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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/11459-0.txt b/11459-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d48e5c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/11459-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1619 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11459 *** + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. XIV, NO. 396.] SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1829. [PRICE 2d. + + + + +BLARNEY CASTLE. + + +[Illustration: Blarney Castle.] + + +This Engraving, to use a cant phrase, is an exquisite "bit of Blarney;" +but independent of the vulgar association, it has a multitude of +attractions for every reader. Its interest will, however, be materially +enhanced by the following admirable description from the graphic pen of +T. Crofton Croker, Esq.[1] + + + [1] Researches in the South of Ireland, Illustrative of the Scenery, + Architectural Remains, and the Manners and Superstitions of the + Peasantry. By T. Crofton Croker. 4to. 1824 Murray. VOL. XIV. + + +Blarney, so famous in Irish song and story, is situated about four +miles north west of Cork, and was, within these few years, a thriving +manufacturing village; but it no longer wears the aspect of comfort or +of business, and appears much gone to decay. + +The alteration struck me very forcibly. In 1815, I remember a large +square of neat cottages, and the area, a green shaded by fine old trees. +Most of the cottages are now roofless; the trees have been cut down, and +on my last visit, in 1821, a crop of barley was ripening in the square. + + + "the clam'rous rooks + Ask for their wonted seat, but ask in vain! + Their ancient home is level'd with the earth, + Never to wave again its leafy head, + Or yield a covert to the feather'd choir, + Who now, with broken song, remote and shy, + Seek other bowers, their native branches gone!" + + +This prepared me to expect a similar change in the grounds of the +castle, where much timber has been also felled; but the grounds still +are beautiful, rock and water being features in the landscape, the +picturesque effect of which neglect cannot injure. + +The castle consists of a massive square tower, that rises broad and +boldly above surrounding trees, on a precipitous rock over a stream +called the Awmartin; and attached to the east side is an extensive +dwelling-house, erected about a century since by Sir James Jeffreys, who +purchased or obtained this estate from the crown, and in whose family it +still continues. + +Blarney Castle was built about the middle of the fifteenth century, +by Cormac MacCarty, or Carthy surnamed Laider, or the Strong. He was +descended from the kings of Cork, and was esteemed so powerful a +chieftain that the English settlers in his part of Munster paid him an +annual tribute of forty pounds to protect them from the attacks and +_insults_ of the Irish. To him is also ascribed the building of the +Abbey and Castle of Kilcrea, the Nunnery of Ballyvacadine, and many +other religious houses; in the former of which he was buried.[2] It +would be a matter of little importance and considerable labour to trace +the Castle of Blarney from one possessor to another. The genealogical +table in Keating's "History of Ireland" will enable those addicted to +research to follow the Mac Carty pedigree; but a tiresome repetition of +names, occasioned by the scantiness of them in an exceedingly numerous +family, present continual causes of perplexity to the general reader. +The names of Donough, Cormac, Teague, Florence, Dermot, Owen, and +Donnel, constitute almost the whole catalogue used by the Mac Carties[3] +for a period exceeding six hundred years.[4] This difficulty is +heightened from the entire Sept being, in point of fact, without a +sirname, as the followers of most chieftains in Ireland as well as +Scotland assumed that of their lord. In the reign of Edward IV. a +statute was enacted, commanding each individual to take upon himself a +separate sirname, "either of his trade and faculty, or of some quality +of his body or mind, or of the place where he dwelt, so that every one +should be distinguished from the other." But this statute did not effect +the object proposed, and Spenser, in his "View of Ireland," mentions it +as having become obsolete, and strongly recommends its renewal. + + + [2] This tomb, according to Archdall's "Monasticon Hibernicum," + stood in the middle of the choir of Kilcrea Abbey, with the + following inscription:-- + + HIC. IACET. CORMACVS. FIL. THADEI. FIL. CORMACI. FIL. DERMITII. + MAGNI. MC. CARTHY. DNVS DE. MVSCRAIGH. FLAYN. AC. ISTIVS. + CONVENTVS. PRIMVS. FVNDATOR. AN. DOM. 1494. + + [3] The original name of a sept or clan was Carty, supposed to be + derived from Cartheigh, which signifies an Inhabitant of the + Rock; and Mac, denoting "_son of_;" was used before the father's + Christian name for the purpose of distinction, as, Mac Cormac + Carty expressed Carty, son of Cormac; this manner of designation + appears discontinued on the introduction of a greater variety of + names, and the Mac alone retained by the elder branches. + + [4] Amongst the Harleian MSS. the Vol. No. 1425, contains pedigrees + of Irish nobility; from the ninth to the twenty-second page is + occupied by those of "Mac Cartie More," Mac Cartie Reagh, and + all other Mac Carties, brought down to the year 1615; but though + curious for reference, there is little worth the trouble of + transcribing. The most common female names in the Mac Carty + pedigree are, Katheren, Elin, Honnor, Joan, and Grany. + + +The military and historic recollections connected with Blarney are +doubtless of sufficient importance to give an interest to the place; but +to a curious superstition it is perhaps more indebted for celebrity. A +stone in the highest part of the castle wall is pointed out to visitors, +which is supposed to give to whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege of +deviating from veracity with unblushing countenance whenever it may be +convenient--hence the well-known phrase of "_Blarney_." + +The grounds attached to the castle, as I before observed, though so little +attended to, are still beautiful. Walks, which a few years since were neat +and trim, are now so overrun with brambles and wild flowers as to be passed +with difficulty. Much wood has also been cut down, and the statues, so +ridiculously enumerated in a popular song, removed. A picturesque bridge +too, which led to the castle, has been swept away by the wintry floods, +and, with the exception of a small dell called the Rock Close, every thing +seems changed for the worse. In this romantic spot nature and art (a +combination rather uncommon in pleasure-grounds) have gone hand in hand. +Advantage has been taken of accidental circumstances to form tasteful and +characteristic combinations; and it is really a matter of difficulty at +first to determine what is primitive, and what the produce of design. The +delusion is even heightened by the present total neglect. You come most +unexpectedly into this little shaded nook, and stand upon a natural terrace +above the river, which glides as calmly as possible beneath. Here, if you +feel inclined for contemplation, a rustic couch of rock, all festooned with +moss and ivy, is at your service; but if adventurous feelings urge you to +explore farther, a discovery is made of an almost concealed, irregularly +excavated passage through the solid rock, which is descended by a rude +flight of stone steps, called the "Witches Stairs," and you emerge _sul +margine d'un rio_, over which depend some light and graceful trees. It +is indeed a fairy scene, and I know of no place where I could sooner +imagine these little elves holding their moonlight revelry. + +A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a lake, said to abound +with a species of leech. It does not afford one good subject for the +pencil, being without islands, the margin swampy, and the adjacent trees +planted with too much attention to regularity. It is a very generally +believed tradition that, before Blarney surrendered to King William's +forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was made up in an 'oaken chest, which was +thrown into this lake, and has not since been recovered; nor does this +appear improbable, as I understand repeated attempts have in vain been made +to drain it. In 1814, the late Mr. Milliken, whose well-known song of "the +Groves of Blarney" has identified his memory with the place, gave me a +clumsy silver ring for the finger, which had been taken out of the lake by +a boy who was fishing in it. + +Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth notice that, in +a quarry close to the castle, where some men were working, we picked up +several human bones, and that one of the labourers informed us so many as +twenty horse loads of these bones had been thrown into the lake; he also +spoke of two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and pennies +of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug up here; but I believe +never in any quantity. + +The interior of the castle contains little worth notice except a +full-length portrait of Charles XII. of Sweden, said to be an original, and +brought here by one of the Jeffreys' family who was envoy to that monarch. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE ANNUALS. + + + "Flow'rets strew'd + By churlish Time, in cheerlier mood; + The sweetness of a second Spring, + Beneath the Autumn of his wing. + Bestowing on the season's gloom + The bliss of a perennial bloom." + + +Glancing back to the commencement of the nineteenth century, the only +_annual_ record of poetry and prose which we recollect, was "The +Flowers of Literature;" a thick duodecimo, habited in a flesh-coloured +wrapper, and retaining in its print and pages, the quaintness which +characterized "the good old days" of the "Universal Magazine;" and which +still clings, though somewhat modified, to the patriarchal pages of +Sylvanus Urban. The matter was in accordance with the manner--a medley of +prosing articles, from the titles of which we might select, as indicative +of their style, "Ode to Despair;" "Topographical Description of Paris;" +"The Sailor;" more agreeably interspersed with some effusion of Mrs. +Barbauld, or Mrs. Opie; mingled, again, with sundry "Observations on the +Present State of the War," written by some sleepy newspaper editor, whose +language we might assimilate with, "We have received intelligence from," +&c. Here and there, perhaps, a straggling beam of genius broke through the +mental twilight, in the shape of, "Some Account of the poet, Burns;" a +_Rustique_ by Bloomfield, or an elegant sonnet by Bowles or Charlotte +Smith. The rest of would-be-sonneteers, tragedy-writers, and essayists, +have long ago found, with their mediocrities, a congenial oblivion in +"the tomb of all the Capulets." + +But suddenly, and without much premise to warrant the commencement of such +an era, the department of our imaginative literature was established in +patronage and importance; and those "trivial, fond records," which were +wont only to sparkle a brief endurance in the mutable columns of a +newspaper, or doomed, when existing in fragile manuscript, "to die and be +forgot," found a refuge from their Lethean fate in the numerous Magazines +which the increased taste, and avidity for reading, evinced by the public, +had called into existence. Still there was a _desideratum_, which +these adornments of English Literature, "The Annuals," alone supplied. The +casual tones which emanated from the "transcendent masters of the lyre," +were not to be lost to "the public ear" for want of "a circulating medium;" +and Ackermann, a name familiar to the lovers of pictorial art, had the +honour of first setting England the example of preserving her valuable +anthology, by producing his attractive Annual, "The Forget-Me-Not;" a +species of literature which presents us with the pleasing facility of +holding yearly communion with our poets and authors, without being +subjected to the tedium of awaiting their protracted appearance in a more +voluminous shape. We can now more frequently greet Anacreon Moore, +wreathing his harp with the paternal shamrock, characteristically mingled +with "pansies _for love_;" Montgomery, mourning over our nature's +degradation; telling us of the affections and passions of earth, yet luring +us to higher hopes and brighter consummation; his every line evincing that +chastened sorrow which Byron threw into the portrait of the Sheffield +bard-- + + + "With broken lyre, and cheek serenely pale." + + +Coleridge, dropping "some natural tears," on viewing the altered features +of his native valley; sweetly and affectionately telling of + + + "The meadow, and its babbling brook, + Where roses in the ripple shook." + + +Southey, forgetting the ungentler theme of "battle field" amidst the +sublimity of rock and lake. Campbell, pouring from his plaintive shell +a tender eulogy to his northern home--a glowing tissue of + + + Dreams of the Highland mountains, and echoing streams, + And broken glades, breathing their balm. + + +--Scott, terrifically depicting a Sassenagh tournament, or inditing a +stirring appeal to the "blue bonnets," to settle some Border broil. James +Hogg, "the Scottish Virgil," on whom has surely fallen the mantle of +inspiration from the Mantuan bard, coming forth in all the richness of the +"Noctes Ambrosianae," from the misty hill where he dominates "the king of +shepherds." Delta, elegantly pensive, sighing beneath the blighted trees +which flourished over his boyhood; and listening to the rhetoric of the +changing seasons. Alaric Watts, "the fireside bard," giving us a touching +apostrophe to his "youngling of the flock," in melting verse, warm from +that kindred fancy + + + "Whose blessed words + Can bid the sweetest dreams arise; + Awaken feeling's tenderest chords, + And drown in tears of joy the eyes." + + +T.K. Hervey, following in the same bright path, or enthusiastically rapt +amidst the beauty and bloom of Australia.--Bernard Barton, bringing us +snatches of vernal philosophy, gathered in the silence of murky woods, +and the solitude of perfumed meadows.--John Clare, swearing everlasting +fealty to his beauteous Mary, by the elm-shadowed cottage of her bowery +home; thanking heaven for the benison of love and rurality.--Richardson, +the poet of India, sonnetizing amidst the superb cupolas and temples +which gem the banks of the deified Ganges, longing to exchange his +fevered abode for salubrious England.--Pringle transforming the +repulsive features of a South African desert into matter for piteous +song; and illumining, by the brightness of his genius, the terrible +picture of Caffre barbarity and degradation.--Roscoe, revelling in the +sweets of Italian lore, his own lips "touched with a live coal" from the +altar of poesy.--Washington Irving, grasping at the intellect, and +speculating on the wit and fancy, of all climes; so speedily +transplanting himself (bodily as well as mentally) from the back woods +of America to the land of Columbus--from the vineyards of France to the +valleys of Yorkshire--as almost to induce a belief in his power of +ubiquity.--Allan Cunningham, sympathizing with the sorrows of one "who +never told her love," and weaving a tearful elegy over her flower-strewn +grave, or painting the fiercer incidents of piratical warfare, on the +ocean's solitudes.--Felicia Hemans, her lyre musically blending the song +of sounding streams with the spontaneous melody of the "feathered choir" +composing an epicedium to the memory of departed days, and proving her +glorious claims to the poetic character, "creation's heir."--Mary +Russell Mitford, great in her histrionic portraitures of liberty, +whether patrician or plebeian; yet not forgetting in her dramatic +wanderings, her happy village; but drawing us, "by the cords of love," +to the rustic scene; amplifying that fine axiom of the Stratford bard-- + + + "Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade + To shepherds, looking on their silly sheep, + Than does the embroider'd canopy to kings?" + + +J.H. Wiffen, dating from the sentimental seclusion of Woburn Abbey, +a song replete with all the grace and imagination of his "Ionian +Hours."--Charles Lamb, the "deep-thoughted Elia," introducing us to the +maidenly residence of his cousin Bridget; delighted with delighting; his +fancy expatiating on a copious medley of subjects between the stiff +Mandarins on the old fashioned china, and that _Beaumont and Fletcher_, +the purchase of his rigid economy, ere his talents had brought him fame +and fortune.--Letitia Landon "the English Sappho," a being existing but +in the atmosphere of love and flowers; equally sensitive at the opening +of a violet as at the shutting of a rose. But our list of the living is +too extended; and we will speak of some of the departed. + +Interspersed with the emanations of our existing bards, we have, +occasionally, those precious _morceaux_ which have been bequeathed us by +the illustrious dead. Trifles, yet how esteemed! Remembrances of Byron, +with his fiery impetuosity, spurning the trammels of worldly sorrow; +and prescribing death as a _panacea_ for his lamentable despair; yet +subduing us with refined regrets, as he was wont, in his changing mood, + + + "To sun himself in heaven's pure day." + + +Shelley, misanthropically commencing with the turbulence of the chainless +sea: a spirit matured to madness by the overawing and supernatural terrors +of German romance: as he asserts himself to be, in his lamentation for the +author of Endymion, one who + + + "Had gaz'd on Nature's naked loveliness, + Acteon-like, until _he fled away_." + + +John Keates, forsaking the land of his fame, and prematurely resigning his +"quiet breath," on that spot + + + "Where dwelt the muses at their natal hour;" + +leaving to the less sensitive reviewers to prove, whether he had been +"led astray by the light from heaven, or by his own clouded and +tempestuous genius:" + + + "That fire within so fiercely burned + That whence it came it soon returned." + + +Maturin, though corrupted and enervated by the follies and dissipation +of the anti-poetic city, becoming, in his lucid intervals, "himself +again," in the composition of a splendid dramaticle.--Henry Neele, the +"martyr-student," inviting us to share in the intense admiration of +intellect; forcibly demonstrating "that song is but the eloquence of +truth"--but of him no more! + + + "The churchyard bears an added stone; + The fireside shows a vacant chair." + + +Yet, however splendid the galaxy of literary stars may be, which illumine +our Annuals, they owe no little of their lustre to _the engravings_. +It fortuitously happens that we have not "a connoisseuring eye," or +we should swell this paper beyond the limits prescribed by editorial +complaisance, in the pages of "THE MIRROR." We are not ignorant, however, +of the incomparable advancement which the science of engraving has made in +the lapse of the last ten years; or how far it has left behind those mere +scratches of the graver which lit up our young admiration when a boy. +Two of these we will be impertinent enough to criticise, in spite of the +affection with which we cherish the visionary recollection of the pictures +of grandmother's parlour. The subjects were "courtship," and "matrimony." +In the former, the Chesterfieldian lover was seen handing his _chere +amie_ (a lusty wench, with red ochre cheeks) over a remarkably low +stile: whether the subject, or the manner of its execution had inspired +the muse, is no matter; but beneath was the following:-- + + + "In _courtship_, Strephon careful hands his lass + Over a stile a child with ease might pass" + + +The next was "matrimony;" but, oh! "look on _this_ picture and on +_this!_" The careless husband, forgetting his capacious spouse, leaves +her to scramble over a stile of alarming altitude, whilst his attention +seems absorbed in the quarrel of two snarling terriers. Such conjugal +uncourtliness elicits its merited censure in the cool satire of the +accompanying motto:-- + + + "But _wedded_ Strephon now neglects his dame: + Tumble or not, to him 'tis all the same." + + +The costume of these two figures was in accordance with the date of the +hey-day of Ranelagh Gardens; and the outline of the foliage was about on +a par with those designs we often see cut out of paper, by an ingenious +schoolboy yet they may be adduced as criterions of the average merit +appertaining to the generality of the productions of the burine of "the +old school." + +In closing this erratic dissertation on the Annuals, we may remark, that an +interesting article might be written, descriptive of the reformation which +gradually elevated the art of engraving to perfection--a history of its +emerging from the inanities which flaunt in the window of Carver and +Bowles, in St. Paul's Churchyard, and arriving at the exquisite perfection +of such achievements as "Alexander's Visit to Diogenes," and "Quintus +Curtius leaping into the Gulf." + +* * H. + + * * * * * + + + + +FINE ARTS. + + +SCHOOL OF PAINTING AT THE BRITISH INSTITUTION, PALL MALL. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + +Sir,--I have recently had the pleasure of visiting the British Institution, +and hope the following remarks on a few of the best works will prove +acceptable to those of your readers who are interested in the Fine Arts. + +It is customary at this Institution to open, every autumn, a school for the +study of painting, in which students have an opportunity of copying the +best productions of the greatest masters. The present school opened a few +weeks ago, and furnishes some exquisite specimens of art, which were +selected by the directors as examples for imitation. In general the +students have been very enterprising this season, and their copies, if not +quite equal in every respect to the charming originals, are nevertheless +very meritorious and masterly attempts. + +_The Holy Family_, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, is a remarkably fine specimen +of colour, and has been successfully copied by Messrs. Boaden, Fisk, +Child, and Inskipp. Small copies, in water colours, have also been done +from it by Miss Sharpe, and Miss Fanny Corbaux. Much praise is due to +Mr. Morton, for his whole length _Portrait of a Gentleman_, after +Vandyke; and Messrs. Simpson, Higham, and Middleton, deserve high +commendation for executing the best _fac similia_ of Rembrandt's +_Portrait of a Lady_. The _Landscape with Boors_, is a delightful little +picture by Teniers, belonging to his Majesty: numerous attempts have +been made to imitate it, but not altogether with success. Mr. Hart's +copy, however, is extremely clever. Poussin's _Landscape and Figures_, +has engaged the pencil of Mr. Burbank, who has produced a most elaborate +copy in water colours. Mr. Foster displays considerable ability in his +_Hobbima;_ and Messrs. Lee, Earl, Watts, and Dujardin, have equally +excelled in their copies from the cattle piece by Cuyp. In De Hooge's +picture, the _Exterior with Figures_, we are delighted with the +representation of a fine summer evening: a peculiar warmth is diffused +over every object, and the lengthened shadows indicate sunset: of this +work, Mr. Novice has executed the best finished copy; Miss Dujardin's, +however, is exceedingly good, and contains much promise. Another +splendid example of art is a _Large Landscape_, by Gainsborough, good +studies from which have been made by Messrs. Watts and Child. + +Two small views on the Grand Canal at Venice, by Gwardi, have employed +the talents of Miss Dujardin, Mr. E. Child, Mr. Watts, and Master +Pasmore. But it is impossible to enumerate, in this hasty notice, all +the arduous undertakings of the students: suffice it to say, that they +have gained another step towards pictorial fame, and that their copies, +from the works of Rubens, Wouvermans, Murillo, Canaletti, Titian, &c., +are honourable testimonies of their exertion to excel. + +_October_ 19, 1829. + +G.W.N. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE CONTEMPORARY TRAVELLER. + + * * * * * + + +A TOUR IN THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. + +(_Concluded from page 262_.) + + +A view of the western side of Jersey, is calculated to impress a stranger +with an idea that it is a barren, unproductive island; but no supposition +could be more erroneous, as, in fact, a great proportion of it may +be described as orchard. The extent of ground planted, with fruit +trees--apple, pear, and plumb is prodigious; and consequently cider--and +very excellent cider too--is one of the staple products of the country, and +a favourite beverage among the natives. At the Union Hotel, St. Helier, +boarders were allowed to quaff as much as they had a liking for, without +being subjected to any additional charge. + +About three miles inland from St. Helier, is a singular structure named +Prince's Tower, erected on an artificial mound or tumulus, and embowered +in a grove of fine trees. The extensive prospect it commanded, and the +indubitable antiquity of the masonry, induced me to apply for permission to +ascend it; and I was rewarded with a bird's eye view of nearly the whole +island, and a vast sweep of the French coast extending almost from Cape de +la Hogue to Avranches. An Englishman had lately taken up his abode in the +tower, which, with the adjacent pleasure ground, he rented at forty pounds +a-year. His object was to render it a place of resort to the inhabitants of +St. Helier, and his advertisements promised that the "delightful emotions +excited by its unrivalled scenery, and the harmonious chat of the feathered +tribe, should not be counteracted by the comfortless sensations of hunger, +thirst, and weariness." The interior of the tower was neatly and +appropriately fitted up. One apartment was designated the chapel; and in +the highest room were several telescopes, mounted so as to traverse to any +point of the compass, for the gratification of visitors. + +But it is the traditionary history of Prince's Tower that renders it +interesting in the eyes of the islanders. In former times it was known by +the name of La Hogue-Bye, and the following legend, quoted from _Le Livre +noir de Coutances_, gives the origin of its celebrity:--In remote times, +a moor or fen in this part of Jersey, was the retreat of a monstrous +serpent or dragon, which spread terror and devastation throughout the +island. At length a valorous Norman, the Seigneur de Hambye, undertook to +attempt its destruction, which, after a terrible conflict, he accomplished. +He was accompanied in this adventure by a vassal of whose fidelity he had +no suspicion, but who, seeing his lord overcome by fatigue, after having +vanquished the reptile, suddenly bethought himself of monopolizing the +glory of the action. Instigated by this foul ambition, he assassinated his +lord, and, returning to Normandy, promulgated a fictitious narrative of the +encounter; and, to further his iniquitous views, presented a forged letter, +which he said had been written by De Hambye to his widow, just before his +death, enjoining her to reward his faithful servant, by accepting him as +her second husband. Reverence for the last injunction of her deceased lord, +induced the lady to obey, and she was united to his murderer. But the +exultation of the homicidal slave was of short duration. His sleep was +disturbed by horrid dreams; and at length, in one of his nightly paroxysms, +he disclosed the extent of his villany. On being arrested and questioned, +he made a full confession, and was tried, found guilty, and publicly +executed. De Hambye's widow, in memory of her lord, caused a tumulus of +earth, to be raised on the spot where he was buried; and on the summit +she built a chapel, with a tower so lofty, as to be visible from her own +mansion at Coutances. + +So much for the fable. As to the word _Hogue_, there are several places +in Jersey called _Hougues_, which are always situated on a rising +ground. The word has evidently originated from the German _hoch_, from +which is derived our English _high_. A _hougue_, therefore, means a +mound or hillock, and in the present instance, the addition of _bye_ is +obviously a contraction of Hambye; and, in accordance with the foregoing +tradition, means literally the _barrow_ or tomb of the _Seigneur de +Hambye_. + +The chapel at la Hogue is said to have been rebuilt in imitation of the +Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, by one of the popish deans of Jersey, in the +reign of Henry VIII. La Hogue-bye remained for many years in a dilapidated +state, till about 1790, when the late Admiral d'Auvergne, a native of +Jersey, better known under his French title of Duke of Bouillon, became its +owner by purchase, and hence it obtained its present name. At his death, in +1816, it was purchased by the late lieutenant-governor, Lieutenant-General +Sir Hugh Mackay Gordon, whose heirs afterwards sold it to Francis le +Breton, Esq., to whom it now belongs. + +The most prominent object in the noble panoramic view from the top of +Prince's Tower, is a huge fortress on the eastern side of the island, +called the Castle of Mont Orgueil. It crests a lofty conical rock, that +forms the northern headland of Grouville Bay, and looks down, like a grim +giant, on the subjacent strait. The fortifications encircle the cone in +picturesque tiers, and the apex of the mountain shoots up in the centre of +them, as high as the flag-staff, which is in fact planted upon it. During +war a strong garrison constantly occupied Mont Orgueil, but now a corporal +and two privates of artillery composed the whole military force. The +corporal, a quiet intelligent man, who spoke with much horror of paying a +visit to the West Indies, which, in the mutations of his professional life, +he had a prospect of doing at no distant period, acted as _cicerone_, +and, among other places, introduced me into a small circular apartment, +forming one of the suite appropriated to officers, which he said had been +the habitation of Charles II. when a wanderer. This prince, when his +unfortunate father fell into the hands of the regicidal party, found a +loyal welcome in Jersey. Here he was recognised as king, when in England +they sought his blood: here he remained in security, when his fatherland +afforded him no asylum. During his lonely sojourn in this remote portion of +his hereditary dominions, he is said to have employed himself in making a +survey and delineating a map of the island. The natives, flattered by the +confidence he reposed in them, and justly proud of nine centuries of +unblemished loyalty to the throne of Great Britain, still refer to his +residence as a memorable event; and in no other part of the British +dominions, is the memory of the "merry monarch" more respected. When +Cromwell, after the disastrous issue of the battle of Worcester, sent an +expedition, under Admiral Blake, to reduce the island, it made a most +gallant and protracted defence; and had not circumstances conspired to +favour the Invaders, their victory would have been dearly purchased. + +Mount Orgueil, in point of historical association, is by far the most +interesting spot in Jersey. A part of the fortifications, according to +tradition, are coeval with Caesar's incursions into Gaul; and the islanders +hold it famous in their oldest story, and of antiquity beyond record. In +1374, the celebrated Constable du Guesclin passed over from Bretagne at the +head of a large army, including some of the bravest knights of France, and +encamped before this fortress, then called Gouray Castle, into which the +principal inhabitants had retired for safety; but after a siege of several +months, he was obliged to draw off his forces in despair, and quit the +island. Henry V. added much to the strength and beauty of Gouray--made it +a depot of arms, and conferred on it the proud name of Mont Orgueil. About +1461, Nanfant, the governor, a dependent of Henry VI. was prevailed upon, +by an order of Queen Margaret, to surrender it to Surdeval, a Frenchman, +agent of Peter de BrezĂ©, Count of Maulevrier; but though de BrezĂ© kept +possession of it for several years, the natives, under the command of +Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of St. Ouen, a family long illustrious in +Jersey annals, prevented him from completely subjugating the island. Sir +Richard Harliston, vice-admiral of England, afterwards re-captured Mont +Orgueil, and put an end to Maulevrier's usurpation. + +A small pier, intended to facilitate the landing of stores, and shelter +the numerous oyster vessels that resort to Grouville Bay at the dredging +season, projects into the sea, immediately under the castle guns. The bay, +like that of St. Aubin, is defended by a regular line of martello towers, +several of which are built far within flood-mark, on reefs that form part +of the Violet Bank. The adjacent country is a perfect garden, and numerous +secluded villas and cottages are scattered among the umbrageous and +productive orchards that spread around. A small village, called Goree, +lies a short way southward of Mont Orgueil. In former times, it was a +sutling-place for the garrison; now it is only the rendezvous of a few +oyster-fishers. In the auberges here, (every alternate house retailed +liquor), brandy sold at a shilling a bottle. + +The road leading directly from Grouville to St. Helier runs parallel with +the southern shore, among corn fields, orchards, and hamlets, and is the +best in the island. I travelled it after sunset, and found myriads of toads +hopping across it in every direction. These reptiles are extremely common +in Jersey; while, in the neighbouring island of Guernsey, if popular report +may be credited, they are not only unknown, but cannot exist, as has been +ascertained by importing them from less favoured countries. This exemption +in favour of Guernsey, is in all probability a mere fable, originating with +some ignorant native, the absurdity of which no person has been at the +trouble to expose. Lizards and small snakes are also numerous in Jersey; +and at night-fall, a chorus of crickets resounds from every hedge. + +The Jersey cattle are small; but like the pigmy breed of the Scottish +Highlands, their flesh is delicate, and their milk and butter rich. The +butcher market at St. Helier is supplied chiefly from France. There are +sportsmen in Jersey as well as in other countries, but game is neither +various nor abundant. The list, however, includes hares, rabbits, the +Jersey partridge, a beautiful bird, with pheasant eyes, red legs, and +variegated plumage; and several varieties of water fowl. In severe winters, +flocks of solan geese, locally denominated "barnacles," frequent the +shores. + +The Romans, the pioneers of discovery and civilization in Europe, conferred +on Jersey the name of Caesarea, in honour of their leader; and Caesar and +Tacitus concur in describing it as a stronghold of Druidism, of which +worship many monuments still exist. The aborigines were doubtless sprung +from the Celtic tribes spread over the adjacent continent; but the present +inhabitants are universally recognised as the lineal descendants of the +warlike Normans, who, under the auspices of the famous Rollo, conquered and +established themselves in the north of France in the ninth century. It was +first attached to the British crown at the conquest; and though repeated +descents have been made on it by France during the many wars waged between +the countries since that remote era, none of them were attended with such +success as to lead to a permanent occupation of the island. The islanders, +proud of an unconquered name, and gratified to recollect that they +originally gave a king to England, not England a king to them, have been +always distinguished for fidelity to the British government; and their +unshaken loyalty has, from time to time, been rewarded by immunities and +privileges, highly conducive to their prosperity, and calculated to foster +that spirit of nationality, which is invariably distinctive of a free +people. They are exempted from those taxes which press heaviest on the +English yeoman, and from naval and military service beyond the boundaries +of their own island. The local administration of justice is still regulated +by the old Norman code of laws, and this circumstance is regarded by the +natives as a virtual recognition of their independence; but strangers, when +they inadvertently get involved in legal disputes, have often cause to +regret its existence. In cases of assault, particularly the assaulting of a +magistrate, even though his official character be unknown to the offender, +a severe punishment is generally awarded. We heard several instances of +military officers, who had been guilty of raising an arm of flesh against +jurats in night frolics at St. Helier's, narrowly escaping the penalty +attached to this heinous infraction of the laws--a penalty which would have +left them maimed for life. + +The introduction of Christianity, and final extirpation of idolatry, is +said to have occurred in the sixth century. In the latter days of the reign +of popery, Jersey formed part of the diocese of Coutances in Normandy, +where the ancient records of the island were deposited; but at the +Reformation, in the reign of Elizabeth, it was attached to the see of +Winchester--an annexation, however, merely nominal, for the island is in +reality exempt from the dominion of the church of England. The inhabitants +are a well-disposed and peaceable race, but not particularly distinguished +for enthusiasm in religion. The peasantry are orderly and industrious; the +merchants enterprising; and the seamen, a numerous class, hardy and +adventurous. The _aggregate_ of the people live more after the French +manner than the English; that is, they substitute fruit and vegetables, in +a great measure, for animal food, and cider for ale. Neither men nor women +are distinguished for personal beauty, though we noticed several very +comely dames in our perambulations; and notwithstanding the boasted purity +of their descent from the ocean-roamers of the north, they have many of the +anomalous features of a mixed race.--_Edinburgh Journal of Natural and +Geographical Science_. No. I. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE NATURALIST. + + * * * * * + + +THE MOLE. + + +Foreign naturalists have been much occupied of late with the mole. From the +recently published observations of one of them, M. Flourens, it appears +that this animal, as its organization indicates, is, if not exclusively, at +least, essentially, carnivorous. It very soon dies if only roots be given +to it; and if it destroy so many roots of vegetables, it is not for the +purpose of eating them, but to seek among them for worms, insects, and +particularly for the larvae of insects which harbour there. They may be +kept alive for a long time upon any animal food. Ten or twelve hours are +nearly the longest time they can live without food. Like all animals which +feed upon blood and flesh, the mole is always very thirsty.--_Monthly +Mag_. + + * * * * * + +CLIMATE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. + + +The climate of the British dominions in the south of Africa is one of the +finest in the world. The average height of the barometer is above thirty +inches, and the average summer heat at noon is about 78 deg. It resembles +the climate of Italy, but is rather warmer and dryer. It is so dry, that +draining is little required for the ground: on the contrary, it is +necessary to retain moisture as much as possible, and even irrigation is +desirable, more especially from the grasses. The mountains abound in +springs, but the supply of water is scanty and precarious, from the want of +energy and skill in procuring that essential article. Such a scarcity +frequently arises, that the cattle perish from thirst, and the people +themselves are in danger of a similar fate.--_Gill's Repository_. + + +Sea Pens. + + +[Illustration: Sea Pens.] + + +The cuts represent two fine Sea Pens--_Silver and Red_, with Sections. + +Of all the Sea Pens yet known, the first is one of the largest and most +curious in its appearance; being of a beautiful silvery white, elegantly +straited on each of the feather-like processes, with lines or streaks of +the deepest black. It is extremely rare, and is a native of the Indian +Seas. The accompanying Engraving is copied from a fine specimen in the +British Museum. + + * * * * * + +THE RED SEA-PEN IS + +Of a very beautiful appearance, and is found on the British coast. The +animal consists of a flattened stem, or body, which is furnished with an +internal bone, and dilates into an expanded part, consisting of several +pinnae, or lateral branches, which are divided on their inner edges into a +number of tubular processes, through each of which is protruded a part of +the animal, resembling the head of a hydra or polype; the whole animal may, +therefore, be considered as a very compound or ramified union of polypi, +the bodies of which are contained in the naked part or stem, and from +thence ramify into a vast number of processes, each furnished with its +particular head. The animal emits a very strong phosphoric light, and it is +even so luminous, that it is no uncommon circumstance for the fishermen to +see the fish which happen to be swimming near it merely by the light of the +Pens. Its colour is a bright red crimson, and the general size that of the +figure. + +Mr. Ellis, in the Philosophical Transactions, has published some specimens +of this extraordinary animal, of a kidney-shaped form, and observes that it +nourishes and supports itself by the succours of polype filaments, which we +have expressed in the Engraving in a magnified size. By these they take in +their food and discharge the exuviae. In case of danger these little +succours are drawn in. + +Sea Pens are termed _locomotive zoophytes,_ and swim in the manner of +fish. Five hundred polypes may frequently be numbered on a single feather; +and they number among the most rare and interesting animals of the order to +which they belong. + + * * * * * + + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + * * * * * + + +_Vermin in Ships_. + +Steam has been lately found very successful in cleansing ships from vermin, +and especially the white ant. In India, a steam boat was lately placed +alongside a merchant vessel, and steam from its boiler conveyed by a very +simple system of pipes in the hold of the latter, the apertures to which +were closed as well as they could be. The operation was continued for +several hours; and there is reason to believe it was effectual, and will +prove a valuable process in the navy. Besides the direct object of +cleansing the ship, another advantage accrued from the discovery of every +leaky place existing, by the oozing of the water through it. The expense is +said to be very moderate; and it is further stated to be the only process +at present known, not even except sinking, which effectually destroys the +white ant.--_Brande's Journal_. + + +_Agriculture_. + +England possesses more pasture land than any other European country; and +Spain the least. + +In agriculture, France is a century behind England; and to equal England, +France would have to make the immense progress which, since that time, has +more than doubled the prosperity of the former country. + +England not only surpasses France in the number of its cattle, but the +animals are also finer, and their flesh is of better quality; so that an +Englishman may enjoy nearly double the quantity of animal food that France +supplies to each of its inhabitants, and with the further advantage of +better quality. "Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England." + + +_Indian Rouge_. + +We find in _Jameson's_ last _Journal_, a very interesting paper +by Dr. Hancock, on a Red Pigment, called _Carucru_, or _Chica_, +which appears to be the Rouge of the interior Indians. It is produced like +Indigo, from the plant chiefly found towards the head of Essequibo, Parima, +and Rio Negro. On breaking a branch, the leaves, when dry, become almost of +a blood red, and being pounded, are infused in water till a fermentation +ensues. The liquor is then poured off and left to deposit a settlement, +which forms the _Chica_ paint. It is put up very neatly in little +caskets made with palm leaves, and carried by the Atorayas and trading +Caribs all over Guiana. It has a soft, cochineal, crimson shade, and is in +great demand among the Indians as an ornamental paint. The use is chiefly +for the face, whilst they stain the other parts of the body with Arnotta. +They also apply the Chica on the cheeks and about the eyes, and variegate +the countenance by marking the forehead, and along the facial line, with +their coomazu, a yellow clay or ochre. This manner of painting produces a +striking contrast, and gives them a very strange and furious appearance. + +From the scarcity of the Chica, its employment is almost exclusively +confined to the chiefs and higher orders, their nobility. The rest must be +contented with Arnotta, or Poncer mixed with the oil of Carapa, a portion +of which, with the Balsam of Aracousiri, mixed with these paints, imparts +to them a very delightful odour. The _toilet_, therefore, of the rude +tribes is as simple as their manners and mode of life, their chief material +being perfume, and all being carried in a little gourd. + +The Chica is not merely esteemed as a pigment, but is considered in the +Orinoko as the most sovereign remedy for erysipelas, where that complaint +is very prevalent. It is simply made with water into a paste, thinly +spread on old linen or cotton, and applied as a plaster to the inflamed +part.--_Abridged_. + + +_Indian Graters_. + +The Tacumas (Indians) are the fabricators of those curious Cassada Graters, +which are considered superior to all others by those who are acquainted +with them. They are made of a very hard wood, studded over with pointed +flint stones, and fixed by a kind of cement and varnish of surprising +durability; the substance being at the same time a strong cement and +transparent varnish. These Cassada Graters are scarcely, if at all, known +on the coast, or in the European settlements.--_Jameson's Journal_. + + +_Wild Bulls_. + +In the province of San Martin, in South America, M. Roulier saw wild bulls +feeding in the _llanos_ among domestic cattle. These animals pass +their morning in the woods, which cover the foot of the Cordillera, and +come out only about two in the afternoon to feed in the savanna. The moment +they perceive a man they gallop off to the woods. + + +_Mount Souffre_. + +During the eruption of this volcano in 1812, the explosions were heard at +600 or 700 miles distance; and cinders were taken from the deck of a vessel +150 miles distant. + + +_Force of Running Water_. + +In August, 1827, the small rivulet called the College, at the foot of the +Cheviot Hills, was so swollen by the heavy rains, that the current tore +away from the abutment of a mill dam, a large block of stone, weighing +nearly two tons, and transported it to the distance of a quarter of a mile. + + +_Cement_. + +The large snails which are found in gardens and woods, discharge a whitish +substance, with a slimy and gelatinous appearance, which has been known to +cement two pieces of flint so strongly as to bear dashing on a pavement +without the junction being disturbed, although the flint broke into +fragments by fresh fractures. + + +_Artificial Ice_. + +A mixture of four ounces of nitrate of ammonia, four ounces of subcarbonate +of soda, and four ounces of water, in a tin pail, has been found to produce +ten ounces of ice in three hours.--_Brande's Journal_. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_. + + * * * * * + + +AN OLD MAN'S STORY. + +BY MARY HOWITT. + + + There was an old and quiet man, + And by the fire sate he, + "And now," he said, "to you I'll tell + A dismal thing, which once befell + In a ship upon the sea. + + 'Tis five-and-fifty years gone by, + Since from the River Plate, + A young man, in a home-bound ship, + I sailed as second mate. + + She was a trim, stout-timbered ship, + And built for stormy seas, + A lovely thing on the wave was she, + With her canvass set so gallantly + Before a steady breeze. + + For forty days, like a winged thing + She went before the gale, + Nor all that time we slackened speed, + Turned helm, or altered sail. + + She was a laden argosy + Of wealth from the Spanish Main, + And the treasure-hoards of a Portuguese + Returning home again. + + An old and silent man was he, + And his face was yellow and lean. + In the golden lands of Mexico + A miner he had been. + + His body was wasted, bent, and bowed, + And amid his gold he lay-- + Amid iron chests that were bound with brass, + And he watched them night and day. + + No word he spoke to any on board, + And his step was heavy and slow, + And all men deemed that an evil life + He had led in Mexico. + + But list ye me--on the lone high seas, + As the ship went smoothly on, + It chanced, in the silent second watch, + I sate on the deck alone; + And I heard, from among those iron chests, + A sound like a dying groan. + + I started to my feet--and lo! + The captain stood by me, + And he bore a body in his arms, + And dropped it in the sea. + + I heard it drop into the sea, + With a heavy splashing sound, + And I saw the captain's bloody hands + As he quickly turned him round; + And he drew in his breath when me he saw + Like one convulsed, whom the withering awe + Of a spectre doth astound. + + But I saw his white and palsied lips, + And the stare of his ghastly eye, + When he turned in hurried haste away, + Yet he had no power to fly; + He was chained to the deck with his heavy guilt, + And the blood that was not dry. + + 'Twas a cursed thing,' said I, 'to kill + That old man in his sleep! + And the plagues of the sea will come from him; + Ten thousand fathoms deep! + + And the plagues of the storm will follow us, + For Heaven his groans hath heard!' + Still the captain's eye was fixed on me, + But he answered never a word. + + And he slowly lifted his bloody hand + His aching eyes to shade, + But the blood that was wet did freeze his soul, + And he shrinked like one afraid. + + And even then--that very hour + The wind dropped, and a spell + Was on the ship, was on the sea, + And we lay for weeks, how wearily, + Where the old man's body fell. + + I told no one within the ship + That horrid deed of sin; + For I saw the hand of God at work, + And punishment begin. + + And when they spoke of the murdered man, + And the El Dorado hoard, + They all surmised he had walked in dreams, + And had fallen overboard. + + But I alone, and the murderer-- + That dreadful thing did know, + How he lay in his sin, a murdered man, + A thousand fathom low. + + And many days, and many more, + Came on, and lagging sped, + And the heavy waves of that sleeping sea + Were dark, like molten lead. + + And not a breeze came, east or west, + And burning was the sky, + And stifling was each breath we drew + Of the air so hot and dry. + + Oh me! there was a smell of death + Hung round us night and day; + And I dared not look in the sea below + Where the old man's body lay. + + In his cabin, alone, the captain kept, + And he bolted fast the door, + And up and down the sailors walked, + And wished that the calm was o'er. + + The captain's son was on board with us, + A fair child, seven years old, + With a merry look that all men loved, + And a spirit kind and bold. + + I loved the child, and I took his hand, + And made him kneel and pray + That the crime; for which the calm was sent, + Might be purged clean away. + + For I thought that God would hear his prayer, + And set the vessel free,-- + For a dreadful thing it was to lie + Upon that charnel sea. + + Yet I told him not wherefore he prayed, + Nor why the calm was sent + I would not give that knowledge dark + To a soul so innocent. + + At length I saw a little cloud + Arise in that sky of flame, + A little cloud--but it grew and grew, + And blackened as it came. + + And we saw the sea beneath its track + Grow dark as the frowning sky, + And water-spouts, with a rushing sound, + Like giants, passed us by. + + And all around, 'twixt sky and sea, + A hollow wind did blow; + And the waves were heaved from the ocean depths, + And the ship rocked to and fro. + + I knew it was that fierce death-calm + Its horrid hold undoing, + And I saw the plagues of wind and storm + Their missioned work pursuing. + + There was a yell in the gathering winds, + A groan in the heaving sea, + And the captain rushed from the hold below, + But he durst not look on me. + + He seized each rope with a madman's haste, + And he set the helm to go, + And every sail he crowded on + As the furious winds did blow. + + And away they went, like autumn leaves + Before the tempest's rout, + And the naked masts with a crash came down, + And the wild ship tossed about. + + The men, to spars and splintered boards, + Clung, till their strength was gone, + And I saw them from their feeble hold + Washed over one by one. + + And 'mid the creaking timber's din, + And the roaring of the sea, + I heard the dismal, drowning cries + Of their last agony. + + There was a curse in the wind that blew, + A curse in the boiling wave; + And the captain knew that vengeance came + From the old man's ocean grave. + + And I heard him say, as he sate apart, + In a hollow voice and low, + 'Tis a cry of blood doth follow us, + And still doth plague us so!' + + And then those heavy iron chests + With desperate strength took he, + And ten of the strongest mariners + Did cast them into the sea. + + And out, from the bottom of the sea, + There came a hollow groan;-- + The captain by the gunwale stood, + And he looked like icy stone-- + And he drew in his breath with a gasping sob, + And a spasm of death came on. + + And a furious boiling wave rose up, + With a rushing, thundering roar,-- + I saw the captain fall to the deck, + But I never saw him more. + + Two days before, when the storm began, + We were forty men and five, + But ere the middle of that night + There were but two alive. + + The child and I, we were but two, + And he clung to me in fear; + Oh! it was pitiful to see + That meek child in his misery, + And his little prayers to hear! + + At length, as if his prayers were heard, + 'Twas calmer, and anon + The clear sun shone, and warm and low + A steady wind from the west did blow, + And drove us gently on. + + And on we drove, and on we drove, + That fair young child and I, + But his heart was as a man's in strength, + And he uttered not a cry. + + There was no bread within the wreck, + And water we had none, + Yet he murmured not, and cheered me + When my last hopes were gone; + But I saw him waste and waste away, + And his rosy cheek grow wan. + + Still on we drove, + I knew not where, + For many nights and days, + We were too weak to raise a sail, + Had there been one to raise. + + Still on we went, as the west wind drove, + On, on, o'er the pathless tide; + And I lay in a sleep, 'twixt life and death, + And the child was at my side. + + And it chanced as we were drifting on + Amid the great South Sea, + An English vessel passed us by + That was sailing cheerily; + Unheard by me, that vessel hailed + And asked what we might be. + + The young child at the cheer rose up, + And gave an answering word, + And they drew him from the drifting wreck + As light as is a bird. + + They took him gently in their arms, + And put again to sea:-- + 'Not yet! not yet!' he feebly cried, + 'There was a man with me.' + + Again unto the wreck they came, + Where, like one dead, I lay, + And a ship-boy small had strength enough + To carry me away. + + Oh, joy it was when sense returned + That fair, warm ship to see. + And to hear the child within his bed + Speak pleasant words to me! + + I thought at first that we had died, + And all our pains were o'er, + And in a blessed ship of Heaven + Were sailing to its shore. + + But they were human forms that knelt + Beside our bed to pray, + And men, with hearts most merciful, + Did watch us night and day. + + 'Twas a dismal tale I had to tell + Of wreck and wild distress, + But, even then, I told to none + The captain's wickedness. + + For I loved the boy, and I could not cloud + His soul with a sense of shame:-- + 'Twere an evil thing, thought I, to blast + A sinless orphan's name! + So he grew to be a man of wealth, + And of honourable fame. + + And in after years, when he had ships, + I sailed with him the sea, + And in all the sorrow of my life + He was a son to me; + And God hath blessed him every where + With a great prosperity. + + +_The Amulet for 1830_. + + * * * * * + + +THE LITTLE MAJOR'S LOVE ADVENTURE. + + +You must know, when I was in the 18th light dragoons, I was quartered +in Canterbury; and having got some introductory letters, I contrived +to make out a pleasant time enough. One of my visiting-houses was +old Tronson's the banker's--devilish agreeable family--four pretty +girls--all flirted--painted on velvet--played the harp--sang Italian, +and danced as if they had been brought up under D'Egville in the _corps +de ballet._ The old boy kept a man-cook, and gave iced champagne. Now, +you know, there is no standing this; and Harriette, the second of the +beauties, and I, agreed to fall in love, which in due course of time we +effected. Nothing could be better managed than the whole affair; we each +selected a confidant, sat for our pictures, interchanged them with a +passionate note, and made a regular engagement for ever. + +Such was the state of things, when the route came, and my troop was ordered +to embark for Portugal. Heavens! what a commotion! Harriette was in +hysterics: we talked of an elopement, and discussed the propriety of going +to Gretna; but the hurry to embark prevented us. I could not, you know, +take her with me. Woman in a transport! a devilish bore; and nothing was +left for it but to exchange vows of eternal fidelity. We did so, and +parted--both persuaded that our hearts were reciprocally broken. + +Ah!--if you knew what I suffered night and day! her picture rested in my +bosom; and I consumed a pipe of wine in toasting her health, while I was +dying of damp and rheumatism. But the recollection of my _constant +Harriette_ supported me through all; and particularly so, when I was +cheered by the report of my snub-nosed surgeon, who joined us six months +after at Santarem, and assured me on the faith of a physician, that the +dear girl was in the last stage of a consumption. + +Two years passed away, and we were ordered home. O heavens! what were my +feelings when I landed at Portsmouth! I threw myself into a carriage, and +started with four horses for Canterbury: I arrived there with a safe neck, +and lost not a moment in announcing my return to my constant Harriette. + +The delay of the messenger seemed an eternity: but what were my feelings, +when he brought me a perfumed note (to do her justice, she always wrote on +lovely letter-paper), and a parcel. The one contained congratulations of my +safe arrival, accompanied by assurances of unfeigned regret that I had not +reached Canterbury a day sooner, and thus allowed her an opportunity of +having her "dear friend Captain Melcomb" present at her wedding; while the +packet was a large assortment of French kid skins and white ribbon. + +That blessed morning she had bestowed her fair hand on a fat professor of +theology from Brazen Nose, who had been just presented to a rich prebend by +the bishop, for having proved beyond a controversy, the divine origin of +tithes, in a blue-bound pamphlet. Before I had time to recover from my +astonishment, a travelling carriage brought me to the window; and quickly +as it passed, I had full time to see _ma belle Harriette_ seated +beside the thick-winded dignitary. She bowed her white Spanish hat and six +ostrich feathers to me as she rolled off, to spend, as the papers informed +me, "the honey-moon at the lakes of Cumberland.' There was a blessed return +for two years' exposure to the attacks of rheumatism and French +cavalry.--_Stories of Waterloo._ + + * * * * * + +When the celebrated Philip Henry was ejected from the establishment, +Dr. Busby (who had been his tutor) meeting him, said, "Who made you a +nonconformist?" "You, Sir," replied he, "I made you a nonconformist!" +"Yes, Sir, you taught me those principles which forbade to violate my +conscience." + +TOSCAR. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE SKETCH-BOOK. + + * * * * * + + +ANTWERP CATHEDRAL. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Antwerp possesses considerable interest to an Englishman, as a place of +great importance during the late war, when there was a sort of mystery +attached to it, as the secret grand naval depot of Napoleon, which our +Government thought to "cripple France for ever," by getting into our own +hands! But what the Earl of Chatham, with an army of twenty thousand men, +aided by a fine British fleet, could not do, I did: I made my entry into +Antwerp--without molestation, thanks to the benign Spirit of Peace--towards +the evening of a fine day in July; and while the impression of novelty was +still fresh, enjoyed a rich treat in viewing its noble Cathedral. The +interior is grand, but simple--striking the beholder more by its loftiness +and spaciousness, than by any profusion of glittering ornament, so common +in Catholic churches--although the forest of pillars, the altar-piece, the +statues, and above all the splendid pictures which grace the walls, form a +rich variety to the eye. It would be useless to enter into a minute detail, +for no description can give a stranger a perfect idea of one building +distinct from others of a similar kind, and those who have seen the object +itself do not require it. Antwerp may be called the country of Rubens: at +every turn you meet with monuments of his genius; and here (in the +Cathedral) you have what is esteemed his masterpiece--the "Descent from the +Cross"--which surprises you with a boldness of drawing, vigour and richness +of colouring, and an animation in the grouping, that can scarcely be +excelled; and when you discern the colossal figures from a little distance +amongst the pillars and arches of the nave, you feel inclined to bow in +reverence to the divinity of the genius which has portrayed so wonderful a +conception of the mind. It is needless to say that this was one of the +works of art carried to Paris to enrich the gallery of the Louvre, together +with one placed in a corresponding situation, "The Assumption of the +Virgin," which is more in Rubens' florid style than the former. There is +also, by the same master-hand, a noble picture, "The Elevation of the +Cross," in the artist's happiest manner; and the exquisite altarpiece, "The +Ascension," is also his work. There are several other fine paintings +here--one of them said to be the best performance of Quintin Matsys, who, +under the inspiration of love, deserted the anvil for the pallet; and +another by his father-in-law, Flors, supposed to be the identical picture +upon which the _ci devant_ blacksmith painted a bee, with such skill +as to obtain the old artist's cordial consent to the marriage of Matsys +with his daughter. Amongst the carved wood-work in the aisles, we admired +the execution of several statues of Saints, male and female, whose features +and drapery are finished with all the delicacy of marble. + +The shades of evening now began to add to the solemnity of the scene, by +the indistinctness that was gradually enveloping the more distant objects; +and, alone, we almost dreaded to break, with our own whispers, the silence +which reigned around. In the midst of this "stillness audible," the fine +bell of the cathedral struck the hour, and its melodious tone seemed at +once to reach the heart. We sat down to listen to the prolonged note, as +each successive toll reverberated through the expanse--lingering like a +halo around the walls, and appearing to awaken echoes from the guardian +spirits of the night. I fancied I had never in my life heard so +full-toned--so musical a bell: certain it is, none ever gave me the same +sensation of delight. Indeed, the whole belfry is well assorted, for the +_carillons_, which play certain airs at intervals, produce a sweeter +effect than I remember any where else; and one of the pleasant +recollections I retain of Antwerp arises out of the frequent, but +unobtrusive, chimes that salute the ear during the day. We left Notre Dame +this time with "lingering steps and slow." + +But how can I give an idea of the exterior? The tendency to placid +reflection which we had caught within found ample food for indulgence when +we came to witness the effect of the architecture without, combined with +the particular time of night--about nine o'clock--different tints and +shadows displaying themselves upon the angles of the building, as the light +decreased. Imagine a spire of light, ornamental, elegant open-work, carried +up about a hundred feet higher than St. Paul's. I believe it is the +loftiest in Europe, with the exception of Strasbourg, than which, in the +opinion of many, it is more handsome. The only drawback upon its beauty +is the glaringly large dial of the clock; but even this may suggest +appropriate reflection: for may we not consider it an emblem of Time, whose +course it measures, intruding upon the fairest prospects of our lives, +to remind us that all human monuments and enjoyments must yield to his +irresistible hand? The spire rises on one side of the principal entrance; +and there is a corresponding tower on the other, to the height of the base +of the steeple part, as if there had been an intention to erect one of +similar dimensions there also, like the twin towers of Westminster Abbey; +but I cannot help thinking, that as two and two are said not always to make +four, the projecting counterpart, instead of doubling the effect, would +have lessened the feeling of stupendous height with which the present +single pinnacle inspires the beholders. As there cannot be two suns in the +same sphere, neither could the spire of Antwerp have borne a rival near its +solitary, aerial throne. It soars aloft with such grandeur, that in gazing +upon it my brain actually grew dizzy with the sight: never was I conscious +in an equal degree of such a feeling of awe from a work of art, and my mind +really ached with the intensity of the impression.--We seemed to view this +sublime object with mutual wonder and admiration--gazing upon it in one +position, then in another--walking about--stopping--excited as it were by +the same impulse. Once, when nearly dark, as our eyes were fixed upon the +top, a gentle light suddenly appeared upon the very summit, crowning the +majestic fane with glory, as if pointing it out for admiration to a +surrounding world: it was a star twinkling upon the very spot where the +highest point of the spire rested on the sky. + +The name of Antwerp is derived from _Hand-werpen_ or +_Hand-thrown_: so called from a legend, which informs us that on the +site of the present city once stood the castle of a giant, who held the +neighbouring country in thraldom, and who was accustomed to amuse himself +by cutting off, and casting into the river, the right hands of the +unfortunate wights that fell into his power; but that being at last +conquered himself, his own immense hand was disposed of, with poetical +justice, in the same way. With the impression of this story on my mind, it +came into my head that the giant was personified by the towering spire: no +wonder, thought I, that Don Quixote mistook a windmill for a giant, since +I, even in my sober senses, cannot get rid of the idea that I see the +mighty hand-thrower before me. With a little confusion of the image, I then +imagined the spire to be the guardian of the city--that it took cognizance +of all its affairs, and that it would watch me even into my retreat for the +night. Like the adored phantom of youthful love, it pervaded every place, +and haunted me in my dreams. Often the motion of the clouds seemed to be +transferred to the lofty spire, which again assuming the giant character +startled me with the impression that it was falling towards me, or rushing +to crush its victims, like the horrid car of Jaggernaut. + +Through the Giant's Gate, so called from a colossal statue reclining upon +it, there is an opening to the Scheldt;--without is the quay, covered +with merchandize unloading from the ships in the river, and serving as +an evening promenade. Here you may see the other eminences of the city +occasionally, but the gigantic one--always: it stalks out from amidst the +cluster of buildings your constant companion wherever you go--as you walk +along, it appears to move with you, and when you stop it waits with +patience until you go on again. On another occasion we took a boat on the +Scheldt, and landing at some distance below the town, had a delightful +walk along its banks, which are elevated like part of Milbank, near +Vauxhall-bridge; and the situation has much the same character. The river, +however, is grander, as I should judge it to be twice the width of the +Thames at London-bridge, and it flows with great rapidity. It was a +charming evening, and we saw the sun set in all his glory down the Scheldt, +in the bosom of which were reflected the endless tints of the sky, whose +golden brilliancy was beautifully relieved by the intervention of some +cottages near us, and a pretty village, with its church-spire a little +further off. On one side was the flat cultivated country of Flanders, and +looking up the river, we beheld the shipping and the whole city: all the +churches and towers raised their varied forms, but still only to do homage, +as it were, to the great pile which outstripped them, and which was lit up +by the radiance of the departed sun. Model of splendour! "from morn 'till +dewy eve" how must thy elegant form be engraven on the hearts of the +natives of the city thou overlookest, exciting emotions of home, like the +craggy rock of the Highlanders, when they are absent in distant lands! and +how must the youth, whom the love of art carries to study the treasures of +Venice and Rome, when returning to shed a lustre upon his natal place--of +being one day named with Matsys and Rubens, and the other splendid painters +by whom it has been adorned--how must the first glance that he catches of +thy hallowed height make his heart throb with endearing thoughts of the +friends he left under thy shade, and absorb for the moment all feelings of +ambition in the recollection of the boyish days passed within thy ken--but +now, alas, departed for ever! May the fires of heaven, and the tremblings +of earth, never injure thy venerable beauty; but may thousands, and tens +of thousands, in time to come, as in time past, gaze upon thee--as I, an +obscure, nameless stranger, have done--with thoughts too deep for words! + +During the evening I have alluded to we were accompanied by the +accomplished Miss ----, whose talents must be well known to many of our own +artists who have visited Antwerp; and this being her native place, her +conversation gave us those kindly associations of home, without which no +scenes, however beautiful or however uncommon, can penetrate the inmost +recesses of the soul. + +W.G. + +Our Correspondent, in a few introductory lines, modestly, though +somewhat unnecessarily, apologizes for the enthusiasm of the reflective +portion of the previous sketch. He will perceive that we have ventured upon +a few slight alterations. He concludes his note to us with an assurance +that "the feelings were sincere, however trifling the thoughts, or +inadequate the expression." Of his sincerity we have no doubt; and where +the feelings of a writer are so honourable to his heart as are many in this +paper, we are not fastidious enough to quarrel with inadvertencies of the +head. All have felt the overpowering effect produced by the contemplation +of the sublimities of art, but comparatively few are aware of the +difficulty of embodying these first impressions in descriptive detail.--ED. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE GATHERER. + + A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. +SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + +Vivian Grey pronounces school ushers execrable wretches, because they wear +pepper and salt pantaloons; Lady Morgan improves upon him, declaring the +man who wears a white waistcoat in the morning, or the woman who curtsies +at a drawing-room door, out of the pale of society. It is surprising that +people will write such rubbish as this--more surprising that others will +print it-- most surprising that folks buy it--and as Cobbett would say, +what surprises us "most of all," is that people read it. + +Q. + + * * * * * + + +ORIGIN OF THE WORD FARM. + + +Spelman derives this word from the Saxon term _fearme_, or +_feorme_, which signifies _victus_, food, or _provision_, as +the tenants and country people anciently paid their rents in victuals and +other necessaries of life, but which was afterwards converted into the +payment of certain sums of money. Hence a _ferm_ was originally a +place which furnished or supplied its owner or lord with provisions. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + +At an inn in a market town upon the road to Holyhead, a gentleman sat in +the kitchen smoking his pipe, and watching with anxiety a fowl that was +roasting for his supper. At length a tall, meagre figure stalked in, and +after an earnest and melancholy look at the fowl, retired with a sigh. +Repeating his visit he exclaimed, "That fowl will never be done in time." +"What do you mean?" said the gentleman, "that fowl is for my supper, and +you shan't touch a bit of it." "Oh," replied the other, "you misunderstand +me; I don't want the fowl; but I am to play _Oroonoko_ this evening, +and we cannot begin for want of the _jack chain_." + +C.C. + + * * * * * + + +THOMAS PAINE. + + +When Paine's "Rights of Man," reached Lewes, where he married a Miss Olive, +the women as with one voice, said, "Od rot im, let im come ear if he dast, +an we'll tell him what the Rights of Women is; we'll toss im in a blanket, +and ring im out of Lewes wi our frying pans."--_Cheetham's Life of +Paine_. + + * * * * * + + +EPIGRAM. + + +Ah, Lucy, 'twas a roguish thought That kindled up that rosy hue; True, +'twas a roguish thought, for I, Thought none so great a rogue as +_you_. + + * * * * * + +_LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS_. + +CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the Strand, near +Somerset House. + +The ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS, Embellished with nearly 150 Engravings. +In 6 Parts, 1s. each. + +The TALES of the GENII. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + +The MICROCOSM. By the Right Hon. G. CANNING. &c. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + +PLUTARCH'S LIVES, with Fifty Portraits, 12 Parts, 1s. each. + +COWPER'S POEMS, with 12 Engravings, 12 Numbers, 3d. each. + +COOK'S VOYAGES, 28 Numbers, 3d. each. + +The CABINET of CURIOSITIES: or, WONDERS of the WORLD DISPLAYED. 27 Nos. 2d. +each. + +BEAUTIES of SCOTT, 36 Numbers, 3d. each. + +The ARCANA of SCIENCE for 1828. Price 4s. 6d. + +GOLDSMITH'S ESSAYS. Price 8d. + +DR. FRANKLIN'S ESSAYS. Price 1s. 2d. + +BACON'S ESSAYS Price 8d. + +SALMAGUNDI. Price 1s. 8d. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11459 *** diff --git a/11459-h/11459-h.htm b/11459-h/11459-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c6e2a3a --- /dev/null +++ b/11459-h/11459-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2653 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Mirror of Literature, Issue 396. + </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;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + + .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 11459 ***</div> + + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page273" name="page273"></a>[pg + 273]</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. XIV, NO. 396.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1829.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + BLARNEY CASTLE. + </h2> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/396-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/396-1.png" alt="Blarney Castle." /></a> + </div> + <p> + This Engraving, to use a cant phrase, is an exquisite "bit of + Blarney;" but independent of the vulgar association, it has a + multitude of attractions for every reader. Its interest will, + however, be materially enhanced by the following admirable + description from the graphic pen of T. Crofton Croker, + Esq.<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + </p> + <p> + Blarney, so famous in Irish song and story, is situated about + four miles north west of Cork, and was, within these few + years, a thriving manufacturing village; but it no longer + wears the aspect of comfort or of business, and appears much + gone to decay. + </p> + <p> + The alteration struck me very forcibly. In 1815, I remember a + large square of neat cottages, and the area, a green shaded + by fine old trees. Most of the cottages are now roofless; the + trees have been cut down, and on my last visit, in 1821, a + crop of barley was ripening in the square. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "the clam'rous rooks + </p> + <p> + Ask for their wonted seat, but ask in vain! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their ancient home is level'd with the earth, + </p> + <p> + Never to wave again its leafy head, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or yield a covert to the feather'd choir, + </p> + <p> + Who now, with broken song, remote and shy, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Seek other bowers, their native branches gone!" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This prepared me to expect a similar change in the grounds of + the castle, where much timber has been also felled; but the + grounds still are beautiful, rock and water being features in + the landscape, the picturesque effect of which neglect cannot + injure. + </p> + <p> + The castle consists of a massive square tower, that rises + broad and boldly above surrounding trees, on a precipitous + rock over a stream called the Awmartin; and attached to the + east side is an extensive dwelling-house, erected about a + century since by Sir James Jeffreys, who purchased or + obtained this estate from the crown, and in whose family it + still continues. + </p> + <p> + Blarney Castle was built about the middle of the fifteenth + century, by Cormac MacCarty, or Carthy surnamed Laider, or + the Strong. He was descended from the kings of Cork, and was + esteemed so powerful a chieftain that the English settlers in + his part of Munster paid him an annual tribute of forty + pounds to protect them from the attacks and <i>insults</i> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page274" name="page274"></a>[pg + 274]</span> of the Irish. To him is also ascribed the + building of the Abbey and Castle of Kilcrea, the Nunnery of + Ballyvacadine, and many other religious houses; in the former + of which he was buried.<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> + It would be a matter of little importance and considerable + labour to trace the Castle of Blarney from one possessor to + another. The genealogical table in Keating's "History of + Ireland" will enable those addicted to research to follow the + Mac Carty pedigree; but a tiresome repetition of names, + occasioned by the scantiness of them in an exceedingly + numerous family, present continual causes of perplexity to + the general reader. The names of Donough, Cormac, Teague, + Florence, Dermot, Owen, and Donnel, constitute almost the + whole catalogue used by the Mac Carties<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + for a period exceeding six hundred years.<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> + This difficulty is heightened from the entire Sept being, in + point of fact, without a sirname, as the followers of most + chieftains in Ireland as well as Scotland assumed that of + their lord. In the reign of Edward IV. a statute was enacted, + commanding each individual to take upon himself a separate + sirname, "either of his trade and faculty, or of some quality + of his body or mind, or of the place where he dwelt, so that + every one should be distinguished from the other." But this + statute did not effect the object proposed, and Spenser, in + his "View of Ireland," mentions it as having become obsolete, + and strongly recommends its renewal. + </p> + <p> + The military and historic recollections connected with + Blarney are doubtless of sufficient importance to give an + interest to the place; but to a curious superstition it is + perhaps more indebted for celebrity. A stone in the highest + part of the castle wall is pointed out to visitors, which is + supposed to give to whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege + of deviating from veracity with unblushing countenance + whenever it may be convenient—hence the well-known + phrase of "<i>Blarney</i>." + </p> + <p> + The grounds attached to the castle, as I before observed, + though so little attended to, are still beautiful. Walks, + which a few years since were neat and trim, are now so + overrun with brambles and wild flowers as to be passed with + difficulty. Much wood has also been cut down, and the + statues, so ridiculously enumerated in a popular song, + removed. A picturesque bridge too, which led to the castle, + has been swept away by the wintry floods, and, with the + exception of a small dell called the Rock Close, every thing + seems changed for the worse. In this romantic spot nature and + art (a combination rather uncommon in pleasure-grounds) have + gone hand in hand. Advantage has been taken of accidental + circumstances to form tasteful and characteristic + combinations; and it is really a matter of difficulty at + first to determine what is primitive, and what the produce of + design. The delusion is even heightened by the present total + neglect. You come most unexpectedly into this little shaded + nook, and stand upon a natural terrace above the river, which + glides as calmly as possible beneath. Here, if you feel + inclined for contemplation, a rustic couch of rock, all + festooned with moss and ivy, is at your service; but if + adventurous feelings urge you to explore farther, a discovery + is made of an almost concealed, irregularly excavated passage + through the solid rock, which is descended by a rude flight + of stone steps, called the "Witches Stairs," and you emerge + <i>sul margine d'un rio</i>, over which depend some light and + graceful trees. It is indeed a fairy scene, and I know of no + place where I could sooner imagine these little elves holding + their moonlight revelry. + </p> + <p> + A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a lake, + said to abound with a species of leech. It does not afford + one good subject for the pencil, being without islands, the + margin swampy, and the adjacent trees planted with too much + attention to regularity. It is a very generally believed + tradition that, before Blarney surrendered to King William's + forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was made up in an 'oaken + chest, which was thrown into this lake, and has not since + been recovered; nor does + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page275" name="page275"></a>[pg + 275]</span> this appear improbable, as I understand repeated + attempts have in vain been made to drain it. In 1814, the + late Mr. Milliken, whose well-known song of "the Groves of + Blarney" has identified his memory with the place, gave me a + clumsy silver ring for the finger, which had been taken out + of the lake by a boy who was fishing in it. + </p> + <p> + Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth + notice that, in a quarry close to the castle, where some men + were working, we picked up several human bones, and that one + of the labourers informed us so many as twenty horse loads of + these bones had been thrown into the lake; he also spoke of + two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and + pennies of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug + up here; but I believe never in any quantity. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the castle contains little worth notice + except a full-length portrait of Charles XII. of Sweden, said + to be an original, and brought here by one of the Jeffreys' + family who was envoy to that monarch. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE ANNUALS. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "Flow'rets strew'd + </p> + <p> + By churlish Time, in cheerlier mood; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The sweetness of a second Spring, + </p> + <p> + Beneath the Autumn of his wing. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Bestowing on the season's gloom + </p> + <p> + The bliss of a perennial bloom." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Glancing back to the commencement of the nineteenth century, + the only <i>annual</i> record of poetry and prose which we + recollect, was "The Flowers of Literature;" a thick + duodecimo, habited in a flesh-coloured wrapper, and retaining + in its print and pages, the quaintness which characterized + "the good old days" of the "Universal Magazine;" and which + still clings, though somewhat modified, to the patriarchal + pages of Sylvanus Urban. The matter was in accordance with + the manner—a medley of prosing articles, from the + titles of which we might select, as indicative of their + style, "Ode to Despair;" "Topographical Description of + Paris;" "The Sailor;" more agreeably interspersed with some + effusion of Mrs. Barbauld, or Mrs. Opie; mingled, again, with + sundry "Observations on the Present State of the War," + written by some sleepy newspaper editor, whose language we + might assimilate with, "We have received intelligence from," + &c. Here and there, perhaps, a straggling beam of genius + broke through the mental twilight, in the shape of, "Some + Account of the poet, Burns;" a <i>Rustique</i> by Bloomfield, + or an elegant sonnet by Bowles or Charlotte Smith. The rest + of would-be-sonneteers, tragedy-writers, and essayists, have + long ago found, with their mediocrities, a congenial oblivion + in "the tomb of all the Capulets." + </p> + <p> + But suddenly, and without much premise to warrant the + commencement of such an era, the department of our + imaginative literature was established in patronage and + importance; and those "trivial, fond records," which were + wont only to sparkle a brief endurance in the mutable columns + of a newspaper, or doomed, when existing in fragile + manuscript, "to die and be forgot," found a refuge from their + Lethean fate in the numerous Magazines which the increased + taste, and avidity for reading, evinced by the public, had + called into existence. Still there was a <i>desideratum</i>, + which these adornments of English Literature, "The Annuals," + alone supplied. The casual tones which emanated from the + "transcendent masters of the lyre," were not to be lost to + "the public ear" for want of "a circulating medium;" and + Ackermann, a name familiar to the lovers of pictorial art, + had the honour of first setting England the example of + preserving her valuable anthology, by producing his + attractive Annual, "The Forget-Me-Not;" a species of + literature which presents us with the pleasing facility of + holding yearly communion with our poets and authors, without + being subjected to the tedium of awaiting their protracted + appearance in a more voluminous shape. We can now more + frequently greet Anacreon Moore, wreathing his harp with the + paternal shamrock, characteristically mingled with "pansies + <i>for love</i>;" Montgomery, mourning over our nature's + degradation; telling us of the affections and passions of + earth, yet luring us to higher hopes and brighter + consummation; his every line evincing that chastened sorrow + which Byron threw into the portrait of the Sheffield + bard— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "With broken lyre, and cheek serenely pale." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Coleridge, dropping "some natural tears," on viewing the + altered features of his native valley; sweetly and + affectionately telling of + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The meadow, and its babbling brook, + </p> + <p> + Where roses in the ripple shook." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Southey, forgetting the ungentler theme of "battle field" + amidst the sublimity of rock and lake. Campbell, pouring from + his plaintive shell a tender eulogy to his northern + home—a glowing tissue of + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page276" name="page276"></a>[pg + 276]</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Dreams Of the Highland mountains, and echoing streams, + </p> + <p> + And broken glades, breathing their balm. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + —Scott, terrifically depicting a Sassenagh tournament, + or inditing a stirring appeal to the "blue bonnets," to + settle some Border broil. James Hogg, "the Scottish Virgil," + on whom has surely fallen the mantle of inspiration from the + Mantuan bard, coming forth in all the richness of the "Noctes + Ambrosianae," from the misty hill where he dominates "the + king of shepherds." Delta, elegantly pensive, sighing beneath + the blighted trees which flourished over his boyhood; and + listening to the rhetoric of the changing seasons. Alaric + Watts, "the fireside bard," giving us a touching apostrophe + to his "youngling of the flock," in melting verse, warm from + that kindred fancy + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "Whose blessed words + </p> + <p> + Can bid the sweetest dreams arise; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Awaken feeling's tenderest chords, + </p> + <p> + And drown in tears of joy the eyes." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + T.K. Hervey, following in the same bright path, or + enthusiastically rapt amidst the beauty and bloom of + Australia.—Bernard Barton, bringing us snatches of + vernal philosophy, gathered in the silence of murky woods, + and the solitude of perfumed meadows.—John Clare, + swearing everlasting fealty to his beauteous Mary, by the + elm-shadowed cottage of her bowery home; thanking heaven for + the benison of love and rurality.—Richardson, the poet + of India, sonnetizing amidst the superb cupolas and temples + which gem the banks of the deified Ganges, longing to + exchange his fevered abode for salubrious + England.—Pringle transforming the repulsive features of + a South African desert into matter for piteous song; and + illumining, by the brightness of his genius, the terrible + picture of Caffre barbarity and degradation.—Roscoe, + revelling in the sweets of Italian lore, his own lips + "touched with a live coal" from the altar of + poesy.—Washington Irving, grasping at the intellect, + and speculating on the wit and fancy, of all climes; so + speedily transplanting himself (bodily as well as mentally) + from the back woods of America to the land of + Columbus—from the vineyards of France to the valleys of + Yorkshire—as almost to induce a belief in his power of + ubiquity.—Allan Cunningham, sympathizing with the + sorrows of one "who never told her love," and weaving a + tearful elegy over her flower-strewn grave, or painting the + fiercer incidents of piratical warfare, on the ocean's + solitudes.—Felicia Hemans, her lyre musically blending + the song of sounding streams with the spontaneous melody of + the "feathered choir" composing an epicedium to the memory of + departed days, and proving her glorious claims to the poetic + character, "creation's heir."—Mary Russell Mitford, + great in her histrionic portraitures of liberty, whether + patrician or plebeian; yet not forgetting in her dramatic + wanderings, her happy village; but drawing us, "by the cords + of love," to the rustic scene; amplifying that fine axiom of + the Stratford bard— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To shepherds, looking on their silly sheep, + </p> + <p> + Than does the embroider'd canopy to kings?" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + J.H. Wiffen, dating from the sentimental seclusion of Woburn + Abbey, a song replete with all the grace and imagination of + his "Ionian Hours."—Charles Lamb, the "deep-thoughted + Elia," introducing us to the maidenly residence of his cousin + Bridget; delighted with delighting; his fancy expatiating on + a copious medley of subjects between the stiff Mandarins on + the old fashioned china, and that <i>Beaumont and + Fletcher</i>, the purchase of his rigid economy, ere his + talents had brought him fame and fortune.—Letitia + Landon "the English Sappho," a being existing but in the + atmosphere of love and flowers; equally sensitive at the + opening of a violet as at the shutting of a rose. But our + list of the living is too extended; and we will speak of some + of the departed. + </p> + <p> + Interspersed with the emanations of our existing bards, we + have, occasionally, those precious <i>morceaux</i> which have + been bequeathed us by the illustrious dead. Trifles, yet how + esteemed! Remembrances of Byron, with his fiery impetuosity, + spurning the trammels of worldly sorrow; and prescribing + death as a <i>panacea</i> for his lamentable despair; yet + subduing us with refined regrets, as he was wont, in his + changing mood, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "To sun himself in heaven's pure day." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Shelley, misanthropically commencing with the turbulence of + the chainless sea: a spirit matured to madness by the + overawing and supernatural terrors of German romance: as he + asserts himself to be, in his lamentation for the author of + Endymion, one who + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Had gaz'd on Nature's naked loveliness, + </p> + <p> + Acteon-like, until <i>he fled away</i>." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + John Keates, forsaking the land of his fame, and prematurely + resigning his "quiet breath," on that spot + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Where dwelt the muses at their natal hour;" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page277" name="page277"></a>[pg + 277]</span> leaving to the less sensitive reviewers to prove, + whether he had been "led astray by the light from heaven, or + by his own clouded and tempestuous genius:" + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "That fire within so fiercely burned + </p> + <p> + That whence it came it soon returned." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Maturin, though corrupted and enervated by the follies and + dissipation of the anti-poetic city, becoming, in his lucid + intervals, "himself again," in the composition of a splendid + dramaticle.—Henry Neele, the "martyr-student," inviting + us to share in the intense admiration of intellect; forcibly + demonstrating "that song is but the eloquence of + truth"—but of him no more! + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The churchyard bears an added stone; + </p> + <p> + The fireside shows a vacant chair." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Yet, however splendid the galaxy of literary stars may be, + which illumine our Annuals, they owe no little of their + lustre to <i>the engravings</i>. It fortuitously happens that + we have not "a connoisseuring eye," or we should swell this + paper beyond the limits prescribed by editorial complaisance, + in the pages of "THE MIRROR." We are not ignorant, however, + of the incomparable advancement which the science of + engraving has made in the lapse of the last ten years; or how + far it has left behind those mere scratches of the graver + which lit up our young admiration when a boy. Two of these we + will be impertinent enough to criticise, in spite of the + affection with which we cherish the visionary recollection of + the pictures of grandmother's parlour. The subjects were + "courtship," and "matrimony." In the former, the + Chesterfieldian lover was seen handing his <i>chere amie</i> + (a lusty wench, with red ochre cheeks) over a remarkably low + stile: whether the subject, or the manner of its execution + had inspired the muse, is no matter; but beneath was the + following:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "In <i>courtship</i>, Strephon careful hands his lass + </p> + <p> + Over a stile a child with ease might pass" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The next was "matrimony;" but, oh! "look on <i>this</i> + picture and on <i>this!</i>" The careless husband, forgetting + his capacious spouse, leaves her to scramble over a stile of + alarming altitude, whilst his attention seems absorbed in the + quarrel of two snarling terriers. Such conjugal uncourtliness + elicits its merited censure in the cool satire of the + accompanying motto:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "But <i>wedded</i> Strephon now neglects his dame: + </p> + <p> + Tumble or not, to him 'tis all the same." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The costume of these two figures was in accordance with the + date of the hey-day of Ranelagh Gardens; and the outline of + the foliage was about on a par with those designs we often + see cut out of paper, by an ingenious schoolboy yet they may + be adduced as criterions of the average merit appertaining to + the generality of the productions of the burine of "the old + school." + </p> + <p> + In closing this erratic dissertation on the Annuals, we may + remark, that an interesting article might be written, + descriptive of the reformation which gradually elevated the + art of engraving to perfection—a history of its + emerging from the inanities which flaunt in the window of + Carver and Bowles, in St. Paul's Churchyard, and arriving at + the exquisite perfection of such achievements as "Alexander's + Visit to Diogenes," and "Quintus Curtius leaping into the + Gulf." + </p> + <p> + * * H. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + FINE ARTS. + </h2> + <h3> + SCHOOL OF PAINTING AT THE BRITISH INSTITUTION, PALL MALL. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Sir,—I have recently had the pleasure of visiting the + British Institution, and hope the following remarks on a few + of the best works will prove acceptable to those of your + readers who are interested in the Fine Arts. + </p> + <p> + It is customary at this Institution to open, every autumn, a + school for the study of painting, in which students have an + opportunity of copying the best productions of the greatest + masters. The present school opened a few weeks ago, and + furnishes some exquisite specimens of art, which were + selected by the directors as examples for imitation. In + general the students have been very enterprising this season, + and their copies, if not quite equal in every respect to the + charming originals, are nevertheless very meritorious and + masterly attempts. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Holy Family</i>, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, is a + remarkably fine specimen of colour, and has been successfully + copied by Messrs. Boaden, Fisk, Child, and Inskipp. Small + copies, in water colours, have also been done from it by Miss + Sharpe, and Miss Fanny Corbaux. Much praise is due to Mr. + Morton, for his whole length <i>Portrait of a Gentleman</i>, + after Vandyke; and Messrs. Simpson, Higham, and Middleton, + deserve high commendation for executing the best <i>fac + similia</i> of Rembrandt's <i>Portrait of a Lady</i>. The + <i>Landscape with Boors</i>, is a delightful little picture + by Teniers, belonging to his Majesty: numerous attempts have + been made to imitate it, but not altogether with success. Mr. + Hart's copy, however, is extremely + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page278" name="page278"></a>[pg + 278]</span> clever. Poussin's <i>Landscape and Figures</i>, + has engaged the pencil of Mr. Burbank, who has produced a + most elaborate copy in water colours. Mr. Foster displays + considerable ability in his <i>Hobbima;</i> and Messrs. Lee, + Earl, Watts, and Dujardin, have equally excelled in their + copies from the cattle piece by Cuyp. In De Hooge's picture, + the <i>Exterior with Figures</i>, we are delighted with the + representation of a fine summer evening: a peculiar warmth is + diffused over every object, and the lengthened shadows + indicate sunset: of this work, Mr. Novice has executed the + best finished copy; Miss Dujardin's, however, is exceedingly + good, and contains much promise. Another splendid example of + art is a <i>Large Landscape</i>, by Gainsborough, good + studies from which have been made by Messrs. Watts and Child. + </p> + <p> + Two small views on the Grand Canal at Venice, by Gwardi, have + employed the talents of Miss Dujardin, Mr. E. Child, Mr. + Watts, and Master Pasmore. But it is impossible to enumerate, + in this hasty notice, all the arduous undertakings of the + students: suffice it to say, that they have gained another + step towards pictorial fame, and that their copies, from the + works of Rubens, Wouvermans, Murillo, Canaletti, Titian, + &c., are honourable testimonies of their exertion to + excel. + </p> + <p> + <i>October</i> 19, 1829. + </p> + <p> + G.W.N. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE CONTEMPORARY TRAVELLER. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + A TOUR IN THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>Concluded from page 262</i>.) + </p> + <p> + A view of the western side of Jersey, is calculated to + impress a stranger with an idea that it is a barren, + unproductive island; but no supposition could be more + erroneous, as, in fact, a great proportion of it may be + described as orchard. The extent of ground planted, with + fruit trees—apple, pear, and plumb is prodigious; and + consequently cider—and very excellent cider + too—is one of the staple products of the country, and a + favourite beverage among the natives. At the Union Hotel, St. + Helier, boarders were allowed to quaff as much as they had a + liking for, without being subjected to any additional charge. + </p> + <p> + About three miles inland from St. Helier, is a singular + structure named Prince's Tower, erected on an artificial + mound or tumulus, and embowered in a grove of fine trees. The + extensive prospect it commanded, and the indubitable + antiquity of the masonry, induced me to apply for permission + to ascend it; and I was rewarded with a bird's eye view of + nearly the whole island, and a vast sweep of the French coast + extending almost from Cape de la Hogue to Avranches. An + Englishman had lately taken up his abode in the tower, which, + with the adjacent pleasure ground, he rented at forty pounds + a-year. His object was to render it a place of resort to the + inhabitants of St. Helier, and his advertisements promised + that the "delightful emotions excited by its unrivalled + scenery, and the harmonious chat of the feathered tribe, + should not be counteracted by the comfortless sensations of + hunger, thirst, and weariness." The interior of the tower was + neatly and appropriately fitted up. One apartment was + designated the chapel; and in the highest room were several + telescopes, mounted so as to traverse to any point of the + compass, for the gratification of visitors. + </p> + <p> + But it is the traditionary history of Prince's Tower that + renders it interesting in the eyes of the islanders. In + former times it was known by the name of La Hogue-Bye, and + the following legend, quoted from <i>Le Livre noir de + Coutances</i>, gives the origin of its celebrity:—In + remote times, a moor or fen in this part of Jersey, was the + retreat of a monstrous serpent or dragon, which spread terror + and devastation throughout the island. At length a valorous + Norman, the Seigneur de Hambye, undertook to attempt its + destruction, which, after a terrible conflict, he + accomplished. He was accompanied in this adventure by a + vassal of whose fidelity he had no suspicion, but who, seeing + his lord overcome by fatigue, after having vanquished the + reptile, suddenly bethought himself of monopolizing the glory + of the action. Instigated by this foul ambition, he + assassinated his lord, and, returning to Normandy, + promulgated a fictitious narrative of the encounter; and, to + further his iniquitous views, presented a forged letter, + which he said had been written by De Hambye to his widow, + just before his death, enjoining her to reward his faithful + servant, by accepting him as her second husband. Reverence + for the last injunction of her deceased lord, induced the + lady to obey, and she was united to his murderer. But the + exultation of the homicidal slave was of short duration. His + sleep was disturbed by horrid dreams; and at length, in one + of his nightly paroxysms, he disclosed the extent of his + villany. On being arrested and questioned, he made a full + confession, and was tried, found guilty, and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page279" name="page279"></a>[pg + 279]</span> publicly executed. De Hambye's widow, in memory + of her lord, caused a tumulus of earth, to be raised on the + spot where he was buried; and on the summit she built a + chapel, with a tower so lofty, as to be visible from her own + mansion at Coutances. + </p> + <p> + So much for the fable. As to the word <i>Hogue</i>, there are + several places in Jersey called <i>Hougues</i>, which are + always situated on a rising ground. The word has evidently + originated from the German <i>hoch</i>, from which is derived + our English <i>high</i>. A <i>hougue</i>, therefore, means a + mound or hillock, and in the present instance, the addition + of <i>bye</i> is obviously a contraction of Hambye; and, in + accordance with the foregoing tradition, means literally the + <i>barrow</i> or tomb of the <i>Seigneur de Hambye</i>. + </p> + <p> + The chapel at la Hogue is said to have been rebuilt in + imitation of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, by one of the + popish deans of Jersey, in the reign of Henry VIII. La + Hogue-bye remained for many years in a dilapidated state, + till about 1790, when the late Admiral d'Auvergne, a native + of Jersey, better known under his French title of Duke of + Bouillon, became its owner by purchase, and hence it obtained + its present name. At his death, in 1816, it was purchased by + the late lieutenant-governor, Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh + Mackay Gordon, whose heirs afterwards sold it to Francis le + Breton, Esq., to whom it now belongs. + </p> + <p> + The most prominent object in the noble panoramic view from + the top of Prince's Tower, is a huge fortress on the eastern + side of the island, called the Castle of Mont Orgueil. It + crests a lofty conical rock, that forms the northern headland + of Grouville Bay, and looks down, like a grim giant, on the + subjacent strait. The fortifications encircle the cone in + picturesque tiers, and the apex of the mountain shoots up in + the centre of them, as high as the flag-staff, which is in + fact planted upon it. During war a strong garrison constantly + occupied Mont Orgueil, but now a corporal and two privates of + artillery composed the whole military force. The corporal, a + quiet intelligent man, who spoke with much horror of paying a + visit to the West Indies, which, in the mutations of his + professional life, he had a prospect of doing at no distant + period, acted as <i>cicerone</i>, and, among other places, + introduced me into a small circular apartment, forming one of + the suite appropriated to officers, which he said had been + the habitation of Charles II. when a wanderer. This prince, + when his unfortunate father fell into the hands of the + regicidal party, found a loyal welcome in Jersey. Here he was + recognised as king, when in England they sought his blood: + here he remained in security, when his fatherland afforded + him no asylum. During his lonely sojourn in this remote + portion of his hereditary dominions, he is said to have + employed himself in making a survey and delineating a map of + the island. The natives, flattered by the confidence he + reposed in them, and justly proud of nine centuries of + unblemished loyalty to the throne of Great Britain, still + refer to his residence as a memorable event; and in no other + part of the British dominions, is the memory of the "merry + monarch" more respected. When Cromwell, after the disastrous + issue of the battle of Worcester, sent an expedition, under + Admiral Blake, to reduce the island, it made a most gallant + and protracted defence; and had not circumstances conspired + to favour the Invaders, their victory would have been dearly + purchased. + </p> + <p> + Mount Orgueil, in point of historical association, is by far + the most interesting spot in Jersey. A part of the + fortifications, according to tradition, are coeval with + Caesar's incursions into Gaul; and the islanders hold it + famous in their oldest story, and of antiquity beyond record. + In 1374, the celebrated Constable du Guesclin passed over + from Bretagne at the head of a large army, including some of + the bravest knights of France, and encamped before this + fortress, then called Gouray Castle, into which the principal + inhabitants had retired for safety; but after a siege of + several months, he was obliged to draw off his forces in + despair, and quit the island. Henry V. added much to the + strength and beauty of Gouray—made it a depot of arms, + and conferred on it the proud name of Mont Orgueil. About + 1461, Nanfant, the governor, a dependent of Henry VI. was + prevailed upon, by an order of Queen Margaret, to surrender + it to Surdeval, a Frenchman, agent of Peter de Brezé, + Count of Maulevrier; but though de Brezé kept + possession of it for several years, the natives, under the + command of Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of St. Ouen, a family + long illustrious in Jersey annals, prevented him from + completely subjugating the island. Sir Richard Harliston, + vice-admiral of England, afterwards re-captured Mont Orgueil, + and put an end to Maulevrier's usurpation. + </p> + <p> + A small pier, intended to facilitate the landing of stores, + and shelter the numerous + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page280" name="page280"></a>[pg + 280]</span> oyster vessels that resort to Grouville Bay at + the dredging season, projects into the sea, immediately under + the castle guns. The bay, like that of St. Aubin, is defended + by a regular line of martello towers, several of which are + built far within flood-mark, on reefs that form part of the + Violet Bank. The adjacent country is a perfect garden, and + numerous secluded villas and cottages are scattered among the + umbrageous and productive orchards that spread around. A + small village, called Goree, lies a short way southward of + Mont Orgueil. In former times, it was a sutling-place for the + garrison; now it is only the rendezvous of a few + oyster-fishers. In the auberges here, (every alternate house + retailed liquor), brandy sold at a shilling a bottle. + </p> + <p> + The road leading directly from Grouville to St. Helier runs + parallel with the southern shore, among corn fields, + orchards, and hamlets, and is the best in the island. I + travelled it after sunset, and found myriads of toads hopping + across it in every direction. These reptiles are extremely + common in Jersey; while, in the neighbouring island of + Guernsey, if popular report may be credited, they are not + only unknown, but cannot exist, as has been ascertained by + importing them from less favoured countries. This exemption + in favour of Guernsey, is in all probability a mere fable, + originating with some ignorant native, the absurdity of which + no person has been at the trouble to expose. Lizards and + small snakes are also numerous in Jersey; and at night-fall, + a chorus of crickets resounds from every hedge. + </p> + <p> + The Jersey cattle are small; but like the pigmy breed of the + Scottish Highlands, their flesh is delicate, and their milk + and butter rich. The butcher market at St. Helier is supplied + chiefly from France. There are sportsmen in Jersey as well as + in other countries, but game is neither various nor abundant. + The list, however, includes hares, rabbits, the Jersey + partridge, a beautiful bird, with pheasant eyes, red legs, + and variegated plumage; and several varieties of water fowl. + In severe winters, flocks of solan geese, locally denominated + "barnacles," frequent the shores. + </p> + <p> + The Romans, the pioneers of discovery and civilization in + Europe, conferred on Jersey the name of Caesarea, in honour + of their leader; and Caesar and Tacitus concur in describing + it as a stronghold of Druidism, of which worship many + monuments still exist. The aborigines were doubtless sprung + from the Celtic tribes spread over the adjacent continent; + but the present inhabitants are universally recognised as the + lineal descendants of the warlike Normans, who, under the + auspices of the famous Rollo, conquered and established + themselves in the north of France in the ninth century. It + was first attached to the British crown at the conquest; and + though repeated descents have been made on it by France + during the many wars waged between the countries since that + remote era, none of them were attended with such success as + to lead to a permanent occupation of the island. The + islanders, proud of an unconquered name, and gratified to + recollect that they originally gave a king to England, not + England a king to them, have been always distinguished for + fidelity to the British government; and their unshaken + loyalty has, from time to time, been rewarded by immunities + and privileges, highly conducive to their prosperity, and + calculated to foster that spirit of nationality, which is + invariably distinctive of a free people. They are exempted + from those taxes which press heaviest on the English yeoman, + and from naval and military service beyond the boundaries of + their own island. The local administration of justice is + still regulated by the old Norman code of laws, and this + circumstance is regarded by the natives as a virtual + recognition of their independence; but strangers, when they + inadvertently get involved in legal disputes, have often + cause to regret its existence. In cases of assault, + particularly the assaulting of a magistrate, even though his + official character be unknown to the offender, a severe + punishment is generally awarded. We heard several instances + of military officers, who had been guilty of raising an arm + of flesh against jurats in night frolics at St. Helier's, + narrowly escaping the penalty attached to this heinous + infraction of the laws—a penalty which would have left + them maimed for life. + </p> + <p> + The introduction of Christianity, and final extirpation of + idolatry, is said to have occurred in the sixth century. In + the latter days of the reign of popery, Jersey formed part of + the diocese of Coutances in Normandy, where the ancient + records of the island were deposited; but at the Reformation, + in the reign of Elizabeth, it was attached to the see of + Winchester—an annexation, however, merely nominal, for + the island is in reality exempt from the dominion of the + church of England. The inhabitants are a well-disposed and + peaceable race, but not particularly distinguished + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page281" name="page281"></a>[pg + 281]</span> for enthusiasm in religion. The peasantry are + orderly and industrious; the merchants enterprising; and the + seamen, a numerous class, hardy and adventurous. The + <i>aggregate</i> of the people live more after the French + manner than the English; that is, they substitute fruit and + vegetables, in a great measure, for animal food, and cider + for ale. Neither men nor women are distinguished for personal + beauty, though we noticed several very comely dames in our + perambulations; and notwithstanding the boasted purity of + their descent from the ocean-roamers of the north, they have + many of the anomalous features of a mixed + race.—<i>Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical + Science</i>. No. I. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE NATURALIST. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE MOLE. + </h3> + <p> + Foreign naturalists have been much occupied of late with the + mole. From the recently published observations of one of + them, M. Flourens, it appears that this animal, as its + organization indicates, is, if not exclusively, at least, + essentially, carnivorous. It very soon dies if only roots be + given to it; and if it destroy so many roots of vegetables, + it is not for the purpose of eating them, but to seek among + them for worms, insects, and particularly for the larvae of + insects which harbour there. They may be kept alive for a + long time upon any animal food. Ten or twelve hours are + nearly the longest time they can live without food. Like all + animals which feed upon blood and flesh, the mole is always + very thirsty.—<i>Monthly Mag</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + CLIMATE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. + </h3> + <p> + The climate of the British dominions in the south of Africa + is one of the finest in the world. The average height of the + barometer is above thirty inches, and the average summer heat + at noon is about 78 deg. It resembles the climate of Italy, + but is rather warmer and dryer. It is so dry, that draining + is little required for the ground: on the contrary, it is + necessary to retain moisture as much as possible, and even + irrigation is desirable, more especially from the grasses. + The mountains abound in springs, but the supply of water is + scanty and precarious, from the want of energy and skill in + procuring that essential article. Such a scarcity frequently + arises, that the cattle perish from thirst, and the people + themselves are in danger of a similar fate.—<i>Gill's + Repository</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + Sea Pens. + </h3> + <div class="figure" style="width: 50%; float: right;"> + <a href="images/396-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/396-2.png" alt="Sea Pens." /></a> + </div> + <p> + The cuts represent two fine Sea Pens—<i>Silver and + Red</i>, with Sections. + </p> + <p> + Of all the Sea Pens yet known, the first is one of the + largest and most curious in its appearance; being of a + beautiful silvery white, elegantly straited on each of the + feather-like processes, with lines or streaks of the deepest + black. It is extremely rare, and is a native of the Indian + Seas. The accompanying Engraving is copied from a fine + specimen in the British Museum. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE RED SEA-PEN IS + </h3> + <p> + Of a very beautiful appearance, and is found on the British + coast. The animal consists of a flattened stem, or body, + which is furnished with an internal bone, and dilates into an + expanded part, consisting of several pinnae, or lateral + branches, which are divided on their inner edges into a + number of tubular processes, through each of which is + protruded a part of the animal, resembling the head of a + hydra or polype; <span class="pagenum"><a id="page282" + name="page282"></a>[pg 282]</span> the whole animal may, + therefore, be considered as a very compound or ramified union + of polypi, the bodies of which are contained in the naked + part or stem, and from thence ramify into a vast number of + processes, each furnished with its particular head. The + animal emits a very strong phosphoric light, and it is even + so luminous, that it is no uncommon circumstance for the + fishermen to see the fish which happen to be swimming near it + merely by the light of the Pens. Its colour is a bright red + crimson, and the general size that of the figure. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ellis, in the Philosophical Transactions, has published + some specimens of this extraordinary animal, of a + kidney-shaped form, and observes that it nourishes and + supports itself by the succours of polype filaments, which we + have expressed in the Engraving in a magnified size. By these + they take in their food and discharge the exuviae. In case of + danger these little succours are drawn in. + </p> + <p> + Sea Pens are termed <i>locomotive zoophytes,</i> and swim in + the manner of fish. Five hundred polypes may frequently be + numbered on a single feather; and they number among the most + rare and interesting animals of the order to which they + belong. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + </h2> + <hr /> + <center> + <i>Vermin in Ships</i>. + </center> + <p> + Steam has been lately found very successful in cleansing + ships from vermin, and especially the white ant. In India, a + steam boat was lately placed alongside a merchant vessel, and + steam from its boiler conveyed by a very simple system of + pipes in the hold of the latter, the apertures to which were + closed as well as they could be. The operation was continued + for several hours; and there is reason to believe it was + effectual, and will prove a valuable process in the navy. + Besides the direct object of cleansing the ship, another + advantage accrued from the discovery of every leaky place + existing, by the oozing of the water through it. The expense + is said to be very moderate; and it is further stated to be + the only process at present known, not even except sinking, + which effectually destroys the white ant.—<i>Brande's + Journal</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Agriculture</i>. + </center> + <p> + England possesses more pasture land than any other European + country; and Spain the least. + </p> + <p> + In agriculture, France is a century behind England; and to + equal England, France would have to make the immense progress + which, since that time, has more than doubled the prosperity + of the former country. + </p> + <p> + England not only surpasses France in the number of its + cattle, but the animals are also finer, and their flesh is of + better quality; so that an Englishman may enjoy nearly double + the quantity of animal food that France supplies to each of + its inhabitants, and with the further advantage of better + quality. "Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England." + </p> + <center> + <i>Indian Rouge</i>. + </center> + <p> + We find in <i>Jameson's</i> last <i>Journal</i>, a very + interesting paper by Dr. Hancock, on a Red Pigment, called + <i>Carucru</i>, or <i>Chica</i>, which appears to be the + Rouge of the interior Indians. It is produced like Indigo, + from the plant chiefly found towards the head of Essequibo, + Parima, and Rio Negro. On breaking a branch, the leaves, when + dry, become almost of a blood red, and being pounded, are + infused in water till a fermentation ensues. The liquor is + then poured off and left to deposit a settlement, which forms + the <i>Chica</i> paint. It is put up very neatly in little + caskets made with palm leaves, and carried by the Atorayas + and trading Caribs all over Guiana. It has a soft, cochineal, + crimson shade, and is in great demand among the Indians as an + ornamental paint. The use is chiefly for the face, whilst + they stain the other parts of the body with Arnotta. They + also apply the Chica on the cheeks and about the eyes, and + variegate the countenance by marking the forehead, and along + the facial line, with their coomazu, a yellow clay or ochre. + This manner of painting produces a striking contrast, and + gives them a very strange and furious appearance. + </p> + <p> + From the scarcity of the Chica, its employment is almost + exclusively confined to the chiefs and higher orders, their + nobility. The rest must be contented with Arnotta, or Poncer + mixed with the oil of Carapa, a portion of which, with the + Balsam of Aracousiri, mixed with these paints, imparts to + them a very delightful odour. The <i>toilet</i>, therefore, + of the rude tribes is as simple as their manners and mode of + life, their chief material being perfume, and all being + carried in a little gourd. + </p> + <p> + The Chica is not merely esteemed as a pigment, but is + considered in the Orinoko as the most sovereign remedy for + erysipelas, where that complaint is very prevalent. It is + simply made with water into a paste, thinly spread on old + linen <span class="pagenum"><a id="page283" + name="page283"></a>[pg 283]</span> or cotton, and applied as + a plaster to the inflamed part.—<i>Abridged</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Indian Graters</i>. + </center> + <p> + The Tacumas (Indians) are the fabricators of those curious + Cassada Graters, which are considered superior to all others + by those who are acquainted with them. They are made of a + very hard wood, studded over with pointed flint stones, and + fixed by a kind of cement and varnish of surprising + durability; the substance being at the same time a strong + cement and transparent varnish. These Cassada Graters are + scarcely, if at all, known on the coast, or in the European + settlements.—<i>Jameson's Journal</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Wild Bulls</i>. + </center> + <p> + In the province of San Martin, in South America, M. Roulier + saw wild bulls feeding in the <i>llanos</i> among domestic + cattle. These animals pass their morning in the woods, which + cover the foot of the Cordillera, and come out only about two + in the afternoon to feed in the savanna. The moment they + perceive a man they gallop off to the woods. + </p> + <center> + <i>Mount Souffre</i>. + </center> + <p> + During the eruption of this volcano in 1812, the explosions + were heard at 600 or 700 miles distance; and cinders were + taken from the deck of a vessel 150 miles distant. + </p> + <center> + <i>Force of Running Water</i>. + </center> + <p> + In August, 1827, the small rivulet called the College, at the + foot of the Cheviot Hills, was so swollen by the heavy rains, + that the current tore away from the abutment of a mill dam, a + large block of stone, weighing nearly two tons, and + transported it to the distance of a quarter of a mile. + </p> + <center> + <i>Cement</i>. + </center> + <p> + The large snails which are found in gardens and woods, + discharge a whitish substance, with a slimy and gelatinous + appearance, which has been known to cement two pieces of + flint so strongly as to bear dashing on a pavement without + the junction being disturbed, although the flint broke into + fragments by fresh fractures. + </p> + <center> + <i>Artificial Ice</i>. + </center> + <p> + A mixture of four ounces of nitrate of ammonia, four ounces + of subcarbonate of soda, and four ounces of water, in a tin + pail, has been found to produce ten ounces of ice in three + hours.—<i>Brande's Journal</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF <i>NEW WORKS</i>. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + AN OLD MAN'S STORY. + </h3> + <h4> + BY MARY HOWITT. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was an old and quiet man, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And by the fire sate he, + </p> + <p> + "And now," he said, "to you I'll tell + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A dismal thing, which once befell + </p> + <p> + In a ship upon the sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Tis five-and-fifty years gone by, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Since from the River Plate, + </p> + <p> + A young man, in a home-bound ship, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sailed as second mate. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + She was a trim, stout-timbered ship, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And built for stormy seas, + </p> + <p> + A lovely thing on the wave was she, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With her canvass set so gallantly + </p> + <p> + Before a steady breeze. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For forty days, like a winged thing + </p> + <p class="i2"> + She went before the gale, + </p> + <p> + Nor all that time we slackened speed, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Turned helm, or altered sail. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + She was a laden argosy + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of wealth from the Spanish Main, + </p> + <p> + And the treasure-hoards of a Portuguese + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Returning home again. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + An old and silent man was he, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And his face was yellow and lean. + </p> + <p> + In the golden lands of Mexico + </p> + <p class="i4"> + A miner he had been. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + His body was wasted, bent, and bowed, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And amid his gold he lay— + </p> + <p> + Amid iron chests that were bound with brass, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And he watched them night and day. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + No word he spoke to any on board, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And his step was heavy and slow, + </p> + <p> + And all men deemed that an evil life + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He had led in Mexico. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But list ye me—on the lone high seas, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As the ship went smoothly on, + </p> + <p> + It chanced, in the silent second watch, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sate on the deck alone; + </p> + <p> + And I heard, from among those iron chests, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A sound like a dying groan. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I started to my feet—and lo! + </p> + <p class="i4"> + The captain stood by me, + </p> + <p> + And he bore a body in his arms, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And dropped it in the sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I heard it drop into the sea, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + With a heavy splashing sound, + </p> + <p> + And I saw the captain's bloody hands + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As he quickly turned him round; + </p> + <p> + And he drew in his breath when me he saw + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Like one convulsed, whom the withering awe + </p> + <p> + Of a spectre doth astound. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But I saw his white and palsied lips, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the stare of his ghastly eye, + </p> + <p> + When he turned in hurried haste away, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Yet he had no power to fly; + </p> + <p> + He was chained to the deck with his heavy guilt, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the blood that was not dry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas a cursed thing,' said I, 'to kill + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That old man in his sleep! + </p> + <p> + And the plagues of the sea will come from him; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Ten thousand fathoms deep! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And the plagues of the storm will follow us, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For Heaven his groans hath heard!' + </p> + <p> + Still the captain's eye was fixed on me, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But he answered never a word. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And he slowly lifted his bloody hand + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His aching eyes to shade, + </p> + <p> + But the blood that was wet did freeze his soul, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he shrinked like one afraid. + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page284" + name="page284"></a>[pg 284]</span> + <p> + And even then—that very hour + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The wind dropped, and a spell + </p> + <p> + Was on the ship, was on the sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And we lay for weeks, how wearily, + </p> + <p> + Where the old man's body fell. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I told no one within the ship + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That horrid deed of sin; + </p> + <p> + For I saw the hand of God at work, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And punishment begin. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And when they spoke of the murdered man, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the El Dorado hoard, + </p> + <p> + They all surmised he had walked in dreams, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And had fallen overboard. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But I alone, and the murderer— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That dreadful thing did know, + </p> + <p> + How he lay in his sin, a murdered man, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A thousand fathom low. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And many days, and many more, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Came on, and lagging sped, + </p> + <p> + And the heavy waves of that sleeping sea + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Were dark, like molten lead. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And not a breeze came, east or west, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And burning was the sky, + </p> + <p> + And stifling was each breath we drew + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of the air so hot and dry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh me! there was a smell of death + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Hung round us night and day; + </p> + <p> + And I dared not look in the sea below + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the old man's body lay. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + In his cabin, alone, the captain kept, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he bolted fast the door, + </p> + <p> + And up and down the sailors walked, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And wished that the calm was o'er. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The captain's son was on board with us, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A fair child, seven years old, + </p> + <p> + With a merry look that all men loved, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And a spirit kind and bold. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I loved the child, and I took his hand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And made him kneel and pray + </p> + <p> + That the crime; for which the calm was sent, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Might be purged clean away. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For I thought that God would hear his prayer, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And set the vessel free,— + </p> + <p> + For a dreadful thing it was to lie + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon that charnel sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Yet I told him not wherefore he prayed, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Nor why the calm was sent + </p> + <p> + I would not give that knowledge dark + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To a soul so innocent. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + At length I saw a little cloud + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Arise in that sky of flame, + </p> + <p> + A little cloud—but it grew and grew, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And blackened as it came. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And we saw the sea beneath its track + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Grow dark as the frowning sky, + </p> + <p> + And water-spouts, with a rushing sound, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Like giants, passed us by. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And all around, 'twixt sky and sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A hollow wind did blow; + </p> + <p> + And the waves were heaved from the ocean depths, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the ship rocked to and fro. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I knew it was that fierce death-calm + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Its horrid hold undoing, + </p> + <p> + And I saw the plagues of wind and storm + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their missioned work pursuing. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was a yell in the gathering winds, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A groan in the heaving sea, + </p> + <p> + And the captain rushed from the hold below, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But he durst not look on me. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + He seized each rope with a madman's haste, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he set the helm to go, + </p> + <p> + And every sail he crowded on + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As the furious winds did blow. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And away they went, like autumn leaves + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Before the tempest's rout, + </p> + <p> + And the naked masts with a crash came down, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the wild ship tossed about. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The men, to spars and splintered boards, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Clung, till their strength was gone, + </p> + <p> + And I saw them from their feeble hold + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Washed over one by one. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And 'mid the creaking timber's din, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the roaring of the sea, + </p> + <p> + I heard the dismal, drowning cries + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of their last agony. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was a curse in the wind that blew, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A curse in the boiling wave; + </p> + <p> + And the captain knew that vengeance came + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From the old man's ocean grave. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And I heard him say, as he sate apart, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In a hollow voice and low, + </p> + <p> + 'Tis a cry of blood doth follow us, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And still doth plague us so!' + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And then those heavy iron chests + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With desperate strength took he, + </p> + <p> + And ten of the strongest mariners + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Did cast them into the sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And out, from the bottom of the sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There came a hollow groan;— + </p> + <p> + The captain by the gunwale stood, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he looked like icy stone— + </p> + <p> + And he drew in his breath with a gasping sob, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And a spasm of death came on. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And a furious boiling wave rose up, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With a rushing, thundering roar,— + </p> + <p> + I saw the captain fall to the deck, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But I never saw him more. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Two days before, when the storm began, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + We were forty men and five, + </p> + <p> + But ere the middle of that night + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There were but two alive. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The child and I, we were but two, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he clung to me in fear; + </p> + <p> + Oh! it was pitiful to see + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That meek child in his misery, + </p> + <p> + And his little prayers to hear! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + At length, as if his prayers were heard, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'Twas calmer, and anon + </p> + <p> + The clear sun shone, and warm and low + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A steady wind from the west did blow, + </p> + <p> + And drove us gently on. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And on we drove, and on we drove, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That fair young child and I, + </p> + <p> + But his heart was as a man's in strength, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he uttered not a cry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was no bread within the wreck, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And water we had none, + </p> + <p> + Yet he murmured not, and cheered me + </p> + <p class="i2"> + When my last hopes were gone; + </p> + <p> + But I saw him waste and waste away, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And his rosy cheek grow wan. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Still on we drove, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I knew not where, + </p> + <p> + For many nights and days, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + We were too weak to raise a sail, + </p> + <p> + Had there been one to raise. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Still on we went, as the west wind drove, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + On, on, o'er the pathless tide; + </p> + <p> + And I lay in a sleep, 'twixt life and death, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the child was at my side. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And it chanced as we were drifting on + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Amid the great South Sea, + </p> + <p> + An English vessel passed us by + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That was sailing cheerily; + </p> + <p> + Unheard by me, that vessel hailed + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And asked what we might be. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The young child at the cheer rose up, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And gave an answering word, + </p> + <p> + And they drew him from the drifting wreck + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As light as is a bird. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + They took him gently in their arms, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And put again to sea:— + </p> + <p> + 'Not yet! not yet!' he feebly cried, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'There was a man with me.' + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page285" + name="page285"></a>[pg 285]</span> + <p> + Again unto the wreck they came, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where, like one dead, I lay, + </p> + <p> + And a ship-boy small had strength enough + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To carry me away. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh, joy it was when sense returned + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That fair, warm ship to see. + </p> + <p> + And to hear the child within his bed + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Speak pleasant words to me! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I thought at first that we had died, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And all our pains were o'er, + </p> + <p> + And in a blessed ship of Heaven + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Were sailing to its shore. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But they were human forms that knelt + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Beside our bed to pray, + </p> + <p> + And men, with hearts most merciful, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Did watch us night and day. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas a dismal tale I had to tell + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of wreck and wild distress, + </p> + <p> + But, even then, I told to none + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The captain's wickedness. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For I loved the boy, and I could not cloud + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His soul with a sense of shame:— + </p> + <p> + 'Twere an evil thing, thought I, to blast + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A sinless orphan's name! + </p> + <p> + So he grew to be a man of wealth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And of honourable fame. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And in after years, when he had ships, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sailed with him the sea, + </p> + <p> + And in all the sorrow of my life + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He was a son to me; + </p> + <p> + And God hath blessed him every where + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With a great prosperity. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>The Amulet for 1830</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LITTLE MAJOR'S LOVE ADVENTURE. + </h3> + <p> + You must know, when I was in the 18th light dragoons, I was + quartered in Canterbury; and having got some introductory + letters, I contrived to make out a pleasant time enough. One + of my visiting-houses was old Tronson's the + banker's—devilish agreeable family—four pretty + girls—all flirted—painted on velvet—played + the harp—sang Italian, and danced as if they had been + brought up under D'Egville in the <i>corps de ballet.</i> The + old boy kept a man-cook, and gave iced champagne. Now, you + know, there is no standing this; and Harriette, the second of + the beauties, and I, agreed to fall in love, which in due + course of time we effected. Nothing could be better managed + than the whole affair; we each selected a confidant, sat for + our pictures, interchanged them with a passionate note, and + made a regular engagement for ever. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of things, when the route came, and my + troop was ordered to embark for Portugal. Heavens! what a + commotion! Harriette was in hysterics: we talked of an + elopement, and discussed the propriety of going to Gretna; + but the hurry to embark prevented us. I could not, you know, + take her with me. Woman in a transport! a devilish bore; and + nothing was left for it but to exchange vows of eternal + fidelity. We did so, and parted—both persuaded that our + hearts were reciprocally broken. + </p> + <p> + Ah!—if you knew what I suffered night and day! her + picture rested in my bosom; and I consumed a pipe of wine in + toasting her health, while I was dying of damp and + rheumatism. But the recollection of my <i>constant + Harriette</i> supported me through all; and particularly so, + when I was cheered by the report of my snub-nosed surgeon, + who joined us six months after at Santarem, and assured me on + the faith of a physician, that the dear girl was in the last + stage of a consumption. + </p> + <p> + Two years passed away, and we were ordered home. O heavens! + what were my feelings when I landed at Portsmouth! I threw + myself into a carriage, and started with four horses for + Canterbury: I arrived there with a safe neck, and lost not a + moment in announcing my return to my constant Harriette. + </p> + <p> + The delay of the messenger seemed an eternity: but what were + my feelings, when he brought me a perfumed note (to do her + justice, she always wrote on lovely letter-paper), and a + parcel. The one contained congratulations of my safe arrival, + accompanied by assurances of unfeigned regret that I had not + reached Canterbury a day sooner, and thus allowed her an + opportunity of having her "dear friend Captain Melcomb" + present at her wedding; while the packet was a large + assortment of French kid skins and white ribbon. + </p> + <p> + That blessed morning she had bestowed her fair hand on a fat + professor of theology from Brazen Nose, who had been just + presented to a rich prebend by the bishop, for having proved + beyond a controversy, the divine origin of tithes, in a + blue-bound pamphlet. Before I had time to recover from my + astonishment, a travelling carriage brought me to the window; + and quickly as it passed, I had full time to see <i>ma belle + Harriette</i> seated beside the thick-winded dignitary. She + bowed her white Spanish hat and six ostrich feathers to me as + she rolled off, to spend, as the papers informed me, "the + honey-moon at the lakes of Cumberland.' There was a blessed + return for two years' exposure to the attacks of rheumatism + and French cavalry.—<i>Stories of Waterloo.</i> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When the celebrated Philip Henry was ejected from the + establishment, Dr. Busby (who had been his tutor) meeting + him, said, "Who made you a nonconformist?" "You, Sir," + replied he, "I made you a nonconformist!" "Yes, Sir, you + taught me those principles which forbade to violate my + conscience." + </p> + <p> + TOSCAR. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page286" name="page286"></a>[pg + 286]</span> + </p> + <h2> + THE SKETCH-BOOK. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + ANTWERP CATHEDRAL. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Antwerp possesses considerable interest to an Englishman, as + a place of great importance during the late war, when there + was a sort of mystery attached to it, as the secret grand + naval depot of Napoleon, which our Government thought to + "cripple France for ever," by getting into our own hands! But + what the Earl of Chatham, with an army of twenty thousand + men, aided by a fine British fleet, could not do, I did: I + made my entry into Antwerp—without molestation, thanks + to the benign Spirit of Peace—towards the evening of a + fine day in July; and while the impression of novelty was + still fresh, enjoyed a rich treat in viewing its noble + Cathedral. The interior is grand, but simple—striking + the beholder more by its loftiness and spaciousness, than by + any profusion of glittering ornament, so common in Catholic + churches—although the forest of pillars, the + altar-piece, the statues, and above all the splendid pictures + which grace the walls, form a rich variety to the eye. It + would be useless to enter into a minute detail, for no + description can give a stranger a perfect idea of one + building distinct from others of a similar kind, and those + who have seen the object itself do not require it. Antwerp + may be called the country of Rubens: at every turn you meet + with monuments of his genius; and here (in the Cathedral) you + have what is esteemed his masterpiece—the "Descent from + the Cross"—which surprises you with a boldness of + drawing, vigour and richness of colouring, and an animation + in the grouping, that can scarcely be excelled; and when you + discern the colossal figures from a little distance amongst + the pillars and arches of the nave, you feel inclined to bow + in reverence to the divinity of the genius which has + portrayed so wonderful a conception of the mind. It is + needless to say that this was one of the works of art carried + to Paris to enrich the gallery of the Louvre, together with + one placed in a corresponding situation, "The Assumption of + the Virgin," which is more in Rubens' florid style than the + former. There is also, by the same master-hand, a noble + picture, "The Elevation of the Cross," in the artist's + happiest manner; and the exquisite altarpiece, "The + Ascension," is also his work. There are several other fine + paintings here—one of them said to be the best + performance of Quintin Matsys, who, under the inspiration of + love, deserted the anvil for the pallet; and another by his + father-in-law, Flors, supposed to be the identical picture + upon which the <i>ci devant</i> blacksmith painted a bee, + with such skill as to obtain the old artist's cordial consent + to the marriage of Matsys with his daughter. Amongst the + carved wood-work in the aisles, we admired the execution of + several statues of Saints, male and female, whose features + and drapery are finished with all the delicacy of marble. + </p> + <p> + The shades of evening now began to add to the solemnity of + the scene, by the indistinctness that was gradually + enveloping the more distant objects; and, alone, we almost + dreaded to break, with our own whispers, the silence which + reigned around. In the midst of this "stillness audible," the + fine bell of the cathedral struck the hour, and its melodious + tone seemed at once to reach the heart. We sat down to listen + to the prolonged note, as each successive toll reverberated + through the expanse—lingering like a halo around the + walls, and appearing to awaken echoes from the guardian + spirits of the night. I fancied I had never in my life heard + so full-toned—so musical a bell: certain it is, none + ever gave me the same sensation of delight. Indeed, the whole + belfry is well assorted, for the <i>carillons</i>, which play + certain airs at intervals, produce a sweeter effect than I + remember any where else; and one of the pleasant + recollections I retain of Antwerp arises out of the frequent, + but unobtrusive, chimes that salute the ear during the day. + We left Notre Dame this time with "lingering steps and slow." + </p> + <p> + But how can I give an idea of the exterior? The tendency to + placid reflection which we had caught within found ample food + for indulgence when we came to witness the effect of the + architecture without, combined with the particular time of + night—about nine o'clock—different tints and + shadows displaying themselves upon the angles of the + building, as the light decreased. Imagine a spire of light, + ornamental, elegant open-work, carried up about a hundred + feet higher than St. Paul's. I believe it is the loftiest in + Europe, with the exception of Strasbourg, than which, in the + opinion of many, it is more handsome. The only drawback upon + its beauty is the glaringly large dial of the clock; but even + this may suggest appropriate reflection: for may we not + consider it an emblem of Time, whose course it measures, + intruding upon the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page287" + name="page287"></a>[pg 287]</span> fairest prospects of our + lives, to remind us that all human monuments and enjoyments + must yield to his irresistible hand? The spire rises on one + side of the principal entrance; and there is a corresponding + tower on the other, to the height of the base of the steeple + part, as if there had been an intention to erect one of + similar dimensions there also, like the twin towers of + Westminster Abbey; but I cannot help thinking, that as two + and two are said not always to make four, the projecting + counterpart, instead of doubling the effect, would have + lessened the feeling of stupendous height with which the + present single pinnacle inspires the beholders. As there + cannot be two suns in the same sphere, neither could the + spire of Antwerp have borne a rival near its solitary, aerial + throne. It soars aloft with such grandeur, that in gazing + upon it my brain actually grew dizzy with the sight: never + was I conscious in an equal degree of such a feeling of awe + from a work of art, and my mind really ached with the + intensity of the impression.—We seemed to view this + sublime object with mutual wonder and admiration—gazing + upon it in one position, then in another—walking + about—stopping—excited as it were by the same + impulse. Once, when nearly dark, as our eyes were fixed upon + the top, a gentle light suddenly appeared upon the very + summit, crowning the majestic fane with glory, as if pointing + it out for admiration to a surrounding world: it was a star + twinkling upon the very spot where the highest point of the + spire rested on the sky. + </p> + <p> + The name of Antwerp is derived from <i>Hand-werpen</i> or + <i>Hand-thrown</i>: so called from a legend, which informs us + that on the site of the present city once stood the castle of + a giant, who held the neighbouring country in thraldom, and + who was accustomed to amuse himself by cutting off, and + casting into the river, the right hands of the unfortunate + wights that fell into his power; but that being at last + conquered himself, his own immense hand was disposed of, with + poetical justice, in the same way. With the impression of + this story on my mind, it came into my head that the giant + was personified by the towering spire: no wonder, thought I, + that Don Quixote mistook a windmill for a giant, since I, + even in my sober senses, cannot get rid of the idea that I + see the mighty hand-thrower before me. With a little + confusion of the image, I then imagined the spire to be the + guardian of the city—that it took cognizance of all its + affairs, and that it would watch me even into my retreat for + the night. Like the adored phantom of youthful love, it + pervaded every place, and haunted me in my dreams. Often the + motion of the clouds seemed to be transferred to the lofty + spire, which again assuming the giant character startled me + with the impression that it was falling towards me, or + rushing to crush its victims, like the horrid car of + Jaggernaut. + </p> + <p> + Through the Giant's Gate, so called from a colossal statue + reclining upon it, there is an opening to the + Scheldt;—without is the quay, covered with merchandize + unloading from the ships in the river, and serving as an + evening promenade. Here you may see the other eminences of + the city occasionally, but the gigantic one—always: it + stalks out from amidst the cluster of buildings your constant + companion wherever you go—as you walk along, it appears + to move with you, and when you stop it waits with patience + until you go on again. On another occasion we took a boat on + the Scheldt, and landing at some distance below the town, had + a delightful walk along its banks, which are elevated like + part of Milbank, near Vauxhall-bridge; and the situation has + much the same character. The river, however, is grander, as I + should judge it to be twice the width of the Thames at + London-bridge, and it flows with great rapidity. It was a + charming evening, and we saw the sun set in all his glory + down the Scheldt, in the bosom of which were reflected the + endless tints of the sky, whose golden brilliancy was + beautifully relieved by the intervention of some cottages + near us, and a pretty village, with its church-spire a little + further off. On one side was the flat cultivated country of + Flanders, and looking up the river, we beheld the shipping + and the whole city: all the churches and towers raised their + varied forms, but still only to do homage, as it were, to the + great pile which outstripped them, and which was lit up by + the radiance of the departed sun. Model of splendour! "from + morn 'till dewy eve" how must thy elegant form be engraven on + the hearts of the natives of the city thou overlookest, + exciting emotions of home, like the craggy rock of the + Highlanders, when they are absent in distant lands! and how + must the youth, whom the love of art carries to study the + treasures of Venice and Rome, when returning to shed a lustre + upon his natal place—of being one day named with Matsys + and Rubens, and the other splendid painters by whom it has + been adorned—how <span class="pagenum"><a id="page288" + name="page288"></a>[pg 288]</span> must the first glance that + he catches of thy hallowed height make his heart throb with + endearing thoughts of the friends he left under thy shade, + and absorb for the moment all feelings of ambition in the + recollection of the boyish days passed within thy + ken—but now, alas, departed for ever! May the fires of + heaven, and the tremblings of earth, never injure thy + venerable beauty; but may thousands, and tens of thousands, + in time to come, as in time past, gaze upon thee—as I, + an obscure, nameless stranger, have done—with thoughts + too deep for words! + </p> + <p> + During the evening I have alluded to we were accompanied by + the accomplished Miss ——, whose talents must be + well known to many of our own artists who have visited + Antwerp; and this being her native place, her conversation + gave us those kindly associations of home, without which no + scenes, however beautiful or however uncommon, can penetrate + the inmost recesses of the soul. + </p> + <p> + W.G. + </p> + <p> + Our Correspondent, in a few introductory lines, modestly, + though somewhat unnecessarily, apologizes for the enthusiasm + of the reflective portion of the previous sketch. He will + perceive that we have ventured upon a few slight alterations. + He concludes his note to us with an assurance that "the + feelings were sincere, however trifling the thoughts, or + inadequate the expression." Of his sincerity we have no + doubt; and where the feelings of a writer are so honourable + to his heart as are many in this paper, we are not fastidious + enough to quarrel with inadvertencies of the head. All have + felt the overpowering effect produced by the contemplation of + the sublimities of art, but comparatively few are aware of + the difficulty of embodying these first impressions in + descriptive detail.—ED. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE GATHERER. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. + </p> + <p> + SHAKSPEARE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <p> + Vivian Grey pronounces school ushers execrable wretches, + because they wear pepper and salt pantaloons; Lady Morgan + improves upon him, declaring the man who wears a white + waistcoat in the morning, or the woman who curtsies at a + drawing-room door, out of the pale of society. It is + surprising that people will write such rubbish as + this—more surprising that others will print it— + most surprising that folks buy it—and as Cobbett would + say, what surprises us "most of all," is that people read it. + </p> + <p> + Q. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ORIGIN OF THE WORD FARM. + </h3> + <p> + Spelman derives this word from the Saxon term <i>fearme</i>, + or <i>feorme</i>, which signifies <i>victus</i>, food, or + <i>provision</i>, as the tenants and country people anciently + paid their rents in victuals and other necessaries of life, + but which was afterwards converted into the payment of + certain sums of money. Hence a <i>ferm</i> was originally a + place which furnished or supplied its owner or lord with + provisions. + </p> + <p> + P.T.W. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + At an inn in a market town upon the road to Holyhead, a + gentleman sat in the kitchen smoking his pipe, and watching + with anxiety a fowl that was roasting for his supper. At + length a tall, meagre figure stalked in, and after an earnest + and melancholy look at the fowl, retired with a sigh. + Repeating his visit he exclaimed, "That fowl will never be + done in time." "What do you mean?" said the gentleman, "that + fowl is for my supper, and you shan't touch a bit of it." + "Oh," replied the other, "you misunderstand me; I don't want + the fowl; but I am to play <i>Oroonoko</i> this evening, and + we cannot begin for want of the <i>jack chain</i>." + </p> + <p> + C.C. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THOMAS PAINE. + </h3> + <p> + When Paine's "Rights of Man," reached Lewes, where he married + a Miss Olive, the women as with one voice, said, "Od rot im, + let im come ear if he dast, an we'll tell him what the Rights + of Women is; we'll toss im in a blanket, and ring im out of + Lewes wi our frying pans."—<i>Cheetham's Life of + Paine</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + EPIGRAM. + </h3> + <p> + Ah, Lucy, 'twas a roguish thought That kindled up that rosy + hue; True, 'twas a roguish thought, for I, Thought none so + great a rogue as <i>you</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + <i>LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS</i>. + </h3> + <p> + CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the + Strand, near Somerset House. + </p> + <p> + The ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS, Embellished with nearly + 150 Engravings. In 6 Parts, 1s. each. + </p> + <p> + The TALES of the GENII. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + </p> + <p> + The MICROCOSM. By the Right Hon. G. CANNING. &c. 4 Parts, + 6d. each. + </p> + <p> + PLUTARCH'S LIVES, with Fifty Portraits, 12 Parts, 1s. each. + </p> + <p> + COWPER'S POEMS, with 12 Engravings, 12 Numbers, 3d. each. + </p> + <p> + COOK'S VOYAGES, 28 Numbers, 3d. each. + </p> + <p> + The CABINET of CURIOSITIES: or, WONDERS of the WORLD + DISPLAYED. 27 Nos. 2d. each. + </p> + <p> + BEAUTIES of SCOTT, 36 Numbers, 3d. each. + </p> + <p> + The ARCANA of SCIENCE for 1828. Price 4s. 6d. + </p> + <p> + GOLDSMITH'S ESSAYS. Price 8d. + </p> + <p> + DR. FRANKLIN'S ESSAYS. Price 1s. 2d. + </p> + <p> + BACON'S ESSAYS Price 8d. + </p> + <p> + SALMAGUNDI. Price 1s. 8d. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p> + Researches in the South of Ireland, Illustrative of the + Scenery, Architectural Remains, and the Manners and + Superstitions of the Peasantry. By T. Crofton Croker. 4to. + 1824 Murray. VOL. XIV. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + <p> + This tomb, according to Archdall's "Monasticon Hibernicum," + stood in the middle of the choir of Kilcrea Abbey, with the + following inscription:— + </p> + <p> + HIC. IACET. CORMACVS. FIL. THADEI. FIL. CORMACI. FIL. + DERMITII. MAGNI. MC. CARTHY. DNVS DE. MVSCRAIGH. FLAYN. AC. + ISTIVS. CONVENTVS. PRIMVS. FVNDATOR. AN. DOM. 1494. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + <p> + The original name of a sept or clan was Carty, supposed to + be derived from Cartheigh, which signifies an Inhabitant of + the Rock; and Mac, denoting "<i>son of</i>;" was used + before the father's Christian name for the purpose of + distinction, as, Mac Cormac Carty expressed Carty, son of + Cormac; this manner of designation appears discontinued on + the introduction of a greater variety of names, and the Mac + alone retained by the elder branches. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + <p> + Amongst the Harleian MSS. the Vol. No. 1425, contains + pedigrees of Irish nobility; from the ninth to the + twenty-second page is occupied by those of "Mac Cartie + More," Mac Cartie Reagh, and all other Mac Carties, brought + down to the year 1615; but though curious for reference, + there is little worth the trouble of transcribing. The most + common female names in the Mac Carty pedigree are, + Katheren, Elin, Honnor, Joan, and Grany. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11459 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11459-h/images/396-1.png b/11459-h/images/396-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1dc43ca --- /dev/null +++ b/11459-h/images/396-1.png diff --git a/11459-h/images/396-2.png b/11459-h/images/396-2.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a18de39 --- /dev/null +++ b/11459-h/images/396-2.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..fa3c9dc --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11459 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11459) diff --git a/old/11459-8.txt b/old/11459-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5b688e7 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11459-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2043 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Volume 14, No. 396, Saturday, October 31, 1829. + +Author: Various + +Release Date: March 5, 2004 [EBook #11459] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 396 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Marvin A. Hodges, David Garcia and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. XIV, NO. 396.] SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1829. [PRICE 2d. + + + + +BLARNEY CASTLE. + + +[Illustration: Blarney Castle.] + + +This Engraving, to use a cant phrase, is an exquisite "bit of Blarney;" +but independent of the vulgar association, it has a multitude of +attractions for every reader. Its interest will, however, be materially +enhanced by the following admirable description from the graphic pen of +T. Crofton Croker, Esq.[1] + + + [1] Researches in the South of Ireland, Illustrative of the Scenery, + Architectural Remains, and the Manners and Superstitions of the + Peasantry. By T. Crofton Croker. 4to. 1824 Murray. VOL. XIV. + + +Blarney, so famous in Irish song and story, is situated about four +miles north west of Cork, and was, within these few years, a thriving +manufacturing village; but it no longer wears the aspect of comfort or +of business, and appears much gone to decay. + +The alteration struck me very forcibly. In 1815, I remember a large +square of neat cottages, and the area, a green shaded by fine old trees. +Most of the cottages are now roofless; the trees have been cut down, and +on my last visit, in 1821, a crop of barley was ripening in the square. + + + "the clam'rous rooks + Ask for their wonted seat, but ask in vain! + Their ancient home is level'd with the earth, + Never to wave again its leafy head, + Or yield a covert to the feather'd choir, + Who now, with broken song, remote and shy, + Seek other bowers, their native branches gone!" + + +This prepared me to expect a similar change in the grounds of the +castle, where much timber has been also felled; but the grounds still +are beautiful, rock and water being features in the landscape, the +picturesque effect of which neglect cannot injure. + +The castle consists of a massive square tower, that rises broad and +boldly above surrounding trees, on a precipitous rock over a stream +called the Awmartin; and attached to the east side is an extensive +dwelling-house, erected about a century since by Sir James Jeffreys, who +purchased or obtained this estate from the crown, and in whose family it +still continues. + +Blarney Castle was built about the middle of the fifteenth century, +by Cormac MacCarty, or Carthy surnamed Laider, or the Strong. He was +descended from the kings of Cork, and was esteemed so powerful a +chieftain that the English settlers in his part of Munster paid him an +annual tribute of forty pounds to protect them from the attacks and +_insults_ of the Irish. To him is also ascribed the building of the +Abbey and Castle of Kilcrea, the Nunnery of Ballyvacadine, and many +other religious houses; in the former of which he was buried.[2] It +would be a matter of little importance and considerable labour to trace +the Castle of Blarney from one possessor to another. The genealogical +table in Keating's "History of Ireland" will enable those addicted to +research to follow the Mac Carty pedigree; but a tiresome repetition of +names, occasioned by the scantiness of them in an exceedingly numerous +family, present continual causes of perplexity to the general reader. +The names of Donough, Cormac, Teague, Florence, Dermot, Owen, and +Donnel, constitute almost the whole catalogue used by the Mac Carties[3] +for a period exceeding six hundred years.[4] This difficulty is +heightened from the entire Sept being, in point of fact, without a +sirname, as the followers of most chieftains in Ireland as well as +Scotland assumed that of their lord. In the reign of Edward IV. a +statute was enacted, commanding each individual to take upon himself a +separate sirname, "either of his trade and faculty, or of some quality +of his body or mind, or of the place where he dwelt, so that every one +should be distinguished from the other." But this statute did not effect +the object proposed, and Spenser, in his "View of Ireland," mentions it +as having become obsolete, and strongly recommends its renewal. + + + [2] This tomb, according to Archdall's "Monasticon Hibernicum," + stood in the middle of the choir of Kilcrea Abbey, with the + following inscription:-- + + HIC. IACET. CORMACVS. FIL. THADEI. FIL. CORMACI. FIL. DERMITII. + MAGNI. MC. CARTHY. DNVS DE. MVSCRAIGH. FLAYN. AC. ISTIVS. + CONVENTVS. PRIMVS. FVNDATOR. AN. DOM. 1494. + + [3] The original name of a sept or clan was Carty, supposed to be + derived from Cartheigh, which signifies an Inhabitant of the + Rock; and Mac, denoting "_son of_;" was used before the father's + Christian name for the purpose of distinction, as, Mac Cormac + Carty expressed Carty, son of Cormac; this manner of designation + appears discontinued on the introduction of a greater variety of + names, and the Mac alone retained by the elder branches. + + [4] Amongst the Harleian MSS. the Vol. No. 1425, contains pedigrees + of Irish nobility; from the ninth to the twenty-second page is + occupied by those of "Mac Cartie More," Mac Cartie Reagh, and + all other Mac Carties, brought down to the year 1615; but though + curious for reference, there is little worth the trouble of + transcribing. The most common female names in the Mac Carty + pedigree are, Katheren, Elin, Honnor, Joan, and Grany. + + +The military and historic recollections connected with Blarney are +doubtless of sufficient importance to give an interest to the place; but +to a curious superstition it is perhaps more indebted for celebrity. A +stone in the highest part of the castle wall is pointed out to visitors, +which is supposed to give to whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege of +deviating from veracity with unblushing countenance whenever it may be +convenient--hence the well-known phrase of "_Blarney_." + +The grounds attached to the castle, as I before observed, though so little +attended to, are still beautiful. Walks, which a few years since were neat +and trim, are now so overrun with brambles and wild flowers as to be passed +with difficulty. Much wood has also been cut down, and the statues, so +ridiculously enumerated in a popular song, removed. A picturesque bridge +too, which led to the castle, has been swept away by the wintry floods, +and, with the exception of a small dell called the Rock Close, every thing +seems changed for the worse. In this romantic spot nature and art (a +combination rather uncommon in pleasure-grounds) have gone hand in hand. +Advantage has been taken of accidental circumstances to form tasteful and +characteristic combinations; and it is really a matter of difficulty at +first to determine what is primitive, and what the produce of design. The +delusion is even heightened by the present total neglect. You come most +unexpectedly into this little shaded nook, and stand upon a natural terrace +above the river, which glides as calmly as possible beneath. Here, if you +feel inclined for contemplation, a rustic couch of rock, all festooned with +moss and ivy, is at your service; but if adventurous feelings urge you to +explore farther, a discovery is made of an almost concealed, irregularly +excavated passage through the solid rock, which is descended by a rude +flight of stone steps, called the "Witches Stairs," and you emerge _sul +margine d'un rio_, over which depend some light and graceful trees. It +is indeed a fairy scene, and I know of no place where I could sooner +imagine these little elves holding their moonlight revelry. + +A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a lake, said to abound +with a species of leech. It does not afford one good subject for the +pencil, being without islands, the margin swampy, and the adjacent trees +planted with too much attention to regularity. It is a very generally +believed tradition that, before Blarney surrendered to King William's +forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was made up in an 'oaken chest, which was +thrown into this lake, and has not since been recovered; nor does this +appear improbable, as I understand repeated attempts have in vain been made +to drain it. In 1814, the late Mr. Milliken, whose well-known song of "the +Groves of Blarney" has identified his memory with the place, gave me a +clumsy silver ring for the finger, which had been taken out of the lake by +a boy who was fishing in it. + +Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth notice that, in +a quarry close to the castle, where some men were working, we picked up +several human bones, and that one of the labourers informed us so many as +twenty horse loads of these bones had been thrown into the lake; he also +spoke of two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and pennies +of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug up here; but I believe +never in any quantity. + +The interior of the castle contains little worth notice except a +full-length portrait of Charles XII. of Sweden, said to be an original, and +brought here by one of the Jeffreys' family who was envoy to that monarch. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE ANNUALS. + + + "Flow'rets strew'd + By churlish Time, in cheerlier mood; + The sweetness of a second Spring, + Beneath the Autumn of his wing. + Bestowing on the season's gloom + The bliss of a perennial bloom." + + +Glancing back to the commencement of the nineteenth century, the only +_annual_ record of poetry and prose which we recollect, was "The +Flowers of Literature;" a thick duodecimo, habited in a flesh-coloured +wrapper, and retaining in its print and pages, the quaintness which +characterized "the good old days" of the "Universal Magazine;" and which +still clings, though somewhat modified, to the patriarchal pages of +Sylvanus Urban. The matter was in accordance with the manner--a medley of +prosing articles, from the titles of which we might select, as indicative +of their style, "Ode to Despair;" "Topographical Description of Paris;" +"The Sailor;" more agreeably interspersed with some effusion of Mrs. +Barbauld, or Mrs. Opie; mingled, again, with sundry "Observations on the +Present State of the War," written by some sleepy newspaper editor, whose +language we might assimilate with, "We have received intelligence from," +&c. Here and there, perhaps, a straggling beam of genius broke through the +mental twilight, in the shape of, "Some Account of the poet, Burns;" a +_Rustique_ by Bloomfield, or an elegant sonnet by Bowles or Charlotte +Smith. The rest of would-be-sonneteers, tragedy-writers, and essayists, +have long ago found, with their mediocrities, a congenial oblivion in +"the tomb of all the Capulets." + +But suddenly, and without much premise to warrant the commencement of such +an era, the department of our imaginative literature was established in +patronage and importance; and those "trivial, fond records," which were +wont only to sparkle a brief endurance in the mutable columns of a +newspaper, or doomed, when existing in fragile manuscript, "to die and be +forgot," found a refuge from their Lethean fate in the numerous Magazines +which the increased taste, and avidity for reading, evinced by the public, +had called into existence. Still there was a _desideratum_, which +these adornments of English Literature, "The Annuals," alone supplied. The +casual tones which emanated from the "transcendent masters of the lyre," +were not to be lost to "the public ear" for want of "a circulating medium;" +and Ackermann, a name familiar to the lovers of pictorial art, had the +honour of first setting England the example of preserving her valuable +anthology, by producing his attractive Annual, "The Forget-Me-Not;" a +species of literature which presents us with the pleasing facility of +holding yearly communion with our poets and authors, without being +subjected to the tedium of awaiting their protracted appearance in a more +voluminous shape. We can now more frequently greet Anacreon Moore, +wreathing his harp with the paternal shamrock, characteristically mingled +with "pansies _for love_;" Montgomery, mourning over our nature's +degradation; telling us of the affections and passions of earth, yet luring +us to higher hopes and brighter consummation; his every line evincing that +chastened sorrow which Byron threw into the portrait of the Sheffield +bard-- + + + "With broken lyre, and cheek serenely pale." + + +Coleridge, dropping "some natural tears," on viewing the altered features +of his native valley; sweetly and affectionately telling of + + + "The meadow, and its babbling brook, + Where roses in the ripple shook." + + +Southey, forgetting the ungentler theme of "battle field" amidst the +sublimity of rock and lake. Campbell, pouring from his plaintive shell +a tender eulogy to his northern home--a glowing tissue of + + + Dreams of the Highland mountains, and echoing streams, + And broken glades, breathing their balm. + + +--Scott, terrifically depicting a Sassenagh tournament, or inditing a +stirring appeal to the "blue bonnets," to settle some Border broil. James +Hogg, "the Scottish Virgil," on whom has surely fallen the mantle of +inspiration from the Mantuan bard, coming forth in all the richness of the +"Noctes Ambrosianae," from the misty hill where he dominates "the king of +shepherds." Delta, elegantly pensive, sighing beneath the blighted trees +which flourished over his boyhood; and listening to the rhetoric of the +changing seasons. Alaric Watts, "the fireside bard," giving us a touching +apostrophe to his "youngling of the flock," in melting verse, warm from +that kindred fancy + + + "Whose blessed words + Can bid the sweetest dreams arise; + Awaken feeling's tenderest chords, + And drown in tears of joy the eyes." + + +T.K. Hervey, following in the same bright path, or enthusiastically rapt +amidst the beauty and bloom of Australia.--Bernard Barton, bringing us +snatches of vernal philosophy, gathered in the silence of murky woods, +and the solitude of perfumed meadows.--John Clare, swearing everlasting +fealty to his beauteous Mary, by the elm-shadowed cottage of her bowery +home; thanking heaven for the benison of love and rurality.--Richardson, +the poet of India, sonnetizing amidst the superb cupolas and temples +which gem the banks of the deified Ganges, longing to exchange his +fevered abode for salubrious England.--Pringle transforming the +repulsive features of a South African desert into matter for piteous +song; and illumining, by the brightness of his genius, the terrible +picture of Caffre barbarity and degradation.--Roscoe, revelling in the +sweets of Italian lore, his own lips "touched with a live coal" from the +altar of poesy.--Washington Irving, grasping at the intellect, and +speculating on the wit and fancy, of all climes; so speedily +transplanting himself (bodily as well as mentally) from the back woods +of America to the land of Columbus--from the vineyards of France to the +valleys of Yorkshire--as almost to induce a belief in his power of +ubiquity.--Allan Cunningham, sympathizing with the sorrows of one "who +never told her love," and weaving a tearful elegy over her flower-strewn +grave, or painting the fiercer incidents of piratical warfare, on the +ocean's solitudes.--Felicia Hemans, her lyre musically blending the song +of sounding streams with the spontaneous melody of the "feathered choir" +composing an epicedium to the memory of departed days, and proving her +glorious claims to the poetic character, "creation's heir."--Mary +Russell Mitford, great in her histrionic portraitures of liberty, +whether patrician or plebeian; yet not forgetting in her dramatic +wanderings, her happy village; but drawing us, "by the cords of love," +to the rustic scene; amplifying that fine axiom of the Stratford bard-- + + + "Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade + To shepherds, looking on their silly sheep, + Than does the embroider'd canopy to kings?" + + +J.H. Wiffen, dating from the sentimental seclusion of Woburn Abbey, +a song replete with all the grace and imagination of his "Ionian +Hours."--Charles Lamb, the "deep-thoughted Elia," introducing us to the +maidenly residence of his cousin Bridget; delighted with delighting; his +fancy expatiating on a copious medley of subjects between the stiff +Mandarins on the old fashioned china, and that _Beaumont and Fletcher_, +the purchase of his rigid economy, ere his talents had brought him fame +and fortune.--Letitia Landon "the English Sappho," a being existing but +in the atmosphere of love and flowers; equally sensitive at the opening +of a violet as at the shutting of a rose. But our list of the living is +too extended; and we will speak of some of the departed. + +Interspersed with the emanations of our existing bards, we have, +occasionally, those precious _morceaux_ which have been bequeathed us by +the illustrious dead. Trifles, yet how esteemed! Remembrances of Byron, +with his fiery impetuosity, spurning the trammels of worldly sorrow; +and prescribing death as a _panacea_ for his lamentable despair; yet +subduing us with refined regrets, as he was wont, in his changing mood, + + + "To sun himself in heaven's pure day." + + +Shelley, misanthropically commencing with the turbulence of the chainless +sea: a spirit matured to madness by the overawing and supernatural terrors +of German romance: as he asserts himself to be, in his lamentation for the +author of Endymion, one who + + + "Had gaz'd on Nature's naked loveliness, + Acteon-like, until _he fled away_." + + +John Keates, forsaking the land of his fame, and prematurely resigning his +"quiet breath," on that spot + + + "Where dwelt the muses at their natal hour;" + +leaving to the less sensitive reviewers to prove, whether he had been +"led astray by the light from heaven, or by his own clouded and +tempestuous genius:" + + + "That fire within so fiercely burned + That whence it came it soon returned." + + +Maturin, though corrupted and enervated by the follies and dissipation +of the anti-poetic city, becoming, in his lucid intervals, "himself +again," in the composition of a splendid dramaticle.--Henry Neele, the +"martyr-student," inviting us to share in the intense admiration of +intellect; forcibly demonstrating "that song is but the eloquence of +truth"--but of him no more! + + + "The churchyard bears an added stone; + The fireside shows a vacant chair." + + +Yet, however splendid the galaxy of literary stars may be, which illumine +our Annuals, they owe no little of their lustre to _the engravings_. +It fortuitously happens that we have not "a connoisseuring eye," or +we should swell this paper beyond the limits prescribed by editorial +complaisance, in the pages of "THE MIRROR." We are not ignorant, however, +of the incomparable advancement which the science of engraving has made in +the lapse of the last ten years; or how far it has left behind those mere +scratches of the graver which lit up our young admiration when a boy. +Two of these we will be impertinent enough to criticise, in spite of the +affection with which we cherish the visionary recollection of the pictures +of grandmother's parlour. The subjects were "courtship," and "matrimony." +In the former, the Chesterfieldian lover was seen handing his _chere +amie_ (a lusty wench, with red ochre cheeks) over a remarkably low +stile: whether the subject, or the manner of its execution had inspired +the muse, is no matter; but beneath was the following:-- + + + "In _courtship_, Strephon careful hands his lass + Over a stile a child with ease might pass" + + +The next was "matrimony;" but, oh! "look on _this_ picture and on +_this!_" The careless husband, forgetting his capacious spouse, leaves +her to scramble over a stile of alarming altitude, whilst his attention +seems absorbed in the quarrel of two snarling terriers. Such conjugal +uncourtliness elicits its merited censure in the cool satire of the +accompanying motto:-- + + + "But _wedded_ Strephon now neglects his dame: + Tumble or not, to him 'tis all the same." + + +The costume of these two figures was in accordance with the date of the +hey-day of Ranelagh Gardens; and the outline of the foliage was about on +a par with those designs we often see cut out of paper, by an ingenious +schoolboy yet they may be adduced as criterions of the average merit +appertaining to the generality of the productions of the burine of "the +old school." + +In closing this erratic dissertation on the Annuals, we may remark, that an +interesting article might be written, descriptive of the reformation which +gradually elevated the art of engraving to perfection--a history of its +emerging from the inanities which flaunt in the window of Carver and +Bowles, in St. Paul's Churchyard, and arriving at the exquisite perfection +of such achievements as "Alexander's Visit to Diogenes," and "Quintus +Curtius leaping into the Gulf." + +* * H. + + * * * * * + + + + +FINE ARTS. + + +SCHOOL OF PAINTING AT THE BRITISH INSTITUTION, PALL MALL. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + +Sir,--I have recently had the pleasure of visiting the British Institution, +and hope the following remarks on a few of the best works will prove +acceptable to those of your readers who are interested in the Fine Arts. + +It is customary at this Institution to open, every autumn, a school for the +study of painting, in which students have an opportunity of copying the +best productions of the greatest masters. The present school opened a few +weeks ago, and furnishes some exquisite specimens of art, which were +selected by the directors as examples for imitation. In general the +students have been very enterprising this season, and their copies, if not +quite equal in every respect to the charming originals, are nevertheless +very meritorious and masterly attempts. + +_The Holy Family_, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, is a remarkably fine specimen +of colour, and has been successfully copied by Messrs. Boaden, Fisk, +Child, and Inskipp. Small copies, in water colours, have also been done +from it by Miss Sharpe, and Miss Fanny Corbaux. Much praise is due to +Mr. Morton, for his whole length _Portrait of a Gentleman_, after +Vandyke; and Messrs. Simpson, Higham, and Middleton, deserve high +commendation for executing the best _fac similia_ of Rembrandt's +_Portrait of a Lady_. The _Landscape with Boors_, is a delightful little +picture by Teniers, belonging to his Majesty: numerous attempts have +been made to imitate it, but not altogether with success. Mr. Hart's +copy, however, is extremely clever. Poussin's _Landscape and Figures_, +has engaged the pencil of Mr. Burbank, who has produced a most elaborate +copy in water colours. Mr. Foster displays considerable ability in his +_Hobbima;_ and Messrs. Lee, Earl, Watts, and Dujardin, have equally +excelled in their copies from the cattle piece by Cuyp. In De Hooge's +picture, the _Exterior with Figures_, we are delighted with the +representation of a fine summer evening: a peculiar warmth is diffused +over every object, and the lengthened shadows indicate sunset: of this +work, Mr. Novice has executed the best finished copy; Miss Dujardin's, +however, is exceedingly good, and contains much promise. Another +splendid example of art is a _Large Landscape_, by Gainsborough, good +studies from which have been made by Messrs. Watts and Child. + +Two small views on the Grand Canal at Venice, by Gwardi, have employed +the talents of Miss Dujardin, Mr. E. Child, Mr. Watts, and Master +Pasmore. But it is impossible to enumerate, in this hasty notice, all +the arduous undertakings of the students: suffice it to say, that they +have gained another step towards pictorial fame, and that their copies, +from the works of Rubens, Wouvermans, Murillo, Canaletti, Titian, &c., +are honourable testimonies of their exertion to excel. + +_October_ 19, 1829. + +G.W.N. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE CONTEMPORARY TRAVELLER. + + * * * * * + + +A TOUR IN THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. + +(_Concluded from page 262_.) + + +A view of the western side of Jersey, is calculated to impress a stranger +with an idea that it is a barren, unproductive island; but no supposition +could be more erroneous, as, in fact, a great proportion of it may +be described as orchard. The extent of ground planted, with fruit +trees--apple, pear, and plumb is prodigious; and consequently cider--and +very excellent cider too--is one of the staple products of the country, and +a favourite beverage among the natives. At the Union Hotel, St. Helier, +boarders were allowed to quaff as much as they had a liking for, without +being subjected to any additional charge. + +About three miles inland from St. Helier, is a singular structure named +Prince's Tower, erected on an artificial mound or tumulus, and embowered +in a grove of fine trees. The extensive prospect it commanded, and the +indubitable antiquity of the masonry, induced me to apply for permission to +ascend it; and I was rewarded with a bird's eye view of nearly the whole +island, and a vast sweep of the French coast extending almost from Cape de +la Hogue to Avranches. An Englishman had lately taken up his abode in the +tower, which, with the adjacent pleasure ground, he rented at forty pounds +a-year. His object was to render it a place of resort to the inhabitants of +St. Helier, and his advertisements promised that the "delightful emotions +excited by its unrivalled scenery, and the harmonious chat of the feathered +tribe, should not be counteracted by the comfortless sensations of hunger, +thirst, and weariness." The interior of the tower was neatly and +appropriately fitted up. One apartment was designated the chapel; and in +the highest room were several telescopes, mounted so as to traverse to any +point of the compass, for the gratification of visitors. + +But it is the traditionary history of Prince's Tower that renders it +interesting in the eyes of the islanders. In former times it was known by +the name of La Hogue-Bye, and the following legend, quoted from _Le Livre +noir de Coutances_, gives the origin of its celebrity:--In remote times, +a moor or fen in this part of Jersey, was the retreat of a monstrous +serpent or dragon, which spread terror and devastation throughout the +island. At length a valorous Norman, the Seigneur de Hambye, undertook to +attempt its destruction, which, after a terrible conflict, he accomplished. +He was accompanied in this adventure by a vassal of whose fidelity he had +no suspicion, but who, seeing his lord overcome by fatigue, after having +vanquished the reptile, suddenly bethought himself of monopolizing the +glory of the action. Instigated by this foul ambition, he assassinated his +lord, and, returning to Normandy, promulgated a fictitious narrative of the +encounter; and, to further his iniquitous views, presented a forged letter, +which he said had been written by De Hambye to his widow, just before his +death, enjoining her to reward his faithful servant, by accepting him as +her second husband. Reverence for the last injunction of her deceased lord, +induced the lady to obey, and she was united to his murderer. But the +exultation of the homicidal slave was of short duration. His sleep was +disturbed by horrid dreams; and at length, in one of his nightly paroxysms, +he disclosed the extent of his villany. On being arrested and questioned, +he made a full confession, and was tried, found guilty, and publicly +executed. De Hambye's widow, in memory of her lord, caused a tumulus of +earth, to be raised on the spot where he was buried; and on the summit +she built a chapel, with a tower so lofty, as to be visible from her own +mansion at Coutances. + +So much for the fable. As to the word _Hogue_, there are several places +in Jersey called _Hougues_, which are always situated on a rising +ground. The word has evidently originated from the German _hoch_, from +which is derived our English _high_. A _hougue_, therefore, means a +mound or hillock, and in the present instance, the addition of _bye_ is +obviously a contraction of Hambye; and, in accordance with the foregoing +tradition, means literally the _barrow_ or tomb of the _Seigneur de +Hambye_. + +The chapel at la Hogue is said to have been rebuilt in imitation of the +Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, by one of the popish deans of Jersey, in the +reign of Henry VIII. La Hogue-bye remained for many years in a dilapidated +state, till about 1790, when the late Admiral d'Auvergne, a native of +Jersey, better known under his French title of Duke of Bouillon, became its +owner by purchase, and hence it obtained its present name. At his death, in +1816, it was purchased by the late lieutenant-governor, Lieutenant-General +Sir Hugh Mackay Gordon, whose heirs afterwards sold it to Francis le +Breton, Esq., to whom it now belongs. + +The most prominent object in the noble panoramic view from the top of +Prince's Tower, is a huge fortress on the eastern side of the island, +called the Castle of Mont Orgueil. It crests a lofty conical rock, that +forms the northern headland of Grouville Bay, and looks down, like a grim +giant, on the subjacent strait. The fortifications encircle the cone in +picturesque tiers, and the apex of the mountain shoots up in the centre of +them, as high as the flag-staff, which is in fact planted upon it. During +war a strong garrison constantly occupied Mont Orgueil, but now a corporal +and two privates of artillery composed the whole military force. The +corporal, a quiet intelligent man, who spoke with much horror of paying a +visit to the West Indies, which, in the mutations of his professional life, +he had a prospect of doing at no distant period, acted as _cicerone_, +and, among other places, introduced me into a small circular apartment, +forming one of the suite appropriated to officers, which he said had been +the habitation of Charles II. when a wanderer. This prince, when his +unfortunate father fell into the hands of the regicidal party, found a +loyal welcome in Jersey. Here he was recognised as king, when in England +they sought his blood: here he remained in security, when his fatherland +afforded him no asylum. During his lonely sojourn in this remote portion of +his hereditary dominions, he is said to have employed himself in making a +survey and delineating a map of the island. The natives, flattered by the +confidence he reposed in them, and justly proud of nine centuries of +unblemished loyalty to the throne of Great Britain, still refer to his +residence as a memorable event; and in no other part of the British +dominions, is the memory of the "merry monarch" more respected. When +Cromwell, after the disastrous issue of the battle of Worcester, sent an +expedition, under Admiral Blake, to reduce the island, it made a most +gallant and protracted defence; and had not circumstances conspired to +favour the Invaders, their victory would have been dearly purchased. + +Mount Orgueil, in point of historical association, is by far the most +interesting spot in Jersey. A part of the fortifications, according to +tradition, are coeval with Caesar's incursions into Gaul; and the islanders +hold it famous in their oldest story, and of antiquity beyond record. In +1374, the celebrated Constable du Guesclin passed over from Bretagne at the +head of a large army, including some of the bravest knights of France, and +encamped before this fortress, then called Gouray Castle, into which the +principal inhabitants had retired for safety; but after a siege of several +months, he was obliged to draw off his forces in despair, and quit the +island. Henry V. added much to the strength and beauty of Gouray--made it +a depot of arms, and conferred on it the proud name of Mont Orgueil. About +1461, Nanfant, the governor, a dependent of Henry VI. was prevailed upon, +by an order of Queen Margaret, to surrender it to Surdeval, a Frenchman, +agent of Peter de Brezé, Count of Maulevrier; but though de Brezé kept +possession of it for several years, the natives, under the command of +Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of St. Ouen, a family long illustrious in +Jersey annals, prevented him from completely subjugating the island. Sir +Richard Harliston, vice-admiral of England, afterwards re-captured Mont +Orgueil, and put an end to Maulevrier's usurpation. + +A small pier, intended to facilitate the landing of stores, and shelter +the numerous oyster vessels that resort to Grouville Bay at the dredging +season, projects into the sea, immediately under the castle guns. The bay, +like that of St. Aubin, is defended by a regular line of martello towers, +several of which are built far within flood-mark, on reefs that form part +of the Violet Bank. The adjacent country is a perfect garden, and numerous +secluded villas and cottages are scattered among the umbrageous and +productive orchards that spread around. A small village, called Goree, +lies a short way southward of Mont Orgueil. In former times, it was a +sutling-place for the garrison; now it is only the rendezvous of a few +oyster-fishers. In the auberges here, (every alternate house retailed +liquor), brandy sold at a shilling a bottle. + +The road leading directly from Grouville to St. Helier runs parallel with +the southern shore, among corn fields, orchards, and hamlets, and is the +best in the island. I travelled it after sunset, and found myriads of toads +hopping across it in every direction. These reptiles are extremely common +in Jersey; while, in the neighbouring island of Guernsey, if popular report +may be credited, they are not only unknown, but cannot exist, as has been +ascertained by importing them from less favoured countries. This exemption +in favour of Guernsey, is in all probability a mere fable, originating with +some ignorant native, the absurdity of which no person has been at the +trouble to expose. Lizards and small snakes are also numerous in Jersey; +and at night-fall, a chorus of crickets resounds from every hedge. + +The Jersey cattle are small; but like the pigmy breed of the Scottish +Highlands, their flesh is delicate, and their milk and butter rich. The +butcher market at St. Helier is supplied chiefly from France. There are +sportsmen in Jersey as well as in other countries, but game is neither +various nor abundant. The list, however, includes hares, rabbits, the +Jersey partridge, a beautiful bird, with pheasant eyes, red legs, and +variegated plumage; and several varieties of water fowl. In severe winters, +flocks of solan geese, locally denominated "barnacles," frequent the +shores. + +The Romans, the pioneers of discovery and civilization in Europe, conferred +on Jersey the name of Caesarea, in honour of their leader; and Caesar and +Tacitus concur in describing it as a stronghold of Druidism, of which +worship many monuments still exist. The aborigines were doubtless sprung +from the Celtic tribes spread over the adjacent continent; but the present +inhabitants are universally recognised as the lineal descendants of the +warlike Normans, who, under the auspices of the famous Rollo, conquered and +established themselves in the north of France in the ninth century. It was +first attached to the British crown at the conquest; and though repeated +descents have been made on it by France during the many wars waged between +the countries since that remote era, none of them were attended with such +success as to lead to a permanent occupation of the island. The islanders, +proud of an unconquered name, and gratified to recollect that they +originally gave a king to England, not England a king to them, have been +always distinguished for fidelity to the British government; and their +unshaken loyalty has, from time to time, been rewarded by immunities and +privileges, highly conducive to their prosperity, and calculated to foster +that spirit of nationality, which is invariably distinctive of a free +people. They are exempted from those taxes which press heaviest on the +English yeoman, and from naval and military service beyond the boundaries +of their own island. The local administration of justice is still regulated +by the old Norman code of laws, and this circumstance is regarded by the +natives as a virtual recognition of their independence; but strangers, when +they inadvertently get involved in legal disputes, have often cause to +regret its existence. In cases of assault, particularly the assaulting of a +magistrate, even though his official character be unknown to the offender, +a severe punishment is generally awarded. We heard several instances of +military officers, who had been guilty of raising an arm of flesh against +jurats in night frolics at St. Helier's, narrowly escaping the penalty +attached to this heinous infraction of the laws--a penalty which would have +left them maimed for life. + +The introduction of Christianity, and final extirpation of idolatry, is +said to have occurred in the sixth century. In the latter days of the reign +of popery, Jersey formed part of the diocese of Coutances in Normandy, +where the ancient records of the island were deposited; but at the +Reformation, in the reign of Elizabeth, it was attached to the see of +Winchester--an annexation, however, merely nominal, for the island is in +reality exempt from the dominion of the church of England. The inhabitants +are a well-disposed and peaceable race, but not particularly distinguished +for enthusiasm in religion. The peasantry are orderly and industrious; the +merchants enterprising; and the seamen, a numerous class, hardy and +adventurous. The _aggregate_ of the people live more after the French +manner than the English; that is, they substitute fruit and vegetables, in +a great measure, for animal food, and cider for ale. Neither men nor women +are distinguished for personal beauty, though we noticed several very +comely dames in our perambulations; and notwithstanding the boasted purity +of their descent from the ocean-roamers of the north, they have many of the +anomalous features of a mixed race.--_Edinburgh Journal of Natural and +Geographical Science_. No. I. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE NATURALIST. + + * * * * * + + +THE MOLE. + + +Foreign naturalists have been much occupied of late with the mole. From the +recently published observations of one of them, M. Flourens, it appears +that this animal, as its organization indicates, is, if not exclusively, at +least, essentially, carnivorous. It very soon dies if only roots be given +to it; and if it destroy so many roots of vegetables, it is not for the +purpose of eating them, but to seek among them for worms, insects, and +particularly for the larvae of insects which harbour there. They may be +kept alive for a long time upon any animal food. Ten or twelve hours are +nearly the longest time they can live without food. Like all animals which +feed upon blood and flesh, the mole is always very thirsty.--_Monthly +Mag_. + + * * * * * + +CLIMATE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. + + +The climate of the British dominions in the south of Africa is one of the +finest in the world. The average height of the barometer is above thirty +inches, and the average summer heat at noon is about 78 deg. It resembles +the climate of Italy, but is rather warmer and dryer. It is so dry, that +draining is little required for the ground: on the contrary, it is +necessary to retain moisture as much as possible, and even irrigation is +desirable, more especially from the grasses. The mountains abound in +springs, but the supply of water is scanty and precarious, from the want of +energy and skill in procuring that essential article. Such a scarcity +frequently arises, that the cattle perish from thirst, and the people +themselves are in danger of a similar fate.--_Gill's Repository_. + + +Sea Pens. + + +[Illustration: Sea Pens.] + + +The cuts represent two fine Sea Pens--_Silver and Red_, with Sections. + +Of all the Sea Pens yet known, the first is one of the largest and most +curious in its appearance; being of a beautiful silvery white, elegantly +straited on each of the feather-like processes, with lines or streaks of +the deepest black. It is extremely rare, and is a native of the Indian +Seas. The accompanying Engraving is copied from a fine specimen in the +British Museum. + + * * * * * + +THE RED SEA-PEN IS + +Of a very beautiful appearance, and is found on the British coast. The +animal consists of a flattened stem, or body, which is furnished with an +internal bone, and dilates into an expanded part, consisting of several +pinnae, or lateral branches, which are divided on their inner edges into a +number of tubular processes, through each of which is protruded a part of +the animal, resembling the head of a hydra or polype; the whole animal may, +therefore, be considered as a very compound or ramified union of polypi, +the bodies of which are contained in the naked part or stem, and from +thence ramify into a vast number of processes, each furnished with its +particular head. The animal emits a very strong phosphoric light, and it is +even so luminous, that it is no uncommon circumstance for the fishermen to +see the fish which happen to be swimming near it merely by the light of the +Pens. Its colour is a bright red crimson, and the general size that of the +figure. + +Mr. Ellis, in the Philosophical Transactions, has published some specimens +of this extraordinary animal, of a kidney-shaped form, and observes that it +nourishes and supports itself by the succours of polype filaments, which we +have expressed in the Engraving in a magnified size. By these they take in +their food and discharge the exuviae. In case of danger these little +succours are drawn in. + +Sea Pens are termed _locomotive zoophytes,_ and swim in the manner of +fish. Five hundred polypes may frequently be numbered on a single feather; +and they number among the most rare and interesting animals of the order to +which they belong. + + * * * * * + + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + * * * * * + + +_Vermin in Ships_. + +Steam has been lately found very successful in cleansing ships from vermin, +and especially the white ant. In India, a steam boat was lately placed +alongside a merchant vessel, and steam from its boiler conveyed by a very +simple system of pipes in the hold of the latter, the apertures to which +were closed as well as they could be. The operation was continued for +several hours; and there is reason to believe it was effectual, and will +prove a valuable process in the navy. Besides the direct object of +cleansing the ship, another advantage accrued from the discovery of every +leaky place existing, by the oozing of the water through it. The expense is +said to be very moderate; and it is further stated to be the only process +at present known, not even except sinking, which effectually destroys the +white ant.--_Brande's Journal_. + + +_Agriculture_. + +England possesses more pasture land than any other European country; and +Spain the least. + +In agriculture, France is a century behind England; and to equal England, +France would have to make the immense progress which, since that time, has +more than doubled the prosperity of the former country. + +England not only surpasses France in the number of its cattle, but the +animals are also finer, and their flesh is of better quality; so that an +Englishman may enjoy nearly double the quantity of animal food that France +supplies to each of its inhabitants, and with the further advantage of +better quality. "Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England." + + +_Indian Rouge_. + +We find in _Jameson's_ last _Journal_, a very interesting paper +by Dr. Hancock, on a Red Pigment, called _Carucru_, or _Chica_, +which appears to be the Rouge of the interior Indians. It is produced like +Indigo, from the plant chiefly found towards the head of Essequibo, Parima, +and Rio Negro. On breaking a branch, the leaves, when dry, become almost of +a blood red, and being pounded, are infused in water till a fermentation +ensues. The liquor is then poured off and left to deposit a settlement, +which forms the _Chica_ paint. It is put up very neatly in little +caskets made with palm leaves, and carried by the Atorayas and trading +Caribs all over Guiana. It has a soft, cochineal, crimson shade, and is in +great demand among the Indians as an ornamental paint. The use is chiefly +for the face, whilst they stain the other parts of the body with Arnotta. +They also apply the Chica on the cheeks and about the eyes, and variegate +the countenance by marking the forehead, and along the facial line, with +their coomazu, a yellow clay or ochre. This manner of painting produces a +striking contrast, and gives them a very strange and furious appearance. + +From the scarcity of the Chica, its employment is almost exclusively +confined to the chiefs and higher orders, their nobility. The rest must be +contented with Arnotta, or Poncer mixed with the oil of Carapa, a portion +of which, with the Balsam of Aracousiri, mixed with these paints, imparts +to them a very delightful odour. The _toilet_, therefore, of the rude +tribes is as simple as their manners and mode of life, their chief material +being perfume, and all being carried in a little gourd. + +The Chica is not merely esteemed as a pigment, but is considered in the +Orinoko as the most sovereign remedy for erysipelas, where that complaint +is very prevalent. It is simply made with water into a paste, thinly +spread on old linen or cotton, and applied as a plaster to the inflamed +part.--_Abridged_. + + +_Indian Graters_. + +The Tacumas (Indians) are the fabricators of those curious Cassada Graters, +which are considered superior to all others by those who are acquainted +with them. They are made of a very hard wood, studded over with pointed +flint stones, and fixed by a kind of cement and varnish of surprising +durability; the substance being at the same time a strong cement and +transparent varnish. These Cassada Graters are scarcely, if at all, known +on the coast, or in the European settlements.--_Jameson's Journal_. + + +_Wild Bulls_. + +In the province of San Martin, in South America, M. Roulier saw wild bulls +feeding in the _llanos_ among domestic cattle. These animals pass +their morning in the woods, which cover the foot of the Cordillera, and +come out only about two in the afternoon to feed in the savanna. The moment +they perceive a man they gallop off to the woods. + + +_Mount Souffre_. + +During the eruption of this volcano in 1812, the explosions were heard at +600 or 700 miles distance; and cinders were taken from the deck of a vessel +150 miles distant. + + +_Force of Running Water_. + +In August, 1827, the small rivulet called the College, at the foot of the +Cheviot Hills, was so swollen by the heavy rains, that the current tore +away from the abutment of a mill dam, a large block of stone, weighing +nearly two tons, and transported it to the distance of a quarter of a mile. + + +_Cement_. + +The large snails which are found in gardens and woods, discharge a whitish +substance, with a slimy and gelatinous appearance, which has been known to +cement two pieces of flint so strongly as to bear dashing on a pavement +without the junction being disturbed, although the flint broke into +fragments by fresh fractures. + + +_Artificial Ice_. + +A mixture of four ounces of nitrate of ammonia, four ounces of subcarbonate +of soda, and four ounces of water, in a tin pail, has been found to produce +ten ounces of ice in three hours.--_Brande's Journal_. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_. + + * * * * * + + +AN OLD MAN'S STORY. + +BY MARY HOWITT. + + + There was an old and quiet man, + And by the fire sate he, + "And now," he said, "to you I'll tell + A dismal thing, which once befell + In a ship upon the sea. + + 'Tis five-and-fifty years gone by, + Since from the River Plate, + A young man, in a home-bound ship, + I sailed as second mate. + + She was a trim, stout-timbered ship, + And built for stormy seas, + A lovely thing on the wave was she, + With her canvass set so gallantly + Before a steady breeze. + + For forty days, like a winged thing + She went before the gale, + Nor all that time we slackened speed, + Turned helm, or altered sail. + + She was a laden argosy + Of wealth from the Spanish Main, + And the treasure-hoards of a Portuguese + Returning home again. + + An old and silent man was he, + And his face was yellow and lean. + In the golden lands of Mexico + A miner he had been. + + His body was wasted, bent, and bowed, + And amid his gold he lay-- + Amid iron chests that were bound with brass, + And he watched them night and day. + + No word he spoke to any on board, + And his step was heavy and slow, + And all men deemed that an evil life + He had led in Mexico. + + But list ye me--on the lone high seas, + As the ship went smoothly on, + It chanced, in the silent second watch, + I sate on the deck alone; + And I heard, from among those iron chests, + A sound like a dying groan. + + I started to my feet--and lo! + The captain stood by me, + And he bore a body in his arms, + And dropped it in the sea. + + I heard it drop into the sea, + With a heavy splashing sound, + And I saw the captain's bloody hands + As he quickly turned him round; + And he drew in his breath when me he saw + Like one convulsed, whom the withering awe + Of a spectre doth astound. + + But I saw his white and palsied lips, + And the stare of his ghastly eye, + When he turned in hurried haste away, + Yet he had no power to fly; + He was chained to the deck with his heavy guilt, + And the blood that was not dry. + + 'Twas a cursed thing,' said I, 'to kill + That old man in his sleep! + And the plagues of the sea will come from him; + Ten thousand fathoms deep! + + And the plagues of the storm will follow us, + For Heaven his groans hath heard!' + Still the captain's eye was fixed on me, + But he answered never a word. + + And he slowly lifted his bloody hand + His aching eyes to shade, + But the blood that was wet did freeze his soul, + And he shrinked like one afraid. + + And even then--that very hour + The wind dropped, and a spell + Was on the ship, was on the sea, + And we lay for weeks, how wearily, + Where the old man's body fell. + + I told no one within the ship + That horrid deed of sin; + For I saw the hand of God at work, + And punishment begin. + + And when they spoke of the murdered man, + And the El Dorado hoard, + They all surmised he had walked in dreams, + And had fallen overboard. + + But I alone, and the murderer-- + That dreadful thing did know, + How he lay in his sin, a murdered man, + A thousand fathom low. + + And many days, and many more, + Came on, and lagging sped, + And the heavy waves of that sleeping sea + Were dark, like molten lead. + + And not a breeze came, east or west, + And burning was the sky, + And stifling was each breath we drew + Of the air so hot and dry. + + Oh me! there was a smell of death + Hung round us night and day; + And I dared not look in the sea below + Where the old man's body lay. + + In his cabin, alone, the captain kept, + And he bolted fast the door, + And up and down the sailors walked, + And wished that the calm was o'er. + + The captain's son was on board with us, + A fair child, seven years old, + With a merry look that all men loved, + And a spirit kind and bold. + + I loved the child, and I took his hand, + And made him kneel and pray + That the crime; for which the calm was sent, + Might be purged clean away. + + For I thought that God would hear his prayer, + And set the vessel free,-- + For a dreadful thing it was to lie + Upon that charnel sea. + + Yet I told him not wherefore he prayed, + Nor why the calm was sent + I would not give that knowledge dark + To a soul so innocent. + + At length I saw a little cloud + Arise in that sky of flame, + A little cloud--but it grew and grew, + And blackened as it came. + + And we saw the sea beneath its track + Grow dark as the frowning sky, + And water-spouts, with a rushing sound, + Like giants, passed us by. + + And all around, 'twixt sky and sea, + A hollow wind did blow; + And the waves were heaved from the ocean depths, + And the ship rocked to and fro. + + I knew it was that fierce death-calm + Its horrid hold undoing, + And I saw the plagues of wind and storm + Their missioned work pursuing. + + There was a yell in the gathering winds, + A groan in the heaving sea, + And the captain rushed from the hold below, + But he durst not look on me. + + He seized each rope with a madman's haste, + And he set the helm to go, + And every sail he crowded on + As the furious winds did blow. + + And away they went, like autumn leaves + Before the tempest's rout, + And the naked masts with a crash came down, + And the wild ship tossed about. + + The men, to spars and splintered boards, + Clung, till their strength was gone, + And I saw them from their feeble hold + Washed over one by one. + + And 'mid the creaking timber's din, + And the roaring of the sea, + I heard the dismal, drowning cries + Of their last agony. + + There was a curse in the wind that blew, + A curse in the boiling wave; + And the captain knew that vengeance came + From the old man's ocean grave. + + And I heard him say, as he sate apart, + In a hollow voice and low, + 'Tis a cry of blood doth follow us, + And still doth plague us so!' + + And then those heavy iron chests + With desperate strength took he, + And ten of the strongest mariners + Did cast them into the sea. + + And out, from the bottom of the sea, + There came a hollow groan;-- + The captain by the gunwale stood, + And he looked like icy stone-- + And he drew in his breath with a gasping sob, + And a spasm of death came on. + + And a furious boiling wave rose up, + With a rushing, thundering roar,-- + I saw the captain fall to the deck, + But I never saw him more. + + Two days before, when the storm began, + We were forty men and five, + But ere the middle of that night + There were but two alive. + + The child and I, we were but two, + And he clung to me in fear; + Oh! it was pitiful to see + That meek child in his misery, + And his little prayers to hear! + + At length, as if his prayers were heard, + 'Twas calmer, and anon + The clear sun shone, and warm and low + A steady wind from the west did blow, + And drove us gently on. + + And on we drove, and on we drove, + That fair young child and I, + But his heart was as a man's in strength, + And he uttered not a cry. + + There was no bread within the wreck, + And water we had none, + Yet he murmured not, and cheered me + When my last hopes were gone; + But I saw him waste and waste away, + And his rosy cheek grow wan. + + Still on we drove, + I knew not where, + For many nights and days, + We were too weak to raise a sail, + Had there been one to raise. + + Still on we went, as the west wind drove, + On, on, o'er the pathless tide; + And I lay in a sleep, 'twixt life and death, + And the child was at my side. + + And it chanced as we were drifting on + Amid the great South Sea, + An English vessel passed us by + That was sailing cheerily; + Unheard by me, that vessel hailed + And asked what we might be. + + The young child at the cheer rose up, + And gave an answering word, + And they drew him from the drifting wreck + As light as is a bird. + + They took him gently in their arms, + And put again to sea:-- + 'Not yet! not yet!' he feebly cried, + 'There was a man with me.' + + Again unto the wreck they came, + Where, like one dead, I lay, + And a ship-boy small had strength enough + To carry me away. + + Oh, joy it was when sense returned + That fair, warm ship to see. + And to hear the child within his bed + Speak pleasant words to me! + + I thought at first that we had died, + And all our pains were o'er, + And in a blessed ship of Heaven + Were sailing to its shore. + + But they were human forms that knelt + Beside our bed to pray, + And men, with hearts most merciful, + Did watch us night and day. + + 'Twas a dismal tale I had to tell + Of wreck and wild distress, + But, even then, I told to none + The captain's wickedness. + + For I loved the boy, and I could not cloud + His soul with a sense of shame:-- + 'Twere an evil thing, thought I, to blast + A sinless orphan's name! + So he grew to be a man of wealth, + And of honourable fame. + + And in after years, when he had ships, + I sailed with him the sea, + And in all the sorrow of my life + He was a son to me; + And God hath blessed him every where + With a great prosperity. + + +_The Amulet for 1830_. + + * * * * * + + +THE LITTLE MAJOR'S LOVE ADVENTURE. + + +You must know, when I was in the 18th light dragoons, I was quartered +in Canterbury; and having got some introductory letters, I contrived +to make out a pleasant time enough. One of my visiting-houses was +old Tronson's the banker's--devilish agreeable family--four pretty +girls--all flirted--painted on velvet--played the harp--sang Italian, +and danced as if they had been brought up under D'Egville in the _corps +de ballet._ The old boy kept a man-cook, and gave iced champagne. Now, +you know, there is no standing this; and Harriette, the second of the +beauties, and I, agreed to fall in love, which in due course of time we +effected. Nothing could be better managed than the whole affair; we each +selected a confidant, sat for our pictures, interchanged them with a +passionate note, and made a regular engagement for ever. + +Such was the state of things, when the route came, and my troop was ordered +to embark for Portugal. Heavens! what a commotion! Harriette was in +hysterics: we talked of an elopement, and discussed the propriety of going +to Gretna; but the hurry to embark prevented us. I could not, you know, +take her with me. Woman in a transport! a devilish bore; and nothing was +left for it but to exchange vows of eternal fidelity. We did so, and +parted--both persuaded that our hearts were reciprocally broken. + +Ah!--if you knew what I suffered night and day! her picture rested in my +bosom; and I consumed a pipe of wine in toasting her health, while I was +dying of damp and rheumatism. But the recollection of my _constant +Harriette_ supported me through all; and particularly so, when I was +cheered by the report of my snub-nosed surgeon, who joined us six months +after at Santarem, and assured me on the faith of a physician, that the +dear girl was in the last stage of a consumption. + +Two years passed away, and we were ordered home. O heavens! what were my +feelings when I landed at Portsmouth! I threw myself into a carriage, and +started with four horses for Canterbury: I arrived there with a safe neck, +and lost not a moment in announcing my return to my constant Harriette. + +The delay of the messenger seemed an eternity: but what were my feelings, +when he brought me a perfumed note (to do her justice, she always wrote on +lovely letter-paper), and a parcel. The one contained congratulations of my +safe arrival, accompanied by assurances of unfeigned regret that I had not +reached Canterbury a day sooner, and thus allowed her an opportunity of +having her "dear friend Captain Melcomb" present at her wedding; while the +packet was a large assortment of French kid skins and white ribbon. + +That blessed morning she had bestowed her fair hand on a fat professor of +theology from Brazen Nose, who had been just presented to a rich prebend by +the bishop, for having proved beyond a controversy, the divine origin of +tithes, in a blue-bound pamphlet. Before I had time to recover from my +astonishment, a travelling carriage brought me to the window; and quickly +as it passed, I had full time to see _ma belle Harriette_ seated +beside the thick-winded dignitary. She bowed her white Spanish hat and six +ostrich feathers to me as she rolled off, to spend, as the papers informed +me, "the honey-moon at the lakes of Cumberland.' There was a blessed return +for two years' exposure to the attacks of rheumatism and French +cavalry.--_Stories of Waterloo._ + + * * * * * + +When the celebrated Philip Henry was ejected from the establishment, +Dr. Busby (who had been his tutor) meeting him, said, "Who made you a +nonconformist?" "You, Sir," replied he, "I made you a nonconformist!" +"Yes, Sir, you taught me those principles which forbade to violate my +conscience." + +TOSCAR. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE SKETCH-BOOK. + + * * * * * + + +ANTWERP CATHEDRAL. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Antwerp possesses considerable interest to an Englishman, as a place of +great importance during the late war, when there was a sort of mystery +attached to it, as the secret grand naval depot of Napoleon, which our +Government thought to "cripple France for ever," by getting into our own +hands! But what the Earl of Chatham, with an army of twenty thousand men, +aided by a fine British fleet, could not do, I did: I made my entry into +Antwerp--without molestation, thanks to the benign Spirit of Peace--towards +the evening of a fine day in July; and while the impression of novelty was +still fresh, enjoyed a rich treat in viewing its noble Cathedral. The +interior is grand, but simple--striking the beholder more by its loftiness +and spaciousness, than by any profusion of glittering ornament, so common +in Catholic churches--although the forest of pillars, the altar-piece, the +statues, and above all the splendid pictures which grace the walls, form a +rich variety to the eye. It would be useless to enter into a minute detail, +for no description can give a stranger a perfect idea of one building +distinct from others of a similar kind, and those who have seen the object +itself do not require it. Antwerp may be called the country of Rubens: at +every turn you meet with monuments of his genius; and here (in the +Cathedral) you have what is esteemed his masterpiece--the "Descent from the +Cross"--which surprises you with a boldness of drawing, vigour and richness +of colouring, and an animation in the grouping, that can scarcely be +excelled; and when you discern the colossal figures from a little distance +amongst the pillars and arches of the nave, you feel inclined to bow in +reverence to the divinity of the genius which has portrayed so wonderful a +conception of the mind. It is needless to say that this was one of the +works of art carried to Paris to enrich the gallery of the Louvre, together +with one placed in a corresponding situation, "The Assumption of the +Virgin," which is more in Rubens' florid style than the former. There is +also, by the same master-hand, a noble picture, "The Elevation of the +Cross," in the artist's happiest manner; and the exquisite altarpiece, "The +Ascension," is also his work. There are several other fine paintings +here--one of them said to be the best performance of Quintin Matsys, who, +under the inspiration of love, deserted the anvil for the pallet; and +another by his father-in-law, Flors, supposed to be the identical picture +upon which the _ci devant_ blacksmith painted a bee, with such skill +as to obtain the old artist's cordial consent to the marriage of Matsys +with his daughter. Amongst the carved wood-work in the aisles, we admired +the execution of several statues of Saints, male and female, whose features +and drapery are finished with all the delicacy of marble. + +The shades of evening now began to add to the solemnity of the scene, by +the indistinctness that was gradually enveloping the more distant objects; +and, alone, we almost dreaded to break, with our own whispers, the silence +which reigned around. In the midst of this "stillness audible," the fine +bell of the cathedral struck the hour, and its melodious tone seemed at +once to reach the heart. We sat down to listen to the prolonged note, as +each successive toll reverberated through the expanse--lingering like a +halo around the walls, and appearing to awaken echoes from the guardian +spirits of the night. I fancied I had never in my life heard so +full-toned--so musical a bell: certain it is, none ever gave me the same +sensation of delight. Indeed, the whole belfry is well assorted, for the +_carillons_, which play certain airs at intervals, produce a sweeter +effect than I remember any where else; and one of the pleasant +recollections I retain of Antwerp arises out of the frequent, but +unobtrusive, chimes that salute the ear during the day. We left Notre Dame +this time with "lingering steps and slow." + +But how can I give an idea of the exterior? The tendency to placid +reflection which we had caught within found ample food for indulgence when +we came to witness the effect of the architecture without, combined with +the particular time of night--about nine o'clock--different tints and +shadows displaying themselves upon the angles of the building, as the light +decreased. Imagine a spire of light, ornamental, elegant open-work, carried +up about a hundred feet higher than St. Paul's. I believe it is the +loftiest in Europe, with the exception of Strasbourg, than which, in the +opinion of many, it is more handsome. The only drawback upon its beauty +is the glaringly large dial of the clock; but even this may suggest +appropriate reflection: for may we not consider it an emblem of Time, whose +course it measures, intruding upon the fairest prospects of our lives, +to remind us that all human monuments and enjoyments must yield to his +irresistible hand? The spire rises on one side of the principal entrance; +and there is a corresponding tower on the other, to the height of the base +of the steeple part, as if there had been an intention to erect one of +similar dimensions there also, like the twin towers of Westminster Abbey; +but I cannot help thinking, that as two and two are said not always to make +four, the projecting counterpart, instead of doubling the effect, would +have lessened the feeling of stupendous height with which the present +single pinnacle inspires the beholders. As there cannot be two suns in the +same sphere, neither could the spire of Antwerp have borne a rival near its +solitary, aerial throne. It soars aloft with such grandeur, that in gazing +upon it my brain actually grew dizzy with the sight: never was I conscious +in an equal degree of such a feeling of awe from a work of art, and my mind +really ached with the intensity of the impression.--We seemed to view this +sublime object with mutual wonder and admiration--gazing upon it in one +position, then in another--walking about--stopping--excited as it were by +the same impulse. Once, when nearly dark, as our eyes were fixed upon the +top, a gentle light suddenly appeared upon the very summit, crowning the +majestic fane with glory, as if pointing it out for admiration to a +surrounding world: it was a star twinkling upon the very spot where the +highest point of the spire rested on the sky. + +The name of Antwerp is derived from _Hand-werpen_ or +_Hand-thrown_: so called from a legend, which informs us that on the +site of the present city once stood the castle of a giant, who held the +neighbouring country in thraldom, and who was accustomed to amuse himself +by cutting off, and casting into the river, the right hands of the +unfortunate wights that fell into his power; but that being at last +conquered himself, his own immense hand was disposed of, with poetical +justice, in the same way. With the impression of this story on my mind, it +came into my head that the giant was personified by the towering spire: no +wonder, thought I, that Don Quixote mistook a windmill for a giant, since +I, even in my sober senses, cannot get rid of the idea that I see the +mighty hand-thrower before me. With a little confusion of the image, I then +imagined the spire to be the guardian of the city--that it took cognizance +of all its affairs, and that it would watch me even into my retreat for the +night. Like the adored phantom of youthful love, it pervaded every place, +and haunted me in my dreams. Often the motion of the clouds seemed to be +transferred to the lofty spire, which again assuming the giant character +startled me with the impression that it was falling towards me, or rushing +to crush its victims, like the horrid car of Jaggernaut. + +Through the Giant's Gate, so called from a colossal statue reclining upon +it, there is an opening to the Scheldt;--without is the quay, covered +with merchandize unloading from the ships in the river, and serving as +an evening promenade. Here you may see the other eminences of the city +occasionally, but the gigantic one--always: it stalks out from amidst the +cluster of buildings your constant companion wherever you go--as you walk +along, it appears to move with you, and when you stop it waits with +patience until you go on again. On another occasion we took a boat on the +Scheldt, and landing at some distance below the town, had a delightful +walk along its banks, which are elevated like part of Milbank, near +Vauxhall-bridge; and the situation has much the same character. The river, +however, is grander, as I should judge it to be twice the width of the +Thames at London-bridge, and it flows with great rapidity. It was a +charming evening, and we saw the sun set in all his glory down the Scheldt, +in the bosom of which were reflected the endless tints of the sky, whose +golden brilliancy was beautifully relieved by the intervention of some +cottages near us, and a pretty village, with its church-spire a little +further off. On one side was the flat cultivated country of Flanders, and +looking up the river, we beheld the shipping and the whole city: all the +churches and towers raised their varied forms, but still only to do homage, +as it were, to the great pile which outstripped them, and which was lit up +by the radiance of the departed sun. Model of splendour! "from morn 'till +dewy eve" how must thy elegant form be engraven on the hearts of the +natives of the city thou overlookest, exciting emotions of home, like the +craggy rock of the Highlanders, when they are absent in distant lands! and +how must the youth, whom the love of art carries to study the treasures of +Venice and Rome, when returning to shed a lustre upon his natal place--of +being one day named with Matsys and Rubens, and the other splendid painters +by whom it has been adorned--how must the first glance that he catches of +thy hallowed height make his heart throb with endearing thoughts of the +friends he left under thy shade, and absorb for the moment all feelings of +ambition in the recollection of the boyish days passed within thy ken--but +now, alas, departed for ever! May the fires of heaven, and the tremblings +of earth, never injure thy venerable beauty; but may thousands, and tens +of thousands, in time to come, as in time past, gaze upon thee--as I, an +obscure, nameless stranger, have done--with thoughts too deep for words! + +During the evening I have alluded to we were accompanied by the +accomplished Miss ----, whose talents must be well known to many of our own +artists who have visited Antwerp; and this being her native place, her +conversation gave us those kindly associations of home, without which no +scenes, however beautiful or however uncommon, can penetrate the inmost +recesses of the soul. + +W.G. + +Our Correspondent, in a few introductory lines, modestly, though +somewhat unnecessarily, apologizes for the enthusiasm of the reflective +portion of the previous sketch. He will perceive that we have ventured upon +a few slight alterations. He concludes his note to us with an assurance +that "the feelings were sincere, however trifling the thoughts, or +inadequate the expression." Of his sincerity we have no doubt; and where +the feelings of a writer are so honourable to his heart as are many in this +paper, we are not fastidious enough to quarrel with inadvertencies of the +head. All have felt the overpowering effect produced by the contemplation +of the sublimities of art, but comparatively few are aware of the +difficulty of embodying these first impressions in descriptive detail.--ED. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE GATHERER. + + A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. +SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + +Vivian Grey pronounces school ushers execrable wretches, because they wear +pepper and salt pantaloons; Lady Morgan improves upon him, declaring the +man who wears a white waistcoat in the morning, or the woman who curtsies +at a drawing-room door, out of the pale of society. It is surprising that +people will write such rubbish as this--more surprising that others will +print it-- most surprising that folks buy it--and as Cobbett would say, +what surprises us "most of all," is that people read it. + +Q. + + * * * * * + + +ORIGIN OF THE WORD FARM. + + +Spelman derives this word from the Saxon term _fearme_, or +_feorme_, which signifies _victus_, food, or _provision_, as +the tenants and country people anciently paid their rents in victuals and +other necessaries of life, but which was afterwards converted into the +payment of certain sums of money. Hence a _ferm_ was originally a +place which furnished or supplied its owner or lord with provisions. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + +At an inn in a market town upon the road to Holyhead, a gentleman sat in +the kitchen smoking his pipe, and watching with anxiety a fowl that was +roasting for his supper. At length a tall, meagre figure stalked in, and +after an earnest and melancholy look at the fowl, retired with a sigh. +Repeating his visit he exclaimed, "That fowl will never be done in time." +"What do you mean?" said the gentleman, "that fowl is for my supper, and +you shan't touch a bit of it." "Oh," replied the other, "you misunderstand +me; I don't want the fowl; but I am to play _Oroonoko_ this evening, +and we cannot begin for want of the _jack chain_." + +C.C. + + * * * * * + + +THOMAS PAINE. + + +When Paine's "Rights of Man," reached Lewes, where he married a Miss Olive, +the women as with one voice, said, "Od rot im, let im come ear if he dast, +an we'll tell him what the Rights of Women is; we'll toss im in a blanket, +and ring im out of Lewes wi our frying pans."--_Cheetham's Life of +Paine_. + + * * * * * + + +EPIGRAM. + + +Ah, Lucy, 'twas a roguish thought That kindled up that rosy hue; True, +'twas a roguish thought, for I, Thought none so great a rogue as +_you_. + + * * * * * + +_LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS_. + +CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the Strand, near +Somerset House. + +The ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS, Embellished with nearly 150 Engravings. +In 6 Parts, 1s. each. + +The TALES of the GENII. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + +The MICROCOSM. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Volume 14, No. 396, Saturday, October 31, 1829. + +Author: Various + +Release Date: March 5, 2004 [EBook #11459] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 396 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Marvin A. Hodges, David Garcia and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page273" name="page273"></a>[pg + 273]</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. XIV, NO. 396.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1829.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + BLARNEY CASTLE. + </h2> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/396-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/396-1.png" alt="Blarney Castle." /></a> + </div> + <p> + This Engraving, to use a cant phrase, is an exquisite "bit of + Blarney;" but independent of the vulgar association, it has a + multitude of attractions for every reader. Its interest will, + however, be materially enhanced by the following admirable + description from the graphic pen of T. Crofton Croker, + Esq.<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + </p> + <p> + Blarney, so famous in Irish song and story, is situated about + four miles north west of Cork, and was, within these few + years, a thriving manufacturing village; but it no longer + wears the aspect of comfort or of business, and appears much + gone to decay. + </p> + <p> + The alteration struck me very forcibly. In 1815, I remember a + large square of neat cottages, and the area, a green shaded + by fine old trees. Most of the cottages are now roofless; the + trees have been cut down, and on my last visit, in 1821, a + crop of barley was ripening in the square. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "the clam'rous rooks + </p> + <p> + Ask for their wonted seat, but ask in vain! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their ancient home is level'd with the earth, + </p> + <p> + Never to wave again its leafy head, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or yield a covert to the feather'd choir, + </p> + <p> + Who now, with broken song, remote and shy, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Seek other bowers, their native branches gone!" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + This prepared me to expect a similar change in the grounds of + the castle, where much timber has been also felled; but the + grounds still are beautiful, rock and water being features in + the landscape, the picturesque effect of which neglect cannot + injure. + </p> + <p> + The castle consists of a massive square tower, that rises + broad and boldly above surrounding trees, on a precipitous + rock over a stream called the Awmartin; and attached to the + east side is an extensive dwelling-house, erected about a + century since by Sir James Jeffreys, who purchased or + obtained this estate from the crown, and in whose family it + still continues. + </p> + <p> + Blarney Castle was built about the middle of the fifteenth + century, by Cormac MacCarty, or Carthy surnamed Laider, or + the Strong. He was descended from the kings of Cork, and was + esteemed so powerful a chieftain that the English settlers in + his part of Munster paid him an annual tribute of forty + pounds to protect them from the attacks and <i>insults</i> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page274" name="page274"></a>[pg + 274]</span> of the Irish. To him is also ascribed the + building of the Abbey and Castle of Kilcrea, the Nunnery of + Ballyvacadine, and many other religious houses; in the former + of which he was buried.<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> + It would be a matter of little importance and considerable + labour to trace the Castle of Blarney from one possessor to + another. The genealogical table in Keating's "History of + Ireland" will enable those addicted to research to follow the + Mac Carty pedigree; but a tiresome repetition of names, + occasioned by the scantiness of them in an exceedingly + numerous family, present continual causes of perplexity to + the general reader. The names of Donough, Cormac, Teague, + Florence, Dermot, Owen, and Donnel, constitute almost the + whole catalogue used by the Mac Carties<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + for a period exceeding six hundred years.<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> + This difficulty is heightened from the entire Sept being, in + point of fact, without a sirname, as the followers of most + chieftains in Ireland as well as Scotland assumed that of + their lord. In the reign of Edward IV. a statute was enacted, + commanding each individual to take upon himself a separate + sirname, "either of his trade and faculty, or of some quality + of his body or mind, or of the place where he dwelt, so that + every one should be distinguished from the other." But this + statute did not effect the object proposed, and Spenser, in + his "View of Ireland," mentions it as having become obsolete, + and strongly recommends its renewal. + </p> + <p> + The military and historic recollections connected with + Blarney are doubtless of sufficient importance to give an + interest to the place; but to a curious superstition it is + perhaps more indebted for celebrity. A stone in the highest + part of the castle wall is pointed out to visitors, which is + supposed to give to whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege + of deviating from veracity with unblushing countenance + whenever it may be convenient—hence the well-known + phrase of "<i>Blarney</i>." + </p> + <p> + The grounds attached to the castle, as I before observed, + though so little attended to, are still beautiful. Walks, + which a few years since were neat and trim, are now so + overrun with brambles and wild flowers as to be passed with + difficulty. Much wood has also been cut down, and the + statues, so ridiculously enumerated in a popular song, + removed. A picturesque bridge too, which led to the castle, + has been swept away by the wintry floods, and, with the + exception of a small dell called the Rock Close, every thing + seems changed for the worse. In this romantic spot nature and + art (a combination rather uncommon in pleasure-grounds) have + gone hand in hand. Advantage has been taken of accidental + circumstances to form tasteful and characteristic + combinations; and it is really a matter of difficulty at + first to determine what is primitive, and what the produce of + design. The delusion is even heightened by the present total + neglect. You come most unexpectedly into this little shaded + nook, and stand upon a natural terrace above the river, which + glides as calmly as possible beneath. Here, if you feel + inclined for contemplation, a rustic couch of rock, all + festooned with moss and ivy, is at your service; but if + adventurous feelings urge you to explore farther, a discovery + is made of an almost concealed, irregularly excavated passage + through the solid rock, which is descended by a rude flight + of stone steps, called the "Witches Stairs," and you emerge + <i>sul margine d'un rio</i>, over which depend some light and + graceful trees. It is indeed a fairy scene, and I know of no + place where I could sooner imagine these little elves holding + their moonlight revelry. + </p> + <p> + A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a lake, + said to abound with a species of leech. It does not afford + one good subject for the pencil, being without islands, the + margin swampy, and the adjacent trees planted with too much + attention to regularity. It is a very generally believed + tradition that, before Blarney surrendered to King William's + forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was made up in an 'oaken + chest, which was thrown into this lake, and has not since + been recovered; nor does + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page275" name="page275"></a>[pg + 275]</span> this appear improbable, as I understand repeated + attempts have in vain been made to drain it. In 1814, the + late Mr. Milliken, whose well-known song of "the Groves of + Blarney" has identified his memory with the place, gave me a + clumsy silver ring for the finger, which had been taken out + of the lake by a boy who was fishing in it. + </p> + <p> + Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth + notice that, in a quarry close to the castle, where some men + were working, we picked up several human bones, and that one + of the labourers informed us so many as twenty horse loads of + these bones had been thrown into the lake; he also spoke of + two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and + pennies of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug + up here; but I believe never in any quantity. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the castle contains little worth notice + except a full-length portrait of Charles XII. of Sweden, said + to be an original, and brought here by one of the Jeffreys' + family who was envoy to that monarch. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE ANNUALS. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "Flow'rets strew'd + </p> + <p> + By churlish Time, in cheerlier mood; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The sweetness of a second Spring, + </p> + <p> + Beneath the Autumn of his wing. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Bestowing on the season's gloom + </p> + <p> + The bliss of a perennial bloom." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Glancing back to the commencement of the nineteenth century, + the only <i>annual</i> record of poetry and prose which we + recollect, was "The Flowers of Literature;" a thick + duodecimo, habited in a flesh-coloured wrapper, and retaining + in its print and pages, the quaintness which characterized + "the good old days" of the "Universal Magazine;" and which + still clings, though somewhat modified, to the patriarchal + pages of Sylvanus Urban. The matter was in accordance with + the manner—a medley of prosing articles, from the + titles of which we might select, as indicative of their + style, "Ode to Despair;" "Topographical Description of + Paris;" "The Sailor;" more agreeably interspersed with some + effusion of Mrs. Barbauld, or Mrs. Opie; mingled, again, with + sundry "Observations on the Present State of the War," + written by some sleepy newspaper editor, whose language we + might assimilate with, "We have received intelligence from," + &c. Here and there, perhaps, a straggling beam of genius + broke through the mental twilight, in the shape of, "Some + Account of the poet, Burns;" a <i>Rustique</i> by Bloomfield, + or an elegant sonnet by Bowles or Charlotte Smith. The rest + of would-be-sonneteers, tragedy-writers, and essayists, have + long ago found, with their mediocrities, a congenial oblivion + in "the tomb of all the Capulets." + </p> + <p> + But suddenly, and without much premise to warrant the + commencement of such an era, the department of our + imaginative literature was established in patronage and + importance; and those "trivial, fond records," which were + wont only to sparkle a brief endurance in the mutable columns + of a newspaper, or doomed, when existing in fragile + manuscript, "to die and be forgot," found a refuge from their + Lethean fate in the numerous Magazines which the increased + taste, and avidity for reading, evinced by the public, had + called into existence. Still there was a <i>desideratum</i>, + which these adornments of English Literature, "The Annuals," + alone supplied. The casual tones which emanated from the + "transcendent masters of the lyre," were not to be lost to + "the public ear" for want of "a circulating medium;" and + Ackermann, a name familiar to the lovers of pictorial art, + had the honour of first setting England the example of + preserving her valuable anthology, by producing his + attractive Annual, "The Forget-Me-Not;" a species of + literature which presents us with the pleasing facility of + holding yearly communion with our poets and authors, without + being subjected to the tedium of awaiting their protracted + appearance in a more voluminous shape. We can now more + frequently greet Anacreon Moore, wreathing his harp with the + paternal shamrock, characteristically mingled with "pansies + <i>for love</i>;" Montgomery, mourning over our nature's + degradation; telling us of the affections and passions of + earth, yet luring us to higher hopes and brighter + consummation; his every line evincing that chastened sorrow + which Byron threw into the portrait of the Sheffield + bard— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "With broken lyre, and cheek serenely pale." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Coleridge, dropping "some natural tears," on viewing the + altered features of his native valley; sweetly and + affectionately telling of + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The meadow, and its babbling brook, + </p> + <p> + Where roses in the ripple shook." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Southey, forgetting the ungentler theme of "battle field" + amidst the sublimity of rock and lake. Campbell, pouring from + his plaintive shell a tender eulogy to his northern + home—a glowing tissue of + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page276" name="page276"></a>[pg + 276]</span> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Dreams Of the Highland mountains, and echoing streams, + </p> + <p> + And broken glades, breathing their balm. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + —Scott, terrifically depicting a Sassenagh tournament, + or inditing a stirring appeal to the "blue bonnets," to + settle some Border broil. James Hogg, "the Scottish Virgil," + on whom has surely fallen the mantle of inspiration from the + Mantuan bard, coming forth in all the richness of the "Noctes + Ambrosianae," from the misty hill where he dominates "the + king of shepherds." Delta, elegantly pensive, sighing beneath + the blighted trees which flourished over his boyhood; and + listening to the rhetoric of the changing seasons. Alaric + Watts, "the fireside bard," giving us a touching apostrophe + to his "youngling of the flock," in melting verse, warm from + that kindred fancy + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "Whose blessed words + </p> + <p> + Can bid the sweetest dreams arise; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Awaken feeling's tenderest chords, + </p> + <p> + And drown in tears of joy the eyes." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + T.K. Hervey, following in the same bright path, or + enthusiastically rapt amidst the beauty and bloom of + Australia.—Bernard Barton, bringing us snatches of + vernal philosophy, gathered in the silence of murky woods, + and the solitude of perfumed meadows.—John Clare, + swearing everlasting fealty to his beauteous Mary, by the + elm-shadowed cottage of her bowery home; thanking heaven for + the benison of love and rurality.—Richardson, the poet + of India, sonnetizing amidst the superb cupolas and temples + which gem the banks of the deified Ganges, longing to + exchange his fevered abode for salubrious + England.—Pringle transforming the repulsive features of + a South African desert into matter for piteous song; and + illumining, by the brightness of his genius, the terrible + picture of Caffre barbarity and degradation.—Roscoe, + revelling in the sweets of Italian lore, his own lips + "touched with a live coal" from the altar of + poesy.—Washington Irving, grasping at the intellect, + and speculating on the wit and fancy, of all climes; so + speedily transplanting himself (bodily as well as mentally) + from the back woods of America to the land of + Columbus—from the vineyards of France to the valleys of + Yorkshire—as almost to induce a belief in his power of + ubiquity.—Allan Cunningham, sympathizing with the + sorrows of one "who never told her love," and weaving a + tearful elegy over her flower-strewn grave, or painting the + fiercer incidents of piratical warfare, on the ocean's + solitudes.—Felicia Hemans, her lyre musically blending + the song of sounding streams with the spontaneous melody of + the "feathered choir" composing an epicedium to the memory of + departed days, and proving her glorious claims to the poetic + character, "creation's heir."—Mary Russell Mitford, + great in her histrionic portraitures of liberty, whether + patrician or plebeian; yet not forgetting in her dramatic + wanderings, her happy village; but drawing us, "by the cords + of love," to the rustic scene; amplifying that fine axiom of + the Stratford bard— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To shepherds, looking on their silly sheep, + </p> + <p> + Than does the embroider'd canopy to kings?" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + J.H. Wiffen, dating from the sentimental seclusion of Woburn + Abbey, a song replete with all the grace and imagination of + his "Ionian Hours."—Charles Lamb, the "deep-thoughted + Elia," introducing us to the maidenly residence of his cousin + Bridget; delighted with delighting; his fancy expatiating on + a copious medley of subjects between the stiff Mandarins on + the old fashioned china, and that <i>Beaumont and + Fletcher</i>, the purchase of his rigid economy, ere his + talents had brought him fame and fortune.—Letitia + Landon "the English Sappho," a being existing but in the + atmosphere of love and flowers; equally sensitive at the + opening of a violet as at the shutting of a rose. But our + list of the living is too extended; and we will speak of some + of the departed. + </p> + <p> + Interspersed with the emanations of our existing bards, we + have, occasionally, those precious <i>morceaux</i> which have + been bequeathed us by the illustrious dead. Trifles, yet how + esteemed! Remembrances of Byron, with his fiery impetuosity, + spurning the trammels of worldly sorrow; and prescribing + death as a <i>panacea</i> for his lamentable despair; yet + subduing us with refined regrets, as he was wont, in his + changing mood, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "To sun himself in heaven's pure day." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Shelley, misanthropically commencing with the turbulence of + the chainless sea: a spirit matured to madness by the + overawing and supernatural terrors of German romance: as he + asserts himself to be, in his lamentation for the author of + Endymion, one who + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Had gaz'd on Nature's naked loveliness, + </p> + <p> + Acteon-like, until <i>he fled away</i>." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + John Keates, forsaking the land of his fame, and prematurely + resigning his "quiet breath," on that spot + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Where dwelt the muses at their natal hour;" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page277" name="page277"></a>[pg + 277]</span> leaving to the less sensitive reviewers to prove, + whether he had been "led astray by the light from heaven, or + by his own clouded and tempestuous genius:" + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "That fire within so fiercely burned + </p> + <p> + That whence it came it soon returned." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Maturin, though corrupted and enervated by the follies and + dissipation of the anti-poetic city, becoming, in his lucid + intervals, "himself again," in the composition of a splendid + dramaticle.—Henry Neele, the "martyr-student," inviting + us to share in the intense admiration of intellect; forcibly + demonstrating "that song is but the eloquence of + truth"—but of him no more! + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The churchyard bears an added stone; + </p> + <p> + The fireside shows a vacant chair." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Yet, however splendid the galaxy of literary stars may be, + which illumine our Annuals, they owe no little of their + lustre to <i>the engravings</i>. It fortuitously happens that + we have not "a connoisseuring eye," or we should swell this + paper beyond the limits prescribed by editorial complaisance, + in the pages of "THE MIRROR." We are not ignorant, however, + of the incomparable advancement which the science of + engraving has made in the lapse of the last ten years; or how + far it has left behind those mere scratches of the graver + which lit up our young admiration when a boy. Two of these we + will be impertinent enough to criticise, in spite of the + affection with which we cherish the visionary recollection of + the pictures of grandmother's parlour. The subjects were + "courtship," and "matrimony." In the former, the + Chesterfieldian lover was seen handing his <i>chere amie</i> + (a lusty wench, with red ochre cheeks) over a remarkably low + stile: whether the subject, or the manner of its execution + had inspired the muse, is no matter; but beneath was the + following:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "In <i>courtship</i>, Strephon careful hands his lass + </p> + <p> + Over a stile a child with ease might pass" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The next was "matrimony;" but, oh! "look on <i>this</i> + picture and on <i>this!</i>" The careless husband, forgetting + his capacious spouse, leaves her to scramble over a stile of + alarming altitude, whilst his attention seems absorbed in the + quarrel of two snarling terriers. Such conjugal uncourtliness + elicits its merited censure in the cool satire of the + accompanying motto:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "But <i>wedded</i> Strephon now neglects his dame: + </p> + <p> + Tumble or not, to him 'tis all the same." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The costume of these two figures was in accordance with the + date of the hey-day of Ranelagh Gardens; and the outline of + the foliage was about on a par with those designs we often + see cut out of paper, by an ingenious schoolboy yet they may + be adduced as criterions of the average merit appertaining to + the generality of the productions of the burine of "the old + school." + </p> + <p> + In closing this erratic dissertation on the Annuals, we may + remark, that an interesting article might be written, + descriptive of the reformation which gradually elevated the + art of engraving to perfection—a history of its + emerging from the inanities which flaunt in the window of + Carver and Bowles, in St. Paul's Churchyard, and arriving at + the exquisite perfection of such achievements as "Alexander's + Visit to Diogenes," and "Quintus Curtius leaping into the + Gulf." + </p> + <p> + * * H. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + FINE ARTS. + </h2> + <h3> + SCHOOL OF PAINTING AT THE BRITISH INSTITUTION, PALL MALL. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Sir,—I have recently had the pleasure of visiting the + British Institution, and hope the following remarks on a few + of the best works will prove acceptable to those of your + readers who are interested in the Fine Arts. + </p> + <p> + It is customary at this Institution to open, every autumn, a + school for the study of painting, in which students have an + opportunity of copying the best productions of the greatest + masters. The present school opened a few weeks ago, and + furnishes some exquisite specimens of art, which were + selected by the directors as examples for imitation. In + general the students have been very enterprising this season, + and their copies, if not quite equal in every respect to the + charming originals, are nevertheless very meritorious and + masterly attempts. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Holy Family</i>, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, is a + remarkably fine specimen of colour, and has been successfully + copied by Messrs. Boaden, Fisk, Child, and Inskipp. Small + copies, in water colours, have also been done from it by Miss + Sharpe, and Miss Fanny Corbaux. Much praise is due to Mr. + Morton, for his whole length <i>Portrait of a Gentleman</i>, + after Vandyke; and Messrs. Simpson, Higham, and Middleton, + deserve high commendation for executing the best <i>fac + similia</i> of Rembrandt's <i>Portrait of a Lady</i>. The + <i>Landscape with Boors</i>, is a delightful little picture + by Teniers, belonging to his Majesty: numerous attempts have + been made to imitate it, but not altogether with success. Mr. + Hart's copy, however, is extremely + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page278" name="page278"></a>[pg + 278]</span> clever. Poussin's <i>Landscape and Figures</i>, + has engaged the pencil of Mr. Burbank, who has produced a + most elaborate copy in water colours. Mr. Foster displays + considerable ability in his <i>Hobbima;</i> and Messrs. Lee, + Earl, Watts, and Dujardin, have equally excelled in their + copies from the cattle piece by Cuyp. In De Hooge's picture, + the <i>Exterior with Figures</i>, we are delighted with the + representation of a fine summer evening: a peculiar warmth is + diffused over every object, and the lengthened shadows + indicate sunset: of this work, Mr. Novice has executed the + best finished copy; Miss Dujardin's, however, is exceedingly + good, and contains much promise. Another splendid example of + art is a <i>Large Landscape</i>, by Gainsborough, good + studies from which have been made by Messrs. Watts and Child. + </p> + <p> + Two small views on the Grand Canal at Venice, by Gwardi, have + employed the talents of Miss Dujardin, Mr. E. Child, Mr. + Watts, and Master Pasmore. But it is impossible to enumerate, + in this hasty notice, all the arduous undertakings of the + students: suffice it to say, that they have gained another + step towards pictorial fame, and that their copies, from the + works of Rubens, Wouvermans, Murillo, Canaletti, Titian, + &c., are honourable testimonies of their exertion to + excel. + </p> + <p> + <i>October</i> 19, 1829. + </p> + <p> + G.W.N. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE CONTEMPORARY TRAVELLER. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + A TOUR IN THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>Concluded from page 262</i>.) + </p> + <p> + A view of the western side of Jersey, is calculated to + impress a stranger with an idea that it is a barren, + unproductive island; but no supposition could be more + erroneous, as, in fact, a great proportion of it may be + described as orchard. The extent of ground planted, with + fruit trees—apple, pear, and plumb is prodigious; and + consequently cider—and very excellent cider + too—is one of the staple products of the country, and a + favourite beverage among the natives. At the Union Hotel, St. + Helier, boarders were allowed to quaff as much as they had a + liking for, without being subjected to any additional charge. + </p> + <p> + About three miles inland from St. Helier, is a singular + structure named Prince's Tower, erected on an artificial + mound or tumulus, and embowered in a grove of fine trees. The + extensive prospect it commanded, and the indubitable + antiquity of the masonry, induced me to apply for permission + to ascend it; and I was rewarded with a bird's eye view of + nearly the whole island, and a vast sweep of the French coast + extending almost from Cape de la Hogue to Avranches. An + Englishman had lately taken up his abode in the tower, which, + with the adjacent pleasure ground, he rented at forty pounds + a-year. His object was to render it a place of resort to the + inhabitants of St. Helier, and his advertisements promised + that the "delightful emotions excited by its unrivalled + scenery, and the harmonious chat of the feathered tribe, + should not be counteracted by the comfortless sensations of + hunger, thirst, and weariness." The interior of the tower was + neatly and appropriately fitted up. One apartment was + designated the chapel; and in the highest room were several + telescopes, mounted so as to traverse to any point of the + compass, for the gratification of visitors. + </p> + <p> + But it is the traditionary history of Prince's Tower that + renders it interesting in the eyes of the islanders. In + former times it was known by the name of La Hogue-Bye, and + the following legend, quoted from <i>Le Livre noir de + Coutances</i>, gives the origin of its celebrity:—In + remote times, a moor or fen in this part of Jersey, was the + retreat of a monstrous serpent or dragon, which spread terror + and devastation throughout the island. At length a valorous + Norman, the Seigneur de Hambye, undertook to attempt its + destruction, which, after a terrible conflict, he + accomplished. He was accompanied in this adventure by a + vassal of whose fidelity he had no suspicion, but who, seeing + his lord overcome by fatigue, after having vanquished the + reptile, suddenly bethought himself of monopolizing the glory + of the action. Instigated by this foul ambition, he + assassinated his lord, and, returning to Normandy, + promulgated a fictitious narrative of the encounter; and, to + further his iniquitous views, presented a forged letter, + which he said had been written by De Hambye to his widow, + just before his death, enjoining her to reward his faithful + servant, by accepting him as her second husband. Reverence + for the last injunction of her deceased lord, induced the + lady to obey, and she was united to his murderer. But the + exultation of the homicidal slave was of short duration. His + sleep was disturbed by horrid dreams; and at length, in one + of his nightly paroxysms, he disclosed the extent of his + villany. On being arrested and questioned, he made a full + confession, and was tried, found guilty, and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page279" name="page279"></a>[pg + 279]</span> publicly executed. De Hambye's widow, in memory + of her lord, caused a tumulus of earth, to be raised on the + spot where he was buried; and on the summit she built a + chapel, with a tower so lofty, as to be visible from her own + mansion at Coutances. + </p> + <p> + So much for the fable. As to the word <i>Hogue</i>, there are + several places in Jersey called <i>Hougues</i>, which are + always situated on a rising ground. The word has evidently + originated from the German <i>hoch</i>, from which is derived + our English <i>high</i>. A <i>hougue</i>, therefore, means a + mound or hillock, and in the present instance, the addition + of <i>bye</i> is obviously a contraction of Hambye; and, in + accordance with the foregoing tradition, means literally the + <i>barrow</i> or tomb of the <i>Seigneur de Hambye</i>. + </p> + <p> + The chapel at la Hogue is said to have been rebuilt in + imitation of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, by one of the + popish deans of Jersey, in the reign of Henry VIII. La + Hogue-bye remained for many years in a dilapidated state, + till about 1790, when the late Admiral d'Auvergne, a native + of Jersey, better known under his French title of Duke of + Bouillon, became its owner by purchase, and hence it obtained + its present name. At his death, in 1816, it was purchased by + the late lieutenant-governor, Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh + Mackay Gordon, whose heirs afterwards sold it to Francis le + Breton, Esq., to whom it now belongs. + </p> + <p> + The most prominent object in the noble panoramic view from + the top of Prince's Tower, is a huge fortress on the eastern + side of the island, called the Castle of Mont Orgueil. It + crests a lofty conical rock, that forms the northern headland + of Grouville Bay, and looks down, like a grim giant, on the + subjacent strait. The fortifications encircle the cone in + picturesque tiers, and the apex of the mountain shoots up in + the centre of them, as high as the flag-staff, which is in + fact planted upon it. During war a strong garrison constantly + occupied Mont Orgueil, but now a corporal and two privates of + artillery composed the whole military force. The corporal, a + quiet intelligent man, who spoke with much horror of paying a + visit to the West Indies, which, in the mutations of his + professional life, he had a prospect of doing at no distant + period, acted as <i>cicerone</i>, and, among other places, + introduced me into a small circular apartment, forming one of + the suite appropriated to officers, which he said had been + the habitation of Charles II. when a wanderer. This prince, + when his unfortunate father fell into the hands of the + regicidal party, found a loyal welcome in Jersey. Here he was + recognised as king, when in England they sought his blood: + here he remained in security, when his fatherland afforded + him no asylum. During his lonely sojourn in this remote + portion of his hereditary dominions, he is said to have + employed himself in making a survey and delineating a map of + the island. The natives, flattered by the confidence he + reposed in them, and justly proud of nine centuries of + unblemished loyalty to the throne of Great Britain, still + refer to his residence as a memorable event; and in no other + part of the British dominions, is the memory of the "merry + monarch" more respected. When Cromwell, after the disastrous + issue of the battle of Worcester, sent an expedition, under + Admiral Blake, to reduce the island, it made a most gallant + and protracted defence; and had not circumstances conspired + to favour the Invaders, their victory would have been dearly + purchased. + </p> + <p> + Mount Orgueil, in point of historical association, is by far + the most interesting spot in Jersey. A part of the + fortifications, according to tradition, are coeval with + Caesar's incursions into Gaul; and the islanders hold it + famous in their oldest story, and of antiquity beyond record. + In 1374, the celebrated Constable du Guesclin passed over + from Bretagne at the head of a large army, including some of + the bravest knights of France, and encamped before this + fortress, then called Gouray Castle, into which the principal + inhabitants had retired for safety; but after a siege of + several months, he was obliged to draw off his forces in + despair, and quit the island. Henry V. added much to the + strength and beauty of Gouray—made it a depot of arms, + and conferred on it the proud name of Mont Orgueil. About + 1461, Nanfant, the governor, a dependent of Henry VI. was + prevailed upon, by an order of Queen Margaret, to surrender + it to Surdeval, a Frenchman, agent of Peter de Brezé, + Count of Maulevrier; but though de Brezé kept + possession of it for several years, the natives, under the + command of Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of St. Ouen, a family + long illustrious in Jersey annals, prevented him from + completely subjugating the island. Sir Richard Harliston, + vice-admiral of England, afterwards re-captured Mont Orgueil, + and put an end to Maulevrier's usurpation. + </p> + <p> + A small pier, intended to facilitate the landing of stores, + and shelter the numerous + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page280" name="page280"></a>[pg + 280]</span> oyster vessels that resort to Grouville Bay at + the dredging season, projects into the sea, immediately under + the castle guns. The bay, like that of St. Aubin, is defended + by a regular line of martello towers, several of which are + built far within flood-mark, on reefs that form part of the + Violet Bank. The adjacent country is a perfect garden, and + numerous secluded villas and cottages are scattered among the + umbrageous and productive orchards that spread around. A + small village, called Goree, lies a short way southward of + Mont Orgueil. In former times, it was a sutling-place for the + garrison; now it is only the rendezvous of a few + oyster-fishers. In the auberges here, (every alternate house + retailed liquor), brandy sold at a shilling a bottle. + </p> + <p> + The road leading directly from Grouville to St. Helier runs + parallel with the southern shore, among corn fields, + orchards, and hamlets, and is the best in the island. I + travelled it after sunset, and found myriads of toads hopping + across it in every direction. These reptiles are extremely + common in Jersey; while, in the neighbouring island of + Guernsey, if popular report may be credited, they are not + only unknown, but cannot exist, as has been ascertained by + importing them from less favoured countries. This exemption + in favour of Guernsey, is in all probability a mere fable, + originating with some ignorant native, the absurdity of which + no person has been at the trouble to expose. Lizards and + small snakes are also numerous in Jersey; and at night-fall, + a chorus of crickets resounds from every hedge. + </p> + <p> + The Jersey cattle are small; but like the pigmy breed of the + Scottish Highlands, their flesh is delicate, and their milk + and butter rich. The butcher market at St. Helier is supplied + chiefly from France. There are sportsmen in Jersey as well as + in other countries, but game is neither various nor abundant. + The list, however, includes hares, rabbits, the Jersey + partridge, a beautiful bird, with pheasant eyes, red legs, + and variegated plumage; and several varieties of water fowl. + In severe winters, flocks of solan geese, locally denominated + "barnacles," frequent the shores. + </p> + <p> + The Romans, the pioneers of discovery and civilization in + Europe, conferred on Jersey the name of Caesarea, in honour + of their leader; and Caesar and Tacitus concur in describing + it as a stronghold of Druidism, of which worship many + monuments still exist. The aborigines were doubtless sprung + from the Celtic tribes spread over the adjacent continent; + but the present inhabitants are universally recognised as the + lineal descendants of the warlike Normans, who, under the + auspices of the famous Rollo, conquered and established + themselves in the north of France in the ninth century. It + was first attached to the British crown at the conquest; and + though repeated descents have been made on it by France + during the many wars waged between the countries since that + remote era, none of them were attended with such success as + to lead to a permanent occupation of the island. The + islanders, proud of an unconquered name, and gratified to + recollect that they originally gave a king to England, not + England a king to them, have been always distinguished for + fidelity to the British government; and their unshaken + loyalty has, from time to time, been rewarded by immunities + and privileges, highly conducive to their prosperity, and + calculated to foster that spirit of nationality, which is + invariably distinctive of a free people. They are exempted + from those taxes which press heaviest on the English yeoman, + and from naval and military service beyond the boundaries of + their own island. The local administration of justice is + still regulated by the old Norman code of laws, and this + circumstance is regarded by the natives as a virtual + recognition of their independence; but strangers, when they + inadvertently get involved in legal disputes, have often + cause to regret its existence. In cases of assault, + particularly the assaulting of a magistrate, even though his + official character be unknown to the offender, a severe + punishment is generally awarded. We heard several instances + of military officers, who had been guilty of raising an arm + of flesh against jurats in night frolics at St. Helier's, + narrowly escaping the penalty attached to this heinous + infraction of the laws—a penalty which would have left + them maimed for life. + </p> + <p> + The introduction of Christianity, and final extirpation of + idolatry, is said to have occurred in the sixth century. In + the latter days of the reign of popery, Jersey formed part of + the diocese of Coutances in Normandy, where the ancient + records of the island were deposited; but at the Reformation, + in the reign of Elizabeth, it was attached to the see of + Winchester—an annexation, however, merely nominal, for + the island is in reality exempt from the dominion of the + church of England. The inhabitants are a well-disposed and + peaceable race, but not particularly distinguished + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page281" name="page281"></a>[pg + 281]</span> for enthusiasm in religion. The peasantry are + orderly and industrious; the merchants enterprising; and the + seamen, a numerous class, hardy and adventurous. The + <i>aggregate</i> of the people live more after the French + manner than the English; that is, they substitute fruit and + vegetables, in a great measure, for animal food, and cider + for ale. Neither men nor women are distinguished for personal + beauty, though we noticed several very comely dames in our + perambulations; and notwithstanding the boasted purity of + their descent from the ocean-roamers of the north, they have + many of the anomalous features of a mixed + race.—<i>Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical + Science</i>. No. I. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE NATURALIST. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE MOLE. + </h3> + <p> + Foreign naturalists have been much occupied of late with the + mole. From the recently published observations of one of + them, M. Flourens, it appears that this animal, as its + organization indicates, is, if not exclusively, at least, + essentially, carnivorous. It very soon dies if only roots be + given to it; and if it destroy so many roots of vegetables, + it is not for the purpose of eating them, but to seek among + them for worms, insects, and particularly for the larvae of + insects which harbour there. They may be kept alive for a + long time upon any animal food. Ten or twelve hours are + nearly the longest time they can live without food. Like all + animals which feed upon blood and flesh, the mole is always + very thirsty.—<i>Monthly Mag</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + CLIMATE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. + </h3> + <p> + The climate of the British dominions in the south of Africa + is one of the finest in the world. The average height of the + barometer is above thirty inches, and the average summer heat + at noon is about 78 deg. It resembles the climate of Italy, + but is rather warmer and dryer. It is so dry, that draining + is little required for the ground: on the contrary, it is + necessary to retain moisture as much as possible, and even + irrigation is desirable, more especially from the grasses. + The mountains abound in springs, but the supply of water is + scanty and precarious, from the want of energy and skill in + procuring that essential article. Such a scarcity frequently + arises, that the cattle perish from thirst, and the people + themselves are in danger of a similar fate.—<i>Gill's + Repository</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + Sea Pens. + </h3> + <div class="figure" style="width: 50%; float: right;"> + <a href="images/396-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/396-2.png" alt="Sea Pens." /></a> + </div> + <p> + The cuts represent two fine Sea Pens—<i>Silver and + Red</i>, with Sections. + </p> + <p> + Of all the Sea Pens yet known, the first is one of the + largest and most curious in its appearance; being of a + beautiful silvery white, elegantly straited on each of the + feather-like processes, with lines or streaks of the deepest + black. It is extremely rare, and is a native of the Indian + Seas. The accompanying Engraving is copied from a fine + specimen in the British Museum. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE RED SEA-PEN IS + </h3> + <p> + Of a very beautiful appearance, and is found on the British + coast. The animal consists of a flattened stem, or body, + which is furnished with an internal bone, and dilates into an + expanded part, consisting of several pinnae, or lateral + branches, which are divided on their inner edges into a + number of tubular processes, through each of which is + protruded a part of the animal, resembling the head of a + hydra or polype; <span class="pagenum"><a id="page282" + name="page282"></a>[pg 282]</span> the whole animal may, + therefore, be considered as a very compound or ramified union + of polypi, the bodies of which are contained in the naked + part or stem, and from thence ramify into a vast number of + processes, each furnished with its particular head. The + animal emits a very strong phosphoric light, and it is even + so luminous, that it is no uncommon circumstance for the + fishermen to see the fish which happen to be swimming near it + merely by the light of the Pens. Its colour is a bright red + crimson, and the general size that of the figure. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ellis, in the Philosophical Transactions, has published + some specimens of this extraordinary animal, of a + kidney-shaped form, and observes that it nourishes and + supports itself by the succours of polype filaments, which we + have expressed in the Engraving in a magnified size. By these + they take in their food and discharge the exuviae. In case of + danger these little succours are drawn in. + </p> + <p> + Sea Pens are termed <i>locomotive zoophytes,</i> and swim in + the manner of fish. Five hundred polypes may frequently be + numbered on a single feather; and they number among the most + rare and interesting animals of the order to which they + belong. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + </h2> + <hr /> + <center> + <i>Vermin in Ships</i>. + </center> + <p> + Steam has been lately found very successful in cleansing + ships from vermin, and especially the white ant. In India, a + steam boat was lately placed alongside a merchant vessel, and + steam from its boiler conveyed by a very simple system of + pipes in the hold of the latter, the apertures to which were + closed as well as they could be. The operation was continued + for several hours; and there is reason to believe it was + effectual, and will prove a valuable process in the navy. + Besides the direct object of cleansing the ship, another + advantage accrued from the discovery of every leaky place + existing, by the oozing of the water through it. The expense + is said to be very moderate; and it is further stated to be + the only process at present known, not even except sinking, + which effectually destroys the white ant.—<i>Brande's + Journal</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Agriculture</i>. + </center> + <p> + England possesses more pasture land than any other European + country; and Spain the least. + </p> + <p> + In agriculture, France is a century behind England; and to + equal England, France would have to make the immense progress + which, since that time, has more than doubled the prosperity + of the former country. + </p> + <p> + England not only surpasses France in the number of its + cattle, but the animals are also finer, and their flesh is of + better quality; so that an Englishman may enjoy nearly double + the quantity of animal food that France supplies to each of + its inhabitants, and with the further advantage of better + quality. "Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England." + </p> + <center> + <i>Indian Rouge</i>. + </center> + <p> + We find in <i>Jameson's</i> last <i>Journal</i>, a very + interesting paper by Dr. Hancock, on a Red Pigment, called + <i>Carucru</i>, or <i>Chica</i>, which appears to be the + Rouge of the interior Indians. It is produced like Indigo, + from the plant chiefly found towards the head of Essequibo, + Parima, and Rio Negro. On breaking a branch, the leaves, when + dry, become almost of a blood red, and being pounded, are + infused in water till a fermentation ensues. The liquor is + then poured off and left to deposit a settlement, which forms + the <i>Chica</i> paint. It is put up very neatly in little + caskets made with palm leaves, and carried by the Atorayas + and trading Caribs all over Guiana. It has a soft, cochineal, + crimson shade, and is in great demand among the Indians as an + ornamental paint. The use is chiefly for the face, whilst + they stain the other parts of the body with Arnotta. They + also apply the Chica on the cheeks and about the eyes, and + variegate the countenance by marking the forehead, and along + the facial line, with their coomazu, a yellow clay or ochre. + This manner of painting produces a striking contrast, and + gives them a very strange and furious appearance. + </p> + <p> + From the scarcity of the Chica, its employment is almost + exclusively confined to the chiefs and higher orders, their + nobility. The rest must be contented with Arnotta, or Poncer + mixed with the oil of Carapa, a portion of which, with the + Balsam of Aracousiri, mixed with these paints, imparts to + them a very delightful odour. The <i>toilet</i>, therefore, + of the rude tribes is as simple as their manners and mode of + life, their chief material being perfume, and all being + carried in a little gourd. + </p> + <p> + The Chica is not merely esteemed as a pigment, but is + considered in the Orinoko as the most sovereign remedy for + erysipelas, where that complaint is very prevalent. It is + simply made with water into a paste, thinly spread on old + linen <span class="pagenum"><a id="page283" + name="page283"></a>[pg 283]</span> or cotton, and applied as + a plaster to the inflamed part.—<i>Abridged</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Indian Graters</i>. + </center> + <p> + The Tacumas (Indians) are the fabricators of those curious + Cassada Graters, which are considered superior to all others + by those who are acquainted with them. They are made of a + very hard wood, studded over with pointed flint stones, and + fixed by a kind of cement and varnish of surprising + durability; the substance being at the same time a strong + cement and transparent varnish. These Cassada Graters are + scarcely, if at all, known on the coast, or in the European + settlements.—<i>Jameson's Journal</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Wild Bulls</i>. + </center> + <p> + In the province of San Martin, in South America, M. Roulier + saw wild bulls feeding in the <i>llanos</i> among domestic + cattle. These animals pass their morning in the woods, which + cover the foot of the Cordillera, and come out only about two + in the afternoon to feed in the savanna. The moment they + perceive a man they gallop off to the woods. + </p> + <center> + <i>Mount Souffre</i>. + </center> + <p> + During the eruption of this volcano in 1812, the explosions + were heard at 600 or 700 miles distance; and cinders were + taken from the deck of a vessel 150 miles distant. + </p> + <center> + <i>Force of Running Water</i>. + </center> + <p> + In August, 1827, the small rivulet called the College, at the + foot of the Cheviot Hills, was so swollen by the heavy rains, + that the current tore away from the abutment of a mill dam, a + large block of stone, weighing nearly two tons, and + transported it to the distance of a quarter of a mile. + </p> + <center> + <i>Cement</i>. + </center> + <p> + The large snails which are found in gardens and woods, + discharge a whitish substance, with a slimy and gelatinous + appearance, which has been known to cement two pieces of + flint so strongly as to bear dashing on a pavement without + the junction being disturbed, although the flint broke into + fragments by fresh fractures. + </p> + <center> + <i>Artificial Ice</i>. + </center> + <p> + A mixture of four ounces of nitrate of ammonia, four ounces + of subcarbonate of soda, and four ounces of water, in a tin + pail, has been found to produce ten ounces of ice in three + hours.—<i>Brande's Journal</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF <i>NEW WORKS</i>. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + AN OLD MAN'S STORY. + </h3> + <h4> + BY MARY HOWITT. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was an old and quiet man, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And by the fire sate he, + </p> + <p> + "And now," he said, "to you I'll tell + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A dismal thing, which once befell + </p> + <p> + In a ship upon the sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Tis five-and-fifty years gone by, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Since from the River Plate, + </p> + <p> + A young man, in a home-bound ship, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sailed as second mate. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + She was a trim, stout-timbered ship, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And built for stormy seas, + </p> + <p> + A lovely thing on the wave was she, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With her canvass set so gallantly + </p> + <p> + Before a steady breeze. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For forty days, like a winged thing + </p> + <p class="i2"> + She went before the gale, + </p> + <p> + Nor all that time we slackened speed, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Turned helm, or altered sail. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + She was a laden argosy + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of wealth from the Spanish Main, + </p> + <p> + And the treasure-hoards of a Portuguese + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Returning home again. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + An old and silent man was he, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And his face was yellow and lean. + </p> + <p> + In the golden lands of Mexico + </p> + <p class="i4"> + A miner he had been. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + His body was wasted, bent, and bowed, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And amid his gold he lay— + </p> + <p> + Amid iron chests that were bound with brass, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And he watched them night and day. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + No word he spoke to any on board, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And his step was heavy and slow, + </p> + <p> + And all men deemed that an evil life + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He had led in Mexico. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But list ye me—on the lone high seas, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As the ship went smoothly on, + </p> + <p> + It chanced, in the silent second watch, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sate on the deck alone; + </p> + <p> + And I heard, from among those iron chests, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A sound like a dying groan. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I started to my feet—and lo! + </p> + <p class="i4"> + The captain stood by me, + </p> + <p> + And he bore a body in his arms, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And dropped it in the sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I heard it drop into the sea, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + With a heavy splashing sound, + </p> + <p> + And I saw the captain's bloody hands + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As he quickly turned him round; + </p> + <p> + And he drew in his breath when me he saw + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Like one convulsed, whom the withering awe + </p> + <p> + Of a spectre doth astound. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But I saw his white and palsied lips, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the stare of his ghastly eye, + </p> + <p> + When he turned in hurried haste away, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Yet he had no power to fly; + </p> + <p> + He was chained to the deck with his heavy guilt, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the blood that was not dry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas a cursed thing,' said I, 'to kill + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That old man in his sleep! + </p> + <p> + And the plagues of the sea will come from him; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Ten thousand fathoms deep! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And the plagues of the storm will follow us, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For Heaven his groans hath heard!' + </p> + <p> + Still the captain's eye was fixed on me, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But he answered never a word. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And he slowly lifted his bloody hand + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His aching eyes to shade, + </p> + <p> + But the blood that was wet did freeze his soul, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he shrinked like one afraid. + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page284" + name="page284"></a>[pg 284]</span> + <p> + And even then—that very hour + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The wind dropped, and a spell + </p> + <p> + Was on the ship, was on the sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And we lay for weeks, how wearily, + </p> + <p> + Where the old man's body fell. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I told no one within the ship + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That horrid deed of sin; + </p> + <p> + For I saw the hand of God at work, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And punishment begin. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And when they spoke of the murdered man, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the El Dorado hoard, + </p> + <p> + They all surmised he had walked in dreams, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And had fallen overboard. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But I alone, and the murderer— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That dreadful thing did know, + </p> + <p> + How he lay in his sin, a murdered man, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A thousand fathom low. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And many days, and many more, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Came on, and lagging sped, + </p> + <p> + And the heavy waves of that sleeping sea + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Were dark, like molten lead. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And not a breeze came, east or west, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And burning was the sky, + </p> + <p> + And stifling was each breath we drew + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of the air so hot and dry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh me! there was a smell of death + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Hung round us night and day; + </p> + <p> + And I dared not look in the sea below + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the old man's body lay. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + In his cabin, alone, the captain kept, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he bolted fast the door, + </p> + <p> + And up and down the sailors walked, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And wished that the calm was o'er. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The captain's son was on board with us, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A fair child, seven years old, + </p> + <p> + With a merry look that all men loved, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And a spirit kind and bold. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I loved the child, and I took his hand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And made him kneel and pray + </p> + <p> + That the crime; for which the calm was sent, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Might be purged clean away. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For I thought that God would hear his prayer, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And set the vessel free,— + </p> + <p> + For a dreadful thing it was to lie + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon that charnel sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Yet I told him not wherefore he prayed, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Nor why the calm was sent + </p> + <p> + I would not give that knowledge dark + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To a soul so innocent. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + At length I saw a little cloud + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Arise in that sky of flame, + </p> + <p> + A little cloud—but it grew and grew, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And blackened as it came. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And we saw the sea beneath its track + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Grow dark as the frowning sky, + </p> + <p> + And water-spouts, with a rushing sound, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Like giants, passed us by. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And all around, 'twixt sky and sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A hollow wind did blow; + </p> + <p> + And the waves were heaved from the ocean depths, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the ship rocked to and fro. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I knew it was that fierce death-calm + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Its horrid hold undoing, + </p> + <p> + And I saw the plagues of wind and storm + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their missioned work pursuing. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was a yell in the gathering winds, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A groan in the heaving sea, + </p> + <p> + And the captain rushed from the hold below, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But he durst not look on me. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + He seized each rope with a madman's haste, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he set the helm to go, + </p> + <p> + And every sail he crowded on + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As the furious winds did blow. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And away they went, like autumn leaves + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Before the tempest's rout, + </p> + <p> + And the naked masts with a crash came down, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the wild ship tossed about. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The men, to spars and splintered boards, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Clung, till their strength was gone, + </p> + <p> + And I saw them from their feeble hold + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Washed over one by one. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And 'mid the creaking timber's din, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the roaring of the sea, + </p> + <p> + I heard the dismal, drowning cries + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of their last agony. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was a curse in the wind that blew, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A curse in the boiling wave; + </p> + <p> + And the captain knew that vengeance came + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From the old man's ocean grave. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And I heard him say, as he sate apart, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In a hollow voice and low, + </p> + <p> + 'Tis a cry of blood doth follow us, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And still doth plague us so!' + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And then those heavy iron chests + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With desperate strength took he, + </p> + <p> + And ten of the strongest mariners + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Did cast them into the sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And out, from the bottom of the sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There came a hollow groan;— + </p> + <p> + The captain by the gunwale stood, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he looked like icy stone— + </p> + <p> + And he drew in his breath with a gasping sob, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And a spasm of death came on. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And a furious boiling wave rose up, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With a rushing, thundering roar,— + </p> + <p> + I saw the captain fall to the deck, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But I never saw him more. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Two days before, when the storm began, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + We were forty men and five, + </p> + <p> + But ere the middle of that night + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There were but two alive. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The child and I, we were but two, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he clung to me in fear; + </p> + <p> + Oh! it was pitiful to see + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That meek child in his misery, + </p> + <p> + And his little prayers to hear! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + At length, as if his prayers were heard, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'Twas calmer, and anon + </p> + <p> + The clear sun shone, and warm and low + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A steady wind from the west did blow, + </p> + <p> + And drove us gently on. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And on we drove, and on we drove, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That fair young child and I, + </p> + <p> + But his heart was as a man's in strength, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he uttered not a cry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was no bread within the wreck, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And water we had none, + </p> + <p> + Yet he murmured not, and cheered me + </p> + <p class="i2"> + When my last hopes were gone; + </p> + <p> + But I saw him waste and waste away, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And his rosy cheek grow wan. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Still on we drove, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I knew not where, + </p> + <p> + For many nights and days, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + We were too weak to raise a sail, + </p> + <p> + Had there been one to raise. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Still on we went, as the west wind drove, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + On, on, o'er the pathless tide; + </p> + <p> + And I lay in a sleep, 'twixt life and death, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the child was at my side. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And it chanced as we were drifting on + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Amid the great South Sea, + </p> + <p> + An English vessel passed us by + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That was sailing cheerily; + </p> + <p> + Unheard by me, that vessel hailed + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And asked what we might be. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The young child at the cheer rose up, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And gave an answering word, + </p> + <p> + And they drew him from the drifting wreck + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As light as is a bird. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + They took him gently in their arms, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And put again to sea:— + </p> + <p> + 'Not yet! not yet!' he feebly cried, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'There was a man with me.' + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page285" + name="page285"></a>[pg 285]</span> + <p> + Again unto the wreck they came, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where, like one dead, I lay, + </p> + <p> + And a ship-boy small had strength enough + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To carry me away. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh, joy it was when sense returned + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That fair, warm ship to see. + </p> + <p> + And to hear the child within his bed + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Speak pleasant words to me! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I thought at first that we had died, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And all our pains were o'er, + </p> + <p> + And in a blessed ship of Heaven + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Were sailing to its shore. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But they were human forms that knelt + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Beside our bed to pray, + </p> + <p> + And men, with hearts most merciful, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Did watch us night and day. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas a dismal tale I had to tell + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of wreck and wild distress, + </p> + <p> + But, even then, I told to none + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The captain's wickedness. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For I loved the boy, and I could not cloud + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His soul with a sense of shame:— + </p> + <p> + 'Twere an evil thing, thought I, to blast + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A sinless orphan's name! + </p> + <p> + So he grew to be a man of wealth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And of honourable fame. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And in after years, when he had ships, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sailed with him the sea, + </p> + <p> + And in all the sorrow of my life + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He was a son to me; + </p> + <p> + And God hath blessed him every where + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With a great prosperity. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>The Amulet for 1830</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LITTLE MAJOR'S LOVE ADVENTURE. + </h3> + <p> + You must know, when I was in the 18th light dragoons, I was + quartered in Canterbury; and having got some introductory + letters, I contrived to make out a pleasant time enough. One + of my visiting-houses was old Tronson's the + banker's—devilish agreeable family—four pretty + girls—all flirted—painted on velvet—played + the harp—sang Italian, and danced as if they had been + brought up under D'Egville in the <i>corps de ballet.</i> The + old boy kept a man-cook, and gave iced champagne. Now, you + know, there is no standing this; and Harriette, the second of + the beauties, and I, agreed to fall in love, which in due + course of time we effected. Nothing could be better managed + than the whole affair; we each selected a confidant, sat for + our pictures, interchanged them with a passionate note, and + made a regular engagement for ever. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of things, when the route came, and my + troop was ordered to embark for Portugal. Heavens! what a + commotion! Harriette was in hysterics: we talked of an + elopement, and discussed the propriety of going to Gretna; + but the hurry to embark prevented us. I could not, you know, + take her with me. Woman in a transport! a devilish bore; and + nothing was left for it but to exchange vows of eternal + fidelity. We did so, and parted—both persuaded that our + hearts were reciprocally broken. + </p> + <p> + Ah!—if you knew what I suffered night and day! her + picture rested in my bosom; and I consumed a pipe of wine in + toasting her health, while I was dying of damp and + rheumatism. But the recollection of my <i>constant + Harriette</i> supported me through all; and particularly so, + when I was cheered by the report of my snub-nosed surgeon, + who joined us six months after at Santarem, and assured me on + the faith of a physician, that the dear girl was in the last + stage of a consumption. + </p> + <p> + Two years passed away, and we were ordered home. O heavens! + what were my feelings when I landed at Portsmouth! I threw + myself into a carriage, and started with four horses for + Canterbury: I arrived there with a safe neck, and lost not a + moment in announcing my return to my constant Harriette. + </p> + <p> + The delay of the messenger seemed an eternity: but what were + my feelings, when he brought me a perfumed note (to do her + justice, she always wrote on lovely letter-paper), and a + parcel. The one contained congratulations of my safe arrival, + accompanied by assurances of unfeigned regret that I had not + reached Canterbury a day sooner, and thus allowed her an + opportunity of having her "dear friend Captain Melcomb" + present at her wedding; while the packet was a large + assortment of French kid skins and white ribbon. + </p> + <p> + That blessed morning she had bestowed her fair hand on a fat + professor of theology from Brazen Nose, who had been just + presented to a rich prebend by the bishop, for having proved + beyond a controversy, the divine origin of tithes, in a + blue-bound pamphlet. Before I had time to recover from my + astonishment, a travelling carriage brought me to the window; + and quickly as it passed, I had full time to see <i>ma belle + Harriette</i> seated beside the thick-winded dignitary. She + bowed her white Spanish hat and six ostrich feathers to me as + she rolled off, to spend, as the papers informed me, "the + honey-moon at the lakes of Cumberland.' There was a blessed + return for two years' exposure to the attacks of rheumatism + and French cavalry.—<i>Stories of Waterloo.</i> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + When the celebrated Philip Henry was ejected from the + establishment, Dr. Busby (who had been his tutor) meeting + him, said, "Who made you a nonconformist?" "You, Sir," + replied he, "I made you a nonconformist!" "Yes, Sir, you + taught me those principles which forbade to violate my + conscience." + </p> + <p> + TOSCAR. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page286" name="page286"></a>[pg + 286]</span> + </p> + <h2> + THE SKETCH-BOOK. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + ANTWERP CATHEDRAL. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Antwerp possesses considerable interest to an Englishman, as + a place of great importance during the late war, when there + was a sort of mystery attached to it, as the secret grand + naval depot of Napoleon, which our Government thought to + "cripple France for ever," by getting into our own hands! But + what the Earl of Chatham, with an army of twenty thousand + men, aided by a fine British fleet, could not do, I did: I + made my entry into Antwerp—without molestation, thanks + to the benign Spirit of Peace—towards the evening of a + fine day in July; and while the impression of novelty was + still fresh, enjoyed a rich treat in viewing its noble + Cathedral. The interior is grand, but simple—striking + the beholder more by its loftiness and spaciousness, than by + any profusion of glittering ornament, so common in Catholic + churches—although the forest of pillars, the + altar-piece, the statues, and above all the splendid pictures + which grace the walls, form a rich variety to the eye. It + would be useless to enter into a minute detail, for no + description can give a stranger a perfect idea of one + building distinct from others of a similar kind, and those + who have seen the object itself do not require it. Antwerp + may be called the country of Rubens: at every turn you meet + with monuments of his genius; and here (in the Cathedral) you + have what is esteemed his masterpiece—the "Descent from + the Cross"—which surprises you with a boldness of + drawing, vigour and richness of colouring, and an animation + in the grouping, that can scarcely be excelled; and when you + discern the colossal figures from a little distance amongst + the pillars and arches of the nave, you feel inclined to bow + in reverence to the divinity of the genius which has + portrayed so wonderful a conception of the mind. It is + needless to say that this was one of the works of art carried + to Paris to enrich the gallery of the Louvre, together with + one placed in a corresponding situation, "The Assumption of + the Virgin," which is more in Rubens' florid style than the + former. There is also, by the same master-hand, a noble + picture, "The Elevation of the Cross," in the artist's + happiest manner; and the exquisite altarpiece, "The + Ascension," is also his work. There are several other fine + paintings here—one of them said to be the best + performance of Quintin Matsys, who, under the inspiration of + love, deserted the anvil for the pallet; and another by his + father-in-law, Flors, supposed to be the identical picture + upon which the <i>ci devant</i> blacksmith painted a bee, + with such skill as to obtain the old artist's cordial consent + to the marriage of Matsys with his daughter. Amongst the + carved wood-work in the aisles, we admired the execution of + several statues of Saints, male and female, whose features + and drapery are finished with all the delicacy of marble. + </p> + <p> + The shades of evening now began to add to the solemnity of + the scene, by the indistinctness that was gradually + enveloping the more distant objects; and, alone, we almost + dreaded to break, with our own whispers, the silence which + reigned around. In the midst of this "stillness audible," the + fine bell of the cathedral struck the hour, and its melodious + tone seemed at once to reach the heart. We sat down to listen + to the prolonged note, as each successive toll reverberated + through the expanse—lingering like a halo around the + walls, and appearing to awaken echoes from the guardian + spirits of the night. I fancied I had never in my life heard + so full-toned—so musical a bell: certain it is, none + ever gave me the same sensation of delight. Indeed, the whole + belfry is well assorted, for the <i>carillons</i>, which play + certain airs at intervals, produce a sweeter effect than I + remember any where else; and one of the pleasant + recollections I retain of Antwerp arises out of the frequent, + but unobtrusive, chimes that salute the ear during the day. + We left Notre Dame this time with "lingering steps and slow." + </p> + <p> + But how can I give an idea of the exterior? The tendency to + placid reflection which we had caught within found ample food + for indulgence when we came to witness the effect of the + architecture without, combined with the particular time of + night—about nine o'clock—different tints and + shadows displaying themselves upon the angles of the + building, as the light decreased. Imagine a spire of light, + ornamental, elegant open-work, carried up about a hundred + feet higher than St. Paul's. I believe it is the loftiest in + Europe, with the exception of Strasbourg, than which, in the + opinion of many, it is more handsome. The only drawback upon + its beauty is the glaringly large dial of the clock; but even + this may suggest appropriate reflection: for may we not + consider it an emblem of Time, whose course it measures, + intruding upon the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page287" + name="page287"></a>[pg 287]</span> fairest prospects of our + lives, to remind us that all human monuments and enjoyments + must yield to his irresistible hand? The spire rises on one + side of the principal entrance; and there is a corresponding + tower on the other, to the height of the base of the steeple + part, as if there had been an intention to erect one of + similar dimensions there also, like the twin towers of + Westminster Abbey; but I cannot help thinking, that as two + and two are said not always to make four, the projecting + counterpart, instead of doubling the effect, would have + lessened the feeling of stupendous height with which the + present single pinnacle inspires the beholders. As there + cannot be two suns in the same sphere, neither could the + spire of Antwerp have borne a rival near its solitary, aerial + throne. It soars aloft with such grandeur, that in gazing + upon it my brain actually grew dizzy with the sight: never + was I conscious in an equal degree of such a feeling of awe + from a work of art, and my mind really ached with the + intensity of the impression.—We seemed to view this + sublime object with mutual wonder and admiration—gazing + upon it in one position, then in another—walking + about—stopping—excited as it were by the same + impulse. Once, when nearly dark, as our eyes were fixed upon + the top, a gentle light suddenly appeared upon the very + summit, crowning the majestic fane with glory, as if pointing + it out for admiration to a surrounding world: it was a star + twinkling upon the very spot where the highest point of the + spire rested on the sky. + </p> + <p> + The name of Antwerp is derived from <i>Hand-werpen</i> or + <i>Hand-thrown</i>: so called from a legend, which informs us + that on the site of the present city once stood the castle of + a giant, who held the neighbouring country in thraldom, and + who was accustomed to amuse himself by cutting off, and + casting into the river, the right hands of the unfortunate + wights that fell into his power; but that being at last + conquered himself, his own immense hand was disposed of, with + poetical justice, in the same way. With the impression of + this story on my mind, it came into my head that the giant + was personified by the towering spire: no wonder, thought I, + that Don Quixote mistook a windmill for a giant, since I, + even in my sober senses, cannot get rid of the idea that I + see the mighty hand-thrower before me. With a little + confusion of the image, I then imagined the spire to be the + guardian of the city—that it took cognizance of all its + affairs, and that it would watch me even into my retreat for + the night. Like the adored phantom of youthful love, it + pervaded every place, and haunted me in my dreams. Often the + motion of the clouds seemed to be transferred to the lofty + spire, which again assuming the giant character startled me + with the impression that it was falling towards me, or + rushing to crush its victims, like the horrid car of + Jaggernaut. + </p> + <p> + Through the Giant's Gate, so called from a colossal statue + reclining upon it, there is an opening to the + Scheldt;—without is the quay, covered with merchandize + unloading from the ships in the river, and serving as an + evening promenade. Here you may see the other eminences of + the city occasionally, but the gigantic one—always: it + stalks out from amidst the cluster of buildings your constant + companion wherever you go—as you walk along, it appears + to move with you, and when you stop it waits with patience + until you go on again. On another occasion we took a boat on + the Scheldt, and landing at some distance below the town, had + a delightful walk along its banks, which are elevated like + part of Milbank, near Vauxhall-bridge; and the situation has + much the same character. The river, however, is grander, as I + should judge it to be twice the width of the Thames at + London-bridge, and it flows with great rapidity. It was a + charming evening, and we saw the sun set in all his glory + down the Scheldt, in the bosom of which were reflected the + endless tints of the sky, whose golden brilliancy was + beautifully relieved by the intervention of some cottages + near us, and a pretty village, with its church-spire a little + further off. On one side was the flat cultivated country of + Flanders, and looking up the river, we beheld the shipping + and the whole city: all the churches and towers raised their + varied forms, but still only to do homage, as it were, to the + great pile which outstripped them, and which was lit up by + the radiance of the departed sun. Model of splendour! "from + morn 'till dewy eve" how must thy elegant form be engraven on + the hearts of the natives of the city thou overlookest, + exciting emotions of home, like the craggy rock of the + Highlanders, when they are absent in distant lands! and how + must the youth, whom the love of art carries to study the + treasures of Venice and Rome, when returning to shed a lustre + upon his natal place—of being one day named with Matsys + and Rubens, and the other splendid painters by whom it has + been adorned—how <span class="pagenum"><a id="page288" + name="page288"></a>[pg 288]</span> must the first glance that + he catches of thy hallowed height make his heart throb with + endearing thoughts of the friends he left under thy shade, + and absorb for the moment all feelings of ambition in the + recollection of the boyish days passed within thy + ken—but now, alas, departed for ever! May the fires of + heaven, and the tremblings of earth, never injure thy + venerable beauty; but may thousands, and tens of thousands, + in time to come, as in time past, gaze upon thee—as I, + an obscure, nameless stranger, have done—with thoughts + too deep for words! + </p> + <p> + During the evening I have alluded to we were accompanied by + the accomplished Miss ——, whose talents must be + well known to many of our own artists who have visited + Antwerp; and this being her native place, her conversation + gave us those kindly associations of home, without which no + scenes, however beautiful or however uncommon, can penetrate + the inmost recesses of the soul. + </p> + <p> + W.G. + </p> + <p> + Our Correspondent, in a few introductory lines, modestly, + though somewhat unnecessarily, apologizes for the enthusiasm + of the reflective portion of the previous sketch. He will + perceive that we have ventured upon a few slight alterations. + He concludes his note to us with an assurance that "the + feelings were sincere, however trifling the thoughts, or + inadequate the expression." Of his sincerity we have no + doubt; and where the feelings of a writer are so honourable + to his heart as are many in this paper, we are not fastidious + enough to quarrel with inadvertencies of the head. All have + felt the overpowering effect produced by the contemplation of + the sublimities of art, but comparatively few are aware of + the difficulty of embodying these first impressions in + descriptive detail.—ED. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE GATHERER. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. + </p> + <p> + SHAKSPEARE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <p> + Vivian Grey pronounces school ushers execrable wretches, + because they wear pepper and salt pantaloons; Lady Morgan + improves upon him, declaring the man who wears a white + waistcoat in the morning, or the woman who curtsies at a + drawing-room door, out of the pale of society. It is + surprising that people will write such rubbish as + this—more surprising that others will print it— + most surprising that folks buy it—and as Cobbett would + say, what surprises us "most of all," is that people read it. + </p> + <p> + Q. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ORIGIN OF THE WORD FARM. + </h3> + <p> + Spelman derives this word from the Saxon term <i>fearme</i>, + or <i>feorme</i>, which signifies <i>victus</i>, food, or + <i>provision</i>, as the tenants and country people anciently + paid their rents in victuals and other necessaries of life, + but which was afterwards converted into the payment of + certain sums of money. Hence a <i>ferm</i> was originally a + place which furnished or supplied its owner or lord with + provisions. + </p> + <p> + P.T.W. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + At an inn in a market town upon the road to Holyhead, a + gentleman sat in the kitchen smoking his pipe, and watching + with anxiety a fowl that was roasting for his supper. At + length a tall, meagre figure stalked in, and after an earnest + and melancholy look at the fowl, retired with a sigh. + Repeating his visit he exclaimed, "That fowl will never be + done in time." "What do you mean?" said the gentleman, "that + fowl is for my supper, and you shan't touch a bit of it." + "Oh," replied the other, "you misunderstand me; I don't want + the fowl; but I am to play <i>Oroonoko</i> this evening, and + we cannot begin for want of the <i>jack chain</i>." + </p> + <p> + C.C. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THOMAS PAINE. + </h3> + <p> + When Paine's "Rights of Man," reached Lewes, where he married + a Miss Olive, the women as with one voice, said, "Od rot im, + let im come ear if he dast, an we'll tell him what the Rights + of Women is; we'll toss im in a blanket, and ring im out of + Lewes wi our frying pans."—<i>Cheetham's Life of + Paine</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + EPIGRAM. + </h3> + <p> + Ah, Lucy, 'twas a roguish thought That kindled up that rosy + hue; True, 'twas a roguish thought, for I, Thought none so + great a rogue as <i>you</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + <i>LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS</i>. + </h3> + <p> + CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the + Strand, near Somerset House. + </p> + <p> + The ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS, Embellished with nearly + 150 Engravings. In 6 Parts, 1s. each. + </p> + <p> + The TALES of the GENII. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + </p> + <p> + The MICROCOSM. By the Right Hon. G. CANNING. &c. 4 Parts, + 6d. each. + </p> + <p> + PLUTARCH'S LIVES, with Fifty Portraits, 12 Parts, 1s. each. + </p> + <p> + COWPER'S POEMS, with 12 Engravings, 12 Numbers, 3d. each. + </p> + <p> + COOK'S VOYAGES, 28 Numbers, 3d. each. + </p> + <p> + The CABINET of CURIOSITIES: or, WONDERS of the WORLD + DISPLAYED. 27 Nos. 2d. each. + </p> + <p> + BEAUTIES of SCOTT, 36 Numbers, 3d. each. + </p> + <p> + The ARCANA of SCIENCE for 1828. Price 4s. 6d. + </p> + <p> + GOLDSMITH'S ESSAYS. Price 8d. + </p> + <p> + DR. FRANKLIN'S ESSAYS. Price 1s. 2d. + </p> + <p> + BACON'S ESSAYS Price 8d. + </p> + <p> + SALMAGUNDI. Price 1s. 8d. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p> + Researches in the South of Ireland, Illustrative of the + Scenery, Architectural Remains, and the Manners and + Superstitions of the Peasantry. By T. Crofton Croker. 4to. + 1824 Murray. VOL. XIV. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + <p> + This tomb, according to Archdall's "Monasticon Hibernicum," + stood in the middle of the choir of Kilcrea Abbey, with the + following inscription:— + </p> + <p> + HIC. IACET. CORMACVS. FIL. THADEI. FIL. CORMACI. FIL. + DERMITII. MAGNI. MC. CARTHY. DNVS DE. MVSCRAIGH. FLAYN. AC. + ISTIVS. CONVENTVS. PRIMVS. FVNDATOR. AN. DOM. 1494. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + <p> + The original name of a sept or clan was Carty, supposed to + be derived from Cartheigh, which signifies an Inhabitant of + the Rock; and Mac, denoting "<i>son of</i>;" was used + before the father's Christian name for the purpose of + distinction, as, Mac Cormac Carty expressed Carty, son of + Cormac; this manner of designation appears discontinued on + the introduction of a greater variety of names, and the Mac + alone retained by the elder branches. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + <p> + Amongst the Harleian MSS. the Vol. No. 1425, contains + pedigrees of Irish nobility; from the ninth to the + twenty-second page is occupied by those of "Mac Cartie + More," Mac Cartie Reagh, and all other Mac Carties, brought + down to the year 1615; but though curious for reference, + there is little worth the trouble of transcribing. The most + common female names in the Mac Carty pedigree are, + Katheren, Elin, Honnor, Joan, and Grany. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 396 *** + +***** This file should be named 11459-h.htm or 11459-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/4/5/11459/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Marvin A. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Volume 14, No. 396, Saturday, October 31, 1829. + +Author: Various + +Release Date: March 5, 2004 [EBook #11459] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 396 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Marvin A. Hodges, David Garcia and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. XIV, NO. 396.] SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1829. [PRICE 2d. + + + + +BLARNEY CASTLE. + + +[Illustration: Blarney Castle.] + + +This Engraving, to use a cant phrase, is an exquisite "bit of Blarney;" +but independent of the vulgar association, it has a multitude of +attractions for every reader. Its interest will, however, be materially +enhanced by the following admirable description from the graphic pen of +T. Crofton Croker, Esq.[1] + + + [1] Researches in the South of Ireland, Illustrative of the Scenery, + Architectural Remains, and the Manners and Superstitions of the + Peasantry. By T. Crofton Croker. 4to. 1824 Murray. VOL. XIV. + + +Blarney, so famous in Irish song and story, is situated about four +miles north west of Cork, and was, within these few years, a thriving +manufacturing village; but it no longer wears the aspect of comfort or +of business, and appears much gone to decay. + +The alteration struck me very forcibly. In 1815, I remember a large +square of neat cottages, and the area, a green shaded by fine old trees. +Most of the cottages are now roofless; the trees have been cut down, and +on my last visit, in 1821, a crop of barley was ripening in the square. + + + "the clam'rous rooks + Ask for their wonted seat, but ask in vain! + Their ancient home is level'd with the earth, + Never to wave again its leafy head, + Or yield a covert to the feather'd choir, + Who now, with broken song, remote and shy, + Seek other bowers, their native branches gone!" + + +This prepared me to expect a similar change in the grounds of the +castle, where much timber has been also felled; but the grounds still +are beautiful, rock and water being features in the landscape, the +picturesque effect of which neglect cannot injure. + +The castle consists of a massive square tower, that rises broad and +boldly above surrounding trees, on a precipitous rock over a stream +called the Awmartin; and attached to the east side is an extensive +dwelling-house, erected about a century since by Sir James Jeffreys, who +purchased or obtained this estate from the crown, and in whose family it +still continues. + +Blarney Castle was built about the middle of the fifteenth century, +by Cormac MacCarty, or Carthy surnamed Laider, or the Strong. He was +descended from the kings of Cork, and was esteemed so powerful a +chieftain that the English settlers in his part of Munster paid him an +annual tribute of forty pounds to protect them from the attacks and +_insults_ of the Irish. To him is also ascribed the building of the +Abbey and Castle of Kilcrea, the Nunnery of Ballyvacadine, and many +other religious houses; in the former of which he was buried.[2] It +would be a matter of little importance and considerable labour to trace +the Castle of Blarney from one possessor to another. The genealogical +table in Keating's "History of Ireland" will enable those addicted to +research to follow the Mac Carty pedigree; but a tiresome repetition of +names, occasioned by the scantiness of them in an exceedingly numerous +family, present continual causes of perplexity to the general reader. +The names of Donough, Cormac, Teague, Florence, Dermot, Owen, and +Donnel, constitute almost the whole catalogue used by the Mac Carties[3] +for a period exceeding six hundred years.[4] This difficulty is +heightened from the entire Sept being, in point of fact, without a +sirname, as the followers of most chieftains in Ireland as well as +Scotland assumed that of their lord. In the reign of Edward IV. a +statute was enacted, commanding each individual to take upon himself a +separate sirname, "either of his trade and faculty, or of some quality +of his body or mind, or of the place where he dwelt, so that every one +should be distinguished from the other." But this statute did not effect +the object proposed, and Spenser, in his "View of Ireland," mentions it +as having become obsolete, and strongly recommends its renewal. + + + [2] This tomb, according to Archdall's "Monasticon Hibernicum," + stood in the middle of the choir of Kilcrea Abbey, with the + following inscription:-- + + HIC. IACET. CORMACVS. FIL. THADEI. FIL. CORMACI. FIL. DERMITII. + MAGNI. MC. CARTHY. DNVS DE. MVSCRAIGH. FLAYN. AC. ISTIVS. + CONVENTVS. PRIMVS. FVNDATOR. AN. DOM. 1494. + + [3] The original name of a sept or clan was Carty, supposed to be + derived from Cartheigh, which signifies an Inhabitant of the + Rock; and Mac, denoting "_son of_;" was used before the father's + Christian name for the purpose of distinction, as, Mac Cormac + Carty expressed Carty, son of Cormac; this manner of designation + appears discontinued on the introduction of a greater variety of + names, and the Mac alone retained by the elder branches. + + [4] Amongst the Harleian MSS. the Vol. No. 1425, contains pedigrees + of Irish nobility; from the ninth to the twenty-second page is + occupied by those of "Mac Cartie More," Mac Cartie Reagh, and + all other Mac Carties, brought down to the year 1615; but though + curious for reference, there is little worth the trouble of + transcribing. The most common female names in the Mac Carty + pedigree are, Katheren, Elin, Honnor, Joan, and Grany. + + +The military and historic recollections connected with Blarney are +doubtless of sufficient importance to give an interest to the place; but +to a curious superstition it is perhaps more indebted for celebrity. A +stone in the highest part of the castle wall is pointed out to visitors, +which is supposed to give to whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege of +deviating from veracity with unblushing countenance whenever it may be +convenient--hence the well-known phrase of "_Blarney_." + +The grounds attached to the castle, as I before observed, though so little +attended to, are still beautiful. Walks, which a few years since were neat +and trim, are now so overrun with brambles and wild flowers as to be passed +with difficulty. Much wood has also been cut down, and the statues, so +ridiculously enumerated in a popular song, removed. A picturesque bridge +too, which led to the castle, has been swept away by the wintry floods, +and, with the exception of a small dell called the Rock Close, every thing +seems changed for the worse. In this romantic spot nature and art (a +combination rather uncommon in pleasure-grounds) have gone hand in hand. +Advantage has been taken of accidental circumstances to form tasteful and +characteristic combinations; and it is really a matter of difficulty at +first to determine what is primitive, and what the produce of design. The +delusion is even heightened by the present total neglect. You come most +unexpectedly into this little shaded nook, and stand upon a natural terrace +above the river, which glides as calmly as possible beneath. Here, if you +feel inclined for contemplation, a rustic couch of rock, all festooned with +moss and ivy, is at your service; but if adventurous feelings urge you to +explore farther, a discovery is made of an almost concealed, irregularly +excavated passage through the solid rock, which is descended by a rude +flight of stone steps, called the "Witches Stairs," and you emerge _sul +margine d'un rio_, over which depend some light and graceful trees. It +is indeed a fairy scene, and I know of no place where I could sooner +imagine these little elves holding their moonlight revelry. + +A short distance to the south-west of the castle is a lake, said to abound +with a species of leech. It does not afford one good subject for the +pencil, being without islands, the margin swampy, and the adjacent trees +planted with too much attention to regularity. It is a very generally +believed tradition that, before Blarney surrendered to King William's +forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was made up in an 'oaken chest, which was +thrown into this lake, and has not since been recovered; nor does this +appear improbable, as I understand repeated attempts have in vain been made +to drain it. In 1814, the late Mr. Milliken, whose well-known song of "the +Groves of Blarney" has identified his memory with the place, gave me a +clumsy silver ring for the finger, which had been taken out of the lake by +a boy who was fishing in it. + +Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth notice that, in +a quarry close to the castle, where some men were working, we picked up +several human bones, and that one of the labourers informed us so many as +twenty horse loads of these bones had been thrown into the lake; he also +spoke of two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and pennies +of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug up here; but I believe +never in any quantity. + +The interior of the castle contains little worth notice except a +full-length portrait of Charles XII. of Sweden, said to be an original, and +brought here by one of the Jeffreys' family who was envoy to that monarch. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE ANNUALS. + + + "Flow'rets strew'd + By churlish Time, in cheerlier mood; + The sweetness of a second Spring, + Beneath the Autumn of his wing. + Bestowing on the season's gloom + The bliss of a perennial bloom." + + +Glancing back to the commencement of the nineteenth century, the only +_annual_ record of poetry and prose which we recollect, was "The +Flowers of Literature;" a thick duodecimo, habited in a flesh-coloured +wrapper, and retaining in its print and pages, the quaintness which +characterized "the good old days" of the "Universal Magazine;" and which +still clings, though somewhat modified, to the patriarchal pages of +Sylvanus Urban. The matter was in accordance with the manner--a medley of +prosing articles, from the titles of which we might select, as indicative +of their style, "Ode to Despair;" "Topographical Description of Paris;" +"The Sailor;" more agreeably interspersed with some effusion of Mrs. +Barbauld, or Mrs. Opie; mingled, again, with sundry "Observations on the +Present State of the War," written by some sleepy newspaper editor, whose +language we might assimilate with, "We have received intelligence from," +&c. Here and there, perhaps, a straggling beam of genius broke through the +mental twilight, in the shape of, "Some Account of the poet, Burns;" a +_Rustique_ by Bloomfield, or an elegant sonnet by Bowles or Charlotte +Smith. The rest of would-be-sonneteers, tragedy-writers, and essayists, +have long ago found, with their mediocrities, a congenial oblivion in +"the tomb of all the Capulets." + +But suddenly, and without much premise to warrant the commencement of such +an era, the department of our imaginative literature was established in +patronage and importance; and those "trivial, fond records," which were +wont only to sparkle a brief endurance in the mutable columns of a +newspaper, or doomed, when existing in fragile manuscript, "to die and be +forgot," found a refuge from their Lethean fate in the numerous Magazines +which the increased taste, and avidity for reading, evinced by the public, +had called into existence. Still there was a _desideratum_, which +these adornments of English Literature, "The Annuals," alone supplied. The +casual tones which emanated from the "transcendent masters of the lyre," +were not to be lost to "the public ear" for want of "a circulating medium;" +and Ackermann, a name familiar to the lovers of pictorial art, had the +honour of first setting England the example of preserving her valuable +anthology, by producing his attractive Annual, "The Forget-Me-Not;" a +species of literature which presents us with the pleasing facility of +holding yearly communion with our poets and authors, without being +subjected to the tedium of awaiting their protracted appearance in a more +voluminous shape. We can now more frequently greet Anacreon Moore, +wreathing his harp with the paternal shamrock, characteristically mingled +with "pansies _for love_;" Montgomery, mourning over our nature's +degradation; telling us of the affections and passions of earth, yet luring +us to higher hopes and brighter consummation; his every line evincing that +chastened sorrow which Byron threw into the portrait of the Sheffield +bard-- + + + "With broken lyre, and cheek serenely pale." + + +Coleridge, dropping "some natural tears," on viewing the altered features +of his native valley; sweetly and affectionately telling of + + + "The meadow, and its babbling brook, + Where roses in the ripple shook." + + +Southey, forgetting the ungentler theme of "battle field" amidst the +sublimity of rock and lake. Campbell, pouring from his plaintive shell +a tender eulogy to his northern home--a glowing tissue of + + + Dreams of the Highland mountains, and echoing streams, + And broken glades, breathing their balm. + + +--Scott, terrifically depicting a Sassenagh tournament, or inditing a +stirring appeal to the "blue bonnets," to settle some Border broil. James +Hogg, "the Scottish Virgil," on whom has surely fallen the mantle of +inspiration from the Mantuan bard, coming forth in all the richness of the +"Noctes Ambrosianae," from the misty hill where he dominates "the king of +shepherds." Delta, elegantly pensive, sighing beneath the blighted trees +which flourished over his boyhood; and listening to the rhetoric of the +changing seasons. Alaric Watts, "the fireside bard," giving us a touching +apostrophe to his "youngling of the flock," in melting verse, warm from +that kindred fancy + + + "Whose blessed words + Can bid the sweetest dreams arise; + Awaken feeling's tenderest chords, + And drown in tears of joy the eyes." + + +T.K. Hervey, following in the same bright path, or enthusiastically rapt +amidst the beauty and bloom of Australia.--Bernard Barton, bringing us +snatches of vernal philosophy, gathered in the silence of murky woods, +and the solitude of perfumed meadows.--John Clare, swearing everlasting +fealty to his beauteous Mary, by the elm-shadowed cottage of her bowery +home; thanking heaven for the benison of love and rurality.--Richardson, +the poet of India, sonnetizing amidst the superb cupolas and temples +which gem the banks of the deified Ganges, longing to exchange his +fevered abode for salubrious England.--Pringle transforming the +repulsive features of a South African desert into matter for piteous +song; and illumining, by the brightness of his genius, the terrible +picture of Caffre barbarity and degradation.--Roscoe, revelling in the +sweets of Italian lore, his own lips "touched with a live coal" from the +altar of poesy.--Washington Irving, grasping at the intellect, and +speculating on the wit and fancy, of all climes; so speedily +transplanting himself (bodily as well as mentally) from the back woods +of America to the land of Columbus--from the vineyards of France to the +valleys of Yorkshire--as almost to induce a belief in his power of +ubiquity.--Allan Cunningham, sympathizing with the sorrows of one "who +never told her love," and weaving a tearful elegy over her flower-strewn +grave, or painting the fiercer incidents of piratical warfare, on the +ocean's solitudes.--Felicia Hemans, her lyre musically blending the song +of sounding streams with the spontaneous melody of the "feathered choir" +composing an epicedium to the memory of departed days, and proving her +glorious claims to the poetic character, "creation's heir."--Mary +Russell Mitford, great in her histrionic portraitures of liberty, +whether patrician or plebeian; yet not forgetting in her dramatic +wanderings, her happy village; but drawing us, "by the cords of love," +to the rustic scene; amplifying that fine axiom of the Stratford bard-- + + + "Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade + To shepherds, looking on their silly sheep, + Than does the embroider'd canopy to kings?" + + +J.H. Wiffen, dating from the sentimental seclusion of Woburn Abbey, +a song replete with all the grace and imagination of his "Ionian +Hours."--Charles Lamb, the "deep-thoughted Elia," introducing us to the +maidenly residence of his cousin Bridget; delighted with delighting; his +fancy expatiating on a copious medley of subjects between the stiff +Mandarins on the old fashioned china, and that _Beaumont and Fletcher_, +the purchase of his rigid economy, ere his talents had brought him fame +and fortune.--Letitia Landon "the English Sappho," a being existing but +in the atmosphere of love and flowers; equally sensitive at the opening +of a violet as at the shutting of a rose. But our list of the living is +too extended; and we will speak of some of the departed. + +Interspersed with the emanations of our existing bards, we have, +occasionally, those precious _morceaux_ which have been bequeathed us by +the illustrious dead. Trifles, yet how esteemed! Remembrances of Byron, +with his fiery impetuosity, spurning the trammels of worldly sorrow; +and prescribing death as a _panacea_ for his lamentable despair; yet +subduing us with refined regrets, as he was wont, in his changing mood, + + + "To sun himself in heaven's pure day." + + +Shelley, misanthropically commencing with the turbulence of the chainless +sea: a spirit matured to madness by the overawing and supernatural terrors +of German romance: as he asserts himself to be, in his lamentation for the +author of Endymion, one who + + + "Had gaz'd on Nature's naked loveliness, + Acteon-like, until _he fled away_." + + +John Keates, forsaking the land of his fame, and prematurely resigning his +"quiet breath," on that spot + + + "Where dwelt the muses at their natal hour;" + +leaving to the less sensitive reviewers to prove, whether he had been +"led astray by the light from heaven, or by his own clouded and +tempestuous genius:" + + + "That fire within so fiercely burned + That whence it came it soon returned." + + +Maturin, though corrupted and enervated by the follies and dissipation +of the anti-poetic city, becoming, in his lucid intervals, "himself +again," in the composition of a splendid dramaticle.--Henry Neele, the +"martyr-student," inviting us to share in the intense admiration of +intellect; forcibly demonstrating "that song is but the eloquence of +truth"--but of him no more! + + + "The churchyard bears an added stone; + The fireside shows a vacant chair." + + +Yet, however splendid the galaxy of literary stars may be, which illumine +our Annuals, they owe no little of their lustre to _the engravings_. +It fortuitously happens that we have not "a connoisseuring eye," or +we should swell this paper beyond the limits prescribed by editorial +complaisance, in the pages of "THE MIRROR." We are not ignorant, however, +of the incomparable advancement which the science of engraving has made in +the lapse of the last ten years; or how far it has left behind those mere +scratches of the graver which lit up our young admiration when a boy. +Two of these we will be impertinent enough to criticise, in spite of the +affection with which we cherish the visionary recollection of the pictures +of grandmother's parlour. The subjects were "courtship," and "matrimony." +In the former, the Chesterfieldian lover was seen handing his _chere +amie_ (a lusty wench, with red ochre cheeks) over a remarkably low +stile: whether the subject, or the manner of its execution had inspired +the muse, is no matter; but beneath was the following:-- + + + "In _courtship_, Strephon careful hands his lass + Over a stile a child with ease might pass" + + +The next was "matrimony;" but, oh! "look on _this_ picture and on +_this!_" The careless husband, forgetting his capacious spouse, leaves +her to scramble over a stile of alarming altitude, whilst his attention +seems absorbed in the quarrel of two snarling terriers. Such conjugal +uncourtliness elicits its merited censure in the cool satire of the +accompanying motto:-- + + + "But _wedded_ Strephon now neglects his dame: + Tumble or not, to him 'tis all the same." + + +The costume of these two figures was in accordance with the date of the +hey-day of Ranelagh Gardens; and the outline of the foliage was about on +a par with those designs we often see cut out of paper, by an ingenious +schoolboy yet they may be adduced as criterions of the average merit +appertaining to the generality of the productions of the burine of "the +old school." + +In closing this erratic dissertation on the Annuals, we may remark, that an +interesting article might be written, descriptive of the reformation which +gradually elevated the art of engraving to perfection--a history of its +emerging from the inanities which flaunt in the window of Carver and +Bowles, in St. Paul's Churchyard, and arriving at the exquisite perfection +of such achievements as "Alexander's Visit to Diogenes," and "Quintus +Curtius leaping into the Gulf." + +* * H. + + * * * * * + + + + +FINE ARTS. + + +SCHOOL OF PAINTING AT THE BRITISH INSTITUTION, PALL MALL. + +(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.) + + +Sir,--I have recently had the pleasure of visiting the British Institution, +and hope the following remarks on a few of the best works will prove +acceptable to those of your readers who are interested in the Fine Arts. + +It is customary at this Institution to open, every autumn, a school for the +study of painting, in which students have an opportunity of copying the +best productions of the greatest masters. The present school opened a few +weeks ago, and furnishes some exquisite specimens of art, which were +selected by the directors as examples for imitation. In general the +students have been very enterprising this season, and their copies, if not +quite equal in every respect to the charming originals, are nevertheless +very meritorious and masterly attempts. + +_The Holy Family_, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, is a remarkably fine specimen +of colour, and has been successfully copied by Messrs. Boaden, Fisk, +Child, and Inskipp. Small copies, in water colours, have also been done +from it by Miss Sharpe, and Miss Fanny Corbaux. Much praise is due to +Mr. Morton, for his whole length _Portrait of a Gentleman_, after +Vandyke; and Messrs. Simpson, Higham, and Middleton, deserve high +commendation for executing the best _fac similia_ of Rembrandt's +_Portrait of a Lady_. The _Landscape with Boors_, is a delightful little +picture by Teniers, belonging to his Majesty: numerous attempts have +been made to imitate it, but not altogether with success. Mr. Hart's +copy, however, is extremely clever. Poussin's _Landscape and Figures_, +has engaged the pencil of Mr. Burbank, who has produced a most elaborate +copy in water colours. Mr. Foster displays considerable ability in his +_Hobbima;_ and Messrs. Lee, Earl, Watts, and Dujardin, have equally +excelled in their copies from the cattle piece by Cuyp. In De Hooge's +picture, the _Exterior with Figures_, we are delighted with the +representation of a fine summer evening: a peculiar warmth is diffused +over every object, and the lengthened shadows indicate sunset: of this +work, Mr. Novice has executed the best finished copy; Miss Dujardin's, +however, is exceedingly good, and contains much promise. Another +splendid example of art is a _Large Landscape_, by Gainsborough, good +studies from which have been made by Messrs. Watts and Child. + +Two small views on the Grand Canal at Venice, by Gwardi, have employed +the talents of Miss Dujardin, Mr. E. Child, Mr. Watts, and Master +Pasmore. But it is impossible to enumerate, in this hasty notice, all +the arduous undertakings of the students: suffice it to say, that they +have gained another step towards pictorial fame, and that their copies, +from the works of Rubens, Wouvermans, Murillo, Canaletti, Titian, &c., +are honourable testimonies of their exertion to excel. + +_October_ 19, 1829. + +G.W.N. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE CONTEMPORARY TRAVELLER. + + * * * * * + + +A TOUR IN THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. + +(_Concluded from page 262_.) + + +A view of the western side of Jersey, is calculated to impress a stranger +with an idea that it is a barren, unproductive island; but no supposition +could be more erroneous, as, in fact, a great proportion of it may +be described as orchard. The extent of ground planted, with fruit +trees--apple, pear, and plumb is prodigious; and consequently cider--and +very excellent cider too--is one of the staple products of the country, and +a favourite beverage among the natives. At the Union Hotel, St. Helier, +boarders were allowed to quaff as much as they had a liking for, without +being subjected to any additional charge. + +About three miles inland from St. Helier, is a singular structure named +Prince's Tower, erected on an artificial mound or tumulus, and embowered +in a grove of fine trees. The extensive prospect it commanded, and the +indubitable antiquity of the masonry, induced me to apply for permission to +ascend it; and I was rewarded with a bird's eye view of nearly the whole +island, and a vast sweep of the French coast extending almost from Cape de +la Hogue to Avranches. An Englishman had lately taken up his abode in the +tower, which, with the adjacent pleasure ground, he rented at forty pounds +a-year. His object was to render it a place of resort to the inhabitants of +St. Helier, and his advertisements promised that the "delightful emotions +excited by its unrivalled scenery, and the harmonious chat of the feathered +tribe, should not be counteracted by the comfortless sensations of hunger, +thirst, and weariness." The interior of the tower was neatly and +appropriately fitted up. One apartment was designated the chapel; and in +the highest room were several telescopes, mounted so as to traverse to any +point of the compass, for the gratification of visitors. + +But it is the traditionary history of Prince's Tower that renders it +interesting in the eyes of the islanders. In former times it was known by +the name of La Hogue-Bye, and the following legend, quoted from _Le Livre +noir de Coutances_, gives the origin of its celebrity:--In remote times, +a moor or fen in this part of Jersey, was the retreat of a monstrous +serpent or dragon, which spread terror and devastation throughout the +island. At length a valorous Norman, the Seigneur de Hambye, undertook to +attempt its destruction, which, after a terrible conflict, he accomplished. +He was accompanied in this adventure by a vassal of whose fidelity he had +no suspicion, but who, seeing his lord overcome by fatigue, after having +vanquished the reptile, suddenly bethought himself of monopolizing the +glory of the action. Instigated by this foul ambition, he assassinated his +lord, and, returning to Normandy, promulgated a fictitious narrative of the +encounter; and, to further his iniquitous views, presented a forged letter, +which he said had been written by De Hambye to his widow, just before his +death, enjoining her to reward his faithful servant, by accepting him as +her second husband. Reverence for the last injunction of her deceased lord, +induced the lady to obey, and she was united to his murderer. But the +exultation of the homicidal slave was of short duration. His sleep was +disturbed by horrid dreams; and at length, in one of his nightly paroxysms, +he disclosed the extent of his villany. On being arrested and questioned, +he made a full confession, and was tried, found guilty, and publicly +executed. De Hambye's widow, in memory of her lord, caused a tumulus of +earth, to be raised on the spot where he was buried; and on the summit +she built a chapel, with a tower so lofty, as to be visible from her own +mansion at Coutances. + +So much for the fable. As to the word _Hogue_, there are several places +in Jersey called _Hougues_, which are always situated on a rising +ground. The word has evidently originated from the German _hoch_, from +which is derived our English _high_. A _hougue_, therefore, means a +mound or hillock, and in the present instance, the addition of _bye_ is +obviously a contraction of Hambye; and, in accordance with the foregoing +tradition, means literally the _barrow_ or tomb of the _Seigneur de +Hambye_. + +The chapel at la Hogue is said to have been rebuilt in imitation of the +Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, by one of the popish deans of Jersey, in the +reign of Henry VIII. La Hogue-bye remained for many years in a dilapidated +state, till about 1790, when the late Admiral d'Auvergne, a native of +Jersey, better known under his French title of Duke of Bouillon, became its +owner by purchase, and hence it obtained its present name. At his death, in +1816, it was purchased by the late lieutenant-governor, Lieutenant-General +Sir Hugh Mackay Gordon, whose heirs afterwards sold it to Francis le +Breton, Esq., to whom it now belongs. + +The most prominent object in the noble panoramic view from the top of +Prince's Tower, is a huge fortress on the eastern side of the island, +called the Castle of Mont Orgueil. It crests a lofty conical rock, that +forms the northern headland of Grouville Bay, and looks down, like a grim +giant, on the subjacent strait. The fortifications encircle the cone in +picturesque tiers, and the apex of the mountain shoots up in the centre of +them, as high as the flag-staff, which is in fact planted upon it. During +war a strong garrison constantly occupied Mont Orgueil, but now a corporal +and two privates of artillery composed the whole military force. The +corporal, a quiet intelligent man, who spoke with much horror of paying a +visit to the West Indies, which, in the mutations of his professional life, +he had a prospect of doing at no distant period, acted as _cicerone_, +and, among other places, introduced me into a small circular apartment, +forming one of the suite appropriated to officers, which he said had been +the habitation of Charles II. when a wanderer. This prince, when his +unfortunate father fell into the hands of the regicidal party, found a +loyal welcome in Jersey. Here he was recognised as king, when in England +they sought his blood: here he remained in security, when his fatherland +afforded him no asylum. During his lonely sojourn in this remote portion of +his hereditary dominions, he is said to have employed himself in making a +survey and delineating a map of the island. The natives, flattered by the +confidence he reposed in them, and justly proud of nine centuries of +unblemished loyalty to the throne of Great Britain, still refer to his +residence as a memorable event; and in no other part of the British +dominions, is the memory of the "merry monarch" more respected. When +Cromwell, after the disastrous issue of the battle of Worcester, sent an +expedition, under Admiral Blake, to reduce the island, it made a most +gallant and protracted defence; and had not circumstances conspired to +favour the Invaders, their victory would have been dearly purchased. + +Mount Orgueil, in point of historical association, is by far the most +interesting spot in Jersey. A part of the fortifications, according to +tradition, are coeval with Caesar's incursions into Gaul; and the islanders +hold it famous in their oldest story, and of antiquity beyond record. In +1374, the celebrated Constable du Guesclin passed over from Bretagne at the +head of a large army, including some of the bravest knights of France, and +encamped before this fortress, then called Gouray Castle, into which the +principal inhabitants had retired for safety; but after a siege of several +months, he was obliged to draw off his forces in despair, and quit the +island. Henry V. added much to the strength and beauty of Gouray--made it +a depot of arms, and conferred on it the proud name of Mont Orgueil. About +1461, Nanfant, the governor, a dependent of Henry VI. was prevailed upon, +by an order of Queen Margaret, to surrender it to Surdeval, a Frenchman, +agent of Peter de Breze, Count of Maulevrier; but though de Breze kept +possession of it for several years, the natives, under the command of +Philip de Carteret, Seigneur of St. Ouen, a family long illustrious in +Jersey annals, prevented him from completely subjugating the island. Sir +Richard Harliston, vice-admiral of England, afterwards re-captured Mont +Orgueil, and put an end to Maulevrier's usurpation. + +A small pier, intended to facilitate the landing of stores, and shelter +the numerous oyster vessels that resort to Grouville Bay at the dredging +season, projects into the sea, immediately under the castle guns. The bay, +like that of St. Aubin, is defended by a regular line of martello towers, +several of which are built far within flood-mark, on reefs that form part +of the Violet Bank. The adjacent country is a perfect garden, and numerous +secluded villas and cottages are scattered among the umbrageous and +productive orchards that spread around. A small village, called Goree, +lies a short way southward of Mont Orgueil. In former times, it was a +sutling-place for the garrison; now it is only the rendezvous of a few +oyster-fishers. In the auberges here, (every alternate house retailed +liquor), brandy sold at a shilling a bottle. + +The road leading directly from Grouville to St. Helier runs parallel with +the southern shore, among corn fields, orchards, and hamlets, and is the +best in the island. I travelled it after sunset, and found myriads of toads +hopping across it in every direction. These reptiles are extremely common +in Jersey; while, in the neighbouring island of Guernsey, if popular report +may be credited, they are not only unknown, but cannot exist, as has been +ascertained by importing them from less favoured countries. This exemption +in favour of Guernsey, is in all probability a mere fable, originating with +some ignorant native, the absurdity of which no person has been at the +trouble to expose. Lizards and small snakes are also numerous in Jersey; +and at night-fall, a chorus of crickets resounds from every hedge. + +The Jersey cattle are small; but like the pigmy breed of the Scottish +Highlands, their flesh is delicate, and their milk and butter rich. The +butcher market at St. Helier is supplied chiefly from France. There are +sportsmen in Jersey as well as in other countries, but game is neither +various nor abundant. The list, however, includes hares, rabbits, the +Jersey partridge, a beautiful bird, with pheasant eyes, red legs, and +variegated plumage; and several varieties of water fowl. In severe winters, +flocks of solan geese, locally denominated "barnacles," frequent the +shores. + +The Romans, the pioneers of discovery and civilization in Europe, conferred +on Jersey the name of Caesarea, in honour of their leader; and Caesar and +Tacitus concur in describing it as a stronghold of Druidism, of which +worship many monuments still exist. The aborigines were doubtless sprung +from the Celtic tribes spread over the adjacent continent; but the present +inhabitants are universally recognised as the lineal descendants of the +warlike Normans, who, under the auspices of the famous Rollo, conquered and +established themselves in the north of France in the ninth century. It was +first attached to the British crown at the conquest; and though repeated +descents have been made on it by France during the many wars waged between +the countries since that remote era, none of them were attended with such +success as to lead to a permanent occupation of the island. The islanders, +proud of an unconquered name, and gratified to recollect that they +originally gave a king to England, not England a king to them, have been +always distinguished for fidelity to the British government; and their +unshaken loyalty has, from time to time, been rewarded by immunities and +privileges, highly conducive to their prosperity, and calculated to foster +that spirit of nationality, which is invariably distinctive of a free +people. They are exempted from those taxes which press heaviest on the +English yeoman, and from naval and military service beyond the boundaries +of their own island. The local administration of justice is still regulated +by the old Norman code of laws, and this circumstance is regarded by the +natives as a virtual recognition of their independence; but strangers, when +they inadvertently get involved in legal disputes, have often cause to +regret its existence. In cases of assault, particularly the assaulting of a +magistrate, even though his official character be unknown to the offender, +a severe punishment is generally awarded. We heard several instances of +military officers, who had been guilty of raising an arm of flesh against +jurats in night frolics at St. Helier's, narrowly escaping the penalty +attached to this heinous infraction of the laws--a penalty which would have +left them maimed for life. + +The introduction of Christianity, and final extirpation of idolatry, is +said to have occurred in the sixth century. In the latter days of the reign +of popery, Jersey formed part of the diocese of Coutances in Normandy, +where the ancient records of the island were deposited; but at the +Reformation, in the reign of Elizabeth, it was attached to the see of +Winchester--an annexation, however, merely nominal, for the island is in +reality exempt from the dominion of the church of England. The inhabitants +are a well-disposed and peaceable race, but not particularly distinguished +for enthusiasm in religion. The peasantry are orderly and industrious; the +merchants enterprising; and the seamen, a numerous class, hardy and +adventurous. The _aggregate_ of the people live more after the French +manner than the English; that is, they substitute fruit and vegetables, in +a great measure, for animal food, and cider for ale. Neither men nor women +are distinguished for personal beauty, though we noticed several very +comely dames in our perambulations; and notwithstanding the boasted purity +of their descent from the ocean-roamers of the north, they have many of the +anomalous features of a mixed race.--_Edinburgh Journal of Natural and +Geographical Science_. No. I. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE NATURALIST. + + * * * * * + + +THE MOLE. + + +Foreign naturalists have been much occupied of late with the mole. From the +recently published observations of one of them, M. Flourens, it appears +that this animal, as its organization indicates, is, if not exclusively, at +least, essentially, carnivorous. It very soon dies if only roots be given +to it; and if it destroy so many roots of vegetables, it is not for the +purpose of eating them, but to seek among them for worms, insects, and +particularly for the larvae of insects which harbour there. They may be +kept alive for a long time upon any animal food. Ten or twelve hours are +nearly the longest time they can live without food. Like all animals which +feed upon blood and flesh, the mole is always very thirsty.--_Monthly +Mag_. + + * * * * * + +CLIMATE OF THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. + + +The climate of the British dominions in the south of Africa is one of the +finest in the world. The average height of the barometer is above thirty +inches, and the average summer heat at noon is about 78 deg. It resembles +the climate of Italy, but is rather warmer and dryer. It is so dry, that +draining is little required for the ground: on the contrary, it is +necessary to retain moisture as much as possible, and even irrigation is +desirable, more especially from the grasses. The mountains abound in +springs, but the supply of water is scanty and precarious, from the want of +energy and skill in procuring that essential article. Such a scarcity +frequently arises, that the cattle perish from thirst, and the people +themselves are in danger of a similar fate.--_Gill's Repository_. + + +Sea Pens. + + +[Illustration: Sea Pens.] + + +The cuts represent two fine Sea Pens--_Silver and Red_, with Sections. + +Of all the Sea Pens yet known, the first is one of the largest and most +curious in its appearance; being of a beautiful silvery white, elegantly +straited on each of the feather-like processes, with lines or streaks of +the deepest black. It is extremely rare, and is a native of the Indian +Seas. The accompanying Engraving is copied from a fine specimen in the +British Museum. + + * * * * * + +THE RED SEA-PEN IS + +Of a very beautiful appearance, and is found on the British coast. The +animal consists of a flattened stem, or body, which is furnished with an +internal bone, and dilates into an expanded part, consisting of several +pinnae, or lateral branches, which are divided on their inner edges into a +number of tubular processes, through each of which is protruded a part of +the animal, resembling the head of a hydra or polype; the whole animal may, +therefore, be considered as a very compound or ramified union of polypi, +the bodies of which are contained in the naked part or stem, and from +thence ramify into a vast number of processes, each furnished with its +particular head. The animal emits a very strong phosphoric light, and it is +even so luminous, that it is no uncommon circumstance for the fishermen to +see the fish which happen to be swimming near it merely by the light of the +Pens. Its colour is a bright red crimson, and the general size that of the +figure. + +Mr. Ellis, in the Philosophical Transactions, has published some specimens +of this extraordinary animal, of a kidney-shaped form, and observes that it +nourishes and supports itself by the succours of polype filaments, which we +have expressed in the Engraving in a magnified size. By these they take in +their food and discharge the exuviae. In case of danger these little +succours are drawn in. + +Sea Pens are termed _locomotive zoophytes,_ and swim in the manner of +fish. Five hundred polypes may frequently be numbered on a single feather; +and they number among the most rare and interesting animals of the order to +which they belong. + + * * * * * + + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + * * * * * + + +_Vermin in Ships_. + +Steam has been lately found very successful in cleansing ships from vermin, +and especially the white ant. In India, a steam boat was lately placed +alongside a merchant vessel, and steam from its boiler conveyed by a very +simple system of pipes in the hold of the latter, the apertures to which +were closed as well as they could be. The operation was continued for +several hours; and there is reason to believe it was effectual, and will +prove a valuable process in the navy. Besides the direct object of +cleansing the ship, another advantage accrued from the discovery of every +leaky place existing, by the oozing of the water through it. The expense is +said to be very moderate; and it is further stated to be the only process +at present known, not even except sinking, which effectually destroys the +white ant.--_Brande's Journal_. + + +_Agriculture_. + +England possesses more pasture land than any other European country; and +Spain the least. + +In agriculture, France is a century behind England; and to equal England, +France would have to make the immense progress which, since that time, has +more than doubled the prosperity of the former country. + +England not only surpasses France in the number of its cattle, but the +animals are also finer, and their flesh is of better quality; so that an +Englishman may enjoy nearly double the quantity of animal food that France +supplies to each of its inhabitants, and with the further advantage of +better quality. "Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England." + + +_Indian Rouge_. + +We find in _Jameson's_ last _Journal_, a very interesting paper +by Dr. Hancock, on a Red Pigment, called _Carucru_, or _Chica_, +which appears to be the Rouge of the interior Indians. It is produced like +Indigo, from the plant chiefly found towards the head of Essequibo, Parima, +and Rio Negro. On breaking a branch, the leaves, when dry, become almost of +a blood red, and being pounded, are infused in water till a fermentation +ensues. The liquor is then poured off and left to deposit a settlement, +which forms the _Chica_ paint. It is put up very neatly in little +caskets made with palm leaves, and carried by the Atorayas and trading +Caribs all over Guiana. It has a soft, cochineal, crimson shade, and is in +great demand among the Indians as an ornamental paint. The use is chiefly +for the face, whilst they stain the other parts of the body with Arnotta. +They also apply the Chica on the cheeks and about the eyes, and variegate +the countenance by marking the forehead, and along the facial line, with +their coomazu, a yellow clay or ochre. This manner of painting produces a +striking contrast, and gives them a very strange and furious appearance. + +From the scarcity of the Chica, its employment is almost exclusively +confined to the chiefs and higher orders, their nobility. The rest must be +contented with Arnotta, or Poncer mixed with the oil of Carapa, a portion +of which, with the Balsam of Aracousiri, mixed with these paints, imparts +to them a very delightful odour. The _toilet_, therefore, of the rude +tribes is as simple as their manners and mode of life, their chief material +being perfume, and all being carried in a little gourd. + +The Chica is not merely esteemed as a pigment, but is considered in the +Orinoko as the most sovereign remedy for erysipelas, where that complaint +is very prevalent. It is simply made with water into a paste, thinly +spread on old linen or cotton, and applied as a plaster to the inflamed +part.--_Abridged_. + + +_Indian Graters_. + +The Tacumas (Indians) are the fabricators of those curious Cassada Graters, +which are considered superior to all others by those who are acquainted +with them. They are made of a very hard wood, studded over with pointed +flint stones, and fixed by a kind of cement and varnish of surprising +durability; the substance being at the same time a strong cement and +transparent varnish. These Cassada Graters are scarcely, if at all, known +on the coast, or in the European settlements.--_Jameson's Journal_. + + +_Wild Bulls_. + +In the province of San Martin, in South America, M. Roulier saw wild bulls +feeding in the _llanos_ among domestic cattle. These animals pass +their morning in the woods, which cover the foot of the Cordillera, and +come out only about two in the afternoon to feed in the savanna. The moment +they perceive a man they gallop off to the woods. + + +_Mount Souffre_. + +During the eruption of this volcano in 1812, the explosions were heard at +600 or 700 miles distance; and cinders were taken from the deck of a vessel +150 miles distant. + + +_Force of Running Water_. + +In August, 1827, the small rivulet called the College, at the foot of the +Cheviot Hills, was so swollen by the heavy rains, that the current tore +away from the abutment of a mill dam, a large block of stone, weighing +nearly two tons, and transported it to the distance of a quarter of a mile. + + +_Cement_. + +The large snails which are found in gardens and woods, discharge a whitish +substance, with a slimy and gelatinous appearance, which has been known to +cement two pieces of flint so strongly as to bear dashing on a pavement +without the junction being disturbed, although the flint broke into +fragments by fresh fractures. + + +_Artificial Ice_. + +A mixture of four ounces of nitrate of ammonia, four ounces of subcarbonate +of soda, and four ounces of water, in a tin pail, has been found to produce +ten ounces of ice in three hours.--_Brande's Journal_. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_. + + * * * * * + + +AN OLD MAN'S STORY. + +BY MARY HOWITT. + + + There was an old and quiet man, + And by the fire sate he, + "And now," he said, "to you I'll tell + A dismal thing, which once befell + In a ship upon the sea. + + 'Tis five-and-fifty years gone by, + Since from the River Plate, + A young man, in a home-bound ship, + I sailed as second mate. + + She was a trim, stout-timbered ship, + And built for stormy seas, + A lovely thing on the wave was she, + With her canvass set so gallantly + Before a steady breeze. + + For forty days, like a winged thing + She went before the gale, + Nor all that time we slackened speed, + Turned helm, or altered sail. + + She was a laden argosy + Of wealth from the Spanish Main, + And the treasure-hoards of a Portuguese + Returning home again. + + An old and silent man was he, + And his face was yellow and lean. + In the golden lands of Mexico + A miner he had been. + + His body was wasted, bent, and bowed, + And amid his gold he lay-- + Amid iron chests that were bound with brass, + And he watched them night and day. + + No word he spoke to any on board, + And his step was heavy and slow, + And all men deemed that an evil life + He had led in Mexico. + + But list ye me--on the lone high seas, + As the ship went smoothly on, + It chanced, in the silent second watch, + I sate on the deck alone; + And I heard, from among those iron chests, + A sound like a dying groan. + + I started to my feet--and lo! + The captain stood by me, + And he bore a body in his arms, + And dropped it in the sea. + + I heard it drop into the sea, + With a heavy splashing sound, + And I saw the captain's bloody hands + As he quickly turned him round; + And he drew in his breath when me he saw + Like one convulsed, whom the withering awe + Of a spectre doth astound. + + But I saw his white and palsied lips, + And the stare of his ghastly eye, + When he turned in hurried haste away, + Yet he had no power to fly; + He was chained to the deck with his heavy guilt, + And the blood that was not dry. + + 'Twas a cursed thing,' said I, 'to kill + That old man in his sleep! + And the plagues of the sea will come from him; + Ten thousand fathoms deep! + + And the plagues of the storm will follow us, + For Heaven his groans hath heard!' + Still the captain's eye was fixed on me, + But he answered never a word. + + And he slowly lifted his bloody hand + His aching eyes to shade, + But the blood that was wet did freeze his soul, + And he shrinked like one afraid. + + And even then--that very hour + The wind dropped, and a spell + Was on the ship, was on the sea, + And we lay for weeks, how wearily, + Where the old man's body fell. + + I told no one within the ship + That horrid deed of sin; + For I saw the hand of God at work, + And punishment begin. + + And when they spoke of the murdered man, + And the El Dorado hoard, + They all surmised he had walked in dreams, + And had fallen overboard. + + But I alone, and the murderer-- + That dreadful thing did know, + How he lay in his sin, a murdered man, + A thousand fathom low. + + And many days, and many more, + Came on, and lagging sped, + And the heavy waves of that sleeping sea + Were dark, like molten lead. + + And not a breeze came, east or west, + And burning was the sky, + And stifling was each breath we drew + Of the air so hot and dry. + + Oh me! there was a smell of death + Hung round us night and day; + And I dared not look in the sea below + Where the old man's body lay. + + In his cabin, alone, the captain kept, + And he bolted fast the door, + And up and down the sailors walked, + And wished that the calm was o'er. + + The captain's son was on board with us, + A fair child, seven years old, + With a merry look that all men loved, + And a spirit kind and bold. + + I loved the child, and I took his hand, + And made him kneel and pray + That the crime; for which the calm was sent, + Might be purged clean away. + + For I thought that God would hear his prayer, + And set the vessel free,-- + For a dreadful thing it was to lie + Upon that charnel sea. + + Yet I told him not wherefore he prayed, + Nor why the calm was sent + I would not give that knowledge dark + To a soul so innocent. + + At length I saw a little cloud + Arise in that sky of flame, + A little cloud--but it grew and grew, + And blackened as it came. + + And we saw the sea beneath its track + Grow dark as the frowning sky, + And water-spouts, with a rushing sound, + Like giants, passed us by. + + And all around, 'twixt sky and sea, + A hollow wind did blow; + And the waves were heaved from the ocean depths, + And the ship rocked to and fro. + + I knew it was that fierce death-calm + Its horrid hold undoing, + And I saw the plagues of wind and storm + Their missioned work pursuing. + + There was a yell in the gathering winds, + A groan in the heaving sea, + And the captain rushed from the hold below, + But he durst not look on me. + + He seized each rope with a madman's haste, + And he set the helm to go, + And every sail he crowded on + As the furious winds did blow. + + And away they went, like autumn leaves + Before the tempest's rout, + And the naked masts with a crash came down, + And the wild ship tossed about. + + The men, to spars and splintered boards, + Clung, till their strength was gone, + And I saw them from their feeble hold + Washed over one by one. + + And 'mid the creaking timber's din, + And the roaring of the sea, + I heard the dismal, drowning cries + Of their last agony. + + There was a curse in the wind that blew, + A curse in the boiling wave; + And the captain knew that vengeance came + From the old man's ocean grave. + + And I heard him say, as he sate apart, + In a hollow voice and low, + 'Tis a cry of blood doth follow us, + And still doth plague us so!' + + And then those heavy iron chests + With desperate strength took he, + And ten of the strongest mariners + Did cast them into the sea. + + And out, from the bottom of the sea, + There came a hollow groan;-- + The captain by the gunwale stood, + And he looked like icy stone-- + And he drew in his breath with a gasping sob, + And a spasm of death came on. + + And a furious boiling wave rose up, + With a rushing, thundering roar,-- + I saw the captain fall to the deck, + But I never saw him more. + + Two days before, when the storm began, + We were forty men and five, + But ere the middle of that night + There were but two alive. + + The child and I, we were but two, + And he clung to me in fear; + Oh! it was pitiful to see + That meek child in his misery, + And his little prayers to hear! + + At length, as if his prayers were heard, + 'Twas calmer, and anon + The clear sun shone, and warm and low + A steady wind from the west did blow, + And drove us gently on. + + And on we drove, and on we drove, + That fair young child and I, + But his heart was as a man's in strength, + And he uttered not a cry. + + There was no bread within the wreck, + And water we had none, + Yet he murmured not, and cheered me + When my last hopes were gone; + But I saw him waste and waste away, + And his rosy cheek grow wan. + + Still on we drove, + I knew not where, + For many nights and days, + We were too weak to raise a sail, + Had there been one to raise. + + Still on we went, as the west wind drove, + On, on, o'er the pathless tide; + And I lay in a sleep, 'twixt life and death, + And the child was at my side. + + And it chanced as we were drifting on + Amid the great South Sea, + An English vessel passed us by + That was sailing cheerily; + Unheard by me, that vessel hailed + And asked what we might be. + + The young child at the cheer rose up, + And gave an answering word, + And they drew him from the drifting wreck + As light as is a bird. + + They took him gently in their arms, + And put again to sea:-- + 'Not yet! not yet!' he feebly cried, + 'There was a man with me.' + + Again unto the wreck they came, + Where, like one dead, I lay, + And a ship-boy small had strength enough + To carry me away. + + Oh, joy it was when sense returned + That fair, warm ship to see. + And to hear the child within his bed + Speak pleasant words to me! + + I thought at first that we had died, + And all our pains were o'er, + And in a blessed ship of Heaven + Were sailing to its shore. + + But they were human forms that knelt + Beside our bed to pray, + And men, with hearts most merciful, + Did watch us night and day. + + 'Twas a dismal tale I had to tell + Of wreck and wild distress, + But, even then, I told to none + The captain's wickedness. + + For I loved the boy, and I could not cloud + His soul with a sense of shame:-- + 'Twere an evil thing, thought I, to blast + A sinless orphan's name! + So he grew to be a man of wealth, + And of honourable fame. + + And in after years, when he had ships, + I sailed with him the sea, + And in all the sorrow of my life + He was a son to me; + And God hath blessed him every where + With a great prosperity. + + +_The Amulet for 1830_. + + * * * * * + + +THE LITTLE MAJOR'S LOVE ADVENTURE. + + +You must know, when I was in the 18th light dragoons, I was quartered +in Canterbury; and having got some introductory letters, I contrived +to make out a pleasant time enough. One of my visiting-houses was +old Tronson's the banker's--devilish agreeable family--four pretty +girls--all flirted--painted on velvet--played the harp--sang Italian, +and danced as if they had been brought up under D'Egville in the _corps +de ballet._ The old boy kept a man-cook, and gave iced champagne. Now, +you know, there is no standing this; and Harriette, the second of the +beauties, and I, agreed to fall in love, which in due course of time we +effected. Nothing could be better managed than the whole affair; we each +selected a confidant, sat for our pictures, interchanged them with a +passionate note, and made a regular engagement for ever. + +Such was the state of things, when the route came, and my troop was ordered +to embark for Portugal. Heavens! what a commotion! Harriette was in +hysterics: we talked of an elopement, and discussed the propriety of going +to Gretna; but the hurry to embark prevented us. I could not, you know, +take her with me. Woman in a transport! a devilish bore; and nothing was +left for it but to exchange vows of eternal fidelity. We did so, and +parted--both persuaded that our hearts were reciprocally broken. + +Ah!--if you knew what I suffered night and day! her picture rested in my +bosom; and I consumed a pipe of wine in toasting her health, while I was +dying of damp and rheumatism. But the recollection of my _constant +Harriette_ supported me through all; and particularly so, when I was +cheered by the report of my snub-nosed surgeon, who joined us six months +after at Santarem, and assured me on the faith of a physician, that the +dear girl was in the last stage of a consumption. + +Two years passed away, and we were ordered home. O heavens! what were my +feelings when I landed at Portsmouth! I threw myself into a carriage, and +started with four horses for Canterbury: I arrived there with a safe neck, +and lost not a moment in announcing my return to my constant Harriette. + +The delay of the messenger seemed an eternity: but what were my feelings, +when he brought me a perfumed note (to do her justice, she always wrote on +lovely letter-paper), and a parcel. The one contained congratulations of my +safe arrival, accompanied by assurances of unfeigned regret that I had not +reached Canterbury a day sooner, and thus allowed her an opportunity of +having her "dear friend Captain Melcomb" present at her wedding; while the +packet was a large assortment of French kid skins and white ribbon. + +That blessed morning she had bestowed her fair hand on a fat professor of +theology from Brazen Nose, who had been just presented to a rich prebend by +the bishop, for having proved beyond a controversy, the divine origin of +tithes, in a blue-bound pamphlet. Before I had time to recover from my +astonishment, a travelling carriage brought me to the window; and quickly +as it passed, I had full time to see _ma belle Harriette_ seated +beside the thick-winded dignitary. She bowed her white Spanish hat and six +ostrich feathers to me as she rolled off, to spend, as the papers informed +me, "the honey-moon at the lakes of Cumberland.' There was a blessed return +for two years' exposure to the attacks of rheumatism and French +cavalry.--_Stories of Waterloo._ + + * * * * * + +When the celebrated Philip Henry was ejected from the establishment, +Dr. Busby (who had been his tutor) meeting him, said, "Who made you a +nonconformist?" "You, Sir," replied he, "I made you a nonconformist!" +"Yes, Sir, you taught me those principles which forbade to violate my +conscience." + +TOSCAR. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE SKETCH-BOOK. + + * * * * * + + +ANTWERP CATHEDRAL. + +(_For the Mirror_.) + + +Antwerp possesses considerable interest to an Englishman, as a place of +great importance during the late war, when there was a sort of mystery +attached to it, as the secret grand naval depot of Napoleon, which our +Government thought to "cripple France for ever," by getting into our own +hands! But what the Earl of Chatham, with an army of twenty thousand men, +aided by a fine British fleet, could not do, I did: I made my entry into +Antwerp--without molestation, thanks to the benign Spirit of Peace--towards +the evening of a fine day in July; and while the impression of novelty was +still fresh, enjoyed a rich treat in viewing its noble Cathedral. The +interior is grand, but simple--striking the beholder more by its loftiness +and spaciousness, than by any profusion of glittering ornament, so common +in Catholic churches--although the forest of pillars, the altar-piece, the +statues, and above all the splendid pictures which grace the walls, form a +rich variety to the eye. It would be useless to enter into a minute detail, +for no description can give a stranger a perfect idea of one building +distinct from others of a similar kind, and those who have seen the object +itself do not require it. Antwerp may be called the country of Rubens: at +every turn you meet with monuments of his genius; and here (in the +Cathedral) you have what is esteemed his masterpiece--the "Descent from the +Cross"--which surprises you with a boldness of drawing, vigour and richness +of colouring, and an animation in the grouping, that can scarcely be +excelled; and when you discern the colossal figures from a little distance +amongst the pillars and arches of the nave, you feel inclined to bow in +reverence to the divinity of the genius which has portrayed so wonderful a +conception of the mind. It is needless to say that this was one of the +works of art carried to Paris to enrich the gallery of the Louvre, together +with one placed in a corresponding situation, "The Assumption of the +Virgin," which is more in Rubens' florid style than the former. There is +also, by the same master-hand, a noble picture, "The Elevation of the +Cross," in the artist's happiest manner; and the exquisite altarpiece, "The +Ascension," is also his work. There are several other fine paintings +here--one of them said to be the best performance of Quintin Matsys, who, +under the inspiration of love, deserted the anvil for the pallet; and +another by his father-in-law, Flors, supposed to be the identical picture +upon which the _ci devant_ blacksmith painted a bee, with such skill +as to obtain the old artist's cordial consent to the marriage of Matsys +with his daughter. Amongst the carved wood-work in the aisles, we admired +the execution of several statues of Saints, male and female, whose features +and drapery are finished with all the delicacy of marble. + +The shades of evening now began to add to the solemnity of the scene, by +the indistinctness that was gradually enveloping the more distant objects; +and, alone, we almost dreaded to break, with our own whispers, the silence +which reigned around. In the midst of this "stillness audible," the fine +bell of the cathedral struck the hour, and its melodious tone seemed at +once to reach the heart. We sat down to listen to the prolonged note, as +each successive toll reverberated through the expanse--lingering like a +halo around the walls, and appearing to awaken echoes from the guardian +spirits of the night. I fancied I had never in my life heard so +full-toned--so musical a bell: certain it is, none ever gave me the same +sensation of delight. Indeed, the whole belfry is well assorted, for the +_carillons_, which play certain airs at intervals, produce a sweeter +effect than I remember any where else; and one of the pleasant +recollections I retain of Antwerp arises out of the frequent, but +unobtrusive, chimes that salute the ear during the day. We left Notre Dame +this time with "lingering steps and slow." + +But how can I give an idea of the exterior? The tendency to placid +reflection which we had caught within found ample food for indulgence when +we came to witness the effect of the architecture without, combined with +the particular time of night--about nine o'clock--different tints and +shadows displaying themselves upon the angles of the building, as the light +decreased. Imagine a spire of light, ornamental, elegant open-work, carried +up about a hundred feet higher than St. Paul's. I believe it is the +loftiest in Europe, with the exception of Strasbourg, than which, in the +opinion of many, it is more handsome. The only drawback upon its beauty +is the glaringly large dial of the clock; but even this may suggest +appropriate reflection: for may we not consider it an emblem of Time, whose +course it measures, intruding upon the fairest prospects of our lives, +to remind us that all human monuments and enjoyments must yield to his +irresistible hand? The spire rises on one side of the principal entrance; +and there is a corresponding tower on the other, to the height of the base +of the steeple part, as if there had been an intention to erect one of +similar dimensions there also, like the twin towers of Westminster Abbey; +but I cannot help thinking, that as two and two are said not always to make +four, the projecting counterpart, instead of doubling the effect, would +have lessened the feeling of stupendous height with which the present +single pinnacle inspires the beholders. As there cannot be two suns in the +same sphere, neither could the spire of Antwerp have borne a rival near its +solitary, aerial throne. It soars aloft with such grandeur, that in gazing +upon it my brain actually grew dizzy with the sight: never was I conscious +in an equal degree of such a feeling of awe from a work of art, and my mind +really ached with the intensity of the impression.--We seemed to view this +sublime object with mutual wonder and admiration--gazing upon it in one +position, then in another--walking about--stopping--excited as it were by +the same impulse. Once, when nearly dark, as our eyes were fixed upon the +top, a gentle light suddenly appeared upon the very summit, crowning the +majestic fane with glory, as if pointing it out for admiration to a +surrounding world: it was a star twinkling upon the very spot where the +highest point of the spire rested on the sky. + +The name of Antwerp is derived from _Hand-werpen_ or +_Hand-thrown_: so called from a legend, which informs us that on the +site of the present city once stood the castle of a giant, who held the +neighbouring country in thraldom, and who was accustomed to amuse himself +by cutting off, and casting into the river, the right hands of the +unfortunate wights that fell into his power; but that being at last +conquered himself, his own immense hand was disposed of, with poetical +justice, in the same way. With the impression of this story on my mind, it +came into my head that the giant was personified by the towering spire: no +wonder, thought I, that Don Quixote mistook a windmill for a giant, since +I, even in my sober senses, cannot get rid of the idea that I see the +mighty hand-thrower before me. With a little confusion of the image, I then +imagined the spire to be the guardian of the city--that it took cognizance +of all its affairs, and that it would watch me even into my retreat for the +night. Like the adored phantom of youthful love, it pervaded every place, +and haunted me in my dreams. Often the motion of the clouds seemed to be +transferred to the lofty spire, which again assuming the giant character +startled me with the impression that it was falling towards me, or rushing +to crush its victims, like the horrid car of Jaggernaut. + +Through the Giant's Gate, so called from a colossal statue reclining upon +it, there is an opening to the Scheldt;--without is the quay, covered +with merchandize unloading from the ships in the river, and serving as +an evening promenade. Here you may see the other eminences of the city +occasionally, but the gigantic one--always: it stalks out from amidst the +cluster of buildings your constant companion wherever you go--as you walk +along, it appears to move with you, and when you stop it waits with +patience until you go on again. On another occasion we took a boat on the +Scheldt, and landing at some distance below the town, had a delightful +walk along its banks, which are elevated like part of Milbank, near +Vauxhall-bridge; and the situation has much the same character. The river, +however, is grander, as I should judge it to be twice the width of the +Thames at London-bridge, and it flows with great rapidity. It was a +charming evening, and we saw the sun set in all his glory down the Scheldt, +in the bosom of which were reflected the endless tints of the sky, whose +golden brilliancy was beautifully relieved by the intervention of some +cottages near us, and a pretty village, with its church-spire a little +further off. On one side was the flat cultivated country of Flanders, and +looking up the river, we beheld the shipping and the whole city: all the +churches and towers raised their varied forms, but still only to do homage, +as it were, to the great pile which outstripped them, and which was lit up +by the radiance of the departed sun. Model of splendour! "from morn 'till +dewy eve" how must thy elegant form be engraven on the hearts of the +natives of the city thou overlookest, exciting emotions of home, like the +craggy rock of the Highlanders, when they are absent in distant lands! and +how must the youth, whom the love of art carries to study the treasures of +Venice and Rome, when returning to shed a lustre upon his natal place--of +being one day named with Matsys and Rubens, and the other splendid painters +by whom it has been adorned--how must the first glance that he catches of +thy hallowed height make his heart throb with endearing thoughts of the +friends he left under thy shade, and absorb for the moment all feelings of +ambition in the recollection of the boyish days passed within thy ken--but +now, alas, departed for ever! May the fires of heaven, and the tremblings +of earth, never injure thy venerable beauty; but may thousands, and tens +of thousands, in time to come, as in time past, gaze upon thee--as I, an +obscure, nameless stranger, have done--with thoughts too deep for words! + +During the evening I have alluded to we were accompanied by the +accomplished Miss ----, whose talents must be well known to many of our own +artists who have visited Antwerp; and this being her native place, her +conversation gave us those kindly associations of home, without which no +scenes, however beautiful or however uncommon, can penetrate the inmost +recesses of the soul. + +W.G. + +Our Correspondent, in a few introductory lines, modestly, though +somewhat unnecessarily, apologizes for the enthusiasm of the reflective +portion of the previous sketch. He will perceive that we have ventured upon +a few slight alterations. He concludes his note to us with an assurance +that "the feelings were sincere, however trifling the thoughts, or +inadequate the expression." Of his sincerity we have no doubt; and where +the feelings of a writer are so honourable to his heart as are many in this +paper, we are not fastidious enough to quarrel with inadvertencies of the +head. All have felt the overpowering effect produced by the contemplation +of the sublimities of art, but comparatively few are aware of the +difficulty of embodying these first impressions in descriptive detail.--ED. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE GATHERER. + + A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. +SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + +Vivian Grey pronounces school ushers execrable wretches, because they wear +pepper and salt pantaloons; Lady Morgan improves upon him, declaring the +man who wears a white waistcoat in the morning, or the woman who curtsies +at a drawing-room door, out of the pale of society. It is surprising that +people will write such rubbish as this--more surprising that others will +print it-- most surprising that folks buy it--and as Cobbett would say, +what surprises us "most of all," is that people read it. + +Q. + + * * * * * + + +ORIGIN OF THE WORD FARM. + + +Spelman derives this word from the Saxon term _fearme_, or +_feorme_, which signifies _victus_, food, or _provision_, as +the tenants and country people anciently paid their rents in victuals and +other necessaries of life, but which was afterwards converted into the +payment of certain sums of money. Hence a _ferm_ was originally a +place which furnished or supplied its owner or lord with provisions. + +P.T.W. + + * * * * * + + +At an inn in a market town upon the road to Holyhead, a gentleman sat in +the kitchen smoking his pipe, and watching with anxiety a fowl that was +roasting for his supper. At length a tall, meagre figure stalked in, and +after an earnest and melancholy look at the fowl, retired with a sigh. +Repeating his visit he exclaimed, "That fowl will never be done in time." +"What do you mean?" said the gentleman, "that fowl is for my supper, and +you shan't touch a bit of it." "Oh," replied the other, "you misunderstand +me; I don't want the fowl; but I am to play _Oroonoko_ this evening, +and we cannot begin for want of the _jack chain_." + +C.C. + + * * * * * + + +THOMAS PAINE. + + +When Paine's "Rights of Man," reached Lewes, where he married a Miss Olive, +the women as with one voice, said, "Od rot im, let im come ear if he dast, +an we'll tell him what the Rights of Women is; we'll toss im in a blanket, +and ring im out of Lewes wi our frying pans."--_Cheetham's Life of +Paine_. + + * * * * * + + +EPIGRAM. + + +Ah, Lucy, 'twas a roguish thought That kindled up that rosy hue; True, +'twas a roguish thought, for I, Thought none so great a rogue as +_you_. + + * * * * * + +_LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS_. + +CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the Strand, near +Somerset House. + +The ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS, Embellished with nearly 150 Engravings. +In 6 Parts, 1s. each. + +The TALES of the GENII. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + +The MICROCOSM. By the Right Hon. G. CANNING. &c. 4 Parts, 6d. each. + +PLUTARCH'S LIVES, with Fifty Portraits, 12 Parts, 1s. each. + +COWPER'S POEMS, with 12 Engravings, 12 Numbers, 3d. each. + +COOK'S VOYAGES, 28 Numbers, 3d. each. + +The CABINET of CURIOSITIES: or, WONDERS of the WORLD DISPLAYED. 27 Nos. 2d. +each. + +BEAUTIES of SCOTT, 36 Numbers, 3d. each. + +The ARCANA of SCIENCE for 1828. Price 4s. 6d. + +GOLDSMITH'S ESSAYS. Price 8d. + +DR. FRANKLIN'S ESSAYS. Price 1s. 2d. + +BACON'S ESSAYS Price 8d. + +SALMAGUNDI. Price 1s. 8d. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 396 *** + +***** This file should be named 11459.txt or 11459.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/4/5/11459/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Marvin A. 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