Itinerary of their Journey, the names of the persons with whom they dined and supped on each day at the different places through which they passed, and an account of the particular events which occurred; together with copies of all the letters which they received and sent during that period to and from the King, and other distinguished personages. From a contemporary MS. in the Aslimolean Library.

Account of the Parish of Bremhill, Wilts,

ANCIENT LITERATURE AND CHRONICLES. Literature has been much indebted to the various Societies which have been established for the dissemination of knowledge. Under the fostering care of such Societies, men of

the first-rate talents and the most extensive their time to the earliest records of their knowledge have been encouraged to devote respective countries. In France M. Renouard having been elected perpetual secre

By the Rev. WM. LISLE BOWLES. The History of this interesting monument of monastic antiquities Mr. Bowles has illustrated from sources never before explored, and investigated other points of national as well as local interest.

A Hebrew, Syriac, Greek, and English, &c. Lexicon of the Scripture Proper Names, with the penultimate quantities accurately marked and accentuated. By the Rev. Dr.

NIBLOCK, F.S.A. F.R.L. author of the "Classical Latin Dictionary."

A volume of Ballads translated from the Servian language, with other specimens of the popular poetry of that people. By Mr. BOWRING.

History of the Merovingian Dynasty, being the first part of a new History of France. By Mr. JOHN HAWKSWORTH.

Second Thoughts on the Person of Christ, on Human Sin, and on the Atonement; containing reasons for the author's secession from the Unitarian Communion, and his adherence to that of the Established Church. By CHAS. ABRAHAM ELTON, esq.

Unitarianism Abandoned, or Reasous assigned for ceasing to be connected with that description of Religious Professors who designate themselves Unitarians. By Mr. GIL

CHRIST.

Part I. of a new Version of the Psalms from their original Text. By JAS. Usher. Sacred Hours, consisting of Select Pieces in Prose and Verse. By the Rev. SAMUELWALTER BURGESS.

Dramatic Tales for Children, intended as an additional Volume of Parent's Assistant. By MISS EDGWorth.

The Chronicles of Wesleyan Methodism : exhibiting an Alphabetical Arrangement of

all the Circuits in its connexion, the names of the Preachers who have travelled in them, and the Yearly order of their succession, from the establishment of Methodism to the present time. By JOHN STEPHENS.

An Appeal to Reason; or, Christianity and Deism Contrasted. Dedicated to the Members of the Christian Evidence Society. By the Rev. SAM. WALTER BURGESS.

The Rev. THOS. BELSHAM'S Second Vo

lume of Doctrinal and Practical Discourses.

The Life, Voyages, and Adventures of Naufragus: being a faithful Narrative of the Author's real Life, and containing a series of remarkable Adventures in Asia.

Language," or that language which was in to publish the "Remains of the Romanse general use after the Latin had lost many of its variable terminations, and before the İtalian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, were modelled into their present forms. The Sothe North, at Copenhagen, has patronised ciety for Promoting Ancient Literature of that eminent linguist Professor Rask, and his able coadjutor Dr. C. Rafn, who are printing the Icelandic Sagas," or Chronicles, and what remains of the old Norse, or Danish language, from which originate those dialects that are spoken from the Frozen Ocean to the river Eyder. Some beautiful copies of these Sagas have been sent to our Royal Society of Literature; among whose Royal Associates is Mr. Turner, the indefatigable and accurate Anglo-Saxon and English historian. To his unwearied assiduity in searching out original documents, we are indebted for the attention which is now paid to the Anglo-Saxon,—a language most important to every Englishman who would wish to understand the origin of his own language, customs, and laws.

If Societies claim our praise for their exertions, how much more is due to those patriotic individuals who devote their property to promote the cause of Literature? Amongst the most forward of these is his Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, whose magnificent library at Stowe is as much distinguished for the facility that is given to literary men to consult its stores, as for its fine collection of printed books, and for the number and importance of its inanuscripts, particularly in Irish and AngloSaxon literature, and the topography of the county of Bucks. An extensive history of the county is preparing under the patronage and at the expense of the Duke. The venerable librarian at Stowe, the Rev. C. O'Conor, D. D. has previously given undoubted proofs of his great erudition, by publishing an account of the Stowe Manuscripts, in a quarto volume, entitled “Bibliotheca MS. Stowensis." His great work, the Irish Chronicles, equally creditable to the author and his noble patron, has just appeared, under this title, "Rerum Hiberwhich displays the sober exercise of Dr. nicarum Scriptores Veteres." This work, O'Conor's extraordinary critical powers, will ever remain a monument of his indefatigable industry and profound learning. Those who

have experienced the loss of time, the great expence, and the almost insuperable difficulty in deciphering many ancient manuscripts, rendered still more illegible by frequent and unusual contractions, will know how to estimate the important labours of Dr. O'Conor, and the liberality of his patron in giving publicity to the Irish Chronicles. They are interesting in many points of view, but especially as affording authentic specimens of a language which some consider the oldest in Europe, and closely allied to the Phoenician or ancient Hebrew. The work is written in a neat and easy Latin style, and comprised in four volumes quarto, containing more than 2700 pages. It is printed at Buckingham, and does great credit to the press of Mr. Seeley.

In Vol. I. is a minute description of the early Irish MSS. and some particulars of the authors, with beautiful and most accurate fac-similes of the MSS.; the most early mention of Ireland, collected from Greek, Roman, and other authors; remarks on Irish Poetry, and a collection of the most ancient and interesting poems, with a literal Latin translation, &c.

Vol. II. contains the Annals of Tigernach, an abbot of Cloyne, who died A. D. 1088. These annals begin in the year before Christ 305, and end with Tigernach's death, A. D. 1088. There are two columns in each page: on the left is the original Irish, printed in a most beautiful Irish type, and on the right a literal Latin version by Dr. O'Conor, with copious critical notes at the foot of the page. The Annals of Inisfallen, so called because they were written in the abbey built on the island of Inisfallen, in the lake of Killarney: these annals are from A. D. 428 to 1196. Another copy of the Annals of Inisfallen, from the Dublin MS. from A. D. 250 to 1088: these annals are not printed in columns, but the Irish is in the Italic character; and immediately below, in Roman type, is Dr. O'Conor's literal Latin translation.-The Annals of the Monastery of Buelley, from A. D. 420 to 1245: the former part of the text is chiefly in Latin, and the latter in Irish, a translation of which is given by Dr O'Conor.

In vol. III. we have the Annals or Chronicle of Donegal, or what is more conmonly called the Four Masters, because these annals were compiled by four monks of Donegal, who were great masters of Irish literature. They begin about 2000 years before the Christian æra, and extend to A.D. 1171.

Vol. IV. comprehends the Chronicles of Ulster, from A.D. 431 to 1131.

AUTOGRAPHS OF EMINENT PERSONS. One of the most curious sales which for a long period have come before the public, was lately concluded by Mr. Southgate, of Fleet-street. It consisted principally of autograph letters, MSS. &c. of some of the

most eminent individuals of the last three centuries. It was curious to observe the prices which some of those articles brought. A translation of a portion of Cicero, as an exercise made by his present Majesty, and signed "George P." brought 1. 3s. A similar Exercise by the late Duke of York, signed Frederick," brought 11. 2s. The original grant from Edward IV. with the great seal attached, of all the lands and possessions of the Rutland family, granted after the battle of Towton to Lord Hastings, Chamberlain of England, dated 3d August, 1467, brought 7. 10s. This was one of the most curious documents ever submitted to auction. The great families mentioned in it were attainted of treason, and their possessions seized and disposed of by this grant. A copy of Voltaire's tragedy of Tancredi, with the author's MS notes and additions, evidently corrected for a new edition, went off for 11. 5s. A letter from Charles I. to the Prince of Orange, dated May 24, 1630, was sold for 4 guineas. A letter from Oliver Goldsmith to Mr. Nourse the bookseller, offering the copyright of his History of the Revolutions of Denmark, was sold for 5 guineas; this high price arose from the circumstance that letters and autographs of "Poor Nol" are extremely rare. Charles Mathews purchased a note from Lady Denbigh to Garrick, respecting his performance, and the original draft of his answer, written from the Adelphi, for 21.7s. 6d.; and four other theatrical letters from Garrick, Foote, Barry, and Mrs. Yates, for 6 guineas and a half. A note from Pope to Dr. Oliver, at Bath, was bought at 11. 75.; and Addison's Signature to an official letter, at a guinea. Queen Elizabeth's Sign Manual dated Richmond, 26th of July, 1564, brought 2 guineas and a half. A letter, entirely in the hand-writing of Charles I. addressed to his only sister, the Queen of Bohemia, and dated the 3d of September, 1647, from Hampton Court, where he was then confined, brought 5l. 2s. 6d. This was in the most perfect condition, and written throughout in a fine Italian or court hand, the letters almost perpendicular. Autographs of the following persons were sold :-Falkner, Shenstone, Warton, Shelly, Moore, Scott, and Crabb, one lot, 17. 16s.; Guy, the founder of the Hospital, 12s.; the great Duke of Marlborough (1702), John Duke of Argyll (1711), the Duke of Wellington (1814), in one lot, 17. 6s.; Sir Cloudesley Shovell (1698), Lord Hood (1808), and Nelson and Bronte, dated on board the Medusa, Aug. 7, 1801, one lot, 18s.; Lord North, Marquis of Rockingham, Mr. Pitt, and Mr. Jenkinson (now Lord Liverpool), one lot, 12s.; C. J. Fox, Edmund Burke, and J. Curwen, one lot, a guinea; the signs manual of Charles II. (1663), William III. (1690), Queen Mary (1692), George II. (1727), and George III. (1793), one lot, 21. 14s.; James II. under his signature

THE APOSTLES.

"A visit to a genuine collection is like going a pilgrimage; it is an act of devotion at the Shrine of Art!" Such were the sentiments which recurred to us as we made our second visit to this exhibition, through which the Fine Arts have experienced a most splendid acquisition, and the man of taste been gratified.

For the discovery of these six superb productions of the Spanish school, the world is indebted to the sound taste and penetration of Mr. Harwood of Kensing ton, who met with them at a sale, dedaubed -probably for some secret purpose unknown to us-with water colour landscapes. By some accident his acute eye discovered the treasure which was hidden beneath, and he became their fortunate possessor. Antiquaries may enthusiastically celebrate the discovery of ancient paintings on the walls of old and splendid palaces, which the caprice, or want of taste, in their possessors had caused to be white-washed; but what must be the feelings of the lover of the arts, when he observes the restoration of such gems as those which have been lately exhibited We say lately exhibited, and we regret it, for they are now for ever closed to the public, unless they should be purchased for the National Collection. Indeed, we think, the Committee for adding to this Gallery would never be guilty of such a derilection of duty, as to permit them to remain partially buried in any private collections;-they are too magnificent for them; they must become the NATION's, GENT. MAG. March, 1827.

OWN, and adorn our Sanctuary of Art! They are not estimated as the productions of this or that master-for at present the name of the extraordinary genius that produced them is unknown-but for their intrinsic merit and sterling worth. They have risen to a popularity almost unequalled by their merits, and these are sufficient to maintain them in their present high station.

They represent the Saints Jude, Simon, John, Bartholomew, James the less, and Philip; and have their names, with passages from the Creed, written underneath; but, independently of this, we recognized them as familiar by their symbols. At our first visit we were struck with the giant strength of the artist exhibited in the design; the grace and freedom in the swell of the mus cles; the natural disposition and harmony of the drapery; and the depth of colouring. We admired them as the architect does the columns of the Doric order, for their grandeur and simplicity; and a subsequent examination has impressed their charms deeper and deeper into our minds. There is not a line in which we do not discover some beauty, which does not yield us pleasure, and indicate the powers and anatomical knowledge of the master. All of them, with the exception of St. Philip, are accompanied by books, which are extremely well done. What can be finer than that which' St. Simon holds in his hands, while his eyes are stedfastly and reverentially fixed on another! This alone is a study.

The Saint John is decidedly our favourrite. The Evangelist is in the Isle of Patmos inditing the Revelation. In the head the passion of the soul is admirably and forcibly pourtrayed. Totally abstracted from every thing earthly, the mind is wrapped up in divine inspiration and communion with things above. A glimpse of the accompanying eagle-an emblem of his towering eminence-we believe first induced Mr. Harwood to suppose there was something superior to the ordinary landscape which covered it: and who is there that can look at it without admiring the beautifully flowing lines which compose it?

The Saint Bartholomew is our next. It is a splendid head-a study from the antique-deep in the meditation of the Holy Scriptures, which lie open before him. With what an intense interest does he inhale the holy sweets, and how perfectly does he defy disturbance.

How is impossible for us or any one possessed of a genuine love of the Arts, to do otherwise than deprecate the opinions of those who would wish to expel from our religious edifices paintings such as these. It would be banishing the handmaids of devo tion from their homes; destroying the grand incentives to religious feelings, and tend to the aunihilation of art!

pears to be the only instance of the occurrence of the emblem, otherwise than on coins.

Sir R. C. Hoare, bart. F.S. A. in a letter addressed to N. Carlisle, esq. Secretary, communicated descriptions, illustrated with engravings, of four tesselated pavements recently discovered in the county of Hants. The first of these pavements, at Thruxton, was briefly described by Sir R. C. Hoare, and by Dr. Ingram, in the Gentleman's Magazine for September 1823, p. 280: it appears to have formed part of a temple dedicated to Bacchus. Another belonged to a villa; three of these remains of antiquity have been preserved from future injury by the erection over them of substantial buildings, a precaution which honourably distinguishes the owners of their respective sites from so many other discoverers of antiquities of this description.

Feb. 22. At this meeting was commenced the reading of a paper, on Hand Fire-arms, by S. R. Meyrick, LL.D. F.S.A. The invention of hand fire-arms Dr. Meyrick considers to have been suggested by the tubes from which the Greek fire was propelled at the later periods of the Eastern empire, and particularly at the sieges of Constantinople by the Russians. He refers their invention to the Italians, and on the authority of Bilius, a Florentine historian, confirmed by deductions from the statements, of other old writers, and by circumstances relating to specimens of early hand firearms preserved in various collections, assigns the date of 1430 to this invention.

March 1. The President in the Chair. Mr. Ellis communicated a transcript of a letter, narrating the effect at the Court of St. Germain's, of the arrival of a false report that James II. had been victorious at the battle of the Boyne.

March 8. Thos. Amyot, esq. F.R.S. Treasurer S. A. in the Chair.

The reading of Mr. Meyrick's notes on hand fire-arms was continued. Among the weapons described in this portion of the paper, were the arquebus, hackbus, demi-hack, and musquet. The arquebus resulted from the application of a gun-barrel to the stock of a cross-bow. The musquet was invented at least as early as the time of Francis I. of France; but it did not come into general use until the reign of Philip II. of Spain, when it was introduced into the Low Countries by the Duke D'Alva; and from the wide-spread fame of the Spanish infantry, it soon became known and employed throughout Europe.

March 15. The reading of Dr. Meyrick's notices of military writers on Hand Firearms was continued.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY.

A very curious discovery has just been made by Mr. Blore, Surveyor of Westminster Abbey. On his survey, he found that the roof of the case in which the wax figures of Queen Anne, the Earl of Chatham, and what is commonly called the ragged regiment, were placed, bore marks of antient ornament. Having it removed, his surprise was only equalled by his joy, at finding it one of the most curious specimens of antient art at present in existence.

With that zeal for the preservation and repair of his Church, which so distinguishes the learned Dean, this curious remain has been removed to the Deanery, till it can be restored to the Abbey, in such a manner as to secure its preservation, for the gratification of the public. The panelling measures 11 feet in width, by 3 feet in height; and is painted, and ornamented with gilding, in the most elaborate and beautiful manner. It consists of five divisions; in the centre, under a splendid pointed canopy, is painted a figure (probably intended for the Deity,) supported on each side, under similar though smaller canopies, by two saints with palm-branches. On the left side of the centre compartment are four intersecting squares, painted with Scripture histories, and the centre and corners ornamented with enamelled work of a splendid kind, and covered with glass. The outer compartment on the left side is a painting of St. Peter under a canopy. The two compartments on the right of the centre have evidently been of similar design; but have been painted over in black and white by some barbarous improver, probably during the eighteenth century, when perhaps the wax figure of Earl Chatham was placed in the case. The borders of the painting and edges of the compartments have been ornamented in the most costly manu anuer with medallions and cameos after the antique, and with glass which has all the splendour of precious stones. There is little doubt but that this discovery will excite much attention among the antiquaries and lovers of the arts. It is probably coeval with the building of the present Abbey, and may have been constructed by Abbot Esseney. It is difficult to say for what it originally was intended; but probably it was the soffit or ceiling of some tomb or shrine. Can it be connected with what has been called the tomb of St. Sebert? (see vol. xcv. ii. 301.) We hope to be enabled soon to give our readers further particulars relative to this very singular specimen of antient art.