distinguished station to which he had been raised; but he could assure them that no anxieties or attention would be wanting on his part to promote the interests of the Royal Society, and of science generally.

The healths of Mr. Feel, Mr. Davies Gilbert, Mr. Barlow, &c. &c. were afterwards given and received by the company present with cordiality and respectful attention. The several gentlemen complimented addressed the company with great effect. The reply of Mr. Barlow was particularly well received.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE.

At the first meeting of the Society for the season, the Secretary read a paper by Dr. J. Jamieson, one of the Royal Associates, containing a collection of various superstitions relating to the Ternary Number. So general, among the ancients in the middle ages, and with the vulgar of times immediately connected with our own, was the ascription of a peculiar virtue to the number Three, that some reference to it was formerly mixed up with nearly all the actions and circumstances of human life. Dr. J. among many other instances, notices the influence of this superstition in the formation of camps and compounding of medicaments, in amorous incantations and funeral rites; and shews that the number of guests present, and of cups drunk or poured out in libations at entertainments; the number of sheep in a flock; of repetitions in forms of solemn invocations, &c. was religiously restricted to three, or the triplication of three; or that, at any rate, the odd number was observed. To the Triad was supposed to belong a mystical perfection, conveyed in auspicious influences to all affairs in which it was employed.-A series of memoirs relative to the introduction of Greek Literature into this country, and some unpublished annotations of Bentley, are among the papers in reserve for the ensuing readings.

HULL LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL
SOCIETY.

The second meeting of this Society was held Nov. 18, when a paper was read on The Origin of the Americans. The object of Mr. Buckton was to prove that the American tribes originally proceeded from the NorthEast of Asia. He founded this hypothesis chiefly on proofs derived from Physiology and Languages. He shewed, from a number of independent authorities, that the varieties observable in the physiological characters of the American tribes, are so inconsiderable, that no reasonable doubt can be entertained of their identity; and that the general character of the Americans strikingly indicates their close affinity to the Mongols, or to a mixture of the Mongols and Tartar races, of the North-East of Asia. After observing that the American languages possessed great variety of inflexions, and an intricate syntax, he concluded, that the

[Dec.

American tribes are the remnants of one or more nations, who had attained a considerable degree of civilization; and he introduced a number of proofs of the extensive cultivation of the arts in the new Continent. He produced comparative tables of American languages, and also of the Coptic, Japanese, Malay, Sanscrit, African, Basque, Celtic, and Caucasian, which he considered, however, too limited in the number of affinities to afford any satisfactory result. But he established the identity of the languages spoken by the Tshutshi in the North-Eastern extremity of Asia-by the inhabitants of the North-West coast of America and of the Aleutian islands-the Greenlandersand the Esquimaux. He also showed that striking affinities subsist between the languages of the Samoyedes, the Tongoose, the Yakutes, the Calmucs, the Mantchoos, the Ainos of the Curile Islands, the Ostiacks, and the Tatars and Mongols generally, and also those of the various tribes of Americafrom Norton Sound and Greenland, through Mexico, to Peru and Chili.-He then alluded to the traditions of the American tribes, and to the Mexican histories; and concluded, that America was peopled from Asia, by wandering tribes of Mongol race, who passed thither by Behring's Straits, by the Aleutian Islands, and probably by some Northern course yet unknown to Europeans.-An interesting conversation ensued, in which the President, Mr. J. Crosse, Mr. E. Gibson, the Rev. W. S. Brown, Mr. W. H. Dikes, Mr. T. Dykes, and some other gentlemen, took a part.-Seventeen ordinary, three proprietary, and three honorary members, were admitted at this and the former meeting.-A curious knife, the handle of which was composed of ivory and steel, delicately inlaid with gold, and which was lately found in a well at Meaux Abbey, was deposited in the Museum; and the list of presents recently made, read to the meeting, was both extensive and gratifying.

There has been lately discovered at Caen, in Normandy, a collection of manuscripts of the celebrated Huet, Bishop of Avranches, together with a large autograph correspondence of the most celebrated characters, male and female, of the age of Louis XIV. In 1709, and twelve years before his death, this prelate is said to have written 20,000 letters on different literary questions. As his correspondents were the Bossuets, Fenelons, the Flechiers, the Bocharts, and other celebrated men, the La Fayettes, the Scuderys, the Daciers, Christina of Sweden, and other ladies distinguished for their talents and acquirements, the collection may be supposed to be very valuable. Among these manuscripts are said to be several letters written in Latin, by the Dauphin, who was the Bishop's pupil, together with an autograph manuscript of the same Prince in Latin and French.

1825.]

On the Composition of ancient Earthen Vases, commonly called Etruscan. By Professor HANSMAN. Read before the Society of Gottingen

(Continued from p. 167.)

1. Qualities of the Materials.-The vases described in the preceding section are formed of a fine clay, which is impregnated with iron, and consequently reddens more or less by the action of fire, but whose qualities differ in the different varieties of those vases.

The fine substance of the better sort of painted vases, is that of which the vases with a simple black coating, or those entirely black, are composed, the specific gravity being in proportion to the degree of fineness. The whole of these vases are indeed very light, but more especially the finest kinds; and in them also there is considerable difference with regard to this quality. The vases of Nola seem to exceed the rest in lightness; and by this general quality, in fact, the truly antique vases may readily be distinguished from all imitations of them.

Certain differences are also to be observed in the colour of the materials. In the more valuable kinds, it sometimes approaches to brick-red, but its most common tint is yellowish-red. In the coarser kinds the colour of the clay is usually paler than in those of finer texture.

I cannot, however, agree with those who are of opinion, that a red pigment has been added, in order to increase the intensity of the colour *; for this reason, that the internal colour of the mass agrees perfectly with that usually observed in ferruginous clay that has undergone the process of roasting, and the fractured surface exhibits no inequalities in regard to colour.

In the finer vases there are no heterogeneous parts, nor is any admixture, as of sand, for example, observable. They have been manufactured either of clay in the natural state, if it had been pure, or carefully prepared by washing.

The colour of those vases which are decidedly black, has, without doubt, been produced by the admixture of some black substance, and not by the natural colour of the clay, or by the action of vapours. Upon accurate examination, yellowish particles, together with small black shining grains, are observed in the black mass; from which it may be supposed that the mixture has not always been perfectly equal. The celebrated Brocchi detected minute scales of mica in

the substance of the black vases found in the ancient sepulchres of Etruria *.

According to the chemical analysis of Vauquelin, a hundred parts of the mass of those vases usually called Etruscan, contain, Silica, 53; Alumina, 15; Lime 8; Oxide of Iron, 24 t. This quantity of iron, it may be remarked, is singular, and is probably not so great in the whole of these vases.

2. Conformation of these Vases.-The vases commonly called Etruscan, seem, without exception, to have been moulded on the wheel; the invention of which is, without doubt, of the greatest antiquity, as has been ingeniously demonstrated by the investigations of my friend Ritter §. That the whole of these, vases were in reality formed by the wheel, appear to be proved by the following considerations: 1. Because no other forms are seen in them but such as can be produced by the wheel; no vases of such a form as to present an oval in their transverse section, or exhiting other curves deviating from the circle, which could only be produced by moulds or other means. 2. Because traces of the wheel often occur, especially on the inner surface of the vases, as well as beneath, on the base, and in other parts not so carefully smoothed as the rest. 3. Because, on the other hand, no marks are ever observed, from which it might be inferred that these vases have been fabricated by a more complex and artificial method; for example, no seams, which it is difficult to avoid when moulds are used.

Vases are more or less accurately shaped. The finest kinds, turned with the greatest care, and ornamented with paintings, are exact in their dimensions, with thin walls, and a smooth surface, having no marks of the wheel; from which it may be conjectured, that, after the vases had been formed in the wheel, some processes had been adopted for smoothing the surface; perhaps not unlike those which are applied by our own potters to the same purpose.

It is unnecessary for us to enter in this place upon a full account of the particular forms given to these vases, as they have been described and delineated with sufficient accuracy in many works on the subject.

brighter or duller, is of the same substance with the black paint of vases, but in a dilated or extenuated state, which was first shown by the celebrated Jorio, the very learned Inspector of the Royal Collection of Vases at Naples *. It may commonly be observed in vases, that this paint has been repeatedly applied where the colour of the clay had not been completely modified by the first operation, and in this manner also the colour has been changed from dusky to black+. Sometimes single lines occur, in which different degrees of intensity may be observed in the colour.

We shall now inquire into the nature of this black paint. Caylus has ascribed the black varnish to the martial or manganesian earth of glass-works; an opinion which Grivaud has also embraced. Le Sage once thought, that the black coating of vases was produced from oxide of lead and oxide of manganese §, which opinion is not only sufficiently confuted by what I have said above, with regard to the nature of the varnish, but also by the slight degree of baking which the vases have undergone, by which the oxide of lead could not be applied, as Chaptal has also remarked . Scheerer says, that the coating of vases does not consist of metallic substances, but of a certain kind of earth, and that the black colour cannot have been produced by oxide of manganese. Chaptal inclines to the opinion, that vitreous lava has formed the basis of the coating of vases, its natural fusion having been strongly assisted by the addition of some saline substance ¶. Vauquelin was the first who discovered that the black paint was carbonaceous; and he is at the same time of opinion, that it was prepared from graphite, or anthracite.**

From experiments made with the view of investigating this matter, I too have found, that the black coating of vases consists of a combustible substance, either carbonaceous or bituminous; with this determination the above-mentioned experiments also agree, inasmuch as it is not dissolved by acids. On throwing particles of the black coating into nitre fused in a platina cup, they burned by sparkling, and were quickly consumed. By this experiment, the singular phenomenon, that a coating so thin should have pre

[Dec.

served its colour and lustre for so long a period, is satisfactorily explained.

The question regarding the substance from which this black coating has been derived, is more difficult of solution. I cannot give my assent to the opinion of the celebrated Vauquelin mentioned above. It is shown by the colour and lustre of the paint, that it could not have been prepared from graphite, a substance which has more of the colour of iron, and a metallic lustre. The quality which it possesses of fusing with nitre, as above related, is also against its derivation from graphite and anthracite. If we suppose the paint to have been laid on with a pencil, it may be inferred that its substance had been fluid of itself, or had been reduced to a state of fluidity by means of some other substance.

(To be continued.)

SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES. Among the communications lately laid before the Society, was the challenge seut by the celebrated Rob Roy to the Duke of Montrose. The original document was exhibited to the Society by Mr. Haig, of the Advocates' Library. The other communications were, 1st, The result of a section made by direction of J. A. Fraser, Esq. of Lovat, of the vitrified Fort of Dun Fion, communicated by Sir G. Mackenzie; and 2d. An account of some ancient carvings in wood, discovered at Hulme Hall, Lancashire, with drawings of them: presented to the Society by Capt. Jones, 29th reg.

EXCAVATIONS AT POMPEII.

Nothing important has been found here since the Casa del Porta Tragrico last spring, because the workmen have been employed in the repair of the baths. The paintings remain in their places; that of Iphigenia is covered over with a kind of, wooden shutter to protect it. Behind the above houses an entrance has been made to another, in which a fountain has been discovered; in a third house, much attention is excited by the figures of Bacchus and Ceres sitting, and hopes are entertained that other interesting paintings will be discovered.

EXCAVATIONS AT TUSCULUM.

The researches of Count Biondi on the site of the ancient town of Tusculum, produce the most satisfactory results. Several streets are already laid open, and also one of the gates of the town, which is supported by fluted pillars. An aqueduct and a public fountain are going to be laid open, as well as the fountain and the baths. Basreliefs, inscriptions, and fresco paintings, attract the attention of the learned. Count Biondi intends to publish a description of his valuable discoveries, illustrated with plates.

SELECT

1825.]

"Inclina Domine."

By the Rev. JOHN GRAHAM, M.A.
Rector of Magilligan.

BOW down, Oh Lord of Hosts, thine ear
To thy poor Servant's prayer,
I am in misery-Oh hear
And save me from despair.
Preserve me holy in thy sight,
Keep me from guilt and fear,
Let me behold thy mercy bright,
Oh still for help be near.
In thee I trust, to thee I cry
Each passing night and day,
To thee alone for aid I fly,

Oh cast me not away.
Comfort my penitential soul,
Sustain my troubled mind,
The enemy's fierce wrath control,
For thou art good and kind.
Among the great there's none like thee,
No Name compar'd to thine,

All those whom thou hast made shall be
Obedient at thy shrine.
Created by thy blessed hand,

Belov'd in days of old,

The Heathen from each foreign land
Shall hasten to thy fold.
One happy flock to THEE alone
Our voices will we raise
In holy worship, and thy throne

Surround with Songs of Praise.
Unite our hearts to fear thy name,
Teach us, Oh Lord, thy way,
Let all the earth thy TRUTH proclaim,
And own thy rightful sway.

Oh GoD most High, while life is mine,
Thy praises will I sing,

I glorify thy name divine,
My Maker and my King.
The greatness of thy love to me,
No words of mine can tell,
But this I feel-I am set free

From fear of Death and Hell.

The proud may rage in hostile bands
Against my soul in vain,
While safe in thine Almighty hands
Their anger I disdain.
For thee, O Lord, I ever found
Thro' manhood and in youth,
Beyond conception to abound

In Mercy and in Truth.

Oh turn to me in mercy mild,

Give strength unto my hand,

Save thine own hand-maid's humble child,
Preserve him in the land.

GENT. MAG. December, 1825.

Though I deserve but blame, That enemies unkind and rude May see it and feel shame. Magilligan, Dec. 8.

FROM METASTASIO TO A LOVER.

YOU delight without hope, and you hope

without reason,

And you fear where no danger is nigh, You give credit to phantoms, no faith to the truth,

And each moment produces a lie. Meditation an hundred vain fancies presents, And grim death, without dying, is known, A thousand dreams waking, no sunshine dispels,

Yet the martyr no torment will own. You contemplate another, yourselfyou forget, Indulging too freely a wand'ring mind, By pursuing your wishes, more wishes create, And then terror on terror you find.

Such contention of passions you constantly feel,

Yet the Deifyed Tyrant approve,

So enchanting the mixture of pleasure and pain,

In this powerful phrenzy called Love. If your heart did not wanton thro' Pleasure's gay paths,

Quite unknown would your Deity he, Idle fancy adorns him with arrows and bow, And you worship at Error's decree.

At eve, ere the lay of Philomel sounded, And the pipe of the red-breast was hush'd into rest; *[surrounded, When stillness thy meadows and groves have And Peace had resumed her halcyon nest; I have strayed all alone, from tumult secluded, And the beauties of nature have sweetly enjoyed; [step intruded, When the village was hush'd, and no footHas my mind been in fond adoration employed.

Let the fav'rites of fortune, in grandeur's ray
basking,
[let them draw;
Applause from the world-from the great
The boon thy poor suppliant fain would be
asking-

Is health and content on the banks of the
SAW!
T. N.

THE WIDOW.

By the Author of "Massenburg." IT was a sacred place, and where

Religion breathes its wonted prayer;
There was a solemn awe on all-
Deep, quiet, and devotional:
The pillars and the fretted roof,
Time worn, yet bearing still the proof
Of strength, once mighty, hung decay'd,
Yet so more reverential made.
A partial gloom, but half dispell'd
By artificial lights, which held
Small power to pierce the distant gloom
Of clustered arch and sculptured tomb.
There was a face, so wan, so pale,
Close by the sacred altar's rail,
That, but for the black garments swelling,
Like night clouds round the stars bright
dwelling;

That pale cold form had seemed to be
But chisel'd marble's mimicry;
So motionless, so mute, she sate,
Utterly lone and desolate;

As if the spirit's self were gone,
While life unwilling linger'd on
Impatient, till the summons came
To quit the earthly careworn frame:
I could not meet her eyes' deep hue;
Their lids were dropp'd, she sought no view
Of earthly images; the scene
Of busy life to her had been
But as the bodies of the dead,
Whence animating life had fled.

She mourned the dead-Oh, hopeless grief!
To wait, and watch, and still adore,
Without cessation or relief,

The star that sets to rise no more.
Why is it said time can erase,
From sorrowing hearts, each care-worn trace?
Time deeper graves the lines of woe,
As furrows deepen on the brow.
Solemn and sad, the preacher dwelt
On grief, as on a thing he'd felt;

He likewise mourned the dead, but grief
Was softened by the fixed belief

[Dec.

That they to realms of bliss were flown,
While he the same road journey'd on-
They cannot come to us! he cried,
But you may still to them ascend!
See how the husband courts the bride!
See how entreaties wait a friend!

Hear, how they chide the dull delay;
They're led to Heaven, why will ye stay!
I saw her rise,
With sudden impulse, and her eyes,
So late cast down, to Heaven were raised,
And with a living lustre blaz'd-
She raised her arms as to enfold
Some one loved object in their hold-
I come! I come, my love! she cried ;
Then sunk upon the earth-and died.

CANZONE.

ON yonder green bank where the zephyrs

are playing,

And bear on their wings the pure essence of air,

Oft have I met my sweet Julia while straying, My Julia all beauteous, all lovely, and fair. The Rose and the Hyacinth there spread around me, [breeze,

A sweetness their blossom diffus'd on the And the Nightingale's song in pleasure had bound me,

As we sat by the fountain beneath the green trees.

Oft have we gazed on the Moon in her brightness,

Oft have we view'd the Sun set in the west, When the shades of the ev'ning hung o'er [calm breast.

us in sadness,

ORB of the Moon, high o'er the azure deep Hangs thy pale beam, O radiant Goddess, why

At this still hour, when woe retires to weep, And hapless lovers, worn with anguish, die, Serene and peaceful beams thy gentle light? Me, wretched me, the fiercer frenzy burns Of disappointed love; I weep the night,

And grief and pity rend my heart by turns. Along the star-paved empyrean borne

Louisa moves-and chaunts the hymns of
praise;

An Angel now-she left me here to mourn,
To pass in sorrow all my fure days;
Yet when to thy resplendent orb I turn,
Oft in the radiant beams her Seraph-form
I trace.

HISTORICAL