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reckoned among the most wonderful and fuperb in all Italy, had never been meafured, or at leaft the refult of its admeafurement never been made public; I took an opportunity during the fhort time of tranquillity we enjoyed before the commencement of hoftilities by the king of Naples, to obferve the height of the barometer at its fummit, and determine the height of the most remarkable places on the fide, and at the foot of the mountain. The Abbé and Tribune Scarpellini, one of the most intelligent and zealous naturalifts in Italy, and director of the Specola Caetani, was fo obliging as to make the correfpondent obfervations in Rome. I obtained the following results.

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Parifian feet

4155

above the le

Brenner-post-house

4481

vel of the fea.

Gofes

3471

Fontana Clementina, at the foot of

Sterzing

3030

the smaller Monte Albano

Mittelwald

271

2575

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Chapel on the fummit of this small

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1131

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branch of the mountain Fontana Farnefe in the large valley Albano, between the above branch of the mountain and Monte Cavo itself

Rocca di Papa, fummit of the rock, to which this fingular place is appended as it were by magic Monte Caro, at the fummit, where there formerly ftood a temple of Jupiter

Convent of the Capuchins, on the fouth

ern and higher fide of Lago di Caftello Level of the lake of Caftello or Albano, fuppofed to have been formerly the crater of a volcano

2230

2920

1516

942

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Trent

716

On comparing Walcher's admeafurements of the glaciers of Tyrol with those of the mountains of Switzerland, it appears that the former are not inferior in altitude to the latter. It is the more, then, to be wondered at, that they have been able to make a road over the fmall height of 4481 feet. I know not of any pals of fmaller elevation over the Alps; for, according to Sauffure,

The road over Mount Cenis rifes to an

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The altitudes of all the paffes which lead from Switzerland into Italy, are well known; but I do not recollect to have any where feen indicated the height of the main país through Tyrol over the Brenner mountain into Italy. Should it really have never been measured; the refult of my obfervations with the barometer from Mu. nich to Trent in May 1798, may perhaps be deemed interefting by naturalifts. For the correfpondent elevations I am indebted to the kindness of Father Schiegg in Salzburg, and of Father Zallinger in Infpruck.

feet.

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The elevations of the pafs through Tyrol are calculated according to Shuckburgh's medium height of the mercury in the ba rometer at the furface of the fea, viz. 28 inches, 2, 9 lines. It is certainly, wrong to follow Bouguer's determination for the fea coafts of Peru, viz. 28 inches 5 lines. At many inland places the medium height of the mercury is greater in the barometer. The aftronomer Chiminello affures me, that at Padua, according to the numerous obfervations of Toaldo, it is 28" 1", 3; and at Venice exactly 28" 2". And I, mylelf,

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in May and June, 1798, never obferved it to hnk lower. Fleuriau de Bellevue finds, from a comparifon of obfervations during four years made by himself, and of other obfervations on the Atlantic, that for that ocean the medium height is 28" 2", 83; which differs very little from that given us by Shuckburgh. This would add 211 feet to the height of places, whofe elevations above the level of the fea have been calculated according to a medium height of 28" at the fea; and of elevations being fo calculated there are certainly numerous inftances.

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New Comet-Dr. BURCKHARDT writes to M. von ZACH, Paris the 10th and 16th of Auguft: "On the 6th of August MeCHAIN difcovered a new comet. On the 8th at 14 33′ 40′′ medium time at Paris, its direct afcenfion was 109° 15' 48", northern declination 43° 54′ 26′′. With out Le Français's important Catalogue of Stars, it would have been impoffible to reduce Mechain's obfervation. From only the difference of direct afcenfion and declination of four stars, I found the ftar with which the comet had been compared. Its medium place for 1790 was, direct afcenfion 108° 0' 35", north declination 43° 39' 29". Its apparent place for the day of the obfervation 108° 10' 15", and 43° 38' 35" north.

Meier has juft delivered to me laft night's obfervation of the comet. He compared it with 3 ftars; and that was fufficient to enable us to find them in Le Français's Catalogue, I have not time at prefent to reduce his obfervation to the greateft exactnefs; but the following reults are right to a minute:-on the 9th of Auguft at 14 h. 58' true time, direct afcenfion of the comet 110° '; declination north 44° 29'. Confequently the 24 hours motion of the comet in direct afcenfion +45', and in the declination +34' 2. On the 14th of Auguft, Meffier oblerved the new comet at 12 h. 12' 31" medium time; and found its direct afcenfion to be 114° 14' 20"; northern declination 470 2821". From the obfervations on the 6th, 10th, and 14th of Auguft, I have deduced the following elements: time of its paffage through the perihelion on the 11th of September at 10 h. 10' medium Parifian time. Longit. of the node, 333° 57′ 49"; inclination of the orbit 1942. Longit. of the perihelion 55'8"; distance of the perihelion 0,9255, logarithm of the fame 9,996377; logarithm of the diurnal motion 0,010563; direction of its motion, retrograde.

580

Of the comets formerly obferved, that

which appeared in 1684 moves in nearly the fame plane as the prefent. The diftance of the perihelion of both comets is likewise the fame; which is the more remarkable as there are only a few comets which have id great a distance. This induced me to examine whether in Halley's Elements there might not be an error of the prefs, or in the calculation. Two obfervations of Bianchini have given me the fame longit. of the node which Halley found, by which I determined the radius vector from Halley's

Elements.

In England, Mr. LOFFT, at Trofton, near Bury, obferved the Comet on the 4th of October, from half past ten till the time of its fetting. Its nucleus was very difcernible, and the extent of its coma rather increased. He judged that its node would be in 17 or 18 degrees of Sagitary, and that it might continue vifible for a fortnight.

The following are the obfervations of the late tranfit of Mercury, by the different aftronomers at Paris,-Lalande saw the interior contact at the entrance, at 211 23 43" true time; Le Français, 21° 23′ 21′′ De Lambre, 20a 23′ 53′′; Méchain 201 23' 14"; Bouvard, 20h 23 14". The interior contact at the exit, Le Français 4" 41′ 45′′; Burckhardt, 4" 41′ 51′′; Meffier 4" 43′ 10′′; De Lambre, 4 41' 48"; Mechain, 4o 41° 52"; Bouvard, 4" 41" 42" true time.

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At the Imperial obfervatory of Peterfburg the tranfit was obferved by M. de Roumovski: firft external contact at the entrance 23 12′ 12′′,6 true time; interior contact, 23h 14' 26",2: at the exit, interior contact, 6a 33′ 34′′,4; exterior contact, 6h 35' 53">3. The entrance was obferved with a telescope of 24 inches, by Short; and the exit with an achromatic telescope with three object-glaffes: the magnifying power of both inftruments was the fame. With the telescope which Mr. R. used in obferving the entrance, a naval officer obferved the interior contact at the exit 6h 33' 40"; the exterior contact, 6h 36' 6" true time.

At Manheim, the Abbé Barry: interior contact at the exit, 5 2 28" medium time.

At the Imperial obfervatory at Prague: interior contact at the entrance, 22h 4'47" medium time,obferved by Can. David: interior contact, 22, 7' 49"-by M. David: 22n 7′ 55′′-by M. von Schönau ; 22 8' 10"-by M. Strnad.

At Leipzig Profeffor Rudiger: interior contact at the entrance, 22h 1' 40",7 medium time; exit, interior contact, 5h 14′ 57",6, rather uncertain on account of the intervention of the clouds. On the pre

ceding evening, entrance of the us in the moon at 8h 18′ 45′′,9. medium time.

At Breau, Profeffor Jungnitz: entrance, first contact 22h 18′ 56′′,5 true time, fecond contact, 22" 21′ 46′′,3, ap. pearance of a streak of light, 22" 21' 47",5. -Exit, firft interior contact, sh 40' 41" appearance of the drop, 5h 40' 33',5; laft contact, 5h 43' 36".-Mr. Fr. Hofmann, Profeffor of Divinity, obferved the first contact at 22h 20' 45"; the fecond, 22h 22 51"; exit, first contact, sh 39 56",5; the jaft 5h 42' 6" true time. Mr. Charles

Jungnitz : interior contact, 22a 19′ 29′′,6; first contact at the exit, 5h 40′ 48′′,3; the last 5 43′ 29′′ true time.

At Ingolftadt, M. Gabriel Knogler, Profeffor of Natural Philofophy and Aftronomy, entrance, interior contact, 21h 59′ 28"; 4 true time. On the preceding day, M. K. obferved the entrance of the ftar u in the moon at 8h 21′ 19′′,2 medium time. During the obfervation, the far feveral times fuddenly disappeared, and again as fuddenly became visible.

REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS.

THE Bird-Catcher, or Catch as Catch can, a concife Paftoral Burletta, performed at Sadler's Wells. Compofed by V. D. Cleve. 35. Hodfoll.

"The Bird-Catcher" comprises a variety of pleafing ballads, preceded by an overture, in which the compofer, by the judicious introduction and employment of the wind-inftruments, has produced fome novel and striking effects. The fugue forms a refpectable fpecimen of fcience, and the rondo is well imagined. No. 1. The opening movement of the burletta is a pretty imitation of the aerial fongfters, and gives the notes of the cuckow with beauty and accuracy. No. 2." Of Traps and Tricks," is pleafingly fancied; and No. 3. "Buy my nice young WaterCreffes," is familiar and attractive. No. 4. is a pantomimical movement, in which Mr. Cleve has with tolerable fuccefs imitated the motion of a boat, with the found of the oars, and dafhing of the water. No. 5. "Since thus my honeft Mind I've told," is a trio, in which the fortiffimo fymphonies are fo managed, as to produce an excellent effect. No. 6. "Joe Snatch is my Name," the words of which are by T. Dibdin, is a humourous air; and No. 7. "What's this I hear?" is a wellaccompanied recitative. No. 8." My lovely Nan, I'm not the Man, forms a pleafant comic dialogue; and No. 9; The Gudgeon now feels," is a good bravura. The finale is well conceived, and with much happiness of effect revives the subject of the rondo in the over

ture.

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Three Sonatas for the Piano-Forte; the Third for Two Performers on One Inftrument. Compofed by A. Quintin Buée. 6s. Hodfoll.

We have perused thefe fonatas with much pleafure. An engaging novelty of style pervades the work, and the real mafter is difcoverable in every page. We muft, however, confefs ourselves at a lofs to conceive why Mr. Buée has chofen to disregard an established rule, by opening his first piece in one key, and concluding it in another. We cannot fubfcribe our approbation either to the licence or the effect. The third fonata, written for two performers on ore inftrument, is particularly excellent. The fubject of its first movement is strikingly spirited, and the conftruction of the parts is truly ingenicus. The fecond movement forms a pleafing relief to the first, and the alternate introduction of "ça ira," and "God faye the King," forms a mufical dialogue, at once political and humourous. The idea is truly original; and, independent of the uncommon merit evinced in the harmonic conftruction of the whole fonata, does great credit to the taste and invention of the ingenious compofer.

Three Concertante Duets for Two Violins; infcribed to William Skinner, Ejq. of the Temple, by J. Sanderson. 8s. Thompson.

Mr. Sanderson has difplayed much tafte and fancy in thefe duets. The sprightly, animating caft of the more bold, prominent paffages are happily relieved by the foft, fombre touches with which he has variegated the feveral movements. The two parts blend and flow together throughout, in a ftyle which discovers confiderable qualification for this fpecies of compofition; and the mufic is, in general, of a defcription to be highly improving to young prac titioners on the violin.

Numbers

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This work proceeds with its accustomed excellence of felection, and prefents, to vocal and inftrumental practitioners, exercifes, at once attractive to the ear, and improving to the voice and finger. In the prefent numbers we find the respectable names of Gluck, Mozart, and Haigh. The variations given by the latter to a celebrated Welch air, Loft is my Quiet for ever," are pleafingly familiar; and his arrangement of Gluck's Favorite March, and, When you Tell me your Heart is another's," as Rondos, was a good idea, and has been skilfully executed.

A Symphony for the Piano Forte, a Violin and Violincello; with Analytical Explanations of the Subje&s, and Imitations, the Modulations, the Counterpoint Inverfions, and the Rhythmical Order, it contains; written and dedicated to his Execilency Count de Brühl, by A. F. C. Kollmaan, Organift of his Majesty's German Chapel, St. James's. 4s.

Longman, Clementi, and Co. Those who are acquainted with the general nature and quality of Mr. Kollmann's publications, will expect to find fome ufeful information from a work under the above title; and thofe who fhall have the patience to peruse the prefent article with fufficient attention, will not mifemploy their labour. Every neceffary inftruction refpecting the piece is given by figns, explained in the preface; and the compofition does credit to the author's tafte and judg

ment.

Mad Maudlin, a favorite Mad Song, with an Accompaniment for the Piano Forte or Harp. The Mufic compofed by a Lady of Fashion. Is. 6d. Prefton.

There is fo much genuine merit in this little interesting compofition, that our mufical readers will, probably, be as folicitous as ourfelves to know to what fair hand they are indebted for its production. The feveral movements are conceived with much felicity of fancy, and give the fentiment of the words with point and beauty. The introduction of the minor-third, at the words, "Of all comforts bare," forms a most affecting burthen to the fong; and, together with the harmony and accompaniment, difplays uncommon judgment and knowledge of effect.

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"Expectation" forms a very pleafing Rondo. The fubject is remarkably pretty, and the fubordipate parts of the air are judiciously digreffive. It would, perhaps, be poffible to point out fome trifling im provements in particular paffages, both of the melody and bafs; but the general effect is fo good as to demand our unqualified applaufe; and feems to prefage much future excellence.

The Piano-Forte Magazine, rith Piano-Fortes gratis. Published in Weekly Numbers, each Harrifon and Clufe.

2s. 6d.

This publication, which has now arrived at its one hundred and feventy-third number, and will be completed in feventy-feven numbers more, continues to preserve the reputation with which it ftarted. The fe lections are made with judgment; the pages exhibit much neatnefs and correctnefs; and the inftruments given with the work are univerfally approved for the excellence of their tones, and for their me chanical foundness.

"Stay! Oftay, thou lovely Shade!" Aferious Glee for three Voices; compofed and dedicated to Dr. Arnold, by B. Jacobs, Organift of Surry Chapel. Is. 6d. Skillern.

This glee confifts of two movements; the first is in common time andante, the fecond in common time allegro. In the first novement, we do not trace any striking marks of talent, either in the melody or expreffion; but the- fecond, though fomewhat dry, and disfigured with an awkward imitation, exhibits confiderable ingenuity and contrivance. "She lives in the Valley beloro," a new feng, fung by Mafter Gray at Vauxhall Gardens. Compofed by Mr. Hook.

JS.

Bland and Wellers.

"She lives in the Valley below," are the words which form the burthen to this pretty and juftly favourite ballad. The paftoral ftyle that prevails through the air, is happily adapted; and the accompaniments are managed with that addrefs which we ufually difcover in Mr. Hook's orchestral melodies.

The

The pror White Man," an African Song (from Park's Travels) verfified by a Lady. The Mufic, compofed, by aLady of Fashion,is adapted for one or two Voices, with an Accompaniment for the Harp or Piano Forte. IS. Prefton. "The poor White Man" reflects much honour on the fentiment, tafte, and fcience of the fair compofer. The melody is molt pleasingly expreffive, and the general conftruction perfectly regular and correct. Second Edition of fixteen Pieces adapted and carefully fingered for the Use of juvenile Performers Riley Thefe little pieces are perfectly calculated for the purpofe expreffed in the title page. They are foeafy of practice as to lead the young practitioner infenfibly forward to music of more difficult execution; and the fingering, which is very correct, will be found extremely ufeful to young beginners.

on the Piano Forte.

2S.

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Mr. Betts has converted this waltz into an agreeable rondo. In its prefent form it furnishes the piano forte practioner with attractive in its fubject to please the gean improving exercife; and is fufficiently neral ear.

The fcenery, dreffes, and other decorations preparing for Mr. Cumberland's new mufical play, are so splendid and elaborate as neceffarily to have prevented its appearing fo early as we announced in a former number. Therefore the amateurs of dramatic mufic, whofe expectations from Mr. Busby's efforts in this magnificent piece, do fo much honour to the fpecimens he has already produced in a higher fpecies of compofition, will not, probably, be gratified till after the holidays.

A CORRECT LIST OF NEW BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS. The following is offered to the Public as a complete Lift of all Publications within the Month.-Authors and Publibers, who defire an early Notice of their Works, are entreated to tranfmit copies of the fame.

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Weft and Hughes. Necrology; confifting of memoirs of the diftinguished perfons who died in 1797 and 1798-of various articles of neglected Biography, &c. &c. Vol. I. price 10s.

Phillips. The Life of Major J. G. Semple Lifle, written by himself; containing a true narrative of scenes of splendour and misfortunes in which he has borne a part, interfperfed with anecdotes of illuftrious characters; particulars of the Death of Louis XVI. account of the Mutiny on Board the Lady Shore, and the Author's Travels through the Interior of Brazil, to Lisbon, and into Barbary. 6s. boards. Stewart.

The Adventures of Pizarro; preceded by a Sketch of the Voyages and Difcoveries of Columbus and Cortez; and the Hiftories of Alonzo and Cora, on which Kotzebue founded his celebtated Play' of the Virgin of the Sun. Alfo varieties and oppofition of Criticiim on the Play of Pizarro with biographical sketches of Sheridan and Kotzebue. The whole forming a comprehenfive account of thofe Plays and the grand Ballad of Cora.

Hurf and Co.

THE DRAMA.

The Tournament, a Tragedy, imitated from the celebrated German Drama, intitled Agnes Bernauer, which was written by a Nobleman of high rank, and founded on a fact that occurred in Bavaria about the year 1435i by Mariana Starke, author of the Widow of Malabar, and of Letters from Italy, between the years 1792 and 1798. 25. Phillips.

EDUCATION.

The British Nepos, or Mirror of Youth, confifting of felect lives of illuftrious Britons, who have diftinguifhed themfelves by their virtues, talents, and remarkable advancements in life; with practical reflections, written purpofely for the ufe of fchools, and carefully adapted to the fituations and capacities of youth; by William Mavor, L. L. D. Second Edition, revifed. 4s. 6d. Phillips.

A brief Account of the Life and Writings of Terence. Is. 6d. White. A Sermon on the Duties of the Young, by Hugh Blair, D. D. 1 S. Cadell and Davies. HISTORY and ANTIQUITIES. The Hiftory of the Anglo-Saxons, from their firft Appearance above the Elbe to the Death of Egbert, by Sil. Turner.

Cadell and Davies.

HORSEMANSHIP.

A Treatife on Horfemanship; comprifing the art of riding in the manege, military, hunting, travelling, and riding fyftems; with the method of breaking, &c. by John Adams, riding-mafter. Vol. I. embellished with Engravings. 125. Cadeil and Davies.

LAW.

Reports of Cafes determined in the Court of Admiralty upon Prize Caufes, &c. comniencing

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