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Agriculture Meteorological Table-Bankrupst.

year old Argyllshire brought £.12. These rates are from £.2 to £.4 above the prices of last year. Sheep were in great demand at an advance of 4s.; current rates 15% to 21s. The cause to which the rise is chiefly ascribed is the remark. ably fine crop of turnips. Fat cattle sold readi

which continue to arrive from various parts of the country, are still very cheering. The Manchester manufacturers have advanced the wages of their workmen sixpence on the piece. The trade in Yorkshire is very brisk in woollens and common cloth, particularly the latter. All hands are now employed, and we understand the clothly at from 7s. to 9s. a stone, but these were is principally for the Russian army.

AGRICULTURE, &c.

At the Agricultural meeting held in Elgin on the 26th of Sept. Mr Coke, in one of his addresses, expressed himself so much pleased with the intelligence of Scots farmers in general, their anxiety for information, and their com plete freedom from prejudices, that, he said, he would be most happy to contribute, by any means in his power, to promote the knowledge of some parts of their practice in Norfolk, which, on comparison, he thought superior to those he had Been in Scotland. He concluded that address by this flattering and very handsome proposal, "That if this respectable Society chose to send a deputation of two or three members to Holkham, he should devote ten or fourteen days of his time to show them every thing in Norfolk deserving notice, and that he thought they would find many things in their practice of husbandry, in the breeding and rearing of stock, and in their improved implements, which might be well worth the attention of the club." The Marquis of Huntly complimented Mr Coke on his liberality and devotion to the great interests of agriculture, and with a noble generosity, peculiar to himself, said, "If the Morayshire Farmer Club determine on sending such a deputa. tion, he would most readily subscribe one hun Mr dred guineas towards the expence of it. Coke also generally invited any member of the Society whose business or pleasure might lead him to Norfolk, to visit him, and said, that every attention to explain the operations and modes of culture, on his own farm, and in his neighbourhood, would be given.

After the late severe equinoctial storm, we have had, during last week, the most favourable weather for the harvest and the operations of the farmer; and a great deal has in consequence been done in cutting the crop, and bringing it into the stack-yard, in the best order. From other parts of the country, and also from Moray and Banff shires, our reports are very dif ferent. The bear and barley is mostly in the yard, and in good condition; but a considerable extent of oats has been much injured by the late frosts. There has been little ripening weather for the last three weeks, and there is now no chance of farther filling. From these circum. stances there will be a deficiency of good seed in these districts next season.—Aberdeen Journal.

With the exception of a few fields that were destroyed by the grub. worm and afterwards resown, the corn of all descriptions in the Lowlands from the Nith to the Sark may be considered as cut, and a great portion has been placed under cover in fine order; but in the higher lands❘ in the same district there is a considerable quantity still standing.-Carlisle Putriot.

nearly the rates of last year. The demand for horses was rather languid, and prices were little or nothing-up. A correspondent who had visited the fair, states, that sheep which at the last tryst did not bring more than 16s. were pur. chased with avidity at 20s.; and that such was the immense quantity of stock, that the lonning between Lamberton and the place where they were shewn, was completely blocked up for two hours.

Balinasloe Great Fair in Ireland.—This fair has proved extremely favourable. Nearly every beast exhibited was purchased, and the prices, in general, were full 25 per cent. higher than those of last year. The greatest demand was for black cattle, and the advance upon that species of stock, of which there is rather a scar. city in the country, was even greater than a fourth.

At Carlisle fortnight fat-cattle market, on Thursday week, there was a numerous supply of both cattle and sheep, of excellent quality: they were not all sold, yet those that were, fetched good prices. Beef, on an average, about 6s. 9d. per stone'; and mutton 6s. per stone, sinking

the offal.

Sales by auction, of farming stock, crop, &c. during the last month, and up to this date, in Cumberland, have been very good. Stock, crop, &c. sold now, on three months credit, has brought 30 per cent. more than six months have done for the last two years.

The ports continue open to the free importa tion of foreign wheat, flour, barley, and oats, from all places, and under any flag, till the 15th November next. The ports are shut against the import of beans and pease from any place whatever; and sbut against the import of rye from ports between the Eyder and Bidassoa the im port of rye from the Baltic, and more distant ports, is still free.

It has often been said by judges of stock, that the sale of lean cattle was always ruled by the fat, but this season has proved the reverse. Lean cattle are expected to continue on the advance this year; and the only reason which can be assigned for it is, the abundant crop which every country has been blessed with. When a farmer has plenty of hay, grass, and straw, he may safely speculate in the purchase of cattle to

consume it.

Lean pigs, at this time, are selling very high throughout the northern counties, viz: about 3s. per stone: the reason assigned for this is, that a brisk demand for dry bacon is soon expected.

At Cookermouth annual Michaelmas fair, on Friday last, the show of cattle and horses was much fewer in number and inferior in quality to what has been for many years past but the demand was brisk, and prices on the advance: fat about 7s. per stone of 14lbs. sinking offal.

Penrith fat-cattle market was held on Tuesday week, when between 900 and 1000 fat sheep were shewn--those in good condition sold well. A great number of buyers from Whitehaven, Liverpool, Skipton, Kendal, &c. attended. There was also a large show of cattle.

Tryst at Falkirk Monday week the demand for lean black cattle, was brisker than it ever was known since the removal of the market from Doune. Almost all the beasts of this description were bought up by the English dealers be fore the regular commencement of the fair. By an act passed in the last session of ParliaPrices rose fully 50 per cent. Two-year old ment, farmers are allowed the liberty to have stots sold at from £.5 to £.8, and some three-salt, duty free, for manuring land, but which

[October 25, 1817.

salt is to he sold to them only in a state of brine mixed with ashes, or any compost they may prefer.

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE, Extracted from the Register kept on the Banks of the Tay, four miles east from Perth, Latitude 56° 25', Elevation 185 feet. From 17th September to 16th. October 1817, inclusive. Means. THERMOMETER.

Mean of greatest daily heat,

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Degrees.

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53.600

cold,

41.233

49.050

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10 P. M.

44:800

of daily extremes,

47.416

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10 A. M. and 10 P. M.

46.925

47.170

Inches.

29.912

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27.912

29.908

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With times and places of meetings of creditors to choose factors and trustees.

Francis Bowie, Tardours, parish of Muirkirk in M Vitie's Inn, Cumnock, on the 22d October and 6th November, at 12 o'clock.

William Angus, vintner and horse- setter, Glasgow: in the King's Arms Inn there, on 31st October and 21st November, at 1 o'clock..

James Reith, merchant, Edinburgh; in the Royal Exchange Coffee-house there, on 20th October and 7th November, at 2 o'clock.

Examinations.Ewen M Master, cattle-dealer, Traigh of Moror: in the Court House, Fort William, on 27th October and 11th November at 12 o'clock.

William Middleton, merchant, Glasgow: in the Sheriff clerk's Office there, on 30th October and 13th November, at 11 o'clock.

James Largie, merchant and ship owner, Johnshaven, in the Court-room, Stonehaven, on the 28th October and: 12th November, at 12 o'clock.

William Hislop, corn-merchant, &c. at Maxweltown, in the Court-room, Kirkcudbright, on 25th October and 16th November, at 12 o'clock.

Offers of Composition, and Meetings to decide. John Rutherford, jun. merchant tailor, Kelso: in Lauder's Inn there, on 6th November, at 12 o'clock.

James White & Co. merchants, Glasgow: in the Chambers of Macpherson and Maclachlan, writers there, on 6th November, at 12 o'clock.

William Maclure, merchant, Kirkcudbrightin Malcolmson's Inn there, on 8th November at 12 o'clock

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October 25, 1817.]

British Legislation—Births-Marriages-Deaths.

Samuel Halket, brewer, Edinburgh; in the Royal Exchange Coffee-house there, on 30th October, at 1 o'clock.

Robert Burgess, merchant, Lerwick; in the Royal Exchange Coffee-house, Edinburgh, on 29th October, at I o'clock.

M'Allaster and Duncan, merchants, Glasgow; in the Office of John Ferguson, writer there, on 1st November, at 12 o'clock.

The salaries of the abolished offices to make part of the consolidated fund.

LXII. To abolish certain offices and regulate certain other offices in Ireland. July 7.

The offices abolished by this act on the termination of existing interests, are the following:Surveyor General of Crown Lands; Keeper of Records in the Bermingham Tower; Keeper of Records of Parliament; Clerk of the Paper OfRobert Gun and Son, dyers, Brownfield office; Accountant to the Board of General OffiGlasgow ; in the office of Peter Stewart, writer,cers; Secretary to the said Board; Corrector Glasgow, on 30th October, at 12 o'clock.

James Christie, grain-dealer, Mill of Lyde; in Turner's Inn, Brechin, on 1st November at 11 o'clock.

States of Affairs und Dividends.-Wm. Rid. dell, glue manufacturer, Glasgow: lie with Su- | therland Sanders, accountant there, till 20th November. No dividend.

Aberdein, Mac Kattie, and Co. merchants, Aberdeen, as a company, and Robert Aberdein, John MacKattie, William Aberdein, and Sam. Johnston, the individual partners: lie with the respective trustees till 18th November, when a dividend will be paid to the creditors of the Company only.

:

James Brown, merchant, Alyth lie at the counting-rooma of James Duncan, jun. manufac turer there, till the 30th November, when a dividend will be paid.

Sandeman and Co. merchants, Glasgow, and Sandeman, Halket, and Co. also merchants there, and William Sandeman, merchant, Glasgow, and John Halket, merchant in Glasgow aud Demerary: lie with William Carrick, accountant, Glasgow, till 29th November, when a final dividend will be paid.

George Paton, tobacconnist, Ayr lie with James Brown, writer there, till 25th November, when a dividend will be paid.

David Jobson, sen. merchant, Dundee ; Hie with William Bisset, merchant there, till 22d November, when a dividend will be paid.

BRITISH LEGISLATION.

Acts passed in the fifth Session of the fifth Parlia ment of Great Britain and Ireland.

Act LX. To regulate certain Offices in the Court of Exchequer in England July 7.

From and after the termination respectively of the present existing interests in the undermentioned offices, viz.-King's Remembrancer, Clerk of the Pleas, Clerk of the Pipe, Comp. troller of the Pipe, Marshal, Foreign Apposer; Surveyor and Receiver General of Green Wax, Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer, Clerk of Foreign Estreats, Clerk of the Nichells, Comptrol ler of First Fruits; and in the Alienation Office three Commissioners, the Receiver General, two ⚫ entering Clerks, Master in Chancery, and the Solicitor of the Exchequer such offices are to be executed in person and not by deputy; and as they become vacant, the duties, emoluments, and establishments to be regulated by the Treasury. The fees at present charged to be applicable to the payment of salaries, and the residue to form part of the consolidated fund.

LXI. To abolish the Offices of the Warders, Chief Justices, and Justices in Eyre, North and South of Trent. July 7.

The above mentioned offices to be abolished' on the termination of the existing interests, and the duties to be performed by the first commis. stoner of his Majesty's woods, forests, and land revenues, who is not to receive any emolument.

and Supervisor of his Majesty's Printing Press; Compiler of the Dublin Gazette; Master of the Revels; Seneschal of his Majesty's Manors; Accountant General; Supervisor of Accounts in the Barrack department; and Barrack Master of the Royal Barracks.

The salary of the following offices is abolished by this act after the termination of the existing interests:-Constable of the Castle of Limerick, Castle of Dublin, and Castle of Castlemain.

The following are to be regulated after the termination of the existing interests:-Muster Master General; Pratique Master of the Port of Dublin, and Storekeeper of the Customs of that port. The savings arising by new regulations for the establishment of such offices to go to the consolidated fund. Persons belonging to the said offices when regulated to be incapable of sitting in parliament. The office of Keeper of the Privy Seal in Ireland shall in future be granted during pleasure, and held by the Chief Secretary.

BIRTHS.

1817. Aug. 16. At Quebec, the Lady of Wm. Scott, Esq. younger of Wooll, a son. thew Bell, Esq. a son. Oct. 1. At Sanson House, the lady of Mat

2. At Edinburgh, the lady of John Corsar, Esq. a still-born child.

5. At London, the Right Hon. Lady Caro. line Ann Macdonald, of Clanronald, a daugh.

ter.

At Barjarg, the lady of Wm. F. Hunter, Esq. a daughter.

7. At Aberdeen, Mrs Burnet of Park, a daughter.

8. At Dunbar, the lady of Mr George Sandi. lands, a son.

9. At Kelly, the lady of the Hon. Colonel Ramsay, a daughter.

10. At York Place, Mrs Hunt of Pittencrieff, a son.

11. Elizabeth Rutherford, wife of John MacLagan, wheel-wright, Aberfeldy, a very poor man, was delivered of a boy and two girls. One of the girls died a few seconds after birth; the others, with the mother, are doing well,

14. At York, Mrs Milner of Nunmonkton, a

son.

16. In North Queen street, Glasgow, Mrs Andrew Hamilton, a daughter.

The lady of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Hew Dalrymple Ross, K. C. B. of the Royal Horse Artillery, a son.

17. At Old Aberdeen, Mrs Colonel Forbes, a daughter.

18. Mrs Russell, 95, George street, a son. 23. The lady of Robert Ogle, Esq. of Elsingham, a son.

At Clifton, the Marchioness of Ely, a son. At Lausanne, the lady of Lieutenant-Colonel Wauchope, a daughter.

At Mount Charles, Mrs Major Davidson, a

son.

MARRIAGES.

95

Sept. 23. At Edinburgh, George White, Esq. surgeon, to Eliza, only daughter of the late John Copland, Esq. of Minnygap.

Oct. 10. At Edinburgh, Mr W. Tennant, of the Custom-house, to Marion, only daughter of the deceased Captain Robert Gairdner, of the Hon. East India Company's Artillery.

13. At Hawkhill-house, Thomas Kay, Esq. merchant, Rotterdam, to Miss Henrietta Sophia Cassels, youngest daughter of the late Andrew Cassels, Esq. of Leith.

At Govan Bank, Mr Robert Gibb, merchant, Glasgow, to Aune, eldest daughter of John Hamilton, Esq. wood-merchant there.

14 At Linlathen, Charles Stirling, Esq. merchant in Glasgow, to Christian, daughter of the late David Erskine, Esq. clerk to the signet.

-At Glasgow, Mr Duncan M'Kellar, merchant, Greenock, to Miss Catharine Angus of Glasgow.

16. At the lady's house, in Montague square, London, Rear-Admiral Sir Phillip Durham, K. C. B. to Miss Henderson, daughter of Sir John Henderson, Bart.

14. At Edinburgh, Mr Robert Cadell, bookseller, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Archibald Constable, Esq.

16. At Carlisle, Charles Tawse, Esq. W. S. to Sarah Harriet, only daughter of the late John Connel, Esq. of Carlisle.

17. At Clyde Bank, near Dumbarton, Mr John Pollock, insurance-broker, Edinburgh, to Margaret, only daughter of the late Mr James Symington, bookseller, Edinburgh.

At Albany street, North Leith, John Robertson, Esq. merchant, Leith, to Margaretta Elizabeth, daughter of J. J. Ltn. Moller, Esq. London.

1

29. At Langholm, Lieutenant David Maxwell, of the Dumfries-shire militia, to Miss Lawrie, daughter of the late Rev. Mr John Lawrie, Ewes.

At London, Edmund Antrobus, Esq. nephew of Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart. to Anne, only daughter of the Hon. Hugh Lindsay, of Plaistow-Lodge, and niece to the Earl of Balcarras and Countess of Hardwicke.

At Hermand, John Fullarton. Esq. Advocate, to Georgina Hay, youngest daughter of the late James M'Dowall, Esq. merchant in Glasgow.

At the manse of Westray, Robert Pringle, Esq. of the Excise, Orkney, to Eliza, daughter of the Rev. Spence Oliphant, Largo.

DEATHS.

Feb. 10. At Bombay, in Colonel Smith's camp, Major Alex. Campbell of the 9th regi. ment Bombay Native Infantry, son of the late Mr John Campbell, surveyor of customs at Perth. He was unhappily killed by his horse falling with him, when on a party enjoying the sports of the field, of which he was passionately fond.

Sept. 18. At Banff, aged 56, John M'Leod, Esq. Lieutenant R. N.

21. At Petersburgh, of a lingering illness, Duke Julius De Polignac, a nobleman long distinguished for his strong attachment to the unfortunate Louis XVI. and his illustrious family.

26. At Craigthornhill, parish of Glassford, the Rev. James Russel, Townhead, Mearns. For several years he was minister of the associate congregation at Torphichen, in the county of Linlithgow.

96

Sept. 26. Mr William Haggerston, aged 26, third son of Thos. Haggerston, Esq. of Ellingham.

28. At Jedburgh, Mrs. Margaret Hardie, wife of William Rutherford, Esq. sheriff-c'erk of Roxburghshire, and daughter of the late Henry Hardie, Esq. merchant, Glasgow.

At Eastfield, Berwickshire, Miss Jessie Johnston, second daughter of Mr Johnston, farmer there.

Oct. 2. John Grey, Esq. of Middle Ord.

At Crief, John Murray, Esq. of Arbinnie, Lieutenant of the Royal Navy, and marine surveyor to the Board of Admiralty. During a long and valuable service, this excellent officer made some important discoveries on the coast of New Holland, and surveyed and drew plans of the principal harbours of the kingdom.

5. At Edinburgh, James, only son of the late Mr Patrick Erskine, surgeon.

5. At Edinburgh, Mr Patrick Stevenson, City Chamberlain's Office.

6. At Annan, Walter Bell, Esq. of Netheralbie, some time writer in Edinburgh.

18. At Hermand, George Graham, the infant son of Thomas Maitland, Esq. younger of Dun. drennan, advocate.

14. At Tayfield-house, George Berry, Esq. of Tayfield, in the 93d year of his age.

-At Colinton, Mas Jamieson, wife of Thomas Jamieson, farmer there.

15. At his seat at Melchburn, Bedfordshire, the Right Hon. St Andrew Lord St, John, Baron St John of Bletso.

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At Kelso, Mrs Elizabeth Rutherford, late of Birseslees, Roxburgh-shire.

At Tunis, in the prime of life, that celebrated archæologist, Count Camilla Borgis.

At Interlaken, in Switzerland, Lord Melgund, eldest son of the Earl of Minto.

At Kirkaldy, Mr William Whyte, in the 74th year of his age.

At Gilmerton, Mrs Paterson, wife of Mr Thomas Paterson, merchant, Edinburgh.

At Hermitage place, Mrs Robertson, relict of Bailie Robertson, merchant, Leith.

At Broughty Ferry, Mrs Maule, wife of the Rev. Mr Maule of Monikie.

At Glasgow, Miss Agnes Warnock.

At Innerkip, Mrs Davidson, relict of William Davidson, Esq. late merchant in Glasgow.

At Edinburgh, Mr William Renton of the Excise, aged 64.

Biographical Memoir of the late Honourable
Henry Erskine,

Died, at his seat of Ammondell, Linlithgow shire, on the 8th inst. in the 71st year of his age, the Honourable Henry Erskine, second son of the late Henry David Earl of Buchan. Mr Erskine was called to the Scottish bar, of which he was long the brightest ornament, in the year 1768, and was for several years Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. He was twice appointed Lord Advocate, in 1782 and 1806, under the Rockingham and the Grenville administrations. During the years 1806 and 1807, he sat in Parliament for the Dunbar and Dumfries districts of boroughs. In his long and splendid career at the bar, Mr Erskine was distinguished not only by the peculiar brilliancy of his wit, and the gracefulness, ease, and vivacity of his eloquence, but by the still rarer power of keeping those seducing qualities in perfect subordination to his judgment. By their assistance he could not only make the most repulsive subjects agreeable,

A

Deaths-High Water at Leith-Markets.

[October 25, 1817.

MARKETS.

Haddington, Oct. 17. There was a small supply of Wheat in mar

derably higher than last day; best old 40s. current prices from 21s. to 37s.; best new 49. current prices from 33s. to 35s. Barley 1s. 6d. lower than last day; best 30s. current prices from 23s. to 27s. 6d. One parcel of old Oats in market, which sold at 28s. 6d. ; new ditto 1s. 6d. lower than last day; best 29s, 6d. cur. rent prices from 21s. to 28s. Pease and beans from 24s. to 30s.

but the most abtruse, easy and intelligible. In his professión, indeed all his wit was argument, and each of his delightful illustrations a material step in his reasoning. To himself it seemed al-ket, which met with a brisk sale; prices consiways as if they were recommended rather for their use than their beauty. And unquestionably they often enabled him to state a fine argument, or a nice distinction, not only in a more striking and pleasing way, but actually with greater precision than could have been attained by the severer forms of reasoning. In this extraordinary talent, as well as the charming facility of his eloquence, and the constant radiance of good humour and gaiety which encircled his manner in debate, he had no rival in his own times, and has yet had no successor. As a politician, he was eminently distinguished for the two great virtues of inflexible steadhiess to his principles, and invariable gentleness and urbanity in his manner of asserting them. Such, indeed, was the habitual sweetness of his temper, and the fascination of his manners, that though placed by his rank and talent in the obnoxious station of a leader of opposition at period

when political animosities were carried to a lamentable height, no individual, it is believed, was ever known to speak or to think of him with any thing approaching to personal hostility. He possessed, in an eminent degree, that deep sense of revealed religion, and that zealous. attachment to the presbyterian establishment, which had long been hereditary in his family. His habits were always strictly moral and temperate, and in the latter part of his life even abstemious. Though the life and the ornament of every society into which he entered, he was always must happy and most delightful at home, where the buoyancy of his spirits, and the kind ness of his heart, found all that they required of exercise or enjoyment; and though without taste for expensive pleasures in his own person, he was ever most indulgent and munificent to his children, and a liberal benefactor to all who depended on his bounty. He finally retired from the exercise of that profession, the highest honours of which he had at least deserved, about the year 1812, and spent the remainder of his days in domestic retirement at that beautiful villa which had been formed by his own taste, and in the improvement and adornment of which he found his latest occupation. Pas sing, then, at once from all the bustle and excitement of a public life to a scene of comparative inactivity, he never felt one moment of ennui or dejection, but remained unimpaired till within a day or two of his death; not only all his intellectual activity and social aff ctions, but, when not under the immediate affliction of a painful and incurable disease, all that gaiety of spirit and all that playful and kindly sympa thy with innocent enjoyment, which made him the idol of the young, and the object of cordial attachment and unenvying admiration to his friends of all ages.

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Wheat. First 40s Od. Secd. 37s Od Third 33s Od

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OLD.

Barley Oats.

Pease.

Beans.

-s Od

28s 6d | 30s Od

30s Od

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Wheat.

First 49s Od Seed. 42: Od

-s Od 732 Bolls of Wheat in market, whereof 649 sold thus :

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10 at £.2 9 0120 at £.1 19 618 at £.1 10 6 11... 2 7 032 1 18 014... 1 10 0 2... 26 070 1 17 0 9 1 80 1 16 011 1 15 015 1 15 012 1 14 0 3 1 13 0 64 Unsold. 1 12 0 19 Grey. Dalkeith, Oct. 16. The grain at market amounted to 1240 bolls, which, for all kinds, sold nearly as the preceding market. Wheat. Peas & Beans. First 45s Od Second 40s Od Third 30s Od

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Price of Butcher Meat, &c-Oct. 21.
Beef, lb. 0 4 a 0
Mutton, 0 4 a 0
Veal,. 08 a 0
Pork,.. 0 5a0
Lamb, qr. 2 0 a 3
Tallow,st.7 9 a 9
Hides, 60 a 7
Calf Sk.lb.0 6, a 0
Sheep sk. 0 a 40
Lamb sk. 26 a

s. d. s. d.
s. d.
7 Quartern Loaf,..... 1 0

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7

Potatoes, per

10

peck of 281b.0 8 a 00

7

0

Weigh House.

6

Butter, lb. 0.0 a 14

0

Salt, do. lb. 0 0 a

1 4

8

Do. st...... 0 0 a 21 0

6

Eggs,hund.0 0 a 11 6
Do. doz.... 0 0 a 13
October 22.

There were 1630 sheep in the Grass-market, Edinburgh, this morning; which sold at from 8s. to 26s. per head, (a few unsold). There were also 154 black cattle in the market, which sold at from 6s. to 7s. 6d. per stone, sinking offals.

Printed by J. Ruthven & Sors, 69, Cowgate, Edinburgh.

1

No. 5.

shire.

THE

EDINBURGH OBSERVER,

OR

TOWN AND COUNTRY MAGAZINE.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1817.

Journal of an Excursion to Loch Katrine, are several handsome seats and young
by the Western Highlands of Perth-plantations. About ten miles from Crieff
we met with the first kilts, and heard
(Continued from page 76.)
the first Erse tongues. Near Crieff
Saturday, July 22. About a mile west-Baird. It is situated in the sloping face
we saw the seat of the gallant Sir D.
ward from Perth we had a view of the of a rising ground, behind which stands
palace of Scone, surrounded by trees, and
situated on an eminence. The country with fine firs. Here we viewed indeed
an abrupt bill, wooded to the summit
around is in the highest state of cultiva-
tion; and, those of Lothian excepted, bore dark and rugged, and beyond these the
a true highland scene. To the west, the
the finest crops we had seen.
peaks of the blue and distant mountains;
around us, the corn of stinted growth;
cottages constructed without lime, with
their thatched roofs, and turf chimnies,
and their peat-stalks behind; no doubt,
which most strikingly exhibited the differ-
picturesque and romantic enough; but
ence between, and made us look with
more gratitude to, our more southern sky,
and the blessings of our lowland habita-
tions.

Proceeding along the road to Methven, we passed Hunting-tower, alias Ruthven castle, famous for the conspiracy fostered, and attempted to be put in execution within it, against the life of James V. by the Earl of Gowry and his

brother. It is now converted into dwellings for the printers at the neighbouring bleachfield.

A mile or two farther onward, we passed, on our right, Methven castle, which is situated on an eminence, and famous for the battle fought near it, between Alimar, Edward's general, and Robert Bruce, when the latter was not so fortunate as at Bannockburn †.

PRICE 1S.

seen, and no tongue, except the highland brogue, was to be heard.

Some of the inhabitants, whom we ac cidentally met on the road, and whom we seemed very intelligent, and very inqui. had an opportunity of conversing with, sitive; yet it is but fair, that they who to receive some. One of them escorted bestow information should have a right us the names of the bills around us. He us for two miles on our journey, and told explained to us the difference between the Irish and Scottish Gaelic; and, on our questioning him about Erse poetry and Ossian, he informed us, that he had himself written many songs in that language.

After passing Lawers, the seat of Lord Balgray, the country assumes a more picturesque appearance: the mountains are more abrupt and lofty; the top of Ben-vorlich was here seen; and, on the Crieff is a pretty large, and a very neat right, upon the summit of Duneira-hill, town, with a commodious inn. We here stands a monument erected to the memostaid dinner, which was a very hand-ry of Lord Melville. Our highland comsome one, and to which, as may be guessed from the length of our walk, we did ample justice.

About eight o'clock we arrived at Methven, where we breakfasted. It is a neat village, though the streets are somewhat irregular. The road to Crieff is very pleasant, but the windows of the sky opened, and a copious and lasting shower fell. No house being near, we were obliged to take shelter in a thick fir-wood, where, to charm the lagging hour, Mr B. read a canto or two of the Lady of the Lake. The sky having cleared a little, we again set forward, but had not pro-whole encompassed by fine old woods. ceeded far, when "the pelting of the pitiless storm" again obliged us to desist : but we here found a better accommoda

Leaving Crieff in the afternoon, we saw Drummond castle at some distance on the left. We deviated from our road Ossian; but as it was now getting late, to visit Monzie, and the supposed grave of and finding them at too great a distance, we returned, and passed through the plantations of Auchtertyre, the seat of Sir Patrick Murray. We saw some deer in the parks, besides hares and rabbits; and a loch swarming with water fowl; the

tion in a shed, where we were forced to
delay for an hour and a half: it still
rained a little, yet being anxious to pro-
ceed, we again stretched forwards, and
saw the lofty Bens, with the white clouds
on their foreheads, towering above each
other, in all the majestic grandeur of
highland magnificence. By the road, there

Vide Arnot's celebrated Criminal Trials.
Vide Buchanan. Histor. Lib. VIII.

After passing along the inclosures for a mile, we emerged again into the public road, which was uncommonly pleasant, and shaded with fine chesnut trees. The cottages here are extremely rude, and to the last degree wretched in appearance; the walls consisting of stones loosely piled up, many without chimnies, and few with glazed windows. I here began to think, that if Burns has painted rustic life more poetically, and more favourably, that Crabbe has exhibited it more truly. No dress, but bonnets and kilts, was to be

panion assured us, that a view of the southern counties of Scotland, and the northern of England, are commanded from the peak of Ben-vorlich, which may be seen, in a clear day, from the castle of Edinburgh. To Comrie there is a in many places, arching over the road, very fine avenue of trees, whose branches, meet above, and bear a strong and striking resemblance to the ribbed alcove of a Gothic cloister. Arrived at the village about nine P. M. It seems neat enough, and has a good church and spire. We put a stop to our pilgrimage here for the night; and after supper enjoyed for an hour, over our glass, the recreating charms of literary conversation.

23d. After a highland refreshment of milk and buttered scones, we left Comrie, at seven on Sunday morning, to visit Lord Melville's monument. The road, as we proceeded along, was above all description picturesque, and might well have employed the pencil of a Salvator, or the pen of Dr Syntax. Immediately below the pathway is a deep glen, through which rushes and roars a stream, over broken rocks; now foaming in a cascade;

88

FOREIGN LITERATURE.

The everlasting Abbe de Pradt has published another work on South American affairs, and "The personalities and incivilities of the Quotidienne and Journal des Debats!""

Madame de Stael's posthumous work, entitled "Considerations on the Principal Events of the French Revolution," in three octavo volumes, is about to be published. The two first volumes embrace the era from the administration of her father to the battle of Waterloo: the third is devoted to England.

The total produce of the sale of the MacCarthy Library at Paris, was 404,000 francs (£16,000 sterling), a much less sum than had been offered for it three years since by an English nobleman. The Royal Library at Paris will have 300 volumes printed on vellum from this collection, about half of which is destined for this country, most of our bibliomaniacs having added some of its treasures to their former stores. Among others, the article of the highest price and greatest intrinsic value, the Complu tensian Polygott, printed upon vellum, was

Literature.Poetry.

purchased for 16,100 francs for Mr Hibbert, whose collection previously ranked as one of the first private libraries in Europe.

Professor Cramer, of the university of Kiel, devoted his last journey to the south of Germany and Switzerland to researches into ancient literature and the sources of the German civil❘ law. The public libraries of Bavaria and Austria furnished him with valuable materials; but it was at Zurich and St Gall that he proved most successful. At St Gall he saw the most ancient catalogues of the MSS. of that convent, formerly so rich in literary treasures. He even discovered there the MS. of a grammarian not contained either in the collection of Pulsch, or in that of Godefroy, and the entire Scholiast of Juvenal, of whom we hitherto possessed only some detached fragments.

At a late meeting of the Scandinavian Literary Society, Professor Broenstedt read an essay on an ancient chronicle in rhyme, by Robert Vace, canon at Caen, and court-poet to Henry II. in the 12th century. This chronicle, which has never been published, relates the exploits of

[October 25, 1817.

Hasting, Rollo, and the first Normans in Bretagne and France. M. Broenstedt gave last winter a course of lectures on Modern Greece, its inhabitants, antiquities, &c.

The library of the university of Copenhagen, to which the Museum of the Antiquities of the North has been united, and which was founded by King Christian IV. possesses, according to M. Thaarup, about 60,000 volumes. The very curious collection of Icelandic and other MSS. which relate to the history of the North, is due to the celebrated Icelander, Professor Arnas Magnæus, who was appointed, in 1694, professor of Danish antiquities, and in 1702, by order of the king, visited Iceland, where he passed ten years.

Memoirs of the History of the Fifty Years from 1760 to 1810, by the late Abbe Georgel, a distinguished member of the order of the Jesuits, and confidential secretary to Cardinal de Rohan, is about to be published at Paris in 3 volumes. It is said to excite great interest from the talents and means of information possessed by the author, who died in 1813.

CARABOO.

Written in consequence of a singular imposition
practised upon the benevolence of a lady residing |
in the vicinity of Bristol, by a young woman
of the name of Mary Wilcox, alias Baker, alias
Bakerstendt, alias Caraboo, Princess of Javusu.
OH! aid me, ye Spirits of wonder! who soar
In realms of romance where none ventur'd before;
Ye Fairies! who govern the fancies of men,
And sit on the point of Monk Lewis's pen;
Ye mysterious Elves! who for ever remain
With lusus naturæs, and ghosts of Cock-lane;
Who ride upon broomsticks, intent to deceive
All those who appear predispos'd to believe,
And softly repeat from your home in the spheres
Incredible stories to credulous ears;
With every thing marvellous, every thing new,
We'll trace a description of Miss Caraboo.

Johanna's disciples, who piously came
To present babies' caps to the elderly dame,
Though all hope of the virgin's accouchement
is o'er,

Shall meet with the smile of derision no more;
Their wonders were weak, their credulity small-
Caraboo was engender'd by nothing at all!
And where did she come from ?-and who can
she be?

Did she fall from the sky ?-did she rise from the sea?

A seraph of day, or a shadow of night?

Did she spring upon earth in a stream of gaslight?

Did she ride on the back of a fish, or sea-dog? A spirit of health, or a devil incog. ?

Was she wafted by winds over mountain and stream?

Was she borne to our isle by the impulse of

steam?

Was she found in complete "fascination" elate?
Or discover'd at first in a chrysalis state?
Did some philosophic analysis draw
Her component degrees from some hot water
spa?

Did some chemical process occasion her birth?
Did galvanic experiments bring her on earth?

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Even those who have doubted the truth of her

case

Have forgotten their doubts when they look'd in her face.

I never have seen her; but if, when I see,
The truth of her tale is apparent to me,

I will cancel these lines, and most gladly rehearse
Her swimming and fencing in beautiful verse;
In the graces and charms of my muse to adorn
her,

Shall be the employment of

Q. IN THE CORNER.

ODE.

THE BLACKbird.

Sweet minstrel of the pale and pensive eve!
What time the radient orb sinks in the west,
Diffusing o'er the scene

A softening, soothing ray,
Within the covert of the shadowy grove,
Or in the orchard's undisturb'd retreat,
Thou pour'st thy evening hymn,
Melodious, strong and clear.

Sweet is the scene, and solemn is the hour,
But ah! more sweet, more solemn is thy note,
Which fluctuates in the gale,
And fills the grove with song.
thoughtful mood I wander by thy haunts,
Thy solitary haunts, where all were death,

In

And gloom, and solitude,

And silence-but for thee!

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