so forward whilst using this exertion, it would be liable to lose its balance, and quit its hold, had it only one toe behind; whereas, by the contrivance of two, it is enabled strongly to adhere to the branch.

Psittacus also has the pedes scansorii, and is actually a climbing genus; yet this confirmation does not, in my opinion, in any manner induce thereto. To say that Parrots assist themselves with their beaks in climbing, would not argue the pedes scanso rii to be of no utility. Their real use to this genus seems to be not only to grasp their food (for the foot of a Parrot serves the purpose of a hand in that respect), but to enable them to step securely from one branch to another, and likewise to hang suspended as they often do in which case, the two toes before, and two behind, certain ly give stability to their hold.

With respect to the Pici, rather a clumsy tribe, the very stiff feathers in the tail are of material service to prop them up in the act of climbing; not so the pedes scansorii, for the Nuthatch, without them, runs up trees equally well. Of what use then can these be to the Woodpecker? I answer, that in boring trees, in which occupation the bird is often engaged for a considerable length of time, its weight is thrown backward, and thus the supply of two toes behind is rendered extremely necessary for its support. What makes me think the wise Author of Nature had this end principally in view is, that the Nuthatch, from the want of this confirmation, is, when breaking nuts, under the necessity of sitting with its head downwards. It may be alleged, that its flexible tail compels it to this position; but, as I have before observed, it runs up trees with equal or greater facility than the Woodpecker, notwithstanding this disadvantage.

It would be a curious circumstance, and a conclusive argument in my favour, should it ever be ascertained that the three-toed Woodpecker (picus tridactylus), which has only one toe behind, bores trees in the attitude assumed by the Nuthatch when breaking nuts.

REVETT SHEPHARD.

Illumination of Coal Mines.-The ingenious plan for illuminating cities by the means of an electrifying machine, appears well adapted for the use of coal mines, &c. and bids fair to reduce the number of those terrific explosions of such frequent occurrence in an inflammable atmosphere. The electric fluid, in Professor Meinecke's ap paratus, acts on a similar principle to the galvanic column lately applied to the formation of a self-moving machine.

New Theory of the Motions of the Planetary System.A curious commen. tary, or rather an attack upon the received system of the planetary motions, has recently been published, in a smal pamphlet, by Captain Burney, which is likely to excite the attention of the scientific world, and may lead to the discovery of very un

expected astronomical facts. The author deduces the motion of the whole of our sys. tem from the progressive motion of the sun itself; a quality which, he says, must be equally possessed by all the heavenly bodies, resulting from the universally acknowledged laws of gravitation. He argues, a priori, that from progressive motion rotation is produced, and, a posteriori, that a body in free space, having rotation round its own axis, is a clear indication of its being in progressive movement. This he corroborates by the general belief now entertained, that our sun and planets are advancing towards the constellation Hercules. The opinion that the sun has progressive motion, was not entertained till long after its rotatory motion was discovered. Captain B. states his conviction, that if, from the discovery of the sun's rotation, and the acknowledged universality of gravity, its progression had been inferred, when Kepler first suggested that the planets moved round the sun by means of its atmosphere, the system of this philosopher would have obtained immediate and lasting credit, and that the hy pothesis of these bodies being continued in motion by an original projectile impulse, would not have been resorted to in accounting for the phenomena of their motions.

Potato. The general opinion is, that this vegetable is indigenous in America, and that it was brought from that Continent to' Europe by the Spaniards, soon after the discovery of America by Columbus. A fact mentioned in the Transactions of the Linnean Society, vol. xii. p. 585, may, perhaps, be considered as a corroboration of this opinion. Don Jose Pavon, of Madrid, one of the authors of the Flora Peruviana, states, in a letter to Mr Lambert, that he and his companions, Ruiz and Dombey, had found the potato (Solanum tuberosum) growing wild in the environs of Lima, and fourteen leagues from thence on the coast of Peru, as well as in Chili; and that it is cultivated very abundantly in those countries by the Indians, who call it papas.

Portable Gas Lamp.-The ingenious idea of compressing gas for the purpose of rendering it portable, and thus adapting it to various economic purposes, appears to have been suggested by Professor Brande, in a lecture delivered May 1816. But the merit of using condensed gas for economical purposes, is due to Mr Gordon, who lately obtained a patent for gas lamps, &c.

Phosphoric Acid in Vegetables. Mr Barry, in making experiments on pharmaceutical extracts obtained by carrying on the evaporation in vacuo," became acquainted with the singular fact, that phosphoric acid, in a soluble state, was found in all the extracts. On further investigation, it was ascertained that this acid, besides that portion of it which exists as phosphate of lime, is contained in a vast variety of vegetables. All those which are cultivated seem to contain phosphoric salt in great abundance."

The Second Part of Mr Galt's Life of B. West, Esq. President of the Royal Academy, will shortly be published, forming the Life and Works of Mr West subsequent to his arrival in England, compiled from materials furnished by himself; with a Portrait, from an original picture painted by Mr West some years since.

Mr James Wilson has in the press, a Journal of two successive Tours upon the Continent, performed in the years 1816, 1817, and 1818; containing an account of the principal places in the south of France; of the great road over the Alps, and of the chief cities and most interesting parts of Italy; accompanied with occasional Re marks historical and critical.

In a few days will be published, Original Miscellanies, in prose and verse; by John Laurens Bicknell, F. A. S. This volume contains a dedication to the members of a society instituted under the auspices of the author's late lamented friend, the Rev. Dr Burney, and a preface, including strictures upon many of the novel writers of the day. The first subject of the book is a burlesque novel, entitled Sarah Lloyd, in which the heroine and the incidents are placed in a ludicrous point of view, something in the style of the Musical Travels of Joel Col lier," written by the author's father. A complete analysis of the play of Hamlet follows a plan which the author proposes to pursue with the rest of the plays of Shakspeare, if he can find leisure for the employment; and the present specimen 'shall be found useful to the readers of our immortal bard. The burletta of the "Siege of Troy," hitherto published anonymously, and a selection of poems and a drama, form the remainder of the volume.

Should the present volume be favourably received by the public, the author intends to print a small volume of the writings of his late father, the writer of the beautiful poem of the Dying Negro, which was the composition of the late Mr Bicknell, the barrister, and corrected by the late Mr Day.

The Rev. John Jebb, author of a volume of Sermons, is preparing for the press, Critical Observations on Select Passages of the New Testament; the style and structure of which are examined and illustrated, according to the principles of poetical and sententious parallelism, established in the prelections of the late Robert Lowth, D. D. Lord Bishop of London.

Mr Fuseli, Professor of Painting in the Royal Academy, is about to reprint his three Lectures on Painting formerly published, with three additional ones that have not yet appeared.

A manuscript of undoubted authenticity, calculated to excite an extraordinary degree of interest, has just reached this countryit is already in the hands of a translator, and will be published both in English and in the original French during the ensuing month; it is entitled, "DOCUMENTS HISTORIQUES ET REFLEXIONS SUR LE GOUVERNEMENT DE LA HOLLANDE PAR LOUIS BONAPARTE EX ROI DE HOLLANDE."

This work contains every event relating to the political or financial situation of Holland, from the commencement of the reign of Louis until the close of his government; Sketches of the invasion of Italy and Expedition in Egypt, in both of which the author was present Relations of most of the important events in Spain, and his refusal of the crown of that kingdom on the renunciation of Charles 4th to Ferdinand his son, and the formal cession of the latter to Napoleon-copies of the letters of Charles 4th to Ferdinand, relating to the conspiracy of the latter against his father. The hitherto secret motives of the marriage of the author with the daughter of the Empress Josephine, and their subsequent mutual agreement to a separation. The events which occurred on the separation of the Emperor Napoleon and the Empress Josephine. The various Prin cesses proposed to Napoleon, and the reason of his selecting the daughter of the Emperor of Austria. Numerous characteristic and highly interesting letters from Napoleon to the author, exposing his views, situation, and purposes. An indisputable genealogical history of the family of Bonaparte, extracted from various histories of Italy and other public documents, all of which prove beyond doubt the illustrious rank they held in Italy even in the 12th Century, and it is somewhat singular that 600 years ago, Androlius Bonaparte was Grand Podesta or Governor of Parma, where is now the wife of Napoleon as Grand Duchess! An important letter from the Duc de Cadore, explaining the intentions of the Emperor relating to Holland, the various united propositions of France and Russia to accommo date with England, and a variety of anec dotes of the author of Napoleon and of his family.

Although this work may contain many events already known to the public in a general way, yet coming from the hand of one who was on a throne, and who had an immediate share in all that occurred, joined to his universally acknowledged probity and good faith, form together an unanswerable motive for giving it the preference over every other modern publication, and it is assuredly next in point of interest to a work from the pen of Napoleon himself. It is

already inquired after with eagerness upon the continent, in Holland particularly, as it is known to contain an accurate statement of the political and financial situation of that country during a most important period; and as it is written with the utmost candour, and is totally exempt from any expressions which might offend the most partial Bourbonist, it will find a wide circulation in France, where the author, being known to be somewhat opposed to his brother's government, it will be read with equal avidity by the most decided ultras.

Mr Ormerod's valuable History of the County palatine and city of Chester is now completed. It has been published in ten parts, forming three handsomely printed folio volumes, which are highly embellished by one hundred and ninety four engravings on copper and on wood, inclusive of no less than three hundred and fifty seven armorial subjects which are attached to the pedigrees. The Rev. Philip Bliss has completed his new edition of Anthony or Wood's Athena Oxonienses, in four quarto volumes. This valuable body of English Biography contains upwards of two thousand two hundred lives, and there are very few of that large number which have not received either corrections or additions from the pen of the present editor.

In the press, in two octavo volumes, the Iliad of Homer, literally translated into English Prose, with Explanatory Notes; by a Graduate of the University of Oxford. The Fudge Family in Italy; by the Author of the Fudge Family in Paris.

The Faith, Morals, and Discipline of the Church of England defended.

On the 1st March next will be published, the Beauties of the River Meuse; to be completed in eight numbers, containing each six plates, from drawings on the spot; by G. Arnald, A. R. A.

The Radical Triumvirate; or, Tom Paine, Lord Byron, and Surgeon Lawrence, colleaguing to expel religion from the earth, and emancipate mankind from all laws, human and divine; by an Oxonian.

A Catechism of the Evidences of Christianity; by Dr Yates.

Memoirs of M. Obelin, Lutheran Pastor of Walsbach; by the Rev. Mark Wilks.

Heraldic Visitation of the County of Durham; by William Flower, Esq., in 1755. Edited by R. J. Philipson, Esq.

A new periodical work, by Dr John Walker, entitled "The True Monthly Magazine.'

A second volume of Sermons; by the Rev. Dr Busfield.

An elementary work on Astronomy; by Mr James Mitchell.

The History of Parga, translated from the Italian MS, of Hugo Foscolo.

Mr Gorham's History of St Neot's, in one thick octavo volume. An inquiry into certain errors respecting Insanity; by Dr Burrows.

VOL. VI.

The Mock Moralist; a Novel; by Mr Wm Gardiner, author of Sultana, a tragedy, &c.

Elements of the History of Civil Government; by James Tyson, Esq., will shortly be published.

Nearly ready for publication, Brief Thoughts on the early obstacles to the progress of the Fine Arts in Great Britain and Ireland; by Mr Wm Carey.

Hedin, or the Spectre of the Tomb; a Tale; by the Hon. William Herbert. 8vo. 3s. 6d.

The Fall of Jerusalem, a Tragedy; by H. H. Millman, M. A. author of Fazio. 8vo.

The Principles of Political Economy considered with a View to their Practical Application; by T. R. Malthus. 8vo.

Travels through Holland, Germany, and part of France in 1819, with reference to their Statistics, Agriculture, and Manufactures; by W. Jacob, Esq. F. R. S. 4to.

The Palace of John Bull; a poem, contrasted with the Poor House that Jack Built, illustrated by plates.

In a small octavo volume, Taxidermy; or, a complete Treatise on the art of preserving every object of Natural History for Museums.

Sunday School Sketches; a memoir, descriptive of these institutions.

An Historical and Statistical Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia; by Wm. Wilkinson, Esq. late his Majesty's consul there.

Journal of a Tour in Greece, Egypt, and the Holy Land; by W. Turner, Foreign Office, in 3 volumes octavo.

A History of Ireland, under the title of "The Chronicles of Ulla'd;" by Roger O'Connor.

Tales of the Heart; by Mrs Opie, in 3 volumes.

The Poetical Works of Mr James Montgomery, in 3 volumes foolscap 8vo.

An Expostulary Epistle to Lord Byron ; by Mr Cottle.

A small volume of Poems, entitled, "Sacred Lyrics;" by James Edmestone.

An Account of the Introduction of Christianity into Great Britain, with the Welsh Nonconformist Memorial; by Dr Richards.

The Sketch Book; by Geoffray Crayon, new edition, with alterations and additions. Giovanni Sbogarro ; a Venetian Tale, in 2 volumes 12mo.

In two handsome octavo volumes, a Voyage to South America, performed by order of the Government of the United States, in the Frigate Congress; by H. M. Brackenridge, Esq.

Mr Leigh Hunt has ready for publication, a Translation of Amyntas, a Tale of the Woods, from the Italian of Torquato Tasso; with an Essay on the Pastoral Poetry of Italy. The work will be embellished with a highly engraved portrait of Tasso, by Worthington. 4 E

Mr Philip of Liverpool is about to publish a new Life of Whitefield. The mate rials of this memoir have been collected from various British and American sources. The work will be ornamented by an elegant print, from an original picture, &c.

In February will be published, Retrospection, a rural poem; by Tho. Whitby, author of the Priory of Birkenhead, a tale of the 14th century.

In the course of a few weeks will be published, Letters from North Wales; to which are added, Memoranda of a Visit to Merionethshire, in 1819; together with several anecdotes and sketches, illustrative of Welsh history and manners.

Curious Circumstance. The Duke of Grafton, who was Prime Minister to his late Majesty soon after he came to the throne, and who makes so distinguished a figure in

the celebrated Letters of Junius, after retiring from office, employed himself in writ ing "The Memoirs of his own Life," which, when completed, his Grace carefully sealed up, and, by an injunction in his will, strictly prohibited his heirs, on any account, to open the envelope during the reign of the late king; but after that monarch's de mise, to make the memoir known to the world. It is supposed to contain a full developement of all the great political events and private history of the court, at that interesting period, and, in all probability, will, for the first time, divulge to the public the real name of Junius, which, it is un derstood, had been made known to his Grace, under a pledge of honour not to communicate the secret to any person liv ing, in the lifetime of King George the Third.

SERMONS on Infidelity, by the Rev. Andrew Thomson, Minister of St George's Church, Edinburgh, will speedily be published.

The Rev. Alex. Stewart, author of the Lives of Dr Blair, Dr Robertson, and other Elegant Works, has now in the press a History of Great Britain, from the accession of George III. to the present time.

To be published by subscription, in 12mo, at 10s. 6d. Elgiva, an historical poem, in six cantos, with other poems; by John Gordon, surgeon in Keith, who was drowned while bathing with some of his companions in the river Isla, in the summer of 1819.

In the press, and speedily will be published, a Visit to the Province of Upper Canada, in 1819; by James Chalmers, bookseller, Aberdeen. The work will contain every kind of information which an emigrant can desire to obtain, derived from

the most authentic sources. The civil and religious state of the province, climate, soil, and agriculture, is carefully drawn up from materials furnished by the author's brother, who has been twenty years resident in the country, and a member of the government.

Speedily will be published, by subscrip. tion, in one volume 12mo, 3s. 6d. common paper, fine paper 5s.; Heath Flowers, or Mountain Melodies; consisting of Poems and Lyrical Pieces; by George Scott.

In the press, and immediately to be published, Medical Notes on Climate, Diseases, Hospitals, and Medical Schools, in France, Italy, and Switzerland; comprising an inquiry into the effects of a residence in the south of Europe, in cases of pulmonary consumption, and illustrating the present state of medicine and medical practice in those countries; by James Clark, M.D. Resident Physician at Rome.

The Annual Biography and Obituary, for 1820. 8vo. 15s.

County Biography; or, Lives of Remarkable Characters, born or long resident in the Counties of Norfolk, Essex, and Suffolk. No I. 2s. 6d.

The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau, 4 vols 12mo. £1, 1s.

Memoires pour servir à l'Histoire de la vie privée, du retour, et du régné de Napoleon, en 1815. Par M. Fleury de Chaboulon, ex-secretaire de l'Empereur. 8vo. 2 tomes. 24s..

A Translation of the above. 2 vols 8vo. £1, 4s..

A New and Practical Method of Steno. graphy by Richard Farr. 65. Conversations on Algebra; by W. Cole. 12me. 7s.

Results of Experience in the Practice of Instruction; by W. Johnstone, A.M. Report upon the Establishment of M. de Fellenberg; by J. Attersole. 3s. 6d.

New Mathematical Demonstrations of Euclid; by W. Williams. 7s.

An Abridgment of Dr Goldsmith's History of England, Translated into French; by J. T. Edgecombe. 4s.

Present State of the British Empire, for 1820; by the Rev. J. Goldsmith. 5s. 6d. Lectures on Writing; by Mr Carstairs, with Plates. 12s.

Adams's History of Great Britain, from Julius Cæsar, to the death of Princess Charlotte. 4s. 6d.

Battey's Italian Scenery. No XII. and last. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

Views in Paris and its Environs, from Drawings made on the Spot; by Mr Fred. Nash; with descriptions, by Mr John Scott. Part I.

GEOLOGY.

A New Geological Atlas of England and Wales, Part II. containing Gloucester, Surrey, Suffolk, and Berks; by William Smith, 21s.

HISTORY.

A Synopsis of the History of England's by Tho. Ketcham. 2s. 6d.

A Short History of France; by Mrs Moore. 12mo. 7s.

A New History of Spain; by F. Thurtle. 8s. 6d.

HORTICULTURE,

A Concise and Practical Treatise on the Culture and Management of the Carnation, Auricula, Ranunculus, Tulip, and other Flowers; by Thomas Hogg, gardener,

LAW.

A Compendious Practical Assistant in proceedings in the King's Bench. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

An Essay upon Marine Evidence in the Courts of Law and Equity. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A Practical Treatise on the Law of Dilapidations, Wastes, Reinstatements, &c. by James Elmes, architect.

A Practical Treatise on the settling of Evidence for Trials, at Nisi Prius by Isaac Espinasse, Esq. of Gray's Inn. Svo.

12s.

MEDICINE.

Observations on the Nature and Cure of Cancer; by Charles Aldis, Esq. surgeon, 4s. 6d.

The Quarterly Journal of Foreign Medicine and Surgery, No VI. 3s. 6d.

A Supplement to the Pharmacopeias; by S. F. Gray. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A Treatise on Midwifery; by J. Power. 8vo. 8s. 6d.

Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, Vol. X. Part II. 7s. 6d.

A Defence of the Scriptural Doctrine of Life, as applicable to Physiology and Medicine; by J. G. Mansford. 1s. 6d.

An Essay on the Chemical History and Medical Treatment of Calculous Disorders; by A. Marcet, M.D. F.R.S. 2d edit. royal 8vo. plates. 18s.

MISCELLANIES.

An Essay on Magnetic Attractions: Particularly as respects the Deviation of the Compass on Ship-board, occasioned by the Local Influence of the Guns, &c. With an Easy Practical Method of observing the same in all parts of the World; by Peter Barlow, of the Royal Military Academy.j

Miscellanies; by the Rev. R. Warner. 2 vols 12mo. 10s.

Sporting Anecdotes, Original and Selected; by Pierce Egan. 12mo. 9s.

General Rules for Repairing Roads, with a plate. 8vo. 2s.