upon the subject of the navigation of a ship in the locks, he cannot speak professionally; but, upon one occasion, he went over the whole line in company with a captain of the royal navy; and, although this officer did not much relish the idea of his ship putting about or tacking with eddy winds in these narrows, nor of being dragged along by the power of horses, or of steam, yet he had no doubt as to the fitness of the navigation for smaller vessels. Indeed, since the discovery of the Dalswinton steamdragger, the practicability of this navigation is reduced to a certainty for all vessels which can pass the canal locks. And thus we have the firmest conviction, that the Caledonian Canal will, in the end, be universally viewed as a truly great and noble undertaking, issuing in the most solid benefits to the country." The articles CALENDERING and CARPENTRY Would also demand our attention; but the consideration of these we must at present omit, and pass on to the learned and able disquisition on the Indian CASTES. The ingenious author, who has long been engaged in a history of the East Indies, to which the public are now looking forward with anxious expectation, proves, with a profusion of learning, that the institution of castes was, in the early ages of society, very widely diffused among the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Cretans, the Persians, the Medes, (probably) the ancient Saxons, and the ancient inhabitants of Peru and Mexico. He next gives a very philosophical view of the state and condition of the human mind to which this institution may be considered as owing its origin. He then en ters into a detailed account of the Indian castes, and concludes with a general view of the effects of this institution. These effects he proves to be decidedly unfavourable to the interests of the human race, first, As they present an irresistible barrier to human advancement in the two grand instruments of progression,-the division of labour and the practice of new arts, as invention may suggest them, or the multiplying desires of an improving society may create the demand; secondly, As, by establishing a monopoly even of the arts which are known, they, in a manner, shut the door against all competition, and thus cramp the exertions of genius; thirdly, Since, by confining the prosecu→ tion of knowledge and literature to one class of the community, it renders it the interest of that class to perpetuate ignorance among the rest, that they may be able to turn and wind them according to their own purposes; and, lastly, Since, by preventing the distribution of the supernumerary members of a caste through the other departments of industry and subsistence, it magnifies and multiplies, to an incalculable degree, the evils of a superfluous population. From this imperfect analysis of the leading articles in the last published Part of the Supplement, it will easily be perceived how rich it is in talent and in science. The selection of contributors must ever insure excellence, and does equal credit to the editor's discernment and the publishers' spirit. ORIGINAL POETRY. THE MINSTREL'S VISION, Or, the Isle of Eyra. (A Fragment.) I. O list, fair ladye! while I tell Then seated in her silver car, At length we reach her lonely grot V. The sun had sunk-but his steps of light And the eye might picture isles of bliss And happy genii seem to dwell us as THE CELESTIALL VESTALLIS. [The following fragments have been sent "Specimens-faithfully transcribed from the original MS.-of a very ancient METRICAL ROMAUNT, lately discovered in the ruins of Roxburgh Castle."-In regard to their poetical merit, we do not ourselves attempt at present to hazard any opinion, nor do we profess to understand very clearly the drift of the legend or allegory which they introduce to us; but, as the interest of the story may be reasonably expected to increase as it proceeds, and as the stanzas now given seem tolerably fair as to Rhyme, Euphony, and Unintelligibility, it is humbly presumed (especially in an age when such qualities have formed the chief or sole distinction of many famous works) that they may bespeak a favourable reception from the public for the remainder of the " POEME," with which our learned correspondent has oblig. ingly offered to furnish us, in such portions as we may require, and with as much celerity as the great difficulty of decyphering the very cramp and decayed original MS. will permit.] HEIR BEGINNIS ANE ALLEGORICALL & PROPHETICALL Poeme, IN FYVE HUNDRETH CANTOES; INTITULLIT The Celestiall Westallis; YNVENTIT BE YAT FAMEOUS SEER AND ILLUSTER MYNSTREL, Berlyn of Caledonia, COMMOUNLIE CALLIT MERLYN Y WYLDE. ANNO DNI. v. lxv. (565.) REVYSIT & TRANSLATIT INTO Ye MAIR MODERNE TOUNG, By Thomas ye Rymour, OF ERCILDOUNE, KNY1. The Translatour to ye Reidar. Quhen wee hade sene & considerit ye divers transcriptiounis of yis notabill Werke set furth of auld amangis ourselfis, to haue bene altogider faultie ande corrupt; and alsua yat ye originall style hath become obsolite ande hard to bee vnderstude be ye vnlearnit ande sik as bee of slender capacitie; wee haue thocht gude to collate ande recompyle ye haill treatise from ye maist auntient copyis in the French Kingis librarie, in ye fameous citie of Paris; ande haue taken some peines ande traivellis to haue ye samyn correctlie translatit ande mair commodiouslie set furth; to the intent yat ye benevolent Reidar may haue the mair delyte ande plesure in reiding, ande ye mair frute in perusing yis pleisand ande delec alonge, Quhen tassellit knycht strove yair coye hertes to muve, Or mynstrel moanyng wylde in som secludit grove. V. Bot butes itt nocht iff pitye yai had felte, Sith suche to knycht or barde yai nere did showe; Yea, thoch for luve-lornę wycht yair herte mot melt, On him nathlesse yai gloumd lyke dedelye foe; Ande aye wt angrye voice yai bade him Goe! Quhyle, hee (alack !) soe piteouslye wolde kneele Vowyng yair breste wes colde as Cheviotte snowe Yen gainst his herte wolde point his peircyng steele, Ande swere, iff still yair cruell toung said No, His wanne and wailyng spright sulde haunte yaim to ande fro! (Hiatus in MS.) Cantoe Seconde. Quhair dreming bardis ande drousye shep-«Sa dulce, sa sweit, and sa melodious, herdis glyde ye daisied feildis ande shadowye hillis Bot I ane catiue dullit in dispair; |