Pleasures of Science. In the
first edition, the inventer is erroneously stated to be Edward
Howard.

The scene of this discovery was, in all probability, the Deepdene,
near Dorking, the retreat of the late Mr. Thomas Hope, the author
of _Anastasius_. Here the Hon. Mr. Howard, brother of the Duke of
Norfolk, resided at the commencement of the last century, and is
stated to have enjoyed that philosophical retirement which may be
described as the happy haven of a truly great mind. He planted a
portion of the grounds, the greater part of the estate being so
admirably disposed by nature as almost to forbid the fashioning of
men's hands. At Mr. Howard's death, the estate descended to the Duke
of Norfolk, who sold the property, in 1791, to the late Sir William
Burrell, whose lady wrote the following lines, which are on a tablet
in the grounds:

"This votive Tablet is inscribed to the memory of the
Honourable Charles Howard, who built an oratory and laboratory
on this spot: he died at the Deepdene, 1714.

If worth, if learning, should with fame be crown'd,
If to superior talents, fame be due,
Let _Howard's_ virtues consecrate the ground
Where once the fairest flowers of science grew.

Within this calm retreat, th' illustrious sage
Was wont his grateful orisons to pay,
Here he perused the legendary page,
Here gave to chemistry the feeling day.

Cold to ambition, far from courts remov'd,
Though qualified to fill the statesman's part,
He studied nature in the paths he lov'd,
Peace in his thoughts, and virtue in his heart.

Soft may the breeze sigh through the ivy boughs
That shade this humble record of his worth;
Here may the robin undisturbed repose,
And fragrant flowers adorn the hallow'd earth.

January 1792."

The tablet is of plain wood--black letters painted on a white ground.
It is an unostentatious memorial, which has been respected amidst the
extensive alteration and embellishment of the grounds by the late
Mr. Hope. To our minds, neither of the treasures of art which are
assembled within the splendid saloons of the adjoining mansion, or
sculpture gallery, will outvie the interest of this humble tribute to
the memory of departed genius.]

* * * * *

THE LANDERS VOYAGE AND DISCOVERIES ON THE NIGER.

The travellers, in embarking on the Atlantic, had solved