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diff --git a/11463-h/11463-h.htm b/11463-h/11463-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f17f1f --- /dev/null +++ b/11463-h/11463-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2597 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 14, Issue 404, December 12, 1829, by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .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 + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11463 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 14, Issue 404, December 12, 1829, by Various</h1> +<br /> +<br /> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Andy Jewell, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page401" name="page401"></a>[pg + 401]</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. 404.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1829.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Royal Observatory, Greenwich. + </h2> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/404-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/404-1.png" + alt="The Royal Observatory, Greenwich." /></a> + </div> + <p> + In the present <i>almanack season</i>, as it is technically + called, the above illustration of our pages may not be + inappropriate or ill-timed, inasmuch as it represents the + spot whence all English astronomers make their calculations. + </p> + <p> + The Observatory was built by Charles II., in the year + 1675—probably, observes a recent writer, "with no + better motive than to imitate Louis XIV.," who had just + completed the erection and endowment of an observatory at + Paris. The English Observatory was fortunately placed under + the direction of the celebrated Flamstead, whose name the + hill, or site of the building, still retains. He was + appointed astronomer-royal in 1676; but Charles (as in the + case of the curious dial at Whitehall, described by us a few + weeks since<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a>), + neglected to complete what he had so well begun: and + Flamstead entered upon the duties of his appointment with + instruments principally provided <i>at his own expense</i>, + and that of a zealous patron of science, James Moore. It + should seem that this species of parsimony is hereditary in + the English Government, for, upon the authority of the + <i>Quarterly Review</i>, we learn that "within the wide range + of the British Islands <i>there is only one observatory</i> + (Greenwich), <i>and scarcely one supported by the + Government</i>. We say scarcely one, because we believe that + some of the instruments in the observatory at Greenwich were + purchased out of the private funds of the Royal Society of + London."<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> + </p> + <p> + The first stone of this Observatory was laid by Flamstead, on + the 10th of August, 1675. It stands 160 feet above low-water + mark, and principally consists of two separate buildings: the + first contains three rooms on the ground-floor—viz. the + transit-room, towards the east, the quadrant-room, towards + the west, and the assistant's sitting and calculating-room, + in the middle; above which is his bed-room, the latter being + furnished with sliding shutters in the roof. In + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page402" name="page402"></a>[pg + 402]</span> the transit-room is an eight-feet + transit-instrument, with an axis of three feet, resting on + two piers of stone: this was made by Bird, but has been much + improved by Dolland, Troughton, and others. Near it is a + curious transit-clock, made by Graham, but greatly improved + by Earnshaw, who so simplified the train as to exclude two or + three wheels, and also added cross-braces to the + gridiron-pendulum, by which an error of a second per day, + arising from its sudden starts, was corrected. The + quadrant-room has a stone pier in the middle, running north + and south, having on its east face a mural-quadrant, of eight + feet radius, made by Bird, in 1749, by which observations are + made on the southern quarter of the meridian, through an + opening in the roof three feet wide, produced by means of two + sliding shutters; on its west face is another eight-feet + mural quadrant, with an iron frame, and an arch of brass, + made by Graham, in 1725: this is applied to the north quarter + of the meridian. In the same apartment is the famous + zenith-sector, twelve feet in length, with which Dr. Bradley, + at Wanstead, and at Kew, made those observations which led to + the discovery of the aberration and nutation: here also is + Dr. Hooke's reflecting telescope, and three telescopes by + Harrison. On the south side of this room is a small building, + for observing the eclipses of Jupiter's satellites, + occultations, &c., with sliding shutters at the roof and + sides, to view any portion of the hemisphere, from the prime + verticle down to the southern horizon: this contains a + forty-inch achromatic, by the inventor, Mr. John Dolland, + with a triple object-glass, a most perfect instrument of its + kind; and a five-feet achromatic, by John and Peter Dolland, + his sons. Here, likewise, are a two-feet reflecting-telescope + (the metals of which were ground by the Rev. Mr. Edwards), + and a six-feet reflector, by Dr. Herschell. + </p> + <p> + The lower part of the house serves merely for a habitation; + but above is a large octagonal room, which, being now seldom + wanted for astronomical purposes, is used as a repository for + such instruments as are too large to be generally employed in + the apartments first described, or for old instruments, which + modern improvements have superseded. Among the former is a + most excellent ten-feet achromatic, by the present Mr. + Dolland, and a six-feet reflector, by Short, with a clock to + be used with them. In the latter class, besides many curious + and original articles, which are deposited in boxes and + cupboards, is the first transit instrument that was, + probably, ever made, having the telescope near one end of the + axis; and two long telescopes with square wooden tubes, of + very ancient date. Here, likewise, is the library, which is + stored with scarce and curious old astronomical works, + including Dr. Halley's original observations, and Captain + Cook's Journals. Good busts of Flamstead and Newton, on + pedestals, ornament this apartment; and in one corner is a + dark narrow staircase, leading to the leads above, whence the + prospect is uncommonly grand; and to render the pleasure more + complete, there is, in the western turret, a <i>camera + obscura</i>, of unrivalled excellence, by which all the + surrounding objects, both movable and immovable, are + beautifully represented in their own natural colours, on a + concave table of plaster of Paris, about three feet in + diameter. + </p> + <p> + On the north side of the Observatory are two small buildings, + covered with hemispherical sliding domes, in each of which is + an equatorial sector, made by Sisson, and a clock, by Arnold, + with a three-barred pendulum, which are seldom used but for + observing comets. The celebrated <i>Dry-well</i>, which was + made to observe the earth's annual parallax, and for seeing + the stars in the day-time, is situated near the south-east + corner of the garden, behind the Observatory, but has been + arched over, the great improvements in telescopes having long + rendered it unnecesary. It contains a stone staircase, + winding from the top to the bottom. + </p> + <p> + The Rev. John Flamstead, Dr. Halley, Dr. Bradley, Dr. Bliss, + Dr. Nev. Maskelyne, and John Pond, Esq. have been the + successive astronomers-royal since the foundation of this + edifice. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + TWIN SISTERS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The most extraordinary instance of this kind on record is + that of the united twins, born at Saxony, in Hungary, in + 1701; and publicly exhibited in many parts of Europe, among + others in England, and living till 1723. They were joined at + the back, below the loins, and had their faces and bodies + placed half side-ways towards each other. They were not + equally strong nor well made, and the most powerful, (for + they had separate wills) dragged the other after her, when + she wanted to go any where. At six years, one had + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page403" name="page403"></a>[pg + 403]</span> a paralytic affection of the left side, which + left her much weaker than the other. There was a great + difference in their functions and health. They had different + temperaments; when one was asleep the other was often awake; + one had a desire for food when the other had not, &c. + They had the small pox and measles at one and the same time, + but other disorders separately. Judith was often convulsed, + while Helen remained free from indisposition; one of them had + a catarrh and a cholic, while the other was well. Their + intellectual powers were different; they were brisk, merry, + and well bred; they could read, write, and sing, very + prettily; could speak several languages, as Hungarian, + German, French, and English. They died together, and were + buried in the Convent of the Nuns of St. Ursula, at + Presburgh. + </p> + <p> + P.T.W. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF A SPARROW. + </h3> + <center> + <i>Catullus, Carmen 3</i>. + </center> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh, mourn ye deities of love. + </p> + <p> + And ye whose minds distress can move, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Bewail a Sparrow's fate; + </p> + <p> + The Sparrow, favourite of my fair, + </p> + <p> + Fond object of her tend'rest care, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Her loss indeed how great. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + For so affectionate it grew, + </p> + <p> + And its delighted mistress knew + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As well as she her mother; + </p> + <p> + Nor would it e'er her lap forsake, + </p> + <p> + But hopping round about would make + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Some sportive trick or other. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + It now that gloomy road has pass'd. + </p> + <p> + That road which all must go at last, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From whence there's no retreat; + </p> + <p> + But evil to you, shades of death, + </p> + <p> + For having thus deprived of breath + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A favourite so sweet. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh, shameful deed! oh, hapless bird! + </p> + <p> + My charmer, since its death occurr'd, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + So many tears has shed, + </p> + <p> + That her dear eyes, through pain and grief, + </p> + <p> + And woe, admitting no relief, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Alas, are swoln and red. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + T.C. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + FINE ARTS + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The following explanation of a few of the terms employed to + designate parts of Gothic architecture, may, perhaps, prove + acceptable to some of your readers. Having felt the need of + such assistance in the course of my own reading, &c. + &c.—I extracted them from an expensive work on the + subject, and have only to lament that my vocabulary should be + so defective. + </p> + <p> + <i>Buttresses</i>.—Projections between the windows and + at the corners. + </p> + <p> + <i>Corbel</i>.—An ornamental projection from the wall + to support an arch, niche, beam, or other apparent weight. It + is often a head or part of a figure. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bands</i>.—Either small strings around shafts, or + horizontal lines of square, round, and other formed panels, + used to ornament spires, towers, and similar works. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cornice</i>.—The tablet at the top of a wall, + running under the battlement. It becomes a + </p> + <p> + <i>Basement</i> when at the bottom of it, and beneath this + the wall is generally thicker. + </p> + <p> + <i>Battlement</i>.—It may be indented or plain; sunk, + panelled, or pierced. + </p> + <p> + <i>Crockets</i>.—Small bunches of foliage, ornamenting + canopies and pinnacles. + </p> + <p> + <i>Canopies</i>.—Adorned drip-stones.—<i>Vide</i> + Dripstone. + </p> + <p> + <i>Crypts</i>.—Vaulted chapels under some large + churches, and a few small ones. + </p> + <p> + <i>Crisps</i>.—Small arches; sometimes + <i>double-feathered</i>, and according to the number of them + in immediate connexion; they are termed <i>tre</i>-foils, + <i>quatre</i>-foils, <i>cinque</i>-foils, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dripstone</i>.—The tablet running round doors and + windows. + </p> + <p> + <i>Featherings</i> or <i>Foliations</i>.—Parts of + tracery ornamented with small arches and points, are termed + <i>Feathered</i>, or <i>Foliated</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Finials</i>.—Large crockets surmounting canopies and + pinnacles. This term is frequently applied to the whole + pinnacle. + </p> + <p> + <i>Machicolations</i>.—Projecting battlements, with + intervals for discharging missiles on the heads of + assailants. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mullions</i>.—By these, windows are divided into + lights. + </p> + <p> + <i>Parapet</i>.—When walls are crowned with a parapet, + it is straight at the top. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pinnacle</i>.—A small spire, generally four-sided, + and placed on the top of buttresses, &c., both exterior + and interior. + </p> + <p> + <i>Piers</i>.—Spaces in the interior of a building + between the arches. + </p> + <p> + <i>Rood Loft</i>.—In ancient churches, not collegiate, + a screen between the nave and chancel was so called, which + had on the top of it a large projection, whereon were placed + certain images, especially those which composed the rood. + </p> + <p> + <i>Set-offs</i>.—The mouldings and slopes dividing + buttresses into stages. + </p> + <p> + <i>Spandrells</i>.—Spaces, either plain or + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page404" name="page404"></a>[pg + 404]</span> ornamented, between an arch and the square formed + round it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Stoups</i>.—The basins in niches, which held holy + water. Near the altar in old churches, or where the altar has + been, is sometimes found another niche, distinguished from + the <i>stoup</i>, by having in it at the bottom, a small + aperture for carrying off the water; it is often double with + a place for bread. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tabernacle-work</i>.—Ornamented open work over + stalls; and generally any minute ornamental open-work. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tablets</i>.—Small projecting mouldings or strings, + mostly horizontal. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tracery</i>.—Ornaments of the division at the heads + of windows. <i>Flowing</i>, when the lines branch out into + flowers, leaves, arches, &c. <i>Perpendicular</i>, when + the mullions are continued through the straight lines. + </p> + <p> + <i>Transoms</i>.—The horizontal divisions of windows + and panelling. + </p> + <p> + <i>Turrets</i>.—Towers of great height in proportion to + their diameter are so called. Large towers have often turrets + at their corners; often one larger than the other, containing + a staircase; and sometimes they have only that one. + </p> + <h3> + BRITISH STYLES OF ARCHITECTURE, AND THEIR DURATION. + </h3> + <p> + <i>The Norman</i>—Commenced before the conquest, and + continued until the reign of Henry II. A.D., 1189. It is + characterized by semicircular, and sometimes pointed, arches, + rudely ornamented. + </p> + <p> + <i>Early English</i>.—This style lasted until the reign + of Edward I., A.D. 1307. Its characteristics are, pointed + arches, long narrow windows, and the jagged or toothed + ornament. + </p> + <p> + <i>Decorated English</i>—Lasted to the end of Edward + III., A.D. 1377. It is characterized by large windows with + pointed arches divided into many lights by mullions. The + tracery of this style is in flowing lines, forming figures. + It has many ornaments, light and delicately wrought. + </p> + <p> + <i>Perpendicular English</i>.—This last style employed + latterly only in additions, was in use, though much debased, + even as late as 1630-40. The latest whole building in it, is + not later than Henry VIII. Its characteristics are the + mullions of the windows, and ornamental panelings, run in + perpendicular lines; and many buildings in this style are so + crowded with ornament, that the beauty of the style is + destroyed. The carvings of it are delicately executed. + </p> + <p> + M.L.B. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE NOVELIST. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + ABAD AND ADA. + </h3> + <center> + <i>A lost leaf from the Arabian Nights</i>. + </center> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + In the days of Caliph Haroun Alraschid, the neighbourhood of + Bagdad was infested by a clan of banditti, known by the name + of the "Ranger Band." Their rendezvous was known to be the + forests and mountains; but their immediate retreat was a + mystery time had not divulged. + </p> + <p> + That they were valiant, the intrepidity with which they + attacked in the glare of noonday would demonstrate; that they + were numerous, the many robberies carried on in the different + parts of the Caliph's dominions would indicate; and that they + were bloody, their invariable practice of killing their + victim before they plundered him would argue. They had sworn + by their Prophet never to betray one another, and by the + Angel of Death to shed their blood in each other's defence. + No wonder, then, that they were so difficult to be captured; + and when taken, no tortures or promises of reward could + extract from them any information as to the retreat of their + comrades. + </p> + <p> + One day, as Giafar, the Vizier, and favourite of the Caliph, + was walking alone in a public garden of the city, a stranger + appeared, who, after prostrating himself before the second + man in the empire, addressed him in these words: "High and + mighty Vizier of Alraschid, Lord of the realms of Alla upon + earth, whose delegate and vicegerent he is, hear the humblest + of the sons of men—Vizier, hear me!" + </p> + <p> + "Speak, son," said the Vizier, "I am patient." + </p> + <p> + "And," continued the stranger, "what I have to communicate, + be pleased to transmit to our gracious and well-beloved + Caliph." + </p> + <p> + "Let me hear thy suit—it may be in my power to assist + you," replied the Vizier. + </p> + <p> + "The beauteous Ada is in the clutches of ruffians," responded + the stranger; "and"— + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the Vizier, "proceed." + </p> + <p> + "To be brief, the forest bandit snatched her from my + arms—we were betrothed. I have applied to a mighty + enchanter, the Genius of the Dale, who tells me she is still + living, and in the cavern of the bandit—that her beauty + and innocence melted the hearts of robbers, and that were + they not afraid of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page405" + name="page405"></a>[pg 405]</span> their haunt being + discovered, they would have restored her to liberty; but + where that cavern is was beyond his power to tell. However, + he has informed me how I may demand and obtain the assistance + of a much more powerful enchanter than himself; but that + genius being the help of Muloch, the Spirit of the Mountain, + I need the aid of the Caliph himself. May it please the + highness of mighty Giafar to bend before the majesty of the + Sovereign of the East, and supplicate in behalf of thy + servant Abad." + </p> + <p> + "How," said the Vizier, "can the Caliph be of service to + thee?" + </p> + <p> + "It is requisite," replied the stranger, "that my hand be + stained with the blood of the Caliph, before I summon this + most mighty fiend!"— + </p> + <p> + "How!" cried the astonished Vizier, "would'st thou shed the + blood of our beloved master?—No, by Alla!"— + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me," rejoined the stranger, interrupting him, "and + Heaven avert that any thought of harm against the father of + his people should warm the breast of Abad; I wish only to + anoint my finger with as much of his precious blood as would + hide the point of the finest needle; and should this most + inestimable favour be conferred upon me, I undertake, under + pain of suffering all the tortures that human ingenuity can + devise, or devilish vengeance inflict, to exterminate the + hated race of banditti who now infest the forests of the + East." + </p> + <p> + "Son," said the aged Vizier, "I will plead thy cause; meet me + here on the morrow, and in the mean time consider thy request + as granted." + </p> + <p> + "Father, I take my leave; and may the Guardian of the Good + shower down a thousand blessings on thy head!" + </p> + <p> + Abad made a profound obeisance to the Vizier, and they + separated: the latter to conduct the affairs of the state, + and the former to toil through the more menial labours of the + day. + </p> + <p> + Morning came; Abad was at the appointed spot before sunrise, + and waited with impatience for the expected hour when the + Vizier was to arrive. The Vizier was punctual; and with him, + in a plain habit, was the Caliph himself, who underwent the + operation of having blood drawn from him by the hand of Abad. + </p> + <p> + At midnight, Abad, as he had been directed by the Genius of + the Dale, went to the cave of the Spirit of the Mountain. He + was alone! It was pitchy dark; the winds howled through the + thick foliage of the forest; the owls shrieked, and the + wolves bayed; the loneliness of the place was calculated to + inspire terror! and the idea of meeting such a personage, at + such an hour, did not contribute to the removal of that + terror! He trembled most violently. At length, summoning up + courage he entered the mystic cell, and commenced challenging + the assistance of the Spirit of the Mountain in the following + words: + </p> + <p> + "In the name of the Genius of the Dale I conjure you! by our + holy Prophet I command you! by the darkness of this murky + night I entreat you! and by the blood of a Caliph, shed by + this weak arm, I allure you, most potent Muloch, to appear! + Muloch rise! help! appear!" + </p> + <p> + At this instant the monster appeared, in the form of a human + being of gigantic stature and proportions, having a fierce + aspect, large, dark, rolling eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a + thick black beard—attired in the habit of a blacksmith! + He bore a huge hammer in his right hand, and in his left he + carried a pair of pincers, in which was grasped a piece of + shapeless metal. His eyes flashed with indignation as he + flourished the ponderous hammer over his head, as though it + had been a small sword—when, striking the metal he held + in the forceps, a round, well-formed shield fell from the + stroke. + </p> + <p> + "Mortal!" vociferated the enchanter, in a voice of thunder, + "there is thy weapon and defence!"—flinging the weighty + hammer on the ample shield, the collision of which produced a + sound in unison with the deep bass of Muloch's voice; nor did + the reverberation that succeeded cease to ring in the ears of + Abad until several minutes after the spectre had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Abad rejoiced when the fearful visit was over, and, well + pleased with his success, was preparing to depart; but his + joy was damped on finding the hammer so heavy that he could + not, without difficulty, remove it from off the shield. He + left it in the cave, and returned with the shield only, + comforting himself that however he might be at a loss for a + weapon, he had a shield that would render him invincible. + </p> + <p> + His next care was to discover the retreat of the robbers, + otherwise he was waging a war with shadows. After making + every inquiry, and wandering in vain for several months in + quest of them, he was not able to obtain a glimpse of the + objects of his search. Still they seemed to possess ubiquity. + Their depredations continued, murders multiplied, and their + attacks became more open and formidable. Missions were sent + daily to the royal city from the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page406" name="page406"></a>[pg + 406]</span> emirs and governors of provinces residing at a + distance with the most lamentable accounts, and soldiers were + dispatched in large bodies to scour the country, but all was + of no avail. + </p> + <p> + Abad had almost abandoned himself to despair, when, one + lovely evening, as he wandered along the banks of the Tigris, + he observed a boat, laden with armed men, sailing rapidly + down the river. "These must be a party of the ranger band. + Oh, Mahomet!" said he, prostrating himself on the earth, "be + thou my guide!" At length the crew landed on the opposite + shore, which was a continued series of crags, and fastening a + chain attached to the boat to a staple driven into the rock, + under the surface of the water, they suffered the vessel to + float with the stream beneath the overhanging rocks, which + afforded a convenient shelter and hiding place for it, as it + was impossible for any one passing up or down the river to + notice it. + </p> + <p> + Having landed, the party ascended the acclivity, when, + suddenly halting and looking round, to ascertain that they + were not observed, they removed a large rolling stone that + blockaded the entrance, and went into what appeared a natural + cavern, then closing the inlet. Not a vestige of them + remained in sight, and nature seemed to reign alone amidst + the sublimest of her works. + </p> + <p> + Hope again glowed in the breast of Abad; he soon found means + for crossing the stream, and marched boldly to the very + entrance of the robber's cave, and with all his might + attempted to roll the stone from its axis. But here he was + again doomed to disappointment: without the possession of the + talisman, kept by the captain of the band, he might as well + have attempted to roll the mountain on which he stood into + the water beneath, as to have shifted the massy portal: the + strength of ten thousand men, could their united efforts have + been made available at one and the same time, would not have + been sufficient even to stir it. + </p> + <p> + Abad was returning, disappointed and murmuring at his fate, + when he bethought himself of the hammer which Muloch, the + Spirit of the Mountain, had promised should be of such + powerful aid. He hastened to the place where he had left the + large instrument, and the next day brought it to the robbers' + cave. He was in the act of lifting the massive weight, to + have shattered the adamantine stoppage, when he was surprised + by a noise behind him. He looked, and saw the banditti + trooping up the ravine: they were returning, on horseback, + from an expedition of plunder, laden with conquest. Abad + hastily, to avoid discovery, struck the large stone with the + charmed hammer, when it receded from the blow and, admitting + him into the cave, closed itself upon him. The bandit chief, + on seeing a stranger enter, ordered his men to advance + rapidly up the ravine, which leads from the waters of the + Tigris to the very threshold of the cave, embosomed amidst + gigantic and stately rocks. + </p> + <p> + The captain in vain applied the magic talisman to the charmed + stone; the more potent shield of Muloch was within. Enraged + at being thus thwarted, he demanded admittance. Abad made no + reply, but, raising the enchanted hammer against the + ponderous bulwark with his whole strength (and he felt as + though gifted with more than mortal strength), he, at one + tremendous blow, dislodged the stone which had stood at the + entrance of the cave, amidst the shock of tempests and the + convulsions of nature, from the creation of the + world—as hard as adamant, heavy as gold, and as round + as the balls on the cupolas of Bagdad. The bulk rolled down + the ravine, bearing with it trees and fragments of rock; men + and horses, and all meaner obstructions, were crushed to + atoms beneath its weight, as it thundered down the sloping + track, and occasionally fell over the steep precipices, which + only served to increase its velocity! nor did it stop in its + headlong career until it had annihilated the whole of the + ranger band, and disappeared amidst the boiling foam of the + angry Tigris! + </p> + <p> + Abad, wrapt in wonder, cast his eyes on the earth, to view + the terrific instrument with which he had performed so + wonderful an exploit; but, to add more to his astonishment, + the hammer and shield had vanished! + </p> + <p> + Curiosity, and the hope of meeting his betrothed, now led him + to explore the winding recesses of the mystic cavern, which + consisted of numerous archways—some artificial, others, + the natural formation of subterranean rocks, leading to a + large apartment, in which were deposited the spoils which a + century of plunder had contributed to accumulate. Whilst + feasting his eyes on the rich piles of jewellery, and + reviewing the bags of gold which everywhere presented + themselves, his eyes met the features of a female. He could + not be mistaken—he looked again as she advanced nearer + the light—it was the beauteous Ada, still young and + lovely! Bagdad did not possess such a maiden, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page407" name="page407"></a>[pg + 407]</span> nor did poet ever paint a fairer form! Abad + thought her nothing inferior to the Houris of Paradise. She + fulfilled every expectation through a long and virtuous life, + during which time they enjoyed the ill-gotten wealth of the + ranger band; and, although the splendour of their living was + exceeded only by that of the Caliph's, they were bountiful to + their dependents: they built an asylum for the + destitute—were universally beloved and + respected—and their magnificence was only surpassed by + their benevolence! + </p> + <p> + CYMBELINE. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + OLD POETS. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + SHAME. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Shame sticks ever close to the ribs of honour, + </p> + <p> + Great men are never found after it: + </p> + <p> + It leaves some ache or other in their names still, + </p> + <p> + Which their posterity feels at ev'ry weather. + </p> + <p> + MIDDLETON. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + PARENTS. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8"> + From damned deeds abstain, + </p> + <p> + From lawless riots and from pleasure's vain; + </p> + <p> + If not regarding of thy own degree, + </p> + <p> + Yet in behalf of thy posterity. + </p> + <p> + For we are docible to imitate. + </p> + <p> + Depraved pleasures though degenerate. + </p> + <p> + Be careful therefore least thy son admit + </p> + <p> + By ear or eye things filthy or unfit. + </p> + <p> + LODGE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + SIN. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Shame follows sin, disgrace is daily given, + </p> + <p> + Impiety will out, never so closely done, + </p> + <p> + No walls can hide us from the eye of heaven, + </p> + <p> + For shame must end what wickedness begun, + </p> + <p> + Forth breaks reproach when we least think thereon. + </p> + <p> + DANIELL. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + WISDOM. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8"> + A wise man poor + </p> + <p> + Is like a sacred book that's never read, + </p> + <p> + T' himself he lives, and to all else seems dead. + </p> + <p> + This age thinks better of a gilded fool, + </p> + <p> + Than of thread-bare saint in Wisdom's school + </p> + <p> + DEKKAR. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + CHARITY. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + She was a woman in the freshest age, + </p> + <p> + Of wondrous beauty, and of bounty rare, + </p> + <p> + With goodly grace, and comely personage. + </p> + <p> + That was on earth not easy to compare, + </p> + <p> + Full of great love; but Cupid's wanton snare + </p> + <p> + As hell she hated, chaste in work and will, + </p> + <p> + Her neck and breast were ever open bare, + </p> + <p> + That aye thereof her babes might suck their fill, + </p> + <p> + The rest was all in yellow robes arrayed still, + </p> + <p> + A multitude of babes about her hung, + </p> + <p> + Playing their sports that joyed her to behold, + </p> + <p> + Whom still she fed, while they were weak and young, + </p> + <p> + But thrust them forth still as they waxed old, + </p> + <p> + And on her head she wore a tire of gold; + </p> + <p> + Adorn'd with gems and ouches fair, + </p> + <p> + Whose passing price unneath was to be told, + </p> + <p> + And by her side there sat a gentle pair + </p> + <p> + Of turtle-doves, she sitting in an ivory chair. + </p> + <p> + SPENSER. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"></div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + It is a work of Charity God knows, + </p> + <p> + The reconcilement of two mortal foes. + </p> + <p> + MIDDLETON. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + COURAGE. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When the air is calm and still, as dead and deaf + </p> + <p> + And under heaven quakes not an aspen leaf: + </p> + <p> + When seas are calm and thousand vessels fleet + </p> + <p> + Upon the sleeping seas with passage sweet; + </p> + <p> + And when the variant wind is still and lone + </p> + <p> + The cunning pilot never can be known: + </p> + <p> + But when the cruel storm doth threat the bark + </p> + <p> + To drown in deeps of pits infernal dark, + </p> + <p> + While tossing tears both rudder, mast, and sail, + </p> + <p> + While mounting, seems the azure skies to scale, + </p> + <p> + While drives perforce upon some deadly shore, + </p> + <p> + There is the pilot known, and not before. + </p> + <p> + T. HUDSON. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + ENVY. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The knotty oak and wainscot old, + </p> + <p> + Within doth eat the silly worm: + </p> + <p> + Even so a mind in envy cold, + </p> + <p> + Always within itself doth burn. + </p> + <p> + FITZ JEFFRY. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + OPINION. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Opinion is as various as light change, + </p> + <p> + Now speaking courtlike, friendly, straight as strange, + </p> + <p> + She's any humour's perfect parasite, + </p> + <p> + Displeas'd with her, and pleas'd with her delight. + </p> + <p> + She is the echo of inconstancy, + </p> + <p> + Soothing her no with nay, her ay with yea. + </p> + <p> + GUILPIN. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + SLANDER. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Happy is he that lives in such a sort + </p> + <p> + That need not fear the tongues of false report. + </p> + <p> + EARL OF SURREY. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + SLEEP. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + By care lay heavy Sleep the cousin of Death, + </p> + <p> + Flat on the ground, and still as any stone; + </p> + <p> + A very corpse, save yielding forth a breath, + </p> + <p> + Small keep took he whom Fortune frown'd on, + </p> + <p> + Or whom she lifted up into a throne + </p> + <p> + Of high renown; but as a living death + </p> + <p> + So dead alive, of life he drew the breath. + </p> + <p> + SACKVILLE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + WAR. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8"> + War the mistress of enormity, + </p> + <p> + Mother of mischief, monster of deformity, + </p> + <p> + Laws, manners, arts, she breaks, she mars, she chases, + </p> + <p> + Blood, tears, bowers, towers, she spills, smites, burns, + and rases, + </p> + <p> + Her brazen teeth shake all the earth asunder; + </p> + <p> + Her mouth a fire brand, her voice is thunder; + </p> + <p> + Her looks are lightning, every glance a flash, + </p> + <p> + Her fingers guns, that all to powder plash, + </p> + <p> + Fear and despair, flight and disorder, coast + </p> + <p> + With hasty march before her murderous host, + </p> + <p> + As burning, rape, waste, wrong, impiety, + </p> + <p> + Rage, ruin, discord, horror, cruelty, + </p> + <p> + Sack, sacrilege, impunity, pride. + </p> + <p> + Are still stern consorts by her barbarous side; + </p> + <p> + And poverty, sorrow, and desolation, + </p> + <p> + Follow her army's bloody transmigration. + </p> + <p> + SYLVESTER. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + EXCELLENCE. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Of all chaste birds the phoenix doth excel, + </p> + <p> + Of all strong beasts the lion bears the bell, + </p> + <p> + Of all sweet flowers the rose doth sweetest smell. + </p> + <p> + Of all pure metals gold is only purest, + </p> + <p> + Of all the trees the pine hath highest crest. + </p> + <p> + Of all proud birds the eagle pleaseth Jove, + </p> + <p> + Of pretty fowls kind Venus likes the dove, + </p> + <p> + Of trees Minerva doth the olive move. + </p> + <p> + LODGE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page408" name="page408"></a>[pg + 408]</span> + </p> + <h2> + THE NATURALIST. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + COCHINEAL INSECT AND PLANT. + </h3> + <div class="figure" style="width: 50%; float: left;"> + <a href="images/404-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/404-2.png" alt="Cochineal insect and Plant." /> + </a> + </div> + <p> + The frequent mention of the Cochineal Insect and Plant in our + pages will, probably, render the annexed cut of more than + ordinary interest to our readers.<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + </p> + <p> + The plant on which the Cochineal Insect is found, is called + the <i>Nopal</i>, a species of Opuntia, or Prickly Pear, + which abounds on all the coasts of the Mediterranean; and is + thus described by Mr. Thompson, in his work entitled, + <i>Official Visit to Guatemala;</i> "The nopal is a plant + consisting of little stems, but expanding itself into wide, + thick leaves, more or less prickly according to its different + kind: one or two of these leaves being set as one plant, at + the distance of two or three feet square from each other, are + inoculated with the cochineal, which, I scarcely need say, is + an insect; it is the same as if you would take the blight off + an apple or other common tree, and rub a small portion of it + on another tree free from the contagion, when the consequence + would be, that the tree so inoculated would become covered + with the blight; a small quantity of the insects in question + is sufficient for each plant, which in proportion as it + increases its leaves, is sure to be covered with this costly + parasite. When the plant is perfectly saturated, the + cochineal is scraped off with great care. The plants are not + very valuable for the first year, but they may be estimated + as yielding after the second year, from a dollar and a half + profit on each plant." + </p> + <p> + The insect is famous for the fine scarlet dye which it + communicates to wool and silk. The females yield the best + colour, and are in number to the males as three hundred to + one. Cochineal was at first supposed to be a grain, which + name it retains by way of eminence among dyers, but + naturalists soon discovered it to be an insect. Its present + importance in dyeing is an excellent illustration of + chemistry applied to the arts; for long after its + introduction, it gave but a dull kind of <i>crimson</i>, till + a chemist named Kuster, who settled at Bow, near London, + about the middle of the sixteenth century, discovered the use + of the solution of tin, and the means of preparing with it + and cochineal, a durable and beautiful scarlet. + </p> + <p> + Fine cochineal, which has been well dried and properly kept, + ought to be of a grey colour inclining to purple. The grey is + owing to a powder which covers it naturally, a part of which + it still retains; the purple tinge proceeds from the colour + extracted by the water in which it has been killed. Cochineal + will keep a long time in a dry place. Hellot says, that he + tried some one hundred and thirty years old, and found it + produce the same effect as new. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + LARGE CHESTNUT-TREE. + </h3> + <p> + There is now in the neigbourhood of Dovercourt, in Essex, + upon the estate of Sir T. Gaisford, a chestnut-tree fifty-six + feet in circumference, which flourishes well, and has had a + very good crop of chestnuts for many years. + </p> + <p> + J.T. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + I'D BE AN ALDERMAN + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I'd be an Alderman, born in the City, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where haunches of venison and green turtles meet + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Seeking in Leadenliall, reckless of pity, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Birds, beast, and fish, that the knowing ones eat + </p> + <p> + I'd never languish for want of a luncheon. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'd never grieve for the want of a treat; + </p> + <p> + I'd be an Alderman, constantly munching, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where haunches of venison and green turtles meet. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh! could I wheedle the votes at the vestry, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'd have a share of those good sav'ry things; + </p> + <p> + Enchained by turkey, in love with the pastry. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And floating in Champagne, while Bow bells ring. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page409" + name="page409"></a>[pg 409]</span> + </p> + <p> + Those who are cautious are skinny and fretful, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Hunger, alas! naught but ill-humour brings; + </p> + <p> + I'd be an Alderman, rich with a net full, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Rolling in Guildhall, whilst old Bow bells ring. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + What though you tell me that prompt apoplexy + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Grins o'er the glories of Lord Mayor's Day, + </p> + <p> + 'Tis better, my boy, than blue devils to vex ye, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or ling'ring consumption to gnaw you away. + </p> + <p> + Some in their folly take black-draught and blue-pill, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And ask ABERNETHY their fate to delay; + </p> + <p> + I'd he an Alderman, WAITHMAN'S apt pupil, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Failing when dinner things are clearing away. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Monthly Magazine.</i> + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + A PROVINCIAL REPUTATION. + </h3> + <p> + I once resided in a country town; I will not specify whether + that town was Devizes or Doncaster, Beverley or Brighton: I + think it highly reprehensible in a writer to be + <i>personal</i>, and scarcely more venial do I consider the + fault of him who presumes to be <i>local</i>. I will, + however, state, that my residence lay among the manufacturing + districts; but lest any of my readers should be misled by + that avowal, I must inform them, that in my estimation + <i>all</i> country towns, from the elegant Bath, down to the + laborious Bristol, are (whatever their respective polite or + mercantile inhabitants may say to the contrary), positively, + comparatively, and superlatively, manufacturing towns! + </p> + <p> + Club-rooms, ball-rooms, card-tables, and confectioners' + shops, are the <i>factories;</i> and gossips, both male and + female, are the <i>labouring classes</i>. Norwich boasts of + the durability of her stuffs; the manufacturers I allude to + weave a web more flimsy. The stuff of tomorrow will seldom be + the same that is publicly worn to-day; and were it not for + the zeal and assiduity of the labourers, we should want + novelties to replace the stuff that is worn out hour by hour. + </p> + <p> + No man or woman who ever ventures to deviate from the beaten + track should ever live in a country town. The gossips all + turn from the task of nibbling one another, and the character + of the <i>lusus naturae</i> becomes public property. I am the + mother of a family, and I am known to have written romances. + My husband, in an evil hour, took a fancy to a house at a + watering-place, which, by way of distinction, I shall + designate by the appellation of <i>Pumpington Wells</i>: + there we established ourselves in the year 1800. + </p> + <p> + The <i>manufacturers</i> received us with a great show of + civility, exhibiting to us the most recent stuff, and + discussing the merits of the newest fabrications. We, + however, were not used to trouble ourselves about matters + that did not concern us, and we soon offended them. + </p> + <p> + We turned a deaf ear to all evil communications. If we were + told that Mr. A., "though fond of show, starved his + servants," we replied, we did not wish to listen to the tale. + If we heard that Mr. B. though uxorious in public, was known + to beat his wife in private, we cared not for the matrimonial + anecdote. When maiden ladies assured us that Mrs. C. cheated + at cards, we smiled, for we had no <i>dealings</i> with her; + and when we were told that Mrs. D. never paid her bills, we + repeated not the account to the next person we met; for as we + were not her creditors, her accounts concerned us not. + </p> + <p> + We settled ourselves, much to our satisfaction, in our + provincial abode: it was a watering-place, which my husband, + as a bachelor, had frequented during its annual season. + </p> + <p> + As a watering-place he knew it well. Such places are vastly + entertaining to visiters, having no "local habitation," and + no "name"—caring not for the politics of the place, and + where, if any thing displeases them, they may pay for their + lodgings, order post-horses, and never suffer their names to + appear in the arrival book again. + </p> + <p> + But with those who <i>live</i> at watering-places, it is + quite another affair. For the first six months we were deemed + a great acquisition. There were two or three <i>sets</i> in + Pumpington Wells—the good, the bad, and the + indifferent. The bad left their cards, and asked us to + dances, the week we arrived; the indifferent knocked at our + door in the first month; and even before the end of the + second, we were on the visiting lists of the good. We knew + enough of society to be aware that it is impolitic to rush + into the embraces of <i>all</i> the arms that are extended to + receive strangers; but feeling no wish to affront any one in + return for an intended civility, we gave card for card; and + the doors of good, bad, and indifferent, received our names. + </p> + <p> + All seemed to infer, that the amicable gauntlet, which had + been thrown down, having been courteously taken up, the + ungloved hands were forthwith to be grasped in token of good + fellowship; we had left our <i>names</i> for them, and by the + invitations that poured in upon us, they seemed to say with + Juliet— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And <i>for</i> thy <i>name</i>, which is no part of + thee, + </p> + <p> + Take all myself." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + No man, not even a provincial, can visit every body; and it + seems but fair, that if a selection is to be made, all should + interchange the hospitalities of + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page410" name="page410"></a>[pg + 410]</span> life with those persons in whose society they + feel the greatest enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Many a dinner, therefore, did we decline—many a route + did we reject; my husband's popularity tottered, and the + inviters, though they no longer dinned their dinners in our + ears, and teazed us with their "teas," vowed secret + vengeance, and muttered "curses, not loud, but deep." + </p> + <p> + I have hinted that we had no scandalous capabilities; and + though slander flashed around us, we seldom admitted morning + visiters, and our street-door was a non-conductor. + </p> + <p> + But our next door neighbours were maiden ladies, who <i>had + been</i> younger, and, to use a common term of commiseration, + had seen better days—by which, I mean the days of + bloom, natural hair, partners, and the probability of + husbands. + </p> + <p> + Their vicinity to us was an infinite comfort to the town, for + those who were unable to gain admittance at our door to + disturb our business and desires, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "For every man has business and desire, + </p> + <p> + Such as they are," + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + were certain of better success at our neighbours', where they + at least could gain some information about us "from + eye-witnesses who resided on the spot." + </p> + <p> + <i>My</i> sins were numbered, so were my new bonnets; and for + a time my husband was pitied, because "he had an extravagant + wife;" but when it was ascertained that his plate was + handsome, his dinner satisfactory in its removes, and + <i>comme il faut</i> in its courses, those whose feet had + never been within our door, saw clearly "how it must all end, + and really felt for our trades-people." + </p> + <p> + I have acknowledged that I had written romances; the + occupation was to me a source of amusement; and as I had been + successful, my husband saw no reason why he should discourage + me. A scribbling fool, <i>in</i> or <i>out</i> of petticoats, + should be forbidden the use of pen, ink, and paper; but my + husband had too much sense to heed the vulgar cry of "blue + stocking." After a busy month passed in London, we saw my new + novel sent forth to the public, and then returned to our + mansion at Pumpington Wells. + </p> + <p> + As we drove up to our door, our virgin neighbours gazed on + us, if possible, with more than their former interest. They + wiped their spectacles; with glances of commiseration they + saw us alight, and with unwearied scrutiny they witnessed the + removal of our luggage from the carriage. We went + out—every body stared at us—the people we + <i>did</i> know touched the hands we extended, and hastened + on as if fearful of infection; the people we <i>did not</i> + know whispered as they passed us, and looked back afterwards; + the men servants seemed full of mysterious flurry when we + left our cards at the doors of acquaintances, and the + maid-servants peeped at us up the areas; the shopkeepers came + from their counters to watch us down the streets—and + all was whispering and wonder. + </p> + <p> + I could not make it out; was it to see the authoress? No; I + had been an authoress when they last saw me. Was it the + brilliant success of my new work? It <i>could</i> be nothing + else. + </p> + <p> + My husband met a maiden lady, and bowed to her; she passed on + without deigning to notice him. I spoke to an insipid man who + had always bored me with his unprofitable intimacy, and he + looked another way! The next lady we noticed tossed her head, + as if she longed to toss it <i>at</i> us; and the next man we + met opened his eyes astonishingly wide, and said— + </p> + <p> + "Are <i>you</i> here! Dear me! I was told you could not show + your—I mean, did not mean to return!" + </p> + <p> + There was evidently some mystery, and we determined to wait + patiently for its developement. "If," said I, "it bodes us + <i>good</i>, time will unravel it." "And if," said my + husband, "it bodes us evil, some d—d good-natured + friend will tell us all about it." + </p> + <p> + We had friends at Pumpington Wells, and good ones too, but no + friend enlightened us; that task devolved upon an + acquaintance, a little slim elderly man, so frivolous and so + garrulous, that he only wanted a turban, some rouge, and a + red satin gown, to become the most perfect of old women. + </p> + <p> + He shook his head simultaneously as he shook our hands, and + his little grey eyes twinkled with delight, while he + professed to feel for us both the deepest commiseration. + </p> + <p> + "You are cut," said he; "its all up with you in Pumpington + Wells." + </p> + <p> + "Pray be explicit," said I faintly, and dreading some cruel + calumny, or plot against my peace. + </p> + <p> + "You've done the most impolitic thing! the most + hazardous"— + </p> + <p> + "Sir!" said my husband, grasping his cane. + </p> + <p> + "I lament it," said the little man, turning to me; "your book + has done it for you." + </p> + <p> + I thought of the reviews, and trembled. + </p> + <p> + "How <i>could</i> you," continued our tormentor, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page411" name="page411"></a>[pg + 411]</span> "how could you put the Pumpington Wells people in + your novel?" + </p> + <p> + "The Pumpington Wells people!—Nonsense; there are good + and bad people in my novel, and there are good and bad people + in Pumpington Wells; but you flatter the good, if you think + that when I dipped my pen in praise, I limited my sketches to + the virtuous of this place; and what is worse, <i>you</i> + libel the bad if you assert that my sketches of vice were + meant personally to apply to the vicious who reside here." + </p> + <p> + "<i>I</i> libel—<i>I</i> assert!" said the old + lady-like little man; "not <i>I</i>!—every body says + so!" + </p> + <p> + "You may laugh," replied my mentor and tormentor combined, + "but personality can be proved against you; and all the + friends and relations of Mr. Flaw declare you meant the bad + man of your book for him." + </p> + <p> + "His friends and relations are too kind to him." + </p> + <p> + "Then you have an irregular character in your book, and Mrs. + Blemish's extensive circle of intimates assert that nothing + can be more pointed than your allusion to <i>her</i> conduct + and <i>her</i> character." + </p> + <p> + "And pray what do these persons say about it themselves?" + </p> + <p> + "They are outrageous, and go about the town absolutely wild." + </p> + <p> + "Fitting the caps on themselves?" + </p> + <p> + The little scarecrow shook his head once more; and declaring + that we should see he had spoken too true, departed, and then + lamented so fluently to every body the certainty of our being + <i>cut</i>, that every body began to believe him. + </p> + <p> + I have hinted that <i>my</i> bonnets and my husband's plate + occasioned heartburnings: no—that is not a correct + term, the <i>heart</i> has nothing to do with such + exhalations—bile collects elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + Those who had conspired to pull my husband from the throne of + his popularity, because their parties excited in us no + <i>party spirit</i>, and we abstained from hopping at their + hops, found, to their consternation, that when the novelty of + my <i>novel</i> misdemeanour was at an end, we went on as if + nothing had occurred. However, they still possessed heaven's + best gift, the use of their tongues, they said of us + everything bad which they knew to be false, and which they + wished to see realized. + </p> + <p> + Their forlorn hope was our "extravagance." "Never mind," said + one, "Christmas must come round, and <i>then</i> we shall + see." + </p> + <p> + When once the match of insinuation is applied to the train of + rumoured difficulties, the suspicion that has been + smouldering for awhile bounces at once into a <i>report</i>, + and very shortly its echo is bounced in every parlour in a + provincial town. + </p> + <p> + Long bills, that had been accustomed to wait for payment + until Christmas, now lay on my table at midsummer; and + tradesmen, who drove dennetts to cottages once every evening, + sent short civil notes, regretting their utter inability to + make up a sum of money by Saturday night, unless <i>I</i> + favoured them, by the bearer, with the sum of ten pounds, + "the amount of my little account." + </p> + <p> + Dennett-driving drapers actually threatened to fail for the + want of ten pounds!—pastry-cooks, who took their + families regularly "to summer at the sea," assisted the + <i>counter</i>-plot, and prematurely dunned my husband! + </p> + <p> + It is not always convenient to pay sums at midsummer, which + we had been in the habit of paying at Christmas; if, however, + a single applicant was refused, a new rumour of inability was + started and hunted through the town before night. People + walked by our house, looking up wistfully at the windows; + others peeped down the area, to see what we had for dinner. + One <i>gentleman</i> went to our butcher, to inquire how much + we owed him; and one <i>lady</i> narrowly escaped a legal + action, because when she saw a few pipkins lying on the + counter of a crockery-ware man, directed to me, she + incautiously said, in the hearing of one of my servants, "Are + you paid for your pipkins?—ah, it's well if you ever + get your money!" + </p> + <p> + Christmas came at last; bills were paid, and my husband did + not owe a shilling in Pumpington Wells. Like the old ladies + in the besieged city, the gossips looked at us, wondering + when the havoc would begin. + </p> + <p> + Ho who mounts the ladder of life, treading step by step upon + the identical footings marked out, <i>may</i> live in a + provincial town. When we want to drink spa waters, or vary + the scene, we now visit watering-places; but rather than + force me to live at one again, "stick me up," as <i>Andrew + Fairservice</i> says, in <i>Rob Roy</i>, "as a regimental + target for ball-practice." We have long ceased to live in + Pumpington. + </p> + <p> + Fleeting are the tints of the rainbow—perishable the + leaf of the rose—variable the love of + woman—uncertain the sunbeam of April; but naught on + earth can be fleeting; so perishable, so variable, or so + uncertain, as the popularity of a provincial reputation. + </p> + <p> + <i>Monthly Magazine.</i> + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page412" name="page412"></a>[pg + 412]</span> + </p> + <h2> + LONDON LYRICS. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + JACK JONES, THE RECRUIT.—A HINT FROM OVID. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Jack Jones was a toper: they say that some how + </p> + <p> + He'd a foot always ready to kick up a row; + </p> + <p> + And, when half-seas over, a quarrel he pick'd, + </p> + <p> + To keep up the row he had previously kick'd. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + He spent all, then borrow'd at twenty per cent. + </p> + <p> + His mistress fought shy when his money was spent, + </p> + <p> + So he went for a soldier; he could not do less, + </p> + <p> + And scorn'd his fair Fanny for hugging brown Bess. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Halt—Wheel into line!" and "Attention—Eyes + right!" + </p> + <p> + Put Bacchus, and Venus, and Momus to flight + </p> + <p> + But who can depict half the sorrows he felt + </p> + <p> + When he dyed his mustachios and pipe-clay'd his belt? + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When Sergeant Rattan, at Aurora's red peep, + </p> + <p> + Awaken'd his tyros by bawling—"Two deep!" + </p> + <p> + Jack Jones would retort, with a half-suppress'd sigh, + </p> + <p> + "Ay! too deep by half for such ninnies as I." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Quoth Jones—"'Twas delightful the bushes to beat + </p> + <p> + With a gun in my hand and a dog at my feet, + </p> + <p> + But the game at the Horse-Guards is different, good lack! + </p> + <p> + Tis a gun in my hand and a cat at my back." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + To Bacchus, his saint, our dejected recruit. + </p> + <p> + One morn, about drill time, thus proffer'd his + suit— + </p> + <p> + "Oh make me a sparrow, a wasp, or an ape— + </p> + <p> + All's one, so I get at the juice of the grape." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The God was propitious—he instantly found + </p> + <p> + His ten toes distend and take root in the ground; + </p> + <p> + His back was a stem, and his belly was bark, + </p> + <p> + And his hair in green leaves overshadow'd the Park. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Grapes clustering hung o'er his grenadier cap, + </p> + <p> + His blood became juice, and his marrow was sap: + </p> + <p> + Till nothing was left of the muscles and bones + </p> + <p> + That form'd the identical toper, Jack Jones. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Transform'd to a vine, he is still seen on guard, + </p> + <p> + At his former emporium in Great Scotland-yard; + </p> + <p> + And still, though a vine, like his fellow-recruits, + </p> + <p> + He is train'd, after listing, his ten-drills, and shoots. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>New Monthly Magazine</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF <i>NEW WORKS</i>. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE JUVENILE KEEPSAKE, + </h3> + <p> + Edited by Mr. Thomas Roscoe, and dedicated to Professor + Wilson, is no less attractive than its "Juvenile" rivals. + Indeed, a few of the tales take a higher range than either of + theirs,—as the Children's Island, an interesting Story, + from the French of Madame Genlis; the Ball Dress; the Snow + Storm; and the Deserted Village. The Heir of Newton Buzzard, + a Tale in four cantos, by the late Mrs. John Hunter, is + perhaps one of the prettiest juvenile novelties of the + season. It is divided into + Infancy—Childhood—Boyhood—and + Youth—all which contain much amusement and moral point + without dulness. We have not room for an entire story, but + select one of Miss Mitford's village portraits: + </p> + <p> + "Dash was as beautiful a dog as eyes could be set on; one of + the large old English Spaniels which are now so rare, with a + superb head, like those which you see in Spanish pictures, + and such ears! they more than met over his pretty spotted + nose; and when he lapped his milk, dipped into the pan at + least two inches. His hair was long and shiny and wavy, not + curly, partly of a rich dark liver colour, partly of a + silvery white, and beautifully feathered about the thighs and + legs. He was extremely lively and intelligent, and had a sort + of circular motion, a way of flinging himself quite round on + his hind feet, something after the fashion in which the + French dancers twist themselves round on one leg, which not + only showed unusual agility in a dog of his size, but gave + token of the same spirit and animation which sparkled in his + bright hazel eye. Anything of eagerness or impatience was + sure to excite this motion, and George Dinely gravely assured + his sisters, when they at length joined him in the hall, that + Dash had flung himself round six and twenty times whilst + waiting the conclusion of their quarrel. + </p> + <p> + "Getting into the lawn and the open air did not tend to + diminish Dash's glee or his capers, and the young party + walked merrily on; George telling of school pranks and school + misfortunes—the having lost or spoilt four hats since + Easter, seemed rather to belong to the first class of + adventures than the second—his sisters listening + dutifully and wonderingly; and Dash, following his own + devices, now turning up a mouse's nest from a water furrow in + the park—now springing a covey of young partridges in a + corn field—now plunging his whole hairy person in the + brook; and now splashing Miss Helen from head to foot? by + ungallantly jumping over her whilst crossing a stile, being + thereunto prompted by a whistle from his young master, who + had, with equal want of gallantry, leapt the stile first + himself, and left his sisters to get over as they could; + until at last the whole party, having passed the stile, and + crossed the bridge, and turned the churchyard corner, found + themselves in the shady recesses of the vicarage-lane, and in + full view of the vine-covered cottage of Nurse Simmons." + </p> + <p> + Our closing extract is from "Anecdotes of South African + Baboons," by Thomas Pringle, Esq.: + </p> + <p> + "It is the practice of these animals to descend from their + rocky fastnesses in order to enjoy themselves on the banks of + the mountain rivulets, and to feed on the nutritious bulbs + which grow in the fertile valley ground. While thus occupied, + they generally take care to be within reach of a steep crag, + or precipice, to which they may fly for refuge on the + appearance of an enemy; and one of their number is always + placed as a sentinel on some large stone, or other prominent + position, in order to give timely warning to the rest, of the + approach of danger. It has frequently been my lot, when + riding through the secluded valleys of that country, to come + suddenly, on turning a corner of a wild glen, upon a troop of + forty or fifty baboons thus quietly congregated. Instantly on + my appearance, a loud cry of alarm being raised by the + sentinel, the whole tribe would scamper off with + precipitation; splashing through the stream, and then + scrambling with most marvellous agility up the opposite + cliffs, often several hundred feet in height, and where no + other creature without wings, certainly, could attempt to + follow them; the large males bringing up the rear-guard, + ready to turn with fury upon the dogs, if any attempted to + molest them; the females, with their young ones in their + arms, or on their shoulders, clinging with arms clasped + closely round the mothers' necks. And thus climbing, and + chattering, and squalling, they would ascend the almost + perpendicular crags, while I looked on and watched + them—interested by the almost human affection which + they evinced for their mates and their offspring; and + sometimes not a little amused, also, by the angry + vociferation with which the old ones would scold me when they + had got fairly upon the rocks, and felt themselves secure + from pursuit." + </p> + <p> + There are Seven Plates and a Vignette, and a glazed, + ornamented cover which will withstand the wear and tear of + the little play or book-room. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + PICTURE OF SHEFFIELD. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>Concluded from page 396</i>.) + </p> + <p> + In the manufacture of a razor, it proceeds through a dozen + hands; but it is afterwards submitted to a process of + grinding, by which the concavity is perfected, and the fine + edge produced. They are made from 1 s. per dozen, to 20 s. + per razor, in which last the handle is valued at 16s.6d. + </p> + <p> + "Scissors, in like manner, are made by hand, and every pair + passes through sixteen or seventeen hands, including fifty or + sixty operations, before they are ready for sale. Common + scissors are cast, and when riveted, are sold as low as 4s. + 6d. per gross! Small pocket knives, too, are cast, both in + blades and handles, and sold at 6 s. per gross, or a + halfpenny each! These low articles are exported in vast + quantities in casks to all parts of the world. + </p> + <p> + "Snuffers and trays are also articles of extensive + production, and the latter are ornamented with landscapes, + etched by a Sheffield artist, on a resinous varnish, and + finished by being dipped in diluted nitric acid for a few + seconds or minutes. + </p> + <p> + "Messrs. Rodgers also introduced me to an extensive range of + workshops for the manufacture of plated and silver ware, in + which are produced the most superb breakfast and dinner + services. The method of making the silver plate here and at + Birmingham merits special notice, because the ancient method + was by dissolving mercury in nitrous acid, dipping the + copper, and depending on the affinity of the metals, by which + a very slight article was produced. But at Sheffield and + Birmingham, all plate is now produced by rolling ingots of + copper and silver together. About the eighth of an inch in + thickness of silver is united by heat to an inch of copper in + ingots about the size of a brick. It is then flattened by + steel rollers worked by an eighty horse power. The greater + malleability of the silver occasions it to spread equally + with the copper into a sheet of any required thickness, + according to the nature of the article for which it is + wanted. I saw some pieces of plated metal, the eighth of an + inch thick, rolled by hand into ten times their surface, the + silver spreading equally; and I was told that the plating + would be perfect if the rolling had reduced it to the + thinness of silver paper! This mode of plating secures to + modern plate a durability not possessed by any plate silvered + by immersion. Hence plated goods are now sought all over the + world, and, if fairly used, are nearly as durable as silver + itself. Of this material, dinner and dessert services have + been manufactured from 50 to 300 guineas, and breakfast sets + from 10 to 200 guineas, as sold on the spot. + </p> + <p> + "At Sheffield are actually cast and finished, most, if not + all, the parts of grates sold as their own make by the London + furnishing ironmongers. Their names are placed on them, but, + in truth, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page413" + name="page413"></a>[pg 413]</span> they merely put the parts + together. I saw in Messrs. Picklay's rooms superior castings + for backs of grates, little inferior in delicacy to plaster + of Paris; and for grates connected with one of these + patterns, I was told 100 guineas each was lately paid by a + northern squire. Grates with folding doors are made here as + well as at Chesterfield. The doors are in half heights, so as + to serve two purposes, and grates so supplied sell for about + two guineas extra. Mr. Picklay has brought the kitchen range + to great perfection. With one fire he roasts, boils with + water and steam, and bakes. Economy and completeness were + never more usefully combined; and a public establishment in + Sheffield is fitted with one which has cooked a dinner + complete for above three hundred persons. It cost nearly + £300, but such grates for small families may be had at + ten guineas. + </p> + <p> + "The mercantile part of the Sheffield trade is performed + chiefly by travellers, but the principal shops in London deal + directly with the manufacturers here. To humour public + prejudice in regard to "<i>Town make</i>," as it is called, + and to serve as an advertisement for various retailers in + London and other large towns, their connexions in Sheffield + keep steel brands, with which their names are placed on the + articles, and they thereby pass with the public as the real + manufacturers. I saw in different workshops, in Sheffield, + the steel brands of our famous <i>town makers</i>, and the + articles in wholesale quantities packing up to meet the + demand in London for "<i>real town made</i>." This is a + standing joke at the expense of cockney credulity among the + Sheffield cutlers. + </p> + <p> + "Sheffield is noted for the manufacture of superior files; + and many anecdotes are told of the artifices which have been + made use of to aggrandize or to repudiate the celebrity of + the marks of some well-known makers. + </p> + <p> + "In Sheffield generally the workmen get from 20s. to 24s. per + week. Dry grinders get £2, and some £5 or + £6, and these high wages are paid as an equivalent for + the shortness of life. Many women are employed as filers, + burnishers, polishers, finishers, &c. &c.; and they + get from 6s. to 12s. per week. + </p> + <p> + "Very <i>fine</i> cutlery is manufactured by Mr. Crawshaw. I + saw in his warehouse all those elegant patterns of pen-knives + which, in the best shops of London, Bath, &c. excite so + much admiration. His lobster knives, with four or more + blades, on slit springs, with pearl and tortoiseshell + handles, are the most perfect productions of British + manufacture. His pen-knives with rounded or beveled backs, to + turn in the quill and shave the point, are simple and + effective improvements. He showed me plain pocket-knives so + highly finished, that the first cost is 38s., yet so + deceptive is cutlery, that I might have preferred others + which I saw at only 7s. or 8s. It is the same in regard to + the scissors of Champion and Son,—articles at two or + three guineas did not appear to my uninstructed eye worth + more than others at a few shillings; yet in all these high + priced articles, nearly the whole cost is in workmanship, and + there are but few workmen who can produce them. At the same + time, Mr. Crawshaw deals in pen-knives at 5s. per dozen, and + Mr. Champion in scissors at 2s. or 3s. per dozen. + </p> + <p> + "The novelties and curiosities in this way are extremely + numerous, and the makers and inventers are as modest and + communicative as they are original and ingenious. Thus a + knife an inch long, weighing eight pennyweights six grains, + containing seventy odd blades and instruments, cost £30 + in making: scissors the eighth of an inch long, twenty-five + of which weigh but a grain, sold at 3s. per pair: a knife, + mounted in gold and pearl, containing thirty blades, is + valued at £30; pocket-knives with twenty-six parts are + sold at six guineas; the very best two blades mounted with + pearl and gold, made by Crawshaw, are in common sale at two + guineas in Sheffield. Messrs. Champion are esteemed the best + makers of scissors; and ladies' working scissors, in general + commerce, are finished and mounted as high as five or ten + guineas. The best pocket-knives are made by Crawshaw, and + fetch, in mounting, from two to five guineas. He is also the + general maker of what are called the 'best town made.' I may + here add, that Messrs. Champion can make a single set of + table knives and forks, the fair market price of which would + be 100 guineas. + </p> + <p> + "The mechanical ingenuity of Mr. Crawshaw has also been + displayed in the construction of AN ORRERY consisting of at + least 1,000 wheels, which, by a single winch, turns all the + planets in their respective periods; and also the whole of + the satellites, including those of Herschell. This orrery, + perhaps the completest in the world, was made in all its + details by this gentleman, and, in its wheel-work, is an + astonishing production. + </p> + <p> + "One of the wonders of Sheffield is its Grinding + Establishments. To aid <span class="pagenum"><a id="page414" + name="page414"></a>[pg 414]</span> the grinders, companies + have erected very spacious buildings divided into small + rooms, and provided the whole with steam engines. The rooms + are then let out by the month to master grinders; and at + properly adjusted grindstones in each room I saw every + variety of grinding, sharpening, and polishing. The finest + work is polished by hand, and in this slavery I saw the + delicate hands of the superior sex solely employed. The + payment is trifling; but I was told that the hand of woman is + the softest, most pliable, and most accommodating tool which + has yet been discovered for conferring the finest polish on + the refractory substance of steel. Can we wonder at its + effect in softening the ruggedness of the other sex, and how + hard must be the heart of that man which does not yield to an + influence which subdues even the hardness of steel. + </p> + <p> + "The manufacture of spectacles, telescopes, microscopes, etc. + is carried on to a great extent in Sheffield. Above five + gross per day are ground of convex and concave glasses in one + shop. Concave basins cast in iron of the radii of curvature + of proposed lenses are fixed in rows on a frame, and rubbed + with water and emery. A concentric convex basin is then + covered with round pieces of plate glass fixed with pitch; + and the convex stir face, with its glass pieces, is then + turned and <i>wabbled</i> in the concave basin by steam + power. In this manner from six to twelve dozen glasses are + ground at once by one basin working within the other on an + eccentric axle which <i>wabbles</i> the inner basin while it + is revolved. Of course, in time, i.e. in eight or ten hours, + the glasses are so abraded, that the outside of one basin + exactly fits the other, and the lenses between are of the + true curvature. They are then knocked off the pitch; turned + and worked on the other side, on the second day; cleaned with + spirit of tar, rounded or clipt with blunt scissors, and + fitted in spectacle frames or tubes. In Mr. Cutt's factory I + saw twenty-six of these basins for spectacles, and about + eighteen for telescopes and microscopes; several being at + work." + </p> + <center> + <i>Fine Arts.</i> + </center> + <p> + "The Sheffield trades require and promote the Fine Arts in + many ways. Chantrey was a carver and gilder here, and many + persons in Sheffield were his first patrons, when he began to + model. He was a native of Norton, where his parents still + reside, and his first youthful employment was that of + bringing milk to the town on asses, as is the present custom. + At present, Mr. Law is an exquisite modeller in wax; and + there are some ladies who copy the best pictures with a + degree of taste and perfection which is astonishing. I allude + particularly to those of Miss Green, of Westville House, and + Miss Sambourne, at Highfield Green. Then this district + possesses a treasure in Mr. Cowen, of Rotherham, whose merit + as a landscape painter, has recommended him to the zealous + patronage of Earl Fitzwilliam and the Duke of Devonshire. I + confess I have never seen more exquisitely finished and more + poetical productions." + </p> + <center> + <i>Improvements, &c.</i> + </center> + <p> + "The Shrewsbury Hospital, at Sheffield, has lately been + rebuilt in an improved situation, by Messrs. Woodhead and + Hurst, of Doncaster. It accommodates eighteen aged men and + eighteen women in a very convenient manner. It has been + liberally supported by the present Duke of Norfolk, and is + managed by trustees of his nomination. The men are allowed + 10s. per week, and the women 8s. There is also another + hospital, founded by a Mr. Hollis, a Sheffield cutler; as a + provision for sixteen cutlers' widows, who besides + habitations, receive 7s. per week, coals, and a gown every + two years. + </p> + <p> + "In conclusion I have assembled some <i>miscellaneous</i> + facts. Sheffield parish is ten miles by three. The Park of + 2,000 acres was inclosed in Queen Anne's time. + </p> + <p> + "The Duke of Norfolk is Lord of the Manor, from his ancestors + the Lovetots, Furnivals, Nevilles, Talbots, and Howards. + </p> + <p> + "Roger de Busli had 46 manors in Yorkshire, and in + Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire 179. + </p> + <p> + "The Cutlers' Company was incorporated 21st James + I.—The cutlers are 8,000 or 10,000 in number. + </p> + <p> + "In 1751, the first stage-wagon went from Sheffield to + London. In 1762, the first stage-coach. + </p> + <p> + "In 1752, the plated manufacture began. + </p> + <p> + "In 1770, the first bank was opened. + </p> + <p> + "In 1786, the first steam-engine grinding-wheel was + established. + </p> + <p> + "The casting or melting of steel began 60 years ago, till + which time Swedish bar-steel was used. + </p> + <p> + "There are iron-forges near every Roman station, and Abbey + Dale is full of cinders from smelting, with apertures to + windward to serve as blasts. + </p> + <p> + "Beds of scoriae found in the parish, on which trees grow, + and in old pleasure <span class="pagenum"><a id="page415" + name="page415"></a>[pg 415]</span> parks.—Roman coins + are also found in scoria.—A quarry of stone at + Wincobank Hill, contains fossilized vegetables, chiefly + calamites. They are succulent, and of the bamboo family. In + the coal districts, branches and trunks of trees are found; + and Mr. Rhodes took out of solid stone, a fossil post of + walnut wood. South-east of Tickhill, is an accumulation of + subterranean trees, in black earth, mixed with shells and + rounded stones. + </p> + <p> + "It is believed at Sheffield, that the executioner of Charles + I., was a person of the name of William Walker, a native of + Darnall, near Sheffield. Such was the tradition at his native + place. He died at Darnall in 1700 and was buried in Sheffield + church, where there was a brass plate to his memory. It is + certain that a Walker, was one of the masks, and that this + Walker was an active partizan: but he was a man of learning, + and wrote some tracts on mathematics and politics. + </p> + <p> + "Dr. Buchan, began his career as a Scotch physician at + Sheffield, and actually wrote his famous 'Domestic Medicine,' + in the house at the south corner of Hartshead, in which for + many years has resided Mr. J. Montgomery." + </p> + <p> + The varied and attractive character of our extract is the + best plea for its length; but reading like this never + tires.—-<i>Sir R. Phillips' Personal Tour.</i> + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE GATHERER. + </h2> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A snapper up of unconsidered trifles. + </p> + <p> + SHAKESPEARE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + DARK DAY. + </h3> + <p> + At St. Lawrence, October 13, 1828, wind S.W. the atmosphere + was filled with smoke, which, with intervening clouds, + intercepted the sun's light, so as to require the use of + candles several times during the day. The water which fell in + the afternoon and evening was so much affected by the smoke + as to be bitter to the taste. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LIQUOR OF LIFE. + </h3> + <p> + When the art of distilling spirits, generally attributed to + Raymond Lully, was discovered, the secret of longevity was + supposed to have been brought to light, the <i>mercurius + volatilis</i> to be at length fixed, and the pernicious + product received the name of <i>aqua vitae</i>—liquor + of life; "A discovery concerning which," says a learned + physician, "it would be difficult to determine, whether it + has tended most to diminish the happiness, or shorten the + duration of life. In one sense it may be considered the + elixir of life, for it speedily introduces a man to + <i>immortality!"</i> + </p> + <p> + C.J.T. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + SOUP + </h3> + <p> + Is manufactured in great abundance in Paris from the bones of + butchers' meat. At one of the hospitals upwards of 1,000 + basins of soup are furnished daily. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ABYSSINIAN CATTLE + </h3> + <p> + Are remarkable for the extraordinary size of their horns, + some of which are four feet long, seven inches in diameter + near the head, and hold ten quarts. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ECCENTRIC INVITATION. + </h3> + <p> + Paul Spencer exhibits the following distich on his door, in + Glasgow:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Entertainment here for all that passes, + </p> + <p> + Horses, mares, mules, and asses." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + C.J.T. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + CANALS. + </h3> + <p> + According to a calculation recently made, there are 103 + canals in Great Britain—extending 2,682 miles, and + formed at an expense of thirty millions sterling. + </p> + <p> + C.J.T. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "Do you know what made my voice so melodious?" said a + celebrated vocal performer, of awkward manners, to Charles + Bannister. "No," replied the other. "Why, then, I'll tell + you: when I was about fifteen, I swallowed, by accident, some + train oil." "I don't think," rejoined Bannister, "it would + have done you any harm if, at the same time, you had + swallowed a dancing-master!" + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS. + </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> + For this very accurate Description with an Engraving, see + MIRROR, No. 400. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + <p> + For the remainder of the Extract, &c. see MIRROR, vol. + xii. p. 151. Only a few days since we saw recorded an + instance of enthusiasm in the study of astronomy, which + will never be forgotten. We allude to Mr. South's splendid + purchase at Paris; yet all the aid he received was some + trifling remission of duty! + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + <p> + See the Propagation of the Insect in Spain, MIRROR, vol. + xii. and an attempt to naturalize the same at the Cambridge + Botanical Garden, page 217, of the present volume. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <i>Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand (near + Somerset House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New + Market, Leipsic, and by all Newsmen and Booksellers</i>. + </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11463 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11463-h/images/404-1.png b/11463-h/images/404-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d355a7 --- /dev/null +++ b/11463-h/images/404-1.png diff --git a/11463-h/images/404-2.png b/11463-h/images/404-2.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..036702c --- /dev/null +++ b/11463-h/images/404-2.png |
