librarian, which situation he retained, until his decayed health compelled him to retire to his brother's in Wales, where he died in May 1782. of them he has represented the general character of Italy with more decided precision, than can be found in the works of his predecessors, In his pictures, the waving line of mountains, which bound the distance in every point of view; the dreary and inhospitable plains, rendered solemnly interesting, by the mould Of this gentleman's talents as an artist, it is not easy to speak with precision, for before we can form a just estimate of his abilities he must be considered in two capacities; first as a portrait painter, and second-ering fragments of temples, tombs, and ly as a painter of landscape. As a portrait painter, (which was his first pursuit) his works are not sufficiently known, nor are they marked by any traits which distinguish them from the general manner, which then prevailed among his cotempora ries in that line of art. No decided character can therefore be affixed to them. It may, however, be asserted, that he drew a head equal to any of the portait painters of his time. A specimen of which be seen may by a drawing, now in the possession of* J. Richards, Esq. which is the portrait of Admiral Smith, and which was drawn before Wilson went abroad. It is executed in black and white chalk, as large as life, upon brown French paper, and is treated in a bold masterly manner; but this is not a work which can authorize the critic to consider him as superior to the other portrait painters of his day. But while we are unable to define his merits as a portrait painter, from the want of such specimens as would direct our judgment, we are by no means deficient in proofs of his powers in landscape painting, in which line his talents suddenly broke forth, and shone out with superior lustre. Though there is reason to suspect, that Wilson had painted some landscapes before he went abroad, yet it is certain, that he did not commence a regular course in that study, until after he had been some time in Italy: when he began, however, he did not waste his time, nor subjugate his powers to the unimproving drudgery of copying the pictures of the old masters, but contented himself with making his observations upon their works, and afterwards confirming those observations by his studies from nature. In consequence of this prudent method of cultivating his talents, he wisely avoided any imitation of the pictures of the Italian masters, who preceded him, and at once struck out a manner, both of execution and design, which was classical, grand, and original. Of the originality of his style, we are convinced, by inspecting his works, for in most One of the founders, and secretary to the Royal Academy. + There is a print engraved by J. S. Miller, from a picture painted by R. Wilson, a view of Dover, without date, but evidently executed before he went abroad.. aqueducts, are all indicated in a masterly manner, exhibiting that local character, which, though it be familiar to the inhabitants, cannot but be considered as peculiarly grand and classical. Mr. E. proceeds to vindicate Wilson from some severe criticisms of Sir Joshua Reynolds, on his first picture of Niobe (as is presumed) — but observes, that, "his English views were too much Italianized; and he frequently repeated his pictures with variations." This prac tice, while it improves facility, renders a decisive opinion on a subject treated by this artist, very hazardous; to be correct, the very picture should be present to justify the critic. Wilson was so fond of a slovenly foreground, that, we have been shewn instances of which, it was said, he gave that air to his pictures, after having laboured them with even solicitous attention. Sir Joshua Reynolds, we know, did the same, in parts of his pictures. Sundry other articles are composed with no less diligence: we might quote those of Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Barry, and others: but, having extended this article somewhat too far, already, we have room for very few additions. We must, nevertheless, transcribe the sentence of the public on such works of Sir Joshua as were brought to the hammer, at the sale of the Shakespeare Gal, lery. The first column denotes the prices paid to Sir Joshua by Mr. Boydell: the second, the prices for which they sold by auction. Macbeth and the Witches and he witches} L. s. d. 378 0 0 Thus it appears, that what the painter intended for a grand composition, sold for one third of its cost; and what was merely a jeu d'esprit, sold for double its original price! The different dimensions of the pictures might contribute to this; as large pictures require large rooms. "Sir Mr. E. is mistaken, when he says, Joshua never applied any mark or signature to his portraits, except to the wholelength of Mrs. Siddons in the character of the tragic muse, upon which he wrote his name on the hem of her garment." We have noticed it on the fringes of the draperies, in other portraits. Under the article ROMNEY we meet with the account of the preference given to him before Mr. Mortimer, by the Society for Improvement of Arts, &c.: which vote was set aside, and the premium ultimately adjudged to Mortimer. Mortimer had the generosity to say, in our hearing, that " Romney deserved the prize;-not because his picture was the best; but because it was painted under such circumstances, (in a narrow, poking garret) that the painter could never see the true effect of the whole of his composition it was therefore a wonderful performance." Mr. Edwards was always reckoned attentive to little things (for which Mortimer did not spare him in his facetia); nevertheless, he has committed several inaccuracies in spelling the names of persons and places, with other minutia ; as Pieré, p. 40, for Pierre; Benazee, p. 225, for Benazech; Port Colis for Port-cullis, Vander Gutch for Vander Gutcht, &c. These Memoirs, it will be recollected, relate to professors in one branch of art only, the Painters: we hope that Mr. E. has preserved what facts came to his knowledge concerning artists in other branches. Sculpture and engraving have been almost created during the interval of which his work is the history; and the patronage, bestowed or withheld, as fashion dictated, on various employments, as chasing, &c. correctly narrated, would furnish a very amusing and instructive performance. We repeat, that we have no volume of the same description as this, which we can place in competition with it. There are a few, and very few, old artists remaining who could improve it, by notes and additions; (Mr. Paul Sandby could, were he so inclined,) but we must accept it as it is and have only to regret that the author did not live to complete his design, but that we are unhappily called to report on Mr. Edwards's labours as a posthumous publication. The Substance of a Speech which ought With Notes, &c. 8vo. We must review this pamphlet doubtfully, because we are not sure that the speech it contains ought to have been spoken: nor that restrictions on conscience ought to form a part of the political code of a state; nor that it is bad policy to endeavour to improve the education of all ranks, especially of public persons who are to teach others. We doubt, whether the money paid for instruction may not be as properly spent at home as sent abroad, and whether the mind, that never has been reconciled to the grosser fopperies of continental catholicism, is not likely, in time, to be weaned from the disposition to vindicate or adopt them. We doubt whether the Irish catholics are such fools as to prefer the jurisdiction of Buo, naparte to that of George III, and whether his conduct towards the head of the Romish Church be calculated to procure him partisans among an enlightened people. We doubt, whether a better race of priests would not ensure by degrees a better race of people; and whether a mildet regimen be not more likely to have some influence in producing a better race of priests. We doubt, whether the lay catholics of Ireland have so great faith and so little understanding, as to wish to see their spiritual guides in possession of temporal power; and lastly, we doubt whether there will be another Pope of Rome, properly speaking; and, of course, whether the well-instructed Irish will not have occasion to look out for an effective head of the church, notwithstanding any communion they may affect to hold with a nominal bishop, of whom they will hear little and know less. We may be allowed, also on the other side of the question to doubt, whether it would not have been more politic in the Catholics of Ireland, as a party, to have defrayed the whole expence of the edu cation of their priests, from among themselves, as the Dissenters and Methodists, &c. in England: and to study the good of their own Irish Church individually. The Minor Minstrel; or, Poetical Pieces, We like the introductory address of this little volume. Past are the days of Minstrels old, And predatory inroads plann'd. The sky is clear, and warm the day: The Spring's first violets breathe and blow, Or round loose roots, on mossy mould, The vernal primroses unfold. This oversight being reprimanded, we shall do the author justice by quoting a piece which derives merit from accuracy of description: he assures us, that "the scenery is strictly local," and we believe it is. We must, however, confess our disappointment, that this is restricted to a mere description of the morning: the the customs of the place, would have How lovely is the morn of May! Your Bard, dear Youths! with hand of fire whole of the day, with illustrations of Sweeps not the high heroic lyre; Nor skill'd in legendary rhimes, Records the tales of elder times. He pours not in the flatter'd ear The strains Ambition sighs to hear; The strains that rouse, from age to age, The blood-stain'd sword's destructive rage, While wrath, and guilt, and crimes of arms, Are deck'd with specious Glory's charms. He loves his country; and his song Shall never do her prowess wrong; But still averse to war and strife, He courts the shade of private life. Admit him to your social board, Nor shun the mind with maxims stor❜d; Let him your summer walks attend ; Make him your winter fire-side friend; So, shall he well your choice repay, And blend instruction with his lay: So shall his melodies impart Improvement to the feeling heart. The Charities shall throng around, Invited by the simple sound; Friendship, and Truth, and virtuous Love, Shall lift the soul to joys above; Nor e'en Religion shall disdain To listen to the moral strain. Whenever Poetry proposes to associate with Friendship, Truth, virtuous Love, and Religion, it may depend on a favourable attention from the Panorama. Nevertheless, we see no reason why the moral poet should be less careful in polishing his verses, or in accuracy of expression, than those who write only for vitiated taste. We are, therefore, under the necessity of reminding Mr. H. that "clustering nuts" are never seen at the same time with "spring's first violets," and "vernal primroses,' as he seems to imply in the opening lines of his Cottager's Tale. On such a morning, who could sleep? O! how delightful 'twas to view But here's the ring, companions gay! So neighbours come !-We'll breakfast now, With lightsome heart, and free goodwill- 'Tis cruel Love that weds the maid While in the neighb'ring fields I toil; Or hold the plough, or sow the soil? Around your ale and cider deal? Or, bind the fleece on sheering days? The heap of ruddy apples raise? And bid young vegetation thrive ? The pink and sweet ca nation too- O, come, and share my cot with me! But hark! the fishers' hasty tread! The nets are on the pebbles spread; The May-poles on the beach are seen : The mack'rel shoals are coming in ; Soon, soon shall all be mirth and love, From Chick'rell Sands, to Chiswell Cove! "When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out at the window," says the English proverb: and Mr. H. is not so far gone in ideal pastoralism, as to fancy that his nymphs and swains, being Bri-thought-in the last stanza but one, we tish flesh and blood, can live without victuals and drink. Good hearty farmers in all parts of our island may be very comfortable people; but then they must work for it; and while Mr. H. recommends industry to young men and maidens, we shall recommend his poesy. I have a cottage in the glen, Beneath a pear-tree's ample shade, No liveried slaves to wait on thee; -If thou wilt share this cot with me. Parents of sordid mind have said, We cannot live on love alone; But Industry shall lend its aid, And Competence shall be our own. I know we cannot live on Love; And cause her artless heart to break. cannot conceive.-Before we leave Mr. And stay, and breakfast here with me! The owner will attend my suit, And for my sake the plund'rer spare. Charm'd me, in boyhood's idle days! For shades and solitudes like these, other men of eminence, by reducing the most contributed to bring it into general notice science to a still more systematical form, have in Germany. In other countries the progress of Statistics as a particular science has been more slow. The present Volume contains a series of questions, observations, &c. intended to facilitate the acquirement of statistical knowledge, forming a syllabus for lectures; and intended to assist the inquiries of inexperienced travellers. This little work affords good hints for the advancement of the study it recomcumstances that deserve the attention of mends; and points out a number of cirpolitical inquirers. The study itself is important to those who wish to be fully informed of the character and abilities of states: which, in times like the present, is of peculiar interest. Our author wishes Statistics should be publicly taught in our universities, as it is in some abroad. The addition of a complete list of works on the subject, published in our own language, British reader. It might be too much, to would have been very advantageous to the expect a syllabus of the information comcated by ingenious foreigners: but could it be obtained, we should esteem it highly. The history of Statistics (says Mr B.) may be traced to the ancients. It was a practice common among them to enrich their historical and geographical writings with an account of the political state of the country which they described, or whose history they related.The works of Xenophon, Aristotle, and Tacitus, afford incontrovertible proofs that they held statistical knowledge in high esteem. An example so praiseworthy was soon followed at the revival of letters. Towards the latter end of the sixteenth century, the ambassadors of the republic of Venice began to address to their senate circumstantial reports of the political state of the several countries in which they resided. These reports, which Sansovino collected in 1567, induced other intelligent travellers to publish their remarks upon the nations they had visited. In England, the immortal Bacon (whose genius has justly been compared by a French writer, to that heathen god with two heads, one of which was turned towards past ages, and the other towards ages to come), wrote the first statistical work of any importance, under the title of State of Europe, about the year 1580. Numbers of similar publications created a taste for Statistics. Whatever had been written relative to a country in ephemeral productions, was carefully collected; works too diffuse were abridged. By degrees, statistical knowledge was brought into a system, and publicly taught in the German universities. Conring at Helmstædt in the dutchy of Brunswick-Lunebourg, was the first profes-foreign verse; but that immense length of sor of Statistics. He left a statistical work, line which may be tolerable in the Ger-· intitled, Hermanni Conringii Opus posthumum de Notitia Rerumpublicarum hodier-man, will not, in our opinion, ever narum; which is found in the third volume of his writings. After him the science fell again into neglect, until the year 1726, when Everhard Otto of Utrecht revived the reading of academical lectures on Statistics. A Latin work which he published was the first that quoted the sources of its information. Everhardi Ottonis Notitia præcipuarum Europe Rerumpublicarum. Editio quarta. Trajecti ad Rhenum 1739. 8vo. Since that time, Busching and De Beausobre, at Berlin, Achenwall, Schlötzer, Gatterer, Grelhman and Mensel, at Göttingen, Sprengel at Halle, Normann at Rostock, and several VOL. V. [Lit Pan. March, 1809.] Poems with an Hexametrical Translation of Part of the Second Book of Klopstock's Messiah. By F. W. Cronhelm. Crown 8vo pp. 200. Price 5s. Longman & Co. London. THE writer of these poems is of foreign descent, we presume a Swede; his ear is accustomed to the modulation of become popular in the English. The slowest measure that our language admits is the alternate rhyme of Gray's Elegy. The pauses and stops also, of our verses, do not resemble those of the German, or fall gracefully in the same places. From these hints, the writer will gather our opinion on the prospect of success in his proposed version; but we would not discourage his study of English verse: as we think some of his sonnets, after receiving the allowances they may justly claim, are not without merit. 2 Q |