plants, of which peat is formed, though always saturated with moisture, do not grow in water. If he had read my Geological Travels, on some parts of the Coasts of the Baltic, and of the North Sea, published in London in the year 1810, he would have seen what labour and attention I had bestowed on peatmosses, and thus have conceived a very different idea of the growth of these plants. and only shoots up above water some straggling branches, which continue to grow on the surface of the moss; these have left their impression in the stratum of slate, formed after the submersion of the island on which the moss had existed. I am acquainted with the astonishing vegetable described by Mr. Farey, hav ing seen it near Colebrook Dale. These large, hollow, and thin tubes, branching like reeds, appeared to belong to the stratum above the coals; in some parts also the substance of the plant is converted into coal, which agrees with my system of coals being a mineralization of vegetable substances. But what can be said of the manner in which that nowunknown vegetable may have grown, when we see it, not only imbedded in, but filled with, grit-stone?" What we can judge is only, that, after the submersion of the peat-moss, to which it belonged, a new precipitation happened in the aucient sea, of a sand fit to consolidate, with time, into grit. Such were at first all our stoney strata, when organic fossils were imbedded in them, and this stratum in particular was of a nature to consolidate into grit, both in these kind of reeds and in the whole of the strata inclosing them: but they afterwards underwent disruptions, for it was in a cleft that I saw these enormous tubes at Colebrook Dale. J. A. DE Luc. The principal mass of the peat is certainly formed of sub-aqueous plants, and their first bed under water is the conferva, filling the water with its green clouds; in which they grow, and copiously prosper; first, all the aquatic mosses, especially the sphagnum palus. tre, very remarkable by its star-like tufts along a thin thread; then many kinds of reeds and other sub-aquatic plants, which were shown and named to me by the Prof. of Botany of Rostock, (p. 146) not only in the moss itself, but in the peat dug many feet deep; they are, scirpus caspitosus, serpus maritimus, scirpus pauciflorus, eriophorum vaginatum, equisetum palustre, equisetum fluviatile, I followed very attentively the progress of mos-cs, along lakes and rivers, sometimes with danger, as it is related in my Travels, by proceeding from the part of the moss already solid, and even culti vated, to those parts where the sort of mattress formed by mere aquatic plants, still in water, yielded to the weight of my body; however, when these aquatic plants are thus matted, various terrestrial To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. plants begin to grow on that soil, which is enriched by a brown powder, produced from the molecule of the vegetables, se parated without putrefaction, or the loss of their combustit te faculty, which is the characteristic of peat; and, as I have proved in these Travels, is owing to some antiseptic quality of moss water. It is not surprising that the vegetables found in the strata that cover coal beds are different from those which form the now-existing peat-mosses, since we find so many differences between the fossil and recent organic bodies of other kinds: but there are in the former many of the now existing vegetables, among which are various species of ferns: and I may give an instance of a mere aquatic plant, namely, the sphagnum palustre. In our collection at Geneva we have a number of specimens of the slate which forms the roof of the coal-beds in Forest, a county of France, on which is impressed that plant, which is absolutely sub-aqueous, I Windsor. SIR, SEND you the conclusion of Hugh Peters' Dying Father's last Legacy to an only Child.-Some of your readers may be pleased with the knowledge of such other of his writings as I am acquainted with. In 1647 In 1646 he published, “ God's Doings and Man's Duty, a Sermon preached be fore both Houses of Parliament, the Lord Mayor, and Aidermen of London," &c. and, in the same year," Mr. Peters's last Report of the English Wars, occasioned by the importunity of a friend pressing fin answer for some queries," &c. he published a 4to. pamplet of fourteen pages, entitled, " A Word for the Army, and Two Words to the Kingdom, to clear the one and cure the other, forced in much plainness and brevity from their faithful humble servant, Hugh Peters." This tract is reprinted in the Harleian Miscellany. In 1651, an answer was published to Mr. Hugh Peters's "Good Work Work for a good Magistrate, or a short cut to great quiet." This tract of his I have not yet met with. A small volume of tales and jests was printed soon after his death, and attributed to him. In 1807, Mr. Caulfield, a bookseller of London, reprinted this book, and at the end of the Preface mentions the following circumstance: "The publisher of this edition, having in the year 1791 put forth an account of several remarkable persons,' had an application made to him for a portrait of Peters, occurring in the book, by a reverend-looking divine, in appearance upwards of 80 years of age, who reported himself his grandson, stating, that, on the execution of his ancestor, his mother, the daughter to whom Hugh Peters addressed his dying legacy, had withdrawn herself to America to her mother's relations, that she married and settled in that country, and that he was the youngest of her children. He was a fine looking man, nearly six feet in height, and seemned rather proud than ashamed of his grandfather." If any of your readers can furnish me, by the post, with further information respecting his family, or will communicate any other particulars relative to him than are collected in his Life by James Harris, they would peculiarly oblige, Clifton, near Bristol, November, 1812. WM. TYSON. Hugh Peters's last Legacy to his Daughter. (Concluded from vol. 32, p. 462.) I thought Ireland the clearest work, and had the pay of a preacher then and afterward, as I could get it; I was not here at Edge-hill, nor the Bishop of Canterburies troubles or death. Upon my return, was staid again from going home, by the Earl of Warwick, my patron; then by the Earl of Essex, afterwards by the Parliament, who at last gave me an estate, now taken away, I had success to the king about my New-England business: he used me civilly: I, in requital, offered my poor thoughts three times for his safety: I never had hand in contriving or acting his death, as I am scandalized, but the contrary (to my nean power); I was never in any councils or cabal at any time; I hated it, and had no stowage for counsel, thinking all governments should lye open to all: nor had penny from any general, but lived in debt, as now I am; nor had means for ny expences: what I had others shared in. I confess I did what I did strenu ously, though with a weak head, being overlaid with my own and others' troubles; never was angry with any of the king's party, nor any of them for being so; thought the Parliament authority lawfull, and never studied it much; have not had my hand in any man's blood, but saved many in life and estate. The Parliament, in 1644, gave me the bishop's books, valued at 1401. which I intended for New England, being a part of his pri vate library, which (with all my own) I have often offered for 1501. the mistake about them was and is great, for they never were so considerable; and these were my gettings, who never aimed to be rich, nor ever had means to reach it. The changes grew (as you see) a commonwealth I found, but thus altered; I staid so long at Whitehall, contented with any good government that would keep things together, till the breach of that they call Richard's Parliament, and then I removed, and never returned more, but fell sick long, and in trouble ever since; never was summoned but once by the council, which was in April, about books; of which (lying sick) I craved of the president of the council to excuse me, who sent unto me he had, and I gave him au account of the books; but, hearing that my estate was gone, and I indebted, was private, and did purpose so to live, and so to dye, having a resolution (which I kept) never to meddle with state-matters, but, either here or in New England, to spend my old age in looking into my grave and eternity; and never had to do with any transactions with souldiers or others; nor never would, had I a longer re, my head and heart be tired, as well as my body craz'd. I thought the Act of Indemnity would have included me, but the hard character upon me excluded me, which I was sensible of, that nature (in its own preservation) carried me to privacy; but free from that report of the manner which is suggested, of which you may be assured, by my zeal (it seems) [ have exposed myself to all manner of reproach; but wish you to know, that (besides your mother) I have had no fellowship (that way) with any woman since first I knew her, having a godly wife before also, I bless God. But, because what is before written may seem my white side only, I shall deal in all plainness with you, that, though for religion, I am and have been really sound and orthodox to my best apprehension, according to the blessed word of God, and the generality of the Protestant confessions; yea, though I travelled through through Protestant churches for order, to to stay. For errors in judgment I have pittyed, never closed with any that know; when I was a tryer of others I went to hear and gain experience, rather than to judge; when I was called about mending laws, I rather was there to pray than riend laws; when to judge in wills, I only went sometimes to learn and help the poor than to judge; but in all these I confess I might well have been spared. Nor do I take pleasure in remembring any my least activity in state-matters, though this I can say, I no-where minded who ruled, fewer or more, so the good ends of government be given out, in which men may live in godliness and honesty. I have often said, that is a good government where men may be as good as they can, not so bad as they would, where good men and things are upper most; and have thought, if good magistrates cannot bring all to their judgment, the dissenters may have liberty, being kept out of office, and want some other public characters. That which a friend of mine and myself writ by letters about magistrates was very little, and the Records of the Tower were only named as giving way to all other records, to cut off dissentions, or marks of tyranny, which no good prince will exercise; I am sorry if any offended, it was zeal for quietness. I honour laws and good lawyers heartily, and know their use, only ease, expedition, and cheapness, what good man doth not call for. Sedition is the heating men's minds against the present authority, in that I never was, yet sorry authority should have any hard thoughts of me, or know so inconsiderable a creature as myself; I never could be fit for a court, many ways not fit, and am therefore grieved that I was either constrained or content to live where I could do so little good, for I would dye without a secret in my bosom, unless cases of conscience in the way of preaching, which are secret indeed, and for reading them to the world I had appointed a portion, if it had been continued to me. Upon all this you may ask what design I drove, being looked upon that way? Truly these three: First, That goodness, that which is really so, and such religion, might be highly advanced. Secondly, That good learning might have all countenance. Thirdly, That there may not be a beggar in Israel, in England. And for all these I have projected or laboured, and I have no other. And these I pray his present Majesty may look to, and that God would bless him every way. If in the prosecution of these I have used any of my wonted rudeness, or unguided zeal, I am heartily sorry. So, begging pardon from God and man, con stitution or custom, I conclude in these particulars, though the aim be good. I conclude the former thus: I think, that, as bad men care not who rule, or what is uppermost, so they may have their lusts; so good men, if they may enjoy God and his truth with good consci ence. For my whole course you know and feel where my wound hath been these twenty years, which bath occasi oned not only my head and heart break ing, but travelling from mine own nest into business. Bless Bless God if ever you meet with suitableness in marriage. For my spirit it wanted weight through many tossings, my head that composure others have, credulous and too careless, but never mischievous nor malicious: I thought my work was to serve others, and so mine Own garden not so well cultivated; only this I say, I aimed at a good mark, and trust the Lord in Jesus Christ hath accepted it. My faith in the everlasting covenant was and is, though feeble, yet faith. I could thus continue ripping my whole heart to you, who have very often had great success, even to the last hour of my last preaching, and am preaching the life of faith to myself, to which call in all prayers to the Father in Jesus Christ his dearest Son, to whom let us look, as the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before hin, endured the cross, despised the shame, and now sits at the right hand of Majesty, making intercession for transgressors. Heb. xii. 12.-To whom be glory and praise, and thanks for ever. For he is worthy who hath washed us from our sins by his own blood, and made us kings and priests unto God the Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever. For that part of my Lord Craven's estate which I have took no small place in my trouble. You may know that I was not in the city when that act was made, nor urged my Lord Grey to buy; nor ever advised the said lord (as I had time) but to good and just things and company, against that spirit of levelling then stirring: and do heartily wish that taken offence might dye, for it was not intended by me, who could and can be as well contented without land as withi it, never being ambitious to be great or rich since I knew better things. 31. And now I must return to yourself again, and to give you my thoughts about your own condition. I do first commend you to the Lord, and then to the care of a faithful friend, whom I shall name unto you, if a friend may be found in this juncture that dare own your name, (though there be more of your name); and if such a friend advise it, that you serve in some godly family, to which you seem to incline, and must (it seems); but truly, if not a good family, what will your condition be? Dwell where God dwalls, and be in such company as you must be with in Heaven, and then you do but change your place not your company; though it be unexpected and uncouth, yet remember the best of men have been servants; Moses kept his father's sheep; so Jacob, and the patriarchs; David to Saul, and many more; I have before given thee rules for it; and be sure to be steady to family and private duties, your life will be dead without them: call your condition God's Ordinance, and he can bless it to you. But, if you would go home to New England (which you have much reason to do), go with good company, and trust God there: the church are a tender company: a little will carry us through the world, yea very little: Oh, godliness with content! your faithfulness to me and your mother will find accep tance in heaven I trust. My dear child, tell me how couldst thou be without God's rod? remember he hath a staff also. For your mother (considering her distemper) I have and shall say more unto you. To His grace, who is able to do above all we can ask or think, I commend you both. And, if I go shortly where time shall be no more, where cock nor clock distinguish hours, sink not, but lay thy head in his bosom who can keep thee, for he sits upon the waves. Farewel. 35. And, since we must part, must part, take my wishes, sighs, and groans, to follow thee, and pity the feebleness of what I have sent, being writ under much, yea very much, discomposure of spirit. OME of your correspondents, without Se omsideration, adduce charges of venality and corrupt misrepresentation against the Newspapers. It seems, they do not approve of the origin and continuance of the War; but that question can have no permanent influence on the conductors of the ephemeral press. It is our business 3 to record intelligence as it comes to hand, true or false, of which we cannot always judge on its arrival. It is equally necessary that we maintain our families, and obtain good interest for our capital, by means of the public patronage. If our ducement to deal in truth only; but, if patrons prefer truth, we have every infalsehood and exaggeration are the only species of news which will pass generally current, is it to be expected that a News paper proprietor should make a useless sacrifice of himself, his family, and property, from a squeamish regard to ab. stract truth? We have been told from the highest law authority, that to pass pleasantly through life, something more is requisite than "the innocence of the dove," and in humouring, rather than kicking against, the public prejudices, the Newspaper proprietors do but add "the wisdom of the serpent." In plain language, the Newspapers are made to sell; and the sole rivalry among the proprietors is naturally directed to the sale. Among us, the greatest man is he who possesses the paper of the greatest sale, and this can only be effected by humouring the public, not in gratifying the wise fero who form, as the quack doctors well know, but one in ten of the community! I will illustrate these positions by one fact, and I request the sticklers for mere truth, to place themselves, commercially speaking, in our situation. A few days ago, some Russian and French Bulletins arrived, detailing additional particulars of some battles, the results of which had been before the public for several weeks; but containing also a notice of one new skirmish, in which each of the opposing Generals alleged that the other had lost two thousand men. As John Bull must be bumoured, the Russian account was, as a thing of course, preferred; and the paper in which I am a thousand-pound proprietor, announced in its window, "Glorious defeat of the French by the Russians." We printed soine papers, and were surprised at having no extra demand; till we found that a neigh bouring rival had added together all the alledged losses in all the engagements, old and new, and even the figures in the duplicate accounts, and had posted a bill "Total Defeat of the French Army, with the loss of forty thousand killed, including Murat, sir thousand prisoners, and eighty pieces of cannon." We heard also, that his presses could not supply the demand, and that the crowd of pur extra chasers |