this be a great saving *; but a much greater benefit will be derived from the diminution in regard to leakage that this will produce; for as the kinds of wood that have been hitherto employed for this pur pose, are more liable to be affected by the vicifsitudes of the weather than it is, the leakage in lariz cafks will be greatly lefs than in others. For these reasons, in regard to valuable liquors especially, the benefit be derived from larix cafks would be immense. If ever the herring fisheries be allowed to go forward in Scotland, this will be an important improve ment to them; as it might be reared in the Highlands in immense quantities, at scarcely aný expence. Ship building. In regard to fhip building, larch wood possesses advantages above all others, that ought to render it almost an object of idolatry to the British nation. It is established upon very good authority, that it resists the worm much more in warm climates than any other European wood. It is much more durable than oak, is lighter, and shrinks much when used as plank, so as to require lefs caulking,is lefs apt to fly into splinters during an engagement, and lefs liable to take fire. These qualites point it out as superior to British oak itself for plank for fhip building; and as it can be reared on any soil, * On account of the less price of larix than other staves, the saving to a porter brewer, including tuns and casks, on first entering upon Business in London, would not be less than several thousand pounds! and almost in any situation, and grows much more rapidly than any other kind of wood, should ever the culture of this tree become as general as it ought to be, it will render this nation wholly independent of all others for the important article of fhip timber. For although bended ribs, and kneed joints are essential articles in the timbers for the construction of vefsels on the plan universally adopted at present, yet a time may come, and is probably at no great distance, when it will be found that crooked timber is not in the smallest degree requisite for the construction of vefsels for any purpose whatever; and if ever that time does come, it will be discovered also, that the timbers as well as the plank may be made entirely of larch wood. At Archangel in Rufsia, where this timber abounds, we are informed that no other wood is employed for fhip building, and that also at Venice, according to Mr Rritchie British resident there*. Many other uses to which this timber might be applied could be here enumerated; but the above are sufficient to convince every one, that if the larch tree can be reared easily, and grows with rapidity in this country, it ought to become an object of universal attention; and that the culture of it should be pushed forward as quickly as pofsible; for every moment of delay must be a retardment of the prosperity of this country. In a future paper I shall beg leave to offer a few remarks on the mode of rearing this timber, and the benefits that may be des rived from it as an object of culture. * Memoirs of the soceity of arts London, vol. vii. VOL. Xvii. ន FALSE PLEASURE, A FRAGMENT. Dea saeva potentibus herbis. Envious of mankind; VIRG. When blefs'd with equal rule their virtues rise, All those arts The heart while melted is enlarg'd, released On that protecting power. When servile fear Th' applauding strain; enervated and mean JULIANA. VERSES TO A LADY, WITH THE GENTLE SHEPHERD. Fair lady this affecting lay peruse, That charm'd the forests with mellifluent strains. No more the green hill and the deepening grove A. L. THE SOLITUDES. Continued from p. 72 and concluded. CREATED for sorrow, and tears, we wander here below in the midst of fhades, in a night without stars. It is beyond the tomb that day lightens. To what givest thou the name of pleasure, unhappy mortal? Observe narrowly the dazzling scenes of life,-thou wilt only see a cloth on which error has thrown colours without brightness: the fool admires it, the sage considers it with indifference; sometimes it amuses him but it never deceives him. But does not humanity offer more eminent pleasures? are they all like those of the frivolous young man, or of the prince without merit. No, sweet pleasures, confidents of virtue, follow the steps of the retired sage, who, too great for the confusion of the earth, passes his days in the bottom of a peaceful valley, far from the tumult of cities, in the arms of a tender wife. Transported with joy, when the morning animates the meadows, he slowly traverses the smiling groves: animated with a secret gaity, he contemplates the flowers, which seem to smile upon him: insensibly the objects around lead him to the throne of the Creator. In his religious and profound contemplation, his soul darts beyond this criminal globe. His affectionate spouse presents herself before him; they em brace tenderly; tears of joy run down their glowing cheeks. The invisible angels who surround them, see with a celestial joy that God has permitted man to taste a felicity almost equal to their own. In the evening, when a copious dew has moistened the fields, he again wanders out into the valley, his eyes raised to the |