Lucretius was a man of admirable genius, but his works are tinctured with rudeness and impoliteness; yet the greatest poet in the world will never be able to equal him. He died mad, in consequence of a love potion administered to him by his mistress, who fancied he did not love her with an equal affection to her own. Quintus Catullus was ranked among the first poets, only for writing two exquisite epigrams. Another poet by the name of Catullus, was born in Verona, and his epigrams have constantly borne the epithet of divine: their sweetness, gallantry, and gracefulness have never yet been equalled. divine odes and poignant satires, and an excellent discourse on the Art of Poetry. In his works are to be found a happy || boldness, gallant conceits, and noble and | natural expressions; while his satires teem with the most exquisite morality, accom panied with sterling wit and raillery. He died at the age of fifty-seven, after acquir. ing a glory which time cannot destroy. Tibullus was a Roman knight, handsome, well made, but soon ran through a large fortune: he was in love with almost every female he saw. He died in a voyage at sea, after having obtained the fame of being the first author of Latin elegy. His verses are amorous, soft, easy, clear, and of extreme sweetness and elegance. Ovid was also a Roman knight. He was born at Salmo, and was designed by his father for the law; but having an invincible inclination to poetry, he renounced that profession to give himself up to it: he was three times married, and divorced from his two first wives. He was banished by Au Virgil was the son of a potter, near Mantua. When his mother was pregnant with him, she dreamed she was brought to bed of a laurel, which spread to an amazing distance; it was the custom among the Italians, at that time, to set a strip of poplar in the ground, when a child was born: the slip planted at Virgil's birth grew to an immeuse tree, was venerated by the people,gustus, for having made love to the Prinand obtained the name of Virgil's tree. Vir- cess Julia, his daughter. The place of his gil addicted himself to the study of natural exile was Pontus, a province in Asia. He philosophy, mathematics, and physic: he composed many works, the most famous of gained, by his great worth, the favour of which was his Metamorphosis, and also Augustus, and that of his favourite Mecenas, gained a great reputation by his Art of the great encourager of learned men. Ami- Love, and his Remedy of Love; he had able, virtuous, free from vanity, Virgil was much wit, facility, and copiousness in his as honest in his principles, as he was ad-writings, with all the ornaments of nature, mirable for his wit. The Eclogues he com posed are charming, and his Georgics are a masterpiece of poetry. But his greatest glory is his Eneid, which some think surpasses the Iliad of Homer. Virgil died in the midst of his renown, at Brundusium, when he went to meet Augustus on his return from the East. Thinking his Eneid imperfect, he requested, at his death, that it might be burnt; but on his friends assuring him that Augustus would never permit it, he consented to its being preserved. Horace was the son of a freed man, in the village of Apuleia, and was educated with great care. He was choleric, very voluptuous, and was one of the disciples of Epicurus, though he disclaimed the libertinism of those principles before he died; he loved liberty above all things, and, determining to live absolutely independent, he resided almost entirely in the country. He composed two different kind of works, devoid of art. Seneca was born at Corduba, in Spain: he displayed much wit, but it savoured rather of the gravity of his nation. He was bled to death by the orders of Nero. Lucan was born in the same city, and had many admirers: he was accused by Nero of conspiring against the state, and was put to death. Juvenal's satires are full of wit and spirit, but less delicate than those of Horace; and the satiric spirit of Juvenal is often ill-natured and angry. He lived in the reign of Domitian, and was the son of a freed man. At the age of sixty, he was sent by the government on a commission to the farthest part of Egypt, and died in a kind of exile. Martial was a famous author of epigrams, and the first in that line: his raillery was quick, piquant, subtle, and not devoid of elegance. He was born in Spain, and lived under the reign of Domitian, in Rome THE NEW SYSTEM OF BOTANY; WITH PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF FLORA, &c. &c. &c. AGREEABLE to the concluding part of,, also raised other species from the fine our preceding lecture, there only remains for us, whilst upon the subject of elastic filaments and small globules taken from the male parts. But perhaps the most curious fact, connected with their propa gation, is that as far back as the year 1779, an honest journeyman weaver at Norwich cultivated several species of the mosses, by means of seeds, at the very period when all the learned botanists of Europe were declaring the thing to be impossible! It is, however, to be acknowledged, that the greatest number of the mosses propagate themselves by putting forth roots from the extremities of the shoots and the points of the leaves; one species, in particular, pushing forth the new root from the rib of the leaf, whilst in another, which The scientific delineation has been given in a former lecture; but we may add here a fact stated by Sprengel, that all the parts of the plant are composed of one form only, which is the cellular; though he could not discover the slightest trace of spiral vessels, either in the stalk or in any other part, even when subject to the highest magnify-has no rib, fibrils of roots are prolongated ing powers. So far, this plant appears imperfect: yet its deficiency is amply made up, agreeable to the rules of vegetable economy, by the softness, delicacy, and ductility of the cellular texture, whose beauty and elegance of form is more particularly exhibited in those humble offerings of vegetable nature, than in any other plant known to the bo tanist. With respect to the roots, they are nearly of the same nature in all the varieties, being, without exception, fibrous, and never producing either tubes or less roots, so common to all other vegetables; yet it is observed, that the power of elongation, which is very remarkable in many of the perennial mosses, does not belong so much to the root as to the stalk and its creeping branches. It is further worthy of notice, that the original roots decay in a short time; but then new ones are put forth in their stead. from the cellular texture: so that nature, even in her apparent deficiencies, actually displays more strongly her various powers! These observations may seem in some measure contradicted, by the very rapid growth of mosses, which, apparently, can only be accounted for by supposing that they shed an infinite number of seeds; but then it must be recollected, that in many of the creeping mosses, the tendency of the stalks to strike root is so great, that not unfrequently nearly the whole of it is clothed with fibrils, issuing from all the axils of the leaves, insomuch that to a casual observer the plant appears tomentose or woolly. It is deserving of botanical notice, that no mosses are yet known to be provided with petiolated leaves; these being always sessile, and very often embracing the stem, so that the leaves never drop off until the stalks decay. The extreme porosity of those minute Sprengel says, that it is still uncertain || leaves, renders them apt to collect and to whether any of the mosses are annual, and || retain moisture, to a degree almost incredi propagated by means of seeds only; but that uncertainty is completely done away by an experiment of an English botanist, in Jamaica, Mr. Lindsay, who sowed the fine dust from the fructification of several species, which grew very rapidly; nay, he ble, but which has been wisely provided by a bounteous Providence, whose goodness clothes the desert. The interior structure of the leaves, is in itself extremely simple, being nothing more than a loose cellular texture between two lamelle, the pores of which are almost invisible; and that is all that can be discovered, even by the assistance of the most powerful microscopes. The epidermis of these leaves is so extremely delicate, that it is scarcely possible to detach it from the parenchymatous substance below it; but if any of our fair readers wish to try a simple, yet curious experiment, they will see that on placing a fresh segment of a leaf under water, the fluid will soon be seen to enter it at all points, and yet, strange to tell, the pores which admit the water are so infinitely minute, that they are not discoverable by the best magnifiers, so that we only know their existence from their effects. Minute as these plants are, yet they are the habitations of living animals; for it is now well ascertained, that in the species called Barbula, in the autumn, when the young shoots contain the male-flower buds, there are found within them a number of insects, perfectly resembling those curious animalculæ called Vibriones, which are discovered during the fermentation of paste and vinegar. The peduncle of some species have the property of being hygrometrical; for in the Barbula and Funaria, these peduncles will twist up on the application of moisture, and untwist again as soon as they become dry; and this property has been found to continue even after the capsules had perished and dropped off. These capsules contain the seed, which, until ripe, is confined by a lid, beneath which is a ring consisting of a delicate disk with succulent processes; and it is a cúrious fact, in the almost mechanical formation of these curious and minute works of nature's hand, that the nearer this part arrives towards maturity, the more those succulent processes give way, until, upon some change in the atmosphere, the ring bursts, and the lid adhering to it is lifted and thrown off; an effect which is particularly promoted by the moisture of the atmosphere: for on removing the lid from a completely ripe and dry capsule, and placing it in a drop of water, under the microscope, then the small jointed ring may be distinctly seen to twist off in the manner described. Though the seeds are extremely minute, yet they are entirely covered with fine bristles to make them adhere to various substances, and the force with which they are thrown from the capsules even to considerable distances, is truly astonishing; this has been discovered to arise from the inner membranes of the capsule being specifically sensible to the moisture of the atmosphere, so as to contract with an impetus scarcely credible in substances so minute and delicate. One botanical fact is related by Sprengel which is too curious to be omitted, but yet may fail of obtaining belief. He says that he has constantly observed that before the flower-pots in hot-houses were covered by the moss, so apt to spring up in them, a great number of small green spots appeared; these, when subjected to the microscope, so exactly resembled conferve that they could be taken for nothing else. In the midst of this congeries of delicate silk-like threads, he soon after discovered the seedling plants of several masses; but the conferva were so closely applied to the tender mosses, and so entangled them, that it was easy to imagine that both constituted but one body. This intimate connection even subsisted after the young plants were considerably advanced. In the beginning, when the moss has scarcely two leaves, he says that the conferva is likewise simple; but in proportion as the one grows up the other becomes more branched, till, ultimately, when the moss commences flowering and bearing fruit, the conferva entirely disappears! This seems indeed to be quite a vegetable nursery, and which, had it been known to the poetical Darwin, would certainly have afforded him fine scope for his inventive genius. We cannot contradict the fact as stated; but, if true, we must acknowledge that it displays a volition, a sentiment in plants that places them higher in the scale of sensitive creation than the world hitherto has been in the habit of allotting to them. We certainly are not materialists to the extent of supposing vegetable matter to be possessed of mind; and yet this is one of those inexplicable facts which can scarcely be accounted for upon any other principle. Here, indeed, we can have little hope of ever understanding it; but we trust there is a school where this, and many more surprising effects of God's good providence will be fully explained to us. In short, if THIS walking or carriage dress, is perfectly new, highly appropriate to the season, and will most probably be the prevailing morning dress for November. There is great ingenuity in the mantl; it is the most elegant and novel thing introduced, and is ornamented with a trimming never before seen in this country, far more beautiful then fur, both in point of elegance as well as effect; it is expected to be univer sally worn this winter for muffs, &c. Mrs. Bell has the merit of having first introduced No. 2.-A BALL DRESS. French rose colour silk slip, made tight to the shape and very short in the waist. French gauze frock, open behind, the bosom embroidered to correspond with the slip, and the bottom fancifully decorated with artificial wreaths of roses fancifully placed. A very short sleeve of French gauze drawn in full compartments, each of which are ornamented with pearl; a double row of pearl goes across the sleeve about an inch from the end. Hair dressed full on the temples and low on each side in front, hind hair à-laGrecque. Head-dress roses fancifully dis. this elegant substitute for fur. The pelisse posed to the side. White satin sandals, and is made of rose colour satin for the carriage dress, and for walking, velvets and kerseymeres are most approved of; it is made in a most novel and tasteful style; the lower part of it is made tight to the shape, and is cut in points of better than a nail in depth; the remainder of the body, which is high, is put full into these points, which are edged with a rose colour silk trimming to correspond. The fullness of the body is confined by byas gagings, which has a very pretty effect: a double row of lace to fall over finishes it at the throat. A plain long sleeve, rather full, and confined at the wrist with the new invented fur trimming. The bonnet which accompanies this dress is one of the happiest inventions of Mrs. Bell; the bonnet always corresponds in colours with the mantle; the shape is perfectly novel and becoming in the highest degree; it fastens under the chin by a satin ribband, and a bunch of winter flowers ornaments it in front. Necklace, earrings, and white kid gloves. bracelets of pearl. This dress is also much and deservedly admired in white lace; we white lace it is universally adopted in the understand, indeed, that either in gauze or highest circles of fashion; but though we are ourselves amongst its admirers, yet we must own that the simplicity of its form induces us to think that Mrs. Bell has introduced it on purpose to display the superior elegance of her Circassian corsets: if this was the case the object has been most fully answered, and the natural beauties of the shape displayed in the most easy and graceful manner. It is certain that however eminent the British fair always were for elegance of proportion and symmetry of shape, these beauties were never seen to so of the Circassian corset. much advantage as since the introduction The above dresses were invented by Mrs. Bell, Inventress of the Ladies' Chapeau Bras, and of whom only they can be had, at her Magazin des Modes, No, 26, Charlotte-street, Bedford-square, GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON FASHION AND DRESS. wrapping long cloak; it is generally worn in brown or green, and lined, if in the former, with pink, if the latter, with white sarsnet; it is made with a hood, and edged round with seal skiu. The approach of winter compels our fair readers to exchange the light drapery The Princess Charlotte's mantle is, we of one of the finest autumns we remember must observe, admirably adapted to display for some years, for garments better suited to advantage a graceful form, and when to defend their forms from the damp and the weather is not intensely cold may be cold of our uncertain climate. Since our thought sufficiently warm, particularly by last Number a very considerable alteration || juvenile belles; but the cottage mantle, has taken place in the walking costume. though not so shewey or attractive, is in Cloth mantles and pelisses are now univer-point of comfort infinitely superior, and its sal: the slipper, or jane boot, has given form, though very plain, is by no means place to leather half-boots or strong walk-inelegant, it is particularly calculated for ing shoes, and velvet hats and bonnets have superseded straw, silk, &c. A considerable alteration has taken place in the form of pelisses since our last Number, but we must own we do not think it at all for the better; the fashionable pelisse is not yet distinguished by any name, but were we to be its sponsors we should think that of coachman's coat very appropriate, and it must be owned that it bears a very near resemblance to one, the large cape with three or four false ones, the heavy collar, loose body, and, in short, the tout || ensemble can be compared to nothing else; Mrs. Bell, indeed, whose elegant taste can improve even the most unbecoming fashions, has made a few in green kerseymere, trimmed with the new invented trimming, which, by a slight alteration in the cape and collar, are much more feminine and becoming than any other that we have seen. those fair ones who are rather tall, and who do not incline to what the French term en bon point; to such ladies it cannot be otherwise than becoming, and would, we think, be particularly elegant in scarlet, though we have not yet seen any in that colour. Velvet hats and bonnets are in the highest request at present amongst our fair pedestrians; the forms are various, but the small French hat is, we think, the most prevalent; but small slouch bonnets, slouch hats, helmet hats and bonnets, are mos admired. Apropos of French hats, Mrs Bell finish||ed one the other day for a lady of distinction, which was composed of the newly invented silk mole skin, a bright purple with white feathers, it was intended for the carriage costume, but might be worn for the promenade, the crown was something lower than they are in general, and the hat altogether had that jauntée air which characterises, or rather, we ought to say, which used to characterise the French fashions, when in the reign of the martyred Louis the habilements of his enchanting Queen were copied all over Europe. From the death of Marie Antoinette to the present time, our country has maintained a decided superiority of taste over their former ele The Princess Charlotte of Wales mantle, and the cottage cloak, are at present the highest in request amongst our fair pedestrians. The first is made in green, Spanish brown, or purple cloth, lined with white `sarsnet; it is a three quarter length mantle: the form is extremely pretty and novel, a large piece is cut out at the top, and a full back substituted, which is brought in a point to the bottom of the waist. The mantle is plaited to the back on the shoul-gant neighbours, and we are not a little ders, and hangs very gracefully; a small || cape resembling a diamond in shape, and a full collar; the trimming is swansdown; and we should not forget to observe that a narrow edging of swansdown goes up the back at each side, that round the cloak is considerably broader. The cottage mantle is a simple round proud of the partiality which the amiable Duchess d'Angouleme displays on all occasions for the English fashions: but, to return to the French hat, of which we were speaking, we have to observe, that it is not only strikingly jauntée, but also infinitely becoming, and from the novelty and elegance both of the hat and its materials, it |