sounds are the easiest acquired, as the eye immediately catches the motion of the lips; hence they soon learn to say mamma, papa, bread, butter, pepper, water-melon, apple-pye, &c. The nasal and guttural sounds are more difficult, and here the teacher applies the finger of the pupil to the side of the nose, or the hand to the throat, that while he utters a sound, the feeling of the pupil may inform him that the exertion to produce such sound, requires the action of certain parts about

the nose or throat. When the sound re

quires an expiration of more or less intensity, the back of the pupil's hand receives the impression from the teacher's voice.

These methods of teaching the deaf and dumb are practised in the schools for instructing them. The latter method is that of Mr. Braidwood, who, in Scotland, was the first to make a successful application of this art in producing articulation. But the other methods are not dispensed with in learning them to speak. The first method which has been detailed, is the natural one employed by deaf mutes themselves. The second and third reduce the first to a system, and by a combination of the whole, the deaf, through a gradual progression, are brought to understand both printed and written language. The Abbeé Sicard pursues this method, and it is denominated the French, in contradistinction to the English method of articulation, now successfully taught in London by Dr. Watson. In the New-York school, both the French method, and articulation are attempted.

The subject under consideration, the discourse before us, and the School for Instructing the Deaf and Dumb, are recommended to the attention of all who can bestow a leisure hour to read the discourse, or visit the school. But before we part we offer another extract, distinguished for its learning and science, lest some of our distant readers may be unable to see the original.

"The atmosphere forms the connexion between the person who speaks, and the one who hears. The fact is worthy of being mentioned, that the same fluid which VOL. IV.-No. Ir.

14

sustains the vital energy of the individual by its action upon the lungs, qualifies him to be a social being, by performing the part of a messenger to convey intelligence. The percussion received by the air at the larynx, issues from the mouth in waves, or undulations varying in frequency, force, and modulation. Proceeding at the rate of 1142 feet in a second of time; their velocity is so great as, at short distances, to seem instantaneous. Their passage has been considered as a most rapid flight. Homer represents his heroes as speaking winged words, EEA ПITEРOENTA. The ancient Greeks painted wings on the shoulders of Zephyrus, and other personified winds. Indeed, the story of Mercury, the swift morning herald of the sky, with his many wings, and his manifold tongue, appears to be an ingenious allegory, to explain the celerity and meaning of articulate sounds. And Echo, the nymph of the rocks and the caves, was probably but another personification, to show how aerial tremors, repelled from hard surfaces, rolled back to the place whence they came."

Again, we cannot refrain from presenting the well-written remarks addressed to mothers, with which we shall close the

discourse.

"We owe much, more in reality than the pride of many permits them to acknowledge, to our mothers. What can equal the tenderness of the female parent to her child? She moulds her offspring to habits of action; she instills into it principles of conduct. The most early and important lessons of life know ye, and practice, the duties of your are derived from this source. Mothers! stations! You prepare citizens for the diversified walks of life. Consider that much of their future success or disappointment, is derived from you. More impressive, more lasting are your lessons than the boasted lectures of the academy or college. Where you are virtuous, intelligent, and decorous, the little ones, by imitating the beautiful pattern, become also good, wise, and well behaved; when the contrary, the house is a polluted den. Such an exemplary mother is an invaluable treasure, both to the commonwealth, and to her family. Let her be prized by some moral denomination of worth, for her price cannot be rated in curdren to sentiments of love and affection, of rent money. Form the minds of your chil attachment and of duty; and these will generally be indelible. It is mostly through the neglect of the parent that the weeds of disrespect and ingratitude take root in the garden of the mind."

To Dr. Mitchill's discourse we have attached, on the same subject, the "Circular of the President and Directors of the Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb." This small pamphlet

is composed of a circular, setting forth the objects and intentions of the Board of Directors of this Institution. It is from the pen of Silvanus Miller, Esq. and contains a feeling and warm address to the sympathy of the citizens in behalf of the deaf and dumb. We are glad to see a man so high in political standing, finding time to pen so eloquent an appeal; and we trust that science and humanity will not be deserted by him, for temporary views, and short-lived distinction.

Another part of the Circular contains a sensible, well written, and short " Petition to the honourable the Corporation of the City of New-York." This is from the pen of the Rev. Henry I. Feltus. It is followed by a report of the Committee of the Corporation, which, after a proper preamble, concludes with the following resolutions, which were adopted.

"Resolved, That the Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, be permitted to occupy, during the pleasure of this Board, a room in the third story of that part of the old Alms-House reserved for the use of the Corporation; provided it is used for no other purpose, except for the instruction of the scholars."

"Resolved, That the Directors of said Institution be authorized to receive in their school, ten deaf and dumb persons, at the expense of the Corporation; provided such persons are in needy circumstances, and unable to pay the expense of their instruction, and are inhabitants of this city; and

said amount."

"Resolved, That the Committee on this subject be entrusted with the execution of the foregoing resolutions.

(Signed) STEPHEN ALLEN,

JOHN MORSS,

W. F. VAN AMRINGE."

The circular concludes with a list of the Directors, and the terms of tuition, as signed by their Secretary, J. B. Scott, Esq. and, for the purpose of diffusing a knowledge of this Institution, we copy them, and conclude with recommending the pamphlets to general perusal.

"The school is superintended by the Rev. Mr. Stansbury. To his wife is committed the domestic department, so far as tends to promote the convenience and comfort of the boarders who are students in the Institution. A committee of highly respectable ladies of the city, are appointed to visit the Institution, to suggest such regulations as may be proper in its domestic economy, with particular regard to the female scholars. Board per ann. including washing and

mending,

Tuition, including stationary

$150 00

40.00 The branches of education are reading, writing, arithmetic, &c. and articulation on the plan of the celebrated school of Dr. Watson of England.”

"Those who are unable to pay for their education, will be taught gratis."

K.

G. niger, and G. leonurus; three Lemmings, Lemmus plumbeus, L. vittatus, and L. talpoides; one Hamster, Cricetus fasciatus; four Mice, one Shrew-mouse, &c.

2. BIRDS. Among them three new genera, Rimamphus, Ramphosteon, and Symphemia, and at least 38 new species have been ascertained. These belong to the following genera:-Philomela, 8 species; Cuculus, 1; Troglodytes, 1; Sylvia, 2; Muscicapa, 2; Perdix, 1; Rallus, 1; Talco, 7; Mergus, 3; Anas, 5; Phalaropus, 1; Tringa, 2; Charadrius, 2; Podiceps, 1; Himantopus, 1, &c.

3. REPTILES. About 30 new species have been detected. They are, Testudo, 3 species; Trionyx, 1; Crotalinus, 3; Sirena, 3; Coluber, 10; Lacerta, 4; Salamandra, 2; Ranaria, 3; Crocodilus, 1, &c.

4. FISHES. The total number of fishes inhabiting the Ohio, is probably 100; of which 75 have been ascertained, all new except seven; and 17 new genera have been discovered. They are, Blennius, 1 species; Lota, 1; Perca, 2; Aplodinotus, 1; Sciena, 3; Holocentrus, 5; Pogostoma, N. G. 1; Aplentrus, N. G. 1; Lepomis, N. G. 2; Calliurus, N. G. 1; Pɔmoxis, N. G. 1; Osmerus, 1; Salmo, 2; Clupea, 3; Glossodon, N. G. 2; Amphiodon, N. G. 1; Catostomus, 10; Amblodon, N. G. 2; Cyprinus, 2; Exoglossum, N. G. 1; Hydrargyra, 4; Silurus, 6; Noturus, N. G. 1; Glanis, N. G. 1; Leptostoma, N. G. 1; Lepisosteus, 3; Sarchirus, N. G. 1; Esox, 2; Litholepis, N. G. 1; Anguilla, 3; Polyodon, 2; Megarhinus, N. G. 1; Accipenser, 2; Dinectur, N. G. 1; Petromygon, 1; Oplictis, N. G. 1; Pristis, 1.

5. CRUSTACEA. One new genus, Teliops, and 6 new species: of which, Astacus, 2 species; Gammarus, 1; Trilobites, 3 fossil species.

6. INSECTS. More than 40 new species are ascertained: such as Aphis, 12 species; Julus, 1; Blatta, 1; Termes, 2; Formica, 4; Aranea, 2; Coccus, 2; Culex, 2; Locusta, 3; Libellula, 1; Musca, 3; Tipula, 1, &c.

7. WORMS. Four new genera are discovered:-Lithiphus, 3 species; Potamiphus, 1; Diplotomas, 1; Oxelaphis, 1; besides 2 new species of the genus Hirudo.

3. MOLLUSCA. As many as 25 new genera, and 212 species, (mostly new) have been discovered; many of which, however, are fossil shells. They consist in 4 naked mollusca, of the genus Limax, 36 fluviatile univalve shells, 34 terrestrial univalve shells, 25 fossil univalve shells, 42 fluviatile bivalve shells, and 70 fossil bivalve shells. Such as-(* these are fos

sils)-Helix, 4 species; Planorbis, 2; Ancylus, 1; Mesomphix, N. G. t. univ. 12; Trophodor, N. G. do. 10; Triodopsis, N. G. do. 2; Stenostoma, N. G. do. 1; Toxostoma, N. G. do. 1; Xolotrema, N. G. do. 1; Aplodon, N. G. do. 1; Lymnula, 13; Pleurotoma, N G. fl. un. 12; Ellipstoma, N. G. do. 4; Bulimus, 1; Eurystoma, N. G. fl. un. 1; Notrema, M. G. do. 1; Ambloxis, N. G. do. 4; *Voluta, 2; *Solarium, 2; *Belemnites, 3; *Trochus, 3; *Orthocera, 5; *Toxerites, N. G. un. 1; *Endotoma, N. G. do. 1; *Platinites, N. G. do. 1; *Trigorima, N. G. do. 1; *Euomphales, 1; *Patella, 2; *Melanites, 2; Mytilus, 1; Lepas, 1; Potamila, N. G. fl. biv. 34; Truncilla, N. G. do. 2; Stenodon, N. G. do. 3; Pleuroxis, N. G. do. 2; *Saconites, N. G. 1; *Gryphea, 5; *Ostrea, 2; *Terebratula, 24; *Productus, 15; *Spirifer, 2; *Tellina, 1; *Goniclis, N. G. biv. 2; *Cyphoxis, N. G. do. 5; *Megorima, N. G. do. 4; *Oxisma, N. G. do. 1; *Curvula, N. G. do. 3; *Apleurotis, N. G. do. 2; *Pachosteon, N. G. do. 1.

9. POLYPS. They consist in 28 new genera, and 178 new species; all fossils except 2 species of G. Hydrula, and 4 species of G. Planaria. They are, Encrinites, 56 species; Pentagonites, N. G. 3; Cladostoma, N. G. 3; Polytrema, N. G. 1; Gonorites, N. G. 1; Mestyrites, N. G. 2; Tubipera, 6; Nerania, 6; Gonopera, N. G. 10; Actonyx, N. G. 1; Cycloceros, N. G. 2; Tractinites, N. G. 2; Cyclorytes, N. G. 14; Carpopsis, N. G. 3; Cyclotrema, N. G. 1; Dycterron, N. G. 2; Aplora, N. G. 4; Mastrema, N. G. 3; Nemorites, N. G. 1; Lithostrontrion, 1; Lâtepora, N. G. 1; Porimites, N. G. 2; Cellepora, 7; Millepora, 12; Diplerium, N. G. 3; Siphopsis, N. G. 1; Xylopsis, N. G. 2; Lepocera, N. G. 1; Cladocerus, N. G. 2; Gonorima, N. G. 1; Radiopora, N. G. 4; Alcyonum, 3; Trianis, N. G. 1; Megastoma, N. G. 2; Trispinites, N. G. 1.

Total; 81 new genera, and about 620 new species.

Disquisition upon the Geography of the Interior of Africa. By the late John H. Eddy, Esq.

The following interesting paper on the Geography of Africa, was written by the late JOHN H. EDDY, and read before the New-York Literary and Philosophical Society. It may be proper to remind our readers that a biographical sketch of that eminent geographer appeared in Vol. iii. No. 1. of this Magazine for May, 1818.

To De Witt Clinton, Esq. President of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York.

SIR,

I

WAS lately applied to by Capt. James Riley of this city, to draw for him a map of part of Africa, to elucidate a Narrative he has just published, of his shipwreck, captivity, and sufferings, on the western coast of that continent, in the fall of the year 1815. I gladly complied with his request, as it gave me an opportunity of detailing some interesting geographical intelligence, received by him from his Arab master. As the interior of this vast continent seems at present to excite a stronger interest in the public mind, than any other part of the world that remains unexplored by human industry, I am induced to solicit your attention to a short abstract of this part of his narrative, abstracted from the extraneous matter of his publication to this, I shall take the liberty of adding some observations of my own, which oceurred to me while engaged in consult ing authorities for the map, an engraving of which is likewise offered to your inspection.-Hamet, the Arab from whom Capt. Riley derived his information, appears to have acquired considerable knowledge of the interior country, not only by two visits to Tombuctoo, the present object of European research, but particularly by a long journey of 900

miles to the southeast of that capital, to another large city, situated in the heart of Africa, far beyond the extent of our discoveries, on the banks of a great river, which is described to discharge itself into the Atlantic ocean to the southward of the Equator.

I ought in the first place to premise, that Capt. Riley has been for many years a respectable shipmaster out of this port, in the employ of different commercial houses, and has always supported an unblemished character. Having visited the seat of government, to procure the repayment of the ransom of himself and surviving crew, he was advised by several gentlemen, high in office at Washington, as well as by some of our most distinguished citizens, to arrange and commit his relation to the press, in hopes of deriving, from the liberality of the public, such immediate relief for himself and his destitute companions, as the general nature of the law for the relief of distressed Ameri

can

seamen would not permit government to bestow. His narrative appears to me to evince a sensible and inquisitive mind, and is perfectly analogous to the most authentic accounts of that part of the world. These circumstances, I conceive, tend to strengthen our confidence in his relation of facts, so far as they came within his personal knowledge. As to Hamet, the Arab of the desert, from whom he obtained the most interesting portion of his geographical details, his title to belief will be considered hereafter, when I shall have compared his accounts with concurrent testimony drawn from other sources.

The shipwreck of the vessel took place near Cape Bojador, but the crew were subsequently driven to sea in an open and leaky boat by the natives, and after extreme suffering, were compelled to land again about 300 miles to the southward, in the neighbourhood of Cape Barbas, where they were seized and held as slaves by the wandering Arabs of the de