the Bay of Islands seemed darker than those he had seen further to the south;* and their colour generally is afterwards described as varying from a pretty deep black to a yellowish or olive tinge.† In like manner, Mr. Marsden states that the people in the neighbourhood of the Shukehanga are much fairer than those on the east coast. It may also, perhaps, be considered some confirmation of Crozet's opinion as to the origin of the darkest coloured portion of the population, that those who come under this description are asserted to be characterized, in addition, by the other negro peculiarity of a diminutive stature.§ In general, however, the New Zealanders are a tall race of men, many of the individuals belonging to the upper classes being six feet high and upwards. They are also described as strong, active, and uniformly well-shaped. Their hair is commonly straight, but sometimes curly; Crozet says he saw a few of them with red hair. Cook describes the females as far more attractive; but other observers give a more flattering account of them. Mr. Savage, for example, assures us that their features are regular and pleasing; and he seems to have been much struck by their long black hair and dark penetrating eyes, as well as " their wellformed figure, the interesting cast of their countenance, and the sweet tone of their voice." Captain Cruise's testimony is almost equally favorable. The dress of the two sexes is exactly the same, and consists of an inner mat or tunic, fastened by a girdle round their waists, and an upper cloak, which is made of very coarse materials for ordinary wear, but is of a much finer fabric, and often, indeed, elaborately ornamented, when intended for occasions of display. Both these articles of attire are always made of the native flax. The New Zealanders wear no covering either for the head or the feet, the feathers with which both sexes ornament the head being excepted. TO J (For the Olio.) "Not they who to the world reveal Though past that most auspicious day * Cook's First Voyage, Journal of Second Visit, p 292. Cruise's Journal, p. 727. Crozet also mentions this circumstance; but as he adduces it in support of a particular bypothesis, it is desirable to have it on other authority. Savage's account of New Zealand, p. 18. I'd in this feeble verse essay To call thee, dearest, VALENTINE! I would not vex with useless rhyme, Coy beauty, I can write no more, 'Twere vain my inward grief to paint; Farewell! farewell 1-it must not be- I must not call thee Valentine! A. THE SWAN RIVER COLONY. From that valuable acquisition to our periodical literature, the Foreign Literary Gazette, we transplant to our columns the following important and interesting accounts of the arrival of the emigrants, and the progress making at the new colony: "The first advices we have received are from the camp on the left bank of the river immediately after H.M.S. Sulphur arrived, viz. early in July. They mention the disembarkation on the 8th, four months after their sailing from Plymouth, of the force under Captain Irwin, consisting of the light company of the 63d regiment. The Challenger, and Parmelia transport, had come to anchor a few days before, and had taken possession of Western Australia, by planting the British flag at a post on the main. Governor Stirling determined to land the rest of the expedition on Garden Island, and to remain there during the winter; the operation was effected without accident, though the mouth of the river is so difficult, being blocked up by rocks and sandbanks, that a small boat cannot cross the bar except the weather be very moderate. "The men having gone ashore, soon threw up some mud-works to shelter them, and set about making cantonments and gardens. They found good water, and plenty of fire-wood; but as the governor intended to call them to headquarters in the interior, where the first settlement would be made, this occupation of Garden Island was likely to be only temporary. "For a while after arriving in the new country the weather was not propitious to the emigrants, and violent winds, with heavy rains, afforded them no very plea. sant anticipations for the future. It soon mended, however, and only occasional days of rain interrupted its serenity. At the coldest, the thermometer in the open air ranged from 42° to 55° within the twenty-four hours; and when the season improved, from 529 to 709. The natives who visited the posts behaved with great gentleness, and shewed every disposition to be on friendly terms with the new comers, by leading them to fresh water, and other civilities, None had been seen by our exploring parties; but, from indications, it was supposed they had watched, and avoided their presence. They do not appear to be numerous, and wander about in small tribes, without concert or connexion one party with another. The country is sandy, and a sort of open forest for miles on each bank of the river, where the red gum-tree abounds, and rises to eighty feet in height, with a stem twenty feet round. As its branches spread widely, it is an ornamental object in the landscape. The low lands towards the seaside are covered with heath and low shrubs, and here and there grass. The predominating rocks are limestone, which are loosely scattered about, and frequently swell into hills. "At the distance of several miles up, the Swan River is about 400 yards in width; and higher up still, it forms bays and indentures of much variety and considerable extent. At eight miles there is Melville Water, and the Canning falls into the principal stream. The banks of the Canning have been ascended for some miles and the statement respecting the ground is very favourable. There are well-wooded islands, the water is fresh, and a rich soil supersedes the sterile sands of the coast. The scenery was picturesque and beautiful; the river meandering with a current running six miles an hour, many smaller streams, fine pastural marshes, formed by overflows, and the timber of nobler dimension, abounding with parrots and paroquets of the gayest colours. Among the other birds seen were cockatoos, black swans, cassowaries, quails, plovers, ducks, cranes, pelicans, pigeons, kites, crows, and many of the lesser species. The only animals were kangaroos, kangaroo rats, brown rats of a small size, and native dogs, which are tawny, and white underneath, with a bushy tail. Various snakes were also met with. "Such were the earliest accounts of the settlement; but after our countrymen had been six weeks on shore, their communications became more important. We learn from another letter, about the mid dle of August, the right bank of the Swan had been explored for nearly twenty miles; the upper portion of which was fertile, and quite different from the sandy district below. A multitude of shrubs and flowers in blossom added to the beauty of this park-like scenery. The natives still continued shy when encountered, which seemed to be as seldom as they could help it; but they betrayed no fear, and were apparently desirous of keeping up a good understanding with their visiters when obliged to meet them. The Calista, with its freight of settlers, arrived out after a stormy passage of five months, which destroyed much of their live stock; and the St. Leonard, from the Cape, with a supply, was consequently a very welcome successor. "On the 9th of August, Governor Stirling ascended the right bank, with a military escort, to fix on the site for a town; and selected, as the seat of his government, an elevated ground. Half way between a hill called Mount Eliza, on the shore of Melville water, and commanding a fine view all around, and the group of islands which stud the river about two miles off, and about ten or twelve miles from the mouth. The water edge is not more than 150 yards from this position, which is well shaded, and watered by rivulets and springs. The 12th, the King's birth-day, was appropriately chosen for the commencement of this work; and the rising town was named Perth, in honour of that ancient Scottish town, which is the birth-place of Sir George Murray, the Secretary for the Colonies, to whose fostering care the settlement is so much indebted. The weather during August had been mild and favourable. The whole land was redolent of spring, "The entire male population, from fifteen to fifty years of age, had been called on to enrol themselves in the militia. The colony is stated to be contented, and much pleased with the conduct of the governor. "There is a rumour of settlements being formed on a river lately discovered to the south of Cockburn's Sound; and also beyond the mountains thirty miles inland. Also ninety miles to the south, at Cape Naturalist; so that a great range of country will soon be planted with inhabitants. "Upon the whole, these accounts are far more satisfactory than we expected after the reports which preceded them. Indeed, we can entertain no doubt of the prosperous results of the undertaking." Fine Arts. BRITISH INSTITUTION (For the Olio.) No. 126. A Bedouin Arab selling his Horse. R. B. Davis.-We observe a great improvement in Mr. Davis's style of painting. He is not so flimsy and flat as he generally has been. The horses in the present instance are perfectly natural and true in resemblance to the Arabian breed. The Arab woman embracing the. head of the horse about to be sold, is a touching bit of pathos to display the feelings of these children of the desert. No. 137. Morning. J. V. Barber.This is a beautiful picture, and a faithful representation of nature. Though not possessing the bold and broad handling of Wilson, it has all the freshness of his distances, and resembles in character his morning scenes. The figures and cattle are well painted, and appropriate to the subject. No. 153. A Turk reposing. J. Hallins.-The very epitome of oriental indolence, luxury, and ease. No. 160. View of Cliefden, the seat of Sir George Warrender, Bart., M.P. F. R. Lee. This is really a most masterly production of the English school. We know of no artist in landscape who has a truer or more faithful eye to the beauties of nature, and who depicts her effects on canvass with greater fidelity than Mr. Lee. His other productions here are all alike excellent, especially No. 183. Trees with Figures and Sheep.In this, there is in the foreground the remains of a beech tree; nothing can exceed the skill with which it is painted and managed. No. 167. Contemplating the Weather. J. Tennant.-A clear and forcible painting, and equal to any of its class of subjects-coast scenery. No. 168. The Sick Child. T. Webster.-In parts it is humorous, but as a whole, it is a disgusting subject. A poor emaciated creature on the point of death, is here made the focus for a variety of incidents which, however natural, are extremely offensive. The country apothecary is feeling the little sufferer's pulse with all the self-importance and conceit of would-be-thought wise people. The child surely need not have been painted at so desperate a state as to be nearly dying; his countenance rejecting the medicine is correct, it is just such a grievous face as most of us can put on, when we have any thing unpalatable administered; however, on the whole it is a skilful painting. No. 176. Choice; Tragedy or Co medy. H. P. Briggs, A.R.A.-A good likeness of Charles Kemble, boldly painted, but there is too much middle tint in it, consequently it looks heavy, and more so from the contrast to Mr. Shee's fine head opposite, which is so brilliant in effect, and where the local tints are pure and transparent. No. 177. Battle of the Standard. J. Wood.-A good specimen of Mr. Wood's academical studies in the human figure. No. 199. Notre Dame. ley.-It strikes us that the towers come C. R. Stantoo harshly against the sky, and that the effect of the whole picture is rather deteriorated by the rawness of the colouring in the middle ground. The No. 209. Interior of a Cottage, Argyleshire. A. Fraser. An excellent picture of the school of Wilkie. figures of the two lovers and the boy are exceedingly good. The accessaries and appurtenances of the cottage are appropriate and well painted. No. 210. Massacre of the Greeks at Scio. A. Colin-A frightful, but doubtless exact representation of such a scene, the more dreadful from the barbarians engaged in it. Here is a turban'd Turk, dragging a female by her hair;-there, Greek and Turk grasping each other as they fall, another giving a thrust, though at the point of death. All battles and massacres are horrid, but how much more revolting must it be, when a conflict is founded upon revenge and deadly retaliation! Mr. Colin has managed and grouped his figures well. No. 223. The Heart's Ease. J. Serjeant.-Represents a lady (we presume it is meant for one) reposing, or at her Heart's Ease,' after her walk, having just taken off her hat or bonnet; but, in the name of grace, could not Mr. Serjeant have composed a more airy and more graceful figure, and one with a prettier countenance. It looks as if he had a strapping, red-elbowed, and full-moon faced wench of a dairy maid for his model. If this artist wishes his productions to be saleable, they must be of a far different stamp to the one under notice. W. No. 240. Venus and Cupid. Etty, R.A.-A beautiful little academician has bestowed more care and gem. Our finish in this than he usually does; but, as a warm admirer of his talents, we could wish him to spare a little more attention on his backgrounds. No. 260. Milton's reconciliation with his Wife. W. Boxall.-A picture of great feeling, and every way illustrative of the subject. No. 330. Pilgrim, (painted at Rome.) Colvin Smith. Mr. Smith bids fair to be come one of the first rate painters of this country. There is something in this head which speaks of future honours and renown; the style of the painting, its boldness, and clearness of colouring, (though rather cool,) displays great originality and excellence. No. 458. Study of a Painter, by the same, is a portrait of Wilkie, which is also a good painting. No. 331. The Intruder. J. Ward, R.A. A Rubens like picture, and treat ed with great force, and with Mr. Ward's usual powers in animal painting; the bit of landscape seen through the front of the porch is really excellent. No. 331. Scene in the play of Charles XII. G. Clint, A.R A.-A fair incident for the painter from this much admired drama, where Adam Brock and Charles are arguing upon the note which Adam had formerly been promised by the king for money advanced, The likeness of Liston is too flattering, still it bears a strong resemblance, as does also Farren's, though it is rather too young. The details are finished with all that care which always distinguishes Mr. Clint's perfor mances. No. 494. The Bridemaid. E. F. Parris. This is an exquisite and touching picture. A young and beautiful female arrayed in the gay attire of a bridemaid is seated and alone, and giving way to the thousand thoughts which must occur to her on the commencement of that life of misery or bliss, in her friend or sis ter. Women generally, even the bride, on these occasions experience a melancholy, a depression, for which they cannot account. The tears that are trickling down her cheeks speak strongly the feelings of her heart; the chaplet of white roses lies unheeded at her feet. Though the expression and feeling throw into this performance entitle Mr. Parris to the highest commendation, still we feel it is not the only praise, the execution, the skilful manner in which it is composed, and the light and shade and breadth of effect, must not be passed over. C. J. H. Notices of New Works. The Legendary Kennett, London; The names of Washington Irving, Cooper, and Paulding have been long familiar to us as "household words;' but it is much to be regretted that our acquaintance with the literature of our American brethren is very circumscribed. We, who have had the good fortune to receive an American paper occasionally have been highly gratified by the pérusal warrior to the Holy Ground, Where my Redeemer died. Firm friend in all my care! He paused-for on in close pursuit, The brave Earl Douglas, train'd to meet Low kneeling at his sovereign's feet, Beneath Dunfermline's hallow'd nave, While many a noble Scottish knight, Their war steeds press'd the soil of Spain, Her flower of chivalry. Alphonso 'gainst the invading Moor Good service for the Holy Land Ye on this field may do." Forth with the cavalry of Spain Opposed their onward way. He saw him by a thousand foes Oppress'd and overborne, In serried ranks around, His monarch's heart, oft steep'd in tears, He from his neck unbound, And flung it to the battle front, And cried with labouring breath, Stern Osmyn's lance was dire that day, Embalm'd in Scotland's holiest tears, And still the lyre through future years "The good Lord James," that honour'd name Each lisping child shall call, And all who love the Bruce's fame The design of this work is excellent, it being, as the title page informs us, "designed for the assistance of teachers of the pianoforte ;" but we are sorry we cannot so unequivocally praise its execution. 66 The want of a short, comprehensive and, above all, clear and explanatory treatise on the first rudiments of music, has been long felt both by instructors and students; this want it has been Mr. Clarke's intention to supply, and although we admit that he has succeeded in doing so to a great degree, we still think there is room for improvement. The first three chapters, I on the Notes and Clefs," are unexceptionable. Chapters four and five are on "Time," with which (p. 24) "Accent" is most unaccountably mixed. We question the propriety of mentioning this latter subject at all in a merely elementary work, and can by no means agree with the author, that it is at all governed by the bars, which occur at regular intervals. We may also observe, that the question is asked, "What are the rules of accent ?"-The answer is, "They depend on the kind of time." Surely this is any thing but instructive to the pupil. On the important subject of the major and minor keys, we think Mr. C. has not succeeded in making himself clear and intelligible: no attempt is made to explain the mode of finding the key-note; and although an infallible rule could not be given, still a general one might, and the exceptions pointed out by examples. We would further observe, that no mention is made of "Chords," a subject of great consequence to the musician and of difficulty to the learner: perhaps the author may think it beyond the scope of his work, but we think it should find a place in the Catechism of the rudiments of music. Notwithstanding the above, censure, we cordially recommend this little work to the attention of those teachers of the pianoforte who may have beginners for pupils, assuring them that they will find the outlay of a shilling amply repaid by the saving of time and trouble it will yield to both. The Note Book. I will make a prief of it in my Note Book. M. W. of Windsor. THE BICEPHALOUS NUN. In the year 1701, at the town of Szöny near Komorn, in Hungary, two girls came into the world united below the spine, but otherwise forming two distinct beings, each having her own face, hands, arms, feet, &c. One went by the name of Helen, and the other by that of Judith; the former being the handsomest and finest moulded of the two. In the seventh year of their age, they were sold to a physician, who gave them an opportunity of seeing Italy, France, Holland, and other countries, and at three years' end brought them back, with a booty of seventy thousand florins, (7,000l. and upwards). When near their (or its?) tenth year, Augustus, the cardinal archbishop of Gran, placed them in the convent of Ursulines at Presburg, where they were instructed in religion, languages, lacemaking, sewing, &c. They were much attached to each other, although a quarrel would occasionally spring up between them, when they would exchange fistycuffs, and the more robust, by way of cutting the contest short, would raise the weaker from the ground, and fairly march off with her. They could turn their heads on one side towards each other; Judith frequently slept whilst Helen watched, or the one rested from her labour whilst the other continued working; though it will be readily imagined, that whether they were sitting, lying down, or walking, either action was attended with much inconvenience to them. At the age of sixteen, Judith was struck with paralysis; it is true she recovered, but her mind became duller, and her body far less active than before: Helen, in the meantime, continued as humorous, clever, and handsome as ever. They had the small-pox and measles at the same time; but trivial indisposition, coughs, slight |