canoes on the Kooskooskee River, and after passing several dangerous rapids, entered Lewis's River, which falls into the Columbia. Several dangerous rapids occur in this river, particularly one in the neighbourhood of the Lower Falls, where a tremendous black rock, rising perpendicularly from the right shore, stretches across the river to meet the high hills on the opposite side, leaving a channel of only forty-five yards wide, through which the whole body of the Columbia presses its way; no wonder that thus forced into so narrow a channel, it swells and boils with the wildest agitation: yet our brave adventurers steered their boats through this hazardous passage, to the astonishment of the Indians, who assembled on the top of the rock to witness their intrepidity and skill. Shoshonees, or Suake Indians, whose information and assistance was indispensibly necessary to enable them to pass the Rocky Mountains, in their way to the Pacific Ocean. After much difficulty and disappointment, Captain Lewis proved successful in his search, aud an interesting account is given of the manners and character of this tribe, which seems to possess more virtues, with a higher sense of honour, than fal! to the share of their neighbours; a fact which Messrs. Gall and Spurzheim will perhaps be enabled to account for, when they understand that this tribe are less addicted, than others, to the practice of flattening, by a mechanical process, the skulls of their infant progeny. The Shoshonees having provided the party with horses and a guide, they began on the 30th of August, 1805, their travels across the mountains, which seem to On the 17th of November, after a have constituted much the most fatigu- foggy morning, the mist cleared off, ing part of their undertaking. Soon left and they beheld the delightful prospect of without any track, they were obliged to the Pacific Ocean, the object of all their cut their way up the steep and rugged toils, the reward of all their anxieties. heights, through trees and brushwood, The distant roar of the Breakers put while the horses themselves, though ac- the whole party into spirits, and they customed to every hardship, wounded cheerfully passed that night in the rain. with points of rocks and stumps of trees, For thirty days, on their first encampand continually in danger of slipping, ment, they suffered much from the often fell down the sides of the hills, or heavy and incessant raius, in which time turned over with the baggage. On the their provisions were spoiled, their 16th of September, a fall of snow enclothes rotted, and their articles of creased the difficulty of finding a route. merchandise almost destroyed. After Wet, cold, and hungry, the men began this they found a higher point of land on to feel dispirited, as well from their ex- the banks of the river Neutel, which afcessive fatigues, as from the danger of forded them a more sheltered situation famine, by which they were threatened, for their winter's encampment. But for scarcely any living creature was to throughout the whole of that inclement be seen amid these dreary mountains, season they suffered severely both from and their horses, on which they had al- cold and hunger, nor would they have ready been reduced to prey, were be- been able to subsist at all, but for the coming few in number. We regret that exertions of Drewyer, their principal our limits do not allow us to give ex-hunter, a man who, being son of a Canatracts from this part of the volume; amid so many interesting adventures, we are reluctantly obliged to remain silent. On the 20th, Captain Clarke discovered a settlement of Indians called the Pierced Nose, among whom the whole party recruited their strength and spirits; but the great fatigues they had undergone by land, made them resolve to take to the water again as soon as possible. They accordingly embarked in VOL. IV. No. 20. Lit. Pan. N. S. May 1. dian Frenchman and an Indian woman, had passed his life in the woods, and combined in a wonderful degree the dextrous aim of the frontier huntsman with the intuitive sagacity of the Indian in pursuing the faintest tracks through the forest. Under these circumstances, added to their long absence from all social ties, no wonder that they should become anxious to return; accordingly, on the I 23d of March, 1806, they left Fort Clatsop, as they had denominated their winter settlement, and began to retrace their route, which proves equally interesting, on their return. We most cor dially sympathise with them in the feelings which prompted an involuntary and unanimous shout of joy from the whole party when the sight of some cows feeding on the banks of the river near the little French village of La Charette, inspired in their minds the delightful conviction, that they were restored to civilization and domestic life. It is impossible to close this volume without a melancholy reflection on the inconsistencies and imperfections which exist in the mental constitution of man, and the relative nature which our best faculties bear to the situations in which we are called upon to exert them; the courage which sustained Captain Lewis through every danger, that threatened him in the magnificent solitudes of nature, forsook him in the artificial restraints of society, and the life which he had often most honourably hazarded for the welfare of those whom he considered under his protection during his enterprise, was thrown up by his own hand, soon after his return; sacrificed perhaps to a sense of imaginary injury. On Captain Clarke devolved the melancholy task of finishing, alone, the account of the vast journey they had accomplished together in the very spirit of unanimity; and he has acquitted himself of his office with simplicity and modesty. Future adventurers among their countrymen may make more profound observations, or form more ingenious conjectures; but whatever fruits they may reap from their labours, it should never be forgotten that for the first clearing of the soil they are indebted to the commanders of this expedition. To the original American Edition--(which, as an official work, does little honour to the American press, either as to correctness, or beauty of execution)--is annexed an account of the Fur trade, in the more northern parts of the Continent whoever recommended the omission of this in the Edition before us, is no politician. The subject of Natural History is not forgot in the work; nor its connection with this trade. A Letter to the Right Hon, the Earl of Selkirk, on his Settlement at the Red River, near Hudson's Bay. By John Strachan D. D. 8vo. pp. 76. Longman and Co. London. 1816. THERE is an excellent fable extant, which represents a detachment of frogs in a dry season, in search of water;they found a well; but demurred on the propriety of venturing to establish their abode at a depth whence they probably would never be able to return. Such should be the forecast of mankind. It is not because they feel certain sufferings at the present moment that they are justified in running every kind of risque Wisdom is inconsistent for the future. with rashness; and after the difficulties and distresses recorded in the narrative of Captains Lewis and Clarke, we pre sume that few of our readers would think seriously of emigrating to the head of the Missouri, or to, the Snowy Mountains which supply its streams. Perhaps, too, they would not greatly approve of establishing themselves in a spot likely hereafter to become part of the Sovereignty of the United States. These evils would have attended the settlement projected by Lord Selkirk, if Dr. Strachan be correct; and he ought to be correct; as his situation at York, sufficient means of knowing the truth. in upper Canada, cannot but afford him Is His Lordship's proposed scheme has failed; we therefore can but take occasion from it to warn all who feel inclined to leave their old homes, to look well to the reported properties and conveniences of their intended new one. there no part of this island where industry and skill might find---not merely refuge-but, encouragement, as well as in America? Under the persuasion that this question must be answered in the affirmative, we subjoin Dr. S's view of proposals for emigration; for which he brings ample authorities, derived from experience. He objects against the validity of the title to the lands offered :-a question, by the bye, that can scarcely be understood, or answered, by any man, before he quits Englaud: He says, 1st. The tract said to be purchased from the Hudson's Bay Company by your Lordship is supposed to embrace the West side of Lake Winipie, to extend from the 46th to the 52d degree of North latitude, and Westerly to the source of the water falling into that Lake. Your Lordship requires not to be informed, that the boundary line of the Hudson's Bay charter is fixed, by the treaty of Utrecht, at the 49th degree of North latitude. South of this line they eannot give the shadow of a title. The probability therefore is, that the American Government will claim, and seize this country. the sake of which, in fact, we have réported on his work, and recommend it to the unsettled and discontented. Before concluding this letter, I would offer a very short advice to those of my countrymen in Great Britain and Ireland who are thinking of leaving their native country for America. who can live comfortably, to remain where 1.-I would strenuously advise those they are: for the greatest success will not be an equivalent for the miseries they must suffer before this success is realized. Even then they will be dissatisfied, and they will look back with regret on the comforts they have left. 3. To such as are determined to emigrate, I present, for their inspection, the encouragement offered by Government, should they come to the Canadas, contrasted with the conditions offered by your Lordship to such as emigrate to the Red River. If the line between the British Colonies and the American States be drawn due 2. I would even advise such as are able West from the Lake of the Woods, as the to rub along, and preserve their indepenAmericans will, no doubt, insist on, not-dence, to remain at home. withstanding its injustice, and their pertinacity may attain, then will all the farms of the colony, from the forks of the Red River, comprising all they now cultivate, and, perhaps, all worth cultivation, be clearly within the American territories.-Should this happen, it is sufficiently evident, that this nation of land speculators will not allow your Lordship's claim. If it turn out otherwise, the King will not confirm your purchase, unless very badly advised, by giving you a good title. For, as it will af terwards appear, the settlement, if it ever prosper, must of necessity become an appendage to the United States, and, of course, hostile to Great Britain. The title is, therefore, so far from being secure, that it is exposed to the most serious objections. To promote this colony, then, is not to establish British Settlers, but, to contribute to encrease the population of the United States: whereas, in fact, The Americans should be considered aliens, as well as other nations, and declared incapable of holding landed property, or of having any share in the Government. The general defection of recent settlers from the United States of America during the late contest, shews this to be a measure of imperious necessity, for, while the great majority of the people exhibited a loy alty which has never been surpassed, the greater part of the American adventurers either deserted, or held back; and, in some parts of the country where they were numerous, endangered the safety of loyal subjects, by their treacherous adherence to the enemy. After expatiating on the unfavourable situation, properties, &c. of the lands in question, this Patriotic writer concludes with the following counsels, for The British Government gives to those emigrants who come out under their protection to the Canadas, One or two hundred acres of excellent Farming utensils-for nothing; laws, and enjoy all the privileges of They have access to religious instruction. They are in no danger from the Indians ; Their supplies of clothing and other necessaries can be obtained at a moderate expence. If they shall prefer going to the Red One hundred acres of land-for £50; The settlers are at the mercy of agents; Have no access to religious instruction; An appendix gives instances of more than one settler who attempted a settlement at the red river-and returned in a state of repentance. 12 England, and the English People. By Jean-Baptiste Say. Translated by J. Richte. 8vo. pp. 68. Sherwood and Co. London, 1816. 8vo. pp. 68. THE opinions of foreigners are too often despised by our countrymen. The imperfect information such visitors are able to obtain, with the no less imperfect manner in which they express their sentiments, give a certain air of awkwardness, or of incompetence, to their remarks, and those who might benefit by them turn a deaf ear, or, perhaps, Those even who are at their ease in their occupations, and who can relax at their pleasure, continue to work, in order to become rich and to keep pace with the profusion of the times (marcher de pair dans toutes les profusions). The greatest disgrace in France is want of courage-in England, want of money. The one is, perhaps, not more reasonable than the other. This state of things produces a deplorable effect on the mind, and makes the of Bacon, of Newton, and of Locke, will philosophic observer fear that this country are so rude as to convert good sense into soon make rapid and retrograde steps toridicule. On the other hand, it must be wards barbarism. It appears certain that confessed, that a flying visit is no ade- they read much less than they did: they quate means of forming an estimate of have not time, and books are too dear. a people or a country; of acquiring a The rich, who think of nothing but ennotion of advantages or disadvantages,joyment, have other pleasures than those as they apply to apparent facts, or relative situations. Many things which foreigners think much to our disparagement, we rejoice in, as blessings of no common magnitude: while, we have often regretted on their behalf, those very circumstances in which they have gloried. A curious instance of these opposite inferences, is furnished by our author, who says There are to be found there, without doubt, great landholders and rich capital ists, who may idly fold their arms, and whose pleasures are their only business: their revenues are so great, that they excecd all wants, aud defy all dearness: but the number of these is always small, compared with the bulk of a nation. The English nation in general, with the exception of these favourites of fortune, is compelled to perpetual labour. She cannot rest. One never meets in England professed idlers: the moment a man appears unoccupied, and looks about him, he is stared at. There are no coffee houses, no billiard rooms, filled with idlers from morning to night; and the public walks are deserted every day but Sunday. There every body runs, absorbed in his own affairs. Those who allow themselves the smallest relaxation from their labours, are promptly overtaken by ruin. I was assured, when at Loudon, that, during the visit of the Allied Sovereigns, whose presence excited a lively curiosity, many families of that class who had little beforehand, and who sacrificed their labour for of the mind, and the one destroys the aptitude for the other. The little which people of fashion in general read is never of the best. Truly useful reading requires an application which is troublesome to them; and when by accident they read good works, it is like seed thrown on a barren soil, which brings forth no fruit. The middle class is the only one which studies soon be unable to study in England. usefully for society, and that class will Now, we conceive, that no plague worse than idleness can befall a country; that, where any class, or number of individuals, can loiter away their time, not merely uselessly; but injuriously, "from morning to night," in "coffee-houses, billiard-rooms," and other kinds of what assumes the name of amusements, they suffer in their own persons; their connections suffer also; and their country suffers with them. Has not France most woeful reason to complain of the consequences of idleness in her community? Would it not have been infinitely to her advantage, had those who were the instruments of her calamities some years ago, been employed in exertions of honest labour? The man who busily plies the loom, or the hammer, is too much and too beneficially occupied, to hire himself at a few shillings a day, for a massacre of his fellow citizens. That a city so vast as our metropolis, should furnish idlers enough to do mischief, while it is confessed, is lamented; but, this only [218 proves the general conviction, that, were | books, or what obtain the character of One of the laudable arts of Government is, to find occupation for every soul; and, though it is not possible to effect this, strictly speaking, yet the immense and constant demand for labour in England, should be placed among the felicities, not among the disadvantages, of the people. We have known minor politicians who computed the cost to the nation of a public sight, supposed to occupy a single day; it amounted to thousands of pounds, in the labour, &c. &c. suspended for the time. They proceeded to calculate that arising from the visits of the Sovereigns: the result would have appeared frightful, reduced to French livres. The attack and defence of the house of Sir Francis Burdett, his escort to the Tower, and bis expected procession, when released, amounted to a sum, which, as we have not the figures at hand, we are unwilling to state. In short, every honest man among us knows, that "the hand of the diligent maketh rich," but "idleness clothes a man with rags." good books, are circulated in immense numbers, from country presses, as well the whole be calculated, it would demonas in London editious; and that, could strate an astonishing increase of readers, and students, within the last thirty years, in the country of Bacon, Newton, and Locke. don tradesmen delight in the appearance It is true, nevertheless, that our Lontion, it might pass without censure: of wealth; and were it free from decepbut, while the public has no other means of forming a judgment on the value of a stock of goods, than by the specimen shewn at the shop window, this advantage will continue to be taken, notwithstanding the condemnation of it by M. Say. Hence purchasers pushed further than in England. Nowhere are the efforts made to attract Hence that dressing out of shops, those extravagant and fantastic ornaments, which offered at less than prime cost; that air are designed to compel attention. those numerous advertisements; those goods tres boast, in the most pompous style, of of quackery, which strikes all foreigners. Even the managers of the principal theathe applauses which their actors have reAs to the progressive barbarity of our ceived from an enraptured audience, an times, the translator has entered his pro-to the public a new undertaking, or even audience which, to a certain extent, they test against the conclusions drawn by his had composed themselves. To announce author: we insert his words: In the short time the Author spent in this country, as he visited Scotland as well as most of the manufacturing towns, he had not time to become acquainted with the actual habits of the people; nor does he seem to have heard of those novel establishments, the innumerable "Book Societies," which are to be found in almost every town; by means of which many single copies of these works, and of the better kind too, pass, almost as soon as published, into the bands of a great number of individuals; after which they are frequently sold, at reduced prices, to persons who are eager to avail themselves of so much easier an opportunity of possessing some portion of the literature of the times. Thus, the effect of the "dearness of books" is also, in a considerable degree, prevented. This is not all: it consists with our knowledge that the number of books of education now furnished by the press, is beyond all former precedent: that good a simple change of residence, an immova- well bid defiance to the utmost rigour to purchase goods in England, and to pro- |