Sea impracticable during the whole winter, which circumstance is very remarkable, considering that Kerteh is not much above sixty miles distant from Caffa. Sebastopolis, and the other ports and roadsteads of the Crimea, are never frozen. The French government had established agents at Cherson, for the supplying Toulon with masts and naval stores, in which, after some difficulties, they succeeded; but at the moment this business was firmly established, the disorders of the revolution, and the war that followed, put a stop to it. They also exported from Cherson a considerable quantity of corn. The return of the French commerce is anxiously looked for by all people, and particularly by the great proprietors. The disadvantage of Cherson is, that there is only five to six feet water in the deepest channel of the Dnieper, near the disgorging of all the branches into the Liman. This bar is, however, not very broad, and to deepen it would cost about 40,000l. sterling, according to the Dutch engineers calculation. Ships of war built here are put into camels (as in Holland) to cross the bar. The corn trade is the only trade of Odessa, except its own consumption. As much corn might be exported from the Dnieper and Caffa as would supply almost all Europe. Great losses have occurred to merchants, who have sent ships with funds to load corn, by not having first sent orders to have the cargo prepared. No corn or other merchandize is to be purchased in the ports of Russia, (even little at St. Petersburgh or Riga) it must be procured in the interior, and brought to the ports, for which some months are necessary. Commissions for corn should be given three months before the vessel to load it arrives. The forests which contain the best masts are situated on the Bransk river, which falls into the Dnieper. There are other forests in various parts, and near Mohilof. The principal value of a mast is acquired by its carriage. Those which grow at too great a distance from the rivers are of no value. They are cut in the winter, and brought to the water side. After selecting ten trees, three of them, on an average, prove good, after stripping them of the bark and sap, and testing them with a kind of cleaver. They cost on the spot about five roubles each, standing. They are in going to Riga, a year and a half, and sometimes two years. Masts, timber, &c. are not to be purchased at Cherson (or any other port in Russia), but what has been rejected by the admiralty or the Riga braakers on the Dnieper, and sent down the river for sale. There is very little good oak in Russia. It requires great attention in examining the The Crimea oxen are a small race, but those of the Cuban, not 100 miles from Cafia, are a fine large breed, and become very fat early enough to kill in the cool weather of the spring as well as autumn, except in some very late seasons. On the Don and Volga, are also vast herds of cattle, which are driven to distant markets. Beginning at Bachmut, Poltava, Elizabeth, and proceeding into Poland and Germany, they feed as they go on the rich plains. The sudden filling of the sea of Asoph with sand, since these last twenty years, is matter of surprise. It is said that there were many deep holes and places, which being filled up, the sand and mud spreads over the whole surface of the sea. Thirty years ago vessels drawing twelve feet water loaded at Taganrok; at present they load twenty miles from it. In a very few years the canals which join the different rivers will be accomplished. There will then be water carriage from the Black Sea to the Baltic, to the Caspian, to Siberia, and to every province in the empire. Excellent mines of coal have been discover ed near Taganrok, and in other places. EXTRACTS from the REPORT from the Committee of Correspondence to the Court of Directors of the East India Company; on the Formation of an Establishment at home for the Education of young Men intended for the Civil Service of the Company in India. On the expediency of an institution, already pointed out by the general sense of men connected by their relations or experience with Indian affairs, and reconamended by the most obvious views of utility, it cannot be necessary to enlarge. As the company's civil servants are to be employed in all the different branches of the administration of extended dominions, it will be readily admitted, that, as far as may consist with an early entrance upon the duties of active life (also very necessary in their case), they should receive an education, comprehending not only the usual course of classical learning, but the elements of such other parts of knowledge, as may be more peculiarly applicable to the stations they have to fill. They are to leave their native country at an early age, to pass many years of life among a people every way dissimilar to. their own; their sphere of action is placed at a remote distance from the parent state; they are to manage interests of the highest value to that state; and our vast acquisitions there, with the continually increasing number of Europeans in those territories, teud, to strengthen their attachment to that quarter. Although the law has permitted that youth be sent to India when they have completed their fifteenth year, there is the strongest reason to apprehend that age to be too early.And in point of fact, the civil servants in general are not sent out at the early age of fifteen; the average of ages, perhaps, would approach nearer to eighteen, and that seems to be a very proper period. In India so much of all the business, public and private, is carried on in writing, (a circumstance of vast importance to the due superintendance at home of the affairs of our empire there), that the art of composition ought to be carefully studied in early life, by every person who is to act on that scene. A good acquaintance with arithmetic and mathematics will also be indispensible. In almost every situation in which a man can be placed in India, a ready use of figures will be found of greater value, than those who may be apt to regard this as merely a vulgar attainment would suppose. Mercantile accounts are not here particularly intended, though such a notion of them as is to be acquired from theory would be useful to the general scholar, and young men designed for the commercial line of the service might derive advantage from an insight into the business of a counting-house; but it would be far more naterial to them to be instructed in the general principles of commerce. The pupils of every description should not only be rendered expert in all the common rules of arithmetic, integral and fractional, but led up higher to the knowledge of the principles on which those rules depend. Algebra, and the easier parts at least of the mathematics, will be extremely proper. Some knowledge of the science of mathematics now enters into every good plan of education, not only because of its very general use and application, in investigating the principles, and improving the practice of so many arts and sciences, but because it is fitted to strengthen and improve the reasoning faculty. In both these views, particularly the last, it is so important, that no question can be made of the propriety of including it in the scheme of instruction now under consideration. The elements of general law, of the law of England, and of the British constitution, of politics, finance and commerce, should, according to the view already given of the nature of the company's service, form a special part of the learning of those who are to be employed in it. The elements of one or two eastern languages, of general use in British India, might be acquired. It has often been the wish, both of parents and their sons looking to the service, to find instructors in that way; but it is a sort of reproach to the country, that notwithstanding our vast connection with the East, no pains have been taken to make any provision at home for this kind of learning. There are not wanting gentlemen, capable of communicating it; but having passed through the company's service, they will not place themselves on the footing of private teachers of languages. The consequence is, that in course of time their knowledge dies with them; and notwithstanding the return of many oriental scholars to their native soil, no store is formed at home of learning, properly oriental, the communications made through the medium of English translations adding little to the knowledge of the oriental tongues. Political reasons might be assigned, why there ought to be seminaries at home for promoting the study of the most general and distinguished of the languages spoken in our eastern territories, and in other parts of Asia. French, who, whatever their principles or aims may be, certainly shew policy in the pursuit of them, set a high value on institutions of this kind. Their present government affords distinguished encouragement to the study of oriental literature: it is pursued with ardour; and Paris so much abounds in proficients in Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and even Shanscrit, that a gentleman detained there, an Eastern scholar of our own, and from that character admitted into free society with their Savans, has written, that he conversed among them more frequently in Persian than in French, and that he daily witnessed among them conversations in Persian, Arabic, and Turkish. One consequence of this is, that the French have always a supply of persons, who add to the other qualifications The for diplomatic employments, a knowledge of eastern languages, which enables them to carry on the most important negociations at Asiatic courts, without the intervention of an interpreter; whilst we are so destitute of knowledge of this kind, that our metropolis, though the greatest in Europe, is said not to contain one Englishman capable of carrying on a conversation, much less a correspondence, in Arabic or Turkish, and the Mameluke Chief, who was lately here, sought in vain for an assistant to write his letters to the other Chiefs; setting aside, however, considerations directly political, relating to that people or to us, it seems inexpedient that, whilst France flourishes in oriental learning, Britain should possess little productive stock of that kind within itself; and though rich in it abroad, where its riches are more exposed, continue still poor at home. Under the heads of morality and religion, a set of lectures on each of these most impor after giving fair allowance to the masters, be found equal to the whole annual expenditure; and the company, at very little cost, will have rendered an important service to their own interests, to the community at home, and to India. October, 1804. In consequence of the foregoing Report, the Court of Directors have established at Hertford a College, of which the following are the regulations: View of the Establishment of the Honourable EastIndia Company at Hertford, for the Education of young Persons appointed to the Civil Service in India. The object of this establishment is, to provide a supply of persons duly qualified to discharge the various and important duties required from the civil servants of the Company, in administering the government of India. Within the last thirty or forty years, a great change has taken place in the state of the Com empire has been followed by a great increase of description, who, before, had acted in the capacity power and authority; and persons of the same of factors and merchants, are now called upon to administer, throughout their respective districts, an extensive system of finance; and to fill the important offices of magistrates, ambassadors, and provincial governors. tant subjects, will enter with peculiar propri-pany's affairs in that country: the extension of ety into a system, which is to form young persons for the discharge of the higher functions of society, in regions unpossessed of the superior lights and knowledge we enjoy. The whole extent of time to be allotted to the students will require that these lectures should be contained within moderate limits, and aim at explaining with a clear conciseness, the principles, obligations, value, and sanctions of religion and morals, elucidating, with particular attention, the evidences of Christianity. Some acquaintance with natural and experimental philosophy may be obtained, with so little sacrifice of time and attention, and would be so desirable for persons destined to act a considerable part in life, who, if they do not acquire it before they leave their own country, are not likely to acquire it at all, that it may very well be recommended And there are a few other things of a subordinate nature, which, if they have not been learned elsewhere, the pupils should have an opportunity of attaining, namely, the French language, geography, and perhaps drawing, where a genius for it appears. But these may be made occasional studies, compatible with the course prescribed for the greater objects of the establishment. The private reading of the pupils should be partly directed to a proper selection of books on Asiatic subjects, particularly histories, and accounts of the character, manners, and literature, of the eastern people. Part of the vacations might be usefully employed in viewing the great public works in England, docks, arsenals, manufactures, and the like, of which else they will know nothing but by report before a late period e life. The whole annual income, when the number of pupils shall amount to eighty, will, As this extension of dominion in India hath been gradual, the wants thence arising have not hitherto been provided for in any way fitted to supply them: for though the private and solitary studies of individuals have enabled them to discharge, with ability and honour, the duties devolved upon them; yet the growing exigencies of territories so enlarged have loudly called for an establishment at home, which, upon a wise and well-adapted system, might provide and prepare, in the most direct manner, a succession of civil servants, for their destined functions. The necessity of such an establishment, so generally felt in England, induced the Company to expect that some institution would have arisen, immediately applicable to the supply of their wants. But all hopes from other quarters having been disappointed, they judged it to be a duty incumbent upon themselves to devise and to institute a plan, that might not only fill up the time of those young persons designed for the civil service of India with general advantage; but should also afford the best means of qualifying them to discharge the duties of their stations there; and to send them thither early enough to engage in all the concerns of active life. This plan consists of a college for the reception of students at the age of fifteen, to remain till they are eighteen; or till they are sent by the Court of Directors to their respective destinations. The students will be instructed, by courses of lectures, upon a plan similar to that adopted in the Universities. After having thus provided for the acquisition of learning in general, it is further intended fo furnish them with the means of instruction in the Elements of Oriental Literature. For this purpose they will not only be taught the Rudiments of the Asiatic Languages, more especially the Arabic and Persian; but be made acquainted with the history, customs, and manners of the different nations of the East: and as the study of law and political economy is to form an essential part in the general system of education, it will be required that, in the lectures upon these subjects, particular attention be given to the explanation of the political and commercial relations subsisting between India and Great Britain. Among the variety of studies which may be pursued with peculiar advantage in this country, it is not to be expected that any very great portion of their time can be allotted to the acquiring a knowledge of the several languages of the East; but it is presumed that the main object of the institution will be attained, if the students be well grounded in the rudiments of the two languages already specified; and that, on their leaving the college, such instructions be given them as may enable them to prosecute their oriental studies during their passage to India. The College is to be under the direction and authority of a principal and several professors, according to the following arrangement. The Rev. SAMUEL HENLEY, D.D. Principal. Professors of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy: Rev. B. Bridge, A.M. Rev. W. Dealtry, A. M. Professors of Humanity and Philology: Rev. E. Lewton, A.M.-J. H. Batten, Esq. A.M. Professor of History and Political Economy: Rev. T. R. Malthus, A. M. Professor of General Polity and the Laws of England: Edward Christian, Esq. A. M. Professor of Oriental Literature: The following are attached to the College, viz. Besides the general superintendance of the College, it will be the office of the Principal more especially to watch over the moral and religious conduct of the students; to instruct them in the principles of Ethics and Natural Theology; and in the evidences, doctrines, and duties of Revealed Religion Whist in this respect he is considered as discharging the duty of a Professor in Divinity, so, in the ordinary exercise of his clerical function, he will be required, in conjunction with such Professors as are in holy orders, to preach in the College Chapel, and, at the stated seasons, to perform the solemn rites of the established Church. The LECTURES of the Professors may be arranged under four distinct heads, in the tollowing manner: 1. Oriental Literature. 1. Practical Instruction in the Rudiments of the Oriental Languages, more especially the Arabic and Persian. 2. A Course of Lectures to illus trate the History, Customs, and Manners of the People of India. 2. Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. 1. A Course of Practical Instruction, in the Elements of Euclid, Algebra, and Trigonometry; on the most useful properties of the Conic Sections, the nature of Logarithms, and the principles of Fluxions.2. A Course of Lectures on the four branches of Natural Philosophy; Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Optics, and Astronomy; illustrated by occasional experiments: and, if it should be thought necessary or proper, the Principia of Sir Isaac Newton will form a part of this course. It is here of importance to observe, that the more abstruse parts of pure mathematics will be utterly excluded from these lectures, as altogether inconsistent with the object of the institution. The mathematical lectures will be made entirely subservient to the purposes of natural philosophy. The lectures in natura! philosophy will have for their scope and end, the arts and objects of common life and to render this department of these lectures more extensively useful, as soon as a proper collection of specimens shall be procured, it is intended to give the students some elementary instructions in chemistry, mineralogy, and natural history. 3. Classical and General Literature. 1. A course of lectures to explain the Ancient Writers of Rome and Greece, more particularly the Historians and Orators.-2. A course of leetures on the Arts of Reasoning and Composition; and on such other subjects as are generally understood by the "Belles Lettres." These lectures will be altogether plain and practical. Peculiar care will be taken to make the students' well acquainted with the English language, and with the merits of its most approved writers. They will be exercised also in every species of composition appropriate to their future occupations. 4. Law, History, and Political Economy. 1. A course of lectures on general History, and on the History and Statistics of the Modern Nations of Europe.-2. A course of lectures on Political Economy.-3. A course of lectures on general Polity, on the Laws of England, and Principles of the British Constitution. The college year is to be divided into two terms, each consisting of twenty weeks. In the last week of the second term of each year, public examinations of all the students will be holden by the professors in the different departments of lite rature and science, as arranged in the preceding section, under the superintendance of the principal. 1. 2. 3. 4. In Oriental Literature. In Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. In Law, History, and Political Economy. At the conclusion of the examinations, the principal and professors will, at a general meeting appointed for the purpose, arrange the students in four separate lists, according to their respective merits in these departments. A copy of these lists will be transmitted by the principal to the Honourable Court of Directors, for insertion in the Public Records of the Company. On this occasion, the Honourable the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, College Committee, and such other of the Directors as may think proper, will attend, tọ distribute among the most deserving students in the several classes, such prizes and medals as may be agreed upon with the principal by the College Committee. Having thus pointed out what provision has been made for the literary and intellectual improvement of the students, it remains to add some observations on the moral and religious dis cipline of the College. Concerning this important subject a code of regulations has already been presented to the Honourable Court of Directors, subject to such improvements and corrections as time and experience may hercatter suggest. But as the efficacy of these regulations will entirely depend upon the actual exertions of those professors who, in subordination to the principal, are more immediately concerned in the discipline of the College, it may be proper to mention, that the persons selected for this purpose have, for many years, filled situations of trust and authority in the two Universities: and they have undertaken to carry into effect these regulations, under the strongest impressions of the importance of the charge committed to them. The compensation to be male to the Company by the students of the College at the commencement of each term, is fifty guineas; for which they will be supplied with every requisite accommodation during that term, a few articles excepted of private convenience. The utmost attention will be given, in every instance, to the economy of the institution, consistent with the comfort of its members. All extravagance among the students will be discouraged: and, on this accunt, it is much to be desired that their pecuniary allowances may be moderate; as a misjudged liberality in this respect might be highly injurious. The first opening of the College to receive students having been fixed for the 3d of February, 1506, the collegiate year is considered as thence commencing. The former term will end on the 19th of June, and the latter will begin on the 1st of August. In future years, the 2d of February and the 1st of August will begin, and the 19th of June and the 21st of December terminate, the two respective terms. The foregoing plan, it is presumed, is founded upon the soundest principles of wisdom and judgment; and may be eventually expected to produce the happiest effects upon the concerns of the Company in the East. The education of those destined to fill the important offices of magistrates, ambassadors, provincial governors, and other high situations, should certainly be founded on the firm basis of learning and science; on a knowledge of the principles of ethics and civil jurisprudence; of general history, and the laws of nations. To this should be added, a more particular acquaintance with the anguage, history, and manners of those nations among whom they are to exercise their respective functions. The cu tivation and improvement of their intellectual powers should be accompanied with such a course of moral discipline as may tend to excite and confirm in them habits of application, prudence, in tegrity, and justice. and to render this system of education fully efficient, it is essential that it be inculcated and enforced under the sanction and influence of the Chrishan religion. An institu tion conducted upon these principles may reasonably be expected, under the favour of Providence, to be productive of a benign and enlightened po licy toward the native subjects of British India, to improve their moral condition, and. to diffuse the happy influences of Christianity throughout the Eastern world. Terms of Admission for Students. To pay one hundred guineas per annum, a moiety whereof to be paid at the commencement of each term, there being two in the year, besides the expense of books and stationary. Students to provide themselves with a tablespoon, tea-spoon, knite and fork, half a dozen towels, and some other small articles, to be mentioned to them at the time of their admission into the College. Candidates for admission into the College are expected to be well grounded in arithmetic, and qualified to be examined in asar and Virgil, the Greek Testament, and Xenophon. Time for examination and admission to be the week preceding each vacation, viz. Christmas and, Midsummer. Ten guineas to be paid on leaving the College by each student, for the use of the philosophical apparatus, and library, which sum will be applied for the augmentation of both. No student admitted under fifteen yearsof age. N. B. The Students to wear academical habits. THE COLLEGE-SCHOOL AT HERTFORD, Besides the College above described, the Company patronize a School subordinate to it, and under the superintendance of the Principal, into which boys may be admitted at an early age, and in which they will be taught the elements of general learning, and such other accomplishments as are the usual objects of instruction in the larger seminaries of this country. Especial attention will be paid also to such parts of education as may serve to qualify them for public business, and for the higher departments of commercird life. Though this School be des gned as introductory to the College, it is not to be understood that the Company is pledged to make it the sole channel of an appointment to the College itself; but it is nevertheless proper to observe, that those who shall have passed through both institutions wil enjoy the advantage of an uniform system of education, begun in early youth, and continued to their departure for the duties of their public sta:ions. Notwithstanding that an intimate connection is intended to subsist between the College and the School, it is nevertheless to be understood, that, whilst the College is exclusively appropriated to persons designed for the civil service of the Company abroad, the School will be open to the public at large. The Rev. M. H. Luscombe, A.M. of the University of Cambridge, is appointed Head Master of the School; to whom the annual sum of seventy guineas is to be paid for each pupi; which, without any additional charge, will include, besides the usual course of classical instruction, the French language, writing, arithmetic, mathematics, drawing, and dancing. Further information on various interesting subjeets relating to the India Company's service may be obtained from the East-India Register, compiled by Messrs. Mathison and Mason. |