their instinctive propensities, within given enclosures, that seem best adapted to their respective natures. Under these admirable arrangements, the most delicate may enter without being annoyed with any offensive smells, and the most timid may approach with the greatest safety. Sated with the view of one race, the spectator may turn to another, and gaze until he wishes for a second change; this may be succeeded by a third, or a fourth, and when all have been surveyed, he may sit or walk while indulging in the reflection which the surrounding objects afford. In these gardens we have spent some delightful hours, and know not a place in London, which, when the weather is fine, we should be more gratified to revisit. to comfort the stomach, and those parts that have need of moderate heat. They make coverings and rugs of the hair of these Chinchilles, which are found on the Sierre of Peru." In a vague and indefinite manner, several other writers have noticed this smallTM animal, but little more seems to have been known respecting it, except that it was a native of Peru, and about the size of a ̈ squirrel, until we come to Molina's Essay on the Natural History of Chili. "The Chinchilla," he says, "is another species of field-rat, in great estimation for the extreme fineness of its wool, if a rich fur, as delicate as the silkea web of the garden-spiders, may be so termed. It is of an ash grey, and sufficiently long for spinning. The little animal which produces it, is six inches long, from the nose to the root of the tail, with small pointed ears, a short muzzle, teeth like the house rat, and a tail of moderate length, clothed with a delicate fur. It lives in burrows under ground, in the open country of Chili, and is very fond of being in company with others of its species. It feeds upon the roots of vari ous bulbous plants, which grow abundantly in those parts; and produces twice a year five or six young It is so docile and mild in temper, that if taken into the hands, it neither bites nor tries to escape; but seems to take a pleasure in being caressed. If placed in the bosom, it remains there as still and quiet as if it were in its own nest. The ancient Peruvians, who were far more industrious than the modern, made of this wool coverlets for beds, and valuable stuffs. There is found in the same northern provinces another little animal with fine wool, called the Hardilla, which is variously described by those who have seen it; but, as I have never observed it myself, I cannot determine to what genus it belongs.", -p. 6. Of the various creatures which these gardens contain, the volumes before us furnish ones. The first is conan epitomized account. fined to quadrupeds, and the second to birds; but in each we have an outline of the natural history peculiar to the subjects of which they treat. The Gardens, when these volumes were printed, contained sixty-four quadrupeds, and seventy-one birds; but several additions have since been made, and as opportunity offers, the variety and number continue to increase. Among the beasts, a noble elephant has lately been introduced: this every visitor pronounces to be an important acquisition.-We must not, however, forget, that it is not the Zoological Gardens, but the volumes which describe their inhabitants, that more immediately claim our attention, and from these we beg to make some subsequent selections. The Chinchilla fur, in such high request among our fair countrywomen, for muffs and tippets, must confer on the history of the little animal whence it is obtained, a peculiar interest in their estimation. To this article therefore we shall particularly solicit their attention. Notwithstanding the extensive trade carried on in its skins, the Chinchilla might have been regarded, until the last year, almost an unknown animal; for no modern naturalist, with the exception of the Abbe Molina, a native of Chili, who has written expressly on the natural history of that country, had seen an entire species, living or dead; and the description given in his work, added little of truth, and much of error, to the information that was to be derived from Another writer, in his travels into Chili over the Andes, published in 1824, obe serves as follows: "The Chinchilla is a woolly field-mouse, which lives under ground, and chiefly feeds on wild onions.) Its fine fur is well known in Europe; that which comes from Upper Peru is rougher and larger than the Chinchilla of Chile, but not always so beautiful in its colour. Great numbers of these animals are! caught in the neighbourhood of Coquimbo and Co piapo, generally by boys with dogs, and sold to traders, whence they are exported. The Peruvian skins are who bring them to Santiago and Valparayso, from either brought to Buenos Ayres from the eastern parts of the Andes, or sent to Lima. The extensive use of this fur has lately occasioned a very considera-> ble destruction of the animals. "Such is the history of our knowledge of this interesting animal until the arrival of a living specimen, which was brought to England by the late expedition to the north-west coast of America, under the command of Captain Beechey, and by him presented to the Zoological Society. An entire skin, rendered particularly valuable in consequence of having the skull preserved in it, was at the same time brought home by Mr. Collie, the surgeon of Captain Beechey's vessel, and deposited in the collec tion of the British Museum. We have thus fortu nately placed within our reach the means of correcting many of the errors into which former writers have fallen with regard to it, and of giving a more complete description of it than has been laid before the world."-p. 7. Having given the history of the Chin an inspection of the skins themselves, in the imper- chilla, which, in the above quotation, we fect state in which they are sent into the market. Still his account contains many particulars relative to the habits of the animal, which are not to be met with elsewhere."-p. 2. The earliest account of the Chinchilla is in Acosta's natural history of the East and West Indies, published in 1591. In this he says, "The Chinchilles is another kind of small beasts, like squirrels. They have a wonderful smooth and soft skin, which they (the people) wear as a healthful thing have greatly abridged, the author of these volumes proceeds to describe its generic character, taken not from the reports of travellers, but from actual observation. His account, however, is too long for quotation, and a partial extract would not do justice either to him or to the animal which he describes. We must, therefore, content ourselves with transcribing his concluding remarks: REVIEW.CASTLE'S MANUAL OF SURGERY. 433 relative to other tribes. In reference to the varied species of beasts and birds, amount. "The length of the body in our specimen is about nine inches, and that of the tail nearly five. Its proportions are close set, and its limbs comparatively short, the posterior being considerably longer than the anterior. The fur is long, thick, close, woolly, ing in all to one hundred and thirty, con somewhat crisped, and entangled together, grayish or ash-coloured above, and paler beneath. The form of the head resembles that of a rabbit; the eyes are full, large, and black, and the ears broad, naked, rounded at the tips, and nearly as long as the head. The mustaches are plentiful and very long, the longest being twice the length of the head, some of them black, and others white. Four short toes, with a distinct rudiment of a thumb, terminate the anterior feet; and the posterior are furnished with the same number, three of them long, the middle more produced than the two lateral ones; and the fourth, external to the others, very short, and placed far behind. On all these toes the claws are short, and nearly hidden by tufts of bristly hairs. The tail is about half the length of the body, of equal thickness throughoat, and covered with long bushy hairs; it is usually kept turned up towards the back, but not reverted as in the squirrels. To the account of its habits, given by Molina, we can only add, that it usually sits upon its haunches, and is able to raise itself up, and stand upon its hinder feet. It feeds in a sitting posture, grasping its food, and conveying it to its mouth by means of its forepaws. In its temper it is generally mild and tractable, but it will not suffer itself to be handled without resistance, and sometimes bites the hand which attempts to fondle it, when it is not in a humour to be played with. Although a native of the Alpine valleys of Chili, and consequently subject, in its own country, to the effects of a low temperature of atmosphere, against which its thick coat affords an admirable protection, it was thought necessary to keep it during the winter in a moderately warm room, and a piece of flannel was even introduced into its sleeping apartment, for its greater comfort. But this indulgence was most pertinaciously rejected, and as often as the flannel was replaced, so often was it dragged by the little animal into the outer compartment of its cage, where it amused itself with pulling it about, rolling it up, and shaking it with its feet and teeth. In other respects it exhibits but little playfulness, and gives few signs of activity; seldom disturbing its usual quietude by any sudden or extraordinary gambols, but occasionally displaying strong symptoms of alarm when startled by any unusual occurrence. It is, in fact, a remarkably tranquil and peaceful animal, unless when its timidity gets the better of its gentle ness. "A second individual of this interesting species has lately been added to the collection, by the kindness of Lady Knighton, in whose possession it had remained for twelve months previously to her presenting it to the Society. This specimen is larger in size, and rougher in its fur, than the one above described; its colour is also less uniformly gray, deriving a somewhat mottled appearance from the numer ous small blackish spots which are scattered over the back and sides. It is possible this may be the Peruvian variety mentioned in a former extract from Schmidtmeyr's Travels, as furnishing a less delicate and valuable fur than the Chilian animal. equally good-tempered and mild in its disposition; and, probably, in consequence of having been domi It is ciliated in a private house, instead of having been exhibited in a public collection, is much more tame and playful. In its late abode it was frequently suf fered to run about the room, when it would show off its agility by leaping to the height of the table. Its food consisted principally of dry herbage, such as hay and clover, on which it appears to have thriven greatly. That of the Society's original specimen, has hitherto been chiefly grain of various kinds, and succulent roots. "When the new-comer was first introduced into Bruton street, it was placed in the same cage with the other specimen; but the latter appeared by no means disposed to submit to the presence of the intruder. A ferocious kind of scuffling fight immediately ensued between them, and the latter would unquestionably have fallen a victim, had it not been rescued from its impending fate. Since that time they have inhabited separate cages, placed side by side; and although the open wires would admit of some little familiarity taking place between them, no advances have as yet been made on either side."p. 12, The length of our quotations and observations respecting this valuable little creature, with whose natural history the public have been but partially acquainted, must be our apology for omitting any selections 2D SERIES, NO. 9.-VOL. I. tained in the Zoological gardens, and described in these volumes, a valuable epitome of natural history is here presented to the public. A large number of well-executed woodcuts adorn the author's pages, from which a tolerable idea of the bird or animal described may be obtained. The work is neatly printed, and, from the great variety of information which it contains, all derived from living subjects, it is calcu lated to furnish something more important than mere amusement, to every class of readers. REVIEW.-A Manual of Surgery, founded upon the Principles and Practice lately taught by Sir Astley Cooper, Bart. F.R. S. and Joseph Henry Green, Esq. F. R. S. Edited by Thomas Castle, F.L.S. 12mo. 515. Cox, London. 1831. THIS volume having reached a third edition, brings with it in this circumstance no contemptible testimonial of its merit, and of the high estimation in which it is held by the public. It is a work which enumerates most of the incidental afflictions to which human life is liable, delineates their nature and progress, and, in all ordinary cases, points out the most approved applications and means of cure. To the editor, this must have been a manual of no small labour. It must have engrossed his attention for a considerable time, and have imposed upon him an arduous task of unremitting and diligent research. In prosecuting his inquiries, he seems to have had recourse to the best authorities, and to have selected the most approved practice that theory and experiment have been able to suggest. With the anatomy of the human frame, he appears to be well acquainted, nor has he omitted to watch the operation of causes, in their advancement to their respective issues. ́ It affords, however, many indications of being better calculated for the young practitioner in surgery and medicine, than for others who are totally ignorant of the profession. In the rationale, we nevertheless observe, on every occasion, the plain dictates of common sense; and the practice recommended rarely fails to be accompanied with the reasons on which it is founded. On looking over the awful catalogue of maladies and accidents to which the body of man is constantly exposed, we may rather wonder that the complicated machine continues in action so long without any 3 I 153. VOL. XIII, material interruption, than be surprised at the numerous disasters which, from time to time, impede its varied operations. It is, however, no small consolation to know, when they occur, that remedies are attainable, which, if they cannot wholly remove the complaints, will in most cases mitigate their severity. This consideration gives encouragement to hope, which, animating the spirits of the patient with pleasing expectations, greatly assists the efforts of art in working a radical cure. A book which can accomplish this, is an important acqui. sition; and in no inferior light can we survey Mr. Castle's Manual of Surgery. THE name of Jeremy Taylor holds an exalted rank among our celebrated English divines of the seventeenth century; and, both at home and in foreign parts, his works forbid it from sinking into oblivion. In this edition, Mr. Valpy has wisely brought his admirable discourses again before the public, and thus introduced them to the attention of a new generation of readers, on whose minds their intrinsic excellences cannot fail to make a favourable and lasting impression. Prefixed to this first volume of these discourses, is a biographical memoir of the author, taken chiefly, we are informed by Mr. Hughes, from the life of this extraor dinary man, by Bishop Heber. This sketch, extended to nearly ninety pages, tends much to enhance the value of this edition. Should this portion of the series obtain a circulation equal to its merits, the publisher will have no occasion to regret his undertaking. REVIEW.Family Classical Library, No. XIX., Juvenal and Persius, translated by Charles Badham, M.D. F.R.S., &c. 12mo. pp. 304. Valpy, London, 1830. THIS volume forms another link in that series of classical literature, for which the public are indebted to the taste and industry of Mr. Valpy. The names and works of Juvenal and Persius are too well known to require any animadversions or encomiums. They have resisted the corrosions of time for many centuries, and have established a reputation that nothing can destroy. The subjects are diversified, and somewhat numerous, and as they ap ply to character rather than to persons, the pointed satire and biting sarcasms employed by the authors, cannot be impaired by age. In our schools, these works have always held an exalted rank; and although, in many instances, expressions and passages may be found highly offensive to modern ears, their elegance of diction have never failed to command admiration. For parts that are exceptionable, great allowances must be made, but scarcely any will be sufficient to apologize for their toleration. Many disgusting lines have indeed been omitted, and if many others had been consigned to oblivion, the work would have gained more in purity than it could have lost in quantity. The translations which bear the sanction of Dr. Samuel Johnson's name, are elegant, dignified, and philosophic. This sturdy moralist disdained to pollute his pen with any obscene delineations; and it would be well if all to whom an imitation of his virtues would be an honour, had been content to follow so illustrious an example. REVIEW.-Poems, by Mrs. I. S. Prowse. 8vo. pp. 180. Smith and Elder, London. 1830. FIFTY-FIVE poetical compositions fill this volume, and, as they are miscellaneous, perhaps every reader will find something more or less congenial with his taste. In ranging through the thickets and wastes of life, in quest of this variety, the fair authoress has, in general, sought the shades and gloomy walks, in which anguish courts solitude, and pensive musings reflect in silence on the miseries and follies of mankind. Through several of these pieces there runs a mournful cadence, to which we listen with pensive pleasure, and sometimes we become so interested in the narrative, that we half forget the language in which Mrs. Prowse has expressed her thoughts. When, however, awakening from the momentary delusion, we turn from the narrative to the narrator, from the subject to the poet, we find much to command respect. In the first article, entitled, "Autumnal Musings," there is a pleasing flow of easy language, in which harmony and perspicuity are generally predominant. Some few expletives occasionally appear, which a small portion of attention might have prevented; but these are not sufficient to throw a shade of disrespect over the field in which they are found. In the second article, entitled, "The Guerilla Bride," this lady's muse takes a more exalted flight, and, on a vigorous BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. pinion, she sustains her elevation through a journey of nearly thirty pages. Spain is the region which she explores. What this country was, what it is, and what it probably will be, form the burden of the song, of which the following lines may be taken as a fair specimen : "Wo to thee, Spain! wo! from that fatal hour, "-p. 16. Tuis neat little volume is wholly made up of scripture passages, on the all-important duty of prayer. This general form, Mr. Crewdson has divided into petition--confession-thanksgiving-and praise; under each of which he has arranged numerous scriptures, selected from the example and precepts both of Christ and his apostles. The sources to which he has applied, preclude, by their authority, all ground for disputation, and the arrangement which he has made, appears to be so natural and judicious, as to leave little room for a diversity of opinion. By thus bringing together the various passages which, in the New Testament, inculcate the propriety and necessity of prayer, the duty assumes a more imperative aspect, and, in connexion with the blessings which it ensures, its countenance becomes more amiable and inviting. REVIEW.-The Harmonicon, for April, May, and June, 1831, with a Supplement. Longman, London. Of this work we have already spoken in a preceding number. From its nature and character, the lovers of music must furnish its chief support, and these votaries of song will find it an interesting and agreeable publication. On many others it will not be without its influence, as the anecdotes 435 with which it abounds are highly amusing, shewing the fascinating power of music, and the enthusiasm it is capable of inspiring. The following anecdote shews a strange veneration for a fiddle. "A German visiter, of whom I afterwards knew a little, was in some respects an original worth studying, though not imitating. He loved nothing so well as fiddling, and had two violins, a best and a second best, on the first of which, I firmly believe, he would not have allowed his own father to draw a bow. Quitting England to settle in South America, he tore himself from this beloved instrument for the first time; but it was only to export it, highly insured, in a different, and as he thought, a safer ship, than the one he was to sail supercargo in "Autobiography, in Harmonicon for May 1. BRIEF SURVEY OF BOOKS. 1. The Sunday School Union, 1831, (Depository, London,) is a small book, which briefly adverts to the intention of celebrating, on the 14th instant, the birthday of Robert Raikes, Esq., the illustrious founder of Sunday Schools, the fiftieth anniversary since these institutions were established. It then gives an interesting epitome of the life of this benevolent man, and of the blessings which have every where attended his compassionate designs. It is a book which will be perused with pleasure (particularly on the present occasion) by every friend to the rising generation of the poor. 2. No. I. A Complete Edition of the Vocal Music of C. W. Banister, (Banister, London,) presents itself to our notice under very peculiar circumstances. We are informed, in a note on a detached paper, that since these sheets were sent to press, "the author has been snatched away, by sudden death, from a bereaved and sorrowing widow and family, but that the work will proceed as previously announced." By this unexpected visitation, the name of C. W. Banister is erased from the lists of the living; but, over his musical compositions, death has no power. The fame which he acquired, during his earthly career, will henceforth attach itself to his memory, and give to the melody of his tunes no small portion of veneration and renown, in the eyes of posterity. 3. A Letter addressed to the Author of Remarks upon the present State of the Dissenting Interests, with Hints to its Improvement by means of a Consolidated Union, by Investigator, (Wightman, London,) unhappily discovers and exposes errors, both in the Establishment and among Dissenters, with more facility than it finds remedies, and applies them with success. In page 11, the author observes, that "Episcopacy bids much fairer to have been the original form of church govern ment than Independency," though he admits that it must have been very different from what now exists. Divine authority he attaches to no form of church government; but in an amiable spirit contends, that much amendment and reformation is wanting in all. 4. Memoir of the Rev. Basil Woodd, M. A., by the Rev. S. C. Wilks, M. A., (Hatchard, London,) is not only a deserved tribute of respect to a pious and indefatigable minister of the established church, but an amiable delineation of what every minister of the gospel ought to be. Mr. Woodd was a man ready at every good work, and in Drayton Beauchamp, of which he was rector, and at Bentinck chapel, of which for many years he was minister, his name and services will long be held in grateful remembrance. 5. The Mysterious Travellers, emblematically represented through the Diverse Mazes of this Mortal Scene, (Stephens, London,) is an entertaining and instructive composition, imbodying the vices and the virtues, the passions and the appetites, which hold conflict in the human bosom, in an allegorical representation. Thus a youth pursues a fascinating female, overtakes her, is wounded with a dart, and she disappears. The following explanation is quite in character: "He quickened his pace, and soon attained the summit of the hill, when she again vanished. His horse then threw him, and he rolled down the other side of the hill. I turned to my guide, and cried, "O unfortunate youth, what has become of him?' My guide answered, "The horse upon which this youth was mounted is Extravagance; the person he pursued is Worldly Pleasure; the dart she threw at him is Disappointment; the name of the hill is Vanity, and the other side of it is called Loss, which leads to the town of Poverty." The above is a fair specimen. It abounds in imagery, well sustained, and appropriate. It is a little book which decorates important truth in allegorical robes which every reader must understand. 6. Thoughts on the Duty of Christians at the Present Crisis, (Hamilton, London,) are comprised in a few words. "The Christian's duty," the author tells us, "is prayer; his privilege is subjection; and his business is peace." 7. First Annual Report of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Temperance Society, (Depository, Glasgow,) evinces the continued extension of this benevolent institution, and the great benefit that has resulted from it. Rules, facts, and calcu lations, enter into its composition. Drunkards may sneer at the attempt that has. been made to check the progress of intem perance, but the good that has been effected no one who reads this report can dare to deny. 8. A Descriptive and Historical Ac count of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, from its first projection to the present time, by Joseph Kirwan, Civil Engineer, (Simpkin, London,) is an interesting pamphlet, but time will enhance its value; for when the giant shall have gained maturity and strength to travel throughout the land, the history of its infancy and of its cradle will be of incalculable worth. The particulars respecting these early periods Mr. Kirkwan has traced with much precision; and his pamphlet is not less amusing than instructive. 9. Free Thoughts on the Means of Reviving and Promoting the Spiritual In: terests of the Church of England, by a Layman, (Nisbet, London,) may perhaps be called severe thoughts, but, with equal propriety, be called true thoughts. The following paragraph will shew the foun dation of the author's complaint." Then deserted church, the lifeless service, the short moral sermon, the languishing insti tutions, the decay of piety, the revival of suppressed sports, the triumph of vanity and wickedness, all shew that the candlestick is removed out of its place; the glory is departed, and they have indeed a nomi nal pastor, but, in reality, they are as sheep having no shepherd to feed them with the bread of life."-p. 31. 10. The actual State of the Question between our Colonial Slave Proprietors, and the Parliament and Abolitionists, (Smith and Elder, London,) is a pamphlet which advocates the cause of the slave holders, as may easily be gathered from its title. The author has not the impudence to plead for the perpetuity of slavery, but he demands for the slave-holder a compen sation from government. For the labour and suffering of the slave, no compensation, however, is even thought needful. This contempt. ible partiality looks very much like colonial justice. Perhaps no act of parliament can either be called into existence, or repealed, without operating to the pecuniary disad vantage of some individuals or other; and if no change were to take place in our legal enactments, until no one should find occasion to complain, they must become immutable, and live for ever. 11. The Temperance Society Record," for Jan., Feb., March, and April, 1831, |
