nothing worse, and individuals are accused of barbarism, and of counteracting with all their might the royal commissioners, by secret cabals and the basest calumnies.

There is, then, no superabundance of general information communicated by M. Helms incidentally he drops a remark, or observation, which is entitled to notice by reason of the paucity of travellers, who have described this country; but he does not profess to overpass the boundaries of the science which he understood; and, if we desire to obtain a knowledge of the inhabitants, or of the productions of S. America, (mines excepted) this is not the work in which to seek it. The editor has felt this deficiency so sensibly, that he has added all in his power to the value of the volume by way of appendix; and to this appendix he has also added miscellaneous facts. We must do him the justice to say, that his labours are, in our opinion, more amusing than the reports of the author, and that to those who have not seen later Spanish authorities, they may convey some, though irregular, ideas of the people and the provinces to which they refer.

The notion of wealth is so strongly entrenched in the imagination of some inconsiderates, that they think nothing too much to endure for its acquisition: the auri sacra fames acts on the principle of nil mortalibus arduum, and since our acquisition of an establishment in S. America, we may apply to the instant mercantile speculations of our commercial men, the words of Juvenal :

fuel, must therefore be brought from a dis tance of thirty to sixty miles, and larger trees fit for building even from Tucuman, being dragged across the mountains by the hands of men. A beam of timber sixteen inches square and thirty-four feet in length, costs at Potosi, two hundred pounds. p. 41.

No European, nor even the negroes, are robust enough, for one year only, to resist the effects of the climate, and support the fatigues of working the mines, in the mountainous regions. In the mountains or mine country the negroes like the Europeans, cannot endure the daily alternations of heat and cold; but become sickly, and soon die an untimely death. 35.

To the Indians we are in fact indebted for all the gold and silver brought from every part of Spanish America. Yet to these good and patient subjects their haughty masters leave, as a reward of their toil, scarcely a sufficient pittance to enable them to procure a scanty meal of potatoes and maize boiled in water. P. 17

It appears that Europeans are usually visited with a hectic fever, in the course of two or three months; and M. Helms himself, quitted the country, as too injurious to his health to permit his longer stay.

We are favoured with a few very concise descriptions of the inhabitants of these regions, in different places of this Journal: this subject seems to have interested the writer less than the state of the roads, and the distances from town to town.

We learn from our author, that the wild Indians dread fire-arms: that their weapon is a sling, or rope, of six ells in length, with an angular stone, or piece of lead fastened to the end of it-with which weapon, we recollect, Orellana and nine fellow warriors cleared the deck of Admiral Pizarro's own ship, from Spaniards, as may be seen in Anson's Voyage. The wild Indians have no intercourse with the civilized Indians, or with the Spaniards, but mortally hate them both.

The Creole is lazy, licentious, indelicate, hypocritical, fanatical, tyraunical, yet is himself enslaved by his mulatto and black females, who rule him with despotic sway.

The converted Indians, who are styled Fideles, in contradistinction to the savages, whom they call Barbaros, Infideles, Bravos, are very obedient, patient, docile, timid and suspicious. In their intercourse among themselves, they give strong proofs of humanity and a love of Justice. Their colour resembles dark bronze; they have an agree able physiognomy, and muscular limbs they are of a middle stature, and endowed with an

:

excellent understanding, but are pensive and melancholy.

Several of the Mines of Potosi are drowned by water; and till that is drained away they cannot be worked. A mountain near La Paz contains so much gold, that when, about eighty years ago, a projecting part of it tumbled down, they severed from the stone lumps of pure gold weighing from two to fifty pounds.

M. Helms further observes, that, so much do rich ores abound in some places, that if worked with a moderate industry and knowledge of metallurgy, they might yield considerably more than the quantity necessary for the supply of the whole world: and it is, perhaps, a fortunate circumstance, that the ignorance of the miners, and the oppressive measures of the Spanish government, have prevented more from being drawn from this inexhaustible source than has actually been obtained, and from general experience appears to be required, as a circulating medium in commerce: otherwise, gold and silver must long ago have been depreciated to an inconvenient degree.

M. Helm assures us, that a thick stratum of red arsenic, was by some ignorant superintendant taken for cinnabar, and some hundreds of the workmen perished in the operation of smelting it.

While such inconveniencies are attendant on those subterranean riches, which unthinking mankind by general convention, have agreed to call wealth; we cannot but congratulate our country, that honest industry is the wealth of Britain; and that the gold and silver of Peru are sure to find their way to this island. in exchange for the manufactures which our labour produces. Spain is not enriched by her mines, not invigorated as a nation, nor elevated among the powers of Europe; on the contrary, metallic wealth has ruined her natural resources, has enervated that strength of which she was once in possession, and has given such a bias to the inclinations of her population, that she with difficulty preserves herself from that submission to a foreign power, which urged a few degrees further, becomes a state of vassalage not to be distinguished from slavery.

We have already hinted at the supplementary collections of the Editor, in which he has endeavoured to supply the barrenness of his author, as to accounts of the people, the animals, and other productions of these climates; without this accession, the Journey of M. Helms

would have been thought scarcely deserv ing of publication, as a work; though it might have been abstracted into a good article for a magazine. But, an active book-maker is never at a loss; and if the original writer is too concise, or too inconsiderable, alone, he may nevertheless form a volume, with proper Addenda and Corrigenda derived from the labours of others.

Ensayo Hydrografico do Piemonte, &c.A Hydrographic Essay on Piedmont, by Jose Theresio Richelotti, formerly Professor of Mathematics in the University of Turin. Translated (from the Italian into the Portuguese Language) by Francisco Furtado de Mendonça; and dedicated to His Royal Highness the Prince of Brasil, Regent of Portugal. Royal quarto, pp. 135. Rome, 1803. From the nature of its situation, at the lower parts of a vast chain of mountains, as its name implies, Piedmont possesses every facility for irrigating whatever levels, or plains, or vallies may be interspersed throughout its surface. The mountains furnish rivers, varying in their degrees of rapidity, according to the declivity of the steeps along which they descend; and according to the direction of their courses, whether more direct or winding, whether shorter or longer; and whether their streams be more copious and abundant in water, or deficient and insignificant.

In a country of such diversity of levels, and where human skill could easily and certainly obtain an absolute command over the descending current, it was natural that the effects of water in fertilizing the soil, and encreasing the quantity and value of its productions, should not only be observed, and a participation in them be generally desired, but that the principles and the practice of this art should engage the attention of the judicious, till at length it was reduced to the principles of a science, and was studied with all the advantages of scientific postulata, united to those of daily experience, and practical demonstration.

It is true enough, that, for ordinary purposes, the eye is no bad judge of the differences between relative heights; yet we must admit, that a mathematical de termination of levels has much more accuracy than estimates by the eye. Among a chain of mountains, and the various si

milar or dissimilar elevations with which they abound, those deceptions whereby our natural organs of vision are deluded, would occur with peculiar force and frequency, and would embarrass the most diligent inspector, who should depend on the powers of sight. But the effectual and orderly distribution of a current of water, to lands of different levels, cannot be established without a correct know. ledge of the differences, however slight in appearance, between those levels, and consequently of the proper precedency and succession in which fields, &c. may be placed with respect to their reception of the beneficent stream. Professor Richelotti, therefore, in composing his original of the work before us, was honourably engaged in the service of his country, which might eventually derive much benefit from his labours; and as Portugal has many vallies among her mountains, not unlike those which form the riches of Piedmont, the translation of this performance into the Portuguese language was likely to benefit this latter country in an eminent degree. For this reason we regard the work before us as an extremely honourable instance of Lusitanian patriotism, especially in the exalted character under whose patronage it was effected, and we doubt not but it has been useful in those provinces to which its contents are of the greatest importance.

It opens with an account of the origin of the rivers and torrents of Piedmont, and of the materials which compose their beds. This chapter illustrates the distinctions which the inhabitants ascribe to various parts of the Alps: as the great Alps, the maritime Alps, &c.; it offers also descriptions of these mountains, their geological characters, &c. The second chapter describes the nature and qualities of the rivers and streams of Piedmont; the third describes their courses, with those of the rivulets, and of the canals of irrigation. This is succeeded by reflections on the improvements of which this branch of agriculture is capable, and the more extensive benefits to which these rivulets and canals are competent. The usages and laws that ought to govern these establishments is an important subject of inquiry, and is entered into by our author at some length. This forms the fifth and last chapter of the work. It is, however, succeeded by Addenda, from which we

learn the relative population of the provinces of Piedmont, those irrigated, and those not irrigated; but as the enume ration was made so long ago as 1775, we shall not extract it, because we are morally certain, that late events to which that country has been subject, have totally abrogated whatever inferences might be drawn from those statements. A number of notes (24) are added, and an index concludes the volume. Four large plates, containing six representations of the rivers, streams, and various currents of Piedmont, with the situations of their sluices, and examples of the manner of admitting their waters on to the lands, add greatly to the value and interest of this perforinance.

We have already commended the patriotic intention of rendering this work useful to Portugal. We are not aware that much of it is applicable to the present state of our own country. Our opportunities of irrigation are not general; and the frequency of rain in this island distinguishes it greatly from those hotter climates, where the seasons of rain are more certain, and the interval between those seasons is so scorching, that human desires are almost limited to the possession of cool shades and refreshing streams. Our summers are not so fervid, our plains are more extensive, our mountains are neither so high, nor so closely adjoining to our levels; and only here and there can a stream be diverted from its course, without injury to some mill, or other establishment, which would speedily complain of any diminution of water.

Our geographers may, however, take a hint from this work, and add to the value of their maps, by paying more attention than they have hitherto done to marking the elevations of mountains, and the levels of those rivulets which flow from their sides. It is true, that our best artists endeavour to describe in their maps the face of the country they represent; but it is also true, that till very lately there was scarcely an English map extant, from which the highest part of the extent it included could be guessed at; and perhaps we are indebted for those improvements which have lately taken place to the necessity of ascertaining levels for the direction, not of canals for irrigation, but of those for navigation-the water highways of our ever-verdant island.

A Dispassionate Inquiry into the best Means of National Safety. By John Bowles, Esq. 8vo. pp. 115. price 3s. Hatchard, London. 1806.

THIS pamphlet was written immediately after the Austrian Emperor had received from Bonaparte that humiliation, which history will record with trepidation, to the surprise of future generations. Late intelligence from the continent, induces us to infer, that the advice it contains will be thought no less applicable to the present moment, than it was to that when the author wrote. It appears to us to contain matter enough for half a dozen pamphlets and had some of the subjects it discusses been treated separately, the design of the author might have been, in all probability, more effectually an

swered.

Mr. B. is a gentleman whose patriotism is so well known, together with his vigour in discussing those subjects on which he has hitherto engaged the public attention, that to attempt to characterize his style and manner, is superfluous: we may, however, be permitted to hint, that it is ill described by the word "Dispassionate," and that the word "earnest would have suited it better.

We agree with our author that religion is the basis of morality, and morality the basis of national prosperity: that when France banished religion, it became a hell upon earth, and might have served as a specimen of the infernal regions, had it, like them, possessed in itself that perpetuity which

Makes a hell of hell, a heaven of heaven.

We agree too, that, the French nobility first lost their character, and then themselves: that they were too frivolous, too sensual, too immoral, to deliver themselves, or to promote deliverance if offered by others -they had no vigour of mind, by which to direct the fate of their country, or its king no fixed principles to which they might bring, as to a test, the insidious propositions of those execrable wretches who scrupled neither delusion nor violence, in unexampled degrees, provided they could carry into execution counsels whose primary object was blood, and whose last hankering was after destruction.

VOL. I. [Lit. Pan, Dec. 1806.]

[514

In many other particulars also, undoubtedly we agree with our author; but we shall confine our considerations to those which appear to us most proper to be at this juncture of time enforced on the public.

The first, (and we think Mr. B. should have placed it first) is the reference of events to the SUPREME POWER; which is surprised by no sudden turn of circumstances, nor suffers any human sagacity to thwart that wisdom which ruleth over all.

Mr. B. observes that, the events which, dur ing the last fifteen years, have crouded the history of the European world, are of so astonishing a nature, of so awful a magnitude, and of so portentous an aspect; their accomplishment has so completely violated all probability, and baffled all calculation; they are, in short, of human affairs: that the reflecting mind is so remote from the ordinary and natural course utterly at a loss to account for them on any other supposition, than that they have been brought about by the special and extraordinary interposition of the Almighty Ruler of the universe. That He who created all things by the word of His power, can make them conduce to the purposes of His will, is will dispute. That this Almighty Being a proposition which no one, it is presumed, besides exerting a constantly over-ruling influence, whereby he renders even the passious and the crimes of men subservient to His great designs,* does sometimes interfere, in a special and extraordinary manner, and by a more direct, though, for the time, an invisible agency, in the affairs of the world, is a truth which cannot be controverted.

If the tremendous convulsions by which

See this truth admirably illustrated in Mrs. More's excellent work, entitled, Hints towards forming the Character of a young Princess; chapters 38 and 39.

Europe has been so long agitated, be, as their extraordinary nature and awful tendeney afford such abundant reason to conclude, the effect of the Divine displeasure, it cannot Be difficult to find the cause of that displeasure, in the progress of infidelity, impiety and vice, especially during the period of the last fifty years. Whoever contemplates the great apostacy which has taken place in the very heart of Christendom -an apostacy which extends itself even to the professors of theology in the principal universities of the North of Europe; whoever reflects on the immoral systems which, under the name of philosophy, have been widely disseminated, with most alarming effect, for the purpose of eradicating from the human mind every sentiment of religion, every principle of virtue, and every feeling of nature; whoever considers the licentious and profligate state of morals in which the European continent, especially, is plunged, might well tremble, lest the wrath of heaven should be speedily manifested, in signal vengeance. The most guilty and depraved of the continental nations has been selected as the scourge of the rest. This distinction, however, denotes no favour to profligate France, which, even in the midst of its successes, has already experienced sufferings, hitherto unequalled by those of any other nation. But its agency is not expired-its work is not accomplished. It, therefore, though itself enslaved-though pressed down by the galling yoke of a ferocious usurper-goes on conquering, and, perhaps, still to conquer; little thinking, that the very triumphs in which it glories, besides rivetting its own chains, may ultimately prove the means of still severer punishment to itself, than any which it has been the instrument of inflicting on neighbouring

countries.

Instead, therefore, of attributing our escape from the calamities which have befallen other nations, to any distinguishing merits of our own, let us rather consider those calamities as a merciful warning to us. p. p.

Another consideration is, the duty of exercising our fortitude. Many persons can stand an onset well: but not all can exert endurance to the end. On this subject Mr. B. thus expresses himself.

There is yet another danger against which we must be on our guard, and from which, unless we meet it with extraordinary resolution, we have much more to apprehend than from either premature pacification, or actual invasion. The present is, indeed, a day of trial, of severer trial, whether we consider its probable duration, or the dark clouds with which it is overspread, than this country has ever experienced. We can as yet discover no end of difficulties-w

our

can anticipate no secure termination of the contest: but unless we resolutely maintain that contest until it be securely terminated; until a state of peace, instead of being attended with an increase of danger, will be less perilous than a state of war; until, in short, far brighter prospects open upon us; desolation, such as has not been hitherto known, at least in modern times, must be our lot. In such a situation, the danger to which we are most exposed, is that of being, at length, wearied out and disheartened, on finding, year after year, that notwithstanding all our exertions, and all our successes, we cannot catch any distinct views, however distant, of a state of national repose and safety. On this subject I have already, on another occasion, presumed to warn my countrymen; and the case will justify a repetition of the warning, that," unless it shall please providence to give a great and sudden turn to public affairs, other virtues must be called into exercise, besides those which are now admirably displayed by this country. If we would ultimately preserve our native land from slavery; if, looking beyond the dangers of the moment, we would secure that national independence, for which the British people, like one man, have rushed into the field to meet the insulting foe; if we would place our wives and children beyond the reach of horrors, the very contemplation of which freezes our blood, but against which our drawn swords are now their only protection; if, in short, we would bequeath to our descendants any other portion than the most degrading subjection, and the most bitter wretchedness; to that patriotic spirit, to that martial ardour, which will render the history of the present moment one of the most brilliant in the records of this country, we must take care to superadd the less splendid, but not less indispensable, virtues, of patience, perseverance, and fortitude. We must not suffer ourselves to be wearied out by any length of contest; we must not be disheartened by any failure of cfiorts; we must not be induced, by any temporary or partial success, to relax our exertions for permanent security; and what, after so long an enjoyment of prosperity, may be more difficult than all the rest, we nnist resolve cheerfully to submit to whatever privations so severe a struggle for all that is dear to us may render necessary. We must, in short, obtain that firmness and self-command, which alone can enable us to encounter those difficulties, and to endure those disappointments, which it may be our lot to experience, before we can again enjoy the sweets of repose *."

A view of the moral state of society at. the close of the 18th century.