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their honesty. But, that notwithstanding what we have said, religion is highly valued in the island, is undeniable; for, says the writer,

From fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds may be estimated as the income of the

rectors.

From the genteeler sort two doubloons, or £10. 13s.4d. currency is the usual douceur for a christening, a marriage, or a funeral; and, out of church (for in the church they must officiate for what the law allows) some of them would disdain to open a prayer book for a smaller sum than one doubloon, or £5. 6s. 8d.

The dependance of the island on foreign parts for its supplies of provisions and other necessaries is much diminished from what it formerly was. A greater proportion of food is raised within itself; and even the bread-fruit tree " is not so important an acquisition to the country as was sanguinely expected. Every part of the island now abounds with this plant; but the negro regards this stranger with cold apathy; except as a novelty, he prefers the cultivation of his more productive and substantial plantain, and his more palatable and nutritive yam." The fruit it seems is insipid, and "were the trees destroyed by a hurricane, four years would be required to bring them forward again to fecundity, whereas only one year is required by the plantain, and the yam and other roots are seldom seriously affected by those tropical blasts." Our author commends the bread-nut tree, both for its fruit, and its wood; -is it known among our cabinet makers?" its beauty of vein rivals the most exquisitively clouded marble."

Very little is the condition of youthful adventurers from Europe to be envied, if this gentleman may be credited: and we suspect, that when he describes the regrets of the young book-keeper to an estate, (the first station of a stranger,) he writes from experience. The attractions of social intercourse on the island are but few wealth is the object of the inhabitants, and to obtain or secure this, they hazard every thing else.

The Negroes, as we are informed, retain many of their native customs (and we believe more than their European masters discover) the principal of these are, their incantations or practice of obeah; their courts of justice, or palavers; and

their gambols or recreations. Our at gives an interesting account of th and we select them in preference to remarks on the Maroon war, alth they too would have been interes some years ago.

The spell of an obeah consists of w ever is by nature obscene and disgust it works on the imagination; when sometimes terrifies the guilty; it guards the property, exposed to plun but it loses its effect when the garde a buckra (white man) are in question.

An obeah man or woman upon an es of it for evil purposes is made felony by is a very dangerous person; and the pra law. But numbers may be swept of b infatuation, before the practice is detec for, strange as it may appear, so muc the negroes stand in awe of these wret so much do they dread their malice and power, that, though knowing the ha they have made, and are still making, m

of them are afraid to discover them to

whites; and others, perhaps, are in le
with them for sinister purposes of mis
and revenge. A negro under this infatua
can only be cured of his terrors by being
a Christian; refuse him this indulgence,
he soon sinks a martyr to imagined evils.
author knew an instance of a negro, v
being reduced by the fatal influence of o
to the lowest state of dejection and debi
from which there were little hopes of hi
covery, was surprisingly and rapidly rest
Christian: so wonderful are the working
to health and to spirits, by being baptiz
a weak and superstitious imagination.

On many of the estates, the leading
more wealthy negroes erect themselves
a sort of bench of justice, which sits
decides, privately, and without the kn
ledge and interference of the whites, on
disputes and complaints of their fellow sla
The sentences of this court are frequently
vere, and sometimes partial and inequita
They consist in pecuniary fines, which of
exceed the means of the party. Frequ
appeals have been brought before the
thor from the court, complaining
enormous damages and costs of suit, wh
the appellants were utterly unable to ma
good. He has reversed or softened these s
tences, always to the great satisfaction of o
party, but to the never failing discontent
the other. He has attempted to abolish the
courts akogether, but without success; s

they would secretly hold their sittings, a were countenanced and desired by the prin pal negroes and their adherents. There we no advocates or pleaders in these courts; judged themselves pleaded, and, when agre

in opinion, they passed sentence. Bribery, of course, had great weight in their decisions, and favour and affection were not unattended to; so that the poorest and most unfriended of the negroes had the worst chance of justice from their hands. The opening and proceedings of this court were curious enough. On the judges taking their seats (usually three in number) and the parties appearing, not a word was spoken on any of the causes, till the former had half intoxicated themselves by copious libations of rum, which was preented to them by the respective plaintiffs and defendants, this offering being considered an indispensable preliminary to the dispenEng of justice. It is wonderful, however, with what patience they would hear each other's long harangues; though sometimes, where there was an irreconcileable difference ef opinion between the judges, the court would break up with much clamour.

The negroes are indulged, after crop time, with a harvest home of jollity and mirth; but the time of their principal enjoyment is at Christmas. This is, in fact, their Saturnalia; they appear to be quite another race from that of their former selves, they affect to be gentlefolks; rink with their masters; and are apt to Indulge themselves to a fatal extreme. They dance night and day; they roam, they riot; and, says our author, were this indulgence continued three weeks inead of three days, it would sweep off a considerable portion of the negro population.

On new year's day it was customary for the negro girls of the towns (who conceive themselves far superior to those on the estates, point of taste, manners, and fashion) to exhibit themselves in all the pride of gaudy splendor, under the denomination of blues and reds-parties in rivalship and opposition to each other, and distinguished by these colours. These girls were wont to be decked out with much taste, sometimes at the expence of their white or brown mistresses, who took a pride in shewing them off to the greatest advantage. Their dress was of the finest muslin, trimmed with gold or silver, and ornamented with blue or red ribbons, according to their party; and gold necklaces, car-rings, and other expensive trinkets, shone to advantage on their sable wearers. most comely young negresses were selected, and The such as had a fine and tutored voice; they paraded through the streets, two and two, a the minst exact order, uniform in their dress, and nearly of the same stature and age. accompanied by instrumental mu; but they generally sung together different Hogs which they had learned for the occasion, Vor. VI. Lit. Pan. May, 1809.]

They were

or those which they had caught up from the whites, in a style far superior to the negresses on the plantations. Their appearance in short, would surprise and delight a stranger. At was splendid, elegant, and tasteful, such as night they had booths erected, illuminated with variegated lamps, and embellished with transparencies and other devices: here they ladies and gentlemen of the place, who came were flattered by the attendance of the white to see this exhibition, and were regaled by a profusion of wines, liqueurs, and sweetmeats. This spirit of emulation, in these parties, for finery and shew, is, however, less prevalent now than it used to be. For some and perhaps it is just as well; for they years back, no exhibitions have taken place : and were indeed a powerful temptation to sometimes gave rise to much riot and uproar, pilferage and robbery; as every individual of each party must, for the honour of her party, suitable dress, and corresponding ornaments. and her own credit sake, obtain somehow a Indeed, it is astonishing how costly some of them appear equipped. The queen, as she is called, of each party, displays, in particular, a richness of dress, and a profusion of ornament, which would not disgrace even a theatrical empress. Some of these dresses would perhaps amount to little less than fifty or sixty pounds. This annual finery cannot on any account be dispensed with; if a negress were to go all the rest of the years in filth and raggedness, still she must have her fine clothes for Christmas.

Those who have not at hand the more expensive volumes of Long, Edwards, &c. or who do not wish to enter deeply into commercial calculations, may derive information from this volume, which none ought to be without, who desire to form a due estimate of the distant parts and connections of the British do minions.

Natural Theology, or a Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God, from his Works of Creation; arranged in a popular Way for Youth. By W. Enfield, M. A. Price 2s. 6d. pp. 174. 12mo. Tegg, London, 1808.

A PROPER book enough for youth. the level of children; and indeed some The language is somewhat raised above of the subjects exceed their comprehension. The chapters are decorated with wood-cuts; we cannot say they are well composed for their situations: neither are they well executed. They might have been made much more instructive.

K

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Celebs in Search of a Wife: comprehending Observations on Domestic Habits and Manners, Religion and Morals. The fifth Edition. In two Volumes. 8vo. pp. 850. Price 16s. London, Cadell and Davies, 1809.

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holding the dove; with ornamental Deco rum, signified by the figure bearing th garland; with domestic Good Management signified by the figure with the scroll in which household accounts are kept; an these accompanied by, or resulting in Plenty, fertility, signified by the figur holding the cornucopia, who looking u to heaven, expresses thankfulness to th bountiful Benefactor, for those favour which fill her horn. The heathen who coul derive his expectation of a happy conju gality from the influence of piety, affection ornamental manners, household regularity and thankful competency, we recom mend as a monitor, why not as reprover?-to Christians who think that state without these virtues. Whic of them can common sense spare? Whic of them does not Christianity enforce Which of them is it any degradation the well-instructed to practice? Whic of them would it be any injury to the le instructed to acquire? Happy were it fi thousands professing the christian nam if they would enter into the views of th heathen moralist: happy is it, for tens thousands, who are christians indeed, th they have learned similar lessons, thoug from another school; and as much e cel this heathen instructor, as his ba so-relievo of insensible stone, is exce led by the agile graces of living fles and blood.

AMONG the ancient basso-relievos for which we are indebted to Grecian art, still (or lately) remaining at Rome, is one, representing the celebration of a marriage; in which the sculptor has composed a treatise on the duties, the advantages, and the means of felicity, in that honoured state. A plate of it may be seen among the "Admiranda Romanarum" of Bartoli: but it will be, we believe, for the first time, explained in the present article. On the right of the composition is the bride attended by her bridemaid, and the bridegroom attended by his companions: a veil or canopy is spread over this group. Between, and behind, the bride and bridegroom is seen Juno Pronuba (a divinity which we beg leave to assimilate to our general idea of Divine Providence) her hands reclining on the shoulders of the parties espoused, and bringing them together. In front of all stands a boy Hymen, his torch brightly flaming, while the happy pair pledge their vows, by joining their right hands. In his left hand the bridegroom holds a roll of paper, which, no doubt, records the donative he makes to his bride. So far this composition presents nothing unusual: but, in addition, adjoining to this group are placed the proper implements for sacrifice; an altar, with fruits upon it, a sheep before it; behind it, attendants with incense, music, &c. Then is re- The writer of the volumes before us presented, looking towards this sacrifice, a Mrs. Hannah More, is well known to th female figure holding a dove, followed by public by various performances intende another carrying a garland, also a male to promote piety and godliness. Thi figure, holding a roll of paper; and lastly, work will not detract from her fame. I a female figure, her head crowned with is favourable at once to religion and taste turrets, looking upward, and bearing a and we are the better pleased with it cornucopia, laden with fruits, &c. The because we fear that many religionists ar author intended to remind those who enemies to taste, (without any just reason honoured his work with their considera- that we ever could discover) and many tion, that a marriage, to be happy, should men of taste are enemies to religion, wher be the result of mutual troth plighted that, of all things, is indispensable to under the guidance of Providence: it ea ure their felicity. The man who, unshould be combined with Piety towards der pretence of religion, deprecates the God, signified by the sacrifice; with re-elegancies of nature or art, whose house ciprocal Affection, signified by the figure must be foul, whose furniture must b

We boast of the superior advantage enjoyed under the gospel dispensation do we really exemplify their effects? Ar they living, influential principles? Ar they names, mere names, or are the inspiring spirits, directing our thought sentiments, words, actions, general con duct, and habit?

uncouth, whose accommodations must be | take the hints she has dropped, and encourse, whose person must be neglected, deavour by example as well as precept to -we advise to re-study the character of form the minds of their children, on the that example, whose follower he professes model here presented to them. If instead to be. He will find nothing negligent, of supposing their offspring to be all per coarse, uncouth, or unbecoming: but, fection, they would consider them, as if that fails, and if his perverse nature partaking like others in the common corprevails over grace, well understood, and ruption of our nature, and would seriously he insists on thinking himself wiser than devote their attention to the correction of seven men who can render a reason, we evil propensities, much might be done. remit him to the desarts of Thebais; with A judicious and persevering solicitude to a commission to stand umpire between foster by every possible mean, and on all the Dæmon Asmodeus, and the holy occasions, the contrary virtues, till formed Anchorite St. Anthony. Not less than into habit, might, under some very parwe prefer the verdant meads, and fertile donable partialities of an enamoured Cosoil of Britain to the arid wastes of lebs, present Lucilla Stanleys in other Egypt, do we prefer seemly arrangements, counties than Hampshire. And if the agreeable manners, aye, and courtly ele- character of that young lady should be gancies, too, in proper time, and place, thought somewhat inaccessible, by juvewhen combined with the genuine spirit nile readers, it will be ample encourageof Christianity. Happily for our islands, ment to refer such to their mothers, who they are frequently found among us; and shew them how to attain it... we are not a little indebted for them to the honest influence of that sex which

To temper man.

Nature formed

The Bachelor of our corps, it is true, insists that he never yet could find "Stanley Grove;" that he has traversed many counties beside that in which it is placed by the worthy writer, without meeting with a Lucilla Stanley; that the authoress has indulged her imagination at the expence of her judgment; and that a young lady so very, very good, is-( he is an ancient visitor at Christie's)-of extreme rarity—a bijoux,—an unique, a chef d'œuvre. Now, we freely confess, that such ladies are not numerous; but they exist-they are gems and jewels, and their partners value them as such: they are chefs d'oeuvres, too ;-and hence their rarity. A lady may be born to beauty; but she must be instructed to virtue; she may inherit many feminine attractions, and "a pomp of winning graces may wait on her" personally: but, though native of a christian country, she may be a heathen; and amid all the radiance of the gospel, she may rank no higher, than an ancient Phryne: or ancient Phryne: or Lais, who never enjoyed advantages, that have been easily within her reach,'and possibly have been earnestly pressed on her attention.

The purpose of the writer will be answered, we doubt not, if parents should

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But, the purpose of the writer will be still further answered, if the numerous fair readers which applaud her work should exert their honourable endeavours to rival her heroine. In this, her principal character, she has associated personal piety with practical charity, domestic economy with ornamental manners; the knowledge of how to make a proper use of a plentiful fortune, with that humility, which the proud may affect in vain. We have lived long enough, in the world, and have had sufficient confidence placed in us, to know, by what is so closely allied to experience, that it might honestly bear the name, that happiness must stand on the basis of religion that unhappiness is not seldom so far abated by the influence of religious principle as to become almost tolerable; and that this alone is efficacious in directing the chequered scenes of life to advantage. We have indeed had the mortification to be convinced that all are not religious, who talk about religion; and some of the personages in these volumes, are pretty close copies of characters not unknown to our observation.

And this induces us to remark, that the purpose of the writer will be most completely answered, if certain professors of religion should examine more minutely than they have hitherto done, those principles which they maintain; especially as to their influence on practice. It is very true, that this world is a mingled state;

and we are in duty bound to make considerable allowances. Indeed, a greater portion of allowance made for others, and a smaller for self, may safely be recommended, as what would do no harm to many zealous sticklers-for Truth?-why, yes, to do them justice, for Truth; according to their views and conceptions of Truth.

We heartily wish, therefore, that the religious world may take advantage of the opportunities which certain chapters of this work afford them for looking into it as a mirror, and removing whatever specks they discover on the countenance: that young ladies will endeavour to understand and appropriate the excellencies which they admire in Miss Stanley, and her sisters; and that married couples will put into practice, steadily, as the result of conviction, those laudable customs, of which they will find examples in the family at the Grove."

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66

Celebs is a young man under twentyfour years of age, who having not long ago lost his father, and afterwards his mother feels "the Priory" in Yorkshire lonely; and looks out for a companion. But his parents had always taught him to regard consistency in a wife as a sine qua non; and his father had made him promise not to engage himself, without consulting Mr. Stanley, at "the Grove," in Hampshire. Accordingly, he determines to visit Mr. Stanley. In his way he falls into company with different characters, at London but no young lady equals his expectation of consistency. He continues his route to Mr. Stanley; in whose eldest daughter, Lucilla, he finds what he seeks. After a proper interval, on breaking the matter to Mr. Stanley, he discovers that his father had this connection in view for him, and that the two old friends had so far laid a plot for his happiness, as to promote an interview between the son of one and the daughter of the other, in hopes that the virtues of each would prove mutually attractive. The incidental display of character connected with this simple structure of the story is the merit of the work. There are some rather deep discussions intermingled in the course of it: they have however a practical tendency and our opinion of it, as a whole, may be inferred from the action of the reader to our corps-who after he had ended the two volumes, looked about for

a third; in which he expected to find the letters that passed between the lovers, during the three months interval before marriage. We hope the ingenious autho ress will relieve his disappointment; and publish what she thinks proper of them as we flatter ourselves she has access to the original correspondence.

Not the least faithful of the portraits in this collection is that of Mrs. Ranby a part of which we shall set before our readers.

In the evening Mrs. Ranby was lamenting in general and rather customary terms, he own exceeding sinfulness. Mr. Ranby said "You accuse yourself rather too heavily, my dear, you have sins to be sure." ، An pray what sins have I, Mr. Ranby?" sai she, turning upon him with so much quick ness that the poor man started. • Nay, said he meekly, I did not mean to offend you; so far from it, that hearing you con demn yourself so grievously, I intended u comfort you, and to say that, except a few faults,-" And, pray what faults?" in terrupted she, continuing to speak however lest he should catch an interval to tell them "I defy you Mr. Ranby to produce one."

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My dear," replied he, " as you charger yourself with all, I thought it would be let ting you off cheaply by naming only two of three, such as- "Here, fearing matters would go too far, I interposed, and softening things as much as I could for the lady, said "I conceived that Mr. Ranby meant, tha thongh she partook of the general corruption" here Ranby, interrupting me with mor spirit than I thought he possessed, said "General corruption, sir, must be the source of particular corruption. I did not mean tha my wife was worse than other women."— Ranby, for the first time in his life, no "Worse Mr. Ranby, worse?" cried she minding her, went on," As she always in sists that the whole species is corrupt, sh cannot help allowing that she herself has no quite escaped the infection. Now to be sinner in the gross and a saint in the detail that is, to have all sins, and no faults, is thing I do not quite comprehend.”

In the following character,-and in the proportion of such which adorns society we heartily agree in opinion with the wri

ter:

we have the happiness to know many instances: but such are not public

characters, who, on account of that ver There is a large class of excellent femal excellence, are little known, because to b known is not their object. Their ambition has a better taste. They pass through lif honoured and respected in their own small

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