me that we have evidence of the strongest
nature to establish, beyond a doubt, that sup-
position. At the occultation of the planet
Jupiter, when attentively observed at the time
of his immersion, a considerable portion of
his disk appeared, as it were, to overlap the
moon for a short period, and nearly the whole
of one of his satellites exhibited the same phe-
nomenon. Further, when immersed so far as
to leave but a slight crescent visible, that pre-highly satisfied with its power.
sented at both its points an unnatural elonga-
tion, which surely can be accounted for in no
other way than their having been seen through
a medium such as we may suppose the lunar
atmosphere to be.

Steam Guns.-Mr. Perkins bas invented a steam gun, which, through a single barrel, will discharge 250 balls per minute. To do this, he requires only a single peck of coals, which, in execution, is more than equal to 1000 pounds of gunpowder. On Tuesday, the 6th of December last, he exhibited the capabilities of his invention before the Duke of Wellington and a suite of distinguished officers, who were

These observations were made by three gentlemen, one of whom was Captain Ross, on whose accuracy we may depend, at different places, and with different kinds of instruments, of the first order. I am, sir, &c. H.

Advice to those who wear Spectacles.-Frequently lay them on a table, and see if the glasses are in the same plane with one another, by observing if they are parallel to the table.

The silver frame often bends, and, if not re

stored to its just position, the sight will adapt itself to the diverging rays, and consequently; the eyes will become crooked in a slight degree.

Money-coining. The productive power of coining at the Mint, is greater than that of making one-pound notes. In case of emergency, half a million of sovereigns per day could be turned out of this prolific source. During the early months of 1825, above six millions have been coined; and two milljons in the month of December alone. The year has also furnished from the Mint, eighteen millions of pieces for India, two millions of half crowns for Ireland, together with an amazing quantity of other silver and copper. Judging, therefore, from the activity of the Mint, we may rest assured that there is no want of the precious metals in England. Perhaps it is greater than at most former periods.

Burmese State Carriage.-The Burmese state carriage, which was captured at an early period of the present sanguinary Indian war, has just reached this country, and is now publicly exhibited at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, London. It is, without exception, one of the most splendid works of art that can possibly be conceived, presenting an entire blaze of gold, silver, and precious stones. Of the latter, the number must amount to many thousands; comprehending diamonds, rubies, sapphires white and blue, emeralds, amethysts, garnets, topaz, cats' eyes, crystals, &c. &c. The carving is of a very superior description; the form and construction of the vehicle extraordinary, and the general taste displayed throughout the whole design, is at once so grand and imposing. yet, at the same time, so chaste and refined, as to defy all rivalry, even from European workmanship. The warlike power and resources of this surprising people are at present exciting universal astonishment and attention. This new object attests the fact, that in taste for design, and skill in the execution of works of art, their talents have been no less hidden and unknown to us. The carriage stands between twenty and thirty feet in height, and was drawn by elephants.

Mosaic Gold.-About twenty years ago, a person named Hamilton, reading in the book of Judges of a metal "more precious than gold," set himself to discover this valuable article; and after the researches and experiments of nineteen years, he now announces the discovery. It is said to be susceptible of a higher polish than gold itself, and is not so liable to be tarnished by an exposure to the atmosphere. In colour and ductility, it is not inferior, but in weight it falls short. It is secured by patent, and can be sold in the ingot for twopence per ounce.

lock imported five rein deer into this country,

Rein Deer.-In the autumn of 1823, Mr. Bal.

They were fed with moss, their natural food. and also a Laplander to attend upon them. In the April following, one died, and soon after two others shared in their fate. During the last

autumn the others bave also died, so that the has totally failed. Some were sent to Ireland, experiment of raising the breed in this country where the attempt has proved equally unsuc cessful.

Dr. Jenner.-In Gloucester Cathedral a monument has been erected to the memory of this celebrated individual. It simply contains his name and the time of his birth and death.

La Perouse.-The French are fitting out an expedition to explore the South Seas; and, from circumstances lately brought to light, with some hope of being able to discover some traces of La Perouse, whose fate still remains involved in almost impenetrable mystery.

Stone Coffins.-Beneath the floor of the Cathedral of St. Magnes Orkney, two stone coffins were lately discovered, one of which contained human bones. They bear no inscriptions; but as this mode of interment has not been practised for many hundreds of years, they must be of very great antiquity.

Derbyshire Caverns. In the high Peak of this interesting county, a discovery has recently been made, of a series of caverns, which were not previously known to exist.

General Elliot.-To the memory of this distinguished officer, who nearly annihilated the power of Spain in his gallant defence of Gibraltar, a monument has lately been erected in the cathedral of St. Paul's. Lord Heathfield is a title which adds nothing to his name.

To Clean Black Silks.-To bullock's gall add boiling water sufficient to make it warm, and with a clean sponge rub the silk well on both sides; squeeze it well out, and proceed again in like manner. Rinse in spring water, and change the water till perfectly clean; dry it in the air, and pin it out on a table.

A new Plough.-A farmer in Moravia bas invented a new plough, which although drawn by only one horse, produces four furrows. The Agricultural Society of that country have presented him with a gold medal.

Harrison's Songs in the Night; beautifully printed in 32mo. price 1s. 6d.

Clarke's Scripture Promises: in French.
Boards, 2s.

Hymns by the Rev. Cæsar Malan, of Geneva.
Translated into English Verse. Boards, 28.
A Treatise on the Necessity of being Born
Again, as stated in Scripture. By the Rev.
Henry Gipps, LL.B. 1s. 6d.

The Domestic Preacher; or, Short Discourses from the Original MSS. of some eminent Ministers. Two vols. Boards, 8s.

An Address to the Inhabitants of Europe, on the Iniquity of the Slave-trade, issued by the 867 people commonly called Quakers.

The Edinburgh Geographical and Historical Atlas. This Work, which will be printed on Royal folio, the Maps on full-sheet Drawing Royal, will contain all the Maps usually given in a General Atlas, with some peculiar to itself. It is calculated that the Letter-press accompanying the Maps will be equal to 1400 pages Svo. It is to be published in Monthly Halfcrown Numbers.

A New Weekly Publication, entitled "The Spirit and Manners of the Age," will appear on the 7th of January: to be conducted by the Author of the "Evangelical Rambler."

In the course of January will be published, a Second Edition of the Remains and Memoir of the late Rev. Charles Wolfe, Author of the Poem on the Burial of Sir John Moore. By the Rev. J. A. Russel, M. A. In one volume, 8vo.

Mr. J. H. Druery will have ready for publi cation early in January, in a Post Octavo Volume, illustrated with Plates, "An Historical and Topographical Description of Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk, including the 16 Parishes and Hamlets of the Half-hundred of Lothingland, in Suffolk; the Descent of the Stafford Barony, with other Genealogical Notices of Families in the Neighbourhood; and a correct account of the Churches, Monasteries, Heraldie and Monumental Remains, &c.

The Mother's Magazine, and Infant's Friend; in which will be included, the Transactions of the Infant School Society.

The Rev. T. H. Horne, M. A. is preparing for publication a New Edition of his Manual, entitled "Deism Refuted; or, Plain Reasons for being a Christian." In one vol. 8vo.

COMMERCIAL RETROSPECT, LONDON, 29TH DECEMBER, 1825.

IN taking a review of the general trade of the country during the past year, we have a task to perform, that will long be remembered by those who have not pursued a course of steady, prudent, and regular business; and to such, the occurrences we are about to relate, may prove a useful lesson of warning and precaution against similar infatuation at some future period of time.

At the close of the year 1824, the general prices of merchandise were moderate; but we had not advanced far into the following year, when speculative demand, toward which all classes of persons lent their aid, gave to commerce a new feature. The probability of realizing profit, stimulated speculators, at an hazard, to invests in all articles on which anticipation held out the prospect of amassing wealth:-no reference to stock on hand, expected supplies, or the deliveries for home-use or exports, (though so important to be known and acted upon.) were sufficiently weighed at this precarious time.

At the period to which we allude, the English Funds were exceedingly high, and, no doubt, had a tendency to induce capitalists to sell out stock, and seek an investment more eligible than the public Funds afforded-A mania took possession of all classes; not those only who had property sufficient to cover their purchases, but many likewise who had not funds beyond paying the temporary deposit for merchandise held in their names, through the accommodation of brokers.

The article which first engaged public attention, was Nutmegs;-certainly, they were at a price exceed ingly cheap-for several preceding years, the country had been working up the stock left in the islands of Banda and Amboyna, and shipped to this country at the general peace: the price at successive sales of the East India Company, was as low as 2s. 6d. per tb. in bond; but, when public attention became directed towards them, they quickly advanced to 12s. 6d. per 15. Other spices, in turn, became equally objects of attention. It would be a curious exemplification of the folly of the times, to shew by a statement, the amount of property that has been lost this year by acts of absolute indiscretion. We do not mean to enter upon the inquiry, but briefly observe, that by the article of Nutmegs only, there has been lost not less than £100,000; and by the article of Raw Cotton, not less than £3,800,000.

The attention of speculators was directed in turn, to Cotton, Saltpetre, Tallow, Tobacco, Coffee, Sugar, Ashes, Drugs, &c. A sudden advance of prices yielded to the adventurers extraordinarily great profits, and the frenzy diffused itself widely among merchants, capitalists, clerks, shopkeepers, and apprentices.-A few articles are here subjoined, to shew the rapid advance occasioned by the lamentably memorable occurrence. 8. d. £ s. d. £ 8. Cotton, from 10 rose to 17 Spelter, from 21 0 Nutmegs, 2 6 12 6 Saltpetre, 1 4 Mace, 1 0 0 Coffee, 50

50

.

rose to

£ 8. 35

0 1 14 6 2

Prices, in the course of three months, attained an unnatural elevation; which was occasioned only by the whirlwind of speculative enterprise.-This state of things could be but of short continuance, as subsequent events have proved.

About this period, many allurements were held out to public adventurers in Joint Stock Companies, no less delusive than what took place in the great bubble year of 1721, and, generally speaking, they have met the same disastrous fate. The abundance of money accommodation afforded facilities, that stimulated in no small degree the spirit of adventure. In August, the Real del Monte shares were at 1500 premium. Early in December, they were reduced to £5; and this-day, they are at £100; so much for ideal speculations!

Things so contrary to well-regulated system, could not proceed long without a check :-merchandise retrograded in price to nearly its former value, and many of the schemes and companies, with all their fascinating and glittering prospects, vanished-leaving no hope or prospect of remuneration to the deluded victims, The altered state of affairs has been productive of extended commercial embarrassments and numerous failures, confidence, so essentially necessary in mercantile pursuits, has received a shock that time only will relieve, and funded property has likewise participated in the gloom of the markets.

At this critical period, and under circumstances involving a certain degree of risk, the Bank and Bankers found it necessary to curtail their issue, and mercantile houses of the first respectability, with difficulty obtained discounts adequate to keep up the circulation of floating commercial capital; hence, a scarcity of money accommodation was felt at a moment when it was most wanted; the means of upholding markets being withdrawn, occasioned a decline in many articles from 40 to 80 per cent. We may fairly presume, under circumstances which at present exist, that trade will not speedily be restored to confidence, nor sales made on the great scale, without submitting to a sacrifice.

In concluding these remarks, we have the satisfaction to observe, that, during the late Session of Parliament, Government has been diligently occupied in reducing the duties on the importation of raw articles used in manufacture, as well as ou such as afford a strong inducement to smuggling. Manufactured goods, and those likewise which form the principal branches of skill and industry, may now be imported at moderate duties-few articles being taxed beyond 30 per cent. The Legislature have also brought to maturity, after long-bestowed pains, the law for regulating the Weights and Measures of the Kingdom;-an uniformity in which is unquestionably of the highest importance. The Laws respecting Commerce are consolidated by which nearly five hundred acts in the statute-book are dispensed with,-and the monies and exchange of Ireland are placed on the same footing with those of England.

Thus, after a peace of ten years, we may gratefully acknowledge that the prospects of our country, and her best interests, are in a condition that encourages the hope of prosperity. We enjoy peace with all the world; our internal regulations are improving; and we may fairly anticipate that, ere long, the liberal policy of this country, in regard to other nations as respects Duties, will be followed by reciprocal acts of accommodation: we cannot, however, expect that a system so new, will be all at once adopted by other countries.

The numerous bankruptcies, and stoppages in town and country, among bankers, bill brokers, merchants, and tradesmen, during December, will, we hope, prove a warning beacon to those who coin paper money and give it currency.

LONDON: PRINTED AT THE CAXTON PRESS, BY H. FISHER, SON, AND CO.

REV D

Cavid Bogue.D.

Published by Fisher, Son & C Caxton, London Feb 1826.