Page images
PDF
EPUB

gen and hydrogen gases, in a state of ignition, were reflected and condensed between two concave polished surfaces, a very powerful effect would be produced. He accordingly tried the experiments, and found that, by means of a ball | of chalk, not larger than a small hazel-nut, objects were ignited in the focus of the opposite mirror, which, cæteris paribus, in ordinary experiments, required the use of a redhot iron ball, three or four inches in diameter. It will be recollected by our readers, that about two years ago it was proposed (we think by Captain Drummond) to employ the intense light, created by the above-mentioned process, in light-houses during foggy weather. Mr Reid, in a second experiment on the present occasion, produced, with the assistance of a common light-house reflector, an effect of light vivid and dazzling beyond description.

be kept from the action of the air, it is to be covered with a mixture of Punic wax and oil. All these operations the specimens exhibit sufficiently well. On the largest one, and some of the others, impressions of the flattened reeds may be seen, as well as the various coatings of lime and stucco, increasing in fineness towards the coloured surface. The various colours also clearly appear to have been put on before the stucco had been dry, from their having sunk into it in some places more than one-tenth of an inch." The Secretary read the conclusion of Col. Miller's essay on the site of the battle of Mons Grampius, which contained a narrative of what the essayist believed to have been Agricola's movements during the subsequent part of the year in which it was fought.

ORIGINAL POETRY.

SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES.

Monday, 25th January.

Sir GEORGE MACKENZIE in the Chair.

Present,-Professor Brunton; Drs Hibbert and Carson; Thomas Allan, James Skene, Donald Gregory, Dennison, Esquires, &c. &c.

Among other donations this evening presented to the Society, were some specimens of the Ancient Painting on the walls of the Baths of Titus at Rome, from William Dyce, Esq., Associate of the Royal Institution. What follows is an extract from the letter of the donor, which accompanied the fragments:-" I am sorry that the fragments, from their smallness, do not exhibit the character of ancient painting so fully as some I have had an opportunity of seeing in this country; but as there is nothing of the kind already in the Museum, they may, perhaps, be thought worthy of a place until some better specimens be procured. Such as they are, however, they are sufficiently interesting, and may serve, with the help of Vitruvius, to give us a pretty correct notion of the manner in which the ancient Roman fresco painting was executed; for between the age of Augustus (in which Vitruvius lived) and that of Titus, (in whose day's the Baths were built,) there does not seem to have been any great change, either in the style of the decorations of their houses, or in the manner of their execution. This might be made to appear by a comparison of the remains of either age with those of the other, or by tracing the complete correspondence which is found to exist between the rules laid down by Vitruvius and the practice followed by the artists of the days of Titus. Vitruvius, like a true antiquarian, complains bitterly of the vitiated taste which prevailed among his countrymen at the period when he wrote. They love,' says he, 'to represent things which neither exist, nor can be, nor have been.' 'Painting,' he continues, 'represents things which either exist or may exist; but in these days subjects are painted, whose prototypes are nowhere to be observed in nature. For, instead of columns, we find reeds substituted; instead of pediments, the stalks, leaves, and tendrils of plants. Candelabra are made to support little temples, from the roofs of which branches spring out, bearing absurd figures. again, we find other stalks bearing figures, some with human heads, others with heads of beasts. These new fashions have so much prevailed, that, for want of competent judges, true art is little esteemed. How is it possible for a candelabrum to support a horse, or for figures to grow on stalks?' &c. &c. I am sorry the fragments I have procured are too small to exhibit specimens of this grotesque work alluded to and condemned by Vitruvius. Any one, however, who has seen the baths of Titus, can testify that the style of their decoration is precisely the same as that mentioned by Vitruvius; or that, if any difference exists, it is, that the very fault pointed out by him, is carried, if possible, to a greater excess. That the mode of execution was the same as that laid down by Vitruvius, will immediately appear if we compare his words with the appearances in the fragments. He says, that after the beams of a chamber are fixed, Greek reeds, previously bruised or pressed flat, are to be tied to them; after which, various layers, or coats, of lime, are to be laid on-the first composed of lime, and very coarse sand -the second of lime, and finer sand-the third of lime and fine sand, mixed with marble dust. The wall is then to be finished by three separate coatings of stucco and marble dust; on the last of which, while wet, the colours, mixed with size, are to be laid. After this, if any colour needs to

And

THE FAVOURITE ACTRESS.
By Henry G. Bell.

"But is the syren happy, who imparts
A subtle rapture to a thousand hearts ?"
THE triumph of the hour was past.
She sat
Alone within her chamber, and she leant
Her pale cheek on her soft fair hand. The applause
Of gather'd hundreds died into an echo ;—
Pass'd from her face the flush of many thoughts,
And from her eye the light of conquest fled.
She wore the same rich dress, and on her brow
Sparkled the many-gemm'd tiara still;
Yet these but made her look more desolate,
And ill contrasted with the glistening tear
Which came uncheck'd, as if it were a friend.
Long thus she sat, till suddenly she raised
Her drooping head, and flinging back the wealth
Of her rich chestnut locks, that thickly fell
In clust'ring ringlets o'er her shaded face,
She turn'd to where her lute in silence lay,
And passing o'er the strings her gentle hand,
She woke to melody the dormant tones;
And these the words that mingled with the strain :—

Proud heart of mine! thy pride gives way,

When there is none to see ;

The grief, so long repress'd, flows forth,
And it is well for thee!

I could not live unless I shed
Such welcome tears as these;
Even in the spring-time of my days,

My very soul would freeze
Beneath that mockery of light
Which gives no heat-averts no blight!

The light of what the world calls fame--
On woman's path a curse,

Than dull insensibility-

Than thoughtless folly worse.

O! why should I have ever sought
For what I value less

Than even the saddest thought that haunts

My spirit's loneliness?

Why stoop to court the vulgar crowd
For what I scorned when 'twas bestow'd!

I was the same that I am now
Before I sought their bar,—
The same-save that my heart's best chords
Have suffered many a jar ;
And paltry cares and jealousies
Have follow'd in my track,
And many a fresh warm hope has fled,

That never can come back;

And what was new, and pleased at first,
Has, like a foam-bell, shone and burst!

And now it is a weary thing,

Whate'er my mood may be,

To ape my former self, and strut,

In wretched mimicry,

Through parts in which I cannot feel

As once I used to feel,

And where my highest aim is now
With cold art to conceal

The scorn with which my smiles are sold
For heartless praise, or worthless gold.

There have been those I wish'd to please,
Whose single glance of praise

I held more dear than all the shouts

Assembled crowds might raise; But even they have look'd on me

As on a gaudy show,

And though my mental gifts to them
In brighter hues might glow,

They saw-approved-and then pass'd by-
Forgetting me, with scarce a sigh.

And there was one round whom my heart
In all its passion twined ;-

I loved him for the noble thoughts
That glitter'd in his mind,-

I loved him for his keener sense
Of all I strove to do,

And in his presence felt my soul

Its earliest powers renew;

Even from his looks I caught my tone,
And play'd for him-for him alone!

A wild and feverish dream! 'Tis past ;-
He is another's now;

Yet I have worn this very night
Upon my aching brow

The wreath of pearls I had from him,
And which he knew full well

I valued more than all my gems-
More than I cared to tell;

I wish he knew how throbs to-night
The brow where gleams their silvery light.

I wish he saw my hot pale cheek,
Nor he alone, but all

Who scarce a little hour ago,

Before the curtain's fall, Beheld me in the glittering scene

A form of smiles and light,

As if my heart could know no care,
My day could have no night,-
I wish they saw me now-for I
Am sick of this wild mummery!

Would that my name had died away

Upon the lips of men,

And that my voice and form had pass'd

From out their memory's ken! Would that no higher impulse e'er

Had tempted me to seek

The fame that has made dim my eye,

And paled my burning cheek! Alas! alas! am I the thing

Whose entrance makes the high roofs ring!

She ceased, and in the silence nought was heard But the deep sob, that would not be repress'd.

[blocks in formation]

Six youths, led onward by the cheerful sound
Of coming fees, tinkling like distant music,
Their trials in the civil law did pass ;
Six more on Tuesday!-Hast thou, Jupiter !
No earthquake, no fell bolt, no pestilence?
Why not beneath the crowded Outer-House
Dig out a yawning gulf to swallow Skene,
Cockburn and Jeffrey, Cranstoun and Moncreiff?
Or, if thy mercy interposes, why

Wilt thou not send us a reviving shower
Of rich litigious clients from the moon ?
And must I rend you from my heart, ye dreams
Of white cravats and sweeping treble gowns?
No longer must I pant for the keen war,
Where foes are floor'd by words of giant size,
Or cut in pieces by a Latin saw?

My sweet Louisa, too!-must all our hopes
Vanish as quickly as a city feast?

Must we not marry, love, as once we plann'd,
Purchase a house in Queen Street or the Crescent,
And keep a carriage!-Eheu! Well-a-day!
Hold forth a fan to ward a thunderbolt,
With pasteboard dam up Niagara's flood,
Bind with a cobweb Captain Barclay's hands,
Set snails to hunt the Alpine antelope,
Dissolve an iceberg in a crucible,
Shout loud enough to fright the antipodes,
Take a boil'd pea to shoot an elephant,
Put Patrick Robertson in Jeffrey's fob,
Saddle a mouse to carry Colonel Teesdale ;-
And when all these are done all these and more
Then hope that love will link itself with law!
Farewell!-I would not go, but cruel fate
Has a writ out against me, and I must.
Alas! my heart fails like an English bank!
My spirits sink far lower than the funds!
Relentless Fate! had any but thyself
Been plaintiff in this stern unnatural suit,

I might have gain'd the cause, and prosper'd yet,-
But now I yield, for thou nonsuitest all !"

G. M.

LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES.

CONSTABLE'S MISCELLANY.-We understand that the following new works are preparing for Constable's Miscellany: 1st, Memoirs of the Irish Rebellions, including the History of Ireland, from its first Invasion by the English, till the Union with Great Britain in 1800, by John M'Caul, Esq. M. A., of Trinity College, Dublin; 2d, History of Modern Greece, and the Ionian Islands; including a Detailed Account of the late Revolutionary War, by Thomas Keightley, Esq. author of " Fairy Mythology," &c.; 3d, A Journey through the Southern Provinces of France, the Pyrenees, and Switzerland, by Derwent Conway, author of "A Tour through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark," &c.

The Rev. Dr Inglis, of the Old Grey Friars Church, Edinburgh, is preparing for publication, a Vindication of Christian Faith, addressed to those who, believing in God, do not believe in Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent.

The Narrative of the War in Germany and France, from the pen of Lord Londonderry, so long announced, is nearly ready for publication. This second work of the noble author will con tain, we un

derstand, a variety of Court Anecdotes and amusing topics, which relieve the dryness of military detail, and fill up the intervals of armistice and negotiations, such as splendid reviews, festivals, and balls. Mr Murray is preparing for publication a series of Landscape Illus trations of the Poems of LORD BYRON, to be engraved in the most finished style, after drawings by the most eminent artists.

Conversations with Lord Byron on Religion, held in Ce halonia, a short time previous to his Lordship's death, by the late James Kennedy, M.D. of H.B. M. Medical Staff, is announced. Notices of the Brazils in 1828-9, by the Rev. Robert Walsh, LL.D. are announced. Also, by the same publishers, Chronicles of a School-room, by Mrs S. C. Hall; and The Three Histories, by Miss Jewsbury.

We understand that Mr Richard Howitt is preparing for publication The Count and Princess, a Tale from Boccaccio, Antediluvian Sketches, and other Poems.

The Rev. Hobart Caunter is preparing for publication a poem entitled, The Island Bride, with an Illustration by Martin.

Three of Wilkie's paintings are now engraving on a large scale,— The Chelsea Pensioners, The Parish Beadle, and the Scottish Wedding. The last is in the hands of Mr Stuart, the engraver, in Edinburgh, who, we believe, was selected by Mr Wilkie himself. We have seen the print, so far as it has yet gone, and think it promises very favourably.

Captain Glascock has nearly ready for publication Tales of a Tar, embracing authentic and interesting details of the celebrated mutiny at Spithead.

Mr Atherstone is about to publish his second volume of the Fali of Nineveh.

The author of the Collegians is preparing a new work, to be enti

tled Tales of the Five Senses.

Mr Bannister, the late Attorney-General of New South Wales, is preparing an Enquiry into the best means of preventing the Destruction of the Aborigines, usually incident upon settling new colonies. Mr F. W. H. Bayley announces Four Years' Residence in the West Indies.

We observe that a French translation of Moore's Life of Lord Byron was to appear in Paris at the same time with the London edi

tion.

There are as many periodicals in Germany as there are hours in the year. The prolific soil which brings these ephemera into being, gives birth at times to productions of a more durable and attractive form; and of this nature is a new periodical styled the Comet, edited by the celebrated Herlasson.

The learned jurisconsult, J. D. Meyer of Amsterdam, is about to publish his View of Legislation in Europe, which he has condensed within the compass of three hundred pages. It is written in the French language; but our readers will be pleased to learn, that he is occupied simultaneously in the preparation of an English version. The Practical Planter, containing directions for the planting of waste lands, and management of wood, by Thomas Cruickshanks, Forester at Coreston, is announced.

A

MR. WESTMACOTT.-A paragraph has appeared in some of the newspapers, stating that Mr Westmacott, the celebrated sculptor, from London, is at present in Edinburgh. This is not the case. brother of Mr Westmacott has been resident here for some time, and has recently turned his attention to sculpture also. Among several felicitously executed busts, he has just finished one of Miss Jarman, which we have seen, and are glad to be able to report very favourably of it.

MRS HEMANS.-As a specimen of the horrid nonsense which occasionally appears in newspapers, we take the following paragraph from a respectable provincial paper:-" Mrs Hemans is both young and beautiful. In her recent visit to Scotland, none appeared more surprised or embarrassed than Mrs H. at the honours which awaited her. Sir Walter Scott felt some restraint in her presence, and exerted himself to show his reading; while Mr Jeffrey, awed by the lady's presence, dropt on one knee, and solemnly impressed a kiss upon her trembling hand. Such are the fascinations of a superior mind, when it comes allied with a pleasing form." If this be meant for wit, it is very poor; and if for truth, it contains a very small sprinkling of it. The writer is evidently totally unacquainted with the lady of whom he speaks. Possessing as she does, in no common degree, varied and brilliant powers of conversation, Mrs Hemans would herself smile at the idea of overawing Sir Walter Scott, or of bringing Mr Jeffrey to her feet.

A

GERMAN ECSTASY.-A new historical and heroical ballet, in five acts, called "Cæsar in Egypt," has been produced at Vienna. German journal, speaking of its effect on the audience, says, " The spectators floated in a sea of rapture (!)"

JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY INTO AFRICA.-Continual failures only seem to increase the desire to explore Central Africa; and whilst the Landers seek the Niger from the western coast, a young Indian Officer (Mr Henry Welford) is about to sail for Egypt, and proceed thence to Sennaar, the Bahr-al-Abiad, and Mountains of the Moon, from which point he will penetrate through the unexplored countries westward to the lake Tzad, returning either by way of the Gold

Coast, Timbuctoo, or the Desert. He goes quite alone, in the cosume of a Desert Arab; and will travel with the greater facility from his knowledge of Eastern manners and languages. He is only 21 years of age.

FINE ARTS-We observe that an Exhibition of Paintings and Works of Art is about to be opened at Dumfries. There was one got up there a year or two ago, under the patronage of the county gentlemen, by the spirited exertions of Mr Dunbar, sculptor, one of the most active members of the Carlisle Academy. The present Exhibition is under the same management. We observe, with interest, the struggle to diffuse through the whole country a relish for the beauties of Art, by means of provincial exhibitions. We shall keep an eye upon that of Dumfries, and shall be most happy to hear of its success.

EXHIBITION OF ANCIENT PAINTINGS.-The Directors of the Institution are busy getting up an Exhibition of the Works of the Ancient Masters. Nasmyth has been travelling with a view to procure contributions, and packages are daily arriving at the Building on the Mound. The Exhibition, we understand, will open early next month. We are glad of this; for, if the Exhibitions of Paintings by our modern Artists, serve to keep up a spirit of generous emulation among them, and to bring their merits fairly before the public, the Exhibition of what has been done by the mightier spirits of former days, serves to enlarge and ennoble the taste both of Amateurs and Artists.

Theatrical Gossip.-All the London critics are disappointed at Miss Kemble having chosen so poor a part as that of Euphrasia, in so poor She does not appear likely to add much to her laurels by it. Her a play as Murphy's "Grecian Daughter," for her third character. next part is to be Isabella, in the "Fatal Marriage."-Kean is still at Drury Lane, where "Henry V." and "Riches"-a play altered from Massinger's "City Madam" - are in rehearsal for him. Henry V. is a character Kean has often played in the provinces, but never before a London audience.-Laporte and Cloup are about to open the English Opera House with a French company.-The King's Theatre is also about to open. Malibran is to be the prima donna. -Sontag has taken her farewell of the Parisian stage; and Caradori Allan is at present in Venice, where she has been received with the greatest applause.-The author of "The Devil's Elixir" is preparing an Easter piece for Covent Garden; and he has also a new farce in rehearsal, with music by Rodwell.-Report says that a baronet's lady is about to make her debut as Lady Macbeth, on account of family embarrassments. The profession is likely to become aristocratical in time;-a lord's wife belongs to it already.-Macready has been performing at Portsmouth.-Dowton has been playing the Hypocrite in Dublin.-Barton has been starring it in Glasgow.-Miss Jarman has been winning golden opinions in Dundee, Perth, and Aberdeen.

Mathews takes his benefit this evening. He has drawn excellent houses, and been as much liked as ever. Besides his Monologues, he has appeared in four new pieces,-"Monsieur Mallet,"-" Before Breakfast," "The May Queen," and "Love laughs at Bailiffs." All these are farces, and none of them worthy of Mathews.-Yesterday the Theatre was closed on account of the Theatrical Fund Dinner.-We are to have Braham next week.

[blocks in formation]

TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS.

We have fallen into arrears with several poets, whose volumes lie upon our table; but we promise that they shall all be reviewed next week.

An Extract from the Note Book of Baron Bissen in our next. Also "The Actor of All Work."-We have to return our thanks to the Editor of the Carlisle Patriot for his polite attention, and shall be glad to receive the communications he promises.-The notice of "Domestic Life and other Poems" cannot be inserted, as we intend lies at our Publisher's. to express our own opinion of the work.-A packet for " A, B, C "

Upon a second reading, the "Effusion to Ailsa Craig," though spirited, appears unequal-We shall not be able to find room for the ultra orthodox Doctor,"-" The Weaver's Bundle, a Parody on Lord following poems :-"A Categorical Epistle by a Quaker, to a certain Ullin's Daughter,"-" Song for the Newhaven Burns's Club, "-and "Lines to a Young Lady."

[No. 64, January 30, 1830.] ADVERTISEMENTS,

Connected with Literature, Science, and the Arts. ORIGINAL PORTRAIT OF ROBERT BURNS. Preparing for publication,

DEDICATED, BY PERMISSION,

TO SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. A GENUINE AND ORIGINAL PORTRAIT

OF

ROBERT BURNS,

PAINTED IN 1786, by the LATE MR PETER TAYLOR, AND FINISHED IN THE FIRST STYLE OF LINE ENGRAVING, BY MR JOHN HORSBURGH.

Size of the Print, 7 by 9 inches.

PRINTS,
PROOFS ON FRENCH PAPER,

PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER,

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

15s. L. 1, Is.

L. 1,

4s.

28.

PROOFS ON INDIA PAPER, BEFORE WRITING. L.2, To be delivered strictly in the order of Subscription, and will be ready about the middle of April, 1830.

Edinburgh: Published for the Proprietor, by CONSTABLE and Co. 19, Waterloo Place; and Moon, Boys, and GRAVES, Printsellers to his Majesty, London.

EXTRACTS FROM TESTIMONIALS,

(The Originals of which lie with the Publishers.)
From Sir Walter Scott, Bart.

"Edinburgh, 14th November, 1829. "I am much gratified by the sight of the Portrait of Robert Burns. I saw that distinguished Poet only once, and that many years since; and being a bad marker of likenesses, and recollector of faces, I should, in any ordinary case, have hesitated to offer an opinion upon the resemblance, especially as I make no pretensions to judge of the Fine Arts. But Burns was so remarkable a man, that his features remain imprested on my mind as if I had seen him only yesterday; and I could not hesitate to recognise this portrait as a striking resemblance of the Poet, though it had been presented to me amid a whole exhibition. I will accept of the inscription which you tell me the Proprietors intend putting to the Engraving, as a great honour. WALTER SCOTT."

[blocks in formation]

Lewars.

"Dumfries, 5th November, 1829. "I am quite satisfied that the Picture is a correct, and even striking likeness of Burns. I recognised it in a moment; and I must say it recalls to my mind completely the appearance of the Poet, with whom I was intimately acquainted during the latter years of his life. I prefer it greatly to Mr Nasmyth's Portrait. Indeed, there can be no question that it is the better of the two. After Mr Burns got into bad health, he was thinner about the lower part of the face; but still I am of opinion that the likeness, even in this respect, must have been correct at the time it was taken. JANET THOMSON." From David Bridges, Jun. E q.

"2, Bank Street, Edinburgh, 18th November, 1829. "In reference to the Portrait of Burns, I beg to mention, that my acquaintance with the Poet was limited to the las four years of his This Picture was painted in 1786, when Burns was in full vigour; but, in my opinion, it exhibits a strong likeness of him in his quiet moments, and unquestionably is the best Portrait of Burns 1 D. BRIDGES, Jun."

life.

have ever seen.

From Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esq. "93, Prince's Street, Edinburgh, 18th November, 1829. "You desire me to give my opinion of the Portrait of Burns you some time ago sent to me. I think it extremely like him, and that The first time I saw there can be no doubt about its authenticity. Burns, was shortly after he wrote the letter to my father, printed in Dr Currie's edition of his works; he was then older-looking than his age, and handsome.

CHAS. KIRKPATRICK SHARPE." From Peter Hill, E`q.

"2, Hope Street, Edinburgh, 31st October, 1829. "I beg to return to you the Portrait of my old friend Robert Burns, and feel much pleasure in having seen it. In the opinion of both Mrs Hill and myself, the picture bears a strong resemblance to the Poet, such as he was when he first visited Edinburgh.

PETER HILL."

From Miss Dunlop, daughter of the Poet' esteemed friend. "Albany Place, Dumfries, 4th November, 1829. "Miss Dunlop was in the habit of seeing the Poet frequently, from the time of his first publication at Kilmarnock, till the time of his death, and his was not a face to be forgotten. Yet, since then, it has not been placed so brightly before her mind's eye,' as on opening the box containing this Portrait."

From Mrs Maclehose, (Clarinda.)

"14, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, 28th October, 1829. "I return you the fine Portrait of Burns, taken from the life by the late Mr Peter Taylor, his early friend. In my opinion, it is the most striking likeness of the great Poet I have ever seen; and I say this with the more confidence, having a perfect recollection of his appearance. AGNES MACLEHOSE."

[blocks in formation]

"Mount Benger, November 27, 1829. "Gentlemen,-Observing that I am mentioned in the EDINBURGH LITERARY JOURNAL, as having some reminiscence about the late Mr Taylor's picture of Burns, I deem it incumbent on me to state all that I recollect about it, which certainly is of some avail, should there be any doubts about the originality of the portrait.

"On the 26th of January, 1812, I was sent for to Mr Gray's house, at St Leonard's, where I found him and Mr Ainslie, Mi Gilbert Burns, a Mr Smith, and several others, all busy consulting how best to get a sight o' an original Portrait of Burns, said to be then in Edinburgh. I laughed at the conceit, believing it to be a hoax, and some fair copy from Nasmyth's; not thinking it possible that a portrait of our great lyrical Bard could have so long been concealed, after every thing relating to him had been ransacked to the foundation. Mr Gray, however, had learned the whole history of the thing, and re-assured us of the truth of it, but at the same time added, that the widow-lady to whom it belonged had, of late years, refused even to show it to any person, and that the only possible way of attaining our purpose, was to make interest with Miss Dudgeon, a young lady, a relation, who lived with Mrs Taylor. Mr Gray had already been off in search of Miss Dudgeon, but had missed her; he, however, learned that she was to be at such a house, at such a time, that day. I, having met Miss Dodgeon several times in company with Mrs Izett and the late Mrs Brunton, went along with Gray, and we found the lady. At first she said it was in vain ever to ask it; but when we mentioned the name of Mr Gilbert Burns, Miss Dudgeon said that altered the case materially: fr such was Mrs Taylor's ve neration for the memory of the Bard, that the very curiosity to see his brother would ensure our reception, and she desired us to come at two, and she would ensure us a sight of the picture.

"We accordingly went at the hour, and who the gentlemen were beside those mentioned I cannot recollect, but I know there were either six or seven of Burns's personal acquaintances. I think Mr John Morrison was one. And in a little neat house, up one stair in West Register Street, there we found our ciceroni and Mrs Taylor, a decent widow-lady, past middle life. She was retiring and diffident in her manner, and spoke but little. The first thing she did was to ask, who of us was the brother of Burns?' Mr Gray bade her find that out; and although the room was small and rather crowded, she soon fixed on Gilbert Burns, and laying her hand on his arm, and looking in his face, said, 'Is this no him? She was rather proud of having made the discovery so soon; and when Mr Gray asked by what features she knew him, she replied, 'She would soon show him that; and taking a key out of a private drawer, she opened an upper leaf of a clothes press; from that she took a little box, and from that she took a portrait of Burns, carefully rolled up in silver paper. It was kit-kat size, half-length, with buckskin breeches, blue coat, and broad high-crowned hat. Mr Gray at first sight exclaimed, Glorious! Glorious! Burns every inch! Every feature! Mrs Taylor, that is quite a treasure. Mr Ainslie made some remarks about the mouth. Mr Gilbert Burns said, It is particularly like Robert in the form and air; with regard to venial faults, I care not.' These were his first words, or very near them. He looked long and fondly at it, and listened with earnest attention to Mrs Taylor's relation of its execution. She said, 'Mr Burns and Peter had been in a large party over night, and that Burns, of his own accord, had attached himself very much to her husband,-for he never wantit the good heart and the good humour, poor fellow! That on parting, Peter invited the Poet to breakfast the next day. He came, and that very day the portrait was begun after breakfast; Burns having sat an hour to the artist. He came a second day to breakfast, and sat an hour; and a third day, which being the 1st day Burns had to spare, he had to sit rather long, and Mr Taylor caused her (Mrs Taylor) to come in and chat with the Poet.' She related to Mr Gilbert Burns a number of his brother's sayings at these interviews, but they were about people I did not know, and have forgot them. They were of no avail. "All that I can say of the portrait is, that though I thought it hardly so finished a picture as Nasmyth's, I could see a family likeness in it which I could not discern in the other. I had been accustomed to see old Mrs Burns in Closeburn church every Sabbath-day, for years, also a sister of the Bard's, who was married there, and Gilbert Burns was present. Taylor's picture had a family likeness to them all. To the youngest sister it had a particular likeness. It is as like one of Gilbert Burns's sons, and very like Gilbert himself in the upper part of the face. I took a long and scrutinizing look of Gilbert and the picture. It is curious that I could not help associating Wordsworth in the family likeness with the two brothers. Gilbert was very like him, fully as like as to Robert; but, to use a bad Iricism, had the one been his father, and the other his mother, he would have been deemed very like them both. The impression of the whole party was, in a general sense, that Mr Taylor's picture was a free, bold, and striking likeness of Burns. Mrs Taylor would never

fetit out of her own hand, but she let us look at it as long as we liked, and Mr Gilbert Burns testified him elf particularly gratified. As I state nothing but simple facts, you are at liberty to give publicity to any part of this letter you choose; and I remain, dear sirs, "JAMES HOGG. yours most truly,

To Messrs Constable & Co. Edinburgh,”

WORKS

NEARLY READY FOR PUBLICATION,

By HENRY COLBURN and RICHARD BENTLEY, London;
And BELL and BRADFUTE, No. 6, Bank Street, Edinburgh.

RANDOM RECORDS.

By GEORGE COL-
MAN the Younger. Dedicated, by Gracious Permission, to
His Majesty. In two vols. small 8vo, with portrait.
DARNLEY-A TALE; or "The Field of the Cloth
of Gold." By the Author of "Richelieu." 3 vols.

The LIFE of MAJOR-GENERAL SIR THO-
MAS MUNRO, Bart., K.C.B. late Governor of MADRAS, with ex-
tracts from his Correspondence and Private Papers. By the Rev. Mr
GLEIG. 2 vols. 8vo.

The Reverend GEORGE CROLY'S POETICAL WORKS. 2 vols. post 8vo, with plates.

RECORDS of CAPT. CLAPPERTON'S LAST EXPEDITION to CENTRAL AFRICA. By RICHARD LANDER, his faithful Attendant, and only surviving meinber of that Expedition. 2 vols. post 8vo, with Illustrations.

LAWRIE TODD, or the SETTLERS in the WOODS. By JOHN GALT, Esq. Author of "The Ayrshire Legatees," "Annals of the Parish," &c. 3 vols.

TRAVELS to TIMBUCTOO and other parts of CENTRAL AFRICA, during the years 1824, 5, 6, 7, and 8. By RENE CAILLIE. 2 vols. 8vo, with a Map of the Route, a view of Timbuctoo, and other Plates representing the Buildings of that City. The COUNTRY CURATE. By the Author of "The Subaltern." 2 vols. post 8vo.

THE FIRST NUMBER

OF

THE NORTH BRITON NEWSPAPER
Will be Published on Wednesday, the 3d of February next,
And regularly thereafter on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at the shop
of Mr DANIEL LIZARS, Bookseller, 5, South St David Street,
where all Orders and Advertisements for the Paper will be received.
Price of a single paper, 7d.-Price per quarter, 16s.: when paid in
advance, 14s. 6d.-Price per annum, £3, 3s. ; when paid in advance,
£2, 18s.

A PROSPECTUS OF
THE NORTH BRITON
May be had of all the Booksellers,
Containing Extracts from the Metropolitan and Provincial Jour-
nals, indicative of the very favourable estimate of Dr BROWNE'S
Editorial talents formed by his brethren of the press, and of the con-
fident expectations generally entertained of the complete success of
the present undertaking; and it is gratifying to the Proprietors to be
enabled to state to the public, that the testimonies thus borne to the
past efforts of a fellow-labourer in the newspaper department of pe-
riodical literature, are coupled with the most flattering anticipations
of the results likely to ensue from his future exertions in the same
field of enterprise, while both embody the spontaneous, unsought
opinions of the most distinguished individuals connected with the
public press of this country.

NORTH BRITON OFFICE, 5. South St David Street, Edinburgh, 20th January, 1830.

[blocks in formation]

THE PROMOTION OF THE FINE ARTS
IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.

PATRON.

His Grace the DUKE of BUCCLEUCH and QUEENSBERRY.

VICE-PATRON.

The Most Noble the MARQUIS of QUEENSBERRY, K.T.

PRESIDENT.

J. J. HOPE JOHNSTONE of ANNANDALE, Esq.

NEW EDITION OF THE ENCYCLOPÆDIA
BRITANNICA.

On the 31st of March, 1830, will be published,
PART FIRST,

of the

Price Six Shillings, of a new, greatly improved, and cheap Edition
ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA, being the

SEVENTH, including the recent Supplement to that Work:
with Preliminary Dissertations on the History of the Sciences. By
the late Professors STEWART and PLAYFAIR, and by the Right
Hon. Sir JAMES MACKINTOSH and Professor LESLIE Illus-
trated with a new set of Engravings on Steel. To be published in
Monthly Parts, and completed in Twenty Volumes quarto.
Edited by Professor NAPIER.

MODE AND TERMS OF PUBLICATION.

I. By augmenting the contents of the page, but without decreasing the size of the type, the work, while much improved in appearance, will be comprised, notwithstanding the great extension of its matter, in Twenty Quarto Volumes, handsomely printed on paper of a superior quality, twenty volumes of the present being nearly equal to twenty-four of the former Editions. Each volume will con sist of 800 pages, containing a much greater quantity of matter than any similar publication; and the Proprietors hold themselves distinctly pledged to the Public, that the work shall not, on any account, exceed Twenty-One Volumes; their present confident belief, at the same time, being that it will be completed in Twenty.

II. The publication will procced in Monthly Parts, of which Six First Part will be published on the 31st of March 1830. As the printwill form a volume; each part thus averaging above 133 pages. The ing of the whole will be finished long before the expiration of the period required for issuing the successive Monthly Parts, the Subscribers will have the option, at the close of that operation, of completing at once their copies of the work, or of abiding by the publication in Parts till the end of the Series.

III. Each Part will be sold for Six Shillings, thus making the price of a quarto volume, of 800 ample pages, only Thirty-six Shillings-a price very considerably lower than that of any similar publication of the day; and which, when the quantity of Matter in each volume, the quality of Paper and Printing, the numerous Engravings, and the ability of the Articles, are taken into account, must be allowed to place the work in a highly advantageous point of view. Considering its Execution and Extent, it will, indeed, present the cheapest Digest of Human Knowledge that has yet appeared in Britain, in the convenient form of a Dictionary.

Printed for ADAM BLACK, Edinburgh; SIMPKIN & MARSHALL, London; JOHN CUMMING, Dublin; and to be had of all the Booksellers.

This day, in small 8vo, Price 48. 6d. cloth boards,
DOMESTIC LIFE,

AND OTHER POEMS.

"Is aught so fair

As virtuous friendship?

Or the mild majesty of private life,

Where Peace, with ever blooming olive, crowns
The gate?"

AKENSIDE.

Edinburgh: Printed for WAUGH & INNES; and WHITTAKER & Co., London.

[blocks in formation]

"Whence comest thou ?"-" From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."-JOB, chap. i. v. 7. "Devils also believe, and tremble."-ST JAMES, chap. ii. v. 19. London: Printed for SAMUEL MAUNDER, Newgate Street; and RICHARD GRIFFIN & Co., Glasgow.

Of whom may be had,

MONTGOMERY'S POETICAL WORKS,
In 3 vols. post 8vo.

I. The OMNIPRESENCE of the DEITY, and other POEMS. Ninth Edition. 7s. 6d.

II. A UNIVERSAL PRAYER, DEATH, and other POEMS. Third Edition. 7s. 6d. III. SATAN. 10s. 6d.

ALSO,

A School Edition of the OMNIPRESENCE of the DEITY; in which that Poem alone is printed. Royal 18mo. Price 3s.

DAY AND MARTIN'S BLACKING. THIS inestimable Composition, with half the usual labour, produces a most brilliant Jet Black, fully equal to the highest Japan Varnish, affords peculiar nourishment to the leather-will not soil the finest linen-is perfectly free from any

THE Second Exhibition of the Works of BRI- unpleasant smell and will retain its virtues in any climate.

TISH ARTISTS in PAINTING, SCULPTURE, ARCHITECTURE, and ENGRAVING, will be OPENED to the Public, in the New Asseinbly Rooms, Dumfries, on Wednesday, the 3d of March, 1830.

Artists and Amateurs intending to favour the Institution with their productions, are respectfully requested to forward them, addressed to WALTER NEWALL, Esq. Architect, Dumfries, on or before the 25th February.

All expenses attending the carriage of Pictures, &c. to and from Dumfries, will be paid by the Committee.

Dumfries, January 15, 1830.

D. DUNBAR, Secretary.

Sold Wholesale at the Manufactory, 97, High Holborn, and Retail throughout the Kingdom, in Bottles, Pots, and Tin Boxes, at 6d. 1s. and 1s. 6d. each.

Edinburgh: Published for the Proprietors, every Saturday Morning,
by CONSTABLE & CO. 19, WATERLOO PLACE;
Sold also by ROBERTSON & ATKINSON, Glasgow; W. CURRY,
jun. & Co., Dublin; HURST, CHANCE, & Co., Lendon; and by
all Newsmen, Postmasters, and Clerks of the Road, throughout
the United Kingdom.

Price 6d.; or Stamped and sent free by post, 10d.
Printed by BALLANTYNE & Co. Paul's Work, Canongate.

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »