diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11340-0.txt | 1682 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11340-h/11340-h.htm | 2143 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 11340-h/images/372-1.png | bin | 0 -> 114336 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340-8.txt | 2111 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 40124 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 157586 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340-h/11340-h.htm | 2544 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340-h/images/372-1.png | bin | 0 -> 114336 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340.txt | 2111 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/11340.zip | bin | 0 -> 40105 bytes |
13 files changed, 10607 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11340-0.txt b/11340-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6b888fe --- /dev/null +++ b/11340-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1682 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11340 *** + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 11340-h.htm or 11340-h.zip: + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/4/11340/11340-h/11340-h.htm) + or + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/4/11340/11340-h.zip) + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. 13, No. 372.] SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Epsom New Race Stand. + + +[Illustration: Epsom New Race Stand.] + + +We do not wish to compete with the "List of all the running horse-es, +with the names, weights, and colours of the riders," although the +proximity of our publication day to the commencement of Epsom Races +(June 2), has induced us to select the above subject for an +illustration. + +The erection of the New Race Stand is the work of a company, entitled +the "Epsom Grand Stand Association"--the capital £20,000, in 1,000 +shares of £20 each. The speculation is patronized by the Stewards of +the Jockey Club, and among the trustees is one of the county members, +C.N. Pallmer, Esq. The building is now roofed in, and temporary +accommodation will be provided for visitors at the ensuing Spring +Races. It is after the model of the Stand at Doncaster, but is much +larger, and will accommodate from 4 to 5,000 persons. The style of the +architecture is Grecian. + +The building is 156 feet in width, including the Terrace, and 60 feet +in depth, having a portico the width, returning on each side, which is +connected with a spacious terrace, raised ten feet above the level of +the ground, and a magnificent flight of steps in the centre. The +columns of the portico are of the Doric order, supporting a balcony, +or gallery, which is to be covered by a verandah, erected on small +ornamental iron pillars, placed over those below. The upper part of +the Stand is to have a balustrade the whole width of the front. With +reference to the interior arrangements, there are four large and +well-proportioned rooms for refreshments, &c.; a spacious hall, +leading through a screen of Doric columns to a large and elegant +staircase of stone, and on each side of the staircase are retiring +rooms of convenience for gentlemen. The entrance to this floor is from +the abovementioned terrace and portico in front; and also, at the +back, by an entrance which forms a direct communication through the +building. The first floor consists of a splendid room, 108 feet in +length, and 34 in width, divided into three compartments by ornamental +columns and pilasters, supporting a richly paneled ceiling, and having +a direct communication with the balcony, or gallery; and on each side +of the staircase there are retiring rooms for the ladies, with the +same arrangements as those below for the gentlemen. The roof will +contain about 2,000 persons standing; affording, at the same time, an +opportunity for every one to see the whole of the race (Derby Course) +which at one time was considered doubtful. + +The architect is Mr. W. Trendall; and the builder Mr. Chadwick. + +By a neat plan from a survey by Mr. Mogg, the "Stand" is about ten +poles from the Winning Post. It must have a most commanding view of +the surrounding country--but, anon, "may we be there to see." + + * * * * * + + +HISTORY OF COALS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Coals are found in several parts of the continent of Europe, but the +principal mines are in this country. They have been discovered and +wrought in Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Canada, and in some of the +provinces of New England. China abounds in them, and they are well +known in Tartary, and in the Island of Madagascar. + +We find (says Brand) express mention of coals, used as a fuel by +artificers about 2,000 years ago, in the writings of Theophrastus, the +scholar of Aristotle, who, in his book on Stones, gives the substance; +though some writers have not scrupled to affirm, that coal was unknown +to the Ancient Britons, yet others have adduced proofs to the +contrary, which seem, to carry along with them little less than +conviction. The first charter for the license of digging coals, was +granted by King Henry III. in the year 1239; it was there denominated +sea coal; and, in 1281, Newcastle was famous for its great trade in +this article; but in 1306, the use of sea coal was prohibited at +London, by proclamation. Brewers, dyers, and other artificers, who had +occasion for great fires, had found their account in substituting our +fossil for dry wood and charcoal; but so general was the prejudice +against it at that time, that the nobles and commons assembled in +parliament, complained against the use thereof as a public nuisance, +which was thought to corrupt the air with its smoke and stink. Shortly +after this, it was the common fuel at the King's palace in London; +and, in 1325, a trade was opened between France and England, in which +corn was imported, and coal exported. Stowe in his "Annals" says, +"within thirty years last the nice dames of London would not come into +any house or roome where sea coales were burned; nor willingly eat of +the meat that was either sod or roasted with sea coal fire." + +Tinmouth Priory had a colliery at Elwick, which in 1330 was let at the +yearly rent of five pounds; in 1530 it was let for twenty pounds a +year, on condition that not more than twenty chaldron should be drawn +in a day; and eight years after, at fifty pounds a year, without +restriction on the quantity to be wrought. In Richard the Second's +time, Newcastle coals were sold at Whitby, at three shillings and +four-pence per chaldron; and in the time of Henry VIII. their price +was twelvepence a chaldron in Newcastle; in London about four +shillings, and in France they sold for thirteen nobles per chaldron. +Queen Elizabeth obtained a lease of the manors and coal mines of +Gateshead and Whickham, which she soon transferred to the Earl of +Leicester. He assigned it to his secretary, Sutton, the founder of the +Charter-house, who also made assignment of it to Sir W. Riddell and +others, for the use of the Mayor and Burgesses of Newcastle. Duties +were laid upon this article to assist in building St. Paul's Church, +and fifty parish churches in London after the great fire; and in 1677, +Charles II. granted to his natural son, Charles Lenox, Duke of +Richmond, and his heirs, a duty of one shilling a chaldron on coals, +which continued in his family till it was purchased by government in +1800. The collieries in the vicinity of Newcastle are perhaps the most +valuable and extensive in Europe, and afford nearly the whole supply +of the metropolis, and of those counties on the eastern coast +deficient in coal strata; thus-- + + "The grim ore + Here useless, like the miser's brighter hoard, + Is from its prison brought and sent abroad, + The frozen horns to cheer, to minister + To needful sustenance and polished arts-- + Hence are the hungry fed, the naked clothed, + The wintry damps dispell'd, and social mirth + Exults and glows before the blazing hearth." + +_Iago's Edge Hill_, p. 106. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + + +ALEHOUSE SIGNS. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + +Two of your correspondents have puzzled themselves in seeking the +origin of the old Cat and Fiddle sign. The one has been led away by a +love of etymology--the other would string the fiddle at the expense of +poor puss's viscera. Now laying aside conjecture and the subtleties of +language, suppose we consult plain matter of fact? It is then +generally allowed that the tones of a flute resemble the _human +voice_: those of a clarionet, the notes of a _goose_: and, all the +world knows that a well-played violin (especially in the practice of +gliding) yields sounds so inseparable from the _strains of a cat_, as +not to be distinguished by the mere amateur of musical science. + +In conformity, therefore, with this last truth, the small fiddles +which Dancing-masters carry in their pockets, are at this day called +_kits_. But our etymologist will readily perceive this to be a mere +abbreviation, and that they must originally have been known as +_kittens_. + +E.D. Jun. + + * * * * * + + +ANACHRONISMS RESPECTING DR. JOHNSON. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + + "I am corrected, sir; but hear me speak-- + When admiration glows with such a fire + As to o'ertop the memory, error then + May merit mercy." _Old Play_. + +In justice to myself and the readers of the MIRROR, I must be allowed +to offer a few apologetic remarks on the almost unpardonable +anachronisms which I so inadvertently suffered to occur in my +communication on the subject of Dr. Johnson's Residence in Bolt Court. +But when I state that the chronological metathesis occurred entirely +in consequence of my referring to that most treacherous portion of +human intellect, the memory; and that it is upwards of seven years +since I read "Boswell's Life of Johnson," or "Johnson's Poets," it may +be some mitigation of the censure I so justly deserve. Yet I may be +suffered to suggest to your correspondent, who has so kindly corrected +me, that my paper was more in the suppository style than he seems to +have imagined; and that I did not assert that Boswell, Savage, and +Johnson, met at the latter's "house in Bolt Court, and discussed +subjects of polite literature." The expression used is, "We can +_imagine_," &c. constituting a creation of the fancy rather than a +positive portraiture. Certain it is that Johnson's dwelling was in the +neighbourhood of Temple Bar at the time of the nocturnal perambulation +alluded to; and that it was Savage (to whom he was so unaccountably +attached, in spite of the "bastard's" frailties) who enticed the +doctor from his bed to a midnight ramble. My primary mistake consists +in transposing the date of the doctor's residence in Bolt Court, and +introducing Savage at the era of Boswell's acquaintance with Johnson; +whereas the wayward poet finished his miserable existence in a prison, +at Bristol, 21 years prior to that event. Here I may be allowed a +remark or two on the animadversion which has been heaped on Johnson +for that beautiful piece of biography, "The Life of Richard Savage." +It has hitherto been somewhat of a mystery that the stern critic whose +strictures so severely exposed the minutest derelictions of genius in +all other instances, should have adopted "the melting mood" in +detailing the life of such a man as Savage; for, much as we may admire +the concentrated smiles and tears of his two poems, "The Bastard," and +"The Wanderer," pitying the fortunes and miseries of the author, yet +his ungovernable temper and depraved propensities, which led to his +embruing his hands in blood, his ingratitude to his patrons and +benefactors, (but chiefly to Pope,) and his degraded misemployment of +talents which might have raised him to the capital of the proud column +of intellect of that day,--all conduce to petrify the tear of mingled +mercy and compassion, which the misfortunes of such a being might +otherwise demand. Nevertheless, as was lately observed by a +respectable journal, "there must have been _something_ good about him, +or Samuel Johnson would not have loved him." + +**H. + + * * * * * + + +DREAMS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + + We see our joyous home, + Where the sapphire waters fall; + The porch, with its lone gloom, + The bright vines on its wall. + + The flow'rs, the brooks, and trees, + Again are made our own, + The woodlands rife with bees, + And the curfew's pensive tone. + + Peace to the marble brow, + And the ringlets tinged dark, + The heart is sleeping now + In a still and holy ark! + + Sleep hath clos'd the soft blue eye, + And unbound the silken tress + Their dreams are of the sky, + And pass'd is watchfulness. + + But a sleep they yet shall have, + Sunn'd with no vision's glow; + A sleep within the grave-- + When their eyes are quench'd and low! + + A glorious rest it is, + To earth's lorn children given, + Pure as the bridal kiss, + To sleep--and wake in heaven! + +_Deal_. Reginald Augustine + + * * * * * + + +SCOTCH SONG. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + + Gin Lubin shows the ring to me + While reavin' Teviot side, + And asks me wi' an earnest e'e, + To be his bonny bride. + At sic a time I canna tell + What I to him might say, + But as I lo'e the laddie well, + I cudna tell him nae. + + I'd say we twa as yet are young, + Wi' monie a day to spare, + An' then the suit should drap my tongue + That he might press it mair. + I'd gae beside the point awhile, + Wi' proper laithfu' pride, + By lang to partin', wi' a smile, + Consent to be his bride. + +C. Cole. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Sketch-Book. + + * * * * * + + +THE LOVER STUDENT. + +_A Leaf from the Reminiscences of a Collegian_. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +----He was but a poor undergraduate; not, indeed, one of lowest grade, +but still too much lacking pecuniary supplies to render him an +"eligible match." Julia, too, though pretty, was portionless; and the +world, which always kindly interests itself in such affairs, said, +they had no business whatever to become attached to each other; but +then, such attachments and the world, never did, and never will agree; +and _I_, from fatal experience, assert that what people impertinently +call "falling in love," is a thing that _cannot_ be helped; _I_, at +least, never could help it. The regard of Millington and Julia was of +a very peculiar nature; it was a morsel of platonism, which is rather +too curious to pass unrecorded; for as far as I have been able, upon +the most minute investigation to ascertain, they never spoke to each +other during the period of their tender acquaintance. No; they were +not dumb, but lacking a mutual friend to give them an introduction; +their regard for decorum and etiquette was too great to permit them to +speak otherwise than with their eyes. Millington had kept three terms, +when I arrived at ---- College, a shy and gawky freshman; we had been +previously acquainted, and he, pitying perhaps my youth and +inexperience, patronized his playmate, and I became his chum. For some +time I was at a loss to account for sundry fluctuations in Henry's +disposition and manners. He shunned society and would neither accept +invitations to wine and supper parties in other men's rooms, nor give +such in his own; nevertheless his person seemed to have become an +object of the tenderest regard; never was he so contented as when +rambling through the streets and walks, without his gown, in a new and +well cut suit; whilst in order eternally to display his figure to the +best advantage, he was content to endure as heavy an infliction of +fines and impositions, as the heads of his college could lay upon his +shoulders. He was ruined for a reading-man. About this period he also +had a perfect mania for flowers; observing which, and fancying I might +gratify my friend by such a mark of attention, I one day went to his +rooms with a large bouquet in either hand. He was not at home; but +having carelessly enough forgotten to lock his door, I commenced, _con +amore_, (anticipating the agreeable surprise which I should afford +him) to fill his vases with fresh, bright, and delicious summer +flowers, in lieu of the very mummies of their race by which they were +occupied. My work was in progress when Millington returned, but, oh! +good heavens! the rage, the profane, diabolical, incomprehensible rage +into which he burst! I shall never forget. Away went my beautiful, my +fragrant flowers, into the court, and seizing upon the remnant of the +mummies, as yet untouched by my sacrilegious fingers, he tossed them +into a drawer, double locked it, and ordered me out of the room. +Dreading a kick, I was off at his word; but had not proceeded half way +down stairs, when a hand from the rear, roughly grasped mine, and a +voice, in a wild and hurried manner, asked pardon for "intemperance." +I should have called it madness. We were again firm allies; but I +resolved to fathom, if possible, the mystery of the flowers. I now +observed, with surprise, that Millington never quitted his rooms +without a flower in his hand, or _boutonnière_; which flower, upon his +return, appeared to have been either lost, or metamorphosed into, +sometimes, one of another description; sometimes into a nosegay. Very +strange indeed, thought I; and began to have my suspicions that in all +this might be traced "fair woman's visitings." Yes, Millington must +decidedly have fallen in love. He was never in chapel, never in hall, +never in college, never at lectures, and never at parties; he was in +love, that was certain; but with whom? He knew none of the resident +gentry of ----, and he was far too proud to involve himself in "an +affair" with a girl of inferior rank. Many men did so; but Millington +despised them for it. Accidentally I discovered that he adored Julia, +the young, sweet daughter of an undoubted gentleman, who was not yet +"come out." She was a lively, pretty brunette, with brownest curling +hair, only fifteen; and to this day, I believe, knows not the name of +her lover. From an attic window of a five storied house, this fond and +beautiful girl contrived, sometimes, to shower upon the head of her +devoted admirer sweet flowers, and sometimes this paragon of pairs +meeting each other in the walks, silently effected an interchange of +the buds and blossoms, with which they always took care to be +provided. Several weeks passed thus, Henry and Julia seeing each other +every day; but long vacation would arrive; and on the evening +preceding his departure from ----, the lovelorn student, twisting +round the stem of a spicy carnation, a leaf which he had torn from his +pocket book, thus conveyed, with his farewell to Julia, an intimation +that he designed upon his return to college next term, to effect an +introduction to her family. Julia's delight may easily be conceived. I +remained in college for the vacation to read, and had shortly the +pleasure of informing Millington that I should be able, upon his +return, to afford him the introduction which he had so much at heart, +having made the acquaintance of Julia and her family. Two months +elapsed ere Millington deigned to notice my letter. His answer to it +was expressed in these terms:-- + +"Freddy--I'm married to a proper vixen, I fancy; but to twenty +thousand pounds. Ay, my boy, there it is--no doing in this world +without the needful, and I'm not the ass to fight shy of such a +windfall. As for Julia, hang her. By Jove, what an escape--wasn't it? +Name her never again, and should she cry for me, give her a sugar +plum--a kiss--a gingerbread husband, or yourself, as you please. I am +not so fond of milk and water, and bread and butter, I can assure her. + +"Ever truly yours, +Henry Owen Millington. + +"P.S. Capital shooting hereabout--can't you slip over for a few days?" + +Poor Julia! I certainly am not clear that I shall not marry her +myself; but as for that scoundrel Millington, he had better take care +how he comes in my way--that's all. + +M.L.B. + + * * * * * + + + + +Manners & Customs of all Nations. + + * * * * * + +WHITSUN ALE. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +On the Coteswold, Gloucester, is a customary meeting at Whitsuntide, +vulgarly called an _Ale_, or _Whitsun Ale_, resorted to by numbers of +young people. Two persons are chosen previous to the meeting, to be +Lord and Lady of the Ale or Yule, who dress as suitably as they can to +those characters; a large barn, or other building is fitted up with +seats, &c. for the lord's hall. Here they assemble to dance and regale +in the best manner their circumstances and the place will afford; each +man treats his sweetheart with a ribbon or favour. The lord and lady +attended by the steward, sword, purse, and mace-bearer, with their +several badges of office, honour the hall with their presence; they +have likewise, in their suit, a page, or train-bearer, and a jester, +dressed in a parti-coloured jacket. The lord's music, consisting of a +tabor and pipe, is employed to conduct the dance. Companies of +morrice-dancers, attended by the jester and tabor and pipe, go about +the country on Monday and Tuesday in Whitsun week, and collect sums +towards defraying the expenses of the Yule. All the figures of the +lord, &c. of the Yule, handsomely represented in basso-relievo, stand +in the north wall of the nave of Cirencester Church, which vouches for +the antiquity of the custom; and, on many of these occasions, they +erect a may-pole, which denotes its rise in Druidism. The mace is made +of silk, finely plaited with ribbons on the top, and filled with +spices and perfumes for such of the company to smell to as desire it. + +Halbert H. + + * * * * * + + +ANCIENT FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE GREEKS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The dead were ever held sacred and inviolable even amongst the most +barbarous nations; to defraud them of any due respect was a greater +and more unpardonable sacrilege than to spoil the temples of the gods; +their memories were preserved with a religious care and reverence, and +all their remains honoured with worship and adoration; hatred and envy +themselves were put to silence, for it was thought a sign of a cruel +and inhuman disposition to speak evil of the dead, and prosecute +revenge beyond the grave. The ancient Greeks were strongly persuaded +that their souls could not be admitted into the Elysian fields till +their bodies were committed to the earth; therefore the honours (says +Potter) paid to the dead were the greatest and most necessary; for +these were looked upon as a debt so sacred, that such as neglected to +discharge it were thought accursed. Those who died in foreign +countries had usually their ashes brought home and interred in the +sepulchres of their ancestors, or at least in some part of their +native country; it being thought that the same mother which gave them +life and birth, was only fit to receive their remains, and afford them +a peaceful habitation after death. Whence ancient authors afford as +innumerable instances of bodies conveyed, sometimes by the command of +oracles, sometimes by the good-will of their friends, from foreign +countries to the sepulchres of their fathers, and with great solemnity +deposited there. Thus, Theseus was removed from Scyros to Athens, +Orestes from Tegea, &c. Nor was this pious care limited to persons of +free condition, but slaves also had some share therein; for we find +(says Potter) the Athenian lawgiver commanding the magistrates, called +_Demarchi_, under a severe penalty, to solemnize the funerals, not so +much of citizens, whose friends seldom failed of paying the last +honours, as of slaves, who frequently were destitute of decent burial. + +Those who wasted their patrimony, forfeited their right of being +buried in the sepulchres of their fathers. As soon as any person had +expired, they closed his eyes. Augustus Caesar, upon the approach of +his death, called for a looking-glass, and caused his hair to be +combed, and his fallen cheeks decently composed. All the offices about +the dead were performed by their nearest relations; nor could a +greater misfortune befal any person than to want these respects. When +dying, their friends and relations came close to the bed where they +lay, to bid them farewell, and catch their dying words, which they +never repeated without reverence. The want of opportunity to pay this +compliment to Hector, furnishes Andromache with matter of lamentation, +which is related in the Iliad. They kissed and embraced the dying +person, so taking their last farewell; and endeavoured likewise to +receive in their mouth his last breath, as fancying his soul to expire +with it, and enter into their bodies. When any person died in debt at +Athens, the laws of that city gave leave to creditors to seize the +dead body, and deprive it of burial till payment was made; whence the +corpse of Miltiades, who died in prison, being like to want the honour +of burial, his son Cimon had no other means to release it, but by +taking upon himself his father's debts and fetters. Sometime before +interment, a piece of money was put into the corpse's mouth, which was +thought to be Charon's fare for wafting the departed soul over the +infernal river. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + +SINGULAR MANORIAL CUSTOM. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The Manor of Broughton Lindsay, in Lincolnshire, is held under that of +Caistor, by this strange service: viz. that annually, upon Palm +Sunday, the deputy of the Lord of the Manor of Broughton, attends the +church at Caistor, with a new cart whip in his hand, which he cracks +thrice in the church porch; and passes with it on his shoulder up the +nave into the chancel, and seats himself in the pew of the lord of the +manor, where he remains until the officiating minister is about to +read the second lesson; he then proceeds with his whip, to the lash of +which he has in the meantime affixed a purse, which ought to contain +thirty silver pennies (instead of which a single half crown is +substituted,) and kneeling down before the reading desk, he holds the +purse, suspended over the minister's head, all the time he is reading +the lesson. After this he returns to his seat. When divine service is +over, he leaves the whip and purse at the manor house. + +H.B.A. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Contemporary Traveller. + + * * * * * + +MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. + + +The name of New Spain was at first given only to Yucatan by Grijalva +and his followers; but Cortez extended it to the whole empire of +Montezuma, which is described by the earliest writers to have reached +from Panama to New California. This, however, appears, from more +recent researches, on the accuracy of which Humboldt relies with +reason, to have been larger than the reality justified; and the whole +of Tenochtitlan may be said to have been contained in the present +states of Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, and Valadolid. In +addition to the name given by Cortez, that of the capital was extended +to the whole kingdom of New Spain; and since the revolution and the +establishment of independence, the several provinces form separate and +independent states, confederating together and constituting the +nineteen United States of Mexico; viz. Chiapa, Chihuahua, Cohahuila +and Texas, Durango, Guanaxuato, Mexico, Michoachan, New Leon, Oaxaca, +Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Cinaloa, Tabasco, +Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz, Xalisco, Yucatan and Zacatecas. Old and New +California, Colima, New Mexico, and Tlascala, though forming members +of the federation, declined having state governments, on account of +the expense, and are designated territories. The whole republic, +according to Humboldt, occupies a space of 75,830 square leagues, of +twenty to an equinoxial degree; on which there are to be found every +inequality of surface, and every variety of soil and climate, the two +last of which are dependent in most cases on the former. + +The republic of Mexico, taken on the grand scale, may be considered as +a succession of small mountain-plains at different heights, separated +by mountains, and increasing in magnitude as the coast recedes on both +the eastern and western sides, until the great centre plain be +reached, which, though much broken by mountain ridges, tends to the +north, maintaining nearly an equal elevation. The snow-capped +mountains of Orizava, and the volcanos of Puebla and Toluca, are among +the most splendid objects in the world. The Mexicans divide the +regions of their country into _Tierras calientes, Tierras templadas_, +and _Tierras frias_, according to the climate. Throughout the whole +country there is a lamentable want of water, and of navigable rivers. +The lakes, too, appear to be yearly decreasing in extent, the +immediate consequence of which is, that the elevated portions of the +interior are nearly stripped of vegetation, and the soil covered with +an efflorescence of carbonate of soda, there called _Tequisquita_, +resembling very closely the plains of the two Castiles, and recalling +to the Eastern traveller the desolate wastes of some parts of Persia. + +The effect of elevation on the temperature is most marked, and it is +no uncommon thing to be shivering on one side of the street in the +city of Mexico, and to be literally scorched by the rays of the sun on +the other. Changes are upon record of 55° of Fahrenheit within three +hours, on one of the mountain-plains at the same height with the +valley of Mexico. + +Notwithstanding the volcanic character of Mexico, earthquakes are by +no means so frequent there as in some of the neighbouring countries. +One of the most memorable on record occurred on the 14th of September, +1759, when the volcano of Jorullo, with several smaller cones, forced +the surface of the soil, destroying all before it. + +The infinite variety of climate and soil fits this country for the +production of the fruits of all regions, from those of the hottest +within the tropics to those of the severest cold, where cultivation +can be carried on. But the want of ports, and of navigable rivers on +the Atlantic, opposes the advantages that might result from this +variety of production, though on the Pacific there are a few admirable +ports, such as Acapulco. The prevalence of the "Nortes," or northerly +winds, at certain seasons, seriously affects the navigation on one +side, while that of the "papagallos" is as inconvenient on the other. + +The Mexican population is commonly divided into seven classes:--1. +European Spaniards, commonly called "_gachupines_." 2. White Creoles. +3. Mestizos, descendants of Whites and Indians. 4. Mulattoes, +descendants of Whites and Blacks. 5. Zambos, from Indians and Negroes. +6. Pure Indians. 7. African Blacks. But this classification may be +reduced to four:--1. Whites. 2. Indians. 3. Blacks. 4. Mixed Races, +the various gradations of which may be considered almost infinite. + +The Indians consist of a considerable number of distinct tribes, +differing in many points of appearance, and speaking--not dialects +but--languages entirely different. No less than twenty of these have +been traced, and of fourteen of them there are already grammars and +dictionaries. The Indian population is chiefly centered in the great +plains, and towards the south; and Humboldt thinks that it has flowed +from the north to the south. The history of four great migrations is +preserved in the annals of Mexico, which are worthy of more detailed +examination than we can bestow upon them. The great body of these +people live apart from the other races of their countrymen, in small +villages, full of ignorance, suspicion, and bigotry, and displaying an +apparent phlegm, from which it would seem impossible to arouse them. +This phlegmatic temperament lessens the credit of the men with the +females, who uniformly prefer the European, or the still more +vivacious negro. "The indigenous Mexican is grave, melancholic, +silent, so long as he is not under the influence of intoxicating +liquors. This gravity is peculiarly remarkable in Indian children, who +at the age of four or five years display more intelligence and +precocity than the children of whites. The Mexican loves to attach +mystery even to his most trifling actions; the strongest passions do +not display themselves in his countenance; the transition is frightful +when it passes suddenly from a state of absolute repose to that of +violent and unrestrained agitation." Slavery with them has engendered +guile. They are obstinate in all their habits and opinions; their +religion is one of mere ceremonial, justifying the observation of +a priest to Mr. Ward, "son mui buenos Catolicos, pero mui malos +Cristianos" (very good Catholics, but very bad Christians.) Deception +in this, as well as in every thing else, is the order of the day; and +the Indian Alcalde now oppresses the villagers as much as he himself +has ever been. + +Humboldt considers the Mexican Indian as destitute of all imagination, +though when to a certain degree educated, he attributes to him +facility in learning, a clearness of understanding, a natural turn for +reasoning, and a particular aptitude to subtilize and seize trifling +distinctions. + +The music and dancing are as dull as might be expected among beings so +full of phlegm. The Mexican has a turn for painting and sculpture; and +retains the same fondness for flowers that struck Cortez so forcibly +upwards of three centuries ago. The "Indios Bravos," or Wild Indians, +are said to display more energy; but our information respecting them +is remarkably scanty. + +Among the active vices of the Mexican Indian, that of drunkenness +prevails to a most lamentable extent. In the upper districts, +_pulque_, or the fermented juice of the aloe, is the principal +tempter; sometimes a spirit, distilled from the same plant, called +_Vino de Mescal_; while, in the hotter districts, the same effects are +ensured by the _chinguirito_, a very coarse kind of rum. Combined with +this disposition to intoxication, the Indian is constitutionally +indolent; and, now that he is a free man, he will rarely work, except +to obtain just as much as will afford him the means of enjoying his +greatest luxury--that of steeping his senses in oblivion. This last +tendency is much to be deplored, as, in the larger towns, we know that +every Sunday (which is the day of greatest indulgence) assassinations, +to the extent of six or eight each day, are the melancholy consequence +of its indulgence. Humboldt states that the police were in the +practice of sending tumbrels round, to collect the unhappy victims of +intoxication. The punishment was, and we believe still is, three days' +labour in the streets; but it does not seem to be very efficacious, +for generally within the week the delinquents are again in custody. + +There is something characteristic in the indolence of these sombre +beings. They will travel immense distances; but to steady labour they +are, generally speaking, not prone. It is told of them, that in one of +the most fertile districts (the _Baxio_) it is not unusual for an +Indian, on receiving his wages, to get thoroughly drunk, go to sleep, +and on awakening renew his potations and repose, until the exhaustion +of his finances compels him to return to labour. In some parts, +however, there are exceptions to this observation. + +Education has been more attended to, by some of the leading +personages, than could have been expected in a society that had been +so much kept in the shade. We apprehend the advantages are chiefly +prospective, and may be well defined in another generation; at present +they are but small. The whites have been, and still are, the most +educated portion of the Mexicans, owing, no doubt, to their greater +opulence, and having access to official rank. The mass of ignorance, +however, among all classes, is inconceivable to any one who has only +moved in the principal countries of Europe. Nor is it confined to the +lower classes, but finds protection among the highest in the +community. We heard a reverend canon of the metropolitan church +gravely inquire, whether it was possible to reach London except by +sailing up the Thames. And we knew a very pretty, agreeable young +lady, moving in the first circles, who could not write a single letter +at the age of seventeen. She has been since married, and has, we are +informed, been taught to write by her husband, who is not a Mexican. +The religion of all classes resembles too much that of the Indians; +and the practical morality and general tone of society are by no means +refined. If one half of the scandalous tales in circulation be true, +the former ranks with that of Paris in its worst periods, and the +latter is assuredly gross to a degree that would surprise even an +inhabitant of Madrid. The familiarity with which _every subject_ is +treated at first excites emotions in an Englishman of the most +unpleasant kind, which gradually subside, from the frequency with +which they are discussed by young and old; by high and low, of both +sexes.--_Foreign Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Notes of a Reader. + + * * * * * + +SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW WORK. + + +We detach this little descriptive gem from Sir Walter Scott's "Anne of +Geierstein," just published. An outline of this very delightful novel +will be found in a SUPPLEMENT with the present number of the MIRROR. + +"The ancient tower of Geierstein, though neither extensive, nor +distinguished by architectural ornament, possessed an air of terrible +dignity by its position on the very verge of the opposite bank of the +torrent, which, just at the angle of the rock on which the ruins are +situated, falls sheer over a cascade of nearly a hundred feet in +height, and then rushes down the defile, through a trough of living +rock, which perhaps its waves have been deepening since time itself +had a commencement. Facing, and at the same time looking down upon +this eternal roar of waters, stood the old tower, built so close to +the verge of the precipice, that the buttresses with which the +architect had strengthened the foundation, seemed a part of the solid +rock itself, and a continuation of its perpendicular ascent. As usual, +throughout Europe in the feudal times, the principal part of the +building was a massive square pile, the decayed summit of which was +rendered picturesque, by flanking turrets of different sizes and +heights, some round, some angular, some ruinous, some tolerably +entire, varying the outline of the building as seen against the stormy +sky." + + * * * * * + + +THORWALDSEN. + + +Since the death of his illustrious contemporary, Canova, Thorwaldsen, +born at Copenhagen in 1771-2, has occupied the public eye as head of +the modern school. The character and powers of this master are +doubtless of a very elevated rank: but neither in the extent nor +excellence of his works, do we apprehend his station to be so high as +sometimes placed. The genius of the Danish sculptor is forcible, yet +is its energy derived more from peculiarity than from real excellence. +His ideal springs less from imitation of the antique, or of nature, +than from the workings of his own individual mind--it is the creation +of a fancy seeking forcible effect in singular combinations, rather +than in general principles; therefore hardly fitted to excite lasting +or beneficial influence upon the age. Simplicity and imposing +expression seem to have hitherto formed the principal objects of +his pursuit; but the distinction between the simple and rude, the +powerful and the exaggerated, is not always observed in the labours +of the Dane. His simplicity is sometimes without grace; the +impressive--austere, and without due refinement. The air and contours +of his heads, except, as in the Mercury--an excellent example both of +the beauties and defects of the artist's style--when immediately +derived from antiquity, though grand and vigorous, seldom harmonize in +the principles of these efforts with the majestic regularity of +general nature. The forms, again, are not unfrequently poor, without a +vigorous rendering of the parts, and destitute at times of their just +roundness. These defects may in some measure have arisen from the +early and more frequent practice of the artist in relievos. In this +department, Thorwaldsen is unexceptionably to be admired. The Triumph +of Alexander, originally intended for the frieze of the government +palace at Milan, notwithstanding an occasional poverty, in the +materials of thought, is, as a whole, one of the grandest compositions +in the world; while the delicacy of execution, and poetic feeling, in +the two exquisite pieces of Night and Aurora, leave scarcely a wish +here ungratified. But in statues, Thorwaldsen excels only where the +forms and sentiment admit of uncontrolled imagination, or in which no +immediate recourse can be had to fixed standards of taste, and to the +simple effects of nature. Hence, of all his works, as admitting of +unconfined expression, and grand peculiarity of composition, the +statues of the Apostles, considered in themselves, are the most +excellent. Thorwaldsen, in fine, possesses singular, but in some +respects erratic genius. His ideas of composition are irregular; his +powers of fancy surpass those of execution; his conceptions seem to +lose a portion of their value and freshness in the act of realizement. +As an individual artist, he will command deservedly a high rank among +the names that shall go down to posterity. As a sculptor, who will +influence, or has extended the principles of the art, his pretensions +are not great; or, should this influence and these claims not be thus +limited, the standard of genuine and universal excellence must be +depreciated in a like degree.--_Meme's History of Sculpture, &c._ + + * * * * * + + +SIGN OF THE TIMES. + + +One of the singularities of the time is an unwillingness to tell the +truth, even when there is no ground for suppressing or perverting it. +It is so frequently under or overstated by most persons in this +country who speak and write, according to the side they have espoused, +or the inclinations and political principles of those by whom they are +likely to be read or heard, that they at last persuade themselves +there is a sort of impropriety in presenting facts in their proper +colours.--_Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + +A DUTCH TALE. + + +A ballad of _Roosje_ is perhaps the most touchingly told story +which the Dutch possess. It is of a maid--a beloved maid--born +at her mother's death--bred up 'midst the tears and kisses of her +father--prattling thoughtlessly about her mother--every one's +admiration for beauty, cleverness, and virtue--gentle as the moon +shining on the downs. Her name was to be seen written again and again +on the sands by the Zeeland youths--and scarcely a beautiful flower +bloomed but was gathered for her. Now in Zeeland, when the south-winds +of summer come, there comes too a delicate fish, which hides itself in +the sand, and which is dug out as a luxury by the young people. It is +the time of sport and gaiety--and they venture far--far over the flat +coast into the sea. The boys drag the girls among the waves--and +Roosje was so dragged, notwithstanding many appeals. "A kiss, a kiss, +or you go further," cried her conductor--she fled--he followed, both +laughing:--"Into the sea--into the sea," said all her companions--he +pushes her on--it is deeper, and deeper--she shrieks--she sinks--they +sink together--the sands were faithless--there was no succour--the +waves rolled over them--there was stillness and death:--The terrified +playmates looked-- + + "All silently,--they look'd again-- + And silently sped home-- + And every heart was bursting then, + But every tongue was dumb. + + "And still and stately o'er the wave, + The mournful moon arose, + Flinging pale beams upon the grave, + Where they in peace repose. + + "The wind glanc'd o'er the voiceless sea, + The billows kissed the strand-- + And one sad dirge of misery + Fill'd all the mourning land." + +_Foreign Quarterly Review_. + + + * * * * * + + +ENGLAND AND HER COLONIES. + + +The discouragement of colonization is certainly not the feeling of the +great majority of the people of England, and it is equally certain +that it is not the policy of this empire. Whatever may be the fate of +the several British colonies at some future and distant period, it is +something at least to have spread our laws and language, and moral +character, over the most distant parts of the globe. The colonies that +speak the language of Old England--that preserve her manners and her +habits--will always be her best customers; and their surplus capital +will always centre in the mother country. It was not the opinion of +our ancestors, that colonies were an incumbrance; they--good, stupid +souls--imagined that colonies enlarged the sphere of commerce---that +commerce required ships--that ships created seamen for manning the +royal navy, and that the whole contributed to individual wealth, to +the national revenue, and the national strength; and such we believe +still to be the opinion of men of sound practical knowledge, whose +minds are unwarped by abstract systems and preconceived theories, to +which every thing must be made to bend. Such, too, was the feeling of +that extraordinary man, who, with the solitary exception of England, +exacted homage from every crowned head of Europe. This man, in the +plenitude of his power, felt that something was still wanting to +enable him to grapple with one little island, invulnerable by its +maritime strength, the sinews of which he knew to be derived from its +colonies: he felt that, deprived as he was of "ships, colonies, and +commerce," England was able to stand alone among nations, and to bid +defiance to his overwhelming power. That cunning fox, too, by whose +councils he was occasionally guided, knew too well the degree of +strength that England derived from her colonies, which he described to +be her very vitals, and which could only be reached by a powerful +navy. He designated them as the sheet anchor of Great Britain--the +prop that supported her maritime superiority--the strongholds of her +power. "Deprive her of her colonies," said Talleyrand. "and you break +down her last wall; you fill up her last ditch."--_Fas est et ab hoste +doceri.--Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + +INVITATIONS. + + +As a certificate of your intention to be punctual, you may send your +friends, a similar billet to the following:-- + +My dear Sir, + +The honour of your company is requested to dine with ---- on _Fry_day, +1828. + +The favour of a positive answer is requested, or the proffered plate +will be appropriated as it was when-- + +_Sir Ill-bred Ignorance_ returned the following answer:--"I shall be +quite happy to come if I possibly can." Such words the committee voted +were equivalent to these--I'll come, if in the mean time I am not +invited to a party that I like better.--_Dr. Kitchiner_. + + * * * * * + + +GENEVA + + +Has very little, as a city, to recommend it. It is characterized by +much active industry within doors, the _savans_ and _mechaniciens_ +being pent up in their closets and ateliers, and very little gaiety +pervades the promenades. Some parts of the town are sufficiently +picturesque; the overhanging roofs, for which it is remarkable, are, +however, too lofty to screen the pedestrian from the rain, especially +if accompanied by a high wind, and form no shade from the sun. The +pavement of the streets is bad, and their irregularity is a +considerable drawback from the internal appearance. The pavement of +the inclined plane in the Hotel de Ville, by which we gain the arduous +ascent that conducts to the Passport office, is a curiosity of its +kind, and perhaps unique. The city is tolerably well fenced in with +walls within walls, draw and suspension bridges, and gates; while +stakes and chains secure from surprise on the part of the lake. The +small canton of Geneva, though in the vicinity of the Great Alpine +chain and the mountains of the Jura, includes no mountains. The name +of the city and canton has been traced by the etymologists to a Celtic +origin; _Gen_, a sally-port or exit, and _av_, a river, probably +because the Rhone here leaves the Leman lake. The eagle on the +escutcheon of the city arms indicates its having been an _imperial_ +city; and it is believed the key was an adjunct of Pope Martin V., in +the year 1418. The motto on the scroll, "Ex tenebris lux," appears to +have existed anterior to the _light_ of the Reformation. The number of +inhabitants may now be estimated at about 22,000; but it appears, by a +census in 1789, to have been 26,148. In this moral city, it is +computed that every twelfth birth is illegitimate. The number of +people engaged in clock and watch-making and jewellery, may be safely +rated at 3,000. In years favourable to these staple manufactures +75,000 ounces of gold are employed, which is almost equally divided +between watches and jewellery. The daily supply of silver is about 134 +ounces. Pearls form an article of considerable value in the jewellery, +and have been rated at no less a sum that 1,200 francs daily. 70,000 +watches are annually made, only one-twelfth of which are in silver. +More than fifty distinct branches are comprised in the various +departments, and each workman, on the average, earns about three +shillings a-day.--_Mr. John Murray's Tour_. + + * * * * * + + +HANDEL. + + +Some folks eat two or three times as much as others--for instance, our +incomparable and inspired composer, Handel, required uncommonly large +and frequent supplies of food. Among other stories told of this great +musician, it is said that whenever he dined _alone_ at a tavern, he +always ordered "dinner for _three_;" and on receiving an answer to his +question--"Is de tinner retty?"--"As soon as the company come."--He +said, _con strepito_, "Den pring up te Tinner _prestissimo_, I am de +gombany." + + * * * * * + + +BAD WRITING. + +_From one of Dr. Parr's Letters_. + + +His letters put me in mind of tumult and anarchy; there is sedition in +every sentence; syllable has no longer any confidence in syllable, but +dissolves its connexion as preferring an alliance with the succeeding +word. A page of his epistle looks like the floor of a garden-house, +covered with old, crooked nails, which have just been released from a +century's durance in a brick wall. I cannot cast my eyes on his +character without being religious. This is the only good effect I have +derived from his writings; he brings into my mind the resurrection, +and paints the tumultuous resuscitation of awakened men with a pencil +of masterly confusion. I am fully convinced of one thing, either that +he or his pen is intoxicated when he writes to me, for his letters +seem to have borrowed the reel of wine, and stagger from one corner of +the sheet to the other. They remind me of Lord Chatham's +administration, lying together heads and points in one truckle-bed. + + * * * * * + + +WINE AND WATER. + + +The same quantity of wine diluted intoxicates sooner than the same +quantity drank in the same time _without_ dilution; the wine being +applied to a larger surface of the stomach, acts with proportionably +greater quickness--though wine _diluted_ sooner _intoxicates_, its +effects are sooner over.--_Dr. Kitchiner_. + + * * * * * + + +NEW SOUTH WALES. + + +Of the total population of New South Wales, which, in round numbers, +may be taken at 40,000, the Free Emigrants + + amount only to about ............ 7,000 + Native Children ................. 5,000 + Emancipated Convicts............. 8,000 + Convicts in Servitude .......... 20,000 + ______ + 40,000 + + + * * * * * + + +OMEN. + + +As Cooke, the solicitor-general, was beginning to open the pleadings +at the trial of Charles I, the king gently tapped him on the shoulder +with his cane, crying "Hold, hold!" At the same moment the silver head +of the cane fell off, and rolled on the floor. + + * * * * * + + +COTTAGE GARDENS. + + +The comforts and benefits to be derived from a well cultivated garden, +by a poor man's family, are almost beyond calculation. What a resource +for hours after work, or when trade is dull, and regular work scarce! +What a contrast and counteraction is the healthy, manly, employment +which a cottage garden affords, to the close, impure, unwholesome air, +the beastliness and obscenity, the waste of time, the destruction of +morals, the loss of character, money, and health, which are the +inmates of too many common ale-houses!--_Gardener's Mag_. + + * * * * * + + +PAINTING. + + +Painting, were the use of it universal, would be a powerful means of +instruction to children and the lower orders; and were all the fine +surfaces, which are now plain, and absolutely wasted, enriched with +the labours of the art, if they once began to appear, they would +accumulate rapidly; and were the ornamented edifices open to all, as +freely as they ought to be, a wide field of new and agreeable study +would offer itself. A person, who thoroughly understood the +well-chosen subjects, and was qualified to explain them to a stranger, +could not be devoid of knowledge, nor could his mind want food for +constant contemplation. The sense of beauty has hitherto been little +cultivated in Great Britain; but it certainly exists, and shows itself +principally in laying out gardens and pleasure-grounds with unrivalled +skill.--_Edin. Review_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Spirit of Discovery. + + * * * * * + + +_Hydrophobia_. + + +In the _New Monthly Magazine_ for October, 1826, is the following +statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure of the bite of a +mad dog, published by the gentleman who first made use of the plant in +South America, as an antidote to that scourge of human nature, +hydrophobia; his words are, "I shall simply state, that during my +residence in South America, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing +the direful effects of hydrophobia, without having in any one case +that came under my care been successful in its cure by the usual modes +prescribed in Europe. It fortunately occurred to me, that the guaco, +so celebrated for curing the bite or sting of all venomous snakes, +might prove equally efficacious in hydrophobic cases. How far my idea +was correct that an analogy existed between the virus of a serpent and +that of a rabid dog, I leave to others to determine; but such was my +opinion, and I acted upon it in all subsequent cases with complete +success." + +We understand the same gentleman has received from South America two +plants which he was in the habit of prescribing for insanity and +pulmonary consumption, with the happiest effects; and as it is his +intention to give them an immediate trial, should they be found to +answer in Europe, as in South America, of which he has not the least +doubt, the discovery may be considered as of the first consequence in +medicine. + + +_Mutton Hams_. + + +The _Journal Des Reconnaissances Useless_ gives the following method of +curing legs of mutton like ham:--It is necessary that the mutton +should be very fat. Two ounces of raw sugar must be mixed with an +ounce of common salt and half a spoonful of saltpetre. The meat is to +be rubbed well with this, and then placed in a tureen. It must be +beaten and turned twice a day during three consecutive days; and the +scum which comes from the meat having been taken off, it is to be +wiped, and again rubbed with the mixture. The next day it should be +again beaten, and the two operations ought to be repeated alternately +during ten days, care being taken to turn the meat each time. It must +be then exposed to the smoke for ten days. These hams are generally +eaten cold. + + +_Potato Chestnuts_. + + +A mode has been adopted to prepare potatoes as food, which has at +least one advantage--that of economy. The potatoes are roasted in a +kiln or oven, and are thus prevented from sprouting, (which injures +their quality so much at this season of the year,) and are thus +preserved for some time in a fit state for consumption. They are +better for being again heated before they are used, and though it is +to be regretted that persons should be reduced to such food, yet they +are cheaper and more wholesome than the bread usually given in times +of scarcity to the poorer classes. + + +_New Pyrometer_. + + +A new air-thermometer has been invented by M. Pouillet, for the +purpose of measuring degrees of heat in very high temperatures; an +object hitherto of very difficult attainment. By means of this +instrument it has been ascertained, that the heat of melted silver is +1677°; of a melted mixture of one part gold and three parts silver, +1803°; and of melted pure gold 2096°. + + +_To Destroy Slugs_. + + +A correspondent of the _Gardener's Magazine_ states, that after in +vain trying salt, lime, and dibbling holes for preserving young +cauliflowers and cabbages from slugs, he succeeded by spreading some +well cut chaff round the plants under hand glasses, and some round the +outsides of the glasses. The slugs in their attempt to reach the +plant, find themselves immediately enveloped in the chaff, which +prevents their moving, so that when he raised the glasses to give the +plants air, he found hundreds of disabled slugs round the outside of +the glasses, which he took away and destroyed. + + +_To make Kitchen Vegetables tender_. + + +When peas, French beans, &c. do not boil easily, it has usually been +imputed to the coolness of the season, or to the rains. This popular +notion is erroneous. The difficulty of boiling them soft arises from +an excess of gypsum imbibed during their growth. To correct this, +throw a small quantity of subcarbonate of soda into the pot along with +the vegetables.--_From the French_. + + + +_Beet Root Sugar_ + + +Has now become an article of some practical magnitude in French +commerce; since the annual consumption is between seven and eight +million pounds. + + +_Silk Trade_. + + +It was lately mentioned by Mr. Huskisson, in the House of Commons, as +a proof of the flourishing state of our trade, that British Bandanna +handkerchiefs were in the course of shipment to India. In addition to +this fact, we can state of our own knowledge that they are now +exporting to France, in no inconsiderable quantities, not merely as +samples, but in the regular course of trade.--_For. Quart. Rev._ + + +_Electricity_. + + +It is curious to take a retrospective view of the mode in which the +effects of the Leyden phial were announced to the world, on their +first discovery. The philosophers who first experienced, in their own +person, the shock attendant on the transmission of an electric +discharge, were so impressed with wonder and with terror by this novel +sensation, that they wrote the most ridiculous and exaggerated account +of their feelings on the occasion. Muschenbrok states, that he +received so dreadful a concussion in his arms, shoulder, and heart, +that he lost his breath, and it was two days before he could recover +from its effects; he declared also, that he should not be induced to +take another shock for the whole kingdom of France. Mr. Allemand +reports, that the shock deprived him of breath for some minutes, and +afterwards produced so acute a pain along his right arm, that he was +apprehensive it might be attended with serious consequences. Mr. +Winkler informs us, that it threw his whole body into convulsions, and +excited such a ferment in his blood, as would have thrown him into a +fever, but for the timely employment of febrifuge remedies. He states, +that at another time it produced copious bleeding at the nose; the +same effect was produced also upon his lady, who was almost rendered +incapable of walking. The strange accounts naturally excite the +attention and wonder of all classes of people; the learned and the +vulgar were equally desirous of experiencing so singular a sensation, +and great numbers of half-taught electricians wandered through every +part of Europe to gratify this universal curiosity. + +It is on the nervous system that the most considerable action of +electricity is exerted. A strong charge passed through the head, gave +to Mr. Singer the sensation of a violent but universal blow, and was +followed by a transient loss of memory and indistinctness of vision. +If a charge be sent through the head of a bird, its optic nerve is +usually injured or destroyed, and permanent blindness induced; and a +similar shock given to larger animals, produces a tremulous state of +the muscles, with general prostration of strength. If a person who is +standing receive a charge through the spine, he loses his power over +the muscles to such a degree, that he either drops on his knees, or +falls prostrate on the ground; if the charge be sufficiently powerful, +it will produce immediate death, in consequence, probably, of the +sudden exhaustion of the whole energy of the nervous system. Small +animals, such as mice and sparrows, are instantly killed by a shock +from thirty square inches of glass. Van Marum found that eels are +irrecoverably deprived of life when a shock is sent through their +whole body; but when only a part of the body is included in the +circuit, the destruction of irritability is confined to that +individual part, while the rest retains the power of motion. Different +persons are affected in very different degrees by electricity, +according to their peculiar constitutional susceptibility. Dr. Young +remarks, that a very minute tremor, communicated to the most elastic +parts of the body, in particular the chest, produces an agitation of +the nerves, which is not wholly unlike the effect of a weak +electricity. + +The bodies of animals killed by electricity, rapidly undergo +putrefaction, and the action of electricity upon the flesh of animals +is also found to accelerate this process in a remarkable degree. +The same effect has been observed in the bodies of persons destroyed +by lightning. It is also a well-established fact, that the blood does +not coagulate after death from this cause. + + +_Transplanting Shrubs in full Growth_. + + +Dig a narrow trench round the plant, leaving its roots in the middle +in an isolated ball of earth; fill the trench with plaster of Paris, +which will become hard in a few minutes, and form a case to the ball +and plant, which may be lifted and removed any where at +pleasure.--_French Paper_. + + +_Freezing Mixture_. + + +A cheap and powerful freezing mixture may be made by pulverizing +Glauber's salts finely, and placing it level at the bottom of a glass +vessel. Equal parts of sal ammoniac and nitre are then to be finely +powdered, and mixed together, and subsequently added to the Glauber's +salts, stirring the powders well together; after which adding water +sufficient to dissolve the salts, a degree of cold will be produced, +frequently below Zero of Fahrenheit. But Mr. Walker states, that +nitrate of ammonia, phosphate of soda, and diluted nitric acid, will +on the instant produce a reduction of temperature amounting to 80 +degrees. It is desirable to reduce the temperature of the substances +previously, if convenient, by placing the vessels in water, with nitre +powder thrown in occasionally. + + +_Microscopic Examination of the Blood_. + + +By the aid of Tulley's achromatic microscope, and under highly +magnifying powers, it has recently been discovered that the globules +of the blood congeal into flat circular bodies, and arrange themselves +in rows, one body being placed partly underneath another, and in like +manner as a pile of similar coins, when thrown gently down, would be +found to arrange themselves. This curious effect has been attributed +to the vitality yet remaining in the blood, during the act of +congealing. At any rate it is a most singular fact, for although we +might naturally conceive that the flattened circular plates would +place themselves in juxtaposition, yet we never could have supposed +that they would have partly slipped underneath each other. In order to +make this very curious experiment, it is necessary that the blood, as +freshly drawn, be slightly and thinly smeared over the surface of a +slip of crown, or window glass, and be covered with a very thin slip +of Bohemian plate glass; and thus some slight inequalities in the +thickness of the layer of blood between them will be produced, and +which are necessary to succeed in producing the very curious +appearances abovementioned.--_Gilt's Repository_. + + +_To make the Liqueur Curaçoa_. + + +Put into a large bottle, nearly filled with alcohol, at thirty-four +degrees of Baumé (or thirty-six) the peels of six fine Portugal +oranges, which are smooth skinned, and let them infuse for fifteen +days. At the end of this time, put into a large stone or glass vessel, +11 ounces of brandy at eighteen degrees, 4-1/2 ounces of white sugar, +and 4-1/2 ounces of river water. When the sugar is dissolved, add a +sufficient quantity of the above infusion of orange peels, to give it +a predominant flavour; and aromatise with 3 grammes of fine cinnamon, +and as much mace, both well bruised. Lastly, throw into the liqueur 31 +grammes (1 ounce) of Brazil wood, in powder. Leave the whole in +infusion ten days, being stirred three or four times a day. At the end +of this time taste the liqueur; and if it be too strong and sweet, add +more water to it; if too weak, add alcohol, at 30 degrees; and if it +be not sweet enough, put syrup to it. Give it colour with caramel when +you would tinge it.--_From the French_. + + +_Subterraneous Growth of Potatoes_. + + +A mixture of two parts Danube sand, and one part common earth, was +laid in a layer an inch thick, in one corner of my cellar; and, in +April, thirty-two yellow potatoes with their skins placed upon its +surface. They threw out stalks on all sides; and, at the end of the +following November, more than a quarter of a bushel of the best +potatoes were gathered, about a tenth part of which were about the +size of apples--the rest as large as nuts. The skin was very thin; the +pulp farinaceous, white, and of a good taste. No attention was given +to the potatoes during the time they remained on the sand, and they +grew without the influence of the sun or light. This trial may be +advantageously applied in fortified places, hospitals, houses of +correction, and, in general, in all places where cellars or +subterraneous places occur, being neither too cold nor too moist; and +where it is important to procure a cheap, but abundant nourishment for +many individuals.--_From the French_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Retrospective Gleanings. + + * * * * * + + +CHILTERN HUNDREDS. + + +The three Hundreds of Desborough, Stoke, and Burnham, in Bucks, are +called the "Chiltern Hundreds," and take their name from the Chalk +Hills which run through Bucks and the neighbouring counties. The +property of these Hundreds remaining in the Crown, a Steward is +appointed at a salary of 20_s_. and all fees, which nominal office is +accepted by any Member of Parliament who wishes to vacate his seat. + + * * * * * + + +PEG TANKARDS. + + +At Braintree and Booking, in Essex, when topers partake of a pot of +ale, it is divided into three parts or draughts, the first of which is +called _neckum_, the second _sinkum_, and the third _swankum_. In +Bailey's Dictionary, _swank_ is said to be "that remainder of liquor +at the bottom of a tankard, pot, or cup, which is just sufficient for +one draught, which it is not accounted good manners to divide with the +left-hand man, and according to the quantity is called either a large +or little swank." + + * * * * * + + +CHIMNEYS. + + +Has the precise period been ascertained when chimneys upon the present +mode were first constructed in England? It was apparently not sooner +than Henry the Eighth's time; for Leland, when he visited Bolton +Castle, in Yorkshire, seems to have been greatly surprised by the +novelty and ingenuity of the contrivance. "One thing (says he) I much +notyd in the haull of Bolton, how chimneys was conveyed by tunnills +made in the sydds of the waulls, betwixt the lights; and by this +meanes is the smoke of the harthe wonder strangely convayed." + +The front of St. John's Hospital at Lichfield, presents one of the +most curious ancient specimens extant of this part of our early +domestic architecture. This building was erected 1495, but it is +possible that the remarkable chimneys may have been subsequently +added. + + * * * * * + + +OLD LONDON. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +In a collection of Epigrams written by Thomas Freeman, of +Gloucestershire, and published in 1014, is the following, entitled +"London's Progresse:"-- + + "Why, how nowe, Babell, whither wilt thou build? + I see old Holbourne, Charing Crosse, the Strand, + Are going to St. Giles's in-the-field, + Saint Katerne, she takes Wapping by the hand, + + "And Hogsdon will to Hygate ere't be long, + London has got a great way from the streame, + I thinke she means to go to Islington, + To eate a dish of strawberries and creame. + The City's sure in progresse I surmise, + Or going to revell it in some disorder, + Without the Walls, without the Liberties, + Where she neede feare nor Mayor nor Recorder. + Well! say she do, 'twere pretty, yet 'tis pitty + A Middlesex Bailiff should arrest the Citty." + +W.C.R.R. + + * * * * * + + +AVVER. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The word "Avver" has doubtless the same origin as the German word +_"Hafer" "Haber"_ which signifies in English, _oat_. + +In some parts of Germany a pap of oatmeal "Haferbrei" is very common +as breakfast of the lower classes. Of "Haferbrod" oatbread, I only +heard in 1816, when the other sorts of grain were so very scarce in +Germany. + +_A German and Constant Reader of the Mirror_. + + * * * * * + + +THE HALCYON + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +So often alluded to by the poets, is the bird called the King Fisher. +It was believed by the ancients that while the female brooded over the +eggs, the sea and weather remained calm and unruffled; hence arose the +expression of Halcyon days. + +R.N. + + * * * * * + + +SIR ISAAC NEWTON. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Woolsthorp, Lincolnshire, a little village on the great north road +between Stamford and Grantham, is memorable as the birthplace of that +illustrious philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. The house in which he was +born, is a kind of farmhouse, built of stone, and is, or was lately +standing. The learned Dr. Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed +the inside of it by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on +this occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir +Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the country, in his +younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his mother from the +university. I observed the shelves were of his own making, being +pieces of deal boxes, which probably he sent his books and clothes +down in upon these occasions." + +Halbert H. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Gatherer. + +"A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + +SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + + +When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards married, he +told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he had no money; and +that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by way of reducing herself, to +an equality with the doctor, replied, "that she had no more money than +himself; and that, though she had not a relation hanged, she had +_fifty who deserved hanging_." And thus was accomplished this very +curious amour. + +W.G.C. + + * * * * * + + +On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house called the +"King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a gold collar around its +neck, and underneath are the following lines:-- + + When Julius Caesar landed here, + I was then a little deer; + When Julius Caesar reigned king, + Round my neck he put this ring; + Whoever shall me overtake, + Spare my life for Caesar's sake. + +Ruris. + + * * * * * + + +When Lord Norbury was applied to by a collector of one of the local +taxes for the amount of tax, his lordship said, he had already paid +it, and on looking to his file, discovered a receipt, signed by the +same collector who then applied for it. The tax-man, confounded, +apologized in the best manner he could, stating his regret that he did +not recollect it. "I dare say," said my lord, "you are very sorry you +did not _re_-collect it." + + * * * * * + + +IN KENSINGTON CHURCHYARD. + + +"Here are deposited the remains of Mrs. Ann Floyer, the beloved wife +of Mr. Richard Floyer, of Thistle Grove, in this parish, died on +Thursday the 8th of May, 1823. + +"_God hath chosen her as a pattern for the other Angels_." + + * * * * * + + +IN DUNDEE CHURCHYARD. + + + "Here lies the body of John Watson, + Read not this with your hats on, + For why? He was the Provost of Dundee, + Hallelujah, hallelugee." + + * * * * * + + +NEW MEASURE. + + +Shortly after the introduction of the New Weights and Measures, an +innkeeper in a market-town, not far from Sudbury, in Suffolk, sent his +ostler to a customer with a quantity of liquor, which he delivered +with the following words:--"Marstur bid me tell ye _Sar_, as how 'tis +the New _Infarnal_ Measure." + + * * * * * + + +A farmer calling upon his landlord to pay his rent, apologized for +being late, by saying that his illness prevented his attending +earlier, and he did not know what his disorder was. The gentleman told +him it was "Influenza." Returning home he was met by the schoolmaster +of the village, who inquired after his health, "I am very poorly," +replied the farmer, "my landlord tells me my complaint is _Humphry +Windsor_." + + * * * * * + + +A witness on a trial being interrogated by Judge Willis, in a manner +not pleasing to him, turned to an acquaintance, and told him in a half +whisper, "he did not come there to be queered by the old one." Willis +heard him, and instantly replied, in his own cant, "I am old 'tis +true--and I'm rum sometimes--and for once I'll be queer--and I send +you to quod." + +H.B.A. + + * * * * * + + +An exciseman whose remarks and answers were frequently rather odd, +riding at a quick pace upon a _blind_ pony, was met by a person who +praised the animal much, "Yes," replied the officer, "he is a very +good one, only he _shies_ at every thing he _sees_." + + * * * * * + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW NOVEL + + +A supplement published with the present Number, contains an outline of +of the Novel of Anne of Geierstein, OR THE MAID OF THE MIST; With +Unique Extracts, &c. + + * * * * * + + +LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE + +_Following Novels is already Published:_ + + _s_. _d_. + + Mackenzie's Man of Feeling 0 6 + Paul and Virginia 0 6 + The Castle of Otranto 0 6 + Almoran and Hamet 0 6 + Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia 0 6 + The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 0 6 + Rasselas 0 8 + The Old English Baron 0 8 + Nature and Art 0 8 + Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield 0 10 + Sicilian Romance 1 0 + The Man of the World 1 0 + A Simple Story 1 4 + Joseph Andrews 1 6 + Humphry Clinker 1 8 + The Romance of the Forest 1 8 + The Italian 2 0 + Zeluco, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Edward, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Roderick Random 2 6 + The Mysteries of Udolpho 3 6 + Peregrine Pickle 4 6 + + * * * * * + +_Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +and by all Newsmen and Booksellers_. + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11340 *** diff --git a/11340-h/11340-h.htm b/11340-h/11340-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bd1a18b --- /dev/null +++ b/11340-h/11340-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2143 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829, by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + + .figure {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img {border: none;} + .figure p + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11340 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829, by Various</h1> +<br /> +<br /> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Keith M. Eckrich, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page353" name="page353"></a>[pg + 353]</span> + <h1> + THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + </h1> + <hr class="full" /> + <table width="100%" summary="Banner"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + <b>VOL. XIII, NO. 372.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Epsom New Race Stand. + </h2> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/372-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/372-1.png" alt="Epsom New Race Stand." /></a> + </div> + <p> + We do not wish to compete with the "List of all the running + horse-es, with the names, weights, and colours of the + riders," although the proximity of our publication day to the + commencement of Epsom Races (June 2), has induced us to + select the above subject for an illustration. + </p> + <p> + The erection of the New Race Stand is the work of a company, + entitled the "Epsom Grand Stand Association"—the + capital £20,000, in 1,000 shares of £20 each. The + speculation is patronized by the Stewards of the Jockey Club, + and among the trustees is one of the county members, C.N. + Pallmer, Esq. The building is now roofed in, and temporary + accommodation will be provided for visitors at the ensuing + Spring Races. It is after the model of the Stand at + Doncaster, but is much larger, and will accommodate from 4 to + 5,000 persons. The style of the architecture is Grecian. + </p> + <p> + The building is 156 feet in width, including the Terrace, and + 60 feet in depth, having a portico the width, returning on + each side, which is connected with a spacious terrace, raised + ten feet above the level of the ground, and a magnificent + flight of steps in the centre. The columns of the portico are + of the Doric order, supporting a balcony, or gallery, which + is to be covered by a verandah, erected on small ornamental + iron pillars, placed over those below. The upper part of the + Stand is to have a balustrade the whole width of the front. + With reference to the interior arrangements, there are four + large and well-proportioned rooms for refreshments, &c.; + a spacious hall, leading through a screen of Doric columns to + a large and elegant staircase of stone, and on each side of + the staircase are retiring rooms of convenience for + gentlemen. The entrance to this floor is from the + abovementioned terrace and portico in front; and also, at the + back, by an entrance which forms a direct communication + through the building. The first floor consists of a splendid + room, 108 feet in length, and 34 in width, divided into three + compartments by ornamental columns + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page354" name="page354"></a>[pg + 354]</span> and pilasters, supporting a richly paneled + ceiling, and having a direct communication with the balcony, + or gallery; and on each side of the staircase there are + retiring rooms for the ladies, with the same arrangements as + those below for the gentlemen. The roof will contain about + 2,000 persons standing; affording, at the same time, an + opportunity for every one to see the whole of the race (Derby + Course) which at one time was considered doubtful. + </p> + <p> + The architect is Mr. W. Trendall; and the builder Mr. + Chadwick. + </p> + <p> + By a neat plan from a survey by Mr. Mogg, the "Stand" is + about ten poles from the Winning Post. It must have a most + commanding view of the surrounding country--but, anon, "may + we be there to see." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + HISTORY OF COALS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Coals are found in several parts of the continent of Europe, + but the principal mines are in this country. They have been + discovered and wrought in Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Canada, + and in some of the provinces of New England. China abounds in + them, and they are well known in Tartary, and in the Island + of Madagascar. + </p> + <p> + We find (says Brand) express mention of coals, used as a fuel + by artificers about 2,000 years ago, in the writings of + Theophrastus, the scholar of Aristotle, who, in his book on + Stones, gives the substance; though some writers have not + scrupled to affirm, that coal was unknown to the Ancient + Britons, yet others have adduced proofs to the contrary, + which seem, to carry along with them little less than + conviction. The first charter for the license of digging + coals, was granted by King Henry III. in the year 1239; it + was there denominated sea coal; and, in 1281, Newcastle was + famous for its great trade in this article; but in 1306, the + use of sea coal was prohibited at London, by proclamation. + Brewers, dyers, and other artificers, who had occasion for + great fires, had found their account in substituting our + fossil for dry wood and charcoal; but so general was the + prejudice against it at that time, that the nobles and + commons assembled in parliament, complained against the use + thereof as a public nuisance, which was thought to corrupt + the air with its smoke and stink. Shortly after this, it was + the common fuel at the King's palace in London; and, in 1325, + a trade was opened between France and England, in which corn + was imported, and coal exported. Stowe in his "Annals" says, + "within thirty years last the nice dames of London would not + come into any house or roome where sea coales were burned; + nor willingly eat of the meat that was either sod or roasted + with sea coal fire." + </p> + <p> + Tinmouth Priory had a colliery at Elwick, which in 1330 was + let at the yearly rent of five pounds; in 1530 it was let for + twenty pounds a year, on condition that not more than twenty + chaldron should be drawn in a day; and eight years after, at + fifty pounds a year, without restriction on the quantity to + be wrought. In Richard the Second's time, Newcastle coals + were sold at Whitby, at three shillings and four-pence per + chaldron; and in the time of Henry VIII. their price was + twelvepence a chaldron in Newcastle; in London about four + shillings, and in France they sold for thirteen nobles per + chaldron. Queen Elizabeth obtained a lease of the manors and + coal mines of Gateshead and Whickham, which she soon + transferred to the Earl of Leicester. He assigned it to his + secretary, Sutton, the founder of the Charter-house, who also + made assignment of it to Sir W. Riddell and others, for the + use of the Mayor and Burgesses of Newcastle. Duties were laid + upon this article to assist in building St. Paul's Church, + and fifty parish churches in London after the great fire; and + in 1677, Charles II. granted to his natural son, Charles + Lenox, Duke of Richmond, and his heirs, a duty of one + shilling a chaldron on coals, which continued in his family + till it was purchased by government in 1800. The collieries + in the vicinity of Newcastle are perhaps the most valuable + and extensive in Europe, and afford nearly the whole supply + of the metropolis, and of those counties on the eastern coast + deficient in coal strata; thus— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "The grim ore + </p> + <p> + Here useless, like the miser's brighter hoard, + </p> + <p> + Is from its prison brought and sent abroad, + </p> + <p> + The frozen horns to cheer, to minister + </p> + <p> + To needful sustenance and polished arts— + </p> + <p> + Hence are the hungry fed, the naked clothed, + </p> + <p> + The wintry damps dispell'd, and social mirth + </p> + <p> + Exults and glows before the blazing hearth." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Iago's Edge Hill</i>, p. 106. + </p> + <h4> + P.T.W. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + ALEHOUSE SIGNS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Two of your correspondents have puzzled themselves in seeking + the origin of the old Cat and Fiddle sign. The one has been + led away by a love of etymology—the other would string + the fiddle at the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page355" + name="page355"></a>[pg 355]</span> expense of poor puss's + viscera. Now laying aside conjecture and the subtleties of + language, suppose we consult plain matter of fact? It is then + generally allowed that the tones of a flute resemble the + <i>human voice</i>: those of a clarionet, the notes of a + <i>goose</i>: and, all the world knows that a well-played + violin (especially in the practice of gliding) yields sounds + so inseparable from the <i>strains of a cat</i>, as not to be + distinguished by the mere amateur of musical science. + </p> + <p> + In conformity, therefore, with this last truth, the small + fiddles which Dancing-masters carry in their pockets, are at + this day called <i>kits</i>. But our etymologist will readily + perceive this to be a mere abbreviation, and that they must + originally have been known as <i>kittens</i>. + </p> + <h4> + E.D. Jun. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + ANACHRONISMS RESPECTING DR. JOHNSON. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "I am corrected, sir; but hear me speak— + </p> + <p> + When admiration glows with such a fire + </p> + <p> + As to o'ertop the memory, error then + </p> + <p> + May merit mercy."—<i>Old Play</i>. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In justice to myself and the readers of the MIRROR, I must be + allowed to offer a few apologetic remarks on the almost + unpardonable anachronisms which I so inadvertently suffered + to occur in my communication on the subject of Dr. Johnson's + Residence in Bolt Court. But when I state that the + chronological metathesis occurred entirely in consequence of + my referring to that most treacherous portion of human + intellect, the memory; and that it is upwards of seven years + since I read "Boswell's Life of Johnson," or "Johnson's + Poets," it may be some mitigation of the censure I so justly + deserve. Yet I may be suffered to suggest to your + correspondent, who has so kindly corrected me, that my paper + was more in the suppository style than he seems to have + imagined; and that I did not assert that Boswell, Savage, and + Johnson, met at the latter's "house in Bolt Court, and + discussed subjects of polite literature." The expression used + is, "We can <i>imagine</i>," &c. constituting a creation + of the fancy rather than a positive portraiture. Certain it + is that Johnson's dwelling was in the neighbourhood of Temple + Bar at the time of the nocturnal perambulation alluded to; + and that it was Savage (to whom he was so unaccountably + attached, in spite of the "bastard's" frailties) who enticed + the doctor from his bed to a midnight ramble. My primary + mistake consists in transposing the date of the doctor's + residence in Bolt Court, and introducing Savage at the era of + Boswell's acquaintance with Johnson; whereas the wayward poet + finished his miserable existence in a prison, at Bristol, 21 + years prior to that event. Here I may be allowed a remark or + two on the animadversion which has been heaped on Johnson for + that beautiful piece of biography, "The Life of Richard + Savage." It has hitherto been somewhat of a mystery that the + stern critic whose strictures so severely exposed the + minutest derelictions of genius in all other instances, + should have adopted "the melting mood" in detailing the life + of such a man as Savage; for, much as we may admire the + concentrated smiles and tears of his two poems, "The + Bastard," and "The Wanderer," pitying the fortunes and + miseries of the author, yet his ungovernable temper and + depraved propensities, which led to his embruing his hands in + blood, his ingratitude to his patrons and benefactors, (but + chiefly to Pope,) and his degraded misemployment of talents + which might have raised him to the capital of the proud + column of intellect of that day,—all conduce to petrify + the tear of mingled mercy and compassion, which the + misfortunes of such a being might otherwise demand. + Nevertheless, as was lately observed by a respectable + journal, "there must have been <i>something</i> good about + him, or Samuel Johnson would not have loved him." + </p> + <h4> + **H. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + DREAMS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + We see our joyous home, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the sapphire waters fall; + </p> + <p> + The porch, with its lone gloom, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The bright vines on its wall. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The flow'rs, the brooks, and trees, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Again are made our own, + </p> + <p> + The woodlands rife with bees, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the curfew's pensive tone. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Peace to the marble brow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the ringlets tinged dark, + </p> + <p> + The heart is sleeping now + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In a still and holy ark! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sleep hath clos'd the soft blue eye, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And unbound the silken tress + </p> + <p> + Their dreams are of the sky, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And pass'd is watchfulness. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But a sleep they yet shall have, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sunn'd with no vision's glow; + </p> + <p> + A sleep within the grave— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + When their eyes are quench'd and low! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A glorious rest it is, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To earth's lorn children given, + </p> + <p> + Pure as the bridal kiss, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To sleep—and wake in heaven! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + <i>Deal</i>. Reginald Augustine + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page356" name="page356"></a>[pg + 356]</span> + </p> + <h3> + SCOTCH SONG. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Gin Lubin shows the ring to me + </p> + <p class="i2"> + While reavin' Teviot side, + </p> + <p> + And asks me wi' an earnest e'e, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To be his bonny bride. + </p> + <p> + At sic a time I canna tell + </p> + <p class="i2"> + What I to him might say, + </p> + <p> + But as I lo'e the laddie well, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I cudna tell him nae. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I'd say we twa as yet are young, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Wi' monie a day to spare, + </p> + <p> + An' then the suit should drap my tongue + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That he might press it mair. + </p> + <p> + I'd gae beside the point awhile, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Wi' proper laithfu' pride, + </p> + <p> + By lang to partin', wi' a smile, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Consent to be his bride. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + C. Cole. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Sketch-Book. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LOVER STUDENT. + </h3> + <center> + <i>A Leaf from the Reminiscences of a Collegian</i>. + </center> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + ——He was but a poor undergraduate; not, indeed, + one of lowest grade, but still too much lacking pecuniary + supplies to render him an "eligible match." Julia, too, + though pretty, was portionless; and the world, which always + kindly interests itself in such affairs, said, they had no + business whatever to become attached to each other; but then, + such attachments and the world, never did, and never will + agree; and <i>I</i>, from fatal experience, assert that what + people impertinently call "falling in love," is a thing that + <i>cannot</i> be helped; <i>I</i>, at least, never could help + it. The regard of Millington and Julia was of a very peculiar + nature; it was a morsel of platonism, which is rather too + curious to pass unrecorded; for as far as I have been able, + upon the most minute investigation to ascertain, they never + spoke to each other during the period of their tender + acquaintance. No; they were not dumb, but lacking a mutual + friend to give them an introduction; their regard for decorum + and etiquette was too great to permit them to speak otherwise + than with their eyes. Millington had kept three terms, when I + arrived at —— College, a shy and gawky freshman; + we had been previously acquainted, and he, pitying perhaps my + youth and inexperience, patronized his playmate, and I became + his chum. For some time I was at a loss to account for sundry + fluctuations in Henry's disposition and manners. He shunned + society and would neither accept invitations to wine and + supper parties in other men's rooms, nor give such in his + own; nevertheless his person seemed to have become an object + of the tenderest regard; never was he so contented as when + rambling through the streets and walks, without his gown, in + a new and well cut suit; whilst in order eternally to display + his figure to the best advantage, he was content to endure as + heavy an infliction of fines and impositions, as the heads of + his college could lay upon his shoulders. He was ruined for a + reading-man. About this period he also had a perfect mania + for flowers; observing which, and fancying I might gratify my + friend by such a mark of attention, I one day went to his + rooms with a large bouquet in either hand. He was not at + home; but having carelessly enough forgotten to lock his + door, I commenced, <i>con amore</i>, (anticipating the + agreeable surprise which I should afford him) to fill his + vases with fresh, bright, and delicious summer flowers, in + lieu of the very mummies of their race by which they were + occupied. My work was in progress when Millington returned, + but, oh! good heavens! the rage, the profane, diabolical, + incomprehensible rage into which he burst! I shall never + forget. Away went my beautiful, my fragrant flowers, into the + court, and seizing upon the remnant of the mummies, as yet + untouched by my sacrilegious fingers, he tossed them into a + drawer, double locked it, and ordered me out of the room. + Dreading a kick, I was off at his word; but had not proceeded + half way down stairs, when a hand from the rear, roughly + grasped mine, and a voice, in a wild and hurried manner, + asked pardon for "intemperance." I should have called it + madness. We were again firm allies; but I resolved to fathom, + if possible, the mystery of the flowers. I now observed, with + surprise, that Millington never quitted his rooms without a + flower in his hand, or <i>boutonnière</i>; which + flower, upon his return, appeared to have been either lost, + or metamorphosed into, sometimes, one of another description; + sometimes into a nosegay. Very strange indeed, thought I; and + began to have my suspicions that in all this might be traced + "fair woman's visitings." Yes, Millington must decidedly have + fallen in love. He was never in chapel, never in hall, never + in college, never at lectures, and never at parties; he was + in love, that was certain; but with whom? He knew none of the + resident gentry of ——, and he was far too proud + to involve himself in "an affair" with a girl of inferior + rank. Many men did so; but Millington despised them for it. + Accidentally I discovered that he adored Julia, the young, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page357" name="page357"></a>[pg + 357]</span> sweet daughter of an undoubted gentleman, who was + not yet "come out." She was a lively, pretty brunette, with + brownest curling hair, only fifteen; and to this day, I + believe, knows not the name of her lover. From an attic + window of a five storied house, this fond and beautiful girl + contrived, sometimes, to shower upon the head of her devoted + admirer sweet flowers, and sometimes this paragon of pairs + meeting each other in the walks, silently effected an + interchange of the buds and blossoms, with which they always + took care to be provided. Several weeks passed thus, Henry + and Julia seeing each other every day; but long vacation + would arrive; and on the evening preceding his departure from + ——, the lovelorn student, twisting round the stem + of a spicy carnation, a leaf which he had torn from his + pocket book, thus conveyed, with his farewell to Julia, an + intimation that he designed upon his return to college next + term, to effect an introduction to her family. Julia's + delight may easily be conceived. I remained in college for + the vacation to read, and had shortly the pleasure of + informing Millington that I should be able, upon his return, + to afford him the introduction which he had so much at heart, + having made the acquaintance of Julia and her family. Two + months elapsed ere Millington deigned to notice my letter. + His answer to it was expressed in these terms:— + </p> + <p> + "Freddy—I'm married to a proper vixen, I fancy; but to + twenty thousand pounds. Ay, my boy, there it is—no + doing in this world without the needful, and I'm not the ass + to fight shy of such a windfall. As for Julia, hang her. By + Jove, what an escape—wasn't it? Name her never again, + and should she cry for me, give her a sugar plum—a + kiss—a gingerbread husband, or yourself, as you please. + I am not so fond of milk and water, and bread and butter, I + can assure her. + </p> + <p> + "Ever truly yours,<br /> + Henry Owen Millington. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Capital shooting hereabout—can't you slip over for + a few days?" + </p> + <p> + Poor Julia! I certainly am not clear that I shall not marry + her myself; but as for that scoundrel Millington, he had + better take care how he comes in my way—that's all. + </p> + <h4> + M.L.B. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Manners & Customs of all Nations. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + WHITSUN ALE. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + On the Coteswold, Gloucester, is a customary meeting at + Whitsuntide, vulgarly called an <i>Ale</i>, or <i>Whitsun + Ale</i>, resorted to by numbers of young people. Two persons + are chosen previous to the meeting, to be Lord and Lady of + the Ale or Yule, who dress as suitably as they can to those + characters; a large barn, or other building is fitted up with + seats, &c. for the lord's hall. Here they assemble to + dance and regale in the best manner their circumstances and + the place will afford; each man treats his sweetheart with a + ribbon or favour. The lord and lady attended by the steward, + sword, purse, and mace-bearer, with their several badges of + office, honour the hall with their presence; they have + likewise, in their suit, a page, or train-bearer, and a + jester, dressed in a parti-coloured jacket. The lord's music, + consisting of a tabor and pipe, is employed to conduct the + dance. Companies of morrice-dancers, attended by the jester + and tabor and pipe, go about the country on Monday and + Tuesday in Whitsun week, and collect sums towards defraying + the expenses of the Yule. All the figures of the lord, + &c. of the Yule, handsomely represented in basso-relievo, + stand in the north wall of the nave of Cirencester Church, + which vouches for the antiquity of the custom; and, on many + of these occasions, they erect a may-pole, which denotes its + rise in Druidism. The mace is made of silk, finely plaited + with ribbons on the top, and filled with spices and perfumes + for such of the company to smell to as desire it. + </p> + <h4> + Halbert H. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + ANCIENT FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE GREEKS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The dead were ever held sacred and inviolable even amongst + the most barbarous nations; to defraud them of any due + respect was a greater and more unpardonable sacrilege than to + spoil the temples of the gods; their memories were preserved + with a religious care and reverence, and all their remains + honoured with worship and adoration; hatred and envy + themselves were put to silence, for it was thought a sign of + a cruel and inhuman disposition to speak evil of the dead, + and prosecute revenge beyond the grave. The ancient Greeks + were strongly persuaded that their souls could not be + admitted into the Elysian fields till their bodies were + committed to the earth; therefore the honours (says Potter) + paid to the dead were the greatest and most necessary; for + these were looked upon as a debt so sacred, that such as + neglected to discharge it were thought accursed. Those who + died in foreign countries had usually their ashes + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page358" name="page358"></a>[pg + 358]</span> brought home and interred in the sepulchres of + their ancestors, or at least in some part of their native + country; it being thought that the same mother which gave + them life and birth, was only fit to receive their remains, + and afford them a peaceful habitation after death. Whence + ancient authors afford as innumerable instances of bodies + conveyed, sometimes by the command of oracles, sometimes by + the good-will of their friends, from foreign countries to the + sepulchres of their fathers, and with great solemnity + deposited there. Thus, Theseus was removed from Scyros to + Athens, Orestes from Tegea, &c. Nor was this pious care + limited to persons of free condition, but slaves also had + some share therein; for we find (says Potter) the Athenian + lawgiver commanding the magistrates, called <i>Demarchi</i>, + under a severe penalty, to solemnize the funerals, not so + much of citizens, whose friends seldom failed of paying the + last honours, as of slaves, who frequently were destitute of + decent burial. + </p> + <p> + Those who wasted their patrimony, forfeited their right of + being buried in the sepulchres of their fathers. As soon as + any person had expired, they closed his eyes. Augustus + Caesar, upon the approach of his death, called for a + looking-glass, and caused his hair to be combed, and his + fallen cheeks decently composed. All the offices about the + dead were performed by their nearest relations; nor could a + greater misfortune befal any person than to want these + respects. When dying, their friends and relations came close + to the bed where they lay, to bid them farewell, and catch + their dying words, which they never repeated without + reverence. The want of opportunity to pay this compliment to + Hector, furnishes Andromache with matter of lamentation, + which is related in the Iliad. They kissed and embraced the + dying person, so taking their last farewell; and endeavoured + likewise to receive in their mouth his last breath, as + fancying his soul to expire with it, and enter into their + bodies. When any person died in debt at Athens, the laws of + that city gave leave to creditors to seize the dead body, and + deprive it of burial till payment was made; whence the corpse + of Miltiades, who died in prison, being like to want the + honour of burial, his son Cimon had no other means to release + it, but by taking upon himself his father's debts and + fetters. Sometime before interment, a piece of money was put + into the corpse's mouth, which was thought to be Charon's + fare for wafting the departed soul over the infernal river. + </p> + <h4> + P.T.W. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + SINGULAR MANORIAL CUSTOM. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The Manor of Broughton Lindsay, in Lincolnshire, is held + under that of Caistor, by this strange service: viz. that + annually, upon Palm Sunday, the deputy of the Lord of the + Manor of Broughton, attends the church at Caistor, with a new + cart whip in his hand, which he cracks thrice in the church + porch; and passes with it on his shoulder up the nave into + the chancel, and seats himself in the pew of the lord of the + manor, where he remains until the officiating minister is + about to read the second lesson; he then proceeds with his + whip, to the lash of which he has in the meantime affixed a + purse, which ought to contain thirty silver pennies (instead + of which a single half crown is substituted,) and kneeling + down before the reading desk, he holds the purse, suspended + over the minister's head, all the time he is reading the + lesson. After this he returns to his seat. When divine + service is over, he leaves the whip and purse at the manor + house. + </p> + <h4> + H.B.A. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Contemporary Traveller. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. + </h3> + <p> + The name of New Spain was at first given only to Yucatan by + Grijalva and his followers; but Cortez extended it to the + whole empire of Montezuma, which is described by the earliest + writers to have reached from Panama to New California. This, + however, appears, from more recent researches, on the + accuracy of which Humboldt relies with reason, to have been + larger than the reality justified; and the whole of + Tenochtitlan may be said to have been contained in the + present states of Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, and + Valadolid. In addition to the name given by Cortez, that of + the capital was extended to the whole kingdom of New Spain; + and since the revolution and the establishment of + independence, the several provinces form separate and + independent states, confederating together and constituting + the nineteen United States of Mexico; viz. Chiapa, Chihuahua, + Cohahuila and Texas, Durango, Guanaxuato, Mexico, Michoachan, + New Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sonora + and Cinaloa, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz, Xalisco, Yucatan + and Zacatecas. Old and New California, Colima, New Mexico, + and Tlascala, though forming members of the federation, + declined having state governments, on account of the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page359" name="page359"></a>[pg + 359]</span> expense, and are designated territories. The + whole republic, according to Humboldt, occupies a space of + 75,830 square leagues, of twenty to an equinoxial degree; on + which there are to be found every inequality of surface, and + every variety of soil and climate, the two last of which are + dependent in most cases on the former. + </p> + <p> + The republic of Mexico, taken on the grand scale, may be + considered as a succession of small mountain-plains at + different heights, separated by mountains, and increasing in + magnitude as the coast recedes on both the eastern and + western sides, until the great centre plain be reached, + which, though much broken by mountain ridges, tends to the + north, maintaining nearly an equal elevation. The snow-capped + mountains of Orizava, and the volcanos of Puebla and Toluca, + are among the most splendid objects in the world. The + Mexicans divide the regions of their country into <i>Tierras + calientes, Tierras templadas</i>, and <i>Tierras frias</i>, + according to the climate. Throughout the whole country there + is a lamentable want of water, and of navigable rivers. The + lakes, too, appear to be yearly decreasing in extent, the + immediate consequence of which is, that the elevated portions + of the interior are nearly stripped of vegetation, and the + soil covered with an efflorescence of carbonate of soda, + there called <i>Tequisquita</i>, resembling very closely the + plains of the two Castiles, and recalling to the Eastern + traveller the desolate wastes of some parts of Persia. + </p> + <p> + The effect of elevation on the temperature is most marked, + and it is no uncommon thing to be shivering on one side of + the street in the city of Mexico, and to be literally + scorched by the rays of the sun on the other. Changes are + upon record of 55° of Fahrenheit within three hours, on + one of the mountain-plains at the same height with the valley + of Mexico. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the volcanic character of Mexico, earthquakes + are by no means so frequent there as in some of the + neighbouring countries. One of the most memorable on record + occurred on the 14th of September, 1759, when the volcano of + Jorullo, with several smaller cones, forced the surface of + the soil, destroying all before it. + </p> + <p> + The infinite variety of climate and soil fits this country + for the production of the fruits of all regions, from those + of the hottest within the tropics to those of the severest + cold, where cultivation can be carried on. But the want of + ports, and of navigable rivers on the Atlantic, opposes the + advantages that might result from this variety of production, + though on the Pacific there are a few admirable ports, such + as Acapulco. The prevalence of the "Nortes," or northerly + winds, at certain seasons, seriously affects the navigation + on one side, while that of the "papagallos" is as + inconvenient on the other. + </p> + <p> + The Mexican population is commonly divided into seven + classes:—1. European Spaniards, commonly called + "<i>gachupines</i>." 2. White Creoles. 3. Mestizos, + descendants of Whites and Indians. 4. Mulattoes, descendants + of Whites and Blacks. 5. Zambos, from Indians and Negroes. 6. + Pure Indians. 7. African Blacks. But this classification may + be reduced to four:—1. Whites. 2. Indians. 3. Blacks. + 4. Mixed Races, the various gradations of which may be + considered almost infinite. + </p> + <p> + The Indians consist of a considerable number of distinct + tribes, differing in many points of appearance, and + speaking—not dialects but—languages entirely + different. No less than twenty of these have been traced, and + of fourteen of them there are already grammars and + dictionaries. The Indian population is chiefly centered in + the great plains, and towards the south; and Humboldt thinks + that it has flowed from the north to the south. The history + of four great migrations is preserved in the annals of + Mexico, which are worthy of more detailed examination than we + can bestow upon them. The great body of these people live + apart from the other races of their countrymen, in small + villages, full of ignorance, suspicion, and bigotry, and + displaying an apparent phlegm, from which it would seem + impossible to arouse them. This phlegmatic temperament + lessens the credit of the men with the females, who uniformly + prefer the European, or the still more vivacious negro. "The + indigenous Mexican is grave, melancholic, silent, so long as + he is not under the influence of intoxicating liquors. This + gravity is peculiarly remarkable in Indian children, who at + the age of four or five years display more intelligence and + precocity than the children of whites. The Mexican loves to + attach mystery even to his most trifling actions; the + strongest passions do not display themselves in his + countenance; the transition is frightful when it passes + suddenly from a state of absolute repose to that of violent + and unrestrained agitation." Slavery with them has engendered + guile. They are obstinate in all their habits and opinions; + their religion is one of mere ceremonial, justifying the + observation of a priest to Mr. Ward, "son mui buenos + Catolicos, pero mui malos + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page360" name="page360"></a>[pg + 360]</span> Cristianos" (very good Catholics, but very bad + Christians.) Deception in this, as well as in every thing + else, is the order of the day; and the Indian Alcalde now + oppresses the villagers as much as he himself has ever been. + </p> + <p> + Humboldt considers the Mexican Indian as destitute of all + imagination, though when to a certain degree educated, he + attributes to him facility in learning, a clearness of + understanding, a natural turn for reasoning, and a particular + aptitude to subtilize and seize trifling distinctions. + </p> + <p> + The music and dancing are as dull as might be expected among + beings so full of phlegm. The Mexican has a turn for painting + and sculpture; and retains the same fondness for flowers that + struck Cortez so forcibly upwards of three centuries ago. The + "Indios Bravos," or Wild Indians, are said to display more + energy; but our information respecting them is remarkably + scanty. + </p> + <p> + Among the active vices of the Mexican Indian, that of + drunkenness prevails to a most lamentable extent. In the + upper districts, <i>pulque</i>, or the fermented juice of the + aloe, is the principal tempter; sometimes a spirit, distilled + from the same plant, called <i>Vino de Mescal</i>; while, in + the hotter districts, the same effects are ensured by the + <i>chinguirito</i>, a very coarse kind of rum. Combined with + this disposition to intoxication, the Indian is + constitutionally indolent; and, now that he is a free man, he + will rarely work, except to obtain just as much as will + afford him the means of enjoying his greatest + luxury—that of steeping his senses in oblivion. This + last tendency is much to be deplored, as, in the larger + towns, we know that every Sunday (which is the day of + greatest indulgence) assassinations, to the extent of six or + eight each day, are the melancholy consequence of its + indulgence. Humboldt states that the police were in the + practice of sending tumbrels round, to collect the unhappy + victims of intoxication. The punishment was, and we believe + still is, three days' labour in the streets; but it does not + seem to be very efficacious, for generally within the week + the delinquents are again in custody. + </p> + <p> + There is something characteristic in the indolence of these + sombre beings. They will travel immense distances; but to + steady labour they are, generally speaking, not prone. It is + told of them, that in one of the most fertile districts (the + <i>Baxio</i>) it is not unusual for an Indian, on receiving + his wages, to get thoroughly drunk, go to sleep, and on + awakening renew his potations and repose, until the + exhaustion of his finances compels him to return to labour. + In some parts, however, there are exceptions to this + observation. + </p> + <p> + Education has been more attended to, by some of the leading + personages, than could have been expected in a society that + had been so much kept in the shade. We apprehend the + advantages are chiefly prospective, and may be well defined + in another generation; at present they are but small. The + whites have been, and still are, the most educated portion of + the Mexicans, owing, no doubt, to their greater opulence, and + having access to official rank. The mass of ignorance, + however, among all classes, is inconceivable to any one who + has only moved in the principal countries of Europe. Nor is + it confined to the lower classes, but finds protection among + the highest in the community. We heard a reverend canon of + the metropolitan church gravely inquire, whether it was + possible to reach London except by sailing up the Thames. And + we knew a very pretty, agreeable young lady, moving in the + first circles, who could not write a single letter at the age + of seventeen. She has been since married, and has, we are + informed, been taught to write by her husband, who is not a + Mexican. The religion of all classes resembles too much that + of the Indians; and the practical morality and general tone + of society are by no means refined. If one half of the + scandalous tales in circulation be true, the former ranks + with that of Paris in its worst periods, and the latter is + assuredly gross to a degree that would surprise even an + inhabitant of Madrid. The familiarity with which <i>every + subject</i> is treated at first excites emotions in an + Englishman of the most unpleasant kind, which gradually + subside, from the frequency with which they are discussed by + young and old; by high and low, of both + sexes.—<i>Foreign Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Notes of a Reader. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW WORK. + </h3> + <p> + We detach this little descriptive gem from Sir Walter Scott's + "Anne of Geierstein," just published. An outline of this very + delightful novel will be found in a SUPPLEMENT with the + present number of the MIRROR. + </p> + <p> + "The ancient tower of Geierstein, though neither extensive, + nor distinguished by architectural ornament, possessed an air + of terrible dignity by its position on the very verge of the + opposite bank of the torrent, which, just at the angle of the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page361" name="page361"></a>[pg + 361]</span> rock on which the ruins are situated, falls sheer + over a cascade of nearly a hundred feet in height, and then + rushes down the defile, through a trough of living rock, + which perhaps its waves have been deepening since time itself + had a commencement. Facing, and at the same time looking down + upon this eternal roar of waters, stood the old tower, built + so close to the verge of the precipice, that the buttresses + with which the architect had strengthened the foundation, + seemed a part of the solid rock itself, and a continuation of + its perpendicular ascent. As usual, throughout Europe in the + feudal times, the principal part of the building was a + massive square pile, the decayed summit of which was rendered + picturesque, by flanking turrets of different sizes and + heights, some round, some angular, some ruinous, some + tolerably entire, varying the outline of the building as seen + against the stormy sky." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THORWALDSEN. + </h3> + <p> + Since the death of his illustrious contemporary, Canova, + Thorwaldsen, born at Copenhagen in 1771-2, has occupied the + public eye as head of the modern school. The character and + powers of this master are doubtless of a very elevated rank: + but neither in the extent nor excellence of his works, do we + apprehend his station to be so high as sometimes placed. The + genius of the Danish sculptor is forcible, yet is its energy + derived more from peculiarity than from real excellence. His + ideal springs less from imitation of the antique, or of + nature, than from the workings of his own individual + mind—it is the creation of a fancy seeking forcible + effect in singular combinations, rather than in general + principles; therefore hardly fitted to excite lasting or + beneficial influence upon the age. Simplicity and imposing + expression seem to have hitherto formed the principal objects + of his pursuit; but the distinction between the simple and + rude, the powerful and the exaggerated, is not always + observed in the labours of the Dane. His simplicity is + sometimes without grace; the impressive—austere, and + without due refinement. The air and contours of his heads, + except, as in the Mercury—an excellent example both of + the beauties and defects of the artist's style—when + immediately derived from antiquity, though grand and + vigorous, seldom harmonize in the principles of these efforts + with the majestic regularity of general nature. The forms, + again, are not unfrequently poor, without a vigorous + rendering of the parts, and destitute at times of their just + roundness. These defects may in some measure have arisen from + the early and more frequent practice of the artist in + relievos. In this department, Thorwaldsen is unexceptionably + to be admired. The Triumph of Alexander, originally intended + for the frieze of the government palace at Milan, + notwithstanding an occasional poverty, in the materials of + thought, is, as a whole, one of the grandest compositions in + the world; while the delicacy of execution, and poetic + feeling, in the two exquisite pieces of Night and Aurora, + leave scarcely a wish here ungratified. But in statues, + Thorwaldsen excels only where the forms and sentiment admit + of uncontrolled imagination, or in which no immediate + recourse can be had to fixed standards of taste, and to the + simple effects of nature. Hence, of all his works, as + admitting of unconfined expression, and grand peculiarity of + composition, the statues of the Apostles, considered in + themselves, are the most excellent. Thorwaldsen, in fine, + possesses singular, but in some respects erratic genius. His + ideas of composition are irregular; his powers of fancy + surpass those of execution; his conceptions seem to lose a + portion of their value and freshness in the act of + realizement. As an individual artist, he will command + deservedly a high rank among the names that shall go down to + posterity. As a sculptor, who will influence, or has extended + the principles of the art, his pretensions are not great; or, + should this influence and these claims not be thus limited, + the standard of genuine and universal excellence must be + depreciated in a like degree.—<i>Meme's History of + Sculpture, &c.</i> + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIGN OF THE TIMES. + </h3> + <p> + One of the singularities of the time is an unwillingness to + tell the truth, even when there is no ground for suppressing + or perverting it. It is so frequently under or overstated by + most persons in this country who speak and write, according + to the side they have espoused, or the inclinations and + political principles of those by whom they are likely to be + read or heard, that they at last persuade themselves there is + a sort of impropriety in presenting facts in their proper + colours.—<i>Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + A DUTCH TALE. + </h3> + <p> + A ballad of <i>Roosje</i> is perhaps the most touchingly told + story which the Dutch possess. It is of a maid—a + beloved maid—born at her mother's death—bred + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page362" name="page362"></a>[pg + 362]</span> up 'midst the tears and kisses of her + father—prattling thoughtlessly about her + mother—every one's admiration for beauty, cleverness, + and virtue—gentle as the moon shining on the downs. Her + name was to be seen written again and again on the sands by + the Zeeland youths—and scarcely a beautiful flower + bloomed but was gathered for her. Now in Zeeland, when the + south-winds of summer come, there comes too a delicate fish, + which hides itself in the sand, and which is dug out as a + luxury by the young people. It is the time of sport and + gaiety—and they venture far—far over the flat + coast into the sea. The boys drag the girls among the + waves—and Roosje was so dragged, notwithstanding many + appeals. "A kiss, a kiss, or you go further," cried her + conductor—she fled—he followed, both + laughing:—"Into the sea—into the sea," said all + her companions—he pushes her on—it is deeper, and + deeper—she shrieks—she sinks—they sink + together—the sands were faithless—there was no + succour—the waves rolled over them—there was + stillness and death:—The terrified playmates + looked— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "All silently,—they look'd again— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And silently sped home— + </p> + <p> + And every heart was bursting then, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But every tongue was dumb. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And still and stately o'er the wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The mournful moon arose, + </p> + <p> + Flinging pale beams upon the grave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where they in peace repose. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The wind glanc'd o'er the voiceless sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The billows kissed the strand— + </p> + <p> + And one sad dirge of misery + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Fill'd all the mourning land." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Foreign Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ENGLAND AND HER COLONIES. + </h3> + <p> + The discouragement of colonization is certainly not the + feeling of the great majority of the people of England, and + it is equally certain that it is not the policy of this + empire. Whatever may be the fate of the several British + colonies at some future and distant period, it is something + at least to have spread our laws and language, and moral + character, over the most distant parts of the globe. The + colonies that speak the language of Old England—that + preserve her manners and her habits—will always be her + best customers; and their surplus capital will always centre + in the mother country. It was not the opinion of our + ancestors, that colonies were an incumbrance; + they—good, stupid souls—imagined that colonies + enlarged the sphere of commerce—-that commerce required + ships—that ships created seamen for manning the royal + navy, and that the whole contributed to individual wealth, to + the national revenue, and the national strength; and such we + believe still to be the opinion of men of sound practical + knowledge, whose minds are unwarped by abstract systems and + preconceived theories, to which every thing must be made to + bend. Such, too, was the feeling of that extraordinary man, + who, with the solitary exception of England, exacted homage + from every crowned head of Europe. This man, in the plenitude + of his power, felt that something was still wanting to enable + him to grapple with one little island, invulnerable by its + maritime strength, the sinews of which he knew to be derived + from its colonies: he felt that, deprived as he was of + "ships, colonies, and commerce," England was able to stand + alone among nations, and to bid defiance to his overwhelming + power. That cunning fox, too, by whose councils he was + occasionally guided, knew too well the degree of strength + that England derived from her colonies, which he described to + be her very vitals, and which could only be reached by a + powerful navy. He designated them as the sheet anchor of + Great Britain—the prop that supported her maritime + superiority—the strongholds of her power. "Deprive her + of her colonies," said Talleyrand. "and you break down her + last wall; you fill up her last ditch."—<i>Fas est et + ab hoste doceri.—Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + INVITATIONS. + </h3> + <p> + As a certificate of your intention to be punctual, you may + send your friends, a similar billet to the following:— + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + The honour of your company is requested to dine with + —— on <i>Fry</i>day, 1828. + </p> + <p> + The favour of a positive answer is requested, or the + proffered plate will be appropriated as it was when— + </p> + <p> + <i>Sir Ill-bred Ignorance</i> returned the following + answer:—"I shall be quite happy to come if I possibly + can." Such words the committee voted were equivalent to + these—I'll come, if in the mean time I am not invited + to a party that I like better.—<i>Dr. Kitchiner</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + GENEVA + </h3> + <p> + Has very little, as a city, to recommend it. It is + characterized by much active industry within doors, the + <i>savans</i> and <i>mechaniciens</i> being pent up in their + closets and ateliers, and very little gaiety pervades the + promenades. Some parts of the town are sufficiently + picturesque; the overhanging roofs, for which it is + remarkable, are, however, too lofty to screen the pedestrian + from the rain, especially + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page363" name="page363"></a>[pg + 363]</span> if accompanied by a high wind, and form no shade + from the sun. The pavement of the streets is bad, and their + irregularity is a considerable drawback from the internal + appearance. The pavement of the inclined plane in the Hotel + de Ville, by which we gain the arduous ascent that conducts + to the Passport office, is a curiosity of its kind, and + perhaps unique. The city is tolerably well fenced in with + walls within walls, draw and suspension bridges, and gates; + while stakes and chains secure from surprise on the part of + the lake. The small canton of Geneva, though in the vicinity + of the Great Alpine chain and the mountains of the Jura, + includes no mountains. The name of the city and canton has + been traced by the etymologists to a Celtic origin; + <i>Gen</i>, a sally-port or exit, and <i>av</i>, a river, + probably because the Rhone here leaves the Leman lake. The + eagle on the escutcheon of the city arms indicates its having + been an <i>imperial</i> city; and it is believed the key was + an adjunct of Pope Martin V., in the year 1418. The motto on + the scroll, "Ex tenebris lux," appears to have existed + anterior to the <i>light</i> of the Reformation. The number + of inhabitants may now be estimated at about 22,000; but it + appears, by a census in 1789, to have been 26,148. In this + moral city, it is computed that every twelfth birth is + illegitimate. The number of people engaged in clock and + watch-making and jewellery, may be safely rated at 3,000. In + years favourable to these staple manufactures 75,000 ounces + of gold are employed, which is almost equally divided between + watches and jewellery. The daily supply of silver is about + 134 ounces. Pearls form an article of considerable value in + the jewellery, and have been rated at no less a sum that + 1,200 francs daily. 70,000 watches are annually made, only + one-twelfth of which are in silver. More than fifty distinct + branches are comprised in the various departments, and each + workman, on the average, earns about three shillings + a-day.—<i>Mr. John Murray's Tour</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + HANDEL. + </h3> + <p> + Some folks eat two or three times as much as others—for + instance, our incomparable and inspired composer, Handel, + required uncommonly large and frequent supplies of food. + Among other stories told of this great musician, it is said + that whenever he dined <i>alone</i> at a tavern, he always + ordered "dinner for <i>three</i>;" and on receiving an answer + to his question—"Is de tinner retty?"—"As soon as + the company come."—He said, <i>con strepito</i>, "Den + pring up te Tinner <i>prestissimo</i>, I am de gombany." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + BAD WRITING. + </h3> + <p> + <i>From one of Dr. Parr's Letters</i>. + </p> + <p> + His letters put me in mind of tumult and anarchy; there is + sedition in every sentence; syllable has no longer any + confidence in syllable, but dissolves its connexion as + preferring an alliance with the succeeding word. A page of + his epistle looks like the floor of a garden-house, covered + with old, crooked nails, which have just been released from a + century's durance in a brick wall. I cannot cast my eyes on + his character without being religious. This is the only good + effect I have derived from his writings; he brings into my + mind the resurrection, and paints the tumultuous + resuscitation of awakened men with a pencil of masterly + confusion. I am fully convinced of one thing, either that he + or his pen is intoxicated when he writes to me, for his + letters seem to have borrowed the reel of wine, and stagger + from one corner of the sheet to the other. They remind me of + Lord Chatham's administration, lying together heads and + points in one truckle-bed. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + WINE AND WATER. + </h3> + <p> + The same quantity of wine diluted intoxicates sooner than the + same quantity drank in the same time <i>without</i> dilution; + the wine being applied to a larger surface of the stomach, + acts with proportionably greater quickness—though wine + <i>diluted</i> sooner <i>intoxicates</i>, its effects are + sooner over.—<i>Dr. Kitchiner</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + NEW SOUTH WALES. + </h3> + <p> + Of the total population of New South Wales, which, in round + numbers, may be taken at 40,000, the Free Emigrants + </p> + <pre> + amount only to about ............ 7,000 + Native Children ................. 5,000 + Emancipated Convicts............. 8,000 + Convicts in Servitude .......... 20,000 + ______ + 40,000 +</pre> + <hr /> + <h3> + OMEN. + </h3> + <p> + As Cooke, the solicitor-general, was beginning to open the + pleadings at the trial of Charles I, the king gently tapped + him on the shoulder with his cane, crying "Hold, hold!" At + the same moment the silver head of the cane fell off, and + rolled on the floor. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page364" name="page364"></a>[pg + 364]</span> + </p> + <h3> + COTTAGE GARDENS. + </h3> + <p> + The comforts and benefits to be derived from a well + cultivated garden, by a poor man's family, are almost beyond + calculation. What a resource for hours after work, or when + trade is dull, and regular work scarce! What a contrast and + counteraction is the healthy, manly, employment which a + cottage garden affords, to the close, impure, unwholesome + air, the beastliness and obscenity, the waste of time, the + destruction of morals, the loss of character, money, and + health, which are the inmates of too many common + ale-houses!—<i>Gardener's Mag</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + PAINTING. + </h3> + <p> + Painting, were the use of it universal, would be a powerful + means of instruction to children and the lower orders; and + were all the fine surfaces, which are now plain, and + absolutely wasted, enriched with the labours of the art, if + they once began to appear, they would accumulate rapidly; and + were the ornamented edifices open to all, as freely as they + ought to be, a wide field of new and agreeable study would + offer itself. A person, who thoroughly understood the + well-chosen subjects, and was qualified to explain them to a + stranger, could not be devoid of knowledge, nor could his + mind want food for constant contemplation. The sense of + beauty has hitherto been little cultivated in Great Britain; + but it certainly exists, and shows itself principally in + laying out gardens and pleasure-grounds with unrivalled + skill.—<i>Edin. Review</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Spirit of Discovery. + </h2> + <hr /> + <center> + <i>Hydrophobia</i>. + </center> + <p> + In the <i>New Monthly Magazine</i> for October, 1826, is the + following statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure + of the bite of a mad dog, published by the gentleman who + first made use of the plant in South America, as an antidote + to that scourge of human nature, hydrophobia; his words are, + "I shall simply state, that during my residence in South + America, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing the + direful effects of hydrophobia, without having in any one + case that came under my care been successful in its cure by + the usual modes prescribed in Europe. It fortunately occurred + to me, that the guaco, so celebrated for curing the bite or + sting of all venomous snakes, might prove equally efficacious + in hydrophobic cases. How far my idea was correct that an + analogy existed between the virus of a serpent and that of a + rabid dog, I leave to others to determine; but such was my + opinion, and I acted upon it in all subsequent cases with + complete success." + </p> + <p> + We understand the same gentleman has received from South + America two plants which he was in the habit of prescribing + for insanity and pulmonary consumption, with the happiest + effects; and as it is his intention to give them an immediate + trial, should they be found to answer in Europe, as in South + America, of which he has not the least doubt, the discovery + may be considered as of the first consequence in medicine. + </p> + <center> + <i>Mutton Hams</i>. + </center> + <p> + The <i>Journal Des Reconnaissances Useless</i> gives the + following method of curing legs of mutton like ham:—It + is necessary that the mutton should be very fat. Two ounces + of raw sugar must be mixed with an ounce of common salt and + half a spoonful of saltpetre. The meat is to be rubbed well + with this, and then placed in a tureen. It must be beaten and + turned twice a day during three consecutive days; and the + scum which comes from the meat having been taken off, it is + to be wiped, and again rubbed with the mixture. The next day + it should be again beaten, and the two operations ought to be + repeated alternately during ten days, care being taken to + turn the meat each time. It must be then exposed to the smoke + for ten days. These hams are generally eaten cold. + </p> + <center> + <i>Potato Chestnuts</i>. + </center> + <p> + A mode has been adopted to prepare potatoes as food, which + has at least one advantage—that of economy. The + potatoes are roasted in a kiln or oven, and are thus + prevented from sprouting, (which injures their quality so + much at this season of the year,) and are thus preserved for + some time in a fit state for consumption. They are better for + being again heated before they are used, and though it is to + be regretted that persons should be reduced to such food, yet + they are cheaper and more wholesome than the bread usually + given in times of scarcity to the poorer classes. + </p> + <center> + <i>New Pyrometer</i>. + </center> + <p> + A new air-thermometer has been invented by M. Pouillet, for + the purpose of measuring degrees of heat in very high + temperatures; an object hitherto of very difficult + attainment. By means of this instrument it has been + ascertained, that the heat of melted silver is 1677°; of + a melted mixture of one part gold and three parts silver, + 1803°; and of melted pure gold 2096°. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page365" name="page365"></a>[pg + 365]</span> + </p> + <center> + <i>To Destroy Slugs</i>. + </center> + <p> + A correspondent of the <i>Gardener's Magazine</i> states, + that after in vain trying salt, lime, and dibbling holes for + preserving young cauliflowers and cabbages from slugs, he + succeeded by spreading some well cut chaff round the plants + under hand glasses, and some round the outsides of the + glasses. The slugs in their attempt to reach the plant, find + themselves immediately enveloped in the chaff, which prevents + their moving, so that when he raised the glasses to give the + plants air, he found hundreds of disabled slugs round the + outside of the glasses, which he took away and destroyed. + </p> + <center> + <i>To make Kitchen Vegetables tender</i>. + </center> + <p> + When peas, French beans, &c. do not boil easily, it has + usually been imputed to the coolness of the season, or to the + rains. This popular notion is erroneous. The difficulty of + boiling them soft arises from an excess of gypsum imbibed + during their growth. To correct this, throw a small quantity + of subcarbonate of soda into the pot along with the + vegetables.—<i>From the French</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Beet Root Sugar</i> + </center> + <p> + Has now become an article of some practical magnitude in + French commerce; since the annual consumption is between + seven and eight million pounds. + </p> + <center> + <i>Silk Trade</i>. + </center> + <p> + It was lately mentioned by Mr. Huskisson, in the House of + Commons, as a proof of the flourishing state of our trade, + that British Bandanna handkerchiefs were in the course of + shipment to India. In addition to this fact, we can state of + our own knowledge that they are now exporting to France, in + no inconsiderable quantities, not merely as samples, but in + the regular course of trade.—<i>For. Quart. Rev.</i> + </p> + <center> + <i>Electricity</i>. + </center> + <p> + It is curious to take a retrospective view of the mode in + which the effects of the Leyden phial were announced to the + world, on their first discovery. The philosophers who first + experienced, in their own person, the shock attendant on the + transmission of an electric discharge, were so impressed with + wonder and with terror by this novel sensation, that they + wrote the most ridiculous and exaggerated account of their + feelings on the occasion. Muschenbrok states, that he + received so dreadful a concussion in his arms, shoulder, and + heart, that he lost his breath, and it was two days before he + could recover from its effects; he declared also, that he + should not be induced to take another shock for the whole + kingdom of France. Mr. Allemand reports, that the shock + deprived him of breath for some minutes, and afterwards + produced so acute a pain along his right arm, that he was + apprehensive it might be attended with serious consequences. + Mr. Winkler informs us, that it threw his whole body into + convulsions, and excited such a ferment in his blood, as + would have thrown him into a fever, but for the timely + employment of febrifuge remedies. He states, that at another + time it produced copious bleeding at the nose; the same + effect was produced also upon his lady, who was almost + rendered incapable of walking. The strange accounts naturally + excite the attention and wonder of all classes of people; the + learned and the vulgar were equally desirous of experiencing + so singular a sensation, and great numbers of half-taught + electricians wandered through every part of Europe to gratify + this universal curiosity. + </p> + <p> + It is on the nervous system that the most considerable action + of electricity is exerted. A strong charge passed through the + head, gave to Mr. Singer the sensation of a violent but + universal blow, and was followed by a transient loss of + memory and indistinctness of vision. If a charge be sent + through the head of a bird, its optic nerve is usually + injured or destroyed, and permanent blindness induced; and a + similar shock given to larger animals, produces a tremulous + state of the muscles, with general prostration of strength. + If a person who is standing receive a charge through the + spine, he loses his power over the muscles to such a degree, + that he either drops on his knees, or falls prostrate on the + ground; if the charge be sufficiently powerful, it will + produce immediate death, in consequence, probably, of the + sudden exhaustion of the whole energy of the nervous system. + Small animals, such as mice and sparrows, are instantly + killed by a shock from thirty square inches of glass. Van + Marum found that eels are irrecoverably deprived of life when + a shock is sent through their whole body; but when only a + part of the body is included in the circuit, the destruction + of irritability is confined to that individual part, while + the rest retains the power of motion. Different persons are + affected in very different degrees by electricity, according + to their peculiar constitutional susceptibility. Dr. Young + remarks, that a very minute tremor, communicated to the most + elastic parts of the body, in particular the chest, produces + an agitation of the nerves, which is not wholly unlike the + effect of a weak electricity. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page366" name="page366"></a>[pg + 366]</span> The bodies of animals killed by electricity, + rapidly undergo putrefaction, and the action of electricity + upon the flesh of animals is also found to accelerate this + process in a remarkable degree. The same effect has been + observed in the bodies of persons destroyed by lightning. It + is also a well-established fact, that the blood does not + coagulate after death from this cause. + </p> + <center> + <i>Transplanting Shrubs in full Growth</i>. + </center> + <p> + Dig a narrow trench round the plant, leaving its roots in the + middle in an isolated ball of earth; fill the trench with + plaster of Paris, which will become hard in a few minutes, + and form a case to the ball and plant, which may be lifted + and removed any where at pleasure.—<i>French Paper</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Freezing Mixture</i>. + </center> + <p> + A cheap and powerful freezing mixture may be made by + pulverizing Glauber's salts finely, and placing it level at + the bottom of a glass vessel. Equal parts of sal ammoniac and + nitre are then to be finely powdered, and mixed together, and + subsequently added to the Glauber's salts, stirring the + powders well together; after which adding water sufficient to + dissolve the salts, a degree of cold will be produced, + frequently below Zero of Fahrenheit. But Mr. Walker states, + that nitrate of ammonia, phosphate of soda, and diluted + nitric acid, will on the instant produce a reduction of + temperature amounting to 80 degrees. It is desirable to + reduce the temperature of the substances previously, if + convenient, by placing the vessels in water, with nitre + powder thrown in occasionally. + </p> + <center> + <i>Microscopic Examination of the Blood</i>. + </center> + <p> + By the aid of Tulley's achromatic microscope, and under + highly magnifying powers, it has recently been discovered + that the globules of the blood congeal into flat circular + bodies, and arrange themselves in rows, one body being placed + partly underneath another, and in like manner as a pile of + similar coins, when thrown gently down, would be found to + arrange themselves. This curious effect has been attributed + to the vitality yet remaining in the blood, during the act of + congealing. At any rate it is a most singular fact, for + although we might naturally conceive that the flattened + circular plates would place themselves in juxtaposition, yet + we never could have supposed that they would have partly + slipped underneath each other. In order to make this very + curious experiment, it is necessary that the blood, as + freshly drawn, be slightly and thinly smeared over the + surface of a slip of crown, or window glass, and be covered + with a very thin slip of Bohemian plate glass; and thus some + slight inequalities in the thickness of the layer of blood + between them will be produced, and which are necessary to + succeed in producing the very curious appearances + abovementioned.—<i>Gilt's Repository</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>To make the Liqueur Curaçoa</i>. + </center> + <p> + Put into a large bottle, nearly filled with alcohol, at + thirty-four degrees of Baumé (or thirty-six) the peels + of six fine Portugal oranges, which are smooth skinned, and + let them infuse for fifteen days. At the end of this time, + put into a large stone or glass vessel, 11 ounces of brandy + at eighteen degrees, 4-1/2 ounces of white sugar, and 4-1/2 + ounces of river water. When the sugar is dissolved, add a + sufficient quantity of the above infusion of orange peels, to + give it a predominant flavour; and aromatise with 3 grammes + of fine cinnamon, and as much mace, both well bruised. + Lastly, throw into the liqueur 31 grammes (1 ounce) of Brazil + wood, in powder. Leave the whole in infusion ten days, being + stirred three or four times a day. At the end of this time + taste the liqueur; and if it be too strong and sweet, add + more water to it; if too weak, add alcohol, at 30 degrees; + and if it be not sweet enough, put syrup to it. Give it + colour with caramel when you would tinge it.—<i>From + the French</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Subterraneous Growth of Potatoes</i>. + </center> + <p> + A mixture of two parts Danube sand, and one part common + earth, was laid in a layer an inch thick, in one corner of my + cellar; and, in April, thirty-two yellow potatoes with their + skins placed upon its surface. They threw out stalks on all + sides; and, at the end of the following November, more than a + quarter of a bushel of the best potatoes were gathered, about + a tenth part of which were about the size of apples—the + rest as large as nuts. The skin was very thin; the pulp + farinaceous, white, and of a good taste. No attention was + given to the potatoes during the time they remained on the + sand, and they grew without the influence of the sun or + light. This trial may be advantageously applied in fortified + places, hospitals, houses of correction, and, in general, in + all places where cellars or subterraneous places occur, being + neither too cold nor too moist; and where it is important to + procure a cheap, but abundant nourishment for many + individuals.—<i>From the French</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page367" name="page367"></a>[pg + 367]</span> + </p> + <h2> + Retrospective Gleanings. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + CHILTERN HUNDREDS. + </h3> + <p> + The three Hundreds of Desborough, Stoke, and Burnham, in + Bucks, are called the "Chiltern Hundreds," and take their + name from the Chalk Hills which run through Bucks and the + neighbouring counties. The property of these Hundreds + remaining in the Crown, a Steward is appointed at a salary of + 20<i>s</i>. and all fees, which nominal office is accepted by + any Member of Parliament who wishes to vacate his seat. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + PEG TANKARDS. + </h3> + <p> + At Braintree and Booking, in Essex, when topers partake of a + pot of ale, it is divided into three parts or draughts, the + first of which is called <i>neckum</i>, the second + <i>sinkum</i>, and the third <i>swankum</i>. In Bailey's + Dictionary, <i>swank</i> is said to be "that remainder of + liquor at the bottom of a tankard, pot, or cup, which is just + sufficient for one draught, which it is not accounted good + manners to divide with the left-hand man, and according to + the quantity is called either a large or little swank." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + CHIMNEYS. + </h3> + <p> + Has the precise period been ascertained when chimneys upon + the present mode were first constructed in England? It was + apparently not sooner than Henry the Eighth's time; for + Leland, when he visited Bolton Castle, in Yorkshire, seems to + have been greatly surprised by the novelty and ingenuity of + the contrivance. "One thing (says he) I much notyd in the + haull of Bolton, how chimneys was conveyed by tunnills made + in the sydds of the waulls, betwixt the lights; and by this + meanes is the smoke of the harthe wonder strangely convayed." + </p> + <p> + The front of St. John's Hospital at Lichfield, presents one + of the most curious ancient specimens extant of this part of + our early domestic architecture. This building was erected + 1495, but it is possible that the remarkable chimneys may + have been subsequently added. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + OLD LONDON. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + In a collection of Epigrams written by Thomas Freeman, of + Gloucestershire, and published in 1014, is the following, + entitled "London's Progresse:"— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Why, how nowe, Babell, whither wilt thou build? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I see old Holbourne, Charing Crosse, the Strand, + </p> + <p> + Are going to St. Giles's in-the-field, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Saint Katerne, she takes Wapping by the hand, + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And Hogsdon will to Hygate ere't be long, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + London has got a great way from the streame, + </p> + <p> + I thinke she means to go to Islington, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To eate a dish of strawberries and creame. + </p> + <p> + The City's sure in progresse I surmise, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or going to revell it in some disorder, + </p> + <p> + Without the Walls, without the Liberties, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where she neede feare nor Mayor nor Recorder. + </p> + <p> + Well! say she do, 'twere pretty, yet 'tis pitty + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A Middlesex Bailiff should arrest the Citty." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + W.C.R.R. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + AVVER. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The word "Avver" has doubtless the same origin as the German + word <i>"Hafer" "Haber"</i> which signifies in English, + <i>oat</i>. + </p> + <p> + In some parts of Germany a pap of oatmeal "Haferbrei" is very + common as breakfast of the lower classes. Of "Haferbrod" + oatbread, I only heard in 1816, when the other sorts of grain + were so very scarce in Germany. + </p> + <p> + <i>A German and Constant Reader of the Mirror</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE HALCYON + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + So often alluded to by the poets, is the bird called the King + Fisher. It was believed by the ancients that while the female + brooded over the eggs, the sea and weather remained calm and + unruffled; hence arose the expression of Halcyon days. + </p> + <h4> + R.N. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIR ISAAC NEWTON. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Woolsthorp, Lincolnshire, a little village on the great north + road between Stamford and Grantham, is memorable as the + birthplace of that illustrious philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. + The house in which he was born, is a kind of farmhouse, built + of stone, and is, or was lately standing. The learned Dr. + Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed the inside of it + by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on this + occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir + Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the + country, in his younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his + mother from the university. I observed the shelves were of + his own making, being pieces of deal boxes, which probably he + sent his books and clothes down in upon these occasions." + </p> + <h4> + Halbert H. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page368" name="page368"></a>[pg + 368]</span> + </p> + <h2> + The Gatherer. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + SHAKSPEARE. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards + married, he told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he + had no money; and that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by + way of reducing herself, to an equality with the doctor, + replied, "that she had no more money than himself; and that, + though she had not a relation hanged, she had <i>fifty who + deserved hanging</i>." And thus was accomplished this very + curious amour. + </p> + <h4> + W.G.C. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house + called the "King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a + gold collar around its neck, and underneath are the following + lines:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When Julius Caesar landed here, + </p> + <p> + I was then a little deer; + </p> + <p> + When Julius Caesar reigned king, + </p> + <p> + Round my neck he put this ring; + </p> + <p> + Whoever shall me overtake, + </p> + <p> + Spare my life for Caesar's sake. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + Ruris. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + When Lord Norbury was applied to by a collector of one of the + local taxes for the amount of tax, his lordship said, he had + already paid it, and on looking to his file, discovered a + receipt, signed by the same collector who then applied for + it. The tax-man, confounded, apologized in the best manner he + could, stating his regret that he did not recollect it. "I + dare say," said my lord, "you are very sorry you did not + <i>re</i>-collect it." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + IN KENSINGTON CHURCHYARD. + </h3> + <p> + "Here are deposited the remains of Mrs. Ann Floyer, the + beloved wife of Mr. Richard Floyer, of Thistle Grove, in this + parish, died on Thursday the 8th of May, 1823. + </p> + <p> + "<i>God hath chosen her as a pattern for the other + Angels</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + IN DUNDEE CHURCHYARD. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Here lies the body of John Watson, + </p> + <p> + Read not this with your hats on, + </p> + <p> + For why? He was the Provost of Dundee, + </p> + <p> + Hallelujah, hallelugee." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"></div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + NEW MEASURE. + </h3> + <p> + Shortly after the introduction of the New Weights and + Measures, an innkeeper in a market-town, not far from + Sudbury, in Suffolk, sent his ostler to a customer with a + quantity of liquor, which he delivered with the following + words:—"Marstur bid me tell ye <i>Sar</i>, as how 'tis + the New <i>Infarnal</i> Measure." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + A farmer calling upon his landlord to pay his rent, + apologized for being late, by saying that his illness + prevented his attending earlier, and he did not know what his + disorder was. The gentleman told him it was "Influenza." + Returning home he was met by the schoolmaster of the village, + who inquired after his health, "I am very poorly," replied + the farmer, "my landlord tells me my complaint is <i>Humphry + Windsor</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + A witness on a trial being interrogated by Judge Willis, in a + manner not pleasing to him, turned to an acquaintance, and + told him in a half whisper, "he did not come there to be + queered by the old one." Willis heard him, and instantly + replied, in his own cant, "I am old 'tis true—and I'm + rum sometimes—and for once I'll be queer—and I + send you to quod." + </p> + <h4> + H.B.A. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + An exciseman whose remarks and answers were frequently rather + odd, riding at a quick pace upon a <i>blind</i> pony, was met + by a person who praised the animal much, "Yes," replied the + officer, "he is a very good one, only he <i>shies</i> at + every thing he <i>sees</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW NOVEL + </h3> + <p> + A supplement published with the present Number, contains an + outline of of the Novel of Anne of Geierstein, OR THE MAID OF + THE MIST; With Unique Extracts, &c. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE<br /> + <i>Following Novels is already Published:</i> + </p> + <pre> + s. d. + Mackenzie's Man of Feeling 0 6 + Paul and Virginia 0 6 + The Castle of Otranto 0 6 + Almoran and Hamet 0 6 + Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia 0 6 + The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 0 6 + Rasselas 0 8 + The Old English Baron 0 8 + Nature and Art 0 8 + Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield 0 10 + Sicilian Romance 1 0 + The Man of the World 1 0 + A Simple Story 1 4 + Joseph Andrews 1 6 + Humphry Clinker 1 8 + The Romance of the Forest 1 8 + The Italian 2 0 + Zeluco, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Edward, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Roderick Random 2 6 + The Mysteries of Udolpho 3 6 + Peregrine Pickle 4 6 +</pre> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <i>Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near + Somerset House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New + Market, Leipsic; and by all Newsmen and Booksellers</i>. + </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11340 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11340-h/images/372-1.png b/11340-h/images/372-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7231b2f --- /dev/null +++ b/11340-h/images/372-1.png diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4ccd62f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11340 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11340) diff --git a/old/11340-8.txt b/old/11340-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..74d2a80 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2111 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829, by Various + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 13, +Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 27, 2004 [eBook #11340] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: iso-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 13, ISSUE 372, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829*** + + +E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Keith M. Eckrich, David Garcia, and +the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 11340-h.htm or 11340-h.zip: + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/4/11340/11340-h/11340-h.htm) + or + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/4/11340/11340-h.zip) + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. 13, No. 372.] SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Epsom New Race Stand. + + +[Illustration: Epsom New Race Stand.] + + +We do not wish to compete with the "List of all the running horse-es, +with the names, weights, and colours of the riders," although the +proximity of our publication day to the commencement of Epsom Races +(June 2), has induced us to select the above subject for an +illustration. + +The erection of the New Race Stand is the work of a company, entitled +the "Epsom Grand Stand Association"--the capital £20,000, in 1,000 +shares of £20 each. The speculation is patronized by the Stewards of +the Jockey Club, and among the trustees is one of the county members, +C.N. Pallmer, Esq. The building is now roofed in, and temporary +accommodation will be provided for visitors at the ensuing Spring +Races. It is after the model of the Stand at Doncaster, but is much +larger, and will accommodate from 4 to 5,000 persons. The style of the +architecture is Grecian. + +The building is 156 feet in width, including the Terrace, and 60 feet +in depth, having a portico the width, returning on each side, which is +connected with a spacious terrace, raised ten feet above the level of +the ground, and a magnificent flight of steps in the centre. The +columns of the portico are of the Doric order, supporting a balcony, +or gallery, which is to be covered by a verandah, erected on small +ornamental iron pillars, placed over those below. The upper part of +the Stand is to have a balustrade the whole width of the front. With +reference to the interior arrangements, there are four large and +well-proportioned rooms for refreshments, &c.; a spacious hall, +leading through a screen of Doric columns to a large and elegant +staircase of stone, and on each side of the staircase are retiring +rooms of convenience for gentlemen. The entrance to this floor is from +the abovementioned terrace and portico in front; and also, at the +back, by an entrance which forms a direct communication through the +building. The first floor consists of a splendid room, 108 feet in +length, and 34 in width, divided into three compartments by ornamental +columns and pilasters, supporting a richly paneled ceiling, and having +a direct communication with the balcony, or gallery; and on each side +of the staircase there are retiring rooms for the ladies, with the +same arrangements as those below for the gentlemen. The roof will +contain about 2,000 persons standing; affording, at the same time, an +opportunity for every one to see the whole of the race (Derby Course) +which at one time was considered doubtful. + +The architect is Mr. W. Trendall; and the builder Mr. Chadwick. + +By a neat plan from a survey by Mr. Mogg, the "Stand" is about ten +poles from the Winning Post. It must have a most commanding view of +the surrounding country--but, anon, "may we be there to see." + + * * * * * + + +HISTORY OF COALS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Coals are found in several parts of the continent of Europe, but the +principal mines are in this country. They have been discovered and +wrought in Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Canada, and in some of the +provinces of New England. China abounds in them, and they are well +known in Tartary, and in the Island of Madagascar. + +We find (says Brand) express mention of coals, used as a fuel by +artificers about 2,000 years ago, in the writings of Theophrastus, the +scholar of Aristotle, who, in his book on Stones, gives the substance; +though some writers have not scrupled to affirm, that coal was unknown +to the Ancient Britons, yet others have adduced proofs to the +contrary, which seem, to carry along with them little less than +conviction. The first charter for the license of digging coals, was +granted by King Henry III. in the year 1239; it was there denominated +sea coal; and, in 1281, Newcastle was famous for its great trade in +this article; but in 1306, the use of sea coal was prohibited at +London, by proclamation. Brewers, dyers, and other artificers, who had +occasion for great fires, had found their account in substituting our +fossil for dry wood and charcoal; but so general was the prejudice +against it at that time, that the nobles and commons assembled in +parliament, complained against the use thereof as a public nuisance, +which was thought to corrupt the air with its smoke and stink. Shortly +after this, it was the common fuel at the King's palace in London; +and, in 1325, a trade was opened between France and England, in which +corn was imported, and coal exported. Stowe in his "Annals" says, +"within thirty years last the nice dames of London would not come into +any house or roome where sea coales were burned; nor willingly eat of +the meat that was either sod or roasted with sea coal fire." + +Tinmouth Priory had a colliery at Elwick, which in 1330 was let at the +yearly rent of five pounds; in 1530 it was let for twenty pounds a +year, on condition that not more than twenty chaldron should be drawn +in a day; and eight years after, at fifty pounds a year, without +restriction on the quantity to be wrought. In Richard the Second's +time, Newcastle coals were sold at Whitby, at three shillings and +four-pence per chaldron; and in the time of Henry VIII. their price +was twelvepence a chaldron in Newcastle; in London about four +shillings, and in France they sold for thirteen nobles per chaldron. +Queen Elizabeth obtained a lease of the manors and coal mines of +Gateshead and Whickham, which she soon transferred to the Earl of +Leicester. He assigned it to his secretary, Sutton, the founder of the +Charter-house, who also made assignment of it to Sir W. Riddell and +others, for the use of the Mayor and Burgesses of Newcastle. Duties +were laid upon this article to assist in building St. Paul's Church, +and fifty parish churches in London after the great fire; and in 1677, +Charles II. granted to his natural son, Charles Lenox, Duke of +Richmond, and his heirs, a duty of one shilling a chaldron on coals, +which continued in his family till it was purchased by government in +1800. The collieries in the vicinity of Newcastle are perhaps the most +valuable and extensive in Europe, and afford nearly the whole supply +of the metropolis, and of those counties on the eastern coast +deficient in coal strata; thus-- + + "The grim ore + Here useless, like the miser's brighter hoard, + Is from its prison brought and sent abroad, + The frozen horns to cheer, to minister + To needful sustenance and polished arts-- + Hence are the hungry fed, the naked clothed, + The wintry damps dispell'd, and social mirth + Exults and glows before the blazing hearth." + +_Iago's Edge Hill_, p. 106. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + + +ALEHOUSE SIGNS. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + +Two of your correspondents have puzzled themselves in seeking the +origin of the old Cat and Fiddle sign. The one has been led away by a +love of etymology--the other would string the fiddle at the expense of +poor puss's viscera. Now laying aside conjecture and the subtleties of +language, suppose we consult plain matter of fact? It is then +generally allowed that the tones of a flute resemble the _human +voice_: those of a clarionet, the notes of a _goose_: and, all the +world knows that a well-played violin (especially in the practice of +gliding) yields sounds so inseparable from the _strains of a cat_, as +not to be distinguished by the mere amateur of musical science. + +In conformity, therefore, with this last truth, the small fiddles +which Dancing-masters carry in their pockets, are at this day called +_kits_. But our etymologist will readily perceive this to be a mere +abbreviation, and that they must originally have been known as +_kittens_. + +E.D. Jun. + + * * * * * + + +ANACHRONISMS RESPECTING DR. JOHNSON. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + + "I am corrected, sir; but hear me speak-- + When admiration glows with such a fire + As to o'ertop the memory, error then + May merit mercy." _Old Play_. + +In justice to myself and the readers of the MIRROR, I must be allowed +to offer a few apologetic remarks on the almost unpardonable +anachronisms which I so inadvertently suffered to occur in my +communication on the subject of Dr. Johnson's Residence in Bolt Court. +But when I state that the chronological metathesis occurred entirely +in consequence of my referring to that most treacherous portion of +human intellect, the memory; and that it is upwards of seven years +since I read "Boswell's Life of Johnson," or "Johnson's Poets," it may +be some mitigation of the censure I so justly deserve. Yet I may be +suffered to suggest to your correspondent, who has so kindly corrected +me, that my paper was more in the suppository style than he seems to +have imagined; and that I did not assert that Boswell, Savage, and +Johnson, met at the latter's "house in Bolt Court, and discussed +subjects of polite literature." The expression used is, "We can +_imagine_," &c. constituting a creation of the fancy rather than a +positive portraiture. Certain it is that Johnson's dwelling was in the +neighbourhood of Temple Bar at the time of the nocturnal perambulation +alluded to; and that it was Savage (to whom he was so unaccountably +attached, in spite of the "bastard's" frailties) who enticed the +doctor from his bed to a midnight ramble. My primary mistake consists +in transposing the date of the doctor's residence in Bolt Court, and +introducing Savage at the era of Boswell's acquaintance with Johnson; +whereas the wayward poet finished his miserable existence in a prison, +at Bristol, 21 years prior to that event. Here I may be allowed a +remark or two on the animadversion which has been heaped on Johnson +for that beautiful piece of biography, "The Life of Richard Savage." +It has hitherto been somewhat of a mystery that the stern critic whose +strictures so severely exposed the minutest derelictions of genius in +all other instances, should have adopted "the melting mood" in +detailing the life of such a man as Savage; for, much as we may admire +the concentrated smiles and tears of his two poems, "The Bastard," and +"The Wanderer," pitying the fortunes and miseries of the author, yet +his ungovernable temper and depraved propensities, which led to his +embruing his hands in blood, his ingratitude to his patrons and +benefactors, (but chiefly to Pope,) and his degraded misemployment of +talents which might have raised him to the capital of the proud column +of intellect of that day,--all conduce to petrify the tear of mingled +mercy and compassion, which the misfortunes of such a being might +otherwise demand. Nevertheless, as was lately observed by a +respectable journal, "there must have been _something_ good about him, +or Samuel Johnson would not have loved him." + +**H. + + * * * * * + + +DREAMS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + + We see our joyous home, + Where the sapphire waters fall; + The porch, with its lone gloom, + The bright vines on its wall. + + The flow'rs, the brooks, and trees, + Again are made our own, + The woodlands rife with bees, + And the curfew's pensive tone. + + Peace to the marble brow, + And the ringlets tinged dark, + The heart is sleeping now + In a still and holy ark! + + Sleep hath clos'd the soft blue eye, + And unbound the silken tress + Their dreams are of the sky, + And pass'd is watchfulness. + + But a sleep they yet shall have, + Sunn'd with no vision's glow; + A sleep within the grave-- + When their eyes are quench'd and low! + + A glorious rest it is, + To earth's lorn children given, + Pure as the bridal kiss, + To sleep--and wake in heaven! + +_Deal_. Reginald Augustine + + * * * * * + + +SCOTCH SONG. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + + Gin Lubin shows the ring to me + While reavin' Teviot side, + And asks me wi' an earnest e'e, + To be his bonny bride. + At sic a time I canna tell + What I to him might say, + But as I lo'e the laddie well, + I cudna tell him nae. + + I'd say we twa as yet are young, + Wi' monie a day to spare, + An' then the suit should drap my tongue + That he might press it mair. + I'd gae beside the point awhile, + Wi' proper laithfu' pride, + By lang to partin', wi' a smile, + Consent to be his bride. + +C. Cole. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Sketch-Book. + + * * * * * + + +THE LOVER STUDENT. + +_A Leaf from the Reminiscences of a Collegian_. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +----He was but a poor undergraduate; not, indeed, one of lowest grade, +but still too much lacking pecuniary supplies to render him an +"eligible match." Julia, too, though pretty, was portionless; and the +world, which always kindly interests itself in such affairs, said, +they had no business whatever to become attached to each other; but +then, such attachments and the world, never did, and never will agree; +and _I_, from fatal experience, assert that what people impertinently +call "falling in love," is a thing that _cannot_ be helped; _I_, at +least, never could help it. The regard of Millington and Julia was of +a very peculiar nature; it was a morsel of platonism, which is rather +too curious to pass unrecorded; for as far as I have been able, upon +the most minute investigation to ascertain, they never spoke to each +other during the period of their tender acquaintance. No; they were +not dumb, but lacking a mutual friend to give them an introduction; +their regard for decorum and etiquette was too great to permit them to +speak otherwise than with their eyes. Millington had kept three terms, +when I arrived at ---- College, a shy and gawky freshman; we had been +previously acquainted, and he, pitying perhaps my youth and +inexperience, patronized his playmate, and I became his chum. For some +time I was at a loss to account for sundry fluctuations in Henry's +disposition and manners. He shunned society and would neither accept +invitations to wine and supper parties in other men's rooms, nor give +such in his own; nevertheless his person seemed to have become an +object of the tenderest regard; never was he so contented as when +rambling through the streets and walks, without his gown, in a new and +well cut suit; whilst in order eternally to display his figure to the +best advantage, he was content to endure as heavy an infliction of +fines and impositions, as the heads of his college could lay upon his +shoulders. He was ruined for a reading-man. About this period he also +had a perfect mania for flowers; observing which, and fancying I might +gratify my friend by such a mark of attention, I one day went to his +rooms with a large bouquet in either hand. He was not at home; but +having carelessly enough forgotten to lock his door, I commenced, _con +amore_, (anticipating the agreeable surprise which I should afford +him) to fill his vases with fresh, bright, and delicious summer +flowers, in lieu of the very mummies of their race by which they were +occupied. My work was in progress when Millington returned, but, oh! +good heavens! the rage, the profane, diabolical, incomprehensible rage +into which he burst! I shall never forget. Away went my beautiful, my +fragrant flowers, into the court, and seizing upon the remnant of the +mummies, as yet untouched by my sacrilegious fingers, he tossed them +into a drawer, double locked it, and ordered me out of the room. +Dreading a kick, I was off at his word; but had not proceeded half way +down stairs, when a hand from the rear, roughly grasped mine, and a +voice, in a wild and hurried manner, asked pardon for "intemperance." +I should have called it madness. We were again firm allies; but I +resolved to fathom, if possible, the mystery of the flowers. I now +observed, with surprise, that Millington never quitted his rooms +without a flower in his hand, or _boutonnière_; which flower, upon his +return, appeared to have been either lost, or metamorphosed into, +sometimes, one of another description; sometimes into a nosegay. Very +strange indeed, thought I; and began to have my suspicions that in all +this might be traced "fair woman's visitings." Yes, Millington must +decidedly have fallen in love. He was never in chapel, never in hall, +never in college, never at lectures, and never at parties; he was in +love, that was certain; but with whom? He knew none of the resident +gentry of ----, and he was far too proud to involve himself in "an +affair" with a girl of inferior rank. Many men did so; but Millington +despised them for it. Accidentally I discovered that he adored Julia, +the young, sweet daughter of an undoubted gentleman, who was not yet +"come out." She was a lively, pretty brunette, with brownest curling +hair, only fifteen; and to this day, I believe, knows not the name of +her lover. From an attic window of a five storied house, this fond and +beautiful girl contrived, sometimes, to shower upon the head of her +devoted admirer sweet flowers, and sometimes this paragon of pairs +meeting each other in the walks, silently effected an interchange of +the buds and blossoms, with which they always took care to be +provided. Several weeks passed thus, Henry and Julia seeing each other +every day; but long vacation would arrive; and on the evening +preceding his departure from ----, the lovelorn student, twisting +round the stem of a spicy carnation, a leaf which he had torn from his +pocket book, thus conveyed, with his farewell to Julia, an intimation +that he designed upon his return to college next term, to effect an +introduction to her family. Julia's delight may easily be conceived. I +remained in college for the vacation to read, and had shortly the +pleasure of informing Millington that I should be able, upon his +return, to afford him the introduction which he had so much at heart, +having made the acquaintance of Julia and her family. Two months +elapsed ere Millington deigned to notice my letter. His answer to it +was expressed in these terms:-- + +"Freddy--I'm married to a proper vixen, I fancy; but to twenty +thousand pounds. Ay, my boy, there it is--no doing in this world +without the needful, and I'm not the ass to fight shy of such a +windfall. As for Julia, hang her. By Jove, what an escape--wasn't it? +Name her never again, and should she cry for me, give her a sugar +plum--a kiss--a gingerbread husband, or yourself, as you please. I am +not so fond of milk and water, and bread and butter, I can assure her. + +"Ever truly yours, +Henry Owen Millington. + +"P.S. Capital shooting hereabout--can't you slip over for a few days?" + +Poor Julia! I certainly am not clear that I shall not marry her +myself; but as for that scoundrel Millington, he had better take care +how he comes in my way--that's all. + +M.L.B. + + * * * * * + + + + +Manners & Customs of all Nations. + + * * * * * + +WHITSUN ALE. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +On the Coteswold, Gloucester, is a customary meeting at Whitsuntide, +vulgarly called an _Ale_, or _Whitsun Ale_, resorted to by numbers of +young people. Two persons are chosen previous to the meeting, to be +Lord and Lady of the Ale or Yule, who dress as suitably as they can to +those characters; a large barn, or other building is fitted up with +seats, &c. for the lord's hall. Here they assemble to dance and regale +in the best manner their circumstances and the place will afford; each +man treats his sweetheart with a ribbon or favour. The lord and lady +attended by the steward, sword, purse, and mace-bearer, with their +several badges of office, honour the hall with their presence; they +have likewise, in their suit, a page, or train-bearer, and a jester, +dressed in a parti-coloured jacket. The lord's music, consisting of a +tabor and pipe, is employed to conduct the dance. Companies of +morrice-dancers, attended by the jester and tabor and pipe, go about +the country on Monday and Tuesday in Whitsun week, and collect sums +towards defraying the expenses of the Yule. All the figures of the +lord, &c. of the Yule, handsomely represented in basso-relievo, stand +in the north wall of the nave of Cirencester Church, which vouches for +the antiquity of the custom; and, on many of these occasions, they +erect a may-pole, which denotes its rise in Druidism. The mace is made +of silk, finely plaited with ribbons on the top, and filled with +spices and perfumes for such of the company to smell to as desire it. + +Halbert H. + + * * * * * + + +ANCIENT FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE GREEKS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The dead were ever held sacred and inviolable even amongst the most +barbarous nations; to defraud them of any due respect was a greater +and more unpardonable sacrilege than to spoil the temples of the gods; +their memories were preserved with a religious care and reverence, and +all their remains honoured with worship and adoration; hatred and envy +themselves were put to silence, for it was thought a sign of a cruel +and inhuman disposition to speak evil of the dead, and prosecute +revenge beyond the grave. The ancient Greeks were strongly persuaded +that their souls could not be admitted into the Elysian fields till +their bodies were committed to the earth; therefore the honours (says +Potter) paid to the dead were the greatest and most necessary; for +these were looked upon as a debt so sacred, that such as neglected to +discharge it were thought accursed. Those who died in foreign +countries had usually their ashes brought home and interred in the +sepulchres of their ancestors, or at least in some part of their +native country; it being thought that the same mother which gave them +life and birth, was only fit to receive their remains, and afford them +a peaceful habitation after death. Whence ancient authors afford as +innumerable instances of bodies conveyed, sometimes by the command of +oracles, sometimes by the good-will of their friends, from foreign +countries to the sepulchres of their fathers, and with great solemnity +deposited there. Thus, Theseus was removed from Scyros to Athens, +Orestes from Tegea, &c. Nor was this pious care limited to persons of +free condition, but slaves also had some share therein; for we find +(says Potter) the Athenian lawgiver commanding the magistrates, called +_Demarchi_, under a severe penalty, to solemnize the funerals, not so +much of citizens, whose friends seldom failed of paying the last +honours, as of slaves, who frequently were destitute of decent burial. + +Those who wasted their patrimony, forfeited their right of being +buried in the sepulchres of their fathers. As soon as any person had +expired, they closed his eyes. Augustus Caesar, upon the approach of +his death, called for a looking-glass, and caused his hair to be +combed, and his fallen cheeks decently composed. All the offices about +the dead were performed by their nearest relations; nor could a +greater misfortune befal any person than to want these respects. When +dying, their friends and relations came close to the bed where they +lay, to bid them farewell, and catch their dying words, which they +never repeated without reverence. The want of opportunity to pay this +compliment to Hector, furnishes Andromache with matter of lamentation, +which is related in the Iliad. They kissed and embraced the dying +person, so taking their last farewell; and endeavoured likewise to +receive in their mouth his last breath, as fancying his soul to expire +with it, and enter into their bodies. When any person died in debt at +Athens, the laws of that city gave leave to creditors to seize the +dead body, and deprive it of burial till payment was made; whence the +corpse of Miltiades, who died in prison, being like to want the honour +of burial, his son Cimon had no other means to release it, but by +taking upon himself his father's debts and fetters. Sometime before +interment, a piece of money was put into the corpse's mouth, which was +thought to be Charon's fare for wafting the departed soul over the +infernal river. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + +SINGULAR MANORIAL CUSTOM. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The Manor of Broughton Lindsay, in Lincolnshire, is held under that of +Caistor, by this strange service: viz. that annually, upon Palm +Sunday, the deputy of the Lord of the Manor of Broughton, attends the +church at Caistor, with a new cart whip in his hand, which he cracks +thrice in the church porch; and passes with it on his shoulder up the +nave into the chancel, and seats himself in the pew of the lord of the +manor, where he remains until the officiating minister is about to +read the second lesson; he then proceeds with his whip, to the lash of +which he has in the meantime affixed a purse, which ought to contain +thirty silver pennies (instead of which a single half crown is +substituted,) and kneeling down before the reading desk, he holds the +purse, suspended over the minister's head, all the time he is reading +the lesson. After this he returns to his seat. When divine service is +over, he leaves the whip and purse at the manor house. + +H.B.A. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Contemporary Traveller. + + * * * * * + +MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. + + +The name of New Spain was at first given only to Yucatan by Grijalva +and his followers; but Cortez extended it to the whole empire of +Montezuma, which is described by the earliest writers to have reached +from Panama to New California. This, however, appears, from more +recent researches, on the accuracy of which Humboldt relies with +reason, to have been larger than the reality justified; and the whole +of Tenochtitlan may be said to have been contained in the present +states of Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, and Valadolid. In +addition to the name given by Cortez, that of the capital was extended +to the whole kingdom of New Spain; and since the revolution and the +establishment of independence, the several provinces form separate and +independent states, confederating together and constituting the +nineteen United States of Mexico; viz. Chiapa, Chihuahua, Cohahuila +and Texas, Durango, Guanaxuato, Mexico, Michoachan, New Leon, Oaxaca, +Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Cinaloa, Tabasco, +Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz, Xalisco, Yucatan and Zacatecas. Old and New +California, Colima, New Mexico, and Tlascala, though forming members +of the federation, declined having state governments, on account of +the expense, and are designated territories. The whole republic, +according to Humboldt, occupies a space of 75,830 square leagues, of +twenty to an equinoxial degree; on which there are to be found every +inequality of surface, and every variety of soil and climate, the two +last of which are dependent in most cases on the former. + +The republic of Mexico, taken on the grand scale, may be considered as +a succession of small mountain-plains at different heights, separated +by mountains, and increasing in magnitude as the coast recedes on both +the eastern and western sides, until the great centre plain be +reached, which, though much broken by mountain ridges, tends to the +north, maintaining nearly an equal elevation. The snow-capped +mountains of Orizava, and the volcanos of Puebla and Toluca, are among +the most splendid objects in the world. The Mexicans divide the +regions of their country into _Tierras calientes, Tierras templadas_, +and _Tierras frias_, according to the climate. Throughout the whole +country there is a lamentable want of water, and of navigable rivers. +The lakes, too, appear to be yearly decreasing in extent, the +immediate consequence of which is, that the elevated portions of the +interior are nearly stripped of vegetation, and the soil covered with +an efflorescence of carbonate of soda, there called _Tequisquita_, +resembling very closely the plains of the two Castiles, and recalling +to the Eastern traveller the desolate wastes of some parts of Persia. + +The effect of elevation on the temperature is most marked, and it is +no uncommon thing to be shivering on one side of the street in the +city of Mexico, and to be literally scorched by the rays of the sun on +the other. Changes are upon record of 55° of Fahrenheit within three +hours, on one of the mountain-plains at the same height with the +valley of Mexico. + +Notwithstanding the volcanic character of Mexico, earthquakes are by +no means so frequent there as in some of the neighbouring countries. +One of the most memorable on record occurred on the 14th of September, +1759, when the volcano of Jorullo, with several smaller cones, forced +the surface of the soil, destroying all before it. + +The infinite variety of climate and soil fits this country for the +production of the fruits of all regions, from those of the hottest +within the tropics to those of the severest cold, where cultivation +can be carried on. But the want of ports, and of navigable rivers on +the Atlantic, opposes the advantages that might result from this +variety of production, though on the Pacific there are a few admirable +ports, such as Acapulco. The prevalence of the "Nortes," or northerly +winds, at certain seasons, seriously affects the navigation on one +side, while that of the "papagallos" is as inconvenient on the other. + +The Mexican population is commonly divided into seven classes:--1. +European Spaniards, commonly called "_gachupines_." 2. White Creoles. +3. Mestizos, descendants of Whites and Indians. 4. Mulattoes, +descendants of Whites and Blacks. 5. Zambos, from Indians and Negroes. +6. Pure Indians. 7. African Blacks. But this classification may be +reduced to four:--1. Whites. 2. Indians. 3. Blacks. 4. Mixed Races, +the various gradations of which may be considered almost infinite. + +The Indians consist of a considerable number of distinct tribes, +differing in many points of appearance, and speaking--not dialects +but--languages entirely different. No less than twenty of these have +been traced, and of fourteen of them there are already grammars and +dictionaries. The Indian population is chiefly centered in the great +plains, and towards the south; and Humboldt thinks that it has flowed +from the north to the south. The history of four great migrations is +preserved in the annals of Mexico, which are worthy of more detailed +examination than we can bestow upon them. The great body of these +people live apart from the other races of their countrymen, in small +villages, full of ignorance, suspicion, and bigotry, and displaying an +apparent phlegm, from which it would seem impossible to arouse them. +This phlegmatic temperament lessens the credit of the men with the +females, who uniformly prefer the European, or the still more +vivacious negro. "The indigenous Mexican is grave, melancholic, +silent, so long as he is not under the influence of intoxicating +liquors. This gravity is peculiarly remarkable in Indian children, who +at the age of four or five years display more intelligence and +precocity than the children of whites. The Mexican loves to attach +mystery even to his most trifling actions; the strongest passions do +not display themselves in his countenance; the transition is frightful +when it passes suddenly from a state of absolute repose to that of +violent and unrestrained agitation." Slavery with them has engendered +guile. They are obstinate in all their habits and opinions; their +religion is one of mere ceremonial, justifying the observation of +a priest to Mr. Ward, "son mui buenos Catolicos, pero mui malos +Cristianos" (very good Catholics, but very bad Christians.) Deception +in this, as well as in every thing else, is the order of the day; and +the Indian Alcalde now oppresses the villagers as much as he himself +has ever been. + +Humboldt considers the Mexican Indian as destitute of all imagination, +though when to a certain degree educated, he attributes to him +facility in learning, a clearness of understanding, a natural turn for +reasoning, and a particular aptitude to subtilize and seize trifling +distinctions. + +The music and dancing are as dull as might be expected among beings so +full of phlegm. The Mexican has a turn for painting and sculpture; and +retains the same fondness for flowers that struck Cortez so forcibly +upwards of three centuries ago. The "Indios Bravos," or Wild Indians, +are said to display more energy; but our information respecting them +is remarkably scanty. + +Among the active vices of the Mexican Indian, that of drunkenness +prevails to a most lamentable extent. In the upper districts, +_pulque_, or the fermented juice of the aloe, is the principal +tempter; sometimes a spirit, distilled from the same plant, called +_Vino de Mescal_; while, in the hotter districts, the same effects are +ensured by the _chinguirito_, a very coarse kind of rum. Combined with +this disposition to intoxication, the Indian is constitutionally +indolent; and, now that he is a free man, he will rarely work, except +to obtain just as much as will afford him the means of enjoying his +greatest luxury--that of steeping his senses in oblivion. This last +tendency is much to be deplored, as, in the larger towns, we know that +every Sunday (which is the day of greatest indulgence) assassinations, +to the extent of six or eight each day, are the melancholy consequence +of its indulgence. Humboldt states that the police were in the +practice of sending tumbrels round, to collect the unhappy victims of +intoxication. The punishment was, and we believe still is, three days' +labour in the streets; but it does not seem to be very efficacious, +for generally within the week the delinquents are again in custody. + +There is something characteristic in the indolence of these sombre +beings. They will travel immense distances; but to steady labour they +are, generally speaking, not prone. It is told of them, that in one of +the most fertile districts (the _Baxio_) it is not unusual for an +Indian, on receiving his wages, to get thoroughly drunk, go to sleep, +and on awakening renew his potations and repose, until the exhaustion +of his finances compels him to return to labour. In some parts, +however, there are exceptions to this observation. + +Education has been more attended to, by some of the leading +personages, than could have been expected in a society that had been +so much kept in the shade. We apprehend the advantages are chiefly +prospective, and may be well defined in another generation; at present +they are but small. The whites have been, and still are, the most +educated portion of the Mexicans, owing, no doubt, to their greater +opulence, and having access to official rank. The mass of ignorance, +however, among all classes, is inconceivable to any one who has only +moved in the principal countries of Europe. Nor is it confined to the +lower classes, but finds protection among the highest in the +community. We heard a reverend canon of the metropolitan church +gravely inquire, whether it was possible to reach London except by +sailing up the Thames. And we knew a very pretty, agreeable young +lady, moving in the first circles, who could not write a single letter +at the age of seventeen. She has been since married, and has, we are +informed, been taught to write by her husband, who is not a Mexican. +The religion of all classes resembles too much that of the Indians; +and the practical morality and general tone of society are by no means +refined. If one half of the scandalous tales in circulation be true, +the former ranks with that of Paris in its worst periods, and the +latter is assuredly gross to a degree that would surprise even an +inhabitant of Madrid. The familiarity with which _every subject_ is +treated at first excites emotions in an Englishman of the most +unpleasant kind, which gradually subside, from the frequency with +which they are discussed by young and old; by high and low, of both +sexes.--_Foreign Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Notes of a Reader. + + * * * * * + +SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW WORK. + + +We detach this little descriptive gem from Sir Walter Scott's "Anne of +Geierstein," just published. An outline of this very delightful novel +will be found in a SUPPLEMENT with the present number of the MIRROR. + +"The ancient tower of Geierstein, though neither extensive, nor +distinguished by architectural ornament, possessed an air of terrible +dignity by its position on the very verge of the opposite bank of the +torrent, which, just at the angle of the rock on which the ruins are +situated, falls sheer over a cascade of nearly a hundred feet in +height, and then rushes down the defile, through a trough of living +rock, which perhaps its waves have been deepening since time itself +had a commencement. Facing, and at the same time looking down upon +this eternal roar of waters, stood the old tower, built so close to +the verge of the precipice, that the buttresses with which the +architect had strengthened the foundation, seemed a part of the solid +rock itself, and a continuation of its perpendicular ascent. As usual, +throughout Europe in the feudal times, the principal part of the +building was a massive square pile, the decayed summit of which was +rendered picturesque, by flanking turrets of different sizes and +heights, some round, some angular, some ruinous, some tolerably +entire, varying the outline of the building as seen against the stormy +sky." + + * * * * * + + +THORWALDSEN. + + +Since the death of his illustrious contemporary, Canova, Thorwaldsen, +born at Copenhagen in 1771-2, has occupied the public eye as head of +the modern school. The character and powers of this master are +doubtless of a very elevated rank: but neither in the extent nor +excellence of his works, do we apprehend his station to be so high as +sometimes placed. The genius of the Danish sculptor is forcible, yet +is its energy derived more from peculiarity than from real excellence. +His ideal springs less from imitation of the antique, or of nature, +than from the workings of his own individual mind--it is the creation +of a fancy seeking forcible effect in singular combinations, rather +than in general principles; therefore hardly fitted to excite lasting +or beneficial influence upon the age. Simplicity and imposing +expression seem to have hitherto formed the principal objects of +his pursuit; but the distinction between the simple and rude, the +powerful and the exaggerated, is not always observed in the labours +of the Dane. His simplicity is sometimes without grace; the +impressive--austere, and without due refinement. The air and contours +of his heads, except, as in the Mercury--an excellent example both of +the beauties and defects of the artist's style--when immediately +derived from antiquity, though grand and vigorous, seldom harmonize in +the principles of these efforts with the majestic regularity of +general nature. The forms, again, are not unfrequently poor, without a +vigorous rendering of the parts, and destitute at times of their just +roundness. These defects may in some measure have arisen from the +early and more frequent practice of the artist in relievos. In this +department, Thorwaldsen is unexceptionably to be admired. The Triumph +of Alexander, originally intended for the frieze of the government +palace at Milan, notwithstanding an occasional poverty, in the +materials of thought, is, as a whole, one of the grandest compositions +in the world; while the delicacy of execution, and poetic feeling, in +the two exquisite pieces of Night and Aurora, leave scarcely a wish +here ungratified. But in statues, Thorwaldsen excels only where the +forms and sentiment admit of uncontrolled imagination, or in which no +immediate recourse can be had to fixed standards of taste, and to the +simple effects of nature. Hence, of all his works, as admitting of +unconfined expression, and grand peculiarity of composition, the +statues of the Apostles, considered in themselves, are the most +excellent. Thorwaldsen, in fine, possesses singular, but in some +respects erratic genius. His ideas of composition are irregular; his +powers of fancy surpass those of execution; his conceptions seem to +lose a portion of their value and freshness in the act of realizement. +As an individual artist, he will command deservedly a high rank among +the names that shall go down to posterity. As a sculptor, who will +influence, or has extended the principles of the art, his pretensions +are not great; or, should this influence and these claims not be thus +limited, the standard of genuine and universal excellence must be +depreciated in a like degree.--_Meme's History of Sculpture, &c._ + + * * * * * + + +SIGN OF THE TIMES. + + +One of the singularities of the time is an unwillingness to tell the +truth, even when there is no ground for suppressing or perverting it. +It is so frequently under or overstated by most persons in this +country who speak and write, according to the side they have espoused, +or the inclinations and political principles of those by whom they are +likely to be read or heard, that they at last persuade themselves +there is a sort of impropriety in presenting facts in their proper +colours.--_Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + +A DUTCH TALE. + + +A ballad of _Roosje_ is perhaps the most touchingly told story +which the Dutch possess. It is of a maid--a beloved maid--born +at her mother's death--bred up 'midst the tears and kisses of her +father--prattling thoughtlessly about her mother--every one's +admiration for beauty, cleverness, and virtue--gentle as the moon +shining on the downs. Her name was to be seen written again and again +on the sands by the Zeeland youths--and scarcely a beautiful flower +bloomed but was gathered for her. Now in Zeeland, when the south-winds +of summer come, there comes too a delicate fish, which hides itself in +the sand, and which is dug out as a luxury by the young people. It is +the time of sport and gaiety--and they venture far--far over the flat +coast into the sea. The boys drag the girls among the waves--and +Roosje was so dragged, notwithstanding many appeals. "A kiss, a kiss, +or you go further," cried her conductor--she fled--he followed, both +laughing:--"Into the sea--into the sea," said all her companions--he +pushes her on--it is deeper, and deeper--she shrieks--she sinks--they +sink together--the sands were faithless--there was no succour--the +waves rolled over them--there was stillness and death:--The terrified +playmates looked-- + + "All silently,--they look'd again-- + And silently sped home-- + And every heart was bursting then, + But every tongue was dumb. + + "And still and stately o'er the wave, + The mournful moon arose, + Flinging pale beams upon the grave, + Where they in peace repose. + + "The wind glanc'd o'er the voiceless sea, + The billows kissed the strand-- + And one sad dirge of misery + Fill'd all the mourning land." + +_Foreign Quarterly Review_. + + + * * * * * + + +ENGLAND AND HER COLONIES. + + +The discouragement of colonization is certainly not the feeling of the +great majority of the people of England, and it is equally certain +that it is not the policy of this empire. Whatever may be the fate of +the several British colonies at some future and distant period, it is +something at least to have spread our laws and language, and moral +character, over the most distant parts of the globe. The colonies that +speak the language of Old England--that preserve her manners and her +habits--will always be her best customers; and their surplus capital +will always centre in the mother country. It was not the opinion of +our ancestors, that colonies were an incumbrance; they--good, stupid +souls--imagined that colonies enlarged the sphere of commerce---that +commerce required ships--that ships created seamen for manning the +royal navy, and that the whole contributed to individual wealth, to +the national revenue, and the national strength; and such we believe +still to be the opinion of men of sound practical knowledge, whose +minds are unwarped by abstract systems and preconceived theories, to +which every thing must be made to bend. Such, too, was the feeling of +that extraordinary man, who, with the solitary exception of England, +exacted homage from every crowned head of Europe. This man, in the +plenitude of his power, felt that something was still wanting to +enable him to grapple with one little island, invulnerable by its +maritime strength, the sinews of which he knew to be derived from its +colonies: he felt that, deprived as he was of "ships, colonies, and +commerce," England was able to stand alone among nations, and to bid +defiance to his overwhelming power. That cunning fox, too, by whose +councils he was occasionally guided, knew too well the degree of +strength that England derived from her colonies, which he described to +be her very vitals, and which could only be reached by a powerful +navy. He designated them as the sheet anchor of Great Britain--the +prop that supported her maritime superiority--the strongholds of her +power. "Deprive her of her colonies," said Talleyrand. "and you break +down her last wall; you fill up her last ditch."--_Fas est et ab hoste +doceri.--Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + +INVITATIONS. + + +As a certificate of your intention to be punctual, you may send your +friends, a similar billet to the following:-- + +My dear Sir, + +The honour of your company is requested to dine with ---- on _Fry_day, +1828. + +The favour of a positive answer is requested, or the proffered plate +will be appropriated as it was when-- + +_Sir Ill-bred Ignorance_ returned the following answer:--"I shall be +quite happy to come if I possibly can." Such words the committee voted +were equivalent to these--I'll come, if in the mean time I am not +invited to a party that I like better.--_Dr. Kitchiner_. + + * * * * * + + +GENEVA + + +Has very little, as a city, to recommend it. It is characterized by +much active industry within doors, the _savans_ and _mechaniciens_ +being pent up in their closets and ateliers, and very little gaiety +pervades the promenades. Some parts of the town are sufficiently +picturesque; the overhanging roofs, for which it is remarkable, are, +however, too lofty to screen the pedestrian from the rain, especially +if accompanied by a high wind, and form no shade from the sun. The +pavement of the streets is bad, and their irregularity is a +considerable drawback from the internal appearance. The pavement of +the inclined plane in the Hotel de Ville, by which we gain the arduous +ascent that conducts to the Passport office, is a curiosity of its +kind, and perhaps unique. The city is tolerably well fenced in with +walls within walls, draw and suspension bridges, and gates; while +stakes and chains secure from surprise on the part of the lake. The +small canton of Geneva, though in the vicinity of the Great Alpine +chain and the mountains of the Jura, includes no mountains. The name +of the city and canton has been traced by the etymologists to a Celtic +origin; _Gen_, a sally-port or exit, and _av_, a river, probably +because the Rhone here leaves the Leman lake. The eagle on the +escutcheon of the city arms indicates its having been an _imperial_ +city; and it is believed the key was an adjunct of Pope Martin V., in +the year 1418. The motto on the scroll, "Ex tenebris lux," appears to +have existed anterior to the _light_ of the Reformation. The number of +inhabitants may now be estimated at about 22,000; but it appears, by a +census in 1789, to have been 26,148. In this moral city, it is +computed that every twelfth birth is illegitimate. The number of +people engaged in clock and watch-making and jewellery, may be safely +rated at 3,000. In years favourable to these staple manufactures +75,000 ounces of gold are employed, which is almost equally divided +between watches and jewellery. The daily supply of silver is about 134 +ounces. Pearls form an article of considerable value in the jewellery, +and have been rated at no less a sum that 1,200 francs daily. 70,000 +watches are annually made, only one-twelfth of which are in silver. +More than fifty distinct branches are comprised in the various +departments, and each workman, on the average, earns about three +shillings a-day.--_Mr. John Murray's Tour_. + + * * * * * + + +HANDEL. + + +Some folks eat two or three times as much as others--for instance, our +incomparable and inspired composer, Handel, required uncommonly large +and frequent supplies of food. Among other stories told of this great +musician, it is said that whenever he dined _alone_ at a tavern, he +always ordered "dinner for _three_;" and on receiving an answer to his +question--"Is de tinner retty?"--"As soon as the company come."--He +said, _con strepito_, "Den pring up te Tinner _prestissimo_, I am de +gombany." + + * * * * * + + +BAD WRITING. + +_From one of Dr. Parr's Letters_. + + +His letters put me in mind of tumult and anarchy; there is sedition in +every sentence; syllable has no longer any confidence in syllable, but +dissolves its connexion as preferring an alliance with the succeeding +word. A page of his epistle looks like the floor of a garden-house, +covered with old, crooked nails, which have just been released from a +century's durance in a brick wall. I cannot cast my eyes on his +character without being religious. This is the only good effect I have +derived from his writings; he brings into my mind the resurrection, +and paints the tumultuous resuscitation of awakened men with a pencil +of masterly confusion. I am fully convinced of one thing, either that +he or his pen is intoxicated when he writes to me, for his letters +seem to have borrowed the reel of wine, and stagger from one corner of +the sheet to the other. They remind me of Lord Chatham's +administration, lying together heads and points in one truckle-bed. + + * * * * * + + +WINE AND WATER. + + +The same quantity of wine diluted intoxicates sooner than the same +quantity drank in the same time _without_ dilution; the wine being +applied to a larger surface of the stomach, acts with proportionably +greater quickness--though wine _diluted_ sooner _intoxicates_, its +effects are sooner over.--_Dr. Kitchiner_. + + * * * * * + + +NEW SOUTH WALES. + + +Of the total population of New South Wales, which, in round numbers, +may be taken at 40,000, the Free Emigrants + + amount only to about ............ 7,000 + Native Children ................. 5,000 + Emancipated Convicts............. 8,000 + Convicts in Servitude .......... 20,000 + ______ + 40,000 + + + * * * * * + + +OMEN. + + +As Cooke, the solicitor-general, was beginning to open the pleadings +at the trial of Charles I, the king gently tapped him on the shoulder +with his cane, crying "Hold, hold!" At the same moment the silver head +of the cane fell off, and rolled on the floor. + + * * * * * + + +COTTAGE GARDENS. + + +The comforts and benefits to be derived from a well cultivated garden, +by a poor man's family, are almost beyond calculation. What a resource +for hours after work, or when trade is dull, and regular work scarce! +What a contrast and counteraction is the healthy, manly, employment +which a cottage garden affords, to the close, impure, unwholesome air, +the beastliness and obscenity, the waste of time, the destruction of +morals, the loss of character, money, and health, which are the +inmates of too many common ale-houses!--_Gardener's Mag_. + + * * * * * + + +PAINTING. + + +Painting, were the use of it universal, would be a powerful means of +instruction to children and the lower orders; and were all the fine +surfaces, which are now plain, and absolutely wasted, enriched with +the labours of the art, if they once began to appear, they would +accumulate rapidly; and were the ornamented edifices open to all, as +freely as they ought to be, a wide field of new and agreeable study +would offer itself. A person, who thoroughly understood the +well-chosen subjects, and was qualified to explain them to a stranger, +could not be devoid of knowledge, nor could his mind want food for +constant contemplation. The sense of beauty has hitherto been little +cultivated in Great Britain; but it certainly exists, and shows itself +principally in laying out gardens and pleasure-grounds with unrivalled +skill.--_Edin. Review_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Spirit of Discovery. + + * * * * * + + +_Hydrophobia_. + + +In the _New Monthly Magazine_ for October, 1826, is the following +statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure of the bite of a +mad dog, published by the gentleman who first made use of the plant in +South America, as an antidote to that scourge of human nature, +hydrophobia; his words are, "I shall simply state, that during my +residence in South America, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing +the direful effects of hydrophobia, without having in any one case +that came under my care been successful in its cure by the usual modes +prescribed in Europe. It fortunately occurred to me, that the guaco, +so celebrated for curing the bite or sting of all venomous snakes, +might prove equally efficacious in hydrophobic cases. How far my idea +was correct that an analogy existed between the virus of a serpent and +that of a rabid dog, I leave to others to determine; but such was my +opinion, and I acted upon it in all subsequent cases with complete +success." + +We understand the same gentleman has received from South America two +plants which he was in the habit of prescribing for insanity and +pulmonary consumption, with the happiest effects; and as it is his +intention to give them an immediate trial, should they be found to +answer in Europe, as in South America, of which he has not the least +doubt, the discovery may be considered as of the first consequence in +medicine. + + +_Mutton Hams_. + + +The _Journal Des Reconnaissances Useless_ gives the following method of +curing legs of mutton like ham:--It is necessary that the mutton +should be very fat. Two ounces of raw sugar must be mixed with an +ounce of common salt and half a spoonful of saltpetre. The meat is to +be rubbed well with this, and then placed in a tureen. It must be +beaten and turned twice a day during three consecutive days; and the +scum which comes from the meat having been taken off, it is to be +wiped, and again rubbed with the mixture. The next day it should be +again beaten, and the two operations ought to be repeated alternately +during ten days, care being taken to turn the meat each time. It must +be then exposed to the smoke for ten days. These hams are generally +eaten cold. + + +_Potato Chestnuts_. + + +A mode has been adopted to prepare potatoes as food, which has at +least one advantage--that of economy. The potatoes are roasted in a +kiln or oven, and are thus prevented from sprouting, (which injures +their quality so much at this season of the year,) and are thus +preserved for some time in a fit state for consumption. They are +better for being again heated before they are used, and though it is +to be regretted that persons should be reduced to such food, yet they +are cheaper and more wholesome than the bread usually given in times +of scarcity to the poorer classes. + + +_New Pyrometer_. + + +A new air-thermometer has been invented by M. Pouillet, for the +purpose of measuring degrees of heat in very high temperatures; an +object hitherto of very difficult attainment. By means of this +instrument it has been ascertained, that the heat of melted silver is +1677°; of a melted mixture of one part gold and three parts silver, +1803°; and of melted pure gold 2096°. + + +_To Destroy Slugs_. + + +A correspondent of the _Gardener's Magazine_ states, that after in +vain trying salt, lime, and dibbling holes for preserving young +cauliflowers and cabbages from slugs, he succeeded by spreading some +well cut chaff round the plants under hand glasses, and some round the +outsides of the glasses. The slugs in their attempt to reach the +plant, find themselves immediately enveloped in the chaff, which +prevents their moving, so that when he raised the glasses to give the +plants air, he found hundreds of disabled slugs round the outside of +the glasses, which he took away and destroyed. + + +_To make Kitchen Vegetables tender_. + + +When peas, French beans, &c. do not boil easily, it has usually been +imputed to the coolness of the season, or to the rains. This popular +notion is erroneous. The difficulty of boiling them soft arises from +an excess of gypsum imbibed during their growth. To correct this, +throw a small quantity of subcarbonate of soda into the pot along with +the vegetables.--_From the French_. + + + +_Beet Root Sugar_ + + +Has now become an article of some practical magnitude in French +commerce; since the annual consumption is between seven and eight +million pounds. + + +_Silk Trade_. + + +It was lately mentioned by Mr. Huskisson, in the House of Commons, as +a proof of the flourishing state of our trade, that British Bandanna +handkerchiefs were in the course of shipment to India. In addition to +this fact, we can state of our own knowledge that they are now +exporting to France, in no inconsiderable quantities, not merely as +samples, but in the regular course of trade.--_For. Quart. Rev._ + + +_Electricity_. + + +It is curious to take a retrospective view of the mode in which the +effects of the Leyden phial were announced to the world, on their +first discovery. The philosophers who first experienced, in their own +person, the shock attendant on the transmission of an electric +discharge, were so impressed with wonder and with terror by this novel +sensation, that they wrote the most ridiculous and exaggerated account +of their feelings on the occasion. Muschenbrok states, that he +received so dreadful a concussion in his arms, shoulder, and heart, +that he lost his breath, and it was two days before he could recover +from its effects; he declared also, that he should not be induced to +take another shock for the whole kingdom of France. Mr. Allemand +reports, that the shock deprived him of breath for some minutes, and +afterwards produced so acute a pain along his right arm, that he was +apprehensive it might be attended with serious consequences. Mr. +Winkler informs us, that it threw his whole body into convulsions, and +excited such a ferment in his blood, as would have thrown him into a +fever, but for the timely employment of febrifuge remedies. He states, +that at another time it produced copious bleeding at the nose; the +same effect was produced also upon his lady, who was almost rendered +incapable of walking. The strange accounts naturally excite the +attention and wonder of all classes of people; the learned and the +vulgar were equally desirous of experiencing so singular a sensation, +and great numbers of half-taught electricians wandered through every +part of Europe to gratify this universal curiosity. + +It is on the nervous system that the most considerable action of +electricity is exerted. A strong charge passed through the head, gave +to Mr. Singer the sensation of a violent but universal blow, and was +followed by a transient loss of memory and indistinctness of vision. +If a charge be sent through the head of a bird, its optic nerve is +usually injured or destroyed, and permanent blindness induced; and a +similar shock given to larger animals, produces a tremulous state of +the muscles, with general prostration of strength. If a person who is +standing receive a charge through the spine, he loses his power over +the muscles to such a degree, that he either drops on his knees, or +falls prostrate on the ground; if the charge be sufficiently powerful, +it will produce immediate death, in consequence, probably, of the +sudden exhaustion of the whole energy of the nervous system. Small +animals, such as mice and sparrows, are instantly killed by a shock +from thirty square inches of glass. Van Marum found that eels are +irrecoverably deprived of life when a shock is sent through their +whole body; but when only a part of the body is included in the +circuit, the destruction of irritability is confined to that +individual part, while the rest retains the power of motion. Different +persons are affected in very different degrees by electricity, +according to their peculiar constitutional susceptibility. Dr. Young +remarks, that a very minute tremor, communicated to the most elastic +parts of the body, in particular the chest, produces an agitation of +the nerves, which is not wholly unlike the effect of a weak +electricity. + +The bodies of animals killed by electricity, rapidly undergo +putrefaction, and the action of electricity upon the flesh of animals +is also found to accelerate this process in a remarkable degree. +The same effect has been observed in the bodies of persons destroyed +by lightning. It is also a well-established fact, that the blood does +not coagulate after death from this cause. + + +_Transplanting Shrubs in full Growth_. + + +Dig a narrow trench round the plant, leaving its roots in the middle +in an isolated ball of earth; fill the trench with plaster of Paris, +which will become hard in a few minutes, and form a case to the ball +and plant, which may be lifted and removed any where at +pleasure.--_French Paper_. + + +_Freezing Mixture_. + + +A cheap and powerful freezing mixture may be made by pulverizing +Glauber's salts finely, and placing it level at the bottom of a glass +vessel. Equal parts of sal ammoniac and nitre are then to be finely +powdered, and mixed together, and subsequently added to the Glauber's +salts, stirring the powders well together; after which adding water +sufficient to dissolve the salts, a degree of cold will be produced, +frequently below Zero of Fahrenheit. But Mr. Walker states, that +nitrate of ammonia, phosphate of soda, and diluted nitric acid, will +on the instant produce a reduction of temperature amounting to 80 +degrees. It is desirable to reduce the temperature of the substances +previously, if convenient, by placing the vessels in water, with nitre +powder thrown in occasionally. + + +_Microscopic Examination of the Blood_. + + +By the aid of Tulley's achromatic microscope, and under highly +magnifying powers, it has recently been discovered that the globules +of the blood congeal into flat circular bodies, and arrange themselves +in rows, one body being placed partly underneath another, and in like +manner as a pile of similar coins, when thrown gently down, would be +found to arrange themselves. This curious effect has been attributed +to the vitality yet remaining in the blood, during the act of +congealing. At any rate it is a most singular fact, for although we +might naturally conceive that the flattened circular plates would +place themselves in juxtaposition, yet we never could have supposed +that they would have partly slipped underneath each other. In order to +make this very curious experiment, it is necessary that the blood, as +freshly drawn, be slightly and thinly smeared over the surface of a +slip of crown, or window glass, and be covered with a very thin slip +of Bohemian plate glass; and thus some slight inequalities in the +thickness of the layer of blood between them will be produced, and +which are necessary to succeed in producing the very curious +appearances abovementioned.--_Gilt's Repository_. + + +_To make the Liqueur Curaçoa_. + + +Put into a large bottle, nearly filled with alcohol, at thirty-four +degrees of Baumé (or thirty-six) the peels of six fine Portugal +oranges, which are smooth skinned, and let them infuse for fifteen +days. At the end of this time, put into a large stone or glass vessel, +11 ounces of brandy at eighteen degrees, 4-1/2 ounces of white sugar, +and 4-1/2 ounces of river water. When the sugar is dissolved, add a +sufficient quantity of the above infusion of orange peels, to give it +a predominant flavour; and aromatise with 3 grammes of fine cinnamon, +and as much mace, both well bruised. Lastly, throw into the liqueur 31 +grammes (1 ounce) of Brazil wood, in powder. Leave the whole in +infusion ten days, being stirred three or four times a day. At the end +of this time taste the liqueur; and if it be too strong and sweet, add +more water to it; if too weak, add alcohol, at 30 degrees; and if it +be not sweet enough, put syrup to it. Give it colour with caramel when +you would tinge it.--_From the French_. + + +_Subterraneous Growth of Potatoes_. + + +A mixture of two parts Danube sand, and one part common earth, was +laid in a layer an inch thick, in one corner of my cellar; and, in +April, thirty-two yellow potatoes with their skins placed upon its +surface. They threw out stalks on all sides; and, at the end of the +following November, more than a quarter of a bushel of the best +potatoes were gathered, about a tenth part of which were about the +size of apples--the rest as large as nuts. The skin was very thin; the +pulp farinaceous, white, and of a good taste. No attention was given +to the potatoes during the time they remained on the sand, and they +grew without the influence of the sun or light. This trial may be +advantageously applied in fortified places, hospitals, houses of +correction, and, in general, in all places where cellars or +subterraneous places occur, being neither too cold nor too moist; and +where it is important to procure a cheap, but abundant nourishment for +many individuals.--_From the French_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Retrospective Gleanings. + + * * * * * + + +CHILTERN HUNDREDS. + + +The three Hundreds of Desborough, Stoke, and Burnham, in Bucks, are +called the "Chiltern Hundreds," and take their name from the Chalk +Hills which run through Bucks and the neighbouring counties. The +property of these Hundreds remaining in the Crown, a Steward is +appointed at a salary of 20_s_. and all fees, which nominal office is +accepted by any Member of Parliament who wishes to vacate his seat. + + * * * * * + + +PEG TANKARDS. + + +At Braintree and Booking, in Essex, when topers partake of a pot of +ale, it is divided into three parts or draughts, the first of which is +called _neckum_, the second _sinkum_, and the third _swankum_. In +Bailey's Dictionary, _swank_ is said to be "that remainder of liquor +at the bottom of a tankard, pot, or cup, which is just sufficient for +one draught, which it is not accounted good manners to divide with the +left-hand man, and according to the quantity is called either a large +or little swank." + + * * * * * + + +CHIMNEYS. + + +Has the precise period been ascertained when chimneys upon the present +mode were first constructed in England? It was apparently not sooner +than Henry the Eighth's time; for Leland, when he visited Bolton +Castle, in Yorkshire, seems to have been greatly surprised by the +novelty and ingenuity of the contrivance. "One thing (says he) I much +notyd in the haull of Bolton, how chimneys was conveyed by tunnills +made in the sydds of the waulls, betwixt the lights; and by this +meanes is the smoke of the harthe wonder strangely convayed." + +The front of St. John's Hospital at Lichfield, presents one of the +most curious ancient specimens extant of this part of our early +domestic architecture. This building was erected 1495, but it is +possible that the remarkable chimneys may have been subsequently +added. + + * * * * * + + +OLD LONDON. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +In a collection of Epigrams written by Thomas Freeman, of +Gloucestershire, and published in 1014, is the following, entitled +"London's Progresse:"-- + + "Why, how nowe, Babell, whither wilt thou build? + I see old Holbourne, Charing Crosse, the Strand, + Are going to St. Giles's in-the-field, + Saint Katerne, she takes Wapping by the hand, + + "And Hogsdon will to Hygate ere't be long, + London has got a great way from the streame, + I thinke she means to go to Islington, + To eate a dish of strawberries and creame. + The City's sure in progresse I surmise, + Or going to revell it in some disorder, + Without the Walls, without the Liberties, + Where she neede feare nor Mayor nor Recorder. + Well! say she do, 'twere pretty, yet 'tis pitty + A Middlesex Bailiff should arrest the Citty." + +W.C.R.R. + + * * * * * + + +AVVER. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The word "Avver" has doubtless the same origin as the German word +_"Hafer" "Haber"_ which signifies in English, _oat_. + +In some parts of Germany a pap of oatmeal "Haferbrei" is very common +as breakfast of the lower classes. Of "Haferbrod" oatbread, I only +heard in 1816, when the other sorts of grain were so very scarce in +Germany. + +_A German and Constant Reader of the Mirror_. + + * * * * * + + +THE HALCYON + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +So often alluded to by the poets, is the bird called the King Fisher. +It was believed by the ancients that while the female brooded over the +eggs, the sea and weather remained calm and unruffled; hence arose the +expression of Halcyon days. + +R.N. + + * * * * * + + +SIR ISAAC NEWTON. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Woolsthorp, Lincolnshire, a little village on the great north road +between Stamford and Grantham, is memorable as the birthplace of that +illustrious philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. The house in which he was +born, is a kind of farmhouse, built of stone, and is, or was lately +standing. The learned Dr. Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed +the inside of it by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on +this occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir +Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the country, in his +younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his mother from the +university. I observed the shelves were of his own making, being +pieces of deal boxes, which probably he sent his books and clothes +down in upon these occasions." + +Halbert H. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Gatherer. + +"A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + +SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + + +When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards married, he +told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he had no money; and +that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by way of reducing herself, to +an equality with the doctor, replied, "that she had no more money than +himself; and that, though she had not a relation hanged, she had +_fifty who deserved hanging_." And thus was accomplished this very +curious amour. + +W.G.C. + + * * * * * + + +On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house called the +"King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a gold collar around its +neck, and underneath are the following lines:-- + + When Julius Caesar landed here, + I was then a little deer; + When Julius Caesar reigned king, + Round my neck he put this ring; + Whoever shall me overtake, + Spare my life for Caesar's sake. + +Ruris. + + * * * * * + + +When Lord Norbury was applied to by a collector of one of the local +taxes for the amount of tax, his lordship said, he had already paid +it, and on looking to his file, discovered a receipt, signed by the +same collector who then applied for it. The tax-man, confounded, +apologized in the best manner he could, stating his regret that he did +not recollect it. "I dare say," said my lord, "you are very sorry you +did not _re_-collect it." + + * * * * * + + +IN KENSINGTON CHURCHYARD. + + +"Here are deposited the remains of Mrs. Ann Floyer, the beloved wife +of Mr. Richard Floyer, of Thistle Grove, in this parish, died on +Thursday the 8th of May, 1823. + +"_God hath chosen her as a pattern for the other Angels_." + + * * * * * + + +IN DUNDEE CHURCHYARD. + + + "Here lies the body of John Watson, + Read not this with your hats on, + For why? He was the Provost of Dundee, + Hallelujah, hallelugee." + + * * * * * + + +NEW MEASURE. + + +Shortly after the introduction of the New Weights and Measures, an +innkeeper in a market-town, not far from Sudbury, in Suffolk, sent his +ostler to a customer with a quantity of liquor, which he delivered +with the following words:--"Marstur bid me tell ye _Sar_, as how 'tis +the New _Infarnal_ Measure." + + * * * * * + + +A farmer calling upon his landlord to pay his rent, apologized for +being late, by saying that his illness prevented his attending +earlier, and he did not know what his disorder was. The gentleman told +him it was "Influenza." Returning home he was met by the schoolmaster +of the village, who inquired after his health, "I am very poorly," +replied the farmer, "my landlord tells me my complaint is _Humphry +Windsor_." + + * * * * * + + +A witness on a trial being interrogated by Judge Willis, in a manner +not pleasing to him, turned to an acquaintance, and told him in a half +whisper, "he did not come there to be queered by the old one." Willis +heard him, and instantly replied, in his own cant, "I am old 'tis +true--and I'm rum sometimes--and for once I'll be queer--and I send +you to quod." + +H.B.A. + + * * * * * + + +An exciseman whose remarks and answers were frequently rather odd, +riding at a quick pace upon a _blind_ pony, was met by a person who +praised the animal much, "Yes," replied the officer, "he is a very +good one, only he _shies_ at every thing he _sees_." + + * * * * * + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW NOVEL + + +A supplement published with the present Number, contains an outline of +of the Novel of Anne of Geierstein, OR THE MAID OF THE MIST; With +Unique Extracts, &c. + + * * * * * + + +LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE + +_Following Novels is already Published:_ + + _s_. _d_. + + Mackenzie's Man of Feeling 0 6 + Paul and Virginia 0 6 + The Castle of Otranto 0 6 + Almoran and Hamet 0 6 + Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia 0 6 + The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 0 6 + Rasselas 0 8 + The Old English Baron 0 8 + Nature and Art 0 8 + Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield 0 10 + Sicilian Romance 1 0 + The Man of the World 1 0 + A Simple Story 1 4 + Joseph Andrews 1 6 + Humphry Clinker 1 8 + The Romance of the Forest 1 8 + The Italian 2 0 + Zeluco, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Edward, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Roderick Random 2 6 + The Mysteries of Udolpho 3 6 + Peregrine Pickle 4 6 + + * * * * * + +_Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +and by all Newsmen and Booksellers_. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, +AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 13, ISSUE 372, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829*** + + +******* This file should be named 11340-8.txt or 11340-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/4/11340 + + +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. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** diff --git a/old/11340-8.zip b/old/11340-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..926e59f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340-8.zip diff --git a/old/11340-h.zip b/old/11340-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b97cad4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340-h.zip diff --git a/old/11340-h/11340-h.htm b/old/11340-h/11340-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b4d02b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340-h/11340-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2544 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829, by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + + .figure {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img {border: none;} + .figure p + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829, by Various</h1> +<pre> +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 <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829</p> +<p>Author: Various</p> +<p>Release Date: February 27, 2004 [eBook #11340]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: iso-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 13, ISSUE 372, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829***</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Keith M. Eckrich, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page353" name="page353"></a>[pg + 353]</span> + <h1> + THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + </h1> + <hr class="full" /> + <table width="100%" summary="Banner"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + <b>VOL. XIII, NO. 372.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Epsom New Race Stand. + </h2> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/372-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/372-1.png" alt="Epsom New Race Stand." /></a> + </div> + <p> + We do not wish to compete with the "List of all the running + horse-es, with the names, weights, and colours of the + riders," although the proximity of our publication day to the + commencement of Epsom Races (June 2), has induced us to + select the above subject for an illustration. + </p> + <p> + The erection of the New Race Stand is the work of a company, + entitled the "Epsom Grand Stand Association"—the + capital £20,000, in 1,000 shares of £20 each. The + speculation is patronized by the Stewards of the Jockey Club, + and among the trustees is one of the county members, C.N. + Pallmer, Esq. The building is now roofed in, and temporary + accommodation will be provided for visitors at the ensuing + Spring Races. It is after the model of the Stand at + Doncaster, but is much larger, and will accommodate from 4 to + 5,000 persons. The style of the architecture is Grecian. + </p> + <p> + The building is 156 feet in width, including the Terrace, and + 60 feet in depth, having a portico the width, returning on + each side, which is connected with a spacious terrace, raised + ten feet above the level of the ground, and a magnificent + flight of steps in the centre. The columns of the portico are + of the Doric order, supporting a balcony, or gallery, which + is to be covered by a verandah, erected on small ornamental + iron pillars, placed over those below. The upper part of the + Stand is to have a balustrade the whole width of the front. + With reference to the interior arrangements, there are four + large and well-proportioned rooms for refreshments, &c.; + a spacious hall, leading through a screen of Doric columns to + a large and elegant staircase of stone, and on each side of + the staircase are retiring rooms of convenience for + gentlemen. The entrance to this floor is from the + abovementioned terrace and portico in front; and also, at the + back, by an entrance which forms a direct communication + through the building. The first floor consists of a splendid + room, 108 feet in length, and 34 in width, divided into three + compartments by ornamental columns + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page354" name="page354"></a>[pg + 354]</span> and pilasters, supporting a richly paneled + ceiling, and having a direct communication with the balcony, + or gallery; and on each side of the staircase there are + retiring rooms for the ladies, with the same arrangements as + those below for the gentlemen. The roof will contain about + 2,000 persons standing; affording, at the same time, an + opportunity for every one to see the whole of the race (Derby + Course) which at one time was considered doubtful. + </p> + <p> + The architect is Mr. W. Trendall; and the builder Mr. + Chadwick. + </p> + <p> + By a neat plan from a survey by Mr. Mogg, the "Stand" is + about ten poles from the Winning Post. It must have a most + commanding view of the surrounding country--but, anon, "may + we be there to see." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + HISTORY OF COALS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Coals are found in several parts of the continent of Europe, + but the principal mines are in this country. They have been + discovered and wrought in Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Canada, + and in some of the provinces of New England. China abounds in + them, and they are well known in Tartary, and in the Island + of Madagascar. + </p> + <p> + We find (says Brand) express mention of coals, used as a fuel + by artificers about 2,000 years ago, in the writings of + Theophrastus, the scholar of Aristotle, who, in his book on + Stones, gives the substance; though some writers have not + scrupled to affirm, that coal was unknown to the Ancient + Britons, yet others have adduced proofs to the contrary, + which seem, to carry along with them little less than + conviction. The first charter for the license of digging + coals, was granted by King Henry III. in the year 1239; it + was there denominated sea coal; and, in 1281, Newcastle was + famous for its great trade in this article; but in 1306, the + use of sea coal was prohibited at London, by proclamation. + Brewers, dyers, and other artificers, who had occasion for + great fires, had found their account in substituting our + fossil for dry wood and charcoal; but so general was the + prejudice against it at that time, that the nobles and + commons assembled in parliament, complained against the use + thereof as a public nuisance, which was thought to corrupt + the air with its smoke and stink. Shortly after this, it was + the common fuel at the King's palace in London; and, in 1325, + a trade was opened between France and England, in which corn + was imported, and coal exported. Stowe in his "Annals" says, + "within thirty years last the nice dames of London would not + come into any house or roome where sea coales were burned; + nor willingly eat of the meat that was either sod or roasted + with sea coal fire." + </p> + <p> + Tinmouth Priory had a colliery at Elwick, which in 1330 was + let at the yearly rent of five pounds; in 1530 it was let for + twenty pounds a year, on condition that not more than twenty + chaldron should be drawn in a day; and eight years after, at + fifty pounds a year, without restriction on the quantity to + be wrought. In Richard the Second's time, Newcastle coals + were sold at Whitby, at three shillings and four-pence per + chaldron; and in the time of Henry VIII. their price was + twelvepence a chaldron in Newcastle; in London about four + shillings, and in France they sold for thirteen nobles per + chaldron. Queen Elizabeth obtained a lease of the manors and + coal mines of Gateshead and Whickham, which she soon + transferred to the Earl of Leicester. He assigned it to his + secretary, Sutton, the founder of the Charter-house, who also + made assignment of it to Sir W. Riddell and others, for the + use of the Mayor and Burgesses of Newcastle. Duties were laid + upon this article to assist in building St. Paul's Church, + and fifty parish churches in London after the great fire; and + in 1677, Charles II. granted to his natural son, Charles + Lenox, Duke of Richmond, and his heirs, a duty of one + shilling a chaldron on coals, which continued in his family + till it was purchased by government in 1800. The collieries + in the vicinity of Newcastle are perhaps the most valuable + and extensive in Europe, and afford nearly the whole supply + of the metropolis, and of those counties on the eastern coast + deficient in coal strata; thus— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "The grim ore + </p> + <p> + Here useless, like the miser's brighter hoard, + </p> + <p> + Is from its prison brought and sent abroad, + </p> + <p> + The frozen horns to cheer, to minister + </p> + <p> + To needful sustenance and polished arts— + </p> + <p> + Hence are the hungry fed, the naked clothed, + </p> + <p> + The wintry damps dispell'd, and social mirth + </p> + <p> + Exults and glows before the blazing hearth." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Iago's Edge Hill</i>, p. 106. + </p> + <h4> + P.T.W. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + ALEHOUSE SIGNS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Two of your correspondents have puzzled themselves in seeking + the origin of the old Cat and Fiddle sign. The one has been + led away by a love of etymology—the other would string + the fiddle at the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page355" + name="page355"></a>[pg 355]</span> expense of poor puss's + viscera. Now laying aside conjecture and the subtleties of + language, suppose we consult plain matter of fact? It is then + generally allowed that the tones of a flute resemble the + <i>human voice</i>: those of a clarionet, the notes of a + <i>goose</i>: and, all the world knows that a well-played + violin (especially in the practice of gliding) yields sounds + so inseparable from the <i>strains of a cat</i>, as not to be + distinguished by the mere amateur of musical science. + </p> + <p> + In conformity, therefore, with this last truth, the small + fiddles which Dancing-masters carry in their pockets, are at + this day called <i>kits</i>. But our etymologist will readily + perceive this to be a mere abbreviation, and that they must + originally have been known as <i>kittens</i>. + </p> + <h4> + E.D. Jun. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + ANACHRONISMS RESPECTING DR. JOHNSON. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "I am corrected, sir; but hear me speak— + </p> + <p> + When admiration glows with such a fire + </p> + <p> + As to o'ertop the memory, error then + </p> + <p> + May merit mercy."—<i>Old Play</i>. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In justice to myself and the readers of the MIRROR, I must be + allowed to offer a few apologetic remarks on the almost + unpardonable anachronisms which I so inadvertently suffered + to occur in my communication on the subject of Dr. Johnson's + Residence in Bolt Court. But when I state that the + chronological metathesis occurred entirely in consequence of + my referring to that most treacherous portion of human + intellect, the memory; and that it is upwards of seven years + since I read "Boswell's Life of Johnson," or "Johnson's + Poets," it may be some mitigation of the censure I so justly + deserve. Yet I may be suffered to suggest to your + correspondent, who has so kindly corrected me, that my paper + was more in the suppository style than he seems to have + imagined; and that I did not assert that Boswell, Savage, and + Johnson, met at the latter's "house in Bolt Court, and + discussed subjects of polite literature." The expression used + is, "We can <i>imagine</i>," &c. constituting a creation + of the fancy rather than a positive portraiture. Certain it + is that Johnson's dwelling was in the neighbourhood of Temple + Bar at the time of the nocturnal perambulation alluded to; + and that it was Savage (to whom he was so unaccountably + attached, in spite of the "bastard's" frailties) who enticed + the doctor from his bed to a midnight ramble. My primary + mistake consists in transposing the date of the doctor's + residence in Bolt Court, and introducing Savage at the era of + Boswell's acquaintance with Johnson; whereas the wayward poet + finished his miserable existence in a prison, at Bristol, 21 + years prior to that event. Here I may be allowed a remark or + two on the animadversion which has been heaped on Johnson for + that beautiful piece of biography, "The Life of Richard + Savage." It has hitherto been somewhat of a mystery that the + stern critic whose strictures so severely exposed the + minutest derelictions of genius in all other instances, + should have adopted "the melting mood" in detailing the life + of such a man as Savage; for, much as we may admire the + concentrated smiles and tears of his two poems, "The + Bastard," and "The Wanderer," pitying the fortunes and + miseries of the author, yet his ungovernable temper and + depraved propensities, which led to his embruing his hands in + blood, his ingratitude to his patrons and benefactors, (but + chiefly to Pope,) and his degraded misemployment of talents + which might have raised him to the capital of the proud + column of intellect of that day,—all conduce to petrify + the tear of mingled mercy and compassion, which the + misfortunes of such a being might otherwise demand. + Nevertheless, as was lately observed by a respectable + journal, "there must have been <i>something</i> good about + him, or Samuel Johnson would not have loved him." + </p> + <h4> + **H. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + DREAMS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + We see our joyous home, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the sapphire waters fall; + </p> + <p> + The porch, with its lone gloom, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The bright vines on its wall. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The flow'rs, the brooks, and trees, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Again are made our own, + </p> + <p> + The woodlands rife with bees, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the curfew's pensive tone. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Peace to the marble brow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the ringlets tinged dark, + </p> + <p> + The heart is sleeping now + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In a still and holy ark! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sleep hath clos'd the soft blue eye, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And unbound the silken tress + </p> + <p> + Their dreams are of the sky, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And pass'd is watchfulness. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But a sleep they yet shall have, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sunn'd with no vision's glow; + </p> + <p> + A sleep within the grave— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + When their eyes are quench'd and low! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A glorious rest it is, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To earth's lorn children given, + </p> + <p> + Pure as the bridal kiss, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To sleep—and wake in heaven! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + <i>Deal</i>. Reginald Augustine + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page356" name="page356"></a>[pg + 356]</span> + </p> + <h3> + SCOTCH SONG. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Gin Lubin shows the ring to me + </p> + <p class="i2"> + While reavin' Teviot side, + </p> + <p> + And asks me wi' an earnest e'e, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To be his bonny bride. + </p> + <p> + At sic a time I canna tell + </p> + <p class="i2"> + What I to him might say, + </p> + <p> + But as I lo'e the laddie well, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I cudna tell him nae. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I'd say we twa as yet are young, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Wi' monie a day to spare, + </p> + <p> + An' then the suit should drap my tongue + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That he might press it mair. + </p> + <p> + I'd gae beside the point awhile, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Wi' proper laithfu' pride, + </p> + <p> + By lang to partin', wi' a smile, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Consent to be his bride. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + C. Cole. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Sketch-Book. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LOVER STUDENT. + </h3> + <center> + <i>A Leaf from the Reminiscences of a Collegian</i>. + </center> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + ——He was but a poor undergraduate; not, indeed, + one of lowest grade, but still too much lacking pecuniary + supplies to render him an "eligible match." Julia, too, + though pretty, was portionless; and the world, which always + kindly interests itself in such affairs, said, they had no + business whatever to become attached to each other; but then, + such attachments and the world, never did, and never will + agree; and <i>I</i>, from fatal experience, assert that what + people impertinently call "falling in love," is a thing that + <i>cannot</i> be helped; <i>I</i>, at least, never could help + it. The regard of Millington and Julia was of a very peculiar + nature; it was a morsel of platonism, which is rather too + curious to pass unrecorded; for as far as I have been able, + upon the most minute investigation to ascertain, they never + spoke to each other during the period of their tender + acquaintance. No; they were not dumb, but lacking a mutual + friend to give them an introduction; their regard for decorum + and etiquette was too great to permit them to speak otherwise + than with their eyes. Millington had kept three terms, when I + arrived at —— College, a shy and gawky freshman; + we had been previously acquainted, and he, pitying perhaps my + youth and inexperience, patronized his playmate, and I became + his chum. For some time I was at a loss to account for sundry + fluctuations in Henry's disposition and manners. He shunned + society and would neither accept invitations to wine and + supper parties in other men's rooms, nor give such in his + own; nevertheless his person seemed to have become an object + of the tenderest regard; never was he so contented as when + rambling through the streets and walks, without his gown, in + a new and well cut suit; whilst in order eternally to display + his figure to the best advantage, he was content to endure as + heavy an infliction of fines and impositions, as the heads of + his college could lay upon his shoulders. He was ruined for a + reading-man. About this period he also had a perfect mania + for flowers; observing which, and fancying I might gratify my + friend by such a mark of attention, I one day went to his + rooms with a large bouquet in either hand. He was not at + home; but having carelessly enough forgotten to lock his + door, I commenced, <i>con amore</i>, (anticipating the + agreeable surprise which I should afford him) to fill his + vases with fresh, bright, and delicious summer flowers, in + lieu of the very mummies of their race by which they were + occupied. My work was in progress when Millington returned, + but, oh! good heavens! the rage, the profane, diabolical, + incomprehensible rage into which he burst! I shall never + forget. Away went my beautiful, my fragrant flowers, into the + court, and seizing upon the remnant of the mummies, as yet + untouched by my sacrilegious fingers, he tossed them into a + drawer, double locked it, and ordered me out of the room. + Dreading a kick, I was off at his word; but had not proceeded + half way down stairs, when a hand from the rear, roughly + grasped mine, and a voice, in a wild and hurried manner, + asked pardon for "intemperance." I should have called it + madness. We were again firm allies; but I resolved to fathom, + if possible, the mystery of the flowers. I now observed, with + surprise, that Millington never quitted his rooms without a + flower in his hand, or <i>boutonnière</i>; which + flower, upon his return, appeared to have been either lost, + or metamorphosed into, sometimes, one of another description; + sometimes into a nosegay. Very strange indeed, thought I; and + began to have my suspicions that in all this might be traced + "fair woman's visitings." Yes, Millington must decidedly have + fallen in love. He was never in chapel, never in hall, never + in college, never at lectures, and never at parties; he was + in love, that was certain; but with whom? He knew none of the + resident gentry of ——, and he was far too proud + to involve himself in "an affair" with a girl of inferior + rank. Many men did so; but Millington despised them for it. + Accidentally I discovered that he adored Julia, the young, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page357" name="page357"></a>[pg + 357]</span> sweet daughter of an undoubted gentleman, who was + not yet "come out." She was a lively, pretty brunette, with + brownest curling hair, only fifteen; and to this day, I + believe, knows not the name of her lover. From an attic + window of a five storied house, this fond and beautiful girl + contrived, sometimes, to shower upon the head of her devoted + admirer sweet flowers, and sometimes this paragon of pairs + meeting each other in the walks, silently effected an + interchange of the buds and blossoms, with which they always + took care to be provided. Several weeks passed thus, Henry + and Julia seeing each other every day; but long vacation + would arrive; and on the evening preceding his departure from + ——, the lovelorn student, twisting round the stem + of a spicy carnation, a leaf which he had torn from his + pocket book, thus conveyed, with his farewell to Julia, an + intimation that he designed upon his return to college next + term, to effect an introduction to her family. Julia's + delight may easily be conceived. I remained in college for + the vacation to read, and had shortly the pleasure of + informing Millington that I should be able, upon his return, + to afford him the introduction which he had so much at heart, + having made the acquaintance of Julia and her family. Two + months elapsed ere Millington deigned to notice my letter. + His answer to it was expressed in these terms:— + </p> + <p> + "Freddy—I'm married to a proper vixen, I fancy; but to + twenty thousand pounds. Ay, my boy, there it is—no + doing in this world without the needful, and I'm not the ass + to fight shy of such a windfall. As for Julia, hang her. By + Jove, what an escape—wasn't it? Name her never again, + and should she cry for me, give her a sugar plum—a + kiss—a gingerbread husband, or yourself, as you please. + I am not so fond of milk and water, and bread and butter, I + can assure her. + </p> + <p> + "Ever truly yours,<br /> + Henry Owen Millington. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Capital shooting hereabout—can't you slip over for + a few days?" + </p> + <p> + Poor Julia! I certainly am not clear that I shall not marry + her myself; but as for that scoundrel Millington, he had + better take care how he comes in my way—that's all. + </p> + <h4> + M.L.B. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Manners & Customs of all Nations. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + WHITSUN ALE. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + On the Coteswold, Gloucester, is a customary meeting at + Whitsuntide, vulgarly called an <i>Ale</i>, or <i>Whitsun + Ale</i>, resorted to by numbers of young people. Two persons + are chosen previous to the meeting, to be Lord and Lady of + the Ale or Yule, who dress as suitably as they can to those + characters; a large barn, or other building is fitted up with + seats, &c. for the lord's hall. Here they assemble to + dance and regale in the best manner their circumstances and + the place will afford; each man treats his sweetheart with a + ribbon or favour. The lord and lady attended by the steward, + sword, purse, and mace-bearer, with their several badges of + office, honour the hall with their presence; they have + likewise, in their suit, a page, or train-bearer, and a + jester, dressed in a parti-coloured jacket. The lord's music, + consisting of a tabor and pipe, is employed to conduct the + dance. Companies of morrice-dancers, attended by the jester + and tabor and pipe, go about the country on Monday and + Tuesday in Whitsun week, and collect sums towards defraying + the expenses of the Yule. All the figures of the lord, + &c. of the Yule, handsomely represented in basso-relievo, + stand in the north wall of the nave of Cirencester Church, + which vouches for the antiquity of the custom; and, on many + of these occasions, they erect a may-pole, which denotes its + rise in Druidism. The mace is made of silk, finely plaited + with ribbons on the top, and filled with spices and perfumes + for such of the company to smell to as desire it. + </p> + <h4> + Halbert H. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + ANCIENT FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE GREEKS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The dead were ever held sacred and inviolable even amongst + the most barbarous nations; to defraud them of any due + respect was a greater and more unpardonable sacrilege than to + spoil the temples of the gods; their memories were preserved + with a religious care and reverence, and all their remains + honoured with worship and adoration; hatred and envy + themselves were put to silence, for it was thought a sign of + a cruel and inhuman disposition to speak evil of the dead, + and prosecute revenge beyond the grave. The ancient Greeks + were strongly persuaded that their souls could not be + admitted into the Elysian fields till their bodies were + committed to the earth; therefore the honours (says Potter) + paid to the dead were the greatest and most necessary; for + these were looked upon as a debt so sacred, that such as + neglected to discharge it were thought accursed. Those who + died in foreign countries had usually their ashes + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page358" name="page358"></a>[pg + 358]</span> brought home and interred in the sepulchres of + their ancestors, or at least in some part of their native + country; it being thought that the same mother which gave + them life and birth, was only fit to receive their remains, + and afford them a peaceful habitation after death. Whence + ancient authors afford as innumerable instances of bodies + conveyed, sometimes by the command of oracles, sometimes by + the good-will of their friends, from foreign countries to the + sepulchres of their fathers, and with great solemnity + deposited there. Thus, Theseus was removed from Scyros to + Athens, Orestes from Tegea, &c. Nor was this pious care + limited to persons of free condition, but slaves also had + some share therein; for we find (says Potter) the Athenian + lawgiver commanding the magistrates, called <i>Demarchi</i>, + under a severe penalty, to solemnize the funerals, not so + much of citizens, whose friends seldom failed of paying the + last honours, as of slaves, who frequently were destitute of + decent burial. + </p> + <p> + Those who wasted their patrimony, forfeited their right of + being buried in the sepulchres of their fathers. As soon as + any person had expired, they closed his eyes. Augustus + Caesar, upon the approach of his death, called for a + looking-glass, and caused his hair to be combed, and his + fallen cheeks decently composed. All the offices about the + dead were performed by their nearest relations; nor could a + greater misfortune befal any person than to want these + respects. When dying, their friends and relations came close + to the bed where they lay, to bid them farewell, and catch + their dying words, which they never repeated without + reverence. The want of opportunity to pay this compliment to + Hector, furnishes Andromache with matter of lamentation, + which is related in the Iliad. They kissed and embraced the + dying person, so taking their last farewell; and endeavoured + likewise to receive in their mouth his last breath, as + fancying his soul to expire with it, and enter into their + bodies. When any person died in debt at Athens, the laws of + that city gave leave to creditors to seize the dead body, and + deprive it of burial till payment was made; whence the corpse + of Miltiades, who died in prison, being like to want the + honour of burial, his son Cimon had no other means to release + it, but by taking upon himself his father's debts and + fetters. Sometime before interment, a piece of money was put + into the corpse's mouth, which was thought to be Charon's + fare for wafting the departed soul over the infernal river. + </p> + <h4> + P.T.W. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + SINGULAR MANORIAL CUSTOM. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The Manor of Broughton Lindsay, in Lincolnshire, is held + under that of Caistor, by this strange service: viz. that + annually, upon Palm Sunday, the deputy of the Lord of the + Manor of Broughton, attends the church at Caistor, with a new + cart whip in his hand, which he cracks thrice in the church + porch; and passes with it on his shoulder up the nave into + the chancel, and seats himself in the pew of the lord of the + manor, where he remains until the officiating minister is + about to read the second lesson; he then proceeds with his + whip, to the lash of which he has in the meantime affixed a + purse, which ought to contain thirty silver pennies (instead + of which a single half crown is substituted,) and kneeling + down before the reading desk, he holds the purse, suspended + over the minister's head, all the time he is reading the + lesson. After this he returns to his seat. When divine + service is over, he leaves the whip and purse at the manor + house. + </p> + <h4> + H.B.A. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Contemporary Traveller. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. + </h3> + <p> + The name of New Spain was at first given only to Yucatan by + Grijalva and his followers; but Cortez extended it to the + whole empire of Montezuma, which is described by the earliest + writers to have reached from Panama to New California. This, + however, appears, from more recent researches, on the + accuracy of which Humboldt relies with reason, to have been + larger than the reality justified; and the whole of + Tenochtitlan may be said to have been contained in the + present states of Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, and + Valadolid. In addition to the name given by Cortez, that of + the capital was extended to the whole kingdom of New Spain; + and since the revolution and the establishment of + independence, the several provinces form separate and + independent states, confederating together and constituting + the nineteen United States of Mexico; viz. Chiapa, Chihuahua, + Cohahuila and Texas, Durango, Guanaxuato, Mexico, Michoachan, + New Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sonora + and Cinaloa, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz, Xalisco, Yucatan + and Zacatecas. Old and New California, Colima, New Mexico, + and Tlascala, though forming members of the federation, + declined having state governments, on account of the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page359" name="page359"></a>[pg + 359]</span> expense, and are designated territories. The + whole republic, according to Humboldt, occupies a space of + 75,830 square leagues, of twenty to an equinoxial degree; on + which there are to be found every inequality of surface, and + every variety of soil and climate, the two last of which are + dependent in most cases on the former. + </p> + <p> + The republic of Mexico, taken on the grand scale, may be + considered as a succession of small mountain-plains at + different heights, separated by mountains, and increasing in + magnitude as the coast recedes on both the eastern and + western sides, until the great centre plain be reached, + which, though much broken by mountain ridges, tends to the + north, maintaining nearly an equal elevation. The snow-capped + mountains of Orizava, and the volcanos of Puebla and Toluca, + are among the most splendid objects in the world. The + Mexicans divide the regions of their country into <i>Tierras + calientes, Tierras templadas</i>, and <i>Tierras frias</i>, + according to the climate. Throughout the whole country there + is a lamentable want of water, and of navigable rivers. The + lakes, too, appear to be yearly decreasing in extent, the + immediate consequence of which is, that the elevated portions + of the interior are nearly stripped of vegetation, and the + soil covered with an efflorescence of carbonate of soda, + there called <i>Tequisquita</i>, resembling very closely the + plains of the two Castiles, and recalling to the Eastern + traveller the desolate wastes of some parts of Persia. + </p> + <p> + The effect of elevation on the temperature is most marked, + and it is no uncommon thing to be shivering on one side of + the street in the city of Mexico, and to be literally + scorched by the rays of the sun on the other. Changes are + upon record of 55° of Fahrenheit within three hours, on + one of the mountain-plains at the same height with the valley + of Mexico. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the volcanic character of Mexico, earthquakes + are by no means so frequent there as in some of the + neighbouring countries. One of the most memorable on record + occurred on the 14th of September, 1759, when the volcano of + Jorullo, with several smaller cones, forced the surface of + the soil, destroying all before it. + </p> + <p> + The infinite variety of climate and soil fits this country + for the production of the fruits of all regions, from those + of the hottest within the tropics to those of the severest + cold, where cultivation can be carried on. But the want of + ports, and of navigable rivers on the Atlantic, opposes the + advantages that might result from this variety of production, + though on the Pacific there are a few admirable ports, such + as Acapulco. The prevalence of the "Nortes," or northerly + winds, at certain seasons, seriously affects the navigation + on one side, while that of the "papagallos" is as + inconvenient on the other. + </p> + <p> + The Mexican population is commonly divided into seven + classes:—1. European Spaniards, commonly called + "<i>gachupines</i>." 2. White Creoles. 3. Mestizos, + descendants of Whites and Indians. 4. Mulattoes, descendants + of Whites and Blacks. 5. Zambos, from Indians and Negroes. 6. + Pure Indians. 7. African Blacks. But this classification may + be reduced to four:—1. Whites. 2. Indians. 3. Blacks. + 4. Mixed Races, the various gradations of which may be + considered almost infinite. + </p> + <p> + The Indians consist of a considerable number of distinct + tribes, differing in many points of appearance, and + speaking—not dialects but—languages entirely + different. No less than twenty of these have been traced, and + of fourteen of them there are already grammars and + dictionaries. The Indian population is chiefly centered in + the great plains, and towards the south; and Humboldt thinks + that it has flowed from the north to the south. The history + of four great migrations is preserved in the annals of + Mexico, which are worthy of more detailed examination than we + can bestow upon them. The great body of these people live + apart from the other races of their countrymen, in small + villages, full of ignorance, suspicion, and bigotry, and + displaying an apparent phlegm, from which it would seem + impossible to arouse them. This phlegmatic temperament + lessens the credit of the men with the females, who uniformly + prefer the European, or the still more vivacious negro. "The + indigenous Mexican is grave, melancholic, silent, so long as + he is not under the influence of intoxicating liquors. This + gravity is peculiarly remarkable in Indian children, who at + the age of four or five years display more intelligence and + precocity than the children of whites. The Mexican loves to + attach mystery even to his most trifling actions; the + strongest passions do not display themselves in his + countenance; the transition is frightful when it passes + suddenly from a state of absolute repose to that of violent + and unrestrained agitation." Slavery with them has engendered + guile. They are obstinate in all their habits and opinions; + their religion is one of mere ceremonial, justifying the + observation of a priest to Mr. Ward, "son mui buenos + Catolicos, pero mui malos + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page360" name="page360"></a>[pg + 360]</span> Cristianos" (very good Catholics, but very bad + Christians.) Deception in this, as well as in every thing + else, is the order of the day; and the Indian Alcalde now + oppresses the villagers as much as he himself has ever been. + </p> + <p> + Humboldt considers the Mexican Indian as destitute of all + imagination, though when to a certain degree educated, he + attributes to him facility in learning, a clearness of + understanding, a natural turn for reasoning, and a particular + aptitude to subtilize and seize trifling distinctions. + </p> + <p> + The music and dancing are as dull as might be expected among + beings so full of phlegm. The Mexican has a turn for painting + and sculpture; and retains the same fondness for flowers that + struck Cortez so forcibly upwards of three centuries ago. The + "Indios Bravos," or Wild Indians, are said to display more + energy; but our information respecting them is remarkably + scanty. + </p> + <p> + Among the active vices of the Mexican Indian, that of + drunkenness prevails to a most lamentable extent. In the + upper districts, <i>pulque</i>, or the fermented juice of the + aloe, is the principal tempter; sometimes a spirit, distilled + from the same plant, called <i>Vino de Mescal</i>; while, in + the hotter districts, the same effects are ensured by the + <i>chinguirito</i>, a very coarse kind of rum. Combined with + this disposition to intoxication, the Indian is + constitutionally indolent; and, now that he is a free man, he + will rarely work, except to obtain just as much as will + afford him the means of enjoying his greatest + luxury—that of steeping his senses in oblivion. This + last tendency is much to be deplored, as, in the larger + towns, we know that every Sunday (which is the day of + greatest indulgence) assassinations, to the extent of six or + eight each day, are the melancholy consequence of its + indulgence. Humboldt states that the police were in the + practice of sending tumbrels round, to collect the unhappy + victims of intoxication. The punishment was, and we believe + still is, three days' labour in the streets; but it does not + seem to be very efficacious, for generally within the week + the delinquents are again in custody. + </p> + <p> + There is something characteristic in the indolence of these + sombre beings. They will travel immense distances; but to + steady labour they are, generally speaking, not prone. It is + told of them, that in one of the most fertile districts (the + <i>Baxio</i>) it is not unusual for an Indian, on receiving + his wages, to get thoroughly drunk, go to sleep, and on + awakening renew his potations and repose, until the + exhaustion of his finances compels him to return to labour. + In some parts, however, there are exceptions to this + observation. + </p> + <p> + Education has been more attended to, by some of the leading + personages, than could have been expected in a society that + had been so much kept in the shade. We apprehend the + advantages are chiefly prospective, and may be well defined + in another generation; at present they are but small. The + whites have been, and still are, the most educated portion of + the Mexicans, owing, no doubt, to their greater opulence, and + having access to official rank. The mass of ignorance, + however, among all classes, is inconceivable to any one who + has only moved in the principal countries of Europe. Nor is + it confined to the lower classes, but finds protection among + the highest in the community. We heard a reverend canon of + the metropolitan church gravely inquire, whether it was + possible to reach London except by sailing up the Thames. And + we knew a very pretty, agreeable young lady, moving in the + first circles, who could not write a single letter at the age + of seventeen. She has been since married, and has, we are + informed, been taught to write by her husband, who is not a + Mexican. The religion of all classes resembles too much that + of the Indians; and the practical morality and general tone + of society are by no means refined. If one half of the + scandalous tales in circulation be true, the former ranks + with that of Paris in its worst periods, and the latter is + assuredly gross to a degree that would surprise even an + inhabitant of Madrid. The familiarity with which <i>every + subject</i> is treated at first excites emotions in an + Englishman of the most unpleasant kind, which gradually + subside, from the frequency with which they are discussed by + young and old; by high and low, of both + sexes.—<i>Foreign Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Notes of a Reader. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW WORK. + </h3> + <p> + We detach this little descriptive gem from Sir Walter Scott's + "Anne of Geierstein," just published. An outline of this very + delightful novel will be found in a SUPPLEMENT with the + present number of the MIRROR. + </p> + <p> + "The ancient tower of Geierstein, though neither extensive, + nor distinguished by architectural ornament, possessed an air + of terrible dignity by its position on the very verge of the + opposite bank of the torrent, which, just at the angle of the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page361" name="page361"></a>[pg + 361]</span> rock on which the ruins are situated, falls sheer + over a cascade of nearly a hundred feet in height, and then + rushes down the defile, through a trough of living rock, + which perhaps its waves have been deepening since time itself + had a commencement. Facing, and at the same time looking down + upon this eternal roar of waters, stood the old tower, built + so close to the verge of the precipice, that the buttresses + with which the architect had strengthened the foundation, + seemed a part of the solid rock itself, and a continuation of + its perpendicular ascent. As usual, throughout Europe in the + feudal times, the principal part of the building was a + massive square pile, the decayed summit of which was rendered + picturesque, by flanking turrets of different sizes and + heights, some round, some angular, some ruinous, some + tolerably entire, varying the outline of the building as seen + against the stormy sky." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THORWALDSEN. + </h3> + <p> + Since the death of his illustrious contemporary, Canova, + Thorwaldsen, born at Copenhagen in 1771-2, has occupied the + public eye as head of the modern school. The character and + powers of this master are doubtless of a very elevated rank: + but neither in the extent nor excellence of his works, do we + apprehend his station to be so high as sometimes placed. The + genius of the Danish sculptor is forcible, yet is its energy + derived more from peculiarity than from real excellence. His + ideal springs less from imitation of the antique, or of + nature, than from the workings of his own individual + mind—it is the creation of a fancy seeking forcible + effect in singular combinations, rather than in general + principles; therefore hardly fitted to excite lasting or + beneficial influence upon the age. Simplicity and imposing + expression seem to have hitherto formed the principal objects + of his pursuit; but the distinction between the simple and + rude, the powerful and the exaggerated, is not always + observed in the labours of the Dane. His simplicity is + sometimes without grace; the impressive—austere, and + without due refinement. The air and contours of his heads, + except, as in the Mercury—an excellent example both of + the beauties and defects of the artist's style—when + immediately derived from antiquity, though grand and + vigorous, seldom harmonize in the principles of these efforts + with the majestic regularity of general nature. The forms, + again, are not unfrequently poor, without a vigorous + rendering of the parts, and destitute at times of their just + roundness. These defects may in some measure have arisen from + the early and more frequent practice of the artist in + relievos. In this department, Thorwaldsen is unexceptionably + to be admired. The Triumph of Alexander, originally intended + for the frieze of the government palace at Milan, + notwithstanding an occasional poverty, in the materials of + thought, is, as a whole, one of the grandest compositions in + the world; while the delicacy of execution, and poetic + feeling, in the two exquisite pieces of Night and Aurora, + leave scarcely a wish here ungratified. But in statues, + Thorwaldsen excels only where the forms and sentiment admit + of uncontrolled imagination, or in which no immediate + recourse can be had to fixed standards of taste, and to the + simple effects of nature. Hence, of all his works, as + admitting of unconfined expression, and grand peculiarity of + composition, the statues of the Apostles, considered in + themselves, are the most excellent. Thorwaldsen, in fine, + possesses singular, but in some respects erratic genius. His + ideas of composition are irregular; his powers of fancy + surpass those of execution; his conceptions seem to lose a + portion of their value and freshness in the act of + realizement. As an individual artist, he will command + deservedly a high rank among the names that shall go down to + posterity. As a sculptor, who will influence, or has extended + the principles of the art, his pretensions are not great; or, + should this influence and these claims not be thus limited, + the standard of genuine and universal excellence must be + depreciated in a like degree.—<i>Meme's History of + Sculpture, &c.</i> + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIGN OF THE TIMES. + </h3> + <p> + One of the singularities of the time is an unwillingness to + tell the truth, even when there is no ground for suppressing + or perverting it. It is so frequently under or overstated by + most persons in this country who speak and write, according + to the side they have espoused, or the inclinations and + political principles of those by whom they are likely to be + read or heard, that they at last persuade themselves there is + a sort of impropriety in presenting facts in their proper + colours.—<i>Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + A DUTCH TALE. + </h3> + <p> + A ballad of <i>Roosje</i> is perhaps the most touchingly told + story which the Dutch possess. It is of a maid—a + beloved maid—born at her mother's death—bred + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page362" name="page362"></a>[pg + 362]</span> up 'midst the tears and kisses of her + father—prattling thoughtlessly about her + mother—every one's admiration for beauty, cleverness, + and virtue—gentle as the moon shining on the downs. Her + name was to be seen written again and again on the sands by + the Zeeland youths—and scarcely a beautiful flower + bloomed but was gathered for her. Now in Zeeland, when the + south-winds of summer come, there comes too a delicate fish, + which hides itself in the sand, and which is dug out as a + luxury by the young people. It is the time of sport and + gaiety—and they venture far—far over the flat + coast into the sea. The boys drag the girls among the + waves—and Roosje was so dragged, notwithstanding many + appeals. "A kiss, a kiss, or you go further," cried her + conductor—she fled—he followed, both + laughing:—"Into the sea—into the sea," said all + her companions—he pushes her on—it is deeper, and + deeper—she shrieks—she sinks—they sink + together—the sands were faithless—there was no + succour—the waves rolled over them—there was + stillness and death:—The terrified playmates + looked— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "All silently,—they look'd again— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And silently sped home— + </p> + <p> + And every heart was bursting then, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But every tongue was dumb. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And still and stately o'er the wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The mournful moon arose, + </p> + <p> + Flinging pale beams upon the grave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where they in peace repose. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The wind glanc'd o'er the voiceless sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The billows kissed the strand— + </p> + <p> + And one sad dirge of misery + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Fill'd all the mourning land." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Foreign Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ENGLAND AND HER COLONIES. + </h3> + <p> + The discouragement of colonization is certainly not the + feeling of the great majority of the people of England, and + it is equally certain that it is not the policy of this + empire. Whatever may be the fate of the several British + colonies at some future and distant period, it is something + at least to have spread our laws and language, and moral + character, over the most distant parts of the globe. The + colonies that speak the language of Old England—that + preserve her manners and her habits—will always be her + best customers; and their surplus capital will always centre + in the mother country. It was not the opinion of our + ancestors, that colonies were an incumbrance; + they—good, stupid souls—imagined that colonies + enlarged the sphere of commerce—-that commerce required + ships—that ships created seamen for manning the royal + navy, and that the whole contributed to individual wealth, to + the national revenue, and the national strength; and such we + believe still to be the opinion of men of sound practical + knowledge, whose minds are unwarped by abstract systems and + preconceived theories, to which every thing must be made to + bend. Such, too, was the feeling of that extraordinary man, + who, with the solitary exception of England, exacted homage + from every crowned head of Europe. This man, in the plenitude + of his power, felt that something was still wanting to enable + him to grapple with one little island, invulnerable by its + maritime strength, the sinews of which he knew to be derived + from its colonies: he felt that, deprived as he was of + "ships, colonies, and commerce," England was able to stand + alone among nations, and to bid defiance to his overwhelming + power. That cunning fox, too, by whose councils he was + occasionally guided, knew too well the degree of strength + that England derived from her colonies, which he described to + be her very vitals, and which could only be reached by a + powerful navy. He designated them as the sheet anchor of + Great Britain—the prop that supported her maritime + superiority—the strongholds of her power. "Deprive her + of her colonies," said Talleyrand. "and you break down her + last wall; you fill up her last ditch."—<i>Fas est et + ab hoste doceri.—Quarterly Review</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + INVITATIONS. + </h3> + <p> + As a certificate of your intention to be punctual, you may + send your friends, a similar billet to the following:— + </p> + <p> + My dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + The honour of your company is requested to dine with + —— on <i>Fry</i>day, 1828. + </p> + <p> + The favour of a positive answer is requested, or the + proffered plate will be appropriated as it was when— + </p> + <p> + <i>Sir Ill-bred Ignorance</i> returned the following + answer:—"I shall be quite happy to come if I possibly + can." Such words the committee voted were equivalent to + these—I'll come, if in the mean time I am not invited + to a party that I like better.—<i>Dr. Kitchiner</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + GENEVA + </h3> + <p> + Has very little, as a city, to recommend it. It is + characterized by much active industry within doors, the + <i>savans</i> and <i>mechaniciens</i> being pent up in their + closets and ateliers, and very little gaiety pervades the + promenades. Some parts of the town are sufficiently + picturesque; the overhanging roofs, for which it is + remarkable, are, however, too lofty to screen the pedestrian + from the rain, especially + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page363" name="page363"></a>[pg + 363]</span> if accompanied by a high wind, and form no shade + from the sun. The pavement of the streets is bad, and their + irregularity is a considerable drawback from the internal + appearance. The pavement of the inclined plane in the Hotel + de Ville, by which we gain the arduous ascent that conducts + to the Passport office, is a curiosity of its kind, and + perhaps unique. The city is tolerably well fenced in with + walls within walls, draw and suspension bridges, and gates; + while stakes and chains secure from surprise on the part of + the lake. The small canton of Geneva, though in the vicinity + of the Great Alpine chain and the mountains of the Jura, + includes no mountains. The name of the city and canton has + been traced by the etymologists to a Celtic origin; + <i>Gen</i>, a sally-port or exit, and <i>av</i>, a river, + probably because the Rhone here leaves the Leman lake. The + eagle on the escutcheon of the city arms indicates its having + been an <i>imperial</i> city; and it is believed the key was + an adjunct of Pope Martin V., in the year 1418. The motto on + the scroll, "Ex tenebris lux," appears to have existed + anterior to the <i>light</i> of the Reformation. The number + of inhabitants may now be estimated at about 22,000; but it + appears, by a census in 1789, to have been 26,148. In this + moral city, it is computed that every twelfth birth is + illegitimate. The number of people engaged in clock and + watch-making and jewellery, may be safely rated at 3,000. In + years favourable to these staple manufactures 75,000 ounces + of gold are employed, which is almost equally divided between + watches and jewellery. The daily supply of silver is about + 134 ounces. Pearls form an article of considerable value in + the jewellery, and have been rated at no less a sum that + 1,200 francs daily. 70,000 watches are annually made, only + one-twelfth of which are in silver. More than fifty distinct + branches are comprised in the various departments, and each + workman, on the average, earns about three shillings + a-day.—<i>Mr. John Murray's Tour</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + HANDEL. + </h3> + <p> + Some folks eat two or three times as much as others—for + instance, our incomparable and inspired composer, Handel, + required uncommonly large and frequent supplies of food. + Among other stories told of this great musician, it is said + that whenever he dined <i>alone</i> at a tavern, he always + ordered "dinner for <i>three</i>;" and on receiving an answer + to his question—"Is de tinner retty?"—"As soon as + the company come."—He said, <i>con strepito</i>, "Den + pring up te Tinner <i>prestissimo</i>, I am de gombany." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + BAD WRITING. + </h3> + <p> + <i>From one of Dr. Parr's Letters</i>. + </p> + <p> + His letters put me in mind of tumult and anarchy; there is + sedition in every sentence; syllable has no longer any + confidence in syllable, but dissolves its connexion as + preferring an alliance with the succeeding word. A page of + his epistle looks like the floor of a garden-house, covered + with old, crooked nails, which have just been released from a + century's durance in a brick wall. I cannot cast my eyes on + his character without being religious. This is the only good + effect I have derived from his writings; he brings into my + mind the resurrection, and paints the tumultuous + resuscitation of awakened men with a pencil of masterly + confusion. I am fully convinced of one thing, either that he + or his pen is intoxicated when he writes to me, for his + letters seem to have borrowed the reel of wine, and stagger + from one corner of the sheet to the other. They remind me of + Lord Chatham's administration, lying together heads and + points in one truckle-bed. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + WINE AND WATER. + </h3> + <p> + The same quantity of wine diluted intoxicates sooner than the + same quantity drank in the same time <i>without</i> dilution; + the wine being applied to a larger surface of the stomach, + acts with proportionably greater quickness—though wine + <i>diluted</i> sooner <i>intoxicates</i>, its effects are + sooner over.—<i>Dr. Kitchiner</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + NEW SOUTH WALES. + </h3> + <p> + Of the total population of New South Wales, which, in round + numbers, may be taken at 40,000, the Free Emigrants + </p> + <pre> + amount only to about ............ 7,000 + Native Children ................. 5,000 + Emancipated Convicts............. 8,000 + Convicts in Servitude .......... 20,000 + ______ + 40,000 +</pre> + <hr /> + <h3> + OMEN. + </h3> + <p> + As Cooke, the solicitor-general, was beginning to open the + pleadings at the trial of Charles I, the king gently tapped + him on the shoulder with his cane, crying "Hold, hold!" At + the same moment the silver head of the cane fell off, and + rolled on the floor. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page364" name="page364"></a>[pg + 364]</span> + </p> + <h3> + COTTAGE GARDENS. + </h3> + <p> + The comforts and benefits to be derived from a well + cultivated garden, by a poor man's family, are almost beyond + calculation. What a resource for hours after work, or when + trade is dull, and regular work scarce! What a contrast and + counteraction is the healthy, manly, employment which a + cottage garden affords, to the close, impure, unwholesome + air, the beastliness and obscenity, the waste of time, the + destruction of morals, the loss of character, money, and + health, which are the inmates of too many common + ale-houses!—<i>Gardener's Mag</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + PAINTING. + </h3> + <p> + Painting, were the use of it universal, would be a powerful + means of instruction to children and the lower orders; and + were all the fine surfaces, which are now plain, and + absolutely wasted, enriched with the labours of the art, if + they once began to appear, they would accumulate rapidly; and + were the ornamented edifices open to all, as freely as they + ought to be, a wide field of new and agreeable study would + offer itself. A person, who thoroughly understood the + well-chosen subjects, and was qualified to explain them to a + stranger, could not be devoid of knowledge, nor could his + mind want food for constant contemplation. The sense of + beauty has hitherto been little cultivated in Great Britain; + but it certainly exists, and shows itself principally in + laying out gardens and pleasure-grounds with unrivalled + skill.—<i>Edin. Review</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Spirit of Discovery. + </h2> + <hr /> + <center> + <i>Hydrophobia</i>. + </center> + <p> + In the <i>New Monthly Magazine</i> for October, 1826, is the + following statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure + of the bite of a mad dog, published by the gentleman who + first made use of the plant in South America, as an antidote + to that scourge of human nature, hydrophobia; his words are, + "I shall simply state, that during my residence in South + America, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing the + direful effects of hydrophobia, without having in any one + case that came under my care been successful in its cure by + the usual modes prescribed in Europe. It fortunately occurred + to me, that the guaco, so celebrated for curing the bite or + sting of all venomous snakes, might prove equally efficacious + in hydrophobic cases. How far my idea was correct that an + analogy existed between the virus of a serpent and that of a + rabid dog, I leave to others to determine; but such was my + opinion, and I acted upon it in all subsequent cases with + complete success." + </p> + <p> + We understand the same gentleman has received from South + America two plants which he was in the habit of prescribing + for insanity and pulmonary consumption, with the happiest + effects; and as it is his intention to give them an immediate + trial, should they be found to answer in Europe, as in South + America, of which he has not the least doubt, the discovery + may be considered as of the first consequence in medicine. + </p> + <center> + <i>Mutton Hams</i>. + </center> + <p> + The <i>Journal Des Reconnaissances Useless</i> gives the + following method of curing legs of mutton like ham:—It + is necessary that the mutton should be very fat. Two ounces + of raw sugar must be mixed with an ounce of common salt and + half a spoonful of saltpetre. The meat is to be rubbed well + with this, and then placed in a tureen. It must be beaten and + turned twice a day during three consecutive days; and the + scum which comes from the meat having been taken off, it is + to be wiped, and again rubbed with the mixture. The next day + it should be again beaten, and the two operations ought to be + repeated alternately during ten days, care being taken to + turn the meat each time. It must be then exposed to the smoke + for ten days. These hams are generally eaten cold. + </p> + <center> + <i>Potato Chestnuts</i>. + </center> + <p> + A mode has been adopted to prepare potatoes as food, which + has at least one advantage—that of economy. The + potatoes are roasted in a kiln or oven, and are thus + prevented from sprouting, (which injures their quality so + much at this season of the year,) and are thus preserved for + some time in a fit state for consumption. They are better for + being again heated before they are used, and though it is to + be regretted that persons should be reduced to such food, yet + they are cheaper and more wholesome than the bread usually + given in times of scarcity to the poorer classes. + </p> + <center> + <i>New Pyrometer</i>. + </center> + <p> + A new air-thermometer has been invented by M. Pouillet, for + the purpose of measuring degrees of heat in very high + temperatures; an object hitherto of very difficult + attainment. By means of this instrument it has been + ascertained, that the heat of melted silver is 1677°; of + a melted mixture of one part gold and three parts silver, + 1803°; and of melted pure gold 2096°. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page365" name="page365"></a>[pg + 365]</span> + </p> + <center> + <i>To Destroy Slugs</i>. + </center> + <p> + A correspondent of the <i>Gardener's Magazine</i> states, + that after in vain trying salt, lime, and dibbling holes for + preserving young cauliflowers and cabbages from slugs, he + succeeded by spreading some well cut chaff round the plants + under hand glasses, and some round the outsides of the + glasses. The slugs in their attempt to reach the plant, find + themselves immediately enveloped in the chaff, which prevents + their moving, so that when he raised the glasses to give the + plants air, he found hundreds of disabled slugs round the + outside of the glasses, which he took away and destroyed. + </p> + <center> + <i>To make Kitchen Vegetables tender</i>. + </center> + <p> + When peas, French beans, &c. do not boil easily, it has + usually been imputed to the coolness of the season, or to the + rains. This popular notion is erroneous. The difficulty of + boiling them soft arises from an excess of gypsum imbibed + during their growth. To correct this, throw a small quantity + of subcarbonate of soda into the pot along with the + vegetables.—<i>From the French</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Beet Root Sugar</i> + </center> + <p> + Has now become an article of some practical magnitude in + French commerce; since the annual consumption is between + seven and eight million pounds. + </p> + <center> + <i>Silk Trade</i>. + </center> + <p> + It was lately mentioned by Mr. Huskisson, in the House of + Commons, as a proof of the flourishing state of our trade, + that British Bandanna handkerchiefs were in the course of + shipment to India. In addition to this fact, we can state of + our own knowledge that they are now exporting to France, in + no inconsiderable quantities, not merely as samples, but in + the regular course of trade.—<i>For. Quart. Rev.</i> + </p> + <center> + <i>Electricity</i>. + </center> + <p> + It is curious to take a retrospective view of the mode in + which the effects of the Leyden phial were announced to the + world, on their first discovery. The philosophers who first + experienced, in their own person, the shock attendant on the + transmission of an electric discharge, were so impressed with + wonder and with terror by this novel sensation, that they + wrote the most ridiculous and exaggerated account of their + feelings on the occasion. Muschenbrok states, that he + received so dreadful a concussion in his arms, shoulder, and + heart, that he lost his breath, and it was two days before he + could recover from its effects; he declared also, that he + should not be induced to take another shock for the whole + kingdom of France. Mr. Allemand reports, that the shock + deprived him of breath for some minutes, and afterwards + produced so acute a pain along his right arm, that he was + apprehensive it might be attended with serious consequences. + Mr. Winkler informs us, that it threw his whole body into + convulsions, and excited such a ferment in his blood, as + would have thrown him into a fever, but for the timely + employment of febrifuge remedies. He states, that at another + time it produced copious bleeding at the nose; the same + effect was produced also upon his lady, who was almost + rendered incapable of walking. The strange accounts naturally + excite the attention and wonder of all classes of people; the + learned and the vulgar were equally desirous of experiencing + so singular a sensation, and great numbers of half-taught + electricians wandered through every part of Europe to gratify + this universal curiosity. + </p> + <p> + It is on the nervous system that the most considerable action + of electricity is exerted. A strong charge passed through the + head, gave to Mr. Singer the sensation of a violent but + universal blow, and was followed by a transient loss of + memory and indistinctness of vision. If a charge be sent + through the head of a bird, its optic nerve is usually + injured or destroyed, and permanent blindness induced; and a + similar shock given to larger animals, produces a tremulous + state of the muscles, with general prostration of strength. + If a person who is standing receive a charge through the + spine, he loses his power over the muscles to such a degree, + that he either drops on his knees, or falls prostrate on the + ground; if the charge be sufficiently powerful, it will + produce immediate death, in consequence, probably, of the + sudden exhaustion of the whole energy of the nervous system. + Small animals, such as mice and sparrows, are instantly + killed by a shock from thirty square inches of glass. Van + Marum found that eels are irrecoverably deprived of life when + a shock is sent through their whole body; but when only a + part of the body is included in the circuit, the destruction + of irritability is confined to that individual part, while + the rest retains the power of motion. Different persons are + affected in very different degrees by electricity, according + to their peculiar constitutional susceptibility. Dr. Young + remarks, that a very minute tremor, communicated to the most + elastic parts of the body, in particular the chest, produces + an agitation of the nerves, which is not wholly unlike the + effect of a weak electricity. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page366" name="page366"></a>[pg + 366]</span> The bodies of animals killed by electricity, + rapidly undergo putrefaction, and the action of electricity + upon the flesh of animals is also found to accelerate this + process in a remarkable degree. The same effect has been + observed in the bodies of persons destroyed by lightning. It + is also a well-established fact, that the blood does not + coagulate after death from this cause. + </p> + <center> + <i>Transplanting Shrubs in full Growth</i>. + </center> + <p> + Dig a narrow trench round the plant, leaving its roots in the + middle in an isolated ball of earth; fill the trench with + plaster of Paris, which will become hard in a few minutes, + and form a case to the ball and plant, which may be lifted + and removed any where at pleasure.—<i>French Paper</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Freezing Mixture</i>. + </center> + <p> + A cheap and powerful freezing mixture may be made by + pulverizing Glauber's salts finely, and placing it level at + the bottom of a glass vessel. Equal parts of sal ammoniac and + nitre are then to be finely powdered, and mixed together, and + subsequently added to the Glauber's salts, stirring the + powders well together; after which adding water sufficient to + dissolve the salts, a degree of cold will be produced, + frequently below Zero of Fahrenheit. But Mr. Walker states, + that nitrate of ammonia, phosphate of soda, and diluted + nitric acid, will on the instant produce a reduction of + temperature amounting to 80 degrees. It is desirable to + reduce the temperature of the substances previously, if + convenient, by placing the vessels in water, with nitre + powder thrown in occasionally. + </p> + <center> + <i>Microscopic Examination of the Blood</i>. + </center> + <p> + By the aid of Tulley's achromatic microscope, and under + highly magnifying powers, it has recently been discovered + that the globules of the blood congeal into flat circular + bodies, and arrange themselves in rows, one body being placed + partly underneath another, and in like manner as a pile of + similar coins, when thrown gently down, would be found to + arrange themselves. This curious effect has been attributed + to the vitality yet remaining in the blood, during the act of + congealing. At any rate it is a most singular fact, for + although we might naturally conceive that the flattened + circular plates would place themselves in juxtaposition, yet + we never could have supposed that they would have partly + slipped underneath each other. In order to make this very + curious experiment, it is necessary that the blood, as + freshly drawn, be slightly and thinly smeared over the + surface of a slip of crown, or window glass, and be covered + with a very thin slip of Bohemian plate glass; and thus some + slight inequalities in the thickness of the layer of blood + between them will be produced, and which are necessary to + succeed in producing the very curious appearances + abovementioned.—<i>Gilt's Repository</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>To make the Liqueur Curaçoa</i>. + </center> + <p> + Put into a large bottle, nearly filled with alcohol, at + thirty-four degrees of Baumé (or thirty-six) the peels + of six fine Portugal oranges, which are smooth skinned, and + let them infuse for fifteen days. At the end of this time, + put into a large stone or glass vessel, 11 ounces of brandy + at eighteen degrees, 4-1/2 ounces of white sugar, and 4-1/2 + ounces of river water. When the sugar is dissolved, add a + sufficient quantity of the above infusion of orange peels, to + give it a predominant flavour; and aromatise with 3 grammes + of fine cinnamon, and as much mace, both well bruised. + Lastly, throw into the liqueur 31 grammes (1 ounce) of Brazil + wood, in powder. Leave the whole in infusion ten days, being + stirred three or four times a day. At the end of this time + taste the liqueur; and if it be too strong and sweet, add + more water to it; if too weak, add alcohol, at 30 degrees; + and if it be not sweet enough, put syrup to it. Give it + colour with caramel when you would tinge it.—<i>From + the French</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Subterraneous Growth of Potatoes</i>. + </center> + <p> + A mixture of two parts Danube sand, and one part common + earth, was laid in a layer an inch thick, in one corner of my + cellar; and, in April, thirty-two yellow potatoes with their + skins placed upon its surface. They threw out stalks on all + sides; and, at the end of the following November, more than a + quarter of a bushel of the best potatoes were gathered, about + a tenth part of which were about the size of apples—the + rest as large as nuts. The skin was very thin; the pulp + farinaceous, white, and of a good taste. No attention was + given to the potatoes during the time they remained on the + sand, and they grew without the influence of the sun or + light. This trial may be advantageously applied in fortified + places, hospitals, houses of correction, and, in general, in + all places where cellars or subterraneous places occur, being + neither too cold nor too moist; and where it is important to + procure a cheap, but abundant nourishment for many + individuals.—<i>From the French</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page367" name="page367"></a>[pg + 367]</span> + </p> + <h2> + Retrospective Gleanings. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + CHILTERN HUNDREDS. + </h3> + <p> + The three Hundreds of Desborough, Stoke, and Burnham, in + Bucks, are called the "Chiltern Hundreds," and take their + name from the Chalk Hills which run through Bucks and the + neighbouring counties. The property of these Hundreds + remaining in the Crown, a Steward is appointed at a salary of + 20<i>s</i>. and all fees, which nominal office is accepted by + any Member of Parliament who wishes to vacate his seat. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + PEG TANKARDS. + </h3> + <p> + At Braintree and Booking, in Essex, when topers partake of a + pot of ale, it is divided into three parts or draughts, the + first of which is called <i>neckum</i>, the second + <i>sinkum</i>, and the third <i>swankum</i>. In Bailey's + Dictionary, <i>swank</i> is said to be "that remainder of + liquor at the bottom of a tankard, pot, or cup, which is just + sufficient for one draught, which it is not accounted good + manners to divide with the left-hand man, and according to + the quantity is called either a large or little swank." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + CHIMNEYS. + </h3> + <p> + Has the precise period been ascertained when chimneys upon + the present mode were first constructed in England? It was + apparently not sooner than Henry the Eighth's time; for + Leland, when he visited Bolton Castle, in Yorkshire, seems to + have been greatly surprised by the novelty and ingenuity of + the contrivance. "One thing (says he) I much notyd in the + haull of Bolton, how chimneys was conveyed by tunnills made + in the sydds of the waulls, betwixt the lights; and by this + meanes is the smoke of the harthe wonder strangely convayed." + </p> + <p> + The front of St. John's Hospital at Lichfield, presents one + of the most curious ancient specimens extant of this part of + our early domestic architecture. This building was erected + 1495, but it is possible that the remarkable chimneys may + have been subsequently added. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + OLD LONDON. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + In a collection of Epigrams written by Thomas Freeman, of + Gloucestershire, and published in 1014, is the following, + entitled "London's Progresse:"— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Why, how nowe, Babell, whither wilt thou build? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I see old Holbourne, Charing Crosse, the Strand, + </p> + <p> + Are going to St. Giles's in-the-field, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Saint Katerne, she takes Wapping by the hand, + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And Hogsdon will to Hygate ere't be long, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + London has got a great way from the streame, + </p> + <p> + I thinke she means to go to Islington, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To eate a dish of strawberries and creame. + </p> + <p> + The City's sure in progresse I surmise, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or going to revell it in some disorder, + </p> + <p> + Without the Walls, without the Liberties, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where she neede feare nor Mayor nor Recorder. + </p> + <p> + Well! say she do, 'twere pretty, yet 'tis pitty + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A Middlesex Bailiff should arrest the Citty." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + W.C.R.R. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + AVVER. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The word "Avver" has doubtless the same origin as the German + word <i>"Hafer" "Haber"</i> which signifies in English, + <i>oat</i>. + </p> + <p> + In some parts of Germany a pap of oatmeal "Haferbrei" is very + common as breakfast of the lower classes. Of "Haferbrod" + oatbread, I only heard in 1816, when the other sorts of grain + were so very scarce in Germany. + </p> + <p> + <i>A German and Constant Reader of the Mirror</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE HALCYON + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + So often alluded to by the poets, is the bird called the King + Fisher. It was believed by the ancients that while the female + brooded over the eggs, the sea and weather remained calm and + unruffled; hence arose the expression of Halcyon days. + </p> + <h4> + R.N. + </h4> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIR ISAAC NEWTON. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Woolsthorp, Lincolnshire, a little village on the great north + road between Stamford and Grantham, is memorable as the + birthplace of that illustrious philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. + The house in which he was born, is a kind of farmhouse, built + of stone, and is, or was lately standing. The learned Dr. + Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed the inside of it + by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on this + occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir + Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the + country, in his younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his + mother from the university. I observed the shelves were of + his own making, being pieces of deal boxes, which probably he + sent his books and clothes down in upon these occasions." + </p> + <h4> + Halbert H. + </h4> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page368" name="page368"></a>[pg + 368]</span> + </p> + <h2> + The Gatherer. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + SHAKSPEARE. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards + married, he told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he + had no money; and that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by + way of reducing herself, to an equality with the doctor, + replied, "that she had no more money than himself; and that, + though she had not a relation hanged, she had <i>fifty who + deserved hanging</i>." And thus was accomplished this very + curious amour. + </p> + <h4> + W.G.C. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house + called the "King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a + gold collar around its neck, and underneath are the following + lines:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When Julius Caesar landed here, + </p> + <p> + I was then a little deer; + </p> + <p> + When Julius Caesar reigned king, + </p> + <p> + Round my neck he put this ring; + </p> + <p> + Whoever shall me overtake, + </p> + <p> + Spare my life for Caesar's sake. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + Ruris. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + When Lord Norbury was applied to by a collector of one of the + local taxes for the amount of tax, his lordship said, he had + already paid it, and on looking to his file, discovered a + receipt, signed by the same collector who then applied for + it. The tax-man, confounded, apologized in the best manner he + could, stating his regret that he did not recollect it. "I + dare say," said my lord, "you are very sorry you did not + <i>re</i>-collect it." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + IN KENSINGTON CHURCHYARD. + </h3> + <p> + "Here are deposited the remains of Mrs. Ann Floyer, the + beloved wife of Mr. Richard Floyer, of Thistle Grove, in this + parish, died on Thursday the 8th of May, 1823. + </p> + <p> + "<i>God hath chosen her as a pattern for the other + Angels</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + IN DUNDEE CHURCHYARD. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Here lies the body of John Watson, + </p> + <p> + Read not this with your hats on, + </p> + <p> + For why? He was the Provost of Dundee, + </p> + <p> + Hallelujah, hallelugee." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"></div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + NEW MEASURE. + </h3> + <p> + Shortly after the introduction of the New Weights and + Measures, an innkeeper in a market-town, not far from + Sudbury, in Suffolk, sent his ostler to a customer with a + quantity of liquor, which he delivered with the following + words:—"Marstur bid me tell ye <i>Sar</i>, as how 'tis + the New <i>Infarnal</i> Measure." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + A farmer calling upon his landlord to pay his rent, + apologized for being late, by saying that his illness + prevented his attending earlier, and he did not know what his + disorder was. The gentleman told him it was "Influenza." + Returning home he was met by the schoolmaster of the village, + who inquired after his health, "I am very poorly," replied + the farmer, "my landlord tells me my complaint is <i>Humphry + Windsor</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + A witness on a trial being interrogated by Judge Willis, in a + manner not pleasing to him, turned to an acquaintance, and + told him in a half whisper, "he did not come there to be + queered by the old one." Willis heard him, and instantly + replied, in his own cant, "I am old 'tis true—and I'm + rum sometimes—and for once I'll be queer—and I + send you to quod." + </p> + <h4> + H.B.A. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + An exciseman whose remarks and answers were frequently rather + odd, riding at a quick pace upon a <i>blind</i> pony, was met + by a person who praised the animal much, "Yes," replied the + officer, "he is a very good one, only he <i>shies</i> at + every thing he <i>sees</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW NOVEL + </h3> + <p> + A supplement published with the present Number, contains an + outline of of the Novel of Anne of Geierstein, OR THE MAID OF + THE MIST; With Unique Extracts, &c. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE<br /> + <i>Following Novels is already Published:</i> + </p> + <pre> + s. d. + Mackenzie's Man of Feeling 0 6 + Paul and Virginia 0 6 + The Castle of Otranto 0 6 + Almoran and Hamet 0 6 + Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia 0 6 + The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 0 6 + Rasselas 0 8 + The Old English Baron 0 8 + Nature and Art 0 8 + Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield 0 10 + Sicilian Romance 1 0 + The Man of the World 1 0 + A Simple Story 1 4 + Joseph Andrews 1 6 + Humphry Clinker 1 8 + The Romance of the Forest 1 8 + The Italian 2 0 + Zeluco, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Edward, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Roderick Random 2 6 + The Mysteries of Udolpho 3 6 + Peregrine Pickle 4 6 +</pre> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <i>Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near + Somerset House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New + Market, Leipsic; and by all Newsmen and Booksellers</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 13, ISSUE 372, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 11340-h.txt or 11340-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/4/11340">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/4/11340</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>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. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution.</p> + + + +<pre> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="https://gutenberg.org/license">https://gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">https://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext06">http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext06</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL">https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/old/11340-h/images/372-1.png b/old/11340-h/images/372-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7231b2f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340-h/images/372-1.png diff --git a/old/11340.txt b/old/11340.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..292a49b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2111 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 13, Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829, by Various + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 13, +Issue 372, Saturday, May 30, 1829 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 27, 2004 [eBook #11340] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 13, ISSUE 372, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829*** + + +E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Keith M. Eckrich, David Garcia, and +the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 11340-h.htm or 11340-h.zip: + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/4/11340/11340-h/11340-h.htm) + or + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/4/11340/11340-h.zip) + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. 13, No. 372.] SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Epsom New Race Stand. + + +[Illustration: Epsom New Race Stand.] + + +We do not wish to compete with the "List of all the running horse-es, +with the names, weights, and colours of the riders," although the +proximity of our publication day to the commencement of Epsom Races +(June 2), has induced us to select the above subject for an +illustration. + +The erection of the New Race Stand is the work of a company, entitled +the "Epsom Grand Stand Association"--the capital L20,000, in 1,000 +shares of L20 each. The speculation is patronized by the Stewards of +the Jockey Club, and among the trustees is one of the county members, +C.N. Pallmer, Esq. The building is now roofed in, and temporary +accommodation will be provided for visitors at the ensuing Spring +Races. It is after the model of the Stand at Doncaster, but is much +larger, and will accommodate from 4 to 5,000 persons. The style of the +architecture is Grecian. + +The building is 156 feet in width, including the Terrace, and 60 feet +in depth, having a portico the width, returning on each side, which is +connected with a spacious terrace, raised ten feet above the level of +the ground, and a magnificent flight of steps in the centre. The +columns of the portico are of the Doric order, supporting a balcony, +or gallery, which is to be covered by a verandah, erected on small +ornamental iron pillars, placed over those below. The upper part of +the Stand is to have a balustrade the whole width of the front. With +reference to the interior arrangements, there are four large and +well-proportioned rooms for refreshments, &c.; a spacious hall, +leading through a screen of Doric columns to a large and elegant +staircase of stone, and on each side of the staircase are retiring +rooms of convenience for gentlemen. The entrance to this floor is from +the abovementioned terrace and portico in front; and also, at the +back, by an entrance which forms a direct communication through the +building. The first floor consists of a splendid room, 108 feet in +length, and 34 in width, divided into three compartments by ornamental +columns and pilasters, supporting a richly paneled ceiling, and having +a direct communication with the balcony, or gallery; and on each side +of the staircase there are retiring rooms for the ladies, with the +same arrangements as those below for the gentlemen. The roof will +contain about 2,000 persons standing; affording, at the same time, an +opportunity for every one to see the whole of the race (Derby Course) +which at one time was considered doubtful. + +The architect is Mr. W. Trendall; and the builder Mr. Chadwick. + +By a neat plan from a survey by Mr. Mogg, the "Stand" is about ten +poles from the Winning Post. It must have a most commanding view of +the surrounding country--but, anon, "may we be there to see." + + * * * * * + + +HISTORY OF COALS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Coals are found in several parts of the continent of Europe, but the +principal mines are in this country. They have been discovered and +wrought in Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Canada, and in some of the +provinces of New England. China abounds in them, and they are well +known in Tartary, and in the Island of Madagascar. + +We find (says Brand) express mention of coals, used as a fuel by +artificers about 2,000 years ago, in the writings of Theophrastus, the +scholar of Aristotle, who, in his book on Stones, gives the substance; +though some writers have not scrupled to affirm, that coal was unknown +to the Ancient Britons, yet others have adduced proofs to the +contrary, which seem, to carry along with them little less than +conviction. The first charter for the license of digging coals, was +granted by King Henry III. in the year 1239; it was there denominated +sea coal; and, in 1281, Newcastle was famous for its great trade in +this article; but in 1306, the use of sea coal was prohibited at +London, by proclamation. Brewers, dyers, and other artificers, who had +occasion for great fires, had found their account in substituting our +fossil for dry wood and charcoal; but so general was the prejudice +against it at that time, that the nobles and commons assembled in +parliament, complained against the use thereof as a public nuisance, +which was thought to corrupt the air with its smoke and stink. Shortly +after this, it was the common fuel at the King's palace in London; +and, in 1325, a trade was opened between France and England, in which +corn was imported, and coal exported. Stowe in his "Annals" says, +"within thirty years last the nice dames of London would not come into +any house or roome where sea coales were burned; nor willingly eat of +the meat that was either sod or roasted with sea coal fire." + +Tinmouth Priory had a colliery at Elwick, which in 1330 was let at the +yearly rent of five pounds; in 1530 it was let for twenty pounds a +year, on condition that not more than twenty chaldron should be drawn +in a day; and eight years after, at fifty pounds a year, without +restriction on the quantity to be wrought. In Richard the Second's +time, Newcastle coals were sold at Whitby, at three shillings and +four-pence per chaldron; and in the time of Henry VIII. their price +was twelvepence a chaldron in Newcastle; in London about four +shillings, and in France they sold for thirteen nobles per chaldron. +Queen Elizabeth obtained a lease of the manors and coal mines of +Gateshead and Whickham, which she soon transferred to the Earl of +Leicester. He assigned it to his secretary, Sutton, the founder of the +Charter-house, who also made assignment of it to Sir W. Riddell and +others, for the use of the Mayor and Burgesses of Newcastle. Duties +were laid upon this article to assist in building St. Paul's Church, +and fifty parish churches in London after the great fire; and in 1677, +Charles II. granted to his natural son, Charles Lenox, Duke of +Richmond, and his heirs, a duty of one shilling a chaldron on coals, +which continued in his family till it was purchased by government in +1800. The collieries in the vicinity of Newcastle are perhaps the most +valuable and extensive in Europe, and afford nearly the whole supply +of the metropolis, and of those counties on the eastern coast +deficient in coal strata; thus-- + + "The grim ore + Here useless, like the miser's brighter hoard, + Is from its prison brought and sent abroad, + The frozen horns to cheer, to minister + To needful sustenance and polished arts-- + Hence are the hungry fed, the naked clothed, + The wintry damps dispell'd, and social mirth + Exults and glows before the blazing hearth." + +_Iago's Edge Hill_, p. 106. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + + +ALEHOUSE SIGNS. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + +Two of your correspondents have puzzled themselves in seeking the +origin of the old Cat and Fiddle sign. The one has been led away by a +love of etymology--the other would string the fiddle at the expense of +poor puss's viscera. Now laying aside conjecture and the subtleties of +language, suppose we consult plain matter of fact? It is then +generally allowed that the tones of a flute resemble the _human +voice_: those of a clarionet, the notes of a _goose_: and, all the +world knows that a well-played violin (especially in the practice of +gliding) yields sounds so inseparable from the _strains of a cat_, as +not to be distinguished by the mere amateur of musical science. + +In conformity, therefore, with this last truth, the small fiddles +which Dancing-masters carry in their pockets, are at this day called +_kits_. But our etymologist will readily perceive this to be a mere +abbreviation, and that they must originally have been known as +_kittens_. + +E.D. Jun. + + * * * * * + + +ANACHRONISMS RESPECTING DR. JOHNSON. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + + "I am corrected, sir; but hear me speak-- + When admiration glows with such a fire + As to o'ertop the memory, error then + May merit mercy." _Old Play_. + +In justice to myself and the readers of the MIRROR, I must be allowed +to offer a few apologetic remarks on the almost unpardonable +anachronisms which I so inadvertently suffered to occur in my +communication on the subject of Dr. Johnson's Residence in Bolt Court. +But when I state that the chronological metathesis occurred entirely +in consequence of my referring to that most treacherous portion of +human intellect, the memory; and that it is upwards of seven years +since I read "Boswell's Life of Johnson," or "Johnson's Poets," it may +be some mitigation of the censure I so justly deserve. Yet I may be +suffered to suggest to your correspondent, who has so kindly corrected +me, that my paper was more in the suppository style than he seems to +have imagined; and that I did not assert that Boswell, Savage, and +Johnson, met at the latter's "house in Bolt Court, and discussed +subjects of polite literature." The expression used is, "We can +_imagine_," &c. constituting a creation of the fancy rather than a +positive portraiture. Certain it is that Johnson's dwelling was in the +neighbourhood of Temple Bar at the time of the nocturnal perambulation +alluded to; and that it was Savage (to whom he was so unaccountably +attached, in spite of the "bastard's" frailties) who enticed the +doctor from his bed to a midnight ramble. My primary mistake consists +in transposing the date of the doctor's residence in Bolt Court, and +introducing Savage at the era of Boswell's acquaintance with Johnson; +whereas the wayward poet finished his miserable existence in a prison, +at Bristol, 21 years prior to that event. Here I may be allowed a +remark or two on the animadversion which has been heaped on Johnson +for that beautiful piece of biography, "The Life of Richard Savage." +It has hitherto been somewhat of a mystery that the stern critic whose +strictures so severely exposed the minutest derelictions of genius in +all other instances, should have adopted "the melting mood" in +detailing the life of such a man as Savage; for, much as we may admire +the concentrated smiles and tears of his two poems, "The Bastard," and +"The Wanderer," pitying the fortunes and miseries of the author, yet +his ungovernable temper and depraved propensities, which led to his +embruing his hands in blood, his ingratitude to his patrons and +benefactors, (but chiefly to Pope,) and his degraded misemployment of +talents which might have raised him to the capital of the proud column +of intellect of that day,--all conduce to petrify the tear of mingled +mercy and compassion, which the misfortunes of such a being might +otherwise demand. Nevertheless, as was lately observed by a +respectable journal, "there must have been _something_ good about him, +or Samuel Johnson would not have loved him." + +**H. + + * * * * * + + +DREAMS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + + We see our joyous home, + Where the sapphire waters fall; + The porch, with its lone gloom, + The bright vines on its wall. + + The flow'rs, the brooks, and trees, + Again are made our own, + The woodlands rife with bees, + And the curfew's pensive tone. + + Peace to the marble brow, + And the ringlets tinged dark, + The heart is sleeping now + In a still and holy ark! + + Sleep hath clos'd the soft blue eye, + And unbound the silken tress + Their dreams are of the sky, + And pass'd is watchfulness. + + But a sleep they yet shall have, + Sunn'd with no vision's glow; + A sleep within the grave-- + When their eyes are quench'd and low! + + A glorious rest it is, + To earth's lorn children given, + Pure as the bridal kiss, + To sleep--and wake in heaven! + +_Deal_. Reginald Augustine + + * * * * * + + +SCOTCH SONG. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + + Gin Lubin shows the ring to me + While reavin' Teviot side, + And asks me wi' an earnest e'e, + To be his bonny bride. + At sic a time I canna tell + What I to him might say, + But as I lo'e the laddie well, + I cudna tell him nae. + + I'd say we twa as yet are young, + Wi' monie a day to spare, + An' then the suit should drap my tongue + That he might press it mair. + I'd gae beside the point awhile, + Wi' proper laithfu' pride, + By lang to partin', wi' a smile, + Consent to be his bride. + +C. Cole. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Sketch-Book. + + * * * * * + + +THE LOVER STUDENT. + +_A Leaf from the Reminiscences of a Collegian_. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +----He was but a poor undergraduate; not, indeed, one of lowest grade, +but still too much lacking pecuniary supplies to render him an +"eligible match." Julia, too, though pretty, was portionless; and the +world, which always kindly interests itself in such affairs, said, +they had no business whatever to become attached to each other; but +then, such attachments and the world, never did, and never will agree; +and _I_, from fatal experience, assert that what people impertinently +call "falling in love," is a thing that _cannot_ be helped; _I_, at +least, never could help it. The regard of Millington and Julia was of +a very peculiar nature; it was a morsel of platonism, which is rather +too curious to pass unrecorded; for as far as I have been able, upon +the most minute investigation to ascertain, they never spoke to each +other during the period of their tender acquaintance. No; they were +not dumb, but lacking a mutual friend to give them an introduction; +their regard for decorum and etiquette was too great to permit them to +speak otherwise than with their eyes. Millington had kept three terms, +when I arrived at ---- College, a shy and gawky freshman; we had been +previously acquainted, and he, pitying perhaps my youth and +inexperience, patronized his playmate, and I became his chum. For some +time I was at a loss to account for sundry fluctuations in Henry's +disposition and manners. He shunned society and would neither accept +invitations to wine and supper parties in other men's rooms, nor give +such in his own; nevertheless his person seemed to have become an +object of the tenderest regard; never was he so contented as when +rambling through the streets and walks, without his gown, in a new and +well cut suit; whilst in order eternally to display his figure to the +best advantage, he was content to endure as heavy an infliction of +fines and impositions, as the heads of his college could lay upon his +shoulders. He was ruined for a reading-man. About this period he also +had a perfect mania for flowers; observing which, and fancying I might +gratify my friend by such a mark of attention, I one day went to his +rooms with a large bouquet in either hand. He was not at home; but +having carelessly enough forgotten to lock his door, I commenced, _con +amore_, (anticipating the agreeable surprise which I should afford +him) to fill his vases with fresh, bright, and delicious summer +flowers, in lieu of the very mummies of their race by which they were +occupied. My work was in progress when Millington returned, but, oh! +good heavens! the rage, the profane, diabolical, incomprehensible rage +into which he burst! I shall never forget. Away went my beautiful, my +fragrant flowers, into the court, and seizing upon the remnant of the +mummies, as yet untouched by my sacrilegious fingers, he tossed them +into a drawer, double locked it, and ordered me out of the room. +Dreading a kick, I was off at his word; but had not proceeded half way +down stairs, when a hand from the rear, roughly grasped mine, and a +voice, in a wild and hurried manner, asked pardon for "intemperance." +I should have called it madness. We were again firm allies; but I +resolved to fathom, if possible, the mystery of the flowers. I now +observed, with surprise, that Millington never quitted his rooms +without a flower in his hand, or _boutonniere_; which flower, upon his +return, appeared to have been either lost, or metamorphosed into, +sometimes, one of another description; sometimes into a nosegay. Very +strange indeed, thought I; and began to have my suspicions that in all +this might be traced "fair woman's visitings." Yes, Millington must +decidedly have fallen in love. He was never in chapel, never in hall, +never in college, never at lectures, and never at parties; he was in +love, that was certain; but with whom? He knew none of the resident +gentry of ----, and he was far too proud to involve himself in "an +affair" with a girl of inferior rank. Many men did so; but Millington +despised them for it. Accidentally I discovered that he adored Julia, +the young, sweet daughter of an undoubted gentleman, who was not yet +"come out." She was a lively, pretty brunette, with brownest curling +hair, only fifteen; and to this day, I believe, knows not the name of +her lover. From an attic window of a five storied house, this fond and +beautiful girl contrived, sometimes, to shower upon the head of her +devoted admirer sweet flowers, and sometimes this paragon of pairs +meeting each other in the walks, silently effected an interchange of +the buds and blossoms, with which they always took care to be +provided. Several weeks passed thus, Henry and Julia seeing each other +every day; but long vacation would arrive; and on the evening +preceding his departure from ----, the lovelorn student, twisting +round the stem of a spicy carnation, a leaf which he had torn from his +pocket book, thus conveyed, with his farewell to Julia, an intimation +that he designed upon his return to college next term, to effect an +introduction to her family. Julia's delight may easily be conceived. I +remained in college for the vacation to read, and had shortly the +pleasure of informing Millington that I should be able, upon his +return, to afford him the introduction which he had so much at heart, +having made the acquaintance of Julia and her family. Two months +elapsed ere Millington deigned to notice my letter. His answer to it +was expressed in these terms:-- + +"Freddy--I'm married to a proper vixen, I fancy; but to twenty +thousand pounds. Ay, my boy, there it is--no doing in this world +without the needful, and I'm not the ass to fight shy of such a +windfall. As for Julia, hang her. By Jove, what an escape--wasn't it? +Name her never again, and should she cry for me, give her a sugar +plum--a kiss--a gingerbread husband, or yourself, as you please. I am +not so fond of milk and water, and bread and butter, I can assure her. + +"Ever truly yours, +Henry Owen Millington. + +"P.S. Capital shooting hereabout--can't you slip over for a few days?" + +Poor Julia! I certainly am not clear that I shall not marry her +myself; but as for that scoundrel Millington, he had better take care +how he comes in my way--that's all. + +M.L.B. + + * * * * * + + + + +Manners & Customs of all Nations. + + * * * * * + +WHITSUN ALE. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +On the Coteswold, Gloucester, is a customary meeting at Whitsuntide, +vulgarly called an _Ale_, or _Whitsun Ale_, resorted to by numbers of +young people. Two persons are chosen previous to the meeting, to be +Lord and Lady of the Ale or Yule, who dress as suitably as they can to +those characters; a large barn, or other building is fitted up with +seats, &c. for the lord's hall. Here they assemble to dance and regale +in the best manner their circumstances and the place will afford; each +man treats his sweetheart with a ribbon or favour. The lord and lady +attended by the steward, sword, purse, and mace-bearer, with their +several badges of office, honour the hall with their presence; they +have likewise, in their suit, a page, or train-bearer, and a jester, +dressed in a parti-coloured jacket. The lord's music, consisting of a +tabor and pipe, is employed to conduct the dance. Companies of +morrice-dancers, attended by the jester and tabor and pipe, go about +the country on Monday and Tuesday in Whitsun week, and collect sums +towards defraying the expenses of the Yule. All the figures of the +lord, &c. of the Yule, handsomely represented in basso-relievo, stand +in the north wall of the nave of Cirencester Church, which vouches for +the antiquity of the custom; and, on many of these occasions, they +erect a may-pole, which denotes its rise in Druidism. The mace is made +of silk, finely plaited with ribbons on the top, and filled with +spices and perfumes for such of the company to smell to as desire it. + +Halbert H. + + * * * * * + + +ANCIENT FUNERAL RITES AMONG THE GREEKS. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The dead were ever held sacred and inviolable even amongst the most +barbarous nations; to defraud them of any due respect was a greater +and more unpardonable sacrilege than to spoil the temples of the gods; +their memories were preserved with a religious care and reverence, and +all their remains honoured with worship and adoration; hatred and envy +themselves were put to silence, for it was thought a sign of a cruel +and inhuman disposition to speak evil of the dead, and prosecute +revenge beyond the grave. The ancient Greeks were strongly persuaded +that their souls could not be admitted into the Elysian fields till +their bodies were committed to the earth; therefore the honours (says +Potter) paid to the dead were the greatest and most necessary; for +these were looked upon as a debt so sacred, that such as neglected to +discharge it were thought accursed. Those who died in foreign +countries had usually their ashes brought home and interred in the +sepulchres of their ancestors, or at least in some part of their +native country; it being thought that the same mother which gave them +life and birth, was only fit to receive their remains, and afford them +a peaceful habitation after death. Whence ancient authors afford as +innumerable instances of bodies conveyed, sometimes by the command of +oracles, sometimes by the good-will of their friends, from foreign +countries to the sepulchres of their fathers, and with great solemnity +deposited there. Thus, Theseus was removed from Scyros to Athens, +Orestes from Tegea, &c. Nor was this pious care limited to persons of +free condition, but slaves also had some share therein; for we find +(says Potter) the Athenian lawgiver commanding the magistrates, called +_Demarchi_, under a severe penalty, to solemnize the funerals, not so +much of citizens, whose friends seldom failed of paying the last +honours, as of slaves, who frequently were destitute of decent burial. + +Those who wasted their patrimony, forfeited their right of being +buried in the sepulchres of their fathers. As soon as any person had +expired, they closed his eyes. Augustus Caesar, upon the approach of +his death, called for a looking-glass, and caused his hair to be +combed, and his fallen cheeks decently composed. All the offices about +the dead were performed by their nearest relations; nor could a +greater misfortune befal any person than to want these respects. When +dying, their friends and relations came close to the bed where they +lay, to bid them farewell, and catch their dying words, which they +never repeated without reverence. The want of opportunity to pay this +compliment to Hector, furnishes Andromache with matter of lamentation, +which is related in the Iliad. They kissed and embraced the dying +person, so taking their last farewell; and endeavoured likewise to +receive in their mouth his last breath, as fancying his soul to expire +with it, and enter into their bodies. When any person died in debt at +Athens, the laws of that city gave leave to creditors to seize the +dead body, and deprive it of burial till payment was made; whence the +corpse of Miltiades, who died in prison, being like to want the honour +of burial, his son Cimon had no other means to release it, but by +taking upon himself his father's debts and fetters. Sometime before +interment, a piece of money was put into the corpse's mouth, which was +thought to be Charon's fare for wafting the departed soul over the +infernal river. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + +SINGULAR MANORIAL CUSTOM. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The Manor of Broughton Lindsay, in Lincolnshire, is held under that of +Caistor, by this strange service: viz. that annually, upon Palm +Sunday, the deputy of the Lord of the Manor of Broughton, attends the +church at Caistor, with a new cart whip in his hand, which he cracks +thrice in the church porch; and passes with it on his shoulder up the +nave into the chancel, and seats himself in the pew of the lord of the +manor, where he remains until the officiating minister is about to +read the second lesson; he then proceeds with his whip, to the lash of +which he has in the meantime affixed a purse, which ought to contain +thirty silver pennies (instead of which a single half crown is +substituted,) and kneeling down before the reading desk, he holds the +purse, suspended over the minister's head, all the time he is reading +the lesson. After this he returns to his seat. When divine service is +over, he leaves the whip and purse at the manor house. + +H.B.A. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Contemporary Traveller. + + * * * * * + +MEXICO, OR NEW SPAIN. + + +The name of New Spain was at first given only to Yucatan by Grijalva +and his followers; but Cortez extended it to the whole empire of +Montezuma, which is described by the earliest writers to have reached +from Panama to New California. This, however, appears, from more +recent researches, on the accuracy of which Humboldt relies with +reason, to have been larger than the reality justified; and the whole +of Tenochtitlan may be said to have been contained in the present +states of Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico, and Valadolid. In +addition to the name given by Cortez, that of the capital was extended +to the whole kingdom of New Spain; and since the revolution and the +establishment of independence, the several provinces form separate and +independent states, confederating together and constituting the +nineteen United States of Mexico; viz. Chiapa, Chihuahua, Cohahuila +and Texas, Durango, Guanaxuato, Mexico, Michoachan, New Leon, Oaxaca, +Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sonora and Cinaloa, Tabasco, +Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz, Xalisco, Yucatan and Zacatecas. Old and New +California, Colima, New Mexico, and Tlascala, though forming members +of the federation, declined having state governments, on account of +the expense, and are designated territories. The whole republic, +according to Humboldt, occupies a space of 75,830 square leagues, of +twenty to an equinoxial degree; on which there are to be found every +inequality of surface, and every variety of soil and climate, the two +last of which are dependent in most cases on the former. + +The republic of Mexico, taken on the grand scale, may be considered as +a succession of small mountain-plains at different heights, separated +by mountains, and increasing in magnitude as the coast recedes on both +the eastern and western sides, until the great centre plain be +reached, which, though much broken by mountain ridges, tends to the +north, maintaining nearly an equal elevation. The snow-capped +mountains of Orizava, and the volcanos of Puebla and Toluca, are among +the most splendid objects in the world. The Mexicans divide the +regions of their country into _Tierras calientes, Tierras templadas_, +and _Tierras frias_, according to the climate. Throughout the whole +country there is a lamentable want of water, and of navigable rivers. +The lakes, too, appear to be yearly decreasing in extent, the +immediate consequence of which is, that the elevated portions of the +interior are nearly stripped of vegetation, and the soil covered with +an efflorescence of carbonate of soda, there called _Tequisquita_, +resembling very closely the plains of the two Castiles, and recalling +to the Eastern traveller the desolate wastes of some parts of Persia. + +The effect of elevation on the temperature is most marked, and it is +no uncommon thing to be shivering on one side of the street in the +city of Mexico, and to be literally scorched by the rays of the sun on +the other. Changes are upon record of 55 deg. of Fahrenheit within three +hours, on one of the mountain-plains at the same height with the +valley of Mexico. + +Notwithstanding the volcanic character of Mexico, earthquakes are by +no means so frequent there as in some of the neighbouring countries. +One of the most memorable on record occurred on the 14th of September, +1759, when the volcano of Jorullo, with several smaller cones, forced +the surface of the soil, destroying all before it. + +The infinite variety of climate and soil fits this country for the +production of the fruits of all regions, from those of the hottest +within the tropics to those of the severest cold, where cultivation +can be carried on. But the want of ports, and of navigable rivers on +the Atlantic, opposes the advantages that might result from this +variety of production, though on the Pacific there are a few admirable +ports, such as Acapulco. The prevalence of the "Nortes," or northerly +winds, at certain seasons, seriously affects the navigation on one +side, while that of the "papagallos" is as inconvenient on the other. + +The Mexican population is commonly divided into seven classes:--1. +European Spaniards, commonly called "_gachupines_." 2. White Creoles. +3. Mestizos, descendants of Whites and Indians. 4. Mulattoes, +descendants of Whites and Blacks. 5. Zambos, from Indians and Negroes. +6. Pure Indians. 7. African Blacks. But this classification may be +reduced to four:--1. Whites. 2. Indians. 3. Blacks. 4. Mixed Races, +the various gradations of which may be considered almost infinite. + +The Indians consist of a considerable number of distinct tribes, +differing in many points of appearance, and speaking--not dialects +but--languages entirely different. No less than twenty of these have +been traced, and of fourteen of them there are already grammars and +dictionaries. The Indian population is chiefly centered in the great +plains, and towards the south; and Humboldt thinks that it has flowed +from the north to the south. The history of four great migrations is +preserved in the annals of Mexico, which are worthy of more detailed +examination than we can bestow upon them. The great body of these +people live apart from the other races of their countrymen, in small +villages, full of ignorance, suspicion, and bigotry, and displaying an +apparent phlegm, from which it would seem impossible to arouse them. +This phlegmatic temperament lessens the credit of the men with the +females, who uniformly prefer the European, or the still more +vivacious negro. "The indigenous Mexican is grave, melancholic, +silent, so long as he is not under the influence of intoxicating +liquors. This gravity is peculiarly remarkable in Indian children, who +at the age of four or five years display more intelligence and +precocity than the children of whites. The Mexican loves to attach +mystery even to his most trifling actions; the strongest passions do +not display themselves in his countenance; the transition is frightful +when it passes suddenly from a state of absolute repose to that of +violent and unrestrained agitation." Slavery with them has engendered +guile. They are obstinate in all their habits and opinions; their +religion is one of mere ceremonial, justifying the observation of +a priest to Mr. Ward, "son mui buenos Catolicos, pero mui malos +Cristianos" (very good Catholics, but very bad Christians.) Deception +in this, as well as in every thing else, is the order of the day; and +the Indian Alcalde now oppresses the villagers as much as he himself +has ever been. + +Humboldt considers the Mexican Indian as destitute of all imagination, +though when to a certain degree educated, he attributes to him +facility in learning, a clearness of understanding, a natural turn for +reasoning, and a particular aptitude to subtilize and seize trifling +distinctions. + +The music and dancing are as dull as might be expected among beings so +full of phlegm. The Mexican has a turn for painting and sculpture; and +retains the same fondness for flowers that struck Cortez so forcibly +upwards of three centuries ago. The "Indios Bravos," or Wild Indians, +are said to display more energy; but our information respecting them +is remarkably scanty. + +Among the active vices of the Mexican Indian, that of drunkenness +prevails to a most lamentable extent. In the upper districts, +_pulque_, or the fermented juice of the aloe, is the principal +tempter; sometimes a spirit, distilled from the same plant, called +_Vino de Mescal_; while, in the hotter districts, the same effects are +ensured by the _chinguirito_, a very coarse kind of rum. Combined with +this disposition to intoxication, the Indian is constitutionally +indolent; and, now that he is a free man, he will rarely work, except +to obtain just as much as will afford him the means of enjoying his +greatest luxury--that of steeping his senses in oblivion. This last +tendency is much to be deplored, as, in the larger towns, we know that +every Sunday (which is the day of greatest indulgence) assassinations, +to the extent of six or eight each day, are the melancholy consequence +of its indulgence. Humboldt states that the police were in the +practice of sending tumbrels round, to collect the unhappy victims of +intoxication. The punishment was, and we believe still is, three days' +labour in the streets; but it does not seem to be very efficacious, +for generally within the week the delinquents are again in custody. + +There is something characteristic in the indolence of these sombre +beings. They will travel immense distances; but to steady labour they +are, generally speaking, not prone. It is told of them, that in one of +the most fertile districts (the _Baxio_) it is not unusual for an +Indian, on receiving his wages, to get thoroughly drunk, go to sleep, +and on awakening renew his potations and repose, until the exhaustion +of his finances compels him to return to labour. In some parts, +however, there are exceptions to this observation. + +Education has been more attended to, by some of the leading +personages, than could have been expected in a society that had been +so much kept in the shade. We apprehend the advantages are chiefly +prospective, and may be well defined in another generation; at present +they are but small. The whites have been, and still are, the most +educated portion of the Mexicans, owing, no doubt, to their greater +opulence, and having access to official rank. The mass of ignorance, +however, among all classes, is inconceivable to any one who has only +moved in the principal countries of Europe. Nor is it confined to the +lower classes, but finds protection among the highest in the +community. We heard a reverend canon of the metropolitan church +gravely inquire, whether it was possible to reach London except by +sailing up the Thames. And we knew a very pretty, agreeable young +lady, moving in the first circles, who could not write a single letter +at the age of seventeen. She has been since married, and has, we are +informed, been taught to write by her husband, who is not a Mexican. +The religion of all classes resembles too much that of the Indians; +and the practical morality and general tone of society are by no means +refined. If one half of the scandalous tales in circulation be true, +the former ranks with that of Paris in its worst periods, and the +latter is assuredly gross to a degree that would surprise even an +inhabitant of Madrid. The familiarity with which _every subject_ is +treated at first excites emotions in an Englishman of the most +unpleasant kind, which gradually subside, from the frequency with +which they are discussed by young and old; by high and low, of both +sexes.--_Foreign Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Notes of a Reader. + + * * * * * + +SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW WORK. + + +We detach this little descriptive gem from Sir Walter Scott's "Anne of +Geierstein," just published. An outline of this very delightful novel +will be found in a SUPPLEMENT with the present number of the MIRROR. + +"The ancient tower of Geierstein, though neither extensive, nor +distinguished by architectural ornament, possessed an air of terrible +dignity by its position on the very verge of the opposite bank of the +torrent, which, just at the angle of the rock on which the ruins are +situated, falls sheer over a cascade of nearly a hundred feet in +height, and then rushes down the defile, through a trough of living +rock, which perhaps its waves have been deepening since time itself +had a commencement. Facing, and at the same time looking down upon +this eternal roar of waters, stood the old tower, built so close to +the verge of the precipice, that the buttresses with which the +architect had strengthened the foundation, seemed a part of the solid +rock itself, and a continuation of its perpendicular ascent. As usual, +throughout Europe in the feudal times, the principal part of the +building was a massive square pile, the decayed summit of which was +rendered picturesque, by flanking turrets of different sizes and +heights, some round, some angular, some ruinous, some tolerably +entire, varying the outline of the building as seen against the stormy +sky." + + * * * * * + + +THORWALDSEN. + + +Since the death of his illustrious contemporary, Canova, Thorwaldsen, +born at Copenhagen in 1771-2, has occupied the public eye as head of +the modern school. The character and powers of this master are +doubtless of a very elevated rank: but neither in the extent nor +excellence of his works, do we apprehend his station to be so high as +sometimes placed. The genius of the Danish sculptor is forcible, yet +is its energy derived more from peculiarity than from real excellence. +His ideal springs less from imitation of the antique, or of nature, +than from the workings of his own individual mind--it is the creation +of a fancy seeking forcible effect in singular combinations, rather +than in general principles; therefore hardly fitted to excite lasting +or beneficial influence upon the age. Simplicity and imposing +expression seem to have hitherto formed the principal objects of +his pursuit; but the distinction between the simple and rude, the +powerful and the exaggerated, is not always observed in the labours +of the Dane. His simplicity is sometimes without grace; the +impressive--austere, and without due refinement. The air and contours +of his heads, except, as in the Mercury--an excellent example both of +the beauties and defects of the artist's style--when immediately +derived from antiquity, though grand and vigorous, seldom harmonize in +the principles of these efforts with the majestic regularity of +general nature. The forms, again, are not unfrequently poor, without a +vigorous rendering of the parts, and destitute at times of their just +roundness. These defects may in some measure have arisen from the +early and more frequent practice of the artist in relievos. In this +department, Thorwaldsen is unexceptionably to be admired. The Triumph +of Alexander, originally intended for the frieze of the government +palace at Milan, notwithstanding an occasional poverty, in the +materials of thought, is, as a whole, one of the grandest compositions +in the world; while the delicacy of execution, and poetic feeling, in +the two exquisite pieces of Night and Aurora, leave scarcely a wish +here ungratified. But in statues, Thorwaldsen excels only where the +forms and sentiment admit of uncontrolled imagination, or in which no +immediate recourse can be had to fixed standards of taste, and to the +simple effects of nature. Hence, of all his works, as admitting of +unconfined expression, and grand peculiarity of composition, the +statues of the Apostles, considered in themselves, are the most +excellent. Thorwaldsen, in fine, possesses singular, but in some +respects erratic genius. His ideas of composition are irregular; his +powers of fancy surpass those of execution; his conceptions seem to +lose a portion of their value and freshness in the act of realizement. +As an individual artist, he will command deservedly a high rank among +the names that shall go down to posterity. As a sculptor, who will +influence, or has extended the principles of the art, his pretensions +are not great; or, should this influence and these claims not be thus +limited, the standard of genuine and universal excellence must be +depreciated in a like degree.--_Meme's History of Sculpture, &c._ + + * * * * * + + +SIGN OF THE TIMES. + + +One of the singularities of the time is an unwillingness to tell the +truth, even when there is no ground for suppressing or perverting it. +It is so frequently under or overstated by most persons in this +country who speak and write, according to the side they have espoused, +or the inclinations and political principles of those by whom they are +likely to be read or heard, that they at last persuade themselves +there is a sort of impropriety in presenting facts in their proper +colours.--_Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + +A DUTCH TALE. + + +A ballad of _Roosje_ is perhaps the most touchingly told story +which the Dutch possess. It is of a maid--a beloved maid--born +at her mother's death--bred up 'midst the tears and kisses of her +father--prattling thoughtlessly about her mother--every one's +admiration for beauty, cleverness, and virtue--gentle as the moon +shining on the downs. Her name was to be seen written again and again +on the sands by the Zeeland youths--and scarcely a beautiful flower +bloomed but was gathered for her. Now in Zeeland, when the south-winds +of summer come, there comes too a delicate fish, which hides itself in +the sand, and which is dug out as a luxury by the young people. It is +the time of sport and gaiety--and they venture far--far over the flat +coast into the sea. The boys drag the girls among the waves--and +Roosje was so dragged, notwithstanding many appeals. "A kiss, a kiss, +or you go further," cried her conductor--she fled--he followed, both +laughing:--"Into the sea--into the sea," said all her companions--he +pushes her on--it is deeper, and deeper--she shrieks--she sinks--they +sink together--the sands were faithless--there was no succour--the +waves rolled over them--there was stillness and death:--The terrified +playmates looked-- + + "All silently,--they look'd again-- + And silently sped home-- + And every heart was bursting then, + But every tongue was dumb. + + "And still and stately o'er the wave, + The mournful moon arose, + Flinging pale beams upon the grave, + Where they in peace repose. + + "The wind glanc'd o'er the voiceless sea, + The billows kissed the strand-- + And one sad dirge of misery + Fill'd all the mourning land." + +_Foreign Quarterly Review_. + + + * * * * * + + +ENGLAND AND HER COLONIES. + + +The discouragement of colonization is certainly not the feeling of the +great majority of the people of England, and it is equally certain +that it is not the policy of this empire. Whatever may be the fate of +the several British colonies at some future and distant period, it is +something at least to have spread our laws and language, and moral +character, over the most distant parts of the globe. The colonies that +speak the language of Old England--that preserve her manners and her +habits--will always be her best customers; and their surplus capital +will always centre in the mother country. It was not the opinion of +our ancestors, that colonies were an incumbrance; they--good, stupid +souls--imagined that colonies enlarged the sphere of commerce---that +commerce required ships--that ships created seamen for manning the +royal navy, and that the whole contributed to individual wealth, to +the national revenue, and the national strength; and such we believe +still to be the opinion of men of sound practical knowledge, whose +minds are unwarped by abstract systems and preconceived theories, to +which every thing must be made to bend. Such, too, was the feeling of +that extraordinary man, who, with the solitary exception of England, +exacted homage from every crowned head of Europe. This man, in the +plenitude of his power, felt that something was still wanting to +enable him to grapple with one little island, invulnerable by its +maritime strength, the sinews of which he knew to be derived from its +colonies: he felt that, deprived as he was of "ships, colonies, and +commerce," England was able to stand alone among nations, and to bid +defiance to his overwhelming power. That cunning fox, too, by whose +councils he was occasionally guided, knew too well the degree of +strength that England derived from her colonies, which he described to +be her very vitals, and which could only be reached by a powerful +navy. He designated them as the sheet anchor of Great Britain--the +prop that supported her maritime superiority--the strongholds of her +power. "Deprive her of her colonies," said Talleyrand. "and you break +down her last wall; you fill up her last ditch."--_Fas est et ab hoste +doceri.--Quarterly Review_. + + * * * * * + + +INVITATIONS. + + +As a certificate of your intention to be punctual, you may send your +friends, a similar billet to the following:-- + +My dear Sir, + +The honour of your company is requested to dine with ---- on _Fry_day, +1828. + +The favour of a positive answer is requested, or the proffered plate +will be appropriated as it was when-- + +_Sir Ill-bred Ignorance_ returned the following answer:--"I shall be +quite happy to come if I possibly can." Such words the committee voted +were equivalent to these--I'll come, if in the mean time I am not +invited to a party that I like better.--_Dr. Kitchiner_. + + * * * * * + + +GENEVA + + +Has very little, as a city, to recommend it. It is characterized by +much active industry within doors, the _savans_ and _mechaniciens_ +being pent up in their closets and ateliers, and very little gaiety +pervades the promenades. Some parts of the town are sufficiently +picturesque; the overhanging roofs, for which it is remarkable, are, +however, too lofty to screen the pedestrian from the rain, especially +if accompanied by a high wind, and form no shade from the sun. The +pavement of the streets is bad, and their irregularity is a +considerable drawback from the internal appearance. The pavement of +the inclined plane in the Hotel de Ville, by which we gain the arduous +ascent that conducts to the Passport office, is a curiosity of its +kind, and perhaps unique. The city is tolerably well fenced in with +walls within walls, draw and suspension bridges, and gates; while +stakes and chains secure from surprise on the part of the lake. The +small canton of Geneva, though in the vicinity of the Great Alpine +chain and the mountains of the Jura, includes no mountains. The name +of the city and canton has been traced by the etymologists to a Celtic +origin; _Gen_, a sally-port or exit, and _av_, a river, probably +because the Rhone here leaves the Leman lake. The eagle on the +escutcheon of the city arms indicates its having been an _imperial_ +city; and it is believed the key was an adjunct of Pope Martin V., in +the year 1418. The motto on the scroll, "Ex tenebris lux," appears to +have existed anterior to the _light_ of the Reformation. The number of +inhabitants may now be estimated at about 22,000; but it appears, by a +census in 1789, to have been 26,148. In this moral city, it is +computed that every twelfth birth is illegitimate. The number of +people engaged in clock and watch-making and jewellery, may be safely +rated at 3,000. In years favourable to these staple manufactures +75,000 ounces of gold are employed, which is almost equally divided +between watches and jewellery. The daily supply of silver is about 134 +ounces. Pearls form an article of considerable value in the jewellery, +and have been rated at no less a sum that 1,200 francs daily. 70,000 +watches are annually made, only one-twelfth of which are in silver. +More than fifty distinct branches are comprised in the various +departments, and each workman, on the average, earns about three +shillings a-day.--_Mr. John Murray's Tour_. + + * * * * * + + +HANDEL. + + +Some folks eat two or three times as much as others--for instance, our +incomparable and inspired composer, Handel, required uncommonly large +and frequent supplies of food. Among other stories told of this great +musician, it is said that whenever he dined _alone_ at a tavern, he +always ordered "dinner for _three_;" and on receiving an answer to his +question--"Is de tinner retty?"--"As soon as the company come."--He +said, _con strepito_, "Den pring up te Tinner _prestissimo_, I am de +gombany." + + * * * * * + + +BAD WRITING. + +_From one of Dr. Parr's Letters_. + + +His letters put me in mind of tumult and anarchy; there is sedition in +every sentence; syllable has no longer any confidence in syllable, but +dissolves its connexion as preferring an alliance with the succeeding +word. A page of his epistle looks like the floor of a garden-house, +covered with old, crooked nails, which have just been released from a +century's durance in a brick wall. I cannot cast my eyes on his +character without being religious. This is the only good effect I have +derived from his writings; he brings into my mind the resurrection, +and paints the tumultuous resuscitation of awakened men with a pencil +of masterly confusion. I am fully convinced of one thing, either that +he or his pen is intoxicated when he writes to me, for his letters +seem to have borrowed the reel of wine, and stagger from one corner of +the sheet to the other. They remind me of Lord Chatham's +administration, lying together heads and points in one truckle-bed. + + * * * * * + + +WINE AND WATER. + + +The same quantity of wine diluted intoxicates sooner than the same +quantity drank in the same time _without_ dilution; the wine being +applied to a larger surface of the stomach, acts with proportionably +greater quickness--though wine _diluted_ sooner _intoxicates_, its +effects are sooner over.--_Dr. Kitchiner_. + + * * * * * + + +NEW SOUTH WALES. + + +Of the total population of New South Wales, which, in round numbers, +may be taken at 40,000, the Free Emigrants + + amount only to about ............ 7,000 + Native Children ................. 5,000 + Emancipated Convicts............. 8,000 + Convicts in Servitude .......... 20,000 + ______ + 40,000 + + + * * * * * + + +OMEN. + + +As Cooke, the solicitor-general, was beginning to open the pleadings +at the trial of Charles I, the king gently tapped him on the shoulder +with his cane, crying "Hold, hold!" At the same moment the silver head +of the cane fell off, and rolled on the floor. + + * * * * * + + +COTTAGE GARDENS. + + +The comforts and benefits to be derived from a well cultivated garden, +by a poor man's family, are almost beyond calculation. What a resource +for hours after work, or when trade is dull, and regular work scarce! +What a contrast and counteraction is the healthy, manly, employment +which a cottage garden affords, to the close, impure, unwholesome air, +the beastliness and obscenity, the waste of time, the destruction of +morals, the loss of character, money, and health, which are the +inmates of too many common ale-houses!--_Gardener's Mag_. + + * * * * * + + +PAINTING. + + +Painting, were the use of it universal, would be a powerful means of +instruction to children and the lower orders; and were all the fine +surfaces, which are now plain, and absolutely wasted, enriched with +the labours of the art, if they once began to appear, they would +accumulate rapidly; and were the ornamented edifices open to all, as +freely as they ought to be, a wide field of new and agreeable study +would offer itself. A person, who thoroughly understood the +well-chosen subjects, and was qualified to explain them to a stranger, +could not be devoid of knowledge, nor could his mind want food for +constant contemplation. The sense of beauty has hitherto been little +cultivated in Great Britain; but it certainly exists, and shows itself +principally in laying out gardens and pleasure-grounds with unrivalled +skill.--_Edin. Review_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Spirit of Discovery. + + * * * * * + + +_Hydrophobia_. + + +In the _New Monthly Magazine_ for October, 1826, is the following +statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure of the bite of a +mad dog, published by the gentleman who first made use of the plant in +South America, as an antidote to that scourge of human nature, +hydrophobia; his words are, "I shall simply state, that during my +residence in South America, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing +the direful effects of hydrophobia, without having in any one case +that came under my care been successful in its cure by the usual modes +prescribed in Europe. It fortunately occurred to me, that the guaco, +so celebrated for curing the bite or sting of all venomous snakes, +might prove equally efficacious in hydrophobic cases. How far my idea +was correct that an analogy existed between the virus of a serpent and +that of a rabid dog, I leave to others to determine; but such was my +opinion, and I acted upon it in all subsequent cases with complete +success." + +We understand the same gentleman has received from South America two +plants which he was in the habit of prescribing for insanity and +pulmonary consumption, with the happiest effects; and as it is his +intention to give them an immediate trial, should they be found to +answer in Europe, as in South America, of which he has not the least +doubt, the discovery may be considered as of the first consequence in +medicine. + + +_Mutton Hams_. + + +The _Journal Des Reconnaissances Useless_ gives the following method of +curing legs of mutton like ham:--It is necessary that the mutton +should be very fat. Two ounces of raw sugar must be mixed with an +ounce of common salt and half a spoonful of saltpetre. The meat is to +be rubbed well with this, and then placed in a tureen. It must be +beaten and turned twice a day during three consecutive days; and the +scum which comes from the meat having been taken off, it is to be +wiped, and again rubbed with the mixture. The next day it should be +again beaten, and the two operations ought to be repeated alternately +during ten days, care being taken to turn the meat each time. It must +be then exposed to the smoke for ten days. These hams are generally +eaten cold. + + +_Potato Chestnuts_. + + +A mode has been adopted to prepare potatoes as food, which has at +least one advantage--that of economy. The potatoes are roasted in a +kiln or oven, and are thus prevented from sprouting, (which injures +their quality so much at this season of the year,) and are thus +preserved for some time in a fit state for consumption. They are +better for being again heated before they are used, and though it is +to be regretted that persons should be reduced to such food, yet they +are cheaper and more wholesome than the bread usually given in times +of scarcity to the poorer classes. + + +_New Pyrometer_. + + +A new air-thermometer has been invented by M. Pouillet, for the +purpose of measuring degrees of heat in very high temperatures; an +object hitherto of very difficult attainment. By means of this +instrument it has been ascertained, that the heat of melted silver is +1677 deg.; of a melted mixture of one part gold and three parts silver, +1803 deg.; and of melted pure gold 2096 deg.. + + +_To Destroy Slugs_. + + +A correspondent of the _Gardener's Magazine_ states, that after in +vain trying salt, lime, and dibbling holes for preserving young +cauliflowers and cabbages from slugs, he succeeded by spreading some +well cut chaff round the plants under hand glasses, and some round the +outsides of the glasses. The slugs in their attempt to reach the +plant, find themselves immediately enveloped in the chaff, which +prevents their moving, so that when he raised the glasses to give the +plants air, he found hundreds of disabled slugs round the outside of +the glasses, which he took away and destroyed. + + +_To make Kitchen Vegetables tender_. + + +When peas, French beans, &c. do not boil easily, it has usually been +imputed to the coolness of the season, or to the rains. This popular +notion is erroneous. The difficulty of boiling them soft arises from +an excess of gypsum imbibed during their growth. To correct this, +throw a small quantity of subcarbonate of soda into the pot along with +the vegetables.--_From the French_. + + + +_Beet Root Sugar_ + + +Has now become an article of some practical magnitude in French +commerce; since the annual consumption is between seven and eight +million pounds. + + +_Silk Trade_. + + +It was lately mentioned by Mr. Huskisson, in the House of Commons, as +a proof of the flourishing state of our trade, that British Bandanna +handkerchiefs were in the course of shipment to India. In addition to +this fact, we can state of our own knowledge that they are now +exporting to France, in no inconsiderable quantities, not merely as +samples, but in the regular course of trade.--_For. Quart. Rev._ + + +_Electricity_. + + +It is curious to take a retrospective view of the mode in which the +effects of the Leyden phial were announced to the world, on their +first discovery. The philosophers who first experienced, in their own +person, the shock attendant on the transmission of an electric +discharge, were so impressed with wonder and with terror by this novel +sensation, that they wrote the most ridiculous and exaggerated account +of their feelings on the occasion. Muschenbrok states, that he +received so dreadful a concussion in his arms, shoulder, and heart, +that he lost his breath, and it was two days before he could recover +from its effects; he declared also, that he should not be induced to +take another shock for the whole kingdom of France. Mr. Allemand +reports, that the shock deprived him of breath for some minutes, and +afterwards produced so acute a pain along his right arm, that he was +apprehensive it might be attended with serious consequences. Mr. +Winkler informs us, that it threw his whole body into convulsions, and +excited such a ferment in his blood, as would have thrown him into a +fever, but for the timely employment of febrifuge remedies. He states, +that at another time it produced copious bleeding at the nose; the +same effect was produced also upon his lady, who was almost rendered +incapable of walking. The strange accounts naturally excite the +attention and wonder of all classes of people; the learned and the +vulgar were equally desirous of experiencing so singular a sensation, +and great numbers of half-taught electricians wandered through every +part of Europe to gratify this universal curiosity. + +It is on the nervous system that the most considerable action of +electricity is exerted. A strong charge passed through the head, gave +to Mr. Singer the sensation of a violent but universal blow, and was +followed by a transient loss of memory and indistinctness of vision. +If a charge be sent through the head of a bird, its optic nerve is +usually injured or destroyed, and permanent blindness induced; and a +similar shock given to larger animals, produces a tremulous state of +the muscles, with general prostration of strength. If a person who is +standing receive a charge through the spine, he loses his power over +the muscles to such a degree, that he either drops on his knees, or +falls prostrate on the ground; if the charge be sufficiently powerful, +it will produce immediate death, in consequence, probably, of the +sudden exhaustion of the whole energy of the nervous system. Small +animals, such as mice and sparrows, are instantly killed by a shock +from thirty square inches of glass. Van Marum found that eels are +irrecoverably deprived of life when a shock is sent through their +whole body; but when only a part of the body is included in the +circuit, the destruction of irritability is confined to that +individual part, while the rest retains the power of motion. Different +persons are affected in very different degrees by electricity, +according to their peculiar constitutional susceptibility. Dr. Young +remarks, that a very minute tremor, communicated to the most elastic +parts of the body, in particular the chest, produces an agitation of +the nerves, which is not wholly unlike the effect of a weak +electricity. + +The bodies of animals killed by electricity, rapidly undergo +putrefaction, and the action of electricity upon the flesh of animals +is also found to accelerate this process in a remarkable degree. +The same effect has been observed in the bodies of persons destroyed +by lightning. It is also a well-established fact, that the blood does +not coagulate after death from this cause. + + +_Transplanting Shrubs in full Growth_. + + +Dig a narrow trench round the plant, leaving its roots in the middle +in an isolated ball of earth; fill the trench with plaster of Paris, +which will become hard in a few minutes, and form a case to the ball +and plant, which may be lifted and removed any where at +pleasure.--_French Paper_. + + +_Freezing Mixture_. + + +A cheap and powerful freezing mixture may be made by pulverizing +Glauber's salts finely, and placing it level at the bottom of a glass +vessel. Equal parts of sal ammoniac and nitre are then to be finely +powdered, and mixed together, and subsequently added to the Glauber's +salts, stirring the powders well together; after which adding water +sufficient to dissolve the salts, a degree of cold will be produced, +frequently below Zero of Fahrenheit. But Mr. Walker states, that +nitrate of ammonia, phosphate of soda, and diluted nitric acid, will +on the instant produce a reduction of temperature amounting to 80 +degrees. It is desirable to reduce the temperature of the substances +previously, if convenient, by placing the vessels in water, with nitre +powder thrown in occasionally. + + +_Microscopic Examination of the Blood_. + + +By the aid of Tulley's achromatic microscope, and under highly +magnifying powers, it has recently been discovered that the globules +of the blood congeal into flat circular bodies, and arrange themselves +in rows, one body being placed partly underneath another, and in like +manner as a pile of similar coins, when thrown gently down, would be +found to arrange themselves. This curious effect has been attributed +to the vitality yet remaining in the blood, during the act of +congealing. At any rate it is a most singular fact, for although we +might naturally conceive that the flattened circular plates would +place themselves in juxtaposition, yet we never could have supposed +that they would have partly slipped underneath each other. In order to +make this very curious experiment, it is necessary that the blood, as +freshly drawn, be slightly and thinly smeared over the surface of a +slip of crown, or window glass, and be covered with a very thin slip +of Bohemian plate glass; and thus some slight inequalities in the +thickness of the layer of blood between them will be produced, and +which are necessary to succeed in producing the very curious +appearances abovementioned.--_Gilt's Repository_. + + +_To make the Liqueur Curacoa_. + + +Put into a large bottle, nearly filled with alcohol, at thirty-four +degrees of Baume (or thirty-six) the peels of six fine Portugal +oranges, which are smooth skinned, and let them infuse for fifteen +days. At the end of this time, put into a large stone or glass vessel, +11 ounces of brandy at eighteen degrees, 4-1/2 ounces of white sugar, +and 4-1/2 ounces of river water. When the sugar is dissolved, add a +sufficient quantity of the above infusion of orange peels, to give it +a predominant flavour; and aromatise with 3 grammes of fine cinnamon, +and as much mace, both well bruised. Lastly, throw into the liqueur 31 +grammes (1 ounce) of Brazil wood, in powder. Leave the whole in +infusion ten days, being stirred three or four times a day. At the end +of this time taste the liqueur; and if it be too strong and sweet, add +more water to it; if too weak, add alcohol, at 30 degrees; and if it +be not sweet enough, put syrup to it. Give it colour with caramel when +you would tinge it.--_From the French_. + + +_Subterraneous Growth of Potatoes_. + + +A mixture of two parts Danube sand, and one part common earth, was +laid in a layer an inch thick, in one corner of my cellar; and, in +April, thirty-two yellow potatoes with their skins placed upon its +surface. They threw out stalks on all sides; and, at the end of the +following November, more than a quarter of a bushel of the best +potatoes were gathered, about a tenth part of which were about the +size of apples--the rest as large as nuts. The skin was very thin; the +pulp farinaceous, white, and of a good taste. No attention was given +to the potatoes during the time they remained on the sand, and they +grew without the influence of the sun or light. This trial may be +advantageously applied in fortified places, hospitals, houses of +correction, and, in general, in all places where cellars or +subterraneous places occur, being neither too cold nor too moist; and +where it is important to procure a cheap, but abundant nourishment for +many individuals.--_From the French_. + + * * * * * + + + + +Retrospective Gleanings. + + * * * * * + + +CHILTERN HUNDREDS. + + +The three Hundreds of Desborough, Stoke, and Burnham, in Bucks, are +called the "Chiltern Hundreds," and take their name from the Chalk +Hills which run through Bucks and the neighbouring counties. The +property of these Hundreds remaining in the Crown, a Steward is +appointed at a salary of 20_s_. and all fees, which nominal office is +accepted by any Member of Parliament who wishes to vacate his seat. + + * * * * * + + +PEG TANKARDS. + + +At Braintree and Booking, in Essex, when topers partake of a pot of +ale, it is divided into three parts or draughts, the first of which is +called _neckum_, the second _sinkum_, and the third _swankum_. In +Bailey's Dictionary, _swank_ is said to be "that remainder of liquor +at the bottom of a tankard, pot, or cup, which is just sufficient for +one draught, which it is not accounted good manners to divide with the +left-hand man, and according to the quantity is called either a large +or little swank." + + * * * * * + + +CHIMNEYS. + + +Has the precise period been ascertained when chimneys upon the present +mode were first constructed in England? It was apparently not sooner +than Henry the Eighth's time; for Leland, when he visited Bolton +Castle, in Yorkshire, seems to have been greatly surprised by the +novelty and ingenuity of the contrivance. "One thing (says he) I much +notyd in the haull of Bolton, how chimneys was conveyed by tunnills +made in the sydds of the waulls, betwixt the lights; and by this +meanes is the smoke of the harthe wonder strangely convayed." + +The front of St. John's Hospital at Lichfield, presents one of the +most curious ancient specimens extant of this part of our early +domestic architecture. This building was erected 1495, but it is +possible that the remarkable chimneys may have been subsequently +added. + + * * * * * + + +OLD LONDON. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +In a collection of Epigrams written by Thomas Freeman, of +Gloucestershire, and published in 1014, is the following, entitled +"London's Progresse:"-- + + "Why, how nowe, Babell, whither wilt thou build? + I see old Holbourne, Charing Crosse, the Strand, + Are going to St. Giles's in-the-field, + Saint Katerne, she takes Wapping by the hand, + + "And Hogsdon will to Hygate ere't be long, + London has got a great way from the streame, + I thinke she means to go to Islington, + To eate a dish of strawberries and creame. + The City's sure in progresse I surmise, + Or going to revell it in some disorder, + Without the Walls, without the Liberties, + Where she neede feare nor Mayor nor Recorder. + Well! say she do, 'twere pretty, yet 'tis pitty + A Middlesex Bailiff should arrest the Citty." + +W.C.R.R. + + * * * * * + + +AVVER. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +The word "Avver" has doubtless the same origin as the German word +_"Hafer" "Haber"_ which signifies in English, _oat_. + +In some parts of Germany a pap of oatmeal "Haferbrei" is very common +as breakfast of the lower classes. Of "Haferbrod" oatbread, I only +heard in 1816, when the other sorts of grain were so very scarce in +Germany. + +_A German and Constant Reader of the Mirror_. + + * * * * * + + +THE HALCYON + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +So often alluded to by the poets, is the bird called the King Fisher. +It was believed by the ancients that while the female brooded over the +eggs, the sea and weather remained calm and unruffled; hence arose the +expression of Halcyon days. + +R.N. + + * * * * * + + +SIR ISAAC NEWTON. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Woolsthorp, Lincolnshire, a little village on the great north road +between Stamford and Grantham, is memorable as the birthplace of that +illustrious philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. The house in which he was +born, is a kind of farmhouse, built of stone, and is, or was lately +standing. The learned Dr. Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed +the inside of it by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on +this occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir +Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the country, in his +younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his mother from the +university. I observed the shelves were of his own making, being +pieces of deal boxes, which probably he sent his books and clothes +down in upon these occasions." + +Halbert H. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Gatherer. + +"A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + +SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + + +When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards married, he +told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he had no money; and +that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by way of reducing herself, to +an equality with the doctor, replied, "that she had no more money than +himself; and that, though she had not a relation hanged, she had +_fifty who deserved hanging_." And thus was accomplished this very +curious amour. + +W.G.C. + + * * * * * + + +On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house called the +"King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a gold collar around its +neck, and underneath are the following lines:-- + + When Julius Caesar landed here, + I was then a little deer; + When Julius Caesar reigned king, + Round my neck he put this ring; + Whoever shall me overtake, + Spare my life for Caesar's sake. + +Ruris. + + * * * * * + + +When Lord Norbury was applied to by a collector of one of the local +taxes for the amount of tax, his lordship said, he had already paid +it, and on looking to his file, discovered a receipt, signed by the +same collector who then applied for it. The tax-man, confounded, +apologized in the best manner he could, stating his regret that he did +not recollect it. "I dare say," said my lord, "you are very sorry you +did not _re_-collect it." + + * * * * * + + +IN KENSINGTON CHURCHYARD. + + +"Here are deposited the remains of Mrs. Ann Floyer, the beloved wife +of Mr. Richard Floyer, of Thistle Grove, in this parish, died on +Thursday the 8th of May, 1823. + +"_God hath chosen her as a pattern for the other Angels_." + + * * * * * + + +IN DUNDEE CHURCHYARD. + + + "Here lies the body of John Watson, + Read not this with your hats on, + For why? He was the Provost of Dundee, + Hallelujah, hallelugee." + + * * * * * + + +NEW MEASURE. + + +Shortly after the introduction of the New Weights and Measures, an +innkeeper in a market-town, not far from Sudbury, in Suffolk, sent his +ostler to a customer with a quantity of liquor, which he delivered +with the following words:--"Marstur bid me tell ye _Sar_, as how 'tis +the New _Infarnal_ Measure." + + * * * * * + + +A farmer calling upon his landlord to pay his rent, apologized for +being late, by saying that his illness prevented his attending +earlier, and he did not know what his disorder was. The gentleman told +him it was "Influenza." Returning home he was met by the schoolmaster +of the village, who inquired after his health, "I am very poorly," +replied the farmer, "my landlord tells me my complaint is _Humphry +Windsor_." + + * * * * * + + +A witness on a trial being interrogated by Judge Willis, in a manner +not pleasing to him, turned to an acquaintance, and told him in a half +whisper, "he did not come there to be queered by the old one." Willis +heard him, and instantly replied, in his own cant, "I am old 'tis +true--and I'm rum sometimes--and for once I'll be queer--and I send +you to quod." + +H.B.A. + + * * * * * + + +An exciseman whose remarks and answers were frequently rather odd, +riding at a quick pace upon a _blind_ pony, was met by a person who +praised the animal much, "Yes," replied the officer, "he is a very +good one, only he _shies_ at every thing he _sees_." + + * * * * * + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT'S NEW NOVEL + + +A supplement published with the present Number, contains an outline of +of the Novel of Anne of Geierstein, OR THE MAID OF THE MIST; With +Unique Extracts, &c. + + * * * * * + + +LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE + +_Following Novels is already Published:_ + + _s_. _d_. + + Mackenzie's Man of Feeling 0 6 + Paul and Virginia 0 6 + The Castle of Otranto 0 6 + Almoran and Hamet 0 6 + Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia 0 6 + The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 0 6 + Rasselas 0 8 + The Old English Baron 0 8 + Nature and Art 0 8 + Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield 0 10 + Sicilian Romance 1 0 + The Man of the World 1 0 + A Simple Story 1 4 + Joseph Andrews 1 6 + Humphry Clinker 1 8 + The Romance of the Forest 1 8 + The Italian 2 0 + Zeluco, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Edward, by Dr. Moore 2 6 + Roderick Random 2 6 + The Mysteries of Udolpho 3 6 + Peregrine Pickle 4 6 + + * * * * * + +_Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +and by all Newsmen and Booksellers_. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, +AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 13, ISSUE 372, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1829*** + + +******* This file should be named 11340.txt or 11340.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/4/11340 + + +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. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** diff --git a/old/11340.zip b/old/11340.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f64dd7 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11340.zip |
