destiny of the unprofitable servants, will be The politer part of the inhabitants as awful as theirs who have been guilty of were-as polite people every where, are more active violations against God's will.-obliging, and desirous of rendering "And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

We have a kind of peas called tares, but what the scripture mentions under that name appears to be a weed very hurtful to the corn, and very difficult to

eradicate. As wild oats in our fields not only nearly resemble the good plant, but are extremely pernicious to the crop; and no weed is so bad for the land, as it takes much toil and time to clear a field when

once foul.

their visitors comfortable; but the mass of the Parisians were so sunk in the mire of revolutionary want of morals and feeling, that a dark and dirty chamber was preferred by the lady we allude to, before a rude and thronging mob, and dirty, inconvenient streets.

We are not, however, displeased with an opportunity of thinking better of Paris, than before: and we take this lady's evidence as we find it. We ex

The stem of the tare is smaller than that
of wheat; and at the top springs forth a
long ear with small husks surrounding
three or four grains. The meal of tares
is unwholesome, loads the stomach and in-strike the observation of gentlemen.
toxicates, creating drowsiness, heaviness,
head-ache, &c.

remarks which belong to her sex =
from the pen of a female writer
pect
with an attention to minute circum-
different from those which
stances,

This latter article should have been more distinctly stated: by calling the pernicious weed "tare," after having observed, that it is not the Scripture plant, the reader is led into a confusion of ideas that completely excludes improvement. Further explanation had not been difficult, had the writer consulted some late works on the subject of Scripture Natural History, Botany, &c. every farmer would have known Darnel, by which these "tares" might have been illustrated.

The vicious manners of Paris no English lady could endure, much less describe. The domestic manners, a fortnight's ramble affords but few opportunities of studying; but the period of time, at which these letters were written gives them interest; and they afford anecdotes, which form a part of the wonderful history of the year now closing. A few of these we shali insert.

Speaking of the building in which the Corps Legislatif meet, and of Buonaparte, says this lady:

Here, as in every other place, you trace his vanity, for all the ornaments (even on the locks of the doors) consist of bees, the eagle or the letter N. to which he was particularly partial. I was remarking the frequency of this initial to our Dutch com

Letters from a Lady to her Sister, during
a Tour to Paris, in the Months of April
and May, 1814. 12mo. Price 4s. Long-ed,
man and Co. London. 1814.

panion, and he very appropriately answer"Ah que oui, N'est mis (ennemi)

partout."

This Lady supposes herself to have The pun (calembourg) is truly Paribeen the first English woman who ensian; it did not originate with the tered Paris after the cessation of hosti-Dutchman, as a Dutchman. Our aulities in France. It might be so; but we thoress presents a lively picture of the know another lady, who boasts of the commotion excited by the appearance same distinction; and it is probable, of English ladies in public. that several others may, suppose themselves to have enjoyed this honour. What is more remarkable, however, the accounts given by the ladies differ exceedingly; and while the writer of these letters is all raptures with the metropolis of the great nation, a contrary feeling absolutely overcame a sister traveller.

Like all the rest of the world, we went to walk in the gardens of the Thuilleries, without having an idea what a figure we should cut in history." This was our first tered the gardens, the scene became truly walk in public, and the moment we enludicrous--the hum of voices gradually was raised to the cry of "Les Anglaises! Les Anglaises!" and the whole crowd fol

lowed us wherever we went. As many as could, got up on chairs and in trees to take a peep at these wonderful animals just imported from England, and at length the multitude surrounded us so completely, that it was with the greatest difficulty we could proceed, and indeed, for some minutes we were obliged to stop.

Several gentlemen came forward, and apologized for the pressure of the crowd, by saying, that we were the first English ladies who had appeared in Paris, and that the anxiety and delight to see the English was so great, that they trusted we would excuse the eagerness of the people. Mrs. H. was in a weak state of health at the time, and was so much hurried by this unexpected adventure, that we retreated into the Hall of the Thuilleries, the crowd following and looking into the windows to see us. A gentleman and lady came into the hall, and introduced themselves as "General le Baron, et la Baronne d'Henin." They remained with us until we were able to leave the Thuilleries, and very agreeable people they are.

What the honesty of the lower classes of the Parisians was, we well know; that it has improved but little amidst all the revolutions of that city, we gather from the modest charge of two pounds, eight shillings, for cleaning, and dyeing two travelling cloaks,

The laquais we found out was certainly in league with the dyer; and Captain H. discovered how much he had cheated us, as indeed they all do. It is quite a system in France in every line of business. You may, if you please, purchase every thing at least one third cheaper than it is charged. I bought a little box of flowers for oue napoleon, for which the woman of the shop modestly asked me two, and this without much difficulty. Indeed, they invariably expect that you will offer them considerably less than the sum they at first name.-When I first arrived in Paris, I could not bear the idea of cheapening any thing, as one never dreams of it in England; yet, when I left it, I began to find that I had as much impudence in that way as any of the Parisians, and very coolly offered half or a third less than they demanded, with which they were well satisfied: and this is one of the reasons why I should not like any part of France as my residence. I could not endure this continual battle, neither could I respect a people who gain their bread by such dishonest means.

This is just as it used to be: English travellers were always supposed to

throw away their gold by handfulls— catch it whoever can. An estimate descriptive of Paris, is drawn up by this correct enough of the pros, and cons, lady; with which we close our report on her amusing performance.

Adieu, “dear" Paris, I may say, although, there are certainly some drawbacks to my approbation of you: for although you are very gay, yet you are abominably dirty. Although your manners are most agreeable and pleasing, yet you are not sincere; although your palaces and public buildings are particularly noble, and advantageously seen, from being placed with an abundance of ground around them; although your museums are unrivalled, and your boulevards and quays most charming, yet you cannot vie with us in our commerce and our charitable institutions, or in our noble streets and squares. Your river Seine is a pond compared with our Thames; and although you have such a multitude of bridges, yet only one do I covet, and that is the bridge of Austerlitz.

for your public institutions, palaces, bouleI give you, in short, all possible credit vards, and manners; and, as a traveller, I admire you, since I do not wish to look into misery that I cannot relieve: since I fortify myself against your dirt, and am thankful for your uncommon and unvaried civility, without looking for sincerity, two words, which certainly you do not en passunt. Cleanliness and comfort are understand, or at least do not practise live and die in my happy dear old Engwhat they import; therefore I hope to land.

An Essay on the Effects of the Inequitable Modes of pursuing Trades, with Analogous Remedies: comprising a Dissertation on the Diminution and Remuneration of Labour. By a Liveryman of London. Price 4s. Wilson. London. 1814.

The precise bounds between fair trade and dishonest gain, are not easily fixed in a numerous and long-established community. Circumstances are infiitely varying; and that may appear to be fair to day, whieh to-morrow is inequitable.

The plenty or scarcity of a commodity is esteemed cause sufficient for varying its price to the consumer, although the value of it is neither enhanced nor di

minished. On some of the articles of the first necessity this amounts to oppression, when carried too far;-yet the retail dealer must sell according to the price at which he bought; nor is it expected from him that he should bear the burden laid on the public at large, by the force of an accident, over which he had no controul.

of trades, leads to the extension of risks and hazards to an unlimited amount; for to say truth, such persons find it more difficult to restrain their adventures, than to engage in them: "Hope tells a flattering tale": they are drawn by a kind of current into a vortex, from which, some it must be acknowledged, come out triumphant, while others find There are other events in business, themselves confused, and whirled bewhich seem to suit themselves to a mo-yond relief, they sink, to rise no more. rality different from that of simple vir- The great error is undertaking entue ;---and yet, to take the other side of gagements beyond the power of capital the question, and altogether, to prohi-justly to be commanded, to support.bit such practices, without reserve, Resort is then had to artificial capital; would be in the issue, not only de- and sink or swim, all is put to a ventrimental to private property, and reture. Yet it must be acknowledged, pulsive to individual exertions, but in- that few persons enter on trade with jurious to the public at large: Extend that capital which they do not wish to the principle somewhat further, and we increase for, is not this very inshall have scarcely such a thing as a creae, the life, the object, of trade? trading nation left. and while capital makes capital, by its returns, and its power of accommodation, why should the advantage of employing it be withheld? Is it a good that has evils attached to it, by accident? or is an evil, that contrary to its nature, frequently issues in good to the speculator himself, and those employed by

Undoubtedly, there are such persons as monopolists; yet is that character so hateful, that if the Reader be acquainted with a man of this description, that man shall be the first to exclaim most vehemently against the character, and to deny the imputation, if charged with it, in the strongest terms. Gain, perhaps, has deluded his judgment; he has received profit from different quarters: Why should he give it up from either? Nevertheless, without the support of great capital, how many beneficial plans must fail? how few could ever be perfected?

him?

He

The question is of great importance; morally, politically, and commercially considered. The writer before us, states the facts, and rather protests against the cousequences than investigates the matter as it deserves. The writer before us, animadverts thinks that much of the hardship of the with severity on those who engage in time is owing to one man's interfering several trades, instead of being contented with another man's business, and addwith one. He states, in strong terms, ing to his own, what equitably is the the impolicy of allowing distinct branches property of another. He has not exof the same trade, to centre in one amined the consequence of this to the hand-of allowing traffic in the raw public; and whether by being able to material to be conducted by the same obtain a commodity at a cheaper rate, person as completes the work, and deli- the public is not benefitted; while the vers it of merchants of various des- individual himself has his revenge by criptions, comprising the profits of purchasing the goods sold by other banking houses, with their other busi-trades at a price lower than he could ness and, especially, of their availing do without such competition. themselves of the advantage derivable from the capital lodged by confidence in their hands.

Certain it is, that when misfortunes happen to such speculators, they usually involve multitudes in ruin. The same disposition as leads to the combination

What has been the condition of the public in a town where only onc tradesman of a certain business resided? have his goods been better, his demands been lower, his deportment been more agreeable, than that of others of the same profession, in towns where the

residence of several allowed customers to choose? The question is easily answered.

The subject demands, in our humble opinion, the enlarged reasonings of a capacions and well-informed mind. It is a practical subject; and if, as we have seen the wealth of nations greatly elucidated, and promoted by one work, another work should equally elucidate and promote the wealth of individuals, and fix just limits to profit, while it also guarded against loss, the Liveryman of London, we persuade ourselves, would rejoice in the result, whether its principles were, or were not, conformable to those which he has thought it his duty to lay before the public.

We add a specimen of his sentiments on an important particular.

It is a well known fact, that the once inconsiderable business of a miller has now

Description of the Construction, Properties, and Varieties, of the Hydropneumatic Lock; invented by Col. Congreve, &e. Quarto. pp. 20, with six Plates. Egerton. London. 1814.

The value of water to the numerous navigable canals which diversify the surface of our island, may be estimated from a paragraph in this tract, which informs us that canal of six miles in length, passing the number of barges expected on the Regent's canal, would, with the common locks, expend a quantity of water, equal to all the water contained in the canal, in about nine days; and would make the canal impassable in two days, allowing it to be 40 feet wide, and 6 feet deep; and the lock to be 80 feet long, 14 feet wide.

This enormous waste is an alarming

become one of the first rank, and consider-statement to the proprietors, and still

of water in Locks of ordinary construction; and this substitution saves much of the valuable and important fluid.

ation. This would be a cause of exultamore to the projectors of Canals. Yet, tion, if neither the public nor any other as this species of property is now bepart of the community sustained any injury; but this is not the case, for the alcome so popular amongst us, the fact teration is oppressive to another class of demands deliberate and persevering entraders, and generally injurious. It does quiry. To remedy the evil, Colonel uot arise from their now working their own Congreve proposes an invention in which property, instead of that of their neigh-air is made to perform part of the action bours; nor merely from the individuals who now embark in this business, being usually possessed of large property, but from a very pernicious modern custom, that rages in several extensive wholesale businesses, and prevails too much throughout society. The custom of wholesale businesses buying the houses and shops of those they serve with commodities for resale, requires to be regulated by such restrictions, as would at least render the practice harmless.

In other cases the selling of the good-will of businesses, and tendering the leases of houses, for both premiums and rents jointly, have become very oppressive and frequently fraudulent. In this, the premiums taken for leases, besides generally impoverishing the parties, make them therefore dependent upon their landlords for credit, with whom they are frequently deposited as security for the credit given, or ou account of their cases, the parties are necessarily obliged to take such commodities as those they

deal with choose to send them. The si tuation of these persons is herein unreasonbly hard, because they would, if well served, naturally give a preference to those upon whom they must eventually depend,

for the renewal of their leases.

The combination of powers is certainly ingenious; and the machinery is well imagined. We cannot render it intelligible to our readers without the assistance of plates; but we have thought it onr duty to notice this invention for the information of those who have expensive interests vested in such undertakings.

large scale can determine the rank due Nothing but actual practice, and on a to this Lock; in reference to others; all of which have some defects; nor perhaps is this altogether free.

The inventor has laid the public under obligations to him already for his fire works, and his engine for extin guishing fires; he now has intentionally done the same for water works also: and we shall be glad to find that his genius is by this contrivance benefiting the civil arts of life, as his skill has, in part, given a new turn to the military powers of his countrymen against their enemies.

Outlines of the Science of Politics, for the
/use of Universities in the States of
Western Europe. 8vo. price 1s. 6d.
Highley, London, 1814.

tion, of riches, and the means of acquiring them; of the powers of the husband and the father, &c. In the three following he treats of governments and revolutions; all is com pletely deduced and connected together in a masterly manner.

The author enumerates the different

systems of civilization, as being, (1.) the tan, and formerly in Egypt. (2.) The system of Castes; still extant in HindosTheocracy, the Hebrews, anciently; Thibet. (3.) No distinction by birth, or hereditary property; in China, Persia, Turkey. (4.) Two classes only, nobles and slaves; Carthagenians, Greeks, Romaus. (5.) Nobles and serfs; Russia, Poland, Hungary. (6.) The feudal, or

after the fall of the Roman empire. (7.)
Universal right, hereditary succession,
property on paying of taxes; Sweden
and Norway, at all times; now almost
general throughout Western Europe.

the following:
Of his leading principles, we insert

A small tract of the description of this before us, containing the elements of Political Science, with a general view of the statistics of the powers of Europe, sufficient to enlighten the minds of cursory readers, is much wanted. Nobody can have attended to discourses on the subject of politics, on the interests of the several powers, and on their relative strength, &c. without regretting the ig-military system; prevalent in Europe, norance that prevails on those important points. This little pamphlet takes a summary view of the subject, and presents useful rudiments; but, being intended, as the title expresses, for the use of Universities, it is not that popular production, for which we wish. The wrtier pays too much attention to the ancients: Aristotle is his favourite; but, who consults Aristotle, on a question of modern concern and enquiry? What the author says, is with some slight exceptions, well said; and the picture he draws of the feelings of the ancients on the subject of their slaves, and of slavery in general, does credit to his own humanity, and still more to the holy and benevolent Religion in which it is our happiness to be instructed. Montesquieu, is considerably lowered by this writer; and not altogether without reason. A short specimen of the tract may be sufficient.

We are perfectly informed of the nature of this system by Greek and Roman authors, chiefly by Aristotle, who has given a a treatise on politics which may be deemed a master-piece of human sagacity. It were to be wished that he had laid more stress on the influence of religion, and especially that he had not so far abused his logical powers as to maintain by arguments the most specious that slavery was founded in nature and not the mere result of violence, (at least in Europe.) With these exceptions, this immortal genius, throughout the whole of his work, exposes with great clearness, and with the most pointed reasoning, his own system of civilization. The first book gives an interesting detail of the formation of society, of the city, of family organizaVOL. I. New Series. Lit. Pan,

formed for the greatest simplicity, and that It is utterly false, that man by nature is the civilized life only produces artificial combinations. Art is natural to man. It is only necessary to reflect on the composition of the language, on the bow and arrow, on the boat and the net of the savage, in order to be convinced, that every thing with him bears the stamp of combination, standing civilized life is founded on and ac art, and industry. It is thus, that, notwithcompanied by a number of intricate institu tions, this mode of living is perfectly natural to the human species. The unequal division of property, the distinctions of birth, the graduations in dignity, the different division of work and occupations, even the employing of ornamental superfluities; in short, every thing that characterizes highly civilized life, is nevertheless to be looked upon by the politician, as in harmony with our nature. Thus, as to natural and social rights, every man ought to enjoy the share that is allowed him by the customs and laws of his country; there can exist no other but by force or concession.

It is with philosophers a very ancient complaint, that human natnre wants unity in all its parts, so that man is oftentimes in opposition and contradiction with himself. This is, however, nothing else but a principle of activity and restlessness implanted in our breasts; on one side, we find in ourselves dispositions and passions that incline us to sensuality, violence, and abuses; on the other, a secret voice that recalls us Dec. 1814. * P