268 
Mr Max well's Observations 
will not only disturb the direction of the magnetic needle, but 
it will suspend pieces of soft iron of greater or less dimensions, 
according to its size and power ; but a body of pure iron, how- 
ever large, and although it will disturb the needle at considera- 
ble distances, will not hold suspended the slightest particle of 
iron dust, and is thus, we think, sufficiently distinguished from 
a magnet properly so called. Mr Barlow also objects to the 
doctrine of the earth itself acting as a powerful magnet, sup- 
porting his objection by the well known computation of M. 
Biot, who has shewn that such an action cannot obtain, unless 
we consider the two magnetic poles of the earth as coincident 
in its centre, which is an obvious absurdity. Indeed, we think 
it by no means improbable, that the magnetic action of soft iron 
will, ere long, be found to differ from that of actual magnetized 
bodies, in the same degree as the electric currents of the galva- 
nic apparatus differ from the intensity of that fluid when excit- 
ed by an electric machine, and the action of the earth will pro- 
bably be found to belong to the former class. 
A rt. IV. — Observations on the Countries of Congo and Lo~ 
ango , as in 1790. By Mr Maxwell, Author of the Letters 
to Mungo Park, &c. &c. (Continued from p. 53.) 
Monkeys .- — The number and variety of the monkey species 
in these countries is beyond conception. Myriads of a small 
black kind with white breasts, about the size of a Cat, assemble 
every morning upon the lofty trees overhanging the brink of 
the Congo, in the neighbourhood of Oyster Haven and Mac- 
catala, to drink. At these times it is amusing enough to ob- 
serve with what celerity they make their retreat, causing the 
woods to resound with their chattering, at the report of a mus- 
ket. Upon the highest trees they generally build their nests, 
which, in form and construction resemble those of the magpie, 
but are much larger, and made of dry grass. The entrance is 
a round hole in the side. The upper part is covered with 
grass to a considerable height, to keep out the rains. 
Poongo .— The most wonderful animal of the genus Ape, 
is the Poongo. When walking erect, it measures six feet, and 
