At first there appeared a considerable degree of astonishment; but it was soon recollected that Cazotte was in the habit of dreaming while he was awake, and the laugh was as loud as ever. "M. Cazotte, the tale which you have "just told is not so pleasant as your Dia"ble amoureux. But what devil has put"this dungeon, this poison, and these "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.""In faith," said Chamfort, with one 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 "twenty-two strokes of a razor, and will "nevertheless survive the attempt for

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 purpose, and you will die during the night. "As for you, M. de Nicolai, you will die 66 on the scaffold; and so, M. Bailly, will 66 you; and so will you, M. Malesherbes." "Oh heavens," said Roucher, "it ap66 pears 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 "upon the scaffold." "Oh,"it was universally exclaimed," he has sworn to ex"terminate all of us." " No, it is not me "who has sworn it." "Are we then to be

subjugated by Turks and Tartars?" "By "no means; I have already told you, "that you will then be governed by reason and philosophy alone. Those who "will treat you as I have described, will all of them be philosophers; will be

"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

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."

"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 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

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 "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.' "No, Madam, you will not "have that indulgence, ladies of higher

66

"rank than you, will be drawn in a cart

66

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

moment.

Here he paused for a "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."

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." Cazotte 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

M. Cazotte then made his bow and retired.ES

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, properly remarks, on the absurdity of farmers' 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 criticism. 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 chapters. Those who expect to find in the

work before us, plans and sections of sluices, hatches, and other appendages of water-meadows, with minute drawings and descriptions of the tools and implements used by floaters will be disappointed. Our author's intentions are rather, to develope those general principles on which irrigation works should be constructed, and on which water meadows ought to be managed. These he deduces not from any particular or local practices, but from an attentive study of the subject on every soil, and in almost every situation in England, whither his indefatigable research as a mineralogist, and his extensive business as an irrigator, drainer, surveyor, or engineer, has led him. To explain every process of making a water-meadow to persons who have never beheld such operations, is not his design. We are among those, who from having seen imperfect, yet expensive, attempts at irrigation in various parts of England, agree with our author in thinking, that, at least, the first attempts require the direction of a professed irrigator, possessing general information on the subject, and capable of successfully adapt ing his practice, to the ever varying circunstances of new situations and soils. The many important advantages, derived from irrigation and drainage, to the occu piers, and owners of land, and to the public, occasions our regret, that this article does not conveniently admit of extracts. The particular account of two meadows constructed by Mr. S. for the Duke of Bedford, on Prisley Bog in Bedfordshire, (which the celebrated Mr. Elkington had before attempted to drain, without success) with the correct maps of them which are given, fully explain the principles of operation adopted by our author; but for these we must refer to the book, which we can without hesitation recommend, as an important addition to whatever has previously been written on the subject. The printing of this work does credit to the Norwich press.

The Elements of Land Surveying, designed principally for the use of Schools and Students, by A. Crocker, 12mo. pp. 280. Price 7s. bound, Phillips. London, 1806. We are told in the dedication of this volume, to John Andrews, Esq. that the author has confined himself to the theoretical part; such as, in general, is the subject of school exercises; his intention

being to lead the student through the school to the field; there to receive such practical lessons from his instructor as will elucidate the theory.

The introduction contains a concise explanation of Algebraic and Geometric signs and notation, and the use of Logarithms and Tables of Sines and Tangents. Part I. contains the usual elementary problems in practical geometry, Part II. treats of geometrical figures, inscribed within each other: Part III. teaches so much of plane trigonometry as is commonly necessary in surveying; which, in Part IV. is applied to the finding of distances: Part V. contains the mensuration of plane figures, including the circle and ellipsis: Part VI. shews how to reduce right-lined figures to others of equal area. In part VII. the- business of land-measuring is entered on, the foregoing rules being referred to, or new ones supplied in the notes, as the student proceeds, through a variety of examples: and here we find useful tables for reducing the customary land-measure in Devon and Somerset, where 5 yards make a perch, in Purbeck, and part of Dorset, where 15 feet and one inch make a perch; in Cornwall, where 6 yards; in Lancashire, where 7 yards; and in Cheshire and Staffordshire, where 8 yards are reckoned a perch, to the statute measure wherein 5 yards make a perch, or the 160th part of an acre. this part, the student is in some degree instructed in the use of the plane-table and theodolite, of which, and the other instruments used by surveyors, neat engravings are given; but their management in the field is reserved for the practical lessons above alluded to. The necessary cuts and diagrams are well executed in wood, and inserted in the page with the text, a circumstance of considerable convenience and importance to mathematical stu dents. Our author directs his pupils (page 200) to take the measure of the surface however irregular, for determining the area or contents of an estate, but in planning the same, to use the base or horizontal lines answering thereto, in order that the plan may fit: but had he weighed (besides the proposition that more vertical plants or trees cannot grow on the curve or sloping surface of a hill than upon the plane of its base) the more weighty considerations in reference to agriculture, of the difficulty of cultivating

In

and carrying manure to, and the produce from, steep lands, he would, doubtless, have otherwise explained this part of his work, and would have given the pupil practicable and correct rules for reducing all lines to their horizontal or base lines, at the time of measuring them. Part VIII. treats of the division of land, either of uniform value, or where some parts are better in quality than others: and, Part IX. contains some directions for plotting or laying down the field observations. To this, by way of appendix, a table of logarithms of the first 1000 numbers and their differences is given; also tables of log. sines, cosines, tangents, and cotangents to every 5 of the quadrant, and a table of natural sines to the same extent. We regret to state, that this volume, though useful as far as it goes, is equally silent with the many which have preceded it, on the simple theory, and the excellent checks furnished by the method which surveyors now almost exclusively use, in surveying and plotting estates, in which every line after the first three, is proved to be right, at the time of laying it down; by which a careful surveyor, who plans his work at short intervals, as he proceeds, avoids the possibility of any mistake in his measurements or plan.

We cannot help adding a remark on the diversity of measures adopted in various parts of the kingdom: why should not land measure be ascertained by one uniform perch, as well as corn be sold by one uniform bushel? There are still among us remains of ancient distinctions, established in barbarous times, the continuance of which is a severe sarcasm on the unity, and polity of the British nation and the United Kingdom.

Laurie and Whittle's new Travellers' Companion, exhibiting a complete and correct survey of all the direct and principal Cross Roads in England, Wales, and Scotland, as far North as Edinburgh and Glasgow: by Nath. Coltman, 1805. Price £1. 1s. half bound: in morocco with a tuck £1. 5s. On twenty seven quarto plates.

THE unremitted intercourse which now exists between the metropolis of the United Kingdom and the provinces, gives an interest to every information respecting the roads, the means of conveyance, and the accommodations to be met

with on the road. Those who travel for pleasure, and those who travel for profit, are equally concerned in compilations, which like that before us, offer their assistance by way of directory. These plates describe the main roads throughout England, distinguishing those travelled by the Mail Coaches; with many of the cross roads. They approach, we must acknowledge, more nearly to the direct in these plates, than in most others we have seen yet are sufficiently distinct, to enable any traveller to estimate his journey before he undertakes it, and to fix the route which may best answer his purpose.

We could have wished that some additional respect had been paid to cities, in marking their magnitude: and to those important parts of our constitution, the boroughs which send representatives. The adoption of stars to mark the places which furnish post chaises, instead of denoting, as it used to do, those which furnished members of parliament, may perhaps proved an occasion of serio-comic mishap, to some incautious, but not the less ambitious, or speculative politician.

Cromer, considered as a Watering Place; with observations on the picturesque Scenery in its neighbourhood. By Edmund Bartell, jun. Second edition, much enlarged. Royal 8vo. pp. 124. Price 8s. Leake, Cromer; Taylor, London, 1806.

Cromer has lately been sung in verse, as well as described in prose: it may therefore boast a distinction superior to those villages, of which though they claim the appellation of "watering places,"

it shall be said They had no poets and are dead.

This village, somewhat dangerously for itself, stands on the margin of the Northern Sea; the encroachments of which formerly swept away its embankments, and deprived it of the parish church, dedicated to St. Peter.

This account is justified, by the discovery, at very low tides, of masses of old wall, and other buildings, which the fishermen still know by the name of the "Church Rock."

It is now however safe enough: especially in summer; but like all other banks exposed to the action of the sea, the cliffs in winter, give way, or shoot, as the

author expresses it, seaward, from time to time.

Mr. Bartell describes the church, as being, though now imperfect, a beautiful specimen of architecture, as that art was practised in the time of King Henry IV. The tower commands an extensive view. The free school, the inns, (which are not of the superior class) the fishery, and general occupation of the inhabitants, are next considered, after which follow a favourable character of the town, considered as a place for retirement, descriptions of the bathing machines, cliffs, and beach; of the light house, and other subjects. The rides and walks in the neighbourhood, and to the principal places, within about ten miles, occupy the remainder of the work. From these we learn, that many picturesque sites are found in the adjacencies that some grand effects are occasionally visible, both by land and water, and that romantic situations are not wanting. The author appears to pique himself on his knowledge of landscape; and we certainly may congratulate him on his possessing in a well instructed eye, a never failing source of pleasure and delight, while scenes such as he describes are open to his insection.

A view of Cromer is prefixed by way of frontispiece. Another view, on a neighbouring green, is added, by way of appendix. The work is closed by a map neatly coloured; but it has no scale; nor any marks for mile stones; nor any hint at the distance from London; perhaps, this is watering-place policy, in order that Londoners when thinking of Cromer, should forget the great city. However that may be, we are sorry to observe, that although the Right Hon. Lord Suffield, Lord Walpole, Right Hon Wm. Windham, Col. Harbord, Col. Wodehouse, &c. have handsome parks in the neighbourhood, yet, poor souls! not one of them has a house here to put his head in: at least, no mark of any such dwelling appears on the map, though descriptions of their "seats" are given in the work.

Colonel Thornton's Transactions and Negotiations with Robert Christie Burton, Esq., legally, morally, and liberally considered. 8vo. pp. 124, price 2s 6d. London, Goddard. ̄ ̄1806.

An ex parte statement of the difference between and b

The Astrarium improved, or, the Views of the principal fixed Stars and Constellations, represented on twelve Plates, (one for each Month in the Year) from which their names and relative situations may be known by simple inspection. Qto. Introduction pp. 11. Price 5s. Chichester, Seagrave, for Carey, London. 1805.

THIS is an ingenious attempt to facilitate the general study of those principles of astronomy which regard the fixed stars, The plates may be considered as so many maps of the heavens, at the times for which they are intended. They represent the stars only; and, except light lines marking the Zodiac, contain no artificial distinctions. This has preserved a clearness, which is highly favourable to their intention. But on the other hand, we see no reason why occult delineations of the principal constellations should have produced more confusion in these plates, than boundaries of kingdoms do, in geographical delineations. Moreover, it is impossible that the reasons or occasions which gave name to most of the constellations should be guessed at or explained, without some assistance; for who sees a Great Bear in the heavens? Or, why is any star called a Lyre, a Swan, or a Dog? It might also prepare the students for those artificial distinctions on a celestial globe for whether it would be wise to explode them altogether, we strongly doubt, being well persuaded that much of the history of mankind is inscribed among the celestial constellations.

The author has given a list of the Latin names, with a translation: but he has forgot that the Arabic names required the same favour to render them intelligible. Why did he not consult Costard? In the first plate the orbit of the planet next the sun is inscribed Mars instead of Mercury: this error may be corrected with a pen. The orbit of Saturn, if not that of the Georgian, should have been marked on some other plate: and a little dexterity would have found room for hints at the orbits, and numbers of the secondary planets. We know that the moon is but a very small body, astronomically considered; nevertheless, it is a "great light" to the eye, and may be respected accordingly, without prejudice to the evening studies of youth.

We are pleased with the appearance of