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Barber"> + <meta name="GENERATOR" + content="Mozilla/4.04 [en] (Win95; U) [Netscape]"> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Book of Enterprise + and Adventure, by Various.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em;} + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%;} + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} /* block indent */ + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; right: 100%; font-size: 8pt; justify: right;} /* page numbers */ + // --> + </style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Book of Enterprise and Adventure, by Anonymous + +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 Book of Enterprise and Adventure + Being an Excitement to Reading. For Young People. A New and Condensed Edition. + +Author: Anonymous + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [EBook #11308] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENTERPRISE *** + + + + +Produced by Loriba Barber and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + + + <center> + <img src="Image001.jpg" + alt="Image: Front Cover" + height="937" + width="600"> + </center> + + <center> + <img src="Image003.jpg" + alt="Page 3 Image" + height="881" + width="578"> + </center> + + <h1>THE BOOK</h1> + + <h1>OF</h1> + + <h1>ENTERPRISE & ADVENTURE;</h1> + + <h1>BEING AN</h1> + + <h1>EXCITEMENT TO READING.</h1> + + <h1>FOR</h1> + + <h1>YOUNG PEOPLE.</h1> + + <h2>A NEW AND CONDENSED EDITION.</h2> + + <h2>WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ABSALON.</h2> + + <center> + <b>LONDON:</b> + </center> + + <center> + <b>DARTON AND CO., HOLBORN HILL.</b> + </center> + + <center> + <b>1851.</b> + </center> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="PREFACE"></a> + + <h2>PREFACE.</h2> + + <p>The object of this Volume is that of inducing young people + to read, to cultivate in them a habit of reading and + reflection, and to excite the imagination, the feelings, and + the better emotions of their nature in a pleasurable and + judicious manner.</p> + + <p>The pieces selected are such as will be likely to exert a + beneficial influence upon the reader, to inspire him with + heroic enthusiasm, and to lead him to despise danger.</p> + + <p>In our perpetually migrating population, no one can tell who + will not be called upon to brave the vicissitudes of "flood and + field;" and to show how perils may be surmounted, and + privations endured with energy and patience, is to teach no + unimportant lesson.</p> + + <p>Nothing whatever has been introduced into this Volume, but + such subjects as will teach a dependence upon Divine + Providence, in aid of self-reliance and self-sacrifice, while + details of war and bloodshed have been studiously avoided.</p> + + <p>THE EDITOR.</p> + <hr width="100%"> + + <h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + + <p><!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> + </p> + + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + <b><a href="#PREFACE"></a></b> + </div><b><a href="#PREFACE">PREFACE.</a></b> <br> + <b><a href="#PREFACE"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Arabian_HospitalitymdashAfrican_Warfare_c"></a></b> + + <p><b><a href= + "#Arabian_HospitalitymdashAfrican_Warfare_c">Arabian + Hospitality--African Warfare, &c.</a></b></p> + + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + <b><a href="#HOSPITALITY_OF_THE_ARAB">HOSPITALITY OF THE + ARAB.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#HORRORS_OF_AFRICAN_WARFARE">HORRORS OF AFRICAN + WARFARE.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#CROCODILE_SHOOTING">CROCODILE + SHOOTING.</a></b> + </div><b><a href= + "#Remarkable_Instance_of_Courage_in_a_Lady"></a></b> <b><a href="#Remarkable_Instance_of_Courage_in_a_Lady"> + </a></b> + + <p><b><a href= + "#Remarkable_Instance_of_Courage_in_a_Lady">Remarkable Instance + of Courage in a Lady.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#Indian_Field_Sports"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Indian_Field_Sports"></a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href="#Indian_Field_Sports">Indian Field + Sports.</a></b></p> + + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + <b><a href="#METHOD_OF_CATCHING_BIRDS">METHOD OF CATCHING + BIRDS.</a></b> + </div> + + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + <b><a href="#THE_HYENA">THE HYENA.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#THE_BEAR">THE BEAR.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#SAGACITY_OF_THE_ELEPHANT">SAGACITY OF THE + ELEPHANT.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#ANECDOTES_OF_THE_TIGER">ANECDOTES OF THE + TIGER.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#ANECDOTES_OF_THE_TIGER"></a></b> <br> + <b><a href="#Death_of_Sir_John_Moore"></a></b> + </div><b><a href="#Death_of_Sir_John_Moore">Death of Sir John + Moore.</a></b> <br> + <b><a href="#Persian_Tyranny"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Persian_Tyranny"></a></b> + + <p><b><a href="#Persian_Tyranny">Persian Tyranny.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#Sketches_in_Virginia"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Sketches_in_Virginia"></a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href="#Sketches_in_Virginia">Sketches in + Virginia.</a></b></p> + + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + <b><a href="#ROCK_BRIDGE">ROCK BRIDGE.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#WIER'S_CAVE">WIER'S CAVE.</a></b> + </div><b><a href= + "#The_Christian_Slave"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#The_Christian_Slave"></a></b> + + <p><b><a href="#The_Christian_Slave">The Christian + Slave.</a></b><br> + <b><a href= + "#Violent_Earthquake_in_Calabria"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Violent_Earthquake_in_Calabria"></a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href="#Violent_Earthquake_in_Calabria">Violent + Earthquake in Calabria.</a></b><br> + <b><a href= + "#Escape_from_a_Ship_on_Fire"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Escape_from_a_Ship_on_Fire"></a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href="#Escape_from_a_Ship_on_Fire">Escape from a Ship + on Fire.</a></b><br> + <b><a href= + "#Anecdotes_of_the_Albatross_c"></a></b> <b><a href= + "#Anecdotes_of_the_Albatross_c"></a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href="#Anecdotes_of_the_Albatross_c">Anecdotes of the + Albatross, &c.</a></b></p> + + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + <b><a href="#THE_ALBATROSS">THE ALBATROSS.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#VISIT_TO_A_PENGUIN_ROOKERY">VISIT TO A PENGUIN + ROOKERY.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#THE_SEA_ELEPHANT">THE SEA + ELEPHANT.</a></b><br> + <b><a href= + "#VISIT_FROM_THE_NATIVES_AT_TERRA_DEL_FUEGO">VISIT FROM THE + NATIVES AT TERRA DEL FUEGO.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#CHILIAN_MODE_OF_CAPTURING_WILD_HORSES">CHILIAN + MODE OF CAPTURING WILD HORSES.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#FIGHT_BETWEEN_A_WHALE_AND_A_KILLER">FIGHT + BETWEEN A WHALE AND A KILLER.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#WAR_DANCES_OF_THE_NEW_ZEALANDERS">WAR DANCES + OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS.</a></b><br> + <b><a href="#HISTORY_OF_PADDY_CONNEL">HISTORY OF PADDY + CONNEL.</a></b> + </div><b><a href= + "#Extraordinary_Escape_from_Drowning"></a></b> <b><a href="#Extraordinary_Escape_from_Drowning"> + </a></b> + + <p><b><a href= + "#Extraordinary_Escape_from_Drowning">Extraordinary Escape from + Drowning.</a></b><br> + <b><a href= + "#Adventure_in_the_Desert_and_Murder_of_a_Sheikh"></a></b> <b> + <a href= + "#Adventure_in_the_Desert_and_Murder_of_a_Sheikh"></a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href= + "#Adventure_in_the_Desert_and_Murder_of_a_Sheikh">Adventure in + the Desert, and Murder of a Sheikh.</a></b><br> + <b><a href= + "#POPULAR_JUVENILE_BOOKS"></a></b> <b><a href="#POPULAR_JUVENILE_BOOKS"> + </a></b></p> + + <p><b><a href="#POPULAR_JUVENILE_BOOKS">POPULAR JUVENILE + BOOKS,</a></b></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="BOOK_OF_ENTERPRISE_amp_ADVENTURE"></a> + + <h2>BOOK OF ENTERPRISE & ADVENTURE.</h2> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Arabian_HospitalitymdashAfrican_Warfare_c"></a> + + <h2><b>Arabian Hospitality--African Warfare, &c</b>.</h2> + + <p>The following three extracts are from a work of considerable + merit, intitled "The Crescent and the Cross." It contains, not + only much valuable matter relative to Egypt and Abyssinia, but + many interesting anecdotes, of which we give a specimen.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="HOSPITALITY_OF_THE_ARAB"></a> + + <h3>HOSPITALITY OF THE ARAB.</h3> + + <p>In 1804, Osman Bardissy was the most influential of the + Mameluke Beys, and virtually governed Egypt. Mehemet Ali, then + rising into power, succeeded in embroiling this powerful old + chief with Elfy Bey, another of the Mamelukes. The latter + escaped to England, where he was favourably received, and + promised assistance by our government against Osman, who was in + the French interests. At this time a Sheikh of Bedouin stood + high in Osman's confidence, and brought him intelligence that + Elfy had landed at Alexandria. "Go, then," said the old Bey, + "surprise his boat, and slay him on his way up the river; his + spoil shall be your reward." The Sheikh lay in wait upon the + banks of the Delta, and slew all the companions of the rival + Bey: Elfy himself escaped in the darkness, and made his way to + an Arab encampment before sunrise. Going straight to the + Sheikh's tent, which is known by a spear standing in front of + it, he entered, and hastily devoured some bread that he found + there. The Sheikh was absent; but his wife exclaimed, on seeing + the fugitive, "I know you, Elfy Bey, and my husband's life, + perhaps at his moment, depends upon his taking yours. Rest now + and refresh yourself, then take the best horse you can find, + and fly. The moment you are out of our horizon, the tribe will + be in pursuit of you." The Bey escaped to the Thebaid, and the + disappointed Sheikh presented himself to his employer. Osman + passionately demanded of him if it was true that his wife had + saved the life of his deadliest enemy, when in her power. "Most + true, praised be Allah!" replied the Sheikh, drawing himself + proudly up, and presenting a jewel-hilted dagger to the old + Bey; "this weapon," he continued, "was your gift to me in the + hour of your favour; had I met Elfy Bey, it should have freed + you from your enemy. Had my wife betrayed the hospitality of + the tent, it should have drank her blood; and now, you may use + it against myself," he added, as he flung it at the Mameluke's + feet. This reverence for hospitality is one of the wild virtues + that has survived from the days of the patriarchs, and it is + singularly contrasted, yet interwoven with other and apparently + opposite tendencies. The Arab will rob you, if he is able; he + will even murder you, if it suits his purpose; but, once under + the shelter of his tribe's black tents, or having eaten of his + salt by the wayside, you have as much safety in his company as + his heart's blood can purchase for you. The Bedouins are + extortionate to strangers, dishonest to each other, and + reckless of human life. On the other hand, they are faithful to + their trust, brave after their fashion, temperate, and patient + of hardship and privation beyond belief. Their sense of right + and wrong is not founded on the Decalogue, as may be well + imagined, yet, from such principles as they profess they rarely + swerve. Though they will freely risk their lives to steal, they + will not contravene the wild rule of the desert. If a + wayfarer's camel sinks and dies beneath its burden, the owner + draws a circle round the animal in the sand, and follows the + caravan. No Arab will presume to touch that lading, however + tempting. Dr. Robinson mentions that he saw a tent hanging from + a tree near Mount Sinai, which his Arabs said had then been + there a twelvemonth, and never would be touched until its owner + returned in search of it.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="HORRORS_OF_AFRICAN_WARFARE"></a> + + <h3>HORRORS OF AFRICAN WARFARE.</h3> + + <p>There appears to be a wild caprice amongst the institutions; + if such they may be called, of all these tropical nations. In a + neighbouring state to that of Abyssinia, the king, when + appointed to the regal dignity, retires into an island, and is + never again visible to the eyes of men but once--when his + ministers come to strangle him; for it may not be that the + proud monarch of Behr should die a natural death. No men, with + this fatal exception, are ever allowed even to set foot upon + the island, which is guarded by a band of Amazons. In another + border country, called Habeesh, the monarch is dignified with + the title of Tiger. He was formerly Malek of Shendy, when it + was invaded by Ismael Pasha, and was even then designated by + this fierce cognomen. Ismael, Mehemet Ali's second son, + advanced through Nubia claiming tribute and submission from all + the tribes Nemmir (which signifies Tiger), the king of Shendy, + received him hospitably, as Mahmoud, our dragoman, informed us, + and, when he was seated in his tent, waited on him to learn his + pleasure. "My pleasure is," replied the invader, "that you + forthwith furnish me with slaves, cattle, and money, to the + value of 100,000 dollars."--"Pooh!" said Nemmir, "you jest; all + my country could not produce what you require in one hundred + moons."--"Ha! Wallah!" was the young Pasha's reply, and he + struck the Tiger across the face with his pipe. If he had done + so to his namesake of the jungle, the insult could not have + roused fiercer feelings of revenge, but the human animal did + not shew his wrath at once. "It is well," he replied; "let the + Pasha rest; <i>to-morrow he shall have nothing more to + ask</i>." The Egyptian, and the few Mameluke officers of his + staff, were tranquilly smoking towards evening, entertained by + some dancing-girls, whom the Tiger had sent to amuse them; when + they observed that a huge pile of dried stalks of Indian corn + was rising rapidly round the tent. "What means this?" inquired + Ismael angrily; "am not I Pasha?"--"It is but forage for your + highness's horses," replied the Nubian; "for, were your troops + once arrived, the people would fear to approach the camp." + Suddenly the space is filled with smoke, the tent-curtains + shrivel up in flames, and the Pasha and his comrades find + themselves encircled in what they well know is their funeral + pyre. Vainly the invader implores mercy, and assures the Tiger + of his warm regard for him and all his family; vainly he + endeavours to break through the fiery fence that girds him + round; a thousand spears bore him back into the flames, and the + Tiger's triumphant yell and bitter mockery mingle with his + dying screams. The Egyptians perished to a man. Nemmir escaped + up the country, crowned with savage glory, and married the + daughter of a king, who soon left him his successor, and the + Tiger still defies the old Pasha's power. The latter, however, + took a terrible revenge upon his people: he burnt all the + inhabitants of the village nearest to the scene of his son's + slaughter, and cut off the right hands of five hundred men + besides. So much for African warfare.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="CROCODILE_SHOOTING"></a> + + <h3>CROCODILE SHOOTING.</h3> + + <p>The first time a man fires at a crocodile is an epoch in his + life. We had only now arrived in the waters where they abound; + for it is a curious fact that none are ever seen below Mineych, + though Herodotus speaks of them as fighting with the dolphins, + at the mouths of the Nile. A prize had been offered for the + first man who detected a crocodile, and the crew had now been + two days on the alert in search of them. Buoyed up with the + expectation of such game, we had latterly reserved our fire for + them exclusively; and the wild-duck and turtle, nay, even the + vulture and the eagle, had swept past, or soared above, in + security. At length the cry of "Timseach, timseach!" was heard + from half-a-dozen claimants of the proffered prize, and + half-a-dozen black fingers were eagerly pointed to a spit of + sand, on which were strewn apparently some logs of trees. It + was a covey of crocodiles! Hastily and silently the boat was + run in shore. R. was ill, so I had the enterprise to myself, + and clambered up the steep bank with a quicker pulse than when + I first levelled a rifle at a Highland deer. My intended + victims might have prided themselves on their superior + nonchalance; and, indeed, as I approached them, there seemed to + be a sneer on their ghastly mouths and winking eyes. Slowly + they rose, one after the other, and waddled to the water, all + but one, the most gallant or most gorged of the party. He lay + still until I was within a hundred yards of him; then slowly + rising on his fin-like legs, he lumbered towards the river, + looking askance at me, with an expression of countenance that + seemed to say, "He can do me no harm; however, I may as well + have a swim." I took aim at the throat of this supercilious + brute, and, as soon as my hand steadied, the very pulsation of + my finger pulled the trigger. Bang! went the gun! whizz! flew + the bullet; and my excited ear could catch the <i>thud</i> with + which it plunged into the scaly leather of his neck. His waddle + became a plunge, the waves closed over him, and the sun shone + on the calm water, as I reached the brink of the shore, that + was still indented by the waving of his gigantic tail. But + there is blood upon the water, and he rises for a moment to the + surface. "A hundred piasters for the timseach," I exclaimed, + and half-a-dozen Arabs plunged into the stream. There! he rises + again, and the blacks dash at him as if he hadn't a tooth in + his head. Now he is gone, the waters close over him, and I + never saw him since. From that time we saw hundreds of + crocodiles of all sizes, and fired shots,--enough of them for a + Spanish revolution; but we never could get possession of any, + even if we hit them, which to this day remains doubtful.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Remarkable_Instance_of_Courage_in_a_Lady"></a> + + <h2><b>Remarkable Instance of Courage in a Lady.</b></h2> + + <p>In the Life of Thomas Day, Esq., an anecdote is related of + Miss B----, afterwards Mrs. Day, shewing with what remarkable + effect presence of mind and courage can tame the ferocity of + the brute creation.</p> + + <p>Miss B. was, on one occasion, walking in company with + another young lady through a field, when a bull came running up + to them with all the marks of malevolence. Her friend began to + run towards the stile, but was prevented by Miss B., who told + her, that as she could not reach the stile soon enough to save + herself, and as it is the nature of these animals to attack + persons in flight, her life would be in great danger if she + attempted to run, and would be inevitably lost if she chanced + to fall; but that, if she would steal gently to the stile, she + herself would take off the bull's attention from her, by + standing between them. Accordingly, turning her face towards + the animal with the firmest aspect she could assume, she fixed + her eyes steadily upon his. It is said by travellers, that a + lion itself may be controlled by the steady looks of a human + being; but that, no sooner a man turns his back, than the beast + springs upon him as his prey. Miss B., to whom this property of + animals seems to have been known, had the presence of mind to + apply it to the safety of her friend and of herself. By her + steady aspect she checked the bull's career; but he shewed the + strongest marks of indignation at being so controlled, by + roaring and tearing the ground with his feet and horns. While + he was thus engaged in venting his rage on the turf, she + cautiously retreated a few steps, without removing her eyes + from him. When he observed that she had retreated, he advanced + till she stopped, and then he also stopped, and again renewed + his frantic play. Thus by repeated degrees she at length + arrived at the stile, where she accomplished her safety; and + thus, by a presence of mind rarely seen in a person of her + youth and sex, she not only saved herself, but also, at the + hazard of her own life, protected her friend. Some days + afterwards, this bull gored its master.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Indian_Field_Sports"></a> + + <h2><b>Indian Field Sports.</b></h2> + + <p>We give a few anecdotes illustrative of the above, from a + work intitled "Sketches of Field Sports, as followed by the + Natives of India," from the reading of which we have derived + much pleasure. The authority is Dr. Johnson, East India + Company's Service.</p> + + <p>He begins by informing his readers, that the "Shecarries" + (or professed hunters) are generally Hindoos of a low caste, + who gain their livelihood entirely by catching birds, hares, + and all sorts of animals; some of them confine themselves to + catching birds and hares, whilst others practise the art of + catching birds and various animals; another description of them + live by destroying tigers.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="METHOD_OF_CATCHING_BIRDS"></a> + + <h3>METHOD OF CATCHING BIRDS.</h3> + + <p>Those who catch birds equip themselves with a framework of + split bamboos, resembling the frame of a paper kite, the shape + of the top of a coffin, and the height of a man, to which green + bushes are fastened, leaving two loop-holes to see through, and + one lower down for their rod to be inserted through. This + framework, which is very light, they fasten before them when + they are in the act of catching birds, by which means they have + both hands at liberty, and are completely concealed from the + view of the birds. The rod which they use is about twenty-four + feet long, resembling a fishing-rod, the parts of which are + inserted within one another, and the whole contained in a + walking-stick.</p> + + <p>They also carry with them horse-hair nooses of different + sizes and strength, which they fasten to the rod: likewise + bird-lime, and a variety of calls for the different kinds of + birds, with which they imitate them to the greatest nicety. + They take with them likewise two lines to which horse-hair + nooses are attached for catching larger birds, and a bag or net + to carry their game.</p> + + <p>Thus equipped, they sally forth, and as they proceed through + the different covers, they use calls for such birds as + generally resort there, which from constant practice is well + known to them, and if any birds answer their call they prepare + accordingly for catching them; supposing it to be a bevy of + quail, they continue calling them, until they get quite close; + they then arm the top of their rod with a feather smeared with + bird-lime, and pass it through the loop-hole in their frame of + ambush, and to which they continue adding other parts, until + they have five or six out, which they use with great dexterity, + and touch one of the quail with the feather, which adheres to + them; they then withdraw the rod, arm it again, and touch three + or four more in the same manner before they attempt to secure + any of them.</p> + + <p>In this way they catch all sorts of small birds not much + larger than quail, on the ground and in trees. If a brown or + black partridge answers their call, instead of bird-lime, they + fasten a horse-hair noose to the top of their rod, and when + they are close to the birds, they keep dipping the top of their + rod with considerable skill until they fasten the noose on one + of their necks; they then draw him in, and go on catching + others in the same way. It is surprising to see with what cool + perseverance they proceed. In a similar manner they catch all + kinds of birds, nearly the size of partridges.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="THE_HYENA"></a> + + <h3>THE HYENA.</h3> + + <p>A servant of Mr. William Hunter's, by name Thomas Jones, who + lived at <i>Chittrah</i>, had a full grown hyena which ran + loose about his house like a dog, and I have seen him play with + it with as much familiarity. They feed on small animals and + carrion, and I believe often come in for the prey left by + tigers and leopards after their appetites have been satiated. + They are great enemies of dogs, and kill numbers of them.</p> + + <p>The natives of India affirm that tigers, panthers, and + leopards, have a great aversion to hyenas, on account of their + destroying their young, which I believe they have an + opportunity of doing, as the parents leave them during the + greatest part of the day. The inhabitants, therefore, feel no + apprehension in taking away the young whenever they find them, + knowing the dam is seldom near.... Hyenas are slow in their + pace, and altogether inactive; I have often seen a few terriers + keep them at bay, and bite them severely by the hind quarter; + their jaws, however, are exceedingly strong, and a single bite, + without holding on more than a few seconds, is sufficient to + kill a large dog. They stink horribly, make no earths of their + own, lie under rocks, or resort to the earths of wolves, as + foxes do to those of badgers; and it is not uncommon to find + wolves and hyenas in the same bed of earths.</p> + + <p>I was informed by several gentlemen, of whose veracity I + could not doubt, that Captain Richards, of the Bengal Native + Infantry, had a servant of the tribe of <i>Shecarries</i>, who + was in the habit of going into the earths of wolves, fastening + strings on them, and on the legs of hyenas, and then drawing + them out; he constantly supplied his master and the gentlemen + at the station with them, who let them loose on a plain, and + rode after them with spears, for practice and amusement. This + man possessed such an acute and exquisite sense of smelling, + that he could always tell by it if there were any animals in + the earths, and could distinguish whether they were hyenas or + wolves.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="THE_BEAR"></a> + + <h3>THE BEAR.</h3> + + <p>Bears will often continue on the road in front of the + palanquin for a mile or two, tumbling and playing all sorts of + antics, as if they were taught to do so. I believe it is their + natural disposition; for they certainly are the most amusing + creatures imaginable in their wild state. It is no wonder that + with monkeys they are led about to amuse mankind. It is + astonishing, as well as ludicrous, to see them climb rocks, and + tumble or rather roll down precipices. If they are attacked by + any person on horseback, they stand erect on their hind legs, + shewing a fine set of white teeth, and making a cackling kind + of noise. If the horse comes near them, they try to catch him + by the legs, and if they miss him, they tumble over and over + several times. They are easily speared by a person mounted on a + horse that is bold enough to go near them.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="SAGACITY_OF_THE_ELEPHANT"></a> + + <h3>SAGACITY OF THE ELEPHANT.</h3> + + <p>An elephant belonging to Mr. Boddam, of the Bengal Civil + Service, at <i>Gyah</i>, used every day to pass over a small + bridge leading from his master's house into the town of + <i>Gyah</i>. He one day refused to go over it, and it was with + great difficulty, by goring him most cruelly with the + <i>Hunkuss</i> [iron instrument], that the <i>Mahout</i> + [driver] could get him to venture on the bridge, the strength + of which he first tried with his trunk, shewing clearly that he + suspected that it was not sufficiently strong. At last he went + on, and before he could get over, the bridge gave way, and they + were precipitated into the ditch, which killed the driver, and + considerably injured the elephant. It is reasonable to suppose + that the elephant must have perceived its feeble state when he + last passed over it. It is a well known fact, that elephants + will seldom or ever go over strange bridges, without first + trying with their trunks if they be sufficiently strong to bear + their weight,--nor will they ever go into a boat without doing + the same.</p> + + <p>I had a remarkably quiet and docile elephant, which one day + came home loaded with branches of trees for provender, followed + by a number of villagers, calling for mercy (their usual cry + when ill used); complaining that the <i>Mahout</i> had stolen a + kid from them, and that it was then on the elephant, under the + branches of the trees. The <i>Mahout</i> took an opportunity of + decamping into the village and hiding himself. I ordered the + elephant to be unloaded, and was surprised to see that he would + not allow any person to come near to him, when at all other + times he was perfectly tractable and obedient. Combining all + the circumstances, I was convinced that the <i>Mahout</i> was + guilty, and to get rid of the noise, I recompensed the people + for the loss of their kid. As soon as they were gone away, the + elephant allowed himself to be unloaded, and the kid was found + under the branches, as described by the people. I learnt from + my <i>Sarcar</i>, that similar complaints had been made to him + before, and that the rascal of a <i>Mahout</i> made it a + practice to ride the elephant into the midst of a herd of + goats, and had taught him to pick up any of the young ones he + directed; he had also accustomed him to steal their pumpions + and other vegetables, that grew against the inside of their + fences like French beans, which could only be reached by an + elephant. He was the best <i>Mahout</i> I ever knew, and so + great a rogue that I was obliged to discharge him.</p> + + <p>The very day that he left my service, the elephant's eyes + were closed, which he did not open again in less than a + fortnight, when it was discovered that he was blind. Two small + eschars, one in each eye, were visible, which indicated pretty + strongly that he had been made blind by some sharp instrument, + most probably by a heated needle. The suspicion was very strong + against the former keeper, of whom I never heard anything + after. The elephant I frequently rode on, shooting, for many + years after this, through heavy covers, intersected with + ravines, rivers, and over hollow and uneven ground, and he + scarcely ever made a false step with me, and never once + tumbled. He used to touch the ground with his trunk on every + spot where his feet were to be placed, and in so light and + quick a manner as scarcely to be perceived. The <i>Mahout</i> + would often make him remove large stones, lumps of earth, or + timber, out of his way, frequently climb up and down banks that + no horse could get over. He would also occasionally break off + branches of trees that were in the way of the <i>Howdah</i>, to + enable me to pass.</p> + + <p>Although perfectly blind, he was considered one of the best + sporting elephants of his small size in the country, and he + travelled at a tolerably good rate, and was remarkably easy in + his paces.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="ANECDOTES_OF_THE_TIGER"></a> + + <h3>ANECDOTES OF THE TIGER.</h3> + + <p>An occurrence nearly similar happened to me soon after, + which put an end to my shooting on foot. From that time to the + period of my leaving <i>Chittrah</i>, which was many years + after, I always went out to shoot on an elephant. The + circumstance I allude to was as follows:--Fifty or sixty people + were beating a thick cover. I was on the outside of it, with a + man holding my horse, and another servant with a hog's spear; + when those who were driving the cover called <i>Suer! Suer!</i> + which is the <i>Hindoostanee</i> name for hog. Seeing something + move the bushes about twenty yards from me, and supposing it to + be a hog, I fired at the spot, with ten or a dozen small balls. + Instantly on the explosion of my gun, a tiger roared out, and + came galloping straight towards us. I dipped under the horse's + belly, and got on the opposite side from him. He came within a + few yards of us, and then turned off growling into the + cover.</p> + + <p>When the people came out, they brought with them a dead hog, + partly devoured. These two cases, I think, shew clearly that + tigers are naturally cowardly. They generally take their prey + by surprise, and whenever they attack openly, it is reasonable + to conclude that they must be extremely hungry; which I believe + is often the case, as their killing animals of the forest must + be very precarious. It is the general opinion of the + inhabitants, that when a tiger has tasted human blood he + prefers it to all other food. A year or two sometimes elapses + without any one being killed by a tiger for several miles + round, although they are often seen in that space, and are + known to destroy cattle; but as soon as one man is killed, + others shortly after share the same fate. This, I imagine, is + the reason why the natives entertain an idea that they prefer + men to all other food. I account for it otherwise. Tigers are + naturally afraid of men, and, in the first instance, seldom + attack them, unless compelled by extreme hunger. When once they + have ventured an attack, they find them much easier prey than + most animals of the forest, and always to be met with near + villages, and on public roads, without the trouble of hunting + about for them through the covers.</p> + + <p>A tigress with two cubs lurked about the <i>Kutkumsandy</i> + pass, and during two months killed a man almost every day, and + on some days two. Ten or twelve of the people belonging to + government (carriers of the post-bags) were of the number. In + fact, the communication between the Presidency and the upper + provinces was almost entirely cut off. The government, + therefore, was induced to offer a large reward to any person + who killed the tigress.</p> + + <p>She was fired at, and, adds Mr. J., never ... "heard of + after;" from which it may be presumed she was wounded. It is + fortunate for the inhabitants of that country, that tigers + seldom survive any wound; their blood being always in a state + predisposing to putrefaction, consequence of the extreme heat, + and their living entirely on animal food....</p> + + <p>Two <i>Biparies<a name="FNanchor1"></a></i><sup><a href= + "#Footnote_1">[1]</a></sup> were driving a string of loaded + bullocks to <i>Chittrah</i> from <i>Palamow</i>. When they were + come within a few miles of the former place, a tiger seized on + the man in the rear, which was seen by a <i>Guallah</i> + [herdsman], as he was watching his buffaloes grazing. He boldly + ran to the man's assistance, and cut the tiger severely with + his sword; upon which he dropped the <i>Biparie</i> and seized + the herdsman: the buffaloes observing it, attacked the tiger, + and rescued the poor man; they tossed him about from one to the + other, and, to the best of my recollection, killed him; but of + that I am not quite positive. Both of the wounded men were + brought to me. The <i>Biparie</i> recovered, and the herdsman + died.</p> + + <p><a name="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor1">[1]</a></p> + + <div class="note"> + <i>Bipar</i> signifies merchandise, and + <i>Biparies</i> are people who buy grain, and other + articles, which they transport from one part of the country + to another on bullocks.<br> + + </div>An elderly man and his wife (of the lowest caste of + <i>Hindoos</i>, called <i>dooms</i>, who live chiefly by making + mats and baskets) were each carrying home a bundle of wood, and + as they were resting their burdens on the ground, the old man + hearing a strange noise, looked about, and saw a tiger running + off with his wife in his mouth. He ran after them, and struck + the tiger on the back with a small axe: the tiger dropt the + wife, who was soon after brought to me. One of her breasts was + almost entirely taken away, and the other much lacerated: she + had also several deep wounds in the back of her neck, by which + I imagine the tiger struck at her with his two fore paws; one + on the neck, and the other on the breast. This, if I may judge + from the number I have seen wounded, is their usual way of + attacking men. The old woman was six months under my care, and + at last recovered. + + <p>As an old Mahometan priest was travelling at mid-day on + horseback, within a few miles of <i>Chittrah</i>, with his son, + an athletic young man, walking by his side, they heard a tiger + roaring near them. The son urged his father to hasten on; the + old man continued at a slow pace, observing that there was no + danger, the tiger would not molest them. He then began counting + his beads, and offering his prayers to the Almighty; in the act + of which he was knocked off his horse, and carried away by the + tiger; the son ran after them, and cut the tiger with his + sword; he dropped the father, seized the son, and carried him + off. The father was brought to <i>Chittrah</i>, and died the + same day; the son was never heard of afterwards. In this + instance, I think, the tiger must have been ravenously hungry, + or he would not have roared when near his prey; it is what they + seldom or ever do, except in the very act of seizing....</p> + + <p>Some idea may be formed how numerous the tigers must have + been at one period in Bengal, from the circumstance, that one + gentleman is reported to have killed upwards of three hundred + and sixty.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Death_of_Sir_John_Moore"></a> + + <h2><b>Death of Sir John Moore.</b></h2> + + <p>From Mr. Southey's History of the Peninsular War, a work of + sterling merit.</p> + + <p>Marshal Soult's intention was to force the right of the + British, and thus to interpose between Corunna and the army, + and cut it off from the place of embarkation. Failing in this + attempt, he was now endeavouring to outflank it. Half of the + 4th regiment was therefore ordered to fall back, forming an + obtuse angle with the other half. This manoeuvre was + excellently performed, and they commenced a heavy flanking + fire: Sir John Moore called out to them, that this was exactly + what he wanted to be done, and rode on to the 50th, commanded + by Majors Napier and Stanhope. They got over an inclosure in + their front, charged the enemy most gallantly, and drove them + out of the village of Elvina; but Major Napier, advancing too + far in the pursuit, received several wounds, and was made + prisoner, and Major Stanhope was killed.</p> + + <p>The General now proceeded to the 42nd. "Highlanders," said + he, "remember Egypt!" They rushed on, and drove the French + before them, till they were stopped by a wall. Sir John + accompanied them in this charge. He now sent Captain Hardinge + to order up a battalion of Guards to the left flank of the + 42nd. The officer commanding the light infantry conceived at + this that they were to be relieved by the Guards, because their + ammunition was nearly expended, and he began to fall back. The + General, discovering the mistake, said to them, "My brave 42nd, + join your comrades: ammunition is coming, and you have your + bayonets!" Upon this, they instantly moved forward. Captain + Hardinge returned, and pointed out to the General where the + Guards were advancing. The enemy kept up a hot fire, and their + artillery played incessantly on the spot where they were + standing. A cannon-shot struck Sir John, and carried away his + left shoulder, and part of the collar-bone, leaving the arm + hanging by the flesh. He fell from his horse on his back; his + countenance did not change, neither did he betray the least + sensation of pain. Captain Hardinge, who dismounted, and took + him by the hand, observed him anxiously watching the 42nd, + which was warmly engaged, and told him they were advancing; and + upon that intelligence his countenance brightened. Colonel + Graham, who now came up to assist him, seeing the composure of + his features, began to hope that he was not wounded, till he + perceived the dreadful laceration. From the size of the wound, + it was in vain to make any attempt at stopping the blood; and + Sir John consented to be removed in a blanket to the rear. In + raising him up, his sword, hanging on the wounded side, touched + his arm, and became entangled between his legs. Captain + Hardinge began to unbuckle it; but the General said, in his + usual tone and manner, and in a distinct voice, "It is as well + as it is; I had rather it should go out of the field with me." + Six soldiers of the 42nd and the Guards bore him. Hardinge, + observing his composure, began to hope that the wound might not + be mortal, and said to him, he trusted he might be spared to + the army, and recover. Moore turned his head, and looking + stedfastly at the wound for a few seconds, replied, "No, + Hardinge, I feel that to be impossible."</p> + + <p>As the soldiers were carrying him slowly along, he made them + frequently turn round, that he might see the field of battle, + and listen to the firing; and he was well pleased when the + sound grew fainter. A spring-wagon came up, bearing Colonel + Wynch, who was wounded: the Colonel asked who was in the + blanket, and being told it was Sir John Moore, wished him to be + placed in the wagon. Sir John asked one of the Highlanders + whether he thought the wagon or the blanket was best? and the + man said the blanket would not shake him so much, as he and the + other soldiers would keep the step, and carry him easy. So they + proceeded with him to his quarters at Corunna, weeping as they + went....</p> + + <p>The General lived to hear that the battle was won. "Are the + French beaten?" was the question which he repeated to every one + who came into his apartment; and he expressed how great a + satisfaction it was to him to know that they were defeated. "I + hope," he said, "the people of England will be satisfied! I + hope my country will do me justice," Then, addressing Colonel + Anderson, who had been his friend and companion in arms for + one-and-twenty years, he said to him, "Anderson, you know that + I have always wished to die this way--You will see my friends + as soon as you can:--tell them everything--Say to my + mother"--But here his voice failed, he became excessively + agitated, and did not again venture to name her. Sometimes he + asked to be placed in an easier posture. "I feel myself so + strong," he said, "I fear I shall be long dying. It is great + uneasiness--it is great pain." But, after a while, he pressed + Anderson's hand close to his body, and, in a few minutes, died + without a struggle. He fell, as it had ever been his wish to + do, in battle and in victory. No man was more beloved in + private life, nor was there any general in the British army so + universally respected. All men had thought him worthy of the + chief command. Had he been less circumspect,--had he looked + more ardently forward, and less anxiously around him, and on + all sides, and behind,--had he been more confident in himself + and in his army, and impressed with less respect for the French + Generals, he would have been more equal to the difficulties of + his situation. Despondency was the radical weakness of his + mind. Personally he was as brave a man as ever met death in the + field; but he wanted faith in British courage: and it is faith + by which miracles are wrought in war as well as in religion. + But let it ever be remembered with gratitude, that, when some + of his general officers advised him to conclude the retreat by + a capitulation, Sir John Moore preserved the honour of + England.</p> + + <p>He had often said that, if he were killed in battle, he + wished to be buried where he fell. The body was removed at + midnight to the citadel of Corunna. A grave was dug for him on + the rampart there, by a party of the 9th regiment, the + aides-du-camp attending by turns. No coffin could be procured; + and the officers of his staff wrapped the body, dressed as it + was, in a military cloak and blankets. The interment was + hastened; for, about eight in the morning, some firing was + heard, and they feared that, if a serious attack were made, + they should be ordered away, and not suffered to pay him their + last duty. The officers of his staff bore him to the grave; the + funeral service was read by the chaplain; and the corpse was + covered with earth.</p> + + <p>Thus, with a solemn splendour and a sad glory, closed the + career of a gallant but unfortunate commander.</p> + + <p>We subjoin the beautiful Ode on the Death of Sir John, + written by the Rev. Mr. Wolfe:--<br> + <br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><u>THE BURIAL OF SIR JOHN + MOORE</u>.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Not a drum was heard, not a + funeral-note,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">As his corse to the ramparts we + hurried;</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Not a soldier discharged his + farewell-shot</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er the grave where our hero + we buried.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">We buried him darkly at dead + of night,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">The sods with our bayonets + turning,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">By the straggling moonbeam's + misty light,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the lantern dimly + burning.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">No useless coffin inclosed + his breast,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not in sheet or in shroud we + wound him,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">But he lay like a warrior + taking his rest,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">With his martial cloak around + him.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Few and short were the + prayers we said,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we spoke not a word of + sorrow;</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">But we stedfastly gazed on the + face that was dead,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we bitterly thought of the + morrow.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">We thought, as we hallowed + his narrow bed,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And smoothed down his lonely + pillow,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">That the foe and the stranger + would tread o'er his head,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we far away on the + billow!</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Lightly they'll talk of the + spirit that's gone,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">And o'er his cold ashes upbraid + him,--</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">But little he'll reck, if they + let him sleep on</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the grave where a Briton has + laid him.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">But half of our heavy task + was done,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">When the clock struck the hour + for retiring;</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">And we heard the distant and + random gun</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">That the foe was sullenly + firing.</span><br> + </p> + + <p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Slowly and sadly we laid him + down,</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">From the field of his fame + fresh and gory;</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">We carved not a line, and we + raised not a stone--</span><br> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">But we left him alone with his + glory.</span></p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Persian_Tyranny"></a> + + <h2><b>Persian Tyranny.</b></h2> + + <p>Sir R.K. Porter, in his travels in Persia, met with the + sufferer from despotic tyranny and cruelty whose story is here + related. He informs us, that the benignity of this person's + countenance, united with the crippled state of his venerable + frame, from the effects of his precipitation from the terrible + height of execution, excited his curiosity to inquire into the + particulars of so amazing a preservation.</p> + + <p>Entering into conversation on the amiable characters of the + reigning royal family of Persia, and comparing the present + happiness of his country under their rule, with its misery + during the sanguinary usurpation of the tyrant Nackee Khan, the + good old man, who had himself been so signal an example of that + misery, was easily led to describe the extraordinary + circumstances of his own case. Being connected with the last + horrible acts, and consequent fall of the usurper, a double + interest accompanied his recital, the substance of which was + nearly as follows:--</p> + + <p>Having by intrigues and assassinations made himself master + of the regal power at Shiraz, this monster of human kind found + that the governor of Ispahan, instead of adhering to him, had + proclaimed the accession of the lawful heir. No sooner was the + intelligence brought to Nackee Khan than he put himself at the + head of his troops, and set forward to revenge his contemned + authority. When he arrived as far as Yezdikast, he encamped his + army for a short halt, near the tomb on the north side. Being + as insatiable of money as blood, he sent to the inhabitants of + Yezdikast, and demanded an immense sum in gold, which he + insisted should instantly be paid to his messengers. Unable to + comply, the fact was respectfully pleaded in excuse; namely, + "that all the money the city had possessed was already taken + away by his own officers, and those of the opposite party; and + that, at present, there was scarce a tomaun in the place." + Enraged at this answer, he repaired, full of wrath, to the + town, and, ordering eighteen of the principal inhabitants to be + brought before him, again demanded the money, but with threats + and imprecations which made the hearers tremble. Still, + however, they could only return the same answer--"their utter + inability to pay;" and the tyrant, without a moment's + preparation, commanded the men to be seized, and hurled from + the top of the precipice in his sight. Most of them were + instantly killed on the spot; others, cruelly maimed, died in + terrible agonies where they fell; and the describer of the + dreadful scene was the only one who survived. He could form no + idea of how long he lay after precipitation, utterly senseless; + "but," added he, "by the will of God I breathed again; and, on + opening my eyes, found myself among the dead and mangled bodies + of my former neighbours and friends. Some yet groaned." He then + related, that, in the midst of his horror at the sight, he + heard sounds of yet more terrible acts, from the top of the + cliff; and, momentarily strengthened by fear of he knew not + what, for he believed that death had already grasped his own + poor shattered frame, he managed to crawl away, unperceived, + into one of the numerous caverned holes which perforate the + foot of the steep. He lay there in an expiring state the whole + night, but in the morning was providentially discovered by some + of the town's people, who came to seek the bodies of their + murdered relatives, to mourn over and take them away for + burial. The poor man, feeble as he was, called to these weeping + groups; who, to their astonishment and joy, drew out one + survivor from the dreadful heap of slain. No time was lost in + conveying him home, and administering every kind of assistance; + but many months elapsed before he was able to move from his + house, so deep had been the injuries inflicted in his fall.</p> + + <p>In the course of his awful narrative, he told us, that the + noise which had so appalled him, as he lay among the + blood-stained rocks, was indeed the acting of a new cruelty of + the usurper. After having witnessed the execution of his + sentence on the eighteen citizens, whose asseverations he had + determined not to believe, Nackee Khan immediately sent for a + devout man, called Saied Hassan, who was considered the sage of + the place, and, for his charities, greatly beloved by the + people. "This man," said the Khan, "being a descendant of the + Prophet, must know the truth, and will tell it me. He shall + find me those who can and will pay the money." But the answer + given by the honest Saied being precisely the same with that of + the innocent victims who had already perished, the tyrant's + fury knew no bounds, and, rising from his seat, he ordered the + holy man to be rent asunder in his presence, and then thrown + over the rock, to increase the monument of his vengeance + below.</p> + + <p>It was the tumult of this most dreadful execution, which + occasioned the noise that drove the affrighted narrator to the + shelter of any hole from the eye of merciless man. But the + cruel scene did not end here. Even in the yet sensible ear of + the Saied, expiring in agonies, his execrable murderer ordered + that his wife and daughters should be given up to the soldiers; + and that, in punishment of such universal rebellion in the + town, the whole place should be razed to the ground. But this + last act of blood on a son of the Prophet cost the perpetrator + his life. For the soldiers themselves, and the nobles who had + been partisans of the usurper, were so struck with horror at + the sacrilegious murder, and appalled with the threatened guilt + of violating women of the sacred family, that they believed a + curse must follow the abettors of such a man. The next step, in + their minds, was to appease Heaven by the immolation of the + offender; and, in the course of that very night, a band of his + servants cut the cords of his tent, which, instantly falling in + upon him, afforded them a secure opportunity of burying their + poniards in his body. The first strokes were followed by + thousands. So detested was the wretch, that in a few minutes + his remains were hewn and torn to pieces. It does not become + men to lift the veil which lies over the whole doom of a + ruthless murderer; but there is something in the last mortal + yell of a tyrant, whether it be a Robespierre or a Nackee Khan, + which sounds as if mingled with a dreadful echo from the + eternal shore.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Sketches_in_Virginia"></a> + + <h2><b>Sketches in Virginia.</b></h2> + + <p>The Rock Bridge is described by Mr. Jefferson, late + President of the United States, as one of the most sublime of + the productions of Nature. It is on the ascent of a hill which + seems to have been cloven through its length by some great + convulsion of Nature.</p> + + <p>Although the sides of the bridge are provided in some parts + with a parapet of fixed rocks, yet few persons have resolution + to walk to them, and look over into the abyss. The passenger + involuntarily falls on his hands, creeps to the parapet, and + peeps over it. Looking down from this height for the space of a + minute, occasions a violent headache; and the view from beneath + is delightful in the extreme, as much as that from above is + exquisitely painful.</p> + + <p>The following beautiful sketch is from the pen of the Rev. + John Todd, of Philadelphia, author of the Student's Manual, + Simple Sketches, and other admired works.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="ROCK_BRIDGE"></a> + + <h3>ROCK BRIDGE.</h3> + + <p>On a lovely morning towards the close of spring, I found + myself in a very beautiful part of the great valley of + Virginia. Spurred on by impatience, I beheld the sun rising in + splendour, and changing the blue tints on the tops of the lofty + Alleghany mountains into streaks of purest gold; and nature + seemed to smile in the freshness of beauty. A ride of about + fifteen miles, and a pleasant woodland ramble of about two, + brought myself and my companion to the great NATURAL + BRIDGE.</p> + + <p>Although I had been anxiously looking forward to this time, + and my mind had been considerably excited by expectation, yet I + was not altogether prepared for this visit. This great work of + nature is considered by many as the second great curiosity in + our country, Niagara Falls being the first. I do not expect to + convey a very correct idea of this bridge; for no description + can do this.</p> + + <p>The Natural Bridge is entirely the work of God. It is of + solid limestone, and connects two huge mountains together, by a + most beautiful arch over which there is a great wagon road. Its + length from one mountain to the other is nearly eighty feet, + its width about thirty-five, its thickness forty-five, and its + perpendicular height above the water is not far from two + hundred and twenty feet. A few bushes grow on its top, by which + the traveller may hold himself as he looks over. On each side + of the stream, and near the bridge, are rocks projecting ten or + fifteen feet over the water, and from two hundred to three + hundred feet from its surface, all of limestone. The visitor + cannot give so good a description of the bridge as he can of + his feelings at the time. He softly creeps out on a shaggy + projecting rock, and, looking down a chasm from forty to sixty + feet wide, he sees, nearly three hundred feet below, a wild + stream foaming and dashing against the rocks beneath, as if + terrified at the rocks above. This stream is called Cedar + Creek. He sees under the arch, trees whose height is seventy + feet; and yet, as he looks down upon them, they appear like + small bushes of perhaps two or three feet in height. I saw + several birds fly under the arch, and they looked like insects. + I threw down a stone, and counted thirty-four before it reached + the water. All hear of heights and of depths, but they here + <i>see</i> what is high, and they tremble, and <i>feel</i> it + to be deep. The awful rocks present their everlasting butments, + the water murmurs and foams far below, and the two mountains + rear their proud heads on each side, separated by a channel of + sublimity. Those who view the sun, the moon, and the stars, and + allow that none but God could make them, will here be impressed + that none but an <i>Almighty</i> God could build a bridge like + this.</p> + + <p>The view of the bridge from below is as pleasing as the top + view is awful. The arch from beneath would seem to be about two + feet in thickness. Some idea of the distance from the top to + the bottom may be formed, from the fact, that as I stood on the + bridge and my companion beneath, neither of us could speak + sufficiently loud to be heard by the other. A man, from either + view, does not appear more than four or five inches in + height.</p> + + <p>As we stood under this beautiful arch, we saw the place + where visitors have often taken the pains to engrave their + names upon the rock. Here Washington climbed up twenty-five + feet, and carved his own name, where it still remains. Some, + wishing to immortalise their names, have engraven them deep and + large, while others have tried to climb up and insert them high + in this book of fame.</p> + + <p>A few years since, a young man, being ambitious to place his + name above all others, was very near losing his life in the + attempt. After much fatigue he climbed up as high as possible, + but found that the person who had before occupied his place was + taller than himself, and consequently had placed his name above + his reach. But he was not thus to be discouraged. He opened a + large jack-knife, and, in the soft limestone, began to cut + places for his hands and feet. With much patience and industry + he worked his way upwards, and succeeded in carving his name + higher than the most ambitious had done before him. He could + now triumph, but his triumph was short; for he was placed in + such a situation that it was impossible to descend, unless he + fell upon the ragged rocks beneath him. There was no house + near, from whence his companions could get assistance. He could + not long remain in that condition, and, what was worse, his + friends were too much frightened to do anything for his relief. + They looked upon him as already dead, expecting every moment to + see him precipitated upon the rocks below and dashed to pieces. + Not so with himself. He determined to ascend. Accordingly he + plies the rock with his knife, cutting places for his hands and + feet, and gradually ascended with incredible labour. He exerts + every muscle. His life was at stake, and all the terrors of + death rose before him. He dared not look downwards, lest his + head should become dizzy; and perhaps on this circumstance his + life depended. His companions stood at the top of the rock, + exhorting and encouraging him. His strength was almost + exhausted; but a bare possibility of saving his life still + remained; and hope, the last friend of the distressed, had not + yet forsaken him. His course upwards was rather oblique than + perpendicular. His most critical moment had now arrived. He had + ascended considerably more than two hundred feet, and had still + further to rise, when he felt himself fast growing weak. He + thought of his friends, and all his earthly joys, and he could + not leave them. He thought of the grave, and dared not meet it. + He now made his last effort and succeeded. He had cut his way + not far from two hundred and fifty feet from the water, in a + course almost perpendicular; and in a little less than two + hours, his anxious companions reached him a pole from the top, + and drew him up. They received him with shouts of joy, but he + himself was completely exhausted. He immediately fainted on + reaching the top, and it was some time before he could be + recovered!</p> + + <p>It was interesting to see the path up these awful rocks, and + to follow in imagination this bold youth as he thus saved his + life. His name stands far above all the rest, a monument of + hardihood, of rashness, and of folly.</p> + + <p>We lingered around this seat of grandeur about four hours; + but, from my own feelings, I should not have supposed it over + half an hour. There is a little cottage near, lately built; + here we were desired to write our names, as visitors of the + bridge, in a large book kept for this purpose. Two large + volumes were nearly filled in this manner already. Having + immortalised our names by enrolling them in this book, we + slowly and silently returned to our horses, wondering at this + great work of nature; and we could not but be filled with + astonishment at the amazing power of Him who can clothe Himself + in wonder and terror, or throw around His works a mantle of + sublimity.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="WIER'S_CAVE"></a> + + <h3>WIER'S CAVE.</h3> + + <p>About three days' ride from the Natural Bridge brought Mr. + Todd and his companions to a place called Port Republic, about + twenty miles from the town of Staunton. Here they prepared + themselves to visit this other natural curiosity.</p> + + <p>The shower was now over, which had wet us to the skin--the + sun was pouring down his most scorching rays--the heavy thunder + had gone by; we threw around our delighted eyes, and beheld + near us the lofty Alleghany rearing his shaggy head. The south + branch of the Shenandoah river, with its banks covered with + beautiful trees, was murmuring at our feet--a lovely plain + stretched below us, as far as the eye could reach; and we, with + our guide, were now standing about half way up a hill nearly + two hundred feet high, and so steep that a biscuit may be + thrown from its top into the river at its foot--we were + standing at the mouth of WIER'S CAVE. This cavern derives its + name from <i>Barnet Wier</i>, who discovered it in the year + 1804. It is situated near Madison's Cave, so celebrated; though + the latter cannot be compared with the former.</p> + + <p>There were three of us, besides our guide, with lighted + torches, and our loins girded, now ready to descend into the + cave. We took our torches in our left hands and entered. The + mouth was so small that we could descend only by creeping, one + after another. A descent of almost twenty yards brought us into + the first room. The cave was exceedingly cold, dark, and + silent, like the chambers of death. In this manner we + proceeded, now descending thirty or forty feet--now ascending + as high--now creeping on our hands and knees, and now walking + in large rooms--the habitations of solitude. The mountain seems + to be composed almost wholly of limestone, and by this means + the cave is lined throughout with the most beautiful + incrustations and stalactites of carbonated lime, which are + formed by the continual dripping of the water through the roof. + These stalactites are of various and elegant shapes and + colours, often bearing a striking resemblance to animated + nature. At one place we saw over our heads what appeared to be + a <i>waterfall</i> of the most beautiful kind. Nor could the + imagination be easily persuaded that it was not a reality. You + could see the water boiling and dashing down,--see its white + spray and foam--but it was all solid limestone.</p> + + <p>Thus we passed onward in this world of solitude--now + stopping to admire the beauties of a single stalactite--now + wondering at the magnificence of a large room--now creeping + through narrow passages, hardly wide enough to admit the body + of a man,--and now walking in superb galleries, until we came + to the largest room, called WASHINGTON HALL. This is certainly + the most elegant room I ever saw. It is about two hundred and + seventy feet in length, about thirty-five in width, and between + thirty and forty feet high. The roof and sides are very + beautifully adorned by the tinsels which Nature has bestowed in + the greatest profusion, and which sparkle like the diamond, + while surveyed by the light of torches. The floor is flat, and + smooth, and solid. I was foremost of our little party in + entering the room, and was not a little startled as I + approached the centre, to see a figure, as it were, rising up + before me out of the solid rock. It was not far from seven feet + high, and corresponded in every respect to the common idea of a + ghost. It was very white, and resembled a tall man clothed in a + shroud. I went up to it sideways, though I could not really + expect to meet a ghost in a place like this. On examination I + found it was a very beautiful piece of the carbonate of lime, + very transparent, and very much in the shape of a man. This is + called WASHINGTON'S STATUE--as if Nature would do for this hero + what his delivered country has not done--rear a statue to his + memory.</p> + + <p>Here an accident happened which might have been serious. One + of our party had purposely extinguished his light, lest we + should not have enough to last. My companion accidentally put + out his light, and in sport came and blew out mine. We were now + about sixteen hundred feet from daylight, with but one feeble + light, which the falling water might in a moment have + extinguished. Add to this, that the person who held this light + was at some distance viewing some falling water.<br> + "Conticuere omnes, intentique ora tenebant."</p> + + <p>We, however, once more lighted our torches; but, had we not + been able to do so, we might, at our leisure, have contemplated + the gloominess of the cavern, for no one would have come to us + till the next day. In one room we found an excellent spring of + water, which boiled up as if to slake our thirst, then sunk + into the mountain, and was seen no more. In another room was a + noble pillar, called the TOWER OF BABEL. It is composed + entirely of stalactites of lime, or, as the appearance would + seem to suggest, of petrified water. It is about thirty feet in + diameter, and a little more than ninety feet in circumference, + and not far from thirty feet high. There are probably millions + of stalactites in this one pillar.</p> + + <p>Thus we wandered on in this world within a world, till we + had visited twelve very beautiful rooms, and as many creeping + places, and had now arrived at the end,--a distance from our + entrance of between twenty-four and twenty-five hundred feet; + or, what is about its equal, half a mile from the mouth. We + here found ourselves exceedingly fatigued; but our torches + forbade us to tarry, and we once more turned our lingering + steps towards the common world. When we arrived again at + Washington Hall, one of our company three times discharged a + pistol, whose report was truly deafening; and as the sound + reverberated and echoed through one room after another till it + died away in distance, it seemed like the moanings of spirits. + We continued our wandering steps till we arrived once more at + daylight, having been nearly three hours in the cavern. We were + much fatigued, covered with dirt, and in a cold sweat; yet we + regretted to leave it. From the farther end of the cave I + gathered some handsome stalactites, which I put into my + portmanteau, and preserved as mementos of that day's visit.</p> + + <p>To compare the Natural Bridge and Cave together as objects + of curiosity, is exceedingly difficult. Many consider the + <i>Bridge</i> as the greatest curiosity; but I think the + <i>Cavern</i> is. In looking at the Bridge we are filled with + awe; at the Cavern with delight. At the Bridge we have several + views that are awful; at the Cave hundreds that are pleasing. + At the Bridge you stand and gaze in astonishment; at the Cave + awfulness is lost in beauty, and grandeur is dressed in a + thousand captivating forms. At the Bridge you feel yourself to + be <i>looking</i> into another world; at the Cave you find + yourself already <i>arrived</i> there. The one presents to us a + God who is very "wonderful in working;" the other exhibits the + same power, but with it is blended loveliness in a thousand + forms. In each is vastness. Greatness constitutes the whole of + one; but the other is elegant, as well as great. Of each we + must retain lively impressions; and to witness such displays of + the Creator's power, must ever be considered as happy events in + our lives. While viewing scenes like these, we must ever exalt + the energy of creating power, and sink under the thoughts of + our own insignificance. The works of nature are admirably well + calculated to impress us deeply with a sense of the mighty + power of God, who can separate two mountains by a channel of + awfulness, or fill the bowels of a huge mountain with beauties, + that man, with all the aid of art, can only admire, but never + imitate.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="The_Christian_Slave"></a> + + <h2><b>The Christian Slave.</b></h2> + + <p>We venture to extract another of Mr. Todd's Simple Sketches, + so charmingly are they described.</p> + + <p>The sun had set, and I began to be anxious to find a place + of rest for the night, after a day's ride under a sultry sun. I + was travelling in South Carolina, and was now not far from a + branch of the Cooper river. The country here is a dead level, + and its surface is covered with thinly scattered pines. I came + to an old church--it stood solitary; not a house in sight: it + was built of wood, and much decayed. The breezes of evening + were gently sighing through the tops of the long-leaved pines + which stood near; while still nearer stood several large + live-oaks, which spread out their aged arms, as if to shelter + what was sacred. On their limbs hung, in graceful folds, the + long grey moss, as if a mantle of mourning, waving over a few + decayed tombs at the east side of the church. These oaks give + the place a very sombre and awful appearance; they seemed to + stand as silent mourners over the dust of generations that had + sunk into the grave, and waiting in solemn expectation that + others would soon come and lie beneath their shade in the long + sleep of death. The time of day, and the sacredness of the + spot, were so congenial to my own feelings, that I + involuntarily stopped my horse.</p> + + <p>My curiosity was now excited by seeing a very aged negro + standing and gazing steadily on a small decaying tomb. He + seemed to be intent, and did not observe me; his woolly locks + were whitened by age; his countenance was manly, though it bore + the marks of sorrow; he was leaning on his smooth-worn staff, + the companion of many years. I was somewhat surprised on seeing + this aged African silently meditating among the vestiges of the + dead, and accordingly roused him from his reverie. He started + at first, but his confidence was soon gained. There is a spring + in the bosom of every Christian, which throws a joy into his + heart whenever he meets a fellow-christian during his + pilgrimage here below. I found the old negro to be an eminent + Christian, and we were soon acquainted. I inquired what motive + induced him, at that hour of the day, to visit these tombs. + Instead of answering my question directly he gave me the + following account of himself, in broken language:--</p> + + <p>About sixty years ago, this negro was living under his + paternal roof in Africa. He was the son of a chief of a small + tribe, the pride of his parents, and the delight of his + countrymen; none could more dexterously throw the dart; none + more skilfully guide the fragile canoe over the bosom of the + deep. He was not far from twenty years of age, when, on a fair + summer's morn, he went in his little canoe to spend the day in + fishing. About noon he paddled his bark to the shore, and, + under the shade of a beautiful palmetto-tree, he reclined till + the heat of noon-day should be passed. He was young, healthy, + and active; he knew none whom he dreaded; he was a stranger to + fear, and he dreamed only of security, as he slept under the + shade of his own native tree. Thus, while our sky is encircled + with the bow of happiness, we forget that it may soon be + overspread with darkness. When this African awoke, he found his + hands bound behind him, his feet fettered, and himself + surrounded by several white men, who were conveying him on + board of their ship;--it was a slave-ship. The vessel had her + cargo completed, and was ready to sail. As they were unfurling + the sails, the son of Africa, with many others of his + countrymen, for the last time cast his eyes upon his native + shores. Futurity was dark,--was uncertain,--was despair. His + bosom thrilled with anguish, as he threw his last farewell look + over the plains of his native country. There was his native + spot where his had lived, there the home of his infancy and + childhood, there the place where he had inhaled his earliest + breath--and to tear him from these, seemed like breaking the + very strings of his heart.</p> + + <center> + <img src="Image071.jpg" + alt="Page 71 Image" + height="815" + width="548"> + </center> + + <p>After a melancholy passage, during which the African was + forced to wear double the irons to receive double the number of + lashes, that any of his companions received, on account of his + refractory spirit, he was at length landed and sold to a + planter in the place where he now resides. There is nothing + new, nothing novel or interesting, that ever takes place in the + life of a slave--describe one day, and you write the history of + a slave. The sun, indeed, continues to roll over him; but it + sheds upon him no new joys, no new prospects, no new hopes. So + it was with the subject of this narrative. His master was + naturally a man of a very humane disposition; but his overseers + were often little else than compounds of vice and cruelty. In + this situation the negro lost all his natural independence and + bravery. He often attempted to run away, but was as often taken + and punished. Having no cultivated mind to which he could look + for consolation--knowing of no change that was ever to take + place in his situation,--he settled down in gloominess. Often + would he send a silent sigh for the home of his youth; but his + path shewed but few marks of happiness, and few rays of hope + for futurity were drawn by fancy's hand. Sunk in despondency + and vice, he was little above the brutes around him.</p> + + <p>In this situation he was accidentally met by the good + minister of the parish, who addressed him as a rational and + immortal being, and pressed upon him the first principles of + religion. This was a new subject; for he had never before + looked beyond the narrow bounds before him, nor had he ever + dreamed of a world beyond this. After a long conversation on + this subject, the minister made him promise that he would now + "<i>attend to his soul</i>."</p> + + <p>The clergyman could not, for many months after this, obtain + an interview with his new pupil, who most carefully shunned + him. But though afraid to meet his minister, he still felt an + arrow of conviction in his heart. Wherever he went, whether + asleep or awake, to use his own words, his promise, "me take + care of soul, stick close to him," He now began in earnest to + seek "the one thing needful". By the kindness of his master he + learned to read his Testament, and to inquire more about Jesus. + He was now very desirous to see his minister; and before a + convenient opportunity occurred, he was in such distress of + mind as actually to attempt two several times to kill himself. + His minister visited him, conversed and prayed with him.</p> + + <p>"<i>Oh</i>," he would say, "God never think such poor negro, + he no love so much sinner, he no before ever see such bad + heart!" The mercy of Christ, and his compassion towards + sinners, were explained to him, and his soul was filled with + "joy and peace in believing," He now rejoiced and thanked God + that he was brought from his native shores, as he had a fairer + country, and purer enjoyments presented to his view, after the + scenes of this transitory world shall be over. He now became + more industrious and more faithful. By uncommon industry he + raised money sufficient to purchase his own freedom. He next + bought the liberty of his wife, and had nearly completed paying + for that of his only daughter, when she was liberated by the + hand of death. His wife soon followed her, and left this world + a perfect void to the husband and father. His every tie that + bound him to earth was now broken. Having no earthly enjoyment, + he now placed his affections on heaven above. It is easy for + the Christian to make rapid progress in holiness when not + fettered by worldly cares.</p> + + <p>It was now dark, and I must leave my new acquaintance. I + left him with his face wet with tears, still standing beside + the tomb--the tomb of his old minister! This good man had been + his faithful and constant guide, and though his ashes had been + slumbering for years, the negro had not yet forgotten how to + weep at their urn. I could not but admire the wonderful + dealings of God, in order to bring men to himself. Happy + minister! who hast been the instrument of covering a multitude + of sins! Happy negro! his is not this world. Though no + sculptured marble may tell the traveller where he may shortly + lie--though he never trod the thorny road of ambition or + power--though the trumpet of fame never blew the echo of his + name through a gaping world--still those eyes, which will soon + be closed in death, may hereafter awake, to behold, undaunted, + a world in flames, and these heavens fleeing away.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Violent_Earthquake_in_Calabria"></a> + + <h2><b>Violent Earthquake in Calabria.</b></h2> + + <p>In nature there is nothing which can inspire us with so much + awe as those violent outbreakings which occasionally convulse + the earth, creating fearful devastation, overthrowing cities, + and destroying much life and property. The following is a + description of one which occurred in Calabria and Sicily in the + year 1783; and which, from its violence, overthrew many cities, + creating an universal consternation in the minds of the + inhabitants of the two kingdoms.</p> + + <p>On Wednesday, the fifth of February, about one in the + afternoon, the earth was convulsed in that part of Calabria + which is bounded by the rivers of Gallico and Metramo, by the + mountains Jeio, Sagra, and Caulone, and the coast between these + rivers and the Tuscan Sea. This district is called the + <i>Piana</i>, because the country extends itself from the roots + of the Appenines, in a plain, for twenty Italian miles in + length by eighteen in breadth. The earthquake lasted about a + hundred seconds. It was felt as far as Otranto, Palermo, + Lipari, and the other Æolian isles; a little also in + Apuglia, and the <i>Terra di Cavoro</i>; in Naples and the + Abruzzi not at all. There stood in this plain a hundred and + nine cities and villages, the habitations of a hundred and + sixty-six thousand human beings; and in less than two minutes + all these edifices were destroyed, with nearly thirty-two + thousand individuals of every age, sex, and station,--the rich + equally with the poor; for there existed no power of escaping + from so sudden a destruction. The soil of the <i>Piana</i> was + granite at the base of the Apennines, but in the plain the + <i>debris</i> of every sort of earth, brought down from the + mountains by the rains, constituted a mass of unequal solidity, + resistance, weight, and form. On this account, whatever might + have been the cause of the earthquake, whether volcanic or + electrical, the movement assumed every possible + direction--vertical, horizontal, oscillatory, vorticose, and + pulsatory; producing every variety of destruction. In one + place, a city or house was thrown down, in another it was + immersed. Here, trees were buried to their topmost branches, + beside others stripped and overturned. Some mountains opened in + the middle, and dispersed their mass to the right and left, + their summits disappearing, or being lost in the newly-formed + valleys; others slipped from their foundations along with all + their edifices, which sometimes were overthrown, but more + rarely remained uninjured, and the inhabitants not even + disturbed in their sleep. The earth opened in many places, + forming frightful abysses; while, at a small distance, it rose + into hills. The waters, too, changed their course; rivers + uniting to form lakes, or spreading into marshes; disappearing, + to rise again in new streams, through other banks, or running + at large, to lay bare and desolate the most fertile fields. + Nothing retained its ancient form, cities, roads, and + boundaries vanished,--so that the inhabitants were bewildered + as if in an unknown land. The works of art and of nature, the + elaborations of centuries, together with many a stream and + rock, coeval perhaps with the world itself, were in a single + instant destroyed and overthrown.... Whirlwinds, tempests, the + flames of volcanoes, and of burning edifices, rain, wind, and + thunder, accompanied the movements of the earth: all the forces + of nature were in activity, and it seemed as if all its laws + were suspended, and the last hour of created things at hand. In + the meantime, the sea between Scylla, Charybdis, and the coasts + of Reggio and Messina, was raised many fathoms above its usual + level; overflowing its banks, and then, in its return to its + channel, carrying away men and beasts. By these means, two + thousand persons lost their lives on Scylla alone, who were + either congregated on the sands, or had escaped in boats, from + the dangers of the dry land. Etna and Stromboli were in more + than usual activity: but this hardly excited attention, amidst + greater and graver disasters. A worse fire than that of the + volcanoes resulted from the incidents of the earthquake; for + the beams of the falling houses being ignited by the burning + heaths, the flames, fanned by the winds, were so vast and + fierce, that they seemed to issue from the bosom of the earth. + The heavens, alternately cloudy or serene, had given no + previous sign of the approaching calamity; but a new source of + suffering followed it, in a thick fog, which obscured the light + of the day, and added to the darkness of night. Irritating to + the eyes, injurious to the respiration, fetid, and immoveable, + it hung over the two Calabrias for more than twenty days,--an + occasion of melancholy, disease, and annoyance, both to man and + to animals....</p> + + <p>At the first shock, no token, in heaven or on earth, had + excited attention; but at the sudden movement, and at the + aspect of destruction, an overwhelming terror seized on the + general mind, insomuch, that the instinct of self-preservation + was suspended, and men remained thunderstricken and immoveable. + On the return of reason, the first sentiment was a sort of joy + at the partial escape; but they soon gave place to grief for + the loss of family, and the overthrow of the domestic + habitation. Amidst so many aspects of death, and the + apprehension even of approaching judgment, the suspicion that + friends were yet alive under the ruins was the most + excruciating affliction, since the impossibility of assisting + them rendered their death--(miserable and terrible + consolation)--a matter of preference and of hope. Fathers and + husbands were seen wandering amidst the ruins that covered the + objects of their affections, and, wanting the power to move the + superincumbent masses, were calling in vain for the assistance + of the bystanders; or haply they lay groaning, night and day, + in their despair, upon the ruinous fragments. But the most + horrid fate--(a fate too dreadful to conceive or to + relate)--was theirs, who, buried alive beneath the fallen + edifices, awaited, with an anxious and doubtful hope, the + chances of relief--accusing, at first, the slowness, and then + the avarice, of their dearest relations and friends; and when + they sank under hunger and grief--with their senses and memory + beginning to fail them--their last sentiment was that of + indignation against their kindred, and hatred of humanity. Many + were disinterred alive by their friends, and some by the + earthquake itself; which, overthrowing the very ruins it had + made, restored them to light. It was ultimately found, that + about a fourth of those whose bodies were recovered, might have + been saved, had timely assistance been at hand. The men were + chiefly found in attitudes indicating an effort at escape, the + women with their hands covering their face, or desperately + plunged in their hair. Mothers were discovered dead who had + striven to protect their infants with their own bodies, or lay + with their arms stretched towards these objects of affection, + when separated from them by intervening masses of ruin.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Escape_from_a_Ship_on_Fire"></a> + + <h2><b>Escape from a Ship on Fire.</b></h2> + + <p>From the "Missionary Annual" for 1833.</p> + + <p>Many of the party, having retired to their hammocks soon + after the commencement of the storm, were only partially + clothed, when they made their escape; but the seamen on the + watch, in consequence of the heavy rain, having cased + themselves in double or treble dresses, supplied their + supernumerary articles of clothing to those who had none. We + happily succeeded in bringing away two compasses from the + binnacle, and a few candles from the cuddy-table, one of them + lighted; one bottle of wine, and another of porter, were handed + to us, with the tablecloth and a knife, which proved very + useful; but the fire raged so fiercely in the body of the + vessel, that neither bread nor water could be obtained. The + rain still poured in torrents; the lightning, followed by loud + bursting of thunder, continued to stream from one side of the + heavens to the other,--one moment dazzling us by its glare, and + the next moment leaving us in darkness, relieved only by the + red flames of the conflagration from which we were endeavouring + to escape. Our first object was to proceed to a distance from + the vessel, lest she should explode and overwhelm us; but, to + our inexpressible distress, we discovered that the yawl had no + rudder, and that for the two boats we had only three oars. All + exertions to obtain more from the ship proved unsuccessful. The + gig had a rudder; from this they threw out a rope to take us in + tow; and, by means of a few paddles, made by tearing up the + lining of the boat, we assisted in moving ourselves slowly + through the water, providentially the sea was comparatively + smooth, or our overloaded boats would have swamped, and we + should only have escaped the flames to have perished in the + deep. The wind was light, but variable, and, acting on the + sails, which, being drenched with the rain, did not soon take + fire, drove the burning mass, in terrific grandeur, over the + surface of the ocean, the darkness of which was only + illuminated by the quick glancing of the lightning or the glare + of the conflagration. Our situation was for some time extremely + perilous. The vessel neared us more than once, and apparently + threatened to involve us in one common destruction. The cargo, + consisting of dry provisions, spirits, cotton goods, and other + articles equally combustible, burned with great violence, while + the fury of the destroying element, the amazing height of the + flames, the continued storm, amidst the thick darkness of the + night, rendered the scene appalling and terrible. About ten + o'clock, the masts, after swaying from side to side, fell with + a dreadful crash into the sea, and the hull of the vessel + continued to burn amidst the shattered fragments of the wreck, + till the sides were consumed to the water's edge. The spectacle + was truly magnificent, could it even have been contemplated by + us without a recollection of our own circumstances. The + torments endured by the dogs, sheep, and other animals on + board, at any other time would have excited our deepest + commiseration; but at present, the object before us, our + stately ship, that had for the last four months been our social + home, the scene of our enjoyments, our labours, and our rest, + now a prey to the destroying element; the suddenness with which + we had been hurried from circumstances of comfort and + comparative security, to those of destitution and peril, and + with which the most exhilarating hopes had been exchanged for + disappointment as unexpected as it was afflictive; the sudden + death of the two seamen, our own narrow escape, and lonely + situation on the face of the deep, and the great probability + even yet, although we had succeeded in removing to a greater + distance from the vessel, that we ourselves should never again + see the light of day, or set foot on solid ground, absorbed + every feeling. For some time the silence was scarcely broken, + and the thoughts of many, I doubt not, were engaged on subjects + most suitable to immortal beings on the brink of eternity. The + number of persons in the two boats was forty-eight; and all, + with the exception of the two ladies, who bore this severe + visitation with uncommon fortitude, worked by turns at the oars + and paddles. After some time, to our great relief, the rain + ceased; the labour of baling water from the boats was then + considerably diminished. We were frequently hailed during the + night by our companions in the small boat, and returned the + call, while the brave and generous-hearted seamen occasionally + enlivened the solitude of the deep by a simultaneous "Hurra!" + to cheer each others' labours, and to animate their spirits. + The Tanjore rose in the water as its contents were gradually + consumed. We saw it burning the whole night, and at day-break + could distinguish a column of smoke, which, however, soon + ceased, and every sign of our favourite vessel disappeared. + When the sun rose, our anxiety and uncertainty as to our + situation were greatly relieved by discovering land ahead; the + sight of it filled us with grateful joy, and nerved us with + fresh vigour for the exertion required in managing the boats. + With the advance of the day we discerned more clearly the + nature of the country. It was wild and covered with jungle, + without any appearance of population: could we have got ashore, + therefore, many of us might have perished before assistance + could have been procured; but the breakers, dashing upon the + rocks, convinced us that landing was impracticable. In the + course of the morning we discovered a native vessel, or dhoney, + lying at anchor, at some distance: the wind at that time + beginning to favour us, every means was devised to render it + available. In the yawl we extended the tablecloth as a sail, + and in the other boat a blanket served the same purpose. This + additional help was the more seasonable, as the rays of the sun + had become almost intolerable to our partially covered bodies. + Some of the seamen attempted to quench their thirst by salt + water: but the passengers encouraged each other to abstain. + About noon we reached the dhoney. The natives on board were + astonished and alarmed at our appearance, and expressed some + unwillingness to receive us; but our circumstances would admit + of no denial; and we scarcely waited till our Singalese + fellow-passenger could interpret to them our situation and our + wants, before we ascended the sides of their vessel, assuring + them that every expense and loss sustained on our account + should be amply repaid.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Anecdotes_of_the_Albatross_c"></a> + + <h2><b>Anecdotes of the Albatross, &c.</b></h2> + + <p>The author of the following extracts is Mr. Augustus Earle, + whose life has been one of wandering and peril, traversing + every quarter of the globe. The account of his residence for + nine months among the New Zealanders is very interesting; but a + description of their cannibal habits will not suit the taste of + many of our young readers. We shall therefore accompany him to + the Island of Tristan d'Acunha, upon which, by accident, he was + left, where he amused himself hunting goats, sea elephants, + albatrosses, and penguins; while, like another Crusoe, he + occasionally watched for the ship that should release him from + his island prison. His work is intitled "Nine Months' Residence + in New Zealand," &c.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="THE_ALBATROSS"></a> + + <h3>THE ALBATROSS.</h3> + + <p>Being a fine morning, I determined to ascend the mountain. + As several parties had before gone up, they had formed a kind + of path: at least we endeavoured to trace the same way; but it + requires a great deal of nerve to attempt it. The sides of the + mountain are nearly perpendicular; but, after ascending about + two hundred feet, it is there entirely covered with wood, which + renders the footing much more safe; but in order to get to the + wood, the road is so dangerous, that it made me almost tremble + to think of it,--slippery grey rocks, and many of them + unfortunately loose, so that when we took hold, they separated + from the mass, and fell with a horrid rumbling noise. Here and + there were a few patches of grass, the only thing we could + depend upon to assist us in climbing, which must be done with + extreme caution, for the least slip or false step would dash + one to atoms on the rocks below. By keeping our eyes constantly + looking upwards, and continuing to haul ourselves up, by + catching firm hold on this grass, after an hour's painful toil + we gained the summit, where we found ourselves on an extended + plain, of several miles expanse, which terminates in the peak, + composed of dark grey lava, bare and frightful to behold. We + proceeded towards it, the plain gradually rising, but the + walking was most fatiguing, over strong rank grass and fern + several feet high, with holes concealed under the roots in such + a way, that no possible caution could prevent our occasionally + falling down into one or other of them, and entirely + disappearing, which caused a boisterous laugh amongst the rest; + but it frequently happened, while one was making merry at the + expense of another, down sunk the laugher himself. A death-like + stillness prevailed in these high regions, and, to my ear, our + voices had a strange, unnatural echo, and I fancied our forms + appeared gigantic, whilst the air was piercing cold. The + prospect was altogether very sublime, and filled the mind with + awe! On the one side, the boundless horizon, heaped up with + clouds of silvery brightness, contrasted with some of darker + hue, enveloping us in their vapour, and, passing rapidly away, + gave us only casual glances of the landscape; and, on the other + hand, the sterile and cindery peak, with its venerable head, + partly capped with clouds, partly revealing great patches of + red cinders, or lava, intermingled with the black rock, + produced a most extraordinary and dismal effect. It seemed as + though it were still actually burning, to heighten the + sublimity of the scene. The huge albatross appeared here to + dread no interloper or enemy; for their young were on the + ground completely uncovered, and the old ones were stalking + around them. This bird is the largest of the aquatic tribe; and + its plumage is of a most delicate white, excepting the back and + the tops of its wings, which are grey: they lay but one egg, on + the ground, where they form a kind of nest, by scraping the + earth round it. After the young one is hatched, it has to + remain a year before it can fly; it is entirely white, and + covered with a woolly down, which is very beautiful. As we + approached them, they clapped their beaks, with a very quick + motion, which made a great noise. This, and throwing up the + contents of the stomach, are the only means of offence and + defence they seem to possess. The old ones, which are valuable + on account of their feathers, my companions made dreadful havoc + amongst, knocking on the head all they could come up with. + These birds are very helpless on the land, the great length of + their wings precluding them from rising up into the air, unless + they can get to a steep declivity. On the level ground they + were completely at our mercy, but very little was shewn them; + and in a very short space of time the plain was strewn with + their bodies, one blow on the head generally killing them + instantly. Five months after, many of the young birds were + still sitting on their nests, and had never moved away from + them; they remain there for a year before they can fly, and + during that long period are fed by the mother. They had greatly + increased in size and beauty since my first visit to them. The + semblance of the young bird, as it sits on the nest, is stately + and beautiful. The white down, which is its first covering, + giving place gradually to its natural grey plumage, leaves half + the creature covered with down; the other half is a fine + compact coat of feathers, composed of white and grey; while the + head is of a dazzling, silvery white. Their size is prodigious, + one of them proving a tolerable load. Upon skinning them, on + our return, we found they were covered with a fine white fat, + which I was told was excellent for frying, and other culinary + purposes; and the flesh was quite as delicate, and could + scarcely be distinguished in flavour from lamb. Besides our + albatross, the dogs caught some small birds, about the size of + our partridge, but their gait was something like that of the + penguin. The male is of a glossy black, with a bright red hard + crest on the top of the head. The hen is brown. They stand + erect, and have long yellow legs, with which they run very + fast; their wings are small and useless for flying, but they + are armed with sharp spurs for defence, and also, I imagine, + for assisting them in climbing, as they are found generally + among the rocks. The name they give this bird here is simply + "cock," its only note being a noise very much resembling the + repetition of that word. Its flesh is plump, fat, and excellent + eating.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="VISIT_TO_A_PENGUIN_ROOKERY"></a> + + <h3>VISIT TO A PENGUIN ROOKERY.</h3> + + <p>The spot of ground occupied by our settlers is bounded on + each side by high <i>bluffs</i>, which extend far into the sea, + leaving a space in front, where all their hogs run nearly wild, + as they are prevented going beyond those limits by those + natural barriers; and the creatures who, at stated periods, + come up from the sea, remain in undisturbed possession of the + beaches beyond our immediate vicinity. The weather being + favourable, we launched our boat early in the morning, for the + purpose of procuring a supply of eggs for the consumption of + the family. We heard the chattering of the penguins from the + rookery long before we landed, which was noisy in the extreme, + and groups of them were scattered all over the beach; but the + high thick grass on the declivity of the hill seemed their + grand establishment, and they were hidden by it from our view. + As we could not find any place where we could possibly land our + boat in safety, I and two more swam on shore with bags tied + round our necks to hold the eggs in, and the boat with one of + the men lay off, out of the surf. I should think the ground + occupied by these <i>birds</i> (if I may be allowed so to call + them) was at least a mile in circumference, covered in every + part with grasses and reeds, which grew considerably higher + than my head; and on every gentle ascent, beginning from the + beach, on all the large grey rocks, which occasionally appeared + above this grass, sat perched groups of these strange and + uncouth-looking creatures; but the noise which rose up from + beneath baffles all description! As our business lay with the + noisy part of this community, we quietly crept under the grass, + and commenced our plundering search, though there needed none, + so profuse was the quantity. The scene altogether well merits a + better description than I can give--thousands, and hundreds of + thousands, of these little two-legged erect monsters hopping + around us, with voices very much resembling in tone that of the + human; all opened their throats together: so thickly clustered + in groups that it was almost impossible to place the foot + without dispatching one of them. The shape of the animal, their + curious motions, and their most extraordinary voices, made me + fancy myself in a kingdom of pigmies. The regularity of their + manners, their all sitting in exact rows, resembling more the + order of a camp than a rookery of noisy birds, delighted me. + These creatures did not move away on our approach, but only + increased their noise, so we were obliged to displace them + forcibly from their nests; and this ejectment was not produced + without a considerable struggle on their parts; and, being + armed with a formidable beak, it soon became a scene of + desperate warfare. We had to take particular care to protect + our hands and legs from their attacks: and for this purpose + each one had provided himself with a short stout club. The + noise they continued to make during our ramble through their + territories the sailors said was, "Cover 'em up, cover 'em up." + And, however incredible it may appear, it is nevertheless true, + that I heard those words so distinctly repeated, and by such + various tones of voices, that several times I started, and + expected to see one of the men at my elbow. Even these little + creatures, as well as the monstrous sea elephant, appear to + keep up a continued warfare with each other. As the penguins + sit in rows, forming regular lanes leading down to the beach, + whenever one of them feels an inclination to refresh herself by + a plunge into the sea, she has to run the gauntlet through the + whole <i>street</i>, every one pecking at her as she passes + without mercy; and though all are occupied in the same + employment, not the smallest degree of friendship seems to + exist; and whenever we turned one off her nest, she was sure to + be thrown amongst foes; and, besides the loss of her eggs, was + invariably doomed to receive a severe beating and pecking from + her companions. Each one lays three eggs, and after a time, + when the young are strong enough to undertake the journey, they + go to sea, and are not again seen till the ensuing spring. + Their city is deserted of its numerous inhabitants, and + quietness reigns till nature prompts their return the following + year, when the same noisy scene is repeated, as the same flock + of birds returns to the spot where they were hatched. After + raising a tremendous tumult in this numerous colony, and + sustaining continued combat, we came off victorious, making + capture of about a thousand eggs, resembling in size, colour, + and transparency of shell, those of a duck; and the taking + possession of this immense quantity did not occupy more than + one hour, which may serve to prove the incalculable number of + birds collected together. We did not allow them sufficient + time, after landing, to lay all their eggs; for, had the season + been further advanced, and we had found three eggs in each + nest, the whole of them might probably have proved addled, the + young partly formed, and the eggs of no use to us; but the + whole of those we took turned out good, and had a particularly + fine and delicate flavour. It was a work of considerable + difficulty to get our booty safe into the boat--so frail a + cargo--with so tremendous a surf running against us. However, + we finally succeeded, though not without smashing a + considerable number of the eggs.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="THE_SEA_ELEPHANT"></a> + + <h3>THE SEA ELEPHANT.</h3> + + <p>I saw, for the first time, what the settlers call a + <i>pod</i> of sea elephants. At this particular season these + animals lay strewed about the beach, and, unless you disturb + them, the sight of a man will not frighten them away. I was + determined to get a good portrait of some of them, and + accordingly took my sketch-book and pencil, and seated myself + very near to one of them, and began my operations, feeling sure + I had now got a most patient sitter, for they will lie for + weeks together without stirring; but I had to keep throwing + small pebbles at him, in order to make him open his eyes, and + prevent his going to sleep. The flies appear to torment these + unwieldy monsters most cruelly, their eyes and nostrils being + stuffed full of them. I got a good sketch of the group. They + appeared to stare at me occasionally with some little + astonishment, stretching up their immense heads and looking + around; but finding all still (I suppose they considered me a + mere rock), they composed themselves to sleep again. They are + the most shapeless creatures about the body. I could not help + comparing them to an over-grown maggot, and their motion is + similar to that insect. The face bears some rude resemblance to + the human countenance; the eye is large, black, and expressive; + excepting two very small flippers or paws at the shoulder, the + whole body tapers down to a fish's tail; they are of a delicate + mouse colour, the fur is very fine, but too oily for any other + purpose than to make mocassins for the islanders. The bull is + of an enormous size, and would weigh as heavily as his namesake + of the land; and in that one thing consists their only + resemblance, for no two animals can possibly be more unlike + each other. It is a very curious phenomenon, how they can + possibly exist on shore; for, from the first of their landing, + they never go out to sea, and they lie on a stormy beach for + months together without tasting any food, except consuming + their own fat, for they gradually waste away; and as this fat + or blubber is the great object of value, for which they are + attacked and slaughtered, the settlers contrive to commence + operations against them upon their first arrival, for it is + well ascertained that they take no sustenance whatever on + shore. I examined the contents of the stomach of one they had + just killed, but could not make out the nature of what it + contained. The matter was of a remarkably bright green colour. + They have many enemies, even in the water; one called the + killer, a species of grampus, which makes terrible havoc + amongst them, and will attack and take away the carcass of one + from alongside a boat. But man is their greatest enemy, and + causes the most destruction to their race: he pursues them to + all quarters of the globe.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="VISIT_FROM_THE_NATIVES_AT_TERRA_DEL_FUEGO"></a> + + <h3><b>VISIT FROM THE NATIVES AT TERRA DEL FUEGO.</b></h3> + + <p>During our stay, we had, at various times, visits from the + natives. They were all at first very shy, but after they found + our friendly disposition towards them, they became more + sociable and confiding.</p> + + <p>On the 11th of March three bark canoes arrived, containing + four men, four women, and a girl about sixteen years old, four + little boys and four infants, one of the latter about a week + old, and quite naked. They had rude weapons, viz. slings to + throw stones, three rude spears, pointed at the end with bone, + and notched on one side with barbed teeth. With this they catch + their fish, which are in great quantities among the kelp. Two + of the natives were induced to come on board, after they had + been alongside for upwards of an hour, and received many + presents, for which they gave their spears, a dog, and some of + their rude native trinkets. They did not shew or express + surprise at anything on board, except when seeing one of the + carpenters engaged in boring a hole with a screw-auger through + a plank, which would have been a long task for them. They were + very talkative, smiling when spoken to, and often bursting into + loud laughter, but instantly settling into their natural + serious and sober cast.</p> + + <p>They were found to be great mimics, both in gesture and + sound, and would repeat any word of our language, with great + correctness of pronunciation. Their imitations of sounds were + truly astonishing.</p> + + <p>Their mimicry became at length annoying, and precluded our + getting at any of their words or ideas. It not only extended to + words or sounds, but actions also, and was at times truly + ridiculous. The usual manner of interrogating for names was + quite unsuccessful. On pointing to the nose, for instance, they + did the same. Anything they saw done they would mimic, and with + an extraordinary degree of accuracy. On these canoes + approaching the ship, the principal one of the family, or + chief, standing up in his canoe, made a harangue. Although they + have been heard to shout quite loud, yet they cannot endure a + noise; and when the drum beat, or a gun was fired, they + invariably stopped their ears. They always speak to each other + in a whisper.</p> + + <p>The women were never suffered to come on board. They + appeared modest in the presence of strangers. They never move + from a sitting posture, or rather a squat, with their knees + close together, reaching to their chin, their feet in contact, + and touching the lower part of the body. They are extremely + ugly. Their hands and feet were small and well shaped; and, + from appearance, they are not accustomed to do any hard work. + They appear very fond and seem careful of their young children, + though on several occasions they offered them for sale for a + trifle. They have their faces smutted all over, and it was + thought, from the hideous appearance of the females, produced + in part by their being painted and smutted, that they had been + disfigured by the men previous to coming alongside. It was + remarked, that when one of them saw herself in a looking-glass, + she burst into tears, as Jack thought, from pure + mortification.</p> + + <p>Before they left the ship, the greater part of them were + dressed in old clothes, that had been given to them by the + officers and men, who all shewed themselves extremely anxious + "to make them comfortable," This gave rise to much merriment, + as Jack was not disposed to allow any difficulties to interfere + in the fitting. If the jackets proved too tight across the + shoulders, which they invariably were, a slit down the back + effectually remedied the defect. If a pair of trousers was + found too small around the waist, the knife was again resorted + to; and in some cases a fit was made by severing the legs. The + most difficult fit, and the one which produced the most + merriment, was that of a woman, to whom an old coat was given. + This, she concluded belonged to her nether limbs, and no signs, + hints, or shouts, could correct her mistake. Her feet were + thrust through the sleeves, and, after hard squeezing, she + succeeded in drawing them on. With the skirts brought up in + front, she took her seat in the canoe with great satisfaction, + amid a roar of laughter from all who saw her.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="CHILIAN_MODE_OF_CAPTURING_WILD_HORSES"></a> + + <h3>CHILIAN MODE OF CAPTURING WILD HORSES.</h3> + + <p>A party of four or five horsemen, with about twenty dogs, + were seen formed in an extended crescent, driving the wild + horses towards the river with shouts. All were armed with the + lasso, which was swinging over their heads, to be in readiness + to entrap the first that attempted to break through the + gradually contracting segment; the dogs serving with the riders + to head the horses in. They continued to advance, when suddenly + a horse with furious speed broke the line, passing near one of + the horsemen, and for a moment it was thought he had escaped; + the next he was jerked round with a force that seemed + sufficient to have broken his neck, the horseman having, the + moment the lasso was thrown, turned round and braced himself + for the shock. The captured horse now began to rear and plunge + furiously to effect his escape. After becoming somewhat worn + out, he was suffered to run, and again suddenly checked. This + was repeated several times, when another plan was adopted. The + dogs were set on him, and off he went at full run, in the + direction of another horseman, who threw his lasso to entangle + his legs and precipitate him to the ground. The dogs again + roused him, when he again started, and was in like manner + brought to a stand. After several trials he became completely + exhausted and subdued, when he stood perfectly still, and + allowed his captors to lay hands upon him. The shouts of the + men, the barking of the dogs, and the scampering of the horses, + made the whole scene extremely exciting.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="FIGHT_BETWEEN_A_WHALE_AND_A_KILLER"></a> + + <h3>FIGHT BETWEEN A WHALE AND A KILLER.</h3> + + <p>This day, on board the Peacock, they witnessed a sea-fight + between a whale and one of its many enemies. The sea was quite + smooth, and offered the best possible view of the whole combat. + First, at a distance from the ship, a whale was seen + floundering in a most extraordinary way, lashing the smooth sea + into a perfect foam, and endeavouring apparently to extricate + himself from some annoyance. As he approached the ship, the + struggle continuing and becoming more violent, it was perceived + that a fish, apparently about twenty feet long, held him by the + jaw, his contortions, spouting, and throes, all betokening the + agony of the huge monster. The whale now threw himself at full + length from the water with open mouth, his pursuer still + hanging to the jaw, the blood issuing from the wound and dyeing + the sea to a distance around; but all his flounderings were of + no avail; his pertinacious enemy still maintained his hold, and + was evidently getting the advantage of him. Much alarm seemed + to be felt by the many other whales around. These "killers," as + they are called, are of a brownish colour on the back, and + white on the belly, with a long dorsal fin. Such was the + turbulence with which they passed, that a good view could not + be had of them to make out more nearly the description. These + fish attack a whale in the same way as dogs bait a bull, and + worry him to death. They are armed with strong sharp teeth, and + generally seize the whale by the lower jaw. It is said that the + only part of them they eat is the tongue. The whalers give some + marvellous accounts of these killers, and of their immense + strength; among them, that they have been known to drag a whale + away from several boats which were towing it to the ship.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="WAR_DANCES_OF_THE_NEW_ZEALANDERS"></a> + + <h3>WAR DANCES OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS.</h3> + + <p>Wishing to see their war-dances, I requested the chief + Pomare to gratify us with an exhibition, which he consented to + do. The ground chosen was the hillside of Mr. Clendon, our + consul's place, where between three and four hundred natives, + with their wives and children, assembled. Pomare divided the + men into three parties or squads, and stationed these at some + distance from each other. Shortly after this was done, I + received a message from him, to say that they were all hungry, + and wanted me to treat them to something to eat. This was + refused until they had finished their dance, and much delay + took place in consequence. Pomare and his warriors were at + first immoveable; but they, in a short time, determined they + would unite on the hill-top, which was accordingly ordered, + although I was told they were too hungry to dance well. Here + they arranged themselves in a solid column, and began stamping, + shouting, jumping, and shaking their guns, clubs, and paddles + in the air, with violent gesticulations, to a sort of savage + time. A more grotesque group cannot well be imagined; dressed, + half-dressed, or entirely naked. After much preliminary action, + they all set off, with a frantic shout, at full speed in a + war-charge, which not only put to flight all the animals that + were feeding in the neighbourhood, but startled the spectators. + After running about two hundred and fifty yards, they fired + their guns and halted, with another shout. They then returned + in the same manner, and stopped before us, a truly savage + multitude, wrought up to apparent frenzy, and exhibiting all + the modes practised of maiming and killing their enemies, until + they became exhausted, and lay down on the ground like tired + dogs, panting for breath. One of the chiefs then took an old + broken dragoon-sword, and began running to and fro before us, + flourishing it, and, at the same time, delivering a speech at + the top of his voice. The speech, as interpreted to me, ran + thus: "You are welcome, you are our friends, and we are glad to + see you," frequently repeated. After three or four had shewn + off in this way, they determined they must have something to + eat, saying that I had promised them rice and sugar, and they + ought to have it. Mr. Clendon, however, persuaded them to give + one of their feast-dances. The performers consisted of about + fifteen old, and as many young persons, whom they arranged in + close order. The young girls laid aside a part of their dress + to exhibit their forms to more advantage, and they commenced a + kind of recitative, accompanied by all manner of + gesticulations, with a sort of guttural husk for a chorus. It + was not necessary to understand their language to comprehend + their meaning; and it is unnecessary to add, that their tastes + did not appear very refined, but were similar to what we have + constantly observed among the heathen nations of Polynesia. + Their impatience now became ungovernable; and hearing that the + rice and sugar were being served out, they retreated + precipitately down the hill, where they all set to most + heartily, with their wives and children, to devour the food. + This, to me, was the most entertaining part of the exhibition. + They did not appear selfish towards each other; the children + were taken care of, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. I + received many thanks in passing among them, and their + countenances betokened contentment. Although they were clothed + for the occasion in their best, they exhibited but a squalid + and dirty appearance, both in their dress and persons.</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;"> + + <p>We now end our extracts from this very entertaining + Work,--upon the resources of which we have so largely + drawn,--by the history of Paddy Connel, as described by + himself, and who had been a resident among the Feejeean savages + for nearly forty years.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="HISTORY_OF_PADDY_CONNEL"></a> + + <h3><b>HISTORY OF PADDY CONNEL.</b></h3> + + <p>One day, while at the Observatory, I was greatly surprised + at seeing one whom I took to be a Feejeeman, enter my tent, a + circumstance so inconsistent with the respect to our prescribed + limit, of which I have spoken. His colour, however, struck me + as lighter than that of any native I had yet seen. He was a + short wrinkled old man, but appeared to possess great vigour + and activity. He had a beard that reached to his middle, and + but little hair, of a reddish-grey colour, on his head. He gave + me no time for inquiry, but at once addressed me in broad + Irish, with a rich Milesian brogue. In a few minutes he made me + acquainted with his story, which, by his own account, was as + follows:--</p> + + <p>His name was Paddy Connel, but the natives called him Berry; + he was born in the county of Clare, in Ireland; had run away + from school when he was a little fellow, and after wandering + about as a vagabond, was pressed into the army in the first + Irish rebellion. At the time the French landed in Ireland, the + regiment to which he was attached marched at once against the + enemy, and soon arrived on the field of battle, where they were + brought to the charge. The first thing he knew or heard, the + drums struck up a White Boy's tune, and his whole regiment went + over and joined the French, with the exception of the officers, + who had to flee. They were then marched against the British, + and were soon defeated by Lord Cornwallis; it was a hard fight, + and Paddy found himself among the slain. When he thought the + battle was over, and night came on, he crawled off and reached + home. He was then taken up and tried for his life, but was + acquitted; he was, however, remanded to prison, and busied + himself in effecting the escape of some of his comrades. On + this being discovered, he was confined in the black hole, and + soon after sent to Cork, to be put on board a convict-ship + bound to New South Wales. When he arrived there, his name was + not found on the books of the prisoners; consequently he had + been transported by mistake, and was, therefore, set at + liberty. He then worked about for several years, and collected + a small sum of money, but unfortunately fell into bad company, + got drunk, and lost it all. Just about this time Captain + Sartori, of the ship General Wellesley, arrived at Sydney. + Having lost a great part of his crew by sickness and desertion, + he desired to procure hands for his ship, which was still at + Sandalwood Bay, and obtained thirty-five men, one of whom was + Paddy Connel. At the time they were ready to depart, a French + privateer, Le Gloriant, Captain Dubardieu, put into Sydney, + when Captain Sartori engaged a passage for himself and his men + to the Feejees. On their way they touched at Norfolk Island, + where the ship struck, and damaged her keel so much that they + were obliged to put into the Bay of Islands for repairs. Paddy + asserts that a difficulty had occurred here between Captain + Sartori and his men about their provisions, which was amicably + settled. The Gloriant finally sailed from New Zealand for + Tongataboo, where they arrived just after the capture of a + vessel, which he supposed to have been the Port au Prince, as + they had obtained many articles from the natives, which had + evidently belonged to some large vessel. Here they remained + some months, and then sailed for Sandalwood Bay, where the men, + on account of their former quarrel with Captain Sartori, + refused to go on board the General Wellesley: some of them + shipped on board the Gloriant, and others, with Paddy, + determined to remain on shore with the natives. He added, that + Captain Sartori was kind to him, and at parting had given him a + pistol, cutlass, and an old good-for-nothing musket; these, + with his sea-chest and a few clothes, were all that he + possessed. He had now lived forty years among these savages. + After hearing his whole story, I told him I did not believe a + word of it; to which he answered, that the main part of it was + true, but he might have made some mistakes, as he had been so + much in the habit of lying to the Feejeeans, that he hardly now + knew when he told the truth, adding, that he had no desire to + tell anything but the truth.</p> + + <p>Paddy turned out to be a very amusing fellow, and possessed + an accurate knowledge of the Feejee character. Some of the + whites told me that he was more than half Feejee; indeed he + seemed to delight in shewing how nearly he was allied to them + in feeling and propensities; and, like them, seemed to fix his + attention upon trifles. He gave me a droll account of his daily + employments, which it would be inappropriate to give here, and + finished by telling me the only wish he had then, was to get + for his little boy, on whom he doated, a small hatchet; and the + only articles he had to offer for it were a few old hens. On my + asking him if he did not cultivate the ground, he said at once + no; he found it much easier to get his living by telling the + Feejeeans stories, which he could always make good enough for + them;--these, and the care of his two little boys, and his + hens, and his pigs, when he had any, gave him ample employment + and plenty of food. He had lived much at Rewa, and, until + lately, had been a resident at Levuka, but had, in consequence + of his intrigues, been expelled by the white residents, to the + island of Ambatiki. It appeared that they had unanimously come + to the conclusion, that if he did not remove, they would be + obliged to put him to death for their own safety. I could not + induce Whippy or Tom to give me the circumstances that + occasioned this determination; and Paddy would not communicate + more than that his residence on Ambatiki was a forced one, and + that it was as though he was living out of the world, rearing + pigs, fowls, and children. Of the last description of live + stock he had forty-eight, and hoped that he might live to see + fifty born to him. He had had one hundred wives.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="Extraordinary_Escape_from_Drowning"></a> + + <h2><b>Extraordinary Escape from Drowning.</b></h2> + + <p>The following Narrative of an extraordinary escape from + drowning, after being wrecked among the Rapids of the St. + Lawrence, first appeared in the <i>Liverpool Mercury</i>, the + Editors of which state that they have published it by + permission of the writer, who is a well-known merchant of great + respectability in that city. We have extracted it from the + pages of the <i>Edinburgh Magazine</i>, the Editor of which + remarks,--"We have been induced to transfer it into our + Miscellany, not merely from the uncommon interest of the + detail, but because we happen to be able to vouch for its + authenticity."</p> + + <p>On the 22nd day of April, 1810, our party set sail in a + large schooner from Fort-George, or Niagara Town, and in two + days crossed Lake Ontario to Kingston, at the head of the river + St. Lawrence, distant from Niagara about 200 miles. Here we + hired an American barge (a large flat-bottomed boat) to carry + us to Montreal, a further distance of 200 miles; then set out + from Kingston on the 28th of April, and arrived the same + evening at Ogdensburgh, a distance of 75 miles. The following + evening we arrived at Cornwall, and the succeeding night at + Pointe du Lac, on Lake St. Francis. Here our bargemen obtained + our permission to return up the river; and we embarked in + another barge, deeply laden with potashes, passengers, and + luggage. Above Montreal, for nearly 100 miles, the river St. + Lawrence is interrupted in its course by rapids, which are + occasioned by the river being confined in comparatively narrow, + shallow, rocky channels;--through these it rushes with great + force and noise, and is agitated like the ocean in a storm. + Many people prefer these rapids, for grandeur of appearance, to + the Falls of Niagara. They are from half a mile to nine miles + long each, and require regular pilots. On the 30th of April we + arrived at the village of the Cedars, immediately below which + are three sets of very dangerous rapids (the Cedars, the + Split-rock, and the Cascades), distant from each other about + one mile. On the morning of the 1st of May we set out from the + Cedars, the barge very deep and very leaky. The captain, a + daring rash man, refused to take a pilot. After we passed the + Cedar rapid, not without danger, the captain called for some + rum, swearing, at the same time, that ---- could not steer the + barge better than he did! Soon after this we entered the + Split-rock rapids by a wrong channel, and found ourselves + advancing rapidly towards a dreadful watery precipice, down + which we went. The barge slightly grazed her bottom against the + rock, and the fall was so great as to nearly take away the + breath. We here took in a great deal of water, which was mostly + baled out again before we were hurried on to what the Canadians + call the "grand bouillon," or great boiling. In approaching + this place the captain let go the helm, saying, "Here we fill!" + The barge was almost immediately overwhelmed in the midst of + immense foaming breakers, which rushed over the bows, carrying + away planks, oars, &c. About half a minute elapsed between + the filling and going down of the barge, during which I had + sufficient presence of mind to rip off my three coats, and was + loosening my suspenders, when the barge sunk, and I found + myself floating in the midst of people, baggage, &c. Each + man caught hold of something; one of the crew caught hold of + me, and kept me down under water, but, contrary to my + expectation, let me go again. On rising to the surface, I got + hold of a trunk, on which two other men were then holding. Just + at this spot, where the Split-rock rapids terminate, the bank + of the river is well inhabited; and we could see women on shore + running about much agitated. A canoe put off, and picked up + three of our number, who had gained the bottom of the barge, + which had upset and got rid of its cargo; these they landed on + an island. The canoe put off again, and was approaching near to + where I was, with two others, holding on by the trunk, when, + terrified with the vicinity of the Cascades, to which we were + approaching, it put back, notwithstanding my exhortations, in + French and English, to induce the two men on board to advance. + The bad hold which one man had of the trunk, to which we were + adhering, subjected him to constant immersion; and, in order to + escape his seizing hold of me, I let go the trunk, and, in + conjunction with another man, got hold of the boom, (which, + with the gaff, sails, &c., had been detached from the mast, + to make room for the cargo,) and floated off. I had just time + to grasp this boom, when we were hurried into the Cascades; in + these I was instantly buried, and nearly suffocated. On rising + to the surface, I found one of my hands still on the boom, and + my companion also adhering to the gaff. Shortly after + descending the Cascades, I perceived the barge, bottom upwards, + floating near me. I succeeded in getting to it, and held by a + crack in one end of it; the violence of the water, and the + falling out of the casks of ashes, had quite wrecked it. For a + long time I contented myself with this hold, not daring to + endeavour to get upon the bottom, which I at length effected; + and from this, my new situation, I called out to my companion, + who still preserved his hold of the gaff. He shook his head; + and, when the waves suffered me to look up again, he was gone. + He made no attempt to come near me, being unable or unwilling + to let go his hold, and trust himself to the waves, which were + then rolling over his head.</p> + + <p>The Cascades are a kind of fall, or rapid descent, in the + river, over a rocky channel below: going down is called, by the + French, "Sauter," to leap or shove the cascades. For two miles + below, the channel continues in uproar, just like a storm at + sea; and I was frequently nearly washed off the barge by the + waves which rolled over. I now entertained no hope whatever of + escaping; and although I continued to exert myself to hold on, + such was the state to which I was reduced by cold, that I + wished only for speedy death, and frequently thought of giving + up the contest as useless. I felt as if compressed into the + size of a monkey; my hands appeared diminished in size + one-half; and I certainly should (after I became cold and much + exhausted) have fallen asleep, but for the waves that were + passing over me, and obliged me to attend to my situation. I + had never descended the St. Lawrence before, but I knew there + were more rapids a-head, perhaps another set of the Cascades, + but at all events the La Chine rapids, whose situation I did + not exactly know. I was in hourly expectation of these putting + an end to me, and often fancied some points of ice extending + from the shore to be the head of foaming rapids. At one of the + moments in which the succession of waves permitted me to look + up, I saw at a distance a canoe with four men coming towards + me, and waited in confidence to hear the sound of their + paddles; but in this I was disappointed; the men, as I + afterwards learnt, were Indians (genuine descendants of the + Tartars) who, happening to fall in with one of the passenger's + trunks, picked it up, and returned to shore for the purpose of + pillaging it, leaving, as they since acknowledged, the man on + the boat to his fate. Indeed, I am certain I should have had + more to fear from their avarice, than to hope from their + humanity; and it is more than probable, that my life would have + been taken to secure them in the possession of my watch and + several half-eagles, which I had about me.</p> + + <p>The accident happened at eight o'clock in the morning. In + the course of some hours, as the day advanced, the sun grew + warmer, the wind blew from the south, and the water became + calmer. I got upon my knees, and found myself in the small lake + St. Louis, about from three to five miles wide; with some + difficulty I got upon my feet, but was soon convinced, by + cramps and spasms in all my sinews, that I was quite incapable + of swimming any distance, and I was then two miles from shore. + I was now going, with wind and current, to destruction; and + cold, hungry, and fatigued, was obliged again to sit down in + the water to rest, when an extraordinary circumstance greatly + relieved me. On examining the wreck, to see if it was possible + to detach any part of it to steer by, I perceived something + loose, entangled in a fork of the wreck, and so carried along. + This I found to be a small trunk, bottom upwards, which, with + some difficulty, I dragged up upon the barge. After near an + hour's work, in which I broke my pen-knife, trying to cut out + the lock, I made a hole in the top, and, to my great + satisfaction, drew out a bottle of rum, a cold tongue, some + cheese, and a bag full of bread, cakes, &c., all wet. Of + these I made a very seasonable, though very moderate use, and + the trunk answered the purpose of a chair to sit upon, elevated + above the surface of the water.</p> + + <p>After in vain endeavouring to steer the wreck, or direct its + course to the shore, and having made every signal (with my + waistcoat, &c.) in my power, to the several headlands which + I had passed, I fancied I was driving into a bay, which, + however, soon proved to be the termination of the lake, and the + opening of the river, the current of which was carrying me + rapidly along. I passed several small uninhabited islands; but + the banks of the river appearing to be covered with houses, I + again renewed my signals with my waistcoat and a shirt, which I + took out of the trunk, hoping, as the river narrowed, they + might be perceived; the distance was too great. The velocity + with which I was going convinced me of my near approach to the + dreadful rapids of La Chine. Night was drawing on; my + destruction appeared certain, but did not disturb me very much: + the idea of death had lost its novelty, and become quite + familiar. Finding signals in vain, I now set up a cry or howl, + such as I thought best calculated to carry to a distance, and, + being favoured by the wind, it did, although at above a mile + distance, reach the ears of some people on shore. At last I + perceived a boat rowing towards me, which, being very small and + white-bottomed, I had some time taken for a fowl with a white + breast; and I was taken off the barge by Captain Johnstone, + after being ten hours on the water. I found myself at the + village of La Chine, 21 miles below where the accident + happened, and having been driven by the winding of the current + a much greater distance. I received no other injury than + bruised knees and breast, with a slight cold. The accident took + some hold of my imagination, and, for seven or eight succeeding + nights, in my dreams, I was engaged in the dangers of the + Cascades, and surrounded by drowning men.</p> + + <p>My escape was owing to a concurrence of fortunate + circumstances, which appear almost providential. I happened to + catch hold of various articles of support, and to exchange each + article for another just at the right time. Nothing but the + boom could have carried me down the Cascades without injury; + and nothing but the barge could have saved me below them. I was + also fortunate in having the whole day. Had the accident + happened one hour later, I should have arrived opposite the + village of La Chine after dark, and, of course, would have been + destroyed in the rapids below, to which I was rapidly + advancing. The trunk which furnished me with provisions and a + resting-place above the water, I have every reason to think, + was necessary to save my life; without it I must have passed + the whole time in the water, and been exhausted with cold and + hunger. When the people on shore saw our boat take the wrong + channel, they predicted our destruction: the floating luggage, + by supporting us for a time, enabled them to make an exertion + to save us; but as it was not supposed possible to survive the + passage of the Cascades, no further exertions were thought of, + nor indeed could they well have been made.</p> + + <p>It was at this very place that General Ambert's brigade of + 300 men, coming to attack Canada, was lost; the French at + Montreal received the first intelligence of the invasion, by + the dead bodies floating past the town. The pilot who conducted + the first batteaux, committing the same error that we did, ran + for the wrong channel, and the other batteaux following close, + all were involved in the same destruction. The whole party with + which I was escaped; four left the barge at the Cedar village, + above the rapids, and went to Montreal by land; two more were + saved by the canoe; the barge's crew, all accustomed to labour, + were lost. Of the eight men who passed down the Cascades, none + but myself escaped, or were seen again; nor indeed was it + possible for any one, without my extraordinary luck, and the + aid of the barge, to which they must have been very close, to + have escaped; the other men must have been drowned immediately + on entering the Cascades. The trunks, &c., to which they + adhered, and the heavy great-coats which they had on, very + probably helped to overwhelm them; but they must have gone at + all events; swimming in such a current of broken stormy waves + was impossible. Still I think my knowing how to swim kept me + more collected, and rendered me more willing to part with one + article of support to gain a better. Those who could not swim + would naturally cling to whatever hold they first got, and, of + course, many had very bad ones. The Captain passed me above the + Cascades, on a sack of woollen clothes, which were doubtless + soon saturated and sunk.</p> + + <p>The trunk which I picked up belonged to a young man from + Upper Canada, who was one of those drowned; it contained + clothes, and about £70 in gold, which was restored to his + friends. My own trunk contained, besides clothes, about + £200 in gold and bank notes. On my arrival at La Chine, I + offered a reward of 100 dollars, which induced a Canadian to go + in search of it. He found it, some days after, on the shore of + an island on which it had been driven, and brought it to La + Chine, where I happened to be at the time. I paid him his + reward, and understood that above one-third of it was to be + immediately applied to the purchase of a certain number of + masses which he had vowed, in the event of success, previous to + his setting out on the search.</p> + <hr style="width: 45%;"> + <a name="Adventure_in_the_Desert_and_Murder_of_a_Sheikh"></a> + + <h2><b>Adventure in the Desert, and Murder of a + Sheikh.</b></h2> + + <p>I was awakened for a few minutes, as early as three o'clock + on the following morning, by the sound of many voices in loud + and earnest conversation, amongst which I recognised that of + Sheikh Suleiman; but as noisy conversations at such early hours + are by no means uncommon with these restless spirits of the + wilderness, I gave no heed to it, and composed myself for sleep + again, intending to rise by about half after four, in order to + get a dip in the Red Sea, before resuming the march; and this + intention I fulfilled; but just while throwing on the few + clothes I had taken with me, I heard suddenly a loud strife of + many tongues bursting forth, not in our encampment, but in a + small copse or grove of palm trees, about two hundred yards + distant. At once the thought rushed upon my mind, that the + Mezzeni had overtaken us, and were meditating an attack, now + that we were so near the place of their main encampment. This + was directly confirmed by the sound of a gun-shot in the + palm-grove, which was soon followed up by a second. I ran up + towards the encampment as rapidly as possible; and just as I + reached it, another shot rang awfully upon my ear. I found our + party in a state of the greatest consternation, and gathered + closely together, gazing wildly towards the grove. The first + thing I learnt, was the harrowing fact, that poor Suleiman had + just been murdered by the Mezzeni! It was an astounding + announcement. To what would this desperate blow lead--here, in + the Desert? The prospect of further bloodshed was terrible. It + would have been insupportable, but for the influence of that + inward calmness which is the privilege of the children of God. + We were braced up for the worst, and stood gazing upon the + scene, in full expectation that out of a deep and deadly spirit + of revenge, we should be immediately overpowered by the enemy, + and held entirely at their mercy--as any shew of defence + against so many as had now come down upon us, would have been + utterly futile, and might have led to the destruction of us + all. How wild and desolate this awful theatre of death + appeared, while, with the sound of gun-shots still vibrating in + our ears, we thought of Suleiman writhing in his death-throes, + and anxiously watched the movements of the murderers. We were + motionless--almost breathless. Each man among us gazed silently + upon his fellow. Our suspense was not of great duration, but + long enough to get the heart secretly lifted up in communion + with a God of mercy. And there was sweet peacefulness in that + brief exercise.... My worst fears were groundless. The hearts + of all men are in God's hands. Our helplessness must have been + a powerful matter of temptation to the blood-stained men, over + whom the departed soul of Suleiman was hovering. But God + restrained them....</p> + + <p>Having slaughtered their victim, the Mezzeni (of whom above + forty were counted), quietly marched back towards Nuweibia, + without exchanging even a word with us; leaving behind them the + corpse of poor Suleiman--a sad memorial of their malignant + vengeance; while several others of their tribe, who had been + lying in ambush beyond the scene of terror, came forth from + their hiding-places, and joined their retreating comrades.</p> + + <p>My heart almost sickens at the recollection of this dreadful + transaction, while referring to the notes made on the spot, and + compiling from them the particulars of this sad page.</p> + + <p>As soon as the enemy had fairly departed, I took Hassenein + with me, and advanced carefully towards the copse of palm + trees, where I found the mangled body of poor Suleiman quite + dead, but with the agony of the death-pang still visible on his + sunburnt and swarthy features. It was a terrible sight, thus to + behold the leader and confidential companion of our wild route, + lying as the clods of the valley, and saturated with his own + life-blood. And how, in a Christian's heart, was the sense of + the sad reality heightened, by knowing that the poor sufferer + was a follower of the false prophet--a Mahommedan--ignorant of + Him who was "delivered for our offences, and raised again for + our justification." I have seen death in many forms; but I + never beheld it with so dread an aspect as it here assumed.</p> + + <p>I was more than half inclined to withhold the minute + particulars of the dark tragedy, when arriving at this part of + my narrative; but they now fasten themselves upon my mind, and + I feel constrained to leave them on record.</p> + + <p>Suleiman had received three balls through his body, and four + sabre-gashes on his head, which was also nearly severed from + the trunk; and his right arm, which had been evidently raised + in an attempt at warding off a blow, was all but divided near + the wrist. We returned to the encampment, where our Arabs were + sitting together, still terrified. At length a few of them who + volunteered their aid, went and washed the body--wrapped it in + an unfolded turban, and prepared it for immediate interment. + They hastily formed a resting-place, about a mile upwards, + towards the hills which skirted the plain in which we were + encamped, by raising four walls of large loose stones. Having + made all ready, they brought up the remains of their leader, + laid across the back of his camel, and, with deep emotion, + deposited them in their final abode, arching it over with large + masses of stone, and quitting it with what appeared to me like + deep expressions of vengeance against the tribe, on which lay + the guilt of his murder.</p> + + <p>I turned away from the tomb with a heavy heart.... Was my + way to the Holy City of my God to be tracked with blood?</p> + + <p>On making a careful inquiry into the particulars immediately + connected with this sad catastrophe, I collected the + following:-It appeared, that while we were resting on the + previous day at Wadey el Ayún, the Mezzeni came down in + order to make a final effort at supporting, without bloodshed, + their claim to conduct travellers through their territory to + Akabah. Sheikh Furriqh was of the number, as I have already + stated. When he was about to retire, after an unsuccessful + attempt, an Arab of his tribe came and secretly informed him + that his (Furriqh's) nephew had been shot on the previous day + by one of Suleiman's tribe, in reference to the very question + then pending. On receiving this information, Furriqh at once + broke off all negotiation, and quitted the encampment. It is + believed that Suleiman never knew the fact which had been + communicated to Furriqh; but news was brought to him that the + Mezzeni intended to pursue us with an increased force; and this + quite accounts for all the anxiety and timidity which he + evinced during the afternoon and evening preceding his death. + It appears that the Mezzeni, bent on accomplishing their + purpose, gathered together their force, and, following us at + dromedary speed, arrived at the encampment as early as two + o'clock in the morning--that a deputation from them came to + Suleiman, while some of the rest remained in the palm-grove, + and others went in advance, and formed ambuscades--that Sheikh + Furriqh was one of the deputation--that Suleiman shewed them + the usual hospitality of breaking bread with them--that the + conference ended without any adjustment of the matter in + dispute--that after the deputation had retired to the copse, + two Arabs of a neutral tribe, who had come with us from Mount + Sinai, went to the Mezzeni in order to mediate, but were + unsuccessful--that while they remained Suleiman was sent for, + and that having broken bread with the Mezzeni, he had a right + to expect that his life would be held sacred--that Suleiman had + scarcely reached the adverse party, when Sheikh Furriqh + said--"We do not care about the money, but there is blood + between us;"--that instantly one of the Mezzeni shot him + through the body, and that Furriqh cut him down with his sabre, + while two other shots which were fired took effect upon him. My + recollection of Furriqh, from the first moment that he appeared + in our caravan, is such as to convince me that he would readily + commit such an act as this--so subtle--so cruel--so + cowardly--without one feeling of remorse or misgiving.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <a name="POPULAR_JUVENILE_BOOKS"></a> + + <h2>POPULAR JUVENILE BOOKS,</h2>Of established reputation, + which may be safely placed into the hands of Children, blending + Amusement with Instruction. <br> + + + <p><b>DARTON'S HOLIDAY LIBRARY.</b></p> + + <p>A SERIES OF SHILLING VOLUMES FOR THE YOUNG, BY APPROVED + AUTHORS.</p> + + <p>No. 1. MARY LEESON, by MARY HOWITT. Illustrated by JOHN + ABSOLON.</p> + + <p>No. 2. TAKE CARE OF No. 1, or Good to Me includes Good to + Thee, by S.E. GOODRICH, Esq., (the Original Peter Parley). + Illustrated by GILBERT.</p> + + <p>No. 3. HOW TO SPEND A WEEK HAPPILY, by Mrs. BURBURY. With + Illustrations.</p> + + <p>No. 4. POEMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, by "ADELAIDE," one of the + amiable Authoresses of "Original Poems." With + Illustrations.</p> + + <p>No. 5. THE YOUNG LORD, by CAMILLA TOULMIN; and VICTORINE + DUROCHER, by Mrs. SHERWOOD. With Illustrations.</p> + + <p>No. 6. PAULINE, a Tale from the German. With + Illustrations.</p> + + <p>No. 7. HOUSEHOLD STORIES. With Illustrations.</p> + + <p>Nos. 8 & 9. IN-DOOR AND OUT-DOOR SPORTS.</p> + + <p>No. 10. STORIES OF ENTERPRISE AND ADVENTURE; or AN + EXCITEMENT TO READING. Illustrated with Wood Engravings from + Designs by ABSOLON.</p> + + <p>No. 11. THE BOOK OF RIDDLES, ETC.</p> + + <p>Critical Remarks.</p> + + <p>"The Volumes of DARTON'S HOLIDAY LIBRARY which have reached + us, comprise a most interesting Series of Books for Young + People, written by some of our most Popular Authors, and all + having a tendency towards the formation of correct principles + and habits in the minds of the Young. They blend amusement with + instruction in the most delightful manner. We cordially + recommend them as by far the best books of their class."</p> + + <center> + <img src="Image147.jpg" + alt="Back Page Image" + height="910" + width="600"> + </center> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Book of Enterprise and Adventure, by Anonymous + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ENTERPRISE *** + +***** This file should be named 11308-h.htm or 11308-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/0/11308/ + +Produced by Loriba Barber and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +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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