guage, a work on the history and geography of India, has been encouraged by the college to

means of the press, of works composed by natives, eminent for their knowledge and practical skill in this dialect, must gradually polish, and fix a standard of excellence in a language, which, though long employed as an elegant medium of colloquial intercourse, and as the vehicle of poetical imagery, has hitherto been little used for prose composition.

of improved Nagree types of different sizes, for the printing of books in the Sanscrit language. This press has been encouraged by the college to under-print it for publication. The dissemination, by take an edition of the best Sanscrit dictionaries, and a compilation of the Sanscrit rules of grammar. The first of these works is completed, and with the second, which is in considerable forwardness, will form a valuable collection of Sanscrit philology. It may be hoped that the introduction of the art of printing among the Hindoos, which has been thus began by the institution of a Sanscrit press, will promote the general diffusion of knowledge among this numerous and very ancient people; at the same time, that it becomes the means of preserving the classic remains of their literature and sciences.

The compilation of an alphabetical Sanscrit dictionary, from the principal vocabularies of the language, and other authorities, had been underdertaken soon after the institution of the college, by learned natives, employed for that purpose. The work, which comprises the etymology as well as interpretation of each term, together with examples from classical writers, has been lately completed, and a copy has been deposited in the library of the college.

A dictionary, Sanscrit and English, consisting of the text of the celebrated Amera Cosha, with a translation and notes, the value of which will be understood, when I say that they are the work of Mr. Colebrooke, late president of the college council, has been long in the press. The work is now completed, and may be expected to be published in a few months.

The college council and the Asiatic society, who formerly resolved to support Mr. Carey and his assistants in a translation of the Rámayán, have since determined to extend a similar support to the publication, by the same persons, of the text books of one of the systems of Hindoo philosophy, entitled Sanc'hya. This will constitute a further step towards the attainment of the interesting object of making known, by means of literal veisions, those works in the ancient language of India, which are held in greatest estimation by the Hindoos themselves.

A dictionary of the Marhatta language, compiled by Mr. Carey, and printed by him in the Marhatta character, has been some time in the press. It is a work which has been long wanted, and the publication of this, with the grammar before prepared by Mr. Carey, furnishing the means of acquiring a very useful language, will be found of essential benefit, by the junior servants of the company, on the establishments of Fort St. George and Bombay.

We are indebted to Mr. H. P. Forster, for two works of great labour, learning, and utility in Sanscrit philology.

The first, of which about 400 pages are already printed, contains-1. An essay on Sanscrit grammar, with tables of inflections.-2. A dissertation on Sanscrit roots.-3. A translation of the Mugdabodha, a celebrated treatise on Sanscrit grammar, in which the enigmatical expressions of the original are fully illustrated, and the rules exemplified. Mr. Forster's second work, which is nearly ready for the press, consists of a dictionary in the Sanscrit and Bengalee languages. The words are arranged alphabetically; with a translation into English. The etymologies are pointed out, and where necessary, confirmed and illustrated by examples.

A plan of a comparative vocabulary of Indian languages, in imitation of that which was executed under the order of the empress Catherine, for the provinces composing the Russian empire, was proposed in the preceding year, by Sir James Mackintosh, who adorns and improves the short leisure of a laborious station, with learning and the promotion of learning. His proposal was founded on a very just view of the value and importance of the information which such a comparison may be expected to afford. A more extensive plan for the compilation of grammars and dictionaries of Asiatic languages had been also suggested by. Dr. Leyden, who had it in contemplation to undertake himself the task of conducting the compilation. This plan being, however, deferred, the council of the college adopted a different arrangement, with a view of furnishing the information sought by Sir James Mackintosh, and at the same time forming an useful collection of vocabularies of all provincial languages and dialects of India. For this purpose, a vocabulary in Persian and Hindoostanee, and another in Sanscrit and Bengallee, have been prepared, and will be printed and circulated, for the purpose of being filled up by competent persons with the cor- In this enumeration, I must not omit a work responding terms in other languages in use in of Mirza Kazim Ali Juan, entitled, An historical India. The printed vocabularies will be soon com- Account of the Bhamina Dynasty of the Dekhan, pleted and as it cannot be doubted, that assis-being nearly a translation into Hindoostanee of tance will be cheerfully rendered by every gentleman, whose local situation enables him to forward this useful undertaking, the successful issue of it may be confidently anticipated.

Meer Sher Ulee, the head Moonshee, in the Hindoostance department of the college, having compiled and arranged in the Hindoostance lan

Mr. Francis Gladwin has contributed to the stock of Indian philology, a dictionary of Persian, Hindoostance and English, in three parts, composing three octavo volumes. The first part contains words in familiar use, including synonyma. The second Arabic and Persian words that occur chiefly in books; compound and metaphorical allusions. The third supplies indexes to the different languages.

that portion of Ferishta's Persic history.

There are two languages which although includ ed within the comprehensive scheme of oriental study, embraced by the College of Fort William at an earlier period of the institution, are not provided for in the modified plan of instruction to which the college is now restricted. Both lar

guages, however, are spoken within the com, pany's possessions, and one of them occupi many regions scattered over a great space, whic is not only the seat of an active and extensiv commerce, but the theatre often of other important and interesting transactions.

The languages to which I allude are the Malay, and the Affghan or Pooshta. Although, on the present scale of oriental studies at the College of Fort William, other languages undoubtedly have deserved a preference to its immediate support and patronage, yet I cannot think either of those I have mentioned intirely devoid of interest; in the first place, as branches of the general and liberal pursuit of eastern learning which we profess; and in the next place, as bearing either a present and immediate, or in the many chances of human vicissitude, a prospective, and perhaps, not remote affinity to our affairs. Under these impressions, I have not deemed it wholly foreign to the occasion, that I should notice any progress that may have been made in the cultivation of these tongues.

...

Want of room obliges us to postpone till our next the remainder of this very interesting speech of his lordship, which embraces, in the most extensive manner, the improvements made by the students in the College of Fort William.

ENORMOUS SEA-SERPENT.

The following subject being altogether uncommon, and the existence of the creature described having been considered as problematical by most, and even derided by many, we are induced to insert such accounts of it, as may dissipate all further doubt. We are happy to find that it has been inquired into by scientific men, whose names authenticate the Report.

on

We confidently hope, that the particulars of this event will appear at full, in the Transactions of the Wernerian Society, when published. In the meantime, we add another letter that has appeared in print, which, though written in a style and manner hardly proper to a naturalist, yet contains some additional points of information.

"The following account is communicated by an intelligent naturalist resident at Edinburgh, to a gentleman at Norwich:

"The Serpens Marinus Magnus of Pontoppidan, has hitherto been considered as a fabulous monster, and denied" a local habi. tation and a name" by all scientific and systematic naturalists, who have affected to pity the credulity of the good bishop of Bergen. One of these monsters however (indignant, may I not say, at the scepticism of the disciples of the Linnean school?) has, effectually to prove its existence, been heroic enough to wreck himself on the Orkney islands. He came ashore at Rothesholm or Rougom Bay, in Stronsa near to Shearers. It was 55 feet long; but the tail seemed to have been broken by dashing been 60 feet in the whole. Where thickest, anong the rocks: so it is calculated to have it might equal the girth of an Orkney horse, The head was not larger than a seal's, and had which, you know, is a starved English poney. two spiracles or blow holes. From the back hung down numerous filaments, eighteen inches long (the mane described by Pontoppi dan): these filaments bear the most perfect resemblance to the silk-worm gut, or India sea-grass used in trouting. The monster had three pair of fins, or rather paws; the first pair 54 feet long, with a joint at the distance of 4 feet from the body. Alas! a tempest beat the carcase to pieces before men and ropes could be collected; and only a fragment (about five feet) of the back-bone, and a whole paw are preserved. M. Laing, Esq. M. P. has got these, and is to send them to our University Museum.”

"At a late meeting of the Wernerian Natural History Society, Mr. P. Neill read an account of a great Sea Snake, lately cast ashore in Orkney. This curious animal, it appears, was stranded in Rothsolm Bay, in the island of Stronsa. Malcolm Laing, Esq. M. P., being in Orkney at the time, cominunicated the circumstance to his brother, Gilbert Laing, Esq. advocate at Edinburgh, whose property the animal had been cast. Through this authentic channel Mr. Neill received his information. The body measured fifty-five feet in length, and the circumference of the thickest part might be equal to the girth of an Orkney poney. The head was These accounts are completely in conform not larger than that of a seal, and was fur-ity to what had been already communicated nished with two blow holes. From the back a number of filaments (resembling in texture the fishing tackle known by the name of silkworm gut) hung down like a mane. On each side of the body, were three large fins, shaped like paws and jointed. The body was unluckily knocked to pieces by a tempest; but the fragments have been collected by Mr. Laing, and are to be transmitted to the museum at Edinburgh. Mr. Neill concluded

by writers on natural history: and they happily vindicate the veracity of such writers, who, because they have related instances of rare occurrence, have been treated as inca pable of just discernment, if not as immoral ;

-for such is the nature of the accusation of

attempting to impose on their readers fiction instead of truth.

What has been published on this subject, is supported by the following testimony:

Egede (a very reputable author) says, "that on the 6th day of July, 1734, a large and frightful sea-monster raised itself so high out of the water, that its head reached above the main-top-mast of the ship; that it had a long sharp snout, broad paws, and spouted water like a whale; that the body seemed to be covered with scales; the skin was uneven and wrinkled, and the lower part was formed like a snake. The body of this monster is said to be as thick as a hogshead; his skin is variegated like a tortoise-shell; and his excrement, which floats on the surface of the water, is corrosive, and blisters the hands of the seamen if they handle it."

:

paws, and jointed:"-the joint "being four feet distant from the body." This singularity seems to imply the power of crawling along the bottom of the sea, climbing up rocks, and holding strongly by such protuberant masses as it has occasion to pass.

We shall be glad to find some delineation of it from the real subject has been preserved. The Lacerta Syren of Linnæus, found by Dr. Garden in Carolina, should not be forgoi, | on this occasion.

This sea-serpent, does not seem to be a creature prepared for carnage, and devastation;. and whether it may possess venom of any kind, probably was not examined by those who discovered it. [In Panorama Vol. IV. p. 349, we gave an instance of a venomous effect attending the bite of a sea-snake, of a species never before suspected to possess that quality.] We rather think it to be slow, languid, and quiet: like the whale, which it resembles in its power of ejecting water through its blow-holes.

In 1756, one of them was shot by a master of a ship; its head resembling that of a horse; the mouth was large and black, as were the eyes; a white mane hanging from its neck; it floated on the surface of the water, and held its head at least two feet out of the sea between the head and neck were seven or eight folds, which were very thick; and the length of this snake was more than a hundred yards, some say fathoms. They have a remarkable aversion to the smell of castor; for which reason, ship, boat, and bark masters provide themselves with quantities of that drug, to prevent being overset; the serpent's olfactory nerves being remarka-justified, we see a reason for impeaching bly exquisite. The particularities related of this animal would be incredible, were they not attested upon oath.

Every particular here mentioned may be corroborated by the sea-serpent stranded in Rothsolin Bay-The blow-holes, out of which it certainly could have spouted water, like a whale;"-the "long sharp snout," and the "broad paws;" which prove to be jointed; and this is as remarkable a particular as any that is mentioned. As naturalists, we are doubtful as to the propriety of classing this creature among serpents: although we know that the connecting liak between the lizard and the serpent tribes, has projecting members, which some call feet. The Seps, and the Chalcide, which are found in Italy, are clear instances of this conformation: these are sometimes two or three feet in length, and have four short feet. The Slang-Hagedis, or serpent described by Vosmaer (Amsterdam, 1774) from a living specimen in the Prince of Orange's cabinet at the Hague; with the Worm-Hagedis from the Cape of Good Hope (in the same plate) may also be referred to. The first has four projecting long scales rather than feet; the second has four feet, but apparently of feeble powers. Of biped reptiles, Count de la Cepede, gives two specimens, of very small dimensions, found in South Ainerea. The whole of the lizard tribe has four feet, but dis mi,biy inhabitant of the waters, has, it appears, feet, or fins; but rather fect, if the terms be correct, shaped like

64

It remains that we hint at the inquiry whe ther this specimen, of the length of 60 feet, had attained the full size of its species. We rather incline to think it was but a small one, seeing that every other particular of those who formerly described this creature has been

their correctness, in the estimation they made of its dimensions. We observe too, that a body the thickness of a hogshead, is but in proportion for one of a hundred yards in length, to a body the thickness of a poney for one of sixty feet.

We may also add, that in the regions of which it is native, possibly it meets with but few enemies capable of shortening its life: and we have every reason for believing Pliny, who describes whales of 120 feet and upwards in length, as being formerly extant in the North Seas, althongh we now find the same description of fish seldom attain the length of 60 feet. The cause, is the interested necessity of man; which does not allow them to attain their full growth, but destroys them before their time. In page 692, of our present number may be seen an account of a whale found on the western coast of North America, that was 105 feet in length. This contributes to vindicate Pliny: and even the correctness of his account of the prodigious ser pent slain by Regulus, is strongly vouched for by such discoveries.

We say nothing on the support this yields to the accounts of other immense inhabitants of the waters the inference cannot escape the reader. Accident may throw a Kraken on our coast. As to the spots on the body of this serpent, we know that the skin of each spe cies of serpent, is distinguished by a peculiar pattern: some of which are extremely hand

some.

VIEWS OF SPA I N.
Taken in the Year 1805.

No. VIII.

other what they thought. And the emperor of China regularly informs every province suffering under a calamity, that since the news of it reached him, he could not sleep for thinking of it: "his sufferings diminish ing theirs!

state of their sons and brothers in Spain? Have not all the usual channels, by which intelligence reaches the public, been choaked up with prohibitions from mentioning a syllable on the subject? Have not all priNothing is more surprising, in the present vate letters that by the most perverse prejucircumstances of Spain, than the vigour of dice could be construed as capable of convey. style, and the happy adaptation to the purposes ing a few casual hints of events, been burnt in view, of those addresses to the people, without remorse, whatever valuables they which have emanated from the Writers of that might inclose? To the utmost verge of poscountry. They are distinguished by a bold sibility in endeavouring to prohibit his suband lofty diction, combined with a simplicity jects from thinking, Buonaparte has pushed which is perfectly intelligible to the meanest his injunctions; and but for the ridicule of capacity. They are calculated to rouse the the thing, he would long ago have instructed spirit and animate the patriotic flame in every his dear people, that they had no occasion to bosom. We have seen nothing like them in think for themselves, as he thought sufficient any other nation. Buonaparte boasted of the ly for them all. Does this startle the British victories won by the French in the "WAR reader, who supposes that, for once, the PaOF PROCLAMATIONS," and we have every norama has exceeded the bounds of credi reason to believe, that in that war, the pa- bility ?-We answer, that it is no more than pers and principles of French revolutionary other sovereigns have done. During her first writers really did produce a considerable ef- Turkish war, the Russian Catherine assured fect. The essence of the most considerable her well-beloved citizens of Petersburgh, benefits to human nature is restraint. But who frequented the coffee-houses of that merestraint is irksome and galling to the mind; tropolis, that she took on herself all the and souls who value themselves on being trouble of thinking; and, therefore, they "freeborn," are peculiarly reluctant in sub-needed neither to think, nor to tell each mitting to the most salutary precepts, till experience has taught them effectually, and not seldom dearly, the necessity of bounds and limits, even to freedom itself There was then, no real cause for wonder that the dis organizing papers, scattered profusely in all directions by the French, shuld delude the multitude. The proportion which knew the real evil they concealed, was but sinall; the number of those who suspected the truth, was, no doubt, more considerable; but the united power of these descriptions of readers, was unable to stem the torrent let loose upon the mass of the population, and hurried on by the efforts of those who saw their advantages in general rain. Why do not the French pour forth their myriads of protesting proclainations and appeals to the people?--Because the people are fully informed, by woeful events of the reliance due to those mighty effusions. They have lost their effect. Because, the system of disorganization then propagated is no longer the order of the day in France, itself: but, on the contrary, the most absolute and excessive organization: so excessive as to exclude personal liberty, by the severest tyranny. Who, in France, dare go from one port town to another, without being provided with a ticket from a conimissary? Who dare travel from a country bourg to the metropolis, without following a road prescribed for him; and, if caught five miles on either side of that road, without being suspected of suspicion," and lodged in the nearest jail? Has not proclamation after proclamation forbid the use of speech on the most interesting of subjects to the French people, that of the VOL. V. [Lit. Pan. Jan. 1809.]

Neither are we to forget, that the more completely certain maxims of reasoning and polity are kept out of sight from the French people, the more likely is their chief to derive advantage from that "sweet oblivious antidote" to their emancipation.

We could be glad if it were in our power to present satisfactory information on the present state of Literature, and the characters of the Literati in Spain: but, we confess frankly that we possess nothing equal to our wishes on that head. We doubt, indeed, whether the public papers that do so much honour to Spanish genius, are the productions of professed literati. They are certainly the offspring of cultivated minds, but they demonstrate in their authors an acquaintance with the human heart, they shew a knowledge of the world, and of the springs of human ac tion, not usually acquired by men of study and retirement.

The following article must therefore, be considered merely as a literary memorandum. It has no reference that we know of, to present politics or political writers; time will probably disclose the spirited authors of those masterly productions which have obtained as complete a triumph over the flashy productions of France, as we wish the armies of Spain may obtain over these of their unprincipled invader.

2 D

SPANISH WRITERS.

The best French works on morality, phi

Since the time of Mendoza, Herrera, Saa-losophy, and history, are, as well as those vedra, Quevedo, Garcilasso, Villegas, Sepul- of the English, translated into the Spanish veda, Solis, Mariana, &c. writers whose language, provided they do not appear dangeproductions have placed them on the summit rous to the purity of the faith. French liteof glory, we have seen, and even lately, ex- rary works of mère amusement, for the most cellent works from the pens of Feijoo, Sar- part, have but little merit in the eyes of the mienta, Father Isla, Don Francisco Perez, Spaniards; and their taste, in this respect, Boyer, Cadahalso, Lahuerta, Don Thomas appears far from iuclining to change. Yriarte, Don Juan d'Escoiquiz, now canon of Toledo. Through the discernment of the Prince of Peace this canon was chosen to teach the Prince of Asturias (Ferdinand VII.) mathematics. With a deep knowledge of the accurate and profound sciences he combines an elegant taste for poetry. Among other works he has accomplished a translation of Young's Night Thoughts into Spanish verse, a production which ensures him au honourable place on the Spanish Parnassus.

Cardinal Lorenzana ought also to hold a distinguished rank among the literati of his country. To his researches, while he was bishop of Mexico, Spain owes a new collection of the letters written by Fernando Cortez. This compilation he has enriched with notes and observations. His pen has also produced many works of erudition; and a new edition of the Missal Muzarabe, or Christian Ritual in the countries that were occupied by the Moors, is entitled to particular notice.

Cassiri has published in folio several extracts from the numerous manuscripts that are found preserved in the libraries of Spain. One of the monks resident in the Escurial continues this work.

Literature is subject to the same laws as any other distinction which gives a decided pre-eminence to states for a time; each has its period and its writers, who may, during that period, be placed above the writers of other nations.

Their imagination, bold to extravagance, and accustomed to exaggeration and redundance, for which bombast is but enthusiasm, finds French ideas cold and timid.

The fine shades of French ridicule and manners escape their eyes, too much accustomed to caricature; and with respect to style, their ear is vitiated by the pompous prosody of their cadenced periods, by the frequent and affected repetition of their sonorous words.

Since the times of Lopes de Vega, Quevedo, Rebolledo, and others, whose imaginations, though wild and licentious, were brilliant and fertile, no author with these splendid qualities, and at the same time endowed with that good sense which directs their use, has appeared in Spain. Letters have, for upwards of a century, been in the same state. These men of genius, frequently extravagant even to absurdity in their conceptions, have remained models of style.

The national taste is formed upon these models in so invariable a manner, that some authors, who have endeavoured to introduce into the theatre the elegant simplicity which French dramatic writers attempted to revive, have gained no attention, so that the Spanish stage is still in the same situation as when Boileau satirized its extravagance with so much severity.

One of their best historians is father Mariana; his style is admirable, and his narration ornamented without being turgid: he flatters neither kings nor his nation; but he is accused of having sometimes departed from truth, and of appearing too credulous relative to certain prodigies. He is nevertheless a good historian, but his history goes no farther than the reign of Ferdinand the Catholic.

What was France in that respect, when, under Charles V, Spain enjoyed political and literary preponderance in Europe? Corneille, the father of the French stage, borrowed his subjects from Spanish authors. Under Cardinal Richelieu, good taste found birth in France; and it attained its utmost splendour during the reign of Louis XIV, The chronicles of Ferreras de Saavedra are but it began to decay at the death of Cor-in great estimation. The history of Cataneille, Boileau, Molière, Lafontaine, Racine, lonia, by a bishop of Lerida, is written in &c. What has the French nation produced the style of Livy. since the days of those great men worth priding herself upon? Several feeble productions, a good deal of metaphysical stuff, in short, verba et voces et præterea nihil. As to the genius of the latter end of the eighteenth century, the celebrated Lord Chesterfield, had already pronounced a sound judgment on it in the year 1750: "It is the new kitchen of Parnassus, where the alembic is employed instead of the stewing-pan and the spit, and where quintessence and distillations prevail over substantial and wholesome fare."

The best memoirs which Spain has produced, are those of the Marquis of Saipt Philip, on the War of the Succession; they are accurate, and written in an agreeable style.

The History of Mexico, by Antonio, Solis, is translated into every European language. The Spaniards accuse him of being too florid and affected in his style, and he sometimes departs so far from truth that his book may be considered as a romance.

The Conquest of Peru, by Garcillasso de la