Review of the Practical Tourist. 213 
Aur. IL—The Practical Tourist, or sketches of the usefil art, 
and of Society, Scenery, 8c. &c. in Great Britain, France and 
Holland. In two volumes; by Z. Auten, Providence, R. I. 1832. 
COMMUNICATED, 
Tue author of this work is already favorably known to the public 
by his valuable book on practical. mechanics. He made the tour, 
here noticed, chiefly for the purpose of minutely inspecting manufac- 
turing establishments, and collecting such information respecting their 
internal operations and general economy, and their influence-upon 
individual character and_ national prosperity, as would be practically 
useful to his own countrymen,—a kind of knowledge which, as he 
justly remarks, could be obtained only “ by entering apartments filled 
with the smoke of furnaces and resounding with the deafening noise 
of machinery, or by conversing with men devoted to the common 
handicraft labors of life.” For this, if in no other respect, his book 
is peculiarly valuable: Such information was much wanted, and he 
has proved himself a very suitable person to furnish it. Besides his 
individual interest in factures, his previous acquaintance, with 
. their condition in this country, and his lucid and pleasing manner of 
describing what he saw, the author exhibits throughout 'thése vol» 
‘umes, ample proof that he is a candid and faithful observer. With 
the facts pertaining to the useful arts, there is judiciously blended 
Such matter of general interest, as will render. this an entertaining 
work to all persons who would, at their own fire side, ramble over the 
Same countries with an agreeable fellow traveler, and will also serve 
as.a useful guide to those who may incline to visit the same. places 
personally. The work, as well for the rich entertainment it will fur- 
nish to the general reader, as for the important information it con+ 
tains for several kinds of manufacturers, cannot fail of meeting a 
favorable reception from the public. Hr ‘a 
_ ‘Phe plan of this journal makes it necessary to notice such facts 
and observations only, as will interest the scientific manufacturer, 
and of these even, our limits allow us to admit only a few notices, 
which will be given, mainly, in the writer’s own words. rie 
_ After describing the gradual improvements made in the carding, 
Spinning and weaving of cotton, from the state such operations were in 
for ages. prior to the middle of last century, and in this country till 
within the. last. fifty years, and exhibiting their present advanced 
