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This ebullition indicates more of the fervour of patriotism than of poetry.

But if Mr. Brown's didactics are tolerable, his lyrics are not to be endured. He has given an assortment of samples of his various manufactures, and though we doubt not the conformity of his whole stock of fabrics to the specimens which he has presented, yet we question much whether his pattern-card will ever procure him an order from the public. What can be more flimsy than this?

Robert, rising with the sun,

Wakes from many a pleasing dream; Now, his early breakfast done,

Drives afield his sturdy team. See him on the furrow'd plain, List'ning to the linnet's note; Wond'ring how so sweet a strain Issues from her little throat. Now, beneath the cooling shade,

While his cattle, grazing, stray,
On his grassy pillow laid,

Thus he tunes his rustic lay :-
"Misers! boast your swelling store,
Daily count your hoarded wealth,
While the plough-boy asks no more
Than a competence, with health.
Man of pleasure! court your case,
Rob the world of ev'ry joy ;-
Virtue shall the plough-boy please;
Virtue's pleasures never cloy.
Heirs of fame! for glory toil,

Reap your laurels, wear your bays-
Robert's hands shall till the soil,
Labour bless his peaceful days.
Circling seasons! swiftly fly-

Time! your hasty chariot rollFearless shall the plough-boy die,

Heav'n receive his parting soul."
Take an other of the same kind.

When friends forsake thee,
When woes o'ertake thee,

Oman! whoe'er thou be;
If tear drops, stealing,
From fellow-feeling,
Have aught that's healing,

I'll shed one tear for thee;
Yes, Heaven reject me,
And friends neglect me,

If I shed no tear for thee.

Is fortune frowning;
Thy last hope drowning
In life's tumultuous sea?
Is care depressing,
No friend caressing,
No solace blessing?

I'll shed one tear for thee;
Yes, anguish seize me,
And palsies freeze me,

If I shed no tear for thee.

Before thee lying,
All pale and dying,

A partner dost thou see?
Didst thou adore her?
Though bending o'er her
Will not restore her,

I'll shed one tear for thee;

Yes! life-blood fail me,

And death assail me,

If I shed no tear for thee.

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We have already given more time and space to this work than its merits required; but the subject of which it treats seemed to challenge our consideration. In dismissing it, we will only observe, that whilst we admire the chivalrous feelings of its author, so tremblingly alive to every breath that would tarnish the reputation of his country, so dauntless in maintaining its fair fame; we deem it a duty to beseech him to moderate a zeal so disproportionate to his powers, and to learn that in very many cases, "the better part of valour is discretion." E

ART. 10. The Emigrant's Guide to the Western and Southwestern States and Territories: containing a Geographical and Statistical description of the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio :-the Territories of Alabama, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan; and the Western parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New-York. With a complete List of the Road and River Routes, west of the Alleghany Mountains, and the connecting Roads from New-York, Philadelphia, and Washington City, to New-Orleans, St. Louis, and Pittsburg. The whole comprising a more comprehensive Account of the Soil, Productions, Climate, and present state of Improvement of the Regions described, than any Work hitherto published. Accompanied by a Map of the United States, including Louisiana, projected and engraved expressly for this work. By WILLIAM DARBY, Member of the New-York Historical Society, and Author of a Map and Statistical Account of the State of Louisiana and the adjacent Regions.

THE
HE constant and increasing emigra-
tion from Europe, and from the At-

lantic States, to the States west of the Alleghanies, cannot fail to render this work

useful and interesting to that class of emigrants who are able and willing to seek for information in books. In the compilation of his book, the author has resorted to the most valuable topographical publications, as well as made use of his own personal knowledge; he does not always, however, exercise the best judgment in the selection of matter, nor does he always discriminate between important and irrelevant remarks; and there is an unskilfulness in the arrangement of his materials, which must somewhat diminish the value of the "Guide," as a book of reference. The style of this book is not well chosen; it is too ambitious to suit the purpose of the work, the highest excellence of which it admits, being the simple and explicit communication of facts. The author, also, has made a considerably free use of his prior work on Louisiana, and though this may have been in some measure necessary, in order to the completeness of the work before us, yet it has somewhat diminished the

value of both. There are some things omitted also, which would have formed a valuable addition to the stock of information which the "Guide" already furnishes such as prices of lands, of labour, of travelling, of living, &c. A comparative estimate of the profits of the various kinds of culture in the Western and Southwestern States would have been interesting and useful. Though Mr. Darby has said a good deal on the subject of the vine and the olive, he has omitted to compute the cost of land subjected to their culture, as consisting not only of the purchase money, but also of interest and labour for the number of years during which no benefit is reaped.

Nevertheless, we mention these things as blemishes that pertain to the skill of Mr. Darby as an author, rather than to his usefulness as a guide; and we do not doubt that the emigrant, whom it most concerns, will find it a valuable contribution to his means of information.

ART. 11. Florula Ludoviciana; or a Flora of the State of Louisiana. Translated, revised, and improved, from the French of C. C. Robin, by C. S. Rafinesque, Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York, of the Royal Institute of Naples, &c. &c. New-York. C. Wiley and Co. 12 mo. pp. 178.

MR.

R. ROBIN, who was an intelligent observer and diligent collector, though not a professed botanist, published his Travels in Louisiana, at Paris, in 1807. At the end of his third and last volume, he has given descriptions of the plants of Louisiana, as far as known to him, classed after the method of Jussieu. In this Flore Louisianaise, as Mr. Robin termed it, Mr. Rafinesque observed, among many errors, much that was new and valuable. He therefore thought it worth while, relying on the descriptions

given, which, of known plants, are uniformly accurate, to class and name the new genera and species correctly, after the manner which the author had attempted to pursue. Of the qualifications of Mr. Rafinesque for the task there can be no question; and he appears to have been well rewarded for his labour. The extent of the pretensions of the work, is limited by the motto which the editor has adopted in his title-page-Quand les matériaux sont imparfaits, l'édifice ne peut pas être complet.

ART. 12. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.

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sented you a piece of copper, I inclose you the analysis of a piece, which he gave me, at the mint of Utrecht, a portion of which, in its crude state, I presented to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to be deposited in the University of Leyden. My object in procuring an assay in a foreign country, was first to add to the diffusion of information respecting our country, and secondly, that it might be com pared with experiments made in the United States. I had hoped to return this autumn, and to have taken it with me, but the state

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The report from the mint, is in these words:

From every appearance the piece of copper seems to have been taken from a mass that has undergone fusion. The melting was, however, not an operation of art, but a natuval effect caused by a volcanic eruption.

The stream of lava probably carried along in its course the aforesaid body of copper that had formed into one collection, as fast as it was heated enough to run, from all parts of the mine. The united mass was probably borne, in this manner, to the place where it now rests in the soil.

The crystallized form, observable every where on the original surface of the metal that has been left untouched or undisturbed, leads me to presume that the fusion it has sustained was by a process of nature; since this crystallized surface can only be supposed to have been produced by a slow and gradual cooling, whereby the copper assumed regular figures as its heat passed into other substances and the metal itself lay exposed to the air.

As to the properties of the copper itself, it may be observed that its colour is a clear red; that it is peculiarly qualified for rolling and forging; and that its excellence is indicated by its resemblance to the copper usually employed by the ENGLISH for plating.

The dealers in copper call this sort Perurian copper to distinguish it from that of Sweden, which is much less malleable. The specimen, under consideration, is incomparably better than Swedish copper, as well on account of its brilliant colour, as for the fineness of its pores, and its extreme ductility.

Notwithstanding, before it is used in manufactures, or for the coining of money, it ought to be melted anew, for the purpose of purifying itfrom such earthy particles which it may contain.

The examination of the North-American copper, in the sample received from his excellency the minister, by the operations of the cupel and the test by fire, has proved that it does not contain the smallest particle of silver, gold, or any other metal.

We are indebted to a correspondent for the following sketch of the professional life of Mr. Philipps, the comedian and operasinger, whose grace and science have rendered him so deservedly a favourite in this country. A considerable part of it is copied from a London periodical publication.

Mr. Thomas Philipps is a native of Lon

don, and the only son of Isaac Philipps, Esq. a gentleman of good family in Monmouthshire, who was, in the early part of his life, in the army, and afterwards held the situa tion in the revenue, of Surveyor of LandCarriage Officers. He had intended his son for the army, and to use, for his promotion in it, the interest of the late Duke of Beaufort, Mr. Philipps' avowed friend and patron; however, he died before his wish could be effected, and at the time his son was at the age of about ten years. Mr. T. Philipps was then educated, at his mother's desire, for the law; but having early evinced a strong propensity for music, he was instructed in that science as an accomplishment.

At the age of seventeen his partiality for the stage became evident; but it met the discouragement of his friends, who, however, after opposing his inclination about two years, allowed him to make the attempt, in hopes of his failure, and that he would then apply himself to study for the profession of the law. The event proved contrary to their expectations. On the 10th of May, 1796, he made his debut at the Theatre Royal, Covent-Garden, in Philippe in The Castle of Andalusia," for Mrs. Mountain's benefit. His reception was so brilliant and flattering, that it formed his determination of embracing the life of a public singer and professor of music. He no longer met the opposition of his friends on the subject. Although at this time possessed of much musical knowledge, and labouring to improve himself in that science, be wanted information in stage manner, and the various requisites which only practice on the stage can give, and which are, with a London audience, indispensable for a performer in the higher cast of characters. Accordingly, after performing a few nights, at different periods subsequent to the above mentioned, at the Hay-market and at CoventGarden, Mr. Philipps engaged as principal singer at the Theatre Royal, Norwich; which he soon after exchanged for a similar situation at Bath; in both which cities he became so great a favourite, and made such progress in his profession, that he was offered, and accepted, an engagement at the Theatre Royal, Crow-street, Dublin, in 1801. The taste and liberality of that city declared in Mr. Philipps' favour, and decided his success in his favourite pursuit. The propriety and correctness of his conduct introduced him into the first class of society, and, united with his professional talents, occasioned his being appointed singing-master in some of the best families. He continued at the head of the opera department in Dublin, increas ing in reputation and emoluments during eight years, until the period of Mr. Arnold's commencing his English Opern, when (having formerly known Mr. Philipps, a pupil of his father) be proposed an engagement to him, which was accepted, and Mr. Philipps again appeared before the London audience, in Young Heartwell, in Mr. Arnold's opera, Up all Night."

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Mr. Philipps' success in the summer at the

Lyceum produced so advantageous an offer from the Managers of the Drury-Lane Company, that he relinquished his intention of returning the following winter to Dublin, and became attached to the above-mentioned establishment, in which his success was confirmed, and he nightly rose in public favour. His most successful characters have been Carlos in The Duenna, and Orlando in The Cabinet; the latter of which having been composed by Mr. Braham, expressly for his own powers, Mr. Philipps undertook very reluctantly. Mr. Braham has, much to his credit, on every occasion, forwarded Philipps' professional advancement with his warmest encomiums.

Mr. Philipps' masters were, Mr. Spofforth (from whose instructions he acknowledges to have gained much advantage) and Dr. Arnold; while at Bath he had lessons from Rauzzini ; and in London, at different periods, from Signor Viganoni, Mr. F. Bianchi, and Mr. Kelly. During his residence in Ireland, his intimacy with Sir J. A. Stevenson, and Mr. T. Cooke, was a source of improvement and advantage to him. He has composed several ballads with much success, and will no doubt continue to rise in improvement as well as public favour. As an actor, Mr. Philipps has the advantage over almost every other singer on our stage.

During the Drury-Lane company's performing at the Lyceum, and for three years after the rebuilding and opening of the new Theatre Royal, Drury-Lane, Mr. Philipps remained attached to that establishment as first tenor singer, with full estimation and favour of the public; but at the expiration of his ar ticles, displeased with the Drury-Lane concern under the mismanagement of a committee of lords and gentlemen, which bad reduced its reputation and finances to a very low ebb, Mr. Philipps returned to his friends in Dublin, (to which place he had now an additional attachment, by having recently married a lady of that city,) and received the most enthusiastic welcome and reception from his friends and the Irish public. He played with the longest and most undiminished attraction ever known in the Dublin Theatre, through the whole of that season, 1816, and the latter part of the next. Some difference having arisen between him and the proprie tor of Crow-street at the commencement of the season of 1817, respecting terms, which was only in part reconciled by the voice of the public, and the necessities of the theatre demanding Mr. Philipps' re-appearance, influenced by the same spirit of independence he had before displayed in London, and in consequence of a correspond ence with his friend, the late Mr. Holman, Mr. Philipps determined on visiting the United States of America. Learning the death of that gentleman on his arrival at New-York, and dispirited at the melancholy event, he prepared to return to Europe by the vessel which brought him out, when Mr. Incledon, who was performing at NewYork at the time, proposed to the pro

prieters of that Theatre, the shortening of his engagement for the purpose of Mr. Philipps' being heard and seen by the public of that city previous to his return. A proposition to that effect was made to Mr. Philips, and he appeared before an American audience, on Monday, Nov. Sd, 1817, in Belino, in The Devil's Bridge.

His reception was one of the most brilliant ever known in America, and his attraction continued to increase to the end of his first engagement; which was so productive to himself and the managers, as to occasion a renewal for seven nights more, and which proved equally successful. In the intermediate time Mr. Philipps received offers of engagements from all the managers of the different theatres in the United States; and probably gratified at his reception, and nightly increasing popularity, deferred his intention of returning to Europe until the following summer, and concluded an engagement with the Philadelphia managers: in which city he appeared on the 5th January, 1818, in the same character which he had chosen for his debut at New-York.

In Philadelphia the same reception and ef fect attended his performance, and he entered into a renewal of his engagement, as he had done in the former city, and with the same continuance of public favour. The boxes were crowded with beauty and fashion on his nights of performing, and he was in private invited into the first society, to which his manners as a gentleman and scholar rendered him as high an acquisition, as his talents in public proved to the Theatre. As an actor, he stands without competitor among the singers of the English stage; and his vocal talents have every mark of the highest science and cultivation. His singing is of the Italian school, to which he adds the most distinct articulation and perfect English enunciation.

The modern English singers, though they have made great progress in the science of music as compared with those of the last century, have lost much of that simplicity and natural expression which the best of the latter exhibited. Mr. Philipps' delivery of the simple ballad, is allowed to be the most perfect of any singers of the present day. However, he too frequently sacrifices to a false taste, which obtains on both sides the Atlantie, (but not so fully here as in En gland,) and embellishes too frequently and too highly. In defence it may be urged that the performer must please the public, and that the public are too frequently led away by glare and tinsel from the path of true taste and nature. The professors of high class and favouritism have, however, the power by degrees to recall them to the relish of their melody and simple poetry; as the airs of Eveleen's Bower and Love's young dream from the lips of Mr. Philipps sufficiently prove; which have, we are informed, procured for him the most enthusiastic approbation from every audience. American and European, he has appeared before. Mr. Philipps, we all

derstand, terminates his visit to the United States in the ensuing summer.

where Mr. and Mrs. M. were, destined for B. B. attached herself to them during the voyage so much, that when on arriving at the destined port, her master claiming her, and

To the Editors of the American Monthly having taken her to his abode, she made her

GENTLEMEN,

Magazine.

The publication of the following facts, relative to the congelation of water, may lead the attention of the curious to a subject which has not, it is believed, been sufficiently investigated.

Having heard the formation of that species of ice, commonly called anchor-ice, accounted for on principles, which appeared to me unsatisfactory, I was induced to observe more particularly the phenomena it exhibited. This ice, which is of a spungy nature, somewhat resembling snow in water, is formed upon the bottom of rivers, most abundantly in shallow gravelly rapids. It collects here in such quantities that, on rising, considerable gravel frequently adheres to it. I took from it, while floating upon the surface, a stone about the size of a hen's egg. I had been informed that it collected only in such rapids. But on examining a mill-pond principally of a muddy bottom, where the current was scarcely perceptible, I found it collected on roots, sticks, and on some spots of fine gravel, where the water was ten feet deep. Upon the mud of the same depth, or indeed of any depth, I found

none.

I should be highly gratified if some of your correspondents would account for these phenomena consonantly with the received theory of congelation of water.

T.

The following narrative was written by Maurice Margarott, the unfortunate exile to Botany Bay, who was sentenced to four teen years banishment for sedition. For the possession of the original manuscript we are indebted to his friend George Houston, Esq. now in this city.

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HISTORY OF M. M's CAT.

Fidelity is generally supposed the quality of dogs; whereas treachery is as universally supposed to predominate among cats. The following short sketch will prove that it may happen otherwise.

M. M. at his departure from England for Scotland, in the latter end of the year 93, had a favourite dog which he left behind him. At his return to London, a prisoner, in the commencement of 94, his wife brought this favourite dog to Newgate, on a visit to his master. The dog, on his entrance, went up to him with much apparent joy; but after a very few caresses suddenly turned tail and never more noticed him. Far different from this was the behaviour of the animal whose history we have undertaken to write.

This animal, brought by a passenger, quite a kitten, on board the Surprise Transport, VOL. II.-No. v.

escape and returned to those to whom she had
times, until being with kitten, she brought
attached herself. This was repeated several
forth her young. This was thought a very
fit opportunity of keeping her. The kittens
were therefore sent home, and of course the
she brought them back one by one.
cat followed; but watching her opportunity,
one of the kittens.
owner then gave her up, and in return had

Her

Proceeding in attachment, this cat in a sumed others more foreign to her species. manner forsook her ferocious habits, and as

While she remained a good mouser, she became perfectly harmless to poultry and quented our premises soon became so coneven small birds; and such of these as frevinced of her peaceful disposition, that her them; while as it sometimes happens in hot appearance never created any alarm among countries that a hen or a duck shall quit their ing maturely, if then she happened to have nest before all the eggs have arrived at batchkittens nothing more was necessary than to take the eggs from the nest, and put them unthem warm and hatch the young, and to a der her among her kittens; she used to keep stranger it was a curious sight to behold three among so many kittens; and when the calor four ducks' or chickens' heads peeping out low brood had gathered a little strength, they would run over her back, her head, &c. and when feeling fear or cold, would run back and take shelter under her belly among the kittens.

reason, she educated her young with a care
Propelled by instinct, more unerring than
that some human beings fail in displaying
in similar cases.
unspeakable solicitude did she instruct them
With infinite trouble and
to catch, to play with, and to eat such ani-
mals and insects as providence had destined
the feline race to hunt and destroy. In that
new colony, during her 16 years stay, she
furnished nearly all the colonists with mou-
sers, all diligent in their vocation, sober livers,
and excepting one solitary European vice,
to which some had a propensity, (thieving)
of general good character.

47

Again, to notice the power of instinct, whenever any ailment afflicted her master or mistress, whenever any new misfortune or act of oppression depressed their spirits, this cat, in unison with them, was downcast and pensive; but when tears gushed from her mistress' eyes, or a sigh escaped her bosom, then her feline lamentations knew no bounds.

Too old and too faithful to be left behind, she was again embarked on board the Simon Cock Bark, Robt. Penson, master, on the 15th day of April, 1810. Three months was she tossed on the rough waves of the Southern Ocean, until the vessel made the port of Rio De Janeiro, where she found, after ex

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