CORNWALL.

Cornwall Agricultural Association.-The Annual Meeting of this very useful and highly respectable institution, was lately held at Truro, when the extraordinary favourable state of the weather induced a very full attendance of gentlemen and farmers from different parts of the county. The show of cattle was very fine, and far exceeded any thing of the kind hitherto seen in this neighbourhood; amongst them some very superior beasts sent by J. H. Tremayne, Esq. from Heligan, were the most remarkable, and obtained the best prizes. The show of sheep was also very fine; three hundred were penned for the prizes. The horses exhibited for the prizes were of very good quality, and in considerable number. A considerable quantity of cattle of various descriptions and of sheep was brought for sale; the supply, however, being more than equal to the demand, the prices obtained were rather below what had been expected.

During the late severe winter many valuable additions were made to the ornithological depart ment of the Museum of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, both by purchase and donations.

Among the latter were the whistling swan or hooper, from Messrs. John, Gregory, and Edwards; the red-breasted shoveler, and the scaup duck, from W. Daubuz, Esq.; the goosander, from Mr. W. Browne, Wadebridge; the shieldrake, from S. W. Pasmore, stuffed by Haycraft; grebe, from the Rev. W. Hockin; and a red-breasted meganser, from Mr. W. K. Norway; several varieties of geese, woodcocks, teal, scoter ducks, &c. have been purchased.

DEVONSHIRE.

The magistrates of Devon have lowered the expenditure of the county from 20,000l. to 16,000. per annum; and as retrenchments are still going on, a greater reduction is expected. It was formerly the custom for the magistrates to transact the county business at the quarter-sessions, in the grand-jury room, with closed doors. About two years ago, the contributors to the county rate being dissatisfied at the increased expenditure, petitioned that the business might be transacted in open court. This being complied with, the consequence has been a gradual diminution of the county

expenses.

DORSETSHIRE.

A public meeting was lately held at the Guildhall, Blandford, which was very respectably attended, pursuant to a requisition to the bailiffs to convene a meeting, for the purpose of taking into consideration the necessity of petitioning Parliament against that part of the bill now pending for throwing open the beer trade, which relates to beer or cider being drunk on the premises, or any house or outhouse belonging to the same; at which it was resolved, that the repeal of the malt tax would be preferable to that on beer, and a petition ordered to be drawn up to that effect.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE.

An extremely interesting lecture was lately delivered at the Mechanics' Institute, Bristol, by Mr.

J. White. The subject was mechanics, and the lecture was illustrated by a variety of instructive experiments, some purely mechanical, and others opening to the members glimpses of a deeper insight into the great principles of natural history and astronomy. Among the former, his observations on the mechanical powers were very clear; and among the latter may be classed his remarks on the form of the earth, being a little flattened at the poles, (or, as a mathematician would say, an oblate spheroid,) in consequence of its rotatory motion on its axis, by which the equatorial parts revolve much more quickly than those near the pole, and have consequently a much greater cen. trifugal power. The genius of Newton all but demonstrated this remarkable fact in his study, years before it was brought to the test of actual experiment by the French mathematicians, in a labo rious and expensive survey. Mr. White also entered into the very intricate and uncertain hypothesis respecting the tides.

The Rev. John Eden also lately delivered bis promised lecture on " The Moral and Literary Character of Cicero." The well-known classical attainments of the Rev. Gentleman, as might be expected, drew together a large assembly, who were in no degree disappointed in the manner in which he treated a subject so endeared to the earliest recollections of the scholar, the statesman, the orator, and the moralist. The lecture occupied in the delivery upwards of two hours.

HAMPSHIRE.

Negro Emancipation.-A numerous and respectable meeting was lately held at the Long Rooms, Southampton, Thomas Lindoe, Esq. M. D. in the chair, at which the subject of West India slavery was very fully and very ably discussed. The Rev. John Davies made a most powerful and comprehensive speech on the occasion. Wm. Nicholl, Esq. M. D. also spoke at considerable length in reprobation of the system. The other speakers were, George Dillwyn, Esq. Rev. Dr. Wilson, Sir Matthew Blakiston, Bart. Rev. Thomas Adkins, Rev. B. H. Draper, Rev. W. Bettridge, Rev. J. W. Cary, and the Rev. James Crabb. The following resolutions, which were passed unanimously, will show the purport of the speeches and the sense of the Meeting:-" I. That a state of personal slavery appears to this Meeting to be repugnant to the clearest dictates of justice, to the genius of the British Constitution, and to the spi rit of the Christian religion.-II. That it is the imperative duty of the British nation to give a strong and unequivocal expression of its feelings, by urgent and respectful appeals to the Legislature in support of those measures of Government which may appear calculated to meliorate the present condition, and to promote the speedy emancipation of the slaves.-III. That, while we do not deny the claims of the planters to be entitled to the deliberate and equitable attention of Parliament, we regard the prior and indefeasible claims of the slaves to their liberty as paramount to all pecuniary considerations; and that prompt and immediate steps should be taken to prepare them, by an efficient course of education and religions in

struction, for the enjoyment of all the privileges and immunities of British subjects.-IV. That we are of opinion, that all children under ten years of age, and such as may be born after this time, should be at once declared free; that all charges on manumission should be abolished; and that, at the earliest period consistent with the general welfare of the community, slavery should cease in any form to exist within the limits of the British dominions.-V. That a petition, embodying these resolutions, be forthwith addressed to both Houses of Parliament."

A meeting of the United District Committees of the Societies for the Diffusion of Christian Knowledge and for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, was lately held at Winchester. After divine service, at the Cathedral, where a sermon was preached upon the occasion by the Rev. Archdeacon Hoare, the friends of the Institution assembled in St. John's House, for the purpose of considering the measures best adapted for the promotion of its objects. The business of the meeting consisted of a series of resolutions, in the proposing and seconding of which several gentlemen took occasion to speak of the effects and prospects of the Society at considerable length. Among the speakers were the Bishop of Winchester, Rev. Chancellor Dealtry, Rev. Archdeacon Hoare, Hon. and Rev. Archdeacon De Grey, Sir William Heathcote, Sir Thomas Aeland, Rev. Dr. Wilson, Rev. Dr. Williams, Rev. H. Huntingford, Rev. W. Harrison, and several other clergymen. The whole of the resolutions were carried unanimously, and concluded by a vote of thanks to the Right Rev. Chairman, which was received with long and loud applause. The resolutions were of a general nature, expressive of approbation of past exertions, and the necessity of future energy and support.

KENT.

Canterbury Rail Road. The rail-road to Whitstable was opened for the purposes of business last month: the work has been five years in progress. The whole length is between six and seven miles, and runs direct to Whitstable. There is a tunnel eight hundred and twenty-two yards in length, carried through the Brethren Hills, which cost 13,000. The first four miles are constructed upon an inclination of one foot in ninety, down which waggons travel at the velocity of twenty-five miles in an hour, merely from receiving the impulse of one man's exertions. The remaining distance, three miles, is a level, and here the waggons are attached to a locomotive steam-engine.-The immense advantages which this district will derive from the facility of transmission, may be anticipated from the circumstance that coals alone will experience a reduction of six shillings per chaldron for carriage. Passengers will be conveyed for ninepence per head in twenty minutes-the usual time by inland conveyance being nearly two hours. The Company have also in contemplation to establish a steam-conveyance to the metropolis, for which it is proposed to charge only six shillings.

At an early hour the road was thronged; by eleven o'clock the procession began to form. The most judicious arrangements were entered into to prevent accidents and secure the public safety, constables being stationed at proper distances to prevent persons from walking upon the road and embankments. Ten carriages were placed on the rail-road; the first contained the directors, and the second the civic diguities; the remaining eight were filled with elegantly-dressed females

and bands of music. They were drawn at a safe pace to the engine-house, whence the directors and band returned with six waggons, loaded with the first merchandise delivered from the railway. Ten more carriages were then linked to the other ten, and the whole, containing about two hundred and forty persons, proceeded rapidly over the plain to Clowes Wood, where they were yoked to the engine, and drawn with great pomp to Whitstable.

LANCASHIRE.

Liverpool and Birmingham Railway.-Two Com mittees have been appointed to carry this undertaking into effect, one at Liverpool and the other at Birmingham. They have issued an able prospectus, pointing out the benefits derivable from railways in general, and proving that theirs will be one of the greatest advantage to the two large towns at the ends, and all intermediate places. The prospectus states that "surveys of the intended line have already been made by engineers of the first eminence, who have been instructed to select the route best calculated to promote the objects of the undertaking. A bridge will be constructed over the Mersey, at or near Runcorn, for the united purposes of the railway and the ordinary methods of travelling. This of itself is an object of sufficient importance to demand the support of the Legislature. It will, for the first time, unite the western parts of Lancashire and Cheshire. At present, the only modes of communication consist of ferries over the Mersey and Irwell, and a wooden bridge at Warrington. The bridge at Runcorn will place that part of Cheshire fifteen miles nearer to Liverpool by land than it now is." The other advantages which will accrue to the public from this undertaking are very numerous and important. Among the rest are the following:-The dangerous and uncertain navigation of the Mersey will be avoided; goods which are now conveyed to Birmingham in four to six days, may be taken thither, on an average, in as few hours as are now expended in going up to Runcorn; the charge of conveyance will be reduced onethird; and passengers, who are now conveyed by the turnpike-road in twelve hours, may be carried safely in five or six, and at one-half of the present charge. It is not easy to contemplate the extent to which travelling may be increased by these facilities; nor is it possible to calculate the saving to the agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing communities, by the cheapness and celerity which will attend the transit of their goods. Ireland will also be much benefited by the facility which the proposed improved mode will give to the introduction of her produce into the great consuming districts. The Committees then proceeded to state their anxiety to prevent injury to private and vested interests, and that a considerable number of shares will be preserved for the possessors of canal property near the proposed line, and for landowners whose property may be affected. They conclude by expressing their intention to use locomotive steam-engines on the railway, stating at the same time their conviction, from the result of the late experiments on the Liverpool and Manchester railway, that locomotive steam power, extended in its operations, will perfect what river and canal navigation began;-that it will multiply and invigorate the springs of industry, and bring the resources of the nation to act upon each other with the greatest possible precision and effect, thus rendering the whole country a scene of unexampled enterprise and prosperity.

MONMOUTHSHIRE.

At a late meeting of the inhabitants of Ross, it was unanimously resolved, that measures should be adopted for paving, watching, and lighting the town, and a committee was appointed to effect the necessary arrangements for the purpose.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

Literary Society, Bromley House.-Last month, Mr. Wells read his paper on ancient architecture; when the subject underwent a discussion, which principally turned upon some points connected with the history of Egypt and Assyria. Dr. J. C.

Williams afterwards announced his intention of reading a paper, on the varieties of the human race, at the next meeting of the Society; and as the present season will close upon that evening, the subject will be then discussed.

OXFORDSHIRE.

Congregations have been held, or will be holden, for the purpose of granting graces and conferring degrees, on the following days in the term; viz. Wednesday, April 21; Thursday, 29; Thursday, May 6; Thursday, 13; Wednesday, 19; Friday, 28. No person will, on any account, be admitted as a candidate for the degree of B.A. or M. A., or for that of B.C.L., without proceeding through Arts, whose name is not entered in the book kept for that purpose, at the Vice-chancellor's house, on or before the day preceding the day of congregation.

A meteoric stone fell lately at Launton, near Bicester, at about half-past seven in the evening. A labourer in the employ of Mr. Cross, saw the meteor descend into some newly dug earth in his garden, which it penetrated about a foot. The explosion was violent, and a person who heard it at Twyford, about four miles distant from Launton, compared it to the discharge of a triple-barrelled gun, there being three distinct but rapidly following reports. A medical gentleman at Buckingham has a fragment of the stone, which was about two pounds weight, in his possession; he has not had leisure to analyze it carefully, and does not undertake to pronounce whether it contains Chronium, or what has hitherto been regarded as the sole characteristic ingredient of meteoric stones, nickel; but he has ascertained that it has all the external characters of such stones, and that it is magnetic.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

An Institution has been formed at Taunton, entitled a "Provident Association for the Secure Investment of Small Savings of the Industrious Poor." The plan is, for the members to deposit sixpence, a shilling, or more, for 32 successive weeks, from the beginning of April to the beginning of November-the period of the year which is most productive to the labouring classes. Honorary members are also invited to subscribe to the fund. At the expiration of the 32 weeks, the whole amount, after deducting incidental expenses, is divided between the poor depositing members, provided that in no instance shall the repayments made to each member exceed double the whole amount deposited. The said division and repayment to be made to the depositors by sixteen equal weekly payments, commencing in November and ending in March. It was the opinion of the gentlemen who instituted this society, that much of the inconvenience and distress suffered

by the labouring classes of the town, when thrown out of their usual employments by the severity of winter, is occasioned by their omitting to lay by a part of their earnings during the more productive months of the year; and that, therefore, any measure calculated to enable them to provide for themselves and their families by their own industry, and to encourage them to manage their small means with economy and foresight, would confer on them an essential and permanent benefit. About one hundred depositors have already entered their names, though the Institution is not

fully known among the labouring classes, some of whom require time to be convinced of what is beneficial to themselves. Upwards of 301. have been subscribed by honorary members.

SUFFOLK.

At a meeting of the Philosophical Society of Ipswich lately held, a paper by T. W. Chevalier, Esq. on the anatomy and physiology of the ear, was read. After the meeting, Professor Cumming exhibited and gave an account of some philosophical instruments which have recently been invented or improved; and exhibited to the members an instrument, the object of which is to measure the total effect of the whole sunshine which occurs in the course of a given day, or any other time.

SURREY.

Guildford Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders. The sixth anniversary of this Society was lately held in the Council Chamber of Guildford. The meeting was numerous and highly respectable, comprising many of the magistracy of the county, &c. The report, as read by the Rev. H. P. Beloe, Secretary, was highly encouraging, and detailed many cases in which success had attended the exertions of the Society, by which the practical utility of the Institution may be asserted to be completely established.

Mrs. Burchett, well known for her great gifts to the poor on the Surrey side of Blackfriars-bridge, at Brighton, and elsewhere, who died in Brunswick-street, Stamford-street, Blackfriars-road, has, among other sums, bequeathed the following in charity:-30007, to the British and Foreign Bible Society; 10007. to Missionary Societies; 500l. to the British and Foreign School, Borough-road; 15007. in trust to her own chapel at Caversham, in Oxfordshire (which she built at her own expense), to support a minister for ever; 1007. to the poor of Caversham; 100l. to the Blind School, St. George's Fields; and 100l. to the Bath Infirmary for curing diseases of the eye.

WARWICKSHIRE.

The birthday of Shakspeare was celebrated at Stratford-upon-Avon this year with unusual festivities. A dramatic Pageant, representing the most prominent characters in the writings of the immortal bard, passed through the principal streets. A dinner took place and a masquerade, and on the fourth day, for so long did the ceremonies last, pageants and masquerades concluded the scene. At the public dinner, the Mayor of Stratford presided, supported on his right-hand by the Rev. Dr. Wade, Roe, Esq. (Recorder of Macclesfield), J. Lloyd, Esq. and G. Lloyd, Esq. of Welcombe; on his left by John Mills, Esq. and Edw. Greaves, Esq. banker. Numerous speeches were made on the occasion, but that of Dr. Wade was most en

titled to regard. It was a striking and eloquent piece of oratory, and embraced a wide field of information, highly creditable to the Rev. Divine's talents and learning, and breathing throughout a fine poetic spirit. The Doctor concluded by expressing a wish, that since Old Time had led Shakspeare to his end, and goodness and he for upwards of two hundred years, have filled up "one" homely "monument," it was high time that one, suitable to the honour of the man who confers the greatest honour upon us should be aised that the prophetic words of the "great ch onicler" himself, viz.

"I have some rights of memory in this kingdom, Which now to claiming vantage doth invite me," should be accomplished." It is a consummation devoutly to be wish'd," that the debt of gratitude so long in arrear should be discharged; for thanks to men of noble minds, living or dead, is honourable meed. He hoped, therefore, very shortly to see a national monument, which he doubted not would receive Royal patronage, erected upon his native soil, worthy of the genius of the poet, the progress of the arts, and the grandeur of the empire. Thus,

"When all to Time's consumption shall be given, Shakspeare, for whom it stands, will stand in Heaven !"

YORKSHIRE.

At an annual meeting of the Anti-Slavery Association held lately in the Friends' Meetinghouse, York, the Rev. J. Graham in the chair; it appeared by the reports, that one principle object of the association, the diffusion of information on the subject of Slavery, had been extensively attended to, and the ladies' association had fully united in it. One feeling seemed to pervade the meeting, that of persevering with earnestness, whatever obstacles might present themselves. The Rev. Chairman, Mr. Samuel Tuke, Mr. Joseph Rowntree, Mr. W. Simpson, and others, addressed the meeting. Amongst other cheering features of the wish of Ministers to aid the views of the Society, it was stated, that the free people of colour, in the islands under the immediate control of the British Government, have been placed on the same footing as the Whites.

WALES.

SCOTLAND.

The Report of the Select Committee on the Northern Roads has been printed. The evidence adduced consists of that of Mr. Telford and Sir Henry Parnell. The former gentleman gives it as his opinion, drawn chiefly from surveys already made, that a saving of thirty miles may be made in the road from London to Edinburgh,-viz. ten between London and Newark, six between Newark and Morpeth, and fourteen between Morpeth and Edinburgh, so that the whole would be reduced from 399 to 369 miles. The line would pass through Coldstream instead of through Berwick, as at present. Mr. Telford, from the want of surveys, was not able to speak with exactness of the saving that may be made between London and Portpatrick, a distance of 424 miles; he, however, particularly condemns the bad and circuitous road over Stainmore, and from Greta Bridge to Carlisle, and thinks that much alteration is generally required. At all events, between London and Doncaster, where the Portpatrick road turns off, the advantage of the ten miles proposed to be saved between London and Newark, will also be gained in the North Western line.

IRELAND.

Trade of Ireland. - Official returns, made by order of the House of Commons, supply useful information in regard to the trade of Ireland.Tonnage of shipping entered inwards, at all the ports of Ireland, from the years 1823 to 1829, both inclusive:-1823, 952,000; 1824, 1,101,000; 1825, 1,167,000; 1826, 1,241,000; 1827, 1,195,000; 1828, 1,308,000; 1829, 1,470,000.-This shows a progressive, and, eventually, a very considerable increase in the amount of shipping navigating to the ports of Ireland. A small proportion only is employed in foreign trade, the greater part by far being employed in intercourse with Liverpool, London, Bristol, and other English ports. Of the above tonnage about a third comes to the port of Dublin. Of the comparative extent of foreign trade in the different ports of Ireland, an idea may be formed from the amount of Custom Duties received in the chief Revenue districts of Ireland last year:-Dublin, 669,0007.; Belfast, 259,000l.; Cork, 196,0007.; Waterford, 116,000l.; Limerick, 85,000.-The chief collections of Excise, distinct from Dublin, produced, last year,— Cork, 272,000l.; Lisburn (co. Antrim), 207,0007. Dundalk (co. Louth), 114,0007.; Limerick, 83,0007.