fired gunpowder, when exerted during the whole of the time in which it is passing along the barrel. It is well known that the effect thus accumulated is the reason why long pieces carry further than short ones, and why the breath of a man, which cannot exert the pressure of more than a quarter of an atmosphere, may, by means of a tube, throw a ball to the distance of sixty steps. The experiment above requires great care, especially as to the strength of the piece, which is very liable to burst in the perform ance of the experiment.

Excavations in Pompeii and its vicinity. -The excavations at Pompeii, which are usually proceeded with in the presence of distinguished persons, are not often so productive as the one which was undertaken on the 26th of November last, when four rooms and a kitchen, in the Casa dell' Ancosa, were opened. Many vessels of bronze and utensils of iron were found there; but the most remarkable were a large number of amphora for wine, which were discovered in one of the chambers. The forms of many are quite new, and on most of them are Greek and Latin inscriptions, written in black ink. In several jars a great deal of dried wine was found, which being dissolved in water, had still a strong taste. In the kitchen, coals and ashes were lying on the hearth; and on a beautiful pedestal of Giallo antico was a lamp of terracotta, in the form of a youth kneeling and holding a patera in his hand. A female skeleton found in the same place, is perhaps that of the slave who had the superintendence of the kitchen.

For some time past, Professor Zahn has caused excavations to be made in various spots at Bosco-tre-Case (between Vesuvius and Pompeii), which scarcely leave a doubt that a city is buried there, which is supposed to have been called Toso, and which with Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Stabia, forms the fourth of the cities whose fate it shared. One of these excavations is extremely interesting. You descend thirty palms perpendicular into a deep hollow, into a peristyle surrounded with pillars. Thence, four subterranean galleries have been excavated, in the direction of Naples, Sarno, Vesuvius, and Pompeii. In the first some chambers have been discovered, containing paintings and many bas-reliefs. These chambers, which have been only partially excavated, give the promise of a rich harvest. In the gallery leading to Pompeii, an ancient road has been traced in the direction from Naples to Sarno. In the two other galleries there are various fragments of beautiful paintings, terra-cotta, iron, and bronze. Some human skeletons, and one of a hog, have also been found there; likewise much carbonised wood.

A Geographical Garden.—An American

gentleman, of the name of Hill, has petitioned Congress for a grant of land and a sum of money, to enable him to put in practice a plan he has formed of a geographical garden. The ground allotted for this purpose is not to exceed ten acres, and within that limited space he purposes to delineate accurately every known part of the world, agreeably to the principle of Mercator's projection. The beds of oceans, seas, gulfs, bays, and lakes are to be depressed; the continents, peninsulas, isthmuses, mountains, islands, &c. elevated; parallels of latitude, meridians, equator, ecliptic, tropics, and other circles, correctly laid down; the channels of rivers described as in their respective banks. The beds of oceans, &c. are to be covered with gravel, the land adorned with verdure, and the mountains furnished with such bases as geology points out; and if necessary, the former to be so constructed, that they may be filled with water at any time; so that the coup d'œil will give a miniature representation of the world in its native element.

Roman Statistics.-A general view of the population of Rome, from Easter 1822 to Easter 1831, has been published, from which we deduce the following particulars. In the course of last year, the population had increased by 3381. The whole popu lation is now 150,666, exclusive of foreigners and Jews, of which there may be about 5000. Since 1822, the population has increased 14,581, which is the more remarkable, as, from 1822 till now, the number of deaths exceeds that of baptisms by 2705. But as the increase in the population has been gradual, and is probably correct, there must be errors in the lists of births and deaths. In 1826, 1828, and 1829, there were more baptisms than burials: 1822 was the most fatal, the excess of deaths being 1948. In the years 1830-31, the number of baptisms is stated as 4725; that of deaths, 5102; being an excess of 377. The decrease in the number of marriages, for some years past, is very remarkable. In 1824 there were 1396 marriages; in 1831 only 964, though the population is above 12,000

more than in 1824. The number of ecclesiastics, monks, nuns, &c. is now 5354; in 1822 it was 4714. These are the general results, as drawn from the tables; but, on examining the details, there are evidently several mistakes, or at least things which require explanation; for, on summing up the baptisms and deaths, as stated in each of the ten years, we find a total excess of 2635 deaths, and yet the population is said to have increased 14,581 !*

Atmospherical Phenomena in New Grenada.-At a recent sitting of the French Institute, M. Roulin communicated some curious particulars relative to an un

usual condition of the atmosphere observed in New Grenada. From the 11th of December, 1808, to the end of January 1809, the disk of the sun at his rising appeared pale, and totally divested of its dazzling splendour, so that it was often mistaken for the moon. However, after gaining a slight elevation, it reassumed its ordinary aspect. Both in the morning and evening, it often appeared tinged with a slight shade of rosecolour or light green, and sometimes of a bluish grey, nearly resembling the hue of steel. The cold, during the whole of this time, was more sensibly felt than general; and frequently in the morning the plains in the neighbourhood of Bogota were covered with a hoar frost, which nipped the tender shoots of plants, a circumstance before unknown in this district within the memory of man. The sky was constantly clothed with a transparent haze, uniformly extended, and continuing during the day as well as the night. This haze produced none of those coloured halos, which are generally observed on such occasions surrounding the sun and moon. It concealed all stars below the fourth magnitude. The air was constantly free from moisture, and generally calm; and the winds which blew at short intervals, came always from the South. This phenomenon was observed at Pasto Popayan, Neyba Tunja, and Santa Martha; that is, from the first to the twelfth degree of south latitude. M. Arago remarked that the mist of 1784 was not less extensive, since it was observed at the same time at Napoli di Romania and in Africa, and that its duration was still longer. This mist was remarkable for the absence of moisture; and the observations of Sennebier show that the hygrometer, when exposed to its influence, advanced towards the point of dryness. Some persons considered it as the tail of a comet, while others attributed its appearance to the eruption of a volcano, which took place about that time.

Commerce of Russia in 1830.-The commerce of Russia during the year 1830 de

The specie imported was estimated at 48,516,590 roubles. When the export of the precious metals is deducted from this sum, the result leaves a balance of 45,064,130 roubles in favour of Russia. The exportation from Russia in 1830 surpassed that of all preceding years, with the exception of 1817 and 1818, when the quantity of grain exported was immense, in consequence of the unfavourable harvests and high price of corn in the other parts of Europe. It is remarkable, however, that this superiority is rather owing to the increased value of Russian commodities than to the quantity of goods exported. A more extensive demand is found to have taken place with respect to some articles, such as grain, raw hides, hemp, potash, &c. while the demand for iron, tallow, wax, &c. has experienced considerable diminution. The most considerable exportations were from the ports of St. Petersburg, Riga, Archangel, Odessa, and Taganrog.

On Pruning Forest and Hedge-row Timber Trees. Among the practical hints addressed by Mr. Blakie to Mr. Coke's tenants on the Holkham audit day, we find the following valuable information :-When side branches of thriving timber trees, not being of the fir tribe, are cut off close to their stems, the bark soon closes over the wounds, and too frequently misleads injudicious pruners, who vainly imagine the stems or boles of such trees become perfect and remain sound after having been subjected to such barbarous treatment.

The only rational excuse for pruning forest and hedge-row timber-trees, is where

they have over-luxuriant side branches, which draw too much sap or nourishment from the stems, and do injury to underwood in copses, and to bushes in hedge-rows and corn crops adjoining thereto. Such trees do sometimes require to be pruned, and that operation may be performed, and the desired object attained without damaging the timber, or injuring the trees in any way, by the process called " foreshortening;" that is, by cutting off the tops of over luxuriant branches immediately above where lateral shoots spring from them.

By this method of pruning, the currents of sap are checked, and diverted from the

strong side branches into more profitable channels-the boles of the trees. These increase in size, in proportion to the extra quantity of sap thrown into them by pruning operations; the upper branches of the trees then expand wider, and overtop the lower branches which have been shortened. These dwindle and decay gradually, until they are ultimately pushed out of the stems, and pinched off, as before described in the operation of natural pruning.

The branches should be shortened at a greater or less distance from the stems, in proportion to the size; a due proportion of live branches should be left upon the stumps, sufficient to draw sap or nourishment in that direction, and thereby prevent the stumps from premature decay, and causing rot in the hearts of the trees.

The Turnip Fly.-Though volumes have been written upon the depredations of the fly-and farmers are in the habit of expressing their conviction that it is as little susceptible of removal as smut or blight, yet, when a practical agriculturist tells us that "he never lost a crop of turnips from the ravages of the fly," by invariably observing certain rules-the secret, it must be admitted, is not only worth knowing, but is entitled to the aid of the press in diffusing the particulars far and wide. The rules to which a Mr. Berry ascribes his success in this department of rural management, and

which, he says, he has observed as closely as possible, are-first, to sow seed of one year's growth, which secures simultaneous vegetation, and defies the fly, the plants being numerous. Seedsmen too frequently mix the seed of different years, in consequence of which it comes out of the ground at various periods, and in such quantities that the fly easily overpowers the crop. Second, thick sowing. It is much easier to cut out than insert a plant. Third, to sow immediately after the manure is ploughed in, by which the advantage of the moisture is secured. In showery weather he finds an advantage in steeping the seeds in water; but if the weather be dry, steeping is injurious, the contrast being too great between the water and a dry hot state of the earth, and the plants come up yellow and sickly. The turnip-grower will be amply repaid for raising his own seed, and selecting with his own hand the turnips for that purpose. Vegetables and grain are almost as susceptible of improvement, by judicious selection, as cattle and sheep; but, generally speaking, the public are satisfied to purchase seed raised from a patch of plants left in the field, without selection or care as to what may blossom in their neighbourhood; the consequence of which is, continual cross impregnation-a circumstance to which we owe the numberless well-founded complaints of disappointment.

George Vaughan Palmer, of the parish of St. Swithin's, Worcester, Artist, for certain improvements in machinery or apparatus for excavating, called an excavating and self-loading cart.

Joseph Maybury, John Maybury, and Joseph Maybury, the younger, of Belton, in the county of Stafford, Iron Masters, for certain improvements in polishing and manufacturing of ladles, spoons, and other articles for culinary, domestic, and other purposes, made of iron, and tinned.

James Perry, of Red Lion-square, in the county of Middlesex, Bookseller and Publisher, for his improvements in pens.

John Jellicorse, of Stansfeld Mill, in the county of York, for certain improvements in spinning machinery.

William Lloyd Wharton, of Dryburn, in the County of Durham, Esq. for certain improve ments in engines for raising or forcing water by the pressure and condensation of steam.

Collin Smith, of Great St. Helen's, Bishops. gate, in the city of London, Merchant, that in consequence of a communication made to him by a certain foreigner, residing abroad, he is in possession of an apparatus or machine for regulating the course and action of fluids and liquors, which apparatus or machine is applicable to various purposes.

Thomas John Fuller, of the Commercial-road, Limehouse, in the county of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for an improved mode or process for raising water or other fluids.

William Church, of Bordsley-green, near Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, Esq. for certain improvements in apparatus to be employed in the transportation of goods or passengers, parts of which apparatus are also applicable to the ordinary purposes of steam engines.

John Ericsson, of Liverpool, in the county palatine of Lancaster, Civil Engineer, for his improved engine for communicating power for mechanical purposes.

John Heathcoat, of Tiverton, in the county of Devon, Lace Manufacturer, for his invented method or methods of ornamenting, embroidering, or working devices upon lace, net, and other fabrics.

John Sutton Nettlefold, of Red Lion-street, Holborn, in the county of Middlesex, Ironmonger, for his improvements in table furniture, and applicable to other purposes.

George Solomons and Elias Solomons, of Bedford-square, in the parish of Stepney, in the county of Middlesex, Opticians, that in consequence of a communication made to them by a certain foreigner, residing abroad, they are in possession of an invention of improvements in preparing certain transparent substances for spectacles, and other useful purposes.

Richard Atkinson, of Huddersfield, in the county of York, Woollen Cloth Manufacturer, for an improved machine for raising or brushing woollen cloths, and other goods.

The Christian's Shade, 18mo. 2s. 6d. Willison's Afflicted Man's Companion, 18mo. 2s. 6d.

Hints to a Clergyman's Wife, 12mo. 48. Sewell's Sermons on the Application of Christianity to the Human Heart, royal 8vo. 12s.

Kidd's Edition of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, with 110 engravings by Bonner, Notes by Mason, and Life, royal 18mo. 9s.; 10s. 6d.

Bishop Mant on the Gospel Miracles, 12mo. 5s. 6d.

Hughes's Divines, No. XXII. (Ogden complete,) 8vo. 7s. 6d.

Parry's Exposition of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans, 12mo. 7s.

Hoare's Eight Lectures, 12mo. 3s. 6d. Theological Library, Vol. II. (Consistency of Revelation,) by the Rev. Dr. Shuttleworth, 8vo. 63. Milner's Seven Churches of Asia, 8vo. 12s. Truth of Revelation demonstrated, with Plates, 12mo. 10s.

Hints to Grown Sportsmen, 12mo. 2s.

Lewis on the Use and Abuse of Political Terms, 8vo. 93.

Art in Nature and Science Anticipated, by C. Williams, 18mo. 4s. 6d.

Marshall's Statistics and Mortality of the Metropolis, 4to. 24. 28.

Meadows's French and English Pronouncing Dictionary, 12mo. 7s.; 7s. 6d.

Cuvier's Animal Kingdom, translated from the French, with Notes, &c. by Dr. M'Murtrie, 4 vols. Svo. 31. 12s.

Fox's History of Godmanchester, 8vo. 17. 18.; royal 8vo. 1. 11s. 6d.

Gallery of Painters in Water Colours, Part II. prints, imperial 4to. 10s. 6d. ; proofs, colombier 4to. 188.; India proofs, 1. 1s.; proofs before letters, 1. 11s. 6d.

Tennemann's History of Philosophy, translated by Johnson, 8vo. 16s. 6d.

Fenton's Child's First Latin Book, 12mo. 25. Southey's Essays, Moral and Political, 2 vols. 16mo. 12s.

Braddock's Memoir on Gunpowder, 8vo. 58. Phenomena of Nature, from the German of Von Türk, 12mo. 4s. 6d.

Akerman's Numismatic Manual, with Plates, fcp. 8s.

Kidd's New Guide to the Lions of London, royal 18mo, with woodcuts, 4s. 6d. ; India paper, 8s. Cruikshank's Comic Album, Vol. II. royal 18mo. 7s.

Georgian Era, Vol. I. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

My Old Portfolio, by Henry Glassford Bell, 8vo. 9s.

The Earl of Mulgrave will shortly publish a story of high life, to be entitled "The Contrast, a new story of Nature and Art."

A new historical tale, called "Henry Masterton, or the Young Cavalier," by the Author of Richelieu, Darnley, &c. will soon appear.

Mr. Colley Grattan has just completed a series of tales, called "Legends of the Rhine and the Low Countries," written on the several spots wherein the scenes of the narratives are laid.

The celebrated American Novelist, Cooper, will soon produce a new Work of Fiction.

A new novel, likely to pique general curiosity, is about to appear by the designation of "The Fair of May Fair." Its design may be pretty well guessed by the titles of the several narratives of which it is to be composed, namely, The Flirt of Ten Seasons;' The Separate Maintenance;' The Female Gambler;' The Divorcée;' and others.

Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglas, (formerly Sir James Callander), whose memoirs are about to be laid before the public, is the father of Mrs. Sheridan, wife of the late Tom Sheridan, of eccentric and witty celebrity. An ample experience of the world, derived from constant military or diplomatic service in various countries, may rea. sonably lead to the anticipation of much amusement in the Work of Sir James, who served during the greater part of the Seven Years' War in Germany, as Aide-de-camp to General Mostyn, visited most of the German Courts, had familiar intercourse with Voltaire, was a member of the most celebrated London Clubs, the " Scavoir Vivre," the "Pandemonium, &c." held the post of Secretary to the British Embassy at Paris, on the eve of the Revolution, journeyed extensively in the East, and was again mixing in Parisian society during the Allied occupations of France.

"Illustrations of Modern Sculpture," with Engravings" after Drawings from eminent Sculptors, and Prose Descriptions and Poetical Illustrations. By T. K. Hervey, Esq.

"The Voice of the West Indies and the Cry of England; or, Compensation or Separation considered."

With a portrait of the Rev. W. Marsh, M.A. late of Colchester, the Second and Concluding Series of "Remember Me," consisting of Original Pieces, in Prose and Verse. By various popular Authors. Also, a new edition of the First Series uniform with the above.

"Flowers of Fable," culled from the Works of Epictetas, Croxall, Dodsley, Pope, Moore, Merrick, Dennis, with Original Translations from La Fontaine, Krasicki, and others; selected for the Instruction of Youth, and embellished with Engravings on wood.

Mr. Auldjo, the Author of the "Ascent of Mont Blanc," announces "Sketches of Vesuvius," with short Accounts of its principal Eruptions, from the Commencement of the Christian Era to the present Time: illustrated by lithographic Views.

"The Greek Testament," with English Notes, critical, philological, and exegetical. By the Rev. S. T. Bloomfield, DD. F.S.A.

"Life and Pontificate of Gregory the Seventh." By Sir Roger Gresley, Bart. F.A.S.

"A Memoir of the Early Operations of the Burmese War." By Lieutenant H. Lister Maw. "The Western Garland;" a Collection of Original Melodies for the Piano-forte. By the leading Professors of the West of Scotland: the words by the Author of "The Chameleon."

"A Treatise on the Preparation of Printing Ink, both Black and Coloured." By William Savage, Author of "Practical Hints on Decorative Printing."

"Shaksperian Concordance." A verbal Index to the Plays of Shakspeare, by M. V. Clarke, resembling in arrangement Cruden and Butterworth's Concordances of the Bible, will shortly be ready for the press. The compiling of this laborious work has already occupied the author six hours a-day for several years.

"An Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture," with numerous Designs, and Analytical and Critical Remarks, by Mr. Loudon, is in the press, and will appear in parts, quarterly.

"Elements of Mechanics;" comprehending the theory of Equilibrium and of Motion, and the first principles of Physical Astronomy, together with a variety of Statical and Dynamical Problems; by J. R. Young.

In Four Volumes, 8vo. "History Philosophically Illustrated, from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the Revolution of France," by George Miller, D.D. M.R.I.A. formerly Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. The work now presented to the public is a condensed, yet much improved edition of that which was published at intervals, in eight vols. 8vo. in the shape of Lectures, as originally delivered in the University of Dublin.

Early in May will be published, (dedicated by permission to her Majesty,) "The Messiah," a Poem, in six books. By the Author of "The Omnipresence of the Deity," &c.

We have pleasure in announcing a poem from the pen of Allan Cunningham as among forthcoming literary novelties. "The Maid of Elvar" is the name, the scene is the Scottish border, and the time the early part of the reign of Queen Mary. A picture of pastoral and domestic life at that stirring period, when the religions struggle for the Reformation, and hostilities with England, brought so much of sorrow upon the land, must afford ample scope for the poetical talent of Mr. Cunningham.

Mr. Babbage is preparing for the press a work on the "Economy of Machinery and Manofactures," the results of his observations in the various mechanical processes used in the arts, &c.

Mr. T. K. Hervey and Mr. Barnett are about to publish in conjunction a musical volume, entitled "Dreams of a Persian Maiden."

The second volume of Mr. Samuel Tymms's "Family Topographer," containing the Western Circuit.

"Calabria, during a Military Residence of Three Years." By a General Officer of the French Army. "Augustus Fitz-George," a Romance of Yesterday.