232 us. ABORIGINALS. In the mines and tombs of Krasnoiarsk, as before sta- || suppose them to have already made considerable proted, have been found different kinds of instruments, gress to have discovered their need. If, however, we such as knives, daggers, wedges, &c., made of copper, prefer the latter supposition, the question returns, to so hardened as to take the place of steel as used among what people were they indebted for those instruments, How this metal could be so hardened, is now en- and the knowledge of their use? The Chinese, accordtirely unknown to men of science. Yet we find, uponing to their own account, as we have seen, have been the testimony of respectable and veritable historians, astronomers for two thousand years, having possessed, that the Mexicans, Peruvians, and other southern nations, possessed the means of hardening copper to such a degree of perfection, that they were able to bestow upon it an edge equal to that of the best steel. It is a fact worthy of our especial attention, that copper wedges of a similar character to those found in Siberia have been discovered in Mexico; and quite recently also, near Springfield, in this state. meanwhile, the instruments necessary for the cultivation of that science; yet when the Portuguese missionaries went among them in 1670, their computation of time was so far wrong that the year consisted of thirteen, instead of twelve months! All the astronomical instruments, dials, &c., both of Pekin and Nankin, are calculated for 36° of latitude, which is not the latitude of either of these cities! From these facts it seems In Siberia have been found also ornaments of gold evident that the Chinese did not invent their instruand silver, of the most exquisite workmanship, and in- ments. Were they indebted to the Toltecans of Amerdicating a very high degree of refinement and correct | ica for them, or did both derive them from a common taste on the part of those who executed them. And source? The latter seems probable. Who was this after the conquest of Mexico, as we are informed by Clavigero in his history of that country, specimens of castings and ornaments were sent to Europe, which were pronounced by European artists as "perfectly inimitable in execution and taste." benefactor of the two nations? Was it Egypt? We have already stated what seems an insuperable objection to the hypothesis of a northern communication between this country and the southern parts of North America. We must therefore conclude, either that there was some direct communication between Egypt and this new world other than the one above alluded to-or that the Chinese, who were scarcely acquainted with any of the uses of their instruments, supplied them with the knowledge of their use to this Toltecan nation-and consequently, that there was some direct communication between the Chinese and the Toltecans; or we must refer the whole to a common source. And where can we find a better than that described in the ingenious theory of Bailly? In the fundamental principles of their religion, these southern nations resembled the ancient Persians more nearly, perhaps, than any other people; although in many respects we find a very great similarity between parts of their system and that of the Egyptians. But in no other respect do they resemble the latter so much as in the regulation and distribution of time. We know that the ancient Egyptians were the best astronomers of all the nations of antiquity-if we except perhaps the Chaldeans. They carried their observations farther, and deduced from the movements of the heavenly But further. Although there was a great similarity bodies a more perfect system for the regulation of time, existing between the Egyptians and Toltecans; yet than any other nation with whom we are acquainted: there were differences in those things in which they a system, the general features of which were adopted most resemble each other, which indicate that neither naby the Greeks and Romans unaltered until the days of tion could have derived its knowledge directly from the Julius Cæsar. By him it was so improved, by the in- other; for in their systems of chronology, the Egyptroduction of intercallary, as to make the civil and solar tians computed time by cycles of 60, the Toltecans by year correspond at the end of every four years. But cycles of 52 years. The Egyptians had 12 months of we are informed by Botturini, as quoted by Clavigero, 30 days each, while the Toltecans had 18 months of that the Toltecans as much as a century before the 20 days each; and either nation added five days at the Christian era, had discovered a difference of six hours close of every year to make the 365 days. Now if the between the civil and solar year, and had corrected it Toltecans derived their origin directly from Egypt, which by the introduction of intercallary days; not like the the coincidences in their respective systems of chronolRomans, by the addition of one day to every fourth ||ogy have been adduced to prove, we should infer that year, but by the addition of thirteen days (that being in the division of the year they would have harmontheir sacred number) at the close of every cycle of fifty-ized. But this objection weighs less, when we suppose two years! The calculations upon which this discov- both derived their systems from a common source. ery was based, together with those of eclipses, noticed before, imply a greater knowledge of the science of astronomy, than could have been obtained by any nation without the aid of appropriate instruments. But how could they have obtained such instruments? Did they invent them? or procure them from some other people? The former would indicate a very great amount of intellectual effort on their part; for if necessity be the mother of invention, as is generally the case, we must Such is an outline of our view of this interesting question. Nothing has been adduced which will entirely satisfy the curious mind. Obscure as the subject is, there can only be a choice of theories. The above seems to have fewer difficulties, and to be more satisfactory in many points, than any other. Whether true or false, one thing is certain-those to whom it relates have passed away like a sound without an echo. Their only relics are the tombs which mark their departure! Original. HUMAN IMPROVEMENT. HUMAN IMPROVEMENT. MAN, it is said, is the creature of circumstances, and his advances in improvement depend very much on the tone given to his mind by the objects with which he is surrounded. In almost every period of the world's history we have presented to our view the picture of alternate advancement and decline; and past experience would almost lead us to despair of complete success, or the attainment of that perfection in human affairs so fondly desired. 233 the liberal principles of commercial intercourse, the improvements which are made in the one are introduced into the other, harmony is fostered and promoted, and they mutually aid each other in all that will exalt, dignify and improve the species. ing. The art of printing, though it seems to be the production of a single effort, is of vast importance to society, and its merits as an indispensable auxiliary in the improvement of our race stand unrivaled. It promises more in the attainment of the object for which the philanthropist and Christian labors, than any thing merely human that has arrested the attention of the world. It cannot be denied that it is the result of general causes, inasmuch as such was the state of the world at that period, engaged in literature and the sciences, that, if it had not been discovered by the individual to whom it was ascribed, it, or something similar, would assuredly have followed, in the age in which it was first invented. The art of printing, as well as writing, is therefore entitled to be considered as a natural step in the history of man; and those who are sceptical about the improvement of society, merely in consequence of its past history, reason as unphilosophically as a "member of a savage tribe, who, deriving his own acquaintance with former times from oral tradition only, should affect to call into question the efficacy of written records, in accelerating the progress of knowledge and civilization." What may be the ultimate effects of this invention, cannot be told: whether through its medium modern genius will surpass ancient, or eclipse the glory of former days, is uncertain; yet it disseminates knowl Though man may be very much under the influence of habit, he nevertheless often gives an impulse to those things, which, however the ultimate end may not be seen by him, will produce the most beneficial results; and were these efforts always directed by experience and education in a proper channel, we might look forHow mournful are the vicissitudes which history ex- ward to the speedy disinthrallment of society from vice hibits to us in the course of human events. On the and intemperance, and the universal diffusion of those one hand, the places which were once wild and uncul- blessings which flow from virtue, and the accomplishtivated, now present a scene of industry and enter-ment of the designs of an all-wise and beneficent Beprise; while, on the other, where genius flashed its lightning and reared its works of art and science, attended by the busy hum of population, now are immersed in superstition, and forgotten amidst the ravages of despotism. After a career of civil, military and literary glory, the prospect has been changed at once; and the career of degeneracy has begun and run on till it could go no further, or, by some calamitous event, obliterated the memory of past improvement, and compelled mankind to retrace, step by step, the same path by which their forefathers had risen to greatness. The present condition of Greece is a melancholy illustration of the truth of this remark. And it would seem that, on a retrospective view of human affairs, man appears to be the mere sport of fortune-that he is doomed to run the alternate career of improvement and degeneracy, “and realize the beautiful but melancholy fable of Sisyphus, by an eternal renovation of hope and disappointment." Yet we are not solely to argue from the past, or govern our exertions exclusively by the aspects which society presents to the mind of the inquisitive inquirer; but are to be influenced by the circumstances now before us, and the probable effect they will have in accomplishing the most glorious results in the prosperity and felicity of our race. The variety of events which have happened in the world justify us in the hope, that society is now in such a state of improvement, that it is destined to run an uninterrupted course of progres-edge more widely, gives permanency to correct princision; and so different is community at present from ples, and powerfully tends to secure to individuals and what it was in antiquity, that all reasonings from its associated forms of society all that is good and valuaformer states would be unsatisfactory and inconclusive. ble, against those revolutions to which human affairs The late improvements which have been made in have hitherto been so subject. "Opinionum enim commerce, the arts and the sciences, tend to animate commenta delet dies, naturæ judicia confirmat." It is us with hope-prompt to the exercise of liberal feelings, in consequence of the spreading influence of learning and the cultivation of those principles which enhance and correct principles, that the science of legislation is our individual happiness, and secure to community all better understood and more applicable to the advancing the blessings of civilized life. The facilities of com- state of society and the true interest of man; for inmerce, by means of steam power, tend to approximate stead of an aspirant, with a rabble at his heels, trampnations, and thus a ready and free intercourse removes ling upon and putting at defiance all law and principle, those prejudices which exist among distant communi- he is checked by the liberal sentiments of community, ties, by giving them a knowledge of each, and liberal- and compelled to keep pace with enlightened opinions. izing their views and feelings. Nations perceive that In the days of antiquity, eloquence was made the intheir own prosperity is not dependant alone on personal strument of unholy ambition; but now, it is the vehisecurity and advancement, but is intimately associated cle of just and comprehensive views of enlightened with the peace and prosperity of their neighbors. By policy, in that the efforts of those who devote themVol. I.-30 234 HUMAN IMPROVEMENT. selves to their country is subjected to the immediate tribunal of an inquisitive age. To the present age we are indebted for many luminous productions in the various branches of science. Genius has penetrated the regions of thought, and displayed the resources of the human mind; and every auxiliary that tends to facilitate advancement in any department of science has been sought with success. In fine, in whatever light we view the scientific progress of the present age, either as it respects invention or improvement on ancient theories, it will bear to be compared with any the world has ever seen. May we not indulge the pleasing anticipation that the time is rapidly approaching, when the literary horizon will Independent of the facility printing affords to the free circulation of knowledge, it gives value to the most limited exertions of literary industry, concentrates the energy of untrained powers of mind, preserves the efforts and attempts of those whose time or opportunity operated against farther improvement, until finally some genius may spring up, who, collecting the scattered and unbroken links into one, may so exhibit them, as that they shall constitute the intellectual power of the age in which he lives. These considerations would lead us to hope for much in regard to the future. What tal-glow with still brighter effulgence in the western hements can accomplish we have already beheld; yet we believe that the splendor of ancient talents and skill will not overshadow modern, or that past improvement transcends that to which society is destined, and seems rapidly approximating. The age in which we live may be termed emphatically the Augustan age, giving birth to a new era in the history of the literary world. The hand of patronage is now liberally extended for the encouragement of the votaries of every art and science; and genius and talent, freed from the paralyzing influence of cold neglect, are bursting forth with unusual splendor. To the harsh tumult of war and the pageant triumph, succeed the accents and avocations of peace. Poetry, eloquence and philosophy spring forth, not as feeble and sickly exotics, but with the vigorous growth of native plants. In contemplating the glory and splendor of this eventful period, well might we exclaim in the language of the poet "Jam redit et virgo redeunt saturnia regna, Jam nova progenies cælo demittitur alto." isphere; and society, in all the essential elements of excellence and true glory, far transcend all past ages? When our country, whose institutions possess the freedom of the Grecian and Roman republics, and the energy and policy of monarchies and aristocracies, will become the patron of literature? Surely, when the din of battle was no longer heard, and the devastating tread of foes had departed from our borders, some divine inspiration guided our fathers in framing a Constitution which lends protection and encouragement to every principle that reflects lustre upon the human character. How admirably calculated is that principle of our Constitution, which declares the legitimate source of all power to reside in the people, to awaken all the dormant energies of the mind, and call forth every power to the field of action? Here talent and merit meet their due reward. No pageant title, no long-drawn claim to lordly ancestry, obstructs the avenue to honor. We acknowledge no rank but the purchase of merit, and to that a freeman's heart scorns not to pay its tribute. These are powerful inducements for our youth of both sexes to qualify themselves for pre-eminence in the service of their country. Secured, then, in the rights of freemen, and blessed with the means of acquiring a knowledge of all that will improve, exalt and dignify human nature, it remains with the rising generations to rear a superstructure worthy of the fundamental principles of our Constitution, worthy the expansive benevolence of our holy religion, and worthy the age in which we live. If, when reviewing the history of ages darkened by the shade of many centuries, we are borne along with the tide of admiration, and enraptured with the tale of their greatness, what must be our sensations when we dwell on those events which transpire, as it were, under our own observation. In contemplating the ages of Greece and Rome we feel indeed that we are treading on classic ground; but it is not the ground sanctified by the footsteps of our fathers, or hallowed by their sacrifices at the altars of our country. False indeed is Even now, America-thrice happy America-feels that feeling which prompts us to view with partial eyes the influence of spreading knowledge, and exhibits to the genius, talent and acquirements of ancient times, the world a community hastening onward in the march while we receive with disgust or ceremonious criticism, of improvement-a bright example of liberal princithe productions of those whose minds have shed pecu-ples-of republican government "in the full tide of liar lustre around us. The patronage and applause of successful experiment." Here, political and moral our contemporaries are necessary to enkindle and elicit powers are developed in a ratio exceeding any period the vital spark of genius and talent. Never would of the world's history; and an influence is sent abroad those all-swaying accents have flowed from the tongue among the nations of the earth which demands the uni of Demosthenes, had he not received the warm, invigor-versal cultivation of mind. In every part of our land ating sanction of his countrymen; nor would the inef-edifices are being erected consecrated to science and refable harmony of Cicero ever have reached our ears had ligion; and, in the language of a highly gifted writer,* he been subject to chilling neglect, instead of approba-"the harmony with which patriots, philanthropists, and tion and applause. Let us then receive with encourag- Christians of every sect and party combine to educate ing partiality the productions of those who labor to en- the country, induce the belief that Columbia is destined lighten the paths of science, and divest it of those obstructions which retard the youthful traveler. *Dr. E. Thomson. REMINISCENCES OF THE SEA. 235 to guide the footsteps of the globe in her career to intellectual glory." Original. REMINISCENCES OF THE SEA. BY REV. SAMUEL F. GILLET. What marks the present age as one of peculiar interest and promise, and our country as the theatre of man's noblest achievements and most glorious triumphs, and DURING a cruize among the Grecian Islands some also as the destined instrument to accomplish the world's years since, our noble vessel was buffeting a Levanter, intellectual and moral renovation, is the special atten- and endeavoring to force her passage through the nartion which is given to the cultivation of female mind. row straits separating the islands of Tino and Micone, It has been truly said, that woman is the index of a when, as the gale increased, orders issued from the nation's character. Her position in society, wherever cabin to "bear up" for a port to leeward. The headshe may be, determines the degree of civilization, intel- ing of the ship, and the hints of our pilot, George, asligence and morality to which any nation has arrived. sured us we should soon anchor in Paros; and a visit By the lights of science, and the purifying influence to the famous Grotto, in Anti-Paros, a neighboring of Christianity, woman is now elevated to her true po- island, seemed not improbable. Running before the sition, is made the companion of man, an equal partic-wind with flowing sheets, in a few hours we entered ipant in every holy and refining pleasure; and moves the harbor of Paros, and anchored under the lee of a in that high sphere of usefulness for which she is so point where wind or wave could hardly reach us. The richly endowed by her Creator, and by a reflex influ-"watch officers" began to count up and see on whom ence, is the dispenser of happiness to all around. would fall the next day's duty, and who could leave the ship should the captain conclude to take a cruize on shore. Fortunately only one midshipman was on the "black list," and as many as could be spared from duty were kindly permitted by the captain to join a party to the Grotto. lies, in a half-deserted island. We chose the latter, and making sail, soon overhauled the company ahead. Paros is near forty miles in circuit, with a population of The position will no longer admit of doubt, that woman possesses faculties susceptible of high intellectual and moral improvement. For the truth of this, we need but refer to the works of a Mrs. Somerville, Hemans, Hannah More, a Sigourney, Edgeworth, and others; and within our own pale, a Mrs. Fletcher, The French Consul for the island, who came on Cooper, Thayer, Rogers, Maxwell; and Bulmer, author | board just as we anchored in the evening, was to be of "Messiah's Kingdom," which for beauty and felicity our guide and purveyor; promising to have a supply of diction, purity of thought, justness of conception of horses on the beach by day-light, to carry us across and sublimity of imagination, is unsurpassed by any the island; but on landing in the morning we perceived poetic production of the age. to our discomfiture that only a few jacks had been And, finally, among the numerous auxiliaries which hired, and these were already mounted by the captain are destined to result in the moral accomplishment of and ward-room officers, while love or money would not our highest hopes and aspirations in regard to the im-tempt the natives to part with any more of their beasts provement of our species, we hail with peculiar delight of burden. We had therefore to give up the trip, or the "Ladies' Repository." The position, Messrs. Edi-"foot it" some twenty miles over hills and through valtors, which you sustain in connection with that periodical, however arduous it may be, is nevertheless truly enviable. You occupy a position from which you may move and control a vast community; and by touching || two or three thousand miserable Greeks. Like most of the principles of action in the parental bosom, and the islands in this sea, it is barren; a reddish clay, molding the character of the sex, you vibrate on the mixed with light colored rock, gives it an appearance heart-strings of the youth, and sweep upward until you of genuine sterility. Superior marble for statuary lay your hand on him who occupies the highest post in abounds in some parts of the island, specimens of which the gift of an intelligent, free, and virtuous people! may be seen in the Venus de Medicis, Apollo, and The work, then, in which you are engaged is one wor- some other statues now in Italy. The quarries are enthy of the patronage of noble, enlightened and gener-tirely neglected, and being in haste, we passed them ous hearts. By the establishment of the "Repository," with only a glance. About mid-way of the island, the Church has adopted a measure which will stand as pressed with the heat, we halted at a monastery, glad an imperishable monument of her wisdom and piety; to obtain something to quench our thirst. These monand through this medium will diffuse abroad through asteries are frequent in countries where the Greek or coming generations the lights of science and religion. Catholic religion prevails; but in general they are only God speed you in your glorious work! And may your in part occupied, and we may suppose these orders are periodical continue to increase in power and influence, on the decline. Near mid-day we arrived at the village and prove a repository richly laden with all that can of Ausa, containing three or four hundred inhabitants, embellish human character, "and roll down to posterity and embarked in two caiques for Anti-Paros, distant a glorious sun that shall dispense his rays, in imitation seven miles. This we found in a better state of cultiof his emblem, with God-like liberality to every moral vation than its neighbor; still, three-fourths of the petal that is unfolded between the poles." With these island is rocky and unoccupied, except by lizzards and sentiments, I remain, other reptiles, producing little except heath and larger Yours, &c., shrubs, used by the natives for fuel. W. H. 236 REMINISCENCES OF THE SEA. for a sailor, and seizing the two parts of a rope, the bight of which was thrown over a stalagmite above, I worked my way to the top of the cliff; but as I neared the bight of the rope its parts of course spread, and the weight being too heavy for the strength of the hand, I lost my hold of one of the ropes, and was in the act of going to the bottom, rope and all, when the purser seized me by the collar, and rescued me from a fall, perhaps from death. Our route to the cave was over a plain, thence || a slack-rope. Some of the party were drawn up by obliquely up a range of hills, following a foot-path, their companions above; but this seemed too lubberly which, leading the traveler to the farther verge of the summit, at once introduces him to the Grotto on his left, and to the sea in front, washing the base of the mountain below. Here, if the beholder will forget the sterility of the soil around him, and carry his line of sight to a distance, he will be pleased with his position. A southerly breeze, sweeping from the shores of Af rica, sends wave after wave upon a coast perforated with caverns, having an outlet half under water, and producing a sound as of low, distant thunder, and not Providing ourselves with specimens of rock from the unfrequently throwing up water from an inland aper- interior, we commenced our return to the ship. About ture, like the blowing of a whale. (A small, but noted sun-set we arrived at our boats, and embarked for Ausa, cave of this kind may be seen at the entrance of Port with a Greek crew to pull us over, who struck up one Mahon Harbor; and being very boisterous in stormy of their national airs, the hero of which was Capo D'Isweather, is known among sailors as the Devil's Bel- trias, then principal ruler in Greece. The twilight hour, lows.) The soft, southerly breeze is attended with a with the stars just assuming their place in the heavens; clear atmosphere, leaving the numerous isles of the the gentle breeze, rippling the surface of the sea enough Archipelago, in full and attractive view. Dotting the to break the monotony of a calm, and afford an accomEgean may be seen the vessels of different nations, paniment to the music of the Greeks; the slight danger under convoy of some man-of-war; or else hasting to of our position from some lurking pirate; added to the escape the region of isles before the setting in of night-peculiar, plaintive melody of the descendants of Epamwhile the piratical Greek mystic, lurking among the inondas, soothed down the excited feelings of the day, coves and islets, waits an opportunity of plunder. B. and caused us for the time being to forget our fatigue and myself were the first to arrive at the Grotto; and and hunger. while those in the rear came up, we prepared for a de scent. But our reverie was broken in upon by the sudden appearance of a light ahead, showing our near approach to the village. Here our guides had promised us refreshments, with agreeable lodging for the night; and soon a table, groaning beneath its burden of viands, passed before the mind, and almost equaled enjoyment itself in anticipation. The Greeks at the oars were urged to "give away," and soon we ranged along-side the wharf, and disembarking, steered for quarters in the town. It was nine at night when we landed, and after The first object meeting the eye of the traveler, is the huge giant placed at the cavern's mouth, so much to the fright of the ancients. We found it perfectly harmless, being nothing more nor less than a large sta-airy dormitories, and the luxury of a comfortable bed, lagmite, or deposit of calcarious matter, formed by drops from the roof upon the floor of the cave. Passing a pair of top-gallant studding-sail halliards around the giant, a native was sent down with the loose end; and by the aid of this rope to steady us, we followed, descending in all about two hundred feet, sometimes gra-ranging through the village, and occasionally halting to dually, at other times perpendicularly. The interior is truly grand; the roof one hundred feet above the floor, and covered with stalactites, pendent in the form of large icicles, some of them flat, and when struck, sounding like a bell. The width of the Grotto is about fifty feet, varying as you descend, until it narrowly terminates at the bottom, where some of our party found water. On returning to the mouth I unexpectedly came across the Madonna, which at first sight, through the glimmering light of a torch, I took for a living female with a child in her arms. On a near approach, I found this a mass of rock formed by drops from the roof. Surrounding the Madonna are other stalagmites, from three to fifteen feet in height, resembling somewhat the mammoth candles and other fixtures of a Greek Chapel. No wonder the superstitious devotees of that Church, with their Madonna, candles, bells, &c., formed ready at hand by nature, should here perform their devotions. Leaving the Chapel, I continued ascending occasionally with the aid of ropes, but not without risk. At one point a precipice was to be passed by climbing listen to something like an altercation in Greek between our guide and the villagers, we at length were conducted to our quarters for the night-a low, one story building, with three or four rooms, occupied by a large family of men, women and children. It seemed but a poor chance for a score of us to be accommodated; but being accustomed to close quarters, we concluded to make the best of our berth. A long hour passed away, and the table was at length spread “a la mode le Grec.' A few boiled eggs, some stale Greek bread, with rancid butter, and coffee "a la Turk," constituted the fare. As supper was announced there was evidently a falling of countenances among our party, and an unusual manifestation of politeness. The steerage officers drew back to let the captain and other superior officers occupy the first table. "Sit down, sit down, young gentlemen," said the captain, "we are not quite ready yet, and will wait;" and accordingly we took our stand by the table-as for seats, chairs are rarities both among Greeks and Turks. Presently it was whispered around among the reefers, "The captain has sent out into the village for a supply of fresh grub for himself and ward |