so constructed that their surfaces may be those of hollow cylinders. If these precautions are found insufficient, the narrowing of the apertures above the fires should be tried; but as these remedies are sometimes inconvenient, they ought, perhaps, to be the last of the chimney-doctors' resources.

"The doctrine of smoky fire-places is as yet very imperfect; many experiments have been tried, but still we have not obtained any general and satisfactory results, notwithstanding the celebrity of those who have made them. The writings of Dr. Franklin, Count Rumford, and Mr. Clavering, contain details of experiments on smoky chimnies; and the works of those authors may be consulted by such as wish to enter more fully into the subject."

In order to make the instructions, which are given in the different kinds of work, intelligible to the employer as well as to the workman, minute descriptions are given of the mode in which the works ought to be performed; and to these are added explanations of all the technical terms used in each trade, and descriptions of the tools and their respective uses. So far, therefore, as it is possible to communicate the knowledge of a practical art, by written instructions, that object is accomplished in the present work. The glossary, at the end, containing an explanation of such technical terms as have not been before defined, contributes still more to extend the practical utility of the preceding pages.

The chapter on the Theory and Practice of the Five Orders, adds the beauty of ornament to the utility and indispensable necessity of the previous mechanical details. We are presented with views historical, speculative, and practical, as well of the orders themselves, as of the ornaments connected with them. Those who wish merely to improve their taste, and those who desire to execute as well as to judge, may here find whatever is calculated either to polish the former, or to furnish the latter with every requisite information. We can only give the commencement of this chapter, which is as follows:

"The Orders of Architecture constitute the basis upon which, chiefly, the decorative part of the science is built, and towards which the attention of the architect must ever be cherished, even where Orders are not introduced: for, in them originate most of the forms used in decoration; they regulate most of the proportions; and to their combination, multiplied, varied, and arranged, in a thousand different ways, architecture is indebted for its most splendid productions.

"These Orders are different modes of building, supposed to have been originally imitated from the primitive huts; being composed of such parts as were essential in their construction; and, afterwards, adopted in the temples of antiquity, which, though at first simple and rude, were, in the course of time, and by the ingenuity of succeeding architects, wrought up and improved to such a pitch of perfection, on dif

ferent models, that each was, by way of eminence, denominated an ORDER.

Of these there are five: three, said to be of Grecian origin, are called Grecian Orders; being distinguished by the names of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian; they exhibit three distinct characters of composition, supposed to have been suggested by the diversity of character in the human frame. The remaining two, being of Italian origin, are called Latin or Roman Orders; they are distinguished by the names of Tuscan and Roman, and were probably invented with a view of extending the characteristic bounds, on one side still farther towards strength and simplicity, as on the other, towards elegance and profusion of enrich

The architectural department of the work concludes with remarks on the Ancient Architecture of Great Britain, which will not be without interest to those who are fond of archæological inquiries.

A treatise on Perspective, Projection, and Shadows, completes the main work; to which is added an arithmetical Appendir, that nothing may be wanting for the information of those who may desire to carry the practical instructions before given into execution.

The Plates, by which the work is illustrated, are one hundred and eighty-four in number. Of these, a detailed description is given, which will in every instance be found useful, and in some indispensable. The ingenuity of design which they display, the observant mind will soon discover, and the beauty of their graphical execution arrests immediate attention, naturally inducing a desire to understand the principles of an art, the productions of which are equally gratifying to the scientific and the tasteful eye.

"The Practical Builder's Perpetual Price-book" is an elaborate appendix to "the Practical Builder," and contains in quantity more than one fourth of the principal work. We understand it is about to be published separately, in a portable form, which, from its great practical utility, will be of infinite convenience to all who have frequent occasion to pronounce or form opinions on the value of labour or materials, without the opportunity of previous preparation. The great distinction between this and other price-books is, that while they are adapted to the state of the market merely for the time being, but become incorrect, and, consequently, worse than useless, as that fluctuates, this is so constructed as to enable the builder, surveyor, or employer, whatever the market price of labour or materials may be, to determine with precision what is the proper charge. All parties concerned in building are thus supplied with a scientific manual, or vademecum, from which, however prices may fluctuate, the required

information may be readily and certainly obtained. It has been also rendered additionally valuable, by having its calculations made with reference to the recent act of parliament for establishing uniformity in weights and measures. A copious abstract of the building act concludes the work, and renders it one of the most complete productions of the kind ever presented to the public.

At once elaborate without being tedious, and concise without being defective, these works supply all persons, in any manner interested in buildings, whether of a public or private nature, with that species of information, which will enable the builder to perform his engagements with credit to himself and benefit to those who employ him; at the same time that they give the latter an opportunity of forming a correct judg ment, as to the propriety of the builder's proceedings, in the progress of the works to be performed, and, what is of no less importance, as to the correctness of his charges on the completion of his undertaking.

Second Series of Original Poems, for Young Persons. pp. 107.-Souter, 1825.

THOSE Who have been delighted (and none could fail to be so,) with the first series of "Original Poems," will be still more pleased with this. It is, indeed, "a nice little book." That improvement which is so generally manifest, now-adays, in books designed for youth, is by no means wanting here. There are some, perhaps, who may think, that a book "for young persons" is beneath the attention of so dignified a tribunal as that of criticism, and destitute of sufficient importance to interest the readers of a literary journal. We entertain a very different opinion. Books, as well as other things, should be estimated by their utility rather than their pretensions. What can be of greater importance to society, than the means employed to sow the seeds of goodness in the infant mind? It is in early life that parents and instructors must form the future character. That, and that only, is the period, when the basis must be laid for the energetic virtues of manhood, and the more retiring delicacy of female excellence.

With these reflections impressed upon our minds, we contemplate the pages before us; and rejoice to perceive, that, while piety and virtue pervade the sentiments they contain, their

indispensable simplicity is not unadorned by the charms of poesy, which are scattered here and there like the daisies of the meadow, never prominent or obtrusive, yet increasing, by their united effect, the beauty of the whole. As the author has truly remarked in his "Introduction," he has formed "a collection suited to various ages;" and, though the whole is very properly adapted to those for whose use it is more especially intended, there are many pieces, certainly, which "will not be unacceptable to those who are more advanced in years."

We have been particularly gratified with "Ploughing," "Sowing," and "Reaping." At this season of the year, when the mind is familiar with ideas of harvest, our readers will not be displeased at our leading them into the yellow field.

REAPING.

Now with autumn the bounties of harvest appear,
And the yellow corn waves in the field;

Now the peasant shall close all the toils of the year,
And plenty her treasures shall yield.

The reaper with triumph begins his employ,
As the bright-beaming sickle he plies;

While over his head the lark carols with joy,

And gratefully mounts to the skies.

Around the wide upland the sheaves may be seen,
Announcing a bountiful store;,

While some scatter'd ears are remaining between,
To gladden the hearts of the poor.

With evening the harvest-home song shall go round,
And the reaper shall rest from his toil;

And, while the gay accents of pleasure resound,

The day shall conclude with a smile.

And thus from the seed that in spring-time was sown
In the fallow, by ploughing prepar'd,

This plentiful harvest in autumn has grown,

As industry's constant reward.

So when the evening of
grey

age

shall come on,

And the labours of youth shall be past,
May we find, on reviewing the years that are gone,

A harvest of virtue at last.

As a contrast to this scene of rural happiness and prosperity, and the moral drawn from its contemplation, it may not be

inappropriate, and will certainly not be unimproving, to be reminded of

THE USES OF ADVERSITY.

Say, Pilgrim, in this world of pain,
Of sad adversity and woe,
Is there no hope within the train,

To smooth the rugged path below?
Does not affliction daily prove

The source of comfort from above,
And teach the froward heart to know,

That, from Almighty love, our destin'd trials flow?

Yes! 'tis by suffering, grief, and pain,
That hope, the soother of the breast,
Forbids the spirit to complain,

And lulls each anxious fear to,rest;
Points to the realms of endless day,
That close the weary pilgrim's way,
Where dwells, enthron'd in light above,

The God of smiling peace, tranquillity, and love.

Such reflections, though somewhat mournful, are at once delightful and improving; and they to whom it is not an unwonted occupation to "rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep," will not fail to remember with pleasure their introduction to

THE VILLAGE PASTOR.

Oh! tempt me not with wealth or pow'r,
Oh! give me not the lordling's dome;
Drive not away the humble poor,

That now surround my peaceful home.

To me each want, each care is known,
To me they tell each tale of grief;
But who will hear when I am gone,
Who will afford the kind relief?

My means are small, their wants the same,
I have not riches to bestow;

A pastor to my flock I came,

To guide their erring path below.

Advice they ask'd, advice I gave;
If poverty assail'd their cot,
From pinching want I strove to save,
Nor was the trifling gift forgot.