1831.] REVIEW.-Narrative of African Discovery and Adventure. 237 military service an adequate body of the native Africans, the gradual conquest of Africa might, we hope, be a similar result. One thing further is to be noticed, viz. that the climate seemingly requires, with regard to Europeans, very early habituation; and that, in reference to certain spots, even this may be ineffectual. All savages present to us, in certain respects, tricks, habits, and oddities like monkeys; and it is certain that in artificial acquirements they do not reach the elevation of dancing dogs. A shepherd's dog will govern a flock of sheep, and a sporting dog will pursue game with niore intellectual management, than ever attended the politics or warfare of a savage monarch: and it is noticeable that, although dogs and other animals may be gregarious and hunt in packs, they never want to enslave each other, only to establish that subordination which may be essential to the general well-being. We are no advocates for the abduction of Africans, because it is robbery, and sometimes consequentially murder; but certainly it is not a moral offence of another character than impressment or conscription in civilized states; which said acts, although they imply both robbery, and it may be murder, are assuredly a means of rendering idle and worthless people useful members of the community. That the Africans cannot become such useful members at home, is evident from the following tokens of their degrading characteristics as human beings. In p. 102 we find that Major Houghton and Park were both stripped of their cloaths by order of King Almami, for his own wearing. In p. 153, that King Oleebo had 150 wives, and 10,000 slaves. In p. 174, that the Tuaricks are a completely wandering race of shepherds and robbers, who hold in contempt all who live in houses and cultivate the ground. In p. 184, that an enormous protruding belly, and a huge misshapen head, constitute the perfection of the human form. In p. 187, that slaves (slavery being universal) are not even protected from wild beasts. In p. 190, that ladies of rank have a favourite game thus described: "Placing themselves back to back, they cause particular parts to strike together with the most violent collision, when she who maintains her equilibrium, while the other lies stretched on the ground, is proclaimed victor with loud cheers." In p. 191, that they have cavalry cased in mail, who nevertheless cannot stand the shock of an enemy. In p. 208, that a Sultan, father and his son, "each sent to solicit poison that would not lie," to be used against the other. In p. 231, that at a King's death "A few of his principal ministers and favourite wives take poison presented to them in parrots' eggs, that they may accompany and serve him in the invisible world;" and that the worldly greatness of a king is estimated by the number of wives which he has. In p. 218, that they have boxing matches, in which they even endeavour to scoop out the eyes; and in other places, that they have many equally horrible or absurd barbarisms. It is a notion studiously inculcated, that to augment sectarianism is to elevate the human character by a sort of magic to its highest possible excellence; but philosophers know, that one good police-officer will prevent more crime than twenty fanatical preachers; and that Providence has caused barbarians to be conquered or enslaved by civilized nations, only to improve their condition and augment their happiness; and that all the sufferings of the slaves in the West Indies, during a whole year, are not equal to what they endure in their own country during a week or one day. Nay, without regarding the moonshine oratory of mountebank abolitionists, they will go so far as to say (and prove it too from examples in India) that it really is a desirable change of condition, and a great benefit to mankind at large, to subject savages to civilized masters, if such masters act with humanity and friendly feelings. Discipline there must be, because there must be rerestraint and eradication of barbarous habits and propensities. We would willingly substitute free for slave labour; but we do not see the necessity or general advantage of ruining (and murdering perhaps) our West Indian colonists for the mere purpose of filling their estates with conventicles and negro-congregations of religious enthusiasts and political mal-contents. To turn to less annoying subjects. We find in p. 232, that the Eyeos have bards and improvisatori; and in 238 REVIEW.-Dawson's Australia. p. 201 is a dirge, which in poetical character much resembles David's lamentation for Jonathan, and Deborah's song, "Oh! trust not to the gun and the sword; the spear of the unbeliever prevails. "Boo Khalloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! who shall now be safe? Even as the moon among the little stars, so was Boo Khalloom amongst men! Where shall Fezzan now look for her protector? Men hang their heads in sorrow, while women wring their hands, rending the air with their cries! As a shepherd is to his flock, so was Boo Khalloom to Fezzan! "Give him songs! give him music! what words can equal his praise? His heart was as large as the desert. His coffers were like the rich overflowings from the udder of the she-camel, comforting and nourishing those around him! "Even as the flowers without rain perish in the field, so will the Fezzaner's droop; for Boo Khalloom returns no more! "His body lies in the land of the heathen! the poisoned arrow of the unbeliever prevails! "Oh! trust not to the gun and the sword! the spear of the heathen conquers! Boo Khailoom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall now be safe?" Our rustic sport of dancing in sacks is performed to admiration, as well as other pageants. See p. 232. The Tuaricks are perhaps "the only native Africans who have letters and an alphabet, which they inscribe not on books and parchments indeed, but on the dark rocks that chequer the surface of their territory; and in places where they have long resided, every stone is seen covered with their writings."-p. 174. Pouring sand on the head is, as in Scripture, a customary token of humiliation.-p. 206. Among the Loggunese, Major Denham saw a current coin made of iron, somewhat in the form of a horseshoe; and, rude as this was, none of their neighbours possessed any thing similar. p. 207. The most prevalent opinion concerning the English is, that they have no abode but on the sea, and that they eat the flesh of the negroes whom they purchase. p. 228. The names of the authors of this excellent compendium, are sufficient to assure to the public more than critical praise, the due execution of this work; which, like many other modern books of the cheap class, is what the Irish call "a big little loaf for only twopence." [March, The present state of Australia; a Description of the Country, its advantages and prospects, with reference to Emigration: and a particular account of the Manners, Customs, and Conditions of its aboriginal Inhabitants. By Robert Dawson, Esq. late Chief Agent of the Australian Agricultural Company. 8vo, pp. 464. THE increasing intercourse between the mother country and this settlement, gives to Mr. Dawson's copious account a character of high utility. In one particular it deserves especial regard, viz. the beneficial effect of treating the natives kindly; but we have so often spoken of the excellent policy which has gained us the vast empire of India, that we deem it unnecessary to say more upon that head: nor have we room to give an analysis of a work so full of details or of opinions, the accuracy of which must be decided by experience. But every one knows the extreme difficulty of reconciling persons of roaming habits to fixed avocations. Mr. Dawson therefore, in order to act wisely, has adapted his plans of civilization to circumstances; for well does he say, concerning savages, that "Moral instruction and the use of reason are not alone sufficient, and religion can, of course, have no share in it, still some progress has been made in the two former."P. 195. Accordingly he aimed at two objects, "viz. to improve their understandings and to make them useful. To have attempted every thing at once, would have been to perform nothing beneficially. In order to render them easy and happy, it was necessary to prevent them from entertaining an idea that they were under unreasonable restraints; and I took care always to inform them, that if they wished to leave me and return to the forests, they could do so, whenever they pleased. I had by this time established the principles that no one should receive food or clothing, without having earned them by service. They had therefore the choosing between their old pursuits and consequent self-dependence, and their being well and kindly treated upon the performance of the duties required of them. It frequently happened that they would go for weeks, and even months, to enjoy their old habits in the woods."-p. 155. Of course, there must be surveillance and discipline to prevent pilfering; but from p. 307 it appears, that the natives may themselves be tutored to deem thieving so dishonourable, that they will assist in detecting and flogging a delinquent of their own race. REVIEW. Rennell's Geography of Herodotus. 1831.] In p. 332 we find instances of civilization having been completely effected by settlers who had taken boy and lad natives into their employ as labourers or mechanics; and in p. 155, that promiscuous intercourse with the convicts, and the use and abuse of spirits, render hopeless every attempt to civilize them. Missionaries, according to the usual custom among devotees of putting the cart before the horse, have been sent, but to no purpose; for in p. 160, Mr. Dawson says, that the natives have no idea whatever of a God, and that he could not make them comprehend the existence of the Supreme Being. Now he who would come to God, must first believe that He is. Indeed they have no signs for numbers beyond their five fingers, nor any hieroglyphics of signs by which to record events. See p. 321. Bruce mentions it as an Abyssinian custom, to knock out teeth in lieu of circumcision. In p. 321, we find that a native, before he is considered eligible to marry, must lose one of his front teeth, which is struck out as a blacksmith would do that of a horse. Among the trees, we have wooden pears growing with their small ends downwards.-p. 97. Mr. Dawson is at a loss to account for the following circumstance noticeable in dogs and carrier pigeons. "If a native of Australia were taken in the dark one hundred miles from his home, in an unknown direction, he would easily find his way back, although he seldom in his natural state travels out of his own district, which rarely extends beyond fifteen or twenty miles in any direction."-p. 148. It is well known that several of our old celts of bronze, have the orifice for the handle on the side of the head. It was a fashion seemingly derived from the primary stone axes-for here those of the natives "have a groove worked near the head, around which they twist a stick to serve as a handle, similar to those which the blacksmiths use for their chisels." Mr. Dawson has given us a fund of information concerning the natives, of the highest value to emigrants and settlers. As to his deterring accounts, we know that Iceland, Greenland, Sweden, Siberia, &c. have been made habitations for man; and Australia is heaven in comparison with either of these. 239 The Geographical System of Herodotus exemined and explained, by a Comparison with those of other ancient Authors, and with modern Geography. In the course of the work are introduced Dissertations on the Itinerary State of the Greeks, the Expedition of Darius Hystaspes to Scythia, the Position and Remains of ancient Babylon, the Alluvions of the Nile, and Canals of Suez; the Oasis and Temple of Jupiter Ammon; the ancient Circumnavigation of Africa, and other subjects of History and Geography. The whole explained by eleven Maps, adapted to the different subjects; and accompanied with a complete Index. By James Rennell, Esq. late Major of Engineers, and Surveyor-General in Bengal, F.R.S. &c. &c. The Second Edition revised. 2 vols. 8vo. GEOGRAPHY grew out of the geometry which was practised in Egypt, for the division of the lands; and the earliest known mention of the former is in the following verses of Joshua xviii. 8, 9, "And the men arose and went away; and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go, and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the Lord in Shiloh; and the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book." Thales is supposed to have communicated the knowledge to Anaximander; but as the celestial globe was stuof navigation, so also maritime geodied by the Phenicians for the purposes graphy must have forced itself into notice. The Romans for military use greatly improved maps, by marking roads, &c.; but all these maps, on comparison with modern geographical skill, must have been very defective; in short, rather topographical descriptions than charts scientifically constructed. We cannot of course enter into the wide field of investigation, undertaken by the learned Major. We shall therefore take certain points which may tend to throw some faint light upon the ancient history of our island, so far as Herodotus is concerned. The Celts are known to have been our early ancestors, but the Welch call themselves Cymri, and say in the Triads that their first progenitors passed through the Dardanelles. Now Herodotus says, that the Danube separated the Celts from the Scythians; and Major Reunel thinks (i. 105) that the western Scythians 240 REVIEW. Rennell's Geography of Herodotus. [March, sory perusal. It would also require details, and the aid of maps. But as it is relieved by digressions of great instruction and occasionally of great curiosity, we select from these the account of the Goodwin Sands, as likely to be interesting to every class of readers. "The Goodwin Sand is so firm and cohesive at low water, that Mr. Smeaton found it difficult to insert in it an iron crow to fasten his boat to; although, as soon as the tide flowed up, it would not bear the weight of a man. We cannot help remarking a vulgar error respecting the origin of this sand-bank. It is unquestionably not a remnant of land, but an accumulation of sea sand, by the meeting and eddy motions of the opposite tides, near the Strait of Dover. "The same cause operating more remotely, has probably occasioned a general accumulation of matter along the coast to the westward; but more particularly at Dungyness and the bay between it and Hastings. Dungyness has gradually increased, and is still rapidly increasing; partly by means of artificial works, partly by the operation of the tides. This great projection of the coast has been fatal to the ports of Rye and Winchelsea; and we account for it in this way the more the point projected the more the stream of the flood tide would were probably our ancestors. The As Thus far concerning the alleged population of our island. The work itself, however excellent and valuable, is nevertheless too much a book of study, especially for geographers and scholars, to be susceptible of adaptation to mere entertainment upon cur strike obliquely from the shore near Hastings, leaving more and more still water in the bay of Rye; where the sand would continually settle and fill it up, as we now see it. "The ebb tide would in like manner be thrown obliquely from the shore of Hythe and Dimchurch; even more so than the flood from Hastings and Fairlight. Thus the accession of a vast tract of rich land in Romney Marsh has been at the expense of the ports above mentioned. But it is perhaps a matter of little consequence; as the increased size of ships of war would have rendered Rye of no use at present, had it continued in its former state. "The Goodwin Sand has no doubt been forming ever since the happy disruption of our island from the continent. Many thousands of years may have passed away before it appeared above water; and when it did, we were not a naval power, and took little notice of it. The story of Earl Godwin was probably invented after that; and there can be no doubt of the increase of the Goodwin at the present moment, and of its slow progression towards the state of firm land." Public approbation has long fixed the great value of this work. A Grammar of the Anglo-Saxon Tongue, with a Praxis, by Erasmus Rask, Professor of Literary History in, and Librarian to, the University of Copenhagen, 1831.] REVIEW.-Rask's Anglo-Saxon Grammar. &c. &c. A new Edition, enlarged and improved by the Author. Translated from the Danish, by B. Thorpe, Hon. Memb. of the Icelandic Literary Society of Copenhagen. 8vo. pp. 222. THE physiological history of languages is curious. The earliest are presumed to have resembled the clucking of a hen, and to have consisted chiefly of vowels, short, long, duplicated and iterated. This opinion is supported by the present language of the South Sea Islands. The liquids, sibilants, and consonants, are of subsequent date, and an earlier proficiency in music, or a later introduction, may have dictated a choice, or have modified or controlled the use of them. If we take a Greek Lexicon, we shall find that the words beginning with г, e, ▲, M, N, and P, are but few; those with Z, K, II, 2, T, Þ, and X, far more copious; but not all perhaps, taken in the whole, numerically more than those whose initials are vowels. As to a musical influence, the sweetness of the oriental voice is at this day proverbial; and enunciation which produced cacophony would naturally be checked. But among the northern nations there appears to have been a peculiar predominance of consonants, of which a satisfactory explanation is far beyond the date of history. The cause cannot be assignable to physical circumstances, for among the Chinese to the present day, synonyms in orthography have different meanings, and accentuation alone determines the distinctions. It may be that such was universally the primitive practice; but that consonants were introduced to remove the uncertainty arising from mere difference of tone, by improved discriminations which individuated he meaning. The test of this hypothesis, and perhaps it does not rise above bare conjecture, must be the number of words of similar spelling and writing, which denote different things, and are plainly not derivatives from one root. That question we have not made sufficient research to meddle with; and therefore can only say that the difference of the Celtic from the Asiatic nations, in this superabundance of consonants, which makes them unmusical, shows that they cannot be ranked with primitive languages; and the adoption of sundry Phenician, Hebrew, and other terms, is, we think, GENT. MAG. March, 1831. 241 favourable to our opinions. As to distinctions arising from races, we do not think that matters of this kind can be settled by geographical circumstances; for the language of the Americans is not the local one, but that of the Indians. The Welch language being mere gutturals, that is inore dependent upon variation of sound, may be more ancient than the Anglo-Saxon, because the progress was most probably (1) ejaculation; i. e. the germ of vowels; (2) gutturals, to produce changes by enunciation; (3) consonants, for better discrimination; and, if we consider how few consonants in an alphabet can be pronounced without the prefix of a vowel, as ef for f, and em for m, &c. and cannot be articulated, according to the intention, out of composition, perhaps we may reasonably presume that they are only as to language, what pegs and nails have been to carpentry, subsequent but necessary additions. As to the Anglo-Saxon, we only know at present from the peasantry what was its broad Doric dialect; but under superior enunciation, we believe that it was muscular and grand. At least, we cannot read it without feeling such an impression. The present Anglo-Saxon grammar has an advantage over others written by Englishmen, that the congeners in other fraternal languages are better understood. And where in fact distinct languages so called are in truth only dialects, this power of comparison is an advantage; for it does appear that a difference of dialect, i. e. of pronunciation, and a retention of obsolete terms, may render the provincial language of Yorkshire to a great extent unintelligible to a native of Middlesex. We are not going to enter into the hic, hæc, hoc, of Anglo-Saxon. All we shall say is, that our ancestors had a habit of abbreviation; and out of the eight syllables of πολυφλοίσβοιο θα áoons made only four, "far-sounding sea." The part which we shall select is the fifth, relating to versification. We find from p. 144, that alliteration was the chief characteristic of the Anglo-Saxons, and that they had final rimes, both monosyllabic and disyllabic, perhaps also line rimes, but this is not certain. "Line-Rime is when two syllables, in the same line of verse, have their vowels and consonants following them alike, which |