November 22, 1817-] the deed was done; suspicion attached to some persons, and a strict in-vestigation was pursued; but more than twelve years have elapsed, and to light after the lapse of a much long- were found under the pavement of one er period. The stings of remorse, the of the outhouses at Dalry when some forebodings of a guilty conscience, repairs were going on. might lead to disclosure and confession A daughter of the same Chislie was not the slightest trace of the murder- of the deed even before men: But, is the famous Lady Grange, whose exer has yet been discoverd. According it possible to conceive that the perpe-traordinary story excited great curioto one report, a person in a soldier's trator is yet a member of the society a- sity 80 years ago, and has not yet ceasgreat coat was seen on Leith Walk in mong which the crime was committed, ed to be interesting, on account of the company with Begbie, and it was sup- and has never betrayed, by the agita- mystery which attends it and its appaposed had continued with him till he tion of his feelings and the horrors of rent connexion with the plots of those inflicted the fatal wound; and, accord- his mind, the dreadful secret which engaged in the rebellions of 1715 and ing to another, a person of the same lurks within his breast? 1745. It was said that Erskine of description was observed lingering at Not less atrocious, but very different Grange had seduced her, and that she the bottom of a stair within the in the conviction and punishment of compelled him to marry her, by remindentrance to the bank-office; and it the criminal, was the murder of Sir ing him that she was Chislie's daughter, was currently said that a person was George Lockhart, President of the and threatening his life. She is deseen running down Leith Wynd Court of Session, by Chislie of Dalry, scribed as a beautiful woman, but of a immediately after the commission of a gentleman of some property. In re- violent temper. The character of her the atrocious act. But in the ab- sentment for having given a decision husband was not the most correct and sence of all positive information we for £93 per annum as a maintenance amiable. His infidelity to herself, and may indulge long in idle conjecture, for his wife and children, Chislie vow- his unfriendly disposition to the family without being able to catch a single ed revenge against the President, and, on the throne, gave her great uneasiglimpse to dispel the darkness which with the intention of executing his hor-ness, and produced a threat that she still hangs over this barbarous and mys-rid purpose, had actually watched for would inform the government if he did terious deed. The records of crime the object of his revenge on the streets not relinquish his plotting schemes and have never exhibited one, the chief of London with a loaded pistol under live quietly at home. He persuaded features of which are marked by more his coat; but it was not till the last day the public and his friends that she deliberation, determined resolution, of March 1689 that a fit opportunity was mad, and he had her removed to dexterity, and address in its plan, per- offered. On that day, as the President the remote island of St. Kilda, where petration, and successful concealment. was returning from church, and had The intention and preparation were entered the close which led to his own obvious from the choice of the instru- house on the south side of the Lawnment of death, and from wrapping the Market, which house was lately ochandle round with paper to give a cupied by the Bank of Scotland, and is firmer hold; but after all this preli- now a printing-office, Chislie came beminary process, the very thought of hind him and shot him with a pistol. which is sufficient to appal the soul, He made no attempt at escape, was what firmness of nerve and steadiness immediately seized, tried next day, the of hand were required to strike the 1st of April, before the magistrates of dreadful blow! The means to secu:e Edinburgh, with assessors appointed concealment were not the least remark- by the estates of parliament, and after able part of the history of this atro- being put to the torture to discover his cious deed; not one of the large notes accomplices, if he had any, was conwhich were carried off by the mur- victed of the murder, and sentenced to derer was ever allowed to come into be executed on Wednesday the 3d of circulation, a decided proof that he was the same month. The sentence was well aware of the danger to which he executed on that day. His right hand might be thus exposed; and it is no less was cut off; he was hanged at the cross wonderful that a report prevailed on with the pistol about his neck with the day succeeding the murder, that which he had committed the murder; some of the notes were found in Belle- his right hand was fixed on the West vue parks, a report which was only Port, and his body was hung in verified several years afterwards. Such chains between Edinburgh and Leith. a story is altogether inexplicable, ex- Few examples occur of so speedy a cept on the supposition that it came from the perpetrator himself, and was intentionally circulated to lull suspi cion. A crime of so deep a dye rarely escapes so long with impunity; and yet deeds of darkness have been brought she was detained for several years. Proceeding along the Canongate towards Holyroodhouse, our attention is attracted by many objects connected with public events or private history. It is to be recollected that this was the court end of the town before the Union; and the residences of families of rank and distinction can still be pointed out. On the south side is Milton House, the mansion of Lord Milton, Lord JusticeClerk, who made a conspicuous figure in public affairs during the rebellion 1745: Farther down is Queensberry House, now converted into barracks; but once the town residence of the Duke of that name, who was Chancellor and Minister for Scotland at the Union, and had a considerable share in promoting that event; and near the bottom of the street is Lothian Hut, now or formerly belonging to the noble family of Lothian. On the north side the chief buildings are the church and the prison. The latter is supposed trial and so summary a punishment. to have been erected in the time of From a discovery made within the James VI; and the former about the last forty years, it would appear that year 1688, to accommodate the citipart of the sentence had been defeat-zens who had been deprived of Holyed, probably by the relatives of the rood Chapel when it was converted criminal, by whom the body had been into a Royal Chapel in the reign of removed and buried; for the chains Charles II. cont. p. 178 128 NOTICES BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL, MORAL, &c. ACCOUNT OF ALI PACHA. Notices Biographical, Historical, Moral, &c. ALI PACHA is an object of peculiar interest to the English nation, on account of the proximity of his dominions to the Ionian islands, and the discussions which have taken place in the British senate, respecting the cession to this powerful and ambitious neighbour of the important fortress of Parga. [November 22, 1817 Ilona; but the latter being an old man of a of Ali Pacha's character. The latter is his Ali Pacha is the most powerful prince of We Ali Pacha's rapaciousness extends to every thing, and no pretext is too frivolous or too If a merchant arrives in his domiAli, however, met with fresh disasters; he mean. The little town of Tépéléni, the beys or go- was forced again to have recourse to his mo- nions with goods which tempt him, he sends vernors of which were his ancestors, is inha- ther, and was again supplied and left to him- for him, assumes an air of equity, and buys With the last money which he thus ob- what pleases him, at a price arbitrarily fixed If one of his vassals dies and bited by Greeks and Albanese Mussulmans, self. His leaves large property, no expedient is disdainof the race of the Toczidi. The family of Ali tained, he raised 600 men, and the first action by himself. always gave chiefs and leaders to those rude he fought with them was unfortunate. but courageous mountaineers, who subsist by camp was near Valera, in Albania, at a place ed to get possession of it, either by barefaced war and plunder. Since the time of Scander- which his biographer has visited. Ali retired violence and plundering the children, or by a beg they have remained in obscurity. Under to a solitary spot hard by, to ponder on his pretended testament of the deceased, whom that great warrior they probably professed situation. “There,” said Ali, (for the author re- the Prince extols to the sky, and takes poschristianity, like many other Albanians, who, lates these circumstances from his own mouth), session of his goods and chattels: "My son," at a subsequent period, when the Ottomans" I reflected on my adverse fate; I considered said he one day to the son of a Greek lately conquered the country, embraced mahometan- what I could still undertake, and drew a com- deceased; "your father was a very respectaism. Ali's grandfather fell at the siege of parison between my weak resources and the ble man, whose loss greatly affects me. Corfu, in which he was one of the Turkish far superior resources of my adversaries. I were intimate friends; he remembered me on generals; he is the first of his race whose name had already stood thus for some time, turning his death-bed, and has bequeathed to me his is mentioned in the annals of the Porte. Veli, up the earth with my stick, and without house, his furniture, and his gardens." "But, "these make more than two-thirds of my the father of Ali, filled the office of sandgiak, thinking of what I was doing, thrust it vio-my lord," answered the youth confounded, "My son," returned Ali, at Delvino, but fell into disgrace with the lently into the ground; when the sound of a Porte and lost his place. Ali has since re- hard body, against which it struck, roused whole property." Persecuted me from my reverie. I stooped to examine"you must hold your father's last will sa venged himself on his successor. by the divan, and plundered by the neigh- the opening which I had made, and had the cred; and if you were so wicked as not to bouring beys, Veli left at his death in 1760, unlooked-for good fortune to find a little submit to it, I would immediately have you several children under age; of whom two chest, which had doubtless been buried there hanged." during one of the revolutions to which this were sons, Ali and another. unhappy country is subject. The gold which it contained enabled me to raise a body of 2,000 men; I fought a second battle, in which I was more fortunate, and from which I returned victorious to Tépéléni." Veli's widow was an ambitious and resu. lute woman. Her instructions and example were not lost upon Ali: when only sixteen years of age, he had to defend his paternal inheritance with arms, but still under the From that time, fortune has never for guidance and protection of his mother. Even then he shewed himself a friend to the sol-saken him, during a fifty years series of bold diers, and endeavoured in his intercourse and warlike enterprises. There is, therefore, with them to acquire useful knowledge. He but little interest in following his ambitious, carefully studied the history of his own fa- perfidious, and cruel career; or the treaties mily, and the actions of celebrated heroes. which, according to the suggestions of his This early propensity, which he constantly artful policy, he has ultimately concluded, retained, probably contributed in a high de- broken, and renewed with the European gree, to give him that correct and strong me-powers, whom the circumstances of the times mory which he shews on every occasion, and which have been of the most essential service to him in difficult circumstances. His first endeavours to divide his enemies, in order to beat them singly, were not attended with success. He was himself taken prisoner by Kourd Pacha, sandgiak of Av havé brought in contact with him. On the Falsehood and ambition are the elements His insatiable ambition has made him also distrustful and revengeful; and these two propensities have acquired with his violent disposition, the character of savage passion. His nephews, his children, those who are the All who are about him are suspected by him. most attached to him, who seem to enjoy his full confidence, are no less the objects of his suspicious watchfulness. The most solemn assurances of devotedness and fidelity are lost upon him. Ancient and long services can afford no pledge for the future, in the eyes of a man who has at all times changed his conduct as his interest seemed to require. As little can the ties of blood serve him as a pledge of security; and if it be true, as is generally affirmed, that he is the murderer of his brother and his mother, one may easily imagine how small must be his confidence in his own children, especially as he can foresee, that upon his death, his youngest son will fall a victim to the ambition of his two November 22, 1817.] Notices Biographical, Historical, Moral, &c. brothers; and that these again will make war upon each other. There is one single method by which he secures the fidelity of those he employs, and this consists in the hostages which they are obliged to give him. He employs it towards his own children. When his sons went to their governments, he detained their families, and did not even give himself the trouble to conceal the motive of this offensive precaution. His style of receiving people is, when he chooses, irresistibly pleasing, His countenance seems to express frankness and probiOf all his relations his natural broty; nothing but a degree of constraint, which ther, Joussouf Pacha, the son of a black slave in his father's harem, enjoys his chief confidence: a preference which may be sufficiently accounted for by his unambitious character, by his boundless devotion, and veneration for Ali, but particularly by his birth, which does not allow him to claim any rights. Nevertheless, even this favourite is kept in absolute dependence, remote from public affairs, and only employed as leader of the troops, for which, indeed, his talents and his personal courage eminently qualify him. 129 would induce a belief that he was exclusively the encouragement which he had experienced occupied with his buildings, his rich furniture, in the spring, he failed of success; nor had and splendid ornaments; but all this is dissi- he influence enough to command a seat for mulation; and while he engrosses those who any other place. Under these depressing surround him with such things, his real ob- circumstances did this extraordinary man reject is to divert their attention from more se- tire from public life, without having the tran rious concerns. sient consolation of seeing that his departure was considered as a loss by those who had been used to court the aid of his talents., The world to him was now in a manner become a desert, in which there was little to appears through this amiable demeanour, can cheer him amidst the gloom of neglect and excite some mistrust in his sincerity. Of all the blast of penury; where he was continualthe passions that struggle within him, no ly tormented by the importunities of clatrace is ever to be read in his countenance. morous creditors, and pursued with unrelax. Suspicion, fear, hatred, revenge, are veiled ing severity by the harpies of the law. Haby the expression of pure joy and conscious rassed by continual vexations at a period innocence. With the appearance of modera- when nature stands in need of repose and intion, obliging in conversation, dexterous indulgence, it was not much to be wondered representing every thing in the light most ad- that a man so long accustomed to convivial vantageous to himself, clear and logical in his pleasures should seek relief from the presarguments, furnished with all the arts of elo- sure of increasing embarrassments in the inquence, no one knows so well as he how to toxicating means of forgetfulness.--Unforprocure the admission of false deductions, and tunately, the habits of Mr. Sheridan had Ali Pacha's revenge is implacable, and nei- to obtain from others what he has at heart. ever been of a description that unfitted him ther time nor place can set bounds to it. The So profoundly is he skilled in the art of dis- for application to business, and rendered him only change that can be remarked in it, is, sembling, that even a person who is thorough- incapable of enduring misfortune with that that it is the more cruel the longer it is de- ly acquainted with him, is inclined, in con- firmness, which, if it does not remove trouble, layed, and that anger frequently, kindles its versation with him, to consider his mistrust takes away its sting. When, therefore, the flames into greater fury. His authority, his as unjust and groundless. trying season came, it found him unpreparpower, his cunning, and his dissimulation, There can be no doubt but that this dissi-ed to resist the violence of the storm, and render its success infallible, and its effects in- mulation costs him a considerable degree of unable to direct his steps by any plan that evitable. His hatred increases with its dura- effort. When he does not obtain his object, could secure him from future calamity. In tion, his faithful and never-failing memory when he has in vain tried his usual arts, in such a bewildered state he increased his hinders him from forgetting any real or sup-order secretly to kindle discord, or to perpe- difficulties by the efforts which he made to posed offence, and none remains unpunished. elude them, and accelerated his, dissoluA short time before the author of these notition, in endeavouring to drown the sense ces visited Joannina, Ali Pacha recognised, in of his misery. Such is the heavy impost the ranks of a detachment of troops that was passing before him at 300 paces distance, an Albanian, who was stated to have grossly offended him above twenty years before. He was arrested at the time, but had the good fortune to escape from prison. After long roving about in various places, he inlisted among the troops of a bey, whom Ali now took into his service. The cruel vizier immediately gave orders to cut him down. On another occasion the author was a witness of the extremely faithful memory of this extraordinary man. He, according to his custom, was sit tuate hatred; to get the crimes of which he ting in judgment: a man, who had been just THE LAST YEARS OF THE LIFE OF minister to its comfort in the dreariness of MR. SHERIDAN. brought in, was taken before him, and Ali Ali possesses the art of dissimulation to such a degree, that he who does not judge of his intentions exclusively according to what ambition and avarice may suggest, is infallibly misled; for he deceives, not merely by words and protestations, but by his dignity and the whole tenor of his behaviour. His exterior is agreeable, and he can give to his usually mild and smiling features a seducing charm. His manner is polite, affable, and dignified. He appears always cleanly, often richly dressed. In the fitting up and decorations of his palaces, the most studied luxury prevails, and in his way of life an Asiatic effeminacy, which compromise what he considered to be the in- Thus set this political luminary in the solitude. Home, though the abode of domestic virtue and affection, was no longer safe to a person so well known and so much sought a1ter by numerous applicants; to avoid whose troublesome inquiries, and to gain a respite from anxiety, he passed much of his time in coffee-houses and taverns. Continual ebriety was the result of such a course of life; and the effects of it upon his constitution, which had been naturally a very robust one, soon appeared in his countenance and his manners. Yet, sinking as he now was into the lowest state of human declension, occasional sallies of humour escaped him, even when he was unable to stand, or scarcely to articulate. Coming very late one night out of a tavern, he fell; and being too much overtaken with liquor to recover his feet, he was raised by some passengers, who asked his name and place of abode; to which he replied by referring to a coffeehouse, and hiccuping that he was Mr. Wil-berforce! Some idea of his extraordinary stamina 130 Notices Biographical, Historical, Moral, &c. [November 22, 1817. ence to researches, in which the public were essentially interested, when suffering under the tortures of an excruciating disease, and upon the verge of the grave, was obliged to ask alms of his fellow citizens and countrymen. However strange this may seem, it is nevertheless truc, that in the year 1604 this worthy citizen obtained from that learned monarch and great encourager of learning, James 1, a license to collect the charitable benevolence of well disposed people" for his subsistence. In this brief, his various labours for 45 years spent in composing his annals, and also eight years dedicated to his survey of London, his merit and his age are mentioned; and power was given to him and his deputies, to ask charity at the different churches through a considerable number of counties and cities in England, with an exhortation and persuasion to persons to contribute their mites. This was in the second year of the king. A letter from the king on the same subject is also extant, on the back of which seven shillings and sixpence are set down as the subscription of the parish of St. Mary, Woolneth, with the church-wardens names indorsed. may be formed from the following incident. A then be silent ; and his voice will soon be heard | tended far beyond the usual period of existperson going to hear the debates in the House no more in Oneida. But certainly he will be of Commons, called at the Exchequer Coffee-long in the minds of his children-in white house, where his attention was fixed by a men's, Scanando's name has gone far, and will gentleman taking tea, with a parcel of papers not die. He has spoke many words to make before him. Afterwards he called for a decan- his children straight. Long has he said, drink ter of brandy, which he poured into a large no strong water; for it makes you mice for glass, and drank off without diluting it in the white men, who are cats. Many a meal have least, and then walked away. The spectator they eaten of you. Their mouth is a snare. soon followed, and went into the gallery of the and their way like the fox. Their lips are house, where, to his astonishment, he heard sweet, but their heart is wicked. Yet there one of the longest and most brilliant speeches are good whites and there are good Indians. he ever listened to, delivered by this votary I love all good men ; and Jesus, whom I love, of Bacchus, who was no other than Mr. Sheri- sees all. His great day is coming, he will dan. But such libations, however invigorating make straight; he will say to cheating whites they may be for a moment to the animal spi and drinking Indians, begone ye-begone ye rits, or even inspiring to genius, make dread- -go, go, go.-Certainly, my children, he will ful inroads upon the vital system, and when drive them away. In that day I will rejoice. persevered in, never fail to undermine the en- But oh! great sorrow in my heart that many tire fabric. This was the case with Mr. She- of my children mourn. The great Jesus has ridan, upon whom the pernicious practice in- looked on all the while the whites were cheatcreased to such a degree, that at length his ing us; and it will remain in his mind-he digestive powers were completely destroyed; will make all straight again. Long have 1 his memory of course became impaired, and believed his good words; and as long as I live the symptoms of organic disease manifested will pray to him. He is my good Saviour themselves in a swelling of the extremities-my blind eyes he will open, I shall see and an enlargement of the abdomen, which him. Children, his way is a good way. soon left nothing for hope. The consequence Hearken, my children! when this news of this mode of life was a complication of dis- sounds in the council-house, toward the setorders, the basis of which was hepatic; and ting sun, and they cry, make bows and armelancholy is the account of his situation at rows, sharpen the tomahawk-put the chain this distressing period. Yet it affords a relief of friendship with the whites into the ground to the scene to read that he gladly availed-warrior, kill! kill! The great chief at the himself of the consolations of religion before his death, which took place in the 65th year of his age. setting sun wont kill any of the Six Nations that go into his land, because they have a chain of friendship with the whites; and he says, the whites have made us wicked like themselves, and that we have sold them our SPEECH OF JOHN SCANANDO, CHIEF land. We have not sold it; we have been OF THE ONEIDAS, On the discovery that their land and improvements were sold to the state, by the intrigue (as he asserts) of certain white men. [The tears ran copiously from his eyes, and from those of all that heard him in council when he spoke.] cheated; and my messengers shall speak true CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN A Professor Pictet of Geneva, editor of the Bibliotheque Universalle, paid a visit in the month of July 1817, on board an American corvette, lying in the harbour of Genoa sensible negro acts on board the vessel as a cook, and as calculator of all the nautical ob servations necessary for determining the la titudes and longitudes. This negro has lived two years in one of the Sandwich islands, where Captain Cook was killed. The tradition of that event is preserved in this island Children! Some have said, your chiefs sign- (Owhyhee); and according to him the followed papers of white men that sold our fires. ing is the account given. Captain Cook, who Your chiefs signed no papers; sooner would was in want of wood as well as water, had My warriors and my children! Hear!-It they let the tomahawk lay them low. We perceived near the shore an old hut, which is cruel-it is very cruel! a heavy burden lies know one of our men was hired by white men appeared to him to be neglected and gone to on my heart; it is very sick. This is a dark to tell our men this, and will now tell you decay; and the wood of which he thought to day. The clouds are black and heavy over so himself. Papers are wicked things; take be drier than that of newly felled trees: he, the Oneida nation; and a strange arm is hea care; sign none of them but such as our mi- therefore, gave orders to pull down the hut, vy upon us, and our hearts groan under it.nister reads to us. He is straight. You now without having first consulted the natives. Our fires are put out, and our beds are remov- see his tears running like ours. Neither he nor his people, doubtless, knew ed from under us. The graves of our fathers (and after the turn the affair took none of are destroyed, and their children are driven them could learn) that the place was tabooed. away. The Almighty is angry with us; for -The islanders did not hesitate a moment to we have been very wicked; therefore his arm prevent, by a desperate attack, an act which does not keep us. Where are the chiefs of the they considered as an impropriety; they killrising Sun? White chiefs now kindle their ed some of the workmen, and the others fled. ancient fires! There no Indian sleeps but those that sleep in their graves. My house will soon be like theirs; soon will a white chief here kindle his fire. Your Scanando will soon be no more, and his village no more a village of Indians. Father you are our minister-dry up your tears. We know if your arm could it would help us. We know wicked men speak ill of you for our sakes. You suffer with us. But you are Jesus' servant, and he will love you no less for loving Indians. And may Children our two messengers will run and carry our sorrows to the great council fire toward the setting sun. Run, my children, and tell our words. Give health to all the chiefs assembled round the great fire. Jesus, the great Saviour, bring you back safe. The news that came last night by our men-From the Commercial Advertiser. from Albany, made this a sick day in Oneida. All our children's hearts are sick, and our eyes rain like the black cloud that roars on the tops of the trees of the wilderness. Long did the strong voice of Scanando cry, children, take care, be wise, be straight. His feet were then like the deer's, and his arm like the bear's.He can now only mourn out a few words and STOWE THE ANTIQUARIAN. The labourious antiquary, John Stowe, after dedicating the greatest part of a life ex • He was blind, and near a hundred years old when he delivered this speech. The negro cook appeared much affected by the recollection of his abode in Owhyhee, and ardently desires to return thither. He described this island as the happiest country in the world; and his account of the moral, mild, and hospitable character of the inhabitants, forms a striking contrast to the opinion that has been formed of them. He bestowed great praise on the talents and the character of the king of the island. He is already possessed of a navy, and has sent ships to China. He has also a body guard, armed with muskets and lances, which they manage with dex. terity. He employs himself with great ardour in the civilization of his people. November 22, 1817.] NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. A series of New Observations on the Tides; lately read at the Institute of France, by M. Le Comte Laplace.-The phenomenon of the tides in general was known to the ancients, and could not escape the notice of the inhabitants of the sea-coasts: they had even noticed certain varia tions or periods in the extent of the phenomenon; but, on this point, there have been no exact and consecutive observations, excepting those made by order of the Academy of Sciences, during the last century, at Brest, which is favourably situated, and where the tides are con siderable. In 1806 there was commenced, at the request of M. Laplace, a new series of ab. servations at Brest, which are to be continued nineteen years, or an entire revolution of the nodes of the lunar orbit. One half of the period has elapsed, and we may compare the results with those observed a century preceding. It is known that the tides are owing to a compound and very complicated force, resulting from the action of two bodies-the sun and moon, on the moveable mass of water, which covers threefourths of the globe. The positions of the two attracting bodies, relative to the body attracted, change continually; and the effects change with them. The question is, to distinguish the influence of the distance from the position more or less vertical, and the combined or opposite action of these bodies in the results they produce; and never was there a more important question discussed, confided to a geometrician better able to treat it successfully. The first result of his enquiry is, that he has ascertained that the present height of the tides at Brest surpasses those obtained from the old observations by one forty-fifth part: a part of this difference may be owing to the errors of the observations, and the rest to a secular change in the action of the sun and moon. It is known that the high and low tides follow the moon's passage over the meridian of a place, at periods of time more or less distant; and that the action of the moon to that of the sun is as three to one. Bernouilli attributed the delay in part to the vis inertia of the waters, and partly to the time occupied in the transmission of the attractive power from the moon to the earth. M. Laplace has discovered, from a consideration of the whole of the celestial phenomena, that attraction is transmitted with a velocity incomparably superior to to that of light itself. We have already observ. ed, that the action of the moon on the tides, compared with that of the sun, is as three to one nearly observations seem to show that local circumstances have increased, in the port of Brest, this ratio in a quantity equal to 0,1335 of the whole action of the moon upon the ocean: and it is fourteen to one that this quantity is within five-tenths of the truth. M. Laplace concludes, from this rectified calculation, that the mass of the moon is equal to 1-687th of that of the earth, which gives nine minutes sixty-five seconds for the co efficient of the nutation;Dr. Maskelyne made it six minutes sixty seconds. It is known that the parallax of the sun is the only means of determining the distance of our planet; a distance which, from one of the beautiful laws of Kepler, gives the key to all the others in the solar system. The im portance of this question explains the sacrifices made by sovereigns in 1761 and 1769, in sending astronomers to different places to observe the transits of Venus-a phenomenon the best calculated to arrive at the solution of the problems in a direct manner. The result of all collected by the Javanese, and, being exposed in the hollows of split bamboos to the rays of the sun, deposits crystals of salt. The salt thus made is reserved exclusively for the use of the Emperor of Solo: in dry weather it yields thirty dudgins of 100 catties each, every month, but, in wet or cloudy weather, less. Next these observations have proved that the parallax The Penang Gazette of Feb. 10, 1816, contains the following article on the volcanic springs of boiling mud in Java :— Having received an extraordinary account of a natural phenomenon in the plains of Grobogna, fifty paals north-east of Solo, a party set off from Solo, the 25th Sept. 1814, to examine it. -On approaching the dass or village of Kuhoo, they saw between two topes of trees a plain, an appearance like the surf breaking over rocks with a strong spray falling to leward. Alight ing, they went to the "Bluddugs," as the Javanese call them. They are situated in the vil lage of Kuhoo, and by Europeans are called by that name. We found them to be on an eleva- : in a forest called Ramsam, to view a salt lake, a mud hillock, and various boiling pools. The lake was about half a mile in circumference, of a dirty-looking water, boiling up all over in gurgling eddies, but more particularly in the centre, which appeared like a strong spring. The water was quite cold, and tasted bitter, salt, and sour, and had an offensive smell.About thirty yards from the lake stood the mud hillock, which was about fifteen feet high from the level of the earth. The diameter of its base was about twenty-five yards, and its top about eight feet and in form an exact cone. The top is open, and the interior keeps constantly boiling and heaving up like the bluddugs. The hillock is entirely formed of mud which has flowed out of the top every rise of the mud was accompanied by a rumbling noise from the bottom of the hillock, which was distinctly heard for some seconds before the bubble burst;-the outside of the hillock was quite firm. We stood on the edge of the opening and sounded it, and found it to be eleven fathoms deep. The mud was more liquid than at the bluddugs, and no smoke was emitted either from the lake, hillock, or pools. Close to the foot of the hillock was a smail pool of the same water as the lake, which appeared exactly like a pot of water boiling vio. lently it was shallow, except in the centre, into which we thrust a stick twelve feet long, but found no bottom. The hole not being perpendicular, we could not sound it without a line. About 200 yards from the lake were two very large pools or springs, eight and twelve feet in diameter; they were like the small pool, but boiled more violently and stunk excessively. We could not sound them for the same reason which prevented our sounding the small pool. We heard the boiling thirty yards before we came to the pools, resembling the noise of a waterfall. These pools did not overflow-of course the bubbling was occasioned by the rising of air alone. The water of the bluddugs and the lake is used medicinally by the Java nese. Effects of Capillary Attraction.-A rope is found to become shorter by the application of water; the water, by twisting the fibres, causing the rope to swell, or thicken, which is well exemplified by the circumstance attending the famous obelisk erected by Pope Sextus V. before St. Peters, at Rome. The Chevalier Fontano, who had undertaken to raise this monument, was, it is said, on the point of failing in his attempt, when the column had nearly reached the pedestal, in consequence of the stretching of the ropes. At that moment he called out to wet the ropes, which being done, the column gradually rose to the height required. The process, which, according to M. de Mairon, is employed in different places for making mill-stones, by the power of capillary attraction, furnishes also a striking instance of the effect of moisture. A block of stone being cut into a cylindrical form, wedges of willow dried in an oven, are driven by a mallet into grooves which have been made in the outside edge. These wedges are moistened, or exposed to the air, if during the night, and in a few hours the stone is split to the number |