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authorRoger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>2025-10-15 04:36:47 -0700
committerRoger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>2025-10-15 04:36:47 -0700
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+<meta name="generator" content=
+"HTML Tidy for Solaris (vers 1st October 2003), see www.w3.org" />
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content=
+"text/html; charset=UTF-8" />
+<title>The Mirror of Literature, Issue 393.</title>
+
+<style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[*/
+ <!--
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+
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+ {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;}
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+ .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;}
+
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+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11378 ***</div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page425" id="page425"></a>[pg
+425]</span>
+<h1>THE MIRROR<br />
+OF<br />
+LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1>
+<hr class="full" />
+<table width="100%" summary="Volume, Number, and Date">
+<tr>
+<td align="left"><b>Vol. X. No. 289.]</b></td>
+<td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1827.</b></td>
+<td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>Bushy Park.</h2>
+<div class="figure" style="width:100%;"><a href=
+"images/289-1.png"><img width="100%" src="images/289-1.png" alt=
+"Bushy Park" /></a></div>
+<p>
+Among the Suburban Beauties of The Metropolis, and As an Attraction For
+Home-tourists, Bushy is Entitled to Special Notice, Independent of Its
+Celebrity As the Retreat of Royalty&mdash;it Being The Residence Of <i>his
+Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence</i>, an Accurate Portrait Of Whom Will
+Be Presented, to Our Readers With the Usual <i>supplementary Number</i> At
+The Close of the Present Volume Of The Mirror.
+</p>
+<p>
+ <i>Bushy Park</i> is an appendage to the palace and honour of Hampton Court;
+ and though far from assimilating to that splendid pile, it is better
+ fitted for rural enjoyment, whilst its contiguity to the metropolis
+ almost gives it the character of <i>rus in urbe</i>.<a id="footnotetag1"
+ name="footnotetag1"></a> <a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> The residence is a
+ handsome structure, and its arrangement is altogether well calculated
+ for the indulgence of royal hospitality&mdash;a characteristic of its present
+ distinguished occupant, as well as of that glorious profession, to the
+ summit of which his royal highness has recently been exalted. The park,
+ too, is well stocked with deer, and its rangership is confided to the
+ duke. The pleasure grounds are tastefully disposed, and their beauty
+ improved by the judicious introduction of temples and other artificial
+ embellishments, among which, a naval temple, containing a piece of the
+ mast of the Victory, before which Nelson fell, and a bust of the noble
+ admiral, has been consecrated to his memory by the royal duke, with
+ devotional affection, and the best feelings of a warm heart.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The park is a thoroughfare, and the circumstances by which this public
+ claim was established are worthy of record, as a specimen of the justice
+ with which the rights of the community are upheld in this country. The
+ <i>village Hampden</i>, in the present case, was one Timothy Bennet, of whom
+ there is a fine print, which the neighbours, who are fond of a walk in
+ Bushy Park, must regard with veneration. It has under it this
+ inscription:&mdash;"Timothy Bennet; of Hampton Wick, in Middlesex, shoemaker,
+ aged 75, 1752. This true Briton, (unwilling to leave the world worse
+ than he found it,) by a vigorous application of the laws of his country
+ in the cause of liberty, obtained a free
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page426" id="page426"></a>[pg
+426]</span>
+ passage through Bushy Park,
+ which had many years been withheld from the public." Regeneration (or
+ the renewal of souls) is, however, a shoemaker's <i>forte</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The above engraving of Bushy is copied from an elegant coloured view,
+ drawn by Ziegler, and published by Griffiths, of Wellington-street,
+ Strand.
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ THE FUGITIVE.
+</h2>
+<h3>
+ A SCOTCH TALE.
+</h3>
+<h4>
+ <i>(For the Mirror.)</i>
+</h4>
+<p>
+ It was now abute the gloaming when my ain same Janet (heav'n sain her
+ saul) was sitting sae bieldy in a bit neuk ayant the ingle, while the
+ winsome weans gathering around their minnie were listing till some auld
+ spae wife's tale o' ghaists and worriecows; when on a sudden some ane
+ tirled at the door pin.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Here's your daddie, bairns," said the gudewife ganging till the door;
+ but i' place o' their daddie, a tall chiel wrappit i' a big cloak,
+ rushed like a fire flaught into the bield, and drappit doun on the
+ sunkie ewest the ingle droghling and coghling.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "What's your wull, friend?" said Janet, glowering on him a' i' a gliff,
+ "the gudeman's awa."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Save me, save me," shrieghed the stranger, "the sleuth hounds are at my
+ heels."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "But wha may ye be, maister," cried the dame, "I durstna dee your
+ bidding while Jamie's frae the hause."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Oh, dinna speir, dinna speir mistress," exclaimed the chiel a' in a
+ curfuffle, "ainly for the loe of heav'n, hide me frae the red coats
+ whilk are comin' belive&mdash;O God, they are here," he cried, as I entered
+ the shealing, and uttering a piercing skirl, he sprung till the wa', and
+ thrawing aff his cloak, drew his broad claymore, whilk glittered
+ fearsome by the low o' the ingle.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Hauld, hauld, 'tis the gudeman his nainsell," shreighed Janet, when the
+ stranger drapping the point o' the sword, clingit till my hand, and
+ while the scauding tear draps tricklit adoun his face prigged me to fend
+ him.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Tak' your certie o' that my braw callant," said I, "ne'er sail it be
+ tauld o' Jamie Mc-Dougall, that he steeked his door again the puir and
+ hauseless, an the bluidy sleuth hounds be on ye they'se find it ill
+ aneugh I trow to get an inkling o' ye frae me, I'se sune shaw 'em the
+ cauld shouther."
+</p>
+<p>
+ Sae saying, I gared him climb a rape by whilk he gat abune the riggin o'
+ the bield, then steeking to the door thro' whilk he gaed, I jimp had
+ trailed doun the rape, when in rinned twa red coat chiels, who couping
+ ilka ane i' their gait begun to touzle out the ben, and the de'il gaed
+ o'er Jock Wabster.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Eh, sirs! eh, sirs!" cried I, "whatna gaits' that to steer a bodie, wad
+ ye harry a puir chiel o' a' his warldly gear, shame till ye, shame till
+ ye, shank yoursell's awa."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Fusht, fusht, fallow," cried ane o' the churls, "nane o' your bourds
+ wi' us, or ye may like to be the waur aff; where is the faus loon? we
+ saw him gae doun the loaning afore the shealing, and here he maun needs
+ be."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Aweel, sirs," I exclaimed, "ye see there isna ony creatur here, our
+ nainsell's out-taken; seek again an ye winna creed a bodie; may be the
+ bogle is jumpit into the pot on the rundle-tree ower the ingle, or
+ creepit into the meal ark or aiblins it scoupit thro' the hole as ye cam
+ in at the door. Ye may threep and threep and wampish your arms abute, as
+ muckle as ye wuss, ye silly gowks, I canna tell ye mair an I wad."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "May be the Highland tyke is right, cummer, (said one o' the red coats)
+ and the fallow is jumpit thro' the bole, but harkye maister gudeman, an
+ ye hae ony mair o' your barns-breaking wi us, ye'se get a sark fu' o'
+ sair banes, that's a'."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Hear till him, hear till him, Janet," said I, as the twa southron
+ chiels gaed thro' the hole, trailing their bagganets alang wi' 'em;
+ "winna the puir tykes hae an unco saft couch o' it, think ye, luckie, O
+ 'tis a gude sight for sair e'en to see 'em foundering and powtering i'
+ the latch o' the bit bog aneath."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Nane o' your clashes e'enow, gudemon," said she, "but let the callant
+ abune gang his gate while he may."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Ye're aye cute, dame," I cried, thrawing the bit gy abune, and in a
+ gliffing, doun jumpit the chiel, and a braw chiel he was sure enough,
+ siccan my auld e'en sall ne'er see again, wi' his brent brow and buirdly
+ bowk wrappit in a tartan plaid, wi' a Highland kilt.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "May the gude God o' heaven sain you," he said "and ferd you for aye,
+ for the braw deed ye hae dreed the day; tak' this wee ring, gudemon, and
+ tak' ye this ane, gudewife, and when ye look on this and on that, I rede
+ ye render up are prayer to him abune for the weal o' Charles Edward,
+ your unfortunate prince."
+</p>
+<p>
+ Sae speaking, he sped rath frae the bield, and was sune lost i' the
+ glunch shadows o' the mirk night.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Mony and mony a day has since rollit ower me, and I am now but a dour
+ carle,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page427" id="page427"></a>[pg
+427]</span>
+ whose auld pow the roll o' time hath blanched; my bonnie Janet is
+ gone to her last hame, lang syne, my bairns hae a' fa'en kemping for
+ their king and country, and I ainly am left like a withered auld trunk,
+ waiting heaven's gude time when I sall be laid i' the mouls wi' my
+ forbears.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Abune&mdash;above.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Aiblins&mdash;perhaps.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Bagganet&mdash;bayonet.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Barns-breaking&mdash;idle frolic.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Belive&mdash;immediately.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Ben&mdash;inner apartment of a house that contains but two.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Bield&mdash;hut.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Bieldy&mdash;snug.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Bole&mdash;cottage window.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Bourds&mdash;jeers.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Brent-brow&mdash;smooth open forehead.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Buirdly-bowk&mdash;athletic frame.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Clashes&mdash;idle gossip.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Couping&mdash;overturning.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Cummer&mdash;comrade.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Curfuffle&mdash;agitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+ De'il gaed o'er Jock Wabster&mdash;everything went topsy-turvy.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Dour carle&mdash;rugged old man.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Dreed the day&mdash;done this day.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Droghling and coghling&mdash;puffing and blowing.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Ewest&mdash;nearest.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Fire flaught&mdash;flash of lightning.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Forbears&mdash;forefathers.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Fusht&mdash;tush.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Gared&mdash;made.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Gliff&mdash;fright.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Gliffing&mdash;very short time.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Gloaming&mdash;twilight.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Glowering&mdash;gazing.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Gy&mdash;rope.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Glunch&mdash;gloomy.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Harry&mdash;plunder.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Ingle&mdash;fire.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Ill&mdash;difficult.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Ilka&mdash;every.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Kemping&mdash;striving.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Laid i' the mouls&mdash;laid in the grave.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Low&mdash;flame.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Loaning&mdash;lane.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Luckie&mdash;dame.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Latch&mdash;mire.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Mirk&mdash;dark.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Out-taken&mdash;excepting.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Pow&mdash;head.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Powtering&mdash;groping.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Prigged&mdash;earnestly entreated.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Rath&mdash;quick.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Rede&mdash;pray.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Riggin&mdash;roof.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Sain&mdash;bless.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Sark fu' o' sair banes&mdash;sound beating.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Scoupit&mdash;scampered.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Shank yoursell's awa&mdash;take yourselves off.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Shealing&mdash;rude cottage.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Show 'em the cauld shouther&mdash;appear cold and reserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Skirl&mdash;shrill cry.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Sleuth-hounds&mdash;blood-hounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Speir&mdash;ask.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Steiked&mdash;shut.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Steer&mdash;injure.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Sunkie&mdash;low stool.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Threep&mdash;threaten.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Tirled at the door pin&mdash;knocked at the door.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Touzle out&mdash;ransack.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Tyke&mdash;dog.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Wampish&mdash;toss about.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Worriecows&mdash;hobgoblins.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Wuss&mdash;wish.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ A G.
+</h4>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ THE INDIAN MAIDEN'S SONG,
+</h2>
+<h4>
+ BY WILLIAM SHOBERL.
+</h4>
+<div class="poem">
+ <div class="stanza">
+<p>The youth I love is far away.</p>
+<p>O'er forest, river, brake, and glen;</p>
+<p>And distant, too, perchance the day,</p>
+<p>When I shall see him once again.</p>
+</div>
+ <div class="stanza">
+<p>Nine moons have wasted.<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a> <a href=
+"#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> since we met,</p>
+<p>How sweetly, then, the moments flew!</p>
+<p>Methinks the fairy vision yet</p>
+<p>Portrays the joy that ZEMLA knew.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>In list'ning to the tale of strife,</p>
+<p>When Shone AZALCO'S prowess bright,</p>
+<p>The strange adventures of his life,</p>
+<p>That gave me such unmix'd delight.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>That dream of happiness is past!</p>
+<p>For ever fled those magic charms!</p>
+<p>The cruel moment came at last,</p>
+<p>That tore AZALCO from my arms!</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>What bitter pangs my bosom rent,</p>
+<p>When he my sight no longer bless'd!</p>
+<p>To some lone spot my steps I bent,</p>
+<p>My secret sorrows there confess'd.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>My sighs, alas! were breath'd unheard,</p>
+<p>Could aught on earth dispel my grief?</p>
+<p>Nor smiling sun, nor minstrel bird,</p>
+<p>Can give this aching heart relief.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Since he I love is far away,</p>
+<p>O'er forest, river, brake, and glen,</p>
+<p>And distant, too, perchance the day,</p>
+<p>When I shall see him once again.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ MERRY CHRISTMAS!
+</h2>
+<h4>
+ <i>(For the Mirror.)</i>
+</h4>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+ "Do you look for ale and cakes here, you rude rascals?"
+</p>
+<p>
+ SHAKSPEARE'S <i>Henry the Eighth.</i>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>
+ Since, my dear readers, even in this season of busy festivity I can
+ spare a few moments to write for your gratification, I venture to hope
+ you will spare a few to read for mine.
+</p>
+<p>
+ And so here we are, once again on tiptoe for a merry Christmas and a
+ happy new year. My good friends, especially my fair friends, permit me
+ to wish you both. Yes, Christmas is here&mdash;Christmas, when winter and
+ jollity, foul weather and fun, cold winds and hot pudding, good frosts
+ and good fires, are at their meridian! Christmas! With what dear
+ associations is it fraught! I remember the time when I thought that word
+ cabalistical; when, in the gay moments of youth, it seemed to me a
+ mysterious term for every thing that is delightful; and such is the
+ force of early associations, that even now I cannot divest myself of
+ them. Christmas has long ceased to be to me what it once was; yet do I
+ even now hail its return with pleasure, with enthusiasm. But, alas! how
+ differently
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page428" id="page428"></a>[pg
+428]</span> is it viewed, not only by the same individual at different
+ periods of life, but by different individuals of the same age; by the
+ rich and poor, the wretched and the happy, the pampered and the
+ penniless!
+</p>
+<p>
+ To proceed to the object of this paper, which is simply to throw
+ together a few casual hints, connected with the period. I would beg my
+ reader's attention, in the first place, to an odd superstition,
+ countenanced by Shakspeare, and which, if he happens to lie awake some
+ night, (say with the tooth-ache&mdash;what better?&mdash;for that purpose I mean,)
+ he will have an opportunity of verifying. The passage which contains it
+ is in <i>Hamlet</i> and exhibits at once his usual wildness of imagination,
+ and a highly praiseworthy religious veneration for the season. Where the
+ ghost vanishes upon the crowing of the cock, he takes occasion to
+ mention its crowing all hours of the night about Christmas time. The
+ last four lines comprise several other superstitions connected with the
+ period:&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p> It faded on the crowing of the cock.</p>
+<p> Some say, that ever 'gainst that season comes,</p>
+<p> Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,</p>
+<p> The bird of dawning singeth all night long.</p>
+<p> And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad:</p>
+<p> The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike;</p>
+<p> No fairy takes; no witch hath power to charm;</p>
+<p> So hallow'd and so gracious is the time.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>
+ It is to be lamented that the hearty diet, properly belonging to the
+ season, should have become almost peculiar to it; the <i>Tatler</i>
+ recommends it throughout the year. "I shall begin," says Steele, "with a
+ very earnest and serious exhortation to all my well-disposed readers,
+ that they would return to the food of their forefathers, and reconcile
+ themselves to beef and mutton. This was the diet which bred that hardy
+ race of mortals who won the fields of Cressy and Agincourt. I need not
+ go so high up as the history of Guy, earl of Warwick, who is well known
+ to have eaten up a dun cow of his own killing. The renowned king Arthur
+ is generally looked upon as the first who ever sat down to a whole
+ roasted ox, which was certainly the best way to preserve the gravy; and
+ it is farther added, that he and his knights sat about it at his round
+ table, and usually consumed it to the very bones before they would enter
+ upon any debate of moment. The Black Prince was a professed lover of the
+ brisket; not to mention the history of the sirloin, or the institution
+ of the order of Beefeaters, which are all so many evident and undeniable
+ proofs of the great respect which our warlike predecessors have paid to
+ this excellent food. The tables of the ancient entry of this nation were
+ covered thrice a day with hot roast-beef; and I am credibly informed by
+ an antiquary, who has searched the registers in which the bills of fare
+ of the court are recorded, that instead of tea and bread and butter
+ which have prevailed of late years, the maids of honour in queen
+ Elizabeth's time were allowed three rumps of beef for their breakfast!"
+</p>
+<p>
+ Now this is manly, and so is the diet it advises; I recommend both to my
+ readers. Let each determine to make one convert, himself that one. On
+ Christmas day, let each dine off, or at least have on his table, the
+ good old English fare, roast beef and plum-pudding! and does such beef
+ as our island produces need recommendation? What more nutritive and
+ delicious? and, for a genuine healthy Englishman, what more proper than
+ this good old national English dish? Let him whose stomach will not bear
+ it, look about and insure his life&mdash;I would not give much for it. It
+ ought, above all other places, to be duly honoured in our officers'
+ mess-rooms. As Prior says,
+</p>
+<blockquote>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>"If I take Dan Congreve right,</p>
+<p>Pudding and beef make Britons fight."</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+</blockquote>
+<p>
+ So, then, if beef be indeed so excellent,
+ we shall not much wonder that Shakspeare
+ should say,
+</p>
+<blockquote>
+<pre>
+ &mdash;"A pound of man's flesh
+ Is not so estimable or profitable.
+ As flesh of mutton, beeves, or goats!"
+</pre>
+</blockquote>
+<p>
+ The French have christened us (and I think it no disreputable
+ <i>sobriquet</i>) Jack Roastbeef, from a notion we cannot live without
+ roast-beef, any more than without plum-pudding, porter, and punch;
+ however, the notion is palpably erroneous. We are proving more and more
+ every day&mdash;to our shame be it spoken!&mdash;that we can live without it. At
+ least do not let it be said we can pass a Christmas without it, merely
+ to make way for turkeys, fricassees, and ragouts! "Oh, reform it
+ altogether!"
+</p>
+<hr />
+<p>
+ England was always famous among foreigners for the celebration of
+ Christmas, at which time our ancestors introduced many sports and
+ pastimes unknown in other countries, or now even among ourselves. "At
+ the feast of Christmas," says Stowe, "in the king's court, wherever he
+ chanced to reside, there was appointed a lord of misrule, or master of
+ merry disports; the same merry fellow made his appearance at the house
+ of every nobleman and gentleman of distinction; and, among the rest, the
+ lord mayor of London and the sheriffs had their lords of misrule, ever
+ contending, without quarrel or offence, who should make the rarest
+ pastime to delight the beholders." Alas! where are all these, or any
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page429" id="page429"></a>[pg
+429]</span>
+ similar, "merry disports" in our degenerate days? We have no "lords of
+ misrule" now; or, if we have, they are of a much less innocent and
+ pacific character. Mr. Cambridge, also, (No 104, of the <i>World</i>) draws a
+ glowing picture of an ancient Christmas. "Our ancestors," says he,
+ "considered Christmas in the double light of a holy commemoration and a
+ cheerful festival; and accordingly distinguished it by devotion, by
+ vacation from business, by merriment and hospitality. They seemed
+ eagerly bent to make themselves and every body about them happy. With
+ what punctual zeal did they wish one another a merry Christmas! and what
+ an omission would it have been thought, to have concluded a letter
+ without the compliments of the season! The great hall resounded with the
+ tumultuous joys of servants and tenants, and the gambols they played
+ served as an amusement to the lord of the mansion and his family, who,
+ by encouraging every art that conduced to mirth and entertainment,
+ endeavoured to soften the rigour of the season, and to mitigate the
+ influence of winter. How greatly ought we to regret the neglect of
+ mince-pies, which, besides the idea of merry-making inseparable from
+ them, were always considered as the test of schismatics! How zealously
+ were they swallowed by the orthodox, to the utter confusion of all
+ fanatical recusants! If any country gentleman should be so unfortunate
+ in this age as to lie under a suspicion of heresy, where will he find so
+ easy a method of acquitting himself as by the ordeal of plum-porridge?"
+ This alludes to the Puritans, who refused to observe Christmas, or any
+ other festival of the church, either by devotion or merriment. And I
+ regret to say there are certain modern "fanatical recusants," certain
+ modern Puritans, as schismatical in this particular as their gloomy
+ precursors. Mr. Cambridge then proceeds "to account for a revolution
+ which has rendered this season (so eminently distinguished in former
+ times) now so little different from the rest of the year," which he
+ thinks "no difficult task." The reasons he assigns are, the decline of
+ devotion, and the increase of luxury, the latter of which has extended
+ rejoicings and feastings, formerly peculiar to Christmas, through the
+ whole year; these have consequently lost their raciness, the appetite
+ for amusement has become palled by satiety, and the relish for it,
+ reserved formerly for this particular season, is now no longer peculiar
+ to it, having been already dissipated and exhausted. Another cause he
+ assigns is, "the too general desertion of the country, the great scene
+ of hospitality." Now this was written just fifty-three years ago, and as
+ all the causes assigned for the declension of this grand national
+ festivity up to that period are incontrovertible, and have been
+ operating even more powerfully ever since, they will sufficiently
+ account for the still greater declension observable in our days. And the
+ declension appears to me to consist in this,&mdash;there is more gastronomy
+ and expanse, but less heartiness and hospitality; and these latter are
+ the only legitimate characteristics of Englishmen. Be they then
+ restored, this very Christmas, to the English character; the opportunity
+ is fast approaching&mdash;be it employed.
+</p>
+<p>
+ I know nothing better to conclude with than a good old Christmas carol
+ from <i>Poor Robin's Almanack</i> for 1695, preserved in Brand's <i>Popular
+ Antiquities</i>, to which work I refer those of my readers who may require
+ further information on the subject of Christmas customs and
+ festivities:&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Now, thrice welcome, Christmas!</p>
+<p>Which brings us good cheer;</p>
+<p>Mince-pies and plum-pudding&mdash;</p>
+<p>Strong ale and strong beer;</p>
+<p>With pig, goose, and capon,</p>
+<p>The best that may be:</p>
+<p>So well doth the weather</p>
+<p>And our stomachs agree.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>Observe how the chimneys</p>
+<p>Do smoke all about;</p>
+<p>The cooks are providing</p>
+<p>For dinner no doubt.</p>
+<p>But those on whose tables</p>
+<p>No victuals appear,</p>
+<p>O may they keep Lent</p>
+<p>All the rest of the year!</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>With holly and ivy,</p>
+<p>So green and so gay,</p>
+<p>We deck up our houses</p>
+<p>As fresh as the day;</p>
+<p>With bays and rosemary,</p>
+<p>And laurel complete,&mdash;</p>
+<p>And every one now</p>
+<p>Is a king in conceit,</p>
+</div>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p>But as for curmudgeons</p>
+<p>Who will not be free,</p>
+<p>I wish they may die</p>
+<p>On a two-legged tree!</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<h4>
+ WILLIAM PALIN.
+</h4>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>
+ To the proof that we are not <i>unseasonable</i>, here are in this
+ sheet&mdash;<i>Merry Christmas! the Turks</i>, (of a darker hue;) <i>Exhibitions; a
+ Consolatory "Population" Scrap; Hints for Singing</i> after a good master;
+ <i>a Bunch of Facts on Turnips; a column on Liston</i>&mdash;that living limner of
+ laughter; and other <i>seasonables</i>.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page430" id="page430"></a>[pg
+430]</span>
+<hr />
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ MANNERS &amp; CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.
+</h2>
+<h3>
+ No. XVII.
+</h3>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ THE TURKS.
+</h3>
+<h4>
+ <i>(For the Mirror.)</i>
+</h4>
+<p>
+ The Turks have a manly and prepossessing demeanour; being generally of a
+ good stature, and remarkably well formed in their limbs. The men shave
+ their heads, but wear long beards, and are extremely proud of their
+ mustaches, which are usually turned downwards, and which give the other
+ features of the face a cast of peculiar pensiveness. They wear turbans,
+ sometimes white, of an enormous size on their heads, and never remove
+ them but when they go to repose. Their breeches, or drawers, are united
+ with their stockings, and they have slippers, which they never put off
+ but when they enter a mosque, or the house of a great man. Large shirts
+ are worn, and over them is a vest tied with a sash; the outer garment
+ being a sort of loose gown. Every man, in whatever station he is,
+ carries a dagger in his sash. The women's attire much resembles that of
+ the other sex, only they have a cap on their heads, something like a
+ bishop's mitre, instead of a turban. Their hair is beautiful and long,
+ mostly black, but their faces, which are remarkably handsome, are so
+ covered when they walk out, that nothing is to be seen but their eyes.
+ The ladies of the sultan's <i>haram</i> are lovely virgins, either captives
+ taken during war, or presents from the governors of provinces. They are
+ never allowed to stir abroad except when the grand signior removes; and
+ then they are put into close chariots, signals being made at certain
+ distances that no man may approach the road through which the ladies
+ pass, on pain of death. There are a great number of female <i>slaves</i> in
+ the sultan's haram, whose task it is to wait on the ladies, who have,
+ besides, a black eunuch for their superintendant.
+</p>
+<p>
+ There are three colleges in Turkey where the children of distinguished
+ men are educated and fitted for state employments. The children are
+ first approved by the grand signior before they are allowed to enter
+ these seminaries; and none dare come into his majesty's presence who are
+ not handsome and well-made. Silence is first taught them, and a becoming
+ behaviour to their superiors; then they are instructed in the Mahometan
+ faith, the Turkish and Persian languages, and afterwards in the Arabic.
+ At the age of twenty-one they are taught all manner of manly exercises,
+ and above all, the use of arms. As they advance to proficiency in these,
+ and other useful arts, and as government places become vacant, they are
+ preferred; but it is to be observed, that they generally attain the age
+ of forty before they are thought capable of being entrusted with
+ important slate affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Those who hold any office under the grand signior are called his slaves;
+ the term slave, in Turkey, signifying the most honourable title a
+ subject can bear. The grand signior is commonly supposed among his own
+ people, to be something more than human; for he is not bound by any laws
+ except that of professing and maintaining the Mahometan religion. A
+ stranger desiring to be admitted into his majesty's presence, is first
+ examined by proper persons, and his arms taken from him; he is then
+ ushered before the royal personage between two strong supporters, but is
+ not even then permitted to approach near enough to kiss the sultan's
+ foot. <a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a> <a href=
+ "#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a>
+</p>
+<p>
+ This custom, which is observed by every sultan, originated in
+ the following manner:&mdash;Amurath I. having obtained a great victory over
+ the Christians, was on the field of battle with his officers viewing the
+ dead, when a wounded Christian soldier, rising from among the slain,
+ came staggering towards him. The king, supposing the man intended to beg
+ for his life, ordered the guards to make way for him; but drawing near,
+ he drew a dagger from under, his coat, and plunged it into the heart of
+ the great king, who instantly died.
+</p>
+<p>
+ In Turkey, no man marries a deformed wife for the sake of a fortune, as
+ with us; beauty and good sense, to their credit be it spoken, are the
+ only inducements to matrimony among the Turks. But they are an indolent
+ people, and are much averse to improving their country by commerce,
+ planting, or building; appearing to take delight in letting their
+ property run to ruin. Alexandria, Tyre, and Sidon, which once commanded
+ the navigation and trade of the whole world, are at present in the
+ Turks' possession, but are only very inconsiderable places. Indeed,
+ observes a judicious author, it is well for us that the Turks are such
+ an indolent people, for their situation and vast extent of empire, would
+ enable them to monopolize the trade of the world if they attended to it.
+ They appear to possess very little genius or inclination for the
+ improvement of <i>arts and sciences</i> although they live in countries which
+ were once in the possession of the classic Greeks; but seem to prefer a
+ slothful mode of life to an active one, continually
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page431" id="page431"></a>[pg
+431]</span>
+ sauntering away their
+ time, either among women, or in taking coffee and smoking. Being men of
+ great taciturnity, they very seldom disturb a stranger with questions; and
+ a person may live in their country a dozen years, without having twenty
+ words addressed to him, except on important business. They seldom
+ travel, and have very little wish to be informed of the state of their
+ own, or any other country; when a minister of state is turned out of his
+ place, or strangled, (which is a frequent custom,) they coldly observe
+ that there will be a new one, without inquiring into the reason of the
+ disgrace of the former. The doctrine of predestination prevails, and
+ they therefore think it wicked to endeavour to avoid their fate;
+ frequently entering houses where they know the plague is raging.
+</p>
+<p>
+ All religions are tolerated in Turkey, though none are encouraged but
+ the Mahometan faith. The Christians have churches, which the Turks not
+ unfrequently convert into mosques for their own use; nor will they
+ suffer any new churches, or temples, to be built, without extorting an
+ exorbitant fine from the poor Christians. The high-priest of the
+ Mahometan religion is called the <i>mufti</i>; he is invested with great
+ power, and his seal is necessary to the passing of all acts of state.
+ But any individual, who pleases to take the habit, may be a priest, and
+ may leave the office when he is weary of it; for there is nothing like
+ ordination among them.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ G. W. N.
+</h4>
+<h3>
+ PULQUE.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Pulque, which is the favourite drink of the Mexicans, is extracted from
+ the Manguey, or Great American Aloe; at the time of throwing its flower
+ stem, it is hollowed in the centre and the juice which should have
+ supplied the flowers, is taken from it daily, for about two months;
+ which juice when fermented is immediately fit for drinking. A very
+ strong brandy is obtained by distillation. So great is the consumption
+ that the duty collected at the city gates, amounts annually to 600,000
+ dollars&mdash;<i>From a Correspondent</i>.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ HATCHING CHICKENS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The following singular, though effectual mode of hatching chickens,
+ prevails in the interior of Sumatra; and is vouched for by Major Clayton
+ of the Bencoolen council:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ The hens, whether from being frightened off their nests by the rats,
+ which are very numerous and destructive, or from some other cause
+ hitherto prevalent in Sumatra, do not hatch their chickens in the
+ ordinary way, as is seen in almost all other climates. The natives have
+ for this purpose, in each village, several square rooms, the walls of
+ which are made of a kind of brick, dried in the sun. In the middle of
+ these rooms they make a large fire, round which they place their eggs at
+ regular distances. In this manner they let them lie for fourteen days,
+ now and then turning them, that the warmth may be equal in all parts;
+ and on the fifteenth day, the chicken makes its appearance, and proves
+ in every respect as strong as those hatched according to the course of
+ nature.&mdash;<i>From a Correspondent.</i>
+</p>
+<h3>
+ AFRICAN COOKERY.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The legs and feet of the rhinoceros are cooked in the following curious
+ method by the wild tribes of Southern Africa:&mdash;The ants nests are
+ composed of hard clay, shaped like a baker's oven, and are from two to
+ four feet in height. Some of these are excavated by the people, and
+ their innumerable population destroyed. The space thus obtained is
+ filled with lighted fuel, till the bottom and sides become red hot
+ within. The embers of the wood are then removed, the leg or foot of the
+ rhinoceros introduced, and the door closed up with heated clay and
+ embers. Fire is also made on the outside over the nests, and the flesh
+ is allowed to remain in it several hours. Food cooked in this way is
+ highly relished by all the tribes.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ EASTERN DIVORCES.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ If a man pronounce three divorces against a free woman, or two against a
+ slave, he can lawfully wed neither of them again, unless they have been
+ espoused by another, and this second husband dies, or shall divorce
+ them. When it happens that a husband wishes to recover his wife, whom he
+ had divorced in a passion, a convenient husband is sought; but the law
+ forbids a mockery being made of such marriages. They may be short in
+ duration, but the parties must live, during the period they are united,
+ as man and wife.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ ARAB CHARACTER.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The Arabs have always been commended by the ancients for the fidelity of
+ their attachments, and they are still scrupulously exact to their words,
+ and respectful to their kindred; they have been universally celebrated
+ for their quickness of apprehension and penetration, and the vivacity of
+ their wit. Their language is certainly one of the most ancient in the
+ world; but it has many dialects. The Arabs, however, have their vices
+ and defects. They are naturally addicted to war; and so vindictive as
+ scarcely ever to forget an injury. Select Biography.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page432" id="page432"></a>[pg
+432]</span>
+<h2>
+SELECT BIOGRAPHY
+</h2>
+<h3>
+No. LIX.
+</h3>
+<h3>
+ GENERAL FOY.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The military career of this hero was one of singular activity. Foy was
+ born in 1775, and educated in the military school of La Fere, and made
+ sub-lieutenant of artillery in 1792. He was present at the battles of
+ Valmy and Jemappe, and in 1793 obtained a company&mdash;promotion was rapid
+ in those days. In all the subsequent campaigns he was actively employed
+ under Dumourier, Pichegru, Moreau, Massena, &amp;c. In 1803, he was colonel
+ of the 5th regiment of horse artillery, and refused, from political
+ principles, the appointment of aide-de-camp on Napoleon's assumption of
+ the imperial throne; but was still employed, and shared in the victories
+ of the short but brilliant campaign of Germany in 1804. In 1806 he
+ commanded the artillery of the army stationed in Friuli, for the purpose
+ of occupying the Venetian territory incorporated by the treaty of
+ Presburg with the kingdom of Italy. In 1807 he was sent to
+ Constantinople to introduce European tactics in the Turkish service&mdash;but
+ this object was defeated by the death of Selim, and the opposition of
+ the Janissaries. On Foy's return, the expedition against Portugal was
+ preparing, and he received a command in the artillery under Junot,
+ during the occupation of Portugal, and filled the post of inspector of
+ forts and fortresses. He was severely wounded at the battle of Vimiera.
+ On the capitulation he returned to France, and with the same army
+ proceeded to Spain; and, subsequently, under the command of Soult, again
+ went into Portugal. When commanded to summon the Bishop of Oporto to
+ open its gates, he was seized and stript by the populace, and thrown
+ into prison, and escaped with difficulty. The same year he was made
+ general of brigade. In 1810, he made a skilful retreat at the head of
+ 600 men, in the face of 6,000 Spaniards, across the Sierra de Caceres;
+ and at the head of his brigade was wounded in the battle of Busaco.
+ Early in 1811 he was selected by Massena to convey to the emperor the
+ critical state of the French army before the lines of Torres Vedras.
+ This commission, though one of great peril&mdash;the country being in a
+ complete state of insurrection&mdash;he successfully accomplished, and
+ brought back the emperor's instructions, for which service he was made
+ general of division. In July 1812, Foy was in the battle of Salamanca,
+ and was one of those who, when Lord Wellington raised the siege of
+ Burgos and retreated to the Douro, hung upon his rear, and took some
+ prisoners and artillery.
+</p>
+<p>
+ On the news of the disasters in Russia, and Lord Wellington's consequent
+ resumption of offensive movements, Foy was sent with his division beyond
+ Vittoria to keep the different parties in check; and after the battle of
+ Vittoria, at which he was not present, he collected at Bergana 20,000
+ troops, of different divisions, and had some success in skirmishes with
+ the Spanish corps forming the left wing of the allied army. He arrived
+ at Tolosa about the same time with Lord Lynedoch, and after a sanguinary
+ contest in that town, retreated upon Irun&mdash;from which he was quickly
+ dislodged, and finally recrossed the Bidassao. In the affair of the
+ passage of the Nive, on the 9th of December, 1813, and the battle of St.
+ Pierre d'Irrube on the 13th, Foy distinguished himself, and in the hard
+ fought battle of Orthez, on the 27th of February, 1814, he was left
+ apparently dead on the field. Before this period be had been made count
+ of the empire, and commander of the legion of honour. In March 1815, he
+ was appointed inspector general of the fourteenth military division; but
+ on the return of Napoleon, during the 100 days, he embraced the cause of
+ the emperor, and commanded a division of infantry in the battles of
+ Ligny and Waterloo, at the last of which he received his fifteenth
+ wound. This terminated his military career. In 1819, he was elected a
+ member of the Chamber of Deputies, the duties of which he discharged
+ till his death in November 1825; and from his first entrance into the
+ chamber, was distinguished for his eloquence, and quickly became the
+ acknowledged leader of the opposition&mdash;<i>From Foy's History of the
+ Peninsular War.</i>
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ ARCANA OF SCIENCE
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+<i>Museum of Natural History.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ There is now exhibiting in one of the Saloons of "The Egyptian Hall," in
+ Piccadilly, an interesting collection of zoological rarities, stated to
+ have been assembled by M. Villet, at the Cape of Good Hope. Some of the
+ specimens, especially the birds, are really beautiful; none but the
+ smallest being cooped up in glazed cases; but many are effectively
+ placed on branches of trees, whilst the quadrupeds are arranged with
+ still better taste. Among the latter is a fine Hippopotamus, the
+ Behemoth of Scripture. We are happy to hear this exhibition has already
+ been numerously visited, since it augurs well of public taste and
+ intellectual curiosity.
+</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page433" id="page433"></a>[pg
+433]</span>
+<h3>
+ <i>Conchology.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Akin to the preceding exhibition in its claim to popular attention, may
+ be noticed a pleasing collection of shells, now open to the public, a
+ short distance from Somerset House. To the mere tyro in zoology, shells
+ are attractive as the elegant sports of nature, in the beauty,
+ splendour, and intricacy of their colours and structure; while their
+ scientific arrangement is one of the most delightful pursuits of refined
+ minds.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Grafting.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The quince, used as a stock, has the property of stunting the growth of
+ pears, of forcing them to produce bearing branches, instead of sterile
+ ones, and of accelerating the maturity of the fruit.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Sirocco Wind.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The depressing effects of the corroding wind of a hot Sirocco can only
+ be conceived by those who have suffered from them; the unwonted dulness
+ with which it overcasts even the most active mind; the deep-drawn sighs
+ it will elicit; and if there be one melancholy feeling which presses on
+ the heart more heavily than another, it is the ample developement which
+ it enjoys during the prevalence of this enervating breeze. It seldom,
+ however, blows with force; it is rather an exhalation than a wind. It
+ scarcely moves the leaves around the traveller, but it sinks heavily and
+ damply in his heart. A stranger is at first unaware of the cause of the
+ mental misery he endures; his temper sours as his spirits sink; every
+ person, and every circumstance, annoys him; it affects even his dreams;
+ sleep itself is not a refuge from querulous peevishness, and every
+ motion is an irritating exertion.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Polar Expedition.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The government of the United States has appointed an expedition, under
+ Capt. Reynolds, to explore the northern coasts. A Captain Cunningham is
+ mentioned to have traversed the country from St. Louis in the Missouri,
+ to St. Diego, St. Pedro, in California.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Lithography.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ From an article which has appeared in a late number of the "Biblioteca
+ Italiana," it appears that Sermefelder was not the original discoverer
+ of the art of Lithography, but Simon Schmidt, a professor at the Cadet
+ Hospital at Munich.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Small Pox.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Within the last twelve months, only 503 deaths have occurred from small
+ pox within the Bills of Mortality; whereas, in the preceding year 1299
+ persons are recorded as having fallen victims to that loathsome
+ disease.</p>
+<h4>
+ &mdash;<i>Vaccine Institut. Report.</i>
+</h4>
+<h3>
+ <i>China</i>.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ A valuable museum of the products of Chinese skill and industry has
+ recently been exhibited at Rome, in which the progress made by a people
+ of whom so little is known, and civilization and the arts, is
+ demonstrated. The manufacture of bronzes, porcelain, gold work, and
+ casts in copper, has arrived in China at an approach to perfection which
+ the most advanced European nations would find it difficult to surpass.
+ Some of the Chinese vases may really be compared to those of the finest
+ time of Greece. The sculptures and the paintings, even with reference to
+ anatomical precision, are as highly finished as ours.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ &mdash;<i>Literary Gazette</i>.
+</h4>
+<h3>
+ <i>Recovery from Suspended Animation</i>.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ A case is reported in a recent number of the <i>Bulletin Universel</i>, by a
+ French physician, M. Bourgeois, showing the importance of never
+ abandoning all hope of success in restoring animation. A person who had
+ been twenty minutes under water, was treated in the usual way for the
+ space of half an hour without success: when a ligature being applied to
+ the arm, above a vein that had been previously opened, ten ounces of
+ blood were withdrawn, after which the circulation and respiration
+ gradually returned, though accompanied by the most dreadful convulsions.
+ A second, and a third bleeding was had recourse to, which brought about
+ a favourable sleep, and ultimate recovery on the ensuing day.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Iron</i>.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ It is a singular fact, that the value of the iron annually produced in
+ England greatly exceeds the value of the silver annually produced in
+ Peru.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Hair</i>.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ At a recent meeting of the Academy of Sciences, at Paris, M. F. Cuvier,
+ in a memoir on the generation of feathers, spines, and hair, introduced
+ the following curious conclusion:&mdash;"I consider the organic system which
+ produces hair as analogous to that of the senses, and even as forming
+ part of them; for the hair is in a great number of animals a very
+ sensitive organ of touch. It is not only in mustaches that we have a
+ proof of it, but on the whole surface of the body. The slightest touch
+ of a hair is sufficient in cats, for example, to make them contort their
+ skin and shudder, as they do when they find something light attached to
+ the hair, and that they wish to shake off."
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Population of England</i>.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland contains 74 millions of acres,
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page434" id="page434"></a>[pg
+434]</span>
+of which at least 64 millions of acres may be considered capable of
+ cultivation. Half an acre, with ordinary cultivation, is sufficient to
+ supply an individual with corn, and one acre is sufficient to maintain a
+ horse; consequently, the united kingdom contains land enough for the
+ sustenance of 120 millions of people, and four millions of
+ horses.&mdash;<i>Edmunds on Political Economy</i>.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Singing</i>.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The following passage from a letter by the late <i>Carl M. Von Weber</i>
+ appears to be worthy of the attention of dramatic and other singers:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Every singer imparts, though unconsciously, the colouring of his own
+ individual character to the dramatic character which he sustains. Thus,
+ two singers, the one possessed of a slight and flexible voice, the other
+ of an organ of great volume and power, will give the same composition in
+ a manner widely different. The one will, doubtless, be more animated
+ than the other; and yet both may do justice to the composer, inasmuch as
+ both mark the gradations of passion in his composition, faithfully and
+ expressively, according to the nature and degree of power possessed by
+ each. But it is the duty of the music director to prevent the singer
+ from deceiving himself, by following too exclusively what at first
+ appears to him most suitable. This caution is particularly necessary
+ with respect to certain passages, but the effect of the whole piece
+ should not suffer for the sake of some favourite roulade, which the
+ singer must needs introduce."
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Culture of Turnips.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Until the beginning of the eighteenth century, this valuable root was
+ cultivated among us only in gardens or other small spots, for culinary
+ purposes; but Lord Townshend, attending King George the First on one of
+ his excursions to Germany, in the quality of secretary of State,
+ observed the turnip cultivated in open and extensive fields, as fodder
+ for cattle, and spreading fertility over lands naturally barren; and on
+ his return to England he brought over with him some of the seed, and
+ strongly recommended the practice which he had witnessed to the adoption
+ of his own tenants, who occupied a soil similar to that of Hanover. The
+ experiment succeeded; the cultivation of field turnips gradually spread
+ over the whole county of Norfolk; and in the course of time it has made
+ its way into every other district of England. The reputation of the
+ county as an agricultural district dates from the vast improvements of
+ heaths, wastes, sheepwalks, and warrens, by enclosure and manuring&mdash;the
+ fruit of the zealous exertions of Lord Townshend and a few neighbouring
+ land-owners&mdash;which were, ere long, happily imitated by others. Since
+ these improvements were effected, rents have risen in that county from
+ one or two shillings to fifteen or twenty shillings per acre; a country
+ of sheep-walks and rabbit-warrens has been rendered highly productive;
+ and by dint of management, what was thus gained has been preserved and
+ improved even to the present moment. Some of the finest corn-crops in
+ the world are now grown upon lands which, before the introduction of the
+ turnip husbandry, produced a very scanty supply of grass for a few lean
+ and half-starved rabbits. Mr. Colquhoun, in his "Statistical
+ Researches," estimated the value of the turnip crop annually grown in
+ this country at fourteen millions; but when we further recollect that it
+ enables the agriculturist to reclaim and cultivate land which, without
+ its aid, would remain in a hopeless state of natural barrenness; that it
+ leaves the land so clean and in such fine condition, as almost to insure
+ a good crop of barley and a kind plant of clover, and that this clover
+ is found a most excellent preparative for wheat, it will appear that the
+ subsequent advantages derived from a crop of turnips must infinitely
+ exceed its estimated value as fodder for cattle. If we were, therefore,
+ asked to point out the individual who, in modern times, has proved the
+ greatest benefactor to the community, we should not hesitate to fix upon
+ the ingenious nobleman, whom the wits and courtiers of his own day were
+ pleased to laugh at as "Turnip Townshend." In something less than one
+ hundred years, the agricultural practice which he introduced from
+ Hanover has spread itself throughout this country, and now yields an
+ annual return which, probably, exceeds the interest of our national
+ debt.&mdash;<i>Sir Walter Scott&mdash;in the Quarterly Review.</i>
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Coals in the East.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The Dutch newspapers state, that extensive coal mines have been
+ discovered in Sumatra and Bantam.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Naphtha</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Has been found to burn much better than other oils in mines where bad
+ air prevails, and is less injurious to the health of the workmen. Oil of
+ colza and tallow are extinguished, where naphtha, petroleum, and oil of
+ bone, continue burning.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>Fossils.</i>
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Plates of above 600 fossil bones, (remains of a former world) recently
+ discovered in the neighbourhood of Issoire, in
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page435" id="page435"></a>[pg
+435]</span>
+ France, are preparing for
+ publication. They belong to more than 50 species of animals, now
+ extinct; among which are elephants, horses, tapirs, rhinoceri, eleven or
+ twelve kinds of stags, large cats, oxen, bears, dogs, otters, &amp;c.
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ POTIER, THE FRENCH "LISTON."
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Potier, generally speaking&mdash;and it is the same with our own Liston&mdash;has
+ never Actually observed any thing of what he presents to us. It is the
+ spontaneous effusion of his own feelings&mdash;the immediate creation of his
+ own mind&mdash;frequently arising at the moment at which we see it, and
+ therefore never to be seen a second time&mdash;but always generated by the
+ actor himself, and never mixed up with any thing else of an extraneous
+ nature. This is one cause of the extraordinary variety of this actor,
+ and consequently of his extraordinary popularity in his own country. We
+ never tire of going to see him, because he is never the same on any two
+ nights&mdash;or rather he never performs the same character twice in the same
+ manner. It is also the secret of his unrivalled originality. There are
+ but very few characters in which he can repeat himself, even if he
+ would. And those are such as depend for their comicality upon collateral
+ circumstances connected with them, rather than upon any thing essential
+ to themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+ There are some persons whose every look, feature, expression, and tone
+ of voice conduce to comic effects; and many an actor has owed his
+ success more to these than to any mental qualities or dispositions
+ corresponding with them; or has even been successful in spite of these
+ latter being in no degree adapted to the profession which circumstances
+ have induced him to adopt. In proof of this fact, comic actors are quite
+ as often dull and solemn people, as droll ones, in private life. The
+ most remarkable instance of a face being a fortune, in this respect, is
+ our own Liston. If he had not possessed a comic countenance, nothing
+ could have prevented him from being a tragic actor, or have made him a
+ comic one; for it is well understood that all his inclinations led him
+ in that direction. The truth is, that Liston's style of acting is too
+ chaste and natural to have been so universally popular as it is, but for
+ the irresistible drollery of his features&mdash;which are the finest farce
+ that ever was written. Now in this respect, as in all others, Potier
+ differs from his contemporaries.
+</p>
+<p>
+ His voice, his face, and his person altogether, are in themselves
+ antidotes to mirth, and might almost be supposed to set it at defiance.
+ He might play the <i>Apothecary</i>, in <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, or the <i>Anatomie
+ Vivante</i>, without painting for them&mdash;as Stephen Kemble used to play
+ their antithesis, <i>Falstaff</i>, without stuffing. And yet, instead of this
+ seeming contradiction counteracting the essentially comic turn of his
+ mind, the latter is so completely paramount, that it changes every thing
+ within its reach to its own complexion.&mdash;<i>New Monthly Magazine.</i>
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h3>
+ FRAGMENT OF THE NARRATIVE OF A STUDENT AT LAW.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ This is a portion of what the writer calls "a series of the most
+ singular and mysterious events," commenced January 29,1791. It is
+ perhaps a romance of <i>real life</i>, although there is something in it
+ beyond probability&mdash;but nothing impossible. Our <i>student</i> is at first
+ almost <i>cut</i> by an acquaintance for neglecting to notice him in the
+ park, when in fact he was not in the park: the hall butler of the Temple
+ proves by the parchment that he dined there four days of term, when he
+ was sick, and some distance from town: next he is <i>cut</i> by a second
+ acquaintance for not recognising him at a masquerade: then a similar
+ affair occurs with a beautiful girl in &mdash;&mdash;- square; at the Theatre; and
+ on the Serpentine. He is next recognised by an old friend at a
+ gaming-table, who mentions the sale of an estate there for his last
+ stake, which property our student really had sold, though under
+ different circumstances; and then rejected by his <i>chère amie</i> for a
+ slight which he never offered. The last event or link of this mysterious
+ chain is familiarly narrated as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ In returning one morning from Westminster, as I was passing through one
+ of those small courts between Essex-street and Norfolk-street, (for of
+ late I had sought the most retired ways,) I observed that two persons,
+ of rather mean appearance, seemed to be dogging my footsteps. Uneasy at
+ this circumstance, I hastened directly on to my chambers. I had,
+ however, scarcely seated myself, when my servant informed me that two
+ men wished to speak to me. On being admitted, they told me that they
+ were officers of the police, and that they had a warrant to arrest me on
+ a charge of felony. Surprise at the moment prevented my speaking; but as
+ soon as I recovered myself I offered to accompany them to the
+ magistrate. He was sitting, and the witnesses being in attendance, my
+ examination took
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page436" id="page436"></a>[pg
+436]</span>
+ place immediately. A young man, of gentleman-like
+ address, swore, that on the preceding evening he had been induced by one
+ of his friends to visit one of the gambling-houses in the
+ Haymarket&mdash;that he there saw me both playing and betting very
+ rashly&mdash;that I appeared to be losing&mdash;that at length I quitted the room,
+ and that soon afterwards his friend and himself followed. Now came the
+ accusation. He swore, that just as he was leaving the door he felt some
+ person drawing his purse from his pocket&mdash;that he immediately pursued
+ the man, and at the corner of Jermyn-street seized <i>me.</i> That at first I
+ submitted, and he dragged me to one of the lamps, and there most
+ distinctly saw my countenance, when at that moment, by some piece of
+ adroitness, which he could not explain, I slipped from his grasp, and
+ instantly disappeared. His friend corroborated the story. The
+ magistrate, after cautioning me, and expressing his regret at seeing a
+ person of my appearance before him, asked me whether I wished to say any
+ thing in my defence, I answered that I was the victim of some secret and
+ devilish conspiracy, and that I would prove that I was at my chambers on
+ the night in question. "I hope you may be able to do so," said the
+ magistrate; "but in the mean time it is, my duty to commit you;" and I
+ was conducted to gaol in a hackney-coach. I immediately summoned one or
+ two of my friends, and after laying open to them the circumstances in
+ which I had been placed, we concerted the best means of defence. My
+ laundress could swear that I was in chambers the whole of the evening
+ when the robbery was committed; and though this was the only direct
+ evidence in my favour, yet I assembled at least a dozen persons, men of
+ repute and station, as witnesses to my character. The trial excited
+ prodigious interest, but what was that interest to the agony with which
+ I regarded the issue! Should I be convicted, my mysterious enemies would
+ enjoy, in triumph, my disgrace and degradation, and might probably
+ proceed by the same diabolical contrivances to attempt even my life. The
+ day came, and I was arraigned among a herd of common felons; but the
+ consciousness of my innocence, and the hope of establishing it,
+ supported my heart. No sooner had I heard the witnesses for the
+ prosecution, than that hope died within me. A number of persons deposed,
+ that on the night in question they had seen me in the gambling-house;
+ but they were men of indifferent character, and not personally
+ acquainted with me. At last, with astonishment and horror I saw my
+ venerable friend, Mr. B&mdash;&mdash;, put into the box, and heard him swear in
+ positive terms that he was present in the room, and saw me at play. My
+ defence availed nothing. The wretched old woman, whom I produced, as the
+ court and jury believed, to establish my defence by perjury, was
+ immediately discredited, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty. I
+ was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. My feelings I will not
+ attempt to describe.
+</p>
+<p>
+ During my confinement I made the most energetic attempts to reconcile
+ myself to my fatal destiny. I formed a plan for my future life, complete
+ in every particular. My character being destroyed, and most of my
+ friends alienated, I determined to convert my property into money, and
+ to seek a refuge in the United States. At length the term of my
+ imprisonment approached its close, and on the 30th of September, 1791, I
+ was liberated&mdash;my flesh creeps as I name the day.
+</p>
+<p>
+ I waited in the prison till it was dusk. Finding that I had the key of
+ my chambers upon my person, I resolved, in the first instance, to visit
+ once again the scene of my former tranquil studies. Before I reached the
+ Temple the gates had been closed, and the gatekeeper, as I entered, eyed
+ me with an unpleasant curiosity. I reached my chambers. There was still
+ light sufficient to enable me to select some papers which I particularly
+ wished to secure. I entered the chambers and walked in to my
+ sitting-room, but suddenly stopped on seeing a figure reclining on the
+ sofa. My library-table was before him, covered with law books. At first
+ I imagined that my laundress had permitted some stranger to occupy my
+ rooms during my incarceration. As I entered the chamber the figure rose,
+ and with feelings of indescribable horror I perceived the semblance of
+ myself&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ &mdash;"And my flesh's hair upstood,
+ 'Twas mine own similitude."
+</p>
+<p>
+ &mdash;I cannot relate what followed, for my senses deserted me. On
+ recovering, my mysterious visiter had departed without leaving the
+ slightest clue by which I might fathom the impenetrable secret of my
+ persecutions. I have sometimes imagined that they arose from one of
+ those wonderful natural resemblances which in some instances appear to
+ be well authenticated; but, natural or supernatural, they changed the
+ current of my life. Unable to endure the disgrace of being pointed at as
+ a convicted felon, I converted my property into money, and, under
+ another name, I now live respected in a foreign land.&mdash;<i>Ibid.</i>
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page437" id="page437"></a>[pg
+437]</span>
+<h2>
+ THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF NEW WORKS.
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ "FASHIONABLE TALES."
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Lord Normanby has written one of the best, if not <i>the best</i>, of this
+ class of works, the tendency of which is in most instances of
+ questionable character. But they give a tone to the reading taste of the
+ day, as the recent circumstance of two of them forming the first subject
+ of three <i>literary</i> reviews will sufficiently attest. The work to which
+ we specially allude, is <i>Matilda, a Tale of the Day</i>, the noble author
+ of which has just produced another of the same stamp, entitled <i>Yes and
+ No</i>, to whose sketches and portraits we shall shortly introduce our
+ readers. It will be seen that his lordship is no mean artist, nor does
+ he belong to the novel-making tribe, whose hole-and-corner curiosity has
+ made us as familiar with the <i>Corso</i> as we are with our own Bond-street.
+ But the following snatch from <i>Yes and No</i> proves that these smatterers
+ of fashion&mdash;these clippers of reputation&mdash;are encouraged by some portion
+ of that class whose vanities they affect to expose:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ SCENE&mdash;<i>A "Hall" in the Country.</i>
+</p>
+<p>
+ "It is always as well here to know who one's next neighbour is,"
+ continued Fitzalbert, "for this is not one of those snug parties where
+ one can do or say what one pleases without observation." "How do you
+ mean?" asked Germain. "Why, Lady Boreton encourages these literary
+ poachers on the manors, or rather <i>manners</i> of high life; she gives a
+ sort of right of free chase to all cockney sportsmen to wing one's
+ follies in a double-barrelled duodecimo, or hunt one's eccentricities
+ through a hot-pressed octavo. Not that they are, generally speaking,
+ very formidable shots&mdash;they often bring down a different bird from the
+ one they aimed at, and sometimes shut their eyes and blaze away at the
+ whole covey; which last is, after all, the best way. Their coming here
+ to pick out individuals is needless trouble. Do you know the modern
+ recipe for a finished picture of fashionable life? Let a gentleman<i>ly</i>
+ man, with a gentleman<i>ly</i> style, take of foolscap paper a few quires;
+ stuff them well with high-sounding titles&mdash;dukes and duchesses, lords
+ and ladies, <i>ad libitum</i>. Then open the peerage at random, pick a
+ supposititious author out of one page of it, and fix the imaginary
+ characters upon some of the rest; mix it all up with quantum suff. of
+ puff, and the book is in a second edition before ninety-nine readers out
+ of a hundred have found out the one is as little likely to have written,
+ as the others to have done what is attributed to them."
+</p>
+<p>
+ Again&mdash;here is a picture of the guests: "Captains that have been to the
+ North Pole; chemists who can extract ice from caloric; transatlantic
+ travellers and sedentary bookworms; some authors, who own to anonymous
+ publications they have never written; and others who are suspected of
+ those they deny; besides the usual quantum of young ladies and
+ gentlemen, who rest their claims to distinction upon the traditionary
+ deeds of their great grandfathers."
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h3>
+ SOCIETY OF UNITED IRISHMEN.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ At the head of the table, which occupied the centre of the apartment,
+ and in an arm-chair raised by a few steps from the floor, sat the
+ president of the society of United Irishmen. He alone was covered, and
+ though plainly dressed, there was an air of high breeding and
+ distinction about him; while in his bland smile were exhibited, the open
+ physiognomy of pleasantness, and love-winning mildness, which still mark
+ the descendants of the great Anglo-Norman Lords of the Pale, the Lords
+ of Ormond, Orrery, and Arran, the Mount Garrets, and Kilkennys,&mdash;in
+ former times, the great oligarchs of Ireland, and in times more recent,
+ the grace and ornament of the British court.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The president was the Honourable Simon Butler: beside him, on a lower
+ seat, sat the secretary. His uncovered head, and unshaded temples
+ received the full light of the suspended lamp. It was one of those
+ finely chiselled heads, which arrest the imagination, and seem to bear
+ incontrovertible evidence of the certainty of physiognomical science. A
+ dress particularly studied, was singularly contrasted with the athletic
+ figure and antique bearing of this interesting looking person. For
+ though unpowdered locks, and the partial uncovering of a muscular neck,
+ by the loose tie of the silk handkerchief had something of the
+ simplicity of republicanism, yet the fine diamond chat sparkled at the
+ shirt breast, and the glittering of two watch-chains (the foppery of the
+ day), exhibited an aristocracy of toilet, which did not exactly assort
+ with the Back-lane graces. The secretary of the United Irishmen, was
+ Archibald Hamilton Rowan.
+</p>
+<p>
+ On the opposite side sat a small, well-formed, and animated person, who
+ was talking with singular vivacity of look and gesture, to one of
+ extremely placid and even formal appearance. The first was the gay,
+ gallant, and patriotic founder of
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page438" id="page438"></a>[pg
+438]</span>
+ the society, Theobald Wolfe Tone, the
+ other was the celebrated and clever Doctor Drennan, a skilful physician,
+ and an elegant writer, who might have passed in appearance, for the
+ demure minister of some remote village-congregation of the Scotch kirk.
+</p>
+<p>
+ A tail, elegant, and sentimental looking person sat near to them, in an
+ attitude of interested attention, listening to the speaker, to whom, it
+ seemed, he was about to reply. It was Thomas Addas Emmet, the son of the
+ state physician of Ireland&mdash;then a young lawyer of great promise, and
+ now the Attorney-General of New York. The handsome and animated Dr.
+ Mackenna, one of the most popular writers of the day, and Oliver Bond,
+ the representative of the most reputable class of merchants, had grouped
+ forward their intelligent heads; while one who brought no personal
+ beauty to the cause (that letter of recommendation to all causes), James
+ Napper Tandy, stood waiting with a packet of letters, which he had
+ received in his former quality of secretary to the meeting.
+</p>
+<p>
+ While other leaders of the Union distinguished for their birth, talents,
+ or principles (and it is remarkable that they were all protestants),
+ filled up the seats near the head of the table; more mixed groups less
+ distinguished by the <i>beau sang</i>, which then came forth, in the fine
+ forms of the genuine Irish gentry of both sects, were congregated in the
+ obscurity of the bottom of the room&mdash;<i>Lady Morgan's O'Briens and
+ O'Flahertys.</i>
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h3>
+ STORY OF RICHARD PLANTAGENET, SON OF RICHARD III.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ It was on this awful night (the night preceding the battle of Bosworth
+ Field), according to a letter which I have read from Dr. Thomas Brett to
+ Dr. William Warren, president of Trinity-hall, that the king took his
+ last farewell in his tent of Richard Plantagenet, his natural son, who
+ himself thus describes that interview:&mdash;"I was boarded with a Latin
+ schoolmaster, without knowing who my parents were, till I was fifteen or
+ sixteen years old; only a gentleman, who acquainted me he was no
+ relative of mine, came once a quarter and paid for my board, and took
+ care to see that I wanted for nothing. One day this gentleman took me
+ and carried me to a great fine house, where I passed through several
+ stately rooms, in one of which he left me, bidding me stay there. Then a
+ man richly dressed, with a star and garter, came to me, asked me some
+ questions, talked kindly to me, and gave me some money. Then the
+ fore-mentioned gentleman returned, and conducted me back to my school.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Some time after, the same gentleman came to me again with a horse and
+ proper accoutrements, and told me I must take a journey with him into
+ the country. We went into Leicestershire, and came to Bosworth Field,
+ and I was carried to king Richard's tent. The king embraced me, and told
+ me I was his son. 'But, child,' said he, 'to-morrow I must fight for my
+ crown. And assure yourself if I lose that, I will lose my life too; but
+ I hope to preserve both. Do you stand on yonder hill, where you may see
+ the battle out of danger, and when I have gained the victory, come to
+ me; I will then own you to be mine, and take care of you. But if I
+ should be so unfortunate as to lose the battle, then shift as well as
+ you can, and take care to let no one know that I am your father; for no
+ mercy will be shown to any one so nearly related to me.' The king then
+ presented me with a purse of gold, and giving me a farewell embrace,
+ dismissed me from his tent. I followed the king's directions; and when I
+ saw the battle lost and the king killed, I hastened back to London, sold
+ my horse and fine clothes, and the better to conceal myself from all
+ suspicion of being son to a king, and that I might have the means to
+ live by my honest labour, I put myself apprentice to a bricklayer. But
+ having a competent skill in the Latin tongue, I was unwilling to lose
+ it; and having an inclination also to reading, and no delight in the
+ conversation of those I am obliged to work with, I generally spend all
+ the time I have to spare in reading by myself."
+</p>
+<p>
+ The letter says, "When Sir Thomas Moyle built Eastwell House, near
+ London, about the year, 1544, he observed his chief bricklayer, whenever
+ he left off work, retired with a book. Sir Thomas had curiosity to know
+ what book the man read, but was some time before he could discover it;
+ he still putting the book up if any one came toward him. However, at
+ last Sir Thomas surprised him, and snatched the book from him, and
+ looking into it found it to be Latin. He then examined him, and finding
+ he pretty well understood that language, he inquired how he came by his
+ learning. Hereupon the man told him, as he had beer, a good master to
+ him, he would venture to trust him with a secret he had never before
+ revealed to any one. He then related the above story. Sir Thomas said,
+ 'You are now old, and almost past your labour; I will give you the
+ running of my kitchen as long as you live.' He answered, 'Sir, you have
+ a numerous family; I
+ <span class="pagenum"><a name="page439" id="page439"></a>[pg
+439]</span>
+ have been used to live retired, give me leave to
+ build a house of one room for myself in such a field, and there, with
+ your good leave, I will live and die.' Sir Thomas granted his request,
+ he built his house, and there continued to his death. Richard
+ Plantagenet was buried the 22nd day of December, anno ut supra ex
+ registro de Eastwell sub 1550. This is all the register mentions of him,
+ so that we cannot say whether he was buried in the church or
+ church-yard; nor is there now any other memorial of him except the
+ tradition in the family, and some little marks where his house stood.
+ This story my late Lord Heneage, earl of Winchelsea, told me in the year
+ 1720." Thus lived and died, in low and poor obscurity, the only
+ remaining son of Richard III!
+</p>
+<h4>
+ <i>Tale of a Modern Genius.</i>
+</h4>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ FINE ARTS.
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ ART OF MOSAIC.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ At Rome are many minor fine arts practised, which are wholly unknown in
+ England. The most remarkable of them is the <i>Mosaic Manufactory</i>,
+ carried on at the cost of government: and its fruits are theirs. The
+ workmen are constantly occupied in copying paintings for altarpieces,
+ though the works of the first masters are fast mouldering away on the
+ walls of forgotten churches. They will soon be lost forever; it is yet
+ possible to render them imperishable by means of Mosaic copies; and why
+ is it not done? The French, at Milan, set an example of this, by
+ copying, in mosaic, the <i>Last Supper</i> of Leonardo da Vinci; but it was
+ their plan to do much for Milan, and nothing for Rome; and the
+ invaluable frescos of Michael Angelo, Raphael, Domenichino, and Guido,
+ were left to perish.
+</p>
+<p>
+ It takes about seven or eight years to finish a mosaic copy of a
+ painting of the ordinary historical size, two men being constantly
+ employed. It generally costs from eight to ten thousand crowns, but the
+ time and expense are of course regulated by the intricacy of the subject
+ and quantity of work. Raphael's <i>Transfiguration</i>, cost about 12,000
+ crowns, and the labour of nine years, ten men constantly working at it.
+ The late works, are, however, of very inferior execution.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The slab upon which the mosaic is made, is generally of Travertine, (or
+ Tiburtine) stones, connected together by iron cramps. Upon the surface
+ of this a mastic or cementing paste, is gradually spread, as the
+ progress of the work makes it wanted, which forms the adhesive ground,
+ or bed, on which the mosaic is laid. This mastic is composed of fine
+ lime from burnt marble, and finely powdered Travertine stone, mixed to
+ the consistence of a paste, with strong linseed oil. Into this paste are
+ stuck the <i>smalts</i>, of which the mosaic picture is formed. They are a
+ mixed species of opaque vitrified glass, partaking of the mixed nature
+ of stone and glass, and composed of a variety of minerals and materials,
+ coloured for the most part, with different metallic oxydes. Of these no
+ less than 1,700 different shades are in use; they are manufactured in
+ Rome in the form of long, slender rods like wires, of different degrees
+ of thickness, and are cut into pieces of the requisite sizes, from the
+ smallest pin point to an inch. When the picture is completely finished,
+ and the cement thoroughly dried, it is highly polished.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Mosaic, though an ancient art, is not merely a revived, but an improved
+ one; for the Romans only used coloured marbles, or natural stones in its
+ composition, which admitted of comparatively little variety; but the
+ invention of smalts has given it a far wider range, and made the
+ imitation of painting far closer. The mosaic work at Florence is totally
+ different to this, being merely inlaying in <i>pietre dure</i>, or natural
+ precious stones, of every variety, which forms beautiful, and very
+ costly imitations of shells, flowers, figures, &amp;c. but bears no
+ similitude to painting.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Besides this government establishment at Rome, there are hundreds of
+ artists, or artisans, who carry on the manufactory of mosaics on a small
+ scale. Snuff-boxes, rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings, &amp;c. are made
+ in immense quantity; and since the English flocked in such numbers to
+ Rome, all the streets leading to the Piazza di Spagna are lined with the
+ shops of these <i>Musaicisti</i>, &amp;c.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Oriental shells are made at Rome into beautiful cameos, by the white
+ outer surface being cut away upon the deeper coloured internal part,
+ forming figures in minute bassi relievi. The subjects are chiefly taken
+ from ancient gems, and sometimes from sculpture and painting. The shells
+ used for this purpose are chiefly brought from the Levant; and these
+ shell cameos make remarkably beautiful ornaments. Hundreds of artists
+ also find support at Rome, in making casts, sulphurs, &amp;c. from ancient
+ gems and medals, and in selling or fabricating antiques. Marble and
+ stone-cutting are also beautifully executed both at Rome and
+ Florence&mdash;<i>Abridged, (but interspersed) from "Rome in the 19th
+ Century."</i>
+</p>
+<hr />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="page440" id="page440"></a>[pg
+440]</span>
+<h2>
+ THE GATHERER.
+</h2>
+<blockquote><p>
+ "I am but a Gatherer and disposer of other men's stuff."&mdash;Wotton.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<hr />
+<center>
+ TO ****
+</center>
+<p>
+ Moria pur quando vuol non è bisogna mutar ni faccia ni voci per esser un
+ Angelo.&mdash;The words addressed by Lord Herbert of Cherbury, to the
+ beautiful Nun at Murano. (See his Life.)
+</p>
+<p>
+ <i>Translation</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Die when you will, you need not wear At heaven's Court, a form more
+ fair, Than beauty here on earth has giv'n, Keep but the lovely looks we
+ see&mdash;The voice we hear&mdash;and you will be An angel <i>ready made</i> for
+ heaven.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ A CARD
+</h3>
+<p>
+ <i>Left at the</i> Queen's house <i>during the</i> King's <i>illness in March</i>,
+</p>
+<center>
+ 1801.
+</center>
+<p>
+ "Captain Blake of the Grenadiers, (George 1st.), was in the regiment of
+ Colonel Murray at the battle of Preston Pans, in the year 1745. He was
+ left among the dead in the field of action, with no less than eleven
+ wounds, one so capital as to carry away three inches of his skull. Has
+ been preserved fifty-six years to relate the event, and enabled by
+ gracious protection, to make his personal inquiry after his majesty."
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ MARGARET NICHOLSON.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The following is the original, epistle of this famous lunatic to the
+ matron of Bedlam; No other proof is necessary of her insanity:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ Madam,&mdash;I've recollected perhaps 'tis necessary to acquaint you upon
+ what account I continue here yet, <i>maim</i>, after making you privy to my
+ great concerns, <i>madam</i> I only wait for alteration of the globe which
+ belongs to this house, <i>maim</i> and if the time is almost expired I wish
+ to know it <i>maim</i>. Tho' I am not unhealthy, yet I am very weak, know
+ <i>maim</i> therefore I hope it won't be long <i>maim</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+ I am, madam, your most obedient,
+</p>
+<p>
+ Wednesday. M. NICHOLSON.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ LADY ARCHER,
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Formerly Miss West, lived to a good age&mdash;a proof that
+ cosmetics are not so fatal as has been supposed. Nature had given her a
+ fine aquiline nose, like, the princesses of the house of Austria, and
+ she did not fail to give herself a complexion. She resembled a fine old
+ wainscotted painting with the face and features shining through a thick
+ incrustation of copal varnish.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Her ladyship was for many years the wonder of the fashionable world,
+ envied by all the ladies that frequented the court. She had a splendid
+ house in Portland-place, with <i>et caetera</i> equal in brilliancy and
+ beauty to, or rather surpassing those of any of her contemporaries.
+ Magnificent appendages were a sort of scenery. She gloried in milk-white
+ horses to her carriage&mdash;the coachman and footman in grand shewy
+ liveries&mdash;the carriage lined with a silk calculated to exhibit the
+ complexion, &amp;c. &amp;c.
+</p>
+<p>
+ I recollect, however, to have seen the late Mrs. Robinson go far beyond
+ all this in the rich exuberance of her genius; a yellow lining to her
+ landau, with a black footman, to contrast with her beautiful countenance
+ and fascinating figure, and thus render both more lovely. Lady Archer's
+ house at Barnes Elms Terrace, had an elegance of ornaments and drapery
+ to strike the senses, and yet powerfully addressed to the imagination.
+ She could give an insinuating interest to the scenes about her; which
+ other eyes were viewing. Her kitchen garden and pleasure ground of five
+ acres&mdash;the Thames running in front as if appertaining to the
+ grounds&mdash;the apartments most tastefully decorated in the Chinese
+ style&mdash;a fine conservatory opening, into the principal apartment with
+ grapes, slow peaches, &amp;c. at the end a magnificent sofa, with a superb
+ curtain all displayed with a peculiar grace and to the greatest
+ advantage. Much praise was due to her arrangement of green and hot-house
+ plants, the appellations of which she was well acquainted with, as also
+ everything relating to their history.&mdash;<i>from the Papers of the late
+ Alexander Stephens, Esq.</i>
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ TO SUBSCRIBERS.
+</h2>
+<p>
+ Several of our early Numbers (which were unavoidably for sometime out of
+ print), having been recently reprinted, we suggest to our Subscribers
+ the present opportunity of Completing their Sets. Although public
+ patronage has long kept us in countenance, it does not enable us to keep
+ all our Numbers constantly in print.
+</p>
+<h3>
+ <i>The Editor of</i> "THE MIRROR" <i>has in the press</i>,
+</h3>
+<p>
+ARCANA OF SCIENCE AND ART, FOR 1828:
+</p>
+<p>
+ Being the popular Discoveries and Improvements of the past Year, in
+ Antiquities Architecture, Astronomy, Botany, Chemistry, Fine Arts,
+ Geography, Geology, Mechanical Science, Medicine, Meteorology,
+ Mineralogy, Natural Philosophy, Rural Economy, Statistics, Useful Arts,
+ Zoology. &amp;c.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Abridged from the Transactions of Public Societies, and other Scientific
+ Journals, English and Foreign, in a closely-printed volume.
+ <i>Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset
+ House,) and sold by all Newsmen and Booksellers.</i>
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote1" name=
+"footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>:<a href=
+"#footnotetag1">(return)</a>
+<p> The Duke is a good economist of time; for what with excellent cattle
+ and the glory of Macadamized roads, his R.H. comes to town in the
+ morning, transacts his official business at the Admiralty, and
+ frequently returns to Bushy to dinner.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote2" name=
+"footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>:<a href=
+"#footnotetag2">(return)</a>
+<p>
+"Till now some nine moons wasted."&mdash;SHAKSPEARE.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<blockquote class="footnote"><a id="footnote3" name=
+"footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>:<a href=
+"#footnotetag3">(return)</a>
+<p>The ceremony of kissing the foot, as well as the hand, of a
+ sovereign, is yet observed in the east.
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11378 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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