1814.] Account of the Gateway at Dumbarton. inches more, but the low situation of his gauge, compared with mine, will partly account for the difference. The south, south-west, and west winds, have been the prevailing ones.-The most brisk and boisterous winds blew in February, March, and April. Total quantity of water evaporated (from a surface of water exposed to the effects of winds and the sun, but not to its direct rays,) since the first of May, is a little more than 17 inches. To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. I SIR, OBSERVE in your Magazine for February last, a letter signed I. M. in which the writer requests some information respecting an old arched gateway at Dumbarton; and I am glad to have it in my power to communicate a few particulars concerning it, which, though trifling, I hope may not be unacceptable to your correspondent. Having visited Dumbarton some years ago, when on a tour in the west of Scot land, the venerable gateway, or college bow, as it is called, attracted my notice; and from the best information that could be obtained, I understand it did not belong to a college or seminary for the instruction of youth, but to a collegiate church, which formerly stood there. According to the peerage, and other autho rities, this collegiate church was founded about the year 1450, by the Lady Isabella, Duchess of Albany and Countess of Lennox, the widow of Murdoch, Duke of Albany, who was beheaded at Stirling in 1425. It was dedicated to St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. The chapter consisted of a provost and several pie bendaries; and for the support of the establishment, various lands and churches were mortified by the illustrious foun. dress. Some of the provosts were men of distinguished rank, eminent for their piety and learning, and who were promoted to the highest situations in the kingdom. London, May 14, 1814. N. C. To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. A SIR, 507 its influence on every region of the globe. In order to the accomplishment of such a grand effect, it is necessary, that their number be encreased far beyond what it is at present, that intelligent persons of every rank be invited to hear a part in their transactions, and that the different associations maintain an occasional correspondence with each other in every thing which regards the common interest. Having in your Magazine for April last thrown out a few general hints on this subject, I shall now offer some more specific details in reference to societies constituted on the principles, and with the views, stated in that paper.* * The first topic on which I shall offer a few remarks shall be, S literary societies have been the means of enlarging the sphere of human knowledge in times past, so it is probable they will be the chief instruments of its diffusion in the ages to come, and of ushering in that desirable period when reason shall obtain the dominion over the grovelling passions and appetites of men, and intellectual light shall shed I. The admission of Members.-In the admission of members it will be necessary, both for the respectability of the society and for the interests of science, to guard against the two following extremes, the indiscriminate admission of all persons who may wish to become members, and the giving an undue preference to some individuals, on account of their rank, who have not a corresponding share of common sense and literary ac quirements. In a literary society the distinctions of rank ought to be in a great measure, if not altogether, overlooked, while at the same time the utmost decorum and politeness ought ever to prevail. It would surely be highly unbecoming in those who are linked toge ther by the bonds of reason and intelligence to act on the same principles as the fop, the beau, the fine lady, or the mere man of fashion. There is nothing which a wise man despises more than that deference which is too frequently paid to a fool arrayed in splendid attire, and possessed of a little wealth, and that haughty disdain with which a man of superior rank looks down on those in inferior stations, who are perhaps greatly superior in respect of moral and intellectual attainments. It is now high time that human characters be estimated according to their real and intrinsic worth, independant of those external and adventitious circumstances with which they may be accompanied; and it will be peculiarly becoming in rational associations to set an example of estimating the charac variations, were originally read to aliterary *The following remarks, with some slight and philosophical society lately established on principles similar to those stated in my last communication, of which some account may afterwards be submitted to your inspection, ters ters of men on principles purely of a moral and intellectual nature. To act otherwise would be beneath the dignity of those who profess to be guided by rational motives, and whose aims are directed to the improvement of the mind. In admitting candidates whose literary character and acquirements are not generally known, it might not be improper to require them to write an essay on any subject with which they are best acquainted, to be presented to the society; or to submit to the examination of a commmittee, either on some general subject, or on that particular department of science or art which they wish chiefly to cultivate. Should the result be unfavourable to the candidate, he might be directed as to the mode of prosecuting his enquiries, and to the books it might be proper for him to peruse; and at the end of a year, or other period, he night again be examined with regard to the progress he has made, by which means the society would learn whether his admission would encrease the mental vigour of the association. With regard to persons whose literary qualifications are generally known, every dignified and honourable means should be used to induce them to patronise the institution by becoming members, and contributing by their talents and influence to promote its leading views. Persons of known abi lity and lovers of science residing at a distance might also be respectfully requested to become honorary members, and to promote the object of the society by occasional communications. Although money be an useful article in all societies, yet I would deem it inexpedient, and unworthy of the dignity of a rational institution, to solicit any individuals not otherwise qualified to become members, chiefly with a view of their contributing to the pecuniary interests of the associa tion. Such persons would not only be a dead weight on the society, but by the undue influence they would have might tend to impede its progress, and prevent its chief design from being accomplished. Besides their literary acquirements, the moral qualifications of those who desire admission into the society ought not to he altogether overlooked. Knowledge is chiefly desirable in proportion as it is useful. If it does not lead its possessor to propriety of moral conduct, its utility, at least to him, may be much questioned. There have been some men of genius (I hope their number is small) who have, thrown disgrace' on science by their ha. bitual indulgence in those immoral courses which are the bane of society and degrading to the human character To court association with such, notwithstanding their literary genius, would not reflect much honour on any society. For in all rational institutions the ameliora tion of the moral characters and disposi tions of mankind pught to form as prominent an object as the illumination of their understandings. We lose one of the strongest arguments in favour of rational information when we behold its possessors, in their moral conduct, habitually degrading themselves to the level of the dregs of mankind. The next topic on which I shall offer a few remarks shall be, II. The subjects of discussion, and the mode of conducting it.-Every subject which has a tendency to induce a habit of rational thinking, to elevate and en noble the mind, and to present sublime and interesting objects of contemplation; every subject which tends to unfold the wise arrangements of nature, and the laws by which the economy of the uni verse is regulated; every subject which tends to promote the progress of science, the practice of the liberal and mechani cal arts, and the moral improvement of mankind, might occasionally become topics of discussion in a society constituted on the principles to which I have already alluded. These subjects would embrace the prominent parts of natural history, geography, astronomy, experimental phi losophy, chemistry, natural theology, ethics, education, arts and manufactures, domestic economy, and similar branches of knowledge. It would be expedient, for different reasons, to exclude minute discussions on politics and revealed religion, as they might lead to those jars and contentions which have unhappily taken place between politicians and divines. At the same time I would not consider certain general topics connected with religion and politics, such for example as the general principles of legislation, the causes of the wealth of nations; the na ture of the Supreme Being, the immortality of the soul, and similar topics, as be yond the province of a literary society; as such subjects may be discussed in a phi losophical manner, without interfering with those local and temporary disputes and peculiarities of opinion which subsist in the church or in the state. In the discussion of subjects there are four different modes which might be oċcasionally used. The first mode to which I allude is that of public lectures. is the most common, and perhaps one of the 1 1814.] of Literary Societies. 509 ought to consider such hints as so much new and useful information, by the help of which he may be enabled to render his future compositions more correct. Were any one disposed to despise such friendly hints I would despair of his fu• ture progress in knowledge; for to be convinced of our ignorance and mistakes is the first step to our future improvement. In order to make a respectable figure as writers of essays, particular attention should be given to the arts of grammar and composition; and exercises and instructions on these subjects might occasionally form a part of the business of the society. For as language is the medium by which we communicate our thoughts, we cannot do so with perspi cuity and energy unless we pay some attention to the study of words and their various combinations. An essay embodying a number of good thoughts, if it abounds with errors of grammar, coarse and obsolete phrases, perplexed sentences, and confused arrangement, will always produce a very disagreeable ef fect. Such a composition would be unfit for public inspection, even although it should contain a number of original views and deductions. As some essays may occasionally be read of which the society may wish to have copies for fu the best methods of explaining and illus trating any particular subject, more especially when experiments or diagrams are necessary to elucidate the doctrines delivered. A lecture delivered once every month, or oftener, as may be judged expedient, by a person qualified to undertake the task, on some interesting subject of natural history, chemistry, or experimental philosophy, might be at tended with a good effect. But as a considerable degree of general information, of judgment, of mental labour, and of talent for composition, are requisite in order to make a respectable appearance as a lecturer, the person or persons employ ed ought to have a suitable compensation for their trouble. In order to raise a sum for this purpose, persons not mem bers of the society might be invited to attend on the condition of paying a small contribution; the members at the same time contributing a little, though in a smaller proportion. One special advantage attending this mode of instruction is, that a subject can be more fully, methodically, and familiarly, explained and il lustrated on this plan than in any other way. In order to excite attention and to stimulate the exercise of the rational faculty, an examination, of such of the auditors as chose to submit to it, on the different particulars detailed in the lecture inspection, in order to save the 8 ture, might take place either at the conclusion of the lecture or at some future hour; and at the same time an opportunity offered of stating any difficulties or objections which may have occurred to them in order to their solution. 2. The next mode which I have in view is, that of the most intelligent members composing essays and reading them to the society. This exercise, while it might be the means of occasionally communicating useful instruction to the society, would also have a good effect on the writers themselves, in exciting them to arrange their ideas in a regular train, and to express them with propriety, by which means they would gradually ac quire the habit of accurate composition. It would also teach them candour in judging of the writings of others; for no one is fully sensible of the difficulty of writing with perspicuity and correctness till he himself has made the experiment, For the benefit of young writers it might be proper, in a candid and friendly man. ner, to point out the grammatical blunders, improper phrases, erroneous statements, or other improprieties, which may be found in the essay; and the writer MONTHLY MAG. No. 256. trouble of the secretary transcribing them, it might be proper to recommend that every essay be written on paper of the same size, so that they might afterwards be bound in regular volumes, to be preserved as part of the records of the society. In this way the literary communications made to the society would be recorded in the hand-writing of their respective authors, free of those errors which might be occasioned in their transcription by another hand. 3. Another method of discussion might be by Forensic Disputations. In this case a question is proposed and stated, and op posite sides of the question are supported by different speakers, the one affirming and the other denying, and producing reasons to support their respective opinions. This method hath its advantages and its disadvantages. Its disadvantages are, that persons, in their eagerness to support the side they have taken, are sometimes apt to contend more for victon ry than for truth; and, unless they watch over their tempers, are ready to fall into a spirit of altercation and ill-humour, and to throw out unhandsome epithets against their opponents. Many persons 3 U too, from their having ably supported the erroneous side of a question, have been insensibly led to adopt that opinion; though in the first instance they defended it merely for the sake of argument. And further, when the debate is finished, one is frequently at a loss to judge on which side the truth lies.Its advantages are, that it excites interest and attention, exercises the reasoning faculty, and affords an opportunity to every member of taking a part in the discussion. It may, when properly conducted, suggest useful information, and throw light on many ob scure and interesting subjects. It will evidently have a tendency to teach per sons not to be too rash in adopting opinions till they have weighed the objections which may be brought against them. As the discovery of truth cught to be the chief object in all literary debates, in order to ensure this object it might be proper to appoint one or more persons to sum up the arguments on both sides, after the debate is finished, and to endeavour to balance them, in order to ascertain on which side the truth seems to lie. In certain cases it will he found that the truth does not lie directly on either side, but in a middle position between the two extremes. A vote of the whole society might also be taken to indicate the opinion on what side of the question truth seems to take its station. 4. The last mode of discussion I shall mention is the determining of a question by an induction of facts or reasons, in or der to illustrate a particular subject, or, in other words, by an enquiry into causes and effects. My meaning on this head will be best apprehended by a few examples. Suppose such questions proposed as the following:What are the different causes which operate in the produce tion of rain? What are the best means of protection from the stroke of lightning? To what various uses in human life may the late discoveries respecting the gases be applied? In what manner may philosophical enquiries be most successfully prosecuted? What are the best means of diffusing knowledge, and promoting the moral improvement of mankind? In regard to such questions every member who had previously studied the particular subject, to which the question refers, might suggest whatever occurs to him as tending to elucidate the subject, and to determine the enquiry; and in this way the joint contributions of the whole society might throw much light on an interesting question, or at least it would have a tendency to excite their attention, on a future occasion, to the subject. Every one of the above methods of discussing a subject might be occasionally used, as each of them has its distinct and peculiar, advantages; and all of them combined would form an agreeable variety in the manner of acquiring and communicating knowledge. J. DICK. Methven, near Perth, May 21, 1814. To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. SIR, NE of the criteria of this canting, and methodistical age, is a propensity to stuff all ranks and descriptions of people with religious books, on every occasion, and at every instant of life: to make those feelings permanent, which from the constitution of the mind can only be occasional, and to conceive it is a sin to desire any amusement from literary pursuits. In opposition to all those Manuals, and Everlasting Rests, and Golden Treasures, and Short and Easy Methods, with which your correspondent has filled his servants' hall and catalogue, I beg leave to offer the following moderate list, which to your correspondent, I have no doubt, will appear the consummation of all wickedness and folly. Servants' Hall Library. Robinson Crusoe.-Goldsmith's Abridgment of the History of England.-Vicar of Wakefield.-Paley's Sermons.-History of Man.-Abridgment of Cook's Voyages. Remarkable Shipwrecks.-Whole Duty of Bishop Wilson's Sermons.-Sandford and Merton. Blair's Sermons.. - Dilworth's Arithmetic. Glass's Cookery.- Anson's Voyages.-Langton's Account of Servants who have been Executed at Tyburn, &c. This library list is practicable-legible mingles amusement with instruction, and would not be so soon torn up for lighting candles, as that of your April correspondent; and this last circumstance should not be neglected in the formation of servants' libraries. Z. To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine. 1. 1814.] Interesting Festival at Exmouth. Italian clearness of the atmosphere, can form an adequate idea of a spectacle which I could wish to see recorded in your excellent and widely circulated Magazine. Exmouth, May 23, 1814. M. S. AMONG the various public rejoicings for the glorious peace with which, by a combination of wonderful events, it has. pleased a merciful and over-ruling Providence to reward this land for its long and steady perseverance in well doing, few perhaps will exceed in beauty, decorum, rational enjoyment, genuine festivity, and classical taste, that which was exhibited at Exmouth on the 19th instant. At six in the morning the bells rang, and the whole town was decorated with colours of all nations, interspersed with laurel and ever-green oak; at eight a royal salute was fired; and at ten a magnificent procession, consisting of above a thousand people, all in elegant and strictly appropriate dresses, moved from the Globe Hotel to the Beacon Hill; thence to Marpool Hall, the seat of T. W. Hull, esq. where they were regaled most handsomely; and thence to a spacious and charmingly situated lawn at the mouth of the Exe, where a plentiful and excellent dinner was prepared by the masters of the Globe and London Hotels; and it is supposed that the number of persons who sat down to partake of it, in an immense ring, exceeded four thousand. The decorations of the dinner were par ticularly tasteful; and the order preserved throughout the whole day was astonishing. Procession. Fourteen little girls in white, adorned with chaplets of ever-green oak, blue and white cockades, &c. ; strewing flowers. A sailor and a soldier, bearing palmbranches, the emblems of conquest and peace. Ditto, with branches of ever-green oak, the British emblem of peace. Four men with implements of husbandry; The band of the South Devon Local Singers in white, adorned with chaplets A sea officer and a land officer, bearing colours furled, and wreathed with laurel. An ancient triumphal banner, with the following inscription: "Glory to God in the highest; on earth peace; good-will to ward men." Other emblematical banners. 3 511 War being represented by a fine martial figure dressed as Mars, and crowned with laurel, surmounted by sable plumes, a polished steel corslet, a crimson mantle, his sword sheathed and ornamented with laurel.-Peace being represented by a re markably mild and modest looking young woman clothed in white embroidered with olive-leaves; a white cross belt, with the words "Welcome Peace," in gold letters, a silver diadem wreathed with olive; in one hand a basket, containing a dove surrounded with hearts-case, in the other the chain of Mars. Justice being represented by a fine young woman clothed in white, embroidered with ever-green oak, (the emblem of fortitude as well as peace,) a crown of gold on her head, a white cross-belt with the words "Follow Justice," in gold letters, golden scales in one hand, and the chain of Mars in the other.* Ceres, accompanied by Flora, shepherds, and shepherdesses.-Ceres being adorned with a yellow mantle, embroidered with ever-green oak, a diadem of gold, and a chaplet of ripe corn on her head; a sickle in one hand, and a basket of corn and fruit in the other.-Flora being clad in white, and adorned with a broad cross-belt of beautiful flowers, a mantle bordered with flowers, a chaplet of flowers on her head, and a large basket-full in her hand. An ancient triumphal car, (adorned with ever-green oak, white and red roses, and the fleur-de-lys, and drawn by four horses abreast,) containing Mercury, God of Peace, Commerce, and Wealth, as Charioteer, clothed in a white close dress, a white satin cap, with wings, wings attached to his heels, and the caduceus in his hand.-Neptune clothed in green, embroidered with shells and sea-weed; a crown of sea-green foil on his head, and the trident in his hand.-Britannia, (the mistress of the car,) clothed in white, elegantly embroidered with ever-green oak, &c.; a gold cestus; a gold helmet wreathed with olive; the shield of the red-cross knights in one hand, and her spear in the other.-Twelve Tritons surrounding the car; and another Triton, with the conch, as Neptune's herald. The Earl Marshal, appointed by Neptune to conduct the ceremonies of the day, dressed in an appropriate manner, and mounted on a fine white horse. An aid-decamp and two heralds on horseback; all four of whom changed their situations as the ceremonies required. *Peace, Justice, and War, were intended to have been placed in the car of the last-named personage, with Death, represented by a youth with an inverted torch, as Charioteer, and the Dogs of War, in chains, preceding the car; but the subscription for the festival was inadequate to this additional expence. 3U 2 Officers, |
