The author considers the difference of the

fall of rain in the months of September to

have been chief cause of the abovementioned difference between the crops of the two years. (Abstracted from a paper by Lieutenant-Colonel Jasper Nicholls in the Transactions of the Literary Society of Bombay.)

Population of Bombay. The whole population of Bombay, at the period belowmentioned, was estimated to vary from 160,000 to 180,000. Of this number about one-eighth were Mussulmen, one-sixteenth of Parsee caste, and one-thirty-second Christians; the remainder were chiefly Hindoos, who thus constituted the great bulk of the inhabitants. The following is a general account of the number of deaths from 1801 to 1808 inclusive. It is founded on returns made to the police office of the number of bodies buried or burned in the island. 4,835 | 1805

1801

10,347

1802

5,297 1806

6,440

1803

8,320 1807

5,834

1604

25,834 1808

7,517

of the Literary Society of Bombay by Sir J. Mackintosh.)

Dr. Monro's Work on Vaccination.--In our number for last November, page 398, we had occasion to allude to the highly interesting work of Dr Monro on Small-Pox and Vaccination, and we are now happy to learn that it promises to be of the most extensive utility in foreign countries as well as in our own. The learned author has just received a letter from a mercantile house in London, from which he has permitted us to make the following extracts:

"It has been suggested to us, that a considerable number of copies of your excellent work on Vaccination might be disposed of in the East Indies, China, Japan, Java, and Botany Bay; and being at present engaged in considerable shipments for these countries, we are willing to purchase from you from one to two hundred copies if you will make them reasonable.

"We have also an order, which your work would perfectly suit, for the St Petersburgh market, but we are informed that its circulation and utility would be more general, were it translated into the Russian language.

"We have made diligent inquiry here, and do not find any person qualified for the task of translator; but we trust you will either be able to do it yourself, or know of some qualified person to accomplish an object so important to the Russian empire."

In our number for November last, page 466, a plant called there Pyrola umbellifera, (probably Pyrola umbellata,) growing in Virginia, is said to have been found useful in cancer and scrofula. Some account of the use of Pyrola umbellata, as a tonic and diuretic, is given in the 5th volume of the Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, and we are informed that a considerable quantity of this plant has been lately imported from Canada, where it grows in abundance in the pine woods; and it may now be obtained from many druggists in London, as well as at Apothecaries' Hall. Its virtues are known to the Indians, and in the Chippawa language it is called Weesuicabuk, or Wenescebuk Neebeesh, or Medicine leaves.

· Cod Bank of Shetland.This bank, which was first fished upon about two years. ago, is situated north by west from Papa Westray, one of the Orkney Islands, and is supposed to extend to the north of the island of Foula, the length being as far as traced about 140 miles. It is in breadth from 18 to 25 miles, at from 28 to 47 fathoms in depth. The fishing this year is said to have produced about L. 3000. From the fish resembling in colour the cod caught off the coast of the Faroe Islands, it

has been inferred, that the Shetland bank is connected with that more northerly one. In an early number we hope to lay before our readers all the information that has yet been procured on this interesting discovery.

The Provisional Committee for the encouragement of industry and reduction of poor-rates, which meets at the King's Head, Poultry, London, and of which Mr Benjamin Wills is secretary, have been very successful, we understand, in procuring information, communications of the greatest interest having been received by them from every quarter.

London Theatres. In a recent periodical publication we have the following account of the London theatres, with their average receipts, and a comparison of the total amount, with the total annual receipts of the theatres of Paris.

For the information of our readers, we shall specify the present capabilities of London in this particular :--

1. Drury-Lane Theatre.

3. The Olympic Theatre, under the management of Mr Elliston, capable, when full, of containing L. 150.

4. The Sans Pareil, of Miss Scott, L. 120.

5. The Surrey, of Mr Dibdin, L. 300. 6. The Royalty, Goodman's Fields, L.250.

And 7. The Cobourg, of Mr Jones, L. 150.

The performances of these five theatres are restricted, by their licenses, to spectacle, burletta, and pantomime. They accommodate an aggregate of about four thousand persons, and their nightly receipts may be estimated at from six to seven hundred pounds. There is also open, two nights in the week, the magnificent establishment of the Italian Opera; where four thousand persons pay about fifteen hundred pounds per night for Italian performances and French dancing.-Over and above the preceding, there are various minor and temporary exhibitions; and, among inte resting ones, we may mention the Theatre of Arts in Spring Gardens, and the illuminated exhibition of Ancient Armour in Pall-Malk-Thus it appears that the several winter theatres of London receive from the public, during their season of about thirty weeks, à sum little short of E. 13,000 per week, or about L. 400,000

per annum; giving employment to at least one thousand persons, as stage-performers, musicians, authors, clerks, artists, and ar tizans.And if, for the sake of a general total of the annual receipts, and of compa rison with those of the French metropolis, we estimate the receipts of our Summer theatres at a fourth of that amount, we shall find the total annual receipts of the London theatres amount to half a million, or to L. 300,000 more than the total annual receipts of the numerous theatres of the French metropolis.

The sale of the first portion of the late Mr Bindley's books commenced at Mr Evans's, in Pall-Mall, on the 7th of December. We shall select a few specimens of the extraordinary prices obtained for some rare articles.

No. 69, Sir W. Alexander's (Lord Sterline) Tragedies. 12mo. L. 32, 118. 152, Annalia Dulrensia, or Cotswold's Games. 4to. L. 12, 12s.

173, Art of Good Living. Imprentyt at Paris L. 19.

450, Bastard's Epigrams. 12mo. 1598, L. 15, 4s. 6d.

455, Belvidere, or Garden of the Mu

ses. 12mo. 1600, L. 13, 2s. 6d. 540, Aratus, 1559, with Milton's Autograph. L. 8, 8s.

743, Breton's Flourish upon Fancie L. 42.

745, Bankes's Bay Horse. L. 13, 58. 976, Carter's History of Cambridge.

8vo. L. 18, 18s.

1775, Davies's Muse's Sacrifice. 12mo. L. 20.

1878, Gamble's Ayres. L. 11, 15s. 1880, Gray the Poet's Direction to Dods

ley, for the Publication of his Poenis. L. 17, 17s. 2133, Expedition of the Duke of Somer

set into Scotland. 12mo. L. 17, 17s. 2203, Chute's Beautie Dishonoured, or

Shore's Wife. 4to. 1593, L.34, 13si Africa-Mr T. E. Bowditch, who has recently published his travels in Africa, is about to return to Cape Coast Castle, accompanied by Messrs Williams and Salmon, surgeons. These gentlemen are all good naturalists; and will make frequent excursions into the interior with the view of exploring its natural history.

Mr Bowditch before returning to England, had successfully explored the king

dom of the Ashantees, in which he resided six months. During the first half of this interval he was incarcerated in a dun geon, and expected to be put to death. The king had him often brought from his cell to the palace, for the purpose of inquiring the object of his visit. These interviews always took place in the dead of the night; and, upon one occasion, his Majesty met Mr Bowditch half-way in the dark. After repeated conversations, his Majesty became quite satisfied with respect to the intentions of the stranger, who was liberated, and, for the last three months of his stay, he resided at the court, and was treated with kindness. Among the curious and valuable articles brought home by Mr Bowditch, is a geographical history of the Ashantee kingdom, in the native language, and an account of the travels and death of Mungo Park.

Scientific Expedition in America.-A scientific party will proceed in March to explore the natural productions of the numerous large rivers tributary to the Mississippi. They will go in a steam-boat now building for the purpose at Pittsburg; and expect to be absent for upwards of three years. T. Say, Esq. of Philadelphia, will be one of the party.

United States. The census of the innabitants of the city of New York, taken in April 1816, returns 44,424 white male nhabitants; 43,819 white females, 3,891 male aliens, 3,094 female aliens, 3,198 coloured males, 4,576 coloured females, 228 male slaves, 389 female slaves-making, altogether, a population of 103,619. The number of tenements are above 17,000.

Subterranean Noises.-At Haddam, in Connecticut, for several years past, noises, like the firing of small arms, have been continually heard, which have been accompanied with almost continual concussions of the earth. So frequently have these effects been experienced, that they are quite disregarded by the inhabitants. About six years since, however, a serious explosion took place, which rent and dislocated large masses of the granite mountains.

Sulphate of Stroutian. This substance has been lately found in considerable quantity at Carlisle, about 34 miles west of Albany, state of New York, imbedded in clay slate, forming very extensive strata. It was first tried by a common smith as a substitute for borax, and has been found the most useful flux ever employed in brazing and welding. By employing a very small quantity of it in powder, instead of clay, he welded easily the most refractory steel; and in brazing, it proved superior to borax, on account of its remaining more fixed at a high temperature.

At a meeting of the Geological Society on the 6th of last November, William Phillips, Esq. M. G. S. read a paper " On

VOL. IV.

the Chalk Cans, &c. on the coast of France, opposite Dover." The appearance from Dover of the cliffs on the opposite coast of France, induced Mr Phillips to suspect that they might resemble, in their forma tion, those of the English coast which he had lately described; and on crossing the channel, examining the strata from Sandgate to St Pot, he found them to consist of deposits similar to those which constitute the long range of coast between Dover and Folkstone, except that the upper part of the bed with numerous flints is not visible on the French coast. The dip of the strata appears the same on both sides of the channel, but the thickness as well as the. height of the cliffs is much less on the French side. Hence, although the strata became thinner in that portion which now constitutes the French coast, Mr Phillips considers that they were once continuous with the English beds, and formed a part of what is now termed the chalk basin of London, the then connecting mass having been since washed away by the action of the sea.

Mr Einslie's Ivory Paper.This paper possesses a surface, having many of the valuable properties of ivory, and at the same time has the superior advantage of being obtained of a much greater size than ivory can possibly furnish, even nearly as large as the usual sheets of drawing paper. The Society of Arts has voted the sum of thirty guineas to Mr Einslie for this invention.

Mr Alexander Bell's Nero Chuck for a Lathe. This instrument can be screwed into, or upon, the mandrel of a lathe, and has three studs projecting from its fiat surface, forming an equi-lateral triangle, and which are capable of being moved equably to or from its centre. These studs are provided with teeth, and can be made to embrace or enclose any hollow, O solid, circular body between them, within the extent of its limits, and retain it firmly, in order to turn, bore, or operate, in any o ther manner upon it in the lathe. From the greater simplicity of its construction, it, can be made much cheaper than similar contrivances for the same purpose. The Society awarded its silver medal, and the sum of ten guineas, to Mr Bell for this invention.

At a meeting of gentlemen, held at Leeds, on the 16th January last, Benjamin Gott, Esq. in the chair, it was resolved to form an institution under the name of the "Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society," to consist of proprietary and ordinary members, the former to contribute L. 100 each, for the purpose of erecting a building, wherein the transactions of the institution may be carried on a and the latter to subscribe two guineas annually, and to pay three guineas for an admission ticket, to be expended in appa ratus, &c.

Y

LONDON.

C. MILLS, Esq. author of " A History of Muhammedanism," is preparing a History of the Crusades, undertaken for the Recovery of the Holy Land; a view of the Latin States in Syria and Palestine; the constitutions and laws of the kingdom of Jerusalem; the military orders which sprung from the wars between the Christians and Mussulmans; and the consequences of the Crusades upon the morals, literature, polities, and manners, of Europe.

A Voyage in the Persian Gulf, and a Journey over Land from India to England, in 1817, is preparing for publication, in one volume, quarto, illustrated by plates; containing an account of Arabia Felix, Arabia Deserta, Persia, Mesopotamia, Babylon, Bagdad, Koordistan, Armenia, Asia Minor, &c. &c. By William Hende, Esq. of the Madras Military Establish

ment.

A translation is printing in London of the Abbé Guille's Treatise on the Amusement and Instruction of the Blind, with engravings. It is well known that this gentleman is the conductor of the famous national establishment for the blind at Paris, and in this volume he has presented the world with the interesting results of his experience.

Mr Britton announces a History and Description of Lichfield Cathedral; to be illustrated with sixteen engravings, from drawings by F. Mackenzie; among which is one representing the justly-famed monument by Chantrey, of the two children of Mrs Robinson. This history is to be finished in the present year, and will form a portion of the author's series of the Cathedral Antiquities of England."

A Volume of Letters is preparing for publication, written by the Hon. Lady' Spencer to her niece, the late Duchess of Devonshire, shortly after her marriage.

C. Dibdin, Esq. will publish shortly, Young Arthur, or the Child of Mystery, a metrical romance.

Decision, a tale, is preparing for the press, by the author of Correction.

No. VII. of Mr Dyer's Lives of Illustrious Men is nearly ready for publica

tion.

A volume of Familiar Dissertations on Theological and Moral Subjects, by the Rev. Dr Wm. Barrow, prebendary of Southwell, is in the press, and will shortly appear.

Dr Clutterbuck, one of the physicians to the General Dispensary, &c. will shortly publish, Observations on the Nature and Treatment of the Epidemic Fever, at present prevailing in the metropolis, as

well as in most parts of the United King dom.

A new edition of Lord Bacon's works, in twelve volumes, foolscap, enriched with portraits, with the Latin part of them translated into English, by Dr Peter Shaw, M.D. will shortly appear.

Sir Arthur Clarke has nearly ready for publication, an Essay on Warm, Cold, and Vapour Bathing; with practical observations on Sea Bathing, Diseases of the Skin, Bilious, Liver Complaints, and Dropsy.

Mr William Berry, late of the College of Arms, London, the author of an inge nious and laborious work upon Mythology and Ancient History, "The Genealogia Antiqua," is about to publish an additional or accompanying volume of Sacred Pedigrees. "The Genealogia Sacra," which we understand will be printed either to bind with the former work, or with the large copies of Dr Mant's Bible, lately published, and now reprinting at the Cla. rendon press, Oxford, for the Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge, and to which it will form a very appropriate addendum.

Mr Crabbe has announced a new volume of poems, entitled "Tales of the Hall," to appear this month.

Nearly ready for publication, a Journey over Land from the Head Quarters of the Marquis of Hastings, in India, through Egypt, to England, in the years 1817-18; with an account of the Occurrences of the late War, and of the Character and Customs of the Pindarees; to which are added, a Description of the Sculptured Mountains of Ellora, and of the recent interesting Discoveries within the Tombs of the Pyramids of Egypt. By Major Fitz-Clarence. With maps, plans, and views. 4to.

The Plays and Poems of James Shirley, now first collected and chronologically arranged, and the text carefully collated and restored. With occasional notes, and a Biographical and Critical Essay. By Wils liam Gifford, Esq. uniformly with Massinger and Ben Jonson. 6 vols. 8vo.

Journey from Moscow to Constantinople, in the years 1817, 1818. By William Macmichael, M.D., F.R.S. one of Dr Radcliffe's travelling fellows, from the University of Oxford. With a Continuation of the Route to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Petra, amascus, Balbec, Palmyra, &c. By T. Legh, Esq. M.P. F.R.S. With plates, 4to.

Anastasius, or Memoirs of a Greek, writ. ten by himself. 3 vols. cr. 8vo.

On the Topography and Antiquities of Athens. By Lient.-Colonel W. M. Leake, With plates, 8vo.

The Court of England in 1626; being a Translation of Marshal Bassompiere's Account of his Embassy to London, with notes and commentaries.

8vo.

By W. A. Cadell, Esq. F. R. S. L. & E. is in the press.

EDINBURGH.

A collected edition of the poems of Walter Scott, Esq. (including the Bridal of Triermain and Harold the Dauntless,) is preparing for publication in foolscap 8vo, and will be comprised in 12 handsome volumes, beautifully printed by Ballantyne.

Sermons, preached in St John's Chapel, Edinburgh, by Daniel Sandford, D. D. one of the Bishops of the Scotch Episcopal Church, and formerly Student of Christ Church, Oxford, will speedily appear in one Volume 8vo.

A Volume of Travels in Carniola and Italy, during the years 1817 and 1818.

Dr Thomas Brown is preparing for early publication, A Brief View of the Doctrines on the Philosophy of the Human Mind, delivered by him in his Course of Lectures -A third corrected edition of the Wanderer in Norway, with other poems, will speedily appear, and a volume of Ethical Essays. Old Tapestry; a Tale of Real Life. In 2 vols. 12mo.

Emmeline, an unfinished Tale; with some other Pieces, by the late Mrs Brunton, author of Self-Control and Discipline. To which is prefixed a Memoir of her Life, including some Extracts from her Correspondence. In one neat volume, post

8vo.

LONDON. ARTS.

A COMPENDIUM of the Theory and Practice of Drawing and Painting, illustrated by the technical terms in art with practical observations on the essential lines, and the forms connected with them. By R. Dagley. 4to. with plates, 10s. 6d.

The Journal of Science and the Arts, edited at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. No. XII.

BIOGRAPHY.

The Annual Biography and Obituary, for 1819, with Silhouette Portraits. 8vo.

15s.

Biographical Conversations on Celebrated Travellers; comprehending distinct narratives of their personal adventures. By the Rev. Wm. Bingley, M.A.F.L.S. Cs. 6d.

BOTANY.

Medical Botany, or the History of the Plants in the Materia Medica of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias ; together with a description of such other plants as possess medicinal properties. No. I. 3s. 6d.

DIVINITY.

A Dissertation on the Scheme of Human Redemption, as developed in the Law and in the Gospel. By the Rev. John Leveson Hamilton, B.A. 8vo. 12s.

Plain and Practical Sermons. By the Rev. John Boudier, M.A. 8vo. 9s.

The Claims of the Church of England to the Fidelity of its Members, calmly, fairly, and plainly stated; a sermon, for distribu tion. By the Rev. R. Warner. 6d. Discourses on the Principles of Religious Worship, and Subjects connected

with them. By the Rev. C. Mayo, LL.B. 78.

EDUCATION.

A Grammar of the English Language, containing a complete summary of its rules, with an elucidation of the general principles of elegant and correct diction. By John Grant, A.M. 6s..

The Juvenile Geography and Poetical Gazetteer; with views of the principul towns. By J. Bissett. 2s. 6d.

A Critical Grammar of the French Language, with tabular elucidations. By W. Hodgson. 9s.

HISTORY.

Hora Britannica, or Studies in Ancient British History. By J. Hughes. 2 vols. 8vo. 18s. boards.

An Historical, Topographical, Statisti cal, and Philosophical, View of the United States of America, from the earliest period to the present time. By the Rev. William Winterbotham. No. I. 3s.

The History and Antiquities of the Town of Newark, (the Sidnacester of the Romans.) By W. Dickinson, Esq. 4to. L. 2, 2s.

The History of the Town and Borough of Uxbridge. By George Bedford, A.M, and Thomas Hurry Riches. 8vo. L. 1.

History and Description of the City of York. By W. Hargrove. 3 vols. royal 8vo. L. 1, 16s.

History of Brazil. Vol. III. By Robt. Southey.

LAW.

A Short Digest of the Law and Practice in Bankruptcy; including a statement of the commissioners' authority to summon and examine witnesses and others in com