the forest, and in the next form component parts of our naval bulwarks. This truly alarming statement has given rise to various discussions: among others, a Capt. Pasley, of Chatham, has given his opinion in the following terms: Tower, as she said for the purpose of seeing the Royal Jewels. The Yeoman, however not liking her appearance, when she attempted to follow parties who came for a similar purpose, turned her out. By perseverance, however, she at length persuaded the woman who is entrusted with the exhibition to let her in during the abTo prevent dry rot in wood, it is necessence of the Yeoman. The different artisary to unite with the water in the wood, cles were then exhibited to her, and upon some ingredient that shall keep water althe Crown being produced, she pushed ways compound, and that may become her arm through the iron bars which are solidified in time in the wood as water between the spectator and the exhibitor, is in lime. This will give additional and seized it with a convulsive grasp, en- density to the wood, and fit the greenest deavouring at the same time to drag it wood for immediate service. For as water through the bars. This violence comis the medium whereby the preserving inpletely destroyed the form of the Crown, gredient is introduced into the wood, it unset several of the jewels, and otherwise follows that the wood most liable to have damaged it, so as to render it necessary it dry rot, is most susceptible of imbibing the should undergo a complete repair, and in preservative. It being always necessary some parts a renewal. Fortunately, how-to boil plank to assist its bending, the inever, as usual, the door leading to the small gredient may be introduced at the same room in which the curious are introduced, time, with little expense and no additional was bolted on the outside, a precaution trouble, which has been adopted ever since the unsuccessful attempt of Col. Blood to steal the same precious article, and she was thus prevented from escaping. An alarm was soon given to the Yeomen, and they opened the door. She attempted to rush past them, but was secured. On being interrogated, she said her name was Wil; liams, that she was a milk-woman, and lived in Westminster. She was searched, but none of the diamonds were found in her possession, and on subsequent search in the Regalia-room, all the precious stones were found. The thief was then conducted to Lambeth-street, Police-Office, where the charge against her was made, and she was committed till the Wednesday, when all the parties concerned were to attend. It was supposed she had some accomplice; but the fact is, that she acted under the influence of insanity. Those ac quainted with the forms of viewing the Royal Regalia in the Tower, must be aware that it is impossible to escape from the room where the exhibition is made until the whole of the jewels are safely lodged in their appointed places. Decay of British Ships.-The America, of 74 guns, only four years and a half old, (a contract ship), was taken into dock lately, at Plymouth, and was found in a rapid state of decay in every part. Many other ships are also in a state of premature decay, and this will continue to be the case, while wood quite green from the forest is suffered to be put into our ships. It is a fact well known to our naval artizans, that trees are one month growing in The practical chemist to whom this subject is addressed will dictate the ingredient, nitrat, or acid, &c. its proper degree of strength, and method of application, and likewise of what metal should be the boiler. A piece of wood boiled in the solution of the nitrat of silver, and some pieces of green oak not so prepared, were put into garden mould,in a box,not air tight, and covered with 10 inches of earth, in order to give them the dry rot. At the end of 6 months, when taken up, each piece was perfectly sound, and lost all humidity in a few days in the open air. From their sound state, and drying rapidly, I concluded, that the earth had imbibed all those essences that cause wood to imbibe moisture, and which, perhaps, assist to decompose it. Might not this operation on the wood works for large buildings be worth the trial? Coffins never have the dry rot, and retain their strength of fibre longer than some palaces or ships. Chatham, Feb, 1815. T. H. PASLEY, Out Ports for landing East India Goods. Liverpool and Hull are the only two outports yet declared proper for landing goods from the East Indies.-Two vessels are laid on from Hull, direct for Calcutta, the first from any out-port. They are taking on board a large cast iron bridge, for erection in India. Further time granted: Duties. In consequence of the late unforeseen events on the Continent, we understand the Lords of the Treasury have granted a further indulgence to the parties who, under the Treasury Minutes, were required to ex- I thirty-five wounded, some of them very port certain goods on the 1st of April and severely. 1st of June next, and have directed that they may be allowed to pay the home consumption duties thereon, on or before the 15th May next, or export the same on or before the 1st July next. Wine Duty. By an account of the net produce of Custom and Excise paid into the Exchequer, for each year of 1801, 1802, 1803, previous to the additional duties being imposed, compared with the net produce of three years, ending on the 5th of January, 1814, when that duty had its full effect, it appears, that the net receipt at the Exchequer in 1803, at the old rate of duty, was greater by 192,0341. than on the 5th of January 1813, though the public, for the last ten years have paid additiorral duties of 321. 1s. 6d. per tun (2 pipes) | on French, and 221. 14s. 6d. per tun on Portugal wine. The total present duty on a pipe of French wine is 617. 18s. 6d. and on Portugal 521. Public Justice: Rioters.-The Grand Jury of Norfolk, at the assizes, set on foot a subscription, not exceeding One Pound individually, for the purpose of bringing to public justice the instigators of the late premeditated attack upon the person of Mr. Coke, at Norwich. Lord Castlereagh's former opinion of Elba: -Asylum in Englund to Napoleon !!!-A dispatch from Lord Castlereagh to Lord Bathurst, dated Paris, April 13, 1814, respecting the abdication of Bonaparte, and laid before Parliament contains the following curious anecdote. "To the arrangement in favour of the Empress I felt not only no objection, but considered it due to the distinguished sacrifice of domestic feelings which the Emperor of Austria was making to the cause of Europe. I should have wished to substitute another position in lieu of Elba for Napoleon's retirement, but none having the quality of security, on which he insisted, seemed disposable, to which equal objections did not occur; and rival in Liverpool of the Mile, Captain I did not feel that I could encourage the Glover, from Boston. She is the first Ame- alternative which M. de Caulincourt offered rican vessel since the ratification of theme, which Bonaparte repeatedly mentioned, treaty, and we hail her entrance as the com- namely, AN ASYLUM 'IN ENGLAND mencement of a prosperous and friendly intercourse between two nations who are not less united in interests than in origin. This vessel left the American port on the 12th ult. in company with the Liverpool packet, which may be daily expected. We do not find that she brings any intelligence of importance. Arrival of the first American Vessel.-We have the satisfaction to announce the ar Coroner's Inquest on American Prisoners of War at Dartmoor.-On Saturday April 8th, an inquest was held before Joseph Whiteford, Esq. coroner, on the bodies of seven American prisoners of war, at the dépot at Dartmoor, who came by their death in consequence of the military firing on them, on the 6th, to prevent their escape from the prison. The Jury, after two days' investigation, returned a verdict of Justifiable Homicide. This affray seems to have been of a very serious nature: the prisoners, in consequence of the conclusion of peace conceived themselves entitled to their immediate liberty, and not finding this to be the case, they became impatient, and determined to effect their escape by force. They armed themselves with knives and every other weapon they could procure, and proceeded to attack the guard, who, in their own defence, were under the necessity of firing on them, by which the above seven prisoners were killed, and Old England the Best Place.-Government having learned that the English packets were afraid to enter Calais, last week, ordered the brigs of war in that part of the channel to bring over all persons waiting there for a passage to England. .... .... .... £ 90,000 60,900, French Refugees.-The Duchess of Or- 30,000 45,000 30,000 15,000 .. 22,500 15,000 7,500 11,250 7,500 3,750 5,625 3,750 1,875 .... .... There is a small error, through modesty of the Lottery Contractors, in this notice :-for may gain-read, MUST gain. Planetary influence: no resisting fate. The following observations deduced from the influence of the planets, on the affairs of the world, in Moore's Almanack, for the present year, may afford at least some amusement to our readers : "Some commotions and broils seem to take place in France, Germany, and Italy, if not in Spain also. "It seems also, that the French government is wonderfully employed, for strange things are still doing there. His MAJESTY'S LETTERS ON AGRICULTURE Correspondence with Mr. Arthur Young. It is well known of our amiable mo narch, whose afflictions have long excited the sympathy of his loyal subjects, that he was always passionately fond of agricul ture, a friend to improvements in that first of arts, and was, himself, a practical farmer. But it has been known to very few that his Majesty condescended to become a public writer on his favourite subject: it is now said, that his Majesty made no less than "As to England, she shall have a princi- Mr. Young's patriotic and most valuable seven communications at different times to pal hand, with some Northern Powers, in performing and concluding some great letters Ralph Robinson, retaining, however, Annals of Agriculture; and subscribed his thing, and as mighty actious as Europe ever his residence of Windsor. The letters are beheld before, at least, for many years; for the Emperor of Russia, King of Prussia, se-criptive of the system of agriculture pursued dated in 1787; and two of them are des conded by the friendly aid of Austria and Great Britain, will have the honour of contributing towards bringing things about, and settling the affairs of Europe that may be still in agitation. "A certain Emperor seems gaining ground, and in favour with the French nation, or French government, to the mortification of a certain exalted family." Since the late peace reduction of the Marines, 50 First Lieutenants of that corps, on half-pay, have been called into actual employment. About two-thirds of the late war establishment will now be kept up; the number of First Licutenants at present for service is 170. ham, in Surrey." In his letters his Majesty by Mr. Ducket, "the cultivation of Petersrejection of fallows, and his very singular explained Mr. D's. course of crops, his utter grass, (triticum repens). mode of treating a field when full of Couch "The method pursues for the destroying of Couch grass (says his Majesty) Mr. Ducket constantly is, by trench-ploughing it under ground, where it dies when buried deep; that left on the surface is destroyed by hoeing; grain of quick and luxuriant growth, sown on the trenched ground, also assists very much towards the destruction of this troublesome weed; but a change of rye, tares, and tur nips, when produced by his mode of culture, grass. will the most effectually destroy Couch In the case of Cowlinge fair, it appeared He confesses that this practice, that the proprietor of that or any fair has no which he has successfully pursued for many incidental common law right to distrain for years, is condemned by many persous; yet toll in respect of booths erected upon his he is convinced it auswers perfectly, is less soil, but that he must (to secure his remu-expensive, and quicker done than by any neration) either prohibit the erection or other method." bringing on booths, &c. uutil he has first received the amount of his charge: or make a special contract for a precise sum, upon which he may afterwards bring his action; but that for recovery of toll of cattle there is the common law right of distress, in case of refusal. Licences refused: commendable strictness. At a meeting lately for granting licences to public-houses' the Magistrates of Lincoln refused to licence the Brown Cow, Black Goats, and Green Man, during so long time as the present tenants shall live therein; and they expressed their determination to suppress all disorderly houses for the future. Cambridge. The subject of the Seatonian prize poem for the present year is Jonah We have reason to believe, that his Majesty on other occasions also, corresponded like a private gentleman. Violent Storm.-The storm of thunder and rain, which passed over the metropolis on Thursday, April 13, about one o'clock, put all the gay spectators in front of the Queen's Palace to the rout. The officers of the Life Guards, who appeared in their full state uniforms, with crosses and other honours suspended by the crimson silk cordon, were compelled to retreat from the pelting shower. This storm was marked in its termination by an awful and most violent explosion, which took place imme Goswell-street-road. diately over two houses in Frederick-place, took its direction through a chimney of The electric fluid No. 15, causing havoc in most of the rooms, but particularly in the parlour, where it destroved a looking-glass, and other articles of furniture; it then forced its way through the party-wall, and eventually subsided in the kitchen of No. 14. The alarm excited in the neighbourhood was considerable, for the fate of the inhabitants; but, we are happy to state, they have providentially escaped without personal injury. The same storm extended very far into the country, and did considerable damage in various places. from the Brazils, was on her voyage home, her decks, spars, sides, &c. were suddenly and completely covered (in some places to the thickness of half an inch) with a yellow dust. Au explanation of this extraordinary circumstance has been attempted, by supposing it to be the effect of a violent eruption of a volcano on the coast of Africa, although the packet was at least 1000 miles distant from all land when the event occurred. Sagacious Canine Perseverance.-It has been stated, that the crew of the Durham Packet, of Sunderland, lately wrecked near Clay, in Norfolk, were saved by Captain Manby's apparatus for the throwing a line over the ship. This is erroneous; Captain Manby's apparatus has not yet been placed at Clay. A faithful dog used his efforts to bring the lead-line on shore from the vessel; but there being a very heavy sea, and a steep beach, it appeared the drawback of the surf was too powerful for the animal to contend with. Mr. Parker, ship-builder, of Wells, and Mr. Jackson, jun. of Clay, who were on the spot, observing this, instantly rushed into the sea, which was running very high, and gallantly succeeded, though at great risk, in catching hold of the dog, who was much exhausted, but who had all this time kept the line in his mouth; which being thus obtained, a communication with the vessel was established, and a warp being thus passed from the ship to the shore, the lives of all on board (nine in number, including two children) were saved. Furious Storm.-Late in March a heavy hail storm fell at Minehead, in Somersetshire, accompanied by a most vivid flash of lightning, and was immediately followed by a tremendous clap of thunder, which has done considerable da mage to the church and tower. The south west parapet wall, on the top of the tower, was taken off, and carried to an adjoining field. The windows were much broken, the second bell was removed out of its place, and the wheel broke to atoms; and a large oak beam was set on fire, but assistance being promptly given it was soon extinguished. The lightning entered the belfrey, broke up the pavement for several yards and shattered it, as if blown up; the wires of the clock and chimes, it is supposed, were melted, as they are not to be found, and the clock house was broken in pieces. The shock on the church must have been very great, many cracks appear in differents parts, and considerable quantities of the ceiling and the plastering of the walls were found in the different pews and Coaching: rapid travelling.-The very seats, and in the desk and pulpit. Soine reduced rates of travelling to London by of the windows were totally demolished. the coaches from Boston, bring a surprising Inundation.-Lately, owing to the long influx of passengers from almost all parts prevalence of the wind from the west, of Lincolnshire.-The spirit of opposition and an unusually high spring tide, the Se-in this way of business never raged to the vern overflowed its banks and swept down extent that it does at present. There are a long extent of wall in the tything of Red- two coaches, (the Union and the Rockingwick and Northwick, by which an incal- ham) on the great North road, which have culable amount of mischief has been done for many months raced against each other to the proprietors of land in that neigh- daily; and last week, one of them, (the bourhood. Dart, the boatman at the New Union) performed the journey from LonPassage, and his daughter, escaped only don to Coltsworth, in Lincolnshire, (a disby climbing to the top of a very high tree, tance of 102 miles), in exactly ten hours, all from which he saw his dwelling house and stoppages included. premises swept completely away. The Severn rose to a height which has not been remembered for nearly twenty years. At the quay in Gloucester the tide ebbed and flowed several inches, at three distinct riods, embracing about half an hour between each variation. Telegraphs re-established.-Letters have been forwarded from the Admiralty to the Post-masters adjacent to the different telegraphs, with orders to have them re-estab pe-lished as soon as possible. Singular Phenomenon.-While the Lady Louisa Packet, Capt. Gibbon, which arrived at Falmouth on the 2d of April, Funeral Attendance: Benevolence.-The funeral of a labouring banker, drowned a few days ago in the river Witham, near Bardney, was attended by about 800 of his fellow workmen, all of whose hats were : decorated with blue ribband. Each man subscribed 2s. 6d. a part of which they expended in regaling themselves after following the corpse to the grave, and the surplus they gave to the widow of the deceased. Methodist Missions.-First anniversary of the Methodist Missionary Society for Hull, York, and the other circuits of the York district. The public meeting was held at Waltham-street Chapel, in Hull, which was excessively crowded. It appeared from the statements, that the Methodists had expended 10,000l. during the last year in benevolent Missionary enterprizes; aud that they employ abroad, exclusive of their home missions in Ireland and Wales, a greater number of Missionaries than are employed by any body of Christians whatever, the Moravians excepted. They have thirty-one Missionaries in the West India Islands, who labour chiefly among the Negroes; seventeen in Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; one at the Cape of Good Hope; one at Sierra Leone; one in France; one in New South Wales; and six in the island of Ceylon; exclusive of those who are on their voyage to different stations, or are at the point of departure. Bibliomania.At the sale of Mr. Edward's valuable 'collection of books, &c. at Evans's, in Pall-mall, the first edition of Livy, on vellum, was purchased by Sir M. Sykes, for 9501. It is said, the Duke of Devonshire greatly regretted not having been the purchaser. An imperfect copy of the Polyglott Bible, torn, stained, and without the portrait, was knocked down at the sale of the library of the late Rev. Dr. Roberts, at Broadwas, near Worcester, very lately, for 271. WALES. ceeding. The magistrate said, that if the application had been made to him in the first instance, he should have desired her to be dismissed without the wages due to her, it being his wish to abolish the indecent custom of bundling, which prevailed in that neighbourhood. of courtship used among the Welsh, from Bundling is one of the ancient methods time immemorial; it is often, in some meathe lover to the warmth of the coverlit sure, the offspring of necessity, as it admits during part of a cold winter's night, who otherwise must continue exposed to chills and rains against which no ardour can be proof. It is seldom admitted, till the prosfar advanced. It is much to the praise of pect of a matrimonial connection is pretty the principality, that it is hardly ever known to be abused; but is an accoun- » modation altogether upon honour; and may boast of a descent from the earliest # times. Lately, an excellent sermon was preached in the Parish Church of Belfast, by the Rev. A. O'Beirne, for the benefit of the Dispensary and Fever Hospita!. During his discourse, he delivered a well-merited encomium on the generosity of the Marquis of Donegall, in granting a convenient Bundling.-A female servant was lately piece of ground for the purpose of building taken before a magistrate at Bangor, North a Hospital more suited to the increased Wales, under the following circumstances: population of the town. It was very pleas-Her master stated that she was a servanting to observe, among persons of every rein husbandry; that he, who had a wifeligious persuasion, a great number of Roand family, had been much distressed at man Catholics, with their Priests, present detecting a man in bed with this female seron this occasion. This, we believe, is vant-that he had offered her the not usual; it reflects credit on the respectable Clergyman at the head of that body in the town. propor tion of her year's wages which would be then due, according to the time she had served, and designed to dismiss her immediately, but that the woman refused to leave the service upon these terms.--She acknowledged before the Justice that his statement was correct, who ordered her to be dismissed the service, and to accept the wages her master offered, deducting from them the expenses arising out of the pro Judge Day's Charge to the Grand Jury.— On the state of your County, Gentlemen, I confess that I address you this day with feelings of deep depression and disappointment. When I had the honour last Spring of bearing his Majesty's Commission into the County of Westmeath, itap |
