this book, have never before demand-
our animadversions, and we sincerely
re that we shall never again have oc-
in to witness a similar specimen.
m a careful examination of the whole,
are justified in pronouncing it the
erogeneous compilation and compo-
a of a person totally unacquainted
th, and unfit for the task of writing
History of Modern London."
If he had confined himself to the strict
ing of his title, and furnished the

public with a complete and correct account of "London as it is," it would have supplied an important desideratum, not only to the present age, but to future generations; and as such would have been justly entitled to our warmest commendation. But, to accomplish such a task, requires what this writer never possessed, a discriminating judgment, activity in research," an eye to see, a heart to feel, and a soul to comprehend."

ALT. V. The Scarborough Tour, in 1803. By W. HETTON, F. A. S. S.
Svo. pp. 314.

the art of drawing sweetness from the mean-
est flower. Those descriptions stand in the
first class of excellence which are the nice
but minute incidents of human life, and
which are perfectly true, but unnoticed.
"If we want health, we naturally apply to
physician, who will give great hopes of a

a

pass

IN each of our former volumes we Acccasion to notice some works of this ran tourist, and in our present annuetursion, he again crosses our path, Jemands a parley. We are sorry t to be able to return him a passing mpliment; but truth obliges us to de- cure. Time and money slide away, without re, that like the work we noticed in removing the evil. We try a second, a third, r last volume, p. 417, the present &c. but to as little purpose. When we have ords with gossipping chit-chat, and discarded all, we Lecome our own doctor; ch trifling garrulity. It appears that for a disease always demands a remedy. I author considers his remarks of such knew a case of more than twenty years standterest, curiosity, or amusement, that heng, in which numbers of the faculty had been employed, much money and peace of mind had been spent, when the patient prescribed for himself, and found relief at the expence of one penny."

mits every idea to paper, and prints
animadversions exactly as they flow
his pen without attending to such
as grammar, perspicuity, or even
priety. The following extract, from
commencing pages, (for it occupies
t of three) we presume will fully war-
Tour critique.

"Perhaps every writer has a wish to please.
though he writes upon nothing; but a
t of succeeding. Every writer, too, has
Banner peculiar to himself. Great inci-
s are easily told; it then rests with an
or as with a taylor only, to clothe his
t in a suitable garb. But if that sub-
t be small, he must, like the bee, possess

Courteous reader, if you are pleased with this specimen of elegant and profound writing, we can assure you that much more of the same kind may be found in Mr. Hutton's tours; but if you require a little useful or interesting inforthis writer, you will seek for what is not mation concerning any place visited by to be found. To be under the necessity of reading such books as this, is among the most painful tasks of our occupation.

7. VL A Tour from Alston-Moor to Harrowgate and Brimbam Craggs. By THOS. PENNANT, Esq. 4to. pp. 130. IN an advertisement to this Tour, we told, that it" was left by Mr. Pennant ng his manuscripts prepared for the ; and the editor in presenting it to public, trusts it will be found equally resting with the former works of this

emed author."

Such a statement, prefixed to such a rk, requires the investigation of every lewer, who feels any degree of zeal a the combined cause of literature, hoty and truth. It has been often remarked, and often verified, that injudi

cious friends are generally more injuri ous to the cause they espouse, than professed enemies. This is strikingly demonstrated in many posthumous publications; for friendship, seeing through the medium of partiality, is apt to look upon that as extremely excellent, which, fairly appreciated, is really very indiffe rent. That the gentleman, whose name is affixed to this book, possessed considerable merit as an antiquary, naturalist, and tourist, is proved by the concurring testimony of many eminent critics, and

that such "fair fame" should be injured by a foolish friend, or by an artful impostor claims our strict inquiry.

An anonymous editor informs us, that this tour was printed from the " prepared manuscripts" left by Mr. Pennant. As this rests on the testimony of an incognito witness, we have a right to look for more satisfactory evidence, and this can only be obtained from the style, matter, and manner of the book, compared with the "authentic" works of the author. The topographical writings of the late Mr. Pennant must be well known to all persons who are partial to the subject. They are, according to the opinion of Mr. Whitaker, who is not much addict. ed to praise his contemporaries, "lively, agreeable, and interesting." Many other writers agree in this opinion; but instead of meeting with engaging traits in the present tour, we find it abounding with false names, erroneous dates, and illite. rate spellings. Unconnected sentences, errors of grammar, improper and vulgar terms, abound in almost every page. Speaking of an ancient mansion (p. 10) it is stated that "one of the Baron Eures made it their residence." At page 13, a monumental statue is said to have a "conic belm," instead of helmet. A gentleman called "Haselring" in Mr. Pennant's Scotch Tour, vol. iii. p. 342, is here called "Hazelrig," and several page 7 is the following description, which other names are similarly mis-spelt. In we can never suppose was written by Mr. Pennant; or, if so, intended to meet the public eye.

irregular, but mixed with trees; it makes a
pretty appearance. The roofs of the houses
here, and in these parts, are very steep, to
permit the snow, which falls in great abund
heath."
ance here, to slide off; many are covered with

“I rode two miles farther," he says in another page, "to Newfield-crags; a vast precipice, wooded tremendously overhanging the Weare. The other side is steep, but less so."

“I dined here," Raby castle, “the od duke of Cleveland with us-a cheerful old man-and in conversation, very far from c

ideor."

With one more extract we shall con

clude our evidence. Speaking of Streat ham, it is observed,

"In 1761, the place departed from the an cient family of Bowes, by the marriage o that terrible woman, in body and mind, Mary Eleanor, only child of George Bowes, Es knight of the shire for the county of Dur ham, to that accomplished nobleman, Joha into his grave by intemperance, the result of earl of Strathmore; whom she soon dro

HIS conduct. This terrible woman, in 1777. married as terrible a man, in the Irish Andre Robinson Stoney, who, I have heard, and really believe, did his best to revenge the cause of her amiable lord." P. 29.

The foregoing specimens, we presume, will satisfy the reader, and justify him in concluding that the "Tour from Alston Moor," &c. is not only unworthy the tenanced by every critic. The language pen of Mr. Pennant, but is an impositiet. on his name, which ought to be discour and matter of this volume are not only defects, for its price is greatly e hanced by open printing, fine paper, and several incorrect and tasteless prints.

"I reached Stanhope, a small town, very ART. VII. The New Cambridge Guide; or, a Description of the University, Town, County of Cambridge; containing correct and comprehensive Descriptions of the P Buildings, Colleges, Churches, Curiosities, Sc. S. Also, a concise Accant of the dy ferent Orders, Degrees, Ceremonics, and Offices of the University; a List of the pres University Officers, and a Variety of Atles of general Utility. Svo. pp. 153. THIS little volume, following the common-place trackof all its precursors, is very lavish in praising all persons, places, and objects that are directly or indirectly connected with the university. Every artist is highly meritorious, every place is peculiarly beautiful, every institution is unexceptionably good, &c. Though we do not expect much censure in these vade mecums, yet we wish to see some discrimination, for when we find indifference and mediocrity extolled as excellent, we cannot afterwards de

pend on the writers. Many passages this kind are found in the pages no under notice. Indeed, there are several. which may be properly classed with ad vertisements. Thus, when our guide speaking of the statue of Newton, informs us, that "a beautiful and rect drawing of it has been taken by Harraden, drawing-master, Cambrid from which a fine print has been > graved, which may be had at the artist house."

This seems very much like the "

dirtt." In the advertisement the editor assigns as his ostensible motive for publishing the present Guide, that it" is more correct, and more generally useful than any work of the kind that has preceded it; to effect which," he says that ❝he has resorted to the most approved works, and drawn his information on the respective subjects, from the most. indisputable sources."

The latter pretensions we readily admit, though we cannot so readily concede to the editor's first assertion. That he has examined some of the latest authorities we are also well acquainted with; but that he has withheld those authorities, and refused to acknowledge obligations, is not only a great defect in his work, but unjust to those who have furnished him with its principal mate. rials. Thus, various authors are laid under contribution, and their very essence is clandestinely extracted. He informs us, that he wished to "render his little tract more particularly adapted to the design of such a publication;" for which purpose he "omitted many articles which appeared tedious and uninteresting, if not useless." In the place of which, he has " added several pieces of intelligence of universal advantage and utility."

"The New Cambridge Guide" contains some concise historical notices of the origin of the university, with an account of the foundation and establishment of each college and hall, also the fees and duties of all the officers; with various particulars of the university customs. In arranging the description, the editor has first given a short account of the senate-house, the public library, the schools, and the botanic-garden. The historical account of the colleges and halls follow in the chronologi cal order of their foundation, commenc

ing with St. Peter's college, and ending with Sidney Sussex college; that of Downing not being yet erected. As the history of the latter is curious, and has been the subject of high litigation, we presume the following account of the founder, &c. will be interesting.

Sir George Downing, bart. in the year

1717, devised several valuable estates, in the
counties of Cambridge, Bedford, and Suf-
folk, to his nearest relations, sir Jacob Down-
ing, and his three sons; with remainder to
their issue in succession; and in case they
all died without issue, he devised the estates
to trustees, who, with the approbation of the
archbishops of Canterbury and York, and
the masters of St John's and Clare-hall,
were to found a college within the precincts
of this university, to be called Downing col-
lege. The testator died in the year 1749, and
his
descended to sir Jacob, wito, on
property
the death of his sons without issue in his
life-time, became the sole inheritor, and at
his decease, in 1764, bequeathed his posses-
sions to his lady; but the estates devised by
sir George Downing were claimed by the
university for the use of the proposed college,

"The validity of the original will, imme-
diately became a subject of legal inquiry;
but after many years litigation, was at length
established; and the charter for the incor-
poration of the new college, having been
fully examined by the privy-council, and
approved by his majesty, the great seal
was affixed to it by the lord chancellor,
Loughborough, 22d of September, 1800.
This college is to consist of a master, a pro-
fessor of the laws of England, a professor of
medicine, and sixteen fellows: scholars and
pupils to be admitted and educated, as in
their fellowships at the expiration of twelve
other colleges. The fellows are to vacate
years, unless under particular circumstances
they obtain a licence to hold them for a longer
term. The master, the professors, and three
of the fellows, are named in the charter; the
remaining fellows are to be appointed by the
king's sign manual, when the college is built.
An open piece of ground on the south-east
Pembroke, and near the botanic-garden,
side of the town, between Emmanuel and
the trustees for the new foundation.”
called the Leas, is the situation chosen by

each college, the editor closes his account Having detailed a few particulars of of the university, by an eulogium on These consist in the illustrious and emi"its genius and virtue," as he terms it. nent characters that have been educated here," as well as the sacredness and incalculable utility of its institution. It can boast with honest pride the great and philosophic discoveries of the immortal Newton, the sublime and heaven-inspired poetry of the incomparable Milton, the deep investigations of the great Bacon, and the energetic melody of the enthusi

Raworth's Cambridge University Calendar, is the only book referred to, though the itor ought in justice to have mentioned the following, from some of which he has made long eat acts without quotation-marks :-Deighton's Cambridge Guide," Carter's "History the University," the History of Cambridgeshire, in the 20 vol. of The Beauties of England and Wales;" Master's History of Corpus Christie College," Wall's "Accounts of the different Ceremonics observed in the Senate-house," &c.

astic Gray. It has produced the most exalted martyrs; the most celebrated divines, philosophers, orators, and poets; with all that can charm the ear, enlighten the understanding, or improve the mind. It has attained its dignified station by progressive genius and virtue, encouaged by the opulent and great."

ART. VIII. A Tour in Teesdale. "THE substance of the following pages," says our author, in an advertisement to this small tract," appeared last year in the York Herald, in a course of letters to the editor of that paper; and having been favourably received, the writer has been induced to throw them into the present form."

If the author had thrown them into the fire, it would have been no great loss to the public; for they add but little that is new, or curious, to the present stock of topographical information. Having made an excursion down the vale of Tees, our tourist fancied that a description of his journey, with some notices of the different objects that adorn its course, would afford amusement to the reader. Partial to scenery of this district, he is sanguine enough to suppose, that it is equally in teresting to that of any vale in Wales or Cumberland, and one of its water-falls he compares with that at Lowdore, and those of the Clyde. It is no uncommon occurrence for our partialities to mislead our judgments.

The latter part of this little volume it occupied with a few particulars relating to the town of Cambridge, also som memorandums respecting the county in general, and of its towns, villages, seat, &c. in particular.

Svo. with a map. pp. 46.

clination to communicate to others an quaintance with those delicions scenes in the contemplation of which I have often been exquisitely gratified, that, even now, I deligu. in their recollection. In retracing my was the occupation itself, than in the hope of dering steps, I shall not feel less pleasure a ducing others to pursue them. Engage business or in pleasure-far removed f any resembling objects-in the bustle of the streets, or the quiet of the parlour-the tau y picture of some of the wonderful recesses o Teesdale, brought to " my mind's eye," will often recall an emotion as full and tranquil'::ing as that which they produced when fira. presented to the sight."

Though our tourist seems particularly delighted with every object and scene in this, his favourite vale, he has not learnt the happy art of communicating a corresponding delight to his reader. "Should a traveller, however, wish to make excursion down this vale, he may fr some useful directions in this guide. though it is not calculated to afford amusement or information to him whe seeks either in his library. We cannot better conclude our account of the vo

lume, than by the apposite quotatio which the author has commenced with by saying, here is "somewhat too much of this."

ART. IX. North Wales; including its Scenery, Antiquities, Customs, and some Sketches of its Natural History; delineated from two Excursions through all the interesting Parts that Country, during the Summers of 1798 and 1801. By the Rev. W. BINGLEY, A. M. Fellow of the Linnean Society, and late of Peterhouse, Cambridge. Illustrated with Map, Frontispieces, and Music. In two Volumes Svo. pp. 464, 450.

IN an age, when the passion for that debilitating species of reading found in novels is become generally predominant, it is no unpleasing attendant symptom in the public character, that voyages, travels, and tours, are in almost equal; request. For, by this means, the improbable and visionary tales of artifice and weakness are contrasted with the description of real persons and places, and their effects in some degree weakened, if not prevented,

by the detail of histories, facts, and real occurrences. An acquaintance with d ferent countries, their inhabitants, manners, customs, modes of life, condition, and character, constitutes the data of the most important knowledge-The hi tory of man. Intelligent tourists and travellers, therefore, when assiduous 12 their inquiries, and accurate in their r lations, not only furnish a pleasing, but an useful, portion of information; and,

while they thus add to the stock of general knowledge, may justly be placed amongst the benefactors of mankind. For, whoever successfully combats ignorance, must be considered the auxiliary of truth; and he who labours to dispel darkness, must be viewed as a harbinger, if not a source of light. Thus, as all journals of travels are important, when delivered to the public, the smallest deviation from truth must deserve the highest censure which the strongest disapprobation can bestow; not only as evincing a want of integrity, but as tending essentially to mislead. Errors, therefore, however small, cannot too early be detected; nor the effects of misrepresentation too carefully guarded against, whether they arise from ignorance or in attention.

advantage of every other traveller." Here we are obliged to differ from him. We have travelled in various modes in Wales, and, after long experience, give the decided preference to some mode of riding. However others may have felt, we have frequently found our strength exhausted, and our ardour damped, if not extinguished, before we arrived at the object of our research; and, after a long walk of sixteen, twenty, or more miles, over rough roads, and vast inequalities of ground, we have found little inclina tion, and less power, to engage in exploring, and properly investigating, the local and characteristic history of a place. A Welsh poney, accustomed to the declivous roads, and sufficiently hardy to thrive on the very indifferent fodder he will meet with at Welsh inns, we should consider the best companion for any one who would profitably, or pleasantly visit this mountainous district. If, however, there are persons, who, with the author, feel a greater degree of independence on their feet in such excursions, let them enjoy their pedestrian modes, with all their corresponding labour and inconveniences. The present title is more appropriate than the former, which was called a " Tour round North Wales," consisting rather of devious excursions, than forming a regular tour. The present work comprehends many, though not all, of the interesting parts of that country. We could point out seve ral equally, if not more, interesting," which are not included in the present performance. The counties of Flint, Denbigh, Caernarvon, Anglesea, Merioneth, and Montgomery, form the field of the author's investigation; and he pro fesses, he was " determined not to put a foot in the southern part of the principatily;" yet he was unable to resist the temptation of taking a peep at the romantic scenery about Pont y nicnach, or the Devil's The observations contained in the pre- Bridge. The author commences his sent volumes, the author informs us in route at Chester, which city he partly his preface, were the result of three describes, and mentions a circumstance months spent in this part of the princi-by no means indicative of the refined pality in the year 1798, an account of which was published the latter end of the year 1799. In 1801 the author, it seems, made another journey, residing four months more, re-visiting the places he had before seen, and visiting others in search of new and interesting objects; travelling principally on foot, a mode he conceives to be the most eligible, as "the pedestrian," he observes, "has greatly the ANS. REV. Vol. III,

We have made these remarks, not with a view to condemn, or lightly appreciate, the labours of the author before us, but as a proper apology for the freedom we have taken, and shall continue to take, in criticising this, and works of a similar nature. Respecting every laudable endeavour to promote the dissemination of knowledge; and sensible how difficult it is, in any way, to attain a degree of excellence devoid of all culpability, we shall strive to discharge our duty between the author and the public, with the utmost impartiality, while we accompany him through the devious wilds of North Wales, surveying its romantic beauties, decyphering the monuments of antiquity, and wafted into the days of other times, contrasting the present and the past, the manners and customs of its ancient and modern inhabitants. If, in the course of this social attention, we shall find occasional room to blame; we shall often meet with opportunity to praise. And it is our rule never to accuse, unless able to condemn ; nor unjustly to bestow unmerited approbation.

state of the inhabitants: a predilection among the higher, as well as the lower classes, for the barbarous and unmanly sport called bull-baiting, p. 11. Mr. Bingley gave us but a very indifferent idea of his taste when he passed the chapter house of the cathedral, with the observation that he could see nothing interesting. This elegant and ancient building is an object that demands atten