What is intended by mental laws-laws pervades the poem: the following will corroboof mind?

Having thus candidly stated our opinion, it
is due to an author who has fairly won so
mach of public attention and admiration, as
well as to our readers and ourselves, briefly
to support it by a few remarks and quota-
tions. In a general point of view, the poem is
obnoxious to criticism for its iteration of the
same ideas, for its blemishes in structure and
style, for its invention of new words and mis. of the alliteration and antithesis which pre- with a brief touch.

With regard to the constant iteration of the The offences against taste, and the egotism, same ideas, it is only necessary to refer, in to which we have alluded, are to be found in an proof, to the repetition of the thoughts on episode about the little literary world of Lonmind, on mental qualities, and on intellect, don (page 80 et seq.); in several descriptions which are really harped upon till we are fa- of the author's young poetical aspirations, sutigued with the strain. The grand and gran-perior mental enjoyments, and conflicts with deur form another string, the length and iden- envious critics,-matters which have little to tity of which might be estimated from the do with Oxford,-but on which we abstain recurrence of these words in almost every third from dilating, and only give a small space to page, from the poor opening couplet, through- the last of our complaints in samples of careout the piece.

What once they dreamt, when mortal nature threw
Phantasmal dimness round their soaring view,
Now all unearth'd, beatified, and free

From toil and tears,-the unscaled eye can see:
No more on them, the fitful whirl of things
From joy to gloom, eternal trial brings;
Array'd in light, before the throne they shine,
And fathom mysteries of love divine.

Why tears were shed, why pangs of woe prevailed,
Why goodness mourn'd, and virtue often fail'd,→
No longer now a with'ring shadow throws,
Like that which hovers round the world's repose."
We can only refer to a visit to Blenheim,
page 71, as a delightful example of descriptive
poetry and goodness of heart; and, by way of
variety, will end with a rather animated scena
of college dissipation.

"But who can languish through a hideous hour
When heart is dead, and only wine hath pow'r?
That brainless meeting of congenial tools,
Whose highest wisdom is to hate the schools,
Discuss a tandem, or describe a race,
And damn the proctor with a solemn face,
Swear nonsense wit, and intellect a sin,

Loll o'er the wine, and asininely grin !

writer's account), and wishes the engagement | ters call at the Red Lion? and if he did, what to be kept secret: a Mr. Spencer in the mean- would he call for when there ?' time makes Caroline an offer, which is approved heavens!' exclaimed Frederick to himself,' we by her father; and instead of the fair lady can-are going to the Red Lion!' and he was at By didly avowing that her affections are engaged least as much pleased as surprised at the novelty (we believe that is the phrase proper on such of the thing. occasions), the parent is kept in complete igno-lowed, when, the next moment, Mr. Owen The scene that fol rance, while the lover supposes indifference is Tudor, with a sort of half bow, between a nod he hopes will vanquish. The day before the rubbing his hands, and advancing a step nearer his only obstacle, and that time and attention and a complete obeisance, still smirking, still marriage, she elopes from home, under the pro- at each movement of his head, inquired, What tection of Sir George Ardent, the father of her they would be pleased to take? might have lover, who is unacquainted with her engage-exercised the pencil of Hogarth in its most ment, but whom she talks and cries into an inspired touches. Frederick bit his lip vioacquiescence with her plan: strict secrecy is to lently, to restrain the laugh with which he was be preserved towards his wife and daughter, bursting. Cranstoun drew his hand across his why we cannot understand, except on that mouth, and for the first time in his life found author's plea, the "stern necessity" of a little himself embarrassed at a reply. Mr. Owen unnecessary embarrassment. some fields, and Sir George places the fugitive choice, recounted volubly the treasures of his They meet in Tudor, with a view to assist them in their in lodgings with a woman of whom he knows cellar. nothing: there she remains a fortnight, while cider in bottle, and capital perry-capital, I I have some prime Herefordshire her protector visits her every day, under the assure you; excellent draught ale, superior name of Mr. Howard. Scandalous insinuations stout, and better London porter than is to be get about, especially in the Sunday papers (a got in London itself: I am choice in my spiclass to which our author seems to have a most rits, too. You will find the ale very good, special antipathy). Her retreat is discovered; gentlemen, if you try it; it is my friend she returns home, and is forgiven. But the Owen's own brewing; and a purer ale, I'll most ridiculous part yet remains. Charles Ar-venture to say, is not to be drunk in this or dent, to veil, as he calls it, "a father's crime," any other county.' avows to Colonel Asper, (the brother of his Ca-stoun, suiting his manner to the occasion, let 'Well then,' said Cranbut himself the seducer, nay, writes and signs a the order. roline, who visits him to explain,) that he is it be ale;' and the landlord departed to obey

Hard is the doom when awkward chance decoys
A moment's homage to their brutal joys.
What fogs of dulness fill the heated room,
Bedimm'd with smoke, and poison'd with perfume,
Where now and then some rattling soul awakes
In oaths of thunder, till the chamber shakes!
Then midnight comes, intoxicating maid,
What heroes snore, beneath the table laid!
But, still reserved, to upright posture true,
Behold! how stately are the sterling few:
Soon o'er their sodden nature wine prevails,
Decanters triumph, and the drunkard fails.
As weary tapers at some wondrous rout,
Their strength departed, winkingly go out,
Each spirit flickers till its light is o'er,
And all is darkness that was drunk before!"

The last line is not very intelligible; we will save it by another pithy one:

"All men are vain, yet all hate vanity."

'Shall I not take mine

paper to that effect. The colonel, instead of ease in mine inn?' said Cranstoun in a halfexplaining, as a word would have done, is whisper to Frederick; accompanying the words There is, however, much sense in concealing rest, and affects to challenge Charles. A meet- he drew towards him a vacant chair on which bitten with the same mystery-mania as the with an indescribable look of arch drollery, as vanity; and we rather fear that, with so many ing takes place; but, on the ground, Charles he stretched his legs. Frederick could only enemies as have beset the early career of Mont- finds his father, and every thing is satisfac-smile. At no time did the urbane kindness of gomery, he will have exposed himself to their torily settled. Unfortunately, this happens at Cranstoun betray him into familiarity with malice by the want of this prudent art in the the beginning of the third volume, and, in him; and at the present moment they were so volume before us. He has indeed laid himself order to complete the remaining three hundred oddly situated that he feared to speak, lest he very open to them; but yet we trust justice will also be done to his merits by an impartial should cause some awkward embarrassment, especially as there had been no opportunity for Cranstoun to express his own view of their situation."

and generous public.

pages, General Asper takes into his head (to use the writer's own words) " one of the most perverse fancies that ever addled the wholehe has been imposed upon, and forbids the some thoughts of a human brain." He says lies. Sir George is affronted also. Miss Ar- his secretary should stop at a little country alliances that were agreed to between the fami- out of the course of nature that a minister and There is something, to be sure, very much to their senses; and Charles and Caroline are uninteresting and ridiculous story, personality dent dies, which brings the elderly gentlemen inn. But to conclude a catchpenny title, an married at last. What connexion this silly without individuality (for truly the portraits story has with the title of the book, we have require their names to be written under them), not been able to discover. Most of the scenes inelegance of language, and common-place are, as we have said before, repetitions of the observation-such is the trash that has been trash of newspapers. The following one is a its grandiloquent absurdity let our readers specimen of the author's original powers: of judge. We should mention that Mr. Cranstoun is travelling with his secretary, and their carriage breaks down.

ushered with a prodigious flourish of trumpets publishes almost all our best novels: we put it into public notice. Mr. Colburn undeniably to himself, how he injures the fair fame of those who so richly deserve praise, as well as the and extravagant puffing of works like the pregeneral interests of literature, by injudicious sent.

The Premier. 3 vols. 12mo. London, 1831. Colburn and Bentley. THIS is the third novel to which Mr. Canning has lent the magic of a name. animated and beautiful sketch was given of the In De Vere an noble feelings, the high and lofty mind, the patriotic energy, of the gifted original. Sydenham followed in the same track; and the fine and spirited portrait under the name of Anstruther was one of the most favourable specimens of its youthful author's talents. present is as poor an imitation as it is a conThe temptible failure. There is a meagre outline of well-known events, better given, a hundred times, in any daily newspaper; and public men are dragged in to have some common and hearsay edition given of their characters. "Frederick was curiously perplexed at this sketches as entirely without originality as they late Cranstoun upon the vicinity of the Red moment. He could not venture to congratuare without power. Why this should be called Lion, for it was beyond the range of his pos- Journal of Travels in the Seat of War between the Premier, we really wonder: the so-called sible conceptions to picture a cabinet minister political part barely fills the third of a volume; walking into it for a rest, like a tired pedlar. the rest is eked by pseudo-literary portraits, Added to this, there was the still greater per- THIS volume comprises a very rapid journey Russia and Turkey. By T. B. Armstrong. in which, calling Mr. A. A. Watts Mr. A. A. plexity, would he walk into it? 8vo. pp. 242. London, 1831. Seguin. Potts (which we gather from a blunder, where Cranstoun, taking hold of his secretary's arm, (who travelled, as we gather, in the useful the real name is printed in one place instead of while he supported his steps with a stick in his capacity of a courier) observes, "with little "Well,' said over various countries, written, as the author the fictitious one!) is the most brilliant effort at other hand, here is a house.' Yes, sir-pretensions to elegance or correctness of style." wit we can discover; while the remaining pages there is a house,' replied Frederick hesitatingly. He enjoyed highly, and often describes forcibly, are filled with a love-story so peculiarly absurd, The Red Lion,' continued Cranstoun, look- what he saw. After leaving Vienna, the first that we shall give the outline as a curiosity.ing at the sign; and, upon my word, as passage of any interest, much increased by late Caroline Asper is in love with, and loved by, spruce and gentlemanly a lion as I would wish events, is the following:Charles Ardent with family and fortune to see, with clean nails and a copper-coloured equally suitable, there seems not an obstacle in the way of their union. The gentleman, however, desires a little mystery (entirely on the

tail.' Frederick laughed; but still thought of view of Cracow and the surrounding country, the tale which hung at the end of his own with the city conspicuously perched on the "We had now a splendid and extensive reflections would one of his majesty's minis-river Vistula before us. We crossed the

The traveller at last approaches Odessa, over one of the weary steppes of Russia.

floor."

The evil complained of by almost every tra- beautiful. In the centre of this immense lake veller, is the unhappy sameness of the modern are several singular-formed islands; and the routes: from Paris to Naples, all is so per-mountains of Kurdistan bound the prospect. fectly familiar, that one knows almost the exact Its waters, we were told, are so salt that no scene, whether of mountain, valley, or water-fish can live in it."

Mr. A. describe:—

bridge of boats; and on the other side of the steppes of Russia, and is called mirage: | tains, when we all at once found ourselves on the river were immediately assailed by num- the vapour from the earth, acted upon by the the brink of a precipice, hanging over a roarbers of Jews, anxious to serve us in ex-power of the sun, rises and appears to take ing torrent. We at last arrived at some ruins, changing money, or offering horses for hire. whatever object may be before you: its general where we mistook a tombstone for a door, and We were some time in traversing the very irre-appearance is that of a lake, with islands, came at length to an old ruined church, full of gular streets of this singular old town. About houses, or trees: it recedes as the traveller sheep: we slept in wet clothes on the damp eight miles from Cracow we arrived at the advances." little village of Wieliczka, celebrated for its On arriving near Varna, he thus describes From Georgia Mr. Armstrong proceeds into salt mines. With permission of the governor, the present Emperor of Russia:" After Persia, has an audience of the Shah at Tehran, we proceeded next day to a large building in waiting some time in the court-yard of the is wearied with the miserable condition of the the centre of the village, and entered a small palace, I was gratified with a sight of the czar people, and with fears of the Koords. Among room, where from ten to fifteen men were in as he entered his carriage. He is a tall, hand- the few fine scenes of this sultry and unpicattendance, with lighted lamps, to conduct us some, soldier-like personage, with a fine manly turesque land is the following. below. The descent was by winding stairs: countenance, possessing an air degagé. He "At sunset we had a delightful and extenthe first object that attracted my attention was was dressed in the plainest manner, in a dark sive view of the lake of Ouroomià and the six horses at work in another machine, drag-green double-breasted frock, with red collar mountains on its left. We arrived at the neat ging up immense blocks of salt; I was told and cuffs-a cap of the same cloth, with red town of Tasse; its environs form a complete they had not seen daylight for near fifteen band and a gray military cloak thrown garden, irrigation being carried on here, as years; I found their coats to be as smooth as loosely over him. All eyes were anxiously indeed in most parts of Persia, very successany English hunters; and they were in as fixed on him whose appearance was to deter- fully. The circumference of the lake of Ouroogood condition as possible. We visited several mine the fate of Varna: he saluted his officers mià is 250 miles, its length from north to chambers cut in the rock; the chapel, in par- severally in an affable manner." south 90, and breadth 32-the scenery most ticular, presented a dazzling and singular effect as we approached it with our lamps: the several statues are very well executed, and appear transparent. On the first stage hence, the Vistula winding majestically on our left, through a most delightful country: the vil-fall, which each day is to present, nearly as well To enter Armenia appeared like a passage lages proved wretched in the extreme, and as the good or bad dinners of the inns. Va- into a land of promise. If this country is as he nothing was to be met with but filth and riety, endless variety, is the order of Mr. A.'s represents and his descriptions bear the stamp poverty." journey. of fidelity and truth-it were well for the "The last post," he says, produced a lovers of travel, now that revolutions make, complete change of scenery; we got into a or soon will make, the continent a forbidden "I looked for trees or houses, but found deep valley, covered with cottages and trees, land to them, to turn their steps towards Arnone: the road is according to the fancy of the and watered by a clear stream: how welcome menia a splendid climate, a friendly and often traveller: it was an ocean of waste. The and how cheering, after the dreary parched polished people, with here and there a welcome troops we had passed this morning came to a steppe! At last we came to Simpherpoole: which one could picture rather in the Highlands halt: on inquiring of three officers how long the weekly market held here is really interest-of Scotland than in those of the Caucasus : let they had been on their route, I was astonished ing to those who enjoy novelty of costume and on their answering, — Eleven weeks, con-odd equipages. Here you will meet the Gertinually. We next arrived on the ridge of a man driving a pair of oxen, with a horse as steppe that continues for fifty versts to Teras-leader; Tartar carts, drawn by dromedaries; pol Previous to arriving, we witnessed a and horsemen covered with Circassian bourkas. cloud of locusts: we had to encounter them as I actually saw a French doctor, in ill health, the advanced part of the immense caravan we they flew over the plain by millions. I took one of them; it measured three inches long, and was two inches broad from the points of the wings. They had devoured every article of vegetation that fell in their way; whole fields of corn were devastated in a few days.' The people of Arabia, whom this scourge Another description is equally novel :-"The still infests, are more fortunate than the na- Georgian or Tartar dwellings are seldom to tires of the Crimea, inasmuch as they have be found above ground: the top is covered ttle verdure to be destroyed, save a few with beams of wood, branches of trees, and, groves of palm. The difference of reception above all, with a coat of earth, which makes it given to these "living clouds" in the two level with the ground. The natives are fre-bles the Swiss cottages. Countries is singular enough: the Arabs re- quently disturbed, when sitting round the fire, Give them rather as a blessing-catch them by the leg of some unfortunate cow or camel eagerly, fry them in butter, or, in default making its appearance down the chimney; thereof, eat them almost on the wing, or dry and it is not uncommon for the lambs to fall and lay them up as a bonne bouche. We re- through, and spoil whatever may happen to be member, one day halting in a stunted group of cooking." palms on the banks of the Red Sea, being assaed by these locusts, who dropped from the trees, or came slowly through the hot air, and quietly settled on us, to the great glee of our Arab escort, who, pulling off the wings and heads, devoured them as if they had been "I chose a fine clear frosty morning, and so many shrimps. "But the people of these enjoyed a sublime view of the great and little grant perfume; the corn-fields looked green parts," says Mr. Armstrong," collect with Ararat: both the summits were covered with and fresh: while the summits of the lofty shovels, pans, fire-arms, &c., keeping up a snow: no one, as yet, has succeeded in attain-mountains were covered with snow, their sides horrible noise, advancing in a line as the lo- ing the top of either. Several extensive gla- were often clothed with forests. easts retreat, which are thus frequently driven ciers fill up the ravines, immediately under We next day traversed the most picturesque from the lands to seek an asylum in the bosom one of which is an hermitage, about half-way valley I ever beheld, covered with the summer of the deep." down the mountain, which the natives affirm residences of the neighbouring gentry. On The author describes an appearance on these to have been the habitation of Noah after the our right were rocky conical mountains of giendless plains of the same kind as observed flood. Lions, bears, hyænas, and rock-snakes, gantic height-the town of Kara Hissar, or in the eastern deserts, though from a different are said to infest this mountain. About 5 P.M. Black Castle, on one of their summits." case. During the day, I witnessed a curious the snow fell so thick as to darken the air: The only defect in this goodly land seems to phenomenon, which frequently takes place on we wandered about the vicinity of the moun-be the want of inns-a lonely caravansary is

leave the place for Theodosia in a light phaeton,
drawn by a pair of immense camels. On the
way from Soudak we passed several burial-
places of the Tartars, in one of which I noticed
several women, covered with white robes, pre-
paring to inter a body."

On arriving at Erivan, the scenery was of more lofty character: it is a pity that the traveller could not afford more time to the really interesting places he saw; as it is, he makes the best use of his hurried visits.

"For one hour we were surrounded with snow, and at another travelling through beautiful groves of trees, with the Araxes at some distance below us: in five hours we came to had met in the morning. On descending, we arrived at a neat village, on the borders of an immense plain, where, on a grassplot in front of their dwellings, we observed a few Mussulmen at their devotions, kneeling silently. We at last arrived at the well-situated city of Arzeroom. I counted thirty minarets and other towers rising from the bosom of this ancient capital of Armenia. Tiles are used for roofing, which gives the buildings a European appearance; and the form of the houses much resem* This morning

we travelled seven hours, and are now in the Sheitan Dura (Devil's Valley); and the heaps of stone we sat on during our refreshment were the tombs of victims, they said, who had been murdered by banditti in this terrific pass. The scenery and the images which the tales of our guides conjured up, made it a valley of horror; and we sharpened our pace. But the next day we were surrounded by the grandest scenery on every side-bold and fertile valleys, watered by mountain streams; rich plains of pasturage, covered with flowers, emitting the most fra

but a poor substitute, with bare floors and habited, including Pitcairn Island; and the a visit of ceremony and of homage to their new comfortless walls; and exquisite scenery, when amount of the population altogether cannot sovereign. The only conveyance these people long continued, having a strong tendency to possibly exceed three thousand one hundred could command was double canoes, three of excite the appetite, the recoil from the joys of souls; of which one thousand belong to the which, of the largest class, were prepared for the imagination to the keen and cruel demands Gambier group, and twelve hundred and sixty the occasion. To us, accustomed to navigate of hunger is extreme. We remember travel-to Easter Island, leaving eight hundred and the seas in ships of many tons burthen, proling with a countryman in Switzerland, who forty persons only to occupy the other thirty vided with a compass and the necessary instruhad no passion for cold and snowy magnifi- islands. All the natives apparently profess the ments to determine our position,-a canoe cence; wearied utterly also with a long day's same religion; all speak the same language, with only the stars for her guidance, and desprogress, it was in vain that the sun was going and are in all essential points the same people. tined to a place whose situation could be at down in excessive glory on Mont Blanc and its There is a great diversity of features and com- the best but approximately known, appears so neighbouring glaciers. "Look!" exclaimed plexion between those inhabiting the volcanic frail and uncertain a conveyance, that we may one enthusiast," the purple rays are full on islands and the natives of the coral formations, wonder how any persons could be found suffiits crest and side, after they have fled from the former being a taller and fairer race. This ciently resolute to hazard the undertaking, every other peak.' "Beautiful!" exclaimed change may be attributed to a difference of They knew, however, that similar voyages had every one except W. who sat sadly on a food, habits, and comfort; the one having to been successfully performed, not only to mounbank during the pause. "Purple light, and seek a daily subsistence upon the reefs, exposed tainous islands to leeward, but to some that glaciers, and glory, what are they all at this to a burning sun and to the painful glare of a were scarcely six feet above the water, and moment compared to a roast pig, well crisped, white coral beach, while the other enjoys plen- were situated in the opposite direction; and laid on the rock before us, and the last ray tifully the spontaneous produce of the earth, as no ill omens attended the present underresting on its back ?" Mr. A. thus feelingly reposes beneath the genial shade of palm or taking, no unusual fears were entertained. speaks of a similar train of feeling: An old bread-fruit groves, and passes a life of com- The canoes being accordingly prepared, and castle is on the summit of a rocky height. We parative ease and luxury. It has hitherto duly furnished with all that was considered looked with admiration on the loveliest spot in been a matter of conjecture how these islands, necessary, the persons intending to proceed on nature, high amongst the mountains, hid from so remote from both great continents, have this expedition were embarked, amounting in the noisy world, remote in nature's very bosom, received their aborigines. The intimate con- all to a hundred and fifty souls. What was enjoying almost every fruit common in Asia. nexion between the language, worship, man- the arrangement of the other two canoes is Soon after, we entered a forest, in which we ners, customs, and traditions, of the people unknown to us; but in Tuwarri's there were were benighted, and the rain fell in torrents. who dwell upon them, and those of the Malays twenty-three men, fifteen women, and ten Our Tartars at last discovered a village: here and other inhabitants of the great islands to children, and a supply of water and provision we were hospitably received in the house of a the westward, leaves no doubt of frequent calculated to last three weeks. On the day of gentleman; a good fire blazed in the apart-emigrations from thence; and we naturally departure all the natives assembled upon the ment, and every thing to make us comfortable look to those countries as the source from beach to take leave of our adventurers; the was provided. What a transition from the which they have sprung. The difficulty, how-canoes were placed with scrupulous exactness majestic pine forests and solitudes! Our host ever, instantly presents itself of proceeding so in the supposed direction, which was indicated with some friends enjoyed themselves, as we vast a distance in opposition to the prevail- by certain marks upon the land, and then all did. After partaking of a good and plenti- ing wind and current, without vessels better launched into the sea, amidst the good wishes ful repast, we slept soundly." equipped than those which are in possession of and adieus of their countrymen. With a fair One could almost envy a residence in Tokat, those people. This objection is so powerful in wind and full sail they glided rapidly over the famed for its wines. "In approaching it, the the minds of some authors, that they have had space, without a thought of the possibility of roads are for two miles ornamented on each recourse to the circuitous route through Tar- the miseries to which they were afterwards side with gardens, the perfume from which is tary, across Beering's Strait, and over the exposed. It happened, unfortunately, that the most delicious, and the nightingale warbling its American continent, to bring them to a situa- monsoon that year began earlier than was sweet song, the only sound to be heard in the tion whence they might be drifted by the ordi- expected, and blew with great violence; two calm stillness of the night. We next passed nary course of the winds to the lands in question. days were, notwithstanding, passed under fathe beautiful remains of the once-famed Amas- But had this been the case, a more intimate vourable circumstances, and the adventurers sia. The reflection of the moon on the ancient resemblance would surely be found to exist began to look for the high land of Maitea, an castle was striking. The city is placed amidst between the American Indians and the natives island between Chain Island and Otaheite, an amphitheatre of mountains, and watered by of Polynesia." and to anticipate the pleasures which the suca fine river. At the top of a perpendicular In our opinion, but we put it with great dif- cessful termination of their voyage would afrock are the remains of a noble Genoese castle.fidence, the Polynesian Islands have been peo- ford them; when their progress was delayed In the centre of the city, and close on the river, pled both from the Asian and American conti- by a calm, the precursor of a storm, which is a superb mosque, with a gilded dome and nents-the nearest to each, from each. If we rose suddenly from an unfavourable quarter, minarets, rising splendidly from amidst the are rightly informed, there is a marked dif- dispersed the canoes, and drove them away remains of Genoese art. Quantities of mills ference in the physical form, features, hair, before it. In this manner they drifted for are seen on the banks of the river, throwing &c., between the natives of the islands nearest several days; but on the return of fine weather, water into the gardens which surround the America and those nearest Asia, as well as in having a fortnight's provision remaining, they their habits, costume, rites, and language. again resolutely sought their destination; but Whatever faults of style, and they are very But the discussion of this question would lead a second gale drove them still further back many, attach to Mr. A. as a writer, he has had us into too great length; and we rather quote than the first, and lasted so long, that they the good sense to produce his travels in a plain a canoe adventure of much interest, which will became exhausted. Thus many days were and unassuming form. His volume has much shew how accident might contribute to the past; their distance from home hourly ininterest: had he tarried longer on the way, peopling of island after island. At Byam creasing; the sea continually washing over and not counted every moment lost in which Martin Island, 600 miles from Otaheite, Cap- the canoe, to the great discomfiture of the he was not en route, or possessed a more able tain B. found forty persons, who had been women and children; and their store of proand elegant pen, few journeys of the day would driven thither by storm and stress of weather, vision dwindled to the last extremity. A long have been so attractive. and brought one of them, named Tuwarri, off with him, to carry the news home.

town."

Beechey's Voyage to the Pacific.

[Second Notice.] FROM Gambier's Islands, Captain Beechey pursued his course, and examined a number of the eastern Polynesian Islands, with which the Pacific is studded, and of which many, no doubt, yet remain to be discovered, as they are indeed discovered by every vessel which shapes a new track through that immense ocean. At the close, he tells us :

"Of the thirty-two islands which have thus been visited in succession, only twelve are in

"Tuwarri was a native of one of the low coral formations discovered by Capt. Cook in his first voyage, called Anaa by the natives, but by him named Chain Island, situated about three hundred miles to the eastward of Otaheite, to which it is tributary. About the period of the commencement of his misfortunes, old Pomarree, the king of Otaheite, died, and was succeeded by his son, then a child. On the accession of this boy, several chiefs and commoners of Chain Island, among whom was Tuwarri, planned a voyage to Otaheite, to pay

calm, and, what was to them even worse, hot dry weather, succeeded the tempest, and drove them to a state of despair. From the description, we may imagine their canoe alone and becalmed on the ocean; the crew, perishing with thirst, beneath the fierce glare of a tropical sun, hanging exhausted over their paddles; children looking to their parents for support, and mothers deploring their inability to afford them assistance. Every means of quenching their thirst were resorted to; some drank the sea-water, and others bathed in it, or poured it over their heads; but the absence of fresh water in the torrid zone cannot be

compensated by such substitutes. Day after they came in sight of another uninhabited | affection the male sex possess, as there was day, those who were able extended their island. In their attempt to land upon it, their certainly none bestowed on the women. Ingourds to heaven in supplication for rain, and canoe was unfortunately stove, but all the party deed the situation of the females is much to repeated their prayers- but in vain; the got safe on shore. The damage which the ves-be pitied: in no part of the world, probably, fleecy cloud floating high in the air indicated sel had sustained requiring several weeks to are they treated more brutally. While their only an extension of their suffering: distress repair, they established themselves upon this husbands are indulging their lethargic dispoin its most aggravated form had at length island, and again commenced storing up provi-sition under the shade of the cocoa-nut trees, reached its height, and seventeen persons fell sion for their voyage. Eight months had already making no effort toward their own support, victims to its horrors. The situation of those passed in these occupations, when we unexpect- beyond that of eating when their food is placed who remained may readily be imagined, though edly found them thus encamped upon Byam Mar- before them, the women are sent to the reefs to their fate would never have been known to tin Island, with their canoe repaired, and all the wade over the sharp-pointed coral in search of us, had not Providence at this critical moment necessary stores provided for their next ex-shell-fish, or to the woods to collect pandanuswrought a change in their favour. The sky, pedition. The other two canoes were never nuts. We have seen them going out at daywhich for some time had been perfectly se- heard of." light on these pursuits, and returning quite rene, assumed an aspect which at any other Capt. B. having landed Tuwarri on Chain fatigued with their morning toil. In this period would have filled our sufferers with Island, sailed to Bow Island, of which his ac-state, instead of enjoying a little repose on apprehension; but, on the present occasion, count is curious. reaching their home, they are engaged in the the tropical storm, as it approached, was "The natives were in appearance the most laborious occupation of preparing what they hailed with thankfulness, and welcomed as indolent ill-looking race we had yet seen; have gathered for their hungry masters, who, their deliverer. All who were able came broad flat noses, dull sunken eyes, thick lips, immediately the nuts are placed before them, upon the deck with blankets, gourds, and co-mouths turned down at the corners, strongly stay their appetites by extracting the pulpy coa-nut shells, and extended them toward the wrinkled countenances, and long bushy hair substance contained in the outside woody fibres black cloud, as it approached, pouring down matted with dirt and vermin. Their stature of the fruit, and throw the remainder to their torrents of rain, of which every drop was of in- was above the middle size, but generally wives, who further extract what is left of the calculable value to the sufferers; they drank crooked; their limbs bony, their muscles flac- pulp for their own share, and proceed to extricopiously and thankfully, and filled every vessel cid, and their only covering a maro. But cate the contents of the interior, consisting of with the precious element. Thus recruited, hideous as the men were, their revolting ap-four or five small kernels about the size of an hope revived; but the absence of food again pearance was surpassed by the opposite sex of almond. To perform this operation, the nut plunged them into the deepest despair. We the same age. The males were all lolling is placed upon a flat stone endwise, and with need not relate the dreadful alternative to which against the cocoa-nut trees, with their arms a block of coral, as large as the strength of the they had recourse until several large sharks round each others' necks, enjoying the refresh- women will enable them to lift, is split in rose to the surface and followed the canoe;ing shade of a thick foliage of palm-trees; pieces, and the contents again put aside for Tuwarri, by breaking off the head of an iron while the women, old and young, were labour-their husbands. As it requires a considerable scraper, formed it into a hook, and succeeding ing hard in the sun, in the service of their number of these small nuts to satisfy the appein catching one of them, which was instantly masters, for they did not merit the name of tites of their hungry masters, the time of the substituted for the revolting banquet which had husbands. The children, quite naked, were women is wholly passed upon their knees poundhitherto sustained life. Thus refreshed, they placed upon mats, crying and rolling to and ing nuts, or upon the sharp coral collecting again worked at their paddles or spread their fro, to displace some of the myriads of house-shells and sea-eggs. On some occasions the sail, and were not long before their exertions flies, which so speckled their bodies that their nuts are baked in the ground, which gives them were repaid with the joyful sight of land, on real colour was scarcely discernible. a more agreeable flavour, and facilitates the which clusters of cocoa-nuts crowned the heads "On questioning the chief, he acknow-extraction of the pulp; it does not, however, of several tafts of palm-trees: they hurried ledged himself to have been present at several diminish the labour of the females, who have through the surf, and soon reached the much-feasts of human bodies, and on expatiating in either case to bruise the fibres to procure the wished-for spot, but being too feeble to ascend on the excellence of the food, particularly smaller nuts. The superiority of sex was never the lofty trees, were obliged to fell one of them when it was that of a female, his brutal coun- more rigidly enforced than among these barwith an axe. On traversing the island to tenance became flushed with a horrible ex-barians, nor were the male part of the human which Providence had thus conducted them, pression of animation. Their enemies, those species ever more despicable. On one occasion, they discovered by several canoes in the lagoon, slain in battle, or those who die violent deaths, an unfortunate woman who was pounding some and pathways intersecting the woods, that it and murderers, were, he said, the only subjects of these nuts, which she had walked a great had been previously inhabited; and knowing selected for these feasts: the latter, whether the greater part of the natives of the low islands justified or not, were put to death, and eaten to be cannibals, they determined to remain no alike with their victims. They have still a longer upon it than was absolutely necessary great partiality for raw food, which is but one to recruit their strength, imagining that the remove from cannibalism; and when a canoe islanders, when they did return, would not rest full of fish was brought one day to the village, satisfied with merely dispossessing them of their the men, before it could be drawn to the shore, asylum. It was necessary, while they were fell upon its contents, and devoured every part alosed to remain, to seek shelter from the of the fish except the bones and fins. The woweather, and to exert themselves in procuring men, whose business it was to unload the boat, apply of provision for their further voyage; did the best they could with one of them behuts were consequently built, pools dug for tween their teeth, while their hands were emwater, and three canoes added to those which ployed portioning the contents of the canoe were found in the lake. Their situation by into small heaps. But even in this repast we Col. Napier's War in the Peninsula. Lese means was rendered tolerably comfortable, were glad to observe some indication of feeling (Second notice: Conclusion.) and they not only provided themselves with by their putting the animal speedily out of INDEPENDENTLY of the military incidents, essaries sufficient for daily consumption, but torture by biting its head in two, the only on which the author is so delightfully diffuse, were able to dry and lay by a considerable proof of humanity which they manifested. In his volumes have a further claim to attention, antity of fish for sea stock. After a time, like manner, cleanliness was not overlooked by fading themselves undisturbed, they gained con- them, for they carefully rinsed their mouths dence, and deferred their departure till thirteen after the disgusting meal. It appeared that truths had elapsed from the time of their land- the chief had three wives, and that polygamy At the expiration of which period, being was permitted to an unlimited extent; any i good bodily health and supplied with neces- man of the community, we were told, might saries for their voyage, they again launched put away his wife whenever it is his pleasure pon the ocean in quest of home. They steered to do so, and take another, provided she were tw days and nights to the north west, and disengaged. No ceremony takes place at the then fell in with a small island, upon which, as wedding; it being sufficient for a man to say it appeared to be uninhabited, they landed, to a woman, You shall be my wife;' and she and remained three days, and then resumed becomes so. The offspring of these unions their voyage. After a run of a day and a night seem to be the objects of the only feelings of

distance to gather, thinking herself unobserved,
ate two or three of the kernels as she extracted
them; but this did not escape the vigilance of
her brutal husband, who instantly rose and
felled her to the ground in the most inhuman
manner with three violent blows of his fist.
Thus tyrannised over, debased, neglected by
the male sex, and strangers to social affection,
it is no wonder all those qualities which in
civilised countries constitute the fascination of
woman, are in these people wholly wanting."
[To be concluded in our next.]

inasmuch as they furnish many authentic illustrations of the habitual public bearing and temper of the Duke of Wellington, tending to confirm us in our opinion of the confined direction and limited application of his high powers of mind. Military chiefs have, with few exceptions, made but indifferent statesmen; and never, perhaps, popular ones in a country blessed with free institutions. The boy's first lesson, on obtaining his colours, is to learn submission to the arbitrary will of those above him, and to require the like from those beneath; the pride of this petty sway compen