A Hundred Years Ago
THE SPECTATOR, AUGUST 8TH, 1829.
THE STEAM CARRIAGE.
The success of the experimental tour to and from Bath much exceeds whatever could have been anticipated by the most sanguine friends of the invention. Hills were ascended and descended with the greatest facility and safety. Marlborough-hills, the ascending of which it was thought would put the powers of the carriage to a severe test, appeared to afford not the slightest obstacle. And as to the manageability of the machine, a gentleman who accompanied it assured the writer it far surpasses that of horses, or indeed any idea that could be formed of it. The proprietors consider the trial so decisive, that it is supposed that they will take immediate measures to bring carriages of this sort into action on the roads.
TEE SONGS AND BALLADS OP SCOTLAND.
The lyric poetry of Scotland is in every way worthy of attention. In itself it is manly, native and homely—the language of truth and feeling ; it deals in no fancied passions, it introduces no school- taught mythology, it despises affectation of every kind ; even the conventions of rank and state are overlooked ; the earnest and- downright Muse of Scotland recognizes in her votaries only the sincerity and the warmth of their emotion. They are men—they are lovers ; and they speak the language of nature and truth. The lyrics of our Doric neighbours are not less pre-eminent in their music. The airs of their songs are unfailing appeals to the passions whether of joy or sorrow. The test of music is the excitement it produces in the human frame ; it melts, or inflames, according to its degree of goodness. No one can deny the power of true Scottish song.
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