ought to find a place on the winter boards, played the Bailie in "Rob Roy" with a correctness and discrimination, which would have gratified the author of the novel. He had to struggle against the effect of Liston's pleasant misrepresentation of the part; but the audience gradually recognized the character, as that which they had known long ago-in print.

Miss George has made a successful debut, and proved that she can speak as well as sing. But we do not see why the ma

FINE

Tapestry after the Cartoons.-The public has just been presented, at the Egyptian Hall, with an exhibition full of real interest, and curious on several accounts. It consists of the tapestry which was executed from the Cartoons of Raphaelthose splendid works which have so long been the glory of this country, and the delight and wonder of all true lovers of art. It is well known that those paint ings (seven in number, and now at Hampton Court,) are part of a set, supposed to have originally consisted of twelve, which were executed by Raphael merely as designs, to be worked in tapestry. But it was not so generally understood that any of the tapestries themselves, which had been produced from those designs, were in existence; still less that two more of them are preserved than of the original designs. This, however, is the case; and we have here nine of these admirable works; seven exactly corresponding with those at Hampton Court, and two, scarcely inferior in general merit, representing the Conversion of St. Paul, and the Stoning of St. Stephen.

Of those among the above-named, which represent the Cartoons now in England, we need say but little in the shape of detail, as most of our readers have probably seen them, or, at least, the engravings which have been made from them. It should be stated generally, however, that the tapestries present most excellent representations of the original pictures-certainly much better than the oil copies of them, by Sir James Thornhill: better, because, though perhaps in some respects inferior to those copies in particular expressions, the general effect approaches nearer to that of the subdued tone of the originals.

But of the two tapestries, the originals of which we do not possess, something in the shape of a detailed account will be expected of us, because they come forward almost in the character of new works by Raphael himself. Generally,

nager of the Haymarket should play opera without a band, when comedy and farce are in his power. We heartily wish him success when next he opens; but would just whisper that, in addition to his liberal engagement of favourite actors, he would do well to procure a young lady or two for the heroines of farce, to banish dirty linen and old clothes from the highest circles of stage fashion, and to refrain from giving orders to the amazing scarecrows who sometimes startle us in the boxes.

ARTS.

then, we must state that these two compositions are fully worthy of the place they occupy in the set; for though they are not, upon the whole, so full of power, either of design or expression, as the Paul at Athens, the Elymas, and, perhaps, the Death of Ananias, they possess points of interest and of beauty, which even these cannot boast, because the subjects of them do not admit of it. The Conversion of Saint Paul consists of a spacious landscape scene, representing the city of Damascus in the distance, with Paul and his attendants in the foreground; while the clouds are miraculously opening overhead, and shewing the Saviour-whose figure and attributes are connected with the scene and persons below, by means of the glory which is emanating with intense brightness from about his head, and gradually decreasing in splendour till it reaches the immediate object of its revelation-Saul-who is stretched upon the ground in a paroxysm of fear and wonder. "And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus; and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven"— "And he fell to the earth." The general effect of this scene is undoubtedly fine and impressive. But in this, as well as in the other new composition-the Stoning of Saint Stephen-(still more, indeed, in this latter,) the chief interest arises from the individual expression of the various heads and figures. These, however, it would demand a space to examine and describe, which we cannot, at present, allot to them. We must only add, therefore, that fortunately these two tapestries are among the best preserved of the whole nine; and, in the absence of the original designs, furnish a most interesting and satisfactory notion of what those designs must have been. Of the other seven, that which is in the best state of preservation is among the very finest of the whole-namely, the Elymas struck blind. The one, representing Christ delivering the keys to Peter, is also in a very good condition, and shows its

magnificent collection of heads to great advantage. The other five are in a very indifferent state; but all are much better than might have been expected, considering the date of their execution (300 years ago), and the vicissitudes through which they have passed.

We may, perhaps, if space is afforded us, return to these interesting works next month; at least to the two which are new to us. In the mean time our readers may like to know that these tapestries form one of two sets, which were executed at Brussels expressly for Leo X.; by whose order the original designs had been previously furnished by Raphael, who was then wholly employed for that distinguished patron of art. One of these sets was displayed in the apartments of the Vatican till the period of the French invasion in 1798-when they disappeared; but have since, if we mistake not, been restored to their places. The other set, which is the one now exhibiting at the Egyptian Hall, was sent by Leo to Henry VIII. as a present, and used to grace the Banquetting-room at Whitehall; but on the death of Charles I. it was publicly offered for sale, among his other effects, and was purchased by the then Spanish Ambassador. From that period they have remained in Spain, in the possession of the same family; and have now been purchased from it by an Englishman, and are just arrived in this country.

Mr. Haydon. This artist's picture of Christ's Entry into Jerusalem-which is, perhaps, upon the whole the best work he has hitherto produced-is again exhibiting to the public, after a lapse of nearly three years and we have willingly performed a pilgrimage (all the way into the King's Arms yard, in Cornhill) to examine the effects which time has produced upon it, and upon our feelings respecting it. We find, however, that in both respects it remains nearly unchanged. We shall, of course, not go into detail concerning the merits of this picture, as these were thoroughly examined when it was first presented to the world. But we may be permitted to say, on the reappearance of this work, that, though far from being without faults, it may safely be pointed out as one which does high honour to the English school. If there is any particular

portion of this work of which we at present think less highly than we did on first seeing it, it is the Christ's head. This we were at first disposed to think (in opposition to the general opinion) a stroke of real genius. But whether it has, in conformity with that generally expressed opinion, been touched and tampered with; or whether time has in fact altered it, or us; certain it is, that now it does strike us as a comparative failure. On the other hand, the high religious enthusiasm of the noble figure in front of the picture on the right -the intensely sweet and feminine devotion of the fair-faced mother, on the leftand in particular the admirable head of Wordsworth-(admirable as a head-but totally exceptionable as a portrait)—have certainly grown in our estimation.

With respect to the present pursuits of this gifted artist, we have heard with pleasure that, after having failed to meet with any thing like an adequate patronage (insolently enough so called) among lords, professors, and connoisseurs, he has at length found something like it, in a private individual, and of the city too. The gentleman to whom we allude (a solicitor named Kearsey) has purchased the Puck carrying the ass's head-and the Silenus; which latter has undergone some material alterations. Mr. Haydon is also now engaged on a large family picture for the same gentleman, which is nearly completed, and will probably soon be placed before the public.

New Panorama. -We hear that the Messrs. Burford have nearly completed a most extensive view of the City of Edinburgh, and the surrounding country, taken from the summit of Calton Hill. This picture is intended for the large circle at Leicester-square. There is scarcely any city in the world better adapted for panoramic effect than the capital of Scotland. The city itself, built on high and uneven ground, with its singular mixture of modern architecture and that of two centuries back; the flourishing port of Leith, bounded by the noble Frith of Forth; the richly cultivated lands of Lothian, and the distant hills of Pentland, mountains of Fife, and the Lomonds-all this will, if well executed (and the tried abilities of the artists leave us no reason to doubt of its being so), form a most interesting painting.

Cambridge, Nov. 4.-Yesterday, Thomas Le Blanc, esq. LL. D. Master of Trinity Hall, was elected Vice-chancellor of this University for the year ensuing.

The following is the subject of the

Norrisian prize essay for the ensuing year :-No valid argument can be drawn. from the incredulity of the Heathen Philosophers against the Truth of the Christian Religion.

The Seatonian Prize was yesterday adjudged to the Rev. Hamilton Sidney Beresford, M. A. of Clare-hall, for his poem on The Death of Abel.

Discovery Ships.-The Griper has returned to England, having lost all her anchors and cables, and being found unfit for the purpose on which she was cmployed. This vessel left Stromness on the 1st July, and made Cape Chudleigh (on the Labrador Coast) on the 2d August, having fallen in with ice-bergs three days previously, from which time she was beset with drift ice. In this passage she was found to make so little progress, that the Snap (her provision tender) was frequently obliged to take her in tow. From Cape Chudleigh, the Griper was obliged to stretch to the northward, to Resolution Island, as the field ice prevented progress up Hudson's Straits; they were, however, enabled to make slow advances to the westward, close to the Savage Islands, until they made Salisbury or Nottingham Island, but which place could not be ascertained, from the impossibility of making observations off the Upper Savage Islands. Some canoes of natives came off to them, who appeared to be of the same description of Esquimaux with which our navigators were before acquainted. They were dismissed with liberal presents, and appeared much gratified. From Salisbury Island, the Griper proceeded to the south point of Southampton Island, în which they were assisted by a strong current setting down Fox's Channel; but on their rounding Southampton Island, this current, which then came down Sir T. Rowe's Welcome (up which they wished to proceed), was directly against them, and nearly caused their shipwreck. Southampton Island was found to be laid down with tolerable accuracy. Off the southwest end of the island, the Griper was obliged to anchor, in consequence of suddenly shoaling her water; in a gale of wind she parted one anchor, but brought up again with three anchors ahead, in quarter less four fathom water; when the tide fell, the sea was so heavy that the rudder continually struck the ground, and was lifted almost out of the gudgeons: this was on the first of September. On the weather moderating, the Griper proceeded up the Welcome, but a northerly gale of wind springing up, the ship was driven into Hudson's Bay. However, by perseverance, and taking advantage of every favourable breeze of wind, she reached Cape Fullarton, the larboard entrance of Wager River, and within about sixty miles of the spot (Repulse Bay) where she intended to winter. The coast on the

American main land was found so rocky and extremely dangerous, that she was obliged to stretch off for Southampton Island, whence she endeavoured to make for Repulse Bay, but was driven by the tide directly to the southward and westward, against what was supposed to be Wager River. Here strong breezes and a heavy snow storm set in, which made it necessary that the ship should be brought to with three anchors ahead and made snug. The sea rose rapidly and broke over the ship with tremendous force, forming thick coats of ice in an instant, so as to connect the shrouds together half way up the rigging. The snow also fell so fast that the men had much difficulty in keeping the decks clear. The ship all this time pitched so dreadfully, that the cables came over the bumpkins, one of which was thereby broken. During the night, a large stream of ice was discovered coming down upon the ship, but, most happily, it parted before it reached her, and some small portions of it only struck against the bows, which did no damage. The wind continued to increase, as well as the snow; at five o'clock in the morning, the starboard cable parted and on the ship swinging to the other three anchors, she was struck by a sea and parted from them all! Her situation at this time was the most perilous that can be imagined, every individual momentarily expecting that she would drive on shore. Means of preservation, however, were not neglected; the trysails were got on her, though it was so dark that no object could be discerned, and they did not know so much as which way the ship's head lay, from the compasses having ceased to act, the ship being, as it is supposed, directly over or near the magnetic pole. Whilst presuming, in this distressing dilemma, that the wind had shifted off the land, as the water deepened, a sight of the sun, and subsequently of the other celestial bodies, was obtained (of which they had had no view for some days), and the ship was found to have been drifted out of the Welcome, after having attained lat. 65, 30. There was at this moment no anchor left in the ship. Notwithstanding, it was determined, if possible, to winter about Chesterfield Inlet, or even to the southward of that spot. The persevering efforts of all on board were accordingly directed to gain the American shore, but finding that the ship got into the shallows of Hudson's Bay, they were reluctantly compelled to edge away for Salisbury Island, still hoping that a few fine and favourable days would restore to them their lost ground. The bad weather, however, still

continued, and there was much difficulty in watering the ships at these places, from a stream of ice. A number of natives came off to them in their canoes, and trafficked their clothes for iron and spears. At length, the hopeless continuance of bad weather, the wretched condition of the ship (from her incapacities), the officers and crew having suffered more hardships than on any previous voyage, the advanced stage of the season, with numerous other concomitant miseries, compelled Captain Lyon to consent that the ship should be got out of Hudson's Straits, (an extent of 800 miles of dangerous navigation); which place they had scarcely cleared, when a souther ly gale drove them up Davis's Straits, 150 miles to the southward of Resolution Island. Providentially, a change of wind enabled them soon after to proceed on a southern passage homeward, and the Griper arrived here in six weeks, in the state we have described. Though little has been effected towards solving the geographical problem of a North-west passage by this voyage, yet some most interesting elucidations of the deviation of the compass have been brought to light. The compasses began to waver and contradict each other when abreast of the Savage Islands; and, as the ship got to the westward, the compasses got unsteady and useless. Whilst the ship was in Sir Thomas Rowe's Welcome, they very frequently would not traverse at all, but stood in whatever position the card was placed. Should a passage be discovered by Captain Parry through the Prince Regent's Inlet, it is considered more than probable, from the irregular movements of ice, that it may never be entered again. The Griper spoke several whalers, all of which had been unsuccessful in the fishery; no ship had more than two fish, and many none whatever. From the captain of the Phoenix whaler, Captain Lyon heard that Captain Parry's expedition had been seen in the middle of August, in lat. 71. beset with ice. On the whole, the season has been more boisterous, and, consequently, the sea less clear, than it has been known for 30 years. It was very questionable if Captain Parry would be able to reach Lancaster Sound. Had the Griper effected a wintering either in Repulse Bay or Wager River, or Chesterfield Inlet, Captain Lyon, with a strong party, would have made a land journey to Point Turnagain, near the Copper-mine River, a distance of nearly 700 miles, for which expedition they were fully equipped. Capt. Parry, if he succeeded in passing Lancaster Sound, and getting to the southward, down Prince Regent's Inlet

(by which Capt. Lyon was next year to communicate with him), will send a land expedition, if possible, in the same direction, as well as to Repulse Bay, in the hope of communicating with the Griper. The Griper communicated with the Esquimaux natives of the Upper Savage Islands, and of Salisbury and Nottingham Islands, all of whom had frequently seen Europeans. They were less savage in their habits and manners than their more northern brethren, but they shewed a strong thievish disposition; they endeavoured to steal the oars and iron work from the boats. The Griper also communicated with the natives of various parts of Southampton Island, who had never seen a ship before. They, however, expressed very little surprise; they evinced more gentleness in their manners than any other of the Esquimaux tribes, and were much better-looking and cleaner in their persons: the women were rather pretty. All these people reside in the Walrus'-hide-huts, which are described in Capt. Lyon's last voyage.

The Brain.-Sir E. Home says, that "Having ascertained that in all the animals, the structure of whose nervous system has been explained in the present lecture, the brain is a distinct organ, varying in its size, it is true, till at last it is scarcely distinctly visible to the naked eye, but, when examined in the microscope, found to consist of globules and elastic transparent matter, and more or less of a fluid, similar to the brain of animals of the higher orders; that there is also, at some distance from the brain, a second substance of similar structure, connected with the brain by two lateral chords; and that this second part gives off the nerves that go to the different muscular structures of the body; I consider myself borne out in the opinion that this part answers the same purpose as the medulla spinalis. The ganglions which form a chain connected so beautifully together by a double nerve, must be considered to have the same uses, whatever they are, as the ganglions in the human body, being equally composed of a congeries of nerves. These are facts, which, if they are allowed to be clearly made out, form an addition to our knowledge, and give confirmation to opinions not before satisfactorily established."-Quart. Journ.

Adulteration of Tea.-Mr. Sowerby has remarked a curious instance of Chinese adulteration in black tea, consisting in the addition of sandy matter to it, containing minute crystals of magnetic iron. These were sometimes so abundant, as to enable a magnet to lift parts of the leaves.

The sand was often observed deposited in tea-cups and tea-pots, and on macerating some closely-twisted portions of tea, considerable quantities were separated, that had been introduced when the leaves were fresh.-Phil. Mag. lxiv. 151.

Fossil Remains.-An immense assemblage of fossil bones has recently been discovered in Somersetshire, in a cavern of the Limestone Rock at Banwell, near the west extremity of the Mendip Hills, on the property of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The circumstances which led to this discovery are as follow:-Some miners engaged in sinking a shaft in search of calamine, intersected a steep and narrow fissure, which after descending 80 feet opened into a spacious cavern, 150 feet long and about 30 feet wide, and from 20 to 30 feet high. From the difficulty of descending by this fissure it was lately judged desirable to make an opening in the side of the bill a little below, in a line which might lead directly to the interior of the cave. This gallery had been conducted but a few feet, when the workmen suddenly penetrated another cavern of inferior dimensions to that which they were in search of, and found its floor to be covered, to a depth which has not yet been ascertained, with a bed of sand, mud, and fragments of limestone, through which were dispersed an enormous quantity of bones, horns, and teeth. The thickness of this mass has been ascertained, by a shaft sunk into it, to be in one place nearly 40 feet. Many large baskets-full of bones have already been extracted, belonging chiefly to the ox and deer tribes; of the latter there are several varieties, including the elk. There are also a few portions of the skeleton of a wolf, and of a gigantic bear. The bones are mostly in a state of preservation equal to that of common grave bones, although it is clear, from the fact of some of them belonging to the great extinct species of bear, that they are of antediluvian origin. In the roof of the cave there is a large chimney-like opening, which appears to have communicated formerly with the surface; but which is choked up with fragments of limestone, interspersed with mud and sand, and adhering together imperfectly by a stalagmitic incrustation. Through this aperture it is probable the animals fell into the cave, and perished in the period preceding the inundation, by which it was filled up. The immense quantity of the bones shews the number of individuals that were lost in this natural pitfall to have been very great. In this manner cattle are now continually lost by falling into similar apertures in the limestone

hills of Derbyshire. There is nothing to induce a belief that it was a den inhabited by hyænas, like the cave of Kirkdale, or by bears, like those in Germany; its leading circumstances are similar to those of the ossiferous cavities in the limestone rock at Oreston near Plymouth. The cave at Banwell has within these few days been examined by Professor Buckland, and operations have been commenced for the purpose of thoroughly investigating its history and contents. The Bishop has already sent collections of the bones to the museums of Oxford and Cambridge, and intends to provide a similar supply for all the principal public institutions in this country.

Cyanuret of Iodine. Proceedings of the Society of Pharmacy at Paris, April 15.-M. Serullas read a memoir on a new compound of nitrogen, carbon, and iodine, which he named cyanuret of iodine. This new product is obtained by heating an intimate mixture of two parts of cyanuret of mercury and one part of iodine in a small dry retort. When the temperature is sufficiently elevated, a white vapour rises, which condenses in the form of light flocculi or small brilliant plates, which are the cyanuret of iodine; there is produced, at the same time, protiodide of mercury, which remains in the retort. The cyanuret may be purified by a second sublimation. This substance has a strong poignant odour, exciting tears; its taste is very caustic, it does not alter litmus or turmeric paper. Thrown on hot charcoal it evolves violet vapours. It is soluble in water and alcohol. M. Serullas regards it, according to his experiments, as a compound of 828 of iodine, and 172 of cyanogen. Jour. de Phar. x. 256.

Turrell's Menstruum for etching Steel Plates.-Take four parts, by measure, of the strongest pyroligneous acid, chemically called acetic acid, and one part of alcohol, or highly-rectified spirits of wine; mix these together, and agitate them gently for about half a minute; and then add one part of pure nitric acid; and when the whole are thoroughly mixed, it is fit to be poured upon the steel plate. When the mixture is compounded in this proportion, very light tints will be sufficiently corroded in about one minute, or one minute and a half; and a considerable degree of colour will be produced in about a quarter of an hour; but the effect may be produced much quicker, by the addition of more nitric acid, or it may be made to proceed slower, by omitting any convenient portion thereof. When the mixture is poured off the plate, it should be instantly