ed over the engraved block, by which the engraving is transferred in relief to the periphery of the cylinder; the press having a vi to dwell upon it further, than to || decarbonated, which renders the invite a minute examination of the metal even a better material for annexed plate for a proof of the the most delicate species of enutter impracticability of imitation, graving than copper itself. The at least without that vast compli- intended engraving is then execation of exquisite machinery by cuted upon the block or plate, which all the engine part of the which is afterwards again hardenwork is accomplished. This of it-ed with great care by a new proself must be obvious, even inde- cess, which prevents the slightest pendent of any knowledge of the injury to the work. A cylinder of nature and operation of that ma-steel, which has been previously chinery. softened or decarbonated, is then The modes in which the general placed in what is called the transobjects of science may be advanc-ferring press, and repeatedly passed, are very numerous, nor do we at all pretend, in the space to which we are necessarily limited, to go through them. The most striking and generally lamented disadvan-brating motion equalling that of tage in all engravings upon cop- the cylinder upon its periphery, per is, the gradual deterioration of by which new surfaces of the cythe plate according to the number linder are presented equal to the of impressions taken from it: this extent of the engraving. This cycircumstance has given value to linder is then hardened in the what are called proofs, and when same way that the block or plate the plate has yielded a thousand had been previously done, and is or more impressions, all the finer employed to indent copper or steel parts of the work are nearly obli- plates with engravings, identically terated. In this respect, the in- the same with that upon the orivention of Messrs. Perkins, Fair- ginal block: this may be repeated man, and Heath is most advan- | ad infinitum, as the original engravtageous, there being no percepti- ing will remain, from which other ble difference between the first im-cylinders may be impressed if repression, and after the ten or twen- quired. ty thousand copies have been struck from one of their plates. This will more particularly appear from a brief statement of the nature of their discovery, and the process by which it is performed. The invention is called a method of perpetuating engravings upon steel or other metals, and it is thus executed : Steel blocks, or plates of a fit size to receive the intended engraving, have their surfaces softened, or, as it is chemically termed, It is evident that this invention may be applied with benefit in many ways, and especially for the improvement of several branches of our manufactures. In the ingenious process of calico-printing, entirely new patterns may be produced upon the cylinders from which the calico is printed: this of itself is a most important consideration, and might give this country one more advantage over other nations in this most extensive business. It may be also employed || in our potteries, which of late years have so successfully rivalled those of our neighbours, and by this addition competition will be placed at a distance. Upon this part of the subject we need not dwell, as the information of our readers will readily supply our omissions. As not less than 200,000 impressions, absolute fac-similes, and without deterioration, may be taken, all great standard works, at least such as require illustration by the art of the engraver, may be supplied with plates, all of which will be equally perfect. plication of the discovery, is that to which we at first alluded, the prevention of the forgery of Banknotes: its efficacy in this respect has been testified under the hands of some of the most scientific men of the day, Messrs. Maudsley, Brunel, Donkin, Bramah, Rennie, &c. The plate which accompanies this article will require no particular description: it contains in itself specimens of various modes of engraving by hand or engine, of the most exquisite workmanship. For the skill with which it is performed, we need say no more than that Mr. Charles Heath has After all, perhaps the most in- been associated with the original teresting, if not the important ap-inventors of this admirable process, DR. SYNTAX IN SEARCH OF A WIFE. WE have before announced that second Tour than after the comthe ingenious and humorous author pletion of his first, that such an atof Dr. Syntax in Search of the Pic-tempt is rendered quite needless, turesque and of Consolation, was pre- It has been remarked, that in the paring a third Tour of his celebrat-second Tour the Doctor became ed hero, in which he should be oc- more didactic than in the first: we cupied in the discovery of a sub- cannot say that we agree in this stitute for the amiable and affec-opinion, though if it were so, it tionate wife whom he lost at the would be quite in character; and commencement of the second vowe always thought that the goodlume of his adventures. The first tempered and instructive humour number of it has now been publish- of the "Tour in Search of the Piced by Mr. Ackermann, with designs turesque" formed one of its chief by Rowlandson, who it will not be recommendations. In no part of forgotten executed the drawings either did the author allow the atfor the plates accompanying the tention or interest to flag, but kept two preceding Tours. up a pleasing excitement of one faculty or another from beginning to end. This formed one great distinguishing feature between the real productions of the writer of Dr. Syntax, and the shameless imitations which his success occa Were the anonymous writer of these productions, to use a phrase somewhat paradoxical, less known,|| we should feel bound perhaps to give some sort of criticism on his merits; but he is so deservedly popular, even more so after hissioned: the latter were mere gross burlesques, with nothing but their absolute coarseness to recommend them. However, if by some few the second Tour was considered too grave in some of the reflections, if the remaining part of this third narrative of adventures be on the same plan as the first number, now before us, there will be no reason to complain in that particular. We will give some extracts, which we think will establish what we have stated. Dr. Syntax leaves Sommerden to visit his acquaintance 'Squire Bumpkin, his friends the Worthies having left his neighbourhood for a season. The following is a part of the scene at dinner, which gives an excellent notion of the different characters present: Why still so grave, my worthy friend?" The 'Squire exclaim'd; "where will this end? I prithee, why make all this pother? one: As sure as that bright sun doth shine, That o'er her lord she rules the roast; Syntax, his fancy to beguile, Here sunk his laughter in a smile; For it was known to great and small How things went on at Bumpkin Hall: Nay, 'twas a well-known standing joke, Among the neighb'ring country folk, The 'Squire would ne'er say yea or nay, That when the lady's in the way But as her ruling spirit told him, Or with a certain look controul'd him; Though now his tongue ne'er seem'd to rest, And thus his invitation press'd: "Doctor, come here next hunting-sea son, And faith, my friend, I'll shew you reason: - You shall mount on my Yorkshire grey, They talk'd, when soon the bell's shrill Declar'd it to be dinner-time, pray be It doth a perfect age appear Bumpkin, you think not as we dine, tour, And I shall ask you to display Its hist'ry in your rapid way.” Husband, I'll bet my life upon it, Our kind guest's plate has nothing on it; Make haste, and give it a supply Of that well-looking pigeon-pie." ""Tis a fine match Miss Worthy made: A charming girl, I always said; And does those qualities possess That claim the promis'd happiness. Some may think one thing, some another; But is she handsome as her mother? Her mamma's auburn locks, I own, Are better than her daughter's brown; Although the latter, you may see, Dame nature has bestow'd on me." 'Squire Bumpkin, were it not my care To see how all about me fare, Our rev'rend friend would have good luck To get a wing of that fine duck." "Since, Doctor, you were here before, I've added to my floral store, "As some folk do not seem to think, We shall delight an ev'ning hour." While the calm husband's sharpen'd knife Obey'd the orders of his wife. Thus madam, with habitual art, And scarce her question could be heard, The dinner pass'd as dinners do; Ma'am's health was drunk, and she withdrew; But as the lady left the chair, With solemn smiles, but gracious air, " Doctor," she said, "I know your taste Is not your time and thoughts to waste In that intemp❜rance which gives birth To boist'rous noise and vulgar mirth, Which, with its loud and clam'rous brawls, Too oft has echoed in these walls; BUMPKIN. "Doctor, I hope you know me better, Than to suppose that I can fetter |