convenience of loading and unloading the ships that crowd this port, and bring wealth and industry to the inhabitants. The trade of this city is very extensive: its exchange is plain building, supported by seven Tuscan lumas. The cathedral is venerable for its ntiquity, but heavy and gloomy. This lace is famous for its loyalty to James II. and the long siege it sustained in his favour gainst the troops of William III. Beyond Limerick the Shannon ceases to be navigable: its course is interrupted by cks and shallow cascades; but at Castle onnel it forms a torrent, in the midst of which rise rugged crags. The beauty of the ace, and the company who came hither to ink the waters of a mineral spring, detained Mr. Franklin and the lads a few hours. asting the river, they came to Killaloe, here they saw the superb palace belonging the bishop; here also is a large cascade, just at the entrance of Lough-Derg, a lake which extends to the length of 30 miles, and is in some parts 12 or 15 broad. The stone bridge at this town has 18 arches; and at a little distance stands a round tower called O'Bryan's Palace. "The country improved as they advanced towards the confines of the two provinces of Munster and Connaught. "It happened that they passed the ruins of an ancient abbey, at a village called Abbey, on a holiday; a great number of people were as sembled in the church-yard, where the priests were hearing the confession of their sins; after this ceremony they repair to a sacred fountain just by, to wash away their defects by walking bare-legged through the water. After both these sacred rites are performed, they return home satisfied, not considering that repentance and amendment are the only means of attaining peace of mind." ART. XXIII. A Collection of Gloucestershire Antiquities. By SAMUEL LYSONS, F. R.S. and F.A. 3. Folio. pp. 38, and 110 prints. THIS elegant volume of interesting antiquities must be a treat to the conGisseur in ecclesiastical architecture. It comprehends a collection of one hundred and ten prints, representing a variety of ncient buildings, and other curious subects; the whole of which appear to have een drawn and engraved, or rather tched, by the author, who has also ven a very concise description of the protype of each plate. If these descripons had been more copious in historical and descriptive detail, the work would Live appeared more complete, and prov d much more satisfactory to the inquir. gmind. We particularly lament the revity of description, as we are assured at the author is not only well acquainted ith the antiquities of the county which e has undertaken to illustrate, but has e united advantages of that local and eneral knowledge, which, if properly serted, could not fail to give interest to e subject, and gratification to the reaer. We have already remarked, in our ccount of Mr. Rudge's History, that Houcestershire is peculiarly rich in ecesiastical antiquities: yet, though much as been published on its topography, its ncient architecture has never been satisIctorily described or displayed. Mr. ysons (who appears to be a native of le county) has undertaken to effect the tter; and we cannot help expressing a ish, that he may soon furnish us with e former. In an advertisement, he ates, that "This work is not offered >the public as a complete collection of the antiquities of Gloucestershire, I trust nevertheless it will be found to contain a considerable portion of them. I have endeavoured to select such specimens as show the greatest variety of styles of architecture, as well in ecclesiastical, as in other edifices. The plates, which I have etched from my own drawings, do not pretend to the character of finished engravings; I nevertheless flatter myself, that the manner in which they are executed will not be thought wholly inade. quate to the subjects.' In examining the contents of this volume, we find them very miscellaneous. Views of churches, interior and exterior, with detached parts and ornaments; va rious specimens of stained glass windows; fonts; mansion-houses; castles; abbeys; and fragments of antiquity, constitute the objects of representation. Some of these are drawn and etched with great taste, and appear to be portraits of curious subjects, and therefore highly interesting; but others have no particular feature of importance, or excellence of execution, to recommend them. We think that the author might also have given an arrangement to the subjects, or classed them in some order. Mr. Lysons, as "director" of the society of antiquaries, should set a worthy example to that body, and to all students in the science, of strict accuracy in the application of terms, of vigorously opposing vulgar prejudices, and a cautious solicitude to embellish, and give importance to those antiquarian works that come individually from him, or from the society under his direction. Wishing to see all the officers of that institution laudably zealous in the cause of our national antiquities, we shall always feel a pleasure in earnestly recommending and praising their useful works. The volume now under consideration will not permit us to offer specimens to the reader, as it consists wholly of plates, with short annexed descriptions; but those who are partial to the subject, can not fail to derive from it much amusement and gratification. We cannot conclude these remarks, without suggesting to Mr. Lysons the impropriety of using the term Gothic, after the public notice the antiquarian society has given of discontinuing that word entirely. See the History of Durham Cathedral, also a volume of Essays on "Gothic Ar chitecture," published by Mr. Taylor, Holborn. 8vo. 1802. ART. XXIV. Munimenta Antiqua; or, Observations on Ancient Castles. Including Re marks on the whole Progress of Architecture, ecclesiastical, as well as military, in Great Britain; and on the corresponding Changes in Manners, Laus, and Customs. Tending both to illustrate modern History, and to elucidate many interesting Passages in varivi antient classic Authors. By EDWARD KING, Esq. F. K. S. and A. S. Vol. III. folio. pp. 276. THIS volume being only a middle part of a large work, we shall merely announce it to the reader at present, and reserve to ourselves the privilege of analyzing and investigating the whole, when the fourth volume is published, which we are informed will be in the course of the present year. In the preface to the first volume, Mr. King intimated his intention of completing the work in four volumes, which, if he accomplishes, we shall then be enabled to view, and examine it as a whole, when we can better decide on what he has done, and what he has left undone." Two things we wish however to recommend to him before we part. First, to be more careful and select in the choice of his illustrative prints, and in the execution of them. Secondly, to adapt his remarks and dissertations more immediately to the subjects specified in his title page. Long and desultory ob servations on passages of scripture, and of the poets, with extremely incorrect engravings, cannot be very satisfactory to those historians or antiquaries who purchase the "Munimenta Antiqua;" especially if they expect to find in it pr found observations on ancient ca tles, on the progress of ecclesiastical and military architecture in Great Britain," and on the manners, laws, and cu toms" of its inhabitants. ART. XXV. Letters wri'ten during a Tour through SOUTH WALES, in the Year 18, and at other Times; containing Views of the History, Antiquities, and Customs of th Part of the Principality; and interspersed with Observations on its Scenery, Agriculture, Botany, Mineralogy, Trade, and Manufactures. By the Rev. J. EVANS, B. A. of Jesus College, Oxon. Author of Letters written during a Tour through North Walt.. Svo. pp. 449. WHEN we reflect on the multiplicity' of works that have been expressly pub lished concerning the principality of Wales, we feel some degree of surprise to find others annually issuing from the press. Yet, among the number that have hitherto appeared, there are but few calculated to preserve, or even obtain a station in a well-selected library; some being extremely defective and triffing, others mostly confined to one favorite object, and some filled with the personal adventures and opinions of the author. In a volume of local or general topography, we can never countenance the gossip of a novel, or the bombast of ro mance. That kind of information, which is truly useful and valuable, is the object of our inquiry, what we deem the great essential of literary investigation, and such as we can alone recommend and applaud in works of this class. Tru should be the ultimate object of all inquiry, and whoever prefers the gaudy trappings of fiction to her neat and be coming garb, is deserving the most une quivocal censure. We have unfortunate ly met with such tourists, and therefore feel additional delight in reading and recommending one whose works are so diametrically opposite. The tours d Mr. Evans (for by the above title, it wil be seen that he has published two) are replete with every species of amusing and interesting information. With a culti vated mind, and enlarged views of nature, he writes with ability on most subjects. In civil, ecclesiastical, and natural history, in antiquities, agriculture, biography, &c. he appears well read and well informed. In descanting on all those and other subjects he possesses the happy powers of writing with energy, elegance, and perpicuity. The reader is imperceptibly led on from one object to another, and enticed to a partiality for a subject, although, perhaps, in opposition to his prepossessed sentiments. The annals of antiquity have generally been stigmatised as dull, and repulsive to enlightened curiosity. When marked out by the leaden pens of some antiquaries, they certainly have appeared so, but the enlightening and cheerful style of Mr. Evans strikes out such new lights as cannot fail to amuse and interest almost every reader. The volume before us embraces a tract of country often traversed and often described: yet a complete picture of the whole has never yet been given to the public. From the simple manners of the inhabitants, the originality of their language, and their tenacity of ancient customs, Wales has been exempt from those vicissitudes which so often happen in other countries, whose ever-varying face furnishes continual matter for the observant traveller or artist; and frequent revolutions for the mannerist and politician. Yet such is the variety of its scenery, the richness of its productions, remains of antiquity, and historic importance, that it involves a multiplicity of interesting objects, highly deserving the minutest detail. The field is extensive, its scenery is varied and captivating, its external and internal character is interesting, but the time generally allotted for its survey has been too short. Besides, every tourist is usually content with describing those objects which most readily present themselves, and make such observations as are most congenial with their respective tastes, and suggested by their previous habits of thinking. Hence, though every traveller may add something, yet he leaves subjects for his successor in the route, who sees, or fancies that he sees, objects unobserved, or imperfectly described, be fore; and the last gleanings, if not more copious, are often more exquisite in their flavour, than the first products of the vintage. Wales too, it has justly been observed, is an historic country, and he who is best acquainted with ancient records must be best adapted to describe its most interesting scenes: local description engaging our attention in proportion as the places described have been the theatre of great or remarkable Mr. Evans must not be ranked in the number of fire-side travellers; he must have seen what he describes, and his decriptions are generally pertinent and just. Though the ground he goes over has much of it been visited by preceding tourists, yet he sees objects in a different point of view; and to those who have visited the places mentioned, the delineations will appear strikingly accurate. Mr. Evans looks at nature with the eye of a philosopher, and at the country with that of a patriot. He investigates the soil, both on and beneath the surface, points out the latent treasures of this neglected part of the empire, the poverty of its inhabitants, the obvions causes, and the effectual remedies. His remarks upon some former tourists are apparently severe; and, we were going to say, illiberal, till we recollected that a topographer may direct or mislead thousands, and that every inaccurate description, or hasty conclusion cannot be too severely reprehended. He does not, however, withhold the meed of praise where he thinks it due. The author's historical remarks are valuable; he appears to be thoroughly acquainted with British and English collateral history. When on these topics, his mind seems to rise with his subject; and, sensible of its great importance, he dismisses all partiality, lashes injustice or barbarity in either party, and, with a noble independence, which scorns the most distant idea of compromise, extenuation, or state policy, sacrifices every thing at the shrine of truth. His benevolent advice, with respect to the amelioration of the country, will, we hope, be taken into due consideration; and we wish all travellers, like Mr. Evans, would consider it their duty" to benefit the country they visit, while they labour to accumulate advantages for their own." The tourist commences his route at Bristol, whence he goes by water to the New Passage, and lands at Portscewit; thence he visits Sudbrook camp, Caldecot-castle, Caerwent, Caerleon, Newport, Goldcliff, Caerdiff, Llandaff, Pont y Prydd, Myrther Tydvil, Caerphili-castle, Island of Barry, Fonmon, Llan Ilted, St. Donats, Dunraven, Ewenny-abbey, Newton, Margam, Aberavon, Britonferry, Neath, Pont Nedd Vychan, Swansea, Gower, Penrice-castle, Lychwr, Llanelly, Cidwelli, Caer Cennin, Caermarthen, Gronger-hill, Dinevor, Laugharne, Tenby, Pembroke, Haverfordwest, St. David's, Fishguard, Newport, Cardigan, Cilgerran, New Castle Emlin, Aber Porth, New Quay, Aber-airon, Llanrysted, Aberystwith, Llanbeder, Pont-arMynac, Strata Florida, Llanwrted Wells, Llanymdovery, Trecastle, Brecknock, Abergavenny, Clytha, Ragland, Strygil-castle, and then passes over the Severn at Beachly. From hence it will appear that his route comprehends the principal places in the counties of Monmouth, Glamorgan, Caermarthen, Pembroke, Cardigan, Brecknock, and part of Radnor. A specimen is afforded us (p. 21) of what the reader may expect in the course of this entertaining tour. Returning to our boat, and dropping with the ebb round the point, into a small bay to the southward, we anchored near in shore; and, under the hospitable shelter of the promontory, partook of a repast with the relish afforded by a good appetite. On the turn of tide we pursued our little passing a small bare rock, the Denny, standing at the head of an extensive sand bank, called the Welch Hook, and to which it forms an admonitory beacon. voyage, "The finny tribes were now in pleasing pastime; and among them the plunderer of the ocean, the porpoise, was playing his gambols with unusual rapidity. This, which afforded us pleasure, had a contrary effect upon the minds of our boatmen. The appearance of this fish is considered an unfayourable omen by mariners, and from their Aumbers and frolics, a storm was foreboded. We began to consider a small open boat but ill-calculated to weather a storm in the boisterous Severn sea. The morning was serene, and the water as placid as the day was fine; but we had forgotten that the present is no security for the future; and that in voyages, as in life, we should be equally prepared for adverse, as well as prosperous fortune. For though a calm does not forebode, it generally is soon succeeded by winds and storms. The sea became rougher and rougher, and the hoarse noise of impetuous waves contending with opposing obstacles increased our alarm, and reininded us of our danger. As casioned by two reefs of rocks running alwe approached, we discovered this to be ocmost across, leaving only a narrow channel sufficient for vessels to pass, which are hare at low, and covered at high water. At half ebb, or half flood, the best times for passing, the whole body of the estuary rushes between them with an impetuosity and thundering noise almost inconceivable. The least want of skill or care would be inevitable loss ous passage is called the Shoots, probably to ship and crew. This difficult and dangerfrom the rapidity with which vessels neces sarily pass it. While congratulating ourselves on a safe passage through the Shoots, we could not help lamenting an act of atrocious cruelty, which a sight of the spot where it was committed, brought strongly to our recollection. At a small distance is the Wales, called the New Passage, belonging principal and most frequented ferry into suit in chancery, between the duke of Beauto the respectable family of St. Pierre. A fort and Mr. Lewis, respecting the right of property, brought to light the following cu rious incident, in the life of king Charles I. this His majesty leaving Ragland-castle to visit his garrison at Bristol, had to cross at passage; as he rode through the village of Shire Newton to go to the Black Rock, he was discovered and pursued by a foraging then encamped in the neighbourhood. About party of horse, belonging to the rebel army an hour after his majesty had embarked, sixty of the rebels arrived, and drawing their swords on the boatmen, forced them on board one of the passage boats; and, by menaces, obliged them to engage in ferrying them ed by the manner in which their assistance over. The boatmen being loyal, and irritat Rocks, on the Gloucestershire side of the was demanded, landed them at the Reef of Shoots, called the English Stones; and which are separated from the land by a channel fordable at low water, but the tide now rapidly flowing, prevented their retreat, and they allperished! Cromwell, hearing of it, suppres till 1718, when the right of property was sed the ferry, which was not again re-opened confirmed to the claimant, Mr. Lewis, by commission of the high court of chancery." istence of king Arthur, against the ob After successfully defending the exjections of Milton and lord Lyttleton, the author justly animadverts on a trans action in the reign of Henry II. on which the English historians appear to have been studiously silent. "The castle of Newcastle is, howevet, the victories of his father, now flying to the "Thus do these ivied-mantled ruins, most notorious for the dastardly conduct of and their persons with execration, retiring garrison in the time of Henry II. On his under the strength of its walls for refuge turn from the continent, after having de- from the persecution of those very persons ved Jorwerth-ap-Owen of his lawful pos- who recently were desirous of their friendessions, the king found him now so formid- ship, and lavish in their adulation. It has ble as to be under the necessity of negociat- seen a monarch, the son and heir of him ng a peace with the prince he had so lately whose ambition it was to subjugate Wales, hroned. To effect this, he sent a safe and by whose prowess it was annexed to the assage to Jorwerth and his sons, to meet crown of England-a monarch who asceudim at a conference on the borders. Informed the throne crowned with the laurels and d that Owen, the eldest son of Jorwerth, as on the road to meet his father, the Enggarrison in Newport sallied forth, and murdered the young prince and valiant chiefain, attended only by a few servants, as he as going to sign a treaty of peace with their reign. If, after what had passed between e Welsh princes and the English monarch, leary had any previous knowledge of this racherous transaction; or if, as has been tated, it was done at his instigation, and by is command, it not only marks a cruel and istaken policy for the subjugation of the Welsh; but leaves an indelible stain on the oral character of Henry, which no state ge can justify, nor time efface. What on ich an occasion might have been foreseen, bntly took place: when the poignant tale grief reached the ears of Jorwerth, he e off the conference, and returned with younger son Howel, to lay before his bjects and adherents, the irreparable injury had sustained. The Welsh, fired at the se perfidy of the English, rallied round his andard, and, breathing revenge and retaliaon, entered the marches, and with fire and ord carried devastation and dismay to the mks of the Severn and the Wye; to the es of Hereford and Gloucester. By this politic step Henry effectually transformed ally into a most formidable antagonist, d was compelled to restore to him both his mitory and his diadem." An egregious error of Camden in his "Such are the changes of this transitory "The histories of castles, towns, and nations; the history of man, are nothing but the records of human calamities, the registers of human woes. These, however, we shall find are generally provoked by vices, and tend to the growth of virtue. Trials are calculated to invigorate the mind, previously weakened by inactivity and ease; and by a forcible appeal to the heart, they assert the power, while they fan the flame of religion, fast extinguishing in the sensuality of prosperity and peace. The convulsions of nature and the enormities of man, the war of elements and the subversion of states, are admirably directed by the controuling power and influence of providence, for the great purpose of supporting the moral interests of the world, and impressing the mind with the truths of the gospel." At Llanilted several monumental stones are mentioned in addition to those noticed by Camden; and a pedestrian tourist is animadverted upon for mistaking British for Danish monuments, and supposing learned christian inscriptions to have been the work of ignorant pagans; such as the Danes evidently were when they made irruptions into this |