ance of a quadruped performer on that stage in the Dog of Montargis. He is proceeding the more assiduously with his own Biography, which he has entitled Fiction and Truth; and of which the 5th volume, containing his residence in Italy, is now published. In the second number of his View of the Arts in the Countries bordering on the Main, and Rhine, he strongly censures the puerile imitation of the style of antique art, so universally affected by modern painters and amateurs.
The most important dramatic phenomenon is King Yngurd, a romantic tragedy, by Adolf Mullner, who resides at Weissenfels on the Saale, and who, though 45 years of age before he produced his first tragedy, entitled Der Schuld (Guilt), is now justly considered as the first dramatic writer of his nation. His new piece, the scene of which is laid in Norway, might in many of its situations sustain a comparison with Shakspeare himself. It has just been published with six engravings by Göschen of Leipzig.
ITALY.
It is a general opinion, that the atmosphere of Italy is clearer than that of France or England, and therefore much better fitted for astronomical observations. But this opinion, in regard to the so called garden of Europe, the soi-disant terrestial paradise is false. Pond, the Astronomer royal, says, that it is not a country for practical astronomy, and that the climate of England is much more advantageous, and has more clear days. The prevailing wind in Italy is the south, which brings rain in winter, and fog in summer. Even Naples does not possess an astronomical climate. In the winter sea on, rains like those of the tropical regions deluge the country for ten or twelve weeks; and in summer, the air exhibits all the silvery and pearly hues known to the painter. If we look at the landscapes of the Italian school, we at once obtain a conception of the atmosphere of Italy. Florence has been celebrated for its fine climate and clear sky. Those who have made this observation, probably never heard of the proverb, "Qu'on ne comprend pas qu'on y peut vivre en été et n'y pas mourir en hiver." Even Genoa, the climate of which is so much admired, is named the Urinale dell' Italia. Astronomical instruments suffer there from moisture more in a few months than in France in as many years.
Brocchi, a distinguished Italian naturalist, has discovered, in the neighbourhood of Veletri, columnar basalt, resting upon a bed of pumice, which contains bones of quadrupeds.
General Count Camillo Borgia has lately returned to Naples from Africa, after having been engaged in antiquarian researches for nearly two years in the neighbourhood of Tunis. He established such an interest with the Bey and his ministers, as to obtain an unqualified permission to examine the antiquities of that country. He caused considerable excavations in various places; especially on the site of the ancient Carthage, and at Utica; and the general result of his labours has been, that, along the coast and in the interior, he has examined the ruins of more than 200 cities and towns, and made copies and drawings of 400 ancient inscriptions and remains, hitherto unpublished and unknown. Among the inscriptions are some which appear to be in the ancient Punic language. The most important of the public buildings which have been discovered, is a Temple at Utica, containing 80 columns of oriental granite, and a statue of the goddess Flora. He is at present employed in arranging his materials, and preparing the result of his discoveries for the press.
SWITZERLAND.
Alpine Districts.—Extensive researches into the mineralogy of those regions have recently been made by the indefatigable M. Brochant, who, after repeated examinations, and most laborious investigations, has ascertained that the lofty summits of the Alpine hills, through the whole range from St Gothard to Mount Cenis, do not consist of an absolute granite, as has generally been supposed. This applies more especially to Mont Blanc, which, in common with the others, is of a species of granite particularly chrystaline, abounding in talcous and feldsparic rock, and containing in many instances, beds of metallic minerals. M. Brochant, however, is of decided opinion, that the southern border of the Alpine chain consists of real granite; he therefore takes analogy for the basis of his reasoning; and supposing it most probable, that the granitic stratum supports the talcous, he infers that the higher summits of the chain, relatively considered, are not the most ancient part of those mountains.
