However imposing such a picture may be, it forms but a small portion of our

I've the table-flap, the mutton bone, and author's merit; the Itinerary' presents

51, to 81. per acre: hitherto in Scotland, we had not seen wheat, beans, nor peas growing, but we now found abundant crops of each. The castle, built on a high rock, engaged our attention for some miles before we reached the Old Town; the entrance to which, on the Glasgow side, is not prepossessing, owing to the unfinished state of the buildings leading to it; but proceeding a little further, into the New Town, the wide and well laid out streets, their cleanly To produce a work so replete with va-appearance, the handsome squares, the ried information must have required an noble houses, (all of free-stone)-the intimate acquaintance with the arts and superb public buildings-Nelson's mo sciences, and a fund of useful and gene-nument on the top of Calton Hill (well ral knowledge.

Original.

TRIP TO THE HIGHLANDS.
LETTER IL.

away by the rapidity of the style and of the circumstances he mentions. His the interest of the subject, may have book is rich in interesting and instrucgiven only a superficial attention to tive anecdotes; he has visited countries some accessory articles, in themselves renowned for great men, and he notices worthy of remark. Familiar himself the principal authors and their literary with most of the sciences, our author is productions; the orators, the poets, the anxious to furnish amateurs with the most renowned artists, together with means of pursuing their favourite re- the pictures, statues, and other vestiges searches, and points out for their ob- of their genius that still remain to us; servation whatever is congenial to their he has not even forgotten the public taste. Thus the mineralogist and geo-libraries, the theatres, academies and logist can be equally gratified at being learned societies. able to trace the various layers of calcareous or argillaceous earths, and the quarries of marble, stone, and coal, to an ascertained depth; also marineshells and fossils, which may be found elsewhere, worthy of inspection) and the splendid disposed either in beds or accumulated mansions astonish and impress the in large heaps. The physician and the stranger's mind with the grandeur of naturalist may observe the climate and the place. We passed over the elegant meteorology of each region; the chains bridge which joins the Old Town to the of mountains and their elevation above New, and in the area are some of the the level of the sea; the course of the To the Editor of the Literary Chronicle. markets, which, being in a hollow of predominant winds and their influence As no public conveyances (the mail considerable depth, in the centre of the on vegetation; they may, likewise, no- excepted) are allowed to travel on a Sun-two towns, render them an agreeable tice the plants, trees, and different day in Scotland, and myself and friends object, and they are at a convenient grains, together with the various qua- being tolerable pedestrians, we left distance from all parts of Edinburgh. drupeds, birds, game, and fish, which Glasgow on foot for Edinburgh (forty- Generally speaking, the houses in the abound in the several districts. The two miles), by the new road. In the New Town, and many in the Old, are as speculator and geographer may amuse neighbourhood are many coal pits, and handsome as those lately built in Cockthemselves with marking the boundaries there is an abundance of coal stacked spur Street, Haymarket, and they are of the provinces or departments; the and ready for sale;-the present price increasing as fast nearly as those in the assize towns, their population, their dis- is from 7s. 6d. to 10s. per ton, or chal- suburbs of London. tance from each other, and their means dron. The country we passed through of communication with the metropolis, was little better than heath, for many On the other hand, the antiquarian will miles, though now and then we saw a have under his immediate view, descrip field or two of oats, very backward, and tions of the Greek and Roman monu- occasionally some rye grass, in small ments, also of those of the Gothic cocks, ready for stacking, but very little order, together with the inscriptions meadow land. Throughout the whole relating to them. Such sçavans as are of our journey, north of the Tweed, we addicted either to the study of statistics, did not espy a windmill:the clouds architecture, domestic and rural eco-breaking constantly on the hills, causes nomy, or the progress of the useful arts, will visit with pleasure and profit, under the guidance of our traveller, the various public establishments such as colleges, schools, academies, manufactories, potteries, glass-houses, coal-pits; and, in the interior of the cities, the public squares and buildings, the churches, chapels, hospitals, prisons, halls of justice, &c. The painter and statuary will find

much water to descend, which, forming
into rivulets and streams, amply supplies
water-mills; and thus millers are ena-
bled to work at all times, which is
far from being the case in England.
Rather better than half way from Glas-
gow to Edinburgh is Bathgate, a clean
pretty village, on the side of a gently
sloping hill, where we stopped for the
night. We put up at a neat respectable

a rich harvest in this work, for no monu-inn, kept by J. Forrester; here we ob-
ment of their art has been neglected;
and the author has given proofs of his
taste, his talents, and his impartiality,
though he is far from assuming that his
judgment is unquestionable. We must
add, also, that literary men and historians
may here trace documents to their source,
for this faithful narrator speaks only from
facts; he has consulted either the remains
of monuments, local traditions, or the aged
inhabitants, who have been eye witnesses

tained good accommodation and excel-
lent refreshment, at a more moderate
rate, perhaps, than could be found in
the cheapest hotels of France. We
renewed our journey next morning well
pleased with our intelligent host and his
entertainment, and, as we advanced, we
found the land in better order. Within
a few miles of Edinburgh, agriculture
puts on its best features, and we were
informed that ground here lets at from

The Scotch are in many things like the French, particularly in their deficiencies of domestic accommodations. The poor women carry very heavy bur thens in a sort of hamper, on their backs, fastened by a strap over the shoulders, very similar to our itinerant organ-players, yet they appear cheerful and cleanly. We saw no symptoms of want, and met with but one or two beggars in all our route, but we were struck with the meagre appearance of the horses. On Tuesday morning we visited famed Arthur's Seat,' but missing the customary path, we were obliged to ascend the side which is almost perpendicular, scarcely venturing to look back without first sitting down, however, having reached the top of this cloudbreaking craig, the prospect from it amply compensated for past trouble; no stranger should leave Edinburgh, without gratifying himself with a view from this eminence.

Edinburgh, though so large and populous, is advantageously situated, and must be healthy at all seasons of the year; for, from the heart of the city, you may in a few minutes escape into the healthful meadows, or to surrounding airy eminences. Bread is nearly the same price as in London, though

not equal in quality; the meat is cheaper, | least 100 fishing-boats in quest of the
but not near so fine; the flesbers (butchers) herrings, traced out for them by the birds.
make but a poor appearance compared A signal was given from a boat with a
with those of London. Throughout the red flag in it, and immediately each
country, ale is sold at almost every shop. fishing-boat took its station, and com-
The best Edinburgh and Alloa ales sell at menced active operations.
6d. per bottle, but very little draft ale
is consumed. Table beer, bottled, is
also sold very good, and at a low price,
to the great convenience of the poorer
classes.

In Loch Fine, about 9 p. m. a breeze sprung up, and, as we had got into a deeper and wider sea, the waters became more agitated and drove several of our passengers again into their births below, those who stopped on deck experienced much gratification from the scene of nature around:-the moon making her way to the meridian, beautifully clear, surrounded by her heavenly host of glittering stars, reflected brilliancy indescribable over this large sheet of spangled and sparkling waves, exciting in all wonder and admiration; well might an able philosopher say, that an undevout astronomer is mad.'

At 11 p. m. we got within the first lock of the Crinan in safety, but as the navigation here is somewhat difficult by night, the steamer is not permitted to to proceed till day-light, which allowed us an opportunity of going on shore to refresh and taste of the real twenty twa, &c.

To the Editor of the Literary Chronicle. SIR,-Being naturally ingenious, and, I may say, bursting with invention, the peI purposely avoid giving any detailed rusal in your Chronicle, of the 13th inst., accounts of the city, which can be of the account of Mr. Graham's private better collected from the local desascent and beautiful voyage caused me a criptions, particularly Starke's Picture sleepless night. But thus is it ever with of Edinburgh,' a work which would me, and no sooner do I hear of the efserve as a good model for the editors forts of genius to rise above the comof that meagre and contemptible pubmon thought, than I immediately feel lication, The Picture of London. I myself called to work, and all the powhave merely adverted to points that ers of my mind are employed either to press themselves into conversation. On invent or improve something in the same Tuesday afternoon we left Edinburgh line. I am, you must know, the author for Glasgow, by coach, and found that of numerous inventions, which, however, coach-hire is not the cheapest thing in have been born to blush unseen.' Scotia's favoured land; it is much dearer When I heard of Mr. Graham's successthan in England, and, to increase the ful ascent from Berwick Street, and his evil, a demand is made of the traveller, subsequent failure at White Conduit by the coachmen, at the end of each House, I could not but pity the intrestage of ten miles; for they change at pid but unfortunate adventurer; but this distance, and each succeeding whip when I came to hear that it was owing inquires which passenger is generous At day-break next morning, the 22d, to a deficiency in the supply of gas, or which close; the latter often find we proceeded on our journey, and ar- could not but ridicule the idea of emthis begging system extremely disagree-rived at Oban-about 500 miles from ploying gas at all! My opinion of a. able; these matters are much better London. The natives are a hardy race balloon, and the principle upon which managed on the French roads. Arrived of mountaineers, many wearing the high- it rises, being simply this, that it reat our old quarters on the Bromielaw, land kilt, and all the children having quires only to be filled with air that is the next morning (Wednesday) we had their legs bare up to their knees; so lighter than that which surrounds it, a charming walk to Paisley, about seven used are they to descending steep rocks, and that it rises from the same princi miles over a fertile and beautiful country. that some approached us down danger-ple as a cork rises when let go at the Paisley, like many manufacturing towns, ous declivities, out of curiosity, and others bottom of a pail of water; a balloon presents to the traveller very little, ex- for the purpose of buying bread of the filled with gas or any thing else, ascends ternally, to engage attention. The inha- steward, as they make none themselves. by the pressure of the surrounding atbitants, in general, seem unhealthy, and We this day passed various islands, some mosphere. Now, sir, I think it possible the females have a singular appear- excellently verdured,others entirely bare, to fill a balloon with common air, so raance: they wear black cloaks which mere rocks, others covered with heather rified as to outdo your gas balloons as cover them entirely, except their faces, looking as black as a thunder cloud, but far as possible, and that too at compaand many of them are without shoes or forming in the whole a great and agree-ratively little expense. My plan is as stockings, so that where they have not able variety. follows: Let a temporary fire place be pretty countenances to counteract their The abundance of birds about the erected with a few loose bricks, through unseemly dresses the stranger seldom lakes almost exceeds belief, wild ducks which a pipe, or tube, if you please, wishes to see them a second time, flew over our heads in dozens, others may be introduced, one end to the baldiving past, under water, and then re-loon, the other to a pair of smith's belappearing on the surface.

Thursday morning we left Glasgow for Fort William, and had the pleasure of revisiting the delightful scenery of the Clyde. Passing Rothsay, on our left, we proceeded up Loch Straven for Loch Fine, the widest of the lakes of Scotland-the sky was serene, the sun setting, and the full moon rising, the tide gently and playfully bearing us along, when suddenly a vast number of birds -the harbingers of good success to the fishermen-made their appearance; and, soon after, we rounded the farthest point of the Island of Bute, where there were at

About noon we arrived in Loch Linnhe, which, next to Lochness, is the most beautiful. At the foot of the high mountains are many mean huts occupied by fishermen. In some winters, when the snow lies heavy on the ground, these poor creatures are often so enclosed in their huts as to be obliged to make a hole in the roof to get out, yet amid the trials and hardships they endure, their native mountains are constantly the theme of their praise.

lows; if it is required that the air should he rarified in an extreme degree, the middle part of the tube should be of platina, or any metal that will prevent fusion or oxidation. The receiver end, next the bellows, will be best of forged iron, and that communicating with the balloon of the same metal; immediately that the air crosses the fire, it should rise by a perpendicular knee in the tube, that the gross particles may not be blown along, and thus conducted into the balloon. In my present view of the sub

you

ject, atmospheric air, sufficient to fill anary but modest deportment. I was not
balloon of the largest size, in an hour, much interested in him. My opinion, as
may be thus obtained, as light as it is to his capacity as a statesman, has long
at five miles high. Now, sir, if
been in a state of vascillation; and it is
will oblige me by the insertion of this by no means settled yet. He may have
merits, and he, doubtless, has his faults;
in your valuable work, I doubt not of but he is conspicious for neither. In a
seeing my theory established.
word, I take him to be an ordinary man.-
His admirers, however, are many and ar-
dent, and (they think) his chance to suc-
ceed Monroe in the presidency is as good
as that of any of the candidates.

Your humble servant, A. S.

SKETCHES OF AMERICAN STATESMEN. (FROM the letter of a gentleman who recently passed several weeks at Washington.)

ledged that they knew nothing of any such tomb, and denied that it had ever existed.. The learned Cicero, convinced by the authorities of ancient writers, by the verses of the inscription which he remembered, and the circumstance of a sphere, with a cylinder being engraven on it, requested them to assist him in the search. They conducted the obstinate but illustrious stranger to their most ancient burying-ground; amidst the number of sepulchres, they observed a small column overhung with branches-Cicero,, From the Treasury Office we drove looking on while they were clearing away the to the president's house; and were shown rubbish, suddenly exclaimed, Here is the SECRETARY ADAMS is a man of short sta- into a room, where we found Mr. Monroe thing we are looking for?' His eye had ture, pale but pleasing countenance-plain sitting up to his ears in papers. It was his caught the geometrical figure on the tomb, and remarkably mild manners and soft business room, here he commonly is and the inscription soon confirmed his convoice. Some think him awkward. I don't found, and which, I believe, he neverjecture. Cicero, long after, exulted in the think myself that he is; but he certainly leaves to receive members or casual visit- triumph of this discovery. Thus!" he says, has nothing of the courtier in his appear-ors. The conversation which took place one of the noblest cities of Greece, and ance or manners. Others say, he is of a was altogether common-place topics.-We once the most learned, had known nothing cold phlegmatic disposition-he is not remained only fifteen or twenty minutes, of the monument of its most deserving and look at his writings; every thought breathes which is the space allotted to a call of this ingenious citizen, had it not been discovered. and every word burns. He is grave and sort-many were waiting in an anti-cham- to them by a native of Arpinum!" reserved from habit, not from feeling-no ber, for our departure, that they might The great French antiquary, Peiresc, exhiman has a warmer heart.-Sometimes, have their audience; only one individualbited a singular combination of learning, pawhen in the society of his friends, his reor one distinct party is admitted at a time. tience of thought, and a luminious sagacity, serve wears off, his eye kindles, and he enAt taking leave, Mr. Monroe observed, which could restore an airy nothing,' to 'a ters freely and with animation into converthat he should always be happy to see local habitation and a name.' There was sation. Those who have seen him in those me."-which means, if it means any thing, found on an amethyst, and the same aftermoments say, he is the most charming that your company will be acceptable at wards occurred on the front of an ancient and most eloquent man they ever listened the levees-to which no invitation is ne- temple, a number of marks or indents, which to. All agree in considering him the cessary-every body goes to them that has had long perplexed inquirers, more particumost profound scholar, able diplomatist, a mind to do so. Mr. Monroe begins to show larly as similar marks or indents were freand accomplished statesman that the counhis age. He is much altered for the worse quently observed in ancient monuments. It try possesses. since I saw him five or six years ago. He was agreed on, as no one could understand is a good old soul, as every body knows, them, and all would be satisfied, that they and has made us a good president. His were secret hieroglyphics. It occurred to long and laborious political course is soon Pieresc, that these marks were nothing more to end, after which he will live long than holes for small nails,-which-had-forenough, I hope, in peace and quietness, to merly fastened lamina, which represented so rest himself from his toils.-Baltimore many Greek letters. This hint of his own Patriot, June 27. suggested to him to draw lines from one hole to another; and he beheld the amethyst reveal the name of the sculptor, and the DISCOVERIES OF SECLUDED MEN. frieze of the temple the name of the God! THOSE who are unaccustomed to the la- This curious discovery has been since frebours of the closet are unacquainted with quently applied; but it appears, to have those secret and silent triumphs obtained in originated with this great antiquary, who by the pursuits of secluded men. That apti- his learning and sagacity explained a sup tude, which, in poetry, is sometimes called posed hieroglyphic, which had been locked. inspiration, in knowledge we may call saga-up in the silence of seventeen centuries. city; and it is probable that the vehemency of the one does not excite more pleasure than the still tranquillity of the other; they are both, according to the strict signification of the Latin term, from whence we have borrowed ours of invention, a finding out, the result of a combination which no other has formed but ourselves.

Mr. Thompson, secretary of the navy, is a tolerable good-looking personage, and of pleasing, easy, and careless manners. He looks more happy and good humoured than any of the secretaries. The reason may be, that he has not the misfortune, like them, to be a candidate for the presidency. In point of talents and character, he is very respectable. He was formerly chief justice of his native state, New York-which office he filled with dignity and ability.

You can't imagine how much I am delighted with Mr. Calhoun. He is the most brilliant and fascinating man, in manners and conversation, that I ever met with. He is slim, rather tall, with an animated countenance and black flashing eyes. His talents are of the first order. He made a distinguished figure when in congress, both as a speaker and thinker. He is now but forty-two years of age, and has filled his present office six years with unrivalled ability. The present prospect is, that Mr. Calhoun, though he cannot be the immediate successor of Mr. Monroe, will, at some future time, be our president. But I have lived long enough to find out that talents and worth are not the only passports to high places. It will not surprise me, if both he and Adams should be set aside, and the exalted sta tion, for which they are so eminently qualified, be given to humble mediocrity or base intrigue.

Mr. Crawford is a man of gigantic stature, rather coarse appearance, and ordi

I will produce several remarkable instances of the felicity of this apitude of the learned in making discoveries, which could only have been effectuated by an uninterrupted intercourse with the objects of their studies, making things remote and dispersed familiar and present.

One of ancient date is better known to the

Learned men, confined to their study, have often rectified the errors of travellers; they have done more, they have found out paths for them to explore, or opened seas for them to navigate. The situation of the vale of Tempe had been mistaken by modern travellers; and it is singular, observes the Quarterly Reviewer,' yet not so singular as it appears to that elegant critic, that the only good directions for finding it had been given by a person who was never in Greece. Arthur Browne, a man of letters of Trinity College, Dublin-it is gratifying to quote an Irish philosopher and man of letters, from

* The curious reader may view the marks

reader than those I am preparing for him. and the manner in which the Greek characters When the magistrates of Syracuse were rious Discourses. The amethyst proved more were made out, in the preface to Hearne's 'Cushowing to Cicero the curiosities of the difficult than the temple, from the circumstance place, he desired to visit the tomb of Archi-that in engraving on the stone the letters must medes; but, to his surprise, they acknow- be reversed.

THE sun was setting in the western heaven,
And night was veiling fast the azure sky;
The solar rays by darkling clouds were riv'n,
Which seem'd to spread their shade, that
mortal eye

Might now behold the glorious canopy; -Clad in its glowing tints long streams of light

Yet glanc'd upon the earth and radiantly Illum'd the scene of conflict, where the night Now chas'd th' unwilling sun, and bade him take his flight.

And oft the rays upon the ocean's waves Tremblingly danc'd; as if they pray'd the deep

To chain the conquering night, down in its

As the low night-wind bade their heads be still,

Until the morn again should climb the eastern

And fix'd his gaze upon the silent sea,

Upon whose mirror'd surface now were seen The placid moonbeams sleeping tranquilly, Serenely joying in their short-liv'd victory. There was a deep expression on his face,