fcribes the new method in contradiftinction to the old. Where the difference of level was confiderable, frequent locks were formerly interpofed at prefent the canal is begun as near the ri ver head as is confiflent with a steady supply of water, and continued on a level to near its mouth. One defcent is then fufficient, and the veffels are raifed and funk by a machine, acting on the combined principles of a wheel and an inclined plane. Reflections occafioned by the Frequency of Fires in the Metropolis; swith Thoughts on Measures for adding Measures for adding to Puble Security, and Remarks on the Law of Arfon. By Philanthropos. 8vo. 15. Robinfons.

The author of this pamphlet points out fome defects in the Jaws now exifting againt wilfully and malicioufly ferting fire to houfes; and he propofes fome means for the prevention of fires in the metropolis. In particular he fuggefts the expediency of a fire-watch and a fire-jury; both which he recommends, and we think with good reafon, as promifing great fecurity against devastations from fire. The fubject is certainly of the utmost importance to the public, and merits the moft ferious attention. An Addrefs to the Public from the Philanthropic Society, inflituted in 1788, for the Prevention of Crimes and the Reform of the Criminal Poor. 8vo. 6d. White and Son.

The plan of this laudable Society is already, we believe, generally known to the public. The great object of it is, to prevent the commiffion of crimes, by taking under its protection fuch children as would otherwise be left to follow the example of profligate parents, and become the pests of the community. An inftitution of this kind unites the purposes of charity with thofe of police, and renders it in fact the interest of every individual to promote fo falutary a defign. We are glad to find that the Philanthropic Society is not only enabled to continue, but extend its benevolent patronage to the objects of its attention; and there is reafon to expect, from fuch well-directed exertions, the moft happy fuccefs.-The prefent pamphlet contains a list of fixty-eight children who have been lately refcued from the gulf of moral destruction, and are now training in the principles of religion and the habits of virtuous induftry. Every friend to humanity and to public happiness, muft unite in applauding the inftitution, and promoting the views of this Society.

The Key of Natural Philofophy; or, an Introduction into the Knowledge of Nature. Being a plain Philofophical Treatife. By the Rev. Thomas Clement. Evs. 25. 6d. Printed for the Author.

This Key is in every refpect new; but we cannot add that it very fuccefsfully unlocks the myfteries of Nature. The caufe of the ebb and flow of the tides, the deluge, earthquakes, volcanos, and gravity, are the principal fubjects of the treatife. As

we

we wish not to mislead our readers, or to mifeprefent our author, we fall transcribe his fentiments on the first fubject.

However, be that as it may, I am clearly convinced that the fea would not flow and ebb, was it not for the frein waters which continually fall into it, which conflantly ferve for its food or aliment, and which therefore fupport it in fermenting or operating by periodical fits perpetually, whereby the feil, after it has fallen into the fea, is tranfmuted into falt water; in like manner as proper wort poured among fermenting liquor, fuch as fermenting ale, or fermenting liquor of another kind, will ferment or operate too by fits, and thereby become the fame fort of liquor as that wherewith it is mixed; or, like as the nutritive part of the food of animals is thus converted into their respective natures, into their blood and bodily fubftances; which transformation of the fresh into falt-water evidently accounts, at the fame time, for the fea-water continuing always of the fame tafle and quality, notwithstanding all the rivers of frefl water that continually run into the fea, which otherwife would be unaccountable. In fhort, the flowing and ebbing of the fea is nothing else but its alternate working and refting, fupported by the fresh waters which perpetually fall into it, and which are its proper pabulum. To which fermenting or operating of the fea, its fubfiftence, as that of a live element, is manifeilly owing; yea, this is the way whereby all nature elfe fubfifts, as I fhall further flew in the fequel of this treatife."

If, gentle reader, you prefer-poetry?-no, rhyme? it is not rhyme either. If, however, you prefer what Mr. Clement calls heroic verfe,' he has obliged you alfo in this way.

'Once on a morn I mus'd on mundane things,
'Specially on Neptune's wide domains;

I then did think what the true caufe might be
Of the flowing and ebbing of the fea :-
'Tis the working and refting of the main,
Caus'd by the fresh water mix'd with the fame;
Which, like as wort, the produce of the malt,
Into ale, is thus transform'd into falt.
Hereupon evidently does depend

The existence of its whole finny kind,
As well as the life of the sea itself,

And of all fublunary nature else.'

The cause of gravity is, in his opinion, magnetical attraction. The Corn-Trade of Great Britain, for eighteen Years, from 1748, to 1765. Compared with the eighteen Years, from 1771, to 1788. Shewing the National Lofs in the latter Period to have been above Taventy Millions of Money. By Robert Rayment, Efq. 8vo. Is. 6d. Whieldon.

Though there feem to be fome erroneous opinions and conclufions in this little pamphlet, the principal parts of it are ac

curate

curate and important. The lofs to the kingdom in the corn, trade from 1771 to 1788 is shown to amount to more than twenty millions. We think that part is owing to the increase of population; part is certainly the effect of increafing luxury, and much of it owing to different customs, and above all, to the numerous horfes now kept for the purposes of rapid conveyances, for fplendor, and for fhow. The evil would appear of still greater magnitude, if the various enclofures and the different navigable canals are confidered, which add to the quantity of corn and leffen the requifite number of horfes. The remedy is not easily discovered, nor if found could it be with propriety applied. The increase of inclofures and of navigable canals will do fcarcely more than prevent an increase of the evil: the exempting hair-powder made from potatoes from the tax would have but a tranfitory effect; and an additional tax on horses not employed in agriculture or manufactures, if admitted by parlia ment, would but flightly alleviate the misfortune. In short, we nuft, it is to be feared, bear the ills we have, and counteract the evil by diligence and industry in the conduct of our prefent manufactures, by fpirit and activity in the purfuit of new ones. Letters upon Parliamentary Impeachments. By a Barrister at Law. 8vo. Is. Stockdale.

The mode of conducting parliamentary impeachments in this country, is hitherto very far from being fettled with any degree of precision. While this continues to be the cafe, many plaufible arguments may be adduced on both fides of the question; but they must all yield to the fuperior force of parliamentary determination; and to that laft refort of contending parties we leave the fubject of this production.

CORRESPONDENCE..

AS fome doubts have been expreffed relating to the publication of the Tranfactions of the French Humane Society, we purpose to examine their last volume in our next Number. We thank the Gentleman who communicated it to us, and trust that Humanitas' will referve his opinion till he fees the account of it.