The following will be read with interest :

MR SOUTHEY'S LITERARY CAREER.

"Never can any man's life have been past more in accord with his own inclinations, nor more answerably to his own desires. Excepting that peace, which, through God's infinite mercy, is derived from a higher source, it is to literature, humanly speaking, that I am beholden, not only for the means of subsistence, but for every blessing which I enjoy;-health of body, and activity of mind, contentment, cheerfulness, continual employment, and therewith continual pleasure Suavissima vita indies sentire se fieri meliorem; and this as Bacon has said, and Clarendon repeated, is the benefit that a studious man enjoys in retirement. To the studies which I have faithfully pursued, I am indebted to friends with whom, hereafter, it will be deemed an honour to have lived in friendship; and as for the enemies which they have procured to me in sufficient numbers, happily I am not of the thin-skinned race: they might as well fire small-shot at a rhinoceros, as direct their attacks upon me. In omnibus requiem quæsivi, said Thomas à Kempis, sed non inveni nisi in angulis et libellis. I too have found repose where he did, in books and retirement, but it was there alone I sought it: to these my nature, under the direction of a merciful Providence, led me betimes, and the world can offer nothing which should tempt me fro:n them."-Vol. ii. p. 346.

We subjoin only one other extract on an important subject, and on which no one has a better right to deliver an opinion than Mr Southey:

Biographical Sketches and Authentic Anecdotes of Dogs; with a copious Appendix on the Breeding, Feeding, Training, Diseases, and Medical Treatment of Dogs; together with a Treatise on the Game Laws. By Captain Thomas Brown, F. R.S. E., &c. Edinburgh. Oliver and Boyd. 1829. Pp. 570.

WHEN Pierre says that he is "a friend to dogs," he gives for his reason, that they are "honest creatures." Now "honesty" implies virtue, and virtue implies reason, and reason mind, and mind soul, and soul immortality. This is just the point we wish to come to ;-we cannot help believing that dogs have souls, and that those souls are immortal. Put an intelligent dog by the side of a silly man, and what will be the result of the comparison?-unquestionably this, that in all things the quadruped is superior to the biped, only, that the one, possessing accidentally the power of speech, which has been denied to the other, has been enabled, by the facilities thus afforded for mutual co-operation with his fellow-men, to make farther advances from a state of primitive nature. Yet even with the vast advantage to be derived from the power of uttering articulate sounds, are the naked savages of central Africa-men though they be entitled to look down with proud contempt upon the Newfoundland or the shepherd's dog? Deprive these savages of speech, and we question very much whether they would conduct themselves with so much moral and intellectual propriety as dogs generally do. And, on the other hand, give speech to dogs, and thus enable them to form themselves into communities, and we see nothing chimerical in "More lasting effect was produced by translators, who, supposing, that their progress in civilisation, science, and in later times, have corrupted our idiom as much as, in early the fine arts, would be great and rapid. Intensity and arones, they enriched our vocabulary; and to this injury the dour of feeling are universally allowed to lie at the foundaScotch have greatly contributed; for, composing in a language which is not their mother tongue, they necessarily tion of the brightest achievements of genius; and where do acquired an artificial and formal style, which, not so much we find such devoted attachment-such unshrinking fidethrough the merit of a few, as owing to the perseverance of lity-such unhesitating confidence-such generous heroism others, who for half a century seated themselves on the such disinterested friendship, as in dogs? We ask the bench of criticism, has almost superseded the vernacular question with a grave and melancholy conviction, that the English of Addison and Swift. Our journals, indeed, have been the great corrupters of our style, and continue to be so; his sentiments expression, clothing them in the pleasant answer must be-"Nowhere!" Man, it is true, can give and not for this reason only. Men who write in newspapers, and magazines, and reviews, write for present effect; garb of flowery language, and thus attach to them an imin most cases, this is as much their natural and proper aim, portance which they do not possess, and an apparent duraas it would be in public speaking; but when it is so, they bility which is no part of their nature; but then how are the consider, like public speakers, not so much what is accurate virtues which he can thus occasionally display alloyed and deor just, either in matter or manner, as what will be accept-based by the continual intermixture of more sordid elements! able to those whom they address. Writing also under the excitement of emulation and rivalry, they seek, by all the artifices and efforts of an ambitious style, to dazzle their readers; and they are wise in their generation, experience having shown that common minds are taken by glittering faults, both in prose and verse, as larks are with looking-honest paw of a dumb Newfoundland dog, than to grasp the glasses.

THE CORRUPTION OF ENGLISH STYLE.

Dogs cannot blazon forth their good deeds, nor can they write sonnets to the lady of their love; but if their lives are more obscure, they are far less characterized by the indulgence of vice and unholy passions. Far better to shake the

hand of many a plodder through the tawdry meanness of his selfish life!

"In this school it is that most writers are now trained; and after such training, any thing like an easy and natural movement is as little to be looked for in their compositions, If any one wishes to entertain enlarged and enlightened as in the step of a dancing-master. To the views of style, | opinions regarding this noble class of animals, (whether he which are thus generated, there must be added the inaccu- coincide in the sentiments we have just expressed or not,) let racies inevitably arising from haste, when a certain quanti-him peruse these "Biographical Sketches" and " Authenty of matter is to be supplied for a daily or weekly publica- tic Anecdotes" just published by Captain Brown. He will tion, which allows of no delay,-the slovenliness that confidence as well as fatigue and inattention will produce, and here find, besides a mass of highly useful and delightful inthe barbarisms which are the effect of ignorance, or that formation regarding the natural history and habits of every smattering of knowledge which serves only to render igno- species of dog, upwards of two hundred and twenty anecdotes, rance presumptuous. These are the causes of corruption illustrative of their dispositions, and all of the most enterin our current style; and when these are considered, there taining kind. Captain Brown has pursued his subject with would be ground for apprehending that the best writings of the last century might become as obsolete as ours in the indefatigable industry and enthusiasm, and hesitates not to like process of time, if we had not in our Liturgy and our express his conviction, that the dog " possesses intellectual Bible, a standard from which it will not be possible wholly qualities of a much higher nature than mere instinct, and to depart."-Vol. ii. pp. 390-3. that many of his actions must be ascribed to the exercise of reason, in the proper sense of the word." Elsewhere he dwells on the unsullied and inviolable ardour and purity of the dog's attachment,-on his anxiety to execute, and even to anticipate, his master's wishes, on his dread of giving of fence,-on his zeal, vigour, and gratitude for the little kindnesses he receives,-on his firmness in submitting to punishment, and on his indignation at unmerited injury. With such dispositions and capabilities, give dogs language, and

These volumes are got up in a manner which reflects credit even on Mr Murray, and are enriched with several beautiful engravings. There can be little doubt that they will still farther increase the well-earned reputation of one of the most industrious, learned, and zealous authors of the

present age.

why might we not see among them orators, statesmen, poets, and warriors? Educate them on the system of Lancaster, Hamilton, or Sheriff Wood, and we feel certain that many of them would make the best wranglers of Cambridge and Oxford look to their laurels.

Without farther preface, we shall present our readers with a few amusing extracts from this work, the whole of which we have read with the highest satisfaction. Our first quotation treats of

THE ENGLISH GREYHOUND.

"We owe much of the superiority of our present breed of greyhounds to the perseverance and judgment of the late Earl of Oxford, of Houghton in Norfolk; and it is supposed he obtained the great depth of chest and strength of his breed from crossing with the bull-dog. At his death his greyhounds were sold by auction, and some of his best were purchased by Colonel Thornton; from one of them, Claret, which was put to a favourite bitch of Major Topham's, was produced the best greyhound that ever appeared, Snowball; although, indeed, he was nearly equalled by his brothers, Major and Sylvia, who were all of the same litter. They were never beaten, and may be considered as examples of the most perfect greyhound. The shape, make, elegant structure, and other characteristics of high blood, were equally distinguishable in all the three; the colour of Snowball was a jet-black, and, when in good running condition, was as fine in the skin as black satin. Major and Sylvia were singularly, but beautifully, brindled. Snowball won ten large pieces of silver plate, and upwards of forty matches, his master having accepted every challenge, whatever might be the dogs of different counties which were brought against him. His descendants have generally been equally successful. The last match run by this celebrated dog was against the famous greyhound Speed, the property of Hall Plumber, Esq. of Bilton Park, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. He gained the match; and so severe was the run, that Speed died soon after it. This terminated the career of Snowball's public coursing, as the owner, in consideration of his age, then declared he should never run another. This dog was perhaps the fleetest of his race that ever ran, and, like the Flying Childers, which was the swiftest of horses, may never be outstripped in rapidity of movements."-Pp. 109, 110.

One of the most placid, obedient, serene, and grateful members of the canine race, is the shepherd's dog, whose greatest delight seems to be when he is employed in any kind of useful service. Captain Brown has given many anecdotes of this animal's instinctive propensity to industry, and inviolable fidelity; but we have room for only one, which, we believe, has been supplied by Mr Hogg:

THE SHEPHERD'S DOG.

ing, is beyond human calculation, for her road lay through
sheep the whole way. Her master's heart smote him
when he saw what she had suffered and effected: but she
was nothing daunted, and having deposited her young
one in a place of safety, she again set out full speed to the
hills, and brought another and another, till she removed
her whole litter one by one; but the last one was dead.
I give this as I have heard it related by the country people;
for though I knew Mr Walter Steel well enough, I cannot
say I ever heard it from his own mouth. I never enter-
tained any doubt, however, of the truth of the relation;
and certainly it is worthy of being preserved, for the
credit of that most docile and affectionate of all animals,
the shepherd's dog."-Pp. 159, 160.

But, in a state of purity, and uncontaminated, by a mix-
ture with any inferior race, the Newfoundland dog is un-
questionably the noblest of all. His docility, his sagacity,
his anxiety to excel, the pliability of his temper, his fidelity,
and activity, are all conspicuous. We select, though almost
at random, a few of our author's anecdotes, illustrative of
this animal's character. No one can read them without
feeling that the Newfoundland dog has a right to be viewed
as a friend and fellow-creature.

ANECDOTES OF THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.

6

"There is another remarkable instance which also came
under the observation of the owner of the dog just men-
tioned. One of the magistrates of Harbour-Grace had
an old animal of this kind, which was in the habit of
carrying a lantern before his master at night, as steadily
as the most attentive servant could do, stopping short
when he made a stop, and proceeding when he saw him
disposed to follow. If his owner was from home, as
soon as the lantern was fixed to his mouth, and the com-
mand given, Go, fetch thy master,' he would imme-
diately set off, and proceed directly to the town, which
lay at a distance of more than a mile from the place of
his residence. When there, he stopped at the door of
every house which he knew his master was in the habit
of frequenting; and, laying down his lantern, would
growl and beat at the door, making all the noise in his
power, until it was opened. If his owner was not there,
he would proceed farther in the same manner, until he
found him. If he had accompanied him only once into

a house, this was sufficient to induce him to take that
house in his round."-P. 206.

"A gentleman residing in the city of London was going one afternoon to his country cottage, accompanied by Cæsar, a favourite Newfoundland dog, when he recollected that he had the key of a cellaret, which would be wanted at home during his absence. Having accustomed his dog to carry things, he sent him back with the key; the dog executed his commission, and afterwards rejoined his master, who discovered that he had been fighting, and was much torn about the head. The cause he afterwards "Mr Steel, flesher in Peebles, had such an implicit de- learned on his return to town in the evening. Cæsar, pendence on the attention of his dog to his orders, that, while passing with the key, was attacked by a ferocious whenever he put a lot of sheep before her, he took a pride dog belonging to a butcher, against which he made no in leaving them to herself, and either remained to take a resistance, but tore himself away without relinquishing glass with the farmer of whom he had made the purchase, his charge. After delivering the key in town, he reor took another road, to look after bargains or other busiturned the same way, and, on reaching the butcher's ness. But one time he chanced to commit a drove to her shop from which he had been assailed, he stopped and charge at a place called Willenslee, without attending to her looked out for his antagonist; the dog again sallied forth, condition as he ought to have done. This farm is five miles -Cæsar attacked him with a fury which nothing but from Peebles, over wild hills, and there is no regularly-revenge for past wrongs could have inspired, nor did he defined path to it. Whether Mr Steel remained behind, or chose another road, I know not; but, on coming home

late in the evening, he was astonished at hearing that his faithful animal had not made her appearance with the flock. He and his son, or servant, instantly prepared to set out by different paths in search of her; but, on their going out to the street, there was she coming with the drove, no one missing; and, marvellous to relate, she was carrying a young pup in her mouth! She had been taken in travail on those hills; and how the poor beast had contrived to manage the drove in her state of suffer

quit his enemy until he had laid him dead at his feet."___
Pp. 208, 209.

"Mr M'Intyre, patent-mangle manufacturer, Regent
Bridge, Edinburgh, has a dog of the Newfoundland breed,
crossed with some other, named Dandie, whose sagacious
qualifications are truly astonishing, and almost incredible.
As the animal continues daily to give the most striking
proofs of his powers, he is well known in the neighbour-
hood, and any person may satisfy himself of the reality
of those facts, many of which the writer has himself had
the pleasure to witness.

"My friend Robert Wilkie, Esq. of Ladythorn, in the county of Northumberland, had a black Poodle, which he had instructed to go through the agonies of dying in a very correct manner. When he was ordered to die, he would tumble over on one side, and then stretch himself out, and move his hind legs in such a way as expressed "Although Dandie, in general, makes an immediate that he was in great pain; first slowly, and afterwards purchase of bread with the money which he receives, yet very quick; and after a few convulsive throbs, indicated the following circumstance clearly demonstrates that he by putting his head and whole body in motion, he would possesses more prudent foresight than many who are reck-stretch out all his limbs and cease to move, as if he had oned rational beings.

To these is added an Appens dix, containing some theological tracts on various subjects, found among Dr Campbell's papers.

threw himself between his two opponents, and, withoutedness of the Christian.
further ceremony, quickly dispatched the petits pâtés him-
self, and then returned to his owner with the empty
basket."-P. 472.

THE PLAYER'S WIG.

"Mr C. Hughes, a son of Thespis, had a wig which He one generally hung on a peg in one of his rooms. day lent the said article to a brother player, and some time after called on him. Mr Hughes had his dog with him, and the other happened to have the borrowed wig on his head. The actor staid a little while with his friend, but, when he left him, the dog remained behind. For some time he stood looking the player full in the face, then, making a sudden spring, leaped on his shoulders, seized the wig, and ran off with it as fast as he could; and, when he reached home, he endeavoured, by jumping, to hang it up in its usual place.

"The same dog was one afternoon passing through a field in the skirts of Dartmouth, where a washerwoman had hung out her linen to dry. He stopped and surveyed one particular shirt with attention, then seizing it, he dragged it away through the dirt to his master, whose property it proved to be."-P. 476.

The appendix is not the least, and the wood-cuts certainly not the most, valuable part of this work. We recommend it heartily to all those who take an interest in an animal, which, in the words of Lord Byron, "possesses beauty without vanity-strength without insolence-courage without ferocity-and all the virtues of man without his vices."

Sermons, by the late Rev. John Campbell, D. D., one of
the Ministers of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh; with
an Appendix, containing some Minor Theological Pieces.
To which is prefixed, the Sermon preached on the occa-
sion of his Death, by the Rev. Robert Lorimer,
LL.D., one of the ministers of Haddington. Edin-
1829.
burgh. Waugh and Innes. 8vo.

66

Dr Campbell, like his colleague, Dr Davidson, who died a very short time before him, was a theologian and a preacher of a somewhat antiquated, but highly respectable school. His life was pious, unostentatious, and serene,-passed in virtue and benevolence; his death was peaceful and affecting. From a note furnished by his friend Dr Lorimer, the excellent and able editor of these Sermons, we obtain the following simple particulars. Dr Campbell was born May 24, 1758, at Glasgow, and educated at the University of that city; licensed to preach the Gospel, August 1781; ordained minister of Kippen, May 8, 1783; translated to Edinburgh, October 1805; appointed secretary of the Society for propagating Christian Knowledge, January 1806; chosen moderator of the General Assembly, May 1818; died August 30, 1828,"-thus having obtained the 70th year of his age, after a life of piety and peace.

Dr Lorimer of Haddington performed the last tribute to his departed friend, by preaching his funeral sermon in the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh, on the 7th of September, 1828, being the Sunday after Dr Campbell's inThis sermon, which is entitled "Christ's Doterment. minion over Death and the Invisible World," begins the volume, and has been inserted by particular request. We regret that our limits will not permit us to select a few passages from it. Dr Lorimer is well known as an able, eloquent, and indefatigable minister, and his name is honourably connected with every humane and generous institution in the vicinity of Haddington, pointing him out as the enlightened friend of science and education. His diligent and faithful editorship of the volume of Sermons now before us, entitles him to much praise; and Dr Campbell's friends will ill acquit themselves, and will be considered wanting in respect for the memory of their late venerable minister, if these Sermons do not soon see a second edition.

MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE.

THE PAINS AND TOILS OF AUTHORSHIP.

By the Editor of the Inverness Courier, and of the Poetry of Milton's Prose.

INDEPENDENTLY of the labour requisite to supply the staple materiel of genius or learning, the craft of authorship would seem to be by no means so easy of practice as is generally imagined. Almost all our works, whether of knowledge or of fancy, have been the product of much intellectual exertion and study, or, as it is better expressed by the poet,

"The well-ripened fruits of wise delay."

WHILE the volume before us, as being a memorial of a truly good man, and a most zealous minister, will be duly appreciated by those connected with the congregation over which Dr Campbell presided, as well as by his numerous friends in the church, it is at the same time well worthy of a serious perusal, by all who are interested in the elucidation of Christian truth. The Sermons, as was to be expected, from Dr Campbell's reputation as a preacher and theologian, are faithful, earnest, and affectionate discourses on the Gospel; and as such, written with all that warmth of feeling and genuine devotion which characterized their venerable author. Though this is a posthumous publication, and contains only two sermons by Dr Campbell which were ever before printed, one of which is the tenth, entitled "The Acclamation of the Redeemed," a truly admi- Pope published nothing until it had been a year or two rable discourse, (preached in London in 1808, before the beside him, and even then his printers' sheets were full London Missionary Society,) Dr Lorimer, neverthe- of alterations; and, on one occasion, Dodsley, his publess, informs us, that, posthumous as they are, they do lisher, thought it better to reprint the whole than attempt not labour under all the disadvantages which usually at- the necessary corrections. Goldsmith considered four tend writings of this description, as the author had, for lines a-day good work, and was seven years in beating some time before his death, intended to publish them, out the pure gold of the Deserted Village. Hume wrote and they were fairly written out for this purpose. The his delightful history on a sofa, (not much of a "task" to volume will recall to the recollection of many the in- him,) but he went on silently correcting every edition structions and the admonitions they were wont to hear till his death. Robertson used to write out his sentences from its venerable author; while it will edify and on small slips of paper, and, after rounding and polishing strengthen the faith of all in the doctrines of the Gospel. them to his satisfaction, he entered them in a book, which, The Sermons are eleven in number. 1. The Christ- in its turn, underwent considerable revision. Burke had ian's Confidence. 2. The Christian's preparation for all his principal works printed two or three times at a Duty and Trial. 3. God the Portion of his People. 4. private press before submitting them to his publisher. The Way of obtaining Peace with God. 5. Children Akenside and Gray were indefatigable correctors, labourencouraged to come to Jesus. 6. The Gospel preached ing every line; and so was our more prolix and imagito the Poor. 7. The Faithful Minister's Character and native poet, Thomson. I have compared the first edition Reward. 8. Jesus Christ the First and the Last. 9. of the Seasons with the last corrected one, and am able Christ having the Keys of Hell and of Death. 10. The to state, that there is scarcely a page which does not bear Acclamation of the Redeemed. 11. The future Bless-evidence of his taste and industry. Johnson thinke