398 Population of Ireland-Mathematical Problem. establishment; but what would the practice be, if all disqualifications were to be taken off; if Roman Catholics were to legislate for a Protestant church? when those who are so tenacious of every approach to innovation, who would not agree to a veto, when they declare (Mr. Plowden) that their principles being founded in infallibility, are immutable? What would the practice be, if at some future period, by a concurrence of circumstances, they had it in their power to interpose under the sanction of their representative character, or as privy counsellors, with the very vitals of the Protestant religion? That it is not with their religious tenets the Protestants wish to interfere, (however erroneous we consider them) is proved by the repeal of all the obnoxious penal laws, by the liberty they have of worship, public and private, by the subscriptions of Protestants to their places of worship, and by numberless other circumstances. It is against Catholics obtaining political influence for the purpose of compassing religious persecution, that Protestants want to guard: it is to keep themselves safe from the power of that church, which possesses the true spirit of aggrandisement, and of proselytism beyond any other church, and which the revival of the Inquisition, and the resurrection of the Jesuits, shew still to possess all its ancient tenets, in all their ancient vigour. CLERICUS DROMORIENSIS. Oct. 24, 1814. MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM. To the Editor of the New Monthly Magazine. THE professed design of what you lay before the public, being instruction and entertainment, I am induced to send you the following curious problem, proposed by a Hugonot, who was condemned to the gallies by the Jesuits, under pretence of his being a madman; but he dying in prison in consequence of their hard usage, it was left unanswered. PROBLEM. "To find out four numbers that may be equal to a number taken, and such, that the difference of any two of them, may be a square number." And he farther says, "I am going to reduce the problem into lines, and make a geometrical proposition of it, to puzzle the Archimedes of our time: thus I intend to propose it : "To divide a line given into four lines, commensurable among themselves, and to the whole; and which may be of such [Dec. 1, a nature, that the difference of any two, taken at pleasure, may likewise be commensurable; and, moreover, between the difference of any two parts, taken at pleasure, to assign a mean proportional, which may be commensurable to all the lines, mentioned in the problem." I cannot find that the above was ever answered: if you would insert it in next Magazine, it will, perhaps, meet the eye of some curious man of science, who may be at the pains of explaining it. I am, &c. Φιλομαθής. INCREASING EVIDENCES of REVELATION. A GERMAN paper states, that in the Russian empire during the year 1812, there were, according to official lists, 1,264,391 births, and 971,358 deaths, making the surplus of births above deaths 293,023. Of these one had reached the extraordinary age of 165; there were also three of the age of 135; one of 130; fifteen of 125; thirty-three from 115 to 120; fifty-three from 110 to 115; one hundred and twenty-seven from 105 to 110; 527 from 100 to 105; 1,473 from 95 to 100; 2,749 from 90 to 95; and 4,487 from 85 to 90. On reading this curious information my thoughts were led into a train of serious reflec tion upon the continually increasing evidences in support of the sacred history and the indications which mark the ap proaching accomplishment of the prophecies. The extreme longevity of the Antediluvians has always been a subject of ridicule to the scoffing infidel, and of difficulty even to the believer in revelation. Some have endeavoured to ex plain the matter by sinking the periods into mere lunar years, by which they have increased obstacles in attempting to remove them, since in that case the patriarchs must have had families in their childhood. But as we are assured beyond all doubt, that man can reach to an age not far short of two centuries, and that too with the possession of his senses and his strength, surely there is no physical reason to be assigned why he may not have his duration and his faculties protracted to three, four, or more, especially should the seasons and the state of the earth with its pro ductions, be sensibly improved, corre sponding with the condition of the pri mitive world. Many very remarkable cases of long livers have recently oc curred in various countries, and the ac counts of such persons are now frequent 1814.] Increasing Evidences of Revelation. ip our periodical journals, whereas formerly an instance of the kind happened but very rarely, and was recorded in history as a prodigy. Does not this seem to denote an approximation to that era so often mentioned in the prophetic books, when the temperature of the earth shall undergo a change; when diseases shall be mild; when, in the strong language of holy writ," there shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days; for the child shall die an hundred years old, but the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for as the days of a tree are the days of my people; and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Is. Ixv. 20, 23. This is a description of the renewal of the paradisiacal state, and cannot be justly considered as an emblematical representation of a moral change only; for what has that to do with the prolongation of human life, and the undisturbed enjoyment of those things which are most conducive to health and comfort? The blessings here promised are not spiritual but temporal; for they are all expressly defined as the characteristics of a community brought out of trouble, and placed in a country where they possess the means of subsistence in abundance, without fear of an invader, or being mortified by unproductive labour. Some, perhaps, may consider this picture as the mere dream of an eager imagination, or as the delusion of fanatical credulity. Let such persons, however, compare the present state of Europe and the continent of America, with the darkness which covered both at that period, when the voice of prophecy declared, that "from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering; for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts." Mal. i. 11. Would a philosophical sceptic in those days have paid any attention to the believer, who from that passage should have professed his conviction that the time was coming when the God of Abraham would be worshipped where human victims were offered; that all the idols to whose honour costly fanes were then erected, 399 and hecatombs daily sacrificed, should be "cast to the moles and the bats?”— Now, knowing that such a revolution has taken place, not in one or two places only, but in immense districts, over all parts of the world, and among mighty nations having little knowledge of each other's languages, and hardly any common interest,-why should it be thought incredible that a still farther amelioration will take place in the character and circumstances of mankind, before this planetary system shall have completed its destined course? That portion of the prophetic roll which has been fulfilled, is a sufficient warrant for our expecting another and more glorious state to take place before the consummation of all things; though, at the same time, that very assurance ought to be animated by a spirit of humility, and to be attended by a constant watchfulness over our minds and our conduct, The predictions which give the promise of a renovated world, will assuredly be verified; but it is also as certain that, before that period arrives, religious delusion will be strong, -divisions will be numerous, and, on account of the prevalence of iniquity, the love of truth will wax cold. Enthusiasm and Infidelity have a nearer affinity than many are aware; for when the former begins to relax in its fervour, or to tire in its pursuits, it rarely fails to sink into the stupid apathy of scepticism. Sept. 14, 1814. A. Z. ACCOUNT of DR. WALL and MISS WHATELY. To the Editor of the New Monthly Magazine. SIR, Dr. John Wall, respecting whom your correspondent, Mr. Chambers, makes inquiry, at page 324 of your first volume, was a native of Powick in Worcestershire, and educated at Merton College, Oxford, where he obtained a fellowship, and took his degree of Master of Arts April 15, 1736; that of Bachelor of Physic, December 15th following; at which time he also obtained license to practice. But he did not complete his degrees in that faculty till June 30, 1759, when he went out grand compounder. He was, at this period, as he had for many years before, settled as a physician at Worcester, where he was deservedly held in high estimation for his professional skill, liberality, and general knowledge. To his other qualifications, he added a fine taste for the arts, and designed with spirit and elegance. At the close of his life he resided at Bath, where he died, in 1766, aged 67. Dr. Wall published in 1757, 400 Account of Dr. Wall and Miss Whately. "Experiments and Observations on the Worcester, Jan. 30, 1760. Sin. Agreeable to my promise, I here send you a poem of the Warwickshire Poetess's composition, together with a letter of her's to a young lady in the neighbourhood, which introduces it, and makes it intelligible. I believe you will think each of them very extraordinary, considering the manner in which she has been brought up, the whole of her education having been only such as the meanest of menial servants may have had, barely learning to read and write; and her whole life has been employed in the common drudgery of a mean farmhouse. At her leisure hours, I suppose, she reads what books she can get, and her memory retains every thing that she does read. Shakspeare, the Spectator, the Gentleman's Magazine, and two or three novels, are the chief books, I hear, she has made use of. I am, &c. J. WALL. 66 DEAR MISS L. "Did you ever read the History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia? I confess it is something odd to begin a letter with a question; but if you have not, you will think I am wandering in a fairy field of my own creating; but, indeed, my invention is net so fruitful. The author of that elegant eastern tale describes a large valley in the kingdom of Amharra, one of the provinces of that extensive empire of Abyssinia. This place is encompassed with inaccessible mountains; the only entrance is a cave, which passes under a rock; the outlet is concealed by a thick wood; and the mouth which opens into the Happy Valley (for that is the appellation he gives it) is secured by iron gates, so massy that they cannot be opened without engines. In this terrestrial paradise, where every blast shakes spice from the rocks, and every mouth drops fruits upon the ground,-where all the diversities and blessings of nature are collected, and all the evils excluded,-the children of the empire are confined, according to the [Dec. 1, policy of the East; and whoever, insti- Bereft of every joy this world can give. Are all but pageant glare and empty show; Pensive I range the ever-verdant groves, And sigh, responsive, to the murmuring 1814.] Description of Castle-Hill, near Dunstable. Blest Freedom! how I long with thee to rove, Where varying nature all her charms displays; To range the cloud-topp'd hills, the lawns, the groves, And trace the winding current's silver maze : Free as the wing'd inhabitants of air, Who distant climes and different seasons see, Regions as soft Amharra's valley fair, Blest with cool breezes, peace, and liberty. Vain wish!--These rocks, whose summits pierce the skies, With frowning aspect tell me hope is vain: Till, freed by death, the purer spirit flies, Here wretched Mira's destin'd to remain. As some part of the account of this ingenious young woman was incorrect, the doctor thought proper to address the following letter to the editor of the same paper : Worcester, Feb. 4, 1760. "SIR,―The extract of my letter which you have published in your paper, was wrote to a person without any intention of its being seen by other eyes than his own. The account therein given of Miss Whately, was such as I had received, and as I then thought on good authority; but I find I was deceived, and that the character then drawn was highly injurious to her. She was born at Beoley, in Worcestershire, where her father is a substantial farmer, and occupies his own estate. Her education was such as is usually given to the daughters of persons in that station, writing, reading, and needle-work,-comprehending most of what is thought necessary. But her genius was not to be confined to such slender limits. She had a great love for literature, and applied herself with assiduity to the reading of the best authors. This necessarily engaged a very considerable portion of her time. She has lived with her father till very lately, when she removed to keep the house of her brother, who is an attorney of very fair character in the town of Walsall, in Staffordshire; she has, therefore, never been in a servile condition, or employed in the low offices of a menial servant. I am informed that she has been prevailed upon (though with some difficulty) to suffer her works to become public; if So, I hope the subscription will meet with proper encouragement. The poems are very extraordinary, not unworthy of the best of our poets; and the modesty and disinterestedness of the author cannot but recommend her to the favour of the public, as her works will most cer 401 tainly to its admiration.-I am, Sir, your most humble servant, J. WALL." If any of your readers can give some further particulars of Miss Whately, the communication will be acceptable to many, and particularly to, yours, &c. J. W. DESCRIPTION of CASTLE-HILL, near DUN STABLE. To the Editor of the New Monthly Magazine, YOUR correspondent PHILO-ANTIQUITATIS, notices a piece of ground in the vicinity of Dunstable, in Bedfordshire, called Maiden's Bower, and gives a description and account of it from a publication entitled "England Displayed," published in 1769. It seems very extraordinary to me that your correspondent should take no notice of another fortification, much more worthy of observation, within half a mile of Maiden's Bower,, and in a more conspicuous situation. If I may presume to offer au opinion, it is this latter which Camden supposed to have been the Roman station Magiovinium, and I conceive the publication above alluded to is incorrect, in stating it to be the former. Maiden's Bower is merely a circular rampart, and was probably a temporary Danish camp; but Castle-Hill (by which name the other is known) stands in a very commanding and almost impregnable situation, on the point of a high promontory, which may be seen at the distance of many miles. At the foot of the bill is a spring of water, and in the neighbourhood a very extensive stone quarry. The entrenchment is oblong, with a wide ditch; and within is a smaller inclosure, with a mount or keep. It is well known that this was the usual form of a Roman camp or station, and not circular, which latter mode was more commonly used by the Danes. This entrenchinent is not far from the place where the two Roman ways called Watling-street and Icknield-street, cross.Possessing all these advantages, what spot of ground is more likely to have been the site of a Roman station than this? Certainly it is much more probable than Maiden's Bower, which possesses no advantages whatever for a permanent residence; although it might answer the purpose of a predatory band, which seldom remained long in the same place. It is surprising that your correspondent, in his search after antiquity, was 402 Mr. Beaurain on the Will of N. Lloyd and J. A. Stowe. [Dec. I, not directed to Castle-Hill; and it is still more surprising that he did not perceive it from Maiden's Bower, and that his curiosity was not awakened by the sight. It proves into what errors travellers and antiquarians, unacquainted with the localities of a country, may fall; and if an object so near to the metropolis, and in so conspicuous a situation, could escape your correspondent's notice, it may serve to reconcile us to the numerous inconsistencies and deficiency of information, with which the explorers of distant regions are too apt to abound. I have subjoined for your insertion, if you think fit, an extract from the will of John Aylett Stowe, late of Lincoln's Inn, esq, deceased. The will is dated Oct. 27, 1776; and was proved in Doctors' Commons June 20, 1781. An Extract from the Will of John Aylett Stowe, Esq. deceased. "I do hereby direct my executors to lay out five guineas in the purchase of a picture of the Viper biting the benevo lent Hand of the Person who saved him from perishing in the Snow, if the same can be bought for that money; and that they do, in memory of me, present it to It may not be amiss here to notice a Edward Bearcroft, esq. a king's counsel, modern work in the neighbourhood of whereby he may have frequent opporDunstable, which is a greater under- tunities of contemplating it; and by a taking, and certainly more useful to the comparison between that and his own present generation, than either of the virtues, be able to form a certain judgforegoing, and which may vie with the ment, which is best and most profitable, improvement of the Highgate Archway: I a grateful remembrance of past friendmean the lowering of the chalk-bill on the ship and almost parental regard, or inhigh road to Liverpool, which has been gratitude and insolence. This I direct effected at a great expense, by cutting to be presented to him in lieu of a legacy through the solid chalk-stone to the of three thousand pounds I had by a depth of 40 or 50 feet, and by throwing former will, now revoked and burnt, left up an embankment at the bottom of the him." hill of equal height, so as to reduce a very steep descent to so slight a declivity, that heavy waggons may safely descend without locking the wheels. From this embankment, and indeed along the whole of the road between Hockliffe and Dunstable, Castle-Hill appears to great advantage; boldly protruding on the plain, and rearing its proud head pre-eminently above the range of chalk hills which stretch across the country in a continued line, "far as the eye can reach." I am, Sir, &c. VERITAS. NATHANIEL LLOYD-WILL of JOHN IN your publication for September, you request some of your readers to furnish an account of Nathaniel Lloyd, esq. of Twickenham, adding a copy of his will: but you are in error as to the time of his death, Mr. Lloyd dying about the year 1773; neither is what you have given a copy of his will, but of a codicil to his will. He was a very eccentric character, but nothing further can I learn. The authenticity of the codicil you may depend upon, as I copied it myself from the original codicil now in the Prerogative Office in Doctors' Commons: how it came into the possession of C. A. I am at a loss to guess. Pentonville, I am, &c. WM. BEAURAIN. For the New Monthly Magazine (Concluded from p. 313.) THE unequal distribution of the different species of brute animals over the earth, had a powerful influence on the condition of nations, and on their more or less rapid progress in civilization. In the Old World, it was the pastoral life that formed the link between the hunter and the husbandman. The ruminating animals, so easily naturalized in every climate, were the companions of the African Negro, as well as of the Mongols, the Malays, and Caucasian race. Now, though several quadrupeds, and very numerous species of vegetables, are common to the northernmost parts of both worlds, yet the only kiuds of horned cattle possessed by America are the buffalo and the bison, two varieties which it is very difficult to domesticate, and the females of which, notwithstanding the richness of the pastures, yield but little milk. The American hunter, therefore, was not prepared, by the care of flocks and herds, and the occupations of a pastoral life, for the pursuits of agriculture. Never did the inhabitants of the Cordilleras attempt to milk the lama, alpaca, or guanaco; and milk diet |