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chail, the name of a well-known hill, in this vicinity. If this cry be raised, even at this day, in any of the neighbouring markets, the men assemble; and a tumult ensues. After the revolutions of a thousand ages, such are the singu. lar remains of ancient manners, when government was feeble and the law was unheard. P. 461. Stones of memorial form another interesting object.

The sculptured stones of North-Britain may be divided into three classes: 1. Religious monuments; 2. Monuments of Events; and, 3. Funereal Monuments. Of the first class are the upright stones, which stand, in a cultivated field, near Cargil; and whereon are carved the moon and stars. Of the stones of memorial, the most remarkable is the sculptured pillar, near Forres, which tradition refers to the expulsion of the Danes, by Malcolm II. Of the same kind, are the hieroglyphical obelisks, at Aberlemno, which tradition supposes to be memorials of the Danish defeats. An obe. lisk, at Kirkden, in Forfarshire, is also said, by tradition, to perpetuate the disgrace of the Danes, from the vigour of Malcolm II. A standing stone, on the glebe of Mortlach, in Banffshire, is the traditional memorial of the overthrow of the Danes, by their frequent conqueror Malcolm II. An hieroglyphical coJamn, which stands conspicuous on the moor of Rhynie, in Aberdeenshire, is the lasting evidence of a conflict with the odious Danes. Mac Duff's Cross, which once stood, near Newburgh, in Fife, is a sort of memorial of the defeat of Macbeth, which, as it marked the restoration of an exiled king, conferred peculiar privileges on the race of MacDuff, whose valour contributed to that event. Of the third class, relating to funereal monuments, the carved stones, in Meigle Church-yard, are memorable, for their connection with the renowned Arthur, and his unfaithful Venora. In this vicinity, at Glamis, there is a sculptured obelisk, which is called, by the popular voice, king Malcolm's Grave Stone. And, the supposed assassination of Malcolm II. is also perpetuated by another hieroglyphical stone, which stands within the inclosures of Glamis. In Ross, in Sutherland, and in Caithness, there are several funereal stones, which tradition

uniformly refers to the Danes. But, the absence of Rhunic inscriptions seem to refer them to a different people, and a later age. There seems, however, to be a true Danish monument, in the churchyard of Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire: when it was entire, it appears to have been, about eighteen feet high, without its pedestal, and to have been sculptured, on each of its four sides, with foliage and birds, and marine animals; and inscribed with Runic letters. And this curious pillar, which seems to be the only Runic remain, in North Britain, may possibly have been erected, by some of the followers of Halfden, the Dane; and was certainly ordered, by the general assembly of the Kirk, in 1644, to be thrown down, as an object of idolatry to the vulgar. P. 465.

A still more remarkable species of antiquity consists in the terraces which are found in various parts of the kingdom, and particularly abound in Peebles-shire. They appear evidently to have been constructed for purposes of amusement. The meadow fronting a remarkable one near Markinch in Fifeshire, goes still by the name of the Play-field. But, says Mr C.,

The grandest terraces, in North Britain, are those of Glenroy: three parallel rows of terraces, or wide roads, run, for seven, or eight miles, along each side of this valley, which is narrow, with high mountains, on both sides of it. These terraces are, undoubtedly, singular monuments of the labour, skill, and perseverance of the people, who made them. Taken in their whole extent, these terraces are at least forty-eight miles long; each terrace being near seventy feet broad, which are cut out of the curving sides of the glen. There are also similar terraces, in the neighbouring valleys of Glen Spean, and Glen Gluy. The tradition of the country attributes those vast works to the accommodation of hunting. When we recollect the huntings of the Earls of Athol, during the days of Mary Stuart, we may easily conceive what must have been the huntings of the Scotish kings, in Glenroy, during earlier times, when a whole nation was collected by a common passion.

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With regard to the vitrified forts, which, from their recent discovery, have drawn considerable attention, Mr C. conceives them to be evident, by the remains of hill forts erected by the Britons, both in Britain and Ireland. With regard to the vitrificaLion, opinions have been various. Some have ascribed them to a volcanic origin; while others, which seems a very strange idea, have imagined, that they were vitrified designedly, and in their first formation. The most reasonable opinion seems to be, that they were originally like other forts; and that the action of fire, to which they might frequently be exposed by war or accident, upon a species of

very fusible stone common in Scotland, has given occasion to the vitrifying process.

The fourth treats of what is called the Scoto-Saxon period, when, from the influx of new settlers into Scotland, the low country became almost entirely Saxon. The most prominent cause of this migration seems to have been the Norman Conquest, which drove multitudes of the Anglo-Saxon nobles and vassals to seek shelter in Scotland. They, as well as other strangers, met with a welcome reception. Scotland, at that time, seems to have been in a much less improved state than the neighbouring countrics; and it was the laudable ambition of its sovereigns, to invite colonists from abroad, and to introduce foreign arts and cultivation. The abundance of uncultivated land, an advantage common to all unimproved countries, enabled them to hold out very tempting lures to these settlers. The consequence was, that a great number, not only of Anglo Saxons, but of Normans and Flemings, took up their re sidence in Scotland; the population of a large portion of that country underwent an almost entire change.

Mr Chalmers has, with a degree of industry almost incredible, investigated the steps of this colonization, and

has traced the descent of all the prin cipal Scottish families from one of these three sources. This forms certainly one of the most interesting parts of the work, but from its miscellaneous nature cannot easily admit of abridgement.

In the course of this period, the constitution was gradually moulded according to that of England and the other feudal countries. The titles of Earl and Baron, the hereditary offices of Constable, Mareschal, and Seneschal, were introduced. The dignified clergy, who, at the commencement of this period, were few, and of little influence, became, as in other countries of Europe, next in rank to the royal family, and a constituent part of the legislature. During the same period, English law was gradually forced upon an unwilling people.

As in the case of laws, there was also a substitution of Anglo Saxon for Celtic manners.

Mr Chalmers has here a long chapter on subjects which he had not hitherto touched; on Commerce, Shipping, Coin, and Agriculture." Prior to this age, none of these things had any existence. Towns, the theatre of such operations, were unknown in Scotland. Scotland. During this period, they were gradually established and enlarged. Coin was introduced; trade and shipping encouraged; and Scotland made some though yet slow, advances to civilization.

Mr Chalmers concludes with a comprehensive, though concise, supplemental view of subsequent times.

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The Edinburgh Review, No. 26. This number contains, Cromek's Reliques of Burns-Letter on the Emancipation of South America-Gregory on Steam Engines-Proceedings of Society for Suppression of ViceWarburton's Letters-Wilkins's Sanscrita Grammar-West India Distresses, and Distillation from SugarPartenopex of Blois-Davy's Researches-Johnes's Joinville-Pamphlets on Gas Lights-Expedition to Copenhagen. 8vo. 5s.

Scottish Literary Intelligence.

MR

R RUSSELL, who has long practised with such eminence as a Surgeon in this City, will speedily publish, a System of Surgery, in four volumes, 8vo.

Mr Professor Play fair will speedily publish a new and enlarged edition of his Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory." It will be in quarto, and illustrated by Engravings.

The admirers of the incomparable humour and powerful satire of Swift, will be happy to learn, that an edition of his works is preparing, which will be illustrated by the industry and genius of Mr Walter Scott. It will be on a plan different from that adopted by former editors. In the Life of the Author, it is proposed to collate and combine the various information which has been given by Mr Sheridan, Lord Orrery, Dr Delany, Mr Pilkington, Dean Swift, Dr Johnson, and others, into one distinct and comprehensive narrative; which, it is hoped, may prove neither a libel or apology for Swift, nor a collection from the pleadings of those who have written either; but a plain, impartial, and connected biographical narrative. By the favour of distinguished friends in Ireland, the editor hopes to obtain considerable light upon some passages in the Dean's life, which have hitherto perplexed his biographers. In pre.

paring the text and notes, no labour or expense has been spared to procure original information. The Tale of a Tub, for example, is illustrated with the marginal notes of the learned Bentley, transcribed from manuscript jottings on his own copy. Although neither long nor numerous, they offer some curious elucidations of the author, and afford a singular instance of the equanimity with which the satire even of Swift was borne by the venerable scholar against whom it was so unadviseably levelled. Some preliminary critical observations are offered on the various literary productions of the Dean of St Patrick's; and historical explanations and anecdotes accompany his political treatises. All those pieces which, though hitherto admitted into Swift's works, are positively ascertained not to be of his composition, are placed in the Appendix, or altogether retrenched. On the other hand, the Editor is encouraged to believe, that, by accurate research, some gleanings may yet be recovered, which have escaped even the laudable and undeniable industry of Swift's last Editor. So that, upon the whole, he hopes the present edition will be fully more complete than those of late years. The work will appear in the course of 1810.

Mr J. Graham Dalzell will speedily publish, a Tract on Monastic Antiquities, with some account of a recent search for the remains of the Kings interred in the Abbey of Dunfermline.

A new edition will soon be published, of Wallace's Dissertation on the Numbers of Mankind. This work was written in reply to Hume's Essay on the Populousness of Ancient Na tions, and contains a great deal of curious and important information. It has, for some time, been extremely

scarce.

Mr Robertson Buchanan has in the press, the second part of his Practical Essays. It will relate to the Shafts

of

of Mills; with an introductory account of the progress and improvement of Mill-work. Essays third, fourth, and fifth, are also preparing for publication.

The same author will speedily publish "Practical and Descriptive Essays on the Economy of Fuel."

Mr Alison has in the press, a sermon preached on occasion of the late Fast.

anecdotes of the habits of life, instinct, and sagacity, are in this work rendered entirely distinct from the descriptions.

The latter are thrown into the form of a synopsis, on a plan somewhat similar to that of Dr Withering's botanical ar rangement, and inserted, with the svnonyms, at the end of the volume. It is

intended that two volumes of Memoirs of British Whales and Fishes, illustrated

also by a great number of figure, shall shortly follow; and afterwards others of the birds, amphibious insects, &c. till an entire system of British Zoology, occupying about seven volumes, is complet

Literary Intelligence, ENGLISH and ed. In this work, which has been many

FOREIGN.

A NEW, much - improved, and enlarged edition, in twenty-eight volumes, royal octo-decimo, is in the press, of Dr Mavor's Collection of Voyages and Travels, and will speedily be published. The plates, instead of being designs by artists in the closet, will consist of copies from the prints published in the original works, and the maps will be numerous and on a large scale. The text of the principal works, as the Voyages of Anson, Byron, Wallis, Carteret, Cook, and Macartney, will be printed verbatim from the original editions, without variation or abridgement, and many valuable works will be included which have appeared within the present century.

The splendid work of Mr Robert Ker Porter, representing the manners and costume of Russia and Sweden, and comprehending a Journal of his travels in Russia, will make its appearance in a few days.

In the course of the ensuing month it is expected that a volume, by Mr Bingley, will be ready for publication, entitled, Memoirs of British Quadru peds. This, which claims the merit of being an original work, and not merely a compilation from the writings of other naturalists, will be illustrated with seventy engravings from original drawings, chiefly by Howitt, and in his best manner. All the species will be figured except three, of which it was found impossible to procure authentic drawings; and there will be representations of every variety of dog, and of considerably more than half the varieties of English cattle, sheep, and horses. The

years in preparation, every class will be rendered perfectly distinct from the rest. Mr James Elmes has undertaken a complete and comprehensive Dictionary of the Fine Arts, to include accounts of the arts in theory and practice, and of their professors in all ages. Such a work must necessarily become a library of itself to the painter, the sculptor, the architect, the amateur, and the collector of subjects connected with the fine arts.

Mr Thomas Mortimer, Vice Consul at Ostend forty years ago, and author of the work called, Every man his own Broker, published fifty years ago, is preparing a legacy to the world in a new Dictionary of Trade, Commerce, and Manufactures. Of this work we may say, as we have said of the last work, that it must constitute a library of itself to the numerous persons to whom it addresses itself; and we may add, respecting both, that it is wonder. ful such useful publications have never before appeared.

Mr A. Jewit, proposes to publish by subscription, in two volumes, small octavo, with twenty-four Aquatinta Views of Ruins, Scenes, Antiquities, &c. drawn expressly from nature, Remarks on various Parts of the Counties of Nottingham, Lincoln, York, Derby, and Stafford; being the result of several successive tours and excursions since the commencent of the present century.

A new Grammar, entitled, The English Tutor, written in familiar letters, and intended particularly for ladies' se. minaries, by Mr W. C. Oulton, author of the Traveller's Guide, &c. will be presented to the public in a few weeks.

The Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Belles Lettres, of Padua, has recently

re.

resumed its meetings, after a long sus pension. According to its ancient prac. tice, it has proposed several questions for the ensuing year; among which are the following:-"How far is that opinion well-founded, which maintains, that the taste for letters must diminish in proportion to the progress made in the sciences?" and "What improvement can be made in the ploughs at present made use of in this country, and by what means may they be rendered more useful in labour, better adapted to the circumstances of the place, and the quality of the different soils?" The prizes are each sixteen gold Napoleons, and the answers must be written either in Italian or French.

Mr Lucas is preparing to publish the Travels of Humanius in search of the Temple of Happiness; an Allegory.

Mr Hilditch has issued proposals for publishing, by subscription, the History and Antiquities of Tamworth.

Mr Edgeworth's work on Professional Education, which will form a quarto volume, is far advanced at the press, and may soon be expected.

Mr Smith, of Dublin, has nearly finished his History of the Germanic Empire, which will be speedily published in two volumes, 8vo.

Mr Jerningham will shortly publish a work, called the Alexandrian School; being a narrative of the character and writings of the first Christian professors in that city, with observations on the influence they still maintain over the established church.

Mr P. Thompson, of Boston, will publish in the ensuing spring a small volume, embellished with engravings, to be entitled, The Stranger's Guide thro' Boston and its Environs.

In a few weeks will be published, the first part of a Treatise of Arches, Bridges, Domes, Abutment and Embank ment Walls, by Mr S. Ware, architect. The author professes to show a simple mode of describing geometrically the catenaria, and to deduce his theory principally from that line. Sections of Tri.. nity Church, Ely; King's College Chapel, Cambridge; Salisbury Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey, will be given, in corroboration of the principles advanced in the work.

The Rev. Dr Vincent is preparing to publish the Greek text of Arrian's Indiaa and the Periplus, with a translation, to accompany his comments on those works.

The History of the Dissenters, by Messrs Bogue and Bennet, is in such forwardness, that the two first volumes may be very soon expected.

Mr Southey has in preparation a Romance in rhyme, founded on the mytho logy of the Hindoos, to be intitled, The Curse of Kehama.

The Rev. Mr Beloe is proceeding with the fourth and fifth volumes of Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books, At the end of the fifth will be given a general Index to the work.

A Lite of the late Dr Beddoes has been undertaken by Dr Stock, of Bristol.

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