it intelligible and interesting to ladies and ordinary visitors. On Tuesday, Mr. Taylor, the Treasurer, stated the increase in the numbers of the Association; 350 met at York, 700 at Oxford, 1,400 at Cambridge, and 2,200 at Edinburgh. After the chairmen of the sections had reported proceedings, Dr. Robinson read a letter from Professor Hunker, of Hamburgh, which was accompanied by an ephemeris of the track of the comet of 1682 and 1759, whose return is expected at the end of this year. The Vice-President, Professor Robinson, of Armagh, then gave an account of the progress of cometary knowledge, in which he was followed by Professors Whewell and Hamilton. After the chairman of Sections had reported on Wednesday, Dr. Lander gave a lecture on Babbage's Calculating Machine. On Thursday, Professor Buckland gave an admirable lecture on Fossil Reptiles, which convulsed his hearers with laughter at some of his humorous hits; while its great research and extensive information rendered it interesting to the most sober student of science. The object of the Professor was to prove the admirable adaption of animal life to the constitution of the globe at the various eras of its history. On Friday evening Mr. Whewell delivered a lecture on several interesting phenomena connected with the tides. At the last meeting of the Association, the investigation of this subject was pointed out as of vast moment, and the consequence had been, that, at Bristol, a society was formed for the purpose of carrying on these investigations,-Bristol, which was above all other places calculated for observations, as the rise and fall of the tide averaged from sixty to fifty feet. In order to prosecute the investigation of these phenomena, application was made to the Admiralty, to direct the Coast Guard Service to make observations on the subject; and the officers of that service had shown an alacrity and zeal in the matter which was worthy of their character. Professor Sedgwick at some length took a general review of the results of the labours of the geological and geographi cal sections during the week, in the course of which he detailed the relation which subsisted between the geological formations of the sister kingdoms. ology, he observed, had made a very important advance during this meeting, in the course of which he himself had gained new views of the science. M. Agassiz, in particular, had brought to light several Ge interesting facts relative to fossil remains. He concluded by congratulating the Association on the countenance which had been bestowed on their meeting by the presence of so many of Scotland's daughters; and re-echoed the sentiments of Dr. Abercrombie, that the pursuits of science, instead of leading to infidelity, had a contrary tendency; it went rather to strengthen religious principles, and to confirm morals. On Saturday, the Rev. V. Harcourt, the General Secretary, read a report of the proceedings of the past week, and the objects to which it was desirable that the members should direct their attention during the coming year. Thanks were then voted to the officers of the University-to the Royal College of Physicians -to the proprietors of the Assembly Rooms where the meetings were heldand to other public bodies, for their liberality and kindness. Professor Sedgwick proposed, and the Lord Chancellor seconded, a vote of thanks to M. Arago, and the other distinguished foreigners who had attended the meeting, which was received with great applause. The President then addressed the meeting, congratulating the members on the result of their labours, and announced that the next meeting would be held in Dublin, on the 10th of August, Dr. Lloyd, Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, to be President, Lord Oxmantown and Professor Whewell, Vice-Presidents, Professors Lloyd and Hamilton, Secretaries. ་ Among the papers in the rooms of the British Association at Edinburgh was the subjoined:-" The Royal Irish Academy hereby gives notice, that for each of the three following questions a gold medal will be awarded by the council of the Academy to the author of the most approved of the essays furnished on the same question. First question, On the Analogies of Light and Heat.' Second question, On the state of Civilisation in Ireland between the fifth and twelfth centuries, as compared with neighbouring nations.' Third question, The influence of the Greek and Latin on the modern European languages of the Germanic families. Essays to be received by the Rev. J. H. Singer, D. D., Secretary of the Academy; or the Rev. R. M'Donnell, D. D., Secretary of Council, at the Academy-House, previous to the first of October, 1835." CARDIFF EISTEDDVOD. This meeting commenced on the 27th of August. A temporary building had been erected within the area of the castle, immediately under the ruins of the The keep, in which the bards and minstrels assembled at twelve o'clock. Seats were prepared under an awning, for nearly one thousand persons. After the opening of the meeting by a bard (Mr. T. Williams), in the British language, the Marquis of Bute entered very largely into the nature and objects of these national institutions. The Rev. Mr. Price, of Crickhowel, addressed the meeting in a most eloquent manner, after which several bards recited stanzas written for the occasion. prizes for different compositions were awarded, and the successful candidates invested with the medals, by the Marchioness of Bute, Lady C. Guest, Lady Rodney, Lady Willoughby de Broke, Lady E. Harding, &c. Several harpers and singers entertained the company at intervals with national airs and songs. In the evening a concert was performed in the Town Hall; Braham, Miss Stephens, Mrs. W. Knyvett, Mrs. Bishop, Messrs. Knyvett, Horncastle, and Parry, jun. exercised their talents with great success; together with Lindley, Dragonetti, Harper, Nicholson, F. Cramer, &c. FDUCATION OF THE POOR. During the past and the present year 328 schools have been received into union with the National Society, carrying up the amount of schools in union to the number of 2,937; and 6,6431. have been voted in aid of the building school-rooms in 104 places, the total expense of the buildings being estimated at 20,000l. The society has recently made a general inquiry into the state of education under the Established Church in all parts of the kingdom; and an account has been obtained concerning 8,650 places, which were found to contain about 11,000 schools, with 678,356 children. It is calculated that there cannot be less in England and Wales than 710,000 children under the instruction of the clergy. THE SCOTCH UNIVERSITIES. At a late meeting of the Edinburgh Town Council, the propriety of reducing the fees at the University of Edinburgh, in consequence of the falling off in the number of students, came under discussion. It was maintained, however, that the decrease did not arise from the high rate of fees, but from the rival Universities which had sprung up in England and elsewhere. In proof of this it was stated that during the last four years the number of students attending Glasgow University had declined 20 per cent., while at the University of Edinburgh, where the fees are three times higher, the falling off has been only 11 per cent. The council, therefore, resolved not to disturb the rate of fees. PARIS ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. A memoir by M. Biot on the state of astronomy amongst the ancient Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Chinese, was lately read. The present perfection of astronomical calculation enables him to trace back the state of the heavens to any period. In doing so, M. Biot has found, that so far back as 3285 Julian years before Christ, the Egyptians had been able to determine the true position of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, and of the summer solstice; that 1505 years later, that is, in 1780 before Christ, they had discovered those primitive points to have changed place; and that they had marked both upon their monuments. The rest of the memoir, of considerable length and abstruseness, details the mode in which M. Biot arrived at this certitude, by the aid of the discoveries of Champollion. NORWICH CASTLE. We observe a controversy has been going on in the local papers, relative to a proposed refacing of the fine Norman keep of Norwich castle. There can be no doubt that an ancient edifice, by refacing, loses its identity and its authenticity as an architectural authority; and we are, therefore, of opinion that that operation should always be attended with great caution and discrimination. There are, certainly, many cases in which it may be justified, and approved; particularly when the most characteristic features have crumbled away, but may be recomposed from a few remaining fragments. Yet even in that case, we would leave those portions which may be tolerably perfect: a course adopted, however, very seldom indeed, for the interest of the mason is unfortunately in favour of a complete renewal; and the architect, if he does not equally participate in those feelings, too frequently fancies that portions of the old work, which might have been held sacred, will form a pleasing addition to his own museum. The best protection against this, is a paucity of funds; or their expenditure with a watchful and jealous eye. In the case of Norwich Castle there cannot be any necessity for refacing. The exterior decay, when compared with the immense thickness of the walls, can only be like a slight rust upon the blade of a knife. An architect (Mr. Hinsbey) has remarked that," Although its surface is much corroded by the action of the atmosphere thereon for centuries, still its strength and durability are not in the least deteriorated or affected thereby," and an honest mason, Mr. Athow, has expressed his homely but forcible opinion that "the new facing would not assist the walls one pound!" Such being the case, the contest rests between the lover of ancient architecture, whether he shall still enjoy the contemplation of an almost unrivalled example of magnificent Norman architecture; and the uninformed citizen, whether his gaol shall not look as spruce and as smooth as that of any other city. We trust that under such circumstances the opinion of a man of taste, and of unusual knowledge on the subject, will have its due weight with the county magistrates. Mr. Dawson Turner, of Yarmouth, whose splendid work on the Architectural Antiquities of Normandy entitles him to the gratitude and attention of not only his provincial neighbours but of his countrymen at large, has declared:-" In my opinion the Castle ought unquestionably to be left standing if possible as it now is. There is not in all Normandy, and I believe there is not in the whole world, an equally beautiful example of castellated architecture of the same style and era; to meddle with it therefore at all, unless it is actually likely to fall, is unquestionably to be deprecated. I had no idea of its being in contemplation to make the South and West sides of the Castle similar to what we now see on the East. Such a step I should indeed consider an abomination, and I trust it will never be resorted to." * * * In these sentiments we cordially coincide; fully confident, that the occasional insertion of stones, and filling up of hollows (which has been sneered at by the innovating party) will accomplish, and perhaps exceed, what is really necessary. Should, however, the injudicious measure be accomplished, there will remain to the architectural antiquary this one consolation, that the new facing will again crumble away very long before the artificial rock which constitutes the ancient walls. TRANSMISSION OF NEWSPAPERS. After the 1st of October, Newspapers duly stamped may be sent by packet boats to any of his Majesty's colonies and possessions, free of postage, provided the same be sent in covers open at the sides, to be put into the General Post Office within seven days of publication. If they extend beyond that period they are to be charged full duty of letter postage. Newspapers brought from the British colonies and possessions by packet boats without or within covers, are to be delivered free of duty, according to a first direction, or (in case of persons' removal) to a redirection, provided in the interim they have not been opened or used; if it should have been opened, such newspaper shall be charged as a single letter from the place of re-posting to that of delivery. ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCHES. ROMAN REMAINS AT STANFORDBURY. At Stanfordbury, near Shefford, some labourers were lately employed by E. W. Brayley, Esq. and Mr. Inskipp, for two days, in exploring further the Roman remains of which some account has already been published in Brayley's Graphic Illustrator. They found an armlet of jet, a small silver girdle-buckle, some stone rings, the remaining part of the wind instrument mentioned in the Graphic Illustrator, a fibula, remains of urns, and pateræ, brass pins, extremely corroded, and an imperfect portion of an iron vessel ornamented with a species of Silenus mask. There was a large camp at Stanfordbury, which Mr. Brayley considers was probably equestrian. It would communicate with the Roman station Salænæ. They had an extensive burial-place at Shefford. The same gentlemen propose to continue their researches and excavations in the neighbourhood in the course of next summer. ELTHAM PALACE. Some interesting discoveries have lately been made here by Mr. King and Mr. GENT. MAG. VOL. II. Clayton, of Eltham. Under the ground floor of some apartment of the palace, a trap-door, where recently a new arch has been partly formed, opens into a room under ground, 10 feet by 5 feet, and proceeding from it, a narrow passage of about 10 feet in length, conducts the passenger stairs, and shafts, some of which are to the series of passages, with decoys, vertical, and others on an inclined plane, which were once used for admitting air, and for hurling down missiles, or pitch balls upon enemies, according to the mode of defence in those ancient times; and it is worthy of notice, that at points where weapons from above could assail the enemy with greatest effect, there these shafts verge and concentrate. About 500 feet of passage have been entered, and passed through, in a direction west, towards Middle Park, and under the moat for 200 feet. The arch is broken into in the field leading from Eltham to Mottingham, but still the brick-work of the arch can be traced further, proceeding in the same direction. The remains of two iron gates completely carbonized were found in that part of the passage under the moat; 3 H and large stalactites, formed of supercarbonate of lime, hung down from the roof of the arch, which sufficiently indicate the lapse of time since these passages were entered. In order to defray the expenses already incurred in clearing out and making secure the excavations, it is proposed to receive subscriptions on the spot. SEPULCHRAL REMAINS FOUND AT LEWES. As some workmen were employed in excavating in a field in St. Ann's, Lewes, for the formation of a tank for the Water Works' Company, they discovered a variety of ancient British vases and human skeletons, at the head and feet of which were placed what antiquaries term drinking cups, of the barrel form, supposed to have contained food for the dead. There were also several sepulchral urns, containing the calcined ashes of human bones. One of these urns having an ornamented handle, was evidently moulded by hand, and decorated with some pointed instrument. Two of these relics were discovered at an unusual depth from the surface of the earth (at least 14 feet), embedded in the solid chalk rock, and placed at right angles; surrounding these were the bones of various animals, such as sheep, hogs, calves, cats, birds, boars' tusks, &c. The whole of the vases were of rude workmanship, and composed of the usual coarse black earth. ROMAN ANTIQUITIES AT GLENALMOND. As some men were lately digging in an enclosure, belonging to Mr. Moray of Abercairney, on the site of the Roman Camp in Glenalmond, they came upon a very large pot which broke into pieces on being handled; within it were found two smaller vessels, in the form of goblets, with a long handle attached to each. Along with these were lying three spear ends, three horse branks of a very strong make, two pairs of irons, a pair of hinges mounted with silver, and two parcels of buckles tied together. ANCIENT SITE OF SALISBURY CATHEDRAL. An opportunity has lately offered itself, for ascertaining the site and dimensions of the Cathedral church erected by Bishop Osmund at Old Sarum. The continued dry weather has brought to view the ground-plan of an edifice which has disappeared for centuries; and of which even the situation had become a matter of conjecture. It was in the form of a plain cross, not terminating at the east end in a semicircle, as was generally the case in buildings of that era, with side aisles to the nave and choir. The following may be considered as an approximate measurement of its several parts, which show great harmony of proportion :-Total length, 270 feet; length of the transept, 150; of the nave, 150; of the choir, 60; breadth of the nave, 72; of which 18 feet were taken on each side for the aisles; of the transept, 60. At the west end, the aisles, to the length of 30 feet, appear to have been partitioned off, as if for chapels. This edifice, which was standing a full century after the foundation of the new Cathedral, was demolished in virtue of letters patent of Edward the Third, 1331. RUNIC INSCRIPTION. A Danish journal (the Dansk Ugeskrift) has lately published a report from the pen of M. Finn Magnussen, keeper of the archives, relative to the most ancient known Danish inscription, that on the Runic stone on the heath of Braavalla, in Blekingen, which ever since the twelfth century, has been the subject of fruitless investigation. The Royal Academy of Sciences at Copenhagen last year sent a commission, consisting of M. Finn Magnussen, M. Molbech, counsellor of justice, and M. Forchhammer, a naturalist, to examine whether these enigmatical characters were to be considered as writing, or as a mere lusus naturæ. These gentlemen positively decided against the last hypothesis, though unable to explain the meaning of the inscription. M. Finn Magnussen, however, lately conceived the happy thought of endeavouring to read it from right to left, by which means all became suddenly clear. It is in the old Norwegian language, in the most ancient alliterative verse, or syllabic rhyme; and was composed shortly before the battle on the heath of Braavalla, about the year 735, being a prayer to Odin, Freya, and other divinities, to give to King Harald Hiiltekirn (Hildetand) the victory over the perfidious princes Ring and Ole. Counsellor Schlegel has made the appropriate remark, that this, the oriental mode of writing, is the most ancient; that it was superseded on the introduction of Christianity, and, therefore, that it affords a valuable criterion to determine the antiquity of the Runic stones. This discovery will doubtless lead to the explanation of other Runic monuments scattered over Europe, and even beyond its boundaries. We We may shortly expect from M. Finn Magnussen some farther light respecting the voyage which, in his opinion, Columbus made to Iceland in the year 1477. HISTORICAL CHRONICLE. FOREIGN NEW S. FRANCE. Louis Philip, having placed the antique ehapel of the chateau of St. Germain en Laye at the disposal of the English and French Protestants residing in that town, it was opened with great form for public service on the 14th of Aug. The Gazette de France is indignant at such "a profanation of a place of worship sanctioned by the presence of St. Louis, embellished by the munificence of Francis I. in which Louis XIV. was baptised, and so many Royal alliances contracted, and where the unfortunate James II. of England came to seek the fortitude necessary to sustain him under his afflictions." The Prefect of the Department has just decided on the appropriation of 1,500,000fr. for works in the Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elysées, which will be proceeded with to the amount of 300,000fr. annually till they are completed. There will be a great basin, with an elegant fountain, in each of the four squares of the Place, and six fountains in different parts of the Champs Elysées, where handsome buildings will be erected for dances, concerts, exhibitions, and other establishments, such as coffee-houses, eating-houses, and readingrooms. These buildings will be, for a term of years, conceded to individuals, who will undertake their erection conformably to the plans and conditions which shall have been previously decided on by the city of Paris. All the paltry buildings which now exist in the Champs Elysées are to be demolished, but not a tree is to be cut down. The works will be begun in the spring of 1835. The quays recently enlarged, from the Pont Neuf to the Place de Grève, are to be continued in the same proportions to the Pont de la Tournelles. The latter to be completed in 1835. The fine tower of Saint Jacques-de-la-Boureherie is about to be purchased of its present proprietor. The surrounding buildings are to be taken down, and a fountain erected in the Place that will be thus formed. A subscription is about to be opened at Boulogne, and a company formed, under the guidance of the Chamber of Commerce, for the purpose of constructing a railway from Boulogne to Amiens, paIrallel with the coast from Abbeville. This company will afterwards join that for forming a railroad from Amiens to Paris. SPAIN. The debates of the Chambers have been carried on with unusual animation; and matters of great importance have been freely discussed. On the 3d of Sept. the Proceres came to a vote without any division, for excluding from the throne of Spain Don Carlos and his family. The ministers, Martinez de la Rosa and Count Toreno, justified this step on the necessity of the case, and dwelt at much length on the precedent of our Convention Parliament, in excluding the family of James II. In the Chamber of the Procuradores, the Ministers of the Queen Regent were defeated on the "Bill of Rights;" the Cortes having succeeded in establishing their right to demand security for life, person, and property, by a fundamental measure to which they require the consent of the government. On the second article there appearedfor the liberty of the press, without censure, 57; for the ministers, who opposed the measure, 55. The third article, "Individual Liberty," was also carried by 50 to 48, leaving the ministers in a minority of 2. The Finance Committee divided on the evening of the 3d Sept. Five members voted for the full recognition of the loans of the Cortes, capital and arrears of interest included, and for the complete repudiation of the royal loans. Four members voted in favour of the acknowledgment of all the foreign loans, whether contracted before or after 1823. The Queen has issued a decree abolishing the degrading punishment of flogging in the schools and colleges of Madrid. The masters of colleges are directed to correct the faults of their scholars by the means of emulation and good example, and by privations which cannot produce evil consequences, either physical or moral. The army of the Queen, under General Rodil, has not yet succeeded in suppressing the insurrection of the Basques, nor in taking the fugitive Carlos. The skirmishing in the mountains continues to be unimportant. Some successes are claimed for Zumalacarreguy on the 4th Sept. near Viana. The ponderous monastic establishment at Roncesvalles, in Navarre, has been dissolved, and the Canons and Curates forwarded under a strong escort to the citadel of Pampeluna. Rodil's troops |