younger than himself. Of this marriage

there has been no issue.

The dynasty of this Prince is not, in historic records, to be retraced further than the reign of Ivan or John Easilides, about 1450; before whose time the country was little known, and still less regarded. The imperial chronology commences A.D. 1162; since which period, Russia has been gradually rising in the European scale of nations, in a way the most honourable, by the introduction of the arts and the extension of their concomitant civilization.

To the genius of one man (Peter the Ist) this immense empire owes its present prosperity. Catherinethe IId appears to have possessed a genius similar to that of her illustrious precursor. Extensive, nay extravagant, in all her ideas, she had conceived the gigantic enterprise of chasing the Turks from Europe, tearing down the Crescent from the Seven Towers, and planting the Cross on the walls of Constantinople.

The character of her son Paul, like an miseription upon the pediment of political éminence, has, as is usual, been the subject of the most extravagant praise, and the most illiberal censure. At the beginning of his reign mild, generous, and benevolent; at the close of it austere and capricious *. Yet we contemplate even in his extravagancies the emanations of a brilliant, but erratic, mind. This unfortunate Prince expired in the night of the 23d of March, 1800.

The succeeding day Alexander was proclaimed Emperor of all the Russias. The first acts of his political existence were, the issuing several popular ukases.

zaveta Alexievna. In the nkase which announced the birth of Alexander, his stile is ordered to be, His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovitch.

* The very extraordinary challenge, written, as it appears, by Kotzebue, under his direction, has been, perhaps, more censured than it deserves; for, though extraordinary, is is by no means singular. It will be recdlected, that trial by single combat, recognized by Homer, was once the Law of Nations. The challenge of Paul, upon the basis of ancient custom, breathes the spirit of romance, reals the age of chivalry, and in strong colours exhibits a mind, not only deeply tinctured with the heroism, but fully impressed with what appeared to him the jusuce of the proposal.

One of these, in particular, revived and confirmed all the regulations of the Empress Catherine for the encouragement of the arts, literature, and commerce: others revoked several acts of his late father, and restored a great number of British seamen, who had suffered incredible hardships, to liberty.

At the general pacification obtained by the treaty of Amiens, (1801,) Russia, it appears, had stood unhurt during the violent concussions of Europe. Like Pailas, she had only occasionally displayed her arms, and hovered over the ensanguined fields. years of his reign, the Goddess fied from the father, in the earlier she acted as a Mentor to the son.

If, in the latter

The genius of Peter the Great seemed again revived in Alexander. His first care was to endue his government with stability, by the removal of feudal prejudices. Those impolitic distinctions which had in all nations operated against commerce, in Russia fled before the energy of his talents. Too liberal in his sentiments to wish to reign the despot of the North, he insured his power by sharing it with the Senate.

On the renewal of the war, Alexander determined, at the hazard of his life, to endeavour to reanimate the drooping spirit of the House of Austria, borne down by a long series of sinister events, and driven by treachery to the verge of annihilation.

He seized this opportunity to visit the King of Prussia; and, perhaps, like the heroes of the ancient world, these Monarchs, to secure their countries from the insidious, the predominating influence of all-pervading France, might, as has been stated, upon the tomb of Frederick the Great, vow a permanent attachment to each other; an attachment which now interposes to rescite Frussia from destruction.

in the conflict that commenced the 2d of December, 1805, and continued three days, this young hero “fleshed his maiden sword." Inspired with the spirit of his illustrious ancestor at the battle of Prurowa, he placed himself in the front of danger: he rode through the thickest ranks, exclaiming, ↔ Victory or death!" and had a horse shot unaler him.

That the fatal armistice which ensued paralysed the exertions of Russia, and rendered the heroism of Alexander unavailing, wil, perhaps, be lamented by nations yet unborn; the subsequent hu

miliation of Prussia is, we fear, but one link of the chain of misfortunes arising from the infidelity of some members of the Germanic Body, and the consequent indecision of its Head.

The events which have, in rapid succession, followed, (which have, indeed, been already recorded in our pages,) it is unnecessary here to repeat; we, therefore, gladly relinquish our political pens, to take up our domestic, and view the Hero whom we have, though faintly, endeavoured to celebrate, seated with his Empress, to whose virtues no literary efforts can do sufficient justice, in their capital, and surrounded by their Court; which is to consider them in the light of the friends, the patrons, and the protectors of their people.

"Alexander," says Mr. Carr, in his late splendid work*, "is about twentynine years of age; his face is full, very fair, and his complexion pale; his eyes blue, and expressive of that beneficent mildness which is one of the prominent features of his character. His person is tall, lusty, and well proportioned; but being a little deaf, to facilitate his hearing he stoops; his deportment is condescending, yet dignified. In the discharge of his august duties, he displays great activity and acuteness, but without show and bustle; the leading features of his mind are sound discretion and humanity. He is so much an enemy to parade, that he is frequently seen wrapped in his regimental cloak, riding about the capital alone, upon a little common droshka. In this inanner he has been known to administer to the wants of the poor. It is his wish, if he should be recognized in this state of privacy, that none will take off their hats; but the graciousness of this desire puts the heart in the hand, as it uncovers the head. I have many times seen him in a chariot perfectly plain, of a dark olive, drawn by four horses, driven by a bearded coachiman, a common little postallion, and attended by a single footman."

To this whole length portrait of the Emperor, Mr. Carr, the delineator, adds this miniature likeness of the Empress.

66

The face of the reigning Empress," he observes, "is very sweet and expressive; her person is slight but very elegant, and of the usual height of her

Viz. "A Northern Summer, or, Travels round the Baltic." Published 1801.,

sex; she is remarkably amiable, and diffident even to shyness. Her mind is highly cultivated, and her manners soft, gracious, and fascinating.

Although the Emperor has never visited England, he is as perfectly acquainted with its character and manners, as he is with its language. He is very much attached to the English, a number of whom have settled in the Empire, and have formed under the auspices of Government a sort of Colony."

It appears, that according to the relaxations of the Greek Church, Sunday is, at Petersburgh, aday of great hilarity and festivity. However, splendour is chiefly manifested after the divine service is over; we suppose in the forenoon. In Moskow, formerly prayers and ablutions used to commence after sun-set on Saturday evening, and the church service continue nearly all day on Sunday. At present the Parade is said to have become a point of considerable attraction to the traveller. It begins at ten o'clock in that great area which is between the winter palace and the magnificent crescent.

"The men," says Mr. C., "amonated to four thousand, and presented a very noble and martial appearance. Their uniform consisted of a round hat, with only a rim in front and green feather; a short green coat buttoned tight round the body, and white duck breeches cut very high, so that no waistcoat is necessary.

"The Emperor came from the palace mounted on a beautiful grey charger, attended by two or three officers. He wore an amazing large cocked hat, fastened under the chin by a black leather strap, and buttoned, The rest of his dress was a short coat of dark olive green, decorated with a small star, and the Cordon blue; white leather breeches, and high military. boots, with very long projecting spurs....... Upon this occasion there is always great concourse of the commonalty, and a great muster of officers to pay their respects to the Emperor, who rode at an easy canter down the line.

"As he passed, I was much surprized to hear each company salute hini with deep-toned voices; and highly gratified when I was informed, that the salutation was-Good day to our Emperor! Upon his return, be alighted, and took his station in the centre, when the regiments passed the Emperor (who stood

uncovered all the time) in open order, the band playing, and office saluting. As the Imperial colours passed, (which time, or war, or both, had reduced to a few shreds of silk,) all the officers and spectators bowed. As the last company was marching off the ground, a lane was formed to the palace, through the people, who gazed upon this young Emperor with enthusiastic delight."

The Court of Petersburgh is said to be not only highly polished, but highly agreeable; a chastened freedom of manners prevails. The affability of the Emperor and Empress to the higher, and their benignity to the lower orders, have endeared Alexauder and his illus

trious convert to every class of their

subjects. They reign in the hearts, they assimilate with the affections of a gra e'ul people, whose ancestors have leit tem traditional traits of the miseries they endured under the iron gripe of savage despotism, sufficient to make them form the mental contrast, and to congratulate themselves upon their present happy situation.

The brothers and sisters to the Emperor are,

1. Constantine Caesar, Grand Duke of Russia, born 8th May, 1779, married 26th Feb. 1796, to Anne Feodoreryone, formerly Princess Julia Ulrica, daughter of Francis, Duke of Saxe-CoburgSaalfield.

2. Great Duchess Maria Paulowna, born 15th Feb. 1786, married Aug. 3, 1804, to Charles Frederic, Hereditary Prince of Saxe Weimar.

3. Great Duchess Catherine Paulowna, born 21st May, 1788.

4. Anne Paulowna, born 18th Jan. 195.

3. Nicholas Paulowitsch, born 2d July, 1796.

6. Michael Paulowitsch, born 8th Feb. 1798.

M.

contents of your splendid and elaborate Botanical Work, the Temple of Flora and Philosophy of Botany, has directed me to transmit to you the Ring (an emerald set with diamonds) herewith sent, as a mark of his beneficence, and a proof of his regard for every thing which is of public utility.

Extraordinary CIRCUMSTANCES relating to the SOPHISTICATION of POTATOES, To the Editor of the European Magazine.

SIR,

Hrienced, and anatulencies, the

AVING heard, and indeed expe.

colic, and other disorders of the same nature, have been, of late years, more prevalent in the metropolis, than at any former period, I was led to pay some attention both to our solid and liquid food, with a view, if possible, to discover whether any new sophistication had taken place; but I will do 1 the ingenuity of the manufacturers the justice to admit, that, except in one or two instances, (which have been advertised,) their skill has baffled my industry.

Unable, therefore, to make any discoveries, either with respect to BREAD, MEAT, OF DRINK, I most naturally turned my thoughts toward the crude vegetable system, and by observation found, that a great part of the disorders complained of probably arose from the present management of an article of such importance to the poor, that it may be deemed the staff of their

existence."

66

This article, I am sure, Sir, you will anticipate, is POTATOES; roots which, (whether first imported from Canada or Brazil, is immaterial,) you know, when introduced into this country as a species of food, had a prejudice raised against them in the minds of many, from a sup

Excellency M. DE NovussILZOFF, Chomberlain to the EuPEROR, and President of the Imperial Academy of Arts and Sciences at Petersburgh, to Dr. THORNTON, of Hinde Street, Manchester Square, accompanying a Ring of the Value of 5001., which was presented to the Doctor, by Order of the EMPEROR OF RUSSIA.

IS Imperial Majesty Alexander, the Emperor of Russia, having with much satisfaction examined the

rious quality. This prejudice the good sense of the people of this and our sister Island, banished from their minds by a long series of repeated experi ments; and POTATOES made, and still make, a considerable part of the food of both, particularly the latter, whose strength and appearance certainly do the greatest credit to their nutritive qualities.

In our metropolis the same benefit does not seem, of late, to have been

derived from this kind of food as formerly; people, after having eaten potatoes, frequently complain of uneasiness, of wind, the colic, &c.; which I take to arise, strange as it may seem, from a kind of sophistication having entered into them, that in some degree destroys their nutritious, while it increases their fatunt properties.

This sophistication, it occurs to me, arises from a new operation with respect to these roots. that, as every one knows, were formerly sold unwashed from their native earth, but which now come into the hands of our cooks bleached nearly as white as the paper I am now writing on. Why the dealers take this extraordinary trouble, and put themselves to the expense of employing a great number of men, who, with Herculean clubs, are turning potatoes, in tubs almost large enough for a porter-brewer, from morning till night? is best known to themselves; some must be derived from it, or they are too wise to encumber their warehouses with the clumsy machinery necessary for this operation. The disadvantage to the public in point of health, the only point here worth consideration, is, that in order to obtain this external fairness, the roots are soaked, perhaps, several hours in water; at least, I should suppose, long enough to nearly double their weight : the consequence is, the destruction of their nutritive qualities, and, of course, their engendering those diseases in the system of which so many complain.

It may be said, at in the process of boiling, these vegetables would proba bly receive as much water as they can in this long immersion in the tub. But this I deny because it is well known, that both in Ireland and England it is the practice to boil them in as small a quantity of water as possible, and that even to dress them by steam has been recommended by the first medical authorities. Besides, the operation of the washing-tub where, perhaps a cartload of potatoes are at once immersed, the friction produced by the stick rabs off their outside coats, or skins, which seem to have been by nature provided to repel the admission of water until they were in a state fit to be eaten, and makes them nearly as porous as spange: it also renders them unfit for keeping, subject to rot, to mildew, to vegetate; and, in short, as I have observed, is attended with no one advan

a

COLLINS the POET..

COME new particulars have trans

pired relative to the private life of Collins the Poct. They are furnished by Mr. John Ragsdale, of Richmond, Surrey, who was his intimate friend, and go to disprove the charge of idleness inade against that author, by Drs. Johnson and Langhorne. Mr. R. asserts, that Collins wrote many sheels of his Translation of Aristotle, which the Doctors have said he never began, and he adds, that many of his Odes were written while on a visit at Mr. R.'s house. He, however, had such a poor opinion of his talents, that after showing his compositions to Mr. Ragsdal, he would snatch them from him, and put them into the fire; and he is of opi nion, that many of the first pieces of hat Poet were so destroyed.

WINTER FOOD for CATTLE.
Nan essay lately published by Mr.

Ian the lat

feeding cows in winter, so as to alford poor persons a cheaper supply of rails at that time, he particularly insists on the injury arising from feeding them with decayed leaves. He only used theball of the turnip, and gave them cahbages, common and Swedish turnips, khoralbi, and cole-seed. He also made use of chaff. boiled, and mixed with refuse grain and oil-cake, and ased straw, instead of hay, for their fodder at night. Mr. C. proves, that from a dairy of thirty miich cows, he sold, between October, 1805, and the end of March, 1806, upwards of 40,000 quarts of new milk, at 2d. per quart; and that after 200 days' milking, his clear gain upon cach milch cow was 41. les. id.