they live in habits of great friendship with one | nary degree of ingenuity and cunning, but with a faculty another. A sparrow that had been caught by the leg by a piece of worsted, from which it could not extricate itself, was in one instance known to have been fed for a whole winter by its congeners; and several instances are recorded of sparrows feeding the young of other birds which have been in a state of captivity. A more unwelcome species of animals than even sparrows are to farmers, are affectionately spoken of by Mr. Jesse; and he also gives good authority for that which we have often heard repeated in our youth by those who were deemed credulous.

and animals, is second to none that I have ever seen;

which approaches almost to a reasoning power, cannot be doubted: there is a sufficient number of well attested facts to prove this; the following is one of them. A ship proved so unfit for sea, that her stores were directed to on her voyage was not only much infested with rats, but be made over to another vessel. In doing this, the greatest care was taken that the rats should not gain ac cess to the other ship, and in order to prevent it, the two vessels were anchored at some distance from each other, and the stores were removed in boats. When the crew were about to quit the vessel, the whole body of rats were seen to make their way down its sides into the sea, and to swim to the ship in which the stores had been deposited; this they would have penetrated, had not the vigilance of the crew prevented them. The vessel got under weigh, and the rats were left to their fate."-pp. 206-209.

We think we have extracted enough from the present volume to show that it deserves the hearty welcome of every reader, and that it is calculated in an eminent degree to mend the heart, as well as to communicate instruction in a branch of study that is rapidly gaining upon the taste of the public. There are in these pages a number of pieces on other subjects besides the inferior animals, that breathe a freshness, benignity, We have and enthusiasm, highly pleasing. papers on the Pleasures of the Country, on First Days in Spring, on the Use of Plants, on the Agricultural Peasantry, &c. that should be studied. One great and indeed the chief object of the author, has been to show how much we are bound to treat every animal with tenderness and kindness, which of course infers, that when we must destroy them, it ought to be without cruelty or the infliction of needless pain. We cannot do better than go back to the general remarks he

makes on such kindness.

"Whilst I am on the subject of the kind disposition which animals show to each other, I will mention an anecdote which was recently communicated to me of the old English or black rat; this animal is now become very scarce in this country. Unlike the Norway rat, which is fierce, and lives in little harmony even with its own species, our original animals appear to have been sociable in their habits, and to have shown kindness and friendship to each other. The fact referred to was communicated to me by the Rev. Mr. Ferryman, a clergyman in Sussex, an accurate observer of nature, and whose beautiful collection of specimens of British birds They are all stuffed by himself, and he has given them a great interest by displaying their peculiar habits; he is in his 85th year, but his mind is still as vigorous as ever. Besides being a good scholar and a naturalist, he has made many curious and important discoveries in mechanics; and it is to be regretted that his retired habits, and the secluded situation in which he lives, have prevented him from becoming better known. He informed me that some fifty years ago, when the old English rat was numerous, he resided at Quorn, in Leicestershire. Walking out in some meadows one evening, he observed a great number of rats in the act of migrating from one place to another, which it is known they are in the habit of doing occasionally. He stood perfectly still, and the whole assemblage passed close to him. His astonishment however was great, when he saw amongst the number an old-blind rat, which held a piece of stick at one end in its mouth, while another rat had hold of the other end of it, and thus conducted its blind companion. Mr. Ferryman has a large glass case of English rats, in which this interesting anecdote is commemorated with equal truth and fidelity. Mr. Ferryman also communicated to me the following anecdote of a rat, which I am in justice to him bound to admit he did not impli citly believe himself, neither are my readers required to do so; I merely give the story as I heard it. He said that he had an old friend, a clergyman, of retired and studious habits. When sitting in his room one day, he saw an English rat come out of a hole at the bottom of the wainscot; he threw it a piece of bread, and in process of time he so familiarised the animal that it be came perfectly tame, ran about him, was his constant "We shall probably be always in a state of uncertainty companion, and appeared much attached to him. He as to the degree of happiness animals are capable of enwas in the habit of reading in bed at night; and was on joying. Those extraordinary faculties which they posone occasion awoke by feeling a sharp bite on his cheek, sess, and which are so nearly allied to reason, may, for when he discovered the curtains of his bed to be on fire.aught we know, make them more susceptible to the im He made his escape, but his house was burnt down, and he saw no more of his rat. He was however convinced, and remained so for the rest of his life, that his old companion had saved him from being burnt to death by biting his cheek, and thus making him aware of his danger. The marks of the teeth were visible upon it, and the reader may put what faith he pleases on the supposition of the good clergyman. He himself was always indignant if any one doubted it.

"That rats are endowed not only with an extraordi

"This feeling is strongly enforced upon us by our be nevolent Creator, who not only inculcates, but commands us to show mercy. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thec lying under his burthen, and wouldst forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help him.' A special law was prescribed in favour of the oxen which trod out the corn and numerous instances might be brought forward to show that all created things are objects of the Divine care and compassion.

"Nothing is more detestable than cruelty, and it is a sad reflection that the chief miseries of animals are inflicted upon them by man. Some persons can find sport in witnessing pain and distress, and will destroy life out of mere wantonness. But for this cruelty, we might have the gratification of being surrounded by animals in a state of comparative happiness, showing their gratitude for the kindness of man, by losing all fear of him.

pressions of pleasure and pain. Mr. Locke says that if
animals have any ideas at all, and are not mere machines,
as some would have them, we cannot deny them to have
reason. It seems to me, he adds, as evident that they
do in some instances reason, as that they have sense.
If this is the case, (and I shall bring forward some evi-
dence of the fact,) we ought to entertain more kindly
feelings towards them than we generally do.
fondness for their offspring is as fervent, and their love
and affection are, in many instances, as strong, as our

Their

And the rose reign in triumph as queen of my cheek." was unquestionably a VOL. XXVII. DECEMBER, 1835.-80

though perhaps his fame has already passed its "The Italians, on hearing the words translated by Mr. zenith; his industry however was greater, while Robinson, were mortified, but when West, at that gentlehis moral character, amid all the snares of fashion-man's request, described the Mohawk, in his state of naable dissipation, was one of singular beauty and tive freedom, as seen in those days, his speed, his vigour, simplicity. We shall give some portions of Mr. his exercise with the bow-when Mr. Robinson interDunlap's account of this painter's life. His pro- preted the words, I have seen a Mohawk standing in gress and journey to Rome, and first appearance flight of the arrow just discharged from the bow,' his very attitude, intensely pursuing with his eye the there, are thus narrated :-auditory were delighted by the criticism of the stranger, and applauded his untutored acumen."

"At the age of twenty-one, Benjamin West embarked with young Allen, and soon arrived at Gibraltar, where the ship stopped for convoy. Captain Kearney, commanding the ships of war on the station, was a friend of young Allen's father, and the young man, with his companion, being invited to dine on board his ship, West was introduced favourably to the officers, with whom he proceeded up the Mediterranean. Messrs. Rutherford and Jackson were the correspondents of Mr. Allen, and the young painter, having delivered his credentials to them at Leghorn, was furnished with letters to Cardinal Albani and other distinguished characters at Rome. Under these favourable auspices the quaker painter proceeded on his journey in charge of a French courier, who had been engaged by his Leghorn friends as his guide and interpreter, and gained his first view of the immortal city from a height at eight miles' distance. It is easy to imagine the impression such a prospect, and its attendant anticipations, would make upon an American youth of that day, and it 13 much safer to leave the subject to the imagination of the reader than to obtrude upon him the surmises of the writer. Suffice it to say, that the unsophisticated Yankee arrived safe at the great metropolis, and was introduced to the remains of her ancient taste and splendour, scarcely more the object of his admiration, than he was of attention to the nobles of Italy, and the illustrious strangers with whom the city swarmed. An American had come to study painting, and that American, a quaker! This was a matter of astonishment, and when it was fonnd that the young man was neither black nor savage, but fair, intelligent, and already a painter, West became emphatically the lion of the day in Rome."

It was in the summer of 1760 that he arrived at the queen of cities; and the story that an American quaker had come to study the fine arts in Italy appeared so strange to an English gentleman, of the name of Robinson, that he immediately sought him out and insisted on his dining with him; and thence he was introduced to the best society of Rome. He was presented, among others, to Cardinal Albani, who, though blind, was an exquisite judge, from the delicacy of his touch, of the variety and peculiarities of the smallest medals. The cardinal's first query regarding the young painter was, "Is he black or white ?"

"West, among the many advantages derived from nature, possessed a fine form, and a face as fair as artists paint angels, or lovers their mistresses. fifty he was remarkable for comeliness; and it is preAt the age of sumed that at the period of which we treat, his appearance must have been very prepossessing, and not the less for the flowing locks and simple attire of his sect. The cardinal being satisfied that the painter was as white as himself, (that being his next enquiry), received him graciously, examined his face and head, with his fingers, expressed his admiration, and made up a party to witness the impression which the sight of the chefs-d'œuvre of antiquity would make upon a native of the new world. The Apollo was first shown him, and his exclamation was, 'How like a young Mohawk warrior!'

that

West's first specimen of painting in Europe was a portrait of Mr. Robinson, and was so excellent, it is said, that he obtained the second rank among painters in that capital at the time; but yet, few of his pictures previous to this have been preserved, and those few of little value. The two greatest artists were, at this period, Mengs and Battoni, the former of whom very liberally applauded the young American, and traced out a plan for his studies and travel. He was repeatedly, however, attacked by fever and obliged to leave Rome; but on all occasions he seems to have secured excellent and influential friends. The applause bestowed on the portrait of Mr. Robinson reached his native country, and through the generosity of certain individuals there, he was allowed whatever money he required, which enabled him to visit and study such collections as he chose, traveling in company with a Mr. Mathews, a man of extraordinary acquirements and accomplishments, who had been recommended by Mengs as a companion on the tour.

"From Florence Mr. West proceeded to Bologna, and after inspecting the works of art, he went on to Venice. Here the style and colouring of Titian were his principal study. After completing the tour recommended by Mengs, he returned to Rome, and pursued his study again in that great centre of taste. He at this time painted his pictures of Cimon and Iphigenia, and Angehistorical painter, and obtained him the academical lica and Medora. These established his reputation as an honours of Rome.

"By the advice of his father he determined to visit England before returning home, and again he had the advantage of traveling with a man of taste and refine. ment, Dr. Patoune, who was returning to Great Britain. The doctor proceeded to Florence, while the painter went to take leave of his friends at Leghorn. The travellers afterwards stopped at Parma, while West finished his copy of St. Jerome. This beautiful picture is in the pos session of the family of Mr. Allen, one of the painter's of an American quaker painter procured him the atten carliest friends, and in America. Here again the novelty tion of the great; and the friend kept on his broad brim

when introduced to the court of Parma, very much to
haps not a little to their amusement.
the astonishment of the prince and his courtiers-per.

Genoa and Turin were taken in the route to France, the travellers, as Englishmen, were only protected by a and the peace of 1763 having been but lately concluded, magistrate from a mob, who had not yet ratified the treaty. In Paris, West visited, as every where else, the collections of paintings and sculptures, but the inferiority of France to Italy was at that time more apparent than at this, and the American had little to learn in Paris, who had studied in and gained the approbation of the academies of Italy."

West's works are too well known in this country to require that we should follow his history closely; and yet even in England, though his

DUNLAP'S HISTORY OF THE ARTS.

The next artist commemorated in these volumes is John Singleton Copley, who was born in Boston, in 1738, and at an early age showed a genius for painting. In 1774 he went to Italy, and two years after to England, where he devoted himself to portraiture and became a member of the Royal Academy. The historical pieces, "The Death of Chatham," and "Charles the First in the House of Commons," have obtained considerable celebrity. The following remarks on Copley are from the letters of C. R. Leslie to Mr. Dunlap:

pencil was always employed for the noblest pur- | picture I have seen by him, but it has a defect frequent poses, his efforts were inadequately understood in large compositions made up of a number of portrails. and appreciated. It has been unreservedly stated There are too many figures to let. Too many unoc on his own authority, that the remuneration of cupied, and merely introduced to show the faces. His his labours from the patronage of the public, dur- picture of Brooke Watson and the Shark, is in the large hall of the Blue Coat School. It is a good picture, but ing forty years, was so inadequate to his very dry and bad in colour. He painted, I believe, a great moderate wants as to leave him dependent on the many portraits, but I have seen none of any consequence income allowed him as historical painter to George excepting the group of the King's Children I described the Third; and when this resource was unex- to you in my last. It is a beautiful picture. I have pectedly withdrawn from him, very late in life, heard Allston say, he has seen very fine portraits, paintand when his royal patron must have been uncon-ed by Copley, before he left America. I would advise scious of such a proceeding, he had to struggle you to write to Allston about it.' In another of Mr. Leslie's valuable letters we have the following:-' I know with pecuniary embarrassment. not if Allan Cunningham, in his life of Copley, has told the following story of his tediousness as a painter. It is said, a gentlemen employed him to paint his family in one large picture, but during its progress, the gentle. man's wife died, and he married again. Copley was now obliged to obliterate all that was painted of the first wife, and place her in the clouds in the character of an angel, while her successor occupied her place on earth. But lo! she died also, and the picture proceeded so slowly as to allow the husband time enough to console himself with a third wife. When the picture was completed; therefore, the gentleman had two wives in heaven, and one on earth, with a sufficient quantity of children. The price, which was proportioned to the labour bestowed on "Of Copley I can tell you very little. I saw him the picture, was disputed by the employer, who alleged once in Mr. West's gallery, but he died very soon after that the picture ought to have been completed before his my arrival in London. Mr. West told me he was the domestic changes had rendered the alterations and adCopley went to law with him; and most tedious of all painters. When painting a portrait, ditions necessary. he used to match with his palette-knife a tint for every his son, (now Lord Lyndhurst), who was just admitted to part of the face, whether in light, shadow, or reflection. the bar, gained his father's cause. The story was told me This occupied himself and the sitter a long time before by a gentleman, who was old enough to remember Cophe touched the canvass. One of the most beautiful of ley, but he did not give me his authority for it, and I his portrait compositions is at Windsor Castle, and re-fear it is too good to be true. I remembered one or two presents a group of the royal children playing in the of Copley's last pictures in the exhibition, but they were garden with dogs and parrots. It was painted at Wind- very poor; he had out-lived his powers as an artist.'" sor, and during the operation, the children, the dogs, and the parrots became equally wearied. The persons who were obliged to attend them while sitting complained to the queen; the queen complained to the king; and the king complained to Mr. West, who had obtained the commission for Copley. Mr. West satisfied his majesty that Copley must be allowed to proceed in his own way, and that any attempt to harry him might be injurious to the picture, which would be a very fine one when

-

donc.'

"The prediction of West was fully accomplished; and this graceful, splendid, and beautiful composition was seen by the writer at Somerset House, in the year 1786, or 7, and is remembered with pleasure to this day.

"On the subject of Copley, we must give our readers some further valuable and entertaining matter from the pen of Mr. Leslie. He says: As you ask my opinion of Copley, you shall have it, such as it is. His merits

and defects resemble those of West. I know not that he

was ever a regular pupil of the president, but he was certainly of his school. Correct in drawing, with a fine manner of composition, and a true eye for light and shadow, he was defective in colouring. With him it wants brilliancy and transparency. His Death of Major Pierson I think his finest historical work-you have perhaps seen it at any rate you know the fine engraving of it, by James Heath. Copley's largest picture is in Guildhall; the destruction of the floating batteries off Gibraltar, by General Elliot. The foreground figures

Gilbert Stuart was a portrait painter of a superior order, and excelled in that rare talent which is among the best props of genius-the power of drawing the mind of the sitter, which is illustrated by the following anecdote. Lord Mulgrave having engaged Mr. Stuart to paint a portrait of his brother, General Phipps, then on the point of sailing to India, the picture drew from his lordship this exclamation-"I see inThe first news of the sanity in that face!" general after his arrival in India was, that he had gone mad and cut his throat! This painter's talent in conversation is said to have been extraordinary, as well as his judgment, sensibility and impetuosity.

We do not wonder, that it is recorded of him, he could very soon make those that sat to him feel at their ease, and fall into their peculiar appearance and character, when alone a faithful likeness can be taken. It is not every one that can thus remove that sort of awkwardness which most sitters experience, when stiffened into attitudes before the scrutinising eye of a painter. Stuart spent many years of his life in the British metropolis, where his neglect of prudential maxims often entangled him in pecuniary diffi

culties.

are as large as life, but those in the middle distance are
either too small, or deficient in aerial perspective. In-
Mr. Dunlap gives an
stead of looking like men diminished by distance, they
look less than life. With the exception of this defect the niature painting, which
picture is a fine onc. His death of Lord Chatham is cultivators in America.
now in the National Gallery. It is the best coloured ter also on architecture.

interesting sketch of miappears to have many There is a useful chapThe second volume