down from the clouds, nor are they produced by the condensation of vapour rising from the earth, but the vapour contained in the atmosphere is condensed upon bodies cooler than the air itself. Still it must have been observed, that dew is not formed upon all substances, nor upon similar things in different situations. The explanation of these circumstances will illustrate the origin of dew under all its conditions.

There are two ways in which a substance may be cooled, or in other words lose a portion of its sensible heat,-by conduction, and by radiation. The conduction of heat is a phenomenon so commonly observed, that it will not be necessary to make many remarks concerning it. When

a poker is put into the fire, that part which is exposed to the immediate action of heat, will in a short time become red hot. But this is not the only part which receives an increase of temperature, for the portion most distant from the source of heat will also be hotter than it was previous to its being placed in the fire. This result is occasioned by the property of conduction, which all substances do not alike possess. Hence we are accustomed to say of one body that it is a conductor of heat, and of another that it is a non-conductor.

Another method of communicating heat is by radiation. By radiation is meant the act of throwing off rays. Thus the sun radiates both heat and light, and the same is true of a common coal fire. If we stand at a distance from a fire we feel warmed, but this is not occasioned by the heating of the air by conduction, for if this were the case, we should feel equally hot on every side; but on the other hand, as is well known, we may be scorched on the side nearest to the fire, and frozen on the other.

This principle of radiation enables us at once to explain the phenomenon of dew, connecting, with what has been already said, the fact, that all bodies, whatever may be their temperatures, radiate heat. The clouds radiate heat to the earth, and the earth and every substance on it to the heavens. During the day, that is, the hours when

the sun is above the horizon, the earth receives more heat from the sun than it radiates, and consequently the temperature rises; but at night, the radiation goes on without an addition of heat from any source, and consequently the temperature falls. Thus it is that the temperature of things upon the surface of the earth becomes lower than that of the atmosphere surrounding them, and the vapour combined with the air is condensed upon them, and forms dew.

There are now two questions which an intelligent reader would propose, and which we must answer: Why is not dew formed every night? and why is not dew formed on all substances?

The dew is not produced when the night is cloudy; it is only under an open and clear atmosphere that it can be formed. When clouds are hanging over the heavens, there is a mutual radiation between them and the earth, a receiving and giving of heat, so that the temperature does not fall sufficiently low to occasion the condensation of vapour. For the same reason dew is not formed under the shelter of a tree, under an open shed, or upon those plants. over which a mat or even a cambric handkerchief is thrown.

All substances are not dewed, because they are not all good radiators. Good conductors are bad radiators, and consequently loose their temperatures slowly, and receive no dew. This is especially the case when they are also reflectors. A polished piece of metal will not have on it. one particle of dew, although exposed in a field completely covered with moisture.

The formation of dew, therefore, depends on the diminution of temperature by radiation, and there is scarcely an instance which may not be readily explained by a knowledge of the facts we have stated. The importance of dew in the vegetable economy is well known, but there are some countries where no rain falls, and the only moisture received by plants is from this source. A knowledge of the origin of natural phenomena, greatly aids us in an attempt to trace the power, wisdom, and love of the Creator in his works.

FRESHWATER, ISLE OF WIGHT.

THE Isle of Wight is one of the most lovely spots belonging to the British Empire. In it we meet with every variety of climate, and the air is remarkably healthy. Its mildness in some parts may be said to be proverbial, for no where does the myrtle, or other tender evergreens, flourish with greater luxuriance in the open air than there. The scenery presents an extraordinary diversity of character, and the tourist, at almost every step, has a new and beautiful landscape spread before him. Here, indeed, every species of scenery meets his viewthe pastoral, the sylvan, the rocky, and the marine; and full well does it deserve the appellation bestowed upon it, as "the Garden of England."

Not the least picturesque among the villages of the Isle of Wight is that which stands depicted at the head of this article. Freshwater is about two miles and a-half from Yarmouth, on the western extremity of the island, standing on a peninsula formed by the river Yar, and

joined to the island by a narrow isthmus, at a place called Freshwater-gate. In one of the aisles of the church there is a raised tomb, with the figure of a man in armour on a brass plate. This tomb was opened rather more than half a century ago, and contained the skeleton of a man with the skull placed between his legs. This was supposed to be the remains of some Chief who had suffered decapitation. On the breaking up of the Monastery of Syra, the presentation to the Church was vested in the Crown, and at subsequent periods was not seldom granted to the captains of the island. It is now in the hands of St. John's college, Cambridge, and is considered to be the most valuable living in the island. Early in the 17th century, it was held by a clergyman of the name of Hooke, whose son Robert was born here in 1635. This son became afterwards the celebrated Dr. Robert Hooke, who died in London, at the advanced age of eighty seven, though, in his childhood, his frame was so weak as rendered it doubtful whether he would reach manhood. He obtained great reputation from his strong mechanical genius, and his high attainments in natural philosophy; and was an active and leading member of the Royal Society at, and subsequent to, its formation.

The peninsula from the point opposite Hurst Castle, round to Freshwater-gate, is fortified and protected by those massy and stupendous chalk promontories, known as Freshwater Cliffs, which are in places at least six hundred feet above the level of the sea. It is impossible to form an adequate notion of their magnitude unless seen from the sea, at a distance of about five hundred yards from their base, when they have a most imposing effect. These cliffs are frequented by a great variety of marine birds and others, as puffins, razorbills, willocks, gulls, cormorants, Cornish choughs, daws, starlings, and wild pigeons. Some of these arrive at stated periods, and remain there during the time of incubation, while others occupy them altogether. In some places the cliffs are

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perpendicular, in others projecting. There are, too, many chasms and deep caverns apparently running deeply into the rocks; and in many places springs issue forth their water, which forms small cascades of rippling water down to the sea. The birds are frequently taken by the country people, for their feathers, a dozen birds yielding about a pound weight, which are sold to dealers.

RECORDS OF A RAMBLER.

CHAPTER III.

The Cottager's Narrative.

ALTOGETHER the scene was lovely beyond description. There-seated beside the little one's temporary couchon one side was the blooming Rebecca, and on the other, her whom my host had informed me was the child's second parent. Frank enjoyed a seat near to Andrews, both of whom appeared in glowing spirits. Breakfast being concluded, I stood for some moments contemplating the picture before I reminded the cottager of his late promise.

"Be you seated, Sir," said he, "and I will proceed." But before he did so, his mind for a short space seemed to wander from the subject and his eyes became fixed on the heavens.

Nearly fifty years have finished their course," said Andrews, "since those events transpired the thoughts of which have ever caused me a deep sigh. I was then a lad of sixteen and resided with my parents, who were people in the middling circumstances of life, and had besides me, a daughter four years older. The land which my father occupied bordered on the estate of the Orington family, whose splendid mansion was the old ruined castle on the summit of the hill, which you passed yesterday. We were all on friendly terms with lord Orington, who with