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would also sometimes apply a stroke to the fingers or the arm of the feeder.

In day time the fish was seldom quiet. Its time of rest was early in the morning, and then it kept near the surface of the water, probably in order to be able to raise its head for breathing without much trouble. When in the water the fish was of a dark grey-blue colour, excepting the lower parts of the head and belly, the colour of which was light grey with darker spots irregularly scattered. When for any length of time it was taken out of its element for electrical experiments, the colour of its body changed somewhat to purple with scattered black spots of unequal size.

The electric force of the fish, when in water, was apparently equal to a charge of Kleist's phial, with 72 square inches coating, of 10° to 15°, according to Adam's quadrant electrometer, and was consequently sufficient to communicate the shock to several persons placed in a circle and brought in contact either by their hands or conductors. Yet the shock was more powerful when the contact was effected by means of a brass wire, than when it was done by a chain; and most so, when the fish was touched at the fins with a silver or brass conductor by the two persons standing at the end of the chain; the shock was weakest, if one of them touched the fish, and the other the water.

Was the fish touched with one hand only, it produced a shock equal to the effect of electricity remaining in a phial after the first discharge. The shock was somewhat stronger, if with one hand the neck of the fish was touched and with the other its tail. The latter shocks were preferred by those, who visited the fish either from mere motives of curiosity, or in order to be cured of rheumatic complaints. As long as the fish remained in its element all endeavours to draw from it an electric spark proved fruitless.

Was the fish put into a copper vessel, the water of which was brought into connection with a Leyden phial by means of a chain, it did not exhibit the least mark of uneasiness, while the machine was turned, although during this operation sparks could be drawn from the water by a conductor. It would generally keep itself quiet during the experiment in the middle of the water. But did it accidentally touch the chain at the moment of the discharge, or was a spark drawn from its head the moment the fish held it out of the water, a convulsive contraction of the whole body followed; I, therefore, ventured but seldom on this experiment, lest I should hurt or kill the fish. When out of the water, the electric force of the fish was considerably greater and nearly equal to a charge of the above-mentioned phial of 20° to 25°. This rendered the handling of the fish extremely unpleasant, especially as no kind of insulation nor any other method within my knowledge was sufficient to shelter from the violent shock, him who intended to make experiments with the fish in this manner. During these experiments the electric light became also visible in the dark, when through the hands of two persons, or by means of other conductors, both extremities of a narrow piece of tin-foil, fastened to glass and separated by a small distance, were brought into contact with the fish. This discovery for which

we are indebted to Walsh,* places the existence of electricity in the fish, beyond a doubt.

The electric powers of the fish gradually decreased, probably on account of its confinement, perhaps also on account of its food, not fitted to support the electric matter. A short time before its death, it became necessary to irritate the fish, in order to obtain elec tricity, which before it was very ready to communicate. Its appetite was nevertheless very good, and it was seemingly well until a few days before its death.† Few animals, and no fish, that I know, possess in proportion to the size of their body, larger nerves than this eel. The great number of nerves connected with the elastic organ, deserve peculiar notice. The third and fourth pair, which may be truly called the electric part, proceed from the extremities of the cerebellum, where they join the dorsal pith. Another peculiar quality of the electricity of this fish is, that hitherto it has not been possible to observe any attrac tion or repulsion; this, however, may perhaps proceed from the circumstance, that bodies, in which both electricities saturate each other, cannot manifest any sign of electricity, and that the equipoise of both in the fish is so perfectly restored after each shock, that their existence cannot be perceived, without a new touch.

+ Journal de Physique, October 1776, p. 331. We have omitted the anatomical description of the fish, because it perfectly agrees with that given by Hunter.

FINE ARTS.

Comparison of Claude and Vernet.

Frenchmen can never represent things as they are: their imagination overbalances their reason. In their drawings, as in their narratives, something of their own fancy must appear. Authenticity is sacrificed to effect. How striking is the contrast between Claude and Vernet! CLAUDE, the historian of nature, passed so often over his works, and made such frequent alterations, that a mass of paint of an inch in thickness is sometimes seen among his trees to produce the real effect, like an altar to truth. The con sequence is, we are struck with the force and simpli city of a faithful representation in seeing his works. When satisfied by their general effect, we can, as in contemplating nature, descend to the detail and ma terials of the landscape, admire the groves and groupes of cattle, the figures, and broken masses; and his pictures never grow stale to the possessor: they please by long observation, as when they possessed the charm of novelty.

In the works of VERNET, who is the poet, rather than the historian of nature, an effect resulting only from the imagination, but exceedingly striking, captivates the eye at first sight. Afterwards, becoming familiar with the effect, approaching nearer to the picture, and examining with more minute attention the design of the artist, the interest ceases, and is never again called forth. The painter's sole talent is shewn at once, and nothing remains to invite future atten⚫ tion. Viewing one picture of Vernet's we become acquainted with all his works.-Vernet is the romance, which when read, we neglect; Claude, the historian, whose works we hoard as treasures, always estimable,

and afford more satisfaction the oftener they are perused.

As a remarkable proof how little capable Vernet was to represent nature with accuracy, we date the decline of his genius from the time he was sent, after his first return to France, by order of the French King, to take views of the different ports; and those pictures of Vernet's are less esteemed than his former works. RHADEGUNDA.

MANNERS.

FEMALE BOARDING SCHOOLS.

Mr. EDITOR,

Reply to CECILIA.

be at first, her terms are great in proportion, and like other politicians she may plead that the tax laid upon her, must be paid by the last consumer. But I do blame, and ever must blanie, those parents who set a value on so insignificant an object as the difference between a street and a square, who send their children to be educated in a house five times more elegant than their own, to which their children must return with reluctance, if not with some degree of contempt.

a rash opinion. For my part, I had neither health nor sickness, but a whim of fashion in my eye: I shall not touch farther on the subject, but pass on to the latter part of this question, which intimates, that "health is an object of no small moment with all parents."

Again, Cecilia says, "Does not this contribute to health, an object of no small moment with all parents?" Whether the situations we have been alluding to, do, or do not, contribute to health, is a question for the faculty, and a question which they will not answer without taking into the account certain I am sorry that your Correspondent Cecilia" is at a peculiarities of constitution, and certain properties of loss to comprehend the drift" of my letter. But she a bleak air and a northern aspect, which will prohas given me a fair opportunity to explain my meaning,bably prevent their giving either a general opinion, or by putting certain questions to me, about the meaning of which I can have no doubt. I hope, however, that without the necessity of putting these questions || she could perceive that much of the introductory part of my letter treated the subject ironically, and I trust I need not tell her that this way of writing sometimes suits the author, sometimes the reader, and sometimes the subject. Now when any public folly becomes extravagant, and cannot be corrected either by law or argument, ridicule has generally been thought a very || proper medium of chastisement, and has very seldom been misunderstood by those to whom it was addressed, and who are presumed to belong to a class of readers either somewhat above the common, or vainly superior to any other kind of reproof.

Having premised this, I proceed to Cecilia's first question. "Does he mean that all Female Boardingschools are useless or injurious?" I certainly have not said so, and I do not mean so much. I believe there are some, although but few, conducted in a manner which tends to the honour of the mistresses, and the improvement of the scholars.

Cecilia next asks, "Is it, in the first instance, a well-founded objection to a boarding-school of any kind, that the house consists of airy and spacious apartments, and that it is situated in an open part of the town, as squares, &c. Does not this contribute to health, an object of no small moment with all parents ?"

Upon revising my last letter, I can no where find that I have considered the situation of a school in a square, or its airy and spacious apartments as an objection of any kind, much less an objection in the first instance. But the charms of the words square, circus, paragon, or polygon, I must contend are irresistible. Fashion has stamped them with her fiat, and it will be very difficult for either of your Correspondents, Mr. Editor, to persuade the generality of mankind, that there is not something inexpressibly genteel in these names, although a house in a street may contain as spacious and airy apartments as any of these more tonish dispositions of brick and mortar.Another thing Cecilia must know, is, I never blamed nor wish to blame the keeper of a boarding-school for fixing her residence in a square, Expensive as it may

With most parents who wish to be supposed to live in genteel life, I believe health is not only an object of no small moment, but I am confident from every observation, that it is almost the only object of their attention, and that this is particularly the case in their choice of a school. It is needless for me to say that I approve of a proper regard to this object both in parents, and in all individuals, but when we consider what a delightful being a young female is, and what a miserable being she may be rendered, I confess I have been an hundred and an hundred times shocked at the stupid, I had almost said brutal, insensibility, of those parents who are anxiously watchful of the health of their children, to the utter exclusion of every other care by which they are to be made rational and virtuous, as well as blooming and healthful. And what is the mighty care, after all, which they bestow to procure this never-fading health? The whole is comprized in sending them to a school a little remote from town, where an extensive garden, or play-ground becomes the temple of Hygeia, and would have in their eyes all the charms of that classic edifice, were it placed, as Mr. Puff says, "in the fens of Lincolnshire."-As to the care they afterwards take of their offspring thus educated into health, I shall only appeal to the fashionable deficiency of dress which has lately prevailed, the use of paint, and the frequency of late hours. Something, too, I might say of dict, but perhaps the prevalent disorders among the sex from tifteen to twenty is a tolerable commentary on that branch of parental tenderness.

I hope, Mr. Editor, that your correspondent Cecilia has by this time perceived that I am removing my censures in a great measure from the effect to the cause, from the boarding-schools to those who encourage them, and who encourage them with very little anxiety about their plan or system of education, provided the external advantages strike the eye as being what the world calls genteel. Is it a genteel school, Ma'am, I would not wish to send Maria to any but a

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genteel school?"-" O, yes, Ma'am, it is perfectly genteel, I assure you, and some of the first people's children are there."-This is decisive. What genteel parent would ask for more?

Your Correspondent now makes some remarks on the qualifications of school-mistresses, and seems to think that I denied qualifications to all. Of this I must acquit myself. But I would ask, who are the judges of these qualifications? The parents, it will be answered. This I doubt, for in the first place, if the parents have not had a boarding-school, or other education themselves, they can be no judges. And secondly, if they have enjoyed that blessing, they know that every branch of their daughter's education, about which they give themselves any trouble, has been taught by masters hired for the purpose, and who no more belong to one school than they do to another, and might have been employed by the parent at home on nearly the same terms, or at least, with the difference between school and private lessons.

consequently easily corrupted by intercourse with gay life; and until parents shall determine to send their children to a school, not because it is genteel, and the children of the first people are there, but because what is taught will be a proper introduction to what they are to practice at home, and to the duties of whatever station Providence may be pleased to place them in,Until most or all of these expectations shall be fulfilled, I must, upon the whole, be permitted to retaiu an opinion unfavourable to the advantages which are usually presumed to arise from Female Boardingschools, conducted on the present plan.

And this brings me lastly to the two questions, with which Cecilia concludes her letter; and which she puts to me as a " doubtless well-meaning" Correspondent. How far I deserve this epithet, either in jest or earnest, (and here it seems to be paid between both) I shall leave to our common readers to deter mine. And now to the first question: "Is private education, even in the case of young women, in all instances, preferable to public education?"

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as it respects education in general, it has long been a subject of debate, and I am not sure that it is finally decided yet, as to boys. But whatever may be the case in their education, which is here wholly out of the question, I have no hesitation in saying, that for young females, a private education, if at all prac ticable, is preferable. It is not therefore in all instances preferable, because in some it is impossible, owing to the parents being extremely ignorant, but now perhaps become wealthy and desirous of giving their daughters what is usually called education. But in the case even of such parents, I would decidedly prefer a private instructress to a public school, and that on account of the circumstances of this peculiar case. I think that so educated, a daughter would be less apt to discover, or expose her mother's or father's inferiority. But on this subject much perhaps may be said on both sides. In favour of the sex, however, as far as I have had the honour to be conversant with them, and my circle of acquaintance is not very contracted, I have rarely met with a mother, who was not herself capable of teaching all the useful, and some of the ornamental parts of a young woman's education, provided she was not intended for a fine lady.

On this part of the subject, Cecilia has described a class of ladies who have been brought up in regular, In answer to this, I must remark that the words, in religious, and in virtuous habits"-and then adds, even in the case of young women," either have a "Such persons, all others but your Correspondent, al- meaning which I cannot comprehend, or they are sulow to be competent to superintend the education of perfluous, because we have been disputing about no their own sex."-This is hard measure, Madam Ce-other class of beings.-As to the question itself, as far cilia! You have supposed a class of women, and you have supposed my denial of their fitness for the business of education. Is this polite, from a lady too? Look at my letter again, and see if I have said, or in the most distant manner hinted, that a woman, "brought up in regular, in religious, and in virtuous habits," is incompetent to superintend the education of her own sex. But as Cecilia is fond of twitting me with the little, but comprehensive particle all, I wish in my turn, to ask her, if all governesses of boardingschools are of the character she here describes? I trust she has too much candour, and knowledge of the world to answer in the affirmative. In one respect only, religion, I conceive that a very great proportion of our governesses are grossly deficient, notwithstanding the march to and from church on a Sunday, if the weather is fine. When the late dispute took place between two learned Doctors, on the deficiencies of religious education in Westminster school, I remember taking the liberty to suggest to a party concerned, that if the dispute had turned on the religious habits propagated at (I will not say ali) but most of the Ladies Boarding-schools, the world would have had much more reason to be surprized at the discoveries that might have been made, and to rejoice at the reformation which might have been effected.-I have only to add once for all, that I never meant to include in my sentiments either of the danger or inutility of Female Boarding-schools, every individual concerned "Supposing it (i. e. private education) to be prein them; and I am ready to admit all and every ex- ferable, can parents in distant parts of the kingdom, ception Cecilia is willing to point out. But in the and in possession of easy, or even of large fortunes, mean time, until a change takes place in the manners procure the best masters in languages, music, drawing, and habits of those who have been educated at such || and other accomplishments." places, of the genteel kind; until I shall have proof that they make better wives and mothers than their ancestors, and exhibit in our courts of justice fewer examples of a mind originally left vacant by its attention being directed to frivolous accomplishments, and

But now comes the last, and, if I mistake not, the most important of all the questions my fair opponent has put to the well-meaning C. C. It is in these words.

With respect to parents of large fortunes, I shall dismiss the subject with remarking, that there is no thing of the kind here mentioned, which they cannot procure in any part of the kingdom, however distant. As to others, and I must have it understood, that I

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them, I can neither approve nor reject. Doubtless dancing is one, but that is common to children of both sexes, and has long been found the best means of bringing them together. It is an accomplishment,

rated among the branches of education, properly so called, because it has no connection with either the head or the heart. It is a mere amusement, and like other amusements, the good or evil of it depends on moderation or excess.

have in my last and present letter, always had an eye to parents in the middling ranks of life, because they are the most numerous and important class: I say, with respect to them, how long has it been discovered that languages, music, and drawing, are indispens-however, which all must confess, cannot be enumeable to the education of their daughters? But I do not so much object to the attainment of these accomplishments as they are called. If a girl should discover a peculiar aptitude in learning languages, or a genius for music, or drawing, it might be proper, under certain circumstances, to encourage it: and these certain circumstances may be all included in this proviso, that her accomplishments shall not be paramount to her domestic duties. But alas, this is a consideration which is wholly out of place, and I am afraid will be thought impertinent, although I am " doubtless a well meaning" man. The invariable practice is, that every young lady must be taught all these, whether she has a turn for them or not. I do not say this is the fault of the mistress. She lays her bill of fare before the mother, who, instead of making a selection, would have her daughter sit down to the whole banquet of accomplishments. Hence so many young ladies apologize for wasting crayons, speaking bad French, and putting a harpsichord out of tune, and a company out of temper, by informing us that they had a quarter's drawing, a quarter's French, and a quarter's music. Should the mistress be conscientious enough to suggest to mamma that miss is making no proficiency in these accomplishments, she would not be credited, and a quarter more would be added to perfect her.

But these accomplishments either are, or are not necessary. If they are necessary, they surely may be acquired at home in most cases, in the vicinity of London. As to the distant parts of the kingdom, they are seldom known or wanted, or if they are, those distant parts, distant as they are from London, are not very distant from considerable cities and towns, where masters may be procured who are able to initiate a young lady in such a manner, that she may prosecute the study (if she has a genius) with little difficulty. And what can Clementi do more? But the question recurs, are they necessary in the education of that numerous and important class, the children of persons in the middle rank of society? Is it necessary that every such female should be a painter and a musician; and has nature so qualified them that they want only a series of boarding-school quarters to be geniuses in these sciences? Without answering these questions, which are not very difficult, I may venture to compliment the young ladies themselves on their good sense in this respect, by laying these accomplishments aside, the moment they leave school, conscious of their inability and indisposition, and thus preventing themselves from the shame of being exposed before company to gratify the vanity of a foolish parent, who would thus prove, that at a genteel school, one gets money's worth for one's money.

If these, therefore, be the only accomplishments taught at boarding-schools, their real usefulness in life will still be subject to doubt. But my opponent has added a clause which implies more. Her words are "languages, music, drawing, and other accomplishments." These, however, as she has not specified

it is

In this country we have not many women who choose to owe their fame to their dancing. Even of our professional dancers, not one in a hundred is an English woman. In France the case is different. It is there a rage, a passion, or, if you please, a madness, which admirably corresponds with the lightness and frivolity of the national character. It is said, indeed, we are copying from them, and that even the waltz has been introduced into this country. This, however, must be in societies not immediately depending on characters. As practised in our schools, dancing is not remarkable for adding much to manners, generally thought that children of both sexes must l clownish and aukward, without one or two quarters' dancing. I do not object to the thing itself, because dancing is a pleasant amusement to young people, and if not carried to excess, and at improper times, may be useful as an exercise. But as to the manners it gives, I am extremely doubtful, and in this am fortified by very high authority, that of Sir Joshua Reynolds. "It was one of his favourite maxims, that all the gestures of children are graceful, and that the reign of distortion and unnatural attitude commences with the introduction of the dancing-master." *

I shall conclude my letter with this useful remark on a branch of education which many consider as essential to existence itself. I have now endeavoured to reply to Cecilia's letter, I hope, without violation of the respect due to a lady, and with the candour which the subject in dispute demanded. I have no inclination to push my opinions farther than they may appear in the shape of cautions. I can have no personal animosity against the mistresses of boardingschools as a body. I have known some of them who conscientiously discharged their duties. But I do think the system wrong, and I also think that what is wrong in it, is to be attributed to parents. There is a certain high-toned education taught in the case of young ladies of high rank and fortune. To them it may be necessary, and I hope they find it useful. To the general mass, it must, however, be worse than useless. The great objection to the schools of which I have treated, rests not with the mistresses of them, but with the parents, and that objection is the promiscuous association of children of different ranks and expectations in life. From this, the lowest acquire ideas, and form hopes which can never be realized, but must incite them to elevate themselves, by means that are always dangerous, and too often fatal. This is a radical error. Is it not a common one? And who can remove it, but parents guided by a sense of the importance, not only of the temporal but eternal welfare of their children? I am, Sir, Yours, C. C.

* Malone's Life of Sir Joshua Reynolds, p. lxxxviii.

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actions, which seemed to justify these epithets, and which could only be known to the persons principally concerned, or to those very intimately connected with them. After many observations, and some pamphlets had been wasted on this performance, an answer appeared, by a person, apparently as much in the secret, as the author of the first, but giving a very different turn to the transactions in question, and transferring the opprobrious imputations from Mr. Pitt to Mr. || Addington.

On the Dispute between Mr. Addington and Mr. Pitt. Two pampblets, on the situation in which matters stand between these two celebrated statesmen and It is not doubted by any body, that these two pamformer friends, have engaged the attention of the phlets have been written with the concurrence arð public for some time past. The one which first ap-approbation of the respective parties. The two great peared was in praise of the virtues and conduct of Mr. Addington; the other is in favour of Mr. Pitt. Each, in attempting to elevate the character of its own hero, endeavours to depress that of the personage

men have undoubtedly quarrelled, and they have made their last appeal to the public. This is perfectly proper. Being servants of the public, it is to the public that they ought to come for the justification of their conduct. It is an event, however, of some inber in any of the regular governments of Europe, of so direct an homage paid to public opinion. There are not wanting instances of Ministers, who have caused pamphlets to be written in their favour, and who have communicated information for that purpose, or perhaps written pamphlets themselves; but we do not remember another instance of a public appeal respecting the most secret arrangements. It is a strong and pleasing proof of the ascendancy which public opinion has acquired in the direction of affairs.

held forth to admiration in the other. The circumstance which has chiefly given celebrityportance; for it is the first instance which we remem to these productions, is their pretending to explain certain secret transactions between the gentlemen alluded to. The public has a singular propensity to pry into the secret affairs of all persons whose names are great. They have a pretty substantial interest in wishing to know the private transactions, and inward character of men intrusted with the management of the common concerns. But the propensity is often seen very little weakened, where the interest is not altogether so visible. Hence the large quantities of printed paper with which we are treated every day, informing us on which side a certain duchess lies down when she tirst goes to bed; whether my lady K. washes | her hands or her face first in a morning; whether Mrs. P. ties a knot on her garter, or only doubles in the end; whether Marquis S. gives four knocks at a door, when he calls, or only three; whether Sir John T. pulls his boot first on the right leg or on the left; whether Lord C. drinks beer or water, during dinnertime. This curiosity has given the nation a very deep interest in the two pamphlets, and in several respects not undeservedly.

A degree of mysteriousness rested on the connection between the two characters concerned, from the time that the one quitted the station of chief minister, and the other ascended to it. An union on the pure principles of private friendship, and regard to the public good, between a man who had unwillingly resigned the chief power, and his successor, whatever might be the appearances exhibited, was not viewed with absolute trust by persons who had not a very high opinion of the disinterestedness of the age, and of ministers. Various conjectures were accordingly formed of the nature of that interest which procured for the present ministers the support, at first, of ali the members of the late administration, and after the secession of part of them, the support still of the chief

member.

The last of the two pamphlets, entitled "A Plain Answer" to the other, is so much in the stile of expression, and of reasoning, used by Mr Pitt, that many persons are of opinion it is from the pen of that gentleman himself. The chief objection to this opinion is, that there are some terms of praise bestowed upon Mr. Pitt, a little stronger than he would probably have used himself, unless to disguise. Otherwise, the pamphlet would do him no more disgrace to have written than to encourage; for in art of composition and decency of language, it is much superior to the preceding performance. After these general remarks, we shall follow the plain answer with some minuteness through its different particulars; since every thing which comes recommended by the authority of Mr. Pitt, the public has for many years been accustomed to consider as peculiarly interesting; and since it is natural to expect, that some extraordinary light will be thrown upon the characters of two men, who have long been joined in the strictest union, when they undertake to expose one another.

The pamphlet begins with a sentiment to which we heartily subscribe. "The public," it says, "has so much interest and concern in the real character of those who either are, at present, or are, at any time, likely to be called to the management of the affairs of the nation, that every fair attempt to develope their character, or to appreciate duly their pretensions, is When the opposition of that part of the late ad- justly entitled to general approbation." ministration, which had first turned against the pre-be glad to think that this pamphlet is really from the sent, had become nearly as virulent as it was possible pen of Mr. Pitt, to be assured that this is his opinion. for it to be, and the chief person had begun likewise The people of England ought not to forget, that it is a to give signs of disaffection, a review of their con- just opinion whether it is his or not. Strictures on the duct was given to the public, applying to it very in-character and conduct of those entrusted with the majurious epithets, and disclosing certain secret transnagement of any part of the affairs of the nation, are

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