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diff --git a/old/11281-h/11281-h.htm b/old/11281-h/11281-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..62f2a97 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11281-h/11281-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2292 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; +charset=iso-8859-1" /> + + <title>The Mirror of Literature, Issue 334.</title> + + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + + .figure {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img {border: none;} + .figure p + --> + </style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Volume 12, No. 334 Saturday, October 4, 1828 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 25, 2004 [EBook #11281] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 334 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Allen Siddle, David Garcia and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page209" name="page209"></a>[pg 209]</span> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>VOL. XII. NO. 334.</b></td> + <td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1828.</b></td> + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + +<div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/334-1.png"><img width="100%" src="images/334-1.png" +alt="United Service Club-house."/></a> + </div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page210" name="page210"></a>[pg 210]</span></p> +<h2> + UNITED SERVICE CLUB-HOUSE +</h2> +<p> + Modern club-houses are, for the most part, splendid specimens of the + style which luxury and good-living have attained in this country. + Such are their internal recommendations; but to the public they are + interesting for the architectural embellishment which they add to the + streets of the metropolis. If we reason on Bishop Berkeley's theory—that + all the mansions, equipages, &c. we see abroad, are intended for our + gratification—we must soon forget the turtle, venison, and claret + that are stored in the larders and cellars of club-houses, whilst + our admiration is awakened at the taste which is lavished on their + exteriors. +</p> +<p> + The "United Service" Club-House is, as its name implies, intended for + the Officers of the Army and Navy, who, in these pacific times, may here + enjoy <i>otium cum dignitate</i>, and fill up the intervals of refection, in + reading the "history of the war," from the noble quarto to the last + dispatches received at the Foreign Office. +</p> +<p> + The above Club-House, which occupies an angle of Charles-street and + Regent-street, is, however, but a meagre specimen of the abilities of + the architect, Mr. Smirke. It has none of the characteristic decorations + of either service, if we except the bas-relief on the entrance-front in + Charles street, which represents Britannia distributing laurels to her + brave sons by land and sea. The architecture of the whole is cold and + unfeeling, and even the columns supporting the porticoes are of a very + rigid order—when we consider that the clubhouse is not an official + establishment, but one intended for luxurious accommodation, and that it + would have admitted of much more florid embellishment. At the same time, + although we quarrel with the frigidity of the exterior, we do not + question the warmth of its kitchens, or the potency of its cellars; + neither do we affect any knowledge of the latter—nay, not even enough + to weave into a "fashionable" novel. +</p> +<p> + A new mansion is building for the United Service Club, on the site of + Carlton House, under the superintendance of Mr. Nash, and which, with + another new clubhouse for the Athaenaeum, will form an entrance to the + new square opposite Waterloo-Place. The taste of the sword and pen does + not, however, agree, and their buildings are dissimilar. In the United + Service Club are two rooms of 150 feet by 50, the floors of which are + constructed of cast-iron girders. At the back of these club-houses will + be a large ornamental garden. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + FUNERAL GARLANDS. +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) +</h4> +<p> + The primitive Christians censured a practice prevalent among the Romans, + of decorating a corpse, previous to interment or combustion, with + garlands and flowers. Their reprehension extended also to a periodical + custom of placing the "first-fruits of Flora" on their graves and tombs. + Thus Anchises, in Dryden's Virgil,<i>Aeneid,</i> book 6, says, +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Full canisters of fragrant lilies bring,</p> +<p> Mix'd with the purple roses of the spring;</p> +<p> Let me with <i>funeral flowers</i> his body strew—</p> +<p> This gift, which parents to their children owe,</p> +<p> This unavailing gift I may bestow."</p> +</div></div> +<p> + Notwithstanding the anathemas of the church, these simple, interesting, + and harmless (if not laudable) practices still remain. The early customs + and features of all nations approximate; and whether the following + traits, which a friend has kindly obliged me with, are relics of Roman + introduction, or national, I leave the antiquary to decide. +</p> +<p> + On Palm Sunday, in several villages in South Wales, a custom prevails + of cleaning the grave-stones of departed friends and acquaintances, and + ornamenting them with flowers, &c. On the Saturday preceding, a troop of + servant girls go to the churchyard with pails and brushes, to renovate + the various mementos of affection, clean the letters, and take away + the weeds. The next morning their young mistresses attend, with the + gracefulness of innocence in their countenances, and the roses of health + and beauty blooming on their cheeks. According to their fancy, and + according to the state of the season, they place on the stones + snow-drops, crocuses, lilies of the valley, and roses. +</p> +<p> + A sacrifice such as this, so pure, so innocent, so expressive, is surely + acceptable to the great God of nature. +</p> +<h4> + QUAESITOR. +</h4> +<p> + To our Correspondent's communication, which is worthy of record, from + its originality, we could add many well-authenticated accounts of the + rite of decorating graves, &c. There is in our drawer an interesting + paper on the subject; but we give <i>Quaesitor</i> the priority. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + THE SPIDER'S WEB. +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) +</h4> +<p> + To the curious among the perusers of the Mirror, it may not be + uninteresting to know that a beautiful impression may be taken on paper + of the reticulated web of the <i>field-spider</i>, by sprinkling it finely + with any dark-coloured liquid, and placing the paper intended for the + impression behind the web, and drawing it gently towards +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page211" name="page211"></a>[pg 211]</span> + you. I do not + know of what ingredients bookbinders' blue-sprinkle is made, but it seems + to absorb the gelatinous matter of which the web is composed. The idea + that an impression might be produced in this manner, was suggested to me + by observing the dew on the web in the morning. +</p> +<h4> + <i>Rugby</i>. W.I.T. +</h4> +<p> + Our ingenious Correspondent has, on the fly-leaf of his letter, furnished + us with the impression of a web, as a proof of the practicability of the + above. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + ATAR GUL. +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) +</h4> +<p> + Who hath not inhaled with ecstasy the delicious, the heavenly odour of + "the Atar Gul, more precious than gold?" Who hath not in fancy wandered, + as he inspired it, to the terrestrial paradise from whence it is + procured? And who that knew not how so volatile an essence was collected, + hath not marvelled, over the enjoyment of Otto of Roses? Persia, Turkey, + and Egypt, are the principal countries in which it is manufactured, and + the Atar of Persia is generally allowed to be the most superior, and the + most difficult to be obtained genuine. The rose of Cashmire is proverbial + throughout the east for its brilliancy and fragrance; and "the Roses of + the Jinan Nile, or Garden of the Nile, (attached to the Emperor of + Morocco's palace) are unequalled; mattresses are made of their leaves for + the men of rank to recline upon." I transcribe from a published account + in my possession, the method of obtaining Atar Gul in the <i>east</i> (for + I have heard that some <i>English</i> chemists have endeavoured to procure + it from <i>English</i> roses.) merely begging to observe that it exactly + corresponds with that given to me by a gentleman who had witnessed the + process in Egypt. +</p> +<p> + "<i>Otto of Roses</i>.—The usual method of making it is, to gather the roses + with their calyces, and put them into a still with nearly double their + weight of pure spring water; which, when sufficiently distilled, will be + highly scented with roses; this is then poured into shallow vessels and + exposed to the nocturnal air. Next morning, the <i>Atar, or essential oil</i> + of the flowers is found swimming in small congealed particles on the + surface of the water; it is carefully collected and preserved in small + glass bottles."<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> A hundred pounds of the flowers scarcely afford in + India two drachms of essential oil. "Cent livres de petales de Roses," + says a French chemist, "N'en fournissent par la distillation que + <i>quatre</i> drachmes." Tachenius from the same quantity obtained half + an ounce, and Hoffman a much larger proportion. The trials of other + chemists have been attended with various results. It is most difficult + to procure the <i>genuine</i> Otto of Roses, since even in the countries + where it is made, the distillers are tempted to put sandal wood, scented + grasses, and other oily plants into the still with the roses, which + alter their perfume, and debase the value of the Atar; colour is no test + of genuineness; green, amber, and light red or pink. The hues of the + <i>real</i> otto, are also those of the adulterated; the presence of the + sandal wood may be detected by the simple sense of smelling; but in + order to discover the union of a grosser oil with the <i>essential</i>, drop + a very little otto on a piece of clean writing paper, and hold it to the + fire; if the article is <i>genuine</i>, it will evaporate without leaving + a mark on the paper, so ethereal is the <i>essential oil of roses!</i> if + otherwise, a grease-spot will declare the imposition. I need scarcely + expatiate upon the delicate and long-continuing fragrance which this + luxuriant perfume imparts to all things with which it comes in contact; + it is peculiarly calculated for the drawer, writing-desk, &c. since its + aroma is totally unmingled with that most disagreeable effluvium, which + is ever proceeding from alcohol. Lavender-water, <i>esprit</i> de rose &c. + &c. are quite disgusting shut up in box or drawer, but the Atar Gul, is + as delightful there as in the most open and airy space. Some persons + there are, however, who have an antipathy to it, and others will, as + they inhale its delicious odour, fancy with myself, what may be. +</p> +<h3> + THE SONG OF THE ATAR GUL! +</h3> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> I'm come! I'm come! for you've charm'd me here</p> +<p> <i>Soul of the Rose</i>, from divine Cashmire</p> +<p> I'm come,—all orient, odorous, rare,</p> +<p> An Eden-breath in your boreal air;</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> + +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page212" name="page212"></a>[pg 212]</span> + +<p> I'm come. I'm come! like a seraph's sigh</p> +<p> Breath'd to ethereal minstrelsy,</p> +<p> And well ye'll deem what a sigh must be</p> +<p> From the tearless heirs of eternity!</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> I've fled my bright frame from Tirnagh's stream,</p> +<p> And, wand'ring here, am sweet as the dream</p> +<p> Of passion, which stirs the Peri's breast,</p> +<p> Whom her dear one's winglets fan to rest;</p> +<p> I've dwelt i' the rose-cup, and drunk the tone—</p> +<p> Of my lover the Bulbul, all low and lone;</p> +<p> And the maid's soul-song, who forth hath crept,</p> +<p> When pale stars peer'd, and night flow'rs wept.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> But oh! from the songs of Cashmire's vale,</p> +<p> The rose, the lute, and the nightingale,</p> +<p> From flow'rs, whose odours were <i>too</i> divine;</p> +<p> From gems of beauty whose souls were mine;</p> +<p> From floating eyes, that could wound, yet bless,</p> +<p> In their warm, dark, deep, voluptuousness;</p> +<p> I'm come, in young iv'ry breasts to lie,</p> +<p> Betray'd like Love, by my luscious sigh!</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> I'm come, and my holy, rich, perfume</p> +<p> Makes faint your roses of palest bloom;</p> +<p> Soul, as <i>I</i> am, of an orient gem,</p> +<p> My aroma's too divine for them;</p> +<p> I'm come! but mine odorous, elfin wing</p> +<p> Rises from earth, and that one fair thing</p> +<p> <i>First</i> Love's <i>first</i> sigh, which ye know to be,</p> +<p> More exquisite, and more brief than <i>me</i>!</p> +</div></div> +<h4> + M.L.B. +</h4> + + + +<hr/> +<h3> + SHOOTING AT THE POPINJAY. +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) +</h4> +<p> + The Popinjay or Popingo (signifying painted bird) is a very favourite and + popular diversion in Denmark, and of which it may be interesting to give + some account. A society is constituted of various members, called the + "King's Shooting Club," who have a code of laws and regulations drawn up + for their observance; and are under the direction of nine managers. The + entrance-money is 60 dollars. Members are admitted by ballot, and on + election receive a diploma on parchment, with the seal of the society. +</p> +<p> + The meetings are held in a large building in the environs, and members + are decorated with an order or badge of distinction, which is the figure + of a gilded bird with outstretched wings, perching on a branch of laurel. + This is worn on the left breast, and attached to a button-hole of the + waistcoat by a green silk riband. On the breast are marked the letters + "<i>D.C.</i>" meaning "<i>Danish Company</i>." On one side of the branch is the + date 1542, and on the other 1739.<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> In the month of August, when the + amusement commences, the members meet in their hall, and proceed in + formal procession to an adjoining field on the western side of the city; + where arrangements are previously made for the numerous spectators. The + bird to be shot at is about the size of a parrot, gilded, and placed on + the top of a high pole. On their way to the field they are attended by a + band of music, which precedes the members as they march with their pieces + over their shoulders. +</p> +<p> + According to a law of the institution, the competitors fire at this mark + with large rifle pieces charged with balls, and rested on triangular + stands. Whoever is so fortunate as to strike the wing of the Popingo + first, is entitled to a prize. This is sometimes a pair of handsome + candlesticks, or a silver tea-pot and spoons. Whoever hits the tail is + entitled to another prize not inferior to the last; but he who wounds the + body of the bird is complimented with the principal one which weighs at + least 65 ounces of silver, and is honoured with the title of the "BIRD + KING." These prizes are surmounted with the royal cipher and crown. His + Danish majesty opens this ceremony in person, and is entitled to the + first shot, and the queen to the second, then they are followed by the + other branches of the royal family in succession. The firing continues + until the bird falls. In returning to the hall, the "Bird King," + accompanied by the procession, first enters the room, and is placed at + the head of the table laid out for an entertainment, even in the presence + of his majesty. On this occasion he is understood to be invested with + peculiar privileges, such as proposing toasts, directing the order of the + feast, &c. and his own health is first given by the judges. The members + pay 100 dollars each. The festival is honoured by the presence of the + royal family, and no person excepting the members, the foreign ministers, + and other distinguished persons, who are specially invited, can be + admitted. +</p> +<p> + The practice of shooting at the Popingo or Popinjay, however, is not + peculiar to Denmark. In Scotland a nearly similar amusement is observed, + where the head marksman receives the title of "Captain." In a future + paper, perhaps, I may notice the subject again, as it may prove + interesting. +</p> +<h4> + W.H.H. +</h4> + +<hr/> +<h3> + IMMENSE TROUT. +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror.</i>) +</h4> +<p> + In No. 331 of the MIRROR, I observed an article on Trout-fishing in + Westmoreland. The writer states, that the largest trout ever caught in + that county weighed four pounds and a half. This circumstance +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page213" name="page213"></a>[pg 213]</span> + induces me + to send you the annexed account respecting trout in Kent. +</p> +<p> + The county of Kent affords a vast number of trout-streams, which are + nowhere surpassed in England; and fish of extraordinary size and beauty + have frequently been caught in them. Some years ago, at Farningham, (a + village through which a noble trout-stream takes its course), stood a + flour-mill, the proprietor of which informed my father, that he had often + observed an enormous trout in the stream, near the mill-head, and that he + would endeavour to catch it, in order to ascertain its real dimensions, + as he was very desirous to have a picture done from it. My father having + consented to undertake the picture, the proprietor caused the trout, + though with much difficulty, to be caught in a stub-net. It appeared of a + most beautiful colour, and was finely variegated with spots; but it + possessed such exceeding strength, that the assistance of two men was + necessary to hold it down on a table while the measurement was made. It + proved to be twenty-six inches in length, and weighed <i>nine pounds</i>. The + proprietor returned it to the water unhurt, for he would by no means + suffer it to be killed, but caused food from time to time to be thrown + into the stream. This food chiefly consisted of meal and flour, made into + small balls, which allured the trout to remain near the mill-head. When + the particulars concerning this remarkable fish were circulated, many + persons came from different parts of Kent, and even from London, to + obtain a sight of it. +</p> +<p> + Numerous individuals now living at Farningham can attest the truth of + this account; and, probably, the painting may still be seen at that place. + <i>September</i> 20, 1828. +</p> +<h4> + G.W.N. +</h4> +<hr/> +<h3> + INSCRIPTION FOR A BROOK +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) +</h4> +<h3> + SUR UN RUISSEAU. +</h3> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Coule gentil ruisseau, sous cet épais fouillage:</p> +<p> Ton bruit charme les sens—il attendrit le coeur.</p> +<p> Coule gentil ruisseau, car ton cours est l'image</p> +<p> D'un beau jour écoulé dans le sein du bonheur.</p> +</div></div> +<h4> + J. J. ROUSSEAU. +</h4> +<h3> + IMITATED FROM THE ABOVE. +</h3> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Flow, gentle stream, thy course pursue</p> +<p class="i2"> Beneath the shade of waving bowers,</p> +<p> Where sunbeams lightly glancing through,</p> +<p class="i2"> The dew-drops kiss from off the flowers.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Thy murmurs charm the list'ning ear,</p> +<p class="i2"> And soothe the senses to repose—</p> +<p> No wayward passion rages here,</p> +<p class="i2"> The heart no throbbing tumult knows.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Thy waters, as they glide along,</p> +<p class="i2"> Reflect but images of peace,</p> +<p> Emblem of days, too swiftly flown,</p> +<p class="i2"> Pass'd in the midst of happiness.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Flow on, fair stream, thy course pursue</p> +<p class="i2"> Beneath the shade of waving bowers,</p> +<p> Where sunbeams lightly glancing through,</p> +<p class="i2"> Kiss the bright dew from off the flowers.</p> +</div></div> +<h4> + S.N. +</h4> +<hr/> +<h3> + NATIONAL VARIETIES. +</h3> +<p> + (<i>Continued from page</i> 165.) +</p> +<p> + It is almost impossible to lay down any rule which would define the + variations of national manners as having any reference to climate. We + frequently find that the passage of a river, or a chain of mountains, + dividing countries of the same natural features, brings us among an + entirely new people, and presents us with a fresh scene in the melodrama + of life. The inhabitants of Languedoc and Gascony, and the southern parts + of France, are the gayest and most lively of the subjects of Charles X.; + but the moment we have crossed the Pyrenees, we are among one of the + gravest nations in the world, the Spaniards. Again, contrast the + solemnity and deep sense of honour of the Turks, with the vivacity and, + we regret to add, the deceit and bad faith of the unfortunate modern + Greeks. The virtuous spirit will, we trust, revive in the Morea with the + return of civilization and freedom; for, as no one will attribute the + degradation of the modern Greeks from the high moral cultivation of their + ancestors, to any alteration in the climate of their country, so let us + never despair of the return of virtue, of poetry, of the arts and + sciences, whilst Parnassus and Helicon still enjoy the same glorious sun, + and whilst the Isles are still gilded by eternal summer. We want no + proofs that patriotism still lives in Greece, and with that feeling will + ever be associated the powers that are able to invigorate a nation. +</p> +<p> + Although a mountainous country like Greece, situated in the loveliest + climate in the world, must of course have some effect on the spirit of + the people, yet the degree of it seems extremely uncertain. The Swiss + seem in a great measure to have lost their renown for patriotism, by + their slavish submissions to foreign yokes during the late war, and by + the apathy with which they allow their rights to be trampled on at this + day by a tyrannical aristocracy at home. There is now a proverb of + "<i>Point d'argent, point de Suisse!</i>"—a melancholy reflection for a land + where Tell drew his unerring shaft in the cause of freedom—where, so + late as 1798, a patriot of the canton of Schwyz concluded an address with + these words:—"The dew of the mountain may still +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page214" name="page214"></a>[pg 214]</span> + moisten its verdure—the + sweets of the valley may still shed their fragrance around you—the + purple grape may still mingle with the green vine—the note of the maiden + may still sound sweetly to the ear of her lover—the soft cry of the + infant charm the feelings of the father—the confiding wife may yet + gladden the home of her husband—but the heart of man will be rotten—the + spirit of your ancestors extinguished—Switzerland no more, if you submit + to the French. If you love your country, and value your honour, be men, + and resist. If not, prove cowards, and obey." +</p> +<p> + Patriotism, however, does not confine itself to mountains, as witness the + history of the ancient and modern republics of Italy; of the resistance + of Holland and Belgium to their oppressors; of the English and French + revolutions. It is unnecessary to look across the Atlantic, to prove the + existence of the pure plant in its most healthy and vigorous growth. The + new world is dedicated to the cause of liberty, and from that good seed + is now springing forth fruit an hundred fold; the progress of + civilization, of knowledge, of virtue, and happiness in the United States, + is, by every recent traveller there, proved to be immense. The example of + her own children is becoming an additional security for right principles + to the mother country; and long may it so continue: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Yes! in that generous cause, for ever strong,</p> +<p> The patriot's virtue and the poet's song,</p> +<p> Still as the tide of ages rolls away,</p> +<p> Shall charm the world, unconscious of decay!</p> +</div></div> +<p> + We cannot even contend that the sun has the effect of inflaming the + imaginations of men, and infusing into them either vivacity or a poetic + spirit. The French, Greeks, Egyptians, and Persians are all remarkable + for gaiety; while the Spaniards, Turks, and Chinese, the latitudes of + whose countries vary but little, are noted for a grave and serious + deportment. The land that has given birth to Shakspeare and Milton has no + reason to complain of the want of warmth of imagination. Klopstock and + Goëthe,—the latter now allowed to be first of the living poets,—are + instances of the wide range of the spirit of poetry. Shall we, who have + seen Byron writing, as it were, in the midst of us, yield assent to + calling Greece and Italy the countries of imagination, <i>par excellence</i>, + because they have produced Homer and Dante? Assuredly not. We cannot even + admit, as a general proposition, that the languages of the south are + always the smoothest and most melodious, and the northern ones harsh, and + not adapted for music. The liquid, smooth, and effeminate language of + modern Italy is totally different from the strong, energetic, and harsh + Latin used by the ancient Romans. The Arabic will be immediately admitted, + by any who has heard a page of it read, to be extremely uncouth and + disagreeable. The Russian, on the contrary, is soft and musical. And to + recur to a more familiar instance, we shall find the Welsh tongue, on + examination, to be in fact very poetic, and peculiarly capable of giving + force and expression—whether of grandeur, of terror, or of melody—to + the idea the words are intended to convey. Let the reader who understands + the Welsh pronunciation, judge whether the following distich is not an + echo to, and as it were a picture of, the sense of the majestic sound of + thunder:— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Tân a dwr y'n ymwriaw,</p> +<p> Yw'r taranau dreigiau draw."</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The roaring thunder, dreadful in its ire,</p> +<p> Is water warring with aërial fire.</p> +</div></div> +<p> + The next specimen will show the capability of the Welsh to express soft + and melodious sounds:— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Mae mil o leisian meluson,</p> +<p> Mai mêl o hyd ym mola hon."</p> +</div></div> +<p> + The mellifluence of these lines, written on a harp, is totally lost in + the translation:— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Within the concave of its womb is found</p> +<p> The magic scale of soul-enchanting sound.</p> +</div></div> +<p> + The best illustration of the comparative degree of mental excellence + between the southern and northern nations, is, perhaps, that of Bishop + Berkeley, who compares the southern wits to cucumbers, which are commonly + all good of their kind, but at best an insipid fruit; while the northern + geniuses are like melons, of which not one in fifty is good; but when it + is so, it has an excellent relish. Now it is not probable that the same + climate which is favourable to the study of the sciences and to the + reasoning powers, would prevent their being pushed to the utmost extent; + and the solution of this difference may, perhaps, depend on the question, + whether a general diffusion of learning among a people is a state of + things usually accompanied by a remarkable perfection in particular + persons. A man of ordinary acquirements in the present day might have + passed for a prodigy in the thirteenth century; and the novelty and + distinction attaching to one who rises above the rest, is, of course, + more difficult to attain in an age where knowledge is possessed + universally. Inasmuch, therefore, as the liberal arts have been imported + to us from the south, and their progress is as yet not so extensive in + cold countries, the stimulus to their cultivation in the latter is so + much the greater; which +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page215" name="page215"></a>[pg 215]</span> + is one way of accounting for the giants in + science that have appeared in the north, It is moreover remarkable, that + the northern nations have a stronger apprehension of abstract + propositions, and a greater fondness for generalizing, than seems to be + the case in the south. The difference between a Frenchman and a German is + observable in this particular, by any one who attends to their manner of + telling stories. The former, in giving you an account of his being robbed + by a servant to whom he had been particularly kind, first tells you the + facts, and concludes with a reflection, "<i>Voila que le monde est ingrât!</i>" + The German, on the other hand, in order to prove to you the general + proposition of the unthankfulness of men to their benefactors, gives you + the instance that has recently happened. To the one, the fact is + interesting, because it proves the proposition; to the other, the + proposition is a conclusion, which he hastily draws from an individual + occurrence that has suggested it. +</p> +<p> + The climate does not appear to affect even the bodies of men to any + great degree. We cannot pronounce that it is the sun which makes + the African black, when we see the same heat pouring down on the + copper-coloured American, in the same degree of latitude, though in + another longitude. The inhabitants of Terra del Fuego are of a very dark + hue, approaching to black; and yet that island experiences as severe + cold as any part of the earth, as Sir Joseph Banks and Dr. Solander + have testified. The complexion and appearance of the Jews, and other + emigratory races, is the same in all parts of the world. And a stronger + proof cannot be given, than the marked distinction which still exists + among the three great families that divide Europe. These three have been + for the last 2,500 years, and still are, the Celts, the Teutonic race, + and the Slavonic race. +</p> +<p> + The Celts have black hair and eyes, and a white skin, verging to brown. + They chiefly inhabit the west of Europe, viz. the south of France, + (called by M. Dupin, <i>France obscure</i>,) Spain, Portugal, and the + greatest part of Italy. To them also belong the ancient Britons, the + Welsh, Bretons, Irish, Highland Scotch, and the Manks, or people of the + Isle of Man. The great German race, with blue eyes, yellow or reddish + hair, and a fair and red skin, occupies the middle of Europe. It + includes the Swedes, Norwegians, Icelanders, Danes, ancient and modern + Germans, Saxons and English, Caledonians and Lowland Scotch, the + Belgians, the Vandals, and the Goths. +</p> +<p> + The east of Europe contains the Sarmatian and Slavonic tribes, with + dark hair and eyes, darker skin than the Germans, and larger limbs than + the Celts. This race includes the Russians, Poles, Croats, Slavons, + Bohemians, Bulgarians, Cossacks, and other tribes using the Slavonic + language. +</p> +<p> + We trust we shall not give offence to such of our readers as wear the + Celtic appearance, if we assume, as undisputed, the general superiority + of the Teutonic to the Celtic or Slavonic races in mental acquirements. + We believe that the German race are pre-eminent for their sense of order, + of law, and of social institutions; and whether they derive these + advantages from the east, whence their origin has now been satisfactorily + traced, or however they have attained them, we have only to reflect on + the civilization introduced by the Saxons into England—on the actual + state of the ancient Britons at present inhabiting Wales and the + Highlands—and on the terrible disorder and barbarism that reigns in + Ireland—to be thankful that the pure Celtic blood has not been allowed + to remain unmixed in these islands. +</p> +<p> + What, then, it will be asked, is the result of these speculations? Are we + to conclude that the races of men are essentially different, or that the + variations are attributable to the various degrees of moral cultivation + that each nation has received? And our answer is, that we are inclined to + believe the capacities for improvement of races, as of individuals, to + have been differently bestowed by nature; but that none are actually + incapable of culture. There is no land, however sterile, that the art of + man may not make to produce fruit; but the difficulty and expense of + tillage must be in proportion to the intrinsic richness or poverty of the + soil. We fear that the soil of the Negroes<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a>, of the American Indians, + and of the Esquimaux, must be laboured at early and late, before it + brings forth even an average crop. But we do not despair even here. Still + less could we for a moment depreciate the labours of those who are + carrying education to the utmost bounds of the earth. The more degraded + and stupid the condition of any set of people may be, the more + meritorious and thankworthy are those efforts that are made to advance + them one point nearer to the heavens—one step above the beasts that + perish. The advancement of Hayti, though much overrated, is nevertheless + considerable; and we trust that national independence +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page216" name="page216"></a>[pg 216]</span> + will co-operate + there also with the progress of learning, for the increase of happiness + and prosperity. A free government, high public spirit, and an eager + desire for wisdom, are permanent securities for the welfare of the state, + and the happiness of the citizens; and though we cannot control nature, + let us endeavour by art to supply what is wanting, where her bounty has + been limited; "let us," in the words of Lord Bacon, "labour to restore + and enlarge the power and dominion of the whole race of man over the + universe of things!" +</p> +<h4> + D. +</h4> + +<hr/> +<h3> + MORTON BRIDGE. +</h3> +<h3> + A BALLAD. +</h3> +<h4> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) +</h4> +<p> + The remorseless tragedy on which this ballad is founded, took place + upwards of a century ago. In the retired village of Romanby, near + Northallerton, Yorkshire, there resided a desperate band of coiners, + whose respectability and cunning concealment precluded all possibility of + suspicion as to their proceedings. The victim of their revenge was Mary + Ward, the servant of one of those ruffians. Having obtained an accidental + view of some secret apartments appropriated to their treasonable + practices, she unguardedly communicated her knowledge to an acquaintance; + which reaching her master's ears, he determined to destroy her. The most + plausible story, time, and means were selected for this purpose. On a + Sunday evening, after sunset, an unknown personage on horseback arrived + at her master's mansion, half equipped, to give colour to his alleged + haste, and slated that he was dispatched for Mary, as <i>her mother was + dying</i>. She lingered to ask her master's permission; but he feigned sleep, + and she departed without his leave. On the table of her room was her + Bible, opened at those remarkable words in Job, "They shall seek me <i>in + the morning</i>, and shall not find me; and where I am, they shall not come." + Her home was at the distance of eight miles from Romanby; and Morton + bridge, hard by the heath where she was murdered, is the traditionary + scene of her nocturnal revisitings. The author has seen the tree said to + have been distorted by her in endeavouring to climb the fence; and has + visited the village and bridge, from which his descriptions are + accurately taken. The impression of her re-appearance is only + <i>poetically</i> assumed, for there is too much of what Coleridge would term + "the divinity of nature" around Morton Bridge, to warrant its association + with supernatural mysteries. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Oh! sights are seen, and sounds are heard,</p> +<p class="i2"> On Morton Bridge, at night,</p> +<p> When to the woods the cheerful birds</p> +<p class="i2"> Have ta'en their silent flight.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> When through the mantle of the sky</p> +<p class="i2"> No cheering moonbeams delve,</p> +<p> And the far village clock hath told</p> +<p> The midnight hour of twelve.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Then o'er the lonely path is heard</p> +<p class="i2"> The sigh of sable trees,</p> +<p> With deadly moan of suff'ring strife</p> +<p class="i2"> Borne on the solemn breeze—</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> For Mary's spirit wanders there,</p> +<p class="i2"> In snowy robe array'd,</p> +<p> To tell each trembling villager</p> +<p> Where sleeps the murder'd maid.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> It was a Sabbath's eve of love,</p> +<p class="i2"> When nature seem'd more holy;</p> +<p> And nought in life was dull, but she</p> +<p class="i2"> Whose look was melancholy.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> She lean'd her tear-stain'd cheek of health</p> +<p class="i2"> Upon her lily arm,</p> +<p> Poor, hapless girl! she could not tell</p> +<p class="i2"> What caus'd her wild alarm.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Around the roses of her face</p> +<p class="i2"> Her flaxen ringlets fell;</p> +<p> No lovelier bosom than her own</p> +<p class="i2"> Could guiltless sorrow swell!</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The holy book before her lay,</p> +<p class="i2"> That boon to mortals given,</p> +<p> To teach the way from weeping earth</p> +<p class="i2"> To ever-glorious heaven;</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> And Mary read prophetic words,</p> +<p class="i2"> That whisper'd of her doom—</p> +<p> "Oh! they will search for me, but where</p> +<p class="i2"> I am, they cannot come!"</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The tears forsook her gentle eyes,</p> +<p class="i2"> And wet the sacred lore;</p> +<p> And such a terror shook her frame,</p> +<p class="i2"> She ne'er had known before.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> She ceas'd to weep, but deeper gloom</p> +<p class="i2"> Her tearless musing brought;</p> +<p> And darker wan'd the evening hour,</p> +<p class="i2"> And darker Mary's thought.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The sun, he set behind the hills,</p> +<p class="i2"> And threw his fading fire</p> +<p> On mountain rock and village home,</p> +<p class="i2"> And lit the distant spire.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> (Sweet fane of truth and mercy! where</p> +<p class="i2"> The tombs of other years</p> +<p> Discourse of virtuous life and hope,</p> +<p class="i2"> And tell of by-gone tears!)</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> It was a night of nature's calm,</p> +<p class="i2"> For earth and sky were still;</p> +<p> And childhood's revelry was o'er,</p> +<p> Upon the daisied hill.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The ale-house, with its gilded sign,</p> +<p class="i2"> Hung on the beechen bough,</p> +<p> Was mute within, and tranquilly</p> +<p class="i2"> The hamlet stream did flow.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The room where sat this grieving girl</p> +<p class="i2"> Was one of ancient years;</p> +<p> Its antique state was well display'd</p> +<p class="i2"> To conjure up her fears;</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> With massy walls of sable oak,</p> +<p class="i2"> And roof of quaint design,</p> +<p> And lattic'd window, darkly hid</p> +<p class="i2"> By rose and eglantine.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The summer moon now sweetly shone</p> +<p class="i2"> All softly and serene;</p> +<p> She clos'd the casement tremblingly</p> +<p class="i2"> Upon the beauteous scene.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Above that carved mantle hung,</p> +<p class="i2"> Clad in the garb of gloom,</p> +<p> A painting of rich feudal state,—</p> +<p class="i2"> An old baronial room.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The Norman windows scarcely cast</p> +<p class="i2"> A light upon the wall,</p> +<p> Where shone the shields of warrior knights</p> +<p class="i2"> Within the lonely hall.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page217" name="page217"></a>[pg 217]</span> +<p> And, pendent from each rusty nail,</p> +<p class="i2"> Helmet and steely dress,</p> +<p> With bright and gilded morion,</p> +<p class="i2"> To grace that dim recess.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Then Mary thought upon each tale</p> +<p class="i2"> Of terrible romance:—</p> +<p> The lady in the lonely tower—</p> +<p class="i2"> The murd'rer's deadly glance—</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> And moon-lit groves in pathless woods,</p> +<p class="i2"> Where shadows nightly sped;</p> +<p> Her fancy could not leave the realms</p> +<p class="i2"> Of darkness and the dead.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> There stood a messenger without,</p> +<p class="i2"> Beside her master's gate,</p> +<p> Who, till his thirsty horse had drunk,</p> +<p class="i2"> Would hardly deign to wait.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The mansion rung with Mary's name,</p> +<p class="i2"> For dreadful news he bore—</p> +<p> A dying mother wish'd to look</p> +<p class="i2"> Upon her child once more.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The words were, "Haste, ere life be gone;"</p> +<p class="i2"> Then was she quickly plac'd</p> +<p> Behind him on the hurrying steed,</p> +<p class="i2"> Which soon the woods retrac'd.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Now they have pass'd o'er Morton Bridge,</p> +<p class="i2"> While smil'd the moon above</p> +<p> Upon the ruffian and his prey—</p> +<p class="i2"> The hawk and harmless dove.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The towering elms divide their tops;</p> +<p class="i2"> And now a dismal heath</p> +<p> Proclaims her "final doom" is near</p> +<p class="i2"> The awful hour of death!</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> The villain check'd his weary horse,</p> +<p class="i2"> And spoke of trust betray'd;</p> +<p> And Mary's heart grew sick with fright,</p> +<p class="i2"> As, answering, thus she said—</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Oh! kill me not until I see</p> +<p class="i2"> My mother's face again!</p> +<p> Ride on, in mercy, horseman, ride,</p> +<p class="i2"> And let us reach the lane!</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> "There slay me by my mother's door,</p> +<p class="i2"> And I will pray for thee—</p> +<p> For she shall find her daughter's corse"—</p> +<p class="i2"> "No, girl, it cannot be.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> "This heath thou shalt not cross, for soon</p> +<p class="i2"> Its earth will hide thy form;</p> +<p> That babbling tongue of thine shall make</p> +<p class="i2"> A morsel for the worm!"</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> She leap'd upon the ling-clad heath,</p> +<p class="i2"> And, nerv'd with phrensied fear,</p> +<p> Pursued her slippery way across,</p> +<p class="i2"> Until the wood was near.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> But nearer still <i>two</i> fiends appear'd,</p> +<p class="i2"> Like hunters of the fawn,</p> +<p> Who cast their cumb'ring cloaks away,</p> +<p class="i2"> Beside that forest lone;</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> And bounded swifter than the maid,</p> +<p class="i2"> Who nearly 'scap'd their wrath,</p> +<p> For well she knew that woody glade,</p> +<p class="i2"> And every hoary path,</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Obscur'd by oak and hazel bush,</p> +<p class="i2"> Where milk-maid's merry song</p> +<p> Had often charm'd her lover's ear,</p> +<p class="i2"> Who blest her silv'ry tongue.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> But Mary miss'd the woodland stile—</p> +<p class="i2"> The hedge-row was not high;</p> +<p> She gain'd its prickly top, and now</p> +<p class="i2"> Her murderers were nigh.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> A slender tree her fingers caught—</p> +<p class="i2"> It bent beneath her weight;</p> +<p> 'Twas false as love and Mary's fate!</p> +<p class="i2"> Deceiving as the night!</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> She fell—and villagers relate</p> +<p class="i2"> No more of Mary's hour,</p> +<p> But how she rose with deadly might,</p> +<p class="i2"> And, with a maniac's power,</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Fought with her murd'rers till they broke</p> +<p class="i2"> Her slender arm in twain:</p> +<p> That none could e'er discover where</p> +<p class="i2"> The maiden's corse was lain.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> When wand'ring by that noiseless wood,</p> +<p class="i2"> Forsaken by the bee,</p> +<p> Each rev'rend chronicler displays</p> +<p class="i2"> The bent and treach'rous tree.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Pointing the barkless spot to view,</p> +<p class="i2"> Which Mary's hand embrac'd,</p> +<p> They shake their hoary locks, and say,</p> +<p class="i2"> "It ne'er can be effac'd!"</p> +</div></div> +<h4> + * * H. +</h4> +<hr class="full" /> + +<h2> + SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. +</h2> +<center> + <i>Tanning</i>. +</center> +<p> + The tanner steeps the skin at first in a weak infusion of bark, until it + has acquired a nutmeg brown colour, and then he gradually increases the + strength of the steeping liquors, and after a time he draws the skin + out, and finds that it is converted into leather. A thick piece of hide + requires ten, twelve, or fourteen months, to be converted into good + leather; and when you consider the length of time consumed in the + process, and the great capital necessarily employed, you cannot feel + surprised that various plans should have been proposed to lessen both. + It was proposed to tan with warm instead of cold liquors; and although + the tan appeared to promote the skins in a shorter time, the quality of + the leather was so much injured, that it was soon given up. Then it was + tried to force the tan through the pores of the skin, by employing great + pressure; but this was not found to answer. But you may ask why the + tanner does not put the skins at once into a strong liquor? The reason + is, that the exterior surface of the skin would soon become tanned, and + the central part would remain untanned, which, in a short time, would + begin to rot and decay, and the leather so treated would soon fall to + pieces. The tanner, therefore, judges of the perfection of the tanning + by cutting through the leather; and if he finds it of an uniform brown + colour, without any white streak in the centre, he considers that the + process has been successfully conducted. It would +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page218" name="page218"></a>[pg 218]</span> + require much time to + describe all the operations of the <i>tan-yard</i>, but many of them are + interesting, as regards the chemical agents employed. I might have + mentioned to you, that the mode of preparing the skin for tanning, is + first to soak it in lime-water, by which the hair is easily detached; + but the cuticle and under part of the skin, the cellular substance, are + scraped off after it has been soaked in the lime water. A great variety + of substances have been used for tanning, as the acorn-cup of the + oriental bark; catechu and sumach have been also used; but the oak bark + is most generally used, as furnishing a large quantity of astringent + matter. It is not the business of the chemist to describe the different + kinds of leather, but I may just mention, that the upper leather of + shoes is called <i>curried</i> leather; the leather having been tanned, is + rubbed over with oil before it is dried, and it is then very flexible, + pliable, and durable; but if you take a piece of dry leather, and try to + rub it over with oil or grease, you cannot make it enter the pores of + the leather; the black colour is produced by rubbing it over with a + solution of green vitriol, the sulphate of iron. <i>Russian</i> leather is + tanned in an infusion of birch bark, and is said to be afterwards mixed + with a quantity of birch tar, to give it that odour for which it is + peculiar, which renders it valuable for book-binding, on account of + preventing it from being attacked by insects. <i>Tawed</i> leather, used for + gloves, is made by impregnating the skin with a liquor containing alum + and salt, and afterwards washed in a mixture of yolks of eggs and water; + the saline and animal matters combine, and give it that peculiar + softness, and such leather is afterwards coloured as may be required; + having been rolled over wooden rollers, in which are grooves, it is + called <i>Morocco</i> leather. These are the principal varieties of leather + employed in this country.—<i>Brande's Lectures—Lancet</i>. +</p> +<center> + <i>Mites</i>. +</center> +<p> + An indefatigable naturalist has undertaken the very difficult task + of arranging the family of <i>acarides</i>, or mites; he divides them into + sixty-nine genera, the greater part of them new! +</p> +<center> + <i>Electro-Attraction of Leaves</i>. +</center> +<p> + The results of a French experimentalist have lately led him to conclude + that the leaves, hairs, and thorns of plants tend to maintain in them + the requisite proportion of electricity; and, by drawing off from the + atmosphere what is superabundant, they also act in some measure as + thunder-rods. +</p> +<center> + <i>Enormous Whale</i>. +</center> +<p> + The skeleton of a whale, 95 feet long by 18 feet high, has lately been + deposited in the Cabinet of Natural History at Ghent. In the opinion of + many naturalists, among whom is M. Cuvier, this fish could not have been + less than 900 or 1,000 years old! +</p> +<center> + <i>Fly in Wheat</i>. +</center> +<p> + In North America, much damage is done to crops of wheat by the Hessian + fly. The female deposits from one to eight or more eggs upon a single + plant of wheat, between the vagina or sheath of the inner leaf and the + culm nearest the roots; in which situation, with its head towards the + root or first joint, the young larva pass the winter. They eat the stem, + which thus becomes weak, and breaks; but are checked by another insect, + called the destructor, otherwise whole crops of wheat would be + annihilated. +</p> +<center> + <i>Spiders</i>. +</center> +<p> + A correspondent of London's <i>Magazine of Natural History</i> says, that he + lately amused himself for more than an hour in observing the proceedings + of a little spider, whose bag of eggs had been removed and restored! +</p> +<center> + <i>Light of the Sea</i>. +</center> +<p> + Its appearance previous to a storm is a very old observation among + sailors. It is, however without foundation, as it is to be seen, more + or less, all the year round in the Carribean sea, where there are no + storms but in the hurricane months. In the hand it has a kind of mucous + feel.—<i>Mag. Nat. Hist</i>. +</p> +<center> + <i>Woodpeckers</i>. +</center> +<p> + A specimen of the <i>least woodpecker</i> was lately shot near Newcastle; and + another has since been heard and seen near Coventry. Its noise resembles + that made by the boring of a large auger through the hardest wood; whence + the country people sometimes call the bird "the pump-borer."—<i>Ibid</i>. +</p> +<center> + <i>The Tea Shrub</i> +</center> +<p> + Has been naturalized in Java with complete success; so that, sooner or + later, the Chinese monopoly will come to an end. +</p> +<center> + <i>Floating Island</i>. +</center> +<p> + From the earliest times, there are to be found in authors, notices of the + singular geological phenomena of floating islands. Pliny tells us of the + floating islands of the Lago de Bassanello, near Rome; in Loch Lomond, in + Scotland, there is or was a floating island; and in the Lake of +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page219" name="page219"></a>[pg 219]</span> + Derwent + Water, in Cumberland, such islands appear and disappear at indefinite + periods. Mr. A. Pettingal, jun. has recently described a floating island, + about a mile southwards of Newbury port, 140 poles in length, and 120 in + breadth. It is covered with trees; and in summer, when dry weather is + long continued, it descends to the bottom of the lake.—<i>American, + Journal of Science</i>. +</p> +<center> + <i>An immense Medusa</i>. +</center> +<p> + A species of sea-serpent, was thrown on shore near Bombay, in 1819. + It was about 40 feet long, and must have weighed many tons. A violent + gale of wind threw it high above the reach of ordinary tides; in which + situation it took nine months to rot; during which process travellers + were obliged to change the direction of the road for nearly a quarter of + a mile, to avoid the offensive effluvia. It rotted so completely, that + not a vestige of bone remained.—(<i>C. Telfair, Esq. to R. Barclay, Esq. + of Bury Hill.</i>) +</p> +<center> + <i>Himalaya Mountains</i>. +</center> +<p> + Captain Gerard, in exploring these mountains, with a view to measurement, + had ascended to the height of 19,600 feet, being 400 feet higher than + Humboldt had ascended on the Andes. The latter part of Captain Gerard's + ascent, for about two miles, was on an inclined plane of 42°, a nearer + approach to the perpendicular than Humboldt conceived it possible to + climb for any distance together.—<i>Heber's India</i>. +</p> +<center> + <i>Hippopotamus</i>. +</center> +<p> + The head of a Hippopotamus has recently been brought to England, with + all the flesh about it, in a high state of preservation. This amphibious + animal was harpooned while in combat with a crocodile, in a lake in + the interior of Africa. The head measures near four feet long, and + eight feet in circumference; the jaws open two feet wide, and the + cutting-teeth of which it has four in each jaw, are above a foot + long, and four inches in circumference. Its ears are not bigger than + a terrier's, and are much about the same shape. This formidable and + terrific creature, when full-grown, measures about 17 feet long from the + extremity of the snout to the insertion of the tail, above 16 feet in + circumference round the body, and stands above 7 feet high. It runs with + astonishing swiftness for its great bulk, at the bottom of lakes and + rivers, but not with as much ease on land. When excited, it puts forth + its full strength, which is prodigious. "I have seen," says a mariner, + as we find it in Dampier, "one of these animals open its jaws, and + seizing a boat between its teeth, at once bite and sink it to the + bottom. I have seen it on another occasion place itself under one of our + boats, and rising under it, overset it, with six men who were in it, but + who, however, happily received no other injury." At one time it was not + uncommon in the Nile, but now it is no where to be found in that river, + except above the cataracts. +</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<h2> + THE COSMOPOLITE. +</h2> +<h3> + A CHAPTER OF BULLS. +</h3> +<blockquote> + I confess it is what the English call <i>a bull</i>, in the expression, + though the sense be manifest enough.—POPE. +</blockquote> +<p> + We are friends to the exposition of the weak sides of great men, inasmuch + as it reads them a valuable lesson on their own infallibility, and tends + to lower the molehills of conceit that are raised in the world as + stumbling-blocks along every road of petty ambition. It would, however, + be but a sorry toil for the most cynical critic to illustrate these + vagaries otherwise than so many slips and trippings of the tongue and pen, + to which all men are liable in their unguarded moments—from Homer to + Anacreon Moore, or Demosthenes to Mr. Brougham. Our course is rather that + of a good-humoured <i>exposé</i>, the worst effect of which will be to raise a + laugh at the expense of poor humanity, or a merited smile at our own + dulness and mistaken sense of the ridiculous. +</p> +<p> + First, of the ancient Poets, who make departed spirits know things past + and to come, yet ignorant of things present. Agamemnon foretels what + should happen to Ulysses, yet ignorantly inquires what is become of his + own son. The ghosts are afraid of swords in Homer, yet Sibylla tells + Aeneas in Virgil, that the then habit of spirits was beyond the force of + weapons. The spirits put off their malice with their bodies; and Caesar + and Pompey accord in Latin hell; yet Ajax in Homer, endures not a + conference with Ulysses. +</p> +<p> + In Painting alone we have a rich harvest. Burgoyne in his travels, + notices a painting in Spain, where Abraham is preparing to shoot Isaac + <i>with a pistol!</i> +</p> +<p> + There is a painting at Windsor, of Antonio Verrio, in which, he has + introduced himself, Sir Godfrey Kneller, and Bap. May, surveyor of the + works, in long periwigs, as spectators of Christ healing the sick. +</p> +<p> + In the Luxembourg is a picture of Reubens, in which are the queen-mother + in council, with two cardinals, and <i>Mercury!</i> +</p> +<p> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page220" name="page220"></a>[pg 220]</span> + There may be, also, a sort of anachronism of the limbs, as in the case of + the painter of Toledo, who painted the story of the three wise men of the + east coming to worship, and bringing their presents to our Lord, upon his + birth, at Bethlehem, whence he presents them as three Arabian, or Indian + kings; two of them are white, and one of them black; but, unhappily, when + he drew the latter part of them kneeling, which, to be sure, was done + after their faces, their legs being necessarily a little intermixed, he + made three black feet for the negro king, and but three white feet for + the two white kings; and yet never discovered the mistake till the piece + was presented to the king, and hung up in the great church. +</p> +<p> + There was, also, in the Houghton Hall collection, Velvet Brughel's + Adoration of the Magi, in which were a multitude of figures, all finished + with the greatest Dutch exactness; in fact, the ideas are rather a little + too Dutch, for the Ethiopian king is dressed in a surplice, with boots + and spurs, and brings, for a present, a gold model of a modern ship. +</p> +<p> + The monks of a certain monastery at Messina, exhibited, with great + triumph, a letter written by the Virgin Mary with her own hand. Unluckily + for them, this was not, as it easily might have been, written on the + ancient papyrus, but on paper made of rags. On some occasion, a visiter, + to whom this was shown, observed, with affected solemnity, that the + letter involved also a miracle, for the paper on which it was written was + not in existence till several hundred years after the mother of our Lord + had ascended into heaven. +</p> +<p> + In the church of St. Zacharia, at Venice, is the picture of a Virgin and + Child, whom an angel is entertaining with an air upon the violin. Jean + Belin was the artist, in 1500. So, also, in the college library of + Aberdeen, to a very neat Dutch missal, are appended elegant paintings on + the margin, of the angels appearing to the shepherds, with one of the men + playing on the bagpipes. +</p> +<p> + There is a picture in a church at Bruges that puts not only all + chronology, but all else, out of countenance. It is the marriage of Jesus + Christ with Saint Catherine of Sienna. But who marries them? St. Dominic, + the patron of the church. Who joins their hands? Why, the Virgin Mary. + And to crown the anachronism, King David plays the harp at the wedding! +</p> +<p> + Albert Durer represented an angel in a flounced petticoat, driving Adam + and Eve from Paradise. +</p> +<p> + Lewis Cigoli painted a picture of the Circumcision of the Holy Child, + Jesus, and drew the high priest, Simeon, with spectacles on his nose; + upon a supposition, probably, that, in respect of his great age, that aid + would be necessary. Spectacles, however, were not known for fourteen + centuries afterwards. +</p> +<p> + In a picture painted by F. Chello della Puera, the Virgin Mary is placed + on a velvet sofa, playing with a cat and a paroquet, and about to help + herself to coffee from an engraved coffee-pot. +</p> +<p> + In another, painted by Peter of Cortona, representing the reconciliation + of Jacob and Laban, (now in the French Museum), the painter has + represented a steeple or belfry rising over the trees. A belfry in the + mountains of Mesopotamia, in the time of Jacob! +</p> +<p> + N. Poussin's celebrated picture, at the same place, of Rebecca at the + Well, has the whole back-ground decorated with Grecian architecture. +</p> +<p> + Paul Veronese placed Benedictine fathers and <i>Swiss soldiers</i> among his + paintings from the Old Testament. +</p> +<p> + A painter, intending to describe the miracle of the fishes listening to + the preaching of St. Anthony of Padua, painted the lobsters, who were + stretching out of the water, <i>red!</i> probably having never seen them in + their natural state. Being asked how he could justify this anachronism, + he extricated himself by observing, that the whole affair was a miracle, + and that thus the miracle was made still greater. +</p> +<p> + In the Notices des MSS. du Roi VI. 120, in the illuminations of a + manuscript Bible at Paris, under the Psalms, are two persons playing at + cards; and under Job and the Prophets are coats of arms and a windmill. +</p> +<p> + Poussin, in his picture of the Deluge has painted boats, not then + invented. St. Jerome, in another place, with a clock by his side; a thing + unknown in that saint's days.—<i>Nous revenons.</i> +</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<h2> + THE TOPOGRAPHER +</h2> +<hr /> +<h3> + VIRGINIA WATER, +</h3> +<center> + (<i>The favourite Retreat of his Majesty</i>.) +</center> +<p> + Virginia Water was planted, and the lake executed, under the direction of + Paul Sandby, at a time when this part of Windsor Forest was the favourite + residence of Duke William of Cumberland. The artificial water is the + largest in the kingdom, with the single exception of Blenheim; the + cascade is, perhaps, the most striking imitation we have of the great + works of nature; and the grounds are arranged in +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page221" name="page221"></a>[pg 221]</span> + the grandest style of + landscape-gardening. The neighbouring scenery is bold and rugged, being + the commencement of Bagshot Heath; and the variety of surface agreeably + relieves the eye, after the monotony of the first twenty miles from town, + which fatigues the traveller either upon the Bath or Western roads. At + the time when the public were allowed to visit Virginia Water, the best + point of entrance was at the gate at Bishopsgate; near which very pretty + village, or rather green, the Royal Lodge is at present situated. Shelley, + who had a true eye for the picturesque, resided for some time at this + place; and it would have been difficult for a poet to have found, in any + of the highly cultivated counties of England, a spot so full of the most + exquisite variety of hill and dale, of wood and water,—so fitted to call + forth and cherish the feelings upon which poetry must depend for its + peculiar nurture. +</p> +<p> + Bishopsgate is situated about a mile to the right of the western road + from London, after you ascend the hill beyond Egham. To the left, St. + Anne's Hill, the favoured residence of Charles Fox, is a charming object; + and upon the ridge which the traveller ascends, is the spot which has + given a name to Denham's celebrated poem. "Cooper's Hill" is not shut out + from the contemplative searchers after the beauties of nature; and, + however the prospect here may be exceeded by scenes of wider extent, or + more striking grandeur, certainly the <i>locale</i> of the earliest, and + perhaps the best, descriptive poem of our language, is calculated to + produce the warmest feelings of admiration, both for its actual beauty + and its unrivalled associations. From an elevation of several hundred + feet, you look down upon a narrow fertile valley, through which the + Thames winds with surpassing loveliness. Who does not recollect the + charming lines with which Denham describes the "silver river:"— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Oh! could I flow thee, and make thy stream</p> +<p> My great example, as it is my theme;</p> +<p> Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull;</p> +<p> Strong without rage; without o'erflowing full."</p> +</div></div> +<p> + Immediately at your feet is the plain of Runnemede, where the great + battle between John and the Barons was fought; and in the centre of the + river is the little fishing island, where Magna Charta was signed. At the + extremity of the valley is Windsor Castle, rising up in all the pomp of + its massive towers. We recollect the scene as Windsor <i>was</i>. Whatever Mr. + Wyattville may have done for its internal improvement, and for its + adaptation to the purposes of a modern residence without sacrificing all + its character of antiquity, we fear that he has destroyed its picturesque + effect in the distant landscape. Its old characteristic feature was that + of a series of turrets rising above the general elevation. By raising the + intermediate roofs, without giving a proportionate height to the towers, + the whole line has become square and unbroken. This was, perhaps, an + unavoidable fault; but it is a fault. +</p> +<p> + From Cooper's Hill, the entrance to Virginia Water is a walk of a quarter + of an hour. We were accustomed to wander down a long and close plantation + of pines, where the rabbit ran across with scarcely a fear of man. A more + wild and open country succeeded; and we then followed the path, through + many a "bosky bourn," till we arrived at a rustic bridge, which crossed + the lake at a narrow neck, where the little stream was gradually lost + amongst the underwood. A scene of almost unrivalled beauty here burst + upon the view. For nearly a mile, a verdant walk led along, amidst the + choicest evergreens, by the side of a magnificent breadth of water. The + opposite shore was rich with the heather-bloom; and plantations of the + most graceful trees—the larch, the ash, and the weeping birch ("the lady + of the woods"), broke the line of the wide lake, and carried the + imagination on, in the belief that some mighty river lay beyond that + screening wood. The cascade was at length reached. Cascades are much upon + the same plan, whether natural or artificial; the scale alone makes the + difference. This cascade is sufficiently large not to look like a + plaything; and if it were met with in Westmoreland or Wales, tourists + would dilate much upon its beauties. At this point the water may be + easily forded; and after a walk of the most delicious seclusion, we used + to reach a bold arch, over which the public road was carried. Here have + been erected some of the antique columns, that, a few years ago, were in + the court-yard of the British Museum. +</p> +<p> + From this arch a variety of walks, of the most delightful retirement, + present themselves. They are principally bounded with various trees of + the pine tribe, intermingled with laurel and acacia. The road gradually + ascends to a considerable elevation, where there is a handsome building, + called the Belvidere. The road from this spot is very charming. We + descend from this height, through a wild path, by the side of trees of + much more ancient growth than the mass around; and, crossing the high + road, again reach the lake, at a point where its dimensions are ample and + magnificent. About this part a splendid +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page222" name="page222"></a>[pg 222]</span> + fishing-temple has lately been + erected. Of its taste we can say nothing. +</p> +<p> + The common road from Blacknest (the name of this district of Windsor + Forest) to the Royal Lodge is strikingly beautiful. Virginia Water is + crossed by a very elegant bridge, built by Sandby; on one side of it the + view terminates in a toy of the last age—a Chinese temple; on the other + it ranges over a broad expanse of water. The road sometimes reminds one + of the wildness of mountain scenery, and at another turn displays all the + fertility of a peaceful agricultural district. We at length pass the + secluded domain of the Royal Lodge; and when we reach the edge of the + hill, we look upon a vista of the most magnificent elms, and over an + expanse of the most striking forest scenery, with the splendid Castle + terminating the prospect—a monument of past glories, which those who + have a feeling for their country's honour may well uphold and cherish.— + <i>London Magazine</i>. +</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<h2> + SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. +</h2> +<hr/> +<h3> + TEA. +</h3> +<p> + The principal article of our commerce with China, namely, tea, is, + perhaps, more singular in its history than any other article of commerce + in the known world. A simple and unsophisticated shrub, in little more + than half a century, has become an article of such general consumption, + that it seems to form one of the prime articles of existence among the + great bulk of mankind. It is the peculiar growth of a country, of which + it forms almost the only link of connexion with the rest of the world. It + forms the source of the largest commercial revenue to the British + Government of any other commodity whatever, and of the largest commercial + profits to the individuals concerned in its importation. Withal, it is + the simplest, the most harmless thing that ever was offered to the + gratification of man,—having, it is believed and argued by many, a moral + influence wherever it is diffused. It is the rallying point of our + earliest associations; it has ever given an additional charm to our + firesides; and tends, perhaps, more than any one thing, to confirm the + pre-existing domestic habits of the British public. Its exhilarating + qualities are eagerly sought after as a restorative and solace from the + effects of fatigue or dissipation; the healthy and the sick, the young + and the old, all equally resort to the use of it, as yielding all the + salutary influence of strong liquors, without their baneful and + pernicious effects. Yet this shrub, so simple and so useful, is delivered + to the community of this country, so surcharged with duties and profits + beyond its original cost, that, did it contain all the mischievous + qualities that are opposed to its real virtues, it could not be more + strictly guarded from general use. +</p> +<p> + For the whole of our imports, including factory expenses and commission, + the original cost in China amounts to the sum of two millions sterling. + This is wonderfully increased before the British public can have any + access to the article of consumption; thus:— +</p> +<pre> +1. The value of the Company's importations from China + into Great Britain, as established by their own + statements, is £2,000,000 + +2. On this they charge 100 per cent, for their own + especial benefit 2,000,000 + +3. And the Government duty, as by law established, is + equal to the original cost, and the profits charged + by the company; both forming the <i>sale price</i> 4,000,000 + ---------- + £8,000,000 +</pre> +<p> +<i>Oriental Herald</i>.</p> + +<hr /> +<h3> + DEATH OF YOUNG PARK. +</h3> +<p> + It is quite inconceivable with what increased zeal new candidates for + African discovery come forward the moment that the death of any fresh + victim to this pestilential country is announced. To the list of those + who have already fallen, may be added young Park, the son of the late + enterprising Mungo Park, and a midshipman of his majesty's ship Sybille. + He went out in this ship with a full determination to proceed on foot, + and alone, from the coast to the spot where his father perished, in the + hope of hearing some authentic and more detailed account of the + catastrophe than had yet been received. With leave of the commodore, he + set out from Accra, and proceeded as far as Yansong, the chief town of + Acquimbo, distant from the coast about one hundred and forty miles. Here + the natives were celebrating the Yam feast, a sort of religious ceremony, + to witness which Park got up into a Fetish tree, which is regarded by the + natives with fear and dread. Here he remained a great part of the day, + exposed to the sun, and was observed to drink a great quantity of palm + wine. In dropping down from one of the lower branches, he fell on the + ground, and said, that he felt a severe +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page223" name="page223"></a>[pg 223]</span> + shock in his head. He was that + evening seized with a fever, and died in three days, on the 31st October, + 1827. As soon as the king, Akitto, heard of his death, he ordered all his + baggage to be brought to his house, and instantly despatched a messenger + to Accra, first making him swear "by the head of his father," that he + would not sleep till he had delivered the message; it was to inform the + resident of the event, and that all the property of the deceased would be + forthwith sent down to Accra. This was accordingly done, and it did not + appear on examination, that a single article was missing; even an old hat, + without a crown, was not omitted. There was an idle report of Park being + poisoned, for which there appears not the slightest foundation.—<i>Q. Rev.</i> +</p> +<hr /> +<h3> + DIRGE +</h3> +<center> + TO THE MEMORY OF MISS ELLEN GEE, OF KEW, +</center> +<center> + <i>Who died in consequence of being stung in the eye.</i> +</center> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Peerless, yet hapless maid of Q!</p> +<p class="i2"> Accomplish'd LN G!</p> +<p> Never again shall I and U</p> +<p class="i2"> Together sip our T.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> For, ah! the Fates, I know not Y,</p> +<p class="i2"> Sent midst the flowers a B,</p> +<p> Which ven'mous stung her in the I,</p> +<p class="i2"> So that she could not C.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> LN exclaim'd, "Vile, spiteful B!</p> +<p class="i2"> If ever I catch U</p> +<p> On jess'mine, rosebud, or sweet P,</p> +<p class="i2"> I'll change your stinging Q.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> "I'll send you, like a lamb or U,</p> +<p class="i2"> Across the Atlantic C,</p> +<p> From our delightful village Q,</p> +<p class="i2"> To distant OYE.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> "A stream runs from my wounded I,</p> +<p class="i2"> Salt as the briny C,</p> +<p> As rapid as the X or Y,</p> +<p class="i2"> The OIO, or D.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Then fare thee ill, insensate B!</p> +<p class="i2"> Who stung, nor yet knew Y;</p> +<p> Since not for wealthy Durham's C</p> +<p class="i2"> Would I have lost my I."</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> They bear with tears fair LN G</p> +<p class="i2"> In funeral RA,</p> +<p> A clay-cold corse now doom'd to B,</p> +<p class="i2"> Whilst I mourn her DK.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Ye nymphs of Q, then shun each B,</p> +<p class="i2"> List to the reason Y!</p> +<p> For should a B C U at T,</p> +<p class="i2"> He'll surely sting your I.</p> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<p> Now in a grave, L deep in Q,</p> +<p class="i2"> She's cold as cold can B;</p> +<p> Whilst robins sing upon A U,</p> +<p class="i2"> Her dirge and LEG.</p> +</div></div> +<p> + <i>New Monthly Magazine</i>. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + LINES SENT WITH A GOOSE. +</h3> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p class="i2"> "When this you see,</p> +<p class="i2"> Remember me,"</p> +<p> Was long a phrase in use,</p> +<p class="i2"> And so I send</p> +<p class="i2"> To you, dear friend,</p> +<p> My proxy. "What?" A goose!</p> +</div></div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<h2> + THE GATHERER +</h2> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.</p> +</div></div> +<h4> + SHAKSPEARE. +</h4> +<hr/> +<h3> + CORPORATION LEARNING. +</h3> +<p> + At a late meeting of a certain corporation in Dorsetshire, for the + nomination of a person to fill the office of Mayor, a sufficient number + of the burgesses not being in attendance, it was intimated that an + application would be made for a <i>Mandamus</i>, when one of "the worthy + electors," being un-"learned in the law," innocently remarked, "I hope + <i>he</i> will come, and then <i>he'll</i> put <i>un</i> all right and make <i>un</i> elect + one." +</p> +<p> + Sept. 25, 1828. +</p> +<p> + This is not a Joe Miller joke, but one of actual and recent occurrence; + although there is a similar story fathered on a sapient civic authority. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + SELLING A WOMAN. +</h3> +<p> + The value that was set upon the bond-servants in the West Indies, is + curiously exemplified in the following anecdote:— +</p> +<p> + There was a planter in Barbadoes that came to his neighbour, and said to + him, "Neighbour, I hear you have lately brought good store of servants + out of the last ship that came from England; and I hear withal that you + want provisions. I have great want of a woman servant, and would be glad + to make an exchange. If you will let me have some of your woman's flesh, + you shall have some of my hog's flesh." So the price was set, a groat + a-pound for the hog's flesh, and sixpence for the woman's. The scales were + set up, and the planter had a maid that was extremely fat, lazy, and good + for nothing; her name was Honour. The man brought a great fat sow, and + put it in one scale, and Honour was put in the other. But when he saw how + much the maid outweighed his sow, he broke off the bargain and would not + go on. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + SMOKING. +</h3> +<p> + Such is the passion for smoking at Hamburgh, that children about ten + years of age may be seen with pipes in their mouths, whiffing with great + gravity and composure. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + PUBLIC ROADS. +</h3> +<p> + The turnpike-roads of England are above twenty thousand miles in length, + and upwards of a million sterling is annually expended in their repair + and maintenance. +</p> +<hr/> +<p> + John Bulwer, M.D. was author of many books, the most curious of which + were his "Anthropo Metamorphoses," +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page224" name="page224"></a>[pg 224]</span> + and "Pathomyotomia." We might conclude + he was of Irish extraction; St. Patrick, the old song says, "ne'er shut + his eyes to complaints," and Bulwer in his "Instructions to the Deaf and + Dumb," tells us they are intended "to bring those who are so born to + <i>hear</i> the sound of words with their <i>eyes!</i>"—<i>Wadd's Memoirs</i>. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + CRANIOLOGY. +</h3> +<p> + Philosophy is a very pleasant thing, and has various uses; one is, that + it makes us laugh; and certainly there are no speculations in philosophy, + that excite the risible faculties, more than some of the serious stories + related by fanciful philosophers.—One man cannot think with the left + side of his head; another, with the sanity of the right side judges the + insanity of the left side of his head. Zimmerman, a very grave man, used + to draw conclusions as to a man's temperament, from his <i>nose!</i>—not from + the size or form of it, but the peculiar sensibility of the organ; while + some have thought, that the temperature of the atmosphere might be + accurately ascertained by the state of its tip! and Cardan considered + <i>acuteness of the organ</i> a sure proof of genius!—<i>Ibid</i>. +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + WILSON THE PAINTER. +</h3> +<p> + The late Mr. Christie, the auctioneer, while selling a collection of + pictures, having arrived at a <i>chef-d'oeuvre</i> of Wilson's, was + expatiating with his usual eloquence on its merits, quite unaware that + Wilson himself had just before entered the room. "This gentlemen, is one + of Mr. Wilson's Italian pictures; he cannot paint anything like it now." + "That's a lie!" exclaimed the irritated artist, to Mr. Christie's no small + discomposure, and to the great amusement of the company; "he can paint + infinitely better." +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + SCOTCH DEGREE. +</h3> +<p> + A few years since, a vain old country surgeon obtained a diploma to + practice, and called on Dr. H——, of Bath, with the important + intelligence. At dinner, the doctor asked his new brother, if the form of + diplomas ran now in the same style as at the early commencement of those + honours? "Pray Sir, what might that form be?" says the surgeon, "I'll + give it to you," replied our Galen, when stepping to his daughter's + harpsichord, he sung the following prophecy of the Witches to <i>Macbeth</i>: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> He must, he must,</p> +<p> He shall, he shall</p> +<p> Spill much more blood</p> +<p> And become worse,</p> +<p> To make his title good.</p> +</div></div> +<p> + "That, sir, was the true ancient mode of conferring a Scotch degree on Dr. + Macbeth." +</p> +<h4> + G.J.Y. +</h4> +<hr/> +<h3> + THREE FACES. +</h3> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> Three faces wears the doctor; when first sought</p> +<p> An angel's—and a god's the cure half wrought;</p> +<p> But when, that cure complete, he seeks his fee,</p> +<p> The devil looks then less terrible than he.</p> +</div></div> +<p> + This epigram is illustrated by the following conversation, which passed + between Bouvart and a French marquis, whom he had attended during a long + and severe indisposition. As he entered the chamber on a certain occasion, + he was thus addressed by his patient: "Good day to you, Mr. Bouvart; I + feel quite in spirits, and think my fever has left me."—"I am sure of it, + " replied the doctor; "the very first expression you used convinces me of + it."—"Pray explain yourself."—"Nothing more easy; in the first days of + your illness, when your life was in danger, I was your <i>dearest friend</i>; + as you began to get better, I was your <i>good Bouvart</i>; and now I am Mr. + Bouvart; depend upon it you are quite recovered." +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + LYING. +</h3> +<p> + A Dutch ambassador, entertaining the king of Siam with an account of + Holland, after which his majesty was very inquisitive, amongst other + things told him, that water in his country would sometimes get so hard, + that men walked upon it; and that it would bear an elephant with the + utmost ease. To which the king replied, "Hitherto I have believed the + strange things you have told me, because I looked upon you as a sober, + fair man; but now <i>I am sure you lie</i>." +</p> +<hr/> +<h3> + LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS. +</h3> +<center> + CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the Strand, + near Somerset House. +</center> +<p> + The ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS. Embellished with nearly 150 + Engravings. Price 6s. 6d. boards. +<br/> + The TALES of the GENII. Price 2s. +<br/> The MICROCOSM. By the Right Hon. G. CANNING. &c. Price 2s. +<br/> PLUTARCH'S LIVES, with Fifty Portraits, 2 vols. price 13s. boards. +<br/> COWPER'S POEMS, with 12 Engravings, price 3s. 6d. boards. +<br/> COOK'S VOYAGES, 2 vols. price 8s. boards. +<br/> The CABINET of CURIOSITIES: or, WONDERS of the WORLD DISPLAYED Price 5s. + boards. +<br/> BEAUTIES of SCOTT. 2 vols. Price 7s. boards. +<br/> GOLDSMITH'S ESSAYS. Price 8d. +<br/> DR. FRANKLIN'S ESSAYS. Price 1s. 2d. +<br/> BACON'S ESSAYS Price 8d. +<br/> SALMAGUNDI. Price 1s. 8d. +<br/> The ARCANA of SCIENCE for 1828. Price 4s. 6d. +</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> +<b>Footnote 1</b>: +<a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> +<p> Having, not long since, purchased a bottle of Persian Otto, +warranted <i>genuine</i>, (as is all) I laid it carefully by, wrapped +thickly round with cotton wool; the Atar which was certainly excellent, +was in a curious bottle of rough misshapen workmanship, but ornamented +with sundry circles, and lozenges, of various coloured glass. I was +inclined to regard this bottle as a more genuine specimen of oriental +art, than one of those, which, enamelled, with gold, stands forth in its +way an <i>elegant</i> of the first water, and I hoped to have kept it +long. On visiting my Otto shortly afterwards, I found that not only had +it all evaporated, but destroyed its receptacle. Its strength (I +conclude) had dissolved the cement of the aforesaid coloured bits of +glass, and left me only an empty and plain bottle, the ugliest of the +ugly. I mention this circumstance as a caution to amateurs in Atar +Gul.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> +<b>Footnote 2</b>: +<a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> +<p>I imagine this to mean the time of the introduction of the sport, and +the year when the company was instituted.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> +<b>Footnote 3</b>: +<a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> +<p>The idea of the ancient Egyptians, as mentioned by Herodotus, having +been of the same family as the Negroes, is now completely refuted by the +inquiries of Cuvier and other naturalists. The examinations of mummies +have been highly useful in setting this question at rest.</p> +</blockquote> + +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 334 *** + +***** This file should be named 11281-h.htm or 11281-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/2/8/11281/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Allen Siddle, David Garcia and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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