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NEW PUBLICATIONS,

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN, :

WITH CRITICAL REMARKS.

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AGRICULTURE

or

Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis ; an account of the results of various ex

periments in the produce and fattening properties of different Grasses, &c. By G. Sinclair,' F.L.S. and F.H.S. 8vo. 41, 10s. and 2l. 2s.

› Practical Remarks on the management and improvement of Grass Land,, &c. By C. C. Western, Esq. M.P. 8vo...1

ANTIQUITIES.

L-Moss's History and Antiquities of Hastings. 8vo. 12s.

The History of Lyme-Regis, Dorset, - from the earliest periods to the present -iday. By G. Roberts. 12mo. 7s.

Chronology, or the Historian's ComI panion; being an authentic Register of Events, from the earliest period to the present time. Third Edition. By Thomas Tegg. 12mo. 6s.

The History and Antiquities of Wells Cathedral, illustrated by 24 Engravings, by J. and H. Le Keux, Sands, &c. from original Drawings by Martin, Gandy, Shaw, &c. The letterpress comprises a

, comprehensive account of the See and

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and it must, therefore, be regarded as a curious and interesting work.

The late Mr. Dallas, the author of these "Re

collections," was connected with the family of Lord Byron by marriage. On the first appearance of his Lordship before the public as an author, Mr. D., by rendering him some services of a which lasted for some years. During this literary nature, formed an intimacy with him period he had frequent opportunities of studying Lord Byron's character; but at the same time it must be remembered that the great difference Mr. Dallas must have rendered the intercourse of age which existed between his Lordship and

between them not altogether unrestrained. The

subjects of conversation between them appear to have been almost entirely of a literary nature,

unless when Mr. Dallas ventured, as he occasionally did, to address his Lordship on religious or ethical topics. The most interesting part of the volume is that which relates to the publɛntion of English Bards and Scotch Reviewers," and of the first canto of Childe Harold, both of which were superintended through the pres by Mr. Dallas, to whom Lord By con generously presented the emolument derived from the latter work. He afterwards bestowed the copyright of the Corsair upon the same gentleman. The intercourse between Mr. Dallas and his Lordship terminated at the latter end of the year 1314,

Church, with an Architectural descrip- when Mr. D. left England for the Continent. ⚫tion of the latter, and Memoirs of the Bishops, &c. by J. Britton, F.S.A. &c. Price 27. 10s. medium 4to. and 41. 43. imperial 4to. A few copies super-royal folio, 81. 8s. and with proofs and etchings the same size, 161. 16s.

-1 BIOGRAPHY. Recollections of the Life of Lord Byron from the year 1808 to the end of 1814, exhibiting his early Character and Opinions, detailing the progress of his Literary Career, and including various unpublished Passages of his Works. Taken from authentic Documents in the possession of the Author, by the late R. C. Dallas, Esq. To which is prefixed an Account of the Circumstances leading to the Suppression of Lord Byron's Correspondence with the Auther, &c. 8vo.

That the public should feel an anxious interest in the history of Lord Byron's life and opinions is just and natural. It is a sincere and honourable homage to his genius. At the same time, the many peculiarities of character which distinguish ed Lord Byron, render every thing relating to him doubly interesting. Of the earlier portion of his fife the present volume contains some details with which the public were not previously acquainted;

Had Mr. Dallas confined himself to a narrative of the literary transactions between Lord Byron and himself, the present volume, though more attractive in substance. He has, however, intercompressed in form, would have been much more mingled with it so many of his own opinions and speculations on matters of taste, literature, and religion, that it merits the title of "Recollections prefixed to it. But this is not the principal obof Mr. Dallas," fully as well as that which is now jection which we have to make to the volume. The object of Mr. Dallas, throughout the whole of it, is to shew that while Lord Byron enjoyed the benefit of his society, he was a much better man than after their intercourse ceased; and for this purpose he does not hesitate to speak in very harsh terms of his Lordship's conduct after the determination of their friendship. Now, in fact, the morality of Lord Byron's life was much the same during his intercourse with Mr. D. as at any after.period; and no change appears to have taken place in his character to justify the strictures of Mr. Dallas. Indeed, that gentleman was never well qualified to form a just appreciation of his Lordship's character. The well-meant bat naskilful manner in which he attacked the religions opinions of his noble young friend, at once displays his incapacity. So, upon political subjecie, be seems to have been equally unable to under. stand him; and was greatly surprised that his Lordship, on his first entrance into the flause of

Peers, did not accept the smiling civilities of the Lord Chancellor, "with whom it would," says Mr. D. "have given me inexpressible pleasure to have seen him uniting heartily!"

But if Mr. Dallas has failed to do justice to Lord Byron's character during the later years of his life, the Editor of the Recollections (the Rev. A. R. C. Dallas) has displayed a still worse spirit; and, in the concluding part of the volume, in noticing the publication of Mr. Medwin, has even * dared to slander the memory of Lord Byron so deeply as to accuse him of falsehood. The whole tenor of those observations is little creditable to their reverend author, who displays but a very small portion of that charitable spirit which we are led to expect from one of his profession. The tone of these remarks, as well as of the observations on Mr. Hobhouse, are much too belligerent, for a gentleman who wears his habit.

So far as the same facts are narrated in the present volume and in Mr. Medwin's Conversations, the two works will be found materially to support one another; but there is little in common between them: the former relating almost entirely to Lord Byron's early literary publications, and the latter containing his opinions at a later period, on various matters and on various persons.

It should be mentioned that the volame before us contains some curious fragments of Lord Byron's compositions, and some entertaining va rious readings of English Bards and Scotch Re' viewers.'

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The following is the account given by Mr. Dallas of Lord Byron's first speech in the House of Lords:

It was

"Meanwhile, the poem that was to be the foundation of Lord Byron's fame and of the events of his future days, retarded nearly a month longer than was proposed, was now promised to the public for the end of February. The debate on the Nottingham Frame breaking' Bill was ap. pointed for the 27th of the same month. an extraordinary crisis in his life. He had before him the characters of a poet and of an orator to fix and to maintain. For the former, he depended still upon his satires more than upon Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, which he contem. plated with considerable dread; and, for the latter, fre not only meditated, but wrote an ora tion--being afraid to trust his feelings in the assembly he was to address, with an extemporaneous effusion at first. He occasionally spoke parts of it when we were alone; but his delivery changed my opinion of his power as to eloquence, and checked my hope of his success in parliament. He altered the natural tone of his voice, which was sweet and round, into a formal drawl, and he prepared his features for a part-it was a youth declaiming a task. This was the more perceptible, as in common conversation he was remarkably easy and natural; it was a fault contracted in the studied delivery of speeches from memory, which has been lately so much attended to in the education of boys. It may wear off, and yield to the force of real knowledge and activity, but it does not promise well; and they who fall into it are seldom prominent chaPacters in stations where eloquence is required. By the delay of the printer, Lord Byron's maiden speech preceded the appearance of his poem. VOL. XII. NO. XLVIII.

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produced a considerable effect in the House of Lords, and he received many compliments from the Opposition peers. When he left the great chamber I went and met him in the passage; he was glowing with success, and much agitated. I had an umbrella in my right hand, not expecting that he would put out his hand to me; in my haste to take it when offered, I had advanced my left hand- What,' said he, give your friend your left hand upon such an occasion?' I shewed the cause, and immediately changing the umbrella to the other hand, I gave him my right band, which he shook and pressed warmly. He was greatly elated, and repeated some of the compliments which had been paid him, and mẹntioned one or two of the peers who had desired to he introduced to him. He concluded with saying that he had, by his speech, given me the best advertisement for Childe Harold's Pilgrimage...

"A short time afterwards, he made me a present of the original manuscript of his speech, which he had previously written."

Some Account of the Life of Richard Wilson, Esq. R.A. with testimonies to his Genius and Memory, and Remarks on his Landscapes. To which are added, various Observations on the pleasure and advantages to be derived from the study of Nature and the Fine Arts, collected and arranged by T. Wright, Esq. 4to..

Although the materials for a life of this adml. rable artist are extremely scanty, we are yet glad to see them in a collected form, Some memorial is due to the memory of a man whose name stands so deservedly high in the annals of art as that of Wilson. The biography of an artist is, moreover, a sort of school for his successors, in which they may study as well as in the cabinet which contains his works; and on this account we should be glad to see more attention paid to the lives of our more eminent native artists.We want an English Lanzi. Should the work of that judicious Italian be ever imitated in our own country, a memoir like the present will be found of considerable utility in supplying facts and

anecdotes to the writer.

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A very considerable portion of the present volume has no reference whatever to Wilson, but is filled with desultory remarks and criticisms by the author upon matters of art and various other topics, which are sometimes very oddly introduced. A number of anecdotes are also added, which serve to enliven the volume. As Mr. Wright has devoted his labours to the benefit of the Artists Benevolent Fund, it would be unjust to examine them with any great critical nicety.

The Cambrian Plutarch; comprising Memoirs of some of the most eminent Welshmen from the earliest times to the present. By John H. Parry, Esq. 8vo.

Mr. Parry has deserved the thanks of all who are attached to Cambrian literature and history, by this judicious biographical compilation. It is singular, and not altogether creditable to the patriotism of the Principality, that till the ap pearance of the present work we possessed no well-written memoirs, in a collected form, of the many eminent men whom that country has produced. The period which "The Cambrian Plutarch" embraces is sufficiently wide (from 4 B

King Arthur to Mr. Pennant), but the number of memoirs is very limited, being confined to twentytwo individuals. In this number, however, the author has compressed a very considerable quan tity of historical and antiquarian information, more especially relating to the early literature and poetry of Wales. With regard to the justice and propriety of Mr. Parry's criticisms upon the poets of his native country, we confess our own incompetency to offer an opinion; but we can bear testimony to the interesting nature of his labours in general, and to the simple and respectable style in which his volume is written.

BOTANY.

for a single root, and engagements to the amount of 50001. were made for a superior tulip, during the height of this mania; and when a bidder could not be found to offer a sum equal to the ideal value of a fine flower of this kind, it was frequently disposed of by way of lottery or raffle.

"We are told of a person who possessed a very. fine tulip, but finding there was a second root of the same nature in Haarlem, he repaired to that place, and, after having purchased it at an enormous price, placed it on a flag stone, and pounded it to a mummy with his foot, exclaiming with exultation, Now my tulip is; unique l' Ia another instance, we are told of one who possessed a yearly rent of 60,000 florins, and who reduced himself to beggary in the short space of four months by parchasing flowers. Crabbe says, With all his phlegm it broke a Dutchman's heart At a vast price with one lov'd roof to part.'-'

"The Dutch Government was at length obliged to issue a proclamation to suppress this ruinous' excess of the votaries of Flora.

Flora Historica: or the Three Seasons of the British Parterre, historically and botanically treated, with Observations on Planting, to secure a regular succession of Flowers from the commencement of Spring to the end of Autumn. To which are added, the most approved methods of cultivating Bulbous Plants, &c. By Henry ly as extravagant, but the rage soon gave way to Phillips, F.H.S. Author of "Pomarium Britannicum," "History of Cultivated Vegetables," &c. 2 vols. 8vo.

Mr. Phillips, whose labours we have before had the pleasure of noticing, has rendered a very acceptable service to the lovers of flowers and flow. er gardens, by the publication of these agreeable volumes. They are a pleasant melange of botany, poetry, and anecdote, interspersed with occasional directions for the benefit of those who are fortunate enough to possess some angulus terræ in the similitude of a garden. The following amusing account of the Tulipomania is given by Mr. P. in his first volume.

"It was towards the middle of the 17th cen tury that the rage for flowers, and particularly for tulips, was carried to such an excess, both in Holland and in France, as to produce bankruptcy and ruin to many families; and we are told that the Tulipomania, for so it was justly termed, was entered into with as much avidity for a time as the Mississippi and South Sea schemes, which were attended with such ruinous consequences. It would be almost impossible for us to credit the extraordinary accounts handed down respect. ing the high prices given for tulips by the Dutch florists of that age, were we not acquainted with their gambling speculations in this bulb, which carried them to much greater excess than their real fondness for flowers. Betting to a ruinous amount was often made respecting the eventual superiority of promising seedling bulbs; and for the possession of breeders of high merit, from which fine seedlings might be expected, as large a sum was given as the fleetest race-horse of the British turf ever sold for.

About the year 1686, this spirit of floral gambling was carried to such excess at Haarlem, that during three years it is said to have yielded to that city a sum not less than ten millions sterling-for the price of these bulbs rose higher than that of the most precious metal. For a single tulip, to which they had given the fine name of Semper Augustus, 4600 florins, a beautiful new carriage, two horses, with harness, &c. were given; and another of the same kind sold for 18,000 florins. Twelve acres of land were given

"In Paris the prices given for flowers were near

other fashionable follies in that gay city, without
the interposition of government. It is probable
that the unsettled state in which this 'country"
was at that time, prevented, in a great measure,
the infection of the Tulipomania in England,”
EDUCATION.

Gramática Inglesa, pera los Espanoles.
El Nuevo Connelly, 6 Compendio de la

12mo. 6s.

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My Children's Diary: or, the Moral of the Passing Hour. 12mo.

It will give us pleasure if any thing which we can say, should tend to make this modest volume better known to the public. It will be found both an engaging and instructive work for the young readers to whose use it is dedicated; and it furnishes, moreover, some useful hints to those who are entrusted with the solemn responsibilities of education. The style is pleasant and lively, especially that of the conversations; and the little pieces of poetry which are occasionally interi spersed, are of a respectable character.

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Confessions of a justified Sinner," it is really quite soothing to read those of a simple gamester, who tells his matter-of-fact story in a peaceable and orderly manner. The moral effect of the narrative loses nothing by this simplicity, which is much better calculated to make a serious impression upon the mind of the reader, than the over-wrought exhibitions of human passions and follies with which some modern works of fiction abound.

Time's Telescope for 1825: or a complete Guide to the Almanack; containing an Account of Saints' Days and Holidays, Comparative Chronology, and Contempo rary Biography, Astronomical Oceurrences, the Naturalist's Diary, &c. &c.

This work is really what it has been pronounced to be, a "felicitous conception;" and notwithstanding the pretensions of its more showy competitors for public favour, most of whom have taken a few lenses from Time's Telescope to fit up their instruments with, it holds a distinguished place among the various etrennes of the New Year: it happily combines the useful with the agreeable, and is well fitted to assist in forming the taste and guiding the conduct of youth of both sexes, as well as to instruct and amuse those of maturer years.

The East India Military Calendar. Parts I. and II. 2 vols. 4to.

5.

The Zoological Journal. No. III. To be continued Quarterly. 10s.

NOVELS, TALES, &c.

James Forbes; a Tale, founded on Facts. 8vo.

This little tale is written with considerable power and with great simplicity. Its object is a very laudable one, to inculcate the necessity of humility, and the danger of placing too great a confidence in the strength and integrity of our own minds. The mode, however, in which the writer has illustrated this truth, is not altogether judicious. The hero is induced to commit a forgery under the operation of a momentary delusion or insanity, rather than of those false feelings and principles, the exposure of which forms the moral of the tale. The interest of the story is well preserved, and the character and dialogue are un. affected and natural.

Rothelon; a Romance of the English Histories. By the author of "Annals of the Parish," &c. 3 vols. 12mo. 1. 1s.

POETRY AND THE DRAMA.

A Selection of Irish Melodies, with Symphonies and Accompaniments, by Henry R. Bishop; and Characteristic Words, by Thomas Moore, Esq. No. IX. Mr. Moore has one singular advantage over his brother poets. As if the productions of his Muse were not in themselves sufficiently delightful, he has linked them with the tender and beautiful music of the Irish melodies. Another number of

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The lingering sounds on their way lov'd to rest ; And the echoes sung back, from their full mountain quire,

As if loth to let song so enchanting expire. "It seem'd as if every sweet note that died here, Was again brought to life in some airier sphere, Some heaven in those bills, where the soul of the strain

That had ceased upon earth was awaking again ! "Oh forgive, if, while listening to music whose breath

Seem'd to circle his name with a charm against death,

He should feel a proud spirit within him proclaim

Even so shalt thou live in the echoes of Fame: "Even so, though thy memory should now die

away,

'Twill be caught up again in some happier day; And the hearts and the voices of Erin prolong Through the answering future thy name and thy song.'"

The Plagiary warned: a Vindication of the Drama, the Stage, and Public Morals,' from the Plagiarisms and Compilations of the Rev. J. A. James, Minister of Carr's Lane Chapel, Birmingham, in a Letter to the Author. 8vo.

The curious in plagiarisms will find considerable amusement in the perusal of this spirited pamphlet, the writer of which has convicted the Reverend Gentleman to whom it is addressed, of a very bold literary petty larceny. In addition to this, the "Vindication of the Drama" will be found a very satisfactory one; and as such we recommend it to all those, the tenderness of whose consciences debars them from the inno cent and exhilarating amusement of theatrical representations.

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Sermons. By the late Rev. J. R. Ver non. 1 vol. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Discourses on the Internal Evidence of

that captivating publication is before us; and that Christianity, &c. By the Rev. C. Mayo.

it is in no wise inferior to its predecessors, the following lines will sufficiently demonstrate.

The Moral Government of God vindicated, in Observations on the System of

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Excursions in the County of Cornwall. By F. W. L. Stockdale. 1 vol. 8vo. 15s. Richmond and its Vicinity, &c. By J. Evans, LL.D. 4s.

An Account of the Colony of Van Diemen's Land, principally designed for the use of Emigrants. By Edward Curr. 12mo. 5s..

VOYAGES, TRAVELS, &c. Mementoes, Historical and Classical, of a Tour through part of France, Switzerland, and Italy, in the Years 1821 and 1822, including a suminary History of the principal Cities, and of the most memorable Revolutions; a description of the famed Edifices and works of Art, ancient as well as modern: with an Account of some of the most striking Classic Fictions and Ceremonies, and of such Relics as are still remaining. 2 vols. 8vo.

Amid the number of Continental Tours which have issued from the press in the course of the present year, we had almost overlooked the present volumes, though the titlepage prefixed to them would argue that their pretensions are by no means insignificant. As distinguished from other works of the same class which have lately appeared, the chief merit of these "Mementoes" is the copious details with which they abound relative to the history and antiquities of the places which the author visited. This circumstance, while it renders them more valuable to those who are not familiar with the labours of former travellers, or who are about for the first time to visit the scenes described, gives them rather the air of a twice-told tale, to those who remember the works of Eustace, of Forsyth, and of the numerous other travellers who have traversed the regions visited by the writer of the "Mementoes." These volumes may, perhaps, be said to convey more completely the impres. sions which the scenes described would give, than the majority of publications on the same subject; and, after all, this is the truest praise which can be bestowed upon a book of travels.

FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS.

Adolphe, Roman, de M. Benjamin Constant. Third Edition. (Adolphe, a Romance, by M. B. Constant.)

M. Constant's book upon religion, which is a kind of Capucinade Protestante, in which he endeavours to keep well with all parties, not hav ing the success he expected, he has sought to console himself by the publication of a new edition of Adolphe; a romance which has more of singularity than excellence in it. Adolphe seduces a woman whom he does not love; but the victim becomes so passionately fond of her de. stroyer, that her ever-increasing tenderness renders him, iniserable, he not having firmness enough to evince his repugnance. This novel may be called a Marivaulage tragique, in which all the difficulty is, not in making, as in Marivaux' romances a declaration of love, but a decla. ration of hatred. This once done, the story is at an end. This production of M, Constant's earlier years contains several phrases and maxims evidently borrowed from Madame de Stacl, with whom M. Constant was on the most intimate terms for many years.

Discours sur la Vie et les Euvres de Jaques Auguste de Thou. Par M.

painter, Sir Walter Scott. The Scotch novelist, notwithstanding the difference in some of his recent productions, is still the author a la modé in France, to the literature of which he has given a new colour, at least as far as regards romances and history. M. Charles is considered to have given proof of no little hardihood in this discourse, by speaking ill of the Jesuits. M. Paten, one of his competitors, in his essay for the same prize, has only hinted at the truth, not daring to speak out boldly. Were it not for an order from M. de Villele, who dreads the increasing influence of the Jesuits, this excellent composition of M. Charles would not have been awarded the prize.

Voyage de M. Blanqui en Angleterre et en Ecosse. 1 vol. 8vo. (A Journey in England and Scotland. By M. Blanqui,)

This appears to be, without any comparison, the most remarkable work that has issued from the French press since the publication of the ad. mirable history of the Revolution by Mignet. M. Blanqui's journey is calculated to interest English readers as much as French; for it offers the spectacle of a well-sustained wrestling between English and French prejudices. In talking of

Charles. Ouvrage qui a partagé le prix prejudices we merely allude to those of the higher

proposé par l'Académie Française. 4to. (A Memoir on the Life and Works of James Augustus De Thou. By M. Charles; a work which gained the prize proposed by the French Academy.)

This volume of fifty quarto pages may be perused with considerable pleasure. There is fire, talent, and truth in it; and its style is fortunately free from that ton vague which is, the damning sin of the French literature of the day. The picture of the interior of Paris on the morning of Saint Bartholomew's day is sketched with a bold and masterly hand; and what must prove flattering to English pride, it is evidently modelled upon some of the sketches of that great master

classes; for as to vulgar national hatred against the English there are no traces of it to be met with, generally speaking, in genteel society. If from time to time such a sentiment should be heard from the lips of a man of condition, it will be found invariably that the person so expressing himself is either a superannuated amateur of the ancien regime, or a general of the revolution, who had been brought up amidst the vociferations in yogue at that period against Pitt and Coburg. The only characteristics of the English, upon which the better circles in France exercise their ridicule are, their sullen and haugh ty expression of countenance, and reserved mani. ners, their mania for blowing out their brains, and their attachment, even amongst the middling

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