profit-It depends upon the mode in which the wines are sold: for instance, if I sell a pipe of wine as it lies, I sell it as a pipe of wine; if I sell it as 138 gallons, speaking of a pipe of Port, I then receive the over-gauge myself, it is to my advantage, because I only pay for a pipe of wine. Does this over-gauging fall as a loss on your trade, or is it a loss on the consumer? -The consumer must pay for it ultimately. I think rums are over-gauged two gal-rums, that is, that they are exposed to lying lons a cask; we do not get the quantity months on the wharfs without cover, they with which we are charged by two gallons are exposed to the sun, but there is now a a cask. shed raised.

Mr. Thomas Bennett, a dealer, among other things, says :—

For thirty years prior to the Docks, had known something about bonded rums; and in my experience in that time, I could tell, when I went to take a vault or cellar, what loss I should have, barring against any leakage particularly; but if it was a fair cellar, it would not lose a gallon a year; if it was a dry place, it might lose more; but if it was a wet place, it would lose very little in quantity but it would lose in strength.

London, only; to establish the necessity of their Gauger as a Public Officer: the distance of the Docks from that officer's usual resort, with other inconveniences at tending his admission into the Docks, must be considered as the strength of the opposing party; connected with the inevitable delay. This, we learn from the evidence of Andrew Colville, Esq. a West India Merchant, and formerly a Director of the West India Dock Company.

Will you state the disadvantage you think would arise from the re-establishment of such an officer, [as the City Gauger.] I should expect a very considerable delay in the operation of housing the rums, as gauging is an operation which must be performed previous to the housing; delay, I apprehend, would arise from there being no adequate control over the person appointed under Parliamentary authority to gauge rums; at present there is an immediate and efficient control over the revenue gaugers, upon application to the Revenue Boards, or if they should neglect it, to the Treasury. As far as the Dock gaugers are concerned, it is the interest as well as the duty of the Dock Directors, that the operations at landing should be performed with all possible dispatch.

If any delay takes place in the gauging, a very considerable delay follows in the landing, because the quays will only hold a certain number of casks.

It would be detrimental to all parties concerned; ship-owners, and importers, or sellers of rum; and also to the buyers, independent of the loss of labour which would fall upon the Dock Company.

At present rums are gauged by an officer on the part of the Excise, by one on the part of the Customs, and by one on the part of the West India Dock Company, and also by a person appointed by the importers.

The merchant's gauger has a right to

gauge; but if he does not perform his duty at the proper time, he cannot do it.

He must conform to the regulations of the Dock, and their gauger must be by when there is an opportunity of gauging? -If their gauger does not perform his duty at the proper time, the goods are stowed away in the warehouses, and he loses his opportunity.

You have stated, that frequent claims have been made upon you for deficiencies -They have been frequent.

In some cases you have ordered those

deficiencies to be repaid, and in others refused them ?—Where the deficiencies appeared to be incurred, we always ordered payment to be made, deducting in the first place, what has been established as a proper estimate of evaporation or necessary waste in the coure of time.

The quantity landed bore a higher proportion to the full contents since the Docks, than before the establishment..

You mean a greater quantity of liquor? Yes. .

I rather apprehend that in the cases of admitting the City gauger to a right of gauging, the course of business would be, that the rums would not be housed until they were gauged by the City gauger; the consequence of which would be, that great delay would take place in the landing. If, from the anxiety of the Court of Directors to press the discharge of the ships, the rums should be placed in the warehouses before they were gauged by the City gauger; and he should then insist upon exercising his supposed right of gauging, the consequence would be, either that a charge must be made by the Dock Company to the proprietor of the rums for the labour so employed in regauging, or the loss would fall on the Dock Company.

The space which is now sufficient to do the business being [then] insufficient; if the business was not done, it would in that case occupy the whole Isle of Dogs to place the rums on.

Our readers will perceive that liquors. lose either in quantity or quality, according This contributes to account for what is to the length of time they are in the wood.. sometimes thought an extravagant profit taken by the dealer. It also demonstrates' the impropriety of suffering the casks, &c." to lie year after year in the Dock Ware-, houses: and further, it assists in explana-: tion of the causes which have led to an application on the part of the merchants, to the Lords of the Treasury, for remission (or return) of such part of the duties, charged at landing of which the Puncheons now lying in the Warehouses, waiting exporta-' tion, are deficient, occasioned by evapo-, ration, absorption, &c. during the interval: of years. Supposing this deficiency to be now, five, six, or eight gallons each on a thousand casks-the whole amounts to a considerable sum.

Mr. Salt's Voyage to Abyssinia, and ligent traveller informs us that he had

Travels into the Interior, &c.

sacred profession. At least, our intelnot heard of their success. It was on his return from Abyssinia, when he had arrived at Arkeeko, that Mr. S. reofceived a visit,

[Resumed from page 493.] We have stated in the former part the present Article our real feelings in From two respectable looking Greeks describing the general character of the returning from Abyssinia to their native African continent; and of Abyssinia, as country. One of them was brother to Abba a kind of Epitome of the whole. The Marcorius, an elderly man, who, in the principles of the British Constitution, the Patriarch of Alexandria to fill the preceding year had been commissioned by however, do not allow us to condemu office of Abuna, or High Priest to the without trial; and it is but just, that Church of Abyssinia. Unfortunately for these people like others, should be heard the Country, he had scarcely reached his in their own defence. Surrounded by destination when he was carried off by an savage nations, they may owe some epidemical disorder. His death occasioned part of their rudeness to the necessities great regret throughout Abyssinia, and of their situation; and, obliged to enhis followers were at this time proceeding force the law of the strongest, against to Egypt, in the hope of persuading the Paforeign aggressors, they may find it im-triarch to appoint another in his stead. I was also infornied, that an Abyssinian possible to dispense with the exercise Ozoro (Lady) of some rauk was travelling of its power among themselves. This, in company with these Greeks on her way however, is certain, that the oldest re- to Jerusalem; and I have since had reacords which mention their country, de-son to believe that she arrived there in scribe its inhabitants as the "mingled safety, where she intends to reside during people"; and this mixture seems to the remainder of her life. prevail among them still, to their incalculable disadvantage and confusion.

Every writer who describes them speaks of the inroads made on their territories to the South, or to the West; they were formerly subjected by the power of Egypt on the north, and the preponderance they once enjoyed on the Eastern coast of the Red Sea, is now reduced to a shadow of influence, insufficient to ensure the protection of public agents along the narrow stripe of country that intervenes between the Abyssinian provinces, and the ports of landing. Under these circumstances, commerce they can have none; because, the first requisite of commerce is security for person and property and although, the institutes of their religion render them dependant on a distant land for a supply of clergy capable of directing their national Church, and regulating its ceremonies, by discharging the duties of its head; yet so difficult is the intercourse with Egypt, to which country they look for such ecclesiastical chiefs, that we learn from Mr. Salt, great doubts were entertained whether they should again succeed in obtaining a duly appointed person of the

It is evident from this extract, that Christianity has some influence in the country, though tending rather to superstition than to piety and it may justify a query, whether whatever of civilization maintains itself in any degree of vigour in Abyssinia, is not beholden for its vitality to the preserving power of this Religion. The morals of the gospel effect so much, though obscurely promulgated, and feebly supported; they give a tinge, as it were, more or less deep, to the mind: and though far enough from possessing that sway which should be felt by the nation at large, they are not without salutary consequences on the characters and conduct of individuals.

It appears, that quickly after Mr. Pearce was left in Abyssinia, as formerly related, the priests took occasion to question him conceruing his faith. His acquaintance with scripture prov ing satisfactory, and the account he gave of the religious principles of his coun-try meeting their approbation, they pronounced him sufficiently orthodox for residence in their empire; and the Ras, or Prime Minister, took him into his service. The feelings of a Briton, however, are far enough from congenial to

those of an Abyssinian; nor could this He arrived at the gateway of the Ras. stranger live at the same abstemious rate The followers of this chief, who met Mr. as natives of the country. This led to Pearce, expressed great astonishment at words, and at length to a separation. his coming back, and many urged him not There is something extremely annsto venture into the presence, but Mr. Pearce felt too proudly conscious of the ing in the notion of a conflict extending motives which prompted him to return, to beyond words, between an isolated fo- feel for a moment any dread of the conse reigner, and the all-powerful minister quences that might ensue, and therefore, of the country; between the independ- instantly sent in, to request an audience; ent and unyielding spirit of an English- when he was immediately admitted. As man, under protection of the very per- he approached the old man, he found (as son against whom his actions if not his he expressed it)" something pleasant in language breathed defiance, and the his countenance," and he turned to Gus temper of the Chief who haughtily suf-side him, and, pointing to Mr. Pearce, said mati Aylo, of Lasta, who was sitting be fered his departure from his service, "look at this man! He came to me, a and afterwards was melted into tears at stranger, about five years ago, and not the generosity of his return, when he being satisfied with my treatment, he left thought his assistance might be wanted, me, in great anger; but now that I am and proofs of his attachment for former deserted by some of my friends, and pressed favours might be acceptable. The pair upon by my enemies, he is come back, to of portraits deserves insertion. fight by my side." He then with tears in his eyes, told Mr. Pearce to sit down, or dered a cloth of the best quality to be im mediately thrown over his shoulders, and gave him a mule, and a handsome allowance of corn for his support.

Mr. Pearce in one of his letters gives the following description of a dispute he had at this time. "The Ras, when he saw that I was wickedly bent upon his enemies, took a great liking to me, and gave me ten pieces of cloth; these being in nine months' expended, I went to the Ras and told him I wanted a fresh supply; in answer, he said, that his own people had only ten dollars for two years, and that he would not give me any more for the present." I then told him, that he was more like a beggar than a governor, and that I would not stay any longer with him." On this he bid me depart, for I was too proud to remain with his people." I asked him "in what was I proud" he replied, "that I did not humble myself like the people of the country." I said, "it was not my country fashion, to salam to the ground like Mussulmen when they pray that all the love Englishmen had for their masters, was in their hearts, and not in their mouths and gestures." After this he laughed, and said, It was true;" but, for all that he gave me nothing; so I bid him farewell."

Our countryman carried his threats into execution, and quitted Antalow, journeying to the South: he had scarcely departed, when a rebellion broke out against the Ras, and so extensive were its connections and consequences, that this Minister found it necessary to levy the greatest army that his country had seen for many years, to oppose it. The report reached Mr. Pearce while absent, and he immediately returned to Antalow, where, Dec. 30, 1807,

This places the character of the Ras in a very favourable light; that Mr. Pearce afterwards, by his bravery, justified these honours, is what might be expected; and he enjoyed more confidence with his patron than ever. It is probable, also, that the Ras conceived a still higher opinion of his country, in consequence of the spirit of resistance and magnanimity he had experienced; for when Mr. Salt's letters reached him, announcing his arrival on the coast, his joy was great; when he received the presents sent him, and saw them placed, he repeatedly lost himself in thought, and exclaimed "wonderful! wonderful!" He owned that he had not beheved Pearce's account, but now his doubts were removed. He even went so far as to confess the ignorance of his people in religious matters; and to express a wish for instruction from the British nation. Says Mr. Salt,

As the time now approached when it became necessary for nie to think of rewith the Ras, on the subject of my mission, turning, I had several long conference In one of these he gave me an account of the violent conduct of many of his chiefs on the death of his brother Ayto Manasseh, and of the strong objections which they

shall we say ?---on the part of the High Priest, of his confidence in British coc

tion, appears to have left a very deep impression on the mind of our traveller.

had started against our coming into the country. One of these, named Balgudda Hannes, had gone so far as openly to ad-rectness and superior means of instrucvise, that we should be enticed into the country, and afterwards murdered. The priests at Axum had also endeavoured to raise an outcry against us, and were actually said to have ordered the doors of the churches to be locked, for the purpose of keeping out any unlucky spells that we might wish to set upon them. They likewise repeatedly urged the Ras to be careful of his life, as they were assured, that our object was to kill him, and get possession of the country:"-" I was not fool enough to regard these extravagances," (he observed)" for if God had not been on my side, how should I so long have continued my command over the unruly people I have had to govern? Besides, as I told them, what can four or five people do ?"-" Some few (he added) even still remain inimical to you; but the greater part feel convinced of your friendly intentions." He concluded with saying, as to myself, I shall never cease to pray for your King, and, if God spare me, I will before long, with the guns he has sent me, establish the Emperor in his rights at Gondar, and settle the Religion of the country. We all say this is right; and the other is right, in religious matters, but, as Abou Barea has told me, I believe we shall only wander about in the dark until we receive a lesson from you." This he spake very earnestly.

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That this minister was not insensible to religious observances, appears from various instances; among others,

The Ras's army of 30,000 men halted during the whole of Sunday, a general custom prevailing among the Abyssinians to avoid, if possible, marching on that day.

On our return from the church, the High Priest accompanied us home, and continued with us nearly an hour. He paid and declared, that "I had done an act me many compliments on what had passed, which would for ever be recorded in their books; as the baptism of the boy most clearly proved, that the English were not "Franks", (alluding to the conduct of the Jesuits about baptism), but that we adhered to the pure religion of the Apostles. After some conversation of this kind, in which he expressed the highest opinion of our doctrines, he ended by repeating nearly the same words which he had before used to the Ras: "we go on in the dark, not knowing what is right or what is wrong; but I believe we shall do no good until we get a lesson from you;"-" and now," he added, rising from his seat," at the desire of the Ras, and from the friendship I bear you, I have to pray to God for your future pros perity." He then recited a long prayer for our safe return, to which we with great sincerity, answered, “Amen."

But it may be said---these were priests; and the language was that of glozing parasites, unwilling to offend a honour; and this is somewhat coun→ guest to whom their master had shewn tenanced by the rudeness and inhospitality of the priests, who were in opposition to the court; and consequently out of the sphere of court patronage, at Axum. This has been already glanced at by the Ras; and was afterwards, more fully, and vexatiously, expe

tion lies against the character of the soldier, Bahar-nagash Yasous. It is but justice to real worth to transcribe his character as we find it deliueated.

This probably is a relic of the once prevailing system of Judaisın, and Ju-rienced by Mr. Salt. No such objecdaical observances; it is not the only instance still practised. Among them, probably, we might place some of the previous ceremonies employed in the administration of Christian baptism; of March 4.-At Dixau. At the break of which Mr. Salt gives a very particular day the well known sound of the Baharand interesting account, as he saw it ad- Nagash's voice calling his family to prayers. ministered, at the residence of the Ras, to excited my attention, when I immediately a Mahometan boy, a servant of Mr. rose and joined his party. At this moment. Pearce. His readiness in this rite, with the interval of four years which had his performing the office of godfather, elapsed since my former visit appeared like completed the persuasion of the Priests, recited consisted of the same words; were a mere dream. The prayers which I heard that he, and his country, were orthopronounced in the same tone, and were of dox; and the frank confession,---no fered up with the same fervour of devotion, weak appeal to British benevolence,--- | which I had before so often listened to with