the stomachs, and relatively are more less nutritions. But, as a general result, the experiments estimate that one pound of good bread is equal to two pounds and a half or three pounds of potatoes; that 75 pounds of bread and 30 of meat, may be substituted for three hundred pounds of potatoes. The other substances bear the following proportions: four parts of cabbage to one of potatoe; three parts of turnips to one of ditto; two parts of carrots and spinach to one of ditto; and about three parts and a half of potatoes to one of rice, lentils, beans, French beans, and dry peas. INDIES, EAST. Self-Immolation. The following extract from a letter written by Mrs. T. Newton at Calcutta, contains an account of Self-immolation, by a female on the funeral pile of her husband; a melancholy evidence of the existence of this horrid custom, at the present moment; but the last, we hope, we shall have to record (see p. 1505.) "Calcutta, June 18, 1818. "Yesterday morning, at seven o'clock, this woman was brought in a palanquin to the place of sacrifice. It is on the banks of the Ganges, only two miles from Calcutta. Her husband had been previously brought to the river to expire. His disorder was hydrophobia. He had now been dead 24 hours, and no person could prevail on the wife to save herself. She had three children, whom she committed to the care of her mother. A woman, called to be undertaker, was preparing the pile. It was composed of bamboo, fire-wood, oils, rosiu, and a kind of flax, | altogether very combustible. It was ele vated above the ground, I should say 20 inches, and supported by strong stakes. The dead body was lying on a rude couch, very near, covered with a white cloth. The oldest child, a boy of seven years, who was to light the pile, was standing near the corpse. The woman sat perfectly unmoved during all the preparation, apparently at prayer, and counting a string of beads which she held in her hand. She was just 30 years old; her husband 27 years older. Police officers were stationed to prevent any thing like compulsion, and to secure the woman at the last moment, if she should desire it. The corpse was now placed on the ground, in an upright pos ture, and clean linen crossed round the head and about the waist. Holy water was thrown over it by the child, and after wards oils by the Brahmins., It was then placed upon the pile upon the left side. The woman now left the palanquin, walked into the river, supported by her brothers, who were agitated, and required more support than herself. She was divested of all her ornaments; her hair hanging dishevelled about her face, which expressed perfect resignation. Her forehead and feet were stained with a deep red. She bathed in the river, and drank a little water, which was the only nourishment she received after her husband's death. An oath was administered by the attending brahmins, which is done by putting the hand in holy water, and repeating from the Shaster a few lines. This oath was given seven times. I forgot to say the child received an oath before the corpse was removed. The brothers also prayed over the body, and sprinkled themselves with consecrated wa ter. She then adjusted her own dress, which consisted of long clothes wrapped round her form, and partly upon her head, but not so as to conceal her face. She had in her hand a little box, containing parting gifts, which she presented to her brothers and to the Brahmins with the greatest composure. Red strings were then fastened round her wrists-her child now put a little rice in her mouth, which was the last thing she received. She raised her eyes to heaven several times during the river ceremonies, which occupied ten or twenty minutes. She took no notice of her child, having taken leave of her female friends and children early in the morning. A little cup of consecrated rice was placed by the child at the head of the corpse. She now walked to the pile, and bent with lowly reverence over the feet of her husband; then, unaided, she passed three times around the pile. She now seemed excited by enthusiasm; some said of a religious nature; others by affection for the dead. I do not pretend to say what motive actuated her, but she stepped upon the pile with apparent delight, unassisted by any one, and threw herself by the side of the body, clasping his neck with her arm. The corpse was in a most horrid putrid state. She put her face close to his; a cord was slightly passed over both; light faggots and straw, with some combustible rosin, were then put on the pile, and a strong bamboo pole confined the whole: all this was done by her brothers. The child then applied the fire to the head of the pile which was to consume both parentsThe whole was instantly on fire. The multitude shouted; but not a groan was heard from the pile. She undoubtedly died without one struggle. Her feet and arms were not confined; and after the straw and faggots were burnt, we saw them in the same position she had placed Hindoo Superstition. "On my evening tour I came to a place where an aged Hindoo man had died. His body was stretched on a bier, formed by placing two bamboo poles, about 3 yards in length, parallel, about two feet distant from each other, with several tranverse pieces fastened by cords. When the body is lain on the funeral pile, this bier is torn in pieces, and the poles serve as pokers to the fire. The widow of the deceased was sitting near the bier, and a barber was employed in shaving her head, while the relatives were vociferating their lamentations. To the shaving of her head succeeded her ablutions. This is the universal custom among the Hindoos, and the widow is through the rest of her life (for she may not marry a second time,) treated with the utmost neglect by her nearest relations. The son of the deceased lights a fire in an earthen pot, carries it before the bier to the place of burning, and when the funeral pile is ready, it is his duty to kindle the flame which is to reduce to ashes the body of his deceased parent. I proceeded to the shed where the dead are disposed of. It was early in the afternoon, but the bodies of no less than 18 Hindoos and Mussulmauus, had been brought there since morning. And while I was there the funeral procession of a Roman Catholic passed through the place. A number of priests were in the procession, some preceded, and some followed the bier, if so it may be called, for it was a bare cloth like a blanket, which four men carried by its four corners, with the corpse of a child in it. At that hour of the day the glaring sun was shin ing on them with intense light, but, that the departed soul might be more sure of light to attend him through the dark regions of purgatory, the silly creatures were carrying lighted candles in their hands. In this place I spoke to a considerable number of the heathen, and also at the house of the deceased before mentioned. After this, at two of the Hindoo temples, I spoke for a long time to a large number, on the worship of the true God."-Missionary Herald. April, 1818. A curious Astrological Table. One of the church missionaries of Madras (Mr. Rhenius) gives an interesting account of the Navakiraba Sakkarum, or Brahminical Astrological Table, a circle of the nine planets. These nine planets are represented by nine symbols, placed in squares in a column; which column is repeated nine times, but the position of the figures is varied in every line. These compartments, of course, amount to eighty-one. In each of these, and in other parts of the table, there are formalities of prayer. Not only is exactness in copying the figures deemed necessary to the right structure of this table, but a transcript of all that is written within and around them. The copy sent to the society is about two feet square: the figures, circles, and lines therein are in a variety of colours. The square of squares, containing eighty-one places for the nine planets, is enclosed in a circle, and that circle in a quadrangular border. Mr. Rhenius gives the following relation of the manner in which the Brahmins use this table. The "Navakiraha-Sakkaram" is of very high importance in idolatry; and, like many other of the same kind, is used by the heathen for the most holy purposes of their religion. They have it engraven on a golden or silver, or copper plate; and the Brahmins place it in their houses, as well as in their temples. When Parvata, the wife of Siva, (ac cording to their books), wished to know the manner of constructing this Sakkaram, and the blessing which would spring from the use of the same, Siva, in a very pompous style, informed her of the artificial order aud exactness with which the figures of the planets, with their several inscriptions (which are certain prayers), ought to be constructed, and of the heavy curses, with the inefficiency of the Sakkaram, which would follow, if that order and exactness were not observed. He then proceeds thus: "whosoever adores the divinity with this Sakkaram, constructed as prescribed, he will rout and conquer the three cities, and will receive the power of creating all the worlds. Moreover, he will receive bliss, and other goods, which no one else can obtain. Formerly, the god Brahma himself received power to create the worlds, by making prayer with this Sakkaram; and by the same also, the god Vishnu has received the power of preserv the worlds Therefore there is nothing equal to this Sakkaram." What I can collect more respecting it from the Brahmins and Shastries is thisThat the Brahmins have this Sakkaram in their houses, and repeat their formularies before it, professing to receive power thereby to foresee future events When an image of stone, or silver, or gold, is to be consecrated and to be placed in the temple, the Brahmins put a plate, with this Sakkaram, either underneath or before the image, in the place where it is to be fixed. A formulary of prayer, used | in the service of the god whom the image represents, is repeated a certain number of times; which number is increased or lessened according to the dignity of the god. By this process, the image is supposed to receive the divine attributes of the god, and from thence becomes an object of adoration. 1815, 1817, so that the whole of the inhabitants of Otaheite, Eimeo, Tapua-manu Huaheine, Raiatea, Tahua, Borabora, and Maura, bave entirely renounced idolatry. The gods, altars, &c. are utterly destroyed. The offering of human sacrifices, and the practice of infanticide, are at an end. The worship of the true God, and the profesout all the above islands. In Otaheite, 66 sion of Christianity, are general through 16 The people assemble for worship thrice every Sabbath, and on every Wednesday evening. The Lord's-day is strictly observed throughout the whole of the islands. Private and family prayer are general The number of times which the formuJary is to be repeated, varies from one hun-chapels have been built; and in Eimeo dred and eight to twenty millions. This last number will consume a period of ten or twelve years, since only one person must repeat the formulary. The prayer itself is in Sanscrit; which most of these people, even the persons who pray, do not under-among the people. About 4,000 persons stand: they nevertheless believe the efficacy have learned to read, and many of them to of this vain repetition, because it is in a write. In a word, the change far exceeds divine language. all our expectation. Neither are the inscriptions of the Sak-been furnished with a printing-press by the -P. S. They have karam understood, unless it be by a very few, London Missionary Society; and part of and those unusually learned men: and even the Gospels, translated into the language they find no small difficulty in putting any of the nations, is now printing. The culsense upon them. ture of the sugar-cane, and other arts of civilization, are also in progress." sert. JERUSALEM. State of the City. The following are details respecting the present state of Jerusalem, once the "chosen city," the seat of God's revelations to man, alternately clothed with his might, or chastised by his visitations, as the fidelity or apostacy of his people required, and now more degraded than when it lay desolate, a shapeless heap and a howling de"A traveller recently returned from Syria, relates that the City of Jerusalem is now in the most deplorable state. Its population scarcely amounts to 12,000 inhabitants, who mostly profess the Mahommedan religion. The Turkish soldiers of the garrison are in possession of the keys of the Holy Sepulchre, and allow no one to enter who does not pay beforehand for his admission. Every stranger is obliged io give 18 francs for each visit which he pays to the sacred tomb. The sight of Jerusalem in our days recals to mind the most terrible prophecies of Jeremiah. It is even deserted by the traveller, either through diminution of faith, or dread of the persecutions of the Mussulmen." OTAHEITE. Progress of Religion.. 'Extract of a letter from Rev. J. Davies, Missionary at Otaheite, to Rev. J. Hughes, of Montgomeryshire, dated July 2, 1817. "I shall now give you a short account of the state of things with us. The revival and reformation which commenced in 1813, 1814, continued, and increased in --- PRUSSIA. Humboldt's Tour in India. ders to see a literal translation of the letter It will no doubt be interesting to our reaBaron Alexander Humboldt, in his prowhich his Prussian Majesty addressed to tracted tour to India, and the liberal proprosecute his researches in that quarter of vision he makes for enabling him to the globe, without injury to his own private fortune. The following is a copy: Hardenberg, has laid before us the memo"Our State's Chancellor, the Prince of rial which you have transmitted to him, on the subject of your intended travels to the Indian Peninsula and the islands of the Indian Archipelago. You have already, by your travels in South America, and the fine work in which you have recorded their fruits, earned a fame which has redounded than to the advantage of science. We not less to the glory of our native country doubt not that the same result will arise this view we willingly confer upon you, for from your newly projected travels. With your support, in the prosecution of your design, a yearly sum of 12,000 dollars in gold, to be continued during four or five years from the commencement of your eaterprise. We moreover present you with whatever astronomical and physical instruments may be necessary for your researches; which instruments, however, shall, on your return, become the property of the state, and be deposited in a place which shall be pointed out for them, after the termination of your travels. It will Astrachan-Pilgrims. in Beast. Baptism by them is considered as meaning the instruction, of the Word of God, and putting all evil away from them, desiring the sincere milk of the Word, &c. On this account they have given themselves the name Malakani, for the word malaka signifies milk. They consider all wars unlawful. On this principle, they think it no evil for any of them, should he be taken for a recruit, to desert; alleging thatChristians are called to peace, and see no right any one has of forcing them to fight, and that too, it may be, against Christians. The Malakani of the present day are very careless, and are also divided among themselves. Splendid Palace. The multitude of pilgrims, most of whom come immediately from Bucharia to As trachan, on their way to Mecca, continues to be very great; and the readiness with which they receive copies of the Persian or Tartar New Testament is extremely encouraging. In the month of June last, there were, at one time, no fewer than one The Emperor of Russia is adding much hundred and thirty-five of them, waiting in the city for passports. Many of them to the interior splendour of the Royal Palace of St. Petersburgh. One of the state are from the western states of India; and, rooms is now completely covering with although the Scriptures are preparing so many Indian languages, all the Maho-highly polished tortoise-shell, tastefully medans from these quarters, whom the fixed on the walls with silver-headed studs, missionaries have met with, use no written and bordered with ornaments of solid silver mouldings. language except either the Arabic or Persian. They crowd into Bucharia from all the surrounding countries, for the purpose of studying the Mahomedan religion and its sacred language, which they deem the Arabic to be; as well as to make themselves masters of the Persic and the Turkish, the last being the name which they uniformly give the Tartar. They there receive their education, at the expence of the Schah, provided they cannot support themselves; and, when they leave the schools, they are rewarded with presents. Thus Bucharia appears to be the strong-hold of Mahomedanism throughout Tartary. Malakani Sect. The Bible, they believe, contains the whole will of God; and that He alone is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth. The most learned among them read and explain the Word, and are consequently called Elders or Presbyters. They call themselves, in contradistinction to those of the Greek church, Spiritual Christians. Crossing they look upon as the real mark of the beast mentioned in the Revelations. They believe most firmly that worshipping images or saints is idolatry; and consequently pray that they may be preserved from the influence of the Beast and of the Dragon. They believe that Christians ought rigorously to observe the laws of Moses respecting meats. Tobacco and onions are condemned by them. The command of our Saviour about observing his Supper they look upon as encouraging them to suffer death rather than worship the Plant-Lamb! The most extraordinary of the curiosities of Little Tartary is, the Lamb of Muscovy, which grows between the two great rivers the Don and the Wolga. This plant is remarkable for possessing a great portion of the animal nature. It is for this reason it is called the Animal plant; as also Zoophytes, and, in the Russian language, Bonarets. The fruit is of the size of gourd, or melon; it has the figure of a sheep, all the limbs of which are discoverable. It is fastened to the earth by the navel, upon a stalk of two feet in length. It always leans towards the grass, and the plants that grow round it, and changes its place as much as the stump will suffer.-When the fruit comes to maturity the stalk dies; it is covered with a hairy skin, frizzled like that of a lamb just lambed, and the skin serves it as a fur to defend it from the cold. It is further observed that this plant never dies till it can no longer find any grass to nourish it. The fruit yields a juice like blood, when it is taken from the stalk; and has the taste of mutton. The wolf is as fond of this plant as of real mutton; and the Muscovites make use of it, in order to surprise those animals. ST. HELENA. Slavery abolished. "Island of St. Helena, Aug. 17, 1818. "Whereas, by the universal concurrence of the inhabitants and slave proprietors on the island, it was resolved, at a meeting held this day, that from and after the 25th of December next (being the anniversary of the birth of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ) all children born of slaves shall be free, subject to such conditions and regulations as shall hereafter be promulgated, in respect to their care, and to the services that may be required of them, in the families by which they may be maintained, until they arrive at a fit age to be able to support themselves. This is to give notice, that the above is to be considered a law of the island; and that from and after the 25th of December next, being the anniversary of the birth of our blessed Lord and Saviour, all children born of slaves on the island are consequently to be held free, subject only to such conditions and regula tions as above. By order of his Excellency the Governor and Council, ANT. BEALE, Dep. Sec. Government." National Register: BRITISH. THE KING. WINDSOR CASTLE, Nov. 7.-"His Majesty has passed the last month in a very quiet state, and in good bodily health; but His Majesty's disorder remains unaltered." TREASURY ORDER. Relating to the Duty on Foreign Books and Maps. "Treasury Chambers, Oct. 3, 1818. "Gentlemen,-I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, to acquaint you, they are pleased to approve of the regulations proposed in your report of the 29th ultimo, in order to prevent Foreign Books and Maps, the property of individuals, and brought over by passengers from abroad, from being charged with duty more than once; and I am, therefore, to desire you will immediately give the necessary orders for carrying the same into effect. (Signed) "GEO. HARRISON. "Commissioners of Customs." Note. In furtherance of the above, the following directions have been sent by the Commissioners of Customs to ColJectors and Comptrollers. "Custom house, London, Oct. 8, 1818. "Let the Collector and Comptroller take care that the directions of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, contained in the foregoing copy of a letter from Mr Harrison, be duly obeyed, under the following regulations, viz. That the proprietor shall, on each importation of such books or maps, subsequent to the ori 43,840,125 48,289,308 11,104,852|12,587,100 Increase of revenue upon the year...... 14,449,183 Increase of revenue upon the quarter........... 4,482,748 And the War Duty on Malt and Property, which was received in the last quarter, and not included in the above account, amounts to 108,70 The Revenues of Ireland are, in proportion to their amount, in a state not less improving than those of Great Britain. On the 9th September the Irish Revenue had 172.000!. Irish, or about 156,000l. British improved, since the 5th July, no less than currency, on the corresponding period of the preceding year. Northern Expedition. Capt. Ross is lately returned in the Isebella, with his companion, the Alexander sloop, Lieut. Parry, to Shetland, after a fruitless attempt to penetrate through Behring's Straits past the American continent. It is said that Capt. Ross almost reached the latitude of 78°, traversed the whole of Davis's Straits, and found inbabitants, but could not discover the smallest opening sufficient to admit the entrance of a ship. Science has, however, derived some advantage, as he has been enabled to trace the line of coast with greater accuracy, and to alter the positions which had been assigned to it in all the charts. Seamen's Bible Society. The Merchant Seamen's Bible Society, established in January last, is in full activity. The Society has for several months boarded the outward-bound merchant ships, when clearing from Gravesend. In |