256 Report on Petitions relating to the Corn Laws. exchange upon London had risen to 18-12, the price of Dantzic wheat im mediately followed it; so that, notwithstanding this great improvement of the exchange in favour of this country, the prices at which wheat could be purchased by a bill upon London, remained nearly the same, viz. f. 370 to f. 390 per last, or 21. 10s. 8d. per quarter. If this country, either from policy or necessity, should continue to depend on the import of foreign corn for the subsistence of a portion of its population, it is obvious, from all the evidence, that the Baltic is the only part of Europe upon which we can rely for a steady and regular supply; that Spain and Portugal are more or less our habitual competitors in that market; and that France resorts to it occasionally, when her own harvest is deficient. Occasionally also, the government of France appears to permit the exportation of a part of her own produce, but only for a limited time, and when her own markets are very much depressed. This, therefore, is a resource which cannot be reckoned upon by an habitually importing country. It may be forthcoming when least wanted, and withheld at the moment of our greatest need. It is a fact not undeserving the attention of the bouse, that a considerable duty appears to be levied on all corn exported from the Baltic. Your committee have reason to believe, that this duty has been greatly increased on some occasions, when the wants of this country were most pressing. Indeed it cannot escape observation, that revenue being the object for which a duty is imposed, and the prices in the Baltic being governed by price here, the scale of such a duty admits of being increased in proportion to the degree of scarcity and conse quent high price existing in this country. From a consideration of this and the many other inconveniences, both domestic and political, which, in a country like this, cannot fail to grow out of a state of habitual and extensive dependence on a supply of foreign corn, your committee have great satisfaction in observing, that of late the export of corn from Great Britain and Ireland has nearly, if not fully balanced the importation. Looking to this important change in our situation; to the abundance which we now enjoy; and to the great and extensive improvement made in cultivation both here and in Ireland, your committee cannot but indulge a hope, that we have nearly arrived at that [Oct. 1, state, in which nothing but a discouragement and consequent falling off of our own agriculture can again drive us to the necessity of trusting to large importations of foreign corn, except in unfortunate seasons, when it may be necessary to resort to this resource, to supply the deficiency of our own harvest. Should this expectation be confirmed, as they trust it will, by the experience of future years, it will be highly gratifying to the view which your committee take of this important national concern. They are convinced that a reliance on foreign importation, to a large amount, is neither salutary nor safe for this country to look to as a permanent system; and that many of the sacrifices and privations to which the people have been obliged to submit, during the late long and arduous contest, would have been materially alle viated if their means of subsistence had been less dependent on foreign growth. If, compelled by the frequent recurrence of those sacrifices and privations, the country has at last made exertions which will enable us, under ordinary circumstances, to hold ourselves independent of the precarious aid of foreign supply,your committee, without venturing to suggest the mode, cannot doubt that it will become the wisdom, and will consequently be the policy of parliament, on the one hand, by protecting British agriculture, to maintain, if not to extend, the present scale of its exertions and produce; and on the other, consistently with this first object, to afford the greatest possible facility and inducement to the import of foreign corn, whenever, from adverse seasons, the stock of our own growth shall be found inadequate to the consumption of the united kingdom. As connected with the general interests of trade, even independent of the great object of occasionally supplying our own wants, it is evident that the country possesses peculiar advantages for becoming a deposit for foreign corn. It can only be made so by our allowing the free import of grain, to be bonded and warehoused free from all duty, and as much as possible from local charges or harassing regulations; and by the owners of grain so bonded being permitted, at all times, and under all circumstances, to take out of the warehouses, either for exportation or home consump tion; subject, in the latter case, only to the same rules and duties as may be applicable to any other corn immediately entered for that purpose. Your com 1814.] Review of New Musical Publications. mittee are so forcibly impressed with the corn from the north to the south of In the course of the inquiries on this mportant subject, the following witnesses, whose evidence is very voluminous, were examined :-- Willisra Daiver, esq. land-surveyor. Mr. John Balicy, formerly land-surveyor, now agent. Mr. John Claridge, land-agent and suryor. Mr. Robert Harvey, of Dunstal, in the county of Stafford, Land-agent. Mr. William Henning, of Dellington, in the county of Somerset, land-owner, &c. Mr. Josiah Easton, of Bradford, near Taunton, Somersetshire, farmer, land-surveyor, and steward to several gentlemen. Mr. Edward Wakefield, of St. Edmundsbury, in Suffolk, land-agent. Mr. Francis Webb, of Salisbury, landcurveyor and land-agent. George Maxwell, esq. of Flitton, in the County of Huntingdon, land-occupier. Mr. William Clutton, of Ryegate, Surrey, land-agent and farmer. 257 Mr. James Buxton, of Essex, farmer. John Bennett, of Wiltshire, esq. farmer and landholder. Mr. Richard Crabtree, of Oakingham, Berkshire, valuer of lands. George Davis Carr, esq. proprietor and occupier of land in the county of Essex. William Gillies, esq. corn-factor. Arthur Young, esq. se retary to the Board of Agriculture. Mr. Kennet Kingsford, of Becligh, near Mr. Charles Mant, importer of corn. Mr. Samuel Kingsford, of Wandsworth, in the county of Surrey, miller. Mr. Joseph Wilks, miller and biscuitbaker. Claude Scott, esq formerly dealer in corn, now an agriculturist. Mr. William Aitchison, of East Lothian, farmer and distiller. Mr. John Reilly, mercantile agent. Mr. John Kendall, corn-inspector. Mr. John Kingsford, formerly a manufac- ker, now a miller. Mr. John Inglis, a merchant in London, concerned in the Canada and West India Trade. Mr. Edward Ellis, a merchant trading to Canada. REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS. Elements of Musical Composition; comprehending rules for thorough bass, and the theory of tuning. By William Crotch, Mus. Doc. Prof. Mus. Oxon. It is a circumstance much to he regretted, that, out of the vast number of scientific professors of qusic, so few are capable of expressing their ideas i appropriate language. From this cause the profound genius of a Baumgarten, and a Dietton hoffer, have been lost to the public, and only known to these few who enjoyed the advantage of their acquaintance. We are happy to find in the work before us the excellent musician and classi cal scholar united. In a short, but modest preface, the author observes, that " Originality seldom as the leading feature of a work of this kind. Treatises already published have been consulted, and contributed materially to some parts of the work." Notwithstanding is much new matter is introduced, and old ideas are placed in an improved point of view. But we hasten to give an account of the work as NEW MONTHLY MAG.-No. 9. far as our limits will permit. The first chapter treats of notes, intervals, scales, and keys, with examples of the diatonic, chromatic, and enharmonic, scales and intervals. A full explanation of the different keys ur modes, with the proper name of each note in the scale, according to the plan of Rameau) as tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, 1 3 4 on melody is followed by rules for composing mu sie in parts, with tasks and exercises for the stu dent, rhythm or time. After an excellent chapter on modulation, the doctrine of the canon, fugue, and imitation, are treated of at some length. The learned professor then winds up the whole with a luminons exposition of all the different styles of vocal and instrumental music, concluding with a recommendation to the student to perform the following tasks:-ist. To make variations to airs in the manner of different masters. 2d. To put different basses to a given treble. 3d. Different trebles to a given bass. 4th. Different trebles and basses to a given inner part. 5th. To write accompaniments on a ground bass. We are sorry our limits will not permit a more enlarged view of this erudite performance, for which reason we are obliged to postpone our examination of the tract on tuning temperainent, he monochord. &c. at the end of the book, but shall take an early oppor tunity of noticing it, as well as Lord Stanhope's treatise on the same subject. The Woodman's Hut, a melo-drama, performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, composed by Charles E. Horn. The overture begins with a slow movement in C minor, which is followed by a very spirited allegro in the major mode of C, led off by horns and clarionets, and pursued through different modulations by hautboys and trumpets; the whole band joining them at the twentieth bar, with a little pressure on the time, has a very spirited effect. We are much pleased with the charming ballad of "Oh never say I stole the heart." There is much origi nality in the New Lullaby." The air of “Some may choose a life of thinking," is calculated to display a fine bass voice to advantage. On the whole, the Opera is very creditable to the talents of Mr. Horn Several errors of the engraver occur in the second movement of the overture, which no doubt will be corrected in the second edition. [Oct. 1, In Cities, Seats of Pleasure, a Polacca for two voices, composed by Sir J. A. Stevenson, Mus. Doc. This elegant trifle is set in Sir J. Stevenson's best measure. It is full of pathos and tender expres sion. The farewell, at the beginning of the third page, accompanied by the horns. is particularly beautiful. We have only to regret, that we do not oftener meet with the name of Sir J. S. as de stands unrivalled in that species of composition. The Royal Naumachia, Fair, and Fireworks, a grand Dramatic Divertimento, by M. P. King. This little piece, written on the spur of the occasion, will not bear rigid inspection. Suffice it to say, that it is composed in a lively, pleasing strain, and though we should not discover the sentiment each movement is meant to convey, were it not written at the head, yet it is no discredit to the talents of Mr. King, and forms a good practice for young performers on the piano forte. The celebrated National Dance of Spain, the Cachucha, as danced at the King's Theatre, by Senora Mercandoti, arranged for the piano forte by F. J. Klose. This piece begins with a maestoso introduction, well supported thoughout It is then followed by a very pleasing Polacca, or Zapateado, with a va riety of evolutions appropriately brought in: the Cachucka itself is a short and curious movement in 3-8ths time, the accent chiefly lying ou the se cond quaver. This movement, accompanied by the fantastic toe of Senora M. cannot but produce a fascinating effect Sonate à Quatre Mains pour le Piano Forte, composé par P. Wineberger. Mr. Wineberger seems to have set all hands to the laboring oar. There is a pleasing mixture of spirit and pathos in this piece, which consists of three movements, and is extremely well calculated for performers pretty far advanced in the science. ORIGINAL POETRY. An EXTRACT from ST. GREGORY NAZIANZEN'S POEM DE VITA SUA, translated from the GREEK, by H. S. BOYD. [He is describing the events which befel him when he was travelling about to study at the different universities.] FROM Alexandria, in whose classic bowers I also cull'd the fruit which learning yields, I sail'd, and instant plough'd the Sea of Greece, By Cyprus coasting: there conflicting winds Convuls'd our bark, and universal night Enwrapp'd the earth, the sea, the air, the heav'ns. Loud roar'd the thunder, wide the lightning blaz'd; The swelling sails were fill'd; the cordage crack'd ;* [hand The mast gave way; and from the pilot's In all the Edd., the original is thus barbarously printed :— · Κάλοι δ ̓ ἐςόχθουν ἱστίων ngouμévav. I once thought it most probable that igxor was the true reading, but upon a second consideration I prefer ¿goiŝoūv. The rudder flew, in quivering fragments riven. High o'er the deck the sweeping billows roll'd ; And sad and wild a mingled murmur rose, Of sailors, boatswains, rowers, masters, pilots,* The Greek of this line is as follows: Ναυλῶν, κελευστών, δεσπῶν, ἐπηβόλων. With the ordinary sense of the word is every body is acquainted; but what is the exact meaning of it here? After having shewn the passage to a learned divine of the Church of England, who confessed he could make nothing of it, I submitted it to a gentleman who is a native of the isle of Cyprus, and to whom the Greek language is nearly as familiar as the English to us. When he first examined it, he was of opinion that is Bóv here signifies skilful, experienced; but upon more mature reflection, he was inclined to think that it means the pilots. In the former case, he conceived it to agree with Sarda. On the margin of the printed Edd. learn Our deep distress, tho' fearing for themselves, No friendly haven open'd on our view, While all the rest one common danger fear'd.* A thought more dreadful chill'd my fainting soul. For me no wave baptismal yet had flow'd, Me, now encompass'd by the waves of death. This, this was ruin; this, to me, was shipwreck : At this I wept; for this I wrung my hands, In mournful concert with the deep below; Rending my garments, prostrate, comfort less. Gregory Nazianzen. we have a various reading, xaì imißalāv, from whence an ingenious friend struck out the following happy emendat on: — Naslov, In the κελευστῶν, ἐπιβατῶν καὶ δεσπολῶν. common lexicons ißárng is rendered vector; but, if I remember right, HESYCHIUS explains it thus : Ο μὴ κωπηλάτης, ἀλλὰ πλέον pay. I also have had my conjectures:such as ἐπηλύδων, ἐπηνέμων, ὑπηρετών. should esteem myself indebted to any man of learning who, through the medium of this Magazine, would throw light upon the subject. I Πάλλων δὲ τὸν κοινὸν θανατὸν δεδοικότων. It is surprizing that Gregory should have disgraced his verse with an anapæst in quartâ sede, when the word μzéps would have suited his sense equally well, and his metre infinitely better. 259 All wept with me; with me they rais'd their voice; With me, in that extremity, they pray'd, Who now preserv'st me from the waves of For when no dawn of glimmering hope ap. No island, continent, or mountain brow star Look'd forth to guide the woe worn mariner, At once appalling, thrilling, smiling, healing, With misery's cup commingling comfort's balm! Recounting, then, the wond'rous deeds of old, In which thy mighty hand we recognise ; The waters cleft, the march of Israel's host, An army vanquish'd by a prophet's hands High rais'd; Egypt, beneath the dreadful Scourge, Bruis'd, with her chiefs; Creation's laws led My own portentous destiny, I said, Thine have I been, O Lord, and yet am thine; May'st thou receive me twice, an honour'd gitt, Of earth and sea the offering, rendered pure Both by my mother's vow, and chastening fear. O, should I now escape, to thee I'll live; The winds were hush'd, the roaring waves grew calm, And light and swift, the gliding vessel moved.* Another blessing from the favouring heavens My prayer drew down; for all who with me sail'd Believ'd on Jesus, hymn'd his glorious name, And own'd the God who thus had doubly saved them. Light o'er the charmed wave the breezes blew, In his Funeral Oration on his Father, St. Gregory has given us a narration of the same event; but it is more concise, and less beautiful. The storm is simply mentioned, not described, and the sublime and interesting prayer to Christ is wholly omitted, 260 Fragment of a Prospect from a Hill in Fife. And passing Rhodes, we anchor'd in the port Let others tell; how in the fear of God waves For ever gliding sweet, as inen believe: 'Twas Basil; my support, my blessing now. My humble roof; and might I boast, I'd say, We were a pair whom Greece did not despise. With us all things were common, and one soul Connected, moved, and animated both. FRAGMENT of "a PROSPECT from a HILL in FIFE. By the late G. WALLACE, esq. ALONG its banks, wet with heroic blood, Some fields extend, an active scene, on which Relentless man, delirious and bold, Hath, cruel, oft displayed his fellest rage, war, That steel the tender heart 'gainst cries of Hence monarchs dream of conquest and a name. The nations rush to arms, and subjects feel The Greck of this elegant passage may be found in a letter of mine, printed in the sixteenth number of the Class. Journal, where I pointed out a remarkable plagiarismi in the Henriade of Voltaire. + Bathews Av, 10 μey' openos Torvov Bitu. Read Basins, and compare the following verse, which is about 360 lines from the beginning of the poem :-Βασίλειος ἔτος ἦν ὁ νῦν μετ' αγγέXav. By some unaccountable mistake of the editor or the printer, or perhaps of both, the word is here spelt aright. [Oct. 1, The Roman eagle hence flew far from home, Sceking to range the desert of the hills,+ Every one acquainted with the history of Scotland, must recollect that the most remarkable events in it happened along the banks of the Forth, on the fields between Stirling, Falkirk, and Linlithgow. § Delirant reges; plectuntur Achivi. Hor. II. epist. 2, l. 14. Kindling within thy breast the generous A foreign foe had ravaged all thy land; Their virgins ravished, and their altars 'Twas then that thou, fond Caledonia's pride, arms. The chiefs had fought, but fighting still in vain, O'erborne by numbers, by false friends be- Had each retir'd, disdainful, to their homes, Far from alarms, in sea-surrounded isle, That fed the mildness of his fleecy care, In lonely grace. The poor, his herds, and And tenants, blessed their kind and generous lord. Soon as he heard fair freedom's voice and All private cares forgot, he seized his lance, Their arms, alone, to haughty Edward's The peasant there, driving his team along, Still points the ground on which the warriors fought The Romans built a chain of forts, and afterwards a wall between the Forth and the Ciyde, to defend their province against the inroads of the Scots. + Scotland is termed, not without propriety, the Desert of the Hills, in fragmen's of Gaelic poetry. Boes, Buchanan, Hume. § Near Falkirk. |