ON AFRICA. 4S9 who has so evidently evinced a desire to patronise science, and who is undoubtedly desirous to encourage, to facilitate, and to increase, still further the vast geographical discoveries which have added such lustre to the reign of his august father.

To return to Mr. Jackson's book. This work contains, besides the information that more directly concerns the statesman and the merchant, much interesting matter for the natural and moral philosopher, as well as for the general reader. The author makes no pretension to fine writing ; his style is plain, unaffected, and perspicuous, and there is as much new, authentic, and important matter in the book, as in the hands of the French writers of African travels, (Golberry, Vaillant, and Savary, for instance,) would have been spread over three times the space. Upon the whole, it is the most valuable work of the kind that has appeared for many years. I hope the author will reap the reward which his labours have so well deserved.

James Willis.

Ofthe Venomous Spider.—Charmers ofSerpents,—Disease called Nyctalopia, or Night-blindness,— Remedy for Consumption in Africa,— WesternBranch qfthe Nile, and Water Communication between Timbux:too and Egypt.

Sir, The venomous spider {Tendaraman), This beautiful reptile is somewhat similar to a hornet in size and colour, but of a rounder form \ its