country; but the wise regulations he had introduced perished with him. The mines of Kolivan scarcely produce at present half what they did in his time.

The general had also made many small rivers navigable. He caused them to be cleansed every year. Hence water-carriage was introduced at a trifling expence; but all these advantages ceased at his death.

3

vate treasury, 50,000 roubles in gold. An immense quantity of copper is not included in this calculation, neither are the expenses of working the mines, the pay of the officers, charges for buildings, embankments and tools. The general left also 600,000 roubles in silver coinage, when the intrigues of his enemies obliged him to give up his situation. The upright and incorruptible Yhrmann had long become the object of the fear and The judicious working of the mines was not jealousy of Prince Wiasemsky, the imperial the only service Yhrmann rendered the state, grand treasurer, and Alsonfiew, one of the The small-pox, formerly unknown in Sibe cabinet ministers. As he set insurmountable ria, had been brought into the country by bounds to their avarice, they meditated his the Russians, and spread its ravages among ruin. His conduct, however, furnished no the inhabitants, inferior only to the plague. pretext; Catharine knew him personally, The natives considered this disorder as and placed entire confidence in him. Wia- scourge of heaven; and mothers abandoned semsky and Alsonfiew held under the crown their offspring when attacked with it. To the exclusive privilege of supplying Siberia its destructive influence must be attributed with brandy. They increased the number of the immense depopulation within these public drinking houses, and their profits were last fifty years. One of the first cares immense. Any gentleman, who had busi- of the General was to apply a remedy. ness with the senate, sent his peasants and by introducing inoculation. The supervalets two or three times a week to get drunk stition of the inhabitants presented obsta at Prince Wiasemsky's public-houses, by cles almost invincible, and force was as neway of recommending himself to the Prince's cessary as persuasion. He ordered to be asstewards, and to curry his favour. These sembled at Barnaoul, the capital of Kolivan, two avaricious ministers wished likewise to between two and three hundred children open public-houses near the mines, where with their parents, and all the chiefs of the the number of workmen promised an abun- Tatar, Kalmuk, and Kirguis tribes, scattered dant consumption. The general, well aware throughout the neighbourhood. He had an of the tippling disposition of that class of only daughter, not three years old; he took inen, and above all of the injury which her in his arms, and in the presence of the would accrue to the mines, had fortified him- whole assembly, had her inoculated in the self with an ukase, prohibiting public-houses open air by Dr. Kysing. The operation was within his jurisdiction. He ordered the dai-highly successful. The natives, not daring ly distribution to each miner of two glasses of brandy, before and after work, which was a sufficient allowance; and by this means he avoided the excess and disorders attendant on indulgence in that pernicious beverage. Consequently, he strongly opposed the views of those disorganising ministers. At first, they attempted persuasive measures, and at last had the effrontery to offer him a share in the profits. His noble spirit rejected their proposals with indignation; and he declared that, without a special order from the empress, he would never consent to the esta blishment of public-houses, the destructive effects of which he strongly depicted. The ministers did not think proper to solicit such au order; but they found means of representing Yhrmann as a man quite intractible and capricious. He found himself constantly mor tified and harrassed, and, at last, demanded his. recall, which he obtained in 1780. He died soon after, almost in a state of poverty, at a small villa, the only fruit of his labours. After his death public-houses were opened, the miners got drunk, negligence and fraud ensued, and the mines diminished in propor-invaluable gift of Providence to those countion. The activity, disinterestedness, and humanity of this amiable officer had rendered him beloved in that distant and uncivilized

to resist the example of their governor, submitted, though with reluctance. Among 11,000 children inoculated that year by the doctor, two only died. This fact is recorded in the books of the college of physicians in Petersburgh, and the child, who was inoculated, is now the wife of Col. Masson, the author of Memoirs on Russia.

ON THE UTILITY OF THE BIRCH TREE.

To the Editor of the Literary Panorama. SIR,-You some time ago entertained us with an account of the virtues, academical

and juridical, of the birch tree and its twigs. Most of your readers, I suppose, renewed their acquaintance with the subject when perusing that paper; but it may not be known to all of them, that the natural virtues of the birch are both numerous and im

portant; and that, in some parts, it is, if not the staff of life, yet one of the principal resources of life for comforts. Give me leave, therefore, to transmit you a description of the advantages derived from this tree by the hardy

natives of the north; and to instance it as an

tries where it is abundant.

* Compare Panorama, Vol. IV. p. 134.

*

Who would imagine that the birch, a tree for the supply. I was lately ruminating on apparently the most barren, and one of the this subject, and, with Jaques, was chewmost neglected in those favoured climes where ing the cud of sweet and bitter fancy," when fruit trees grow wild, was so valuable and I determined to string a few thoughts togeuseful in the north? Without this tree, ther for the use of my favourite work, the, Finlaud, Ingria, and Esthonia would per- PANORAMA. I therefore beg your acceptatice haps be deserted; for it furnishes the, saine of a "cud" of recollectious on that common resources to the natives of those provinces, article at our tables, salt; and I the rather that the coroa-nut tree does to the Indians. select this, because I formerly sent you some The Finlanders, especially, almost subsist on remarkable accounts of the fondness of anithis productive tree. Of the wood they mals for this production, to which I beg make their waggons and agricultural imple- leave to refer as no improper introduction to ments. The outward bark, being impene. the present paper. To account for the foodtrable by water, serves to cover their huts. ness of animals for salt, I suppose, exceeds the Of the second bark they make cords, mats, observation, perhaps the suggestion, of man; and cloaks to protect them from the rain; yet the fact is extremely well supported by they also weave it into baskets, sandals, and evidence. Animals, which by nature are relight shoes, and all kinds of domestic utensils. sident on plains distant far enough from any The buds nourish them in times of scarcity, coast, and which appear to be destined to and are often mixed with rye bread. The feed altogether on fresh herbage, to drink soft internal bark is also ground into flour. fresh water, and to enjoy the fresh dews of Heath cocks, and all those birds which win-heaven, yet are fond of salt.-We cannot ac ter in the north, feed on the buds. Of the sap the Finlanders make a pleasant flavoured vinegar; the leaves produce a yellow dye; the gum is considered as a delicacy, and in many cases recommended as a remedy; in short, the twigs are manufactured into baskeis; and a female never goes to the bath without carrying a branch of birch as a fla. gellum, and to serve as a fig leaf when she comes out of the water.

It ought to be added, that the construction of birch canoes on the lakes and rivers of

N. America, enables the navigators of those waters to pursue their voyages; which they could not do unless aided by the impermea bility of the birch bark to water; while it is so-light of burden, that canoes made of it are easily carried over the portages, and so from one lake, or river, to another. The gum of the birch tree is of the utmost utility in stopping the cracks or damages made in the body of the canoe, and thus this tree alone supplies the demands of the navigator and the means of intercourse among the inhabitants of these regions. I am, yours, &c. JUNIUS.

count for this predilection, any more than for the fondness of the cat for fish; a fact demonstrated daily in our kitchens; but, whence arises this powerfully expressed and urgent fondness;-what relation there is between the taste of this food, and the longings of an animal so completely anti-aquatic as the cat, has often puzzled my imagination; and, unluckily, continues to puzzle, not mine only, but that of wiser philosophers than I am.

Salt appears, on the first mention of it, to be a preparation completely artificial, since we do not obtain it without great labour: and, it might be thought, that animals could have no more anticipatory gusto for this relishing article, than cats can have for fishes immersed in an element, which forbids all access to them by the feline race: But, perhaps, on farther inquiry, w shall find, that anong other beneficial results from the extensive prevalence of salts and saline principles over so great a proportion of the globe there may be some reference to the enjoy ments of animals; nay, possibly, of vegetables also, for who knows how far sea breezes may be salutary to plants of various kinds, distributed in different places, though native, of apparently fresh and only fresh-propertied plains?

It is true, that there are in divers places mines of rock salt; but animals, most sure

To the Editor of the Literary Panorama. SIR,I dare say it has not escaped your observation, that the full value of the mostly, never had access to these and those common things with which we are acquainted, is very inadequately considered, and, indeed, is very imperfectly understood among us. There are many articles of our daily sustenance, or to which we are beholden for daily services, that nevertheless we are too familiar with to treat with due respect. Providence is kinder to us in supplying our wants, than we are to ourselves in our esteem

rocks, or hills, or even mountains of salt that are known and distinguished by coming into open day, are so extremely rare, that the wildest theory cannot attribute to animals even the faintest recollection of them. Neither can it be thought that this disposi

Compare Panorama, Vol. II. p. 593 and 591.

1

327]

On the Partiality of certain Animals for Salt.

tion in animals is the effect of a depraved
taste, produced by their intercourse with
man for those which never have been
within the sphere of such intercourse, yet
manifest this disposition.

[328

is ordered, that with the meal, of whatever kind, they are fed with daily, a few grains of salt should be added. Salt, says the writer, is of essential service to all eattle, and to every kind of fowl. It prevents diseases, and renders the flesh of animals more wholesome. ment of it by their sprightliness after having Those to whom it is given shew their enjoyreceived it.

Cattle, on some parts of the sea coast of our island, though they cannot subsist wholly on salt water, yet will watch the recess of the tide, and feed on marine productions. This is a regular practice among them in the Hebrides, in places where the pasture is less luxuriant. experience has convinced me of the usefulThe writer proceeds: Especially this year's The wild asses that inhabit the deserts of Persia, in the neighbourhood of the Caspian have experienced has deprived the cattle and ness of salt. The constant dryness that we Sea, are tempted to visit the borders of that poultry of their succulent food; they grazed salt water lake, in order to lick up salt from on a herbage void of all relish. They have its banks, or to enjoy the delicious draught even been foddered in the shed, as if it were afforded by its waves. of this disposition we have in Professor Gme-imparted some relish to their food, and has A particular account winter. The salt that I have given them has lin's account of the Onager, or Wild Asses, that he bought for the Enipress of Russia, and that were sent to. Petersburgh after the Professor's death. The account was drawn up by Professor Pallas from Gmelin's papers.

The female-which, only, survived the journey often passed two days without drinking, especially in moist weather, or when very heavy dews fell. She also preferred brackish water to fresh-she loved bread sprinkled with salt; and sometimes would eat a handful of salt. I was told, that, when at Derbent, she always ran to drink of the Caspian Sea, though fresh water was nearer to her. plants impregnated with saline particles: She also selected and, on the whole, she manifested a decided desire for this tasteful gratification.

May I transgress so far, by way of digression, as to remark, that, in that exquisite epitome of natural history, the book of Job, this inclination of the Wild Ass is marked, though it does not appear in our public translation? Job, xxxix. 5.

Who hath sent out free the Wild Ass?-Parah.
Or who hath loosed from bands the Wild Ass?

Orud.

tended to obviate the disadvantages connected given salt mingled with bran to rabbits; and with the absence of humidity. I have also they have thriven upon it remarkably. It which is occasioned by the formation of a has also preserved them from that disorder bladder in the stomach, which fills with wasalt to late fallen lambs, which have come forter, and suffocates them. I have also given ward so well, in consequence, as to be ready for shearing at the same time as those born in February: and I have observed with great satisfaction that the yolk was much stronger on the wool, than on that of those to which countries, the shepherds, before they lead no salt had been given. In the southern out their flocks, scatter salt on stones placed long on in these stones. for that purpose: the sheep scramble heador four times in a month. This is done three

those parts than in our own country; the The scab, also, is much less frequent in custom of giving salt contributing greatly to this exemption.

If such be the beneficial effects of this miDeral on the animals, our fellow-creatures, we may naturally expect it should produce analogous effects on man; and, indeed,

For whose habitation I have allotted the wilder- that it does so we have sufficient evidence;

ness,

And the saltings for his dwellings?

These saltings are in our version rendered "barren land," by which this very descriptive particular is overlooked.*

It is very well known, that the Merino breed of sheep have a regular allowance of salt distributed to them statedly; and that this is supposed to contribute essentially to the permanence of their health. thought also to contribute to their cheerfulIt is

ness.

Among the directions lately given for the fattening of poultry, by a French breeder, it

but I know no more remarkable or decisive health of the public than what has lately been instance of its extensive influence on the observed in France.

reputation and well known skill, affirm, po-
Many physicians, men of distinguished
sitively, that since the French revolution,
among the poorer classes of the people, by
the more customary and regular use of salt
of its present cheapness, has

reason
VERY GREATLY DIMINISHED

CONTAGIOUS

DISEASES. This is surely a very important fact, which demands inquiry, and marked consideration; for if the public health be affected by the dearness of this article, occa* Vide Scripture Illustrated, on Job,xxxix. statesman, to deserve well of his country, sioned by taxation, then it will follow that a

tleman who was last in possession of the estate. The tradition of his having lived there is current among the villagers: one of them shewed us a ruinous wall that made part of his chamber, and I was much pleased with another, who had forgotten the name of Milton, but recollected him by the title of The Poet."

It must not be omitted, that the groves near this village are famous for nightingales, which are so elegantly described in the Pensoroso. Most of the cottage windows are overgrown with sweet-briars, vines, and honey-suckles; and that Milton's habitation had the same rustic ornament, we may conclude from his description of the lark bidding him good-morrow,

Thro' the sweet-briar, or the vine,
Or the twisted eglantine:

Accordingly, young Cimarosa was placed with one of these, where his employment was that of fetching in the bread intended to be baked in his master's oven. The celebrated singer Aprilo, was one of his customers. He belonged to that class of singers, which the courtesy of dilettanti has denominated musici; and had carried his art to that extent, as almost degenerated into abuse. Young Cimarosa, in whom the taste for music began to shew itself, had observed the time when Aprilo usually exercised his vocal talents accompanied by the epinette, (a small piano, or harpsichord, placed on a table) and this was the time he fixed on to fetch Aprilo's bread. On such occasions, secreting himself in a corner of a pussage adjoining the apartment of the singer, he attentively listened to this charming virtuoso, during the whole time of his practice; and in some measure forgot the errand he was sent on. Aprilo having for a pupil a young girl named La Teresina, about eight years of age, whose rising musical talens he admired, and therefore wished to cultivate, our young hero was so much fascinated with her lesson one day that he totally her master's apartment, had more than once forgot his business. Teresina, on quitting surprised the youth, lost, as it were, in a musical reverie; and by her interrogations, had prevailed on him to acknowledge his irresistible infatuation by that science which he was afterwards to exercise with so much celebrity. As he was a young man of good appearance, the young lass often indulged herself in prattle with him. She questioned him. Why are you so continually concealing yourself in We remember a pleasing picture by Jones, this dark hole?-Because I listen with extacy. a View of this Farm House, Milton's Retire--Are you so fond of music?—I love it enment: Mortimer added the figures, which re-thusiastically.-Do you understand music ? presented hay-makers, as described by the poet. This may prove a hint, perhaps, to some emulative landscape engraver.

for it is evident, that he meant a sort of honey-suckle by the eglantine; though that word is commonly used for the sweet-briar, which he could not mention twice in the same couplet.

We may add, that Milton has been accused of coining one verse for another's sake," in the couplet,

Then to come, in spite of sorrow,

And at my window bid good morrow.

but if, as tradition has asserted, he retired hither from a contagious sickness, then he may rationally be supposed to have alluded to real sorrows; and his sensibility becomes an additional heightening to his poetry.

PARTICULARS OF THE LIFE OF THE CELE-
BRATED MUSICAL COMPOSER, CIMAROSA.

A comic opera under the title of Cimarosa having been brought out at the Parisian Opera, the French papers have availed themselves of the opportunity to furnish some account of that celebrated composer. The particulars are contained in a letter from an intimate acquaintance of his, who resided long with him at Naples, and speaks from personal knowledge.

No, my father is not rich enough to indulge me with a master.-Do you think he would let you come to one of our Conservatories, if you had free admission ?-Powerful friends are necessary for that; we have none such.-But supposing my master, Sig. Aprilo, should procure your admission?-Ah, that would complete my happiness could I but become a teacher of music! could I in my turn but compose such beautiful pieces of music as those which I never hear without feeling the greatest enthusiasm and emotion ! No, I shall never enjoy such happiness. Have you a good voice? Do you sing ?— Sometimes. I suppose you would be very well satisfied, continued Teresina, with simDomenico Cimarosa was son of a shoe-ma-plicity, if you could sing as well as Aprilo.ker at Naples. His father had destined him to be a baker. The then prevailing custom in that city was, for the inhabitants to knead their own bread, yet they were not allowed to bake it themselves, but were obliged to send it to one of the parochial ovens belonging to the privileged company of city bakers.

I wish I could; replied Cimarosa, gazing at her with the eyes of a young man of seventeen; then with a downcast look continuing, I wish I could sing as well as he, but not exactly like him. Teresina, was too young to observe this distinction; but she reported this conversation to her master, who ordered Ci