COUNTRY NEWS.

Sept. 10. An interesting circumstance oecurred in the parish of St. James, Bath; the baptism of George Gerson, a respectable Jew, between 30 and 40 years of age, into the faith of Christ, by the Rev. R. Warner.

His mind had been for some years impressed with a conviction of the truth of the Christian religion, but motives of prudence seem to have prevented his public avowal of it. The approach of dissolution, however, in consequence of consumption, conquered all his fear of man, and determined him to bear his testimony to the Cross in the face of the world; although the most strenuous endeavours were made to prevent him, by several of the members of his former Church, in a way not quite consistent with a regard to the liberty of conscience, or the delicacy due to a dying man.

Oct. 10. The Lord Bishop of Salisbury consecrated a piece of ground at Stourton, given by Sir Richard Colt Hoare, bart. and to be added to the Church-yard at Stourton; and on the following day his Lordship consecrated another piece of ground at Horningsham, to be added to that Church yard, and given by the Marquis of Bath.

Kingsgate, near Margate, Oct. 13. An extraordinary and awful incursion of the sea has produced a complete revolution in that part where stood a house for time immemorial, called the Admiral Digby's Head. During the prevalence of one of those hurricanes which at times beset our coast, an Eastern gale carried away the whole of the house, except a part of one wing, wherein a servant-boy slept. From the details given by a resident in the vicinity (for the family were all providentially absent at Margate), it appears that the surf rose considerably above a hundred feet, and broke with such force over the cliff as to inundate every object around.

Oct. 18. An experiment was tried at Durham, to dry corn in the sheaf, by means of a stove in the centre of a large room, which had been placed there for manufacturing purposes. The wheat, which at eight o'clock in the morning was in a very wet state, was at seven in the evening fit for the thresher. A Provincial Paper suggests the propriety of constructing brick flues round the interior of barns, where, by setting the sheaves upright, the farmer, might dry a considerable quantity of corn in twelve hours, and thus rescue his crops from destruction.

Oct. 19. A public exhibition took place at Deal, which carried conviction to the minds of upwards of a thousand spectators, that our intrepid boatmen will yet be enabled to extend their assistance to the numerous vessels wrecked on the Goodwin Sands. Mr. Mallison, as Actuary to the

Institution for the Preservation of Life and Property when Wreck occurs, arrived at that place lately, for the purpose of distributing gratuitously among that class of boatmen termed the Hovellers, an invention called "The Seaman's Friend," equipped with which, it becomes impossible to sink when wrecked, or in deep water, permitting at the same time the fee use of the limbs in rowing or working the boat. Four men and one boy 13 years old (one of the men incapable of swimming) were selected for the experiment; and such conviction did it carry of their future safety, in case of the boat upsetting, through the impossibility of their being drowned (having simply to remain in the water until they are rescued by their companions, or reach the shore), that the whole body of boatmen are desirous of possessing them. They remained swimming, floating, and playing about for nearly an hour.

An alarm

Oct. 20. The Exeter mail-coach, on its way to London, was attacked this night at Winterslow-hut, near Salisbury, in a most extraordinary manner. At the moment when the coachman pulled up to deliver his bags, one of the leaders was suddenly seized by a ferocious animal, which was perceived by the coachman and guard, by the light of the lamps, to be a huge lioness. The horses kicked and plunged violently, and it was with difficulty the coachman could prevent the carriage from being overturned. A large mastiff-dog came up, and attacked her fiercely, on which she quitted the horse, and turned upon him. The dog fled, but was pursued and killed by the lioness within about 40 yards of the place. It appears that the beast had escaped from a caravan that was standing on the road side, belonging to the proprietors of a menagerie, ou their way to Salisbury Fair. being given, the keepers pursued and hunted the lioness into a hovel under a granary; and secured her so effectually, by barricading the place, as to prevent her escape. The horse, when first attacked, fought with great spirit, and, if at liberty, would probably have beaten down his antagonist with his fore feet, but in plunging he embarrassed himself in the harness. The lioness had attacked him in front, and springing at his throat, had fastened the talons of her fore feet on each side of his neck, close to the head, while the talons of her hind feet were forced into his chest. In this situation she hung, while the blood was seen flying, as if a vein had been opened by a lancet. The expression of agony in the tears and moans of the horse was most piteous and affecting. He was the off leader, and as the mail drew up, stood exactly abreast of the caravan from which the lioness made

the

the assault. Had the carriage been a little more advanced, she would probably have darted upon the coachman or guard. The coachman at first proposed to alight and stab the lioness with a knife, but was prevented by the remonstrance of the guard, who observed, that he would expose himself to certain destruction, as the animal, feeling herself attacked, would turn upon him and tear, him to pieces. The prudence of the advice has been clearly proved in the fate of the dog. It was the engagement between him and the lioness that offered time for the keepers to rally. But for that interference, the mischief at the mail would have been more considerable.

The disturbances among the Colliers and Iron-workers in Wales are happily terminated. Nothing can be more gratifying to every one who regards the pnb lic welfare, than the latest accounts from the disturbed Counties. All was peace, good order, and, apparently, contrition, on the part of those whose proceedings had been of so menacing and alarming a nature. The Magistrates of Glamorganshire, emulating those of Monmouthshire, had been equally prompt, resolute, and energetic. Indeed, there never has been an instance on record of the conduct of the Magistracy in any place, or on any occasion, in which more zeal, intrepid spirit, and at the same time, good temper and conciliating moderation, had been shewn than on the recent disturbances which at one period bore so threatening an aspect. Sir Henry Protheroe ought particularly to be noticed, as shewing active spirit, and yet forbearing spirit, during these unhappy dissentions; and as a proof we need but refer to the Address which he issued on the occasion, and which has been fully productive of the desired effect, in convincing the misguided men of the danger and guilt of their late proceedings;

Address of the High Sheriff to the Men employed in the Collieries and Iron Works in the county of Monmouth.

Workmen I thus publicly address. you not less for the sake of yourselves and families, thau for the peace of this county, which is equally my duty and determination to preserve.-Riotous meetings have taken place, and outrages been committed disgraceful to the character of Englishmen; if ignorant of the consequences of auch proceedings-listen in time to the friendly, voice that would guard you against them. What excuse can you have for such conduct? What motive for making that which is already bad, much worse? You complain of distress, and that your wages are 100 low your distress is to be pitied; in common with all classes of the community you, feel the pressure of the times but look to the situation of your

employers-is not half a loaf better than no bread, and is it not wiser to work at reduced wages, than to deprive yourselves. altogether of employment? Besides one moment's reflection must shew, that the steps many of you have taken to remedy the evils of which you complain, can only serve to increase them, and to involve yourselves in guilt, misery, and ruinual Let me therefore invite you, and intreat" you, for the sake of yourselves, your wives, and children, to return instantly' and peaceably to your several employments. The present clouds, it is to be hoped, will be soon followed by sunshine, and better times may soon relieve the distress you now suffer. But I feel it right seriously and most solemnly to caution you against the repetition of any riotous proceeding whatever. As the Keeper of the King's® Peace in this county, I must and will do my duty; and if circumstances render it necessary, I shall immediately direct in person such a civil and military force as will ensure tranquillity, whilst the most prompt and decisive punishment is sure to overtake the guilty.

HENRY PROTHEROE, Sheriff. Lantarnam Abbey, Oct. 20. Oct. 26. About two o'clock this morning an alarming fire broke out in Belvoir Castle, the splendid seat of the Duke of Rutland, near Grantham. It is said to have commenced in the carpenter's room, in the Western wing, in which workmen had been employed during the preceding day, and thence communicated to the painters apartment, where there was a considerable quantity of oil, turpentine, and other inflammables. The flames spread with great rapidity, and communicated to the centre; but an alarm having been given in time, the children and servants were re moved from danger. Much alarm was enti tertained for the new building, as the damesTM forced their way up the grand staircase, and were with difficulty prevented from extending their ravages farther. So near? an approach had the fire once made to the new part of the Castle, that the flames burst into the Regent's Gallery, which is 170 feet long, and is filled with the choicest productions of Art. The grand staircaseTM was destroyed; but the Regent's Gallery was happily saved, as the wind changed, and took the flames another way every window, however, was broken to pieces each pane of glass in which (of very greate size and thickness) cost 15 guineas. Great was the eagerness of the tenantry to prel serve the furniture, and all attention as to its safe removal was disregarded; pictures; books, cabinets, statues, velvet hangings, and tapestry, with every description of costly and magnificent decorations, were thrown out of the windows, and scattered on the lawn. The gold plates belonging viram an eato

to the Chapel was melted; but the family plate was saved. The whole of the Pic-ture-gallery is destroyed, and most, if not all, the fine family pictures, the whole of Sir Joshua Reynolds's, and many others of great value. Amateurs will learn with regret, that the celebrated picture of "The Nativity," by Sir J. Reynolds (for which his Grace lately refused ten thousand guineas) is consumed from the few Historical or Scriptural Pieces this great Master executed, the loss is irreparable. The loss, at a modera e computation, cannot be less than 120,0007. as nothing was saved in the part which is destroyed. The Duke (who, with the Duchess, had been on a visit to the Duchess Dowager at Cheveley), arrived at the Castle about 11 o'clock on Saturday evening, and displayed a degree of firmness and greatness of mind on this trying occasion truly astonishing.-The Grantham troop of yeontaury cavalry arrived at the Castle at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and were of infinite service in protecting the valuable articles which lay scattered about in all directions; they remained in attendance the whole of Sunday, to prevent the admission of improper perThe premises were insured for 40,000 (but 10,000 of this was on the stables.) The pictures alone are said to have been worth that sum. The Duke of Rutland has expended at least two hundred thousand pounds upon Belvoir Castle within the last five years; and it was esti mated, before the fire took place, that twenty thousand pounds more would be required to complete the alterations and additions to this venerable residence.Suspicion having arisen as to the cause of the fire, a letter from Grantham, dated Nov. 1, says, "A strict investigation has been made at the Castle by Mr. Beaumont, of the County Fire Office, and from the depositions taken on oath

sons.

appears,

that the room used by the carpenters had been entered, and found to be safe, some time after the fire had broken out. In this inquiry it was also discovered that the fire was seen to burst from two different places, which had no practicable communication, nearly at one time, It was further given in evidence, that, when the alarm was raised, the nearest inhabitants found as many as uine or ten strange men already in the Castle, and an outer gate open, which the domesticks declare they had previously locked, and had not opened. There is now no doubt that the fire was occasioned by a wilful act; and the prevailing opinion is, that it has been done by the Luddites.-These miscreants are now more than ever the terror of this part of the Country. Threatening letters are daily received from them. This morning four men were detected in setting fire to GENT. MAG. November, 1816.

some hay-stacks belonging to Sir William Manners; the fire was extinguished, but the incendiaries escaped."—An advertisement has been circulated in the newspapers, stating, that though many articles saved from the fire have been returned, numerous others of different descriptions are still missing, particularly a painting by Poussin (subject, "Mary anointing the feet of Jesus"), about 3 feet 11 inches by 3 feet 2 inches, exclusive of the frame; requesting all persons having any such articles in their possession to return them, and offering a liberal reward to any person giving information where any such property may be secreted, and 100 guineas to the person whose information may lead to the conviction of any person secreting the painting above described.

Oct. 28. This night a disturbance occurred at Birmingham, occasioned by the resentment of some persons being excited by seeing in a printer's window a Reply to the inflammatory Resolutions of the Nottingham men. The poor printer was speedily taught what sort of liberty the press would receive from the hands of its pretended friends. He was falsely accused of having said, that nine shillings a week was enough for any working man; and the dispensers of popular justice proceeded summarily to attack the printer's house, the windows of which they soon demolished. Further mischief was prevented by the promptitude and vigour of William Hamper, Esq. the Magistrate, who called out the military. No lives were lost, though the mob at first displayed some violence, throwing stones at the soldiers, by one of which an officer and a serjeant received rather serious contusions. The Magistrates of Birmingham issued a very spirited and proper address to the publick on the occasion,

At Manchester, a very large meeting, but of a much more orderly nature, assembled. Resolutions were passed; and the people, very much to their credit, though amounting, it is said, to 30,000, and these chiefly of the lower classes, did not proceed to any violence. Possibly had they been addressed in a reasonable and friendly way by persons of superior weight and information, they would have seen cause to reject great part of the Resolutions prepared for their acceptance, and have confined themselves to the statement of none but real grievances, for which they might eventually expect a remedy from Parliament.

An inflammatory haud-bill having been thrust under the doors of public-houses at Bristol during the night, calculated to excite alarm among the well-disposed citizens; a copy of it was immediately forwarded to the Secretary of State. The respectable

respectable Editor of Felix Furley's Journal remarks, that "No importance need be attached to it, when it is considered how easy a single designing scoundrel may give circulation to such a seditious production. Watchfulness and precaution, however, must be used; but we are con fident that there is not likely to be any serious and deadly division of the public body, where its absolute strength lies. The security of every decent fire-side, every respectable father's best hopes for his children, every spring of private enterprise, and desire of public glory, all still connect themselves with the great institutions of the State. In these there may be cause for blame and correction; but out of them there is neither confidence of good, nor even rational speculation of improvement."

Nov. 6. A full-grown female whale, 68 feet long and 18 feet high, was found by some Ipswich fishermen, floating dead near the buoy on the Sted-way: they hauled it in o Ipswich river, where it now lies in Denham Reach.

The Hon. Charles Noel, of BarhamCourt, in Kent, was lately convicted, on the information of the Earl of Romney, of the singular offence of having admitted persons in the neighbourhood, to the number of more than twenty, to attend Divine service in his house with his family and domesticks. The Act of Parliament for this offence is imperative; and Mr. Noel immediately paid the penalty, one half of which, after discharging the expences of the prosecution, goes to the poor of the parish, the other to the informer!

The Dean and Chapter of Hereford have added to their Cathedral Mr. Leeming's beautiful picture from the Altar-piece of Magdalen College, Oxford. The painting is very much admired, and reflects high credit on the young Artist.

Among the public benefits produced by the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall, is the introduction of an alloyed Tampingbar, instead of the common iron bar formerly employed by the Miners, which promises to be as efficacious in preventing explosions in the Mines of that County, as Sir Humphry Davy's safety lamp in those of the North.

Full 3000 acres of marsh and fen lands have recently been embauked, drained, and prepared for cultivation, near Liangsdock, in Cardiganshire; and another embankment is begun, which will gain a still larger tract for husbandry.

Mr. Coke, of Holkham, was the purchaser, at Mr. Roscoe's sale, at Liverpool, of the fine portrait of Leo the Tenth, for 500 guineas. The library sold for 51501.; the prints 18801.; and the drawings 7381.

That stupendous undertaking, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is at length com

pleted. It was commenced in 1770, runs through a stubborn hilly country, 127 miles in length, and connects St. George's Channel with the German Ocean,A similar project is in contemplation in the West of England, to cut a Canal across, and join the Bristol and English Channels.

A subscription for the relief of the poor has been raised at Scarborough; and one hundred and fifty men are employed in clearing away a considerable portion of accumulated rubbish from the harbour.

Lord Melville has lately sold the estate and castle in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, from which he derives his title, to the wealthy heiress of the late Mr. Cumming, the banker, at the price of 80,000 guineas. This property was purchased by the late Lord Melville.

The New Bridge over the Doon is now completed. Like the "Auld Brig," it is formed of one grand majestic arch. The arch of the old bridge is 72 feet wide and 46 high; that of the new is 80 feet wide and 50 feet high. The structure is rather more substantial than beautiful-more useful than ornamental. Still, however, it adds to the beauty of the surrounding scenery-scenery which struck the young fancy of our inspired Bard, and which has received a charm from his poetic effusions, This additional beauty is most apparent from the "keystane" of the “ áuld brig,” where Tam O'Shanter escaped from the fangs of the "hellish legion." From this point is seen the dark-rolling water beneath, a beautiful little island, seemingly in the centre of the circle of the arch, the new bridge itself, the woody bank in the back ground appearing both below and above the bridge, the continuation of the banks, still beautiful and diversified, and the cloud-capt mountains of Arrau. The scenery on the other side has been often admired and described. The situation is about 200 yards below that of the old one, and the banks are nearly levelled down to the top of the arch. This is an infinite improvement to that part of the road.—Ayr Paper.

* This first stone of the Royal Cobourg Theatre was laid Sept. 14, 1816, by his Serene Highness the Prince of Saxe Cobourg, and her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales, by their Serene Royal Highnesses' proxy, Alderman Goodhehere."-The performances will be somewhat similar to those of the Surrey Theatre.

Friday, Sept. 20.

Vaughan, Brown, and Mackay, (see p. 79) were tried at the Middlesex Sessions, for conspiring to procure certain evil-disposed persons to break open and rob the house of Mrs. Macdonald, at Hoxton, with the intent to get them apprehended and convicted, and thereby obtain the rewards given by Act of Parliament upon such conviction. The witnesses produced were the persons whom they had instigated to commit the burglary. The Jury found the prisoners guilty; and the Court sentenced all three to be imprisoned five years; and Vaughan, in addition, to pay > a fine of 80%. At the Old Bailey Sessions, Tuesday, Sept. 24, one Dannelly was tried for committing, with other persons, a burglary on the premises of Mr. Poole, in Bloomsbury; and the above mentioned Vaughan, for being accessary to the crime, and concealing Daunelly after he had committed it. The Jury acquitted Dannelly of the burglary, but found him guilty of felony. They found Vaughan guilty, inasmuch as he had aided one of the robbers. It was insisted that, Dannelly being acquitted of the burglary, Vaughan must be acquitted as a matter of course, being charged as an accessary to that offence, Mr. Baron Graham ob served that he was charged not only with burglary, but with felony: the objection, however, should be moved in arrest of judgement. The verdict has since been confirmed.

་་

·Saturday, Sept. 21.

Much anxiety was felt this day respecting the current silver. Some shopkeepers suddenly began to refuse all plain shil lings and sixpences, under an idea that none but those on which the Sovereign's head was visible would be received at the Bank. Great inconvenience was instantly felt in all the transactions of retail trade; for it has been justly observed, that the plain shillings are to those which bear a distinguishable impression in the proportion of nearly 30 to 1. The difficulty, however, was soon removed by a notice stuck up at the Mansion-house, by order of the Lord Mayor, distinctly stating, that the Bank of England does not refuse any shillings or sixpences on account of being plain, provided they are English. This assurance gave general satisfaction; and the momentary hesitation in taking the current silver immediately ceased.

· Oct, 15,--An Order appeared in the

London Gazette, that the Parliament, which stands prorogued to Monday the 4th day of November, be further prorogued to Thursday the 2d day of January next.

Saturday, Oct. 19.

A house in the Haymarket, about to be pulled down, fell with a tremendous crash; an old woman who lived in it, and three others, were buried in the ruins, but fortunately were dug out without material injury; on being found, her first thought was on her Guinea pigs, which, to her great joy, the workmen likewise got out alive. Tuesday, Oct. 22.

A fire broke out about half-past 5 o'clock at a warehouse in Bow Churchyard, occupied by Mr. Henderson, a job warehouse, communicating to the upper part occupied by Messrs. Bell and Broderick, solicitors, which shortly consumed the same, as also the adjoining back: warehouse, and damaged the house occupied by Mr. Meyrick, communicating to a large stack of warehouses of Mr. Harkness, an Irish factor, which consumed the same, and an immense stock of Irish

linens. The premises of Messrs. Stirling, Brothers, and Co. sustained a partial damage. Several houses on the West side of Bow-lane sustained considerable damage, as also a window of Bow Church. Tuesday, Oct. 29.

A fatal consequence of the disgraceful practice of pugilism occurred this day at Moulsey Hurst, where a contest took place between Turner and Curtis, and thelatter, after obstinately struggling against every disadvantage one hour and 28 mi-nutes, became disabled. He was put to bed in a deplorable state, and died in the evening from the violent blows he had received. A Coroner's inquest have brought a verdict of Manslaughter against Turner. He has since been tried at the Old Bailey, and found guilty of Manslaughter: the Jury, however, recommended him to mercy for his humanity in the contest, his sorrow for its issue, and his most excellent character. If pugilists, and those who encourage them, are not wholly calJous to human feeling, surely such a deplorable event must operate to the discontinuance of this savage practice.

Saturday, Nov. 9.

Lord Mayor's Day was celebrated with unusual splendour. On the Lord Mayor being presented to the Lord Chief Baron by the Recorder, his Lordship, in the course of a warm eulogium on the character of the Lord Mayor, characterised him as "the father of the poor, and the vindicator of the oppressed." Instead of returning from Westminster-Hall by water, in the accustomed manner, the Lord Mayor and City Officers proceeded in state from Palace-yard, through Parliament-street, the Strand, &c. attended by

an