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All that I can learn concerning him is, that he was a distinguished Italian sculptor, (from what part of Italy I do not know,) who was in this country, about the period of the adoption of the federal constitution, and during the first presidency of General Washington, when he executed a noble bust of Washington, which, after having been purchased by the then Spanish minister, and carried to Spain, in the late convulsions of that country fell into the hands of an American gentleman, was restored to this country, and is now in Philadelphia. This, independently of its merits as a work of art, is said to be among the very best historical likenesses of Washington. Though, by the way, it is becoming a curious subject of doubt, which for the benefit of posterity ought to be settled before the cotemporaries of Washington leave the stage, which among the differing likenesses that Stuart, Trumbull, Peale and Pine, have given in portrait, and Cerachi and Houdon, in marble, is the true resemblance of that greatlooking, as well as great man.

Cerachi also executed the fine bust of General Hamilton, from which the common plaster casts in our houses are taken.

There are also, in the academy of this city, good busts by him, of Governor Jay and Vice-President Clinton; and I believe there are to be found elsewhere, in this country, other busts of distinguished public characters. These were, doubtless, the first works in statuary ever executed in the United States. He seems to have returned to Europe, in 1794 or 5, and I have been told, went to Paris, where he entered warmly into the party politics of the revolution, and died under the guillotine. He appears at some period of his life to have followed his profession in England, and is spoken of with respect in Malone's Life of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Sir Joshua, if I recollect, sat to him. The excellence of his busts, and the truly classical character he gave to them, without losing the resemblance, or running into any affectation, make it evident that he could not always have confined himself to that department of his profession, which, in those countries where statuary is cultivated, is justly regarded as being but a humbler department of the art; in fact, it bears the same relation to such works of fancy, taste and skill, as those of Canova, as mere portrait does to historical composition in painting. It is therefore probable that Cerachi must have left, somewhere in Europe, greater works than are to be found here, unless he died young.

There is probably somewhere to be found an authentic account of his life and works; if there is not, perhaps some of our elder artists or amateurs may be able to supply the deficiency.

Linnaean Celebration

AT FLUSHING,

MAY 24th, MDCCCXXIV.

The relative rank and value of the different branches of human knowledge are subject to continual fluctuations. At one time polemical divinity engrossed the attention of all Europe. This was succeeded by polemics of another sort; and none could hope to rise to honours and riches, without an intimate acquaintance with the military art. In later times, the connexion of the natural sciences with the wants and the comforts of mankind, has assigned them a more elevated rank; and the most powerful minds of Europe are now occupied with these sciences. It is not contended that every department of natural history is equally valuable or interesting. But it is plainly impossible to determine, a priori, the utility of any given inquiry. The uses of chemistry and mineralogy are obvious to the most obtuse intellect. The value of other branches is not so evident; and the philologist, who has spent many a weary hour in determining the value of a Greek particle, or the merchant who has been struggling through life between par and premium, will turn up a very lordly nose at the dissector of a snake, or the impaler of a butterfly. It would not be difficult, however, to show that the investigation of even the humblest class of created beings, will add as much to the stock of information, with as definite and beneficial results, as perhaps any other branch of human knowledge.

Of late years, the progress of the natural sciences has been rapid, beyond a parallel. The correction of nomenclature, the improved modes of analysis, the scrupulous accuracy of description, and the gradual reform in classification, have all contributed to this happy change. The superficial and the superannuated, those who, from habit, are averse to studying new systems, and those who are too indolent to examine them, are the only remaining obstacles to check the progress of science. Tricornerism, a significant word, which we shall take the liberty of transplanting into our Fredish vocabulary, we apprehend, is likely to be revived in this country. The old gentlemen of the cocked hat school are rousing from their slumbers; and, finding themselves neglected or overlooked by their younger and more active brethren, are determined to raise a dust, and recover their former notoriety. This we humbly

conceive to have been the origin of the Linnæan Society of Paris. According to their creed, genera are natural, and science has not advanced a single step since the days of Linnæus. A genuine Tricornerist will twaddle about the unnecessary multiplication of genera, and shrug up his shoulders at the mention of Cuvier or Humboldt.

To make a noise in the world, no plan is easier, (as we know in Gotham,) than to form a Society-but like simpletons, we are contented with a score of members, an equal number of officers, and a due proportion of honoraries and correspondents. They certainly order these things better in France; for no American ever yet conceived a gigantic scheme like that of the Parisian Linnæan Society, which is no less than to establish colonies in every part of the civilized world, all dependent on the great (grand) mother, at Paris. Even our magnificent Atheneum sinks into insignificance, when compared with this brilliant creation of Gallic intellect.

The members of the parent branch meet annually on the birth day of Linnæus, and communications from all their colonies are paraded in endless succession. Count Lacepede, the president, delivers an eulogium on all the mighty unknown, who have died during the year preceding. Ladies offer bouquets, and are elected by acclamation "associés libres." Poets recite their verses, and songs are sung, the whole " corps scientifique" joining in full chorus.

Aedificare casas, plostello adjungere mures,
Ludere par impar, equitare in arundine longa,
Si quem delectet barbatum; amentia verset.

We know of nothing more ridiculous than these exhibitions. In the retirement of their cabinets, the eccentricities of men of genius escape observation, and their little oddities, the result of enthusiasm in any pursuit, are passed over in silence. But when they step from the closet to the rostrum, and play fantastic tricks before high heaven and the public, they must be viewed as public performers, and, of course, are fair subjects for criticism. With these few explanatory remarks, we proceed to give a hasty sketch of the last grand flourish, the nine days' wonder, the Linnæan celebration at Flushing.

We had been induced to assist at this scientific fête champêtre, by divers alluring paragraphs in the daily papers. Rumour had been busy with her hundred tongues, and we were led to believe that all the beauty, wit, and fashion of New-York, would grace the festival. For weeks previous, it was currently reported, that the Major General had issued a GENERAL ORDER, Vol. I. No. III.

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inviting his troops to assist at the Celebration. Every steamboat in port, (so the story ran,) was engaged to carry select and particularly genteel parties, who wished to avoid the inconveniences of a mixed assembly. The great steam frigate was chartered to convey the three liberal professions; and a strong detachment of marines would be stationed in different parts of the vessel, to preserve harmony and order. The honourable board of brokers had chartered a vessel just from the stocks, and offered to accommodate the gentlemen of the banks for a small premium. The most taking part of the company, however, it was asserted, would be the whole corps of CONTRIBUTORS to the ATLANTIC, with appropriate banners, dresses and decorations. This last report particularly determined us to assist at the grand annual Linnæan celebration at Flushing.

Busy rumour, however, had, as usual, prodigiously magnified. We are confident of speaking within bounds, when we assert, that there were less than fifty thousand persons present; and the brilliant assemblage of ladies, brokers, soldiers and physicians, had dwindled down to-but we anticipate.

At eight o'clock, on the memorable twenty-fourth of May, we arrived at the Fulton Market, and elbowing our way through a greasy assemblage of watermen and boys, we were safely deposited on board the steam-boat Linnæus. The quarter deck was literally swarming with pretty faces; and the members of the New-York Linnæan Branch, with a sprig of the Linnæa borealis stuck gracefully in their hats, acted as masters of the ceremonies. In a few minutes, the boat left the wharf, the band striking up the appropriate air of Yankee Doodle, in honour of the Swedish naturalist. The ladies beat excellent time, and even the wheels of the steam-boat seemed to strike in unison. It was, in fact, as a member of the Lunch observed, a MOVING spectacle! Nothing occurred to destroy the pleasure of the voyage, except that several of the ladies were marvellously frightened by the appearance of a school of porpoises, gracefully disporting in the vicinity of Hell Gate. Upon being assured, however, that they were the harmless dolphins* of the poet, their fears were allayed; and, in the course of a few moments after, we arrived safely at our port of destination.

The company, under the superintendence of the Linnæan members, were marshalled in Indian file, and marched to the "neat and airy hall"t of Mr Peck, which was tastefully deco

*It may be worth mentioning that a question arose as to what genus and species these porpoises belonged. A Linnæan member, who was applied to for information, answered, that "'pon honour he was not sufficiently acquainted with Botany to decide."

See the "Statesman," May 27th.

rated for the occasion. The two presidents of the branch walked into the hall, arm in arm, like the two redoubtable kings of Brentford; and were scarcely seated, when a third president, who had been appointed to preside for this particular occasion, declared the society in session. The secretary opened a large trunk, and produced a huge package of letters; which, as he informed us, were answers from different august personages, to invitations to attend the celebration. Owing to the low voice of the secretary, we could only catch at intervals a few of the answers. Ira Hill thanked the society for their politeness, but was too much occupied with the centre of the earth, to care about what was transacting on its surface. Captain Symmes apologized for non-attendance, by stating, that the convexity of the earth, between Vandalia and Flushing, increased the distance so much, that he could not think of honouring them with his presence, unless they would pay his travelling expenses. He concluded by hinting, that should he find a shorter cut through the interior, (of which he was very sanguine,) he would certainly make it a point to be with them. Rachel Baker, in a very short letter, thanked the BRANCH for their polite invitation; and in three postcripts, (true woman!) gave thirty reasons why she could not attend. An additional P. P. S. stated, that she had given over dreaming, but she was pleased to find that the society had taken it up. They would go far, she had no doubt, to illustrate scientific, if not devotional somnium. Miss Caraboo was studying the Ricaraw tongue with an eminent Aricaree professor, in the University which, some time ago, sent a diploma to one of the Presidents. Charles the Tenth of France could not come for want of funds; but promised to do something handsome for the Branch, when he should be restored to the throne of his ancestors. A great man regretted his inability to be present at the celebration, but promised to carry the society's compliments, shortly, to Linnæus himself. Some of the members expressed their doubts, whether it might not be dangerous to go in his company; but all agreed, that the undertaking was magnani

mous.

The president now announced, that, as the hour that gave birth to Linnæus was at hand, he should request the company to walk into the garden, where the "prescribed ritual”* would be celebrated. The ladies, accordingly, formed into a hollow square, and led by the Linnæan members, marched into the garden, which, in spite even of newspaper puffing, is really worth going fifty miles to visit.

* Statesman, May 27th.

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