The Laurel was introduced by Master Cole, a merchant, living at Hampstead, some years before 1629, when Parkinson published his Paradisus Terrestris, and at that time we had in our gardens oranges, myrtles of three sorts, lauristinus, cypress, phillyrea, alaternus, arbutus; a cactus, brought from Bermudas; and the passion flower, which last had flowered here, and showed a remarkable particularity, by rising from the ground near a month sooner, if a seedling plant, than if it grew from roots brought from Virginia.

All these were, at that time, rather tender plants: Master Cole cast a blanket over the top of his laurel in frosty weather, to protect it; but though nearly two centuries have since elapsed, not one of them will yet bear with certainty our winter frosts.

Though some of these shrubs ripen their seeds in this climate, it never has been, I believe, the custom of gardeners to sow them; some are propagated by suckers and cuttings, and others by im ported seeds; consequently, the very identical laurel introduced by Master Cole, and some others of the plants enumerated by Parkinson, are now actually growing in our gardens; no wonder then, that these original shrubs have not be come hardier, though probably they would have done so had they passed through several generations, by being raised from British seeds.

Is it not then worthy a trial, as we find that plants raised from suckers, or

247

cuttings, do not grow hardier by time, and as the experiment on Zizania points out the road, to sow the seeds of these and such like tender shrubs, as occasıonally ripen them in this climate? Fourteen generations, in the case of the zizania, produced a complete habit of succeeding in this climate, but a consider able improvement in hardiness was evident much earlier.

In plants that require some years to arrive at puberty, fourteen generations is more than any man can hope to survive; but a much less number will, in many cases, be sufficient; and in all, though a complete habit of hardihood is not attained, a great progress may be made towards it in a much less time; even one generation may work a change of no small importance; if we could make the myrtle bear the climate of Middlesex, as well as it does that of Devonshire, or exempt our laurel hedges from the dan ger of being cut down by severe frosts, it would be an acquisition of no small consequence to the pleasure of the gentleman, as well as to the profit of the gardener.

The settlement lately made at New Holland, gives a large scope to these experiments; many plants have been brought from thence, which endure our climate with very little protection, and some of these arrive at puberty at an early period; we have already three from the south point of Van Diemen's Island, where the climate cannot be wholly without frost: mimosa verticillata, eucalyptus hirsuta, and obliqua. The first of these appears to have produced flowers within eight years of its first introduction; but as a settlement is now made very near the spot where the seeds of these shrubs were collected, we may reasonably hope to receive further sup plies, and, among them, the winterana aromatica, an inhabitant of the inhospitable shore of Terra del Fuego, which Mr. Brown has discovered on the south part of Van Diemen's Island also.

elegant frontispiece, designed by the author of the words) announces a second volume in the course of the present year; which, if it proves a worthy com panion of its precursor, will complete

an admirable collection of national miscellaneous melodies. It is but justice to Mr. Clementi to say, that he has formed this collection with great judgment; the specimens are not only chosen with a strict regard to the distinction of national character, but attention has been paid to the individual claims of excellence, and the specimens are at once as highly beautiful, as strongly characteristic. We are particularly supported in this assertion, by the striking and engaging features of "The Troubadour," a Spanish air; "Though no Mines,” a Venetian air; "The Remembrance," a Scottish air; "Light are the Hearts," an Irish air; and “The Georgian Captive,” a Persian air; in all which the qualities we have noticed are highly distinguishable. The pieces are fourteen in num ber; and the words of each song (the truly poetical spirit of which is so honourable to the talents of the author,) are separately given in the page immediately following the music; and the whole is printed with a correctness and elegance, which declares the spirit and assiduity of the proprietors.

Number I. of a Set of Minuets, Allemands, Waltzes, Gavots, and English Dances, for the Piano-forte, or Harp, with an Accompaniment for the Flute, (ad libitum.) Expressly composed for Mr. D'Egville's Scholars, and dedicated to him by his

Friend, F. Fiorillo. 2s.

Mr. Fiorillo does not inform us to what

extent he designs to prosecute the intended work, of which the pages before us form the first number; but if its following portions are equal to the sample of which we now have to speak, the public will willingly give the composer considerable latitude. Invention, science, and taste, as far as the nature and purpose of the undertaking would allow, are indubitably displayed; and the inge nuity and variety of the whole, will not fail to strike every real judge of good composition.

“Lieber Augustin,” with new Variations for the Piano-forte, composed by M. Norbert Weisner. 28.

Mr. Weisner has given to "Lieber Augustin," ten attractive and happily diversified variations. They have the compound merit of lending much brilliancy of effect to the theme, and of af. fording to the juvenile finger an im

proving exercise. We do not doubt that the composition will meet the ge neral approbation of piano-forte performers.

Twenty-eight familiar Airs, and two easy Duetts, for the Piano-forte; by T.. Haigh. 6s.

These little pieces, which are accompanied with suitable preludes in the major and minor modes, are composed and arranged in a style calculated to facilitate the progress of young performers. Το secure this laudable object, Mr. Haigh has not only consulted the convenience of the juvenile finger, but has attended to the allurement of the ear; and his work will be found as entertaining as useful.

"Julia to the Wood Robin," an admired Air, arranged with Variations for the Pianoforte; by L. Jansen. 1s. 6d.

These variations are written with ease, and greet the ear with a gratifying fluency. They are six in number; as many, perhaps, as the extreme simplicity of the subject would properly permit. The juvenile student may derive improvement from their practice, and the adult need not be ashamed of listening to them with pleasure.

Six new Waltzes for the Piano-forte, with an Accompaniment for the Flute, (ad libitum;) by F. Fiorillo.

23.

Mr. Fiorillo has displayed in the ge neral style of these Waltzes, a freedom. of fancy, and a skill in arrangement, (as regarding the relief necessary to be sought in six movements of the same time) which reflect considerable credit on his qualifications as a composer of pleasing trifles. The second, fourth, and fifth, will, in our opinion, excite the particular notice of the tasteful auditor. Six Country Dances and Thirteen Waltzes for the Piano-forte, composed by Beethoven. 3s. 6d.

Some of these little pieces are certainly worthy of the ingenious and scientific pen from which they flow; but entitled to the same favourable descripwe by no means think them universally tion. Air is not always one of their ingredients; nor are the passages without their great author. exception so turned, as to point out

"Maience Walse," with Variations for the Piano-forte; by Gelinek. 2s. 6d.

Though we do not profess to be particularly struck with this "Maience Walse," we should scarcely be justified in not allowing it more than mere ordinary merit. Mr. Gelinek has evinced consi

derable

Calne, Calstone, Wellington, and Blackland, co. Wilts.-4. Crowle, Eastoft, and Ealand, co. Lin. coln.-7.

Winterbourne Monckton, co. Wilts. Withington, co. Gloucester. Cotterstock cum Glapthorn, co. Northampton.

Greystoke, co. Cumberland.

Marston Trussell, co. Northampton.
Eastnor, co. Hereford.

Greenford, co. Middlesex.

Upton Common, co. Salop.
Townhill, co. Southampton.

Seething, Kirstead, Mundham, and Sis

land, co. Norfolk.

Wramplingham, co. Norfolk.
Croxton, co. Norfolk.

High and Low Kilburn, co. York. Laleham Burway, co. Middlesex, or Chertsey, co. Surrey.

Warminghurst, Ashington, and Chankton, co. Sussex.

Eartham, co. Sussex.
Farlington, co. York.
Jcklingham, co. Suffolk.
Whepstead, co. Suffolk.
Chudleigh, co. Devon.

Bluntisham with Earith and Colne, co. Huntingdon.

Ledbury, co. Hereford.

Flyford Flavell, co. Worcester. Great Horkesly aud Rivers Hall, co. Essex.

Knowle, co. Warwick.

Great Rissington, co. Gloucester. Cwmyoy and Llanthony, co. Mon

mouth.

Priors Ditton, co. Salop.
Chevington and Chedburgh, co. Suf-

folk.

Little Gransden, co. Cambridge. East Teignmouth, co. Devon. Meldreth, Melbourn, and Whaddon, co. Cambridge.

Frampton upon Severn and Slimbridge, co. Gloucester.

NEW POOR BILLS.

For the better relief and employment of the poor of Saint Mary Islington, co. Middlesex, and for building a workhouse.-1.

The hamlet of Mile End New Town, co. Middlesex.-2.

For erecting a workhouse in the towu of Plymouth, co. Devon.-7.

For the better relief and employment of the poor, and for the enlargement of the burial grounds in St. Leonard, Shoreditch, co. Middlesex.-15.

For the better relief and maintenance of the poor, and for making a more adequate provision for the rector of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green, co. Middlesex.

For the better relief and employment. of the poor within Colneis and Carlford, co. Suffolk.-3.

For better assessing and collecting the poor rates in St. Giles's, Camberwell, co. Surrey, for repairing or rebuilding the parish workhouse, and purchasing ground for a cemetery.-7.

VARIETIES,

THE

HE following letter did not come to hand in time to appear in its proper place, among the articles of Corre spondence; we feel it due, however, to Mr. GROVESNOR, to deviate from our general arrangement, for the purpose of rendering justice to him, and to an important Discovery

SIR,-Observing at page 158 of your last number of the Monthly Magazine, a paragraph which seems to imply, that Mr. Grosvenor of Oxford has assumed a false claim with regard to the merit of that remedy for deafness, which has been so successfully adopted by him, I hope to be allowed, through the medium of your widely-circulating publication, to rectify any such conception respecting this very eminent surgeon, which the public may be led to entertain. And this, I apprehend, will be the most satisfactorily performed, by giving a plain and simple statement of the circumstance as it really took place.

A few months ago, Count Orloff came to Oxford, for the purpose of consulting Mr. Grosvenor professionally; and finding him remarkably deaf, he recommended the prescription that has now obtained so much notoriety; and Mr. G. adopted his advice, and after repeated trials was restored almost to the full enjoyment of his hearing. This restoration was so singular and unexpected, as necessarily to excite a considerable interest in Oxford and its neighbourhood, and a vast variety of applications were made to Mr. G. to ascertain the medical system pursued by him for his recovery. Mr. Grosvenor thought, that the most satisfactory and beneficial course that he could adopt, would be to print the particulars of his case and of the remedy adopted and applied by him. This he accordingly did, and distributed the copies gratuitously in the wide circle of his friends, and the neighbourhood of Oxford.

Having been myself a patient of Mr. Grosvenor at the time, and resident at Oxford, you may rely upon the accuracy of this statement; and I think myself bound in justice to add, that I know no person who would shrink with

We wish Mr. G. had enabled us to convey his case to the public, by favouring us with a copy.

greater disgust from advancing a dishonest claim to merit not his own, than the very eminent individual in question; who, to the highest ability in the exercise of his arduous profession, unites the most generous spirit, the most simple manners, and a conduct purified from every taint of ostentation and vain-glory.

W. STUART SACKVILLE. Ulcaster Park, March 20, 1814.

The TENTH annual exhibition of the Society of Painters, in oil and water colours, is expected to open in Spring Gardens, with additional variety and increased interest, on the 25th of April. We understand, Mr. GLOVER has resumed his water colours, and that he will have many beautiful pictures in both styles. Mr. CRISTALL and several old members have also been making great exertions. There will be a series of in. terior views of the favourite buildings in Oxford, by MACKENZIE and PUGIN, finished in so minute and exquisite a style, as to form a new era in the art: and a large picture of the Judgment of Solomon, by HAYDON, which has occupied that ingenious artist nearly three years, and which combines a variety of excellencies.

The PRINCESS ELIZABETH, whose literary and inventive powers have often been displayed through her pen and pencil, and which have always done so much credit to her genius and exalted rank, has, we are informed, been long engaged in a series of biographical sketches, which to a future age are likely to constitute the secret memoirs of a considerable part of her Father's eventful reign. Ma ny beautiful drawings and engravings, after exquisite designs by this illustrious lady, already adorn the collections and libraries of the nobility; we understand, however, that she has latterly been engaged chiefly in painting subjects of natural history, a branch of art which she now prefers to works of mere imagination.

We learn also that her Majesty has evinced royal munificence in her rich colection of illustrated books, in her newly formed and splendid library at Frogmore. Her majesty's select library at the castle evinces her taste and acumen in matters of general literature: but her library at Froginore is an example worthy of being

followed