is the famous Gunpowder Plot, and in its pages that most wicked and detestable conspiracy is traced through all its various windings, through the machinery of a tale possessing much power and beauty of description. The interest, moreover, is kept up to the end of the work with much skill and ingenuity, a task of no slight difficulty where the result, as in this case, is a matter of history. There is an air of sadness, a dark shadow of gloom, as it were, thrown over the work from its very commencement, which prepares the reader for some unhappy and tragical termination. The author has employed the materials furnished by the history of the times with great ability in setting forth his tale of misery and guilt. The character of Garnet the Jesuit, the chief actor in that atrocious treason, is a masterly delineation. The manner in which this adept in wicked artifice and craft weaves his web of villany, and incloses in its entanglements the wretched victims whom it was his policy to employ as tools, is drawn by no common hand, as indeed is the whole picture of the spirit of Jesuitism and its machinations, as exhibited in this execrable conspiracy. There are certain events and circumstances in history which are well fitted to serve as warnings to those who come after. Surely this is one of them. We believe it is the fashion in certain quarters to think that the spirit of Rome is changed. Do the times in which we live exhibit such a result? We fear not.

The Student's Manual. By John Todd. Eighth Thousand. Post 8vo. pp. 194. This is the cheaper edition of a work, which is also published in 12mo. with a larger type, as a more library-befitting form, though the one before us is obviously most adapted to general circulation. It was written in America, as the reader will soon see by local allusions, which however will not impair its usefulness elsewhere by their number or obscurity. The author observes, that "Hardly any class of men are so difficult to be reached as students;" nevertheless he has tried to make his book such as a parent will wish to leave with his son at parting, to aid him in forming his character. "The youth who goes from home... has no friend who has been over the ground, and knows it all, to whom he can go for advice, for encouragement, and aid; for such I have endeavoured to write this book." (Preface, p. iii.) After having read it through at intervals, we can testify, that it deserves the student's attentive perusal; indeed we recollect no other exactly supplying the place. The several heads of chapters are, Object of Study,

Habits, Study, Reading, Time, Conversation, Politeness and Subordination; Exercise, Diet, Economy; Discipline of the Heart, The Object of Life. Under the third head physical directions for study are given, and under the fourth some cautions as to the choice of books: the ninth will shew the excellency of the principles inculcated, by its contents:"No safety in opinions if religious views are loose. Religion exalts the mind. Cultivate the conscience. Avoid tempta. tion. Daily reading the Word of God. Daily prayer."-Our opinion is, that not merely schoolboys and college students will be benefited by this book, but that it contains much for grown persons of intellectual pursuits, and as such we mean to read it a second time. There is however one sentence which we must consign to such as are skilful in errata, for as it stands it is absurd :-" Above you are the pious dead, watching around your steps, and ready to minister to your wants." (P. 194.) Inferentially judging, this is inconsistent with the opinions expressed, in general language, at page 176.

Scriptural Evidences of Creation, or the Mosaical History of the Creation illustrated by Geological Discoveries. Post 8vo. pp. xvi. 295.-This volume is one of the criticisms called forth by a recent work, entitled " Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation." The concluding sentence will serve to show the temper of the book, which is a very commendable one, inasmuch as it pleads its own cause, without underrating the judgment or casting aspersions on the motives of the other party. These and other questions of like import present themselves in such formidable array, that though great deference may be claimed, and will at all times be justly claimed, for the opinions of wise, learned, and scientific men who support the present geological theory, some excuse we trust may be urged in behalf of those who ask further time to consider." (p. 295.) The author is opposed to the theory of progressive development, contained in the work above-mentioned; to that of Lamarck, which is adopted in it in a modified shape; and to the views of Dr. Buckland in his Bridgewater Treatise on Geology.* The author earnestly contends for literal interpretation, arguing, that any other is involved in difficulties, and that the language of creation cannot be interpreted, as Dr. Buckland has done, of renovation. Incidentally we may remark, that he pre

* He considers Whiston the founder of Dr. Buckland's theory.—p. 72.

DORSETSHIRE.

Aug. 4. The Bishop of Salisbury consecrated a new church at Bradpole, near Bridport.

HAMPSHIRE.

The new works at the Blockhouse Fort, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth harbour, are rapidly progressing towards completion. On the side facing the sea is a double-tier battery for twenty-six 8-inch guns, commanding the anchorage of Spithead; while that part of the fort which is parallel to the harbour is defended by a strong tower with numerous loopholes for musketry. The number of guns will be, in all, about fifty-six, very few of which will be less than 32-pounders, and the greater part of still larger calibre. Commodious barracks for 5 officers and 100 men are in the course of construction. All the new buildings are bombproof. At Priddy's Hard, on the same side of the harbour, the powder magazine and ordnance station, hitherto almost unprotected, are undergoing alterations which will render them an extremely strong position. The lines round Gosport, Portsea, and Portsmouth, which have been for some years nearly disarmed, and in many places suffered to fall into decay, are being repaired and put into a state to receive a very large and powerful equipment of ordnance. A new and beautiful battery for six guns, in the ravelin of the Spur-gate, is already finished. It is provided with magazines, storehouses, and' all the other requisites, and is most perfect in its arrangements. Southsea Castle, now used as the military prison of the district, is mounted with 32 guns, 32's and 24's, and it is intended further to increase the artillery of this important post. Alterations on a large scale are in contemplation for the works at the entrance of the harbour on the Portsmouth side. A double-tier battery is to occupy the space of the present saluting battery, from which 70 guns, by crossing their fire with those of the Blockhouse Fort opposite, will render it perfectly im possible for any vessel to force its way into the port. Altogether the harbour will receive an accession of 244 guns in addition to the present armament.

The new Graving Dock at Southampton, a structure from which great commercial advantage to the town has been anticipated, was formally opened on the 11th of July. It has been built in about 14 months, at a cost of 60,000l. Its extreme length is 313 feet; width of middle, 78 feet; breadth of gates, 66 feet. At high-tide there is about 18 feet of water. The dry dock is making progress towards completion. The

tidal dock is now in active use, and its business is in daily increase.

It is understood that the East Tytherly estate, near Southampton, has been purchased of the devisees of the late Francis Bayley, esq. by Mr. Cooke, the inventor of the electric telegraph, who contemplates erecting a mansion and making great improvements on the property.

HEREFORDSHIRE.

An ancient monument in the church of Kington, erected to the memory of Sir Thomas Vaughan, of Hergest, who died in 1469, and his lady Elena, having become ruinous through a long course of time, and an eyesore in the church, has been lately extensively restored by Mr. Jennings of Hereford, in the execution of which he has shown great skill and ability as a sculptor. Above the monument, and affixed to the wall, instead of the inscription heretofore painted thereon, is a large stone tablet, containing particulars and armorial bearings of eleven generations of Mr. Vaughan's descendants, terminating in Roach Vaughan, mother of the Right Hon. the Earl of Oxford. The monument and tablet are protected by a strong iron railing, which was not the case in the former instance. The whole has been executed by the direction and at the expense of the Hon. Miss Harley.

KENT.

July 30. The Kearsney estate, near Dover, was disposed of by Mr. Leifchild, having been formerly the property of Mr. J. Minet Fector, merchant. The estate consisted of about 938 acres, and was divided into several farms, which, together with the wood and timber, formed seventeen lots. The first consisted of the family mansion of Kearsney Abbey, and 112 acres of arable and meadow lands, &c. and including forty acres of woods and plantations: this went for 9,2001. Lot 10, the manor of Kearsney Court, with its manorial rights, privileges and quit-rents, and about 280 acres, was sold for 8,1501. The whole estate was disposed of for 35,6602.

Aug. 20. At the Shakespeare Hotel, Dover, among other lots, the old churchyard, St. Mary's parish, wherein Churchill, the poet, lies buried, was sold by auction, for 1457. The purchaser is a brickmaker, so that there is no telling to what purpose it may come at last. In this church-yard, over the grave of Churchill, there is a rude headstone, bearing the following inscription:"1764. Here lie the remains of the celebrated C. Churchill.

Life to the last enjoyed, here Churchill lies."

LANCASHIRE.

Sept. 28. The first portion of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway, to Kendal (commenced in the latter part of Sep

tember, 1843), was opened on Monday. It extends twenty-two miles. On arriving at Kendal, the directors, with their officers, and a large party of friends, repaired, by special invitation from the directors of the Kendal and Windermere Railway, to the White Hall, where a handsome dejeuner awaited their arrival. Cornelius Nicholson, esq. mayor of Kendal, presided.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners have, with the consent of the Bishop of Chester, formed a new district for spiritual purposes out of the parish of Manchester, to be called the district of "St. Mark, Hulme." The stipend attached is to be 1507. as soon as it shall become a parish for ecclesiastical purposes, which will be when a chapel or church shall be consecrated within its boundaries.

A new Ecclesiastical district has been formed out of the parish of Rochdale, called the district of Healey, with an income of 1501.; patron, Her Majesty.

LINCOLNSHIRE.

In Deeping Fen-a district containing a population of upwards of one thousand souls, many of them being five and six miles from a parish church, a beautiful edifice has been erected at a cost of 4000l., the munificent gift of two individuals, lately residing at Stamford, Messrs. William and Nicholas Clarke Stevenson, (brothers.) William, the survivor, by deed dated 25th May, 1844, three days before his death, secured the sum of 40007. for the purpose of building this church, 5000l. for the endowment, and 2001. for repairs, to be vested in the Ven. T. K. Bonney, Archdeacon of Leicester, as Trustee. The Church, which is situate close to the turnpike-road leading from London to Spalding, was commenced on the 18th of August, 1845, when the foundation-stone was laid by James Stevenson, esq. and was conseerated by the Bishop of Lincoln, on the 24th of July. It has been erected from the designs of Mr. Chas. Kirk, of Sleaford. It is in the late Decorated style, 84ft. 6in. long, 37ft. wide, the nave being 42ft. high. It consists of a nave, north aisle, chancel with a small vestry attached to its north side, and tower and spire Occupying the second bay of the north aisle, from which it projects its whole width; the lower story serves as a porch, and on its west side is the principal entrance. The tower, being unconnected with the fine high-pitched roof of the

nave, gains much apparent height and importance, and confers much grace on the grouping of the various portions of uninterrupted from east to west, each of the edifice; and by this plan the view is which ends are occupied by splendid windows. The tower is of rough stone; the quoins, windows, copings, &c., being of Ancaster stone finely wrought; and it is divided by string-courses into three stories, the upper one being pierced by belfry windows of two lights on every side. Above these a cornice, enriched by carved ornaments and gurgoyles, support a plain parapet, at the angles of which are four octagonal pinnacles. From within this parapet the spire arises to the height of 113ft. 9in., having spire lights on the alternate faces. In the west end of the aisle is a window of three, and in that of the nave one of five lights, both of which are filled with flowing tracery. Above the last-named window is a small triangular one, and in the corresponding situation in the end of the aisle is a small trefoiled opening; each gable is surmounted by a stone cross. The south side of the nave is divided into four bays, having windows of three lights similar in design to that in the west end already mentioned. In the cornice of the nave is the following inscription in old English characters, interspersed with carvings, "This Church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, was founded by William Stevenson and Nicholas Clarke Stevenson, Anno Domini MDCCCXLV." The side of the chancel has only two bays, with a window in each, and in the western one a small priest's door; bnt in the east end is a very beautiful window of four lights, which stands on the right hand. The font is octagonal in form, supported by a shaft of clustered columns, and has its sides ornamented by crisped panels, containing four shields, which bear the arms of the two founders (Messrs. Stevenson), the trustee (Archdeacon Bonney), and of the see of Lincoln, impaled with those of Bishop Kaye

alternately with emblems of the four Evangelists. The floors are of black and red tiles, and the seats are plain open benches of stained deal. The roofs are open, showing all their timbers, which are stained to represent oak. The pulpit is octagonal, the upper part of oak, paneled and enriched with elaborate tracery, and the pedestal of stone; the reading pew is all of oak and has open panels; they are not entered, as is usual, by wooden stairs, but by stone steps, behind the pier of the chancel arch on either side. In the north wall of the chancel, a rich arch will inclose a brass tablet to the memory of the late munificent founders.

bridge. We think the excellent form in which Mr. Potts has given the synthesis of the propositions, that of separate lines for its successive steps, will greatly help the mind to the comprehension of it; and we believe that his pertinent notes, and his "brief outline of the history of Geometry" from the time of its determination of areas of land in the valley of the Nile, to that of its application to Newton's theory of gravitation; with his "selection of geometrical exercises from the senate house," will be no less welcome to some men teachers of boys than to the men learners of college professors.

In contemplating Mr. Potts's synopsis of mathematical history, one cannot help observing what a large portion of the field of vision is occupied by the Greek mind, which, when we reflect on its creations in literature and the fine arts, we necessarily begin to love as the great teacher of Europe. Some one has compared forgiveness to the odour of a bruised flower; and Greece, whether stricken at home by the Roman, or in Egypt by the Saracen, blessed her conqueror with the precious influence of her works of thought.

LONDON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.

July 1. The annual distribution of prizes took place in the large theatre of this institution, where the chair was taken by G. Grote, esq. F.R.S. Professor De Morgan, Dean of the Faculty, read the annual report of the Professors. It announced the actual number of students as 206, with 29 on the schoolmasters' list. In the late session the majority of the highest honours of the London University had been conferred amongst the students of the college. The laboratory for practical chemistry was opened in January last, and now contains eighteen students. Amongst other gratifying circumstances was the receipt of a legacy of 20007. from Mr. C. Holloway, of Hereford, the interest of which was to be appropriated to send to the junior schools the children of those parents who could not afford to pay for their education. The several Professors next announced the candidates who were successful in obtaining the prizes, and who received them from the hands of the chairman. One of the pupils, Mr. Henry Matthews, (only son of the lamented author of "The Diary of an Invalid") obtained the first prize in the higher classes of Mathematics, in Latin, Greek, comparative Grammar and Philology, Criminal Law, and a Legal Essay, making six prizes in the whole; an amount of honour in varied pursuits rarely attained by any individual. The silver medal in Zoology was given to a young Hindoo, Soomar-Chuka-Chucher. butty.

MALTA PROTESTANT COLLEGE.

The committee of this institution have announced the opening of the school which is intended to form the groundwork of their future college. The buildings are situated at St. Julian's Bay, GENT, MAG, VOL. XXVI.

about two miles from Valetta, and have been made suitable for the reception of 50 pupils, with the necessary accommodation for the masters. For the office of Vice-Principal the Rev. Samuel Gobat, formerly missionary to Abyssinia, has been selected; but no appointment of a Principal has yet been made. The Rev. John Hickman, M.A. of St. John's College, Cambridge, has been appointed to the Head Mastership, and Mr. Zeller to the Second Mastership. The Bishop of Gibraltar bas accepted the office of visitor, the Bishop of Calcutta that of patron, and Lord Ashley that of chairman of the London committee. The object of the new college is thus described :-"It is to raise up from amongst themselves missionaries whose feet shall be beautiful upon the mountains, who shall publish the Gospel of peace, who through Divine mercy shall recall the members of the fallen Asiatic Churches to their first love, and be instrumental in leading even the darkened sons of Africa to stretch forth their hands unto God."

THE RAY SOCIETY.

The third anniversary of the Ray Society was held during the meeting of the British Association, at Southampton,— Prof. Bell, the president, in the chair. The Secretary, Dr. Lankester, read the Report; which stated that, since the last meeting, the six works for the two first years' subscription had been issued; and that the first volume for the third year, "Meyer's Geography of Plants," was now ready for distribution. The two other volumes for

the third year, "Burmeister on the Organization of Trilobites," and the third part of Alder and Hancock's great work on the "British Nudibranchiate Mollusca," were preparing,--and would be distributed before the end of the year. Seve3 U

A new planet has been added to our Solar system. In the words of the report made by M. Salvandy the Minister of Public Instruction, to Louis-Philippe, "A French youth, M. Leverrier, of the Academy of Sciences, by the unaided power of profound thinking, using the mathematics as its instruments, has grasped, in the regions of space beyond our solar system, a planet which, but for him, might have remained for ever undetected by observation." It was first actually descried by M. Galle, of Berlin. Its present distance, expressed in common measure, is about 3,200,000,000 English miles from the sun, and about 3,100,000,000 from the earth. Its distance from Uranus-whose motions it disturbs-is about 150,000,000 of miles. Its diameter is estimated at 50,000 miles. That of Uranus is about 35,000; of Jupiter, 26,000; of Saturn, 79,000; of the Earth, 8,000. Its cubic bulk is to that of the earth as 250 to 1. The new planet is the largest in our system except Jupiter and Saturn; and since these two planets, as well as Uranus, are each attended by a train of satellites, it is extremely probable that the new planet will have a similar accompaniment.

MANUSCRIPT OF HABAKKUK.

Dr. Pinner, one of the professors of the University of Berlin, well known for his knowledge of the Hebrew language and translation of the Talmud, has discovered in Odessa a parchment manuscript of the prophet Habakkuk, of the ninth century. It is remarkable for not having the points and accents in the same way as any other known manuscript of that period.

UNPUBLISHED WORK OF LINNÆUS.

An unpublished work of Linnæus has been discovered in Sweden, after having been long sought in vain. It is entitled the Nemesis Divina. In this labour of the last years of his life the great naturalist recorded, for the instruction of his son, a number of observations and facts, deduced, in a great measure, from the private life of the persons with whom he was acquainted, in order to demonstrate that divine justice punishes and rewards even in this world. The manuscript is composed of 203 sheets. In a short preface, placed at the head of the work, the author recommends in the most formal manner that it should never be published. It was this recommendation which, no doubt, caused the manuscript to be laid aside and forgotten. The university of Upsala purchased it a short time since at the sale of the library of a physician, whose father was employed to arrange the papers of Linnæus. At present, when the persons referred to in the work have ceased to exist, there remains no objection to print extracts from it, which M. Fries, a Swedish botanist, has been appointed by the Academy to prepare for publication.

NATIONAL GALLERY.

From a parliamentary paper lately issued it appears that 156,105 persons visited this institution in 1813; 681,845 in 1844; and 696,245 in 1815. Mr. Baring Wall moved for a return, which was recently printed, " of all pictures purchased for the National Gallery, distinguishing each, and the year when purchased; stating by whom painted, the sums given, and out of what collection." It seems that 114,8047. 168. has been laid out in pictures from 1824 to 1845, of which sums 57,0007. was paid by Parliament for one lot, consisting of 38 pictures, out of the collection of Mr. Angerstein.

For the following 27 pictures the remainder of the sum (47,8047. 16s.) was paid: The Holy Family, by Correggio, 3,2007.; Bacchus and Ariadne, by Titian; Christ appearing to St. Peter, by Annibal Caracci, and a Bacchanalian Dance, by N. Poussin, 9,000l.; Mercury teaching Cupid in the presence of Venus, by Correggio, and the Ecce Homo, by the same master, 11,5507.; Mercury and the Woodman, by Salvator Rosa, 1,6801.; The Holy Family by Murillo, and the Brazen Serpent, by Rubens, 7,3507.; St. Catharino, by Raffaelle, St. Francis adoring the Infant Christ, by Mazzolino de Ferrara, and The Holy Family, by Garoffalo, 7,350.; St. John, by Mu