The Sun.
London, England, 1829-01-07 00:00:00

TYPOGRAPHY IN FRANCE.

(From the Constitutionneo
Good specimen's of the Typographie Art are
not wanting in France. We have nothing to
envy rival nations in that respect. Our success
i►► the art which gives perpetuity to thought is
not less than our success in literature. Before
the chefs d'ceuvrc of Pierre Didot, which stood
unequalled, the Royal Printing of France was
distinguished all over Europe by the neatness
and elegance of its types, and the merit of its
execution. It m►►st not be forgotten that the
most celebrated printers of Holland, the Elze-
vers for instance, have paid tribute to France,
and that the learned have been indebted to us
for the beauty of their works. The fine editions,
so much admired at the present day, were com-
posed with letter which came from the foundry
of the celebrated French engraver, Garamond,
whose moulds, after giving universal satisfaction,
became objects of contention between several
gover►►ments. They are still admired by con-
noisseurs.*

Since the appearance of the large editions of
M. Pierre Didot, which have nearly superseded
those of Bodoni and Baskerville, so celebrated
I in their country, the Typographic Art has been
making rapid.progress in the printing. offices in
France.t The last ten years have produced re-
markable improvements in the general process of
printing. We may now say with truth, that fine
yditions have become common, or in other
words, that common editions arefine. editions
compared with those produced some years since.
This amelioration due to perseverance, is the
first fruit of a free press, and may be
_hailed as
one of the most honourable conquests of the
present age.

But it;'this abundance of remarkable impres-
sions, there are proofs of superiority which de-
mand particular notice.
Some printers, studying their art, have pur-
sued in silence extensive and beautiful works
which will long distinguish their names, and be-
come models of types and typography destined
to indicate, at a future period, the progress made
by the art in the present century. More than
one monument of this description captivated the
attention of the amateurs at the last exhibition
of the products of industry, In the first class of
beautiful works they displayed various specimens
of printing executed by M. Panckoucke. This
printer, who bears a name dear to the
_philosophy
of the last century, has enterprized. without any
impulse than that of honourable emulation, an
edition of Tacitus, in folio, an edition of the
Science of Economy, and a collection of poems,
of which Henry 4th is said to be the author.
Proofs of these works were put forward at the
exhibition, and generally admired.
We have typographic works before us, and
without endeavouring to establish any compari-
son; we can acknowledge in them real chefs
crcertvre of the art. Perhaps we have not yet
arrived at the period when we may expect to ob-
tain upon paper from types, the most pure and
complete forms in the dark, full, and fine curved
lines. The letters for titles are produced by
several founders with infinite care and taste ;
but notwithstanding all the caution observed in
the fonte, the printer often finds smooth edges
and defects, which spoil the impression.
The composition and arrangement of large
titles generally present great difficulties, arising
from the appearance either of too much magni-
ficence, or plainness. Too many ornaments
take away that chaste beauty which constitutes
the first merit in the art. Too much nudity is
a defect not less objectionable. M. Panckoucke
has preserved a mediocrity ; he avoids excessive
luxury and dryness; his titles have obtained the
approbation of the most severe critics.
Not a letter is retouched—all is produced
by one impression. To arrive at this degree of
perfection he has used increnious inventions ;
but in order to entertain a just idea of those in-
ventions, a person should be present at the exe-
cution of the fine impressions he can produce.
His edition of Tacitus was not the work of a
week or a month. It required long attention.
The perseverance of the printer was required for
a considerable time. The printing of 250 folio
pages enabled him to try experiments and to as-
certain the efficacy of means invented by himself.
By patience, and the adoption of means favour-
able to his' undertaking, he has brought the work
to a degree of accuracy superior to any thing of
the sort in existence.

The impressions of M. Panckoucke obtained
a medal from the Jury appointed to examine the
productions exhibited at the last exposition.

CREs-rEaTJWheat, per 751 b. 11 s. 3d. to lls. 9d. , Barky, 38 gds.
Gs. 3d. to 6s. 6(1.„...- Oats, 491 b. 3s. (id. to 4s. Od.
Nevrwrco.--Wheat, per 751 b. Its. 6d. to 12s. Od. ; Barley, 38
grts. 6s. Od. to 6s. 6d. ; Oats, 561 b. 4s. 3d. to 4s. 10d.

EXETER MAI
Beef (score) 00.04.10, Od.
Mutton (lb) 0 6"-0 6
WA and i amb 0 5 —0 6
rk 0 6 —0 7.
Gec+e (each) 4 0 —5 6
Ducks (coup e) 6 —5 0
Fowls. 3 0 —4 6

1d'.13..—.1an 2.
Wh: at (bustle) I Is. Od. I Is. 9d.
Barley 4 0 —•5 0.
Oats 3 6 —4 0
Beans
Butter (lb) .........1 1 2
Eggs (12) 0 o—l 0
Potatoes (pe.ls) 0 o—o 8

DUBLIN MARKETS.
(F►om the Dublin Morning Advertiser of Monday.)
SUGAR.—At an auction of Jamaica Sugars which
was held on Friday last, about 100 hhds. changed
hands ; the private sales during the week were
limited, but Nl' i thou t any alteration in former quota-

lions.
ASHES.—There is a steady demand for Montreal
pots, kit from 355. to 365. per cwt.
TALLOW.—This article continues scarce, and prices
have advanced during last week at 435. cash, and 445.
per cwt. credit.
MALT.—There were considerable enquiries after
Malt since our last, and any of good quality which
appeared at market was purchased at from 3.55. to
365. per barrel.
WHISKEY.—No alteration in price.
LEATHEL—Tiie demand dull, and prices looking
down.