auxiliary which Buonaparté converts, rather perverts, with much greater address, and very superior management, to accomplish his schemes. We do not indeed advise that every detachment of our army should carry with it a printing press to announce its own victories, as several French armies did; but surely there is a medium between vain glorious boasting and supine indifference. If such be our conviction, we cannot but be pleased with every endeavour to engage the press in the service of our country, and among other instances, we are gratified by the intention of the present compilation, which is addressed immediately to the hearts of our seamen, and presents them with official reports of those incomparable actions, to the truth of which many thousands of them can testify. Not one in fifty of our sailors, says the worthy editor, has the means of reading these public papers; yet it must be acknowledged, that the sentiments entertained by our compatriots, respecting | our public deportment, are extremely likely to affect our future conduct. The same sentiments, as to honour and renown, which animate the breast of the officer, are felt in their full vigour by our soldiers and sailors: and if it were possible, that the guilt of cowardice could be proved on an individual, the reception he would meet with among his mates, must be worse to him than a thousand deaths. It follows, that this sensibility of spirit should be cherished, and directed to the most beneficial purposes, on behalf of the nation; with which, at the present moment, the idea will connect itself, of the support of humanity, and of general liberty. It is proper that the crews of our men of war should know what their country says of them, and not be left to the slightest suspicion that they are serving ungrateful compatriots. It is proper, also, that they should be informed of the exploits of others; partly, to excite emulation in those who have not yet distinguished themselves; partly that each may congratulate others on their respective successes, and thereby augment each others felicity; and, we may be allowed to add, that none may plume themselves too much on their good fortune, since they may see in others no less valour or skill, or determinate perseverance in duty than in themselves. If moralists are right in their opinion that it is more difficult to bear prosperity with moderation than to bear adversity, our hint will not be thought misplaced, and the same proposition will add peculiar propriety to the religious advice in the address which opens the work before us. It is too common to think of religion only under suffering: strange infatuation! for when the body is in pain, and the mind sympathizing with it, distracted by solicitude, or anguish, anxiously seeking relief, and adverting to every appearance, or probability, for or against ;-how can a sett of ideas totally new be engrafted on the reasonable principle of man? That religion can soothe and comfort, is true: but this is a degradingly partial view of religion. Her power extends to controul and conduct and be it remembered, that the person who amidst the flow of animal spirits, the exuberance of health, or the intoxication of success, is calmed, moderated, guided, and finds in religion a sedative, gives no less proof of her power on his mind, than the wretch who under torture of body experiences the consolating influence of the same heavenly principle. We perfectly agree, therefore, with the language of the worthy editor: 66 Be not ashamed, my countrymen, of shewing that you thus fear God; and be it ever your boast to acknowledge that "the victory was not obtained by your own sword, nel"ther was it your own arm that saved you.” If there be any one man to whom religion is more necessary at all times than it is to another, a sailor is that man. His life is always in God's hands; always liable to be taken from him by ways to which landsmen are not exposed; therefore should he not forget God. True religion never appears to more advantage than in that character; the fear of God is, in his case, peculiarly attractive, and of peculiar use; because, he who fears God, as he ought to do, will never fear the face of man. True courage, therefore, is ever founded in true religion. If Christian warriors do not feel these sentiments, and act up to them, a heathen commander shall rise up in the day of judgment, and condemn them; for he declares that a soldier, who first serves God, and "then obeys his captain, may confidently "hope to overcome his enemy." *" There fore, listen to this illustrious heathen, and then turn to the more sure word of Divine Revelation, and learn from thence, "when your hosts forth against the enemy, to keep yourselves from every wicked thing.t" go If those who are the constant objects of his power, and of his goodness, are not always ready to exclaim from the bottom of their hearts, and in the sincerity of their souls. "O, that men would therefore praise the "Lord for his goodness, aud declare the "wonders that he doeth for the children of "ment;" where, shall we find religious gratitude upon earth? : This address also commemorates the names of Howe, Duncan, Collingwood, Strachan, and others and repeats several of their sentiments with energy and effect. In particular, as might be expected, it venerates the memory of Nelson; and as every instance of piety in that great man is peculiarly interesting, we extract. with pleasure, a communication for which the editor is indebted to the condescension of the Earl of Nelson. It is an entry in that Hero's diary, October 21, 1805 :— that memorable day! "At the day light saw the enemy's com"bined fleet from E. to E. S. E.-bore away "-made the signal for order of sailing, and "to prepare for battle, the enemy with their "heads to the southward-at seven the enemy wearing in succession. May the great God, whom I worship, grant to my Country, and to the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious "Victory!-and may no misconduct in any "one tarnish it! and may Humanity, "after Victory, be the predominant feature "in the character of the British Fleet! "For myself, individually, I commit my "life to Him who made me, and may His blessings light upon my endeavours for "serving my King and my Country faith fully! To him I resign myself, and the I just cause which is entrusted to me to "defend. Amen, Amen, Amen!" The contents of this work are, the Gazette accounts of Lord Howe's victory, June 1, 1794, with the order of battle, &c. number of guns, and men, &c. Adiniral Cornwallis's retreat, June, 19, 1795. Lord Bridport's action, June 23. Lord St. Vincent's February 16, 1797. Lord Duncan's, October 13. Lord Nelson's at the Nile, August 2, 1798. Sir Sidney Smith's discomfiture of Buona Psalm cvii. v. 23, 24, 25, 29, 31. parté at Acre, March and May, 1799. Lord Nelson's off Copenhagen, April 3, 1801. Sir J. Saumarez's, July 13. Lord Nelson's off Trafalgar, October 21, 1805. Admiral Strachan's Nov. 4. Admiral Duckworth's at St Domingo, February 7, 1806. It concludes with an account of the public funeral of Lord Nelson. This compilation was printed with the intention of distributing 50,000 copies among our seamen. The idea is excellent such books, with others of devotion, and circumspect cheerfulness, are truly patriotic donations. Substance of the Debates on the Revolu tion for the Abolition of the Slave Trade; which was moved in the House of Commons, June 10, 1806, and in the House of Lords, June 24, 1806, With an appendix containing notes and illustrations. Crown 8vo. pp. 216. Price 1s. 6d. Phillips and Fardon. London, 1806. This little volume contains, as it professes to do, the substance of the debates on a question in which humanity has been, and continues to be, peculiarly interested. We are aware that the book is published by friends to the abolition; yet we believe it is not chargeable with partiality to the arguments of its patrons, or injustice to those of its oppo nents. : mc As we consider the question of the existence of the Slave Trade as disposed of, and likely to give little further trouble, if any, we shall not enlarge on the subject but merely state that the tion made by the Rt. Hon. C. J. Fox, was, "That this House, considering the African Slave Trade to be contrary to the principles of justice, humanity, and sound policy, will, with all practicable expedition, take effectual measures for the abolition of the said trade, in such manner, and at such a period, as may be deemed adviseable." This resolution was carried: Ayes 114, Noes 15-Majority 99. In the House of Lords, the agreement of the House to the Resolution of the Commons, was moved by Lord Grenville. The resolution was carried: Contents 41, Not Contents 20-Majority 21. The notes and illustrations are instances of cruelty, &c. practiced in this trade. 2 A An Inquiry into the requisite Cultivation, and present State of the Arts of Design in England. By Prince Hoare. Demy 12mo. pp. 293. Price 7s. boards, Phillips, London, 1806. : IT is well for the public and for science itself that pretensions of profesional men are subject to revision by an unbiassed judicature, which, instead of granting without exception what the votaries of art solicit, calmly considers, noradmits with. out deliberation, those demands which every artist makes in favour of his occupation. When any art or science whatever is in question, the professor who does not over value it, stands little chance of rising to eminence that same enthusiasm which prompts him to this, is necessary to urge his course in despite of a thousand difficulties, to support him against mortifications and failures without number, under which less ardent and determined minds would sink. The critic who judges for the public must place himself, as nearly as his imagination can effect, in the situation of that public; must silence the prejudices of education or of habit, must subdue every partiality however powerful, and must consider, equitably, the claims of every art, science, profession, or employment, that he may do justice to all, by not allowing undue preponderance to any. But it is not always that the critic, notwithstanding his sense of duty, and endeavours to discharge his office with equity, can divest himself of those recollections which occupy his memory: a sense of former gratifications will influence his present feelings, and what was a source of delight to him in former times will revive again and again on his mind, and bias his sensibility, even in spite of himself. We acknowledge our predilection for the polite arts, which form the subject of the work before us: they have yielded us so many pleasures, and we recollect our enjoyments derived from them with so much zest, that we find the review of this book rather a dangerous undertaking. We are in the condition of a fort assailed by an enemy, when part of the garrison has no great desire to defend the place to extremities and when the commander is aware that he cannot ensure entirely, against desertion. Under these circumstances let us see what Articles of Capitulation our adversary has sent in by his trum pet, for our consideration, and answer. Memorandum. Not to let him know the state of the garrison till the articles are sigued. ART. I. The fine arts are important to the fame of a nation. Agreed: but the inference of the happy state of social life in a country adorned by the dominion of the arts, as described by Thucydides, is no logical deduction. ART. II. The cultivation of publis taste has a favourable influence on the morals of a people. Agreed: when taste is cultivated in high degrees. But, as experience justifies the belief that for every one who rises to eminence, an hundred blockheads, at least, will rush into the profession, and these must live by their talents, such as they are, the chance is, that the attempt to cultivate the public taste may produce evils of no light effect on the morals of a people. ART. III. Public authority should patronize the arts. Agreed: and within the last thirty years the patronage of the arts by public authority in this kingdom, has been superior to whatever it had been at any period of our history. 2. ART. IV. Religion should call in the arts to her assistance.- Refused: because, 1. The arts have never yet shewn themselves worthy of being so honoured; having told many more lies than truths, whenever they have been so employed. Religion is conversant with mental not corporeal objects; with celestial not terrestial principles; with matters of faith not of sight: whereas, the arts are conversaut with corporeal objects solely, with terrestrial principles solely, with matters of sight solely and whenever they have attempted spiritual subjects they have blundered most confoundingly. N. B. Decent ornaments, or modest decorations not included in this refusal, ART. V. Manufactures should call in the arts to their assistance.- Agreed: the arts are capable of conferring essential benefits on manufactures of every kind: but on some kinds especially, and on those which require an application of the principles of elegance and taste, principally: these are now very numerous and very important to this nation. In fact, it is since the arts were requested to assist in these productions that British manufactures have risen in value, in a manner altogether unprecedented, and those of other nations have lost that exclusive preference which formerly they boasted. " ART. VI. The commemorative power of the arts should be called into exercise; and monuments erected to our great men. Agreed without reserve. But, referred to future discussion, whether this object would best be obtained by placing these performances in a gallery of Bri"tish honour," as Mr. H. proposes, or by decorating with them those of our public buildings which are most frequented. Our present opinion is that according to their subjects, some should meet us in the Bank, others in the Royal Exchairge, or the India House, others at the Navy Office, &c. Beside which, the British Institution is itself a gallery, for whatever is of a temporary nature; and would acquire popularity by being made the place of exhibition for whatever was going abroad, previous to its departure. Is there a possibility of preventing any institution in Britain from losing its pristine vigour, and becoming a job? Mr. Hoare's principal effort in favour of the fine arts is contained in the former part of his volume, and his propositions are before the reader. We had rather wave the consideration of his concluding observations: The Royal Academy has not accomplished all which some expected from it: but the causes of this failure, we wish not to investigate. No present repinings can recall the dead. The Secretary for foreign affairs to this institution is in some degree retained in its fayour; yet he points out various defects in it, and should a disposition for amendment shew itself, would doubtless mention others. As to the capabilities of English artists to attain excellence, the very question, as implying doubt, is a libel on our country and not worthy of serious réfutation-it deserves only to be scouted. Every amateur of the fine arts will thankfully commend Mr. H. for the task he has executed, and for his handsome manner of executing it. Views of Picturesque Cottages, with Plans, selected from a Collection of Draw ings, taken in different parts of England, and intended as Hints for the Improvement of Village Scenery. By William Atkinson, Architect. Royal quarto. Plates 13, pp. 29. Price i. 1s. in poards, 1. 15s. coloured. London, Gardiner, 1905. "THOSE Gentlemen," says the au thor, "who expend so many thousands in improving the landscape of their parks, ought never to overlook the adjoining cottage, or to neglect the neighbouring village; for by introducing improvement 'in-" to these objects, they may add to their pleasure, by producing the most picturesque scenery; and at the same time, add to the comfort and happiness of their fellow creatures." This observation is perfectly true, and there is equal humanity and policy, in adopting it, and calling into exercise the principle on which it is founded. There is, however, some dexterity necessary in managing such undertakings. Many works have appeared on this subject, the examples proposed in which have been planned in the closet, by very ingenious men, but are not derived from actual observation, or from intimate acquaintance with the most satisfactory models of the class of edifices' in question. We are very far from disapproving of such mental conceptions: but, we think the author before us has rendered an essential service to this department of architecture, by directing attention to cottages already built; from among which might be selected those combining the greatest number of conveniencies, at the smallest expense of erection. A happy position of the chimney, of the windows, and of the entrance door, has often rendered one' cottage more comfortable than its neighbours; while many a dwelling is justly described as cold and barely habitable, merely for want of such fortunate adjustments to the locality of its situation : when, possibly, a mere reversion of the plan on which it is built would have prevented all cause of complaint. This idea may be pursued still further : as, to the best dimensions, and forms, for the various parts of a cottage; the door, windows, fire place, &c. parts which do not correspond implicitly with any presupposed regulations, but might be inferred from the results of general inquiries. Different aspects, and elevationsrequire different management; e. gr. the top of a hill, the side of a hill, the level plain, the valley, &c. In our opinion internal convenience is perfectly reconcilable with picturesque effect; and that architect deserves best of his country who most intimately unites 2A2 these principles; indeed, the duty of this anion should always be felt by the builder for the poor. The work before us, does not fully meet our ideas on this subject: the thought is better than the execution: but the same artist who has suggested the thought, though he has, in this instance, had the notion of picturesque effect somewhat too strongly in his mind, may, on a future occasion, adopt the hints we have dropped, and meet our unqualified approbation. The work presents, in the first place, a slight dissertation, on the situation, outline, effect of light and shade, character, &c. of a cottage: the materials of which cottages are composed, their tone of colour, &c. so far as the eye is concerned. The plates comprise twelve views," and ten plans. The last contains four windows, at large. They are executed in aqna tinta: but are deficient in spirit. Etchings, representing Fragments of Antique Grecian and Roman Architectural Ornaments; chiefly collected in Italy, before the Revolution in that Country, and Drawn from the Originals. By Charles Heathcote Tatham, Architect. Imperial folio. Plates 24, price £15s. Gardiner, London, 1806. In the year 1803, Mr. Tatham published a considerable work, price £4 4s. intended, as his preface informs us, to "present the public with an accurate delineation of some of the best specimens of ancient ornamental architecture, which till of late were preserved in Rome, and other parts of Italy." This appeared peculiarly necessary to our artist, as the originals are now dispersed over the continent; and students may hereafter find it difficult, if not impossible, to inspect them. The object of this publication is the same as that of the former-" to furnish the artist with approved models, on which he may exercise his genius." To speak our minds freely on these fragments, we must confess that many of them do not appear to us to be models of the beautiful: what effect they might have in composition with others, and in their perfect state, we cannot pretend to determine; but, as fragments, had they come to us unpublished, we should have left them published still. Not that this opinion applies to every example in the collection some are pretty enough, yet not superior to those communicated in Mr. T.'s first work. We think, too, that a more correct and spirited point in the execution of the plates, would have done them more justice, than they have now received. The last plate represents the grand vase of Parian marble, at Woburn Abbey. Designs for Ornamental Plate, many of which have been executed in Silver, from Original Drawings. By Charles Heathcote Tatham, Architect. Imperial folio, plates 40. Price £1 11s. 6d. Gardiner, London, 1806. WE approve very highly of Mr. Tatham's direction of his talents to this branch of art, let who will "consider it as foreign to his present more important engagements." Merit does not lose its character by attention to a line different from what has previously engaged it; on the contrary, the man who can not only plan and build a mansion, but compose the ornaments, and the furniture, intended to decorate it, combines a skill and science which are justly entitled to reiterated applause. Nevertheless, we hope and believe, that Mr. T. is too severe on the state of art among the silversmiths, when he says, "light and insignificant forms have prevailed, to the utter exclusion of all good ornament whatever." We are not concerned to vindicate the workmen in this branch; but we suppose, that light and elegant forms, as contra-distinguished. from "Massiveness," which Mr. T. recommends, may be as proper in some places, and on some occasions, as mas siveness itself, may be in other places and on other occasions. Whoever attempts to exclude any principle of ornament, from its due place, by substituting another, does not in effect advance the art beyond the state in which he found it. A sense of propriety is the best discriminator of character; and this allows scope to every exertion and style of art, without suffer. ing any one to trespass on the proper province of another. The observation of our author that chasing is a branch of sculpture, is perfectly just; it was formerly very fashionable among us; but the caprices of fashion are so numerous and irregular, that artists whose living depends on complying |