The Principality

THE CHARACTER OF THE EXECUTIVE COM- MITTEE OF THIt NORMAL COLLEGE FOR WALES. TO WILLIAM WALTERS, ESQ., HAVERFORDWEST. MY DEAR Sip.As chairman of the meeting lately held n sl at Carmarthen I take the liberty of addressing you, and through you the constituents of the Normal College, on the character of their executive committee—a list of which ap- peared in the PRINCIPALITY of Friday last. The following are the clauses which have reference to the formation of the committee 8. Subscribers of one guinea or more annually, or ministers who make an annual collection of one guinea or more, or do-iors of ten guineas or more, to be cligiblefor election on the c. nnmittee. q. Subscribers of half-a-g linea annually or more, or contri- butors of five guineas or mcr, cr the minister (or member de- legated by the congregation f)r the purpose of representing it) m iking an annual collection of half-a-guinea or more, to be members of the institution, anl entitled, as such, to vote at all general meetings. 10. The management of the institution to be vested in a com- mittee of 72 members, elected at the annual general meetings, consisting of equal number.5 from the following denominations, so long as they continue their support-. -viz., Episcopalians, C in "-relation ilists, Wesleyan Methodists, Calvinistic Mteho- dbts Baptists, and the Society of Friends. But should any of these denominations withdraw the* support from the col- lege, the required number of the committee shall be made up ofequal numbers from those who continue their assistance-. No ua lue preponderance being given now or at any future time to P-Yv one denomination. residents in Swansea, or within f een miles (f the institution. To clause ten I proposed, you will recollect, an amend- ment to the effect that the committee should be formed without reference to denominational lieettlito-ities." My ob- ject in doing so was to maintain the CNSECTAUIAN character of the institution—to make every subscriber of the required a nount eliyiUe to be placed on the committee—and to ena- ble the subscribers to elect the most efficient men to serve upon it. I firmly and conscientiously believe that without the practical adoption of these principles in the formation of the committee, the college will not long maintain its popula- rity, catholicity, and efficiency. To make it popular, I con- ceive it should be subject to popular control; to be catholic, it should be open to -It without distinction and to be effi- eient, it should have the best and most competent men on i,s committee. These distinctive peculiarities, I contend, cannot be secured whilst clause ten remains a fundamental principle of the institution. I am aware that, in opening a discussion upon a question already disposed of at a general meeting of the subscribers, I lay myself open to a charge of informality, and perhaps, of something worse; but whilst, I believe the retention of- the clause in its present character will prove prejudicial to, if not the ruin of, the institution and whilst1 am supported by not a few of its most intelligent, most ardent, and early friends and supporters, I am prepared to bear all the blame I and obloquy that may be ascribed to me. Allow ne, sir, to draw your attention to the committee an formed at Carmarthen. You doubtless recollect the zeal pnero-y with which certain gentlemen defended what t* deemed the Christian and liberal".character of the institution, and the strong indignation with which they re- ceived my amendment. I admire their zeal, but question their wisdom. Let us see how the committee;was formel, I'nd whether the conditions so peremptorily insisted upon were observed. Clause eight provides that no one .is eligi- ble to be elected unless he is either an annual subscriber of one jruinon, or a donor of ten guineas. On looking, over the Est I find (independent of those who are ineligible on ac- count of the amount) that forty-three out of the seventy-two have not subscribed anything to the funds of the college durin- the last three years-that thirty-two have not sub- scribed to the building- fund—and that twenty-three have not Zhscribed a single penny either to the college or the build- • i A°-ain °reat stress was laid upon the necessity o. ex- r.^iiiff Unitarians,—and the chief objection to my amend- ment was the possibility of their admission and still, Rtmnffe to say, there is more than otic Unitarian on the com- fhen with regard to the boasted liberality of ap- pointing an equal number from each of the denominations without reference to whether every denomination contributed alike or were equally interested in the success of the msti- fS° Let us see how this was done It was well known the'time that only some half dozen W esleyans and Friends ? V ,v..ifed in any shape or form, to the funds of the aud "tm, in the face of such a palprtle fact, institution counted with these two denominations twenty -f°^ l itt,en at least 0f whom had not subscribed ZZll"Z more ineligible on other grounds. there was such a dearth of Friends that London, Birmingham, and Bristol were explored to make up the re- qUAnd what,^ ask, is the consequence of such procedure ? Ti • t]lP foiiowiiio-: The omission from the list of the names of some of the earliest and best friends of tlie institution, to the Independent, Baptist, and Calvinistic Me- thod st denominations. Why were theio lovang (and other) names omitted t-Ilev. Henry Griffiths, Key. David arules, B.A., Rev. D, Rhys Stephen, Rev Evan Jones, V. iVi-th-.l l)avies, Rev. Joshua Lewis, Rev. Simon Evans, W. G. Thomas, Esq., David Charles, Ghailes Co 5^ Jom SF ESQ. P MEN who have shown, l's(l;i ,11 evidence, their interest in the institution. «~ilv eXciudes such inen a, I have named from participating in the management of tV,r, institution, be a wise and good one. T would suggest to the subscribers who agree with me m this matter t» write to the secretaries, requesting them to so alter the objectionable clause referred to, as to remove the difficulties and absurdities to which I have adverted. I remain, my dear sir, Faithfully yours, DANM EVANS. PRINCIPALITY Office, Oct, 2, 1848.

THE NORMAL COLLEGE. << TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRINCIPALITY. SIIt,-Dr. Davison, of Carmarthen, willbepleased to notice the following facts:— The circular, by which the first conference at Llandovery was called, was addressed only to "ministers and laymen" belonging to the four Dissenting denominations which pre- vail in the principality. The circular, notwithstanding this limit as to the parties invited, contained an intimation that a project of unsecta- rian education" should be entertained at the conference. There it was determined that the education should be religious, but that nothing denominational should be taught in the school-room." As the essentials of religion, in which the- four denomina- tions-and now the six which constitute the committee- unite, imply the difference between them and Unitarians, they could not have seriously determined on a religious education," which would throw that difference into what was called 11 denominational." The principal chosen belongs to one of the four sects. I was made to understand that Mr. Lloyd, of Carmarthen, had signified his satisfaction with the instruction in the college, as it was resolved upon at Llandovery, at the first conference. r The institution is unsectarian with regard to the Unitari- ans, not as to its laws and management, but as it is open to candidates of that body. j These are matters of fact which I hope wilt satisfy Dr. Davison. I. l am, yours, &c., truly, Haverfordwest, Oct 2, 1848. E. DVWLS.

THE "FRIENDS" AT MONMOUTH. To TIIB EDITOR OF THE PRINCIPALITY. SIR,—Your last paper contained a strange description of a Quaker's meeting," recently held at Monmouth. The paragraph was couched in language not very creditable, either to the spirit or the prosody of the writer, who evi- dently understands the peculiarities of the Friends as little ashe does the graces of composition., Who the preacher was I have no idea.; certainly he was not a Mr. Thomas, from Ross," if he were a Quaker preacher at all, becausejno minister of the denomination resides there; but if he were an accredited minister of the society, I cannot help doubting the correctness of the revolting description of him given by your contributor, as I do not believe the Friends would sanction any such improper exhibition. I must regret that such a needlessly offensive paragraph should have been ad mitted into your columns, and can only attribute it to an oversight, in consequence of some hurry in preparing lor I in- the press. It will, however, inevitably occasion "some in- quiry amongst the Friends, as regards the veracity of the statement, and the parties inquired of will be those who supported the preacher by their association with him on the occasion. It would, therefore, have been an advantage had your contributor addressed himself more intelligibly in stat- ing the number of Quakers present. He says there were three individuals, consisting of two gentlemen and a lady." Now if this phraseology means anything, it conveys the idea of three most extraordinary tripartite individuals, each compounded of two males and one female a vision which might well make all Monmouth quake with amazement, and produce very pardonable hallucinations in the mind of a reporter. It may be presumed that your contributor intended to enumerate only three individuals, a man and two women, instead of six of the former, and two of the latter; but assuredly this confused mode of expressing himself would hardly qualify him to improve the defective elocution of the preacher whom he has so flippantly satirised.. [ I remain, Mr. Editor,, Your con staut reader, V Clifton, Oct. 2,1848. A FRIEND TO TIIE FRIENDS. (}

AN ENLIGHTENED BEQUEST.—A rather eccentric this town, who died about a fortnight ago, having the sum of £ 100 to "leave to his heirs and successors," disposed of it thus:—" £ 50 for burial expenses," and to drinls."— Leeds Intelligencer. A CURIOUS CisF,A few weeks ago, the Rev. II. Barbe curate of St. Mark's, Chelsea, published his own banns of mar- riage in that town; and what adds to the singularity of the circumstance; isfthat his bride-elect was one of the congregation then assembled. IN the late session of Parliament 133, public acts received the royal assent. BISHOPS' SAVINos.-A Parliamentary return, founded on the probates of wills, and made in 1832, gives the total amount of money left by ten Irish bishops, at £ 1,575,000. The highest was an Archbishop of Cashel,, £ 4<>G>0Q0; the lowest, Stopford, Bishop of Cork, £ '25,000. WE have reason to believe that the arrangements proposed j at the recent Conference of Railway Directors are proceeding j under the most favourable auspices. We are not at present at liberty to enter into any details, but we believe they will be highly favourable to the railway interests.—Chronicle. MUNICIPAL BOROUGHS .It is shown by a Parliamentary docu- ment issued on Saturday, that from the 1st of September, 1846, to the 31st of August, 1847, the receipts of municipal boroughs in England and Wales amounted, with the balance in hand. to £1,367,949 18s. 4d., and the expenditure to £ 1,240,518 16s. 5d, of the Act 11th and 12th Vic., c. exxiii, sees. 9 and 10, for the prevention of epidemic diseases. Ti)??es. ANOTHER BLUNDER.—By one of those blunders that our legislators excel, the Health of Towns Bill can-not be applied legislators excel, the Health of Towns Bill cannot be applied to" Gateshead without a special application to Parliament, The lower parts of Gateshead are the filthiest of all Englend and. when the cholera broke out in the north last, the number of deaths in Poplegate was greater, we believe, than in any other part of the country.-Manrhester Examiner. A petition to Sir Harry Smith from the Mohammedan inhabit- ants of icape Town concludes "And your Memorialists fur- ther pray that your Excellency may see the present earthly blindness of your ways, and become a candidate for admission into the bosom of the sublime Mohammedan Church." TURNPIKE TRUSTS.—By a return made to Parliament, and just printed, it is shown that there are 1,1,08 turnpike trusts in England and Wales-1,063 in England and 45 in Wales. The length of roads in England is 19,942 miles and 148 yards, and i I vVales, 2,382 miles, 2 furlongs, and 197 yards, making in England and Wales 22,321 miles, a furlongs, and 125 yards J

TO ADYERTISERS. The large and increasing Circulation of the PiUNOirAXiTY renders it a most advantageous medium for Advei'tisepier.t.s of all descriptions. The terms are moderatesix lines and under, five shillings; and four pence for each additional line. A convideiable reduction is made on Advertisements repeatedly inserted. THE LARGEST CIRCULATION IN WALES.

TO AUTHORS. Books, pamphlets, and periodicals for review, may be left at Longman and Co., Paternoster-row, London, addressed to the Editor, care of Mr. W. Bird, Cardiff. r We are compelled for want of space to postpone the speech of the Rev D Williams, Llanwrtyd, attheBicentenary services, at Blaenau Gwent; a notice of the late Mrs. Roberts, Blaenau the report of the Caerphilly Eisteddfod Neath petty sessions; and several other matters, till next week.

TO SUBSCRIBERS. The quarter's subscription is now due. We shall feel obliged if our friends will save us the trouble and expense of a personal appli- cation, by forwarding the amount of their subscriptions in the course of next week. TERMS of SUBSCRIPTION r— 20s. per annum, o lis. per quarter; payable in advance, Post Office Orders should be made payable to DAVID EVANS, Principality Office, Cardiff.

SUMMARY OF THE WEEK. THE principal features of the past week have been the Chartist trials, and the State trials in Ireland. Of the former we have spoken at length elsewhere. The trial of Smith O'Brien is now proceeding, and was not expected to dose until yesterday evening, or this day. From what appears in our postscript it seems the Government is determined in the event of a conviction (which, most probably, will be the case) to inflict upon the unfortunate individual the extreme penalty of the law. We regret this de- cision. At a time when so much strong feeling is prevailing -against capital punishment, it would, we humbly presume, better answer the ends of justice by adopting a more lenient and merci- ful course. The Peace Congress at Brussels came off most satisfactorily. It must be most gratifying to the friends off peace to witness the rapid progress then- principles are making. The letter of Mr. Cobden will, no doubt, do an amazing amount of good. Abroad everything seems to be in an unsettled state. France, we fear, will have again to undergo some very serious changes. The spirit of war and anarchy is still living, and in active exer- cise. Ledru Rollih is fanning the flame. We fear the mighty influence and pure philanthropy of Lamartine will not stop its progress. Artificial and forced reforms will sooner or later bring about a reaction. Germany is still in an unsettled state. The King of Naples has refused to accept the negotiations of France and England. When will the nations learn that justice and truth are the only safeguards of liberty, and that no victory s worth caring for unless it has been achieved by moral and peaceable means ? The harvest is about being brought to a close, and in a more satisfactory state than was anticipated. The railway and share markets are steady, and trade on the whole is in an improving condition.

THE PEACE CONGRESS. A GOOD deal of ridicule and affected contempt has been poured by some of our contemporaries of the recent expe- dition of a party of philanthropists to Brussels, and on the Congress which has been held in the Belgic capital for the purpose of promoting peace on earth and good will towards men." We suppose there will be no great difficulty in under- standing why gentlemen who make arms their profession should try and defeat the purposes of a large body of the sons and daughters of peace, the success of whose efforts would oblige these warriors to "beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning; hooks," and to sell their gold epaulettes and red coats to tlie first old-clothes- man who might wish to, buy them. The readers of the PRINCIPALITY, however, are not likely to suffer from the triumphs of the peace principle, and we therefore congra- tulate them and the true friends of humanity on the aid which has just now been triven to thft cause .of-tiFotHerKr>r./l throughout the world. The Congress was attended by men who could very well afford to endure the laugh and the puny jests of wicked witlings. who delight in war. Joseph Sturge, Henry Vin- cent, Mr. Buckingham, John Scoble, the Rev. T. Spencer, of Bath, are not of the class of men who are likely to run away from a shower of missiles which, terrific as they may be to the hunters for human applause, are not very likely to break the bones of honest roen. Our English friends -were received with most enthusiastic welcome by the good people of Belgium, and were met by men of distinction* of profound philosophy, of heart-stirring eloquence and true Christian charity* from various parts of the old and new worlds, and among them the President of Liberia. Thus presenting one of those spectacles which attract the notice and engage the sympathies of good beings throughout the universe. The time has thus- arrived in which all nations will be told in the language of Bacon that the power of all human society is its intelligence, and that with intelligence its power grows or declines; that the pen is a more powerful weapon than the sword, and that nations fully armed with such weapons are possessed of strength enough to make them respected. In the language of the distinguished president of the Congress, M. Visschei-s, "the time is no longer distant when nations will regard with horror the evils of all kinds which are germinated by war—when public opinion will govern the world—when all nations will possess liberal iiistitutions,-and, when the spirit of con- quest will become impassible." n Among the important proposals brought before this Con- gress, it was resolved to urge on the different governments of Europe and America the introduction of a clause into all international treaties providing for the settlement of all disputes by arbitration, that war may be avoided, and the way thus effectually prepared for a permanent appeal to the great principles of justice, which it will be the object of a high court of nations to consolidate and apply. It was also resolved to direct the attention of governments to the necessity of a general and simultaneous disarmament, thereby removing a fertile cause of irritation and alarm, inspiring mutual confidence, and promoting, the interchange of those good offices which are best calculated to secure the lasting prosperity of the great commonwealth of the world. It will be thus seen that the schemes proposed at Brussels were not the Quixotic things which the enemies of peace have described, but of a sound and rational character, which renders it only necessary that they should be extensively propounded, in order that they may command the admira- ijon and support of all good men and true throughout the world. In the eloquent language of Henry Vincent, ad- dressee! to the hospitable people of Belgium, who gladly gave the Congress a home, the peace principle will march, through the world, though a mere stripling, strong in its moral influence; girt rouud with the blessed principles of the0-ospel it shall ever succeed; it shall attract by its own inherent refulgence all that is beautiful a,nd just in the world, and the day shall come when the army shall fly be- fore this messenger of peace; the gun shall be spiked by the pen, and Belgium shall proclaim the reign of liberty, of justice, and of love."

THE CHARTIST TRIALS. THESE important and protracted legal proceedings have at lengtji terminated in the. conviction of the several of- fenders, aiid a sentence of transportation for life. In reviewing these melancholy results, we dare not in- dulge the feelings of triumph or 'anger sùglaringly mani- fested by some of our contemporaries. The spirit of party is sure to pass a crooked judgment upoji such an occasion. We view the men themselves with pity, their, crimes with odium, and their severe punishment with pain. Sift the evidence as we may—view with unutterable scorn the des- picable spies, who are usually in Whig pay—digest tho. roughly the learned -or eloquent speeches of counsel—well weigh the charge of the judge-and let the whole pass- through a mind free from the least particle of political bia. or class prejudice,—yet the animus which lay in the minds of thpse unhappy men cannot be mistaken, and hence evoke calm and dispassionate remark. The trial of these men, or rather their principtm, long- preceded, in the public mind, these legal proceedings. The- avowed doctrine of physical force, excited to the utmost by a revolutionary atmosphere,, wafted (Aer from the continent of Europe, and mingling with a spirit of disquiet at home, took fast possession of, and fatally misguided a portion of the Chartist leaders. At the time, we kindly but decidedly lifted up our warning voice and cannot but rejoice if in the least degree we contributed to the adoption of peaceable and wise proceedings among the Chartists of Wales. To all but these deluded leaders themselves it was clear as the sun at noon-day that the country at large abhorred their doctrines- Every show of this foolish weapon was met with a national frown. Such insane dogmas only served to create special constables. Deserted by the middle classes—divided in their own ranks-without one solitary omen of success,—yet with that fatal perversity and fearful momentum, which ever attends fanatical attachment to a false principle, they madly determine to force the thing to an issue. Committees of bloocf Z5 and death are summoned,-retu.rns of fighting men" from various districts are received,;—pistols, pikes,, coarse grenades, bludgeons, fire-balls, bullets, and gunpowder are greedily sought and hoarded up*—London,, in imagination, is already covered with barricades,-the red flag" is to, be hoisted, and: a great revolution is speedily to be effected. Was there no* wise pause to look at the phrenzy and hopelessness of their cause ? Might not the idea throughout have possessed their minds that they were but egged on by spies to irretrievable ruin ? Did not common sense, to set aside all higher consi- derations, crave to enter and preside over their nightly and secret assemblies ? We are forced to the conclusion, against our wishes, that these unhappy men, under the-persuation of a vicious principle, contemplated their ends through a sys- tem of means which shocks- our sense of reason, justice, and humanity. Their doom is the bitter but legitimate fruit of their principles. He who resorts to arms and blood to vin- dicate truth will, in the long run, discover that the mistake, was not only profound, but linked to a proportionably severe penalty. Like can only be productive of like. The viola- tion of the great laws of morals, in the support of truth, comes down with a final vengeance upon the unhappy delin- quent. Alas! that these men should have verified this bitter truth. It would be difricult to arrive at any certain estimate of the wrong which the prea-ching and development of physi- cal force has done to the cause of real liberty. Chartist manifestoes, conspiracies, conventions, qud. outbreaks are the deadliest foes under the name of freedom to the thing itself. When the mighty spirit of change passed over from the con- tinent, and innoculated the mind of this country, the middle classes were quickened to a new and deeper sense of their wrongs, and to a determination, by peaceful combination, to seek redress. A healthy spirit, for the time, took hold of the, heart of the nation. But how short-lived was its duration! The doctrines of force and blood soon blighted its growth, as will require, probably, years of toil and patience to repro- duce. Certainly they have post-dated the clock of political liberty in these realms. Separating those classes that should always be bosom friends,—throwing new: strength into an aristocracy which began to evidence no. mean indications of weakness,—disturbing everywhere the best emotions of political feeling,—we fear incalculable mischief has been the. result. With no weak pulsation, it has been felt through all the states of Europe. The foes to. true civil and religious freedom by it have been for a time re-assured., Wron^ in- fluence has been sent down into the very depths of society. Looking, then,, at the condemned prisoners, through; the me dium of these conclusions,, much of the sympathy which, otherwise we might entertain- for them is destroyed, and we regard them. as beacons held up to warn future adven- turers from that fatal abyss into which false principle and, vicious conduct will most assuredly conduct them., But here ends not the chapter. We may well turn round' upon our rulers, and see whether they are not justly co- partners in this guilt. If, by the greed of aristocratic rule, the shameful expenditure <)f ;thc> nation's finfmoes.. a denial to the people ot the. tranchise, and sneers atthe most peace* able efforts to bring about sound and comprehensive reforms,, men are goaded- into. the, bef of. doctrines and practices. which, we fully admit, can find no jvstificatioit-where,. in the name of justice, lies the deeper culpability ? We cannot palliate the insane projects of coercive Chartism; but we equally abhor any sort of government which carries within it the habitual incentives to anger, violence, and tren Crime is. crime, whether cloathed in rags or ermine. The- great wrongs of corrupt Government lay the spawn of pri- vate injustice and revenge. These thoughts, we fear, but seldom make their way into the heart of those who bear rule over us. We have little hope that these trials of infatuated men either in England or Ireland will force the attention of legislators upon the too frequent final causes of political, crime. Whig reading in poetical morality, we judge, is remarkably shallow. Nevertheless, the very necessities and, instincts of this great nation demand that a class of mind: should be summoned to the helm of affairs, that will bring- to bear the grc at laws of political right upon the well-being, progress, and destiny of this great commonwealth.

THE ABERGAVENNY EISTEDDFOD. THE fifteenth anniversary of this popular and national p society will be held at Abergavenny, on Wednesday and, Thursday next. As the time approaches public interest in- creases, and if we may judge from the extensive prepara- tions made, there is no doubt that the Eisteddfod of 1848; will transcend in interest and importance any. of its. prede cessors. We understand that in consequence of the very large party and suite of retainers which will accompany the- President, Col. C. Kemys Tynte, of Cefn Mably, a consider able portion ofthe principal hotel is devoted to his accommo- dation. This gentleman is the head of one of the most ancient families in South Wales. With the true spirit of his an- cestors, he has a family harper, who will of course accom- pany him to the bardie festival of Gwent and Morganwg, where many a Cemaes in days of yore presided over the distribution of prizes for the encouragement of the national genius of Wales, in poetry and niusic. At this Qommenipration of the minstrelsy, and customs of a country, formerly one of the merriest arid happiest in the world," many of the aristocracy of England will meet the distinguished families of Wales, partake of their hos-, pitaluy, and experience their warm-li§arte<iness, forming; perhaps friendships which may last for life-whilst the, lovers of "bardic literature will enjoy a. highly intellectual treat. We hope to be able to give a report of tlie proceedings in our next,

THE BRITISH ANTI, STATE CHURCH ASSO- CIATION. 5 A vigorous movement in connexion with this association. has been commenced. A public meeting was held at Fins- bury chapel, London, on Wednesday night. Meetings are to be held monthly in the metropolis during the winter deputations are about being appointed to visit all parts of the kingdom. We rejoice that South Wales is to be ho- noured wit a. visit from Edward Miall, the master-spirit of- the association. He will commence his labours at Newport, on Tuesday next, and will close his tour at Cardiff on the 26tli. (treat preparations have been made in several places for his reception, and we" hesitate not in saying that híll: visit will give general satisfaction.

POLICE AND PETTY SESSIONS. CARDIFF POLICE COURT. FRIDAY, SEPT. 29.-Before Lewis Reece, Esq., Mayor, JairieV Lewis, and Walter Coffin, Esqrs. Abraham Atkins, of S Fagai.'s, was. charged with being, drunk and disorderly, and with an assault. He was fined 5s., and 4s. costs.. ¡

not done enough; but in this matter, as in others, I would not pretend to measure the enough of a Scotchman, Sir John Guest's agents may be useful as lecturers* but touch more likely better calculated f<ir follo .virtg then* own calling than tampering with abstrtise ariA scientific subjects, ■which should be left to able and qualified teachers, employed to discharge such important duties. Upon this point, I can answer with A fact; I heard a gentleman, now a barrister of high standing, and who had been educated at Glasgow Uni- versity, state*, after hearing a course of lectures by one of the agents upon Mechanics, that they were fully equal, if not superior, to any that he has heard at that place. It is not too much to assert that men like the agents, whom he totally thinks unfit for lecturers, may have some knowledge of the things they profess to know. For instance, one of them has fifteen or twenty steam engines under his superintendence, but he is not qualified to lecture thereon, but must leave that to a professor in some Scotch college perhaps. A mineral agent, who goes underground, and sees and examines daily the various geological features and diversified strata there to be seen, but ha had better not say anything in the shape of a lecture upon them, as it would be tampering with abstruse and scientific subjects. The Scotch Mountaineer "seems thoroughly sceptical that working men become, through their own unaided exertions, «o.isiderable mathematicians and astronomers. But though he may doubt, it is not the less true. Suppose I rub up his memory with the examples of other people. Has he forgotten 1^2 fo-us on ? Did he not become a considerable astronomer whilst engaged in herding sheep ? There was one here who belonged to the society I have mentioned, who calculated the path of the comet of 1811 pretty correctly, and that un- aided. DJes he know the history of Pascal, of Emerson, of Simpson, of Milner, and of many of the handloom wea- vers of Carlisle, whose productions he may see in the Lady's JDiary ? Let him read the small volume, the Pursuit of Knowledge under Difficulties, and then he will find that men can become astronomers and mathematicians unaided. All the rest of his long letter is mere leather and prunella, and therefore it may rest in peace. Perhaps I might, without trenching upon good manners, hint to Mr. Chambers and his brother Celts (since a few stray words have before now been construed into sedition), that when >ver any chiel comes in future amongst us to pick up notes fjr the information of others, that he ought not to depart, as Byron said, "Withjust enough of learning to misquote." TRIM ALED.