quired, there is as pleasant and distinct a view as if the object was seen by the eye. The superior view of the Heavens as seen by such an instrument, can be appreciated by those only who have enjoyed the advantage of an observation with it. To produce any considerable power upon a small telescope, deep magnifying eyeglasses must be used, consequently the field of view is much contracted, and there being but little light, the object is seen very unsatisfactorily. But with the large reflecting telescope the observation is one continued source of unmixed pleasure. Mr. Ramage's telescope is erected on a cast-iron platform, 27 feet in diameter, on piles jointed, and dovetailed together. The whole was placed in a horizontal position by means of a spirit level, the centre post is about four feet deep. The telescope is moved round to any direction, on cast iron rollers, by a winch at the end, near the lower part of the tube, and a rope. The tube of the telescope is raised to any altitude by the winch on the one side. When it is desired to be elevated to the zenith, or to any high elevation, the end of the tube is brought forward; the gallery on which the observer stands, is raised by a similar winch on the opposite side. All the motions of the telescope are produced in the simplest manner by means of a few cords: yet the telescope is perfectly steady, and free from tremor, and may be managed by the observer without an assistant, almost as easily as a three feet achromatic telescope. This is a decided advantage, as the observer can place the tube in the most favourable position for vision, better

than any assistant. When the observer is in the gallery he is able to keep the object a long time in view, as the telescope may sweep backwards and forwards 10°, and the observer may elevate or depress it himself, with one hand. The machinery of Herschel's twentyfeet telescope is very complicated, and requires two assistants. Mr. Ramage is now engaged in preparing a grand telescope, of which the speculum is 54 feet in length, and 21 inches diameter. The casting and polishing of the specula and erection of the telescopes are done under his direction, and in a great degree with his own hands. The excellence and simplicity of management, alike entitle the instruments to admiration.

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COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.

COMMERCE in Scotland has, ever since the Union with England, been carried on with a great degree of enterprise and success. Under this head we shall notice two of the Banks, some establishments connected with Shipping, and the Canals.

BANK OF SCOTLAND.

The origin of the Bank of Scotland is as far back as 1695, at which time it was erected by act of Parliament, and permitted to raise a stock of 100,000l. sterling. The business is carried on under the direction of a governor, deputy-governor, and twenty-four directors. None can hold the situation of governor, unless he is possessed of capital stock to the amount of 8000.; the deputy-governor 60007., and each director 3000. In the election of officebearers, persons entitled to vote must have a share of 1000l. stock; if 2000l., he is entitled to two votes, and so on in regular proportion.

In the year 1774, it was found that the capital of this bank was totally inadequate to answer the purposes of a country, rapidly increasing in commercial prosperity. An application was accordingly made to Parliament, in

the same year, to obtain legal authority for augmenting their stock. This application was immediately complied with, and by act of Parliament, the stock was increased to the extent of double the original sum, so that it now amounted to 200,000l. sterling. The same act rendered it necessary that the governor, deputy-governor, and other office-bearers should, in consequence of the augmentation of the capital, possess double the amount of stock formerly deemed requisite. The capital stock of the Company is 1,500,000l. sterling.

The banking-office of this National Establishment, is at the foot of the street to which it gives name. Its situation is at once centrical and picturesque, being erected on the ridge of an almost perpendicular hill, overhanging the deep vale which separates the Old from the New Town. From the nature of the ground, the foundation is of very great depth. It is a very handsome building. From the centre arises a small dome, and there are four projections in the south front. The second floor is beautifully ornamented with a range of pilasters in the Corinthian style, and in the recess formed by the projection is a Venetian window, decorated with two Corinthian columns, over which are the arms of the bank. This building was erected from a design by Mr. Richard Crichton, and it does great credit to the taste of that very ingenious architect. The whole is said to have cost 75,000%. This sum, however, though great, did not affect the bank, being, we believe, principally, if not wholly, the result of unclaimed property.