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at any stage of its progress, to look forward as well as backward, with no exulting or triumph, but with a humble and quiet satisfaction.

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far as it has advanced, will enable a man same means, they could be kept for any length of time in that state of exaltation, it might constitute something like a specious apology for having had recourse to them. But, unfortunately the excitement of the system can in no instance

"The Christian is still more highly privileged; his eye, happily invigorated be urged above its accustomed and natby faith, is able to penetrate the thick mist which hangs over the tomb, and which, from our unassisted sight, intercepts any further prospect. The light of divine revelation is, after all, the only light which can effectually disperse the gloom of a sick chamber, and irradiate even the countenance of death."

ural pitch, without being succeeded by a correspondent degree of depression. Like the fabulous stone of Sisyphus, it invariably begins to fall as soon as it has reached the summit, and the rapidity of its subsequent descent is almost invariably in proportion to the degree of its previous elevation. Genius, in this manner Among a series of Essays upon men- forcibly raised, may be compared to tal health, there must, of course, be one those fire-works which, after having upon such a prolific cause of misery and made a brilliant figure in the sky for a disease, as intemperance. We are always very short time, fall to the ground, and happy to have the dictates of medicine exhibit a miserable fragment, as the only against this almost universal vice, which, relic of their preceding splendour." whether sought as a refuge from sorrow "The man who has been the slave of and misfortune, or yielded to on account intemperance must renounce her altoof its own seductive qualities, is a never- gether, or she will insensibly re-assume failing source of misery,disease,and death. her despotic power; with such a mis"The strongest liquors are the most tress, if he seriously mean to discard her, weakening. In proportion to the power he must indulge himself in no dalliance which the draught itself possesses, is or delay. He must not allow his lips a that which it ultimately deducts from taste of her former fascination. Webb, the person into whose stomach it is hab- the celebrated walker, who was remarkitually received. In a state of ordinary able for vigor, both of body and mind, health, and in many cases of disease, a drank nothing but water. He was one generous diet may be safely and even ad- day recommending his regimen to a vantageously recommended. But in friend who loved wine, and urged him, diet,the generous ought to be distinguish- with great earnestness, to quit a course of ed from the stimulating, which latter is luxury, by which his health and intellects almost exclusively, but on account of its would be equally destroyed. The evil operation upon the frame, very im- gentleman appeared convinced, and told properly, called good living. The indi- him that he would conform to his gent wretch, whose scanty fare is barely counsel, though he thought he could not sufficient to supply the materials of exis- change his course of life at once, but tence, and the no less wretched debau- would leave off strong liquors by degrees? chee, whose luxurious indulgence daily By degrees,' exclaims the other with accelerates the period of its destruction, indignation, if you should unhappily may both be said, with equal propriety, to fall into the fire, would you caution your live hard. Hilarity is not health, more servants to pull you out only by deespecially when it has been roused by grees?""

artificial means. The fire of intemper- Upon the subject of lunatic asylums, ance often illuminates, at the very time the opinion of Dr. Reid has been long that it is consuming its victim. It is not before the world, and the facts lately until after the blaze of an electric corus- investigated by the committee of the H. cation that its depredations are exposed. of Commons, go as far as facts can go,to Stimuli sometimes produce a kind of verify its truth. We are all sensible how artificial genius, as well as vivacity. much the amelioration, or cure of such They lift a man's intellectual faculties, as patients depends upon the humanity and well as his feelings of enjoyment, above skill of those who are to administer to their ordinary level. And if by the them, and that much of the evil may

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Sketches of a Pedestrian in the Isle of Wight.

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have arisen from the want of those qua- strive to nurse into a clearer and brighter lities; but, if the abuse lately developed flame the still glimmering embers of a could exist in a public institution, with nearly exhausted mind. It is by no all the means of correction which a pub- means the object of these remarks to lic institution always commands, how depreciate the value of institutions, must we shudder to think of what may, which, under a judicious and merciful and most probably does, exist in the superintendance, might be made essennumber of private receptacles with tially conducive to the protection of which this country unfortunately abounds. lunatics themselves, as well as to that These considerations give a peculiar of others, who would else be continually value to the pages which are devoted by exposed to their violence and caprice." Dr. R. to this subject, and which are dic- Upon the whole, this is a book writ tated by the purest spirit of humanity, ten upon subjects which materially conand the subject altogether treated with cern every body, in a style and manner the peculiar care and tenderness which which every body can understand. The its importance and delicacy require. reader will not find himself impeded by "A heavy responsibility presses upon any metaphysical abstruseness or dull those who preside or officiate in the detail of symptoms, but will be equally asylums of lunacy. Little is it known entertained and edified by essays upon how much injustice is committed, and manners and habits, all which concern how much useless and wantonly in- our mental and bodily health; and flicted misery is endured, in those in- which, by showing how intimately our firmaries for disordered, or rather ceme- physical and moral welfare are conteries for diseased, intellect? Instead nected, put us in possession of ourof trampling upon, we ought to cherish, selves, and teach us to seek and apply by the most delicate and anxious care, remedies which we possess within us. Feb. 1817.

66

J. F.

SKETCHES OF A PEDESTRIAN IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT.

From the New Monthly Magazine.

T HE lovely weather that added un- and natural beauties, it was impossible usual charms to the recent autumn, to view without interest, the grand and induced me to determine on a pedestrian imposing spectacle of the surrounding ramble in the Isle of Wight. I have harbour. On one side the immense ever considered that a great portion of dock-yard rears its lofty towers, and the pleasure arising from an excursion of this nature, consists in finding a companion of similar taste and inclination. I was fortunate in this respect; and we soon arranged the plan of our little jour ney. Portsmouth presented, in our apprehension, the most pleasing approach; and from thence we resolved to attain the promised land.

When a man is determined on peregrination, nothing is so desirable as a prompt execution of his wishes. After an hour spent in the pleasant bustle of preparation, we had the satisfaction to be informed that the Ryde packet was ready to sail. We were soon seated in this accommodating vessel, and had leisure to survey the objects around us.

Although in search of tranquil scenes

spreads its massy buildings to the eye; on the other, Gosport presents its crowded streets and busy markets; while numerous forts bespeak the defensive attitude of the encircling coast. Beyond the Platform, the habitable space is extended to South Sea Common; while a new town appears to emulate in buildings the ancient site of Portsmouth. In the harbor, innumerable masts and many-tongued murmurs issuing from busy swarms, bespeak its naval importance; while the neighbouring sea is spread with warlike canvas. Portsdown Hill, which terminates the inland stretch, with its appropriate monument to the naval hero of Britain, the far-famed Nelson; forms an admirable back ground to this panoramic view. Truly, said we, England is a great-nation!

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After an easy sail, wafted by the gen- mour. The simplicity of manners and tlest breezes of a cloudless day, we arriv- secluded habits of the villagers, he illused at Ryde. The Isle of Wight, with trates by the following anecdote: "This its lovely expanse of hill and dale, rising morning, (July 19, 1754,) our ladies like a fairy vision from the bosom of the went to church, more, I fear, from curiocean, had long formed the sole object of osity than religion; they were attended our contemplation; and we were eager by the captain in a most military attire, to press its inviting shore. But the voy with his cockade in his hat, and his sword ager to Ryde, if he arrive at low water, by his side. So unusual an appearance must not be impatient. Certain cere- in this little chapel, drew the attention of monials are necessary to gain a dry foot- all present, and probably disconcerted the ing: submitting to these, we were ad- women, who were in dishabille, and mitted, as free denizens, into this sanctu- wished themselves drest for the sake of ary of the polite and gay. their curate, who was the greatest of their The enlarged and still increasing" beholders." This religious edifice he extent of the Ryde, sufficiently evinces afterwards describes as "a neat little the predilection of the fashionable world chapel in a field in the ascent of the hill, for this spot. It already consists of three about a quarter of a mile from the sea. streets, and a fourth is attaining with It is very small, but adequate to the basty strides the summit of the hill; while number of inhabitants for the parish numerous detached residences, rising doth not seem to contain above thirty from the humble cottage to the orna- houses."* mented mansion, spread its limits on either side. Yet in spite of the attractions of modern Ryde as a wateringplace of gay resort, it will be rendered, perhaps, of greater interest to those who can attach to inanimate objects "the mystic worth of mind," from a circumstance anterior to its newly risen splendour. Ryde was the last spot of English ground visited by Henry Fielding, justly termed the Cervantes of England; whose works will probably live, when the gay abode of fashion has again become a forsaken and neglected spot.

Oppressed by disease, and journeying with rapid steps towards the grave; it will be recollected that Fielding, as a last hope, sought alleviation of his distemper in a milder climate. On his voyage to Lisbon, the vessel was detained by contrary winds on the coast of the Isle of Wight; and for several days Fielding relieved the tedium arising from the confinement of the ship, by a residence at Ryde, then a small and obscure village. Fielding's account of Ryde, in the journal of his voyage to Lisbon, contains many curious particulars, when compared with the present aspect of the place. It appears that the best resting-place for travellers it then contained was a small ale-house, the accommodations in which are described with his characteristic hu2A Eng. Mag. Vol. I.

This description of Ryde, at so short a distance from the present period, would appear astonishing, had we not continual instances of the rapid advance in building, in a place selected as an occasional residence by the fashionable world.

The situation of Ryde is thus described in the work above alluded to: "It is, I think, most delightful, and in the most pleasant spot in the whole island. true, it wants the advantage of that beautiful river which leads from Newport to Cowes; but the prospect here extending to the sea, and taking in Portsmouth, Spithead, and St. Helen's, would be more than a recompense for the loss of the Thames itself, even in the most delightful part of Berkshire, or Buckinghamshire, though another Denham and another Pope, should unite in celebrating it. Fer my own part, I confess myself so entirely fond of a sea prospect, that I think nothing on the land can equal it; and if it be set off with shipping, Î desire to borrow no ornament from the terra firma. A fleet of ships is in my opinion the noblest object which the art of man hath ever produced; and far beyond the

* Fielding here probably means the village, supposing that to form a parish. Ryce is, in fact, in the parish of New Church, a district which at present contains upwards of two thousand inhabitants. The chapel at Ryde has been, of late years, much enlarged.

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Sketches of a Pedestrian in the Isle of Wight.

power of those architects who deal in brick, in stone, or in marble."*

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the door of entrance. It is seated on an eminence, and commands extensive views over the opposite coast, with a fine sen view to the east. The windows of this mansion are undesirably small, a cireumstance that would appear extremely injudicious in a prospect house. The attached offices are convenient, and the adjoin ing pleasure grounds agreeably shaded.

In respect to the latter auxiliary of a sea view, Ryde certainly stands pre-eminent. For here the noblest display of shipping continually arrests the eye, and gives endless bustle and variety to the adjacent sea; while the opposite coasts present their enlivening towns in distant perspective. I cannot, however, admire In the bottom towards the sea is a the taste which has fixed on this as a fa- house of the Marquis of Buckingham, vourite spot, while such a charming pleasantly situated amid a lawn and range of coast presents its clustering beau- flower-garden; but from want of elevaties around. The hill, no longer verdant, tion, precluded from the inland views nor shaded with grateful umbrage, but enjoyed by the neighbouring residence of formed into streets irregularly built, has Earl Spencer. doubtless lost much of its natural beauty. The great inconvenience experienced Yet the more elevated part, distinctively in landing at Ryde at low water has at termed Upper Ryde, is still attractive from the extent and charms of the prospect.

length induced the inhabitants to construct a new wooden pier or stage, to facilitate the ingress to the town. This The usual attendants of fashionable forms the favourite promenade of the residents, the dance and the drama, are visitors, although still in an unfinished not neglected at Ryde. The assembly- state; and is approached from the shore rooms are in the upper portion of the by a neat pier-house and gate. But the library, a showy building, adorned with amusement arising from the arrival of virandahs on the brow of the hill; and packets, which holds out a gleam of a theatre has been recently constructed at pleasure to those who cannot support the a short remove from the chapel. This tedium of life without incessant novelty, building is in form an oblong square. is not here so great as at Margate or The front, which is covered with cement, Ramsgate. For the shortness of the is disgraced by pitiful attempts at orna- passage usually protects the most delicate ment. In niches over the doors are two constitution from the effect of nausea, miserably executed plaister figures, of and preserves uninjured by fatigue the doubtful gender and cognomen. The most scrupulous attention to costume. interior is sufficiently commodious for the Having satisfied our curiosity by a audience that usually assembles. due examination of Ryde, we resolved

Many mansions of a superior character to proceed directly for the southern coast, have lately increased the buildings of or back of the island. On inspecting our this favoured town. On the west is the luggage,consisting of a small portmanteau villa of Earl Spencer; a square building and two great coats, it needed not much of fair proportions, with a portico over sagacity to discover that these would be no very pleasant companions during the To this description Fielding adds: “This pleasant village is situated on a gentle ascent sultry weather; and we began to look from the water, whence it affords that charm- about for some one to carry them. For ing prospect I have above described. Its soil is a gravel, which assisted with its declivity

"Who would fardels bear,

preserves it always so dry that immediately "To groan and sweat under a weary load," after the most violent rain a fine lady may when he could transfer his burthen to walk without wetting her silken shoes. The

fertility of the place is apparent from its ex- another, who for a trifling remuneration traordinary verdure, and it is so shaded with would consider himself benefited by the large and nourishing elms that its narrow lanes are a natural grove or walk, which in the reg- exchange? A porter was soon procured; ularity of its plantation vies with the power of and we shrewdly observed that he would art, and in its wanton exuberancy greatly ex- serve a double purpose, as at the time that extracts, as this work has experienced a fate he conveyed our moveables, he might unusual with the productions of its celebrated act as a guide to our footsteps. author---that of being little known.

ceeds it." I am the more induced to give these

To be continued.

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Varieties: Critical, &c.

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HAD

VARIETIES,

CRITICAL, LITERARY, AND HISTORICAL.

From the Monthly Magazine.

MAGNETISM.

a

meant no offence; but the Dean insisted on an explanation." Yees shall have it AD the earth, says an anonymous out on the faace," returned the Irish boor. philosopher, but one magnetic pole, "If this four-shanked joulter may lather the dip of seventy-two degrees in our body for giving him a bit of a ticket, latitude must have been produced by that sorrow be to him that bamboozles and pole's being at the distance of about one- heart-wrings a brace of pratty ladies; he fourth of the earth's radius from the will be split and doubled for the twos; earth's centre. But, as there are two and swate Jasus ha' mercy on him if they magnetic poles, which counteract each pay home." The proprietor of the other, they must, to produce this dip, and ground, seeing Dean Swift in great agithe dips of other latitudes, be within a tation, led him away, and ordered the one-hundred and fiftieth part of the radi- countryman about his business. When us from the centre. Now this is the they reached the house, the Dean went very distance at which, according to Ber- to the stables, called for his horse, and nouilli's calculation, one rectilinear force rode away. His host knew it would be would produce both the projectile and in vain to oppose his departure. He Fotary motions of our planet. These never returned. motions, therefore, are probably owing to magnetism.-Feb. 1817.

DEAN SWIFT.

This anecdote has never been in print, but it is authentic, having been related to the writer by a grandson of the gentleman who witnessed the conscience

On a visit to a gentleman resident 20 searching scene, which occurred but a miles from his own house, the facetious short time previous to Dean Swift's de Dean of St. Patrick, taking a morning rangement.-La Belle Assem.Mar.1817. walk with his friend, saw a countryman cruelly belabouring a horse. He sprang DISCOVERY OF MEZZOTINTO. forward and wrested the saplin from his This beautiful manner of finishing hard. The fellow, in apology for his prints was first discovered by Prince severity, said, "No man liked to be Rupert, who, going out early one mornbrow-beat by a brute."—" Bumpkin," ing, observed a centinel at some distance replied Swift," do you know your own from his post, very busy doing something destiny in another world?"—"Lord love to his piece. The Prince asked him your soul, and you were there, and will what he was about? The soldier retell all and all about it, you are a jewel plied, that the dew having fallen in the of a jontleman."-"Why, fellow, since night, had made his fusil rusty, and that you have been such a savage in your he was scraping and cleaning it. The treatment of this animal, you shall take Prince looking at it, was struck with his place after death, and he will be your something like a figure eaten into the driver. In this way all hard-hearted acts barrel, with innumerable little holes are to be punished." The fellow, scratch- closed together, like friezed work on gold ing his head, exclaimed, "Then Jasus or silver, part of which the soldier had ha mercy upon the Dean of St. Patrick! scraped away. he will be split and doubled." He con

The Prince concluded that some con tinued repeating these words with contor- trivance might be found to cover a brass tions that might have suited the Pythian plate with such a grained ground of fine prophetess, till Swift, losing all patience, pressed holes, which would undoubtedly seized him by the great coat which, fas- give an impression to all black, and by tened by a wooden pin, hung loose about scraping away proper parts, the smooth him. Recovering as from an oracular superfices would leave the rest of the ecstasy, he begged pardon, protesting he paper white. Communicating this idea