Imagini ale paginilor
PDF
ePub

ported by chunamed pillars. The walls are of the same materials, either white or coloured, and the floors are covered with rattan mats. They are surrounded by a field planted with trees and shrubs, which have changed the barren sand of the plain into a rich scene of vegetation, but flowers and fruits are still raised with difficulty. During the hot winds, mats made of the roots of the cusa grass, which has a pleasant smell, are placed against the doors and windows, and are constantly watered

-so that the air which blows through them, spreads an agreeable freshness and fragrance throughout the room. The moment however the cooling influence of these mats is quitted, the sensation is like entering a furnace, although taking the average of the whole year, Madras experiences less extreme heat than Calcutta. In January the lowest is about 70°, and in July, the highest 91°.

The society at Madras is more limited than at Calcutta, but the style of living much the same, except that provisions of all sorts are much less abundant, and greatly more expensive. During the cold season, there are monthly assemblies, with occasional balls all the year.

The greatest lounge at this presidency is during visiting hours, from nine o'ɔlock in the morning until eleven; during which interval, the young men go about from house to house, learn and retail the news, and offer their services to execute commissions in the city, to which they must repair for purposes of business. When these functionaries are gone, a troop of idlers appears, and remain until tiffin, at two o'clock, when the real dinner is eaten. The party then separate, and many retire to rest or to read, until five o'clock; about which time the master of the family returns from the fort, when an excursion to the Mount Road, and dinner afterwards, finishes the day, unless prolonged by a ball or supper party at night.

The black town of Madras stands to the northward of the fort, from which it is separated by a spacious esplanade. It was formerly surrounded by fortifications, sufficient to resist the incursions of cavalry; but having long become unnecessary, are now much ne

[blocks in formation]

glected. In this town reside the native Armenian and Portuguese merchants, and also many Europeans unconnected with government. Like other native towns, it is irregular and confused, being a mixture of brick and bamboo houses, and makes a better appearance at a distance, than when closely inspected. In 1794, the total population of both towns was estimated at 300,000 persons, and the city certainly has not since diminished in any respect. Ibid.

Greenlanders.-The Greenlanders seem to belong to the Mongul race; their stature is small, and they seldom arrive at a greater age than fifty years; the women are nearly as tall and robust as the men, and join with them in all their labours and exercises. Their habitations are all situated near the coast, as the climate is there less severe, and it is more convenient for fishing, which is their principal occupation; they are generally placed in the recesses of the rocks, and are supported by them; they are constructed of large masses of micaceous schistus, the crevices of which are filled with peat, and are lined with moss. Each hut is about fifteen feet square, and is occupied by about twenty individuals, who lie in it promiscuously. The apertures for the purpose of admitting light are closed with the intestines of the seal instead of glass; and the entrance into the huts is a long and narrow passage which just admits a man to creep in. They are heated and lighted by a lamp, which is suspended in the middle of the chamber, and over this they cook the flesh of the seal, which in the winter is their principal food. The houses are almost totally without any description of furniture, and are filthy to a degree which can scarcely be conceived; all access of fresh air is carefully excluded, and the heat and stench is absolutely insupportable, except to those who have been inured to them from infancy. Their only domestic animals are dogs, which serve as beasts of burden, and are employed by them in place of horses.

The sea-coast is almost covered with rocks and shoals, and is without any appearance of vegetation; the part which is not composed of rock being either bog or marsh. The rocks are,

however, covered with very beautiful lichens and mosses of the most brilliant colours; and the cascades which fall from the glaciers between the rocks, occasionally form very grand scenes.

Annals of Philosophy.

Analysis of Rice.-The object of the author in this analysis was chiefly to ascertain in what respect rice differs from the other cerealea; and especially to know whether it contains any saccharine matter proper for the formation of alcohol. A quantity of rice was pounded and macerated during some time in water; a transparent mucilaginous liquor was formed, without taste, that was neither acid nor alkaline, and was not precipitated by acetate of lead; by evaporation an extract was formed that in every respect resembled gum arabic. By treating this extract with nitric acid, a strong acid liquor was formed, from which water separated the phosphate of lime. This solution also contains a quantity of starch; and the author found that it was by means of the starch that the phosphate of lime was dissolved in the infusion. He also found in the same manner that animal jelly rendered a portion of phosphate of lime soluble. The author then examined the farina of rice, with a view to discover the quantity of animalized matter which was united to it, by distilling it and ascertaining the amount of ammonia disengaged; this was found to be very inconsiderable; he afterwards made an experiment for the purpose of determining at what degree of heat the starch begins to dissolve in water, which, by means of the test of iodine, he determined to be 144.5°. (F.)

The conclusions which M. Vauquelin deduces from his experiments are, that rice is a grain essentially amylaceous, which contains scarcely perceptible traces of gluten and of phosphate of lime. In this respect it differs from the other cerealea that serve for the nourishment of men and animals, which contain a considerable proportion of these substances. He was not able to detect any saccharine matter in rice, a circumstance which is considered as remarkable, because in some countries an ardent spirit, called arrack, is prepared from it. But potatoes also afford a spirituous liquor, although they, in like manner, contain no saccharine matter;

from which we must conclude that alcohol may be formed by something else besides sugar, unless we suppose that the sugar is so enveloped in the other ingredients that it escapes the ordinary means of detection. Ibid.

Improvement in the purification of Coal Gas.-It is sufficiently known, that the production of carburetted hydrogen obtained from coal, and its fitness for the purpose of illumination, varies much according to the circumstances under which the gas is obtained, and the means employed for purifying it. To deprive coal-gas of that portion of sulphuretted hydrogen with which it is always more or less contaminated, it has hitherto been made to act on quicklime, either in a dry state, or combined with water in particular vessels, so constructed as to bring a large surface of the lime into contact with the gas. This method must naturally be very imperfect, on account of the fecble action of sulphuretted hydrogen upon lime. In proof of this statement, the gas supplied to this metropolis, need only be examined in the following manner: Collect a four ounce phial full of the gas, in a washhand bason, or other vessel full of water, in the usual manner, and then plunge into it a slip of paper moistened with a solution of nitrate of silver, or super-acetate of lead. The paper will instantly acquire a brown colour.

A new method of getting rid of the sulphuretted hydrogen gas has been lately resorted to with success; and the facility, cheapness, and expedition, with which this process may be employed in the large way, give reason to believe that it will be highly beneficial to the manufacturer of coal-gas in general. The process consists in passing crude coal-gas, as it is disengaged from coal, through a heated iron cylinder, or other vessel, containing fragments of metallic iron (the waste clippings of tinned iron will do very well), or any oxide of iron at a minimum of oxidation; for example, clay iron-stone, so disposed as to present as large a surface as possible: by this means the sulphuretted hydrogen becomes decomposed by the metallic iron, and the gas is obtained in a pure state. This iron, if in a state of a metal, acquires by this process a crystalline

structure, and affords abundance of sulphuretted hydrogen by the affusion of diluted sulphuric or muriatic acid, a proof that it is converted into a sulphuret; a quantity of sulphuric and sulphureous acid is likewise collected at the extremity of the vessel. The gas thus treated, affords no disagreeable odour during combustion, and its purity is attested by its not acting upon the solutions of lead, silver, or any of the white metals. Edin. Mag.

Utility of Insects.-From the second

Volume of Kirby's Entomology. The grand service which Insects render mankind, is in the removal by consumption of corrupt vegetable and animal substances, which, without their aid, would infect the atmosphere with disease and pestilence. They are also eminently useful in devouring other insects, which would otherwise multiply beyond endurance; and supplying food to birds and fish, which in turn constitute the food of man. It may be generally stated, that almost all the filth on the earth is cleared away (we allow for the action of rain and the elements) by inconceivable hosts of insects, of which some devour it, and others deposit their eggs, from which the larvæ soon co-operate with tenfold voracity.

Thus every particle of dung, at least of the most offensive kinds, speedily swarms with inhabitants, which consume all the liquid and noisome particles, leaving nothing but the undigested remains, that soon dry and are scattered by the winds, while the grass upon which it rested, no longer smothered by an impenetrable mass, springs up with increased vigour.

The Coleoptera and Diptera are the principal agents in this scavengership. The dead carcasses of animals, with all their fatal miasmata, are taken off by similar natural means. As soon as life is departed,

First come the Histers, and pierce the skin. Next follow the Flesh-flies, some, that no time may be lost (as Musca Carnaria, &c.) depositing upon it their young, already hatched; others (M. Cæsar, &c.) covering it with millions of eggs, whence, in a day or two, proceed innumerable devourers. An idea of the despatch made by these Gourmands, may be gained by a com

bined consideration of their numbers, voracity, and rapid development. One female of M. Cornaria will give birth to 20,000 young; and the larvæ of many flesh-flies, as Redi ascertained, will, in twenty-four hours, devour so much food, and grow so quickly, as to increase their weight 200 fold!! In five days after being hatched, they arrive at their full growth and size. ----Thus we see there was some ground for Linne's assertion under M. Vomitaria, that three of these flies will devour a dead horse as quickly as would a lion.

Another class bury small animals, such as mice, for the purpose of depositing their eggs with a supply of food. Putrescent vegetable substances vanish before the efforts of other insects, and their everlasting destruction of each other keeps the world free from superabundant multiplication. In the latter service, the earwig, spider, and dragon-fly, are marked consumers.

The important part which insects take in the fructification of plants is too well known to require being enlarged upon. As food for man, as medicine, as dyes,-in the production of wax, resin, silk, honey, &c. &c. their utility, though it furnishes many singular facts and illustrations to the authors, whose tract we are following, would demand a longer exposition than we can now allot to the subject.

English Opera House.-This is the age of contradictions:-at the English Opera House there is a ballet of American savages,-real Split-log, Walkthe-Water, Elk, Big eye, or Buffalo gentlemen in their own country, and who, having taken up the trade of actors in this, perform with the most natural ferocity. These men are really very curious to behold. Their actions resemble those of the tiger, and there is not a motion but displays the habitual cunning and barbarity of their habits. They go through most of the evolu tions familiar to their state of society, in war, peace-making, dancing, &c. &c. and afford a perfect idea of the manners and customs of wild Indians.Their names are, Senung-gis, the Chief (Long Horns;) Ne-gui-e-et-twassaue (Little Bear;) Uc-tau-goh (Black Squirrel;) Se-guos-ken-ace (I like her;) Staeute (Sleep Rock;) Ne-gun-ne-au-goh (Beaver;) Te-ki-eui-doga (Two Guns.)

After the ballet these performers disport themselves in the saloon up stairs for an hour; and if any notion was entertained that they were only theatrical Savages, it must be instantly dispelled by seeing them in this situation. We were hardly ever so much amused with any representation as this eminently striking and curious scene. The shrubbery and these wild and warlike men; the mixture of European beauty, though unfortunately of a degraded class; and the contrast to which they gave rise, were worthy of a more philosophical contemplation than any mere dramatic exhibition; and we confess to have been highly gratified with the novelty. Human nature is always an object of interest, and when its extremes of barbarism and of the licentiousness of civilization are brought into one point of view, the study is neither common nor incurious. We shall next week renew our observations on these persons, and in the interim recommend them as offering great attractions for a visit to the Lyceum. Lit. Gaz.

Extraordinary circumstance.-In a German Journal, called the Miscellanies from the newest Productions of Foreign Literature, we find the following remarkable, but not improbable account:-A merchant not only heard the name of Buonaparte in the deserts of Tartary, but also saw a biography of him in the Arabic tongue, which contained a great many falsehoods and exaggerations, and ended with his marriage in the year 1810. This biography was printed in Paris, and thence it was sent to Aleppo, to be circulated in the East. It may be presumed, that this was not done merely to spread the glory of the hero, but most probably to prepare the way for some great undertaking. Europ. Mag.

English Electioneering.-The late John Ellis, Esq. who was termed a violent party man,' was employed as agent in an election, which was not only strongly contested on the spot, but the proceedings were, on the ground of some irregularity, brought by petition before the House of Commons. the bar of the House Mr. Ellis was brought, on the part of the petitioning candidate, when he underwent a cross examination, of which the following is the substance: We understand, Mr.

To

Ellis, that a very considerable sum was expended in this election, and that great part of it was directed to the purpose of corrupting the voters. Do you know of any such application of money, or of any bribes being actually accepted on the part of the electors?' İndeed, sir, I do: as agent, I know that our party bribed all that we could get to accept our money.'-At this acknowledgment a pause of astonishment seem. ed to pervade the House; a murmur succeeded, which only subsided on a member's saying to the witness, 'Your party did not carry the election!'

No,' returned Ellis, with great composure, we did not.'- Well, but Mr. Ellis,' said the first querist, 'is it not extraordinary, as you say you bribed all that would take your money, that you did not return your member!'Not in the least,' said Ellis.- No! -why how do you account for it?'— Easily the opposite party outbribed us.'-At this there was an universal burst of laughter. I shall not ask you any more questions, Mr. Ellis,' said the interrogator, with great indigIbid.

[ocr errors]

nation.

Ya

Amusing perplexities.-The French translator of Franklin's Correspondence, has made a true French blunder. Franklin somewhere says, 'People imagined that an American was a kind of Yahoo.' Upon this the translator makes the following note: hoo. It must be an animal. It is affirmed that it is the Opossum: but I have not been able to find the word Yahoo in any dictionary of Natural History.'!!!-This reminds us of an anecdote also founded on one of Swift's admirable works. A gentleman saw a person poring over an Atlas, and seemingly disconcerted by some want of success. Can't you find what you want,' said he, or can I assist you?'

I don't know (was the reply) for I have been looking two hours through all latitudes and longitudes, and cannot discover this cursed Lilliput any where'!! Lit. Pan.

Education.-Dr Hamel, Russian Court Counsellor, who travelled several years in England, in order to make inquiries respecting the sciences and useful arts, has published at Paris the most detailed work which has yet appeared on the art of mutual instruction.

This work, which has been printed in German, by order of the emperor of Russia, is accompanied by twelve plates, and portraits of Dr. Bell and Mr. Lancaster. A French translation is printing at Paris, and Russian one at Petersburg. Lancasterian schools are established in the Russian cantonments in France, and the soldiers are instructed with the greatest care. There are examples of soldiers learning to read and write very well in the course of three months. Ibid.

RUSSIA.

Bible Society. Of the efficacy of the Russian Bible Society, in the prosecution of its object, the preparation and distribution of the Holy Scriptures, some judgment may be formed by the interesting facts, that within four years after its establishment, the society had either published or was engaged in publishing, not fewer than forty-three editions of the sacred Scriptures in seventeen different languages; forming a grand total of 196,000 copies; that the issue of Bibles and Testaments in the fourth year, fell little short of what had taken place in the three preceding years, while the increase of the funds had been in nearly an equal proportion; and moreover, that preparations were making, at the close of that year, for stereotyping the Scriptures in five different languages; versions were going forward in the common Russian, Tartar, and Carelian languages, and measures were adopting for procuring translations into the Turkish, Armenian, and Buriat mongolian. When to these particulars, it is added, that with in a month after the Anniversary, at which they were reported, sixteen wagon loads of Bibles and Testaments were despatched from the capital for different parts of the empire, nothing further need be said, to demonstrate the effective exertions of this zealous and enterprising institution. Ibid.

New Products from Coal.-It is said that Dr. Jassmeyer, Professor of Chemistry in Vienna, has made the discovery of a means to extract from coals two hitherto unknown acids, a resin, a resinous gum, and other products, which he has employed with success in the dying of wool, silk, hair, and linen; and that he has produced from them red, black, yellow, and various shades

[blocks in formation]

Medical Properties of Salt.-The importance and value of salt as an introduction unto food, becomes continually more evident, as its medicinal properties are rendered more distinct and fully known. Among other salubrious virtues, may be mentioned its anthelmintick properties, which have been rendered very evident by the publication of some late cases. It appears

that whenever salt is denied to the human being, diseases of the stomach are general, and that worms are engendered in the body; and in one instance, where a person, from aversion to that substance, had refused it either in food, or in any other form, they appear to have been the consequence, and remained for many years.

In Ireland, salt is a well known common remedy for bots in the horse; and among the poor people, a dose of common salt is esteemed a cure for the Ibid.

worms.

Academy of Sciences.-Prize proposed-To determine the chemical changes which fruits undergo during maturation and afterwards.

For the solution of this question it will be necessary to examine with care the influence of the atmosphere which surrounds the fruits, and the alterations which they receive from it.

The essayist may confine his observations to fruits of different species, provided consequences general enough can be drawn from them.

The prize will be a gold medal of the value of three thousand francs. The term of competition is limited to the 1st January, 1819. Phil. Mag.

The University of Upsal in Sweden, contains at present 1267 students, fifty of whom are from 30 to 35 years of age. The majority of the professors are paid in corn.

The French are varying the Kaleidoscope in every possible mode. One artist announces the addition of sentiment to this joujou, which he names a Policonoscope, and fills with shade portraits of dear beings: another calls his

« ÎnapoiContinuă »