Voltaire, a greater share in the production of the late changes than in our judgment really belonged to them; and he is somewhat inconsistent with himself on this subject: since he appears in other parts of his work to regard the gross maladministration of the latter reigns, the shameful corruptions of the government, and the crazy state of the civil edifice, as causes which sufficiently account for the awful catastrophe. The aim of Mr. Hunter is to prove that it is the clear indubitable interest of the principal states of the Continent to enter into a coalition, such as that which has lately been announced, and which took place since this pamphlet was written. The conduct of Austria in the last struggle, its losses and acquisitions, as well as its present situation, and the resources which it is able to command, are detailed with great minuteness, and much apparent ability. Mr. Hunter, however, we think, fails in his attempt to shew that it has been throughout the interest of Prussia to take an active part against France. We were surprized that Mr. H. should intimate an opinion that Spain, assisted by Britain, might make head against her dangerous neighbour: but our surprize ceased, when we found him throw out something like an expectation that the present nobility may be roused from the disgraceful lethargy in which they are sunken, and incited to emulate their brave ancestors, the heroic conquerors of the Moors. The anticipations of a writer of this sort are obviously to be regarded with distrust; they may flatter our hopes and wishes, but will it be safe to rely on them? Russia excites no jealousy in the bosom of this writer, who views her interference altogether on the favourable side. He also enhances the value of Swedish assistance, and scems to expect the alliance of Denmark, either voluntarily or by compulsion. With regard to Russia, however, Mr. Hunter contemplates her intimacy with this country in one point with alarm; and our sentiments on this subject have long been in unison with those which he expresses. Laying down the indisputable position that our national superiority, and even safety, depend on the decided preponderance of our naval strength and skill, he observes: On these principles I object most decidedly to that permission which was granted, about eighteen months ago, of permitting Russia to distribute three hundred boys, who had been selected and previously prepared by the government of that empire, in the quality of midshipmen, on board the British fleets. These boys have been admitted, in my opinion most injudiciously, to serve in our navy at the period of life at which our own midshipmen usually begin their career; and having been picked out of numbers on account of their superior intelligence and sprightliness, it is very evident that they are likely to derive every advantage from their apprenticeship, which could be hoped for from the same number of British boys so chosen. They must inevitably be familiarised with the whole ground-work and system of naval tactics as they are practised in the British navy. This science and skill they will carry with them into their own country, where they will probably, in the course of years, fill important stations, and lay the foundation of a Russian navy which, at some future Future period, may rival ours. The period when this may happen is no doubt remote; yet this is the surest mode of lessening that dis, tance of time, and I think posterity will owe little thanks to that foresight or prudence which has so impolitically conceded, and which, carried to a greater extent, may be productive of very serious mischief.' He likewise makes some just remarks on the regulation in our naval service, by which every captain is obliged to furnish his own charts; in consequence of which, a serious and even fatal deficiency may sometimes occur. He recommends that every ship should be furnished with all necessary nautical instruments, and a complete set of charts, at the expence of government, for which the captain might be responsible. We submit to our readers the terms of peace which, in Mr. Hunter's judgment, we should demand: The restoration of Hanover, and compensation, as far as compensation can be made, for the outrages there committed; the complete emancipation of the Ligurian and Helvetian republics; the withdrawing of the French troops from Holland, and the independence of the Batavian government; all interference in the affairs of Spain, and Portugal, relinquished; the reinstatement of the king of Sardinia; an apology for the insults committed against our minister at Hamburgh, and for the imprisonment of British subjects in France, contrary to the laws of war, or the public rights of civilized nations: these must be some of the leading outlines of future negociation, and the only basis on which a peace with this country can be expected to be brought about. They will no doubt to many minds appear extravagant but they are what I do not despair of seeing accomplished: for, by such means only, can we secure to ourselves the blessings of repose, or curb the wild and unprincipled extravagance of the new emperor.' Though much is here said respecting France, and Europe at large, a leading object of the work seems to have been to discredit the recent union of the two parties' in opposition, and to engage public confidence on the side of the existing administration. We do not think that Mr. H. has succeeded so well in this as in some other parts. If we mistake not, he builds his reasoning, as it refers to this topic, less on facts than on assertions and assumptions. The publication, however, is on the whole creditable to the industry, the information, and the patriotism of the writer; and it will gratify curious and speculative politicians, if it should fail to attract the notice of the practical statesman. Art. 23. Report of the Committee for managing the Patriotic Fund esta blished at Lloyd's Coffee-house. 8vo. boards. Not sold. We are glad to see a record, which constitutes a monument so glorious to the patriotism of the age, endowed with a form that promises to transmit it to posterity; among whom it will bear testimony to the noble feelings which animated the breasts of Britons in our days, and may excite our descendants to similar exertions. A spirit more honourable, the best days of the country never witnessed; P 4 may F may it continue, and may the measures of administration correspond with and prove worthy of it! This Report states that, in March 1804, upwards of 170,cool. had been subscribed for this really Patriotic Fund; and it détails the sums which had been expended by the Committee, in rewards bestowed on those who had distinguished themselves by gallant actions during the war; for which the letters published in the Gazette, from the commanding officers, are here copied as documents.-Another Report has lately appeared, but we have not yet seen it. ARTS. Art. 24. An Essay on light and Shade, on Colours, and on Composi-" tion in general. By M. Gartside. 4to. pp. 50. and 11 Plates. 11. 118. 6d. Gardiner. 1805. This essay contains many useful precepts, and is well calculated to improve the class of readers for whom it is intended. When ladies of fashion, with a laudable emulation, and a persevering zeal, cultivate abstruse subjects of philosophy, Miss Gartside steps forwards to assist her fair pupils in the humbler, yet not less fascinating walk of art; and in the flowery paths of decorative paiuting, she inculcates the necessity of a gradual system of study, to produce excellence. In the introduction to the work, a very proper stress is laid on the necessity of studying the rules of the art,' which will always repay the pupils for the trouble that they have taken; while those who pursue the practical part alone, can make no progress whenever their teacher or copy is withdrawn.' Miss Gartside's remarks on the importance of perspective are worthy of the attention of our most distinguished artists. Hurried on by dexterity of handling, by splendid colouring, and sometimes by a force of light and shade, the painter and spectator give way to first impressions; and works are painted, exhibited, and praised, which, if tried in the scale of scientific criticisin, would be found greatly wanting. The theory of light and shade, as adapted to flower-painting, is illustrative and useful. With regard to colours, and their arrangement in groups,' we might we tempted to differ with the fair writer: in her remarks on their various combinations, an affectation of science appears, which is not in the least necessary to the young practitioner; and professors are well aware that fine colours do not produce fine colouring. The agreeable result is obtained in a pic-. ture by what is termed the breaking of colours, and the artful management of cold and warm tones; with a breadth of light and shade, harmonized by what painters have of late agreed to term a neutral tint. We do not believe that any good colourist of the English, or of any foreign school, has consulted Dr. Herschel's experiments for ascertaining the illuminating and heating power of the rays of the sun," when forming his composition: nor do we think that pure prismatic colours are admissable in painting, unless in specimens of stained glass. Yet, on the whole, the meed of praise is due to Miss Gartside for her modesty, industry, and taste; and the young ladies, for whom her Jabours are designed, must profit by an attentive perusal of this essay. Art. POETRY. Art. 25. Infancy, or the Management of Children, a didactic Poem in six Books. The sixth Edition. To which are added Poems not before published. By Hugh Downman, M.D. Exeter. 8vo. pp. 223. Boards. Cadell and Davies. It will not now be expected that we should take any additional notice of Dr. Downman's well-known didactic poem intitled "Infancy," as our readers will recollect that, on the appearance of the first and second books, we devoted two separate articles to a view of their merit; (see M. R. Vol. 1. p. 482. and Vol. liii. p. 197.) and that when the work appeared in a completed state, we farther expressed our approbation, in Vol. lxxx. p. 390. It has, to the credit of the author, passed through several editions, and is now reprinted with the addition of some poems written on different occasions; viz. an Address to, Peace, 1760, on taking the Havannah, on Genius, and to Indepen dence. The lines on Genius contain an inquiry into the origin of this singular property, by which one man is so eminently distinguished from another. Dr D., thus proposes the question: Say, what is Genius? with the human form By emulative warmth, and love of fame Its growth is cherish'd, industry and toil Clothe it in strength and beauty. Oft its powers Impell'd by chance, awakens them to life.' This philosophical poet is of opinion that a completely moulded brain is a necessary foundation for the superstructure of Genius, and that nature gives that mechanism of parts to which it owes the very capability of life.' Nature's hand Is visible throughout; no force of art, But give the tone of brain, the nerves which bear Of opportunity to dart its rays; Give leisure, curious search, the strenuous thought Which solely perfects wisdom; and the form To soar to heaven, or with a lynx's eye Το To penetrate the abyss, to associate all Till all the gloom is vanquish 'd, and the light We must be what we can, not what we will,' is very true, but it is not truth in her best poetic garb. The address to Independence is a portrait of the author's mind. Abjuring servile flattery, and all mean court to the many-acred blockhead,' Dr. D. asserts the inestimable price of Sincerity, Integrity, and Honour, which are the necessary properties of a truly independent spirit. While he disclaims the idea of purchasing the favour of the great by mean compliances, he endeavours to avoid the imputation of cherishing a morose and unsocial temper. Yet Goddess! would I not austerely dwell, A solitary Being. While I trample Claim, and shall have my reverence. They are form'd Nor would I boast of independence here.' If Dr. D.'s blank verse should not obtain the praise of being very nervous, it generally flows with ease, and is the vehicle of amiable sentiments. A striking portait of Dr. Downman faces the title. Art. 26. Sonnets, and other Poems: to which are added Tales in Prose. Crown 8vo. 4s. Boards. Blacks and Parry. 1805. From the concluding word of the Latin motto, we should be led to think that this volume was the production of a male writer but the Dedication and Preface assure us that it proceeds from a lady; and from a lady, who, suspicious of the interference of the men, has suffered her compositions to pass through no other bands than her own. Living in rural retirement, she seems indeed to have so much improved her mind, as to require little assistance from our sex in polishing her Muse. The Sonnets, if not of the first class, are easy and harmonious; and the descriptions of country scenery are improved by the author's knowlege of Botany.-When this lady appealed to our gallantry, we trembled for her: but, when we perused her poems, we thought that she might safely have confided in our justice. Decide, gentle reader, for thyself: O FORTUNE! changeful as the varying wind, And |