Babylon, (for one wall appears to have been contained within another,) the discovery might not only be conclusive in settling the question about particular masses of ruin, but might lead to ascertain the contested extent of the area of this once famous city.

The general supposition, that the tower of Belus recorded by the Greek historians is the same structure with the tower of Babel, which, we learn from Genesis, (ch. xi.) was built in a plain in the land of Shinaar, has greatly augmented the interest of the scholar in discovering the site of a fabric allied to so many of the recollections of mankind: but we are not aware that the identity of these two buildings rests on any other grounds than general probability, similarity, or vicinity of the site, and strong coincidence in point of name; and evidence such as this cannot be deemed conclusive, although certainly founded on very plausible conclusions. In the present instance, we submit it to the reader, whether the separation of these two structures would not tend to elucidate the question relative to the Birs Nemroud. Could we suppose the Birs to be in reality the remains of the tower which the descendants of Noah constructed, and the temple of Belus to have been altogether a distinct fabric, we should have no difficulty in finding a site for this latter in a quarter of Babylon correspondent with the writings of antiquity; and some presumption would be entertained as to the original purpose of those stupendous ruins so far to the west of the Euphrates.* Nevertheless, such a speculation as this has endless difficulties to encounter, independently of the strong reasons for arguing the identity of these buildings. We find from Genesis that a city was connected with

Diodorus says that Semiramis built the temple of Belus, to whom the foundation or re-edification of Babylon (it is doubtful which) is assigned by ancient authors. It is scarcely possible to fix the era of this wonderful woman, but we may easily conclude it to have been subsequent to the erection of the tower of Babel by the descendants of Noah. If, therefore, she really did found the tower of Belus, and in the age in which she is usually placed, the presumption of the identity of the two buildings would be weak indeed. We must allow, however, that the age of Semiramis is removed into the regions of fabulous history; and that probably many works were attributed to her with as little reason as to Hercules, or any god, demigod, or hero of fabulous ages.

the tower of Babel, and we have our old obstacle to surmount in the absence of all notice of any such fabric in the more ancient classical authors.

We have dwelt so long on this interesting memoir, in proportion to its extent, that it will be impossible for us to follow the author into the few remaining topics of his pages. They refer to the materials of which Babylon was built; and which consisted exclusively of timber, and the two species of brick already noticed. An Englishman, accustomed to brick built cities, will readily imagine that a city so constructed, whatever masses of building it may have contained, could have exhibited but few speci mens of refined or delicate architecture. The cement was of more kinds than one. At the Birs the best mortar had been used, and of so durable a nature as to render it impossible to detach the bricks without breaking them. Specimens of clay and bitumen are still visible; the former had layers of reeds laid between it and the brick; the latter appears to have been difficult in the preparation, of very inferior utility when applied, and more used in the interior than the exterior of building.

Mr. Rich's knowledge of the Chaldee, and of some modern oriental languages, gives him advantages over the majority of other travellers in researches of this nature, and we therefore confidently anticipate much future amusement and instruction from his exertions.

COAT FOR BRICK HOUSES.

The following is the discovery of an ingenious gentleman at Washington for coating houses. It is said to be superior to stuccoing:-"Rosin dissolved in spirits of turpentine till fluid like oil. This mixed with or put into paint first made up thick with linseed oil until of sufficient liquidity to lay on easily. One or two coats of common oil paint over that is vastly superior to roughcasting."

390

THE following account of the sacrifice of a Hindoo woman on the funeral pile of her husband, is an extract of a letter from Mrs. S. T. Newton, a resident in Calcutta, to her friends in this country, one of whom has politely favoured us with a copy for publication. Mrs. Newton is a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where her parents now reside.

"Calcutta, June 18, 1817.

"I OPEN my letter, my dearest friends, to tell you I have witnessed one of the most extraordinary and horrid scenes ever performed by human beings; namely, the self-immolation of a woman on the funeral pile of her husband. The dreadful sacrifice has made an impression on my mind that years will not efface. I thank my God that I was born in a Christian land, and instructed in the Christian religion.

"This event is so recent, I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to relate it. Last night I could not close my eyes, nor could I drive this martyred woman from my recollection. I am almost sick to-day, and I am sure you will not wonder at it. But this ceremony is so much celebrated, and by my countrymen so much doubted, that I was resolved to see if such deeds could be.' I have seen: and the universe would not induce me to be present on a similar occasion. I cannot realize what I have seen it seems like a horrible dream.

"Yesterday morning at seven o'clock this woman was brought in a palanquin to the place of sacrifice. It is on the banks of the Ganges, only two miles from Calcutta. Her husband had been previously brought to the river to expire. His disorder was hydrophobia-(think of the agony this must have occasioned him.) He had now been dead twenty-four hours, and no person could prevail on the wife to save herself. She had three children, whom she committed to the care of her mother. A woman called to be undertaker, was preparing the pile. It was composed of bamboo, firewood, oils, rosin and a kind of flax, altogether very combustible. It was elevated above the ground, I should say, twenty inches, and supported by strong stakes. The dead body was lying on a rude couch, very near, covered with a white cloth. The oldest child, a boy of seven years, who was to light the pile, was standing near the corpse. The woman sat perfectly

unmoved during all the preparation; apparently at prayer, and counting a string of beads which she held in her hand. She was just thirty years old; her husband twenty-seven years older.

"The government threw every obstacle in the way of this procedure. They are not strong enough to resort to violent measures, to prevent this abominable custom. Nothing but our religion can abolish it, and I do not believe there is a single particle of Christianity in the breast of a single native in all India.

"These obstacles delayed the ceremony unti! five o'clock, when the permit from one of the chief judges arrived. Police officers were stationed to prevent any thing like compulsion, and to secure the woman at the last moment, if she should desire it. The corpse was now placed on the ground, in an upright posture, and clean linen crossed round the head and about the waist. Holy water was thrown over it by the child, and afterwards oil by the Brahmins. It was then placed upon the pile, upon the left side. The woman now left the palanquin, walked into the river, supported by her brothers, who were agitated, and required more support than herself. She was devested of all her ornaments: her hair hanging dishevelled about her face, which expressed perfect resignation. Her forehead and feet were stained with a deep red. She bathed in the river, and drank a little water, which was the only nourishment she received after her husband's death. An oath was administered by the attending Brahmins, which is done by putting the hand in holy water, and repeating from the Shaster a few lines. This oath was given seven times. I forgot to say the child received an oath before the corpse was removed. The brothers also prayed over the body, and sprinkled themselves with consecrated water. She then adjusted her own dress, which consisted of long clothes wrapped round her form, and partly over her head, but not so as to conceal her face. She had in her hand a little box, containing parting gifts, which she presented to her brothers, and to the Brahmins, with the greatest composure. Red strings were then fastened round her wrists-her child now put a little rice in her mouth, which was the last thing she received. She raised her eyes to Heaven several times, during the river ceremonies, which occupied ten or twenty minutes. She took no notice of her child; having taken leave of her female friends and children early in the morning. A little cup of consecrated rice was placed by the child

at the head of the corpse. She now walked to the pile, and bent with lowly reverence over the feet of her husband; then, unaided, she passed three times around the pile. She now seemed excited by enthusiasm; some said of a religious nature, others by affection for the dead. I do not pretend to say what motive actuated her; but she stepped upon the pile with apparent delight, unassisted by any one, and threw herself by the side of the body, clasping his neck with her arm. The corpse was in the most horrid putrid state. She put her face close to his; a cord was slightly passed over both; light faggots and straw, with some combustible rosin, were then put on the pile, and a strong bamboo pole confined the whole: all this was done by her brothers. The child then applied the fire to the head of the pile which was to consume both parents. The whole was instantly on fire. The multitude shouted, but not a groan was heard from the pile. I hope and trust this poor victim expired immediately. She undoubtedly did, without one struggle. Her feet and arms were not confined; and after the straw and faggots were burnt, we saw them in the same position she had placed them.

"This was a voluntary act. She was resigned, self-collected, and perfectly herself. Such fortitude, such magnanimity, such resolution, devoted affection, religious zeal, and mad delusion, combined, I had not conceived of, and I hope never to witness again. Hundreds witnessed this scene. Some admired the heroism of the woman-some were ready to tear the Brahmins to pieces for myself, I was absolutely stupified with pity and horror at this dreadful immolation. I am grieved to say, this is not an uncommon instance.

"I believe I have given you all the particulars: put them in a better form, and tell this almost incredible story to some of my friends. There were present about forty Americans, and a few English. I do not know the number of natives, but may safely say many hundreds.

"Yesterday was also one of the feasts of Juggernaut. In returning home, we passed through a street, two miles in length, entirely filled with temples, consecrated to that god, drawn by worshipping thousands, and myriads striving for that honour; they were offering gold, fruits, and the most beautiful flowers, to the