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AND

Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Politics, etc.

No. 61.

REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1818.

vided into counties, each section being ju- | diciously arranged topographically, but with due regard to chronological order, forming, A Bibliographical Account of the principal in fact, a history of what has been done for Works relating to English Topography each division of the kingdom. In addition By William Upcott, of the London Insti- to this, the title page of each work is given tution. 3 vols, 8vo. pp. 1710: With Ex-verbatim, and in some cases the title pages terior and Interior Views of the New where new ones have been printed; then London Institution. 1818. follow notices respecting the various ediThe topography of the British empire has, tions, and the alterations which have been of late years, become an object of such ge- made in each; then the pages cancelled, or neral interest, inquiry, and collection, that doubled by starring, as it is technically not only does the press teem daily with the called; the number of pages; the numbers most voluminous productions of the pen, and names of plates in each edition, with and the most splendid efforts of the gra- the places where they ought to be inserted, ver, but the dusty shelves of the dustiest including the painters' and engravers' names, libraries have been ransacked for works to guard against the introduction of surrepwhich had lain unheeded for generations, titious plates; and, in short, every infora nest for spiders, or a prey to bookworms mation which could be obtained by a lahoof the smallest dimensions. Of these, some rious collation of a doubtful copy with an are almost unique, and therefore doubly approved one-a task often of extreme ladear to the black-letter collector, as well as bour, loss of time, and difficulty, but which, the topographer; others again are scarce by the assistance of this work, may now be enough to fetch a price ten times greater completed in many instances in a few mithan their original one; whilst, even of nutes, and in all at the most in a few hours. those which are more plentiful, correct or complete copies are not always to be met with, and of course demand and obtain a commensurate price.

To ascertain the correctness of such copies is then an object not only of high literary, but also pecuniary interest, and requires an investigation at all times laborious; and in cases where copies are scarce, almost impossible-an investigation, or collation, rendered more difficult from the want of lists of plates, the cancelling and starring of sheets whilst the works were in the press, &c.

It is evident therefore that a general guide, or directory, for ascertaining the correctness of all copies, especially of voluminous and scarce works, and with numerous plates, must be highly useful, not only to the purchaser, but to the possessor of such copies, and of essential importance to topographers and bibliographers in all their various ranks, or in regard to all their va rious pursuits; and it appears that this has been the leading principle of the author of the work before us, which, however, embraces a number of other objects of high literary interest.

In this pursuit then accuracy and perspicuity were the first great points of consideration. With respect to the latter of these, even a glance at the work itself is sufficient to prove that it has been attained, whilst the whole internal evidence, as far as we have been able to examine it, affords an almost indubitable proof in favour of the former.

To give an extract from such a work would be to imitate the Hibernian who carried a brick, as the sample of a house to be sold, in his pocket; but its plan will be fully understood when we state that it is diVOL. 11,

From this description of the plan and objects, our readers may form some idea of the time occupied, and the labour bestowed on it by the author, or editor, as he modestly styles himself; but we suspect that a just idea of it can scarcely be drawn even from an investigation of the work itself; for it must be remembered that upwards of 1500 volumes have been examined and collated page by page, whilst in many instances duplicates and triplicates were sought for in various libraries throughout the kingdom.

To speak of the multifarious information contained in this work would far exceed our limits; we give a proof of it when we state that the article LONDON alone, occupies more than 300 pages.

The General Catalogue at the commencement of the first volume, is a most useful adjunct and continuation to the labours of the indefatigable GOUGH; whilst the lists of plates, including numerous portraits, will be found a most useful supplement to GRAINGER.

In short, this work, in addition to its great object, cannot fail to be useful to the print collector, to persons about to form libraries, to those who wish merely to acquire information, and most especially to all who are anxious to have a guide for research upon every subject connected with topography, including pedigrees, genealogy, &c.

It is handsomely printed on large and small paper, and correctly too, as the list of errata is very short, when compared with the extent and difficulty of the work. If we have any regret to express concerning it, it is that the number of copies is so very limited as to make it already a scarce book, confined almost solely to the original sub

PRICE 1s.

scribers: we trust, however, that the author will not only receive sufficient encouragement to complete his plan in regard to Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, but that he will extend the number of copies, of that division at least, so as to render it more generally useful. If bibliographical collectors will lock up scarce books in their libraries, it is but an act of justice to the public to inform them what those books contain, and where they are to be found-the means of acquiring this information ought also to be general and easy of access.

RELIGIO CLERICI: a Churchman's

Epistle. 8vo. pp. 26.

We are not at all fond of polemical controversy; but if at all palatable, we would rather submit to it in good verse than in dull prose.

Incipe, Damota: tu deinde sequere Menalca.
Alternis dicetis: amant alterna Camenæ,

Not that we are certain of the superior
advantages of alternate song in the dis-
cussion of scriptural subjects; nor that
the doctrinal points on which the com-
batants seem to think man's salvation
depends, are more ably elucidated by
what "the Muses love," than by the
more solid forms of ratiocination; but
because the practice is at least a pleas-
ing variety, and perhaps, as the Green-
landers settle their disputes by a trial
that this is also the best way of accom-
of strength in singing, it may turn out
modating even religious differences in
other parts of the world.

The author of the present work does not sing long, but he sings well. His verse is nervous, and his principles sound. Without being, as we think, liable to the charge of gross illiberality, he is rather severe upon Dissenters, and Missionary and Bible Societies, and gives some caustic proofs of a mind observant of their proceedings, and of power to apply the lash to them where he believes it to be deserved.

But it is our province, especially in such cases, to describe and exhibit: we take no share in these contests-content if the public will but behold in us active and impartial bottleholders.

In a preface the writer declares himself to be a minister of the Church of England, and submits these verses as the most obvious arguments in support of his preference for its establishment and doctrines, in opposition to modern

Puritanism. He commences with a
spirited apology for the use of rhyme
on this occasion, and claims attention
to his production by a vigorous con-
trast with the lighter offspring of
poetry.

Caught by some light and meretricious tale,
The full-breath'd town inflates the rhymer's sail;
And as the breeze of fashion round him plays
Lends, for a season, false and fading bays.
Full slowly grows the never-dying bough,
The laurel meed which binds the Poet's brow:
Shadowed awhile by some obtrusive green,
It strikes its roots most deeply ere 'tis seen;
Framed for eternity, by age matures,
And grows more lasting as it more endures.

spring from the inculcations of any that whatever differences of opinion
faith by brutal ignorance, and stupid may be felt on the principles it main-
fanaticism: our madhouses and our sui-tains, and even perhaps on its tone and
cides bear fearful witness of the effects temper, there can be none on the merits
of such labours. A virtuous poet, of this work as the production of an
Cowper, finely deprecates the intrusionable man. It closes with the following
into the church of unfit persons; after passage, as the termination of a life of
painting whom, he exclaims,
ministring as a Church-of-England
Christian:

From such apostles, oh ye mitred heads,
Protect the church, and lay not holy hands
On heads that cannot teach, and will not learn.
But such a precept ought not to be
limited to one church or profession; it
ought to extend to all, and the legisla-
ture of these Islands could render no
greater service to their population, and
no fitter homage to the Almighty,
than by protecting the lower classes
from the delusions to which, in this
respect, they are now exposed.

Some abler Pastor lays me with the dead,
And when, mine own green turf above me spread,
This be my record;" Sober, not austere,
A Churchman, honest to his Church, lies here:
He loved established modes of serving God,
Content to tread where wiser feet had trod,
Preached from a pulpit rather than a tub,
And gave no guinea to a Bible Club,

A refutation of Atheism, and a defence of the Bible, as we have received it from our forefathers, follow; and a VOYAGE TO THE CONGO. profession of faith in revealed religion is added, in a style of excellent compo(Captain Tuckey's Narrative continued.) sition; but we cannot say that the full The author goes on to particularize On the 11th of August they were force of argument has been here brought the various medicaments of the various visited by four women, with a fowl, into action; and this tends to impress sects, whose mal-practices, he contends, half a dozen of eggs, and a small basus with an opinion that a short poem is are so detrimental to true religion.ket of beans, to sell. These they purnot the most effectual method of sub- We limit our strictures to the worthless chased at double their worth, in honour stantiating these important views. We only; and while we love and honour of the chief merchant, who, they were however join cordially in the reprehen-good men of all persuasions, copy his told, sion of illiterate and ignorant, and self- satire in the single light of hopest elected teachers; of one of whom, before reviewing. coming to quotation, we will relate an ancedate. This pseudo expounder of Christianity appeared so excessively uninformed and absurd, that a gentle-On strong digestions one professor tries And shews how many means there are to kill. man, among his auditors, from curiosity, Fumes which transport, and gas which mystifies; asked him if he had ever read the Or, for a valotudinarian soul, Scriptures which he pretended to exStrong cordial drops, which cherish and console; plain. No, Sir," said he, "I can't And glowing hymns to waken such as dose. Sermons for them whose weakness needs repose, read!" How then dare you take Another gives you, proud to pay his court, upon you to attempt the explanation of Some Bible-meeting's neatly stitched report; what you do not know nor understand? Where, by the Doctors cunningly devis'd, Cases and cures are yearly advertised; "Oh, Sir, I understands it very well; Or asks, however low your purse and spare is, my wife reads, and I preaches! Your mite to furnish slops for missionaries. But to car Bard.

Each sect, united 'gainst the Church alone,
Deals some specific nostrum of its own;
Varies the mixture and the dose at will,

We cannot follow the writer through a well executed picture of a public meeting, of persons of all religious per

Time was, and pity 'tis such times are fied,
When one explained the Scriptures but who read;
Another rule our wiser moderns teach,
What matters reading ?-They profess to preach.suasions, to promote the proselytizing
All are expounders now, and children prate
Where grey-beard wisdom us'd to hesitate;
And teening misses, for a day-school prize
Transpose the types, and mar the prophecies.
But little needs there for a churchman now
The classic guidance of the birchen bough;
But little needs there for a Clerk's renown,
The seven long years' probation of a gowa,
And the close wooing Science made us pay,
Till Cam or Isis blazon'd us M. A.
Ah! how unfitting for more saintly kea,
This carnal scholarship of worldly men!
Why waste our youth on learning, when we see
All knowledge jumps to them extempore?
Each pious 'prentice freely may dispease
Salvation, licens'd now for eighteen-pence;
And shouli devotion tempt him from his awl,
He'll get his orders, if he gets his call.
There is, we fear, too much truth in
this bit of the picture. Modes of faith
are nothing to the horrors which must

Was a princess of the blood in her own right, and that consequently she enjoyed the privilege of choosing her husband and changing him as often as she liked; while he was confined to her alone, under penalty, if a private person, of being sold as a slave.

This lady however offered herself an 1 three companions (said to be the Chenoo's daughters) for hire to the boat's crew, and they were much displeased at the neglect their liberal advances. experienced.

A very high price was here asked for provisions, not less than a piece of baft, which cost in England 30s. for a small sheep which did not weigh 30lbs; and Captain T. does not think that fifty men passing through the country could procure daily subsistance at this season. A Mandingo slave was at this time brought, tied neck and heels with

small cords:

system: whether he is right or wrong
in his views, he is very imposing in his
verse, as one couplet will bear witness:
Here cold Socinus, with his cunning turns,
His answers to the questions put to him
Swindling salvation from the God he spurus.
were, that he was three moons coming from
Neither do we think it necessary, for his country, sometimes on rivers, some-
the illustration of this poem, to extract named Mintolo, on the banks of a river as
times by land; that his own country was
from the ensuing parts, in which there broad as the Zaire, where we were, but so
is a description of a death-bed of de-filled with rocks, that even canoes could
spair, induced by methodism, worthy
of Crabbe; another description, ex
ceedingly pleasing, of a village pastor;
and a conclusion, applying the vision
of his labours and happiness to the
hopes of the author. Suffice it to

say,

* We quote from memory, which must excuse us if we are incorrect.

not be used on it; and that he had been taken when walking a short distance from his father's house, by a slave catcher, who had shot him in the neck with a ball, the cicatrice of the wound still remaining; and that he had been about two years from his country.

He spoke the Congo language very imperfectly, and thinking he might be

of use, Captain T. purchased him; explaining his motives to the natives, and giving him his liberty on the spot, and a promise on returning to England, to restore him to his friends. He expressed no pleasure either at this information or at being released from his cords.

On the 12th the Expedition weighed, and with the aid of pars and a trackrope at times, got up the south side of the river, till they came to a large sand bank extending two thirds of the way across, which compelled them to go to the other side. They soon reached an island where the current was so rapid that they could not pass it, though they had a strong breeze in their favour. They therefore crossed again, and anchored in a fine little cove nained Nomaza.

In crossing the river (says the Narrative) we passed several whirlpools, which swept the sloop round and round in spite of her oars and sails, and not without some danger to so low and deep laden a boat. These vortices are formed in an instant, last but a few moments with considerable noise, and subside as quickly. The punt got into one of them and entirely disappeared in the hollows, so that the depression of the

vortex must have been three or four feet.

In the afternoon I went on shore, and ascended the highest hills under which we were anchored, and whose elevation might be 500 feet. From hence our upward view of the river was confined to a single short reach, the appearance of which, however, was sufficient to convince us that there was little prospect of being able to get the dou

This was the only tolerably clear day | the current into two narrow channels; that they had enjoyed since entering the near the south side gives vent to the great river, the sun being visible both at mass of the river, but is obstructed by rocks above and under water, over which the torrising and setting. The thermome- rent rushes with great fury and noise, as ter at 2 o'clock was at 80 degrees, may easily be conceived. The channel on and the heat caused a strong breeze the north side is now nearly dry, and is in the evening, which continued all composed of great masses of slate, with night. A regular rise and fall of perpendicular fissures. The highest part water of eight inches was observed, and of the island is fifteen feet above the the slackening of the currents during present level, but from the marks on it, the water in the rainy season must rise the rise. twelve feet, consequently covers the whole of the breadth of the channel, with the exception of the summit of the island; and with the increased velocity must then produce a fall somewhat more consonant to the description of the natives. In ascending two hills we observed the river, both above and below the fall, to be obstructed by rocks as far as we could see, which might be about four miles. Highly disappointed in our expectations of seeing a grand cataract, and equally vexed at finding that the progress of the boats would be stopped, we climbed back to our people, whom we reached at 4 o'clock, totally exhausted.

On the 13th Captain T. ascertained that he might easily proceed 3 miles further up to Casan Yellala with the boats, but here a ledge of rocks stretched from the north shore about two thirds of the breadth of the river (which altogether does not exceed half a mile,) the current breaking furiously on it, but leaving a smooth channel near the south shore, up which the boats might be carried against the current. But Captain T. did not think it right to proceed above this

As the shore on either side presents the most stupendous overhanging rocks, to whose crags alone the boats could be secured, while an impetuous current flows below; and as every information makes Yellala a cataract, of great perpendicular fall, Captain T. resolved rather to visit this cataract by land, and therefore, on the 14th, disembarked on the north shore in a cove with a fine sandy beach, covered with the dung of the hippopotamus, exactly resembling that of the horse." The party consisted of

Messrs. Smith, Tudor, Galwey, and

Such is the cataract of Yellala, the

highest part of the Congo or Zaire to which European navigation can reach.

The principal idea that the fall creates is, that the quantity of water which flows over it, is by no means equal to the volume of the river below it; and yet as we know there is not at this season a single tributary stream sufficient to turn a mill, below the fall, we can hardly account for this volume, unless we suppose, as Dr. Smith suggests, the existence of subterranean communications, or caverns filled with water.

After rest and refreshment our travellers waited on the Chenoo with a

ble boats up much further, and none at all Hodder, and 13 men, besides two Em- little brandy, and found less pomp, but

of being able to transport them by land. Both sides of the river appeared to be lined with rocks above water, and the middle obstructed by whirlpools, whose noise we heard in a constant roar, just where our

view terminated by the closing in of the points. High breakers seemed to cross the river; and this place we learnt was called Casan Yellala, or Yellala's Wife, and were told that no canoe ever attempted to pass it. The most distant hill, whose summit appeared above the rest at the distance of perhaps 7 or 8 leagues, we found was that of Yellala. The appearance of the river was here compared by Dr. Smith to the torrent rivers of Norway, and particularly the Glommen, the hills on each side being high, precipitous towards the river, totally barren, and separated by such deep ravines as to preclude the idea of conveying even a canoe over them without immense labour. Two tufts of trees on the summits of the northern hills, we understood from a fisherman, were the plantations round the banzas. The only other information we could get from him was, that Yellala was the residence of the Evil Spirit, and that whoever saw it once would never see it a second time,

bomma interpreters (the Chenoo's sons,)
and a guide from Noki, with four days pro-

visions.

Their course lay between E.N.E. and N.E. by narrow footpaths, at first over very difficult hills, and then along a level plateau of fertile land, as at Noki.

At noon (proceeds the Captain) we reached Banza Cooloo, from whence we understood we should see Yellala. Anxious to get a sight of it, I declined the Chenoo's invitation to visit him, until my return. On the furthest end of the banza we unexpectedly saw the fall almost under our feet, and were no less surprised than disappointed at finding, instead of a second Niagara, which the description of the natives, and their horror of it had given us reason to expect, a comparative brook bubbling over its stony bed.

The south side of the river is here a vast hill of bare rock (sienite,) and the north a lower but more precipitous hill of the same substance, between which two the river has forced its course; but in the middle an island of slate still defies its power, and breaks

much more civility and hospitality, than from the richer kings lower down. He was an old man, satisfied with the account of their motives for the visit, and presented some palm wine and six fowls, without asking for any thing in return. In one of the courts of his tenement, however, they had the painful sight of two men slaves prepared for sale, one having a long fork stick fastened to his neck, and the other with European-made irons on his legs. There were fourteen of these wretches in the banza for sale, and bound for Embomma.

Next morning (August 15) they were surrounded by all the women of the banza, with fowls and eggs to exchange for beads; they were taken in, for more than half the latter were half hatched.

Neither pig, goat, nor sheep, could be obtained, though this was the largest village they had seen. In the evening they set out to go above the falls, and in this day's journey crossed three deep

ravines, the beds of torrents in the rainy season, but now quite dry. Indeed they only once found a very small spring of water. Traces of antelopes and porcupines were noticed; and at night they bivouacked by the side of the only brook they had yet discovered. The thermometer did not fall below 70° being 10° higher than the preceding night. They notice

The constant dryness of the atmosphere; in the quick drying of all objects exposed to it; meat hung up a few hours loses all its juices, and resembles the jerked meat of South America; the plants collected by Dr. Smith were fit for packing in a day, while, towards the mouth of the river, he could scarcely get them sufficiently dry in a week. The oxidation of iron also entirely ceases here. The hygrometer at sunrise usually marks 500; at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in the shade, 70°.

No wonder that its effects on the

human frame should soon be visible in

those not inured to such a climate.

The very next day (Aug. 16) Mr.Tudor and several people, unable to proceed, were sent back, the first victims of this fatal expedition. The rest pushed on. They reached the banza Menzy Macooloo, and thence within two miles of the river, to which they dispatched the natives for water, as the people were too much fatigued to advance. Captain T. himself ascended a hill, and for five miles down the river saw the same appearances as the day beforea rocky channel with violent currents foaming through it. The river here seemed about a quarter of a mile broad; and may be reckoned 12 or 14 miles from Yellala.

Upwards (continues the Narrative, now most tragically full of interest) my view was stopped by the sudden turn of the river from N. to S. E.; the concavity of the angle forming a large bay, apparently freer from obstructions than below. I descended a most precipitous path to the river side, where I found four women fishing with a scoop net; they had no canoe, and I learnt that persons wanting to cross the river, are obliged to go from hence to the ferry above Yellala. Just where the river shuts in, in turning to the S. E., on a high plateau of the north shore,! is the banza Inga, which we understood was two days march from Cooloo (though its direct distance is not above 20 miles,) and that it is out of the dominions of Congo. The only other information I could get here was, that the river, after a short reach to the S. E., turned again to the N.; and the appearance of the hills seemed to corroborate this information; but as to the state of its navigation, or of the possibility of getting canoes, I could not acquire the slightest notion.

The party dined where they had Near Galatz the travellers crossed halted and sent for water, and by the remains of a Roman causeway in 8 o'clock, after walking ten hours, good preservation, and also an immense returned to Cooloo, where they found collection of tumuli or barrows, exMr. Tudor in a violent fever. Their tending for three English miles, and guide was dreadfully afraid to go on supposed to be the tombs of the anafter sunset, and every five minutes cient Scythians slain in fight against sounded a whistle, which had been fe- Darius the son of Hystas pes. At Gatiched by the gangam Kissey, to keep latz, seated on the brink of the Danube, off spirits and wild beasts. The only a bargain was concluded with a Greek traces of animals, however, were the Reis to sail next day, and land them at foot prints of buffaloes that had been Constantinople, the Governor intimatto the brook to drink, and a wild-hoging to the navigator that his life was which crossed their path and escaped answerable for the performance of this from the fire of four muskets. It is engagement. They lodged for the surprising that so bulky an animal as night in a Greek monastery, the winthe buffalo should live in so hilly a dow-frames of which were covered country; the ascent must be difficult with the air-bladders of sturgeons taken to them; and in descending, it was ob- in the Danube. served that they slid for considerable distances on their hind legs.

Sailing down the south branch of this river, the author passed Isaxi. At night the hills appear to be in a con- Here a Turk wanted to levy contributinued blaze of fire, from the hunters in the tions, but was kept off by the sight of day setting fire to the long dry grass to two loaded rifles presented at him by drive out the animals. The fire running to the Christian dogs;' and a little lower windward, as is always the case, the hun-down where the crew landed at a Bulters keep to leeward of the spot fired; and the game, it would appear, being also aware of the direction which the fire will take, endeavour to avoid it, by also running to leeward, and consequently throw them

selves within the hunters' reach.

The guns are of French and Portuguese manufacture, of great length, and each with several fetiches hanging to it, to prevent it from doing the owner any injury.

(To be continued.)

DR. NEALE'S TRAVELS.
(Concluded.)

The Oriental and Greek manners of
Moldavia form a striking contrast to
the Sclavonic and Hebrew forms and
customs which prevail in Poland.

garian village, called Tulese, to purchase goats milk, the inhabitants, mistaking them for Turks, fled en masse.

In this part of the work we have numerous digressions into ancient history and mythology, all of which we leave for the more modern matter.

A very extraordinary rippling is caused by the meeting of the waters of the Danube with those of the Black Sea; and as the former are muddy and charged with a whitish sediment, the distinction between the two currents may be traced out many miles from the shore.

The coast stretches in a dead flat along the shore of the Black Sea, from the southern mouth of the Ister, till it meets a promontory extending from the grand chain of Mount Hæmus. -

Several ruins are spread along the The dress and warlike aspect of the Mol- shore. A storm drove the vessel into davians is strikingly picturesque, and remains nearly the same as when Hadrian led Agatopoli, consisting of a few wretched their forefathers, the Dacians, in triumph cottages. Again putting to sea, the to the Capitol of Rome, and when the Ro-gale increased, and the sailors in deman artists chiselled the basso-relievo for spair threw themselves on the quarter the pillar of Trajan. The colour of their deck before a picture of the Panagia, cap distinguishes them from the Walla- and refused to exert themselves or trim chians, whose head-dresses are black, while the lateen sails. The vessel was now those of the Moldavians are white. Their dialect is as bold and masculine as their run into Eneada, the only safe anchorlooks, composed of words chiefly Latin, but age on the European shore, for ships of intermixed with Turkish and Sclavonic. any size, between the Danube and the These they pronounce with great strength Bosphorus. Here they were compelled and rapidity of utterance, enforcing their to remain several days, and Dr. Neale declamation with rude gestures and gri- thinks that this is the identical place maces. Living like the Tartars, as much where Eneas founded his first city after on horseback as on foot, they inherit the strongest affection for that admirable qua- flying from Troy. From Eneada they druped, talking, soothing, whistling, or hal- sailed to Terapia, steering at night into loing to their horses by starts, during their the latter port through a fleet of fishing long and rapid journeys. boats, each with a light in the prow,

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