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woods than she at first intended. In the mean time, the wind began to blow vehemently, but the boy wandered carelessly along the beach, seeking for shells, till the rapid rise of the Lake rendered it impossible for him to return to the spot where he had been left by his mother. He immediately began to cry aloud, and she, being on her return, heard him, but instead of descending the ravine, hastened to the edge of the precipice, from the bottom of which the noise seemed to proceed. On looking down, she beheld her son struggling with the waves, and vainly endeavoring to climb up the bank, which was fifty feet perpendicular height, and very slippery. There being no possibility of rendering him assistance, she was on the point of throwing herself down the steep, when she saw him catch hold of a tree that had fallen into the Lake, and mount one of its projecting branches. He sat astride upon this, almost beyond the reach of the surges, while she continued watching him in an agony of grief, hesitating whether she should endeavour to find her way to the camp, and procure assistance, or remain near her boy. However, evening was now about to close, and as she could not proceed through the woods in the dark, she resolved at least to wait till the moon rose. She sat on the top of the precipice a whole hour, and during that time, Occasionally ascertained that her son was alive, by hearing his cries amidst the roaring of the waves; but when the moon appeared, he was not to be

seen.

She now felt corvinced that he was drowned, and, giving way to utter despair, threw herself on the turf. Presently she heard a feeble voice cry, (in Indian,) "Mamma, I'm here, come and help me." She started up and saw her boy scrambling upon the edge of the bank-she sprang forward to catch his hand, but the ground. by which he held giving way, he was precipitated into the Luke, and perished among the rushing billows!"

The burning of a forest is a sublime spectacle, and affords Mr H. an occasion for displaying his pictorial powers:-

"The land around was covered with pine trees, and three months drought

had rendered these so dry and combustible, that hundreds of them took fire, in consequence of a few sparks, blown from an oven, having kindled the brushwood beneath them. Immense volumes of black smoke rolled from different parts of the forest, and, when the wind divided these, the flames were seen ra. ging on every side, and ascending to the tops of the tallest trees; while the roaring, crackling, and crashing, were incessant, under the cloudy obscurity. Large burning splinters of timber, that must have been detached from trees by the expansive power of steam, were were sometimes projected high into the air like rockets, and descended again, leaving a showery train of glowing sparks behind them. The wind was hot and suffocating as the vapours from a furnace, and the vast glare of the conflagration overspread the heavens with a copper colour most dismal and appalling. The inhabitants around hurried about in the utmost alarm, momentarily expecting that the flames would communicate to their barns and fences; and the tumult was increased by the bellowing of a number of cattle, which had rushed in a state of terror from the woods, where they had been feeding.

"About midnight, the conflagration, which had commenced the preceding day, had in a great measure ceased. Many of the largest trees were charred from top to bottom, and, being now in a state of glowing redness, they stood like dazzling pillars of fire in various parts of the forest. The upper boughs of others were still enveloped in flames, and resembled meteors as they waved in the wind, the trunks from which they projected being concealed by the darkness. In the morning, I walked out to view the scene of devastation, which presented an aspect truly horrible. Many hundred acres of land were divested of the verdure that had lately covered them. The branchless trees stood in dreary blackness, and the wind scarcely sounded as it swept among them. Not a single bird animated the prospect, and the desolate shriek of the racoon, deprived of its den, alone proved that the tenants of the forest were not entirely extirpated."

I

Dear Sir,

your Book.

Original Letters.

CORRESPONDENCE OF DAVID HUME, THE HISTORIAN.

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AM very well acquainted with Bourke, who was much taken with He got your direction from me, with a view of writing to you, and thanking you for your present: For I made it pass in your name.

I am told that you are preparing a new Edition, and propose to make some additions and alterations in order to obviate objections. I shall use the freedom to propose one, which, if it appears to be of any weight, you may have in your Eye. I wish you had more particularly and fully prov'd that all kinds of Sympathy are necessarily agreeable. This is the hinge of your system, and yet you only mention the matter cursorily in p. 20.-Now it wou'd appear that there is a disagreeable sympathy, as well as an agreeable. And, indeed, as the sympathetic passion is a reflex image of the principal, it must partake of it's qualities, and be painful where that is so. Indeed, when we converse with a man with whom we can entirely sympathise, that is, where there is a warm and intimate friendship, the cordial openness of such a commerce overpowers the pain of a disagreeable sympathy, and renders the whole movement agreeable. But in ordinary cases, this cannot have a place. An ill humour'd fellow; a man tir'd and disgusted with every thing, always ennuie; sickly, complaining, embarrased; such a one throws an evident damp on company, which I suppose wou'd be accounted for by sympathy, and yet is disagreable.

It is always thought a difficult problem to account for the pleasure, received from the Tears and grief and smypathy of Tragedy; which would not be the Case, if all sympathy was agreeable. An Hospital would be a more entertaining place than a Ball. I am afraid that in p. 99. and 111, this proposition has escap'd you, or rather is interwove with your reasonings in that place. You say expressly, it is painful to go along with Grief, and we always enter into it with reluctunce. It will probably be requisite

for you to modify or explain this sentiment, and reconcile it with your system.

My Dear Mr. Smith; You must not be so much engross'd with your own Book, as never to mention mine. The Whigs, I am told, are anew in a rage against me; tho' they know not how to vent themselves; For they are constrain'd to allow all my facts. You have probably seen Hurd's abuse of me. He is of the Warburtonian school; and consequently very insolent and very scurrilous; but I shall never reply a word to him. If my past Writings do not sufficiently prove me to be no Jacobite, ten Volumes of folio never would.

I signed yesterday an Agreement with Mr. Millar; where I mention that I propos'd to write the History of England from the beginning 'till the Accession of Henry the VII; and he engages to give me 1400 pounds for the Copy. This is the first previous Agreement ever I made with a Bookseller. I shall execute the Work at leisure, without fatiguing myself by such ardent application as I have hitherto employ'd. It is chiefly as a resource against Idleness, that I shall undertake this Work; For as to money, I have enough: and as to reputation, what I have wrote already will be sufficient, if it be good: If not, it is not likely I shall now write better. I found it impracticable (at least fancy'd so) to write the History since the Revolution. I am in doubt whether I shall stay here and execute the work; or return to Scotland, and only come up here to consult the Manuscripts. I have several inducements on both sides. Scotland suits my fortune best, and is the seat of my principal friendship; but it is too narrow a place for me and it mortifies me, that I sometimes hurt my friends. Pray write me your judgement soon. Are the Bigots much in arms on Account of this last Volume? Robertson's Book has great merit; but it was visible that he profited here by the Animosity against me. I suppose the Case was the same with you. Iam, Dear Smith, Yours sincerely. DAVID HUNE.

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No. X.

Dear Smith,-I can write as seldom and as short as you.-I am sorry I did not see you before I left Paris, I am also sorry I shall not see you there soon. I shall not be able to fix Rousseau to his mind for some Weeks yet He is a little variable and fanciful, tho' very agreeable. Lord Hertford is to be over some time in April. I must then wait for him; and afterwards must be dispos'd of for some time by his Commands. I recommended my servant St. Jean to you; If he be with you or the Duke, I am sure you will like him and keep him on; and you need say nothing of this to him. Some push me to continue my History. Millar offers me any price: All the Marlborough papers are offered me: And I believe nobody wou'd venture to refuse me: But cui bono? Why should I forego Idleness and Sauntering and Society; and expose myself again to the clamours of a stupid and factious public? I am not yet tir'd of doing nothing; and am become too wise either to mind censure or Applause. By and bye I shall be too old to undergo such labour. Adieu.

(Sd.) DAVID HUME. (Addressed) A Monsieur-Monsieur Adam Smith

chez Monsr. Foley, Banquier a Paris.

No. XI.

Paris, & Novr. 1765.

Dear Smith, I have been whirl'd about lately in a strange manner; but besides that none of the Revolutions have ever threatened me much, or been able to give me a moment's anxiety, all has ended very happily and to my wish. In June last, I got my patent for Secretary to the Embassy, which plac'd me in as agreeable a situation as possible, and one likely to last with £1200 a year. A few Weeks after, Lord Hertford got a letter from which he learn'd, that he must go over Lord Lieutenant to Ireland: he told me that he was averse to this employment for many good reasons, and wou'd not accept of it, unless gratify'd in some demands, particularly in appointing me Secretary for that kingdom, in conjunct Commission with his son, Lord Beauchamp. This is an office of great dignity as the Secretary is in a manner

Prime Minister of that kingdom; it has 2000 a year Salary, and always entitles the person afterwards to some considerable Employment, whatever may be the fate of the Lord Lieutenant. Notwithstanding these advantages, I was very averse to the office, as it oblig'd me to enter on a new scene at my years, and a scene for which I apprehended I was not well qualified. I said so to Lord Hertford; but he still persisted in his resolution. A few Weeks after, when he went over to London, he found the rage against the Scots so high, that he was oblig'd to depart from his resolution: Perhaps, the zeal against Deists enter'd for a Share. On the whole, he appointed his Son, sole Secretary; but he told me that he had obtain❜d the King's promise to provide me in something that shou'd not be precarious. Ten days after he wrote me that he had procured me a pension of 400 a year for life. Noth ing cou'd be more to my mind. I have now opulence and liberty: The last formerly rendered me content: Both together must do so, as far as increase of Years must permit.

As a new vexation to temper my good fortune, I am much in perplexity about fixing the place of my future abode for life. Paris is the most agreeable town in Europe, and suits me best; but it is a foreign Country. London is the Capital of my own Country : but it never pleas'd me much. Letters are there held in no honour: Scotsmen are hated: Superstition and Ignorance gain ground daily. Edinburgh has many objections and many Allurements. My present mind, this forenoon, the fifth of September, is to return to France. I am much press'd here to accept of offers, which would contribute to my agreeable living, but might encroach on my Independence, by making me enter into engagements with Princes and great Lords and Ladies. Pray give me your judgement.

I

I regret much I shall not see you. have been looking for you every day these three months. Your satisfaction in your pupil gives me equal satisfaction. Yours most sincerely, (Sd.) DAVID HUME.

London Paragraphs.

ORIGINAL ANECDOTES-LITERARY NEWS-REMARKABLE INCIDENTS, &C.

THE TERNICK OF ANTWERP. At Antwerp there is an alms-house for poor girls, which is called the Ternick, from the name of the founder, a pious canon of Antwerp, who had the satisfaction of governing the institution he had founded for thirtyeight years. In his daily visits, he successively discovered what improvements and reformation it required. Among other regulations, there is one which, at first view, appears very singular, but which is not on that account less reasonable. He thought that children employed all the day in sedentary work, would need some exercise before they went to bed. He therefore directed, that after supper they should dance for half an hour; and, as he wished to prevent all appearance of a ball, he prescribed that they should not dance to the sound of a violin, or any other instrument of that kind, but to that of a flute of many barrels, commonly called a copper whistle. The mistresses, who themselves have been educated in the house, and are well acquainted with its customs, either play the flute, or dance with the young girls: the house is well directed, and contentment and health reign through it.

IMPORTANCE OF DOING QUICKLY. The benevolent Dr. Wilson once discovered a clergyman at Bath, who he was informed was sick, poor, and had a numerous family. In the evening he gave a friend fifty pounds, requesting he would deliver it in the most delicate manner, and as from an unknown person. The friend replied, "I will wait upon him early in the morning." "You will oblige me by calling directly. Think, sir, of what importance a good night's rest may be to that poor man.'

PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER.

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The serious inconveniences attached both to Falmouth and Torbay as affording no secure anchorage for large fleets, have long shown the necessity of converting Plymouth into a safe harbour, and government having at length resolved that something should be done, to accomplish so desirable an object, various plans were proposed and discussed; the result of which has been the proposal of Mr. Whidby, who accompanied Captain Vancouver in his voyage round the world, to construct the great work which is now so far advanced to its conclusion, and has already fully justified the expectations formed of its utility, by the safety which very many vessels have already derived from it. According to the plan, as originally laid down by Mr. Whidby and Mr. Rennie, the length of the work was to be 1,700 yards, or nearly a mile, extending across the middle of the Sound, from east to west, and leaving an entrance at each end; the centre part to be 1,000 yards in a straight line, and 350 yards at each end to bend towards the north, at an angle of

1049 with the centre part. The breadth of the bottom not to be less than about 250 feet, where the water was 30 feet deep, and 10 yards towards the summit at the height of 10 feet above low water or 40 feet from the bottom. The work to be commenced at the centre. This plan has been strictly adhered to; except that the dimensions are rather greater than those stated. At this time, the foundation of the whole fabric is laid to the extent of nearly a mile; the width at the base is 400 feet, and gradually diminishes to 48 feet, a little above high-water-mark; having a smooth walk or pathway, full six feet wide from end to end. This causeway, is composed of very large blocks of stone, many of them upwards of 10 tons weight each, and towards the middle of the Breakwater, a small jetty is carried out on both sides for the purpose of enabling boats to land in any weather.

About 1,000 yards are thus completed, and two million tons of stone have been already used. The stones now employed weigh upon an average from 5 to 10 tons; none of smaller dimensions being applicable. This stone is Devonshire marble, very hard and compact, with spots or small veins of black, white, and red, susceptible of a fine polish, and well adapted for chimney-pieces, and other ornamental works. The quarry is situated up Catwater, near the mouth of the Plym. The rock, at the water's edge, is 25 feet high, and it rises to about 75 feet on the highest part; for which government gave ten thousand pounds to the Duke of Bedford for an extent of 20 to 25 acres, of which 8 acres have been cut away and thus employed. The various contrivances for obtaining those enormous masses by blowing up the rock, for conveying them to the waterside, and on board the vessel which carries them to the Breakwater, as well as for placing them in their proper position, reflect the highest credit on the skill of the engineers, and give the attentive observer a striking example of the wonders that may be effected by the aid of machinery. Besides the construction of the Breakwater, it has also been deemed advisable to remove several rocks at the bottom of the sea, which might injure vessels that happened to anchor over them at high water. But, many of these being 36 feet below the sur face, it has been necessary to employ the diving-bell. That now employed is 6 feet long, 5 wide, and 7 high; composed of strong wrought iron, with shelves inside for the workmen's tools, &c. Two men generally go down together, the machine being lowered over the rock intended to be levelled. They use hammers and picks to break the rock, and put the fragments into canvas bags. The men remain two hours below water, when they are relieved by two others. They receive two shillings daily wages, and

eighteen-pence for every turn that they are below water. Some of the rocks at the bottom of the Sound have thus been lowered 9 feet, and made level with the surrounding ground.

Another work of great utility in progress in the neighbourhood of Plymouth is a jetty or pier constructing in Bovesand Bay, for the purpose of watering ships of war without taking out their casks. The ships are to be brought alongside the pier, and to receive their water by means of pipes from a fine spring; the casks having been sent on board empty are filled by means of a hose; which arrangement will save much time, trouble, and expense; as in time of war, when a fleet came for fresh water and no time was to be lost, the expense of getting it on board in the usual way has, on many occasions amounted to one guinea per gallon.

ECONOMICAL CHARITY IN HUMBLE

LIFE.

Let not any individual say, "I am of no use in the world! I have no power to do any good!" for, as one of our poets says,

"Circles are praised, not that abound In greatness; but th' exactly round: Such praise they merit, who excel Not in high state, but doing well." At Hoffwyl, in Switzerland, lives a poor woman, who has devoted herself to the education and support of destitute orphan children depending on the charity of the compassionate, which is her only resource. She maintains eight; five boys, and three girls. The whole cost of her establishment, including herself, is less than thirty francs (say five and twenty shillings) per month; of which her lodgings costs four francs. The expense therefore for each individual, is scarcely three halfpence per day; yet the children are in good health, remarkably lively, fresh-coloured, and well-behaved. They are comfortably clad, and very obedient. She makes the elder teach the younger; and, no doubt, she makes them serve themselves and the younger also; which of necessity imposes a habit of diligence. The name of this exemplary personage is the widow Rumph; she is seventy years of age; she has been the mother of fifteen children, and has been the fostermother to thirty-two others.

THE EMPEROR ALEXANDER OF RUSSIA. A young woman of German extraction, waited for the Emperor Alexander on the stair-case by which he was accustomed to go down to the Parade. When the emperor appeared, she said, "Please your Majesty, I have something to say to you." "What is it?" demanded the monarch, and remained standing, with all his attendants. "I wish to be married, but I have no fortune; if you would but graciously give me a dowry"-" Ah, my girl," replied the emperor, "were I to give dowries to all the young women in Petersburgh, where do you think I should find the money?" The

girl, however, by his order, received a present of fifty roubles.

On another occasion, at the very moment when the emperor had given the word of command, and the guard on the parade was just on the point of paying him the usual military honours, a fellow approached him in ragged garments, with his hair in disorder, and a look of wildness, and gave him a slap on the shoulder. The monarch, who was standing at the time with his face to the military front, turned round instantly, and beholding the wretched object before him, started back at the sight; and then enquired with a look of astonishment what he wanted? "I have something to say to you, Alexander Paulowitz," said the stranger, in the Russian language. "Say on then," said the emperor, with a smile of encouragement, clapping him on the shoulder. A long solemn pause followed; the military guard stood still; and none ventured, either by word or motion, to disturb the emperor in this singular interview. The Grand Duke Constantine alone, whose attention had been excited by this unusual stoppage, advanced somewhat nearer to his brother. The stranger then related, that he had been a captain in the Russian service, and had been present at the campaigns both in Italy and Switzerland; but that he had been persecuted by his commanding officer, and so misrepresented to Suwarrow, that the latter had turned him out of the army. Without money and without friends, in a foreign country, he had afterwards served as a private soldier in the Russian army; and being severely wounded at Zurich, (and here he pulled his rags asunder, and shewed several gun-shot wounds) he had closed his campaign in a French prison. He had now begged all the way to Petersburgh, to apply to the emperor himself for justice, and to entreat an enquiry into the reason why he had been degraded from his rank in the army. The emperor listened with great patience, and then asked, in a significant tone, "If there was no exaggeration in the story he had told?" "Let me die under the knout," said the officer, "If I shall be found to have uttered one word of falsehood." The emperor then beckoned to his brother, and charged him to conduct the stranger to the palace, while he turned round to the exwho had behaved so harshly, though of a pecting crowd. The commanding officer good family, and a prince in rank, was very severely reprimanded; while the brave warrior whom he had unjustly persecuted was reinstated in his former post; and besides, had a considerable present from the emperor.

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