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1814.]

Prizes awarded by the Smithfield Club.

-range of hills. The common people of Teesdale have long known it by the name of the spring violet. N. J. W.

GENTIANA amarella. Qu Box hill and Ryegate hill, Surrey.

Var. 6. About Settle, Yorkshire; Mr. Windsor.

Var. Fl. Alb. Crag close, near Barwesford, Northumberland. N. J. W.

GENTIANA campestris.
On St. An-
thony hill, Bath; Mr. Thompson. About
Giggleswick Tarn, Yorkshire; Mr. Wind-

sor.

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217

Mr. William Geeves, grazier, of Hendon, Middlesex, Mr. William Giblett, grazier, of Mickleford Hall, Hertfordshire, and Mr. John Harrison, butcher, of Great Tower-street, London, the three judges appointed by the Smithfield Club, minutely inspected all the animals, and the certificates of their breeds, ages, and feeding, and awarded the prizes; and since then the butchers who killed these animals have made their return to me as follows,* viz.

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The premiums offered by the club for the show next December, do not differ in number or amount from those of the last but they will be distributed, not in money, but in such articles of ornamental, or useful plate, as the candidates may chuse, and on which appropriate inscriptions will be engraven. The certificates are to be sent to my house, eight days before the show, from which a part of the first day is to be curtailed, in order that the animals may not stand so long in the yard, which in some cases injures them. All these regulations are fully stated, in bills that are left for distribution with Mr. Mitchel, draper, No. 7, Cloth Fair, Smithfield Market; and at the new Agricultural Repository in Winsley-street, Oxford-street. Feb. 9, 1814.

JOHN FAREY, sec.

For the Monthly Magazine.
On STEAM ENGINE PASSAGE BOATS, or
PACKETS; by MR. RALPHI DODD, En-
gineer.

whole ships' cargoes into the interior of the country, as well as passengers.

The city of New York alone possesses seven steam-boats, for commerce and passengers; to name only one or two of them, that from thence to Albany, on the north river, passes 130 miles, then (after about 45 miles of land carriage) to Lake Champplain, you may enter an other steam-boat, that will take you about 200 miles, to near Montreal, between which place and Quebec, a British steam-boat, 140 feet in length, is constantly passing, and usually goes down in 28 hours, but sometimes in only 24, although the distance is 180 miles; and, in returning, she is seldom more than 12 or 15 hours additional time, although the stream is almost constantly running against her, with great velocity, so peculiar to the river St. Lawrence, in North America. This boat, in the last year, was found of the greatest service to the British government, in carrying troops and stores, with greater ease and

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by steam, when scientifically applied, where power is wanted? As to the public convenience and utility of steam-boats, or packets, it is almost unnecessary to make any remark, for the use of well-informed persons; because it is one of those things that must strike and claim the attention of any intelligent mind; any one travelling on the line of country where used, that wishes to pass reasonably and expeditiously, at less expence than by land carriage, and without fatigue; for, of all other modes of travelling, this is the most pleasant and comfortable. No danger of breaking down carriages; no dusty roads in sum mer, nor dirty in winter. In short, their cabins below are like sitting rooms; their tables are strewed with papers, monthly publications, and books of amusement; so that no one can duly appreciate their comfort and convenience, but those that have travelled in them.

For the information of those who are unacquainted with it, it may be necessary to state, that most of the principal rivers in North America are navigated by these steam-boats:-one of them passes 2000 miles, on the great river Mississippi, in 21 days, at the rate of five miles an hour, against the descending current, which is perpetually running down. This steam-boat is 126 feet in length, and carries 460 tons, at a very shallow draft of water, only 2 feet 6 inches, and carries, from New Orleans,

by land. And it is here certainly worthy of remark, that in the late expedition of Admiral Sir John Borlas Warren, up the Potomac river, chasing the enemy, they, keeping their ships at a prudent dis tance from ours, sent one of their steamboats, directly against the wind, so as to be just without gun shot, and reconnoitred our fleet. This fact is mentioned, because it is presumed that it is the first instance where they have been applied to such purposes.

The steam-boats used at present in our own island, are a sufficient demonstration of their utility: it will only be necessary to mention those working on the river Braydon, between Yarmouth and Norwich; and on the river Clyde, between Glasgow and Greenock, which boats, on this latter station, often beat the mail between the two places, and are always certain to time, let the wind or tide be what way it may.

It would occupy too considerable a space in your Magazine, to enter into the merits of those steam-boats, now building and preparing in the rivers Tyne, Thames, and Medway; particu larly those with patent, simplified apparatus, for the use of rivers, to pass coaste wise, and for short runs of passages over to the Continent; but it is necessary to state, from most mature and deliberate experiments, that some of these steamboats, or packets, with patent apparatus, are so constructed, that they can carry

sail

1814.1 Hints for the general Diffusion of Science.

sail, and perform all the manoeuvres of other vessels at sea, when the wind is in their favour, and when against them, by furling all their sails, pass right in the wind's eye with velocity; thus continuing their passages in a straight line, while other vessels are obliged to tack, to and fro, and make but little progress to their desired point; and these possess the best accommodation for passengers, and are always certain to beat other vessels only under canvas, because they can use both their sails and machinery at one time, giving them additional velocity through the water; which, to a reflective mind, must evince their great utility; because, except in storms and gales of wind, they can always pursue their passages straight forward, rendering them shorter and more certain than the present system, which is of the first importance to commercial countries.

I cannot help stating what once occurred to me, in my return from the Continent of America, in a swift-sailing packet; we made the entrance of the British channel in twenty-one days; but, detained by light, contrary winds, we were nearly as long in gaining a port. Here a few hours scientific application of steam would have given the muchdesired port of safety, and have saved the expence of near three weeks wear and tear to the labouring vessel. Intelligent minds and lovers of their country's improvements will say, Then, surely, all our packets ought to possess patent steam apparatus, that, in times like these, they might use them, as well as add to the speed of their sailing, when applied, making their passage by sea 'more certain, and of less duration; thereby rendering the intercourse between our own island and other countries more easy, frequent, and inviting.

I have much pleasure in seeing, what I more than two years since wrote and published, on the adoption on the rivers in this country of packet-boats, is now beginning to be realized on many of them.

Batson's, Cornhill, Feb. 28.

219

ing when the ignorance and superstition of former ages shall be dispelled, and the gates of the temple of science be thrown open to all; when the great mass of mankind shall no longer gaze on the sublime phenomena of nature with timid and superstitious emotions, but shall investigate their causes and contemplate their effects with the calm dignity of the philosophic sage; when they shall no longer consider the world as extending little farther than the range of their visi ble horizon, but shall extend their views to distant nations, and continents, and even to distant worlds; contemplating this earthly ball, as only an inconsider able part of the fabric of the universe, where worlds unnumbered are dispersed throughout the immensity of space;when, in fine, they shall apply their knowledge of the laws and operations of nature, to the improvement of the liberal and mechanical arts, to the promotion of agriculture and manufactures, to a greater extent than has hitherto been attempted; and to the general amelioration of human life and society. In one word, when they shall conduct themselves in all the offices and relations of life as rational thinking beings.

Notwithstanding the numerous associations for the diffusion of general knowledge, peculiar to our age and country, it has always appeared to me matter of regret, that scientific and literary societies have been chiefly confined to the capitals, and a very few of the principal towns of the British empire. Though most of the societies to which I allude are highly respectable, and have long enlightened the world with their researches and discoveries, yet their influ ence has, hitherto, been too much confined to the higher circles of society, to the learned professions, and to those individuals who have acquired a certain degree of literary fame. The persons admissible as members into such societies, are circumscribed within a very narrow circle; the ingenious tradesman and mechanic, however desirous they may be of prosecuting scientific pursuits, and however well qualified they may some

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To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. times be for adding to the store of useful

SIR, HE diffusion of rational information among ali ranks of men, even the lowest, is one of the grand characteristics of the present age, and will doubt. less be followed by important consequences in the future history of mankind. We have now reason to indulge the hope, that the period is fast approach

knowledge, are seldom admitted into such associations. And, if report be true, several of the oldest and most respectable societies have, of late years, paid more respect to the rank of the persons proposed as members, than to their scientific acquirements. It is therefore an object much to be desired, that literary and philosophical societies be

formed

formed on a more extensive scale, and on liberal and enlightened principles, which shall have for their object, not only the discovery of new facts and principles, in arts and sciences, but also the more extensive diffusion of those discoveries which have already been made; and to which ingenious persons in the middling and lower ranks of life may be admitted; where the only qualifications for admission shall be a certain portion of intellectual capacity and acquirements, and an ardent desire after knowledge. Till this object be in some measure accomplished,-tili societies for the promotion of science become far more numerous than they are at present, and persons of every rank have access to mingle in such associations, we can scarcely expect that knowledge will be generally diffused among the great body of mankind.

In order to the extensive establishment of such societies, little more is requisite than that the attention of men of learning and intelligence be directed to this ob ject, and a conviction of its utility he produced in their minds. As in most towns and populous villages there are generally some persons of respectability devoted to the interests of science, their recommendations and exertions might have great influence in leading to the formation of such institutions, and although, at first, the number attending such meetings would be small, and their operations feeble, yet in the course of time, when their objects and advantages became generally known, they would soon encrease in respectability and in number. It is well known, that most of the scientific associations which now exist, arose from small beginnings, to that elevated rank which they now hold in the learned world. Even the Royal Society of London, which has contributed so much to enlarge the boundaries of science, at first consisted of only a few individuals who met in a private lodging, and were for some time known by the appellation of, "The Invisible or Philosophical College;" yet its fame has now extended to almost every quarter of the civilized world. Nor need there be any fear of a competent number of persons being found in every considerable town and village, to compose such societies; as there are, in the present day, numbers in the middle, and even in the lower ranks of the community, who privately prosecute literary and scientific objects unknown to the bulk of mankind around them, and who only require the existence 1.

of such institutions as a stimulus to their further progress and exertions. Much might, perhaps, also be done in accomplishing the object now proposed by enlightened clergymen, and the members of those respectable societies which have already been formed, by their patronising such establishments, presiding at their organization, suggesting regulations to direct their procedure, and by occasionally honouring them with their presence. Nor would it be unworthy the attention of government to patronise such societies, and even to advance a sinall sum towards their establishment; for an enlightened population is certainly the most solid basis of a good govern ment, and the greatest security for its permanence. Though an enlightened people will never be slaves, nor tamely submit to tyrannical measures, they will always form the strongest bulwark around a wise and upright administration. In the event of a general peace, which we now anxiously expect, it would be a happy consummation of those political contests which have so long desolated the surrounding nations, were the rulers of Europe to turn their attention from the pursuits of war, to the extensive establishment of those institutions which have for their object the enlightening of the minds, and the melioration of the mo rals and the domestic comforts of mankind. It might, in some measure, com pensate for the numerous train of evils which has flowed from the protracted system of warfare in which they have been engaged, and be the happy mean of ushering in that period foretold in an cient prophecy, when "the nations shall beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks, and learn the art of war no more."

The following, among other advantages, would, in all probability, arise from the extensive establishment of such societies as now suggested. 1. They would serve to unite and concentrate the scattered rays of genius, which might otherwise be dissipated, and enable them to act with combined vigour and energy in the discovery and the propagation of useful knowledge. 2. They would tend to the rapid promotion of general science. For if the labours of those societies which already exist, have produced a powerful effect on the progress of science, much more might be expected were their number encreased to sixty or an hundred fold. As science is chiefly founded on facts, in proportion to the number of persons engaged in the observation of

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then

1814.]

Omission of true Time in Almanacks.

them, with a view to establish scientific
principles, in a similar proportion might
we expect that the number of such facts
would be encreased, from which new
and important conclusions might be de-
duced. Nor ought it to be objected,
that little could be expected from the
observations of persons in the lower
ranks of life, who are chiefly engaged in
manual labour; as they have frequently
opportunities of making observations on
certain natural phenomena and processes
of art, which often escape the notice of
observers of a superior rank; and I am
fully convinced, that many useful obser-
vations of this kind have been lost to
the scientific world, for want of being
communicated and recorded. 3. They
would tend to produce an extensive dif
fusion of rational information among the
general mass of society, particularly
among those in the inferior walks of life.
By the discussion of interesting questions,
and the occasional delivery of popular
lectures in those societies, to which the
public at large might be occasionally ad-
mitted, much useful information might
be disseminated among the general body
of the community. By this means, those
narrow conceptions, those superstitious
notions and vain fears, which so gene-
rally prevail among the lower classes,
might be gradually removed; and a va-
riety of useful hints and rational views
suggested, which would tend to elevate
a ennoble the mind, and promote do-

mestic convenience and comfort. Hence
would naturally follow, 4. That a taste
for intellectual pleasures, and much ra-
tional enjoyment would be produced, in
which those hours generally spent in
listlessness, in foolish amusements, and
in the pursuits of dissipation, might be
profitably employed; and consequently
the sun of general happiness would be
greatly augmented. In fine, they could
not fail, if properly conducted, to pro-
duce a benign influence on the state of
morals and of general society. When
the inhabitants of a country are taught
to employ their rational powers on ob
jects worthy of their pursuit; when, by
this means, ignorance retires, erroneous
opinions vanish, and the rays of truth
irradiate the mind, the most important
results may be expected to take place.
As vice is the natural offspring of igno-
rance, so true virtue can only flow from
elevated and enlightened principles; and
where such principles exist, their ope-
ration, in a greater or less degree, vill
always appear.
The habits of order,
punctuality, and politeness, which would
MONTHLY MAS. Ny, 253.

221

prevail in such associations, would naturally be carried into the other relations and departments of life, and produce their corresponding effects. The frequent intercourse of inen of different parties and professions, associated for the purpose of promoting one common object, would gradually vanquish those mutual prejudices and jealousies which too frequently exist, even in cultivated minds; and a liberal, a candid, and humane spirit, would be cherished and promoted. Society would thus acquire a new polish, and wear a different aspect from what it now exhibits in the inferior ranks of life; more especially, if the means above suggested be combined with the operation. of Christian principles.

Though the beneficial effects now stated, could not be expected to take place all of a sudden on the accomplishment of the object now proposed, yet in the course of time they would undoubtedly be realised to a certain extent, and would form a new era in the progress of knowledge and of civilization.--Should the above general thoughts be acceptable, some more specific details in reference to such societies as above suggested, shall afterwards be communicated. Methven, Perthshire, March 4, 1814.

T. DICK.

To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine.

SIR,

vises to be informed the reason YOUR correspondent Mr. Mars why our almanack-writers continue to make use of the apparent time for the sun's rising and setting, instead of the true time, or that shown by a well-regu lated clock or watch. He very justly censures this practice, and clearly points out the impropriety of continuing it in our common almanacks. Although, as Mr. Marsh well observes, most of these annual publications contain tables of the equation of time, yet yery few readers know any thing of the proper application of them; and if they did, I see no reason why the public should have the trouble of correcting the calculations of astronomers, when it could be more easily done by the compilers..

Considering into whose hands such publications fall, they ought to be written in the plainest manner, and all the cal culations should be adapted to the measure of time in common use. But the sale of most, if not all the almanacks being monopolized by the Stationers' Company, who, he supposed, are chiefly guided by pecuniary views; and the per

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