on every side, crowds upon the view, will be fully displayed to the eye of the spectator, and cannot fail to raise in his mind the most delightful emo-, tions.

Bishop Sandford's Chapel will be an elegant Gothic building, from a design of William Burn, Esq. Architect. Its general form is that of a parallelogram, running east and west, with a projection in front. The length will, I believe, be about 109 feet; the breadth 66 feet; the height of the body of the church more than 50 feet; the height of the altar window will be nearly 30 feet; the spire is, I understand, to be 150 feet high. It stands upon a basement of rubble work, which is raised considerably above the ground, particularly on the south side; and around which a terrace is to be built, which will add greatly to its appearance. Like buildings of the same description, it is externally divided on both sides, from east to west, into compartments by buttresses of equal dimension, betwixt which, except the two last, are placed Gothic windows, which are divided by stone mullions, and spread in the top into beautiful variations. Immediately above these windows, the wall terminates with a cornice, and sort of battlement, from which springs the lowest roof, till it meets the second or inner wall, which rises from thence for a number of feet; and, in like manner, with the fore or lower wall, is divided by small square projections, or buttresses, between which, except the two last, as before, are placed small Gothic windows intersected with one stone mullion below, and two in the top. The wall then terminates with a cornice, and numerous small sharp angular ornaments, or turrets, corresponding to the battlements of the lower wall, from which springs the highest roof. The space betwixt the two last buttresses on a level with the windows, both in the lower and inner walls on the north

At

side, and in the fore-wall, immediately over the two doors in the south side, is relieved by tastefully executed niches, whose canopies and pedestals, particularly those that are prominent in the fore-wall in the north side, are richly carved and embellished with leaves, &c. in relievo. The niches in the outer-wall in the south side, are exactly similar to those in the inner wall in the north side, and equally richly decorated. The corresponding ornaments in the second wall, south side, appear to be two small niches, resembling those contiguous to the larger ones; but not so finely executed. The tops of all the buttresses of the inner wall, and of those at the corners of the fore-wall, are decorated with crockated pinnacles, that end in finials, which have a fine effect. The intermediate buttresses of the lower wall are crowned with ornaments, which have a striking resemblance to cocked-hats. the west end of the chapel there is a considerable square projection, each corner of which is adorned by a beautiful buttress, which at present is carried to an equal height with the inner wall. The lower part of this projection is graced with a magnificent Gothic door, which forms the principal entrance into the Chapel. This gate, like that of the Roman Catholic Chapel, is beautifully arched, and tastefully ornamented with crockets, which run up the back of the mouldings, that meet in an acute angle, at a considerable distance above the top of the door, and which terminate in a rich knot of flowers, resembling the blossoms of the Euphorbium. Over the door is placed another Gothic window, similar in its mullions to the rest. The space betwixt the projection and the corner abutments, on both side, is divided by buttresses of equal dimensions with the lateral ones, but which are continued to the height of the inner wall, though diminishing their compass, after being adorned at

an

equal height with the side buttreswith half pinnacles ornamented crockets and finials. Betwixt these and the corner abutments is paced, on each side, a Gothic windew, smaller than the rest, but simiarly disposed in its parts. Over this projection rises the tower, with a fine ble imperial crown spire, which is abe highly enriched with Gothic orments. From the small plan of this chapel, which is prefixed to the Edinergh Almanack, the spire appears to and very abruptly directly above the upper imperial crown. It would certainly ad to the appearance of the whole, and produce a more striking effect, were the spire to rise to a considera. de height above the upper crown, gradually tapering to a point.

The eastern end of the Chapel, hich looks down Princes Street, is particularly fine, being embellished with a large Oriel window, nearly 30 ft high, and corresponding in adth nearly to the space betwixt the inner walls. It has really a fine rfect from Princes Street, being form d into several lights by mullions, and decorated, in the upper part, with a Catherine wheel, or Marigold adow, the cusps of which appear to at advantage at a distance. The ircle Ocil de Boeuf perhaps may be too large to correspond with the other

ifications in the top of the window. This window is surrounded, on each side, by an elegant buttress, emmamented in two different parts with small canopied niches and crocketed pinnacles on top. Betwixt these, and the corners, are small windows of equal dimensions, with those directly apposite them in the front. The wall both ends of the Chapel terminates a stone railing. The whole of this stately edifice is built of beautiful white polished ashler, resembling marble, particularly during sun

line.

The appearance of the interior, Fill, I hope, correspond to that of the

exterior. I am happy to hear that there are to be no galleriers; as these are always hurtful to the appearance of any Gothic building or cathedral, and destroy the general effect of the intérior, by obstructing our view of the fine Gothic windows at the side, and, by dividing the aisles, and thereby preventing us from seeing the whole space at one view.

This Chapel, therefore, though not large, is distinguished for its proportions, lightness, and delicacy of execution, and decided Gothic character. The canopies, and pedestals of the niches, are richly embellished with sculpture, and finely executed. The tracery and ornaments are perhaps too minute and trifling, to be consistent with the nature and character of a Gothic building, and the mullions in the heads of the windows may be thought rather heavy. But, taking it upon the whole, Bishop Sandford's Chapel must be allowed by all, to be the most chaste and elegant building of which Edinburgh can boast; and to reflect great credit on the taste of the architect, as well as those by whom the work is executed. Edinburgh,

20th Dec. 1816.

}

M. T. E.

There, even the uneducated peasantry perform in parts; while, in our churches, nothing is heard but the simple unison of the air itself; in which simple style, too, a striking deficiency is observable by a correct ear. Yet sacred music was, at an early period, the object of great attention in Scotland. In the reign of James I. the organ was employed, and that accomplished prince encouraged and excelled in music, more, says Buchanan, "than was expedient or seemly for a king." The Reformation gave the first check to the cultivation of sacred melody. Yet it does not seem to have been the wish of its leaders that it should produce this effect. In 1579, an act of parliament was passed" for instruction of the youth in the art of music and singing," in which it is exhorted, that a school should be set up in every parish.— This, however, did not produce the desired effect; nor could it prevent the art from sinking into its present state of decay,

On the 19th November 1755, a representation was made to the Town Council of Edinburgh "touching the improvement of church music ;" and a grant was made of £.25 Sterling. Mr Eornforth Gibson was elected precentor of the High Church, and appointed to teach one hour gratis every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, in the New Kirk aisle, the use of which for such a purpose is therefore by no means an innovation. The High Church was thus provided with an excellent precentor, but no other lasting effect seems to have followed.

It was the musical festival of 1815 which gave a new turn, in this quarter, to the general feeling on the subject of sacred music; and by shewing the public what effects (of grandeur, beauty, and impressive solem nity) may be produced by choral harmony, skilfully conducted, has, we presume, laid the foundation of an improved taste in this country.

--

Those splendid performances, in which variety, richness, and elegance, were so remarkably combined, filled the audience with emotions, which more than probably had never before been excited in Scotland by the power of music.

In our Number for January 1816 we gave a pretty full view of the establishment of the " Edinburgh Institution for the Encouragement of Sacred Music." The Report now announces the progress and final success of the measures employed for promoting that interesting object.

The effect of the notice which had been issued to singers was extremely gratifying. On the night appointed for receiving applications, the place of meeting was surrounded by a crowd of young people, so great, that it was with difficulty they got admission. The mere recording of their names and addresses occupied several successive nights, till 780 names had been taken down, and intimations made, that no further applications could be received. Amidst the eagerness to be enrolled which then appeared, it was interesting to remark the mortification of some ambitious little spirits expressing itself even by tears, on their being informed that they were considered as unfit to be taught.

Under the assiduous tuition of their able master, the pupils of the institution soon obtained a proficiency highly gratifying to the Directors. It was such, that a rehearsal, with a view to a public performance, took place in the General Assembly Aisle, on 5th April 1816; the use of the Aisle having been previously granted to the institution by the proper authorities.

It may be right here to mention, that though the great object of the institution was to establish a school of music, and not to give concerts, it was yet resolved, from the beginning, that there should be public exhibitions of the progress of the pupils, partly

for

fe the satisfaction of the subscribers, and partly for the sake of extending the subscription.

The first of these took place on the 24th of May, in the Assembly Rooms, George's Street, by the kind ermission of the Directors, to whose erality the gentlemen connected with the institution feel themselves deeply indebted.

It included the 100dth and 148th palm tunes, along with St Matthew's and St Mary's; and no less than three chorusses: "The Hallelujah," -"Fix'd in bis everlasting seat,".and How excellent is his name." On this occasion, a crowded and respectable audience, including many of the Clergy from various parts of Scotland then in Edinburgh, testified their surprise and delight, in witnessing the degree of proficiency to which 1 band of 250 vocal performers had been taught in the course of little more than four months, and which gave the strongest pledge of their future progress. It had indeed a grand effect, and afforded an unusual gratification to hear our venerable psalm tones sung in parts by so powerful a chair, accompanied by not fewer than sixty instrumental performers. The instrumental band included almost all the professional talent of Edinburgh, and was rendered interesting by the appearance in it of the principal amateurs. It was led in a most spirited manner by Mr Penson.

Subsequently to this period, the Directors resolved, for the improvement of the amateur, that there bald be regular meetings for instrumental practice. These accordingly have since taken place at stated intervals, under the conduct of Mr Simpson, and are likely to prove equally beneficial to the institution, and agreeable to the parties. Indeed, the Directors cannot help regarding the assistance given at their concerts by the private amateurs, as among the most pleasing features of their establish

ment, and not the least likely to give it permanence.

That the objects of the institution might be known as extensively as possible, the Directors, who had given the first performance during the sitting of the General Assembly, for the sake of the Clergy, resolved, that their second and third should take place during the race week; which, on this occasion, assembled in the metropolis an unusual number of the landholders of Scotland, and other strangers. Application was accordingly made for leave to perform these concerts in the Episcopal Chapel, Cowgate. This was granted in the most handsome manner; and the thanks of the institution were unanimously voted to the gentlemen of the vestry.

The effect of these two performances (the first of which was ably led by Mr Simpson) was powerfully strengthened at the third concert by the admirable talents of Mr Yaniewicz, who obligingly consented to lead the band.Of the instrumental music on this occasion, a full piece, composed for the institution by Mr Graham, was peculiarly admired for the beauty and spirit of the composition; and the Directors have to mention an anthem, produced also on this occasion from the pen of Mr Schetky, the father of music in this place, as another of the novelties which the institution produced.

But of all the public performances, the most pleasing was the fourth, which took place in the AssemblyRooms, George's-Street, on the 29th of November. The public interest in the prosperity of the institution had now been so much excited, that the room was crowded to excess at an early hour, with a brilliant company. On this occasion, the delightful chorus in the Creation, "The marvellous work," sung with the greatest precision and beauty, on the preparation of less than a fortnight, was a subject equally of admiration and surprise,

of sacred music.

The fifth concert, on a smaller scale, was performed on the 13th of December, in Charlotte Chapel, by permission of the vestry.

The last performance of the year took place on Friday, 17th Jan. 1817, and fully sustained the character of the institution. The noble chorus of "The Heavens are telling," was produced on this night, and powerfully executed by the band, both vocal and instrumental. Mr Graham also gave two original psalm tunes, which were brought forward on this occasion.

The Society express their high satisfaction with the conduct of the professional musicians, who gave every aid in their power with little or no remuneration, also with the attention and regular conduct of the pupils themselves.

At the suggestion of Mr Mather, in a letter to Dr Baird, the Society have resolved to publish a collection of psalm tunes, on a new and improved plan.

The Society anticipate the most favourable results from the great number of persons whom they have now trained to great excellence in church music. These will afford to the different churches the means of obtaining good precentors; the means also of forming a band to support them; and the example is also leading the parishes to establish schools of church music. A school for this purpose has already been formed in the High Church; and similar establishments are forming in the Old Grey Friars, the Tron Church, St George's Church, and the Old Church.

The sum required for carrying all the views of the institution into effect, is very considerable; yet the Society have determined not to raise the annual contribution, but to trust to the public experience of the benefits derived from their labours, for the sup

General View of the Measures taker for the Relief of the Labouring Classes in EDINBURGH; with s07724 notices on the same Subject from. GLASGOW and ABERDEEN.

N our last Number, we gave an ac

count of the formation of the plan for affording relief to the labouring classes in this city and its suburbs, under the very severe pressure now arising from want of employment.— The following information, relative to the mode in which it has been carried into execution, derived from authentic sources, will, we hope, be gratifying to our readers—

The very judicious principle here acted upon, is, that the relief should be given in work rather than in money; that the latter should not be bestowed, unless some corresponding equivalent in the former. It was also very wisely determined, that the employment thus afforded should not interfere with any of the ordinary channels of industry; that it should consist of works useful, convenient, and ornamental to the city, but which would not have been carried into execution, but for the extraordinary exertions now making. For this reason, no work could with propriety be afforded to artizans in their own lines of employment. The simplest species of out-door work was the kind required. This evidently pointed to the improvement of roads; not the regular and necessary lines of roads, but those formed for pleasure, and which might be considered as luxuries. The Calton-bill has long been the most eligible pleasure-walk for the greater part of the inhabitants; and when the new and excellent approach is opened by the Wellington Bridge, it must become more than ever a place of general resort. Messrs Jardine and

Steven