very clear; I have never found the readers of Shakespeare agreeing about it. I understand it thus:

"If that which I am about to do, when it is once done and executed, were done and ended without any following effects, it would then be best to do it quickly; if the murder could terminate in itself, and restrain the regular course of consequences; if its success could secure its surcease, if, being once done successfully, without detection, it could fix a period to all vengeance and inquiry, so that this blow might be all that I have to do, and this anxiety all that I have to suffer; if this could be my condition, even here in this world, in this contracted period of temporal exist ence, on this narrow bank in the ocean of eternity, I would jump the life to come, I would venture upon the deed without care of any future state. But this is one of those cases in which judgment is pronounced and vengeance inflicted upon us here in our present life. We teach others to do as we have done, and are punished by our own example." E.

MESSRS. EDITORS,

We have ever been accustomed in this country, and with good reason, to attach the highest importance to the value of intimate connexion and friendship with the court of Russia, and, although the remoteness of the relative situations, and the dissimilarity of the two governments, may appear not to give all the force of this alliance, which, in my opinion, it actually possesses,—the simplicity of our republican forms comporting but little with the dignity of an Autocral of all the Russias, yet interest, that powerful bond of nations as of individuals, growing out of extensive relations in trade, has, I believe, drawn closer the ties of amity, and assisted the political feeling of the two countries, which is now cementing by progressive in

tercourse.

our own population would be better employed in bringing these to market from the back country, than in transporting others in lieu of them, across the sea, so that wealth might not unnecessarily travel from home to purchase articles from abroad, but be preserved to circulate in the country. To this I answer, that, for government to interfere in cial to a country in the long run, but genematters of trade will rarely be found benefirally pernicious; that, according to Smith and other most approved economists, the course of trade should be left to find its own level, and will almost universally be found to regulate itself better than governments can regulate it; added to which, as it is the policy of modern courts to foster their navies by promoting, as much as possible, nurseries for their seamen, I rejoice that our Baltic trade actually engages so considerable a portion of our population, and that our hardy mariners find a profitable employment in this pursuit, in lieu of the reverse consequences of drawing our resources from the interior of this continent, where labour is so high and can be so much more advantageously ap plied.

It is erroneous also to suppose, that because we resort to other countries for supplies of such articles as we most require from abroad, it is attended with an expenditure for which no adequate equivalent is received. Russia purchases of us sugar, coffee, tobacco, and a variety of articles procured in barter from the East and West-Indies, or raised in our own plantations. Our manufactures or products, in the first instance, created the necessary wealth for this purpose, so that virtually, an extension of our maritime_commerce is, at the same time, accompanied by an extension of the sale of our productions and our fabrics. When specie is paid to make up the deficiency of exports, the ba lance of trade may then be said to be against us, but this rarely happens in the course of our European traffic. The Chinese policy of withdrawing from external barter, to form a world within itself, would be followed by consequences of incalculable injury and retrogression in civilization, to any country absurd enough to imitate it.

In the first place, the products of the Russian Empire have long formed a prominent feature in the list of our imports, and a mo- The raw produce of Russia is a mass inment's reflection will suffice to show that by conceivably large. A weekly account is a maritime nation like ours, the common ar- transmitted to St, Petersburgh of all the proticles of Russian growth must be in continual ductions of all the provinces, and is there request, particularly considering the low printed. Considerable as are the exports of price of labour in Russia, owing to the sys- Petersburgh, Riga, Revel, and Archangel, tem of peasant slavery, and the consequent yet the paucity of havens in northern Russia, cheapness at which those articles can be fur- from which Russian articles are transmitted nished. By some short sighted politicians it abroad, and their situation in seas closed may be thought that, as our country pos- with ice, sometimes during seven months of sesses in abundance similar articles of pro- the year, would have the effect of greatly duct within our reach, the spontaneous and contracting the exterior commerce, were not boundless resources of our mines and forests, the attention of the government drawn to

the policy of encouraging the trade of the ess in arms!-Since first she led her victori Euxine, or Black sea, and the Caspian. When ous troops into the capital of France, Alexanwe reflect that this vast empire extends from der bas acquired an ascendancy in the French Finland to the Pacific ocean, which brings it councils. He procured the dismissal of Talinto easy communication with China, Japan, leyrand, the introduction of the Duc de Rithe Philippine Islands, New Holland, Java, chelieu. Count Pozzo di Borgo, the Empe. and the East-Indies-that it is of greater ror's aid de camp, transmits to his Imperial extent than all the rest of Europe, and ex- master a minute detail of all that passes in ceeds even the limits of the greatest empires the court of the Thuilleries. of antiquity-that, when it is noon day in its vourable to Russia is brought about by the A policy fawestern parts, it is almost midnight in its successful agency of this faithful minister. eastern parts, in the south, the longest day Holland and the Netherlands unite in this not exceeding fifteen hours and a half; in the combination of feeling and of political views. north, the sun being visible for two months. The hereditary Prince of Orange, refused in Of such a country we cannot but feel curious his matrimonial offer by the Princess Charto know something more than its mere geo- lotte of England, cannot but feel a mortificygraphical limits, and to push our researches tion at her acceptance of Prince Leopold of into its capabilities for the arts, knowledge Saxe Cobourg, especially after the encou and civilization.more particularly its commer ragement he had received. He has, in concial advantages, as immediately interesting sequence, by his marriage with the Grand to our shipping and trading interests, Nor Dutchess Catharine, sister of the Emperor, ought we to omit inquiring into its policy, as thrown into the scale of Russian interest, bearing a potent sway in the regions of the those of the Low Countries, industrious and north, and likely to extend its influence over fertile-a power, naval and commercial. The the more cultivated portions of Europe. Emperor, moreover, reckons as brothers-inThe recent acquisition of Poland must law, the hereditary Duke of Saxe Weimar, tend greatly to the aggrandizement of this and the King of Wirtemberg, both married power, and bring it into immediate con- to his sisters. The Wirtemberg troops are nexion with the Prussian dominions. In the excelled by none for discipline and bravery. History of family compacts, we have seen The Grand Duke Constantine, one of Alexenough to augur of the probable effects of ander's brothers, is nominated Vice Roy of such political alliances. The grand Duke Nicholas, brother of the Emperor Alexander, it is said, is betrothed to one of the daughters of the King of Prussia. The personal friend ship of the two monarchs, whose feelings and whose policy will probably be closely connected by this event, was formed in circumstances the most trying and interesting, when, in the field, side by side. they shared the dangers and privations of war, contend ing in the hottest of the fight, for the emancipation of Europe, and encouraging their uni ted forces by their own valour and examples. With all these politic measures of the RusSo long as the moderation of European sian court, there seems to be only wanting to courts shall give no cause of jealousy to fill up the beneficial scope of its policy, a these mighty potentates, we may expect greater degree of attention to the commerce that the Czar, who, it is to be remembered, of the south, by the Black sea, and the Caswas the first to institute that Holy Alliance, pian, as before alluded to. The duties on by which sovereigns and rulers bind them- exported and imported articles, would alone selves to the observance of Christian forbear- be a considerable object to the Russian exance one towards another, will be bounded in his views of ambition, by the internal glory of his administration, and the advance ment of the condition of his people; but, looking at the unlimited means at her disposal, in less, perhaps, than another century, Russia, with her satellites, may give laws to Europe. The Emperor, by encouraging the wisest and most ingenious men from every quarter to settle in bis dominions, appears resolved to elevate the character of his country. What has not Russia effected in the late campaigns? How great her skill, her prow

Poland. Carnot, and other French refugees, are admitted to the Russian war office. The Emperor, his ministers, and his officers, have profited by their residence in France and in England, to study the most improved practices of both nations The merits of each have been watched and noted, and inferences drawn for the future practice of Russia. English and Scotch naval officers command in the Russian navy, which now exhibits a formidable fleet. English engineers are extensively employed in the interior.

chequer. The old government of France, prior to the Revolution, aware of the fertility of the southern provinces of Poland, and the importance of their products to the French navy and commerce, sought to establish an intercourse between their ports in the Mediterranean and the Black sea. Those pro vinces constitute almost one half the extent of Poland. They are watered by three great rivers; the Dnieper or Boristhenes, which empties itself into the Black sea above Cherson; the Bog, which enters it at Ockazow, and the Duiester, which has its mouth at Ac

by proper advances on the part of our execu tive, be secured to our vessels, that our shipping might find employment, in conveying to the confines of Tartary, the various commodities of the Levant, and that, by our means, Austria may receive her wax by the cheaper conveyance of water. Greece. Syria, Egypt, Italy, Spain, and France, may be supplied with the northern commodities at one fourth part of the expense attending its transportation by the Baltic.

A new spirit of enterprise would thus be lighted up in Russia and in Poland, and we might hope, in no long time, to see the Caspian and the Black seas united, so soon as the canal of Kamushinski, which joins the Don to the Wolga, is completed. Already has the Baltic a direct communication with the Caspian and Black seas by means of canals uniting the great rivers that intersect the country, and thus is the whole of Russia and Poland enabled to share in the commerce of the south. No part of Europe is better calculated for commerce than Russia; by means

kermann. These three great rivers traverse a much larger extent of country than the Niemen or the Vistula, and are the only grand channels of Polish commerce by the Black sea. To them, therefore, the attention of the speculator should be particularly directed. The countries through which they flow may justly be called the Land of Promise, with respect to the means of supplying the chief necessities of man. As a proof of the abundance of provisions, it is sufficient to state, that the Ukraine alone, subsisted several Russian armies during the whole of the last wars with the Turks. It produces ship tim ber in great abundance, and of very great age, as reported by the master mast maker at Toulon, who was sent purposely to examine its forests. The salted provisions of the Ukraine, are equal to those of Ireland, and from the low price of both cattle and salt in Moldavia and the Crimea, according to trials already made, they may be delivered at Ackermann, or Cherson, one half cheaper than they can be had, on the spot. in Ireland. Hemp, fur, sailcloth, and cordage, horse of the extensive rivers which flow through hair, common wool, bleached and green linen, packing cloth, raw and tanned hides, may here be obtained in great quantities. It also abounds in saltpetre, tar, tallow, hemp, flax. and linseed oil, honey, butter, bog's lard, hops, rosin, and aqua vitæ. The different kinds of wax are sold at so low a rate in the Ukraine, that the Austrian merchants carry them by land to Gallicia, whence they are conveyed also by land carviage, across Moldavia and Austria, as far as Trieste, where they are shipped to foreign parts, and, at that port, always fetch a considerable profit.

all parts of the empire, the productions of the north can be exchanged for those of the south with the greatest facility.

The great annual Fair of Russia, almost as celebrated as that of Leipsic, is held at Makaroff, 400 miles east of Moscow, and regulates the price of goods throughout the empire. To this the attention and speculation of all the merchants are directed. It is the grand depôt of trade between Europe and Asia. It is held towards the end of July and beginning of August. The teas and silks of China, the productions of Persia, &c. are exchanged for articles, the produce of Rus sia and of the whole world.

These countries, so rich in articles of the first necessity, are almost entirely destitute of This proves with what facility we may ac manufactures. It seems, however, to be the quire the rich productions of Asia, without policy of Russia to encourage the introduc- the intervention of the British merchants at tion of them, and the importance of opening Madras and Bengal. Tea, silks, &c. are a mart for the mutual interchange of commo- brought by the caravans from China and dities, free from every tax or impediment, is Persia to Makaroff, which is situated on the beginning to be felt. We learn, by recent banks of the Wolga, whence there is a diadvices from St. Petersburgh, that Odessa, a rect communication by water both with the considerable haven in the Black Sea, has Black Sea and St. Petersburgh. In short, been declared a free port-a measure of in- through Russia, at Astracan, Odessa, or other finite advantage to the neighbouring regions, fixed points, a gainful commerce with the and beneficial to the trade of foreigners. eastern nations could be carried on without Here I would recommend that a consul the protracted and circuitous navigation of from the United States should be stationed, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The goods to foster and encourage this promising resort of our shipping. The United States would obtain, by the Black Sea, a market advantageous for its productions and dealings. The experiments actually made before the French revolution evinced of what importance such a trade was to France and the departments bordering on the Mediterranean. I should hope. that at least a share in the carrying trade between these countries might, VOL. I. NO. IV.

are brought by the natives, who unlike the Chinese, by whom specie alone is taken in return for their products, would be content with goods, a consideration of the highest im. portance, when it is recollected that our banks are cleared, and our proper medium of circulation removed to supply the unreasonable demands of India and China. The merchants of the east generally exchange their goods for woollen cloths, which are in great 20

ART. 6. TRANSACTIONS OF LEARNED SOCIETIES.

to ascertain,as nearly as possible,the site of attention to the subject. He had classed and the south-west bastion of Fort George, and arranged the following mineral specimens: erect thereon a monumental stone, on which shall be marked the latitude as ta ken in 1769, and by whom. 2. That a suitable person or persons be employed, under the direction of your com mittee, to find the latitude of the City Hall, and to erect a monumental stone near it, with suitable inscriptions, from which mileage or distances from the city shall hereafter be computed.

dote, axinite. 2. Garnets-vesuvian, garnet 1. Shorls-topaz, shorl, tourmaline, epiprecious, garnet common. 3. Quartz-ainethyst, rock crystal, milk quartz, fint, calcedony, heliotrope, opal, jasper, agate. 4. Pitch stone-obsidian, pumice. 5. Zeolites-prehnite, zeolite fibrous, cross stone. 6. Felspr-felspar com.non, adularia, Labrador op descent. 7. Clays-pipe clay, potter's clay, kaolin, a great variety of octres of dif One other subject, connected with the one ferent colours. 8. Mica-foliated, crystalbefore your committee, though not in the pe lized, red,black, and green. 9. Soap-stonestition under consideration, they beg to sub- native magnesia, steatite, numerous varieties. mit to the board. The City Surveyors fre- 10. Talc-serpentine, asbestos, amianthus, quently differ in their computation of dis- rockwood. 11. Hornblend-hornblend. actances and direction, in consequence, some- tynolite, tremolite, kyanite. 12. Chrysolitestimes, of the different variation of the mag augite, coccolite. 13. Basaltes-wacke, ironnetic needles used by them. If a place was clay. 14 Dolomites-common dolomite, fixed, in some elevated situation, (as the pearl spar, many varieties. 15. Limestonecupola of the City-Hall, for instance) from compact, foliated, fibrous, with varieties. 16. which some permanent object on Long- Fluor-purple compact spar from Louisiana, Island or the Jersey shore could be observed, yellow do. do, earthy do. from Derbyshire. and the true direction ascertained, it might 17. Gypsum-earthy, compact, fibrous, folia. serve the purpose of regulating surveys, and, ted. 18. Barytes-common spar, sulphate, in some measure, of correcting errors, as carbonate, strontian, &e 19 Saline-alum thereby the compasses of all surveyors might, native, salt native, Missouri and England. 20. at any time, be adjusted. Wherefore your Sulphur--native mineral pitch, elastic minecommittee recommend the adoption of the ral pitch. 21. Coal-brown, bituminous, following resolution : black, slate, cannel, soot, foliated. 22. GaResolved, That the Street Commissioner be phite-graphite scaly, do compact, mineral directed to ascertain if any proper object can charcoal. 23. Resins--amber, white, yellow. 25 Gold-native, be seen from the cupola of the City-Hall METALS. 24. Platina. which may be fixed on as a mark to ascertain the direction of the compass from the said cupola, and that a stone slab be fixed some where on the Hall, with proper marks thereon, by which the true direction of the mag netic needle of surveyor's compasses may, at all times, be regulated and adjusted.

Respectfully submitted.

SAMUEL AKERLY,
J. WARREN BRACKET,
THOMAS R SMITH,
JOHN REMMEY,
ARTHUR BURTIS.

Dr. Mitchill informed the Society that he had laid on the shelves of their cabinet, the Herbarium of the venerable Dr. Samuel Bard, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New-York, containing the collection of Scotch plants, made by him, whilst a student of medicine in the Univer. sity of Edinburgh, in 1754, and for which he received the Medal founded by Professor Hope.

ore.

26. Mercury-native, cinnabar, 27. Silver-native, antimonial. 28. Copper-nativecompact, variegated, copper pyrites, tile copper, carbonate of do. phosphate of do. arborescent native, with numerous varieties.

29. Iron-meteoric, iron pyrites, capillary, radiated, magnetic, specular, red hematite, steel grained, mountain, bog, morass, swamp, meadow, chromate, arseniate. phosphate, cube, pea, bean, &c. &c. 30. Manganeseradiated grey, foliated, compact 31. Titanium-menarchinite. 32. Lead-galena, white ore, muriate of do. arseniate of do. carbonate of do. phosphate of do. 33. Zinc-calamine, blend. 34. Bismuth-bismuth, glance. 35. Antimony-native, sulphuret. 36 Molybdena. 37. Cobalt-tin white, silver do, red do. 38. Arsenical Pyrites. 39. Tungstenwolfram. 40, Uranium-friable ochre.

Mr. Bogert enumerated the followingshells as those he had arranged, though there were many others, which he had not had time to class: viz.

Univalves-cornutes, murex,petellas cypria, J. G. Bogert, Esq. informed the Society that bulla, helex, baliotis, olives,strombus, nerites, he had placed on the shelves of their cabinet, &c. &c. Multivalves-4 varieties of Pholas, the collections in mineralogy and concholo- 2 do. of chiton, 2 do. of anatifera. Bivalvesgy, which he had made within the last ten. Venus, Telline, Myas, Chama, Pesine, Solon, years, in which he had devoted considerable Mactra, Qstrea,, with about 200, varieties