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with a little more information on the above subjects, and on the domestic economy, &c. of the Romans in Aque Sulis, we should have felt more satisfied in the perusal of his works. A brief description of a few fragments is extremely dry and unsatisfactory; and the reader is justified in expecting more from such a veteran author and antiquary as Mr. Lysons. Besides, the fine style of execution, and hgh price of these works, entitle the purchaser to look for something near perfection. In proportion to his disappointment will be his complaints. If Mr. Lysons supposes his readers equally informed with himself, he imposes on them by publishing, but if he wishes to give general satisfaction, and afford useful information, he should condescend to communicate the result of his researches and enquiry. As he boasts particularly of the accuracy of the drawings, he should first have carefully compared them with

the originals. This we have done; and were disappointed and distressed in observing some evident errors: one of which is strikingly apparent in "the winged head surrounded with serpents, interwoven with locks of hair." This is very defective in drawing and character, and the serpents that appear under the chin are completely misrepresented. These may be deemed trifling defects; we admit that they are not very considerable; and admit, that Mr. Lysons' work is very far superior in illustrative embellishment to any thing of the kind that has been published. But we are desirous of seeing accuracy and excellence, especially in very expensive works, and those from authors of ability and fortune. We hope Mr. Lysons will be more communicative in his new topographical work, which he has long announced for publication, in conjunc tion with his intelligent brother.

ART. V. An historical and descriptive Account of Bath and its Environs. 12mo. pp. 175

ALTHOUGH the writer of this work has not thought proper to put his name to the title page, yet it requires but little sagacity to discover him in his style and sentiments. These are strikingly characterized in the former productions of Mr. Warner; and we immediately recognise him in the first page of the present work, which, taken in the whole, is a very imperfect abridgment of his expensive quarto History of Bath." In the present vade mecum the writer professes to treat of ancient Bath, of modern Bath, of the trade and civil government, the arts and amusements of Bath," with a description " of the neighbourhood of Bath," and the "botany of the country round Bath.”

When we consider the number of local guides to this city, that are already published, we feel some surprise in beholding another; especially as it presents so little novelty to the purchaser, and less useful information than some of the preceding works. Indeed we are sorry to see a book so very imperfect in its execution, and so badly digested and printed, come from an office, which, for typographic display, ranks justly among the very first of our provincial presses.

In the first thirty-three pages of the above work, we are presented with a

concise account of "ancient Bath," from its first establishment under the Romans, to the present time. The editor has judiciously rejected the fabulous story of Bladud and his pigs; yet he relates, that a belief in them "made one of the necessary qualifications for an introduction into the body corporate. But the present generation are wiser, and more prudent than their forefathers; and rather more attentive to the value of their springs than their origin, have at length forgotten the antiquity of their discovery, in the agreeable contemplation of the farge rents which they throw into the corporation chest."

In the reign of Claudius, Mr. W. observes, a Roman colony was first estab lished at Bath. But Mr. Whitaker opposes this, and contends, that Bath was not colonized till a subsequent period; and states, that this part of the country was not subdued before the year "50 of our era," which is six years after the period assigned by Mr. Warner to the origin of the town and station. Besides, it seems extremely probable, if Claudius was the first founder of a station, or town, at this place, that his name would have been recorded among some of the numerous relics that have been discovered here. But this is not the case. Mr. Warner proceeds to describe the

town and baths as established and con- "Bath is divided into the parishes of St. structed by the Romans; and gives Peter and St. Paul, St. James, St. Michael, some account of the great roads which and Walcock; for Bathwick, though now they formed in connecting this city with connected with it by a continuity of buildthe neighbouring stations; one direct-ings, is not within the jurisdiction of the consolidated, by Queen Elizabeth, into one city. Of these parishes, the three first were sole rectory, and the patronage of it granted to the corporation of the city. The parish of St. Peter and St. Paul occupies the central part of the city, and contains 840 rateable houses, and a population of 1048 males, and 1412 females. The annual expence of its poor is about 13007, per annum; its annual 4s. 7d.; and its proportion of income tax, contribution to the king's taxes, 32207. 26381. 6s. Od. In the year 1570, its baptisms were 12, marriages 3, and funerals 25; in the year 1701, its baptisms 50, marriages 7, and funerals 84; and in the year 1792, baptisms 45, marriages 21, and funerals 98."

ing itself to Durocorinium, or Cirencester; another to Verlucio or Westbury," &c. Respecting the last station he has added a note, saying, that antiquaries are divided in opinion with respect to its situation; some conceiving it to have been at Westbury, others at Eddington, and others at Warminster. Men will ever differ in opinion respecting these subjects, if they make their calculations and deductions only from maps and descriptions. As Mr. Warner resides so near these places, it was his duty to have explored them: by which he might have been enabled to decide the controversy, and have given authoritative information in the place of conjecture. It is truly absurd to say, that Verlucio was at Warminster; and extremely improbable that Westbury corresponded with the distance, &c. as given by Antoninus and Richard: but the situation and distance of Heddington, not Eddington, presents us with a union of correspondencies that seem to us decisive. Of" modern Bath," our author gives the following description.

"The beauty and singularity of its situation are not to be exceeded: planted originally in the bottom of the narrow valley where its hot waters boil up, it continued for ages to be confined to the dimensions which the Romans had at first marked out for it; and till within these seventy years, the ancient walls (inclosing a space of about fifty acres) formed the boundaries of Bath; but the spirit of building, about that time, began to discover itself here: and being encouraged by the company which flocked to the place from all parts, and which occupied the houses as fast as they were erected, the town rapidly encreased in extent, and the streets multiplied with uninterrupted vigour, till they stretched from the parent city in all directions, and formed a town above a mile and a half in length, containing a population of 30,000 souls, built of the beautiful oolite, or granulated egg-like freestone, which forms the basis of the surrounding hills; the houses are as remarkable for neatness as for splendour; and being thrown over the sides of the broad acclivity of Lansdown (which tises to the north,) in elegant groupes of streets, squares, parades, circusses, and crescents, they present to the eye an appearance equally singular, magnificent, and beautiful.

The author proceeds to enumerate the different parishes, churches, and chapels, among which the abbey church is very copiously described in an extract from the quarto volume. The hospitals, alms houses, charity schools, and societies, are next particularized. One of the latter, whose proceedings are well known among agriculturists, is des cribed in the following extract.

for the encouragement of agriculture, arts, "The Bath and west of England society, manufactures, and commerce, and which, under the skilful direction, persevering activity, and judicious management, of Mr. William Matthews, the late secretary, has decidedly surpassed every other establishment of the same nature in Europe, was suggested and established by the late Mr. Edmund Rack, of Bath, in the year 1777. Its operations were at first chiefly restricted to the counties of Somerset, Wilts, Gloucester, and Dorset; but having, in the course of a few years, extended its correspondence, and increased its members (who at present amount to nearly 600,) its views became gradually wider; and now, every part of economics, and every branch of philosophy connected with husbandry, in the most general acceptation of the term, is an object to which the society bends its attention, under the powerful patronage of the Duke of Bedford, the president; and assisted by the communications of some of the best farmers, both practical and scientific, in the kingdom: the establishment is rapidly ex tending itself in magnitude and utility; and the volumes which it already has published, and still continues to publish occasionally, bid fair to form a mass of agricultural infor mation, which no other country in the world can boast. The meetings are held in

See Beauties of Wiltshire, vol. I. p. 40, and vol. II. p. 47.

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We next meet with some account of the trade and civil government, the arts and amusements of Bath. In treating of these subjects, the editor observes, that we must not expect "to find the din of manufacture, or the busy hum of commerce," in a place like Bath, which is principally resorted to by the "invalid, and felicity hunter." The buildings of this city are justly admired for their neatness and symmetry; many of them may be considered as elegant. But architectural science never shewed itself in Bath till Mr. Wood commenced building about the year 1728. Since which time it has made extraordinary advances in the extent and taste of its edifices.

In local guides like the present, we are accustomed to meet with injudicious

flattery; this is abundantly displayed in the present work. When speaking of the Bath artists, this writer is very extravagant and glaring in his colouring. All are painted equally excellent, and the whole picture is made up (we cannot say composed) entirely of bright lights, with out the least tint of shading, gradation, keeping, or discrimination of character.

Concerning "the neighbourhood of Bath," the writer has said but little, and that relates principally to Prior park, and Ralph Allen, esq. who is said to be the antitype of Fielding's Allworthy.

The work is concluded with "a sketch of a Bath Flora," which was communicated to the writer by Mr. J. F. Davis.

Without preface, or conclusion, and without map, index, or any prints, this "History" cannot be considered as better than a few slight sketches from, or for, a larger book.

ART. VI. The History of the Roman Wall which crosses the Island of Britain, from the German Ocean to the Irish Sea, describing its ancient State and its Appearance in the Year 1801. By W. HUTTON, F.A.S.S. 8vo. pp. 350.

THE entertaining, interesting, and novel manner, which this worthy veteran author adopts in his topographical and antiquarian writings, must be pleasing to almost every class of readers. In the preface to the present work we discover particular and engaging traits of the author's mind, and at the same time meet with that information on the subject, and on antiquities in general, which afford us much gratification.

"There are few pursuits," observes Mr. Hutton," more dry than that of antiquity, The antiquary feeds upon withered husks, which none but himself can relish; nor does he seem to possess the art of dressing up his dried morsel to suit the palate of a reader, for his language is often as dry as his subject; as if the smile was an enemy to truth. Mere dull description like a burnt cinder, is dead matter. If he designs a treat, why not infuse a little spice to suit the taste of his guest? The description also of antiquities is not only the dullest of all descriptions, but is rendered more dull by abstruse terms; by as inuch learning as the author can muster, and Eatin as the page can conveniently hold. Instead of inviting, it rather repels a reader. Thus truth, dressed out like a beau, in flourishing trappings, is scarcely known,but would please in a plain dress. I would enliven truth with the simile, and the anecdote; and while I travel the long and dreary wall would have you travel with me though by your own fire side; would have you see and feel as I do;

and make the journey influence your passions as mine are influenced.

a

"If the mind is delighted at the sight of watch worn by Charles the first; a sword third; a spur worn by William the conquecarried through France before Edward the ror; or with a Danish battle axe; what astonishment must arise at the sight of the grandest production of art in the island! the united works of a commander in chief and twe emperors, assisted by three powerful armies, and aided by a long series of years !-Having had the pleasure of seeing many antiques of various ages and people, it naturally excited a desire of proceeding in further research; and the eye, unsatisfied with seeing, induced a wish to see the greatest of all the curiosities left us by the Romans, The Wall, the wonderful and united works of Agricola, Hadrian, and Severus.”

.

Many authors have written on the Roman Wall, but few of them ever visited the place, and not one ever traced its

course. This task was reserved for our historian; who observes that

"Poor Camden travelled it till he was frightened, ran away, and wrote hastily. Horsley was weary and retreated; but wrote more correct. The judicious Warburton, whom I regard for his veracity, rode on, desisted, and then remarked; he believed he had trod upon ground which no foot had ever trodden since the Romans.' He also. transcribes Horsley, which Mr. Gough professos to follow.

say

HUTTON'S HISTORY OF THE ROMAN WALL.

"Perhaps I am the first man," continues Mr. Hutton," that ever travelled the whole length of this wall, and probably the last that ever will attempt it. Who then will he has, like me, travelled it twice! Old people are much inclined to accuse youth of their follies; but on this head silence will become me, lest I should be asked, what can exceed the folly of that man, who, at seventy-eight, walked six hundred miles to see a shattered wall."

Such is the account Mr. Hutton gives of himself, of other authors who have written on the same subject, and of his own performance. He proceeds to relate some historical particulars of this celebrated rampart, and discriminates the parts which were erected at different periods, and by diferent generals. This part of his work furnishes many interesting traits of the history and policy of the Romans, and strikingly characterizes the unhappy times when plunder, murder, and all the consequent miseries of savage war conspired to deluge the plains with blood.

"This place," observes Mr. Hutton speaking of the wall," has been the scene of more plunder and murder than any part of the island of equal extent. During 400 years, while the wall continued a barrier, this was the grand theatre of war, as well as during ages after its destruction.

"The first barrier made between the Romans and Picts was constructed by Agricola, who was considered the ablest general, and most accomplished statesman of the age. This work was principally a bank and ditch, extending about 74 miles across the narrowTo est part of the island,' from sea to sea. this was added a range of castles at unequal

distances. But these had received various
injuries in the course of thirty-seven years,
and the emperor Hadrian, in the year 121,
repaired the works of Agricola, and added
some of his own to strengthen them.' These
alterations obtained it the name of adrian's
wall, which has improperly prevailed to this
day. The Picts made continual encroach-
ments on these works, till the time of Severus,
who having driven them among their bogs,
mosses, mountains, and impenetrable woods,'
deemed it prudent to repair and strengthen
the ramparts made by the two former chiefs.
In the year 200, he began to erect a wall of
stone,' parallel with the former work. To
accomplish this, two legions were employed,
the second and sixth, consisting of about
12,000 men. A plan of the wall was first
determined on, divided into four parts; the
second legion was appointed to the first and
third parts, beginning in the east; and the
sixth legion to the second and fourth. This

proved by a variety of inscriptions. Per-
ps every mile in this long range was begun

at the same time. This was necessary, be-
cause the whole isthmus would be secured,
from one sea to the other. The wall was
about eight feet thick, and twelve high to
the battlements, which rose about four more;
so that viewed in profile, it would appear
much like a chair, the main part forming the
seat, and the embattled part the back.'

Along the line of the wall the emperor
constructed of stone, three kinds of fortifica-
tion, which were stations, castles, and turrets.
The stations, or cities, are said to have been
eighteen in number, with seventeen intervals,
ranged at unequal distances, the average
about four miles each. These were fortified
inclosures, about one hundred and thirty-six
yards square, the wall itself constituting its
north side. They were designed for resi-
dence as well as guard, and were appropriated
to the same use as our modern barracks; also
buildings for family use, suitable to various
occupations. If the cohorts were full, six
hundred and sixty-six military men were pro-
bably the lot of each station. There were
eighty one castles, called by the country peo-
ple mile castles, because they were nearly a
nile asunder, or rather seven furlongs.
About four of these on an average were fixed
between every station. They were about
ninety-six feet square, the wall still forming
the north side. The turrets were small cas-
tles, castlelets or watch towers, ranged along
the wall, at the distance of about three hun-
dred and eight yards each; consequently
there must have been about three hundred
and thirty. They were twelve feet square:
each casile commanded about ten turrets,
five on a side, which were daily supplied
with a guard, probably of two or four inen
each."

In the preceding extract we have a concise, but perspicuous view of the extraordinary works which were raised by the Romans, to intimidate and repel the hardy Picts. Yet the policy and science of the former were often foiled by the cunning and force of the latter, who repeatedly broke through this barrier, revenged themselves on their intruding enemies, plundered them, and again retired among the mountains and bogs north of the wall. During the whole seems to have been the theatre of repeated stay of the Romans in Britain, this place tragedy, nor did the curtain drop even when these invaders left the island. The demon of war had contaminated the air, and the Britons and Picts imbibed the pestilence of mutual animosity. In the contest for victory, the Britons were quickly subdued, and the wall was broken through in many places.

In pursuing the history of this district through the Saxon and Norman dynas Hh3

ties, we discover such a repetition of discord and murder, that the mind shrinks from the subject; and shudders while contemplating human nature, and scciety, degraded to such a contemptible An account of these contests, and times, is briefly given by our traveller, who also relates some anecdotes of the borderers, moss-troopers, &c. which tend to illustrate the subject.

state.

Mr. Hutton gives a short account of the places he passed through in his pedestrian excursion from Birmingham to the Roman wall: had he been entirely silent on them, he would have done himself and his readers more justice: for two or three trite sentences of remark on a town can neither afford satisfaction nor information.

The printer is still more reprehensible, for he has contrived to occupy a whole page with one or two sentences; and this in several places. We were extremely sorry to see such tricks from a respectable office, which ought to set good examples to others rather than follow bad ones. In page 117, we are only told this. "Hulme's chapel, sixteen miles, a pretty smart church, inclosed in a small square of about seven houses-The village consists of about twice that num. ber, in a situation delightful."

Page 120 contains only the following sentence, "Prescot, nine miles, seems to have risen from an ancient and obscure village, to a modern, handsome, and pleasant market town, from its vicinity to Liverpool."

This is not very reputable, especially as the author informs, in page 325. "I design this work a present to a bookseller. As it will be cheap to him, I wish it cheap to the purchaser. I would have it sweet as the apple; but, if I load it with parings, like putting garlic into his repast, it will swell the book, the price, and the disgust."

Mr. Hutton gives a description of his journey in tracing the wall from the first station at Syedunum, or the wall's end, to the eighteenth station Tunnocelum, now called Boulness. In this excursion he meets with various characters, scenes, and incidents, which are related with much good humoured quaintness, and the account he gives of the present appearance of the works serves to gratify our curiosity, and correct some mis-state ments of preceding writers,

"All our historians," he observes, "have failed in two points: they have not given us the dimensions of the mile-castles, which always joined the wall, and were from twenty guished the works of Agricola from those of two, to twenty four yards square; nor distinladrian; but have confused both under the name of the latter."

The preceding extracts, and remarks, will enable our readers to appreciate the character of the volume before us, which on the whole we consider as an amusing and interesting portion of topographical history. The lively and cheerful manners of the author captivate the fancy, and we follow him through the progress of his journey with sympathy and curiosity. The venerable reiic which attracted his notice excites the latter, and we cannot but sympathize with the respectable and amiable author who at the age of 75 undertook such" a laborious, romantic, and quixotic undertaking," as he

terms it.

In concluding his account of the wall, he is decided in opinion that, no writer ever passed the whole length of it, and that very few have ever seen it; but "hat the first historian, however igno rant, like the first horse in a team, was implicitly followed by the rest.” An old author says, that "Hadrian was the first who drew a rampart of prodigious bulk, as high as a mounta n." proves that he never saw it, nor knew its history.

This

"Another evidently mistakes Antoninus's work in Scotland, for Severus's in England. A third says, "the wall was begun by Hadrian, and finished by Severus." This supposes only one work. A fourth says, "Severus only repaired Hadrian's wall." A fifth, the wall was 35 miles long." A sixth, “122 miles long." Even the venerable Bede "cannot allow that Severus built a wall, because wall implies a work of stone." Can we suppose that he ever thought, or inquired about it, although a neighbour to the place? He and Gildas both observe," that when the Romans quitted the island, they advised the Britons to build a wall from sea to sea, to keep out the enemy," which shows how little they knew of the matter; yet these are repeated in our best ancient writers, Again, "They made the wall between two straits, or bays of the sea, a thousand miles!" Surely this must be charged to

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