The Sun.
London, England, 1858-09-22 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

Gunnery in 1858: being a Treatise on Byies,
Cannon, and Sporting Arms. By W. Greener,
C.E., author of " The Gun," &e. Smith and
Elder.

This work commends itself to the attention of all
connected with the selection or improvement of the
means of military warfare. The author, besides
having written previous treatises, is the inventor of
the expansive principle as applied to the Miuie and
Enfield rifles, and his work deserves the considera-
tion of all concerned in the advance and improve-
ment of gunnery, as the production of one who has
evidently studied the subject and examined it upon
scientific principles. He laments the system, so
prevalent among us, of placing men in official pasi-
tions without any regard to their capacity, and the
consequent reluctance to encourage talent, or to pay
any attention to troublesome inventors. The long
routine of forms which the inventor is made to un-
dergo, and the knowledge that, if a trial is granted,
the judges will very probably be inefficient or inex-
perienced, are sufficient to deter the most sanguine
and persevering individual. While the present
system is maintained, the author says with truth,
that England must be behind other countries in
gunnery, as improvements in cannon and projec-
tiles cannot be carried out by private enterprise.
He remarks that in thus censuring the manner in
which impediments are placed in the way of pro-
gress he is animated by no personal feeling, as his
invention of the expansive bullet has been
adopted, here after being copied in France. He is
only desirous of turning public attention to
the subject, and compares our method with that of
the French Emperor, who investigates and adopts
all inventions of value connected with gunnery,
with the theory and practice of which he is well
acquainted. Mr. Greener views his subject on
every side; he traces its history and gradual develop-
ment, he gives an elaborate account of the manu-
facture of guns, and the principles on which it
should be founded ; he describes the peculisr pro-
perties possessed by the different weapons, and
illustrates his observations with accounts of prac-
tical experiments and numerous engravings. At
the present time, when the means and appliances
of warfare have unhappily become of such imme-
diate importance, much interest is felt in all relat-
ing to the more efficient equipment of our troops.
We trust the attention of those in authority will be
turned to the consideration and adoption of im-
provements in every department. A work like the
present, thoroughly examining and explaining a
subject on scientific principles, will, however, be
always of value. We quote the following passage
relating to the manufacture of gunpowder, a subject
of more general interest than the more technical por-
tions :—" The inhabitants of India were unquestion-
ably acquainted with its composition at an early date.
Alexander is supposed to have avoided attacking
the Oxydracea, a people dwelling between the
Hyphasis and Ganges, from a report of their being
possessed of supernatural means of defence." "For,
it is said, " they come not out to fight those who
attack them, but these holy men, beloved of the
gods, overthrow their enemies with tempests and
thunderbolts shot from their walls ;" and when the
Egyptian Hercules and Bacchus overran India,
they attacked these people, " but were repulsed
with storms of thunderbolts and lightning, hurled
from above." This is, no doubt, evidence of the
use of gunpowder ; but, as it is unprofitable to
investigate this subject further, we shall merely
confine ourselves to the European authorities.
Many ascribe the discovery of gunpowder to Roger
Bacon, the monk, who was born at Ilchester' in
Somersetshire, in the year 1214, and is said to have
died in 1285. No doubt he was by far the most
illustrious, the best informed, and the most philo-
sophical of all the alchemists. In the 6th chapter of
his '" Epistles of the Secrets of Arts," the following
passage occurs :—" For sounds like thunder, and
flashes like lightning, may be made in the air, and
they may be rendered even more horrible than
those of nature herself. A small quantity of mat-
ter, properly manufactured, and not larger than
the human thumb, may be made to produce a hor-
rible noise ; and this may be done many, ways, by
which a city or an army may be destroyed, as was the
case when Gideon and his men broke their pitchers
and exhibited their lamps, fire issuing out of them
with great force and noise, destroying an infinite
number of the army of the Midianites." And in
the 11 th chapter of the same epistle occurs the fol-
lowing passage :—" Mix together saltpetre with
Berri none cap übre and sulphur, and you will make
thunder and lightning, if you know the method of
mixing them." Here all the ingredients of gun-
powder are mentioned, except charcoal, which is
doubtless concealed under the barbarous terms used,
—indeed, the anagram is easily converted into
carbonum pulvere; with a little attention. This
discovery has also been attributed to Schwartz, a
German monk, and the date of 1320 affixed to it—a
date posterior to that which may be justly claimed
for Friar Bacon. Mr. Hallam, referring to the
authority of an Arabic author, infers that there is
no question that the knowledge of gunpowder was
introduced into Europe by means of the Sara-
cens before the middle of the 13th century; and no
doubt its use then was more for fireworks than as
an artillerist projectile force. There is good evi-
dence, too, that the use of gunpowder was intro-
duced into Spain by the Moors at least as early as
the year 1343. Now, as Roger Bacon is known to
have been an Arabic scholar, it is not at all unlikely
that he might have become acquainted with the
mode of making the composition, and also with its
most remarkable properties, by perusing some
Arabian writer with whom we are at present un-
acquainted.

THE MAYOR OF MELBOURNE.—Sir aohn Ratcliff'
Mayor of Birmingham, has invited Mr. Smith, Mayor of
Melbounie, who is now in this country, to dine with him
and the other members of the town council. The invitation
haS been accepted, but the day is not yet fixed.
HAVELOCK'S FORCE AT LUCKNOW.—" We are
now placed upon reduced rations, limited to two scanty
meals a day, barely sufficient to support existence, 'without
allaying hunger ; nor had we any stimulants whatsoever,
with the exception of tea, which was attainable only to a few.
Meantime, the adverse batteries continued to play upon It*
with little intermission. Throughout the night we were dis-
turbed by the fire of small arms, together with shouting
and the shrill discordant sound of native music, all
close to our entrenchments. Such disturbance effectually
banished sleep, and kept us quite on the qui rive lost the
apparently impending attack should be made and find us
unprepared. Nor was this the only mode of torment de-
vised for us by the fiendish temper of our foe, ingenious ill
petty malice. Knowing how straitened we were for foal
on several occasions, they hoisted cakes on the ends of long
poles, high above the wall which separated us from them—
taunting us with our destitution, and predicting how many
"Enyyslis h Owe
hadjic eryeint to
HZ.
BOAT ACCIDENT.-0n Saturday night an acci-
.
"—Major North's Journal of an
dent of rather a serious nature. which nearly proved fatal
off the
William Beattie,
iße,ur4tr-.
engaged a boat for a pleasure
sail, ‘thrn, dirate:Yba'etoanirfratdgbhoAtehuiPret'artirTnim7hn'toeeson.coteTiuf ;Iko.return to Burntisland before
it was dark. On the way, however, they were detained,
and at a certain point of their route two more—Jas. Tillie
and John Wylie, youths of about 14 years—were taken
into the boat. By this time it was dark, and in coasting
along the shore, at a distance of about 2011 yards from it,
a proposal was made to allow two better rowers to
take the oars, the object being to get sooner home.
In changing places for this purpose the boat was
capsized and immediately filled with water and sank:
Out of the five contained in it two were good
swimmers, one could swim a little, and the other two.
—Beattie and W3rllie—could not swim at all. 011 the boat
king down Wyllie seized hold of M'Kay, placed his arms
round his neck, and there held on, positively refusing to let.
go ; the latter had therefore no alternative but to set out.
for the shore so loaded, and although about to give way
several times he contrived to reach it in safety. Tillie fol-
lowed off in the wake of his younger brother, who could.
swim a little, exhorting him continually to take it easy, and.
they also reached the shore in safety. All were thoroughly
exhausted, and, with the exception of Mr. Thomas Tillie,
were taken to a house, where they were kindly treated. In
the meantime Beattie was hanging on by the boat, calling
loudly for help ; and the only serviceable one of the party
set off to the shed where the boats are kept, broke open the
door, and by the assistance of two other young men sue,
ceeded in launching a boat. But after it was in tlitt
water there was great
i difficulty experienced in ficottint
oars, and greater difficulty still n getting thowl-pins, "
which, in the long run, only three were obtained. The two
persons who had assisted in launching the boat, on being
solicited to man it, most unaccountably refused. Mr. Tillie,
without any hesitation, transferred the thowl-pins to suit
one rower, and when in the act of setting off to the rescue
of his comrade alone, two other young men arrived—one in.
his shirt4eeves—who volunteered to relieve him. The
offer was gladly accepted, Mr. Beattie was safely landed,
and, strange to say, is less the worse for the adventure them
any other of the party. The escape of those who swam
ashore is attributed to the circumstance of the moon, which
was shining at the time, having cast a shadow of the Law-
merlaws some 20 or 30 yards out upon the water. They
fancied the shadow was the shore, or, in all probability, had
they known it was not, and that they had to swim some 20
or 30 yards further, some of them would have lost heart and
gone down.—Daily Scotsman.

VICTOR HUGO.—A new volume of poems by this
distinguished author is said to be on the eve of completioil•
It is to be entitled "Les Petites Epopees." The c?pyriP
of the first edition has been disposed of to a Parisian Vim
for a very handsome sum. In the course of next year it is
expected that M. Hugo's long talked-of romance, to be en-
titled "Les Miserables," will be finished. M. Hugo's two
sons, who share their father's exile in Guernsey, are both
engaged in literary pursuits—the younger is engaged on *
French translation of Shakspeare, whose poems he lias
already translated with some success. The first message
sent from Jersey to Guernsey by the submarine telegraph
laid down a few days ago was a greeting to the poet from
his Jersey friends. M. Hugo transmitted in reply the fol.,
lowing verse from his " Chatiments," published some foiM'
years ago :

" L'hymen des nations s'accomplit ; passions,
Int4rets, mceurs et lois, le revolutions,
Par qui le ewur humain gormo et change de formes,
Paris, Londres, New York, ces continents enormes

Ont our lien un fil qui tremble au fond des mom

Une-force inconnue, emprunttle aux eclairs,
Bravant l'ecueil, les vents, lea vagues cleb,orcl4esk
404 au cs:/3149t dg tictts I@ eciatuit des Wes."

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MONEY MARKET AND CITY NEWS.

CITY, Two O'CLOCK.

The specie movement continues to attract con-
siderable notice in financial circles. It is in fact
the most important feature connected with mone-
tary affairs that has been exhibited for some time
past, and it is likely to influence the general
terms of discount accommodation. A re-
duction of 1 per cent. in the rate fixed by
the Bank for the negotiation of the bills of
the mercantile community is freely spoken
of ; but as money is considered cheap enough
already, for all business purposes, it can scarcely be
said that much anxiety is felt upon the subject.
Still, the progress of the market is watched with
some curiosity by speculators, as well as those en-
gaged in commercial pursuits. Very little advan-
tage will be obtained by a further relaxation, for
cheap money cannot force trade at the present
time—a return of activity being contingent upon
the recovery in the foreign and colonial markets,
which are being gradually relieved from the
excessive stocks of merchandise, occasioned by the
reckless shipments before the late crisis. When
these are removed, and room is made for fresh sup-
plies, then a stimulus will be given to our indus-
trial enterprise that must gradually bring about a
restoration of prosperity throughout the United
Kingdom. The movement at present is in its
incipiency, bat a beneficial influence has already
been experienced in the manufacturing districts,
where the mills are now extensively worked and
the operatives better employed.
The Liverpool Cotton Market yesterday presented
a very firm appearance, at former quotations. The
sales amounted to 10,000 bales. In Railway
Shares the business was rather limited, but
prices tended upwards.

In the Foreign Exchanges, yesterday afternoon,
there was no material alteration, except in the rate
upon. Holland, which was rather lower.
Yesterday about £65,000 in gold was taken into
the Bank of England.

There is still a very limited demand for accom-
modetion, and the discount firms readily negotiate
commercial bills at the current rates, which average
about 24 per cent. for first-class bills. Towards
the end. of the month there will, no doubt, be an in-
creased number of applications, but the commercial
operations having been much curtailed, the pay-
ments of the 4th will not require a very large
amount of capital.
The price of gold is now 1-10th per cent. dearer
in London than in Paris ; and it is also 3-10ths per
cent. higher here than in Hamburg.
Silver continues quiet, and there is very little
business doing. Bars are quoted 51s. per ounce
standard-

An extraordinary meeting of the Ottoman Bank
has just been held for the declaration of a dividend
on account, and the presentation of a report from
the directors. A. H. Layard, Esq., took the chair.
The report alluded to the difficulties incurred by
the Bank during the late financial crisis, and its
gradual recovery from the effects of that period.
Thera was every expectation that the part which
this bank had taken in the New Turkish 6
per Cent. Loan would be highly beneficial to its
interests. The balance to the credit of the profit
and loss account of the 30th of June, including the
balance brought forward, was £12,358 12s. 5d., the
exchange being taken at 164 piastres per pound
sterling. Looking at the present state of the
Bank, and that of the current half-year, the direc-
tors had no hesitation in recommending a dividend
on account of 5 per cent. per annum, free of income-
tax. Some discussion took place, and the report
was adopted.
The English Funds .have not undergone any
material variation, but they are decidedly flatter.
This, however, can excite little surprise, consider-
ing the paucity of business. Consols are about
97 3-16ths s.l6ths for money, and 974, sellers, for
the account. Speculation continues dull, and
there is very little demand for investment. The
New 21 per Cents. are marked 82 ; India Loan
Debentures, 98a- 4, being firm ; ditto, 2d issue, 98 t;
the March Exchequer Bills, 355. to 38s. prem. ;
J.une ditto, 255.
In the Foreign Stock Market business is mode-
rately active, and prices are quiet. Turkish 6 per
Cents. were 96 1 ; ditto New Scrip, e h dis. ; ditto
4 per Cents., 1041 1; Mexican .3 per Cents., 22 ;
Peruvian 43 per Cents., 91 1 ; ditto Dollar Bonds,
761; Portuguese 3 per Cents., 461 ; Russian 5
per Cents., 1111 1; and Spanish Passive, 111.
The Railway Share Market has been moderately
active, but in most of the principal lines there is a
tendency' towards a decline. Caledonians, Great
Northern, Great Western, Brighton, North-
Western, and South-Western have each re-
ceded about ss. Eastern Counties, and
South-Eastern have improved about 10s. In
the Foreign Market Paris and Lyons declined 55.,
and Northern of France 10s. The Colonial lines
are flat. Grand Trunk of Canada declined about
ss. ; Great Western of Canada and East Indian
were at previous rates.
Joint Stock Bank and Miscellaneous Shares are
very dull. Bank of Australasia have declined ss. ;
London Joint Stock ss. ; Atlantic Telegraph Shares
have receded to 300 and 320.

BRITISH FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES.
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities
New 24 per Cent. Annuities
82
India Stock
Ditto Debentures 9Bl 1
Ditto ditto, 2d Issue
Ditto Scrip, 2.d Issue
Ditto Bonds, £l,000
Ditto under 21,000
Consols for Account
March June.
Exchequer Bills,. £l,OOO, 2d. &lid... 35 2B
Ditto £5OO. pm
Ditto Small, 14d.

FOREIGN FUNDS--CLOSING PRICES.
Buenos Ayres, 6 per Cent . —
Ditto Deferred
Mexican 3 per Cent. —
Ditto Account
Peruvian, 4} per Cent.
Ditto Account
Portuguese, 1853, 3 per Cent.
Ditto Account
Russian, 1822, £ St., 5 per Cent lllf 1
Ditto Account
Ditto 4f per Cent.
Spanish 3 per Cent.... —
Ditto Passive .....
Turkish, 6 per Cent. .
Ditto Account
Ditto'New Loan Scrip
Ditto Guaranteed, 4 per Cent.
Ditt& Account
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Peruvian Dollar Bonds, 41 per Ct. Ex. 4s. 76f
THREE O'CLOCK.
Consols, Money.
Ditto Account , 971

'ESTEILDAY.
11 161
11 19
11 19
25 421
25 421
13 81
25 20
25 421
25 45
1191
10 16
10 18

COURSE OF EXCHANGE.—.
Amsterdam
Ditto 3 Months. 11 18
Rotterdam — 11 18
Antwerp
Brussels — 25 37
Hamburgh
Paris Short. 25 15
Ditto
Marseilles — 25 40
Frankfort on. Maine —"ll9
Vienna
Trieste -10 13
Petersburgh —
Madrid . --34841
Cadiz
Leghorn..... — 29 95
Genoa. 25 55
Naples .
1421
Palermo . • —
Messina — 122
Lisbon
Oporto" — 52
Rio Janeiro 6O days st.
New York

25 60
40/
123
123
52
52

• •
Co's blg. house 60d.
Calcutta, Co.'s rupee 26 24
Bombay ditto
Madras ditto 26 24
East India Company's, Bills drawn from the 24th ult. to

the Bth inst.
Bengal
£1,201 5 0
Madras 0 000
0 0
Bombay
--.....—.

L 1,201 5 0

`Foreign Goldin Bars (Standard) per oz. £3 17 9
Mexican Dollars
Silver in Bars (Standard) 0 6 Oi

VISIT OF LADY HAVELOCK TO LIVERPOOL.-
Yesterday Lady Havelock, accompanied by her two daugh-
ters, and the brother of the late general, visited Liverpool,
but as they travelled incog. their presence was not publicly
known. Her ladyship, who was attired in
muchurning
is of tall stature, and her daughters very resemble
the prints of their lamented and gallant father. Lady
Havelock appeared to be ranch browned by the sun, owing,
no doubt, to her residence in the East, and her late sojourn
in GI trmany, where she was travelling when the death of
her iisband reached ,England.