may be presumed if that body, afsisted by the advice of other able mechanics, were to superintend the working such machines as may be produced, till their merits were fully ascertained, and the comparative excellence of one over the others, decidedly proved; it is, I say, to be presumed, under such circumstances, this most desirable end, might, in the compass of a few years, be obtained, to the universal benefit of this country. The parliament have already bestowed rewards on ingenious persons for their discoveries; but no object hitherto brought before them, whether considered with respect to magnitude or utility, has been in any degree comparable with this now mentioned; the reward therefore should be proportioned accordingly: and if it succeeds, there is not a doubt but the staple trade of these kingdoms, will receive from it such benefit, as will eternize the memory of those who proposed it, or in any degree contributed to the bringing it to perfection*. D. G. *The great object pointed at in the above disquisition is now accomplished. A machine for spinning wool is now going in Edinburgh, and performs its work much better, than it ever could be done by hand. Add to this that the society instituted of late for the improvement of British wool, by turning the attention of the nation to this important branch of economics, promises to effect the happiest improvements. When this society first hinted that as fine wool might be reared in Scotland as in Spain, some manufacturers in the south of England sneered at the proposal. The fact is now ascertained experimentally beyond a doubt; and I have just now in my possession as fine wool of the fhort Spanish sort reared inScotland, as perhaps any that ever came out of Spain. The only perceptible difference in the quality of this woul VOL: XVii. SS READING MEMORANDUMS. In the course of human life, weakness will always happen. "From Malborough's eyes the streams of dotage flow, There is certainly more virtue in discharging ve ry burdensome and painful duties with the strictest. fidelity, tha in merely acting from the impulse of an ardent affection. Jealousy, of all the passions baneful to the peace of mortals, is the hardest to conquer, and its affects the most difficult to be eradicated. With jealousy no peace can dwell, or joy inhabit. In every part of the globe, it is, to its unfortunate victims, the grand enemy of happiness. from the Spanish is, that it seems to be softer to the touch: whether this be only accidental, a little time will flow. Other advantages that will result from the institution of this society will be developed from time to time in this work. The only thing now wanted to render this improvement of general utility, is to adopt some plan by which work-men may be instructed in the manner of working and taking care of this machinery, so as to enable those who may encline to begin in various parts of the country, to find persons qualified to direct them, and instruct others in the different branches of the business. A plan of this sort we understand has lately been laid before the honourable trustees for mproving arts, manufactures, and fisheries in Scotland. And, as few objects can be more deserving the attention of the board than this is, it can scarcely be doubted, but they will consider it with attention, and bestow upon it that encouragement which it fhall be found to deserve. Edit. The following lines were written by the late worthy Gilbert White, brother to Mr White the eminent bookseller, and author of the natural history and antiquities of Selborne, in the county of Southamp ton. ON THE DARK, STILL, DRY, WARM WEATHER OCCASIONALLY HAPPENING IN THE WINTER AND SPRING MONTHS. For the Bee. Th' imprison'd winds slumber within their caves All nature nodding seems compos'd: thick steams Push'd by the weightier atmosphere, upsprings What cause controuls the tempest's rage, or whence The following stanzas written by Thomson on the blank leaf of a copy of his seasons were sent by him to the good lord Lyttelton soon after the death of his Lucy. The following lines found in a blank leaf of that copy of the Man of Feeling which belonged to Mr Granger, author of the Biographical History of England, it is believed were never in print. If you think them deserving a place in the Bee, they are much at your service TO THE AUTHOR OF THE MAN OF FEELING. W. HILST other writers with pernicious art, W. And boast their knowledge gathered from the stews. We hope, we fear, we swell with virtuous rage Congenial virtues dwell in Walton's mind, But ah! too late revealed;-with parting breath A SINGULAR ADVENTURE WRITTEN BY M Franslated HIS FRIENDS. TO ONE OF from the French. I am going, dear friend, to intrust you with a dreadful |