hostile tribes, and attach them to ra tional government. The Berebbers would readily assimilate to such a government; and although by nature a treacherous race, they would rejoice to see the country in possession of a government which they would perceive sirove to promote the welfare and prosperity of the mountaineers, as well as the inhabitants of the plains: and their ova interest would thus gradually subdue the antipathy resulting from religious prejudices.

A general knowledge of the African Arabic would be essentially necessary; and I think a school might be esta blished in England, on the Madras system, for initiating youths (going out to Africa) in the rudiments of that language. This would be attended with most important advantages, and might be accomplished in a very short time.

The conquest of Algiers being thus ferted. that of the neighbouring states would follow, without difficulty, by a disciplined army of European troops; keeping ever the principle in view, of conciliating the natives, without swerving from an energetic and decisive mode of government.

The advantages that would necessarily result from a successful attack upon Africa would be,

1st. An incalculable demand for all our various articles of manufactures.

ed. A similar demand for spices, and East India manufactures, of silk and

cotton.

Solomon, and immortalize the Prince who should cherish this great commerce to its maturity! VASCO DE GAMA.

Elon, 10th March, 1818.

HISTORY OF PETER PLIANT. (Continued from page 123.)

which had engrossed my father's NE of the few speculative studies attention, was phisiogomy:" the propriety of which he defended on the ground of the old proverb, "the face is an index to the mind." So much, indeed, did he pride himself on his superior discernment in this particular, that he sometimes exceeded the modest boundary of reason; and, like most people who have an extraordinary regard for their own way of thinking, predicted judgments which were often fallacious. If good-humour had not formed a principal ingredient in his composition, his talent would have been productive of much inconvenience; as it was, the exercise of it sometimes afforded a laugh at his expense. I remember well, a gentleman whom he had invited, after a slight introduction, to spend a day or two with him, mistaking his way, accidentally met him in a very suspicious corner of his farm yard, and not knowing him at first sight, began to exercise a scrutiny into the lines of his countenance the severity of which was considerably encreased by an attempt, a few days before, to rob his hen-house. in his countenance, he plainly taxed Imagining he saw symptoms of roguery him with the act-an explanation, however, takes place a hearty laugh succeeded, and from that time his skill was exerted with more than usual caution, though he would often laugh at the liberty he had taken with his friend's features.

But this study, like all others, is liable to be over-rated; and though the predominant feelings of a man's bosom will impart a corresponding impression to his countenance, deceit will often, to serve its own purposes, throw a veil over the feature: and deluding us into a bilief of honesty, convert the plausible appear. ce of cunning duplicity into unsuspecting innocence.

The most illiterate disciple of Lavater could have traced, with very little difficulty, the cause of the manifest alterations in Chick weed's countenance; for surely nothing could have repre

Dd

sented a greater picture of sullenness and roguery. Had I been at all inclined to the more recent system of craniology, I might have taken advantage of a suspicious lump rising in the form of an obtuse angle on the left side of his head; but confining myself to the more vulgar and accepted demonstrations of common sense, I contented myself with deducing all my inferences from the conversation between him and Mr. Plausible. The latter endeavoured to frighten him by assuming an air of authority, and largely expatiated on the great prevalence of the crime; and, observing, that the severity of the punishment depended in a great measure npon the prosecutor's Tenity; it was not exactly in his province to determine, but for ought he knew a prison's door might close on him for ever;-should be sorry to recommend barsh measures, but should not hesitate to enforce the full penalty if the case appeared to him deserving of it These, and a few other disjointed sentences, uttered with a peculiar degree of gravity, evidently made an impression upon the iron features of Chick weed, who began to grumble out some apology, and hoped we should not use him hardly."

"Why, look you, Mr. Chickweed," returned the lawyer," the frequency of these depredations renders it necessary for an effectual example; and, unless you can shew sufficient cause why Mr. Pliant should not have recourse to the usual measures for punishment, the law must take its course."

During an interesting pause of five minutes which followed this declaration, something appeared considerably to agitate him; and at length, after a great deal of embarassment, he muttered, "that if I would be good enough to release him, he would make it worth my while."

This was evidently the prelude to the wished-for communication; and Mr. Plausible, with an affected carelessness, asked the nature of it: which, on being assured of gaining his liberty by telling, stated, "that a few months before he had found a paper relative to Mr. Pliant's estate; and being ignorant of its meaning, he had carried it to spindle, who snapped at it, and told him he might make a good thing of it-partly explaining its nature, and promising a handsome reward if he succeeded. had asked him several times for compensation, but the other always evaded it,

He

and went so far as to hint that the paper was become useless. He knew him, however, too well to be satisfied with this explanation, and fear alone had hitherto prevented any disclosure, as he dreaded the little man's vengeance, in whose power it was to do him a great deal of mischief; but he hoped that as he had told this secret, we would screen him from the effects of it."

A conditional promise to protect him, if his future behaviour justified it, ter minated this meeting, and with a low bow, testifying his gratitude, he departed.

He was no sooner gone thau we set about contriving some plan for the annihilation of Spindle's project, who was now so completely in our power; but our operations were of a very restricted nature, for the identical little gentleman surprised us soon after with a visit to Mr. Plausible.

A little reflection enabled us to account with some degree of probability for his appearance; for as it was morally impossible that Chickweed's apprehension could long remain a secret, we had no doubt that he had heard of it, and forming a tolerably fair conjecture as to the result, hoped to conclude some settlement before it was too late.

With a smile resembling a feeble ray of the sun peeping through a misty atmosphere, Mr. Spindle entered the room, and laying aside a considerable portion of his consequence, which be deemed unnecessary on the present oc casion, advanced to the table where we were sitting, and with an obsequious nod, boped we were well.

Mr. Plausible slightly returned his awkward civilities, and requesting him to be seated, asked him to what he was indebted for this unexpected honor."

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Nothing more than the subject which engaged our attention a few days ago, and which I have since been revolving in my mind, and now begin to think as you do-that it would be a considerable saving of time, expense, and litigation, to settle it amicablythere are various methods,' as you observed, and

A

to be more intricate than I at first imagined; and as a revival of the claim would expose us to a considerable expense, it would be better to comply th your first proposal, and terminate the affair at once."

A certain levity of manners, which bespoke something like indifference to the proposal, created evident distrust in the mind of the pettyfogging lawyer it was apparent something had turned up against him, and who but Chickweed could have done it. A rapid consultation with himself produced a large concession in his demands, until he lowered his expectations to the payment of a fifty pound note.

But how will you reconcile this to Sir Lionel? He will naturally inquire the state of the action, and will expect a fall explanation of your proceedings." O. leave that to me, Sir: I can massge bin."

**Well, Sir, I should feel great pleasure in acceding to your request; but the shock which your conscie..ce must necessarily suffer after your late declaration, and-"”

O! don't mention it, Sir-a tridea tride."

Very accommodating, upon my word: but I am sorry that the existence of another obstacle is likely yet to overturn your wishes."

- What may that be?" answered Spiedie, with a vacant stare.

• A trife-a trifie-nothing more then the very document we had supposed lost. Your friend Chickweed, who has been here before you, can better explain it; he has

"The d-l he has. Oh! the scoun, drel."

Prevarication is useless, Mr. Spindle; your intentions are discovered, and 10-morrow Sir Lionel will be made acquainted with them. Your only method therefore to deprecate the severity of your punishment, is instantly to deliver up the paper, and prevent unnecessary

trouble."

All the reply that Spindle male to this intelligence was conveyed in a look particularly bitter and expressive. Shame and mortication sealed his

which was rendered complete by an interview with Sir Lionel, who expressed his gratification at the discovery of the fraud which had been so artfully concealed. A postscript to Mr. Plausible's letter informed me at the same time that there was fresh cause of concern for the "canscientious lawyer," whose name had been struck off the rolls. Being thus firmly reinstated in my possessions, I turned my thoughts to more agreeable subjects, and began to form some idea of returning for a short timə to London. The country, to be sure, was just resuming its picturesque beauties, and nature, with a liberal hand, was scattering round her munificent treasures: but there were attractions still more powerful in town-a delightful association of friendship, esteem, andlove. My resolution to address Mr. Manning on the subject of his daughter was firmly made. I found myself unable any longer to resist a declaration so essential to my happiness. I perceived even at my age the allurements of pleasure and dissipation were as feathers in the scale of human happiness, when opposed to the solid comforts of domestic life, and being in a situation to maintain a wife with respectability, if not comparative affluence, I was deter mined to relinquish the title of a grave bachelor for that of a domesticated husband.

But my intentions of returning were frustrated by a letter from Mr. Manning, who informed me that the completion of his purchase only waited for his sanction of the grounds, and that it was his intention in the course of a day or two to intrude upon my hospitality with one or two visitors," who were interested in the purchase, and who were anxious to pay their respects to me also.

Imagination easily gave his visitors a name, whom I hoped to welcome in the persons of Mrs. and Miss Manning. You will naturally conclude my anxiety in the interval, and the preparations that

were made for their reception. Two, three, and four days elapsed, and not a sign of their coming; but the fifth was more propitious, and my expectations were at length realized by the appearance of a carriage on the declivity of the hill, bending its way towards my dwel ling, I bastened to meet them, and bid a welcome to the country. My conjectures as to the party were rightly formed, only that an addition presented itself in the person of my cousin Louisa. Not a hungry glutton at the sight of a smoking sirloin, or a thrifty miser at the addition of one piece to his heap, could have manifested more delight than I did. I verily believe I could have stifled them out of mere affection; I would have led them to the house, and ordered refreshments, but they were anxious to take a country walk, and I volunteered my services to act as conductor. The morning was remarkably fine, and the village, with the adjacent prospects, formed a pleasing picture for my London friends, who had been so accus tomed to the regular disposition of the chimney-pots in town, that a tree was a complete object of admiration, a thatched cottage superior to any palace, and a mouthful of fresh air sweeter than all the enjoyments of a crowded street put together.

"But what has become of all your neighbours ?" said Louisa-" they ap pear to have deserted the place: I long to see some of your rustic beauties."

"You shall soon be gratified, then; old Farmer Heartly lives close by, and as he is concerned in the sale of the estate Mr. Manning is about to purchase, he would like to see him as soon as possible."

"But you don't mean to call him a rustic beauty, do you?"

"O no; his daughter I mean-the pride of our village; but come along.” We reached the cottage, the neatness and simplicity of which excited universal approbation. The farmer was out, but his rosy-cheeked daughter gave us a smiling welcome, and put before us a bowl of fresh rich cream and home made bread. To those who never knew the delights of such a repast, it was peculiarly grateful, and every body agreed what a pleasant thing it must be to live in the country. Farmer Heartly returned shortly after, and welcoming all in the rough accent of an honest countryman, retired with Mr. Manning, to consult on the purchase. We pursued

Well," said Louisa," if this is sample of your village lasses, you are better off than I imagined. I suppose you have selected one for the mistres of your estate."

I answered in the negative, and turn ing my eyes to Miss Manning, perceived a slight blush on her cheek, and felt something similar on my own.

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"I wonder," continued my tantaliz ing cousin, whom I afterwards found was aware of my growing attachment for Miss Manning, that the sparkling eyes and rosy cheek of some sweet Daphne or Phillis have not run away with your heart."

"Does my cousin, then, suppose that t I am to sacrifice my happiness to a pretty outside? I thought she knew I placed too great a value on “mind,” to" suffer such a consideration to weigh a tittle with me."

"I am not arguing that you are totally insensible to mind," but I must cordially agree with a celebrated author, who observes-that you young men generally endeavour to deposit that mind in some fair temple," and conti nually tell us at the same time that beauty is not your object.”

"To style myself insensible to beauty would be disregarding the fairest work of God. I value it-I admire it; but hope that I shall have sufficient reason left to prefer a plain face, with a good heart, to a beautiful countenance with a vain one."

"And what is that—"

"Cupid could not confine him in a silken net, so caught him with a gold one, and he marries-to 30.000. The world calls it a famous thing; Sir Edward styled the happiest of men, and his creditors now wear a merrier face than they have done for some time."

"He is, indeed, fortunate, in one sense, but not in the right one; I do not eavy him, believe me"

Our strictures upon Sir Edward were put an end to by the approach of Mr. Manning, and we entered the house. The freshness of the air had given each an appetite, and justice was done to the repast. The evening was spent with all the conviviality natural to friends, though my cousin Louisa took a particalar delight in resuming the old subject, and making observations. She well knew I understood, but my vexation was more than counterbalanced by the easy familiarity of her friend, whose natural good sense and endearing manDers made a still further impression on my heart.

(To be continued.)

Tuesde forts may dartakele, exhabiting all the ease, fluency, and elegance, which should be the peculiar characteristics of this kind of writing, and at the same time clothed in lauguage at once chaste, nervous, and perspicuous. They abound every where with sentiments of the most disinterested patriotism, and the purest philanthropy, qualities which present themeives to the reader, not only adorned by the glow of eloquence, but enforced by the example of the author, who was eminently endowed with these virtues, and who was also so thoroughly versed in the knowledge of human nature, that from his letters alone might be collated a code of moral axioms, which Waoever should strictly observe, would scarcely need any other guide to regulite his conduct through life

THESE letters be as a

Having thus brielly pointed out in what the chief merit of these letters appear to me to consist, I shall now proceed to notice such passages in them as I conceive to be objectionable.

The elegant translator of the letters I am considering, has endeavoured to apologize for the instances of self commendation, which he allows to be frequent in his author, and in extenuation of a practice revolting to modern ideas of modesty, has cited several examples of a similar kind from the most celebrated writers of antiquity, and even one from Holy Writ, where Moses says of himself that he was the meekest man upon earth." True modesty, he adds, according to the idea the ancients had of it, did not forbid a man to speak well of himself when he has merit to support the character he claims.

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There may be some truth in this observation; but I confess that I am so much a modern, as to doubt whether any man has a right to set himself up for a judge of his own merit: for which reason I could never read the following passages in Pliny's letters with satisfaction. In letter 38, book vi. addressed to Romanus, to whom he recommends the perusal of one of his speeches, he speaks of this (his own production) in the following terms: "The abundance of matter, the just order in which it is arranged, the little narratives that are dispersed throughout, together with the several kinds of style which diversify the composition, will always give it an air of novelty. I will even venture to say else, that a spirit of animaled and que to you, what I dare not say to one lime eloquence breaks out in many parts of it; as in others, it assumes the close and argumentative manner."-This is pretty well; but I am still less pleased with his letter to Priscus 21, book iii. wherein he takes occasion to mention an instance of his own bounty to Martial, and at the same time encloses a copy of verses addressed to him by that poet, and written in the highest strain of adulation; but not more so than Pliny seems to have thought himself entitled to, from the following expression-" He gave me the best he had to bestow, and it was want of power only that his present was not more valuable."

These, and many other instances which occur in the course of his correspondence with his friends, prove that Pliny was by no means insensible to his own merits; nor am I disposed to find fault with this sentiment, it is the unqualified expression of it that appears to me to be unbecoming even in a confi dential communication to a friend,