he exchange will be built according to a plan | Mascarenhas. It is an island of Africa, inpproved by the minister of the interior. the Indian ocean, situated about 300 miles Many demolitions and openings have already to the eastward of Madagascar, a d 40 French aken place in this city; and others are daily leagues to the southward of the Isle of France. dded to them. The reason given is, the saThe form of the island is nearly oval; in ubrity of the city. The proprietors of the length it is about 60 miles, and in breadth onses taken down, receive equivalents in 45. Lon. 53° 30" E.; lat. 20° 52" S. national domains. Hospital of Ildefonso appropriated to the Door. Madrid, Dec. 1.-King Joseph has ately issued a decree, whereby he has made over the hospital of the royal residence of St. Ildefonso, with all its medical establishment, o the town of St. Ildefonso; the administra ion of it's confided to the municipality, for he benefit of the inhabitants, and especially or the relief of the poor, and infirm. SWEDEN. Divorce facilitated: Bishops' Sees.-It is stated, that the committee of legislation has emitted to the diet the plan of a great change elative to divorce, which hitherto could not be obtained without great difficulty. The proposition it is understood if established, will render divorce much more easy of attainment; except in some particular cases. The members of the order of peasants have proposed to apply to the satisfaction of the wants of the state, the revenues of the bishoprics, as the sees become vacant.Against this proposition, the order of the clergy has protested; and it is thought that various difficulties have occurred, and others may occur, in relation to proposals made by the order of peasants, by which the termination of the diet will be considerably retarded. The King has addressed to the diet a letter complaining of their slowness; and that no answer is returned to his remonstrances. SWITZERLAND. Lake deepened. Basle Nov. 15.-The waters of the lake of Sempach had gradually risen so as to cause great damage to all the adjacent proprietors; and to remedy this evil no way was left, but to remove the mud which had accumulated in the lake. This enterprize is lately concluded, and the waters of the lake are lowered four feet. They have left open 340 poses of ground capable of cultivation; which valued at 190 franks each, form a whole of about 65,000 franks. The expences have been about 13,000 franks. ....... AN HISTORICAL, POLITICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL, AND COMMERCIAL VIEW OF THE ISLAND OF BOURBON, WHICH HAS LATELY FALLEN INTO THE HANDS OF THE BRITISH TROOPS, The island of Bourbon, which the French had of late years denominated Isle de la Réanion, was first known under the name of VOL. VII. [Lit. Pan. Feb. 1810.] At the period of their first voyages to the Indies, the Portuguese discovered three islands lying eastward of Madagascar, which they named Mascarenhas, Cerne, and Roderigo; but finding that they did not contain either men or quadrupeds, the navigators neglected to make any establishment in their newly the islands in question, which they had named discovered islands. The most westerly of Mascarenhas, furnished some French refugees, who had formerly resided at Madagascar, with a comfortable asylum, about the year 1665, The settlers first reared some herds of oxen and flocks of sheep, which they had brought with them from Madagas car, and cultivated such species of herbage as were adapted to the nourishment of those animals. In the sequel, however, they enriched the soil with European grain, vege tables, and fruit, especially with such species as were best suited to the mildness of the climate. The health, ease, and liberty which the first settlers seemed to enjoy, induced many of the seamen, who occasionally touched at the island for the purpose of taking in provisions, to join them. In 1718 some plants of the Arabian coffee-shrub were irtroduced, which multiplied astonishingly, although the fruit lost its fine original odour. The cultivation of the coffee-plants, as well as the other branches of laborious employment, was assigned to slaves, who were furnished either by the island of Madagascar, or the coasts of Africa. It was at this epoch that the island of Mascarenhas, beginning to assume an important aspect, received the name of Bourbon. France, or, more properly speaking, the minister Colbert, (perceiv ing that all those nations which traded with the East Indies deemed it necessary to form an establishment towards the southern extrevessels bound to the East), settled a colony in mity of Africa, for the accommodation of the island of Bourbon. The island is divided into two unequal parts, one of which, the smallest, is called the parched country, on account of the sterility of the soil; but the other, and the larger division, is by many said to be the mot fertile spot in the known world. There are no plains here, but there is a great number of heights of gentle ascent, besides some steep mountains, separated by narrow valles. The soil is, generally speaking, as fertile as that of Madagascar, and the climate infinitely more favourable. The manners of the inha bitants are perfectly simple and unsophisti 2 L coffee are justly attributed. The French Company have, for a considerable period, employed a person at Mocha, for the sole purpose of ascertaining every secret of the art of cultivating the coffee-shrub, as it is there practised. This scheme has proved so suc cessful, that the plantations of Bourbon be come annually better and better, and it is not to be doubted that the settlers will soon carry the cultivation of this important article of merchandize to the very pinnacle of perfec tion. The coffee-shrub of Bourbon is, neverthe less, subject to a dreadful species of devastation. A sort of wood-lice infests the plantations, and injures the shrubs so materially, as fre cated, and, as at Madagascar, agriculture is in a most flourishing state. The oxen and sheep which have been transported from the last mentioned island thrive by so much the better, as care has been taken to introduce their native pasturage, namely a species of grass called fatak. The principal productions of the soil are wheat, rice, maize, coffee, tobacco, tamarinds, cocoa-trees, gum-benjamin, cotton-trees, aloes, and black and yellow ebony, of which the last species is the most esteemed. There are no vines throughout the island, yet Luillier seems to think that the climate and soil are well adapted to their cultivation. The mountains abound in a vast variety of game; wild horses are frequently to destroy entire crops in embryo. quently to be met with, some of which the inhabitants tame for their own use; and the lakes absolutely swarm with excellent fish. In 1763 it was computed that there were 8702 oxen, 4084 sheep, 7405 kids, and 7619 pigs in the colony. The districts of Sainte Suzanne, Saint Denis, and Saint Paul are the most considerable, as well as the most populous parts of the island. At Saint Suzanne the territory is cultivated to the very margin of the ocean; and it is here that tobacco is principally grown. The pastures of Saint Denis are uncommonly fine, and covered with numerous flocks. Coffee is almost exclusively cultivated in the district of Saint Paul. Although the following extract may ap pear rather exuberant, yet as its insertion is calculated to convey a just idea with respect to that most important of the island's productions, coffee, we conceive that it will not prove unacceptable to many of our commercial readers, who cannot have immediate access to the work * from which it is derived. "The wild coffee-shrub grows spontaneously in the island of Bourbon, and upon it has been ingrafted the Mocha plant. At first this union did not produce the most felicitous offspring, but the perseverance of some of the inhabitants at length convinced the world that the French coffee of the island of Bourbon would soon supplant that of Mocha. In effect, from an analysis of, and some experiments tried in France upon, the new coffee, it appeared evident that the seed had become so perfectly naturalized to the soil of the island, as not only to equal the Arabian coffee in the different effects attributed to the latter, but in some respects to supass it by many degrees. This probably arose from the excellent mode of cultivation adopted by the inhabitants of the island, and from the article not being kept so long at sea as that of Arabia, a circumstance to which many of the evil qualities of Levant Savary's Dictionary of Commerce, a well known and esteemed publication. It has been observed, in the island of Bout bon, that each shrub annually produces a pound of coffee. The fruit ripens here, and is gathered in a dry season, which gives it infinite advantage over the coffee of the West Indies, the latter being invariably gathered in the wet season." The author of "l'Histoire des deux Indes," deriving his information from authentic do cuments, has furnished us with a statement respecting the agriculture and productions of the island, in the year 1763. At this epoch, 125,909 French acres were in a course of cultivation. These furnished about 1,113,500 lbs. of corn; 854,100 lbs. of rice; 2,879,100 lbs. of maize; and 2,535,100 lbs. of coffee. From the greater part of the trees which grow in the island of Bourbon various precious gums exude. The trees of the island are generally lofty, well adapted for the construction of edifices, but ill calculated for the purposes of ship-building, being remarkably hard and ponderous. The island of Bourbon has not any port, and has been but seldom visited by French vessels, except such as traded with India, From the statement of the exports of France in 1768, it appears that stuffs, utensils, household furniture, arms, drugs, &c. to the amount of 58,000 francs (about £2417) were sent to Bourbon within the year. In 1769 the amount of the exports was 590,000 francs (£24,583). This astonishing difference re sulted from the increased demand on the part of the settlers. island, the first inhabitants were, as we have With respect to the population of this heretofore observed, French refugees, who came hither from Madagascar, and subse quently multiplied. The population was afterwards increased, through the medium of acts of grace extended to pirates who infested the Indian Ocean. In 1763 the population consisted of 4627 whites, and 15,194 negroes. The population, on the side of the whites, is, at the present day, estimated at about 6000. OBSERVANDA INTERNA. EAST-INDIA COMPANY. That It is understood that the embassy to Lahore, nder the conduct of Mr. Metcalf, has terminatin a treaty with the Seik Chief Rajah. the Afghan, Sujah ul Molk, under Mr. Elphinone has rendered that prince completely our Fiend, His country is not tranquil and it is ought that our alliance is considered by him as Iding to his strength. RECEPTION OF THE PERSIAN AMBASSADOR. We lately noticed the arrival at Malta, of an mbassador from the Shah of Persia: this repreEntative of his sovereign is named MIRZA ABDUL ASSAN. He is an officer in the household of ne Shah; which has given occasion to the Moniur, in proof that it feels no vexation on the abject, to criticise the conduct of the British naon, in making so much-ado about a mere memer of the household-no nobleman-no statesman, &c. &c.-Nobleman in Persia! Report attaches to his Excellency the peculiar ood fortune of having had six children born to im in one day; and of having been the father of Exty-three, sons and daughters. The ship that brought over his Excellency was bliged to perform a quarantine of several days at Plymouth. An interpreter was sent down to him t that port; and the governor arranged his acommodations to London. At Hartford Bridge, e was met by one of the under secretaries of tate; and found refreshments, &c. prepared for im. He afterwards proceeded to London. Foreign Affairs. After the usual ceremonies his Excellency delivered his credentials to his Majesty, and was most graciously received. The Marquis, with Sir Gore Ouseley, Mr. Morier, &c. accompanied his Excellency to his carriage in returning. Dec. 29. The Ambassador visited the IndiaHouse; where a full Court of Directors was held to receive him. At two o'clock his Excellency accompanied by Sir Gore Ouseley, and his suite, was received at the portico, by the flank conipanies of the East-India Brigade; and conducted to the Court Room, where he was received by the Chairman, Charles Grant, Esq. and where he engaged in conversation with the Directors, through the medium of Sir Gore_Ouseley. He then visited the museum, where Dr. Wilkins, librarian, exhibited the curiosities, eastern MSS. &c. at which his Excellency testified much surprise. In the Committee of Correspondence Room, is placed the picture of the Shah of Persia; to which his Excellency, immediately on perceiving it addressed a profound obeisance, An elegant collation was prepared: the military band played, and was particularly noticed by the Ambassador, it being the first European martial music he had heard. At his departure he was saluted by the troops, which lined all the passages: and cheered by the spectators.* Jan. 5, 1810. His Excellency visited the Bank; attended by Sir Gore Ouseley, and Mr. Morier. He was received in form by the Governor and Directors, and escorted through the hall, which was covered with a handsome carpet, to the interior. The Bank Volunteers were drawn up; and their music saluted. The Governor and Directors, preceded by their beadles, conducted his Excellency through the numerous offices, and explained to him their different departments of business. Afterwards he partook of refreshments, prepared in the great parlour; and after a visit of several hours he took his leave, ex Dec. 13. All the King's ministers, in full dress, paid their respects to the Ambassador, at his resiHence, it being understood that he cannot go out o visit any person, till he has visited his Majesty. Sir Gore Ouseley, a gentleman well known For his acquisitions in Oriental literature, and who peaks Persian fluently, is appointed by his Ma-pressing the highest satisfaction. esty Mehemander, or superintendant of the guests during their stay; to his Excellency and his suite. This is a customary appointment in he east, though we believe the term, which is Persian, has now, for the first time, appeared in Our gazette. Jan. 11. An entertainment was given to his Excellency, by the Court of Directors of the East-India Company, at the City of London Tavern. The ball room was highly ornamented on the occasion; a transparency by Mr. Stowers, representing the Kings of Great Britain and Persia on their thrones, added to the brilliancy of the Dec. 20. About one o'clock, one of his Mascene. The chief officers of the state were among esty's carriages, drawn by six horses, with other the visitors, with sundry naval officers, and other carriages, and Sir Stephen Cotterel, master of the eminent men. The envoy arrived at half past ceremonies, proceeded to the residence of the six o'clock, accompanied by Sir Gore Ouseley: Persian Ambassador, in Mansfield Street: his he was received by Sir Hugh Inglis, and by the Excellency soon came out carrying his credentials Chairman, and Deputy Chairman of the Company, in a gold casket, upon a salver, covered with &c. After the forms of introduction to so large crimson velvet. The crowd of spectators took off a party were over, the company proceeded to the their hats; and gave him three cheers. Sir Steball room: the band playing a grand march. "The phen Cotterell followed his Excellency into the Before the desert the chairman gave coach, and took his seat on the left; Sir Gore Ouseley took his seat with his back to the horses. King," as a toast: this was succeeded by singMr. Morier who went from England with Siring, "God save the King."-Many other toasts Harford Jones, to Persia, and accompanied his Excellency to England, followed, in one of his Excellency's carriages: in another, followed two pages, and a priest. His Excellency was allowed to enter the Queen's Palace by the great door in front, (which is reserved for the Royal Family, aly). He was introduced to his Majesty, by the Marquis Wellesley, as Secretary of State for were drank-as, "The King of Persia,"-" The natural Union between Persia and the United The Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,"-" health of the Persian Ambassador," when Lord Wellesley, in the name of the Ambassador, re * We trust that his Excellency's Portrait will add to the ornaments of the India-House. 2 L 2 turned thanks for the honour done him, the honour paid first to his monarch and then to himself. He trusted Persia would long prove a bulwark to the East-India Company. The Ambassador then gave, "The East-India Company." The whole was a splendid display of hospitality; and the ministers of state vied with the Directors of the Company in attention to their illustrious guest. Jan. 12. His Excellency was introduced to her Majesty at the Drawing Room, with the same form as if her Majesty was holding a public drawing room; all the state attendants being present He arrived in her Majesty's carriage, drawn by six horses, at three o'clock: followed by his master of the mule, and page, with the presents to the Queen; and was introduced by Earl Morton. Her Majesty was attended by the Princesses, the Dukes of Kent, Cambridge, and Brunswick. The presents consisted of three boxes of jewels, shawls, and a curious carpet. River Thames, variations in bed of.-Within a few years the bed of the River Thames has altered so much at Woolwich, that where a line of battle ship formerly floated, with many of her stores on board, a frigate, with nothing in her, will now ground; and, notwithstanding 120,000 tons of mud and soil have been taken out of that part of the river, within the last ten months, no relief has been afforded to the ships at the moorings. We may add to this, that the vessels from time to time, sunk in the river, especially when large, usually cause an accumulation of sand, &c. around them, which often lasts for many years. Statement of the Strong Beer, brewed by the twelve first houses from July 5, 1809, to Jan. 5, 1810: extraordinary and pleasing phænomenon of the perfect crystallization of water, was witnessed in falling snow for more than an hour, during which time it came down in the most beautiful crystals, every one of which, exactly of the same shape and dimensions, exhibited a wheel, or star, of six equal rays branching from a common centre. This very rare appearance was once noticed by Monge, President of the National Institute at Paris. At midnight, Jan. 18, the mercury stood at 6 of Fahrenheit, being 26 degrees below the freezing point. Income of, and Charge upon the Consolidated Fund, in the Quarters ended the 5th day of January, 1809, and the 5th day of January, 1810Income. 1809. .... 1810 £916,881 £1,114,651 3,627,772 3,893.215 Jan. 5. Customs....... Excise... Stamps... Incidents. Surplus annual duties on sugar &c. Do. Land Tax on Offices.. 18,627 Land Taxes.... .448,896 Revenue Isle of Man.. .2,163 Interest, &c. on ac count Ireland Ditto Portugal. ... } 585,678 Surplus Excheq. Fees...... 11,800 Impress Monies, &c. ..114,451 Arrears Income Duty 1799,1800, & 1801 Ditto Ann. Malt Duties...... 829 Tontine 29 Geo. 3..... 12,000 Rent of Crown Land. Fines of Leases.. Brought from War Taxes, per Acts 47, 48, Geo. 3 1,272,997 1,311,315 2,535,887 3,030,204 55,149 101,402 31,743 413.493 4,819 604,325 12,000 21,415 45 154.883 11.881 20,813 33.197 5,690 314,364 314.364 1 *Meux, Reid, and Co......... 100,222 2 Barclay, Perkins, and Co... 3 Hanbury and Co..... 4 Whitbread and Co...... 5 Henry Meux and Co.... 6 Brown and Parry.... 7 Felix Calvert, and Co. 8 Combe and Co..... 9 Goodwyn and Co.......... 10 Elliott and Co...... 11 Taylor and Co...... 12 Clowes and Co.... Barometrical Observations.-The lowest state of the barometer during the last 36 years, was on the following days:-12th January 1773, 11th March 1783, 20th January 1791, and 17th and 18th December 1809, being on each of those days 28, which is the lowest point on our ordinary scale. In Russia it is graduated three degrees lower. Thermometrical Observations.—On Monday the 15th Jan, one hour before midnight, the mercury in Fahrenheit's thermometer fell twenty-one degrees below the freezing point; and on Tuesday morning, at half after ten, the wind being south-west, the barometer 29 7-10, and the same thermometer 8 degrees below freezing, the very This is the greatest quantity ever brewed within the above period in any one brewery. £9,961,371 £11,313,042 Charge. Estim. Charge. Jan. 5, 1809. Jan. 5, 1810. Towards Redemption 1,513,409 of National Debt Civil List...... Pensions and Annuities. ... 87,327 Miscellaneous Charges Estimated at rges} 123,213 Estimated Charge...... Gold Coin exported. That the gold coin of his country has been accumulated for the purpose of exportation is an unquestionable fact.-A commercial correspondent writes as follows:-" My avocations leading me constantly to the coast, I have ascertained that scarcely a fishing-boat leaves our shores without a freight of guineas, under purthe pretence of purchasing turbot, (for which pose a comparatively small sum would be adequate,) and disposes of its more valuable cargo to our enemies." Wheel Carriages kept in England and Scotland respectively;-[1806, ending April 5, 1807.] Eng.&Wal. Scotland. } Stage coaches and chaises........5,725 232 5 Volunteer corps 517 1,590 } 177 22,918 100,478 Scotland..........3,332 Total.......... 103,810 1,480 28 19,250 42,604 1,171 Total......43,775 Grand total..65,330 [1791, ending April 5, 1792.] do.......... ....103.246 6,172 ..95,411 39 Increase of wheel carriages, in twenty years. 1788,* Carriages. 1798, do....... 1799, 1800, do.... 1801, do..... 1802, do... 1803, do.... 1804, do... 1805, do.... 1806, do... 1807, Carriages made for Sale. 1804-4 wheel carriages.... 2 do.... 1805-4 do... 2 do... 1806-4 do... 2 da... 1807-4 do.... 2 do..... Eng.&Wal. Scotland. 52 43 126 1,042 1,384 1,049 89 1.-22,500 horses may be saved in Great as this sum may appear, it is actually less than may be expected, if full justice is done to the suggestions of the several Committees who have investigated this subject; for in these estimates some important articles are omitted; as, Ist. The saving in the expence of repairing all the highways of the kingdom, independent of the turnpike roads. 2. The saving in the wear of the tire of whicels and of carriages in general, which would last twice as long if the wheels were properly constructed, and if the roads were brought to that state of perfection which it is now to be hoped will be speedily accomplished. And, Number of Horses paying Duty [1806 ending 3d. No calculation is made of the saving in the |