found in the monastery of St. Stephen at Caen. The fifth contains a list of several eminent Normans who had resided in England in the reign of Edward the Confessor. The sixth and seventh articles contain lists of the military officers who accompanied the Conqueror. The eighth and ninth give the names of the Norman landholders in England. The tenth and last piece in this collection is an account of the pedigrees of the kings, dukes, earls, and other noble persons, mentioned in the large volume of Duchesne's Scriptores Normannia. The Baron's own Notes, which are in English, throw considerable light upon the text of the different tracts. In one of thein, at p. 165, it seems to be doubted whether our kings anterior to the conquest had an oath administered to them at their coronations. We believe the exact form prescribed for it, even at an earlier period, will be found in Mr. Turner's History of the AngloSaxons. Another work, and the last that we shall mention in this class, is Mr. CHALMERS's "Caledonia; or, an Account historical and topographic of North Britain; from the most ancient to the present Times; with a Dictionary of Places, chorographical and philological," of which the first volume only is before us. It consists of four books; comprising all that relates to Scottish history: "I have divided my work, (says Mr. Chalmers) without regarding fantastical conceits of fabulous epochs, into such periods, as were analogous to the genuine history of each successive people. The Roman period, extending from Agricola's arrival, in North Britain, A. D. 80 to the abdication of Roman authority, in A.D. 446, forms the first Book, from its priority in time, as well as precedence in importance. In discussing this interesting subject, I was not content with previous authorities. I engaged intelligent persons to survey Roman roads, to inspect Roman stations, and to ascertain doubtful points of Roman transactions. I have thus been enabled to correct the mistakes of former writers on those curious topics. Much perhaps cannot be added to what has been now ascertained, with respect to the engaging subject of the first book. Yet, since Caledonia was sent to the press, a discovery of some importance has been made: a very slight doubt remained, whether the Burghead of Moray had been a Roman station, as no Roman remains had there been found: but this doubt has been completely solved, by the recent excavation, within its limits, of s Roman bath. The firit chapter of the following work will be found to be as much the first chapter of the anuals of England and of Ireland, as it is of Scot land. The Pictish Period naturally succeeds the former book, as it extends, from the abdication of the Romans in A.D. 446, to the overthrow of the Picts in A. D. 843. It will be found to compre hend interesting events: the affairs of the Picts; the fate of the Romanized Britons; the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons on the Tweed; the adventures of the Scandinavians in the Orkney and Western Isles; the colonization of Argyle, by the Scots, from Ireland. It is the business of the Pictish period, to trace the singular history of all those people, various as they were in their lineages, throughout the diferent events of their obscure warfare, and the successive turns of their frequent changes: add to those topics of peculiar interest the introduction of christianity, which, in every age, and in every country, has produced such memorable effects. The Scottish period, forming the third book, and extending from A. D. 843, to 1097, will be found to comprehend historic topics of equal importance: the union of the Picts and Scots into one kingdom; the amalgamation of the ancient Britons of Strathclyde with both; the colonization of Galloway by the Irish; the annexation of Lothian to the Scottish kingdom; the history, both civil and ecclesiastical, of all those people of various races, with notices of their antiquities, their languages, their learning, their laws; ail these form historical matters of singular interest to rational curiosity, if they be investigated from facts, incontempt of fabulosity, The fourth book contains the Scoto-Sar period, which extends from A.D. 1097 to 1306, and which details many notices of vaned importance. At the first, and at the second of those epochs, momentous revolutions took place, though they have passed unnoticed by the Scottish historians; and were unknown to the historiographer royal. With this period began a new dynasty of kings, who troduced new people, new manners, new usages, and new establishments. In this period, the Saxon colonization of proper Scotland was begun. In this period, was the Scotican church reformed. In it was introduced the municipal law of North Britain, in the place of Celtic custurs. In this period, originated her agriculture, her commerce and shipping, and fishery, her manufactures, and her coms. The beginning of this period formed the pivot, on which turned the Celtic government of ancient ages, and the Anglo-Norman polity of subsequent times: Yet, it is of a period so crowded with changes, and so varied with novelties, that the late historiographer royal says, The events which then happened, may be slightly touched, but merit no particular inquiry.' But, I have dwelt on those revolutions, and have marked every change. By a vast detail from the Chortularies, in respect to the civil history, from 1097 to 1306, to the ecclesiastical annals, to laws, to manners, and to domestic economy, I have tried to ascertain every interesting circumstance, and to render the national anuals of that interesting period quite familiar to every reader: and, to give completeness to the whole, are added supplemental views of subsequent tunes, which have their details to instruct, and their curiosity to amuse." Such is the plan which Mr. Chalmers has both laid and endeavoured to execute, for reforming and ascertaining the ancient history of North Britain, which has been so long distorted by con troversy, obscured by fable, and disregarded by fastidiousness. The work is illustrated with a Map of North Britain in the British and Roman times; a Plan and Sections of the British Fort on Barra Hill in Aberdeenshire; a Plan of the Roman Camp, called Norman-dikes; a Plan of the site of the Roman Tuessis; a Plan of the site of Forres, the Varis of the Romans; and a Plan and Section of the Roman Fort, near Clattering Brig, in Kincardineshire. POLITICS, POLITICAL ECONOMY, &c. Under this class it is with pleasure that we mention several tracts of great interest, as well in regard to the foreign as the domestic policy of Britain. Previous to the abolition of the slavetrade, Mr. Wilberforce, in the shape of an Address to his Constituents, exhibited a full and faithful view of the whole arguments which bore upon the question. Taking it up in Africa; describing the evils which this nefarious traffic entailed upon the continent; and proving even from the evidence of the traders themselves, that its extinction was not only required by humanity and justice, but for the safety of our colonies, and the prosperity of our marine. The Bill for effecting this great ol ject has since passed, and may be said to have wiped away one of the foulest stains that ever sullied the character of a generous people. We hope and trust that the provisions of the statute will be enforced: and we heartily. congratulate the man, whose labours for a series of years have been at last crowned by the abolition of a trade, as impolitic' as it was wicked. Another subject of Legislation, which has been of late canvassed with extraordinary zeal, has been the moral and political condition of the poor. The introduction into Parliament of Mr. Whitbread's Bill has been followed by the publication of different statements, observations and enquiries; of which it may, perhaps, be sufficient to do little more than enumerate the titles of the most im portant. The leading features of Mr. Whitbread's plan are, first, the establish ment of parochial schools; secondly, the establishment of a poor assurance office; thirdly, the amendment of the laws of settlement; fourthly the relief of the bur then of such parishes as are already too severely oppressed by their poor; and fifthly, the encouragement of labouring men to bring up their families without charge to their respective parishes. These are followed by some regulations for the better government of workhouses. There are some parts of Mr. Whitbread's plan, however, to which we cannot give our approbation. It is occasionly more intricate than the nature of circumstances seems to require. Though at the same time we are ready to confess that the attainment of two of its objects, is likely to give a new character to the indigent classes of the community; these are, the proper instruction of youth, and the application of stimulants to industry at maturer periods of life. "The State of the Population, the Poor and Poor-Rates of every Parish within the Bills of Mortality in the Cities of London and Westminster, the Borough of Southwark, and the County of Middlesex: from Papers ordered to be laid before the House of Lords, April 5, 1805," affords some idea of the rapid and alarming increase of the poor in the county of Middlesex. The sum raised for the relief of paupers in 1776, appears to have been 189,975; in the medium years 1783-4, and 5, it was 210,910.; and in 1808, amounted to 490,1446. The number of persons relieved from the poor-rates in 1801, were no less than 8 in the 100 of the resident population. "A short Inquiry into the Policy, Humanity, and past Effects of the PoorLaws," by one of his Majesy's justices of the peace for three inland counties, may furnish furnish some useful assistance to the political economist: but it should not have been called a short Inquiry. As a Supplement to this work, Mr. WEYLAND, jun. its author, has published some "Observations on Mr. Whitbread's Bill," in the conclusion of which he expresses a wish that it may be the first stone in the foundation of a strong and uniform edifice for the comfort of future generations. Connected in some degree with the same object is Mr. COLQUHOUN's "Treatise on Indigence, exhibiting a general View of the National Resources for productive Labour; with Propositions for ameliorating the Condition of the Poor, and improving the Morul Habits, and increasing the Comforts of the labouring People, particularly the rising Generation."-In contemplating the affairs of the poor, Mr. Colquhoun deems it necessary, in the first instance, to have a clear conception of the distinction between indigence and poverty. Suggestions are next offered for legisla tive intervention, and “a board of Pauper and general Police," "a Police Gazette," &c. proposed. Other labours of the same tendency have long entitled the author of this treatise to the approbation of the public. શ "The Substance of the Speech of the Right Honourable Lord HENRY PETTY, on a Motion to bring in a Bill to provide for the more effectual Examination of the Public Accounts, and for the better Discovery of Frauds," forms a pamphlet well deserving of attention. It explains a great deal that ought to be corrected in the examining, passing, and auditing the public accounts. "The Substance of another Speech," delivered by the same noble Lord in the committee of finance, presents. a very flattering account of our revenues, concluding with this remark, that "it is consoling to reflect that, if we cannot subdue our present difficulties, we may at least survive them." The Author of the "Letter to Mr. Whitbread, on the Duty of Rescinding the Resolutions which preceded the Impeachment of Lord Melville," seeins perfectly master of his subject. He is an acute reasoner, and writes with considerable energy. At the close of our last Retrospect of works on political economy, we did little more than barely notice "The West Indian Common-place Book," by SIR WILLIAM YOUNG. It will appear, says Sir William, from official documents which I shall insert in this work, how largely the sugar-colonists contribute to the wealth and power of Great Britain; but they can only so far contribute, as for themselves they are rich and safe: they are tenants within the paramount manor of the state, and their rents will be considerable and punctual in the payment, according to their means; and those means will and must depend on the conduct of the authority to which they are in vassalage; on collections without exaction, on forbearance from officious interference with their labourers, and process of culture; on the insurance and security of their homesteads, on the keeping open and protecting their roads to market; on the liberal grant of repairs in occasional disaster and distress; and on all other kindnesses and regulations which the stewards of their Lord and Sovereign may devise for the benefit of his estate, and for the comforts of his people. Sir William Young has been a member of parliament for three and twenty years. At his entrance he was careful to observe the course and succession of parliamentary business, with the view, he says, of chalking out some line of industry rather than of talent, in which he might qualify himself to be humbly useful to his country. He accordingly selected the poor-laws, the British fisheries, and the commerce of the kingdom, as the leading subjects on which his attention was to be fixed, and his attendance given on every committee. From that time (June, 1784,) he kept a Common-place Book, in which he entered, under distinct heads, whatever occurred on these matters in debate, or could be collected from the statute-book or other reading; at the same time carefully arranging and preserving every document returned to parliament; and even copying some in the Journal office which were not printed by order of the house. In 1796, he was appointed chairman of a committee for enquiring into the best means "of accommodating the Thames and Port of London to the increased and increasing trade of the kingdom;" as such, holding an immediate correspon dence with the custom-house in every quarter, and thus engaging a confidence on the part of his readers, in the fourdation of that earnest plea to the public consideration and regard, which, on the part of the British colunies,” is here preferred. The work itself consists of sixteen chapters, of which the follow ing are the subjects. 1. The African Slave Trade. 2. On the Cultivation, Produce, Progression, Improvement, and Decline of the several British Sugar-Colonies. 3. The general Produce and Exports from the British Sugar-Colonies. 4. The British Shipping employed in the West India Trade. 5. The Imports of Colonial Produce to Great Britain and Ireland. 6. Export Trade of Great Britain to its Sugar-Colonies. 7. On the Export Trade, as exclusive and secured by law. 8. On the Intercourse and trade of the British West Indies with America, and in particular with the British Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. 9. On the Intercourse and Trade of the United States of America with the British West Indies. 10. On the Navigation Laws, and on the Shipping Interest of Great Britain, as affected by the Trade of America to the West Indies. 11. The British West Indies considered as a Depôt of Foreign Trade. 12. On the Navigation to and from Great Britain and the West Indies. 13. On the Military Defence of the West Indies. 14. On the Mortality of European Troops serving in the West Indies, and the means of Prevention or Remedy to be suggested. 15. Observations on limited Military Service, as applicable to Troops serving in the West Indies. 16. İn times of War, the Transport Service an essential resource to the Shipping Interest of Great Britain. These are followed by an Appendix, exhibiting the comparative Returns of Ships built in the Ports of Great Britain at different Periods. Such are the contents of a work peculiarly interesting to commerce. The facts which it contains are not less important than various and authentic: and its inferences are alike those of candour and experience. THEOLOGY, MORALS, AND ECCLESIAS TICAL AFFAIRS. One of the most important publications to be noticed under this head, occurs in the "Observations on the Neces sity of introducing a sufficient Number of respectable Clergymen into our Colonies, in the West Indies; and the Expediency of establishing for that Purpose, by Sub scription, a College in this Country, in which Persons may be fitly educated for the Performance of the Clerical Functions, in that Part of the British Empire."-The plan, it is very possible, may never be carried into execution; but the arguments by which it is supported, are plain and convincing. "The reasons (says the Author) which seem to make it necessary to form a distinct establishment for the education of these persons, instead of engrafting a provision for that purpose upon some of the colleges at one of our Universities, do not entirely rest upon the necessity of a peculiar course of study and discipline, to qualify them for the service which they would be required to perform, but are in part founded on the danger of their becoming disinclined to enter upon that duty, if they shall have grown up in habits of intimacy with the young men destined for the several walks of life in this country; and of their either withdrawing entirely from the ministry, for which they were educated, or setting out upon it with the feelings of men going into exile, rather than with the zeal and devotion of persons selected for the execution of most important and arduous functions; whereas, if a number intended for the same line of life were to go through a course of education together, with few opportunities of forming connections out of their own circle; they would cheerfully exchange their college for the West Indies, having before them the prospect of rejoining there the friends and companions of their youth." Dr. MANT'S "Lectures, on the Occurrences of the Passion Week," though not expressly written for the press, form a very useful publication. In the preface we are told, they were prepared by the author with a more immediate regard to his parishioners: they are plain, pious, and unaffected. But there is another work which we feel it our duty to recommend more strongly. It is by Mr. SAVILE, of Ediaburgh, entitled "Dissertations on the Existence, Attributes, Providence, and Moral Government of God; and on the Duty, Character, Security, and Final Happiness of his Righteous Subjects."Mr. Savile presents it to the world with diffidence, though it is the result of some of his maturest thoughts, and has repeatedly received a careful revisal. The subjects discussed are among the most important and interesting that can en gage the attention of the human mind. The Discursory Considerations," by a COUNTRY CLERGYMAN," on the supposed Evidence of the early Fathers, that St. Matthew's Gospel was first written," would fain give the Gospel of St. Luke priority; because St. Matthew has omitted the important fact of the ascension. Connected also with this class, is the second second volume of Mr. BURDER's "Oriental Customs, containing an Illustration of the sacred Scriptures, by an explanatory Application of the Customs and Manners of the Eastern Nations, and especially of the Jews, therein alluded to. Collected from the most celebrated Travellers, and the most eminent Critics." The first volume of this useful work made its appearance in 1802, and the second is not entitled to a smaller share of praise. As specimens we have selected three or four of the most interesting articles. No. 675, Exod. xii. 34." And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading-troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders." The vessels which the Arabs make use of for kneading the unleavened cakes which they prepare, are only small wooden bowls. (Shaw's Travels, p. 231.) In these they afterwards serve up their provisions when cooked. It is not cer tain that these wooden bowls were the kneading-troughs of the Israelites; but it is incontestable that they must have been comparatively small and light, to be so easily carried away. No. 1153. Zephau. ii. 6.—“ And the sea-coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks." Archbishop Newcome has remarked, that many manuscripts and three editions have a single letter in one of these words more than appears in the common editions; which, instead of cherith, gives us a word which signifies caves; and he thus renders the words: and the seacoast shall be sheep-cotes; caves for shepherds, and folds for flocks. This trauslation will appear perfectly correct, if it be considered that the mountains bordering on the Syrian coast, are remarkable for the number of caves in them. In the history of the Crusades, it is particularly mentioned that a number of persons retired with their wives and children, their flocks and herds, into subterraneous caves, to find shelter from the enemy. (Gesta Dei per Francos, p. 781.) Harmer, vol. iii. p. 60. No. 1154. Zephan. ii. 7.-" In the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening." An extract from Dr. Chandler's Travels, (page 115,) furnishes a very lively comment on these words. "Our horses were disposed among the walls and rubbish of Ephesus, with their saddles on, and a mat was spread for us on the ground. We sat here in the open air while supper was preparing, when suddenly fires began to blaze up among the bushes, and we saw the villagers collected about them in savage groups, or passing to and fro with lighted brands for torches. The flames, with the stars and the pale mocn, afforded us a dim prospect of ruin and desolation. A shrill owl, called Cucuvaia from its note, with a night-hawk flitted near us; and a jackall cried mournfully, as if forsaken by his companions on the moun. tain." No. 1155. Zephan. ii. 14.-" Flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations; both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper Knobs or chapiters, lintels thereof." marg. Chardin, (tom. iii. p. 108.) describing the magnificent pillars that he found at Persepolis, tells us that the storks (birds respected by the Persians,) make their nests on the top of these columns with great boldness, and are in no danger of being dispossessed." In the elucidation of scriptural pas sages, Mr. Burder has not only examined the observations and researches of modern travellers, but consulted the ablest commentators on the sacred writings, and obtained some illustrations even from the Greek and Roman classics. It is perhaps enough to say that the mode of illustration in this work is one of the most rational to which we can possibly have recourse. Mr. NISBETT'S "Attempt to display the original Evidences of Christianity in their genuine Simplicity," will be found both interesting and instructive. It is not inferior to any of his former publ cations. He is of opinion that St. Paul's Man of Sin was intended to apply to the Jews, and not to the church of Rome. "The Rise, Fall, and future Restoration of the Jews, accompanied by Six Sermons, addressed to the Seed of Abraham, by several Evangelical Ministers, and an elaborate Discourse by Dr. HUNTER, on the Fullness of the Gen tiles," forms a repository of information relating to the Jews, well worthy of the reader's notice. The first compilation it contains, which occupies seventy-two out of two hundred and fifty-eight pages, is divided into six chapters: The first giving a general history of the people: The second affording a particular account of their state at the birth of Jesus Christ: The third, an interesting narrative of their sufferings, and the revolutions they have met with in England: The fourth detailing a variety of facts and anes dotes relative to their present condition |