which now lies before us, some of the causes of this increase of fever in that city are well pourtrayed. One of these is the surplus of females over the other sex amongst the labouring classes; the effect of this disproportion, says Dr Stoker," has been, that adult females, whose duty it was to provide and prepare wholesome food, and to attend to the cleanliness of the persons and residences of their families, were compelled to undertake the employments which had been sustained by men; the aged, the infirm, and the helpless young (their immediate care) being thus neglected, filth of all kinds accumulated around them; their habitations became ruinous, and their apartments, into each of which numbers crowded, in order to lessen, by dividing, the expence of rent and taxes, became so many laboratories of noxious vapours, sometimes more like the neglected cemeteries of the dead, than habitations for the living."

Their diet also was both scanty in quantity and of most inferior and even unwholesome quality; their fuel for preparing it was scarce; but above all they suffered from the paralyzing wretchedness of hope deferred, or ra ther of hope destroyed. Many years continuance of misery," says Dr Stoker, speaking of the worn out and diseased pauper inhabitants of Dublin," has nearly extinguished all that hope and buoyancy of spirits for which the poor people of this city were remarkable in their better days; these have been succeeded by indifference to their situation, or the encroachments of disease, or even death itself, -surprising and even unaccountable to a casual observer,-which is the more to be deplored, as it leads many of them to neglect the means of preservation when afforded.".

While disease, famine, and despondence, thus spread from the capital to the most distant cottages of the sister island, both the government and private individuals endeavoured to check their united progress. The late Marquis of Abercorn was pre-eminently distinguished for his humane exertions. His territory, containing upwards of 11,000 inhabitants, was por tioned out into districts under the superintendence of health inspectors, who carried into execution the cleansing of the houses, and the enforcement of proper rules for the prevention and

cure of fever, aided by prompt and effectual pecuniary support from the noble landlord. The consequence of this excellent arrangement was, that no more than 22 deaths occurred out of 756 persons who were taken ill after its adoption, while before this period 2535 were afflicted with the fever, of whom 209 died. This is an act of which we trust many individuals are capable, although their means of gratifying the dictates of their feelings, equal not those of the deceased nobleman. To praise it, or hold it out as an example is quite superfluous; it strikes at the first glance; it calls forth the best affec tions of the heart, and redeems ten thousand faults, not of one man alone, but of the whole of that rank in society in which he mov ed.-Entering as we have done into averages and calculations, we may be permitted to say, that it brings the general body of the national nobility on a par with the gentry and commonalty in active virtue; while, of the individual himself, we may fairly assert, that it proves him to have been a pearl intrinsically richer than half his tribe."

From Dublin we shall turn to Glas gow, whence on many occasions the contagion of fever has been traced to our own city. From the very able letter of Dr Millar, we find, that, since the year 1812, fever has been con tinually gaining ground in Glasgow and its vicinity, and that it has nearly doubled its numbers every successive twelve months; the succession of admissions into the Infirmary for the years from 1812 to 1817 having been 16, 35, 90, 230, 399, 714. The consequence of this rapid progress was, that, instead of being confined to certain alleys and streets, fever in the last year was widely spread abroad in every direction in that city, while the deaths kept pace with this increment, and were found to have doubled annually since 1812. From Dr Graham's observations we find, that of 601 patients under his own care during fourteen months, 288 were males, of whom 33 died; while of 313 females only 19 died; or rather more than in 9 males and about 1 in 16 females. In the Infirmary of Glasgow also, for the period between May 1816 and February 1818, the proportion of females received was

greater than that of males, but the mortality was remarkably less; of the males 1 in 7 55.72 died; of the females 1 in 14 22.41. The general average of deaths, including both sexes, was 1 in 10 23.113. At Glasgow, when the higher classes were attacked, the mortality was greater than in the lower, where the disease originated; and it is a very curious fact, that servants have been frequently afflicted, while the families of their masters have remained exempted. Here we may ask, has high living power occasionally to prevent the malady, yet to increase its danger when it actually occurs?-From many considerations we believe it has. We should now proceed to give an account of this fever as it has appeared in Edinburgh, but we find we have trespassed much more than we designed upon the time of our readers. From Dr Yule's book, however, from Dr Duncan's, and from various papers in our Magazine and in the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, it will be seen, that it has kept a steady and uninterrupted march. To follow it in this would encroach upon the province of the physician. We shall venture, therefore, to state two medical facts only, a knowledge of which may be of some importance to the general reader, for whom this paper is principally designed. The first is, the great liability to relapse, which peculiarly characterizes the reigning epidemic. The second is, that by the free admission of atmospheric air, its poison is so far diluted or modified, as to be completely destroyed in an immense majority of cases. It sometimes happens, that, notwithstand ing all possible dilution and exposure to the atmospheric influence, it is in particular instances still retained, either in the persons or in the clothes of the convalescents, and with the full power of communicating infection at the distance of several days, although the persons communicating it, are to all appearance free from complaint. This event takes place, however, more frequently by remaining for some time in a close room or carriage with them, than from casually meeting them in less confined situations.

We cannot conclude without strong ly recommending the perusal of the papers which form the subject of this

article, to our readers of whatever class. That their personal safety will be provided for, by adopting the modes of avoiding and checking contagion, pointed out to them in these publications, we are well assured; that the blessings of the poor, and the whisperings of their own hearts, will be a still richer reward to them, we cannot allow ourselves to doubt.-Every street in this metropolis, exclusively inhabited by the lower orders, contains objects for their benevolence, and for their most serious consideration. There, according to Dr Yule's Observations," they will find the broken-hearted mother, the anxious protectress of her young family, no longer enjoying the decent pride of her past condition,-the industrious careful housewife, in the possession of her own plain, but well kept furniture,-all is now sold, or in the hands of the pawnbroker, without hope of recovery,-whilst her poor dejected partner is uncertain of employment, in many cases at scarcely half his former wages!" If they turn from this heart-rending picture, to the places of reception destined for these unfortunate sufferers, they will witness scenes which cannot fail to call forth their commiseration, and, if duly considered, to ameliorate their hearts. Let the gay and the thoughtless who enter no walls but those dedicated to pleasure, ponder upon the following description of a fever ward, drawn in the simple but unfading colours of reality.

Among the various inflictions," says Dr Millar, "which the physician is compelled to witness, none perhaps are more painful to contemplate, coupled, as they must be in his mind, with their extreme danger, than those numerous derangements of sense and intellect, it (fever) almost never fails to produce in its victims. Thus, in walking the rounds of a fever ward, one man stares upon you with fiery eyes, and a ferocious visage, while his next neighbour is seen ly. ing in the lowest despondency, his head drooping upon his breast, his face pale, his eyes suffused with moisture, and sometimes tears trickling down his cheeks. A third reclines in a state of entire apathy and stupor, not to be roused, except with the ut most difficulty, and when roused, gazing wildly about, altogether un

conscious where he is, and without a single idea of recollection." "Another set lie muttering to themselves, completely absorbed in reverie. The trains of ideas are generally melancholy, but at other times totally the reverse; the patient talks, smiles, sometimes laughs to himself, and, though on the brink of eternity, is totally unconscious of his fate, bringing strongly to mind the affecting picture by Gray, of

"Moody madness laughing wild, Amid severest woe!"

TRAVELS IN ENGLAND IN 1641.

(Continued from Page 408.)

Description of London.

"DURING this time, curiosity led us to visit the chief scenes of the capital.

"It is, in truth, extremely well situated in a great plain, which permits extension to right and left. The famous Thames traverses it from end to end in the figure of a crescent, supplying in abundance all that is necessary to human sustenance. Fifteen thousand little boats cover it with passengers, so as to delight strangers as it were a perpetual bridge, or rather a sea-fight in miniature, from the various courses they steer, with a skill and celerity quite wonderful.

The streets are somewhat narrow, the houses rather smaller than in France, as the spaces are restricted by the river, and built with such economy as to leave a little garden and pleasing prospect of the diverting scenes of the Thames. If it possess not all the advantages that render Paris so glorious, we must ingenuously confess that this capital surpasses our's, and that in cleanliness, neatness, and the surety of strangers; for one may walk at midnight with a purse in one hand, and a pipe in the other, without any fear of mud or assassins. Nor is this the case only in the wellordered towns of England, but in the most distant provinces, where even paltry thieves are chastised in a most exemplary manner.

"London may boast, with good reason, over and above its excellent harbour, and affluent commerce, of the longest street, the most superb taverns, and the greatest number of

VOL. III.

shops that exist in any city of Europe. It is even scarcely possible to find four coach-doors, as commerce reigns equally among the nobles and the commons.

"To begin with the Tower, which stands at one extremity of the city, it resembles our Bastile in its fortifications, and in its being employed as a state prison: but, in other respects, it differs, as being more spacious; it contains the arsenal, the magazines, and treasures of the English sovereigns. A soldier of the guard shewed us the rarities of this little fortress, and regaled us with three lions and a lioness, a Virginia rat as large as a dog, a wild cat mottled with black and white like a panther, and a small amphitheatre where his beasts fight against dogs when their majesties chuse that amusement. In an open space, capable of holding 5000 or 6000 men, were three powerful pieces of artillery, de fonte verte, (bronze,) throwing balls of sixty four pounds; and this sight led us to desire to see the magazines, which we instantly opened with a golden key, the English being enchanted with the colour of that charming metal. We entered the magazine of artillery, containing more than one hundred and twenty cannon of all sizes, ranged in complete order with all their carriages, cordages, and carts. They did not fail to shew us two of fir-wood, (bois de sapin,) which were made in one night, and with which they took the city of Boulogne by the cowardice or treachery of our governor, who only desired to see their cannon to deliver that important place. They bear for device MARTE QUID OPUS, EST CUI MINERVA NON DEEST? We also saw a rare piece, which discharges seven balls either at once or successively, and a beautiful culverin of twenty-two feet in length, Spanish fabric, taken at the celebrated day of Cadiz. An upper floor was full of arms, very well kept, and sufficient for 10,000 musketeers, 4000 pike-men, and 6000 cavalry. They also boast of 2000 cuirasses which they took in the war of Rochelle, coming from Holland, for the Isle of Rhé, and bearing the name

Thoiras in front, wishing, perhaps, by those poor spoils, only disputed by naked mariners, to cover their shame, their flight, and the signal losses they suffered in many fair encounters by that great general. They imagine, perhaps, that his name, like that of the Cid, is capable of carrying confusion into any opposing ranks!

"Having examined their ammunition for a long time, we went into the Donjon (inner tower) to see some of their treasures; for the kings of England may, with reason, boast, that in rich tapestries, and excellent paintings, they far surpass all the monarchs in Christendom. We were first shewn the tapestries of St Stephen, and St Paul, and those of Henry VIII. having a bold relievo of more than an inch in pure gold, with borders of the most exquisite fabric; above all, one of cloth of gold, newly brought from China. A large cover for a table in three departments, of crimson velvet, profusely studded with the largest pearls and rubies, made us doubt for a while the evidence of our senses. We were advised to pass lightly the rich plate which accompanied the king on his amorous travels in France and Spain, that we might view, at leisure, the plate chamber. Here we were struck with six chandeliers of massy silver, each weighing a hundred and fifty marks, (a hundred weight,) and a vast bason of silver gilt, on a pedestal of the richest workmanship, which serves for the baptism of the royal children. They also boasted of an unicorn's horn, covered with plates of silver, and estimated at L.40,000 Sterling, equal to 400,000 livres of our money. We were more struck with the sword sent by the Pope to Henry VIII. with the fine title Defender of the Faith, which he violated so soon after. The sheath is of gilt silver, four fingers in breadth, and five feet long, resembling those of the Swiss at present. The arms of the Pope, with his portrait, appear on one side, with these words, Julius Tertius, Pontifex Maximus, pontificatus sui, 1554. [Here are two or three slips of memory, which we shall

Governor of the Isle of Rhé, at the time of Buckingham's ill-directed invasion; a weak man, like other favourites, for talents, far from gaining favour, are sure to offend as eclipsing the monarch.

not stop to rectify. On the other side, St Peter's at Rome, Petro Apos tolorum Principi, and beneath, a goddess surrounded with laurels, a cornucopia in her hand, trampling on Envy, Carnage, and Ambition, while a label from her mouth bears PUBLI CA HILARITAs."

These ideas of English opulence are exceeded, if possible, by the description our author gives towards the end, of the pompous return of Charles I. from Scotland; and the whole work far surpasses Hentzner's account of the magnificence of Elizabeth.

J. P.

BRITISH TRADE WITH INDIA, SINCE THE ABOLITION OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S MONOPOLY.

THE trade to India has given rise to more discussion between the advocates of a free and unrestricted system of commercial policy, and the supporters of a restricted mercantile monopoly, than any other question of practical political economy. The former rely. ing on the truths of their general reasoning; the latter admitting these truths, in all other cases, contended that they were perfectly inapplicable to the Indian trade; and urging the experience of all times, and of every nation. They chiefly founded their arguments on considerations arising out of the religious prejudices, and poverty of the natives, from which they contended, that the wish to purchase new articles of convenience and luxury, and the means of doing so, were equally set at a distance. To these representations they added many of a political nature, by which they hoped to induce the government to continue to them that monopoly which their own accounts and admissions proved to be a losing one, in opposi tion to the just demands of the great body of the mercantile community of the United Kingdom, and the natural rights of our Indian subjects. These representations happily were not attended to, and the necessity which existed at the time the charter of the East India Company was renewed, of making every effort to support and revive the languishing condition of the trade of England, induced ministers to lay the trade to India open to the mercantile industry of this coun

try under certain regulations. These regulations, in many instances, cramp that enterprise, and limit those facilities which are required for the due exercise of mercantile speculation. But the great point is gained, and there can be no doubt that sufficient facilities will in time be obtained, and all the remaining obstructions will be gradually removed, including the restrictions on the trade to China, which has been preserved to the India Company, rather for fiscal than commercial reasons; though affording a much more extended market for British manufactures than any other part of the East.

The company's charter was renew ed, with these alterations and limita

tions, by the 53d Geo. III. cap. 155, so that the trade to India has been open to the out-ports for about four years, and it must be interesting to the philosopher, as well as the practical merchant, to learn whether the general truths of political science have been overturned in this instance, as has been so often and so boldly predicted, or whether they have, as in every other instance, stood the test of experiment, receiving additional illustration and support from every day's experience. For these reasons, it has been thought that the following accounts would be acceptable to the readers of this Magazine: The first being

From the above account it will be seen, that since the opening of the trade, the exports to India have rapidly and steadily increased. Upon examining the different articles of which the foregoing account is made up, it appears that a very considerable increase has taken place, as might have been expected, on three articles which are consumed by Europeans; thus, the value of malt liquor exported

has increased from L.50,022 to L. 111,188.-Haberdashery, from L.16,745 to L.80,962.-Cabinetwares, from L. 5,897 to L. 18,431. But it is not to such articles alone that this increase has been confined; for cochineal has increased from L.6,441 to L.34,818. And what, perhaps, forms one of the most singular facts in the history of the commerce of the world is, that the value of cotton goods has increased from L. 109,487 to L. 423,318; so that this country now imports the raw material from India, transporting it over more than half the globe, manufactures it at Manchester and Glasgow, and re-exports it to India, underselling there the staple manufacture of the country; and, after a transport of many thousand miles, clothing the natives cheaper than they can

672,798 3,407,526 | 4,021,518

afford to do, notwithstanding the low price of labour in India, a singular instance of the effect of machinery and capital. It may be remarked, that the first exportation of cotton goods to the East commenced in 1794, when goods to the value of L. 156 were exported. This gradually increased to the amount of L.108,824 in 1813. Its more rapid progress has been since the trade was opened. In the same way the export of glass and earthenware now amounts to L.380,884, in place of L.79,191, which it was in 1814; and the Staffordshire potteries are at present busy in preparing for further exportation, being able to undersell the Chinese even at so great a distance.

The following tables will, however, shew more distinctly the increase of this trade:

The average value of the exports to India during the four years end1797, being L. 1,773,358 1807,

ing

Do

Do

do

do 1817,

2,009,45 2,491,380

Evincing a continual increase, but much more rapid during the latter period than the former.