Obrázky stránek
PDF
ePub

in the eastern districts of Bengal, for the most delicate manufactures; and a coarse kind is gathered, in every part of the province, from plants thinly interspersed in fields of pulse or grain. This last kind is almost exclusively employed in the coarsest manufactures for home-consumption; and the cotton, imported through the Doab, chiefly supplies the looms at which better cloths are wove.-Several species and numerous varieties of the plant afford this useful production.

Europe was antiently supplied with Silk through the medium of Indian commerce. Bat, according to most authors, it was the produce of China only, and even there was sparingly produced. Were the fact important it might be shewn, that the culture was not unknown to the eastern parts of Hindustan. For the antient language of India has names for the silk-worm and for manufactured silk; and, among the numerous tribes of Hindus, derived from the mixture of the original tribes, there are two classes, whose appropriated occupations (whence, too, they derive their ap pellations) were the feeding of silk-worms and the spinning of silk.-The excessive price which silk bore in Europe, when it could be abtained only through the commerce of India, rendered this the most valuable article of oriental traffic.-Five varieties of silk-worms are distinguished.

The tesser, or wild silk, is procured in abundance from countries bordering on Bengal, and from some provinces included within its limits. The wild silk-worms are there found on several sorts of trees, which are common in the forests of Silhet, Asam, and the Dekhin. The cones are large, but sparingly covered with silk. In colour and lustre, too, the silk is far inferior to that of the domesticated insect. But its cheapness renders it useful in the fabrication of coarse silks. The production of it may be increased by encouragement, and a very large quantity may be exported in the raw state at a very moderate rate. It might be used in Europe for the preparation of silk goods; and, mixed with wool or cotton, might form, as it now does in India, a beautiful and acceptable manufacture.

The manufacture of Indigo appears to have been known and practised in India at the earliest period. From this country, whence the dye obtains its name, Europe was antiently supplied with it, until the produce of America engrossed the market.-The better management of America in preparing the indigo, rather than any essential difference in the intention of the progress, transferred the supply of the market to America; for, it is now well ascertained that the indigo of Bengal, so far as its natural quality may be solely considered, is superior to that of North America and equal to the best of South America.

[blocks in formation]

That the population of Bengal is capable of effecting very great increase in the productions of this country, we are assured; and that the rigid distinctions of cast, are not so strictly maintained as to justify any apprehension of failure on that account, is inferred from the daily occurrences in Bengal, where it is common to see Brahmens exercising the menial profession of a sudra, and sudras elevated to stations of respectability and importance. It is true, that every cast has clubs, lodges, or associations, peculiar to itself; nevertheless, professions, with few exceptions, are open to persons of every description. And the discouragements arising from religious prethan those resulting from the municipal judices, are not greater, says our author, and corporation laws of Britain.

We have no occasion to enlarge on the muslin trade of India; either on the elegance and beauty of its productions, the delicacy of their texture, or their distinctions and kinds. Nor on the silk goods, or the mixtures, derived from various places, and known by various names. We could have been glad, however, if the writer had not dismissed the article hemp in that cursory manner which ill corresponds with its importance. The only notice he takes of it, is p. 201, where he tells us, "hemp may be prepared from the plant already cultivated here for a different purpose, and relieve Great Britain from the heavy tribute which her com~ merce and navy now pay to Russia."

Hemp, undoubtedly, is cultivated in India, for the preparation of Bang, an intoxicating drug, used instead of opium, and for much the same purposes: but we wonder it should escape our author, that it has been the subject of attention to our government. The Privy Council, in a letter to the Court of Directors of the EastIndia Company, dated Feb. 4, 1803, recommended to the Court to encourage as much as possible, the growth of strong Hemp, in India, for naval purposes chiefly; with which recommendation the Court immediately complied. This circumstance gave occasion to an extremely

valuable compendium, by Robert Wissett, Esq. on the subject of the cultivation and preparation of Hemp; and of an article, produced in various parts of India, called sunn, which answers all the purposes of hemp, and is nearly similar in its growth, and in the manner of preparing it. Mr. Wissett's work was printed before the retrospective period included in our review; we can, therefore, only commend it in general terms, as a laborious and judicious compilation from the best authors, British and foreign, on the subject of hemp, its growth and manufacture; between which and sunn, a comparison is instituted chapter by chapter. It deserves to be made more public than it hitherto has been: this, indeed, is the character of sundry other works compiled by that gentleman, whose access to official documents and papers, has enabled him to furnish desirable communications, which in vain may be sought for elsewhere.

The importance of our Indian empire is becoming every day more conspicuous; not only in its political relation, as a colony to a parent state, but as opening new and important channels for our commerce. In return, it is but just that this country should receive those natural productions, or native manufactures of India, which meet its demands. India produces, for instance, not less than five or six, (Dr. Roxburgh enumerates above twenty) of those vegetables, which, more or less, effectually answer the purposes of hemp, and may be used in making cordages of various kinds. Some of them are not inferior to the European plant. What forbids that samples of these shou'd be submitted to the dexterity of British workmen; and why should not such as possess the requisite qualities, contribute to diminish our dependence on foreign nations for supplies of this important article? In the same laudable spirit, the Society for the Promotion of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, have offered a premium for the importation of Baughulpoor cotton, from which, cloths are made in imitation of nankeen, without dyeing: also for anatto, and for cochineal. It is true, that the insects which produce the latter, have not yet been advantageously naturalized in India; owing as is usually understood, to a want of the true cochineal mestique insect; the wild sort, having

been procured by mistake, yet there is every reason to hope that the proper species may be obtained, and that at some future period this valuable drug will be received direct from our own territories, instead of from Spanish America.

We close this article with a notice of another insect, similar in its properties to those of the cochineal, but yielding a yellow colour instead of a red. Our knowledge of it is derived from Dr. Roxdurgh's letter to the highly respectable Society before-mentioned.

Upon the leaves of this tree [which pro duces the yellow my robolans, used in dyeing, also a species of galls, of a very irregular shape, and yellowish colour,] I have found an insect, which I take to be the larva of a coccus, or chermes; they are about three eighths of an inch long, and a quarter of an inch broad; flat below, convex above, and composed of twelve annular segments. The whole insect is replete with a bright yellow juice, which stains paper of a very deep and rich yellow colour.

Our readers may expect in our following numbers, descriptions of variouз Indian subjects, as well of the animal, as the vegetable kingdom, the properties of which excite our wishes for a better acquaintance with them, either as articles of commercial, or of scientific speculation, or of both.

Euvres Choisies et Posthumes de M. de la Harpe, etc. Select and Posthumous works of Mr. de la Harpe, of the French Academy. In 4 vols. 8vo. Paris. 1806.-Imported by Dulau. Price 36s.

This edition does not comprise the whole of the author's productions, but a selection, said to have been determined by himself. It is well known, that this remarkable man, at different periods of his life, held opinions diametrically opposite. It, therefore, could not be supposed that he would admit into this compendium, formed in his latter days, any of those pieces offensive to morals and religion, which had been his glory in early lite

We shall not submit this edition to a strict review; but the reader will find in our work various specimens of those detached pieces which compose it. The life of the author, drawn from the most authentic sources, and greatly superior to any which has hitherto appeared, is translating for a subsequent number.

But we acknowledge without hesitation, that the following paper has appeared to us, so extraordinary in its nature, and so striking in its contents, that we have separated it, by way of distinction, from the other articles contained in these volumes, and have given it an early insertion, for the consideration and reflection of our readers. The editor makes no remarks on it, but gives it simply as follows.

"The following very curious note was found among the papers of M de la Harpe, after his death.

"It appears to me as if it were but yesterday; and it was, nevertheless, in the beginning of the year 1788; we were at the table of a brother academician, who was of the highest rank and a man of talents. The company was numerous and of all kinds; courtiers, advocates, literary men, academicians, &c. We had been, as usual, luxuriously entertained; and at the desert, the wines of Malvoisie and the Cape, added to the natural gaiety of good company that kind of social freedom which sometimes stretches beyond the rigid decorum of it. In short, we were in a state to allow of any thing that would produce mirth. Chamfort had been reading some of his impious and libertine tales, and the fine ladies had heard them, without once making use of their fans. A deluge of pleasantries on religion then succeeded; one gave a quotation from the Pucelle d'Orleans; another recollected and applauded the philosophical distich of Diderot,

Et des boyaux du dernier pr tre,
Serrez le cou du dernier roi.

And of the last priest's entrails form the
string

Around the neck of the last King.

A third rises, and with a bumper in his hand, "Yes, gentlemen," (he exclaims) "I am as sure that there is no God, as I "am certain that Homer is a fool." The Conversation afterwards took a more serious turn, and the most ardent admiration was expressed of the revolution which Voltaire had produced; and they all agreed that it formed the brightest ray his glory." He has given the ton to his

66

of

age, and has contrived to be read in the "chamber, as well as in the drawing "room." One of the company mentioned, and almost burst with laughter at the circumstance, that his hair-dresser had said while he was powdering him, VOL. I. [Lit. Pan. Oct. 1800]

66

"Look you, Sir; though I am nothing "but a poor journey man barber, I have no more religion than another man.", It was concluded that the revolution would soon be consummated, and that it was absolutely necessary for superstition and fa naticism to give place to philosophy. The probability of this epoch was then calculated, and which of the company present would live to see the reign of reason. The elder part of them lamented that they could not flatter themselves with the hope of enjoying such a pleasure: while the younger part rejoiced in the expectation that they should witness it. The academy was felicitated for having prepared the grand work, and being, at the same time, the strong hold, the centre and the moving principle of freedom of thought.

"There was only one of the guests who had not shared in the delights of this conversation; he had even ventured, in a quiet way, to start a few pleasantries on our noble enthusiasm. It was Cazotte, an amiable man, of an original turn of mind, but unfortunately infatuated with the reveries of the illuminati. He renewed the conversation in a very serious tone, and in the following manner. "Gentlemen," said he," be satisfied,'

you will all see this grand and sublime "revolution. You know that I am "something of a prophet, and I repeat, "that you will all see it." He was answered by the common expression, “It is "not necessary to be a great conjuror to "foretell that."-" Agreed; but, per

[ocr errors]

haps, it may be necessary to be some"thing more, respecting what I am now

going to tell you. Have you any idea "of what will result from this revolu"tion? What will happen to yourselves,

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

to every one of you now present; what, "will be the immediate progress of it, "with its certain effects and consequences ?" Oh," said Condorcet, with his silly and saturnine laugh," let us "know all about it; a philosopher can "have no objection to meet a prophet." "You, M. Condorcet, will expire on "the pavement of a dungeon; you will

die of the poison which you will have "taken to escape from the hands of the "executioner: of poison, which the happy state of that period will render "it absolutely necessary that you should carry about you.”

[ocr errors]

D

[merged small][ocr errors]

hangmen in your head? What can "these things have in common with phi

"

losophy and the reign of reason?”.

That is precisely what I am telling you. "It will be in the name of philosophy, "of humanity, and of liberty; it will be "under the reign of reason, that what I "have foretold will happen to you. It "will then indeed be the reign of reason: "for she will have temples erected to her "honour. Nay, throughout France, "there will be no other places of public "worship but the temples of reason."

66

one

In faith," said Chamfort, with of his sarcastic smiles, you will not "however be an officiating priest in any "of these temples."" I hope not, "but you M. Chamfort, you will be well "worthy of that distinction: for you will "cut yourself across the veins with

[ocr errors]

twenty-two strokes of a razor, and will "nevertheless survive the attempt for

[ocr errors]

some months."-They all looked at him and continued to laugh.—" You, M. "Vicq d'Azyr, you will not open your "veins yourself, but you will order them "to be opened six times in one day during a paroxysm of the gout, in or"der that you may not fail in your pur46 pose, and you will die during the night. "As for you, M. de Nicolai, you will die on the scaffold; and so, M. Bailly, will you; and so will you, M. Malesherbes." "Oh heavens," said Roucher,

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

"it appears that his vengeance is levelled solely against the academy: he has just "made a most horrible execution of the "whole of it; now tell me my fate in the "name of mercy?"-" You will die also

[ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors]

86

"continually uttering the same phrases "that you have been repeating for the "last hour, will deliver all your maxims, "and will quote you as you have done "Diderot and the Pucelle." "Oh," it was whispered, "the man is out of his senses;" for during the whole of the conversation, his features never underwent the least change. "Oh no," said another," you must perceive that he "is laughing at us; for he always blends "the marvellous with his pleasantries." "Yes," answered Chamfort, "the mar"vellous with him is never enlivened "with gaiety. He always looks as if he

[ocr errors]

were going to be hanged. But when "will all this happen?" Six years will "not have passed away, before all which "I have told you shall be accomplished."

[ocr errors]

"Here, indeed, is plenty of miracles," (it was myself, says M. de la Harpe, who now spoke) "and you set me down for nothing." "You will yourself be a "miracle as extraordinary as any which I "have told. You will then be a Chris"tian."

Loud exclamations immediately followed. "Ah," replied Chamfort, "all

66

my fears are removed: for if we are "not doomed to perish till La Harpe "becomes a Christian, we shall be im"mortal."

"As for us women," said the Duchess de Grammont, "it is very fortunate that we are considered as nothing in these "revolutions. Not that we are totally

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

discharged from all concern in them; "but it is understood that in such cases "we are to be left to ourselves. Our "sex"-"Your sex, ladies, will be no

[merged small][ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

guarantee to you in these times. It "will make no difference whatever, "whether you interfere or not. You "will be treated precisely as the men; "no distinction will be made between you." "But what does all this mean, M. "Cazotte? You are surely preaching to us about the end of the world." "I know no more of that, my Lady Duchess, "than yourself: but this I know, that, you will be conducted to the scaffold, "with several other ladies along with you, in the cart of the executioner, and "with your hands tied behind you." "I hope, Sir, that in such a case, I shall "be allowed at least a coach hung with "black." 66 No, Madam, you will not "have that indulgence, ladies of higher

[ocr errors]

66

66

"rank than you, will be drawn in a cart

[ocr errors]

"

"the sight of the besiegers and the be

"" as you will be; with their hands tied as yours will be, and to the same fate

as that to which you are destined." "Ladies of higher rank than myself? "What, Princesses of the Blood?" "Greater still."

Here there was a very sensible emotion throughout the company, and the countenance of the master of the mansion wore a very grave and solemn aspect: it was, indeed, very generally observed, that this pleasantry was carried rather too far. Madame de Grammont, in order to disperse the cloud that seemed to be approaching, made no reply to his last answer, but contented herself with saying with an air of gaiety, "You see, he will not even leave "me a confessor." "No, Madam, that "consolation will be denied to all of you. "The last person led to the scaffold who "will be allowed a confessor as the great"est of favours, will be

Here he paused for a moment."And who then is the happy mortal who "will be allowed to enjoy this preroga “tive?" "It is the only one which will "be left to him; it will be-the King " of France."

sieged, crying incessantly, in a loud and " inauspicious voice,-Woe to Jerusalem! " and, on the seventh day he cried, Woe "to Jerusalem, and to myself! At that

66

very moment, an enormous stone "thrown by the machines of the enemy, "dashed him in pieces."

M. Cazotte then made his bow and retired.

Observations on the Utility, Form, and Management of Water-Meadows, and the draining and irrigating of Peat Bogs, with an account of Prisley Bog and other extraordinary improvements conducted for His Grace the Duke of Bedford, Thomas William Coke, Esq. M. P. and others, by William Smith, Engineer and Mineralogist, 8vo. pp. 121. Price 10s. 6d. Bacon, Norwich; Longman and Co. London.

THE work before us, is dedicated to that able and spirited improver, Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, and justly describes the veneration in which that true patriot is held, not only by his numerous and respectable tenants, but by the inhabitants of the country at large. The laborious and successful researches of Mr. Smith into the stratification of England and Wales, have lately attracted the notice of mineralogists and geologists; and have rendered them solicitous for their publication We are happy to hear, that their wishes will be gratified about the close of the year, by the appearance of a first part. Our author in the preface to his present work, proper

The master of the house now rose in haste, and his company were all actuated by the same impulse. He then advanced towards M. Cazotte, and said to him in an affecting and impressive tone, "My dear "M. Cazotte, we have had enough of "these melancholy conceits. You carry "it too far; even to the compromising "the company with whom you are; and "yourself along with them." Cazottely remarks, on the absurdity of farmers'

made no answer, and was preparing to retire; when Madame de Grammont, who wished if possible to do away all serious impressions, and to restore some kind of gaiety among them, advanced towards him and said, "My good prophet, you have "been so kind as to tell us all our for"tunes, but you have not mentioned any "thing respecting your own." After a few minutes of silence, with his eyes fixed on the ground, "Madam," he replied, "have you read the siege of Jerusalem as "related by Josephus?" "To be sure I have, "and who has not? But you may suppose, if you please, that I know nothing about it." "Then you must know, "Madam, that during the siege of Jeru"salem, a man for seven successive days, "went round the ramparts of that city, in

"

"

sons wasting their time in studies, for which not one in an hundred of them has afterwards any occasion, instead of acquiring a knowledge of practical geometry, and in the principles and use of instruments and machines, intimately connected with their profession. After stating that such was the nature of his own education (he was, we understand, brought up under an eminent land-surveyor, and afterwards studied engineery) Mr. Smith modestly takes occasion, on this account, to claim protection from the severities of criticisin. The perspicuous style in which his work is written will secure it this indulgence, while the lovers of descriptive poetry may see much to admire, in the lines that introduce the subjects of his different chap ters. Those who expect to find in the

« PředchozíPokračovat »