Undoubtedly, the shades of night alternate with the brightness of day equally in India as elsewhere; yet, we have no reason to conclude from any effects found in the works of Zoffaui, the Daniels, Mr. Wales, or any later Artist, that the tone of this picture is natural to India. The natives would certainly think it no scene in a palace; if it did not rather remind them of a prison. But, we repeat, Mr. West must not be too severely arraigned on this account: the picture must be referred to the time when it was composed, and advanced, if not finished. This exhibition opens with a singular picture on a singular subject, by Mr. North cote. 66 "A prisoner taken after the defeat of the Rebels at Sedgemore 1685. Immediately after the battle of Sedgemore, in which the Duke of Monmouth was defeated, the Earl of Feversham ordered twenty-two of the prisoners to be banged on the spot; four of whom (to use his own words) were "hanged in gemma cess," i. e. in chains. The fate of one man in particular, is too extraordinary to be passed over. This person, who was remarkably swift of foot, was prevailed upon, on condition of being pardoned, to enter tain the General with an instance of his agility accordingly, having stripped himself naked, a halter was put round his neck, and the opposite end of it was fastened to the neck of a horse. They started at a place called Bussexshrine, and ran from thence to Breutsfield bridge, a distance somewhat exceeding half a mile; and though the horse went at full speed, the man kept pace with him the whole way. But notwithstanding this exertion of his ability, and the terms of his agreement, the inhuman General ordered him to be hung with the rest." Vide Dunsford's History of Tiverton. We are sorry for this fatal ending of the anecdote; and should have been much better pleased if the exertion had saved the life of the party. The picture certainly has merit. This is a subject of that kind which reminds us of the energy that certain ancient artists-the author of the Fighting Gladiator, for instance, would have diffused throughout his principal figure; derived, perhaps, from models of racers and athlete in the Olympic games. Mr. Hilton has a picture painted with great spirit; the subject is "Una with the Satyrs. "So from the ground she fearlesse doth arise, And walketh forth without suspect of harm. VOL. VIII. No. 45, Lit. Pan. N. S. June 1. They, all as glad as birdes of joyous pryme, Thence lead her forth, about her dauncing round, Shouting and singing all a shepheard's ryme ; And with greene braunches strowing all the ground, Do worship her as queene: And all the way their merry pipes they sound, That all the woods with double eccho ring; And with their horned feet doe weare the ground, Leaping like wanton kids in pleasaut spring. Spenser's Faerie Queene, b. 1. c. vię We have seldom seen more perfect animation than in some of these figures: they have an originality which marks the master: the contrasted sedateness of the figure of Una is striking; but this figure is rather deficient in truth: the Satyrs are too much the progeny of the same palette ; they should show greater diversity of colouring, though creatures of imagination, and of the same race: so thought Rubens, and so we beg leave to think. We presume that we distinguish a new name in a respectable performance of Mr. Harlow, which he calls "the Virtue of Faith." The story is the healing of the woman who had an issue of blood; who came behind Jesus. and touched him in a croud. Luke, chap. viii. But Mr. Harlow has contrived his composition so as to give no idea of any progress, of walking or of a crowd. He has placed a cripple ou the ground, where he must inevitably be trampled to death:-and why? because some of the old masters introduced crip ples, beggars, dogs, &c. &c. without reserve, and without decorum. Let this young and hopeful artist learn to reason on a subject, to consult possibilities, probabilities, manners, opinions, and even prejudices, of the people which he undertakes to represent: he will soon reduce the old masters to their true value as guides, however he may admire them as painters. Something of the same kind of remark attaches to a sketch by Mr. Singleton, of "Shadrach, Meshach, aud Abednego, delivered from the fiery furnace;" what was the form of the fiery furnace is known to few, if to any; and Mr. S. has properly and carefully enveloped it in clouds of smoke; but, he has been misled by the popular translation, and has placed as a companion of these worthies in the furnace,not a son of God, a celestial spirit,-but,, THE Son of God; of whom Nebuchadnezzar could by no possibility form the T slightest conception, neither could he express the most remote allusion to him. Walter Scott has sung the din of arms, the proud array of battle, the illustrious atchievements of chivalry, till, we presume, he is tired of his own themes; from those heroic actions he sounds a retreat, and now appears before the Public in more humble guise. Mr. Wilkie has a picture, which he thus describes. shone with great brightness during that memorable night, we could forgive the painter's error, for the sake of the painter's effect. Other landscapes by Mr. Calcott, Mr. Glover, and different artists in this branch of the profession, have much merit. Our favourable opinion on the general character of the English school of landscape is well known. In the lower suite of rooms, in the Library, and the Antique Academy, are a more than usually considerable assemblage of Architectural drawings, an immense mass of portraits, and several very exquisite performances of flowers; among the latter is distinguished that by Mrs. Pope, being "a composition of flowers, studies from nature, contained in a portrait of the vase presented to E. Kean, by the subcommittee and performers of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane." A truly admirable "A finished sketch of Walter Scott, Esq. and his family. In the centre is Mr. Scott seated on a bank, at his left is his friend Capt. A. Ferguson, with his two sons, Mr. W. and Mr. C. Scott, and behind them is an old dependant of the family. On the right is Mrs. Scott, attired as a cottage matron, with her two daughters as ewemilkers. In the front of the picture is Mr. Scott's gigantic stag greyhound, of the ancient Highland race, now almost extinct; and in the distance is a view of the Tweed, the town and abbey of Melrose, the Eel-performance. don hills, and the top of the Cowdenknows." This is very well; and though the occu pation of the parties be not the most dignified; yet it is the more comfortable; while the whole forms a pleasing ornament as well as remembrance. Sir T. Lawrence has several fine portraits: every one will pay attention to that of" the Duke of Wellington, in the dress he wore, and on the horse he rode, at the battle of Waterloo." A plain black dress and wrapping cloak, marks the Hero: the horse is full of fire and action; but, the Gentlemen of the Turf, think his hinder legs incorrect. Mr. Owen's pictures are equal to what we expect from him; which is saying much in their favour. We have seldom seen superior to some here exhibited. Sir W. Beechy, Mr. Phillips, and some others, should be more particularly noticed, if we had room. Mr. Turner's Landscapes continue to demonstrate that the art is far from being exhausted, in point of novelty. His "Dort packet boat becalmed" is masterly; and his contrivances for managing his lights in his idea of the field of Waterloo on the night after the battle, are extremely ingenious. He has introduced a numbe rof women &c. seeking, by torch light, their relatives among the dead: he derives expressive lights from the smouldering fires of Hougomont; and he supposes artificial blue lights to be thrown up to a great height, by which the whole plain is illuminated, Did we not know expressly that the moon was at the full, or nearly, and that she | The number of Architectural designs, justifies a persuasion, that this branch of art is in a flourishing state: partly, from the skill and talent actually existing among us; partly, from increased, and perhaps increasing employment. It is an occupation proper to peace, and as such, alt must desire its prosperity. We cannot well particularize, in this branch of art, but must speak of our gratification in general terms. On entering the Sculpture room, the first object that struck us, was the model for a full-sized statue of Mr. Pitt, by Mr. Westmacott; there is considerable dignity in the figure, which is seated; but the feet which protrude themselves, are much too suit the well-known statue of Saturn destrongly formed and marked; they might vouring a child: but not the somewhat meagre proportions of Mr. Pitt. There is an uncommon number of busts; and it should seem as if this art were following that of painting, in the track of portraits. What consequences may follow this disposition we do not know; many of these busts are excellent. There is always something spirited, and usually something uncommon also, in the productions of Mr. Garrard. His most distinguished performance, this year, is a model for an equestrian Statue of His Grace the Duke of Wellington. The trophies which support the group are composed of the Imperial Crown, the Cuirass decorated with the Legion of Honour, and belted with the late immortal N. The Royal Mautle and other insignia of mock imperial state torn from the usurper Napoleon in the battle of Water loo. From beneath this mass of fallen- E. Landseer has an animated picture of greatness, a reptile is discovered wreath-fighting dogs: and there are a number of ing in its uncertain path. The pedestal drawings made for various publications: represents the progress of the military ser we wish the series of these were invices and honours of His Grace the Duke creased. of Wellington, from the year 1793 to the ever niemorable 18th June, 1815. This cast is prepared for H. R. H. the Com-finished his large picture of Christ riding mander in Chief." Mr. Haydon, who usually exhibits with this society, has, we understand, nearly into Jerusalem, some of the studies for which are in the room: the uncommon pains he has bestowed on this work leade the public, and ourselves, to expect its appearance with much solicitude, and anticipation.. THE CAVE OF GUACHARO. If the artist were not bound by the invisible. but not less effectual chains of etiquette, to represent his hero in the full costume of his rank, we should have been tempted to think that the simple dress actnally worn at Waterloo, would have suited this statue better than the official embellishments which Mr G. has introduced. [From Humboldt's South America.] The memory of our countrymen will not The Cueva del Guacharo is pierced in need to be reminded of many particulars the vertical profile of a rock. The entrance here recorded; and we doubt whether is toward the south, and forms a vault there is not some danger of pomposity pre-eighty feet broad, and seventy-two feet vailing against dignity, in this commemorative composition.— That Buonaparte was a usurper we know; but whether an inscription on this statue should record that fact, is another question. Affected splendor was the ruin of sculpture in France, from the days of Louis XIV. and the possibility of it cannot be too watchfully guarded against among us The groups which decorated the cen tre of the room were so attractive last year, that it looks rather naked this year, having only two standing sculptures in it: a statue of a child, Lady Louisa Russell caressing a bird, by Mr. Chantrey; and a Flora, by Mr Baily: both pleasing performances. There, are as usual, several monumental pieces. SOCIETY OF PAINTERS, IN OIL AND This Institution, by mingling the talents of artists in both branches of the profession, Oil and Water Colours, has departed from its original intention; and though the merit it combines is, unques tionably, extremely pleasing, yet, we doubt whether it may not have lost on one hand, what it has gained on the other. The number of oil-pictures, appears to be increasing, and certainly, this department can cover much faster and much further, than the less rapid style of water colours can. There are very meritorious specimens of each style; and well deserving the patronage of the public. The number of views from different parts is interesting; while the variety of ef fects produced is honourable to the skill and taste of the artists. Mr. Holmes has an attractive piece representing a girl defending her chickens from a hawk; Mr. high. The rock that surmounts the grotto is covered with trees of gigantic height. The mammee tree, and the genipa, with large and shining leaves, raise their branches vertically toward the sky; while those of the courbaril and the erythrina form, as they extend themselves, a thick vault of verdure. Plants of the family of pothos, with succulent stems, oxalises, and orchidea of a singular structure (a dendrobium, with a golden flower, spotted with black, three inches long), rise in the driest clefts of the rock; while creeping plants waving in the winds, are interwoven in fes toons before the opening of the cavern. We' distinguished in these festoons a bignonia of a violet blue, the purple dolichos, and, for the first time, that magnificent salandra (scandens), the orange flower of which has a fleshy tube, more than four inches long. The entrance of grottoes, like the view of cascades, derive their principal charm from the situation, more or less majestic, in which they are placed, and which in some sort determine the character of the landscape. What a contrast between the Cueva of Caripe, and those caverns of the north' crowned with oaks and gloomy larch trees! Bot this luxury of vegetation embellishes not only the outside of the vault: it appears even in the vestibule of the grotto. We saw with astonishment plantain-leaved heliconias eighteen feet high, and arbores. cent arums, follow the banks of the river, even to those subterranean places. The vegetation continues in the cave of Caripe, as in those deep crevices of the Andes, half excluded from the light of day, and does not disappear, till, advancing in the interior, we reach thirty or forty paces from the entrance. We micasured the way by meaus of a cord: and we went on about | the spot. Their peritoneum is extremely 430 feet, without being obliged to light our loaded with fat, and a layer of fat reaches torches. Daylight penetrates even into this from the abdomen to the anus, forming region, because the grotto forms but one a kind of cushion between the legs of the single channel, which keeps the same di- bird... At the period which is comrection, from south east to north-west. monly called at Caripe, the oil harvest, Where the light begins to fail, we heard the Indians build huts with palm leaves, from afar the hoarse sounds ofthe nocturnal near the entrance, and even in the porch of birds; sounds which the natives think be- the cavern. There with a fire of brushlong exclusively to those subterraneous wood, they melt in pots of clay the fat of places. the young birds just killed. This fat is known by the name of butter, or oil, (manteca or aceite) of the guacharo. It is half liquid, transparent, without smell, aud so pure, that it may be kept above a year without becoming rancid. At the convent of Caripe no other oil is used in the kitchen of the monks, but that of the cavern; and we never observed that it gave the aliments a disagreeable taste or smell. The quantity of this oil collected, little corresponds with the carnage made every year in the grotto by the Indians. It appears that they do not get above 150 or 160 bottles (60 enbic inches each) of very pure manteca; the rest, less transparent, is preserved in large earthen vessels. This branch of industry reminds us of the harvest of pigeon's oil, of which some thousands of barrels were for merly collected in Carolina. The guacharo is of the size of our fowls, has the mouth of the groat-sucker and procuia, and the port of those vultures, the crooked beak of which is surrounded with stiff silky hairs. Suppressing with M. Cuvier, the order of picæ, we must refer this extraordinary bird to the passeres, the genera of which are connected with each other by almost imperceptible transitions. When the crops and gizzards of the young birds are opened in the cavern, they are found to contain all sorts of hard and dry fruits, which furnish, under the singular name of guacharo seed, semilla del guacharo, a very celebrated remedy against intermit tent fevers. The old birds carry these seeds to their young. They are carefully collect. ed, and sent to the sick at Cariaco, and other places in the low regions, where severs are prevalent. It forms a new genus, very different from the goat-sucker, by the force of its voice, by the considerable Strength of its beak, containing a double tooth, by its feet without the membranes that unite the antherior phalanxes of the claws. It is the first example of a nocturnal bird among the passeres dentirostrati. In its manners it has analogies both to the goat-sucker and the alpine-crow. The plumage of the guacharo is of a dark bluish gray, mixed with small streaks and specks of black. Large white spots, which have the form of a heart, and which are bordered with black, mark the head, the wings, and the tail. The eyes of the bird are hurt by the blaze of day; they are blue, and smaller than those of the goatsuckers. The spread of the wings, which are composed of seventeen or eighteen qnill feathers, is three feet and a half. The guachar quits the cavern at nightfall, especially when the moon shines. It is almost the only frugiferous nocturnal bird that is yet known; the conformation of its THE HERCULANEAN MANUSCRIPTS. feet sufficiently shows that it does not hunt like our owls. It feeds on yery bard fruits The Indians shewed us the nests of these birds, by fixing torches to the ends of a long polc. These nests were fifty or sixty feet high above our heads, in holes in the shape of funnels, with which the roof of the grotto is pierced like a sieve. The Indians enter into the Cueva del Guacharo once a year, near Midsummer, armed with poles, by means of which they destroy the greater part of the nests. At this season several thousands of birds are killed; and the old ones, as if to defend their brood, hover over the beads of the Indians, uttering terrible cries. The young which fall to the ground, are opened on It is generally known that for many years various methods have been resorted to for the purpose of unrolling and deciphering the remains of ancient literature found among the ruins of Herculaneum. Something has been done, but totally disproportionate to the immense labour and time consumed in the operation. About two years ago, Dr. Sickler, a respectable professor of Hildburghausen, undertook to accomplish the desired object by a more easy and expeditious mode of proceeding. His overtures were immediately attended to by the Prince Regent, who had a long time shown great anxiety for the recovery of these treasures of antiquity: and after some correspondence with the Professor, it was agreed that he should come over to England, and submit the practicability of his plan to a Committee of gentlemen named for that purpose. In case of success, he was to receive a stipulated reward; in case of failure, he was to expect nothing but the payment of his expenses back to his native country. In June, last year, the professor arrived, and within a few days submitted his scheme in all its details to a committee, consisting of the Earl of Aberdeen, Lord difficulties which have hitherto occurred in the system of unrolling these manuscripts. 2. The liquid, from the application of which the Committee were induced to hope that the separation of the layers of the papyrus would be considerably facilitated, does not, in the judgment of the Commtttee, appear to possess any effective power beyond that of acting as glue for the lining of the part to be detached; and, 3. The mode of manipulation adopted by Dr. Sickler is too violent an operation to produce entire consecutive columns, or single layers, of the papyrus; and his method of indiscriminately covering the surfaceof the roll with the lining, which being attached to the roll by the liquid preparation, brings off with it, in the process of detaching, the part so lined, is very imperfect; since in raising the layers, it is scarcely possible to observe by the eye whether one or more layers are about to separate from the mass, a part of the operation which, at, Naples, is carried on with the greatest caution. It appears from this account, that at prescut we must be content with the old method of ascertaining the contents of these ancient manuscripts; and though the prospect is rather discouraging, not only from the laborious and protracted operations indispensable to success in this object, but also from the unfortunate circumstance that the manuscripts hitherto unrolled have chanced to be those of the least interest, yet a continuance of exertion can scarcely fail to be rewarded with some high prize in this literary lottery, and Menander may perhaps yet be ours. Grenville, Lord Colchester, Sir Joseph Banks, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, Sir Humphry Davy, the late Dr. Burney, and William Hamilton, Esq. Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. After attentive and repeated examinations of the process and its results, the committee, who had called to their assistance the scientific knowledge and experience of Sir William Drummond, Sir W. A'Court, Sir Charles Blagdon, and Mr. Taylor Combe, came to an unanimous conclusion that Dr. Sickler" had totally failed in his endeavors to satisfy them that his method of unrolling the Herculanean | manuscripts is available, and such as can warrant them in recommending to governmeat a further perseverance therein." But the committee were so well satisfied with the zeal and assiduity of the professor, that notwithstanding his failure, they recommend ed, in addition to his travelling aud the necessary expense, a remuneration of £200 being a sum about equal to that which be had lost by leaving his professional duties in Germany for four months. The total amount of the different items of expenditure was £1,111. 7s.; and some time ago, this sum was moved for in the House of Commons in a Committee of supply. Mr. C. Wyun then moved for the report of the Panorama Office, May 28, 1818. proceedings to Dr. Sickler's Committee, which was accordingly laid before the We are in Despair!-not that the EmHouse, and which we have here given peror and King has escaped from St. Hein substance. For the sake of the curious, lena: nor that the Hoppo at Canton has we subjoin a brief statement of Dr. Sick-reported the plain truth to Pekin; nor that ler's system of operation, together with the objections to it as detailed by the Herculanean Committee: POLITICAL PERISCOPE. the Pope has a batch of Saints ready to be drawn; nor that the Grand Seiguior has determined to shave his beard, and forswear his turban. -Trifles like these we might endure, if not defy; but to see ourselves out done-thrown into the shade,the background, by a newly found out oid invention, to see all the world, instead of studying the Telescope, the Microscope, or the Periscope, -all the world intent on nothing but-the Kaleidoscope. Surely, this is too bad! Every boy in the street studies his Kaleidoscope, though he bumps his head against a wall. At every corner stands a man with half a dozen tin cases, which he of fers for sale with an air of conscious supe |