periods; and with specimens which one of us has inspected, of stones that have fallen in India, France, and Scotland. The chemical analysis also proves that their composition is the same; and it is well known to mineralogists and chemists that no such stones have been found among the productions of this globe.

The falling of stones from the clouds is an event which has frequently happened in Europe, in Asia, and in South America. The accounts of such phenomena were, for a long time, rejected by philosophers, as the offspring of ignorance and superstition. Several facts of this kind, however, within a few years, have been proved by evidence so unexceptionable, as to overcome the most obstinate incredulity. It is now admitted not only that such phenomena have existed in modern times, but that the accounts of similar events in for mer ages are in a high degree probable..

Within fifteen years past the falling of similar bodies, under similar circumstances, has happened in Portugal, Bohemia, France, Great Britain India, and South America.

pass placed in this hole is instantly disturbed, and in a short time veers about to the castward, till at last the north point settles itself in a due southerly direction, and remains there. At a very little distance from this hole, perhaps on the very edge of it, the needle recovers its usual position.

This singular circumstance was known when Martin wrote his account of the island, and is taken notice of by him. He indeed says the compass then settled at due east, which is also curious. What increases the singularity of this alteration in the needle, is a discovery lately made by Hector M'Neil, Esq. tacksinan of the island. He mentioned the circumstances to us, and Lord Bredalbene, Sir Adam Fergusson, Mr. Isaac Hawkins Browne, and the rest of the company, went to examine the fact. The, harbour on the north side is formed by a bold rock of basalt, which may be about a half a mile below, and to the southward of the Compass Hill, of which this rock is a continuation. We rowed under this rock, and when the boat reached its centre, immediately under the rock, and almost touching it, the north point To account for the existence of these stones, of our compass veered about, and settled at Tarious theories have been formed by philoso- due south, and remained there: this experiphers. Some have supposed them to be onment was frequently repeated with the same ly common stones struck with lightning and success; but this effect was confined also to partly melted. But this theory has now no a very small part of the rock, which seemned advocate. A less fanciful hypothesis is, that to us directly south from the hole on Compass they are masses of matter thrown from volca-Hill. At a little distance, on either side, noes. But to this there are serious objections. the needle recovered is usual position. His No such bodies are found near the craters of lordship then directed the boat to row with volcanoes, or are known to be projected from them. And in many instances these bodies great quickness past the rock, when, upon our crossing the place which, had before have fallen several hundred and even several affected the needle, it was again affected thousand miles from any known volcano. during the passage, though very quick, and Some philosophers have supposed that these recovered soon after passing this point. We stones are thrown from terrestrial comets.could hardly venture to assign any cause for Not to mention any other objection to this hypothesis, it will by no means account for such a phenomenon as appeared at Sienna in 1794, when stones descended, not from a moving meteor, but from a luminous cloud. Other philosophers, ascribing to these stones an origin still more extraordinary, suppose them to be projected from the moon.

The subject must be acknowledged to be involved in much obscurity, and the phenomenon, till we are possessed of more facts and better observations,, must be considered as inexplicable.

these appearances, but by supposing something magnetical in the rock, extending the whole distance from the Compass Hill to the headland at the mouth of the harbour, If this should prove to be the case, we had no scruple in pronouncing this to be the largest loadstone as yet discovered in the world. A part of the rock was broken off at the very spot where this affection of the needle was observed, and was applied to the compass when removed from the rock, but it seemed to produce no effect upon the needle what soever: also, the compass was carried about the length of the boat from the rock, and it was also placed in the same line on the op posite side of the harbour, at about a quar ter of a mile's distance; neither of these exp periments produced any effect on the needle..

In this island there are many columnar appearances, not unlike to Staffa; and several, both straight and bent, and every way as regular, which seems also to have, like Stala, escaped observation till very lately.

SPECIMENS OF DUTCH INDUSTRY.

Extract of a Report from the Minister for the Interior to the King of Holland, dated Utrecht, June 28, 1808, after a public Er hibition of sundry Specimens of National Industry, produced in Holland.

[Resumed from p. 1170, Vol. IV.].

CARPETING AND FLOOR-CLOTH.

of honour. They have further mentioned in an honourable and distinguished manner, Helmont, for having sent patterns of silk-velPrinsen Ramaer Vander Loo, and Co. of which, although recently established, appears vet-ribhon, made in their manufactory, to have been consider bly extended; and likewise of J. C. Wiedebosch, of Amsterdam, for having sent in an assortment of silk stockings of a very good quality it is, however, particularly recommended that the said manufacturers would use their utmost endeavours to equal the fineness of similar articles produced abroad.

The quality of the floor-cloth, manufactured in this country, has, for some years, been considerably improved; and the Dutch carpet manufactories, although totally different from those in other countries, and not yet HEMP, FLAX, CORDAGE, AND THREAD. arrived at that state which might bear to be compared with them, deserve, however, in The cord and rope manufactories are of a general, to be distinctly noticed. The comdifferent nature, they not being obliged to missioners, at the same time as they have ex- draw their original materials entirely from pressed their approbation of the different foreign countries. The importance and exqualities and patterns sent to them, distin-cellence of those manufactories, already estaguish with particular satisfaction the manublished in this country, for so many years, is factory of P. Haan, at, Hilversam, which, sufficiently acknowledged; and it is with peaccording to the pieces manufactured there, cular satisfaction that the commissioners have and sent to the exhibition, has not only main- observed from the excellent workmanship and tained its reputation, but has also undergone moderate prices of the different sorts of corconsiderable improvements; and the conr- dage sent in by C. J. Moleman Van Brienca, missioners have on that account, and as a of Gouda, that the cord man factories of this farther encouragement, awarded to the said country have by no means lost their ancient manufacturer the silver prize of honour. celebrity, and that nothing but peace and commerce is required to raise them to their P. M. Smelders, of the house of E. F. former state of prosperity-Among the corVander Hout and Son, of Geerbreiedenberg, dage sont in by the above-mentioned manuhaving sent in some very good specimens of factory, the log-lives deserve particular notice, hats, at moderate prices, the commissioners as having been brought to such a state of perhave awarded to him the silver prize of honour. fection, that they equal in every respect those The commissioners have likewise thought of other countries. To this maker the comproper to mention in an honourable and dis-missioners have awarded the silver prize of tinguished manner, J. Eroyk Aarts and Co. cf Amersfoort, who have also forwarded & various samples of hats to the exhibition, and - whose manufactory, though only established in February, 1807, bids very fair for success.

HATS.

WROUGHT SILKS AND VELVET.

The original materials used in the silk and velvet manufactories, being entirely the produce of other countries, the wrought silks and velvet sent to the exhibition have therefore

justly excited the admiration of the spectators. The extension of this branch of national industry is of the utmost importance to the manufactories established in this country; as it is no longer doubtful but the above-mentioned articles may be manufactured in this kingdom of as good a quality as those of any other part of the world. J. La Coste, Widow P. Van Walree, and Co. and D. Van Lennep Coster, of Amsterdam, having sent in some beautiful pieces of wrought silk and velvet, made in their manufactories, which, as well in quality and richness of colours as in moderation of price, may vie with foreign productions, the commissioners have awarded - speach of those manufacturers a silver prize

honour. The utility of the flax manufac tories is also generally known: the original materials used therein are likewise the produce of our own soil. The samples of Dutch flax sent to the exhibition by W. Vollenhoven and Son, of Rotterdam, having, on account of their excellent dressing, attracted particular notice, the commissioners have awarded to them the silver prize of honour.

The thread-manufactories also properly belong to this country; Dutch thread being every where acknowledged to excel that made in other countries. F. W. Loutermans, of Bois-le-Duc, has sent a considerable number of samples of variously assorted thread. The excellence of the different articles made in this manufactory, as well the vast extent of the manufactory itself, which gives employment to more than two thousand persons, having attracted the notice of the commissioners, they have conferred upon the said master the silver prize of honour. The commissioners have, however, at the same time, expressed their regret that no other thread manufacturers have thought proper to send their productions to this exhibition.

PATER.

LINEN CLOTH, TABLE LINEN, and dimity. Dutch table and other linen, has been noted for a length of time; and articles of this description, inade in this country, are eagerly sought after by the greatest part of Eumpe. Their reputation is so well established, and the number of manufactories where those articles are made, is still so considerable, that the commissioners have been extremely surprised at the small number who have sent specimens of their labours to this exhibition. The commissioners have therefore been obliged to content themselves with mentioning in an honourable and distinguish-samples are very good of their sort, the

The Dutch paper manufactories have been brought to such a state of perfection, that different sorts of paper made in this country may justly vie with that manufactured abroad. But, notwithstanding the great number of Paper manufactories in this kingdom, very few of them have sent specimens of their industry. The samples sent by the following manufacturers are in the incantime sufficient proofs that the paper made in this country still deserves to be reckoned among the best that is fabricated anywhere: and as these

ed manner, the following manufacturers, in commissioners have mentioned each of these expectation that at a future exhibition others manufacturers in an honourable and distinmay be excited to send in their works, and guished manner, viz. Sankoo! of Zaandyk, for samples of atlas and royal drawing pathereby co-operate in accomplishing the per, and some post and writing paper: grand and salutary object of this institution: viz. B. Bruins and Son, of Hengelo, particu-J. Noning and Son of Zaandyk, who have Fecielleteau De Bruin and Co. of Boxel and larly on account of their linen cloth; Widow P. Bogairs and Son, of Helmont, on account of their table linen; and B. Bavinck

sent to the exhibition various kinds of vellum paper, of a very good quality: also Stolp and and Sou, of Almelo, who have sent to the Lugt, of West Luar, for some stained paexhibition patterns of dimity. per for flowers, being a first experiment."

CALICO.

The calico manufactories, which formerly used to be an important branch of national industry, are, for the present, generally in a less prosperous state, which is particularly to be attributed to the want of raw cotton, as well as to the stagnation of trade and navigation.

LEATHER.

The leather manufactories of this country, have already, for a great many years, been in a very flourishing state, and form no incon siderable part of the national productions. The improvements effected by recent discoveries in chemistry have likewise been adopted among then, with every prospect of success.

The manufacturing of what is called morocco The spinning of cotton, by means of maor printed and stained calf's leather, was howchinery, is an object of the utmost impor-ever not so well known in this country. The tance, and which in this country, is still samples of this art sent to the exhibition by open to material and considerable improve-the widow S. F. Helb of Amsterdam have ment; it was therefore peculiarly gratifying therefore caused very great surprize and satisto observe, from the different samples sent to faction: these samples are so beautiful, and the exhibition, that sundry manufacturers the dressing (after having been examined by per have begun to apply themselves to this sons well acquainted therewith), has been found branch, with every prospect of success. so excellent, that there is not the least doubt but the produce of this manufactory, the first and only one within our knowledge, of this kind, in the kingdom, may easily vie with that made in other countries, and is by no means inferior to the morocco leather produced in Turkey or England, while the prices in proportion to the superior quality of this leather have been found very moderate. The golden prize of honour has been therefore very justly awarded to this manufacturer. The commissioners have morever considered it as their duty to mention the following manufacturers in an bonourable and distinguished manner: viz. G. S. Revink of Lochem for having sent in some very well tanned hides ; 1. M. Maryne and Co. of Graave, on account of some very well dressed boot legs; and M. Vonsiuga of Groningen who bus sent various articles made of Lawed leather. The manufactories of I. Schuls of Zeyot, smem.

The samples of cotton, spun by means of machinery, and sent to the exhibition by the brothers Schophaus, of Enschede, having been found of a peculiarly excellent quality, those brothers have been deemed worthy of the silver prize of honour.-The commissioners have further mentioned in an honourable and distinguished manner, G. A. Versteege and Co. of Zutphen, for having sent in a considerable assortment of printed calico, of a very good quality. They have, likewise considered the samples sent in by the follow ing manufacturers as worthy of being insert ed in their report: a piece of printed calico by A. Muller and Son, of Nieuwer Ainstet, the milled and checked woollen stuff, and the Molton cotton counterpane, by L. Janse Rein, of Hilversum, and the piece of Molton cotton in imitation of that manufactured in England by R. S. Das, of the same place,

ber of the society of United Erethren; and 1. W. Rosbach of the Hague have also been deemed worthy of being noticed.

IRON.

C. A. Jordaens and Co. of Deventer, have sent to the exhibition various specimens of the produce of their iron foundry, whereof the greatest number was extremely well finished,

The vermilion prepared in this country is noted all over Europe.

The sal ammoniac, the sal mirabile Glauberi, mercurialia, the refined. camphor, borax, and saltpetre sent to the exhibition have appeared to the commissioners to be of a very good quality; they have also recommended the use of Rocommissioners have awarded the silver prize man allum to painters. To those makers the -As those founders use the ore which is found below the fruitful surface of the ground, intioned in an honourable manner: I. M. of honour.-The following have been inenmany places in that neighbourhood, (which Comaita, of Amsterdam, on account of the is very pernicious to agriculture), the commissioners have been particularly induced to mention them in an honourable and most distinguished manner.

COPPER.

B. W. Krepel of Voorst in Guelderland, has sent in several specimens of wrought copper of superior workmanship, such as bottoms and side pieces, and also some sheeting pieces. The excellent workmanship of the bottom of a kettle of 4 feet 5 inches with the sides, deserves particular notice. To this manufacturer, the commissioners have awarded the silver prize of honour; they have like

wise mentioned in an honourable manner I. P. Vermaas of Utrecht, pin manufacturer.

WROUGHT SILVER.

The commissioners have thought it their duty to mention in their report the manufactory of P. Verberne of Helmont, who, by means of an instrument of his own invention, bas manufactured the silver plates for the 'thimbles sent by him to the exhibition.

BUTTONS.

A. Van Pesch of Utrecht, has sent to the exhibition various assortments of black and brown basket buttons, also white bone buttous. The importance of this manufactory, which employs a great number of hands, and the great demand for the said articles, on account of their excellent quality, and moderate prices, are the principal motives that have induced the commissioners to award to this manufacturer the silver prize of honour.

JOINERS WORK.

The joiners' work sent in by I.H Schnidt, member of the society of the United Brethren of Zeyst, has been noticed in the report of the commissioners.

CHEMICAL PREPARATIONS.

excellent carmine which he has sent to the exhibition; P. De Hans, of Meppel, who has sent in some beautiful Prussian blue; and D. Van Vostenhout and Co. of Thiel, who prepare some very excellent materials for painting, and sell them at a moderate price.

HARD SOAP, CANDLES, WAX.

first who have successfully imitated in this counD. I. Boursquet and Co. of Delft, are the

that manufactured at Marseilles: the comtry the hard soap manufactured at Bristol, and missioners have expressed their approbation of manufacturers, and have, on account of their the two samples of hard soap sent in by those excellent quality, awarded to them the silver prize of honour.

The commissioners have moreover mention ed in an honourable manner Brouwer and Son, of Zeyst, who continue to keep their manufactory of mould candles, soap-balls, Sc. in considerable repute, and also B. C. Kalken of Zeyst, who has sent samples of very good glue.

GLASS AND PORCELAIN.

The national glass manufactories, particu larly those that make various kinds of bottles, are by no means unimportant; and the considerable exportation of blown green glass exported, in time of peace, is a sufficient proof that foreigners know how to appreciate the manufacture of Dutch glass.

Havart and Co. of Delft, have, in addition to some very good bottles, sent to the exhibition various kind of retorts and other glass instruments for chemical experiments. The specimens, some of them of considerable magnitude, sent in by these manufacturers, have given much satisfaction; and in expecation that they will answer when put to the trial, and for farther encouragement, the commissioners have conferred on them the silver prize of honour.

Among the products of Dutch industry,chemical preparations have always held a distin- Dommer and Co. are the proprietors of the guished place, and the specimens sent to the ex-only porcelain manufactory that exists in this hibition are sufficient to maintain the celebrity country. The specimens sent to the exhibiof those important mannfactories which justly fion, cannot be compared to what is manufaeclaim the preference to those of a great many tured abroad, especially in France; and in ormany other countries. The various excellent der to enable this manufactory to vie with chemical preparations, prepared and sent in those established in foreign countries, it is abby G. Dominer and Co, of Amsterdam de-solutely necessary that the proprietors should serve particular notice.

improve the form and lower the price of the

EARTHEN WARE, TOBACCO PIPES, BRICKS.

articles, especially those of a large size. How-height; it was soon judged that a volcano ever, in consideration of the praise-worthy in- had burst out about the centre of that island, dustry of these artists, and as an encourage- and this was rendered certain when night ment for their future exertions, the commis- came on, the fire exhibiting an awful appearsioners have thought proper to confer on them ance. Being desirous of viewing this wonthe silver prize of honour. derful exertion of nature, I embarked on the 3d of May, accompanied by the British The manufactories of earthen-ware, as well Consul, and ten other gentlemen, for St.. as the brick kilns in this country, form a conGeorge's; we ran over in five hours, and siderable branch of our national industry, arrived at Vellas, the principal town, at eleven and may be classed among those manufactories a. m. We found the poor inhabitants perthat have been brought to a very great degree fectly panic-struck, and wholly given up to of excellence, and are likewise in a very flou-religious ceremonies and devotion. We learnrishing condition. ed that the fire of the 1st of May had broken out in a ditch in the midst of fertile pastures, three leagues S. E. of Vellas, and had immediately formed a crater, ia size about twenty-four acres. In two days it had thrown out cinders or small pumice stones, that a strong N. E. wind had propelled southerly; and whien, independent of the mas accumu lated round the crater, had covered the earth from one foot to four feet in depth, half a league in width, and three leagues in length; then passing the channel five leagues, had done some injury to the east point of Pico. The fire of this large crater had nearly, subsided, but in the evening preceding our arrival, another small crater had opened, one league north of the large one, and only two

L. Gibbon, of Gouda, has sent in various assortments of what is called Frankfort earthenware, the excellence whereof is universally acknowledged. The commissioners have thought proper to confer on those manufacturers, especially, on account of their constant exertions and industry, the silver prize of honour: also to mention in an honourable manner I. A. Augustyn, of Berg op Zoom, earthenware manufacturer, who has sent to the exhibition a considerable quantity of black earthenware, the price whereof was very moderate: also the widow E. Brands, of Lathum, in Guelderland, on account of the stones made in this manufactory which are of the greatest utility in malt houses. The extent of the tobacco-pipe manufacio-leagues from Vellas. After taking some reries, which in the city of Gouda employ more freshment, we visited the second crater; the than six thousand people, and, in time of sulphureous smoke of which, driven southerpeace, form an article of considerable expor-ly, rendered it impracticable to attempt aptation, make the tobacco-pipes an object of proaching the large one. great importance: on account of the excellent mode of preparing the clay, the fine polish, and beautiful form, the commissioners have thought it their duty to mention in their report the samples of tobacco-pipes sent in and manufactured by H. H. and A. Herbes of

Gouda.

Dear Sir-A phenomenon has occurred here not unusual in former ages, but of which there has been no example of late years: it was well calculated to inspire terror, and has been attended with the destruction of lives and property On Sunday, the 1st of May, at one p. m. walking in the balcony of my house at St. Anthonio, I heard noises like the report of heavy cannon at a distance, and concluded there was some sea engagement in the vicinity of the island. But soon after, casting my eyes towards the island of St. George's, ten leagues distant, I perceived a dense column of smoke rising to an immense VOL. V. [Lit. Pan. Oct. 1808.]

When we came

within a mile of the crater, we found the earth rent in every direction, and as we approached nearer, some of the chasms were six feet wide; by leaping over some of these chasms, and making windings to avoid the larger ones, we at length arrived within two hundred yards of the spot; and saw it, in the middle of a pasture, distinctly, at intervals, when the thick smoke which swept the earth lighted up a little. The mouth. of it was only about fifty yards in circumference; the fire seemed struggling for vent the force, with which a pale blue flame issued forth, resembled a powerful steam engine, multiplied a hundred fold; the noise was deafening; the earth where we stood had a tremulous motion, the whole island seemed convulsed, horrid bellowings were occasionally heard from the bowels of the earth, and earthquakes were frequent. After remaining here about ten minutes we returned to town; the inhabitants had mostly quitted their houses, and remained in the open air, or under tents. We passed the night at Vellas, and the next imorning went by water to Ursulina, a small sea-port town, two leagues south of Vellas, and viewed that part of the country covered with the cinders before-mentioned, and which has turned the most valuable vineyards in the F