The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1847-10-12 00:00:00

THE GREAT ECLIPSE OF THE SUN.

The eclipse which took place on Saturday morning last,
at sunrise, was the largest that has occurred in England
for 83 years, exceeding in many respects the famous one
of April Ist, 1764, and not to be equalled in magnitude by
any that will take place until March 15th, 1858. Astro-
nomers, and others interested in planetary movements,
anticipated the event with peculiar interest ; but it is re-
markable that, although we assume to live in a scientific
age, comparatively few of the general public in Liverpool
and the neighbourhood appeared to be aware of the com-
ing event,—some not having read or heard of it, and
others being so much involved in their sublunary affairs
and speculations as to treat it with ungracious or ignorant
indifference.—though such an obscurement of the glorious
orb of day cannot but be regarded by the reverential as
one of the most sublime phenomena in nature, whilst the
accuracy with which such appearances, in various parts of
the world, can be foretold by astronomical calculators,
leads to a proud appreciation of the powers of the human
mind ; for we are permitted, by the aid of science, to ex-
plore the immense and ever-enduring machinery of the
universe, rolling with unerring precision and harmony
over countless ages, and to which the finest works of man
are so puny and insignificant as to forbid all comparison.
This eclipse was visible not only to European nations,
but to many portions of Asia and Africa. It was central
in the south-western parts of England, and in Ireland,
and considerable, though not quite annular, in other parts.
At 7h. 25m. 425. a.m., in lat. 49d. 44m., long. 20m. E., the
central eclipse entered France, a little to the north of
Havre de Grace. It was annular at Limerick, Wexford,
Waterford, Cork, Kinsale, and also at all places on and
south of a line across this island, running from about
W.N.W. to E.S.E., commencing (westwardly) on the
Welsh coast, a little to the north of Cardigan, passing
through Gloucester, near Oxford, and terminating at the
Kentish shores, a little south of Margate. Exeter,
Launceston, Plymouth, and Torbay, were the most
eligible sites for observing the annulus. The sun was
eclipsed at Greenwich at sunrise, 6d. 14m. 2s. There the
annular appearance began at 7h. 26m. 425. ; the middle
was at 7h. 27m. 18s. ; the end of that appearance, at
7h. 27m. 545. ; and the end of the eclipse, at Bh. 41m. 18s.
At Cambridge, it began at 16m. past six ; the greatest
obscuration was at 29m. past seven, when 9 digits and
29m. were elipsed ; and it there ended at 29m. after eight
o'clock.
From Liverpool and the adjacent heights, the eclipse
was distinctly visible throughout great part of its duration.
The moon's disc first impinged upon that of the sun at the
west quarter of the periphery of the latter from us ; and it
passed (in appearance) over his surface, coming out at the
opposite or south-east quarter of that luminary—suppos-
ing his upper limb to be north. The eclipse began as
affects this locality about 15 minutes before sunrise, or
oArl ix of ; but owing to haze it was not seen by
of the sun's surfElc-elZsbCf•Vgge,ve' when about a fourth
The disc of the moon being smaller to smaller planet. *int:
time, than that of the sun, and being also, from our
position (on Wallasey hill) a little to the westward of the
sun; her transit, when the eclipse assumed a segmental or
rounded form, gave that portion of the sun that was seen
the shape of crescents of varied position and wideness,
but all inclining to the eastward. Had the moon been
nearer the earth at the time, the eclipse when seen annular
would have been total. At the nearest approach to the
annulus the crescent (of horse shoe form) embraced about
4-sths of the circle of the sun's eastern margin, and was
rather narrow, with sharp and well defined termini, point-
ing to our N.W. The commencement and termination of
the eclipse showed, respectively, where they were seen,
like arched indentures in the sun's margin. Two circles
cut out of paper, the one rather larger than the other, laid
on a table, and the smaller one gradually passed over the
other from N.W. to S.E. (keeping the smaller (the moon)
on the west side of the disc of the larger (the sun), will
illustrate the phenomenon in its successive stages, and the
more accurately if the smaller be moved on a gentle curve
or segment, (the moon's orbit,) arching towards the N.W.,
and passing over the centre of that representing the sun.
A considerable part of the eclipse was distinctly visible
by the naked eye, the intervening haze acting as a damned
glass
oifn
tphreo
vt
scitbinl
eg
pt ha
re vision, t
ofthe sun.without obscuring
When
thish theaza out-
linewa snot present, smoked glass was in requisition. The close
we did not distinctly see, owing to the view being inter-
rupted by clouds, but we saw it until about 25 minutes
past eight o'clock, shortly before it disappeared, which
would be about 10 minutes after that time here. Many
persons entirely forgot the event and remained in bed, to
their chagrin when they heard the animated descriptions
of those who had been on the alert. The sight through-
out was at once extraordinary and beautiful. The obscu-
ration at the middle period of the eclipse was considerable,
somewhat resembling rapid dusk after brightness; but as
we had had smart showers for many days before, this was
mistaken by many for a recurring squall, and attracted
no notice amongst the uninitiated. We did not observe
the slightest appearance of beads or luminous dots, making
up the circle when the eclipse was at its height, nor did
we see any tinted protuborances like the pyramidal cogs
of a wheel emerging under the dark border of the moon,
as observed by Mr. Baily, at Pavia in Italy, during the
solar eclipse of 1842. This, indeed, could scarcely be
expected, except at places where the eclipse was annular.
We may add with reference to eclipses of the sun, that
during the total one of 1820, such was the darkness for a
time that some birds went to roost, the thermometer fell
considerably, and there was an appearance of nightfall,
and on the returning light the cocks crew.

A wretched woman, named Elizabeth Roberts, died in
a state of intoxication in a brothel in a court. in North-
street, yesterday.
A man, named Robert Roberts, received a hurt at the
Clarence foundry, on the 9th September, of which he died
on Saturday last. _ _ _

BoomE.--We are informed that a lecture on "The
Men of Genius in Humble Life in Lancashire," is to be
delivered this evening, at the Bootle Institution, by Dr.
Hodgson, late of the Mechanics' Institution in this town.
UNWHOLESOME MEAT.—A man, named John Wil-
liams, was yesterday fined ss. and costs, for exposing for
sale some meat unfit for human food, in St. John's
Market.

THEFT FROM A SHOP.-At the Police-court, yesterday,
a man, named John Williams, was charged with stealing
a pair of boots, value £l, from a shop in Elliot-street.
He was seen to unhook them from the side of the door by
a person passing, and, on being pursued, dropped them.
He was committed for trial.
__

CHARGE OF SMUGGLlNG.—Yesterday, at the instance
of Mr. Brooks, solicitor for the Customs, a youth, who
had belonged to the ship Aresina, was brought before
Mr. Rushton, on suspicion of being the party who had
concealed two jars of brandy under the sole of the ship,
where it was found by the officers. The captain appeared
in his behalf, and stated that the ship had long before
cleared the Customs, and was then on sale. He did not
know how the brandy got there. He gave the youth an
excellent character, and Mr. Brooks said the case would
not stand, and the prisoner was discharged.
ALL SAINTS' DISTRICT.—We have already referred to
the pressing claims which this district possesses on the
sympathy and liberality of churchmen. An effort is now
making to enlarge the school-room, so that it may be used,
pro tempore, for all the purposes of public worship ; and,
to meet the outlay for this desirable object, an appeal is
made to the public through our advertising columns. We
know of no object to which the contributions of every
friend of our national church can be better applied. The
newly appointed incumbent—the Rev. H. Marlen—is
straining every nerve to bring the hitherto sadly neglected
inhabitants within the healing influence of the ordinances
of the church, and we cordially wish him the most abun.
dant success.

BURN'S STATISTICS OF THE COTTON TRADE.

The able compiler of the Commercial Glance has, by
this publication, increased greatly his claims upon the
commercial public for past services. We know no other
man to whom the same amount of statistical information,
connected with the cotton trade, is available as that in the
possession of Mr. Burns ; and few have proved themselves
more indefatigable, and more generally correct, in the
conclusions which he has placed before the public. The
work now just issued from his pen consists of a collection
of tables, 27 in number, containing all that is required to
be known of the cotton manufacture. It would be well if
we had the same amount of information and research ap-
plied to every other branch of the national industry.
The volume commences with an introductory chapter,
containing the progress of the cotton manufacture, and
the early history of the production of the raw material, and
giving the subjects of the various tables introduced. It
concludes with a chronology of the different inventions,
improvements, &c., in the production of the raw material,
and the weaving, printing, and dyeing of the fabric. As
sample of the description of the tables given, we give a
few of the figures furnished by Mr. Burn. One of the
most curious of these is table No. 14, which shows the
quantity of cotton wool imported and exported in bales
and pounds from the year 1697. Of course we cannot
take upon ourselves the task of giving such a document in
all its details, as furnished by. Mr. Burns with "his usual
indefatigable industry, which, we may remark, has- here
been evinced by his giving us the history of the import in
bales of the present average weight, instead of following
the old mode of giving the imports in lbs. The first year
of which *e have any record is 1697, when the imports,
computed of bales of 356 Th weight each, were 5,352.
From 1702 to 1705 the imports decreased, the average of
these years being 3,289 bales. They kept fluctuating
until 1781, when they were 14,603 bales, from which they
rose until 1792, when the imports are quoted at 98,053
bales. The price is first quoted in 1782 at 20d. to 42d.
per lb. In 1792 it was 20d. to 30d. per lb. Previous to
the year 1793, our supplies were from the West Indies.
We now began, however, to receive supplies of Uplands
from the United States; and, although the supply of
1793 was only 53,485 bales, the prices quoted we find 13d.
to 22d. per lb. We give the imports and prices from this
time in decennial periods. In 1800 the imports were
157,333 bales, prices 17d. to 38d. ; in 1810, 372,160 bales,
prices 142 d. to 221 d.; in 1820, 426,046 bales, prices Bd. to
Ind.; 1830, 870,750 bales, prices 51d. to 71d. ; 1840,
1,599,343 bales, prices 54d. to 7d. We give the following
years consecutively :-1841, 1,341,659 bales, prices 41d. to
61d. • 1842, 1,384,894 bales, prices 4d. to 6d. ; 1843,
1,743,618, prices 40. to 6d. ; 1844,1,679,331 bales, prices
nd. to 4W. ; 1845, 1,855,660 bales, prices md. to 41d. ;
1846, 1,243,706 bales, prices 6d. to 7-id.
We could quote a number of other important features in
the table here given ; but prefer leaving to ourselves a
further opportunity of examining the work, and of deduc-
ing from the facts furnished a few conclusions. On the
whole, a more correct work, we believe, was never pub-
lished connected with any branch of the commerce of our
country.

EXHIBITION OF THE LIVERPOOL ACADEMY.

FOURTH NOTICE.

348. " A Brook in the Leafy Month of June." H. J.
Boddingion.—This is a very pleasing specimen of the ar-
tist. The subject is quite a refreshing one.
314. * * * R. Ansdell.—We presume, by his giving
this picture no title, that Mr. Ansdell concludes that the
public are quite sufficiently familiar with the subjects
upon which he has of late so frequently employed his pen-
cil. The stag at bay here is a noble animal ; the head, in
particular, very finely pointed. The dogs introduced are
also fine specimens. As a whole; it is not quite equal to
some of his former productions ; but it is a most merito-
rious picture, nevertheless.
528. " The Meet of the Royal Rock Beagles." Mr.
Transchould. We noticed, in favourable terms, some
rpeoarltlrya i ts
adviseby t hhiism a rttoi s tc
oi in
fitahee shis t
future xhibi tion ;
efforts a ntdo mt
huas
tt
branch of his profession. The picture which is now under
notice contains many faults. The most prominent of the
male figures is outrageously drawn, and out of all perspec-
tive ; the head is that of a child placed upon the shoulder's
of a giant, and the feet must be at the least eighteen inches
in length. The dogs are miserable short-legged turnspits,
disguised in beagles' skins. Altogether the picture iR
bad.

431. The Yellow Admiral" (H. .T. Pidding) is one
of the artist's favourite subjects, and is very cleverly
treated. The chopfallen features and the manner of the
bacchanalian sinner are admirably conveyed, and there
are some fine subjects amongst his veteran companions.
444. " Wayworn Travellers" (T. F. Marshall) is a
very pleasing composition.
343. " The Due de Sully bringing New Years' Gifts to
Henry Quatre, to be distributed amongst the Royal Fa-
mily Household." W. Carpenter, jun. The subject of
this rather large and pretending picture is not a very at-
tractive one, and its mode of treatment does not make up
for the want of striking character in the scene. There is
some good painting in the dresses, &c., of the personages
introduced, and here the merit displayed terminates.
153. " Timber Ctitting in the Woods ; a Scene in
Kent." H. Jutsum. This is a very pleasing landscape,
very cleverly painted. The artist has two other pictures
in the exhibition, (Nos. 363 and 636,) which possess con-
siderable merit.

On Friday, Mr. Richard Dover Statter, of this town,
was admitted a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
DISSENTERS' MISSIONS.—Last night, the 12th anni-
versary of the Wesleyan Association Missionary Society
was held in the chapel, in Pleasant-street, the Rev. Dr.
Raffles in the chair. Fifty ministers are supported by the
society, and an application has been made for a station in
Australia. During the last year the subscriptions of the
parent association have greatly fallen off, and the ex-
penses now exceed the income by £4OO. The receipts of
the Liverpool branch for the past year amounted to £95.
COMMITMENTS TO HARD LABOUR YESTERDAY.—
Martin Flanaghan, in whose case an Irish interpreter was
required, was committed for a month, for stealing a piece
of a railway rail.—Sarah Brideson, for stealing a quantity
of brass from Henry Ashcroft, two months.—Mary
Morgan, for stealing cotton from a bale in Brooks-street,
---Thi-b.—Joseph Warburton, William Watson, and
L John each, (boys,' Lb. in Everto street.
two months.—Mary Guire, for stealing flour inn- Crosine-
street, one month.
CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS.—On Sunday last,
after sermons by the Rev. W. Pollock, and the Rev. F.
Ould, 'the sum of £27 was collected in St. Michael's
Church, in aid of the schools in Cornwallis street, where
scriptural education is given to 600 children, and which
are dependent on voluntary contributions. Elias Arnaud,
Esq., collector of H. M. Customs, Councillors Cooper,
Royden, and Parker, and several highly respectable par-
ties resident in the neighbourhood of the church, attended
on the occasion. In the church, in the afternoon, the
children of the schools were catechised by the Rev. H.
Carpenter, and answered remarkably well.
THE WEATHER.—GREAT FALL OF RAIN.—From the
time of our last publication up to yesterday morning, the
weather has been for the most part wet, windy, and un-
settled ; but happily the present growing crops can sus-
tain little or no injury. On Tuesday, rain in successive
showers fell during the greater part of the day, wind S.E.
On Wednesday, nearly the same, with squalls. On
Thursday, we had rain in the morning, but it cleared up
towards eleven o'clock, and the remainder of the day was
fine and sunny, wind S.E. and S.W., succeeded by star-
light. On Friday, cloudy and dull. During the day,
rsdisiont
theia ln cyt
atmospheref
rsomeom
Cheshire,
w alsn l tgehhce
tueil ndi a
rt
ue rpyi mb ys clear bt the
radiation -e;
:
heavy showers from dark clouds, with squalls from the
'n
tehaauentdsihfuoolcwleyaf tNwwe. erWee
and in the evening the Welsh hills, the Ormshead, &c.,
radiation of the declining sun from behind dark volumes
of clouds. Heavy falls of rain, but partial, succeeded.
Saturday, at and after the eclipse was fine. At about
five p.m., however, rain again fell, and continued with in-
creasing weight until the next morning, accompanied
with a strong wind from the S.S.E. The streets and
roads were completely flooded. Sunday was cloudy and
threatening, with a S.E. wind, but only a few drops of
rain fell, and the night was clear. Yesterday was one of
the finest days we have had for some weeks, and the tem-
perature was mild and agreeable. An immense quantity
of water must have fallen throughout the week, and the
low lands are in many parts submerged. A great part of
Bidston Marsh (fine pasture land), between the village
and Moreton and Upton, presents the appearance of lakes
and patches of water. On a visit to the Liverpool Ob-
servatory, yesterday, we were kindly shown by Mr. Hart-
nup, the manager, the records regularly kept of the fall
of rain as ascertained by the pluviometer, or rain-guage,
put up there in October, 1845. It appears that from
noon, on the 6th instant, to noon on the 7th, there fell
(we use decimals) 1.409 inch of water,—the largest ob-
served in this part since the guage was employed ; and
there were only three instances besides during that time
that it amounted to 1 one-tenth inch within the 24 hours.

LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, - Yesterday
evening, a monthly meeting of this society, which was
established in the spring of the present year, was held at
the Clarendon Rooms ; Mr. R. M. Beckwith in the chair.
There were between twenty and thirty members present.
A number of new members were proposed and admitted.
The secretary, Mr. Archer, then stated that the subject of
the discussion for the evening was whether they should
have a library, as proposed at the last meeting by Mr.
Davies. Mr. Davies said that there could be no question
of the advantages of a library ; he at first thought of pro-
posing that one should be established by shares, but upon
maturer consideration he thought that in the first instance
it would be more advisable to begin it by contributions of
books. He read a code of rules. The Chairman urged
some difficulties which arose in his mind to the formation
of a library, while the society's funds were so low ; but
Mr. Davies succeeded in showing that a beginning could
be made in a small way in the manner stated. A motion
was consequently passed unanimously to the effect that a
library was desirable, and another appointing a provisional
committee to revise the rules proposed, and to carry out
the object in view, subject to the approval of a general
meeting, as to any steps they might take. A motion was
also passed to the effect that three flower shows should be
established in connexion with the society next year. Mr,
Archer then delivered a lecture to the members, on the
habits, and physiology of insects, especially those that de-
stroyed plants, which he illustrated by a number of draw-
ings of a magnified form. He treated the subject with
great eloquence, and exhibited much research in natural
history. He was listened to with great attention, and re-
ceived the cordial thanks of the meeting. An inte
resting discussion followed. Some fine specimens of
cattleyas, &c., were exhibited in the room, also a
splendid head of Indian maize, grown on the grounds
of Mr. Sharples, Oswald;! A vote of thanks was
passed to the chairman, and the meeting dispersed. This
society is composed chiefly of practical horticulturalists,
and if the members continue to exhibit the zeal and har-
mony they have hitherto evinced in its infancy, the society
will become an honour to the town and A credit to them-
selves.

Oct. 12, 1847

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.
(By EXPRESS.)

LONDON CORN MARKET.—YESTERDAY.
The demand for all kinds of English Wheat was less actin
than on Friday, nevertheless, a large portion of the supply,;::
cleared off at prices about equal to those obtained on 310114 i
ii
On the whole, the trade may be considered steady.
foreign Wheat we were tolerably well, but not to say heavOl;
supplied. The best qualities of both Red and White wer,e,;„/,
fair request at fully last week's currencies; but the midal:7
and inferior kinds commanded very little attention at late rtit,e4l
The actual amount of business conclukd in any descril%
was by no means large. The show of Malting Barley fit
exceedingly small. The article was in most instances held
more money, but which was not generally paid. be
The arrivals of Oats from all quarters, especially from ow
own coast and from Ireland, being on a -very limited scale, t
Oat trade may be considered steady for the best parcels, bn
in prices we have no improvement to notice. 10
There was a fair sale for Beans, at extreme currencieS•
Peas a full average amount of business was transacted, at it;
full prices. Indian Corn and Meal were quite as dear, Witute
good business doing in those articles. Flour was in mode
request, at fully late rates.

SMITHFIELD CATTLE MARKET.—YESTERDAY.
On the whole, the Beef trade was very steady, and, in so"j
instances, the value of the best Scots, &c., had an nplle
tendency; some few of them producing 4s. Bd. (though `..,d
more general top quotations were from 4s. 4d. to 4s. 6d.ej,
81b5.,) while the prices of all other breeds were well suppcm,
The Mutton trade was firm, and last week's quotations iff,:t
supported in every instance. The highest figure for the ";`,,:p
old Downs was ss. 2d. per Sibs. There were several foie',
Sheep in the market in a very diseased state.
The supply of Calves on offer was but moderate. Primed ii,"er
lities of Veal were in steady request, at full prices. In rie
kinds only a limited business was doing, at late rates. n.
Pork trade was in a very sluggish state; nevertheless the 411
talons paid last week were mostly supported.