mal, I was, by his perfuafions, induced to make a third and laft attempt in company with him. Thus, having once more difcovered the fnake, we difcharged both our pieces at once, and with this good effect, that he was now, by one of us, fhot through the head. David, who was made completely happy by this fucceistul conclufion, ran leaping with joy, and loft no time in bringing the boatrope, in order to drag him down to the cance; but this again proved not a very eaty undertaking, i:nce the creature, notwithstanding its being mortally wounded, fil continued to wreath and twist about in fuch a manner as rendered it dangerous for any perfon to approach him. The negro, however, having made a running noofe on the rope, after fome fruitlefs attempts to make an approach, threw it over his head with much dexterity; and now, all taking hold of the rope, we dragged him to the beach, and tied him to the ftern of the canoe, to take him in tow. Being ftill alive, he kept fwimming like an eel; and I having no relifh for fuch a fipmate on board, whofe length (notwithitanding, to my aftonishment, all the negroes declared it to be but a young one come to about half its growth) I found, upon meafuring it, to be twenty-two feet and fome inches, and its thicknefs about that of my black boy Quaco, who might then be about twelve years old, and round whose waift I fince measured the creature's skin.

This

with above four gallons of fine clarified fat, or rather oil, though there was wafted, perhaps, as much more. I delivered to the furgeons at Devil's Harwar, for the ufe of the wounded inen in the hofpital, for which I received their hearty thanks; it being confidered, particularly for bruifes, a very, excellent remedy. When I fignified my surprise to fee the fnake ftill living after he was deprived of his inteftines and fkin, Caramaca, the old negro, whether from experience or tradition, affured me he would not die till after funfet. The negroes now cut him in flices, in order to drefs and feast on him, they all declaring that he was exceedingly good and wholetome, but, to their great mortification, I refufed to give my concurrence, and we rowed down with the fkin to Devil's Harwar.

"Being arrived along-fide of the Charon, the next confideration was how to difpofe of this immenfe animal; when it was at length defermined to bring him on fhore at Barbacoeba, to have him fkinned, and take out the oil, &c. In order to effect this purpofe, the negro David, having climbed up a tree with the end of the rope, let it down over a strong forked bough, and the other negroes hoisted up the fnake, and fufpended him from the tree. This done, David, with a fharp knife between his teeth, now left the tree, and clung faft upon the monfter which was ftill twifting, and began his operations by ripping it up, and ftripping down the skin as he defcended. Though I perceived that the animal was no longer able to do him any injury, I confefs I could not without emotion fee a man stark naked, black and bloody, clinging with arms and legs round the flimy and yet bleeding monfter. This labour, however, was not without its ufe, fince he not only dextroufiy finifhed the operation, but provided me, befides the kin,

"Of this fpecies feveral skins are preferved in the British and Mr. Parkinfon's Mufeums. It is called by Mr. Weftly Lyboija, and Boa in the British Encyclopædia, to which publication I refer the reader for the perfect account, and an excellent engraving of this wonderful creature, which, in the Colony of Surinam, is called Aboma. Its length, when full grown, is faid to be fometimes forty feet, and more than four feet in circumference; its colour is a greenish black on the back; a fine brownish yellow on the fides, and a dirty white under the belly; the back and fides being spotted with irregular black rings, with a pure white in the middle. Its head is broad and flat, fmall in proportion to the body, with a large mouth, and a double row of teeth; it has two bright prominent eyes, covered all over with fcales, fome about the fize of a hilling; and under the body, near the tail, armed with two ftrong claws, like cock-fpurs, to help it in feizing its prey. phibious animal, that is, it delights in low and marthy places, where it lies coiled. up like a rope, and concealed under mois, rotten timber, and dried leaves, to feize its prey by furprize, which from its im mente bulk it is not active enough to purfue. When hungry it will devour any animal that comes within its reach, and is indifferent whether it is a floth, a wild boar, a ftag, or even a tiger; round which having twifted itfelf by the help of its claws, fo that the creature cannot efcape, it breaks, by its irrefutible force, every bone in the animal's body, which it then covers over with a kind of flime or flaver from its mouth, to make it fide; and, at last, gradually fucks it

It is an am

in,

in till it difappears after this the Aboma cannot fhift its fituation, on account of the great knob of knot which the fwallowed prey occafions in that part of the body where it retts, till it is digefted; for till then it would hinder the fnake from fliding along the ground. During that time the Abema wants no other fubfiftence. I have been told of negroes being devoured by this animal, and am difpofed to credit the account; for fhould they chance to come within its reach when hungry, it would as certainly feize them as any other animal. I do not apprehend that its fleth, which is very white, and looks like that of fish, is in any refpect perni cious to the ftomach. I fhould bave had no objection to the negroes eating it till it was confumed, had I not obferved a kind of diflatisfaction among the remaining marines, who would not have been pleafed with my giving the negroes the ule of the kettle to boil it. The bite of this fake is faid not to be venomous; nor do I believe it bites at all from any other impulfe than that of hunger."

The preceding account is embellished with a very good print, reprefenting the fnake fufpended from a tree, and the negro, fixed on the upper part of its vaft body, in the act of ripping it up, while two others are holding it aloft by means of the rope.

That we may finish in this place all that remains to be faid of this extraordinary animal, we will here fubjoin, though it be in the Second Volume, what Captain

Stedman adds concerning another fake of this fpecies, though not from his own perfonal knowledge:

"Who would believe, that almost a whole detachment of eighty marines, one day marching through a thick wood, imagined, to a man, that they were stepping one after another over a large fallen tree, that obftructed their way, till at length it began to move, and proved to be no other than a full-grown ferpent of the Aboma kind, measuring, according to Colonel Fourgeond's computation, between thirty and forty feet in length; yet this is an indubitable truth. The above animal was neither killed nor hurt; the Colonel ordering the remaining party to form in a half circle and march around it, in order that they themselves, at the fame time, might efcape every danger from the moniter's matchlefs ftrength."

It may be obferved of thefe two accounts, that they contribute to confirm each other, both with respect to the extreme indolence of this gigantic reptile, and to its indifpofition to do mischief, unless provoked by hunger. It is faid to fubfift chiefly on the imaller noxious animals, which abound in fultry and marfly foils. M. Adamfon conjectures, probably enough, in his "Voyage up the River Senegal," that its ufe may be to diminish and keep down that proli fic breed, which, in a genial climate, might otherwife increafe to a multitudinous and mischievous excess.

(To be continued.)

A

S the profligate forgery of which this Pamphlet is the fubject is now univerfally admitted, we expected that the Author, Mr. Ireland, fen. (admitting him to have been the dupe of his fon) would have shewn fomne concern at having been the instrument of fan&tik ning such a fraud; fome regret at having occasioned so many respectable characters to expofe their credulity; or fome refentment aga nft the Author (though his fon) of fo fcandalous an impofition. We even looked for fome propofl of reftitution of the money obtained under the false pretence of the Manufcripts being the genuine productions of Shakspeare. Circumftanced as this Author is

at prefent, moderation and modefty might certainly have been deman led; but thefe qualities, we are ferry to fay, are not to be found in this vindication of himself. On the contrary, with a rage very unfavourable to the idea of innocence, he reproaches Mr. M.Jone with having timed the publication of his detection, in order to influence the public opinion re fpecting Vortigern. We believe Mr Malone has not that merit to boast of, but that it was the mere effect of chance. If he really had fuch a defign, the public will, and Mr. Ireland ought as an innocent man, to acknow ledge his obligation to him, for defeating by any means the plan of the impudent forger. With the conviction he bad of the fraud in agitation, fince confirmed by the event, be certainly was warranted in every measure he might pursue to counteract the impofition; but, as we have already observed, we believe he has ro claim to any applaufe on that

ground.

8vo. 1797.

A Treatise on Nervous Diseases, in which are introduced Jome Obfervations on the Structure and Functions of the Nervous System; and fuch an Invelization of the Symptoms and Causes of these Dicales as may lead to a rational and fuccessful Method of Cure. By Sayer Walker, M. D. 8vo. Phillips.

Dr. Walker does not profefs to treat systematically of thofe difeafes which are claffed under Spafmi and Debilitates by Sauvages, or under Neuroses by Dr.Cullen ; but of fymptoms which are more nearly or more remotely connected with each of them; so observing that these fymptoms occur in patients who have never been vifited by a diftinct paroxism of either of thefe difeafes, it became neceffary to give a general hiftory of them in the manner in which they most usually occur, and without any regard to a particular nofological arrangement Accordingly, "after fome remarks on the ftructure and functions of the nervous fyftem, a large detail is given of fenfations defcribed by the patient, or symptoms which have occurred to the notice of the practitioner. There are arranged under the different functions which are affected by them; and the morbid state of the circulating, respiratory, and other actions of the fyftem, as influenced by thefe difeafes, is pointed out. The fubjects most liable to the influence of thefe complaints, from fome peculiarity of tempe." rament, are defcribed; and, in connection with this, fome of the caufes which operate more immediately or more remotely in the production of the difeafes are enumerated. In treating of the method of cure, the attention is first directed to the general circumstances under which the difeafe ap. pears, or with which it may be more immediately connected; and afterwards the more particular mode of obviating urgent symptoms is pointed out, and such an attention to regi. men and diet is recommended as may confire, with the ufe of proper medicines, graGually to conduct the patient to the enjoyment of health and vigour," Such is the account given by Dr. Walker of the contents of this book, which will be found tfeful both to the practitioner and the patient, the latter of whom by the perufal of it may be "diverted from an improper dependence upon noftrums and fancied fpecifics, and directed to feek the aid of medicine under judicious and well regulated exhibition of

This venerable bard, after delighting the public more than half a century, full of years and literary féme, at the age of near 72, 08fers to the world the prefent Volume, confifting of a few occafional Odes, &c. which he had before published feparately, but which could not be inferted in the laft edition of his Poems, in two Volumes, 1796, without too much increasing their fize. To these are added fuch as have stolen into the world furreptitiously, and others (chiefly juvenile compofitions), which he was aware exted in manuscripts in the hands of different per fons; and two Dramas, which had received the approbation of certain poetical and critical friends of unquestioned judgment, many of them fince dead. Most of these pieces will be received with pleasure by every reader of tafte. The Dramas are, firft, "Sappho," a lyrical performance in three acts, which we have heard was formerly fet to mufic by Giardini; it has not, however, been reprefented on the Stage. The fecond, entitled, "Argentile and Curan," is a legendary drama, written about the year 1766 on the old English model, and is taken fron Warner's "Albion's England." This piece, though probably intended for the Stage, has never been offered to it; though we think, with fome alteration, it would be not unlikely to fucceed.

Having already noticed the former Volumes of this work in our Magazines, Vol. XXIII. p.32.and Vol. XXVIII. p. 30. and 261. we thall on the prefent occafion only observe, that Mr. Lyfons has now completed his laborious undertaking in a manner as creditable to himself, as we doubt not it will be fatisfactory to the public. The fame industry in collecting, aud the fame judgment in felection, are here difplayed as in the former Volumes, and some overfights and omiffions are in the Appendix rectified and supplied.

Moral and Religious Publications. Marshall and

White, London; and Hazard, Bath.

Two Volumes of finall Tracts, originally iffued at the small prices of one halfpenny or one penny, and feldom exceeding twopence, have lately come under our obfervation; and we have a pleasure in recommending them to our readers as better calculated for the improvement and instruction of youth of

both

both fexes in the inferior ranks of fociety, than any works we have met with intended for the fame benevolent purposes. "Most of the tracts are made entertaining," fays the Trea furer of the Society inftituted for the circu lation of them," with a view to fupplant the corrupt and vicious little books and ballads, which have been hung out at windows in the most alluring forms, or hawked through town and country, and have been found fo highly mischievous to the community, as to require every attention to counteract them."

The plan of this laudable undertaking, if we are not misinformed, originated with Mifs Hannah More; and fome of the histories and tales, all calculated to promote industry, mo. rality, and religion, are probably the compofition of that elegant writer. Two millions of them have been printed within the year, befides great numbers in Ireland. That the circulation may be extended into every part of the British dominions must be the with of every one who regards the true interests of fociety.

In the fame city Jack Churly, who had formerly been an Engifh failor, is now the porter of the Gaol. Churly gets into a quarrel with three Neapolitan foldiers, who feem difpefed to lay violet hands on him ; but in the moment when he is likely to become the victim of their fury, the Count arrives, and finding he cannot fave Churly without being known, he difcovers himself to the foldiers, and they retire.-Churly is fo impreffed with gratitude for this generous protection at fuch a perilous time, that he pants for an opportunity of ferving the Count in return. The other foldiers who had been on the watch for the Count follow him close, and at length get poffeffion of their prey. The Count is thrown into the prifon of which Churly is the porter. The Countess vitits. her husband in confinement, and his children are brought to the prifon, and all are funk into the deepest dejection, on account of his impending fate. Churly, however, advises the Count to change clothes with him, in crder to escape as porter of the Prifon; but the Count, conceiving that Churly would then fuffer instead of himself, refifts all attempts to make him kave another to fuffer a death intended for himfelf. At length, however, Churly prevails, the Count receives proper directions how to pafs the guard, and he gets fafely out of prifon. Churly then defires the Countess to bind his arm behind, him, and fix him with the rope to the staple in the wall. This done, he fets up a loud cry to call the guards, who enter, while the Countess, counfelled by Churly, holds a stiletto over him, as if she had been an accomplice in the escape of her husband. The Guards take Churly into custody to account for his condu&t: but the money which Churly finds in the pocket of the Count's coat, enables him to efcape with the Countefs to a farm belonging to her husband within the limits of the Roman States, where they are all

fafe

fafe. Charly, of courfe, is received by the Count's tenants with the moft cordial zeal. He finds his wife among them, and the Count promifing to give him a reward for his generous fervices, the Piece concludes with the happiness of all parties.

This Opera is not, like the generality of after-pieces, a work of humour, but contains many interesting and pathetic incidents. It was received with great applause. The Mufic is partly compiled from the Italian, and partly new by Kelly, who has shewn much tafte in the selection. The performers all exerted themselves with effect.

HAY MARKET.

During the month of January THE BatTLE OF EDDINGTON, a Tragedy, by John Pern, Efq. which had already been published, was acted two or three times by fuch a company as could be collected together at this Theatre. Much cannot be faid in favour of the performers, and, therefore, the full effect of the performance could not be felt. The author, who is a man of fortune, we prefume paid the expences of the reprefentation, and certainly lost no credit by his liberality.

FEB. 9. THE EARL OF WARWICK, and THE SPOILED CHILD, were acted at this Theatre for the benefit of Mrs. Yates (whofe unfortunate catastrophe we recorded in our laft Volume, page 227,228), and her infant family. The house, with the characteriftic liberality of the English nation, was very fuil; and the performers, though far from excellent, appeared to do their best. After the play, the following Address, written by Mr. Roberts, the artist, was spoken by Mrs. Yates:

Robb'd of a Parent, ere they knew his worth, Each pleafing profpe&t clouded in its birth; Oh, may their hard and hapless lot attain Your kind protection:-fhall they fue in vain?

Ah, no:-for Britons, generous as brave, With rapture fly to fuccour and to fave.-My grateful heart expands with new delight, GRIEF and DESPAIR fhall wing their devious flight:

Fair HOPE, ferenely fmiling. fills my breast, And lulls each anxious thought to balmy reft, 'Tis yours, ye liberal Patrons, yours the praife,

To you the hymn of Gratitude I raise : Your genial kindnefs fwells this throbbing heart

With extacy, and blunts MISFORTUNE'S

dart.

Bleft with your fmiles, I breathe, I live again, With juch Protectors how can I complain!

PROLOGUE

TO THE NEW COMEDY OF

A CURE FOR THE HEART-ACHE, Written by T. W. FITZGERALD, Efq.

WHEN invalids poffefs both faith and wealth,

They'll find a noftrum to restore their health;
A panacea advertised to cure

Each ill the human body can endure;
But our bold author claims a nobler art,
And advertises to relieve-THE HEART.
So many patients he expects to see,
Now then, your mental maladies explain,
That I'm appointed as his deputy.
And I'll remove, or mitigate the pain ;

paft,

The far more arduous task's reserved at last. Opprefs'd with Gratitude, permit me here To breathe the dictates of a heart fincere ; Cheer'd by your kindness, e'en amidit my

Revenge inflame, ambition gnaw your breaft?
For jealoufy, a fovereign balm behold,
The hufband's certain cure, a pill of Gold;
This dofe administer'd with prudent care,
Difpels at once the frailties of the fair;
Deprives the Proctor of his crim-con fee,
And tunes the chord that jars to harmony;
Should Love torment fome Romeo's heate
brain,

Or agonize a Juliet's breast with pain,
Let them my potent remedy apply,
The maid fhall cease to pine, the youth to

figh;

Gold fhall restore each drooping lover's health,
And passion find a substitute in wealth,
But let not ill-tim'd ridicule degrade
What Heaven, when well-applied, a blessing
made.

To fofter merit wherefoever found,
And with improvement cheer a country
round;
R

To