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1818.]

Memoir of Walter Scott, Esq.

edition of Lord Somers's collection of historical tracts; and at the same time edited Sir Ralph Sadler's state papers, and Anna Seward's poetical works. Yet the very year when these last publications appeared, witnessed the birth of another original offspring of his prolific muse. This was the "Lady of the Lake," which has been the most popular of all his acknowledged works; though in the opinion of many it is inferior in several respects to his "Lay of the Last Minstrel." In 1811, came out "The Vision of Don Roderick;" in 1813, "Rokeby;" and in 1814, "The Lord of the Isles." In the last mentioned year he also published a prose work on "The Border Antiquities of England;" and a new edition of Swift, with a biographical memoir and annotations.

At a subsequent period, he has given two performances to the public on the same subject, one in prose and the other in verse; the first entituled "Paul's Letters to his Kinsfolk," and the other "The Battle of Waterloo."

Such is the ascertained list of the literary progeny of Mr. Walter Scott, exhibiting abundant testimony of original genius, extensive powers, and uncommon industry. But even this catalogue, rich and large as it is, must receive yet farther additions of still greater value, if the general report be correct, that he is the author of a series of romances, the popularity of which is without a parallel.

When WAVERLEY came out, there was but one opinion on the subject of its parent; and each succeeding novel, in a rapid course of publication, has only served to confirm that ascription. Yet, strange to say, he alone who should decide the question, preserves a determined silence upon it; nay, as we have been informed, he even rejects the merit of having written any part of those interesting stories. Here, then, the matter must rest; for however strongly inclined we may be to think with the public in this instance, we cannot conceive the motive for denying that which it would be honourable

to avow.

There can be no moral or political reason for throwing an impenetrable veil of secrecy over the author of a set of volumes by which the whole world has been delighted and even instructed. The time has passed when a man was called to decide between retaining a valuable preferment, and burning a romance. But even were the concealed author of "Guy Mannering an ecclesiastic of high dig

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nity, we should be disposed to recommend to him the example of Heliodorus, and that without feeling any compunctions about the magnitude of the sacrifice.

John Home, in our own days, renounced his manse and his kirk, rather than submit to the arbitrary mandates of the presbytery; but we believe, were such a case again to occur, there is not a doctor or elder in all Scotland that would wish to deprive the author of "Douglas" of his preferment for having written a stage play.

But Mr. Scott is under no such restraints; and he who ushered the "Lady of the Lake" into public view with his name, need not be ashamed to acknowledge his relation to a romantic family, every one of which bears the stamp, the lineaments, and the air of the minstrel.

But to leave uncertainty for reality. Mr. Scott has been a very fortunate man; and his prudence through life has been in proportion to his advantages. At the bar, indeed, he never made any shining figure; but he was released from the necessity of labour as a lawyer, by the family property which came into his possession, and the valuable appointments to which he was preferred. His writings, also, have added largely to his gains, and enabled him to make some considerable purchases of land in the county of Roxburgh. We have been informed, however, that he has suffered pretty deeply by the failure of some trading concerns of an extensive nature, in which he took a share, But if he be the author of the celebrated novels, upon which we have made some observations, he must have realized enough to constitute him one of the richest Lairds on the hill of Parnassus.

Mr. Scott is at present engaged, we understand, in illustrating a graphic work upon the Antiquities of Scotland; of which country he has long since held out the promise of an elaborate history: a pledge which we sincerely hope he will speedily be induced to redeem. It remains to be observed, that Mr. Scott in private life bears a most amiable character, endeared to his family, and beloved by an extensive circle of friends. We have heard it said, that he has a brother in America, of a kindred genius, and to whom, on that account, some persons have not scrupled to attribute the romances which have excited so much interest, and drawn forth so many inquiries in regard to their origin. J. W.

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[We beg to remind our Correspondents that all Notices for this Department must be sent on or before the 15th of each month.]

The Tragedy of Guilt, by ADOLPH MULNER, which has made so much noise in Germany, is about to make its appearance in an English Translation.

Mr. CAULFIELD, of Bath, is preparing a volume for the press, which will contain every important transaction of the Regency from the year 1811, to the last dissolution of Parliament.

A work on the simplicity and ingenuity of the Evidence in favour of the Miracles recorded in the Gospels, contrasted with the best and most striking wonders of the Christian Church in the succeeding centuries, is printing by the Rev. W. FAULKNER, A. M.

The Topographical and Monastic Antiquities of St. Neots and Eynesbury Hunts, and St. Neots, Cornwall, by Mr. Gorham, is preparing for the press.

Mr. WARDEN will publish in the course of the ensuing season, a Statistical, Political, and Historical Account of the United States of America, in 3 vols. 8vo.

JAMES PLAYFAIR, D. D. &c. has in a considerable state of for vardness, a Geographical and Statistical Description of Scotland.

The Rev. C. R. MATURIN, Curate of St. Peters, Dublin, has in the press a volume of Sermons.

Mr. W. KNIGHT, Lecturer on Natural Philosophy in the Institution of Belfast, is about to publish Facts and Observations toward forming a new Theory of the Earth.

JOHN OXLEY, esq. Surveyor-General of the Territory of New South Wales, is about to publish a Journal of an Expedition over part of the hitherto Terra Incognita of Australasia.

Shortly will be published the Political and Literary Anecdotes of Dr. Wm. KING, principal of St. Mary Hall, Oxford, written by himself.

Mr. MALONE'S curious Library is to be sold by auction in the course of the winter.

A satirical novel, entitled, The Englishman in Paris, with sketches of remarkable characters, is nearly ready for publication.

In the press, Remarks on the present state of Musical Instruction, with the Prospectus of an improved plan; in which the great need of a new order of musical designation, and the important advantages resulting therefrom, are explicitly stated, by JOHN RELFE, musician in ordinary to his Majesty, &c. &c.

The Rev. H. B. WILLIAMS has in the press Eight Sermons at the Lecture founded by the Hon. Robert Boyle, with an Appendix, containing strictures on Mr. Gisborne's testimony of Natural Theology.

The Rev. Sir JOHN HEAD will publish in the course of the present month, Discourses on various subjects in one vol. 8vo.

A Catalogue is now in preparation of the library of the late M. Millin. It consists of 22,000 volumes. The Prussian Government, it is said, has made proposals for the purchase of this valuable collection for the purpose of bestowing it on the University lately founded at Bonn.

Doctor J. CAREY has in the press a new edition of " Dryden's Virgil," with remarks on the text, as corrected from Dryden's own folio edition.

The same gentleman has also forthcoming a new edition of his Latin Prosody made easy, and Drakenborch's Livy. The Regent's pocket edition.

The Rev. RICHARD WARNER will publish early in December in 3 vols. 12mo. Old Church of England Principles opposed to the New Light, in a series of 52 plain doctrinal and practical Sermons.

The Rev. Dr. Chalmers, of Glasgow, will shortly publish a volume of Sermons preached by him in the Tron Church.

The Rev. W. PULLING, A.M. and F.R.S. is preparing for publication a volume containing 12 Sermons, with appropriate Prayers, from the Danish of Dr. Nicolay Edisger Balle Regius, Professor of Divinity.

Shortly will be published, a Graphic and Historical description of the City of Edinburgh, comprising a series of Views of its most interesting remains of antiquity, public buildings, and picturesque scenery. The drawings have been made by J. and H. S. Storer, who will likewise engrave the plates.

In the press and speedily will be published, (introductory to a superb edition of the Seasons, &c. with original illustrations and embellishments) a new Biographical Memoir of James Thompson, containing many interesting anecdotes of his early life, and some notices of his most intimate friends.

Early in the ensuing year will be published, a new work exclusively devoted to Music, entitled, "The English Musical Gazette," to be continued regularly every month.

Mr. BARROW, of the Admiralty, is preparing for publication, an Account of the late Polar Expedition in one vol. 8vo.

Το

WALTER SCOTT, esq. is preparing for publication, "The Provincial Antiquities, and Picturesque Scenery of Scotland." be embellished with plates by Turner, Callcott, Thompson, Nasinyth, Blore, Williams, and other artists of eminence.

1818.]

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AGRICULTURAL REPORT.

THE heavy rains which have fallen at intervals during the last month, with the very fine warm weather that immediately succeeded them, have greatly improved the Turnip crops, and produced an abundance of feed in the meadows, pastures, and old clover layers; the latter never turned up better, for the important and now more extensive operation of Wheat setting or dibbling, which has been going on most rapidly. The young Wheats begin already to assume a fine appearance (perhaps rather too rank) in some places southward of Norwich. On the weak ciover-layers the farmers are sowing ray-grass (a peck per acre) and rolling it in. The great quantity of feed, and the prospect of a tolerably good Turnip crop, have caused an advance in the prices of lean beasts, sheep, and lambs. Apples are so plentiful this year, that a sack of them may be had for one of Potatoes-that crop having generally failed. So favourable a Michaelmas time was never remembered for every agricultural operation.

The speculative opinion entertained by some respecting the scarcity of Wheat, on taking the average of the counties, is confirmed by the general rise on the markets, which the foreign imports are not large enough to affect. The maltsters not having begun to wet down, has occasioned a declension of price in Barley, except those of superior quality. Some cargoes are expected from the Baltic, but whether of a kindly malting quality is yet uncertain. Outs, Peas, and B ans, except Massigans, (which are dearer,) are somewhat under last month's prices. Rape, and all other small seeds, are lower. Potatoes yield the least productive crop that has been known for many years. Hops were never known to take so critical a turn, as to raise, in ten days, the year's expected duty from 50 to 160,0001.: the fall of price has consequently been from 201. to 301. per cent. The late warm rains have forced the Grass lands most luxuriantly, and considerably improved the latter Turnips and Coleseeds. Hay retains its high price. The new sown Ryes and Winter Tares have planted kindly. The season has proved highly favourable to the fallow lands, which were raised in due time. Wheat sowing has commenced in many districts upon clover-leys, on light soils, where, from the late rains, the land works well for the seed.

Average Prices of Corn,

By the Quarter of Eight Winchester Bushels, from Returns in the Week ending Oct. 12.

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COMMERCIAL REPORT.

[Nov. 1,

The Corzon market has been exceedingly heavy during the month, owing to the late extensive sales at the East India House, and from very considerable arrivals, nor has the West India produce been much better.

The demand for MUSCOVADOES continues very limited.

The sales of COFFEE went off heavily, with the exception of middling and good middling Dominica, which sold from 2s. to 6s. less than before.

The supply of new English WHEAT has not been extensive, yet the sale was dull. In foreign, there has been little or no change in the price...

The prices of Whale OIL are rising, and a general opinion is entertained that they will still advance; the consumption is generally believed to be effected by the prices of Tallow, which are exceedingly high.

Bengal SILKS are selling at a premium of 3s. 6d. on the last East India sale prices.

The demand for RUM, BRANDY, and HOLLANDS has greatly revived; the purchases for the outports have been considerable.

The indisposition of her Majesty has doubtless for a time tended to suspend some branches of employment in the manufacture of certain fancy articles; but we think not to any extent, and the improvements in trade and manufactures are extensive and satisfactory.

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FROM SEPTEMBER 23, to OCTOBER 23, 1818, INCLUSIVE.

Where the address of the Solicitor is not mentioned, he must be understood to reside at the same place as the bankrupt. The Solicitors' names are between parentheses,

ASHWORTH J. Manchester, innkeeper (Milne

& Parry, Temple

Baker F. Upper Thames st. baker (Chapman & Co. Little St. Thomas Apostle

Barnes J. Cinderford, coal merchant (King, Ser. jeant's Inn

Bartells T. Aldersgate st. spirit merchant. (Hubbersty, Austin Friars

Bateson J. Armley Hall, Yorkshire, merchant (Wilson, Greville st. London; and Smith & Munro, Leeds

Belt, W. A. Great Driffield, Yorkshire, currier (Spence, Threadneedle st.

Benlist D. Gravesend, shoemaker (Madox & Sidney, Austin Friars

Hallett W. Spafields, cattle dealer (King & Lukin, Gray's Inn square

Holland & Bail, Worcester, hop.merchants (Parker & Smith, Worcester

Hopkins J. Hop Market, Worcester, hop merchant Hill, Worcester

Jackson J. Easingwold, Yorkshire, merchant (Lockwood, Easingwold

Johnson J. E. Hyde st. Bloomsbury, mariner (Aliston & Hundleby, Freeman's co. Cornhill. Jones T. Birmingham, cordwainer (Bourdillon & Hewett, Bread st.

Latham N. Manchester, baker (Clarke & Whitebead, Manchester

Lebrun P. F. King st. chemist (Dawson, Saville pl. Braband F. Manchester, dealer (Howell, Sy. Levy S. Mansell st. tailor (Annesley & Son, Cat. mond's Inn

Brun Phil. F. Le, King st. Covent Garden, che

mist (Dawson, Savilleplace

Buckley J. Hurst, Lancashire; Markland, Ashtonunder-Lyne; & Medhurst T. Manchester, cotton manufacturers (Clarke, Richards, & Medcalf, Chancery-lane

eaton street

Lock G. Welchpool, grazier (Platt, New Boswell court, London

Moreton C. Derby Arins, Croydon, victualler (Rowland & Young, Lincoln's Inn

Parsons T. Duke st. St. James's, breeches-maker (Turner, New Inn

Burton W. Hinckley, Leicestershire, hosier (Soden, Proctor C. Stafford, farmer (Hall, James st. BedHinckley & Croxall & Holbeck, Sutton

Butler J. A. Blackheath, mariner (Rivington, Fenchurch st.

Carriage T. Horsford, grocer (Marsh & Barnard, Norwich

Coffin J. W. Plymouth Dock, merchant (Crow, ther, Lavie & Co. Old Jewry

Cross T. Bath, butcher (Nethersole & Baron, Essex street, Strand

Crowther W. Banuer st. St. Luke's, watchmaker (Hudson place, City road

Cumbers F. Boar's Head court, King st. Westmin

ster, coachmaster (Duncomb, Liou's Inn. Dafter M. Whitminster, Gloucestershire, linen. draper (A Becket, Broad-st. Golden-sq. Day R. Crooked lane, oil broker (Wiltshire & Bolton, Old Broad-str.

Dibden J. Clerkenwell, victualler (Henson, Bouverie-st.

Durant J. East Dereham, Norfolk, innkeeper (Ad-
dington & Gregory, Bedford-row
Dussard P. Wellbeck st. milliner (Lawledge,
Gray's Inn lane

Dyson & Fowler, Sheffield, and W. Russell, Hough,

Yorkshire, grocers (Broomhead & Co.Gray'slan Evans G. & G. High st. Southwark, hop merchants (James, Bucklersbury

Fowler & Fowler. Alder Mills, Tamworth, millers Willington, Tamworth

Furnival D. Liverpool, grocer (Leece & Butten Glass Moses, Potterne, Wilts, victualler (Price & Williams, Lincoln's Inu

Gompertz H. Tokenhouse yard, dealer in wool (Bishop & Barker

Graves, Davie & Adams. Snowden, Plymouth Dock, drapers (Adams, Oid Jewry

ford row; Coldfield

Prosser W. Birmingham, builder (Hicks & Brack enbridge, Bartlett's buildings, Holborn

Raven & Chettlcburgh, jun. Norwich, wine mer. chants (Godwin, Norwich

Ravens & Lloyd, Norwich, merchants (Abbott, Rolls yard, Chancery lane

Rebbeck J. Bradford, Wilts, clothier (Cooke, Bristol

Rees R. Chatham, draper (Rosser & Co. Bartlett's buildings, Holborn

Richards & Richardson, Snow hill, factors (May-
hew, Price & Styan, Chancery lane
Ridding F. Wellington, Salop, tanner (Morton &
Williamson, Gray's Inn square

Scholes & Docker, Manchester, calico dealers (Iladfeld, Manchester

Schwabacher J. Fountain place, City road, toy. merchant (Mangham, Great St. Helens Shane J. E. Fleet st. boot maker (Woodward, Watling street

Sheppard J. & R. Gainsborough & Boston, cornfactors (Long & Austin, Holborn ct. Gray's Inn Slack W. Liverpool, woolstapler (Pearce, Huddersfield, York

Sykes & Pope, Huddersfield, merchants (Black burn, Huddersfield

Ventress & Emmerson, Newcastle-upon-Type, cheesemongers (Fisher & Ludlow, Holborn Walters J. Tredegar, Monmouthshite, grocer (Jeukins, James & Abbott, New Ina, Londen Warmington J. & J. E. Gracechurch st. drapers (Sharp. Essex street court, Temple.

Watkins W. Norton, Worcestershire, Cornfactor (Pugh, Bernard st.

Graves J. Borough, hop-merchant (Lec & Towns. Whitby W. Clement's lane, drug broker (Wiltshire

end, Southwark

Haddan W. Clement's lane, tea dealer (Wiltshire

& Bolton, Old Broad st.

NEW MONTHLY MAG,-No. 58,

& Bolton, Old Broad st.

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