the opening the windows of heaven, would accompany each other, as Moses tells us they actually did; for, according to him, both happened on the same day. In this manner the flood would come on quietly and gradually, without that violence to the globe which Burnet, Whiston, and other theorists, are obliged to suppose. The abatement of the waters would ensue on the ascent of the electric fluid to where it was before. The atmosphere would then absorb the water as formerly that which had ascended through the earth would again subside; and thus every thing would return to its pristine state.'

3. We conclude by noticing some of the alterations and effects which are supposed to have taken place in consequence of the deluge. One of these is the much greater quantity of water in the present than in the old world. Dr. Keill has, indeed, endeavoured to prove, that the present extent of the surface of the waters is necessary to raise such a quantity of vapors as may supply the surface of the earth with rain and with springs. In answer to this it is said, that it may justly be questioned whether all springs are derived from the vapors raised by the sun's heat? and, secondly, Whether the primitive earth stood in need of such a quantity of rain to render it fertile as the present? Dr. Woodward supposes the antediluvian seas to have been nearly of the same extent with those at present, because the spoils of the sea, the shells and other marine bodies, are left in such prodigious numbers in the earth, that they could not have been left in such quantities, had not the seas occupied much the same space as they do now.' This argument, however, is thought by Mr. Cockburn to be in conclusive; and that the seas in the present earth are vastly more extended, and consequently the dry land so much less in proportion, may be inferred, he thinks, from the great multitude of islands that lie near the shores of the greater continents, &c. To all this it may be replied, that the Mosaic account says nothing of the extent of the seas either before or after the flood; but simply tells us, that the waters were poured out upon the surface of the earth from the windows of heaven and the fountains of the deep, and that as the flood decreased the waters returned from off the face of the earth. That the fish, as well as land animals, were more numerous in the antediluvian world than now when such quantities are destroyed by mankind, is also probable, as we see they abound to this day in uninhabited places. This may account for the astonishing quantities of exuviæ to be met with in many different parts of the earth; but from the formation of islands nothing can be concluded concerning the antediluvian world. The late discoveries have shown that many islands have a volcanic origin; that others are formed by the growth of coral; and some by an accumulation of sea-weeds and other matters floating on the surface of the ocean, and detained upon sand-banks and sunk rocks; while not a few of those near the great continent owe their origin to the quantities of mud brought down by the great rivers which fall into the ocean. The inferior fertility of the earth after the deluge is much insisted upon by the same author.

There has been a valuable addition to the spe

culations we have noticed above, in a modern work of the Rev. Mr. Townsend, entitled, The Character of Moses established for Veracity as an Historian, recording Events from the Creation to the Deluge. It might be said on opening this volume, Is it necessary again to take up arms in defence of Moses? is not the phalanx of wise and good men who have already stood forth in his behalf sufficient to secure him from any new attack? It is true, indeed, that the aegis of celestial wisdom has often darted its benumbing rays on the impious cavillers, but they rise ever with new courage from the ruin which had overwhelmed them, and rush with blind rage on the bulwarks whence they have been so often repelled. They have begun, of late, to try the effect of new methods of assault, and to exult in the advantageous display of their resources. It was no small triumph over Revelation to have proved that the earth was never created, but was originally a splinter struck off from the sun by a heavy body which happened to impinge upon it. But a great Epicurean philosopher recently defunct, has proceeded much further, and has finally developed the theory of the animal creation. It seems that the primitive world was one vast pool, in which all creatures sported in the shape of tadpoles, until some of them longing to walk on dry land, legs fitted for that purpose spontaneously sprang forth from the hinder quarters. Some affected hoofs, and gradually became horses; while others, of a more ambitious character, forced their humbler brethren to carry them on their backs. A great metaphysician, the pride of Scotland, proved, in defiance of Moses, that the primitive men wore tails, and that it was owing to the friction of tight clothing that their posterity have lost so ornamental an appendage. We have not heard, indeed, that the Sansculotte philosophers have recovered this badge, though they are well rid of all other symptoms of humanity; but it is impossible to say how far their perfectibility may reach, and to what new heights of dignity and honor they may be destined to ascend. It is surprising that the old-fashioned tradition has not been rooted out by so many improvements in science; but, as Moses has stood his ground so long, there seems a fair chance of his holding out to the last. Still it is impossible to say what new stratagems may be played off; and, as the enemy seems to be flushed with victory, we are not displeased to hail a new auxiliary. We therefore enter upon some of the facts and reasonings of the work before us with considerable satisfaction.

The design of Mr. Townsend is, to compare the present state of our knowledge of the history of man and of the earth with the relations contained in the early part of Genesis, and by this comparison to establish the character of the historian as a faithful recorder of events. The first part of his work contains a disquisition on the similar traditions which were handed down among many nations from the most ancient times; but the larger portion of the volume consists of a geological essay on the proofs that our globe has undergone a universal deluge. He shows that the creation of the world, and its emerging from a state of primitive chaos and

from a universal ocean, are not only contained in the works of the Grecian poets and philosophers, but are traced among several more ancient nations. In a curious extract from one of the Paranas are the following details:-'Of all objects in the created world, water existed first. The universe was dark. In this primeval water did Bhagavat, in a masculine form, repose for the space of a thousand ages; after which, the intention of creating other beings, for his own wise purposes, became predominant in the mind of the Supreme. In the first place, by his will, was produced one flower of the lotus; then the form of Brahma, who, emerging from the cup of the lotus, looked round and beheld, from the eyes of his four heads, an immeasurable expanse of water. In this flower he passed 500 years in wonder, perplexity, and prayer; after which he produced the four elements, and the genii which preside over them. From his right side there issued, by the omnipotence of God, a man of perfect beauty, Swayambhuva Menu, that is, son of the Self-existent; and from his left side a woman, named Satarupa.' (P. 43, 44.) To the same purpose is a passage in the ancient Edda of Sæmund, published by Resenius.

On the subject of the deluge, which occupies the principal part of this work, he prefers dwelling on arguments which are in a great measure new, and refers us to other writers for the historical testimony. This we approve, while we think that the historical part of the question is far from being exhausted. The Pralayas or periodical inundations of the Hindoos, as related in the Bhagavat-the successive destructions and renovations of the world, of which a corresponding account is given by Sæmund in the Runic Voluspa, and by Seneca from the representations of the Stoics-and the similar ceremonies practised in celebration of this event in Egypt and in Mexico, are facts which deserve a careful elucidation.

The proofs which Mr. Townsend brings forward of this universal catastrophe are diffused through a geological disquisition which occupies the larger portion of the volume. He takes a general survey of the surface of the earth, and the constitution and order of its strata, as far as they have been explored; in the course of which he unfolds to us in a very interesting manner the fruits of a diligent investigation, continued, as he informs us, during fifty years, and pursued in various parts of Europe. We may safely say that his volume contains far more information than any other work on the same subject.

In order to lay a foundation for the development of the more general phenomena to which be adverts, this author gives a brief view first of the geological formation of our own island. We regret that we cannot follow him through their details: they well prepare the reader to contemplate with interest the succession of formations in other countries. Under this head our author has given us brief notices afforded by travellers in almost every part of the world which has been explored by Europeans. They are very general, yet sufficient to justify the conclusion which Mr. Townsend has drawn from them. Whether we examine,' he observes, Europe, Asia, Africa, or

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America, the same arrangement may be traced; with this exception, that both in our island, and over the surface of the globe, in some places, the superior strata are deficient, and may be supposed to have been carried off, after they had been deposited in the bosom of the ocean. This arrangement, as already stated, includes granite, gneiss, slate, and argillaceous schist, mountain lime-stone, coal, schist, calcareous rocks, with clay, sand, chalk, and its integument of sand and clay.'

The geological theory adopted by Mr. Townsend is highly favorable to this part of the Scriptural History. If, with him, we can trace the actual operation of agents sufficiently powerful to elevate the continent of South America, (which this author conceives to have been those now operating in her abundant volcanoes), and other such extensive regions from the depths of the ocean, it is no longer difficult to conceive, that the waters may have covered the highest mountains, and that great tracts of habitable land may have been submerged.

But absolute and distinct proofs of this event are to be found in the dislocations of strata, and in the phenomena connected with alluvial depositions. There is no part of the earth in which the violent dislocations of the regular strata are not to be found; and they are chiefly abundant in mountainous tracts, of which no other proof need be cited than the vertical position which the strata forming high mountains now hold, while we are assured that these very strata were originally horizontal. But even in the most level countries we need not go far for evidences of these convulsions. Every river, every brook which breaks out under our feet, and every valley which diversifies the surface, owes its existence to the disruption of strata. All the rock formations were at first unbroken and continuous; wherever a valley occurs there is now an interruption of this continuity. That these hollows were not the mere effect of rivers which have worn out courses for their waters may be proved by a variety of geological facts which we have not room to introduce here; but it is put in sufficiently strong light by Mr. Townsend's observations on springs, which are in a great measure new, and of very general interest. Every stratum of rock, before it becomes broken up, carries with it in its course under the surface a stratum of water, which percolates its stony beds, and is confined between impervious layers of clay. It is only where these subterranean courses are disturbed, and the strata are torn asunder by some extraneous force, that fountains and rivers burst forth. These dislocations and disturbances of strata can only be attributed to the agency of vast torrents every where flowing over and disorganising the surface of the earth, and such torrents can only be furnished by the incursions of the ocean. Land floods and rivers are the effects of the previous disruption of the strata, and therefore cannot be considered the efficient causes.

The production of these phenomena by the waters of a deluge is further proved by alluvial deposit. The vast extent of alluvions, independently of all other proof, declares that the

DEMA'IN, n. s. Old Fr. demesne; Fr. doDEMEAN. maine; both probably from DEME'SNE. Lat. dominus. That land which a man holds originally of himself, called dominium by the civilians, and opposed to feodum or fee, which signifies those that are held of a superior lord. It is sometimes used also for a distinction between those lands that the lord of the manor has in his own hands, or in the hands of his lessee, demised or let upon a rent for a term of years or life, and such other lands appertaining to the said manor as belong to free or copyholders. Estate in land, or land adjoining a mansion, in which sense demesne has been thought to come from old Fr. mesne, and Lat. mansio.

Those acts for planting forest trees have hitherto been wholly ineffectual, except about the demesnes of a few gentlemen; and even there, in general, very unskilfully made.

DEMA'ND, v. a. & n. s.
DEMANDABLE, adj.
DEMANDANT, n. s.
DEMANDER.

Swift.

Fr. demander; Span. and Portug. demandár; Ital. demandare; Lat. de

mendo, from de and mando (manu do, to give with the hand). To claim; ask for as one's own previously, or with authority; hence to question, interrogate. As a substantive it is the claim made; the amount of it in money; an application made for any thing at its price: demandable, that which is due: demandant and demander, he who requires his alleged due by law or otherwise.

And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.

2 Sam. xi. 7.

This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones.

One of the witnesses deposed, that dining on a Sunday with the demandant, whose wife had sat below the squire's lady at church, she the said wife dropped some expressions, as if she thought her husband ought to be knighted. Spectator.

There are two manners of demands, the one of deed, the other in law in deed, as in every præcipe, there is express demand; in law, as every entry in land distress for rent, taking or seizing of goods, and such

like acts, which may be done without any words, are

demands in law.

Blount.

But the misery of it is, men will not think; will not employ their thoughts, in good earnest, about the things which most of all deserve and demand them.

Mason.

Every man has frequent occasion to state a contract, or demand a debt, or make a narrative of minute incidents of common life. Johnson.

Thus for short sins short hours of penance flow, But heavier guilt demands more lasting woe. Dr. T. Brown.

DEMBEA, a large lake of Abyssinia, is in the heart of the country, and supposed to be about 450 miles in circumference. It contains many islands, particularly one of great size, which is made a place of confinement. The great river Bahr-el-Azrek, so often supposed to be the true Nile, falls into it on the west, and issues from it on the south-west: it is said that the stream may be distinguished through the whole of its passage. Various small streams also fall into it.

DEMBEA, a province of Abyssinia, surrounding the great lake of that name. On the north it comprehends that fertile tract of which Gondar is the capital. On the east it includes Foggora, Dara, and Alata; and on the west, the lands about Waindaga and Dingleber. The whole region is fruitful, and finely varied by mountains and plains.

DEMEAN', v. a. & n. s. Į Fr. mener; Ital. DEMEANOUR. Smenare; Norm. Fr. demesner; whence, thinks Mr. Todd, our word manage, 1. e. conduct, carriage, demeanour perhaps the whole, we might add, from Lat. manus, the hand. To behave; generally to carry one's self in a particular way. There seems to be no good authority for using it for debase. Dr. Johnson's instance from Shakspeare, and Mr. Todd's from Doddridge, are equivocal; but the reader will judge.

At his feet with sorrowful demean,
And deadly hue, an armed corse did lie.

That brow in furrowed lines had fixed at last, And spake of passions, but of passions past; The pride, but not the fire, of early days, Coldness of mean, and carelessness of praise; A high demeanour, and a glance that took Their thoughts from others by a single look. Byron. Peter was so affected at his condescending to perform such a mean office, that he says to him, It is a thousand times fitter that I should wash thine, nor can I bear to see thee thus demean thyself.

Doddridge's Expositor. DEMENTATE, v. a. ¿ Lat. demento, of de DEMENTATION, n. s. and mens, the mind. To make mad. Making mad, or frantic.

DEMERARA, or DEMERARA AND ESSEQUIBO, a colony of Great Britain, in the north-eastern part of South America. It is composed of two governments, named as above, both which, having been finally confirmed to Great Britain by the peace of 1814, are now one united colony. They form a part of what was originally Dutch Guienne; but the king of the Netherlands only retains, in this part of the world, the colony of Surinam. The general features and natural history of this country have been described already in our article AMERICA, SOUTH, par. 206-220. Demerara is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by a line drawn from the mouth of Albany Creek, in a south-east direction, dividing it from the British colony of Berbice, on the west by the river Pomaron, which divides it from Spanish Guiana; its southern boundary is undetermined. Staebroek, the only considerable town, and the seat of government, is in lat. 6° 46′ N., and long. 57° 45′ W. from London.

The whole country is low and swampy: on the coast the tides rise to the height of from sixteen to twenty-four feet. The rivers are the Essequibo, Demerara, and Canji or Cayonny, the last being supposed to communicate with the Oronoco. The Demerara River has a bar across its mouth, which prevents ships of large burden passing it; but vessels drawing fourteen feet may be loaded at Staebroek. Here are convenient wharfs: no large vessels, however, can lie near them, on account of the declivity of the bank, but are compelled to load and unload their cargoes in the middle of a rapid stream. The Essequibo is easily entered by the largest ships, but they must also be loaded and unloaded in the stream, as the same causes prevent their lying near shore.

We have also noticed the political history of these settlements. It is only necessary to add, that while, under the British government, the general internal policy is improved, and the roads, drain: ge, &c., have assumed a very different aspect to that which they bore in former times, the

curse of an extensive dependence on slave-cultivation is no where more evident. Coffee, sugar, and cotton, are the staple articles of produce, and no where on earth is a finer soil presented to the hand of man. It has been transported to other of our western possessions as manure, and has been known to produce thirty crops of rattoon canes in snccession, without replanting. Sometimes it has been cropped two or three years with plantains, to reduce its excessive richness, and afterwards with sugar canes; but the first, second, and sometimes even the third crop, has been so luxuriant as to be only fit to make rum. Each estate is intersected with dikes and trenches, communicating with the river, by means of which, in small flat-bottomed boats, the whole conveyance of the produce is effected from one part of the estate to another. Thus they carry the canes from the field to the sugar-mill and the stillhouse. The earth removed to form these ditches is thrown on beds, which contain the cotton-trees planted in rows six feet asunder. The coffee-trees are planted in rows from nine to twelve feet either by plantain-trees, or the bois immortel, apart, and the intermediate spaces are filled growing to the height of twelve or fourteen feet, and affording a welcome shade to the coffee plants.

In the colony are from 60,000 to 65,000 slaves kept in awe with difficulty, and in no small degree by the strong aversion that subsists between them and the aboriginal Indians of the interior, who readily bring back all stragglers to their masters, and often assist in suppressing insubordination. The colony is governed by the Dutch laws. The free inhabitants do not exceed 3000.

DEME'RIT, n. s. Fr. demerite; from demeriBlame. tus, Lat. of demereor. See MERIT.

They should not be able once to stir, or to murmur, but it should be known, and they shortened according Spenser on Ireland.

to their demerits.

I considered the possession of it [a bishopric] as a frequent occasion of personal demerit; for I saw the generality of the bishops bartering their independence and the dignity of their order for the chance of a translation, and polluting gospel-humility by the pride of Bp. Watson. prelacy.

DEMERSED, part. Į From demersus, or deDEMERSION, n. s. Smergo, Lat. Plunged; drowned. A drowning. In chemistry, the putting any medicine in a dissolving liquor.

DEME'SNE. See DEMAIN.

DEMETRIUS I., surnamed Poliorcetes, destroyer of towns, was the son of Antigonus. At the age of twenty-two he was sent by his father against Ptolemy, who invaded Syria. He was defeated near Gaza, but soon repaired his loss by