of the slightest moment. Flowers contain, it is true, the food of several species of insects, and some birds; and perhaps their odour, in certain instances, mids the animal in its pursuit; but could such elaborate mechanism be necessary for those purposes? such splendour, such admirable variety? Man aloue can appreciate, can enjoy the wonders of them the object of the nectar in some plants, and of odours in others, is unknown. It is obvious, on intuition, that Nature often intended solely to please the eye in her vegetable productions. She decorates the doweret that springs beneath our feet in all the perfection of external beauty. She has clothed the garden with a constant succession of various hues, Even the leaves of the trees undergo a pleasing vicissitude. The fresh verdure which they exhibit in the spring, the various shades which they assume in summer, the yellow and russet tinge of autumn, and the nakedness of winter, afford a constaut pleasure to a lively imagination. From the snowdrop to the moss-rose, the flower garden displays an tofinite variety of shape and colour. The taste of the florist has been ridiculed as trifling; yet surely without reason. Did Nature bring forth the tulip and the lily, the rose and the honeysuckle, to be neglected by the haughty pretender to superior reason' To omnit a single social duty for the cultivation of a polyanthus, were ridiculous as well as eriminal; but to pass by the beauties lavished before as without observing them, is no less ingratitude than stupidity. A bad heart finds little amusement but in a communication with the ambitious world, where scope is given for the indulgence of selfish passions; but an amiable disposition is commonly known by a taste for the beauties of the animal and vegetable creation. The woods, the vales, the brooks," the crimson spots i' the bottom of a cowslip."—the loftier phenomena of the heavens, are all objects of contemplation, and are the principal sources whence the poet draws his faithful and vivid pictures. blown. pose, for the reason given by the saucy Rhodiau | into another world." This was rather a bitter pill for Xenarchus, where he says, Happy the Cicadas' lives Since they all have voiceless wives. The sound of this insect, and of the harp, were called by one and the same name. A Cicada sitting upon a harp was an usual emblem of the science of music, which was thus accounted for; when two rival musicians, Eunomus and Ariston, were contending upon that instrument, a Cicada flying to the former, and sitting upon his harp, supplied the place of a broken string, and so secured to him the victory. The grasshopper is still my friend, The minute-sound of many a sunny hour the doctor; but the dose he gave the King in return was a judicious mixture of truth and flattery:-" Not so many as your Majesty, nor with so much honour to myself." Rose, the private and confidential secretary of Louis XIV. had married his daughter to Mr. Portall, president of the parliament. The husband was constantly complaining to him of the temper and disposition of his daughter. You are right," said Rose, "she is an her, I will disinherit her." The husband made no more impertinent jade; and, if I hear more complaints of complaints of his wife. 66 BAD SHILLINGS. The late Lord Clonmel, who never thought of demanding more for an affidavit, used to be very well satisfied with a shilling, provided it was a good one. In his time the Birmingham shillings were current, and he used the following precautions to avoid being imposed upon by taking a bad one:-"You shall true answer make to such questions as shall be demanded of you touching this affidavit, so help your God! Is this true? Is this your name and hand-writing?" a good shilling? Are the contents of this affidavit Fine Arts. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-Had I been aware that your correspondent, An Antiquary, was preparing a continuation of his letters, with a view to embrace the coins of Eng. land, I should have been the last to intrude my own remarks, in preference to one, who possesses, on several accounts, the claim of precedence. Bat if, by sending a few lines, I can contribute either to the amusement or instruction of the readers of the Kaleidoscope, (as I have made an offer of my en. deavours) I will proceed. Among the insects which appear in this month, one of the most interesting is, in its perfect state, the angler's May-fly, which appears about the 4th, and continues nearly a fortnight. It emerges from the water, where it passes its aurelia state, about six in the evening, and dies about eleven at night. There are also the golden green beetle; various kinds of flies; the cuckoo-spit insect, and the stagis doubtful whether the coins, which have been I omitted to say, in the proper place, that it beetle. The several species of the gad-fly; the ox, horse, and sheep gad-fly, make their appearance in ascribed to Richard I. are really the remains of this month. the English coinages of this monarch; the evidence The rose in June, which now holds so conspi-on both sides is strong, but not conclusive: they cuous a place in the flower-garden, must not be are, however, extremely rare and valuable. We passed over without notice. have specimens of his Anglo-Gallic mints, which bear his name as King of England, though struck by him as Earl of Poitou, or Duke of Aquitain. Henry III. was the first who coined round halfpence and farthings; before his time the penny was broken into halves and quarters. The coins of this King may be divided into two different kinds, the one baving four pellets, and a cross formed with double lines, extending to the inner circle only; the other has four pellets, and a cross of single lines, reaching to the outer rim; of these the former are more ancient. The coins of Edward 1. are not uncommon; but it is difficult to distinguish them from those of his successor, Edward II.; to a careless observer scarcely any difference is visible. The only probable distinction seems to be, that those may, with a tolerable degree of certainty, be ascribed to the first Edward, on which the name is contracted into EDW. The sceptre, which had been introduced by former monarchs, was discarded by him; and does not appear again till Henry VIII.; also the title "Dominus Hyberniæ," which had been partially used by John, was not adopted universally until this reign: the place of mintage too, is used instead of the mint-master's name, which on the coins of his predecessor was the only inscription on the reverse. The Irish money of this King may be kown by the triangle which incloses the head. He is said to have issued leathern money, but this report cannot be authenticated; perhaps the frail quality of the material has prevented these latter ages from obtaining a single specimen. The coins of Edward II. so closely resemble those of the former reign, that it is only necessary to observe, that the naine is contracted to EDWA. or EDWAR.; and that in the coins of this monarch and the last, Rex is abbreviated by R. Manchester, May 30. Innumerable herbs and flowers now embellish our gardens, gratify our sense of smell, and purify and renovate the atmosphere. The fields of clover, which are now in blossom, produce a delightful fragrance. Of this plant there are two varieties, the white and the purple; from the latter, the bees Among the Bowers with which the graves of our extract much honey. The bean blossoms also shed ancestors were decorated (a custom not at present a still more exquisite odour. The elder, now in confined to the distant parts of the kingdom, and to flower, diffuses its Frontiniac scent to the air, which Wales, but still common in France, Switzerland, and it likewise imparts to wine made in imitation of that other countries) the rose was sometimes blended with from the grapes growing in the neighbourhood of the lily, to form a general emblem of frail mortality. the town of that name in France. The sweet-scented "This sweet flower (says EVELYN) borne on a vernal grass, which is the cause of the very delight-branch set with thorns, and accompanied with the ful scent of hay, flowers in this month, and diffuses lily, are natural hieroglyphics of our fugitive, umits fragrance through the country. bratile, anxious, and transitory life, which, making so About the beginning of this month, the pimpernel, fair a show for a time, is not yet without its thorus thyme, the bitter sweet nightshade, white bryouy, and crosses." The white rose was planted at the the dog-rose, and the poppy, have their flowers full grave of a virgin; her chaplet was tied with white riband, in token of her spotless innocence; though The grasshopper now makes his appearance. sometimes black ribands were intermingled, to be They were often kept in cages by the ancient Greeks speak the grief of the survivors. The red rose was for the sake of their song, and seem to have been occasionally used in remembrance of such as had the favourites of every Greciau bard, from Homer been remarkable for their benevolence; but roses in and Hesiod to Anacreon and Theocritus. Sup-general were appropriated to the graves of lovers. posed to be perfectly harmless, and to live only upon the dew, they were addressed by the most endearing epithets, and were regarded as all but divine. One bard intreats the shepherds to spare the lunoxious Tettir, that nightingale of the nymphs, and to make those mischievous birds the thrush and blackbird their prey. "Sweet prophet of the summer!" says Anacreon, addressing this insect," the muses love thee, Phoebus himself loves thee, and has given thee a shrill song: old age does not wear thee: thou art wise, earth-born, musical, impassive, without blood: thou art almost like a god." So attached were the Athenians to these insects, that they were accustomed to fasten golden images of them in their hair, implying at the same time a boast that they themselves, as well as the Cicade, were Terra fili. They were regarded indeed, by all, as the bappiest as well 28 the most innocent of animals-not, we will sup EVELYN tells us that the custom was not altogether Anecdotes. Zimmerman, the celebrated physician, went from COCCIENSIS. Poetry. ON VISITING THE BOTANIC GARDEN, AT LIVERPOOL, EARLY IN SPRING. Ye pleasing groves, by science rear'd to shield Has fann'd your shades, yet beauty decks the scene: In bright variety of shade, extends Where glowing gold with deepest verdure blends. The towering reed, whose stately pennons lave · O'er Tadmore's wreck, exempted from decay, I. L. ADVICE TO MARRIED FOLK. TO THE EDITOR. SIR, I have read, with much pleasure, the happy result of friend Jessamy's letter, in your Kaleidoscope, of 22d ultimo. I have lately met with the enclosed linės, which I have copied for you; and if they be thought worthy of a place in your very valuable and entertaining paper, I shall feel obliged by an early insertion, as a sort of sequel to Jessamy's correspondence. Yours, very truly, Q. P. S. If the poetry be rather too long, you may, if you please, curtail it in any manner. The writer here, in much affection, sends Some plain advice to his young married friends. Should you the friendly hint receive, it may Subserve your interests in a future day : Your various duties learn, and always move By rule, and let your actions spring from love. Yourselves, your tempers, to each other suit, And rather yield than carry on dispute: Be emulous for that exalted sense Which fears to give, and scorns to take offence. -Should small disputes arise, in patience wait, A little time may set the mätter straight : If one speaks rashly in an angry fit, The other must be deaf, in silence sit. Never lose sight of what the Scriptures say, The man should rule in love, the wife obey. Lét all dissension in the closet end, Nor ever bring it up before a friend: Your mutual duties study when alone; And when with others, prove your hearts are one. Your neighbours, visiting, will then perceive, How different from the world believers live. Consult each other, and as often pray What's best to do, or what to give away. Early to sleep retire, and early rise, Lest you neglect your morning sacrifice. Be firm and regular, whate'er it cost, Good works ill done will prove but labour lost. Be prudent, frugal, yet not meanly near; The Christian show in all you eat and wear. At home, abroad, keep this in constant view, Not what you may, but what you ought to do. Within the compass live; this rule attend, At first set out as you would wish to end. If children be your portion, thankful be; They may be blessings for eternity. Be tender, not indulgent, use the rod, Yet curb with reason, thus you're taught of God. "In the vernal season of the year, when the air is soft and pleasant, and it were an injury and sullenness against nature not to go out and see her riches, and partake of her rejoicings with heaven and earth," the members of this enlightened and opulent community possess peculiar advantages over the inhabitants of crowded cities in general. They may go forth into a garden of the richest cultivation and beauty, and while their senses are revived by the freshness and the per fumes of the flowers, may look with satisfaction on a cene which owes its creation to their taste, and its support to their bounty; the monument of a high and refined liberality which so few cities possess, and which, we may add with pride, no place in England can exhibit in higher order and perfection than the town of Liverpool. The votary of science, who may chance to visit it, beholds, with surprise, an establishment which has arisen, in the course of a few years, to a beauty and perfection which leaves far behind it the similar public gardens of our Universities, and the boasted "Jardin des Plantes" of the continent; and which, from its local facilities of obtaining plants and seeds from distant shores, exhibits, every day, new flowers, blowing here for the first time in Europe, and the magnificent natives of the tropical climes flourishing in its stoves with a vigour and luxuriance hitherto unknown in England. The learned Botanist may be delighted with its scientific arrangement, carried within its necessarily narrow limits to the utmost possible perfection; the most unlearned observer must be charmed with that order and neatness so grateful to the eye and mind of man, and affording unequaled opportunities of acquiring or improving in a science which is one of the most pleasing in which we can indulge ourselves, or to which we can direct the attention of our chil dren; a study which offers a motive to exercise and an assistance to health; which conduces, perhaps more than any other, to purity of heart and innocence of life; which religion has authorised, and the holy scriptures have recommended, and in which the greatest and most distinguished men of all ages have found Occupation and delight. "When Epicurus to the world had taught His life he to his doctrine brought, And in a garden's shade that sovereign good he sought.” "God Almighty," says the great Lord Bacon, “first planted a garden: and, indeed, it is the greatest refrestment to the spirits of man; without which, buildings and palaces are but gross handy-works." In this botanical establishment the merchant may become acquainted with the growth and economy of many plants which form some of the most important articks of commerce; the physician may here investigate, in a recent state, the qualities of medicines which he has hitherto seen only in a dried and altered form: and let it not be argued, that to the scientific these pleasures are confined-that the eye of the Botanist alone can estimate all the value of this institution. The gay and blooming crowd, whom we see so frequently here * Milton. accumulated from the works of the wise and the en- by way of experiment, to superintend a few yards of lightened, as suffrages in its favour. But, surely, that pavement on the improved plan, in some great thoscience can need no recommendation which has amused roughfare of the town, where its advantages or defects the literary leisure of Roscoe and of Pitt, and soothed would soon be apparent.-Edit. Kal. the learned labours of Darwin and of Priestley. science) have ascertained, that the leaves of trees and other The discoveries of Dr. Priestley (which form an era in vegetables give out, during the day, a large portion of oxigen or continually renewing or restoring the salubrity of the atmosphere vital air, and absorb, at the same time, an obnoxious gas; thus Thas the plants and flowers which we once gazed upon in mere admiration of their beauty, we now consider with additional gratitude and interest, as humble instruments in the hand of an Almighty Power, of the welfare and the safety of man; and, to useful and important to the support of the whole animal crea assembled, will contradict such an idea; they will tell us, that for the most unlearned it has charms, and that it spreads far and wide the innocent sources of social pleasure and enjoyment. Will it be believed by those who can bear witness to the truth of the advantages here enumerated, that this flourishing-this beautiful institution, is sinking into decay, the victim of its own liberality? That the anxiety which the members have felt to increase the numbers of those whom it might gratify, and to extend the privilege of admission to the widest possible circle, has silently been working its deciine? The facilities of introduction have lessened the necessity of subscribing; the annual income has, consequently, gradually decreased; and, at a late meeting, it was obvious that the yearly income collected would no longer be adequate to the support of the garden, unless additional subscribers could be obtained, and the regular payment of the present subscription secured. Many of the shares have been relinquished, and many have been forfeited; and, in order to oblige those individuals to contribute who have long enjoyed all the benefits of this institution gratuitously, it was resolved, "That the subscribers should no longer have the power of introducing any ladies resident in Liverpool, but such as were members of their own families." This **just and necessary" measure so far, however, hurt the liberal feelings of the committee, that at a subsequent general meeting, it was rescinded. It was resolved to make one previous appeal to the justice or the generosity of the public: it was hoped that as soon as the necessities of the establishment were understood, there would not be wanting many helping hands to Previously to entering upon the subject of our corsupport and assist it; and that those among our fair respondent's letter, we must observe, that we believe inhabitants, who have long enjoyed an admittance to the most approved mode of constructing roads at preit gratuitously, would use all their eloquence to prevail sent is to break the stones into portions, by means of upon their relatives to purchase for them those advan-hammers, no one piece to exceed, in weight, five tages which the institution can no longer afford to give away. The list of the original subscribers, as it was then referred to, exhibits the names of many who are still living among us in respectability and usefulness, and of some on whom the grave has closed, and whose names are dear to science, or sanctified by affection. The signatures of Rathbone, of Roscoe, of Currie, are there; and such will silently call upon those who enjoy their friendship, or those who lament them, to exert themselves in favour of an institution which they deemed useful, and to which they lent the energetic support of their vigorous and patriotic minds. When this establishment was first contemplated, and the committee sought a Curator to take charge of it, they deemed themselves fortunate in being able to give it into the care of the present superintendant, and his industry and his ability have more than realized the highest expectations they could have formed for it. To him this establishment has owed much of its success and much of its present perfection; to one whose excellent natural good sense and kindness of heart enable him to value the suffrage of the humblest and most unlettered individual, and whose talents and acquirements empower him to satisfy the learned curiosity of the most scientific of its visitors; whose enthusiasm is as ardent as it is sincère, and so genuine The writer of the following letter, is, we presume, as to communicate itself to all to whom he exhibits his in error, in the supposition that any additional strength botanical treasures. To him, the student who wishes would be imparted to his pavement by giving it someto improve himself in this delightful science, may apply thing of the arch form. If, indeed, the stones, after as to a living Lexicon, and instead of turning over the being assorted, were pretty nearly alike in dimensions; dusty tomes of a Hortus Siccus, may wander through if, for instance, they were as regularly of one size these flowery parterres, and peruse the pages of nature in this her animated volume. It is difficult to restrain the enthusiasm which would lead to a farther comment on this delightful study; and it requires some self-denial to lay aside the mass of evidence which might be ounces: by this arrangement, much of that imperfection is avoided which is incident to the defective and absurd system adopted in Liverpool, where we find stones of a foot or more in diameter, ranged alongside of others of not one-sixth of that size: but the still greater defect is the mode of performing the operation itself. The stones are thrown together promiscuously, big and little, and rammed down with a hand-rammer, which does not impart a pressure equal to that to which they will have to be subjected by the superincumbent weight of light carts. The consequence is, that heavily-loaden vehicles very soon disturb the order of so ill-constructed and incompact a surface. In the first volume of the Liverpool Mercury, a mode of remedying this effect was pointed out, illustrated by a wood engraving, which, if we can find it, shall have a place in an early number of the Kaleidoscope: this we shall do, under the impression that our present mode of using entire stones is to be persevered in; but we hope to see it ultimately superseded by the adoption of the preferable mode of using stones which have been previously broken down. The subject is of great importance, at a time when so many poor people are in want of work. as bricks are, then we could easily conceive the advantage of the arch surface. The writer, however, shall be heard for himself; and we shall, therefore, proceed with his letter, after expressing our wish that the commissioners of the highways would permit us, % TO THE EDITOR. interest in every thing which regards its improvement, SIR,-As you are a native of the town, and take an I take the liberty of offering some suggestions to you, relative to the present mode of paving the streets, which, being noticed through the medium of the Kaleidoscope, may, probably, lead to some amend ment. The plan at present pursued (if it can be called a plan) is, to pave the streets without any order or regularity, with stones of all sizes, by which means, the work has a very unsightly appearance; and is, I apprehend, very weak, and liable to get out of order. Now, as I am of opinion that the leading requisites in pavements are neatness and strength, I would suggest, as a mode of obtaining these, that, previous to the work being begun, the stones should be assorted, as nearly as possible, in sizes, and laid in parallel lines, the small ones by themselves, and the large ones by themselves, in the manner generally practised in the orossings of streets. By this plan, the stones being laid in exact lines, and with a tendency to a curve, acquire some of the strength imparted to almost every thing which approaches a circular form. Besides, the small stones being laid by themselves, for the space of three or four feet, are kept in their places, and sup por:ed by the rows of large ones, which serve, as it were, for ribs. Lam, by no means, a practical man on these subjects: my remarks originate entirely in my own observation; but, as far as anything like a practical result can be observed, I think it is in favour of my plan. If you will take the trouble, as you are passing along, to examine such of the crossings of the streets as are paved in the manner I have suggested, I think and strength; for I find that the crossings are almost you will find that the plan proposed combines neatness invariably less worn, and more even than the other parts of the street. I am aware that this will be attended with a little more trouble and labour (and probably expense) but I think the improvement will amply com work, I think this is a good opportunity to attempt any pensate: and, as the complaint, at present, is want of thing in the way of improvement, particularly as the flagging of the streets leads us to hope that the town will soon be noticed as much for the neatness and durability of its pavment (both in the road and footways) as it has hitherto been for its deficiences in these e spects. ried into effect, on a small scale, by way of trial; and, I should be glad to see the plan I have suggested carif it be found to answer, I trust the extension of it will lead to the favourable result I anticipate. I remain, Sir, Your obdt. humble servt. New Discoveries in Egypt.-Accounts have been lately received from two gentlemen, traveling in Egypt, Mr. Waddington, of Trinity College, Cambridge; and Mr. Hanbury, of Jesus College. These two gentleing the Pacha of Egypt in a military expedition against men, availing themselves of the opportunity of attendsome tribes of Arabs, have had the good fortune to see part of the Nile's course, which it had not before been covered one or two interesting islands, with about thirty safe for any European traveler to visit. They have disentire pyramids of different sizes, and extensive ruins of temples, of unequal construction, but some of them the highest antiquity. The public will learn more of exhibiting considerable skill, and others apparently of this on the return of these gentlemen, which is shortly expected. unicorn, as given by Pliny, is now on its way to this An animal nearly resembling the description of the country from Africa; it nearly resembles the horse in figure, but is much smaller, and the single horn progiven in the real or supposed delineations of that doul tjecting from the forehead is considerably shorter than is ful creature. METEOROLOGICAL REPORT Of the Atmospherical Pressure and Temperature, Rain, BAROMETRICAL PRESSURE. Inches. 29.75 The Monthly Mean........... Spaces, taken from the daily means.................. TEMPERATURE. Monthly mean............ *94 ⚫40 4.10 Miscellanies. John Campbell, a native of Edinburgh, who published, Degrees. Mean of the 5th decade, commencing on the 29th, 7th ditto, ending on the 28th of May, Highest, which took place on the 4th and 20th Lowest, which took place on the 26th...... Difference of the extreme.......... Greatest variation in 24 hours, which occurred on the 20th.... 73. 34. 39. ⚫30 West WIND. 1 Variable Calm Brisk Boisterous.. South-east.................. 2 South.......... South-west ...............13 REMARKS. 2 0 0 0 May 2nd.-A little hail and rain. 13th.-Hail-showers about noon. 25th.-White hoar frost this and the preceding morning: very cold for the season. snow, The Albanian soldiers, accustomed to the cold temperature of their mountains, and dressed in a cloak of considerable thickness, dread neither cold nor heat, which they equally withstand without changing their cloths. They are extremely sober and temperate, and frequently live on a few black olives and pilchards, which they purchase out of their pay, of which they are extremely economical. They are, in general, brave, and ready to run into danger; the fear of death makes little or no impression on them. An individual of the Liapis clan, being condemned to death, was brought out to be conveyed to the place of execution, which was situated without the walls of Prevesa. Being arrived about half way, he passed by a large fig-tree. Why (said he to those who conducted him) do you wish me to travel half a league further in the hottest part of the day? Can't you hang me here?" The favour was granted to him, and he put the rope round his own neck. A few hours afterwards, another Albanian passed by the same place, and seeing that the cloths of the deceased were better than his own, with the greatest indifference he undressed him and exchanged them for his own rags.-Vaudoncourt. 26th. Still colder; ice on the ponds one-tenth of an inch thick; the ground was incrusted with frost. The temperature of the morning, as indicated by my ther. mometer, was two degrees above freezing; but, in the country, it was as low as 31°; icicles were noticed hanging from trees and buildings. This was, indeed, a winter's day; for there were repeated showers of hail, sleet, and rain: the hail was attended with loud cracks of thunder; and the nimbus or thunder clouds were frequently displayed. This sudden occurrence of frost, hail, and snow, which were preceded by wet, had very distressing effects upon vegetation. Much injury our readers already know, that a very considerable deKenilworth.-The Oxford Journal says,-Many of has been done to tender plants, and even old trees-gree of interest has been created among the members The leaves of young and old oak and beech trees were of the University, by the opening scene in the novel of shriveled and turned brown, as though they had been Kenilworth. scorched by violent heat; but which was more parti- term, has been daily visited by groups of gownsmen, Cumnor, since the commencement of cularly the case in damp situations. Amongst plants, anxious to verify by local inspection the details given the fern was most shriveled and brown. Gooseberries, in Kenilworth of Anthony Foster's Mansion;' currants, and other young fruit have been very much the old sign of "the Bear and ragged Staff" has althinned by falling off. But the most injury done, is to ready been restored, by subscription, and placed over the tender shoots of potatoes. Giles Gosling." the door of the village alehouse, as kept by the late A singular custom prevails in Shropshire, at this period of the year, which is we believe peculiar to that county. As soon as the first Cuckoo has been heard, all the labouring classes leave work, if in the middle of the day; and the time is devoted to mirth and jollity over what is called the Cuckoo ale. The following extraordinary notice lately appeared in a Liverpool paper: "Whereas Mary Willey, alias Robinson, has left me without any just cause, and is now sold to William Robinson, 7, Darwen-street, by private contract, for the sum of five shillings!! I hereby give notice, that I will not be answerable for any debts she may contract after the date hereof. As witness my hand, 18th May, 1821. "JOHN WILLEY." WELSH EXECUTIONER. of finding an executioner in Wales fifty years ago:- and clerks, and other messengers and agents he employ. Correspondence. BEAU TRAPS. TO THE Editor. SIR, I am disposed to call in question the cor rectness of your judgment with regard to streetflagging, for although when a little gouty and the weather fine, I could not withhold the boon of praise, yet the sad experience of a recent catastrophe caused me involuntarily to exclaim, "Curse such improvements, they are not worth a fig!" Now, Mr. Editor, I am not philosopher enough to under stand how these same flags are manufactured, bat on a particular visit, after a shower without my fancy some of them are short of baking; for going spectacles, and stepping on one of these half baked flags, worn down about two inches lower than the my neat new reverentials (alias inexpressibles) that, rest, and full of water, I unfortunately so bespattered to my great mortification, I was obliged to put back for new rigging and a pilot. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-In our fellow-townsman's (Mr. Garoson's) portfolio of antiquities of Lancashire, I find stated the title-page of a book with very high pretensions But as the debt alluded to has considerably increased since 1677, the chances would be still more against suc cess than at first. As a whimsical specimen of mad scheming, it may amuse your readers. It follows: "Andrew Yarrington published in 1677 a book, entitled, without money; to set at work all the poor of England How to do the Dutch without fighting; to pay debts with the growth of our own lands,' &c. &c. Here commends embanking the Dee, professing thereby to make it navigable for large vessels, and likewise to save 3000 acres of land from the sea. Yarrington was the first that introduced clover here from Holland." D. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-In your Kaleidoscope for May 22, 1821, the 3rd column, last page, "Notes to the Siege of Lathom House," you mention "the County of Lancashire." Is not this wrong, although frequently used in this county? It is the County of Lancaster; or it is Lancashire; but, I apprehend, not the County of a Shire. the difference between a County and a Shire. on record. YOUR CONSTANT READER. If it be wrong to say 'County of Lancashire, and we believe it is so, the fault is our own, and we shall be glad to be enlightened upon the subject. With respect to the date at which the plague reappeared, upon consulting the MS. of Wilfred Wender, we find we have followed the copy literally.-Edt. Kal. TO THE EDITOR. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-The appearance of my two letters in the Kaleidoscope led to a denouement singular enough to be recorded, if you can spare room for it. Anxious to know your decision, I sent for your paper tion; and I availed myself of it to procure lights' for which I had the requisites in my study. While doing this, I observed to my visitor, that the words “ à cinq heures," were left out in the German's note, perhaps through my negligence in transcribing. She did not answer me; her mind being totally occupied in on the Monday evening, and retired to my little study considering of some mode of escape from her embarto read it. I had nearly finished, and the gloom of rassments. Her reverie was disturbed by footsteps In this kingdom, the counties of Cornwall, Sussex, Kent, Surry, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, twilight was fast approaching, when I heard a slight evidently approaching the room where we were. "Heavens!" cried she "where shall I go?" I hurried Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, and West-tap at the door, which was immediately opened, and a moreland, are never called Shires; why, I know not, lady entered the room. I thought it was my sister; her, horror struck as she seemed, into a closet; and though I remember once to have seen, in an old book, but to my astonishment found it was the lady whom I had barely time to shut the door, when two gentlemen were ushered into the room. I had expected two In the amusing Pedestrian Pilgrimage, page 4th of introduced to your acquaintance in the ball-room story. that paper, 1st column, it is stated that great numbers "You will think this an odd visit," said she, taking visitors; but certainly not the two who appeared: for died of the plague in 1666; that the ground where the a chair (which, in my surprise I neglected to offer) and one was my identical Thurlingian dagger-drawer, and people were buried, being accidentally disturbed 91 years afterwards, the plague broke out again; this, then, making a motion to me to sit down: "You will think the other, as it afterwards appeared, an Irish major of must have been in 1757. Are the dates here correct? this an odd visit; but I could not rest, having, by a the name of O'Goster. I can hardly suppose it was I never remember hearing of the circumstance; chance, seen your letters in the Kaleidoscope. But the valiant Dermot, your correspondent, as, in his and I think the plague could not break out so near the middle of the kingdom, and no account of it be left my stars! how your face is cut, and all through my last letter, he seemed too highly enchanted by his Sir, folly. Will there be a mark ?"—"No, it will leave exquisitely-accomplished lady to leave her speedily; no mark: the worst is detention in the house; I do and, in the almost utter neglect of the memory of his deceased friend O'Shaughnasey, we saw how he was not like exhibiting these stripes of court plaister.""But no mark. Oh, well-how could you think of abandoned to connubial bliss, to the exclusion of "My motive is every other feeling. I shall not detail our conversation. writing those letters about me?”— explained in them."—"Yes, yes! But see how the It was not short, nor was it cool. I at last discovered Editor abuses me: what does the animal mean by that the Major was not acquainted, as he ought to be, skittish ?'”—“ His observations are cutting; but with the story, and requested him to read my letters such as your behaviour, or my account of it, which to you. He did so; and then with the most unqualiwas simply true, elicited.”—“Why, bless me! what fied disgust and contempt, he turned upon his friend, was my fault? That German boor pestered me with and in forcible terms gave his opinion of his ruffian his ridiculous attentions. I was annoyed to the last conduct; then apologizing to me in the most gentlepoint, and beat off the enemy with the arms of de- manly manner, he was going to depart, when I begged fence given me by nature. I used my wit as you used him to stay and see the point concluded. I had no SIR,-The exertions which you have at all times your claymore. There, you see, I have a case in point." need to resort to your recommended punishment of made to protect inferior animals from the unfeeling "I beg your pardon; I think you have not. Your kicking. The German was mortified enough without and brutal ferocity in which some men (if I have wit was a weapon of offence, the cause of all the tuit; and the settlement of the business was so excesnot misapplied the term) indulge, is worthy of your mult; my claymore was, truly, a weapon of defence." sively humiliating to him, that I forbear to mention it. self, and of that feeling of humanity by which your ————“ Well, well, have it your own way. Confess, at I was not sorry that the lady was a listener, sex should be guided. It has fallen to my lot to detail to you an act of the most barbarous descrip- least, you study Boswell's Life of Johnson. You imi- though I felt for her situation, and I was glad when tion, and I regret I could not obtain the names of a tate the no positive very hopefully. Well, how is this I found myself once more free from the company of few of the party, because I think it would be acting affair to be settled? That is what I come to know. my male visitants. I released the lady; and congratuwhich strict justice to publish them, and thereby How ridiculous it was of you to laugh like a boy just lated her on the peaceful close of the affair." Thank aid in preventing the recurrence of such disgraceful scenes. The act to which I allude took place this from the boarding-school. You see what it has been heaven!" said she, “there is neither to be kicking nor morning on the west pier of George's Dock Basin. the cause of."—"And what was the cause of my fighting. Now you may give the Editor the whole "Well, Sir, story; and my compliments with it: and tell him he A number of young men. and boys, and some of laugh? Your tormenting ridicule.”them apparently respectable, took up a small black and what was it occasioned that ridicule? Was not I must think better of me."—"Can you joke so soon?” "Why, the danger is over: I am quite repossessed dog of the most inoffensive appearance and threw tormented?"-"Pardon me, no: you were pleased. him into the river, having previously fastened a cord You wished to discover if appearances were not more of my Dolce tranquillita' I cannot help thinking, -(who tells us about the round his neck; and as often as he made his way than appearances. The German is no despicable suitor. however, as dear old Mrs.. to the shore they again plunged him into the water. '——————“ You are provoking. Upon storms at the Saut Market, and the bonnie Green until the poor animal became so weak and exhausted Nay do not redden.”"I crave your mercy o' Glasgow) says, Providence is aye kind to daft folk as to be unable to gain the wall; he then became my word such ar. allusion.”. and bairns. But talking of bairns, I have a favour to fair game, and most of the party having provided | if I am mistaken."—" If ?"—"Well, you were not themselves with stones, made his yet visible head pleased, you were tormented, I will allow it; but your beg: I crave your mite for a poor and worthy woman, the object of their most furious attack. The best wit was unnecessary in that case: and I shudder to left a widow, with five children. Her situation is pimarksman was loudly applauded, and the poor think into what difficulties your wit and fondness for tiable: I have just been with her."--The tear tremanimal's pain was soon over. The scene, I thought, ridicule, unlicensed as it is, must bring you. Trifles may bled on her eyelid as she spoke; and the sweetest smile might even have disgraced a nation of savages. produce deadly mischief. You have nearly caused a repaid my promise of aiding her charitable wishes. Yours, &c. duel, and set your character at stake: and this secret Yet she resumed, in a moment, her eccentric manner, interview, which circumstances have forced you into- and declaring she was afraid of a visit from the ghosts of just think had it been with a stranger."" True, Thuanus or Bede, if she stayed longer in my study, true; all that has struck me. Spare me; for I have she fled, making a motion to me not to follow. This shed bitter tears this afternoon. I renounce this habit was mysterious; for, on my going down stairs, in a for ever: you shall see. But how is this affair to few minutes, I heard a loud knock at the street door, was shown into the drawOur arbitrator decides and the identical Miss close?"—"I cannot tell. that a duel is impossible. He authorizes me to kicking-room. She saluted me as if it were a month since him.”—“Oh! that is ridiculous. I dare say that he we had met; adding, "You frightful creature, what does not think the affair a reality; or you have misled have you been doing to your face?" him by giving an air of ridicule to your last letter." TO THE EDITOR. JULIA. hereafter SIR,-Could you, or any of your correspondents, inform me, whether, in any public school in Liverpool, experimental chemistry, or, if not experimental, if the mere rudiments of chemical science form a part of the system of education for boys? I am desirous of educating my sons so that they may become useful members of society; and I conceive a good knowledge of chemistry much more likely to render them so, than a knowledge of Latin, to acquire which they are now devoting their most valuable time. Would not a person, qualified to undertake a public class of experimental chemistry, meet with great encouragement here? "Faith! I thought it would be better to do so than make it appear what it was in fact, an attempt at assassination. The German merits a strait waist- coat."A FATHER. This letter is far too long; but I entreat your insertion of it, and remain respectfully Yours, &c. T- of P-, June 6, 1821. M. |