The Sun.
London, England, 1824-10-08 00:00:00

SIERRA LEONE GAZETTES.

FREETOWN, JULY 17, 1824.—We have much
pleasure in inserting a letter 'from An Expe-
rimental. Farmer, which appears to have been
written with the best of purposes—that of show-
ing the real state of our efforts in cultivation ;
and which is unfortunately too much misrepre-
sented abroad. Our Correspondent, however,
has forgotten to take into his consideration the
quantity of rice shipped by the Commissariat
Department to the Gold Coast, and this, we are
informed, is not less than 100 tons, all of which
was purchased in Freetown at a rate much
lower than would have been demanded had
the Colonists not been able to maintain them-
selves on our own productions. We most
cordially join this writer in wishing to see
rice generally grown throughout the Colony ;
and as we know that very great exertions
have been renewed at the commencement of this
season to prevail on the farmers to adopt grain
in preference to the general kind of culture,
there is no doubt but an increased quantity will
be raised this Rains. The mountainous lauds,
however) yield such abundant and sure crops of
the present food, that it is but reasonable to
expect that some hesitation will exist in adopting
an entire new produce, the result of which they
are in some degree uncertain of. Large tracts of
Indian corn have, however, been sown in the low
lands, and we understand it is growing most
luxuriantly, and with every prospect of amply
repaying the cultivator. Ginger and coffee are
also being tried on an extensive scale by many of
the gentlemen farmers. Their example will, there
is no doubt, have its effect : every thing, how-
ever, must not be expected in a season. Had
the same spirit for improvement which has been
observable in the last few years been exerted be-
fore our time, Sierra Leone would be, what how-
ever it is fast approaching, a very fine colony.—
We have much pleasure in acquainting our fellow
colonists with the appointment of Christ. Austin,
Esq. to the command of'his Majesty's colonial
brig Prince Regent. This Gentleman's talents and
zealous exertions, so frequently displayed in the
civil service of.the colony, have justly gained for.
him the confidence and approval of his Majesty's
Government; and it is therefore most gratifying
to every °Well) sea this mark of approbation from
our esteemed Acting Governor, who, in nomi-
nating this Officer of his Majesty's Navy to this
very important charge, has, no doubt, in view
his extensive knowledge of the coast, acquired
during three years service as a Lieutenant with
Sir James Lucas Yeo; which, combined with his
nautical skill and experience, render him par-
ticularly well qualified for the difficulttask of Ca.
operating effectually with our forces upon the
Gold COW. J.Jeyes,Esq. who has served nearly
four' years' as a midshipman in his Majesty's
brig Snapper upon this coast, and who was lately
commanding the .Colonial schooner with great
credit to himself and advantage to the service
Upon the Gold Coast, has, we are also happy to
learn, been appointed Lieutenant of the same.
The brig we have heard is to sail in a few days,
And we must
..cordially wish these brave officers
a successful cruise and speedy return among
those friends who will always be glad to welcome
them ashore,
FREETOWN, JULY 3.—lt affords us the live.
Hest gratification to learn, that in spite of every
obstacle which opposes itself, both in England
and upon the coast, our merchants in the Gambia
are likely- to succeed ultimately in establish-
ing a trade with the Moors at Fortendic in
that valuable branch of commerce the gum trade;
and we sincerely hope that every encouragement
will be given to the laudable efforts of those en-
terprising men who have embarked a large capi-
tal in what was at. first starting considered a pre.
carious speculation. The quantity of gum col-
ey
ehaera;r
;ands ea expectedh
itto
wei exceed
t
tlehcatteodf tahniys yfoeralrw
afford a good price in the London market, owing
to the importations of French gum by. way Of Ame-
rica, we should hope that the quantity collected
will prevent the Company sustaining any loss. The
revenue collected at home upon this gum will far
exceed the expellee our Government has hitherto
incurred in the en;:ouragement of this desirable
traffic, the establishment of which we consider of
the utmost importance, and one that ought to be
nywed ucpeoinn otuhri
aGeabmj
el)! at maenrdc hawnet s
afionrc
et
rheeliyr
secured at any rate. Too much praise cannot be
)3
Hopeee srstoe ae
will shortly reap the benefit
,they
so richly deserve. They have lately "corn.
menced shipping timber to England, and will
no doubt shortly rival us in this branch of
commerce, as the extent and navigation of the
river Gambia affords them greater ' facilities
than we possess. The' settlement of St. Mary
is rising fast into importance, and must be con-
sidered the most valuable establishment upon the
Coast.

-FREETOWN, JULY 10.—We have noticed with
much satisfaction an account, in one of the
Loudon Journals, of an experiment to obtain gas
from palm oil, which was attended with the most
complete success. This will, no doubt, create such
a demand'for this prOdtKe, which can be procured to
any extent in the adj'Aning country, as we trust
will prove a valuable.addition to the increasing
exports from this Colony as well as other parts
of the Coast, whore, by employing the • people
in the innocent branches of 'trade, we most effec.
tually induce them to abandon their criminal
traffic in their fellow men, and disappoint the
cupidity of those monsters who only visit our
shore for the purpose of this unnatural and cruel
barter.

It is the intention of the Gresham Committee,
under' whose direction •the alterations and im-
provements are carrying on, to' remove all the
little shots situated on the south side of the
Royal Exchange, as soon as the leases expire.
On. Tuesday the work of demolition began, in
razing
.to the ground ..the one occupied for many
years by Mr. LEFTWICII, an eminent news.
vender.
Application will be made the next Session of
Parliament for leave. to bring in a Bill to authorise
the building of a bridge over the Severn, at Holt
Fleet.--;(13-th7a Mdri:ifry.)

INFANTICIDE IN ANCIENT TIMES•

EXTRACTS FROM THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S CORRES%

PONDENCE ON laNDoo INFANTICIDE.
Romulus is said to have laid their citizens un-
der an obligation to educate all their male chit-
dren, and the eldest of their daughters. The
requiring of this obligation from the citizens must
have been suggested by the necessity of restrain-
ing the practice of Infanticide ; and Romulus
probably trusted in procuring wives for his males
from the other tribes in his neighbourhood with
as little difficulty as the Jahrejas do at present.
Montesquieu has the following observations on
this subject, which makes the resemblance still
more complete, and proves that the same motives
prevailed with the Roman fathers for exposing
their children as with the nations of India who
commit Infanticide :-44 We find not any Roman,
law that permitted the exposing of children,. This
was, without doubt, an abuse introduced towards
the decline of the Republic, when luxury robbed
them of their freedom; when wealth divided was cal.
led poverty ; when the father believed that all was
lost which he gave to his family, and when the
family 'Was distinct from his property. It ap-
pears that infants newly born were placed on the
ground ; those who were agreeable to the father
he took up, or educated (for these were sy.noll/1
mous terms) ; but those who were displeasing to
him he neglected and exposed. In Greece, In'
fanticide, or the exposure of children,
to
have formed 'a part of the policy appears
Solon gave permission by the law to parent to kilt
their children. Aristotle appears an advocate
for the exposing of children, and conceives, where
this is not the case, that the number of those
brought forth ought to be limited.—lfe proposes
expedients for this purpose more barbarous than
any usage of the Jahrejas.—The Greel" appear
to to have, been led to expose their offspring Itro-
the sterility of their territory, and the apprede,"
sion of want, excited by a redundant poP,u'a"
lion. The same motive, arising from a fear
of famine, has induced the Government of
China, if not to permit, at Jeast to tole-
of those States/
rate, parents to , sell and expose their children.
The. Carthaginians are reported to have frequent:
ly sacrificed their children,
o
taught
acceptable
have originated In motives of religion and
cishmik:kethnewfiarsstpatriot:
but this aPPears
love of their country inspired the noblest 01
Carthaginians to offer up their offspring es
tims, to avert or remove any public calatnitY'--
A similar custom was also practised by the Nee'
nicians and Syrians, the founders of Carthsgel.
mid which also extended to the Greeks, 11,1 e
Gauls, and the German nations. Among the
Canaanites also, previous to the invasion Of tpte
their that
theged gods ;jar tole
Israelites, similar sacrifices prevailed, and
are termed in Scripture, 64 passing their seer
through the fire to Moloch." In Robertson
History of America we are inforMedt that
the difficulty of training up an infant to nir
turity amidst . the hardships of savage lir'
often
,stitles the voice of nature among trie.
Americans, and suppresses the strong einotict
of parental tenderness. Some of these rlo_,,mei:
are stated, in particular, to destroy their feliP.'",
children in their infancy :-46 But though rcset-;
sity compels the inhabitants of America Wl' -
set bounds to the increase of their families, the/
are not deficient in affection and attachmentt°
their offspring : they feel the powers of thisW,,.
in-
stinct in its full force." At Otaheite, and otiet,
islands of the Pacific, a peculiar society 5;11
who destroy, their children ; and other nations
a rude state have been found, who do not stl:k:-.
those to live, who are born with any Hainurtiteo-
feet or deformity. A more attentive and 'and
sive research would multiply these examPles'- ig
illustrate this subject. However disgusting
a.
may be to human nature, we find that maul Ane,
Lions have tolerated or permitted parents to.`luat
stroy their own offspring, and we are certain,l",...
parents have deprived their children of life,
the
availing themselves of this privilege ; al.
custom of , exclusively murdering females
tot-
thoug h the regulations of Romulus evidently I? _
to their destruction in preference to.that oftbn:
males), and a systematical. Infanticide, seem o
confined to the Rajputes of India.

-------_— .
NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL REPORT FOR 7s
TEM
which have prevailed during this last wE'ek'll3 r.
enabled those who had not completed their Ilan
"R.—The fine weather and brisk widve
vest; to get the remainder up in dry orer,' ;I,y
(excepting the loss of colour) with leo 1"4-1',
than was expected. The time is also propiv°
la
abloidthttbmeafsotsr
for the clover-seed, which is well Neste The
promises a fair sample and good product. 1,
turnips and grasses continue to grow GAP
maenrd
wand, particularly lambs, which are
mucu '•
vanced in prices. ; South
isnheemposatrePaci.otsus:gene:tl7ei;rs;:
it is
_ _ supposed that the new shop .11 „I,de
Moulton-street, will very much affect the 'both
at Fishmongers' Hall ; as it is thought tbst leo
sharks and gudgeons will keep better ill 3
_...
warm and exposed situation.
--
_____„„....oo- '

BIRTHS. nf gea Li"-
On the 2d inst., the lady of G. Hurt, zsq" -
square, of a daughter.
On the 4th inst., at Walworth, Mrs.
a

MARRIED. FM"'
Oa the 7th inst., at Edmonton, Loddiogttchleo
of Verulam.buildings, Gray's-inn, to Frances Elizabet
daughter of E. Lee, Esq., of the former *cu. t.• of um"'
At Lambeth, on the 7th last., Joseph Wilsoy ms 47 the lite
jmootutitheoDlesors,
Eet;ql.o;
rol4flTarryin.Aityoti,,ne. youngest daughte;ho
,aunrer,
ttoh
jeultah,isleconst.n,dadta. tg.htAernodfretwhe'slactleiureh, -°°"n "q"
Jahn Volk
of Elgead, Surrey.

Mile-end 4th initistth"fatigi
eAhtetyhpiyrsoevitedrs house,
Brumh
O.f Majesty'stfed
ek:gehwnia.isesC.aa
fozllelanae:toit huarsce'eoradfacilsctcirvhhcea
ileat
frOlfi gt
ht:Vtg: :el:3' a r:
f of
•
niaroawinog, the "
Saotlt:Vaedgendes7d4aiwlidast, atf her ,house in Newrnln-str"
On -Thursday
St. John street, Smithfield. • ,
" hill SPICIT3.
On Sunday' the 3d inst., at his house, r MY' ,:fire agc
Tint; Buty Hutchinson. E of Dlooni§liurPqv—
ait'eth l'inanstc!: ,08'qurt.t°51147..1:iV;4°,...7,11, of:

Scle St"('

litinteodrarnAdCEP,ubNloiA.hledl2,flrtrandthe
,Pboyorit.