On Number 9.

1 and 8 are 9, 2 and 7 are 9, 3 and 6 are 9, 5 and 4 are 9, 8 and 1 are 9, 7 and 2 are 9, 6 and 3 are 9, 4 and 5 are 9. Nine farthings are 24d., 9 pence are three-fourths of a shilling, 9 square feet are one square yard, 9 gallons 1 firkin of ale. It would take a ball, fired from a cannon, 9 millions of years to reach the nearest fixed star. The planet Jupiter turns round once in 9 days. 900 years before Christ, Elijah was taken up into heaven. There are 9 different families or houses who have enjoyed the English throne: 1, the Saxon line; 2, the Danish line; 3, the Norman line; 4, the Plantagenets; 5, the houses of Lancaster and York; 6, the house of Tudor; 7, the house of Stuart; 8, the house of Orange; and 9, the house of Brunswick. September is the 9th month in the year.

On Number 10.

1 and 9 are 10, 2 and 8 are 10, 7 and 3 are 10, 6 and 4 are 10, 5 and 5 are 10, 9 and 1 are 10, 8 and 2 are 10, 3 and 7 are 10, 4 and 6 are 10. 10 farthings are 24d.; 10 is the 10th part of a hundred; 10 shillings are half of a pound; 10 pence are the 24th part of a pound; 10 gallons, 1 anker of brandy; a load of corn is 10 sacks. There were 10 plagues of Egypt (Exodus vii. to x.) There were 10 commandments given (Exodus xx.) Ten good servants are mentioned in Scripture (Gen. xxiv. Gen. xxx. Gen. xxxix. Num. xii. 1 Sam. xxii. 1 Kings xviii. 2 Kings, v. Nehemiah xi. Daniel vi. Luke vii.). Jesus Christ was seen 10 different times after his resurrection (John xx. Mark xviii. Luke xxiv. John xxi. Matt. xxviii. 1 Cor. xv.). October is the 10th month in the year.

On Number 11.

1 and 10 are 11, 2 and 9 are 11, 3 and 8 are 11, 4 and 7 are 11, 5 and 6 are 11, 10 and 1 are 11, 9 and 2 are 11, 8 and 3 are 11, 7 and 4 are 11, 6 and 5 are 11.-11 farthings are 23d.; 11 pence are 44 farthings. The codfish has 11 millions of eggs in its row. David lived 11 hundred years before Christ. There were 11 judges in Israel before they had a king: 1, Othniel; 2, Ehud; 3, Shamgar; 4, Deborah and Gideon; 5, Abimelech; 6, Tola and Jair; 7, Jephthah; 8, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon; 9, Samson; 10, Eli; 11, Samuel. Paul wrote his epistles to 11 different parties, or people. The planet Jupiter is 11 years going round the sun. Spain has 11 millions of inhabitants. The United States have 11 millions of people. The great pyramid of Egypt covers a space of 11 acres. November is the 11th month in the year.

On Number 12..

1 and 11 are 12, 2 and 10 are 12, 3 and 9 are 12, 4 and 8 are 12, 5 and 7 are 12, 6 and 6 are 12; 7 and 5 are 12, 8 and 4 are 12, 9 and 3 are 12, 10 and 2 are 12, 11 and 1 are 12. 12 farthings are 3d., 12 pence 1s., 12 ounces a pound Troy, 12 sacks 1 last, 12 inches 1 foot, 12 months 1 year, 12 articles 1 dozen, 12 dozen 1 gross, 12 firkins 1 butt of beer. There are 12 signs in the Zodiac. Twelve tribes of Israel: 1, Reuben; 2, Simeon; 3, Levi; 4, Judah; 5, Issachar; 6, Zebulun; 7, Gad; 8, Asher; 9, Joseph; 10, Benjamin 11, Dan; 12, Naphtali. There were also 12 apostles: 1, Simon; 2, Andrew; 3, James; 4, John; 5, Philip; 6, Bartholomew; 7, Matthew; 8, Thomas; 9, James the son of Alpheus; 10, Simon Zelotes; 11, Judas; 12, Judas Iscariot. There were 12 monarchs of the Persian empire. December is the 12th month in the year.

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NOTICES OF SCHOOL BOOKS.

Parental Responsibility addressed to those who profess to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Second Edition enlarged. William Curry, Jun., Dublin; Simpkin and Marshall, London.

THIS little work is written with a view to impress the importance of Christian motives, in the education of the young, and of a parent's responsibility. It urges very emphatically the duty of parents, to afford a religious education to their children, and to train them up to habits of piety and virtue. It is written in a sincere and christian spirit, and is calculated to be of important use to those, who have not thought seriously on this all important subject.

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Elements of Truth. By James Rondeau. Houghton and Co., Poultry. WHAT is "Truth?" said jesting Pilate, and would not wait for an answer. The author of this little book has endeavoured to give a reply; he has taken up some new views" of theology, and amid much perplexity and darkness appears occasionally to have had a gleam of light. The prayers and hymns appear in a great degree, to be free from the speculative difficulties of the other parts of the volume, and breathe the spirit of piety and devotion. A Teacher's first Lessons on Religion, with a Catechism. A Teacher's Lessons on the Creation, with a Catechism. First Lessons on Natural Religion, and a Teacher's Lessons on Scripture Characters, with Catechisms. In Four Books. By Charles Baker.

THE author of these little works appears to have some correct ideas on the subject of education, and the work of instruction, as gathered from the preface to the last of these publications; but he does not appear to have carried out effectually his own principles, in the works before us; while the lessons themselves contain many inaccuracies and defects. In one, Moses is described as leaving Egypt, "because the Egyptians worshipped false Gods." In another, the figurative language of scripture is literally applied, as in the lesson on animals, that fine passage of Isaiah, alluding to the peaceableness of the Redeemer's Kingdom; in which it is said, that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb; it is asserted to mean, that "a time shall come, when animals will not destroy and devour each other." These and similar errors will prevent the volumes from being extensively used, while the uninteresting and negligent manner in which the lessons on Scriptural character are drawn up, will preclude that introduction to schools, where Scriptural instruction forms the basis of tuition. A Treatise on English Grammar, Style, and Poetry; to which is added, Advice to the Student on the Improvement of the Understanding. By Richard Hiley. Second Edition. Simpkin and Marshall, London.

This work is an elaborate compilation from a variety of our best works on grammar and language, and is really a useful book. The author appears to have fully entered into his subject, and has improved and simplified many of the rules for the attainment of correctness in speaking and writing. The principal recommendation of the volume, is the "Advice to the Student on the Improvement of the Understanding," given at the end of the book, which is a most valuable series of directions and observations. The part relating to poetry is very inferior, and, divested of some very fine remarks which appeared in the Quarterly Review some years ago, and which form the staple of the essay, is not calculated to give just ideas of its nature. It must be obvious to the author, that the rhapsodies of a reviewer writing for effect, and addressed to adults, is not the kind of composition to be made available for the purposes of instruction; however he may endeavour to blend and encorporate it, with his own style and ideas. Should a subsequent edition appear, we would advise the author to expunge, or re-write the whole of the article alluded to, if he wishes the book to become, what it might be made, a standard work on the English Language.

THE PHILADELPHIAN PENITENTIARY.

(From Crawford's Report on the Penitentiaries of the United States.) In the year 1818, the Legislature of Pennsylvania resolved on the establishment of a Penitentiary at Pittsburgh, for the western division of the State. It was intended to enforce at this prison solitary confinement without labour; but the building on its completion, was found so ill-calculated for that object, that the design could not be executed. The convicts were, it is true, confined in separate cells; but they could and did freely communicate with each other. These facilities for corrupt intercourse were greatly promoted by the idleness to which they were subjected. The mischievous effects of this penitentiary became at length so obvious that the Legislature, in 1832, resolved on its reconstruction on such a plan as would ensure strict solitude during the hours of labour, as well as at night. This new prison is just completed. Undismayed by the failure of their efforts at Pittsburgh, the Legislature determined in 1821 on the erection of another penitentiary in Philadelphia for the eastern division of the State. The progress of this building was, however, for some time arrested by a difference of opinion which prevailed respecting the nature of the discipline to be enforced. A highly respectable party, who had deeply interested themselves in the erection of the penitentiary, warmly advocated the infliction of solitary imprisonment without labour. Inquiry was deemed necessary, and commissioners were appointed to visit other gaols, and report on the most eligible plan. These gentlemen recommended that the convicts should be employed in association during the day, and be confined apart during the night. Opinions so opposite demanding still further consideration, the Legislature determined upon the middle course of solitude by day and night, accompanied by labour. The Eastern Penitentiary was accordingly proceeded with and a part being completed, prisoners were admitted into it in July, 1829.

This penitentiary is situated about a mile from the city of Philadelphia. The scite occupies about twelve acres. It is built of stone, and surrounded by a wall thirty feet in height. Every room is vaulted and fire-proof. At each angle of the boundary wall is a tower for the purpose of overlooking the establishment. In the centre is a circular building, or observatory, from which several corridors radiate: they are under complete inspection. The cells are ranged on each side of the corridors, in the wall of which is a small aperture and iron door to each cell through this aperture the meals of the prisoner are handed to him without his seeing the officer, and he may at all times be thus inspected without his knowledge. Other openings are provided for the purposes of ventilation and warmth. A privy is constructed in each cell in such a manner as to preserve the purity of the atmosphere, and prevent the possibility of communication from cell to cell. Heated air is conducted by flues from stoves under the corridors. In the arched ceiling of each cell is a window for the admission of light. The cells are 11 feet 9 inches long, 7 feet 6 inches wide, and 16 feet high to the top of the arched ceiling. The cells on VOL. I.-May, 1835.

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the ground floor have double doors leading into a yard, 18 by 8 feet, in which the convict is allowed to take exercise for an hour daily. The walls of the yard are 11 feet high. Prisoners are not allowed to walk at the same time in adjoining yards; and when in the yards are inspected by a watchman placed for that purpose in the tower of the observatory. At present but three corridors are completed; the others which are now erecting, differ in some of their arrangements from those originally built. The new cells below, as well as in the upper floor, have doors opening into the corridors. These cells vary also in their dimensions, being three feet longer than the others. The prisoners in the upper cells are not allowed to go at any time into the open air. This rule had been only seven months in operation at the period of my visit. No inconvenience had at that time been found to result from the arrangement. On the admission of a convict he is taken into an office at the entrance of the penitentiary and subjected to the usual course of examination. His person is cleansed, and he is clothed in a uniform. He is then blindfolded and conducted to his cell. On his way thither he is for a short time detained in the observatory, where he is admonished by the warden, as to the necessity of implicit obedience to the regulations. On arriving in his cell, the hood is removed, and he is left alone. There he may remain for years, perhaps for life, without seeing any human being but the inspectors, the warden, and his officers, and perhaps occasionally one of the official visitors of the prison. For the first day or two the convict is not allowed to have even a Bible, nor is any employment given to him for at least a week, a period during which he is the object of the warden's special observation. The prisoner soon petitions for an occupation. It is not, however, until solitude appears to have effectually subdued him that employment of any kind is introduced into his cell. Under such circumstances labour is regarded as a great alleviation; and such is the industry manifested, that with few exceptions has it been necessary to assign tasks. Several salutary provisions are made by the Legislature against the abuse of the power vested in the warden and his officers. The inspectors are required to visit the prison at least twice in the week, and on those occasions to speak to each prisoner and to listen to any complaint that may be made of oppression or misconduct. Neither the warden nor any of his assistants are to be present at these interviews, unless their attendance be desired. The physician is required to visit the infirmary daily, and to attend at the penitentiary twice in every week, for the purpose of inquiring into the mental as well as bodily state of every prisoner. The official visitors appointed by the Legislature are the Governor of the State, the Speaker and Members of the Senate, the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the State, the judges of the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General and his deputies, the president and associate judges of all the courts in the State, the mayor and recorder of the cities of Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh, the commissioners and sheriffs of the several counties, and the acting committee of the "Philadelphia Society for the Alleviation of Public Prisons." No person but an official visitor can

have any communication with a prisoner, unless under special circumstances; nor is a visitor permitted to deliver to or receive from a convict any letter or message, or to supply him with any article under the penalty of 100 dollars. Such are the general arrangements of this penitentiary. There are, however, deviations from the rules which I have described in regard to convicts who are employed at trades which cannot be conveniently carried on in a cell. Those who are employed as blacksmiths, carpenters, &c., are allowed to leave their cells and work separately in small shops, in which they are locked up, or they they are associated in such cases with an artificer, not a prisoner, but the greatest care is observed both during the hours of work and when going to and returning from the shops, to prevent any one convict from seeing another. This departure from the ordinary regulations, however it may be the means of increasing the number of employments in the prison, will, I fear, be found susceptible of abuse, and even calculated to promote escapes at a future period, when the penitentiary may not have the benefit of that anxious care and unwearied vigilance which are exercised by the present warden.

Having had the unrestrained privilege of visiting the cells at all times, I have had many opportunities of conversing in private with a considerable number of the prisoners. Aware of the strong feeling which exists of the danger resulting from long periods of solitary confinement thus strictly enforced, my inquiries were carefully directed to the effects which it had produced upon the health, mind, and character of the convict. I have uniformly found that the deterring influence is very great, and such as I believe belongs to no other system of gaol management; for although in large bodies, and associated together, silence may by strict discipline be in a great measure maintained, prisoners thus debarred from speaking have inevitably recourse to other modes of communication. I do not wish it to be inferred that moral corruption can result from intercourse so limited, yet when men are day after day thrown into the society of each other, the irksomeness of imprisonment becomes impaired, and its terrors materially diminished. The Eastern Penitentiary imparts no such relief. Of the convicts with whom I conversed, many had been previously confined in the New York and other prisons, where corporal punishments were frequent, but these persons have declared that that discipline was less corrective than the restraints of continued solitude. When prisoners are associated it is extremely difficult to cut off all intercourse from without. The arrival of new and the discharge of other convicts form constant channels of communication. In the Eastern Penitentiary the separation from the world is certain and complete. So strict is the seclusion, that I found, on conversing with the prisoners, that they were not aware of the existence of the cholera which had but a few months before prevailed in Philadelphia.* The exclusion of all

To their ignorance of the existence of the cholera may doubtless be ascribed in a great measure their preservation from this disease, not a single convict having been attacked by it during the whole period that it prevailed in the city of Philadelphia, although the hospital for the reception of patients was in the neighbourhood of the prison. The powerful effect of alarm on the bodily system was singularly illustrated at this period at the Massachusetts state prison. The chaplain having taking occasion one