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ants in their original state, they were less offensive."

But the principal scene of our travellers danger, was at Monfalouth, where they ventured into an excavation, that nearly proved fatal. We insert the whole, for the caution and benefit of future adventurers. They have most to learn who venture into Mummy Pits without having well prepared

themselves and all concerned.

If this writer be correct, these mummies |sisted upon our placing ourselves in such a were STANDING, in opposition to Dr. E. D. way, that an Arab was before each of us. Clarke. These were the sepulchres pro- Though there appeared something mystebably of kings; or at least of their attend-rious in this order of march, we did not dispute with them, but proceeded. We now entered a low gallery, in which we continued for more than an hour, stooping or creeping as was necessary, and following its windings, till at last it opened into a large chamber, which, after some time, we recognised as the one we had first entered, and from which we had set out. Our conductors however, denied that it was the same, but on our persisting in the assertion, agreed at last that it was, and confessed they had missed their way the first time but if we wouldmake another attempt they would undertake to conduct us to the mummies. Our curiosity was still unsaisfied; we had been wandering for more than an hour in low subterranean passages, and felt considerably fatigued by the irksomeness of the posture in which we had been obliged to move, and the heat of our torches in those narrow and low galleries. but the Arabs spoke so confidently of succeeding in this second trial, that we were induced once more to attend them. We found the opening of the chamber which we now approached guarded by a trench of unknown depth, and wide enough to require good leap. The first Arab

We were bent on going, and the Arabs at last undertook to be our guides for a reward of twenty-five piastres. After an hour's march in the desert, we arrived at the spot, which we found to be a pit or circular hole of ten feet in diameter, and about eighteen feet deep. We descended without difficulty, and the Arabs began to strip, and proposed to us to do the same: we partly followed their example, but kept on our trowsers and shirts. I had by me a brace of pocket pistols, which I concealed in my trowsers, to be prepared against any treacherous attempt of our guides. It was now decided that three of the four Arabs should go with us, while the other remained on the outside of the cavern. The Abyssinian merchant de-jumped the ditch, and we all followed clined going any farther. The sailors re- him. The passage we entered was exmained also on the outside to take care of tremely small, and so low in some places, our clothes, We formed therefore a party as to oblige us to crawl flat on the ground, of six; each was to be preceded by a guide and almost always on our hands and -our torches were lighted-one of the knees. The intricacies of its windings Arabs led the way,-and I followed him. resembled a labyrinth, and it terminatWe crept for seven or eight yardsed at length in a chamber much smaller through an opening at the bottom of the pit, which was partly choked up with the drifted sand of the desert, and found ourselves in a large chamber about fifteen feet high.

This was probably the place into which the Greek, Demetrius, had penetrated, and here we observed what he had described, the fragments of the mummies of crocodiles. We saw also great numbers of bats flying about, and hanging from the roof of the chamber. Whilst holding up my torch to examine the vault, I accidentally scorched one of them. I mention this trivial circumstance, because afterwards it gave occasion to a most ridiculous, though to us very important discussion. So far the story of the Greek was true, and it se mained only to explore the galleries where the Arabs liad formerly taken refuge, and where, without doubt, were deposited the mummies we were searching for. We had all of us torches, and our guides in

than that which we had left, but, like it, containing nothing to satisfy our curiosity. Our search hitherto had been fruitless, but the mummies might not be far distant; another effort, and we might still be successful.

The Arab whom I followed, and who

led the way, now entered another gallery, and we all continued to move in the same guide. We had not gone far before the manuer as before, each preceded by a the heat became excessive;-for my own ficult, my head began to ache most viopart I found my breathing extremely dif lently, and I had a most distressing sensa、 tion of fullness about the heart.

We felt we had gone too far, and yet were almost deprived of the power of returning. At this moment the torch of the first Arab went out: I was close to him, and saw him fall on his side; he uttered a groan-his legs were strongly convulsed

and I heard a rattling noise in his throat-sprinkled upon us, but though a little rehe was dead. The Arab behind me, sce-freshed, it was not possible to climb the ing the torch of his companion extinguish-sides of the pit; they unfolded their tur ed, and conceiving he had stumbled, past bans, and slinging them round our bodies, me, advanced to his assistance, and stoop-drew as to the top. ed. I observed him appear faint, tolter, and fall in a moment-he also was dead. The third Arab came forward, and made an effort to approach the bodies, but stop ped short. We looked at each other in silent horror. The danger increased every instant; our torches burnt faintly; our breathing became more difficult; our knees tottered under us, and we felt our strength nearly gone.

were

Our appearance alone without our guides naturally astonished the Arab who had remained at the entrance of the cavern, and he anxiously inquired for his kahabebas, or friends. To have confessed they were dead would have excited suspicion, he would have supposed we had murdered them, and have alarmed the inhabitants of Amabdi, to pursue us and revenge the death of their friends. We replied therefore they were coming, and were em

ON THE NATURE OF ARTIFICIAL MEMORY
AND THE USE OF SYMBOLS IN ASSISTING
IT.

men, the subject of Artificial Memory came in turn to be treated, with particular refe some have supposed it is now perfected. rence to the modern systems, by which

There was no time to be lost-the American, Barthow, cried to us" to take cou-ployed in bringing out the mummies we rage," and we began to move back as fast had found, which was the cause of their as we could. We heard the remaining delay. Arab shouting after us, calling us Caffres, imploring our assistance, and upbraiding us with deserting him. But we obliged to leave him to his fate, expecting every moment to share it with him. The windings of the passages through which we had come increased the difficulty of Philosophical Society, on Monday, Dec. Ar a meeting of the Bath Literary_and our escape; we might take a wrong turn, 30, 1816; after a number of curious suband never reach the great chamber wejects had been treated by various gentlehad first eutered. Even supposing we took the shortest road, it was but too probable our strength would fail us before we arrived. We had each of us separately and unknown to one another observed attentively the different shapes of the stones Mr. Clarke resumed bis ingenious expowhich projected into the galleries we had sition of Professor Feinagle's System of passed, so that each had an imperfect clae Artificial Memory. He advanced many to the labyrinth we had now to retrace. ingenious arguments to shew the superioriWe compared notes, and only on one oc-ty of Feinagle's System over those adopted casion had a dispute, the American differ- by Grey, Lowe, Coglan, Jackson, and ing from my friend and myself; in this others; and this he happily illustrated by a dilemma we were determined by the ma- great number of interesting examples. Upon jority, and fortunately were right. Ex-the principle of association, Mr. C. obseryhausted with fatigue and terror, we reached the edge of the deep trench which remained to be crossed before we got into the great chamber. Mustering all my strength, I leaped, and was followed by the American. Smelt stood on the brink, ready to drop with fatigue. He called to us “for God's sake to help him over the fosse, or at least to stop, if only for five minutes, to allow him time to recover his strength." It was impossible-to stay was death, and we could not resist the desire to push on and reach the open air. We encouraged him to summon all his force, and he cleared the trench. When we reached the open air it was one o'clock, and the heat in the sun about 160°. Our sailors, who were waiting for us, had luckily a bardak* full of water, which they * The names of the jars, made at Kenne, of perous earth, and used to cool water.

ed that we not only arrange our thoughts, but we also, connect thoughts, remote or abstract, with others more obvious and familiar, that the recurrence of the latter may bring with them the recollection of the former: thus, the ringing of a bell, or the sounding of a clock, frequently puts us in mind of our business or duty. On the stage, it is well known that if the prompter give the first words of a paragraph, it often leads to the recollection of the whole. We feel a constant inclinatiou to connect the things we wish to remember with such sensible objects as offer themselves most frequently to our attention, but particularly with those of sight, the most vigorous and lively of our senses, and of which the objects are generally sup posed to be more numerous than those of all the rest put together. Mr. Clarke observed, that to comprehend the methods

of Grey and Lowe, it requires but a momentary inspection. Feinagle's system is HINTS, PLANS, and PROCEEDINGS

OF

Benevolence.

Homo sum:

Humanum nihil a me alienum puto.

more difficult, and its application to dif ferent branches of science, requires some study: perhaps this may be one reason why its merits have not been justly appre ciated. To attain a moderate degree of knowledge, in any branch of science, it requires a previous cultivation of the mind; whilst the mnemonic art may be attained without any preparatory study. We all possess the power of forming, localizing, and associating the images of objects in our mind: the ploughman and the weaver can perform those operations as well as the philosopher. The more important advantage is to be derived from its power of arrangings of the Public are excited; not Britain ing those memories which are strong, and strengthening those that are weak. Mr. Clarke then introduced some excellent illustrations of Feinagle's system.

It was observed by Dr. Wilkinson, that upon these principles an excellent work, Entitled "A Symbolical History of England," by Miss Rundall, of this city, was founded. In this work, which ought to be introduced into every seminary, Miss R. has furnished the student with a regular series of symbols adapted to the history of England. It has thus been happily remarked by the Editor of the Augustan Review, in his excellent examination of this work," In the eventful pages of her history, England presents some of the most interesting scenes that the annals of the world would afford. The youth of this country cannot be taught too early to contemplate its glories; to imprint its revolutions on their memories, and to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the great characters that have adorned it. Except the knowledge of the evidences and the duties of religion, there is none more sacred and more indispensable than this." This work has been admirably accomplished by Miss R. and enriched with a series of about 500 well arranged symbols. The fair author has rendered an essential service to the rising generation, and has thus given a splendid proof how well she is qualified for the department she professes, viz. the superintendance of female education.

This may stand in answer to certain observations hazarded by a contemporary critic, who had not thoroughly entered into his subject. Our own opinion of this work, as contributing to bring forward the talents of youth, may be seen in Panorama vol. III. N. S. p. 579.

VOL. V. No. 29. Lit. Pan, N. §. Fab. 1.

It is impossible when a thing is started, to know to what extent it will go. The simple thought of a simple individual is communicated to a friend or two; it pleases them; they mention it to others; the feel

only, but her dependencies partake the enthusiasm; and foreign nations emulate the example. We have had repeated occasiou to announce from the east-Bible Societies in India-Bible Society efforts in Java, China, New Zealand-where not? It is now a pleasing duty to turn to the Western World: who would have thought, a few years ago, of a Bible Society at New Orleans? Such is the power of example! A town peopled by descendants of Frenchmen, who never were famous, as a people, for affection for the Scriptures, and, as Catholics, were under the guidance of their Anti-Biblical Priests. These people now, however, receive the sacred book with joy, and will certainly, for a while, at least, study its contents with avidity.

But, perhaps the greatest importance of New Orleans is, as a station of introduction to the Spanish Provinces, in a quarter where diligence itself would expect to be foiled. These copies will penetrate into the provinces, and among the population. They will be sought after; and possibly, some exemplar from these supplies may become the original, from which a SpanishAmerican copy may follow. What is about to be the fate of the Spanish Dominions in the north, none can say ; but, if they should break off from the Mother Country, and if they should encourage the Scriptures, and Scriptural religion, the consequences may prove among the noblest triumphs of Truth.

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We have pointed out what may be the importance of New Orleans as a station for distribution of the Bible: we now proceed to set the Report at length before our friends, from the only copy that we know of, in England.

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300 English Bibles.

From the Bible Society of Connecticut,
500 English Bibles,
400 French Bibles.

From the New York Bible Society,
1548 French Bibles.

From the New-Jersey Bible Society,
200 French Bibles.

From the New Hampshire Bible Society, 330 English Bibles.

From the Bible Society of Nassau-Hall, 100 English: Bibles...

From the British and Foreign Bible Society,

1000 Spanish New-Testaments,
300 French New-Testaments,
100 French Bibles.

Of this rich supply of the Scriptures, we have made the following

DISTRIBUTION:

At St. Francisville, West Florida,
250 English Bibles.

At Baton Rouge, West Florida,
125 English Bibles,

25 French Bibles,

25 French New-Testaments,
12 Spanish New-Testaments.

A different Settlements on the Amite River

W. F.

150 English Bibles,

65 French New-Testaments, French Bibles.

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Donaldsville on the bayou La Fourche, 350 French New-Testaments.

75 French Bibles,

160 Spanish New-Testaments,
25 English Bibles.

In the County of Attakapas,
50 French Bibles,

100 French New-Testaments,
100 English Bibles.

At Oppelousas,
100 French Bibles,
25 English Bibles,

95 French New-Testaments,
5 Spanish New-Testaments.
At Natchitoches,

50 English Bibles,

75 French New-Testaments,
30 French Bibles,

$5 Spanish New-Testaments.
Sent to St. Louis, Missouri Territory,
75 French Bibles.

Sent to the Mexican Provinces,
300 Spanish New-Testaments.
At New Orleans,
310 English Bibles,
1300 French Bibles,

800 French New-Testaments,
300 Spanish New-Testaments.

The desire to obtain the Scriptures, which was manifested last year, by the French inhabitants of this state, has not abated. On the contrary, they appear more pleased on obtaining the whole of the sacred volume; and prize it more from its being neatly and correctly printed; a circumstance which has not contributed a little to enhance the estimation of the Bible itself. From the superior beauty of the type and paper, the editions of the British and Foreign Bible Society have been in greatest request; and it may not be onworthy of the attention of Bible Societies, to print neat editions of the Bible, in order to promote its more general circulation.

It has now been ascertained that the Catholies of this state have received and read the Scriptures, in a manner that has surpassed the general expectation which

had been formed, and so as to amply compensate the benevolent exertions of those who have spent their time or money to promote this object.

The Bible, as the New-Testament last year, has been introduced and read in the schools generally, not only in this city, but in different parts of the state.

for the Bible and read it. One parish priest preached to his congregation against the evil of reading the Bibles, and NewTestaments, that had been sent up for distribution among them; and exhorted them, if they would escape from heresy, to have nothing to do with such books. But his parishioners, instead of complying with his It has been found, on investigation, that advice, only became more anxious and a much larger proportion of the inhabitants willing to read the Bible; and in conseof this state than was at first supposed, can quence of it, a very considerable number both read and write; but, notwithstand-of Bibles was immediately distributed. The conduct of this parish priest has been condemned, however, by one of his brethren, who stands high in the public estimation at New-Orleaus.

ing this, they were deplorably destitute of books of all kinds.

lu many families, where there are two or three persons able to read, no other book than the Bible or New-Testament is to be

seen.

The free people of colour are generally desirous to have their children taught to read; consequently, from among that class, numerous applications have been made for

Bibles.

The Spanish inhabitants have been remarkably pleased on obtaining the NewTestaments in their native language. At first, there were some scruples about reading them: particularly after reading the 25 v. 25 chap. of Matthew, which they doctrine of the perpetual virginity of the considered as in opposition to the Catholic Virgin Mary. Many of them applied to the Reverend Father Antonio de Sedilla, to learn if this passage of Scripture had been correctly translated; and, on being assured stance that among the young it is that the by him that it was, they were satisfied, Scriptures have had the greatest circula- and, such as can read, have generally ap tion. This has not been simply by the per-plied for New-Testaments. To the Spanmission of the parents, but by their choice and on their application, though very often

It has been observed too, on enquiry, that where applications were made by the heads of families for the Bible,it was principally designed for the instruction of children. And

it must be considered a favourable circum

at the solicitation of their children.

Among the applicants for Bibles, there have been several who declared that they had been endeavouring for years, some as many as for 12 or 15 years, to obtain a copy of the Bible in French. Different methods and expressions were made use of by different persous, to manifest their joy and satisfaction on obtaining what they had so long been in quest of: some declared no present could be more acceptable to them, and others that they esteemed it beyond hundreds of dollars.

The institution of Bible Societies has been to many of the French inhabitants, a matter of much admiration; it is with dif ficulty they can comprehend the plan and design of gratuitously distributing the Bible: and with astonishment they hear of the sums of money that have been raised in Europe and America for this purpose.

The Catholics, even the strictest of them, are all willing, with scarce an exception, to receive and read the Bible, and never think of any objection to, it until informed by a priest, Notwithstanding two parish priests, in two parishes, have opposed the circulation of the Bible among their parishioners, it does not appear to have any influence over them, for they still apply

fards, the New-Testament, in their native language, is an object of greater interest than to the French; they have received it, too, with greater demonstrations of joy. The expressions used by some on being presented with a New Testament, deserves notice: one observed, “ this book contains

the pure truth, and nothing but the truth;" another, on reading the title page of the New-Testament, as soon as he came to the words "JESUS CHRIST," stopped, and said, with much earnestness, "this is my king and my God-he is my all." Another, on being asked if the Spaniards were satisfied with their New-Testament, observed that they could not be Christians who were not."

Many Spaniards from abroad have made personal application here for the Spanish New-Testament; by which means some copies will be introduced into their colonies. As it was the direction of the com mittee of the British and Foreign Bible Sociely, that the Spanish New-Testaments presented by them, should be circulated, not only in Louisiana, but in the Spanish colonies near us, about 100 copies of the New-Testament have been given to persous residing at Panzacola, who have made urgent application for them. A few more have been given to individuals from Havana, St.-lago-de-Cuba, Campeache, &c.

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