the possession of undoubted originals denied in every other instance." The Romans were to the Greeks in sculpture and architecture what bad engravers are to good painters; they served to multiply heavy and bungled copies of their works. There is nothing interesting in the review of Roman art. There is no originality of thought, no expansion of soul. We pass in silence over the long slumber of art, during what may well be termed the dark ages, and hasten to a period when returning genius began to brighten the horizon of art. Michael Angelo Buonarotti, in himself a constellation, rose in 1474 and set in 1564. In whatever light we consider this man, his name has a right to a high place amongst the mighty of the earth; but we shall not presume to enter the lists with such a description as the following: art. MICHAEL ANGELO BUONAROTTI. first impressions created by these works are thus irresistibly powerful; but they startle, surprise, astonishdo not soothe, delight, and satisfy the mind. An influence originating solely in the imagination, and in which the sensibilities of the heart have little interest, cannot long retain its power; the ordinary tone of feeling returns, and amid the unquiet and aspiring composition seeks for nature and repose. "If the productions and style of Michael Angelo be compared with the great standards of excellence and of truth in sculpture-nature, and the remains of ancient | art, he will be found to have deviated widely from both, or rather, perhaps, he has rendered both subservient to his own particular views of each. He has created to himself modes of imitation, which should in themselves claim a paramount importance, independent of all archetypes; while these latter are connected with the originals of reality, only as an intermediate step to the realms of fancy. Hence, round a false, though gorge ous and imposing art, his genius has swept a magic "For three-fourths of the sixteenth century, this ex- circle, within whose perilous bound no inferior spirit traordinary man presided in the schools, and by his has dared with impunity to tread. Unfortunately, how. style influenced much longer the principles of modern ever, such was the fascination produced in his own age, To him, therefore, during the most brilliant pe- when the forcible and imaginative were admired above riod in the annals which we are now feebly endeavour- the simple and the true, that his works became a standing to trace, is the attention chiefly directed. Nor only ard by which the past was to be tried, and the future in one point of view is his genius to be contemplated. directed. As a necessary consequence, a prodigious and He has extended the grasp of a mighty though irregu- irreparable lapse was prepared for the art. The imitalar spirit over our whole subject. Sculptor of the Moses, tion of a natural style will ever be productive of good; painter of the Last Judgment, architect of the Cupola it will ultimately lead to no imitation, by conducting to we behold him in the greatest of the works of art. It the primeval source. The very reverse is the effect of is this, more than any other circumstance, which has in- following a guide such as Buonarotti, who has depart. vested the character of his genius with a species of aw-ed from nature farther, we will venture to say, than any ful supremacy not to be enquired into: discrimination is lost in general admiration; and to him who thus seems to bear away the palm of universal talent, we are inclined to concede the foremost rank in each separate pursuit. His productions, thus dominating among the labours of man, bewilder the judgment both by their real and their apparent magnitude. Thus some giant cliff, rising far above minor elevations, while it serves as a landmark to the traveller, misleads his conceptions of its own distance and immediate relations of site. Here it appears the proper, or at least simplest me. thod, to present such gradual unfolding of the subject as each branch separately may seem to require, reserving a general view for such place as shall give the reader full command of the joint influences, bearings, and consequences of these details. "In sculpture, the works of Michael Angelo are divided between Rome and Florence. They are not numerous, and few are even finished. Impatience of slowly progressive labour, united with indomitable activity and unwearied industry-fastidiousness of fancy, and exalted perceptions of excellence, joined with a reckless daring in execution, form singular distinctions of intellectual temperament. Hence have sprung the characteristic beauties and the besetting errors of his style in sculpture a style discovering much that is derived from liberal and enlightened study of the sublime and graceful in nature, but still more of those qualities which arise from the peculiarities of an individual and erratic, though rich and powerful, imagination. Rarely do his statues exhibit that simplicity and repose essential to beauty in an art-grave, dignified, or even austere, and possessing means comparatively limited and uniform. Forced and constrained attitude, proportions exaggerated, expression awful, gloomy, and unearthly, forms of unnatural, of superhuman energy-these constitute the ideal of his composition. In giving visible existence to these ideas, his execution is most wonderful. A force, a fire, an enthusiasm, elsewhere unfelt, unknown, give to every limb and lineament a vitality, a movement, resembling more the sudden mandate of inspiration, than a laborious and retarded effort. The great name on record, whether in literature or in art. Irregularities and imperfections in almost every other instance of lofty genius, are forgotten amid the deepthrilling pathos, or soothing loveliness, of natural expression; but amid the awe-inspiring, the commanding, the overpowering representations of the Tuscan, the soul languishes for nature. His creations are not of this world, nor does feeling voluntarily respond to the mys terious and uncontrollable mastery which they exert over it. The cause and progress of this dereliction of nature can also be traced. He had marked the perplexi. ties and constraint under which his predecessors had la. boured, in their endeavours to unite the forms and expressions of living nature with images of ideal beauty, overlooking the productions of classic sculpture, in which this union is so happily accomplished: because to his vigorous, rather than refined perceptions, its simplicity appeared poverty, he fearlessly struck into a line of art, where all was to be new-vehement-wonderful." If our limits allowed us, we should feel pleasure in presenting our readers with several other passages, equally powerful; but we have room for only onedescriptive sketch of Thorwaldsen, the most successful and celebrated of all living sculptors: THORWALDSEN. Ca "Since the death of his illustrious contemporary, nova, Thorwaldsen, born at Copenhagen in 1771-2, has occupied the public eye as head of the modern school. The character and powers of this master are doubtless of a very clevated rank; but neither in the extent nor excellence of his works, do we apprehend his station to be so high as sometimes placed. The genius of the Danish sculptor is forcible, yet is its energy rived more from peculiarity than from real excellence. His ideal springs less from imitation of the antique, or of nature, than from the workings of his own individual mind-it is the creation of a fancy seeking forcible ef fect in singular combinations, rather than in general principles; therefore hardly fitted to excite lasting of de denying precepts? If I am told, ""Twere to consider too curiously to consider so," I answer, “ Not a jot." Easter-Monday sent forth its crowds, anxious for amusement, and the theatres put forth their dazzling announcements to attract them. Covent-Garden speculated upon the popular taste for horrors, and "The Devil's Elixir, or the Shadowless Man," seemed to lend an appearance of unwonted gloom and grandeur to its bills. Drury-Lane resorted to the treasures of fairy legend, and "Thierne-na-Oge, or the Prince of the Lakes," operated powerfully upon the wondering optics of the sight-seeking spectators. Astley's proclaimed "The Storming of Seringapatam." The Surrey mingled “John Orery the Miser," and a pantomime called, turned" The Money Diggers," a story of Washington Irving's, into minor theatre dialogue, and managed to give the audience terrible satisfaction. It is unnecessary to spend much critical gravity upon these sublime doings. The Covent-Garden novelty was good in little except its scenery. A disobedient shadow occasioned much mirth, by obstinately persisting in its determination to act independently of the substance. Weekes played Dan O'Reilly, the chief acting part in the DruryLane piece, and acquitted himself greatly to the satisfaction of the audience. beneficial influence upon the age. Simplicity and imposing expression seem to have hitherto formed the principal objects of his pursuit ; but the distinction between the simple and rude, the powerful and the exaggerated, is not always observed in the labours of the Dane. His simplicity is sometimes without grace; the impressive austere, and without due refinement. The air and contours of his heads, except, as in the Mercury-an excellent example both of the beauties and defects of the artist's style when immediately derived from antiquity, though grand and vigorous, seldom harmonize in the principles of these efforts with the majestic regularity of general nature. The forms, again, are not unfrequently poor, without vigorous rendering of the parts, and destitute at times of their just roundness.Love in a Humble Shed;" and the renowned Coburg These defects may in some measure have arisen from the early and more frequent practice of the artist in relievos. In this department, Thorwaldsen is unexceptionably to be admired. The Triumph of Alexander, originally intended for the frieze of the government palace at Milan, notwithstanding an occasional poverty in the materials of thought, is, as a whole, one of the grandest compositions in the world; while the delicacy of execution, and poetic feeling, in the two exquisite pieces of Night and Aurora, leave scarcely a wish here ungratified. But in statues, Thorwaldsen excels only where the forms and sentiment admit of uncontrolled imagination, or in which I have visited Pandemonium, as represented in Mr no immediate recourse can be had to fixed standards of Burford's panorama in Leicester-square. The subject taste, and to the simple effects of nature. Hence, of all of the painting is taken from Milton's description of the his works, as admitting of unconfined expression, infernal empire, as embellished by the agency of Satan and grand peculiarity of composition, the statues and his angels. Martin is palpably imitated in every of the Apostles, considered in themselves, are the part of the piece. The exhibition is certainly worth most excellent. Thorwaldsen, in fine, possesses singu- inspection, and the cits seem wondrously delighted with lar, but in some respects erratic genius. His ideas of it. But a view of Sydney in the same building detaincomposition are irregular; his powers of fancy surpassed me much longer, and gratified me much more. those of execution; his conceptions seem to lose a portion of their value and freshness in the act of realizement. As an individual artist, he will command deservedly a high rank among the names that shall go down to posterity. As a sculptor, who will influence, or has extended the principles of the art, his pretensions are not great; or, should this influence and these claims not be thus limited, the standard of genuine and universal excellence must be depreciated in a like degree." We shall proceed to the consideration of Painting next week. It is executed with great delicacy; and the romantic character of the scenery almost made me wish myself of the number of those "Doom'd the far isles of Sydney Cove to see." Tam O'Shanter and Souter Johnny have arrived here, and have received the approbation of some highly com. petent metropolitan authorities. A group of statues in marble by Mr Carew, who is patronised by the Earl of Egremont, is now open to the public. In my opinion, they indicate an acquaintance with art more than the possession of genius. LETTERS FROM LONDON. No. IX. IN these "No Popery and Pro-Popery" days, I marvel that the adherents of the Catholic Church omitted one argument, which could not fail of operating powerfully on the motley citizenship of this overgrown metropolis. The argument I refer to is comprised in the astonishing pantomimes, gorgeous spectacles, and unaccountable sights, that surprise the eyes and gladden the hearts of all the men, women, and children, who sally forth in quest of civic entertainment during the holidays. For these we are indubitably indebted to the Lady of Babylon; and were the fact generally understood, it would serve her cause better in London than all the bulls, brazen or golden, that ever left their paddock in the Vatican. Had it not been for the attachment of Old Mother Church to fasts and festivals, saints and sain:-days, and her diligent housewifery touching the outside of her cups and platters, the Cockney fry, young and old, might have sighed in vain for a pantomime at Christmas, or a melodramatic spectacle at Easter. And "why might not the imagination trace" the agile Harlequin to a monk of the order of St Dominic, and his faithful Columbine to the secluded sister of a convent, matchless in the exact observance of self AN ESKDALE ANECDOTE. Extract of a letter from the Ettrick Shepherd. ANOTHER time I chanced to be on a week's visit to a kind friend, a farmer in Eskdale-muir, who thought meet to have a party every day at dinner, and mostly the same party. Our libations were certainly carried rather to an extremity, but our merriment corresponded therewith. There was one morning, indeed, that several of the gentlemen were considerably hurt, and there were marks of blood on the plaster, but no one could tell what had happened. It appeared that there had been a quarrel, but none of us knew what about, or who it was that fought. But the most amusing part of the ploy (and a very amusing part it was) regarded a half hogshead of ale, that was standing in the lobby to clear for bottling. On the very first forenoon, our thirst was so excessive, that the farmer contrived to insert a spigot into this huge cask, and really such a treasure I think was hardly ever opened to a set of poor thirsty spirits. Morning, noon, and night, we were running with jugs to this rich fountain, and handing the delicious beverage about to lips that glowed with fervour and delight. In a few days, however, it wore so low, that before any would come, one was always obliged to hold it up behind; and, finally, it an dry. On the very morning after that, the farmer came in with a wild raised look. "Gentlemen," said he, "get your hats haste yo jan' jejas gang anaky vet. ZE E ་ ORIGINAL POETRY. WORKS IN THE PRESS.-The following works will, we understand, be published speedily by Messrs Oliver and Boyd:ale of 1900, E42€ the Hartje, by oln Malcomm, Author of Scenes of War Heminiscences of a Campaign in the Pyrenees and South of France," &c. Small 8vo. Biographical Sketches and Authentic Anecdotes of Dogs, exHhibiting remarkable Instances of the Instinct, Sagacity, and social Disposition of this faithful Animal: illustrated by Representations of the most striking Varieties, and by correct Portraits of celebrated or remarkable Dogs, from Aida Infaldtions and pool chery Originel. Also: IT IS NOT LOVE. (From an unpublished Romance.) ing, Feeding, Training, Diseases, and Medical Treatment of Dogs; together with a Treatise on the Game Laws of Great Britain. By Captain Thomas-Brown, FR.S.Ery do. Royal 18mo. The Cook and Housewife's Manual, by Mrs Margaret Dods, of By Thomas Atkinson..e981 S YA helium ini, St Ronan's. Fourth edition, thoroughly revised and greatly improved. A thick 12mo. Ir is not love-whate'er you say, Whate'er perhaps I hope too wells asupan selected from the History of England by the Rev Alex. Stewart. Stories from the History of Scotland, in the manner of Stories O! I have watch'd for many a day,oood slametai) Second edition, very greatly enlarged; with a Frontispiece and For looks such gladsome news to fell sinige sds of Vignette designed by Stothard, and engraved by James Stewart, But, as the fire of feeling flash'd tu. Tutumn Thick 18mo, half-bound. Across a face that's more than fafro aplitome of the Game of Whist consisting of an IntrodéeI felt my inmost pride abash'd, mort bob on the Mode of Playing and staring: the Laws of the Game For, O, there was no passion there! i oq and simple Blan, calculated to give rapid Profciency to a Player essentially reformed ; and Mhis ins for Phyingi apraided on a new of the dullest Perception and worst Memory, PIE M.Arnaud: I know not if he e'er hath read stir with a Frontispiece on Wood by Brangion. The meaning of my trembling true,pavido ban povnobпs 03 shem anston. 15moot DINNER OF THE SCOTTISH ACADEMY.-About a hundred persons sat down to a That, when I hear his lightsome teadaoloni 1rom day that, Hath tell-tale been, I fear, to you .9geband of apsupture, Painting, and Architecture, in their Exhibition by the directors and members of the Sco on Monentertainments Academy I seek the shade when he is by,10 ct sit 19 Roomhe evening was spent on much intellectual and social Lest looks I cannot all contral, to 89509 enjoyment and we are happy to form breadors that one of Or wishes breathed in but a sight to vilidate the many webknown litegary gentlemen whix were present has Should tell the secret of my soul. Tots et mishes with an interesting deper, which still speedily uppear sterols of bast vedt es at 02 in the Journal on the Progress of the Fine Arts in Scotland, suggested partly by this occasion, sends to sabia ont ni garl Yet still I doubt he almost fears vift Modw 1970 bBONAPARTEA A recent French writer says. Before the Re How dear his presence is to me qing 4012 volution, Frenchmen chattered everywhere, and about everymeiul elszog thing but Bonaparte said, Silence, gentlemen, and if He asks not now why wandering tears and France was w bas 19 Hushed at 10 Steal to my eyes in hours of glee His kindness bath a pitying air so a guided drawing to the meatres the spectacle Loving part of the comingqooq tabasqa chorical Obsp. in London, the Easter spectacles have been At last adieu, he wore his glove notten Tod oral hydwin Pantanga, TUP? bore has been playing his favourO! if 'twould make him shun, me ne'er229220q 19de parts to respectably a houbce Miss Clarke hai performed May he suspect how deep I lovedon 1891 9dT the part of Didra Kerianodicesas twice but not instide which +1491 on sunque idyim, bedzilduq the ale read induces us to be for very supid, improvemento [other theatrical matters are in statu gudrovo odsouls Terre your que d y'de LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES 1979-919 91WDERLIST OF PERFORMANCEL,banley (medaileamiliemut to sesystavba seit 1991ibni do TO Ir is said that Mr Allan Cunningham's Anniversary is not botimil vlovite18qmo Aprills you its to be published as an Annual any longer, but is to appear in Sar.biRob Roy Rondjeirpos et ti 10-etoss isdt al monthly numbers, with beautiful engravings, the first of which Mo. Proteasaras sasioni, Luttibody graded S will come out in July. We hope this report is not correct for TUBS Rab Ray Luibe the Labourer god blow bas sildrq the alteration would be decidedly to the worse.-M THood is WD. Presumption & The Pilot.dils Istamine, q not to edit "The Gem" for 1830, 971167180 020odT TURGardon the Gipsy, The Bulle, &Rosthaibasryg We understand that 6000 copies of the first volume of Mr Mur Gordon the Gipeg Ledle Jockeys & Take the Labourer: ray's Family Library were subscribed for the first day, and a se cond edition is already in the press. One nobleman has subscribed for twenty copies of the whole series, with a view to distribution in that part of Ireland where his estates are situated. The publication of the second part of Mr Atherstone's Fall of Nineveh is postponed till the beginning of next publishing seaAn enlarged edition of Boswell's Life of Johnson, with copious notes, is preparing for the press by the Right Honourable JW Croker. The work will extend to five volumes, and will appear The Life of Archbishop, Cranmer is nearly readly, from the pen on to brs 17000 yil of Todd, the editor of Johnson's Dictionaryboroпsyba ba A new monthly publication, on the plan of the English Magalo zines, has recently been started in Paris, Casimir, Delavigne Scribe, Veron, Rossini, and others, are to contribute to its stull Mrs Hofland has in the press, Beatrice, Tale, founded, on facts. 1200L CLIMATE OF ST PETERSBURG.-In the streets of the Russian Asiline klem trus to dovade son. before next Christmas.# 120m 1 e lemos at zonder died to moitelugo TO (1919-211E8, 1850son er Ettrick Shepherd 10 seb were requested to state that the life, stened * W. A. mientionedas nas shiling us" maurise, were not by Wilfram An much of a political tendency for our pagelse be book sent us by dersen The Berissontitled, PA Ne Delft, have too "Qhas been lying for him at T. P." "C. M" will not suitrussem adt gsd bral and TwER1 "Moral and Miscellaneous Essays No V, on the Character of Robert Burns," is unavoidably postponed. a Metropolis, it is no unusual thing for one gentleman to accost regite that the verses by it. Pourpop, and a cell wi another thus: "Sir, I beg to inform you that your nose is LITERARY CRITICISM. Narrative of an Official Visit to Guatemala from Mexico. By G. A. Thompson, Esq., late Secretary to his Britannic Majesty's Mexican Commission, and Commissioner to report to his Majesty's Government on the State of the Central Republic. London. John Murray. 1829. PRICE 6d. consequently, the demand upon the domestic stores of Guatemala becomes greater, a new impetus will be given to the spirit of industry. Under its genial influence, manufactures must flourish, and science will find ample scope for its operations. Nor are these conclusions deduced from unwarrantable premises. They rest not upon the success of conquest. Spain originally trusted to conquest in effecting her settlements; and what was the result? The Spanish invaders, enervated by luxury, made no endeavours to improve the victory which they had achieved. On the contrary, they exercised the GUATEMALA occupies a central position between the most intolerant despotism, by reducing the inhabitants Columbian and Mexican Republics. In consequence to bondage, and desolating their territories. In this of the extraordinary variety of its soil and temperature, manner the flame of civil dissension was kindled, the it yields almost all the productions of the frigid, tem- consequences of which were necessarily destructive to perate, and torrid zones. It might have been expected, the stability of the Spanish power. Under no circumthat the importance of such a country, covering a sur- stances, therefore, can conquests be defended, unless in face of nearly seventeen thousand square leagues, and so far as they tend to ameliorate the situation of those lying in the midst of those vast relations which now over whom they have been obtained. exist, and may hereafter be opened, between the Old and great principle steadily in view, and making those proKeeping this New Worlds, would at once have been fully apprecia- posals which it becomes a humane and liberal nation to ted; and that a description of its natural curiosities, offer, and which it would be justifiable in a free and inpolitical institutions, and commercial superiority, would dependent people to accept, Great Britain may, by esta have held a prominent place in the Journals of our Ame-blishing a permanent intercourse with Guatemala, enrican topographers. But the peculiar advantages which large her national wealth, and more effectually secure Guatemala presents to the British government, from its her possessions in the American States. contiguity to that part of the Honduras shore, constiThe great number of works on America which have tuting the colony of Belize, have, somewhat unaccount- been already published, might appear to render the preably, been either altogether overlooked, or sadly under-sent "Narrative" superfluous. Mr Thompson, howvalued, by our capitalists. There might be some pre- ever, was induced to lay it before the public, for the text for such indifference, if these advantages were unpurpose of furnishing additional information in regard certain if they could only prove comparatively limited to a portion of these countries which has been least in their effects or if the acquisition of them would in- known or visited by Europeans. After having negoterfere with the internal policy of the Guatemalian Re- tiated the Treaty of Mexico, he set off for Guatemala, public, and would consequently excite an antipathy on in order to report to his Majesty's government on the its part, detrimental alike to present security and ulti-state of affairs in that republic. The style of Mr mate aggrandizement. But why might not Guatemala Thompson's narrative is extremely perspicuous, and, become as valuable a colony as Buenos Ayres? The what is of more consequence, it bears the impress of population of both republics is equal. Even the most truth. There are no inflated recitals of "hair-breadth insignificant district in Guatemala is capable of cultiva- 'scapes," calculated to delight a modern Dido or Desdetion. In its numerous towns and villages the resources of mona. We meet with no pedantic detail of geographical trade are rapidly augmenting-a circumstance that would positions, or of mere latitudes and longitudes. His deseem to augur favourably for the introduction of the scriptions of scenery, without being tediously minute, more polished arts. Several navigable rivers intersect are generally spirited. If he seldom displays much the country, which is also fertilized and ornamented scientific research, there is considerable ability in his with large lakes. If the proposed establishment of a delineations of American customs and manners. Bewater communication between the Pacific and Atlantic ing merely an agreeable narrator of incidents which Oceans, by means of the lake of Nicaragua and the actually occurred, and of scenes which were actually river St Juan, be accomplished, the traffic of Guatemala witnessed, he almost entirely avoids original reasoning, must improve. Viewing its financial affairs, even at and advances no political theories which deserve the title the present moment, it will be found that they may of novelty. In the absence of such qualities, however, safely bear a comparison with those of Mexico and the his book is instructive, as being almost the only work neighbouring republics. In short, a finer field cannot illustrative of that part of America through which he be afforded for British enterprise. Lord Bacon, in his travelled. In particular, his Historical and Statistical Novum Organum, compares society to a pillar composed Sketch of Guatemala will be perused with interest. of four parts: agriculture-manufactures-commerceand science. In Guatemala, the basement of this pillar has in some measure been laid. When the market with Great Britain is more extensively opened, and when, | Though such is our general opinion of Mr Thompson's narrative, we occasionally observe passages which are sufficiently frivolous in themselves, and assuredly impart little knowledge concerning the South American Republic. For example, we read of this very remarkable occurrence: "As I was taking up my reins to continue my route, I saw a fawn sporting on a rising ground within ten yards of me. It stamped its foot, advanced, stopped short, frisked, then stopped short again, and stared at me. I had mechanically drawn one of my pistols from the holsters, and had cocked it, whilst I was witnessing these manœuvres. The little animal still stood staring at me, with its large black eyes, innocent and unsuspecting, and its little black glossy nose and chin perked out in impudent defiance. It stamped its foot again, as offering wager of battle, gave another frisk, and darted off. What a fool I was, thought I, why didn't I pull the trigger? I dashed my spurs into the sides of my little horse, who never wanted that encouragement, and was up with my companions in a twinkling." This magnanimity on the part of the late Secretary to his Britannic Majesty's Mexican commission, is only rivalled by his amiable deportment on the following oc casion: "In passing down the town of Antigua, I saw two or three children as they were squatting on the high window seats, amusing themselves with their playthings; they poked their little faces through the iron bars of the lattice, and I stopped to regard them; their beauty and innocence had attracted me; but, after gazing at them an instant, I passed on." Mr Thompson's bump of Philoprogenitiveness is probably very large. But as a more favourable specimen of his "Narrative," we extract his account of SANTIAGO, THE CAPITAL OF GUATEMALA. "Santiago de Guatemala, the capital, stands in the midst of a large handsome plain, surrounded on all sides by sierras of a moderate height, and at the dis tance of from three to seven leagues. These mountains, which give to the view the whole valley of Mexico in miniature, are not so far off but that the eye may discover, through the rectilinear streets, in every direction, the verdure of the trees with which the surrounding heights are clad, and which, with the sloping meadow lands of different hues, affords a refreshing object, forming, as it were, a screen to the little city which lies in the midst, glaring with its white walls, and domes, and steeples of yessa-cement, in the rays of a tropical sun. "The houses are all built in tropical squares of about 120 to 160 feet; and sometimes the front of one house occupies a whole quadra; but none of them exceed eighteen or twenty feet in height; of course they are only of one story-a precaution not so much suggested by fear of earthquakes, as enjoined by the old Spanish law. ing completed in an expensive style; and another, within fifty yards of it, is being constructed for the use of the convent of Augustin nuns. Another large church, newly erected at the west end of the city, was opened and dedicated to St Teresa on the 29th of May. The rest of the temples devoted to religion, and the nature of their endowments, have been already mentioned in the personal narrative. Viewed at a distance, few cities present a more beautiful aspect than this, and internally, though not strikingly pleasing, there is nothing in it save a degree of dulness that can excite absolute dislike. Its height above the level of the sea is about 1800 feet. The variation of temperature between the nights and days, so peculiar to the high table lands, is not found here; the mean heat, from the 1st of January to the 1st of July, is 75 deg., at night, 63 deg. in the summer months, the average may be taken at 10 degrees higher ;-a moderate temperature for a city situated such as this is, in 14 deg. 28 min. north latitude, and 92 deg. 40 min, west longitude." Pp. 465-8. We could easily give more extracts of a similar description, but rather refer our readers to the work itself, which will be perused with pleasure and instruction by all who feel interested in the rising prospects of Guate mala. Twelve Dramatic Sketches, founded on the Pastoral DEAR to all our tenderest and purest associations is the pastoral poetry of Scotland. We love it the more that our native land possesses no Arcadian climate, or any of the supernumerary luxuries of nature. We love it the more because suminer the season in which pastoral poetry is born-bunnily and blithely as it blinks upon our heathery hills and stream-enlivened glens, is with us, nevertheless, a fleeting and a wayward guest, balmy and beautiful in its hour of glee, but coy in its approach, and often sudden and hurried in its departure. The pastoral poetry of Greece and Italy is full of the voluptuous serenity of their unchanging skies; whilst ours is of a more chequered and April character,—— "smiles and showers together." Is it, therefore, the less valuable ? Nay, is it not, therefore, a thousand times more valuable? Is it not clouds that impart to sunshine more than half its glory? Is it not the gentle under-tone of sadness that gives to joy its moet refining influence ?, The Scottish peasantry are no fabulous and ideal race; and it is among themselves that they have found poets to chronicle, in words fervent with the feeling and the strength of truth, the simple joys and griefs that fling their sun-blinks or their shadows across the circumscribed sphere in which they move. Human nature, in whatever guise, is full of interest;—it is a great problem which all are anxious to solve, and the very highest will stoop to the very lowest in search of an explanation. From the sun blazing in the empyrean, to the small flower concealed among the grass, the distance, at first sight, hardly seems greater than from the mighty denizen of the high places of the earth, to the "The streets are neatly paved, either with common stones, or more generally with a grey-streaked marble, which makes them very slippery, and riding or driving very dangerous. They slope from each side towards the centre, along which runs almost perpetually a streamlet of clear water, the edges of which being covered with verdure, give to the city a picturesque, though deserted appearance. In some few of the streets there are trottoirs, particularly in the Plaza, or chief square, where they are covered with a colonnade, extending all round the square, excepting on the side occupied by the cathe-lowly cottar far away in his secluded shieling, But there dral; opposite to this is the palace, with the govern ment offices; and, on the two other sides, are retail shops of all descriptions of dry goods; whilst the area is used as a market, where the Indians come daily to sell their poultry, fruit, and other provisions. In the cen tre is a fountain of excellent water, issuing from a crocodile's head of indifferent workmanship. "Many of the churches are large, and of fine architecture. They are kept much cleaner and neater than they are at Mexico. A new one, called the Pantheon, with spacious vaults for a cemetery under it, is just be is a connecting link; for, in the great scheme of creation, what is a sun more than a flower, and why may not the solitary peasant be called into existence for nobler purposes than even the proudest monarch? Cincinnatus was a peasant, but did he not save the Republic? Tell was a peasant, but did he not give freedom to his country? Burns was a peasant, but did the class to which he belonged cast a stigma on his genius; or was it not rather by elevating that class to his own level, that he gained the greenest laurel-leaf in his wreath of fame ? The peasantry of a country seem always more identi |