who was somewhat of a termagant, was one morning at breakfast annoyed with the usual topic. He sat silent until his loving spouse said she thought she raust send into Yorkshire, to try to get a good servant from thence. "No don't, my dear," said her husband. Why not, my dear ?" replied she. "Because," said he, "she will have such a great distance to go back."-What followed is not necessary to detail. 66 I hope your correspondent will not mistake me: I am far from being the advocate of profligacy in servants, or of want of probity in mistresses in giving characters. But I do feel fully convinced, that many of the complaints against servants, if traced to their true sources, would be found to originate in the contumely, overbearingness, or impetuosity of those whose superior attainments and stations in life should make them guardians over their domestics a system which would find its own reward; for it may be considered as an incontrovertible maxim, that there is no method so likely to obtain an influence over the human heart as by taking an interest in its con cerns. Liverpool, Dec. 2, 1823. FEMALE SERVANTS. TO THE EDITOR. PRO. SIR,-As you admitted T. B.'s complaint last week, please to admit mine. I have been married nearly the same number of years, and had nearly the same number of servants as he mentions, till we found we had got such a character for changing, that not a good one would apply for the place, and we were actually forced for half a year to keep the last one (who was little better than a Poll disorderly) in order to regain our own lost character. If you, Mr. Editor, can recommend us a servant who is both good and cheap, much nearer perfection than ourselves, and who will, nevertheless, put up with all kinds of scornful treatment, we shall be much obliged to you. H. Method for preserving Peas green for winter.-Put into a kettle of hot water any quantity of fresh shelled green peas; and after just letting them boil up, pour them into a colander. When the liquor has drained off, pour them into a large thick cloth, cover them with another, make them quite dry, and set them once or twice in a cool oven to harden a little; after which, put them into paper bags, and hang them up in the kitcken for use. To prepare them when wanted, they are to be first soaked well for an hour or more, and then put into warm water and boiled with a little butter.-American paper. Cement. To half a pint of milk put an equal quantity of vinegar, in order to curdle it; then separate the curd from the whey, and mix the whey with the whites of four or five eggs; add a little quick lime, through a sieve, until it has acquired the consistence of a thick paste. With this cement broken vessels and cracks of all descriptions may be mended. Winter Cough-The following prescription for a Constitutional or Winter Cough, was obtained from Sir Wm. Knighton, Bart.: Take of almond emulsion, 74 ounces; syrup of white poppies, oxymel of squills, of each two drachms; compound powder of gum tragacanth, one drachm. Two table spoonful to be taken frequently. The Bouquet. "I have here only made a nosegay of culled flowers, and have brought nothing of my own but the thread that ties them." MONTAIGNE. ST. KILDA. [From the Caledonian Mercury.] Our readers would observe in our last paper that a charity sermon had been preached at Glasgow, for the purpose of raising a subscription for building a place of worship and instruction, and a residence for a clergyman in the remote islands of St. Kilda; and we are happy to hear that sermons are to be preached for the same benevo lent purpose in Perth, Dundee, Montrose, and Aberdeen. Already a sermon has been preached in Edinburgh, and a liberal collection obtained for this object, and a private made such progress, that the individuals who have intesubscription has likewise been made, which has already rested themselves entertain the strongest hopes that their object will be carried into effect in the course of next summer. The public are perhaps by no means aware how loudly this exertion is called for. The St. Kilda Islands are the property, and the only property of a gentleman at present in the military service of the India Company. The whole rental of the islands, which is paid in feathers, fulmar's oil, and a small quantity of wool, scarcely exceeds one hundred per annum. prietor can spare any large proportion of this small income It cannot be expected that the proto be laid out for the accomodation of the clergyman. It consequently becomes an object highly deserving the attention of the benevolent, when such ample provisions are heathen abroad, that the inhabitants of St. Kilda, the repouring forth for the guidance and instruction of the motest of the British Isles, should not be allowed to remain in utter ignorance, which it is too much to be feared, is very nearly their actual state at this present moment. For nearly a century past, the number of inhabitants has varied very little from one hundred. In 1733, the Laird of Harris, to whom St. Kilda then belonged, mortified a sum of money, the interest of which, £16 13s. 4d. was destined for the support of a missionary in St. Kilda. This salary the Society for propagating Christian Knowledge augmented to £25, and on this pittance a person resided for many years in St. Kilda. But it may be judged with how little effect, when a short time ago, only one individual of the whole inhabitants could read a single word, and but one only could speak English, which he was taught along with the elegant accomplishment of playing on the fiddle, by the missionary. missionary has been allowed to retire on his full salary, The Society considered it high time to interfere; the and £50 per annum has been appropriated by that body, to be bestowed on a new clergyman; but before any individual can be expected to take possession of his charge, residence must be provided, not only for him, but accommodation for public worship and education. It is for this purpose we call the attention of our countrymen to this subject; of our brother publishers in those districts where the case of the poor St. Kildans is likely to be set forth, we entreat the favour of their making the above particulars known, for the truth and accuracy of which we hold ourselves responsible; but we may add, as a corroboration of what we have said above, that out of 12 Gaelic bibles which a gentleman carried with him in 1818, to give away to the poor people, he brought 11 back, one person only being capable of using them. a PITCAIRN'S ISLAND. A professional gentleman, who visited Pitcairn's Island in December last, has communicated the following particulars: the island 54 persons, of whom 49 were the offspring of At the above-mentioned period there were residing on the mutineers of the Bounty. Seven of the young men were married, having in all 27 children, of whom 23 were under 10 years of age. John Adams presides as a patriarch over this interesting population. To the utmost of his power he has endeavoured to train them up in the principles of piety and virtue, and they appear to approach nearer to the state of primeval innocence and simplicity than perhaps any other community. Their condition presents a delightful picture of social happiness. The bible is their directory. Most of them who are above ten years of age can read it. A considerable portion of their time is employed in offering up praises to the Almighty. Nearly the whole of the sabbath is spent in prayer, singing, and reading the holy scriptures. Every morning, at four o'clock, they assemble in their respective habitations, for family worship, when an appropriate psalm is sung. At 11, all the families meet together on a green, in the front of their dwellings, when John Adams reads prayers, and portions of the scriptures, and one or two psalms are sung. Before sunset, they thus assemble again. Afterwards they have family prayer, sing the evening hymn, and retire to rest. This little island is extremely healthy, and produces, with very little labour, all the necessaries of life, and some of its luxuries. The scenery where this interesting portion of the human race have fixed their habitations, is described as peculiarly picturesque and beautiful. From this remote, and in various respects, desirable spot, anxiety, however, is not excluded. The number o ships which touch at the island, both English and Anter Adams is apprehensive that this may lead to an intercours can, is now much more numerous than formerly. John with strangers, who impelled chiefly by curiosity oc casionally visit this little colony and his peoplepirjuriou to their morals and happiness. Although possessing con siderable physical strength, with the use of his facultie entire, he is yet sensible of his advancing age, and fet desirous, as do also the adult portion of his large famil that an individual, of weight and excellence of charact to acquire over the people a personal influence at once it and beneficial, should settle in the island during his moting the education, religious improvement, and soc time. The plans such an individual might form for welfare of the people, John Adams would second all the influence which he himself derives from their o firmed attachment and affectionate veneration. person who may settle on the island with these views sha It is the desire of Mr. Adams and his people that be an Englishman, a minister, and that he should bes out under the sanction of the London Missionary Soci As, however, the interesting people who thus req the intervention of the society, do not fall within the cognized sphere of its operations, the directors an pledge themselves to contribute towards the exp either of equipment or maintenance, on behalf of a person going out, as proposed, under the sanction of society; but they hereby engage to exert themselves procure for such person, and (if married) for his vi free passage to Pitcairn's Island. WITCHCRAFT IN INDIA. [From Sir J. Malcolm's “ Memoir of Central India. The belief in witchcraft is common to all India, bu prevails in an extraordinary degree in Central In From the most learned Brahmin to the lowest Bheel, a share in this superstition; the consequences of which hav been, and are, too fatal to those who are its objects victims, to admit of its being passed over without a she notice. The idea entertained of Dhakuns, or witches, i certain women (generally the old and wrinkled) are dowed with a limited supernatural power, which, the it does not enable them to see into faturity, or t what they wish, empowers them, with the aid familiar, or Bheer, and by their incantations, t pains, diseases, or death, upon human beings, or an as they may desire to gratify their malice or res The common inean to which they are believed resorted, to accomplish their vengeance, is, ca gradual decay of the liver of the person or a wish to destroy. Their power of witchcraft exists 14th, 15th, and 29th of every month. It is als strong during certain periods of the year, partic the time when they have most power. At other nine days before the Dusserah feast; but the Dea Dhakuns appear, dress, talk, and eat, like ther with their eyes glaring red, their hair dishe but, when the fit is on them, they are some bristled, while their head is often tossed round in convulsive manner. On the nights of these days th believed to go abroad, and after casting off their to ride upon tigers and other wild animals; and desire to go upon the water, the alligators c the beasts of the forest, at their call, and they d rivers and lakes on their backs till near dawn about which period they always return home, and their usual forms and occupations. Such absurd would not merit mention, did not the numerous (they can be called by no other name) which i produces, force it into notice. It is calculate, tolerable data, that, within the last thirty years, thousand women have been put to death as this country, of whom a very large proport perished by the orders of Zalim Singh, regenti who, with all his extraordinary talent, is rema his weak, childish superstition upon this point putation has gone far to confirm the belief of oth in several late murders of supposed witches, his has been brought forward, while the acknowl periority of his understanding has been urged fallible proof of the existence of sorcery, and of supernatural agents. The usual mode of proving an accused woman is a witch, is through a reg dicant of low tribe, who is termed a Bhopah, and lieved to have the talent of discovering those wh the lant power of sorcery; but, generally, for a woman of a village to be old and haggard, and bad tempered, is s Figu to make suspicion fall upon her. If a man, his , or child, or any of his cattle, remain long in bad , or die suddenly, and any old woman is supposed an ill will against him or his family, she is seized, and red pepper is stuffed into her eyes: if this process s not praluce tears, the unfortunate creature is consometimes she is flogged with the branches of nat vanita, or with the root of the palma christi, trol plant; and if these (after other stripes have 1-24) make her call out, she is deemed a sorceress, for e an inflict pain upon such a being. On other ross, the witch is tied in a bag and thrown into a where sinking is the only proof of her innocence. f her struggles keep her afinat, she is inevitably conmed and punished, either by being obliged to drink war used by the leather-dressers, which is a degra# from caste, or by having her nose cut off, or being REVIVIANA. [CONTINUED FROM OUR LAST.] with a man to fish some bad out of him, and loth to find it in another. rear. is 40. A RASH MAN is a man toe quick for himself: one whose actions put a leg still before his judgment, and out-run it. Every $9. A DETRACTER is one of a more cun-hot fancy or passion is the signall that sets g and active envy, wherewith he gnaws him forward; and his reason comes still in the foolishly himself, but throwes it abroad, One that has brain enough, but not & would have it blister others. He is compatience to digest a businesse, and stay the only some weak-parted fellow, and worse leisure of a second thought. All deliberation loded, yet is strangely ambitious to match is to him a kind of sloth, and freezing of ters, not by mounting their worth, but action, and it shall burn him rather then take ging them down with his Tongue to his cold. He is alwayes resolv'd at first thinking, poornesse. He is indeed like the red and the ground he goes upon is hap what may gon that pursued the Woman, for when Thus he enters not, but throwes himself viocannot overreach another, he opens his lently upon all things, and for the most part th, and throws a flood after to drown is as violently upon all off again: and as an You cannot anger him worse, then to obstinate will was the preface to his underwell, and he hates you more bitterly for taking: so his conclusion is commonly I would I then if you had cheated him of his pa- I had not, for such men seldom doe anything pay with your own discredit. He is that they are not forc'd to take in picces yes slighting the general opinion, and again, and are so much further off from doing Adring why such and such men should be it, as they have done already. His friends dauded. Commend a good Divine, he cries with him as his Physicians, sought to onely alling; a Philologer, Pedantry; a Poet, in his sicknesse, and extremity, and to help g; a Schoolman, dull wrangling; a him out of that mire he hath plung'd himself | comcrit, Boyishnesse; an honest man, into, for in the suddennesse of his passions bility. He comes to public things, not he would hear nothing, and now his ill sucrn, but to catch; and if there be but cesse hath allay'd him, he heares too late. lecisme, that's all he carrries away. He He is a man still swayed with the first reports, on all things with a prepared sorenesse, still furnish'd with a Pish before hand, me musty proverb that disrelishes all are Correspondence. [SEE A NOTE TO CORRESPONDENT] TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-Having been informed of the curious circumstance, that a shilling fixed to a piece of silk, and suspended from the hand into a tumbler, would strike the hour of the day, I resolved to try the experiment, though the following manner :-To a piece of dark silk, about a foot long, a shilling was fastened, the contrary end of which being held betwixt the finger and thumb, and the shilling suspended into the centre of a flint tumbler, at shilling being a little below the level of the glass, andthe about the height of six or seven inches, the top of the arm at the same time supported and held in a perfectly steady and fixed position. In a few moments the shilling began to move in a manner similar to the pendulum of a the side of the glass eleven times, that being the hour at clock, and continued to increase in velocity until it struck which the experiment was made; after this it was repeated the clock round, and the result was invariably the same, and though it would perhaps be some time ere it struck the whole number, yet the motion of the shilling would not cease until the whole had been indicated, when in a few moments it would become quite still, and then remaining so for a short space would repeat the phenomeeffect, and the larger the surface of suspended metal exnon. Any metal or even glass will produce the same posed, the sooner the effect is produced, consequently, an half-crown piece acts better than a shilling. at the same time I did not credit it. It was conducted in The cause of this phenomenon I conceive to be electric attraction exerted between the metal and the glass, but why its movements should be regulated to the precise hour JUNIUS CHIRURGICUS. Liverpool, Nov. 22, 1823. DARIEN. (Continued from our former publications.) TO THE EDITOR. SIR, I bring forward, in support of the utility of a cut through Darien, and of shortening the passage to the East Indies, Mr. Jeffreys, the King's geographer, Ro- -hatsoever. If the fear of the com engage in it. If what appeared in the Mercury, under is in the Mer shall rejoice, and take a small portion of credit to myself; just as much as the common soldier does when he fires the bomb, which, pointed by the hand of an able engineer, falls upon the enemy's magazine, and blows it up. I might then say, with a knowing-one of old, "Pergama tum vici, cum vinci posse.corgi." Geographicus says "my public spirit is to be commended." I beg leave to decline accepting the aid of his exertions to help me on to notoriety. Con las mias me contento, tales quales ellas son," as a celebrated traveller in Spain once said. Nov. 30, 1823. C. W. DANGEROUS STATE OF CHIMNEYS, &c. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-Three fatal warnings, in three successive years, have the inhabitants of Liverpool received, to admonish them of the necessity of procuring an act of parliament, appointing district surveyors to superintend all new buildings, and to examine the state of the chimneys in this extensive commercial town. Whoever perambulates its streets and lanes, with a view to examine the buildings, must observe the ill-constructed chimneys; and instead of feeling surprise at the accidents which have occurred, will feel astonishment that they have not been ten times more numerous. In ancient Rone, the life of a citizen was guarded with a sacred care, and Britain, by that admirable appointment, the coroner's inquest, recognizes the same praiseworthy principle in legislation. It requires only the determination and perseverance of one respectable individual to bring the subject before the proper authorities to accomplish it. Whoever shall undertake it will merit well of his fellow-townsmen and of the British nation. V. P. A. E, Liverpool. MARINE BAROMETERS. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,It will sometimes happen that the barometer exhibits appearances by no means corresponding with the atmospherical phenomena which succeed such symptoms. Thus the weather will occasionally be foul, although the barometer is gradually rising, and fair when the mercury - is as regularly subsiding in short, the connexion between the rise and fall of the barometer is so anomalous, or so little understood, that many persons have somewhat too hastily concluded that the Torricellian tube is little better than a philosophical toy, inapplicable to any useful purpose. This is, however, a great mistake, as there is one of the most important meteorological phenomena which the barometer seldom fails to announce, and which if duly watched, may often be the means of saving human lives, especially at sea. Whenever the mercury is found to sink with unusual rapidity, or to fall through a larger portion of the tube than usual, it is next to certain that a storm or hurricane is at hand, the violence of which is proportionate to the rapidity with which the mercury has subsided, or the extent of its fall. I never recollected a more striking illustration of this fact, than on the night of Wednesday last. When I reached home soon after ten o'clock, the wind was moderate, and the stars shining brightly; but the mercury in my barometer had fallen so unusually since I had left home, that I took these precautions which fatal experience has proved to be so necessary, under similar circumstances. The movement of the mercury on that afternoon and evening was so remarkable, that any mariner at sea possessed of a marine barometer, must have been apprized of the coming storm, perhaps too in time to run into some effectual place of shelter. It is with the view of recommending these most useful appendages to a ship's cabin that I have addressed you on this subject; for, whatever may be their utility on shore, at sea their indications may often be the means of preserving the lives and properties of our fellow-men.remain your friend, GAME OF BANDY. TO THE EDITOR. SIR;-You will, no doubt, recollect an old correspondent on the subject of this dangerous amusement. Indeed, I find myself become an annual complainant. I know not under what auspices the periodical commencement of this nuisance is regulated, but I have noticed for several years, that, shortly after the appointment of each Mayor of the town, the young rogues commence their destructive operations. The immediate predecessor of our present excellent Chief Magistrate did certainly take some steps towards putting an end to it; but, as it appears, without effect, for the disorder is now as prevalent as ever, and calls for the application of an effectual remedy. A few days prior to each fifth of November, the walls are placarded with a prohibition against exhibiting fireworks, in commemoration of the sham plot of that day. I hope the proper authorities will issue a similar notice against this practice, and follow it up by making an example of all stable of Toxteth-park will see the necessity of adopting similar measures in that township.* subsequent offenders; and I doubt not, that the Chief Con That the mischief arising from the improper use of fire works is (when it does occur) more disastrous in its effects may be presumed; but, I will venture to assert, that for one than what may be expected to result from a game of bandy, instance of damage by the former, twenty may be adduced against the latter, many of them of very serious import. If the danger to be apprehended from this recreation should be disputed or underrated by any one, I beg you will exhibit to him the piece of wood I send you herewith, being an oak treenail end, which was the object of fierce contention between two detachments of juvenile warriors on a very recent occasion: if the inspection thereof does not convince him of the im propriety of suffering the continuance of this hazardous practice, I certainly shall not wish that such a missile should ever, in its flight, come into contact either with his eyes or his windows; but if, in a struggle which might arise in endeavouring to extricate it from a Corporation bed, he should come in for a sprinkling of the feathers (an occurrence by fo means unlikely) he will not, in my estimation, be entitled to any great share of pity.-Yours, &c. P. B. P. * In the town of Birmingham a like interdiction exists against bandy playing, flying of kites, and other dangerous amusements; and, I have been informed, is rigidly enforced, -N. B. I have reason to think that kites made of stamped paper are exempted from its operation. tulle, tied in front by a bow of white satin ribbon: short full sleeve, set in a white satin band; perpendicular corded satin bands, ornamented half way with bows of white satin ribbon, support the fulness of the sleeve; corded satin ceinture; rosette of corded leaves behind, with a highly-wrought steel buckle in the centre. The skirt is trimmed with two flounces of deep blond lace, arraced in festoons; and a corded satin leaf, pointing downwards unites three narrow satin pipings that head each flour.ce: a broad satin rouleau terminates the bottom of the dres The hair is parted on the forehead, and in light cur round the face: hind hair disposed in bows at the top the head, and a garland of flowers is placed rather bad Necklace of gold, with ornaments in front; ear-rings bracelets to correspond. White kid gloves, and wh satin shoes. To Correspondents. PHILOSOPHICAL MIRACLE-The communication of Jag If a person is prepared to believe a mystery, half tel translation of Gottsched the Great-A Partial lines to Woman-The Old Oak, by J. B. L.-The of S. W.-M. Q.-Lines written in a fit of Melle N.'s lines on a Sun Dial. TRIALS AT HERTFORD.-The Observer of Sunday, Dec. 7, will of necessity be two sheets. No Advertisements in either. The price of the two-sheets will be Fourteen Pence. They will contain a very copious report of the trials of Thurtell, Hunt, and Probert, illustrated with Intended for our next or the succeeding publicctionHouse, at Hertford, drawn during the time of the trials. Six Engravings; viz.-1. The representation of the Court -2. The scene of the murder, with the gig in the lane. 3. The pond in the garden, into which Mr. Weare was first thrown.-4. The pond at Elstree, in, which the body was found.-5. The stable, with the deceased placed across the horse.-6. View from the cottage window, from which the deceased is seen being drawn along the path of the garden. These two sheets of the Observer will be kept on sale until Christmas-day, at the office, No. 169, Strand, London, where franks can be had to send them to any part of the United Kingdom, free of charge. Fashions for December. FULL DRESS.-Dress of bright poppy-coloured India muslin, ornamented with small sprigs of gold. The corsage to fit, with an elegant stomacher, composed of double rows of gold lace, placed diagonally from the front and continued over the shoulder; the outside formed into vandykes: short full sleeve, incased in bands edged with gold; broad gold lace band round the waist; tucker of narrow blond. The skirt is decorated with gold lace, placed flat on the dress in perpendicular double columns of different height; the upper part finished with a wave, leaves of gold, edged with very narrow blond; broad and the highest points terminated with three unilateral wadded hem at the bottom of the dress. Turban of gold and poppy-colour crepe lisse; the frame of alternative rows of the same coloured satins brought to a point in front, and satin bands of French folds supporting the large bouffants of crepe lisse; short coquelicot feather placed on the right side. Pearl ear-rings, bracelets, and neck-lace; blond lace scarf; French trimmed gloves, and white satin shoes. EVENING DRESS.-British lace dress: the waist rather long, and the corsage plain, with a Farinet tucker of fine Celadon will oblige us by explaining the first four lines? third stanza of his Illustrations of Colour: "Colour of Hope, whene'er I gaze On thee in this eventful scene, It brings to mind thy heavenly rays, Betokens thy celestial sheen;" GERMAN STORY.--Previously to publishing this stary, to ascertain whether it is an original transaEGRA correspondent. Angelo, whose letter we sometime since acknowled agree with us on a little further consideration, that ject he has selected is scarcely fair ground for madversion. T. S. Nworb has diluted his ink with so much water, t have some doubt whether we can decypher the pale ters; however, if we fail it shall not be for w pains. 1. F. of Kirkby Lonsdale, shall be attended to. HALTON CASTLE-The lines written at Halton by appear in our next. They have been unacco not intentionally neglected. Letters or parcels not received, unless free of Printed, published, and sold, EVERY TUESDA SMITH and Co. 75, Lord-street, Liverpo Sold also by J. By water and Co. Pool-lane; Eras and Hall, Castle-st.; T. Smith, Paradise-st.; T. Wa Public Library, Lime st.; E. Willan, Beid Smith, Tea-dealer and Stationer, Richmond Gamage, 11, Clarence-street; and J. Lowth ry, St.James-place; for ready money only. OR, Literary and Scientific Mirror. UTILE DULCI." Durham-Geo. Andrews; Kendal--M.&R. Branthwaite; Newcastle-u.-Tyne-S. Humble; Prescot-A. Ducker; weekly to the Agents, viz.. familiar Miscellany, from which religious and political matters are excluded, contains a variety of original and selected Articles; comprehending Literature, Criticism, Men and Manners, Amusement, Elegant Extracts, Poetry, Anecdotes, Biography, Meteorology, the Drama, Arts and Sciences, Wit and Satire, Fashions, Natural History, &c. &c. forming a handsome Annual ́ Volume, with an Index and Title-page.—Its circulation renders it a most eligible medium for Literary and Fashionable Advertisements.—Regular supplies are forwarded ONDON-Sherwood & Bury-J. Kay; Ca Booksellers; E. Marl- Carlisle-J. Jollie; Ellesmere-W. Baugh; horough, Newsvender; Chester-R. Taylor; Glasgow-Robertson &Co.; ber, Derb.-W. Hoon; Chorley-R. Parker; Greenock-W. Scott; -T. Cunningham; Clithero-H. Whalley; Halifax-R. Simpson; gham-R.Wrightson Colne-H. Earnshaw; -N. Whitley; Kell; Brand wood; Congleton-J. Parsons; Hanley-T. Allbut; burn-T Rogerson; Doncaster-C. & J. White; Haslingden-J. Read; dford J. Stanfield; Dublin-Leet and De Jon-Huddersfield-T. Smart; ley-T. Sutcliffe; court, Gen. Post-office; Hull-J Perkins; e-S. Brougham; and the Booksellers. Knutsford-P. Stubbs; 181.-NEW SERIES. Men and Manners. DOMESTIC SERVANTS. TO THE EDITOR. Lancaster-G. Bentham; Shrewsbury-C. Hulbert; -Charnley; Rochdale-J. Hartley; TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1823. -I have been well pleased to find that the degety in the conduct of our female domestics is becoming ubject of public discussion. It has long been a source priate inconvenience: and I fancy there are few perwho have been housekeepers for fourteen or sixteen in, who will feel disposed to question the fact, that difficulty of meeting with comfortable, respectable avants is much greater now than it was when they first ommenced bousekeeping. Since every effect must have adequate cause, and since our comfort so essentially pends upon the good conduct of this part of our families, is surely worth while to endeavour to trace the evil to source; and, if we can discover it, to set ourselves gorously to work to counteract its baneful influence. se first error in the education of girls designed for ser(and perhaps the one most difficult of correction) is, appears to me, the mismanagement of mothers, who when they get their girls admitted into a freeel (as they term it) they have done all that is required hem towards making them respectable characters in ; and they suffer them to waste the time they are que in idleness, or playing about the streets: there be some exceptions, but I fear not many. Now, aloes a girl learn at school? To read, write, and sew; od things in their way, but forming only a small the requisite acquirements for making a good ant; and unless in addition to these she be taught to of active eleanliness, it is more than probable that ture mistress may find her any thing but a useful Date in doing the work of a house. How this evil be prevented, the few opportunities I have of going gst the poorer classes prevents my saying; but I think, that, if the ladies, whose benevolence leads frequently to the habitations of the poor, were to investigate the subject, and discover how girls, ten years of age, are occupied, they might, by judicious asist the mothers in the formation of some plan would ensure a more accurate fulfilment of their ters' engagements with their future mistresses. must be an error in that system which does not a better discharge of the duties of our situation, they may be; and I throw out these hints in pe of inducing some persons better qualified to and who have greater opportunities of observing ay avocations allow me, to turn their attention most malarly to this part of female education; for, unless is active, clever, and regular in performing the of her place, it will be no recommendation to her e can read and write.-I now come to another thee which I must think contributes in a very great to the degeneracy of which we complain, and that every false characters which many ladies do not pe to give of those who have been in their service. Southport-W. Garside; Whitchurch-R. Parker; St. Helen's-I. Sharp; J. Brown; Wrexham-J. Painter; York-W.Alexander. VOL. IV.-PRICE 3d• she attempts to deceive; for instance, if she breaks any thing, however great the value. I do not mean that carelessness is to be passed over without a reprimand; but while this is subject of reproof, convince her that you respect her for her honesty, and that the penalty you impose (for habitual carelessness must be checked) is much less than it would have been had she been guilty of falsehood. If any circumstance occurs which leads to a suspicion of deception, let every means be taken to discover the truth: this is particularly desirable where young girls are concerned. If all, or the generality of mistressesTM would thus uniformly encourage truth, punish falsehood, and by their watchfulness render deception difficult, surely greater integrity might reasonably be looked for; but individual efforts will do but little towards producing it. So common is this misrepresentation become, that ladies GOTTSCHED THE GREAT. The grammarian Gottsched would have been respected as such, if he had confined himself to his own line. His researches were useful to the language; and the public had not only acknowleged it, but his reputation was at one time very great; and he wantonly ruined it himself. Like an ambitious stone-mason, who wants to be an architect, he became tired of preparing materials for others, and set up for author himself; nay, what is worse, he pretended to rule Mount Parnassus with a despotic sway, and to grant admittance to none but to his disciples and admirers. Fancying himself a second Johnson (I mean Doctor Johnson) he pretended to be a dictator in literary matters: and, as long as his reign lasted, the press was made to groan with productions à la Gottsched, which proved afterwards to be very profitable to trunkmakers and others, as being by far the cheapest paper for linings. The great abuse, which the professor made of his influence brought at last men into the field, who joined learning to natural abilities and great taste: they tried, for some time, reason and argument; but when they found that the infatuation was too strong to yield to rational demonstrations, they resorted to the powerful weapons of ridicule; and the master-pedant was involved in a great va❤ riety of ludirous adventures, of which the following is perhaps one of the drollest. Gottsched had determined, among other things, that there should be no operas in Germany, and he had addressed a letter, for that purpose, to Mr. De Dieskau, who was maître des plaisirs of Augustus the Third, and a decided patron of those amusements. This gentleman communicated the epistle to his friends; and, as it was full of bom.. bast and bad French, a great many copies were made of it. Gottsched attributed this publicity to the stage-manager, Koch, and had the folly to begin a law-suit against him. Whilst this was going on, a long doggerel publication made its appearance, in which all the sins of the grammarian were enumerated in his own style. said, very coolly, "and is this all? the whole is a mere "I have now spent six months in England, and during Take heed, ye Christians, and be wary, He will do all the harm he can, Liverpool, Nov. 22, 1823. HOMO. a Frenchman. The satire purported to be despatched by a friend in the "It is indeed a most extraordinary circumstance, the lower regions, who told the professor that he would be of all the nations in Europe, the English, though the ne fetched away before his time, if he did not take the warnTHE ENGLISH CHARACTER. esteemed for their simplicity and domestic virtues, are ing as he ought: the more so, as an additional turnspit [FROM "LONDON AND PARIS, OR COMPARATIVE SKETCHES."]" least easily known, because seldom seen in their natu was just then wanted, and he was particularly fit for the character. In other countries the haughtiest noble allo situation, as being one of those who did not think much.don, I see the daughters of your most distinguished fami- to view him in his hours of retirement. If discovered i "In all the promenades and public exhibitions of Lon. not only his friends, but even his commonest acquaintan His correspondent then assured him, that there were two lies escorted by crowds of single men, and though it is his toilet, he is not distressed at being gazed at in his be things which he would never acquire; viz. wisdom and true that they never appear unattended by a matron gown; and if found at table with his wife and children, science. He reproached him with having made a decla- (styled here, I know not why, a chaperon) the latter, whe-blushes not at the modesty of his ordinary meal-a es ration of love to Madame Koch, from whom he had got ther the party be on foot or horseback, is frequently left of which, without ceremony or restraint, he asks the a dental visitor to partake. All this is reversed in Englan for answer-that, if ever she could forget her duty towards by her younger companions at a convenient distance. .. At your balls and assemblies I observe persons of op- If, in spite of contrary orders, and strict prohibitions, her husband, it should not be for the sake of a pedant like posite sexes, in the hey-day of life, seated in windows and awkward servant allows an unexpected guest to find b himself. This reply was said to have set him in a phrenzy: corners of the room, deeply occupied with each other, and way beyond the threshold of the door, the utmost comf and it was stated that he had ever since watched poor engaged in the most animated conversations. This kind sion is sure to ensue. He is either met by a better Koch and his family like an angry tom-cat. Then fol- of intercourse, which in other countries would be thought plined servant, who, with a thousand bows and ap highly indecorous, here passes uncensured in the most re- for the mistake which has been made, assures him the Lowed an admonition, to mind his own business, and not spectable circles, and is styled, in the jargon of fashion, an master is not at home; or, conducted into an empty ro to commit so many grammatical blunders in his future innocent flirtation. Apropos, the said word flirtation can and left there for half an hour, while he hears bells writings, lest his tottering reputation be destroyed for ever. not be translated into French by any corresponding term, ing and people running about, he is at last waited ups In conclusion, the monitor represented to him that he probably because the habit which the phrase expresses, is by the gentleman of the house, whose assumed politene On such occasions, I find that the most and repeated excuses but ill accord with the embarrasmen would do best by resigning authorship altogether; since it unknown to us. prudent mother thinks it quite unnecessary to interfere, which is legible in his countenance. But when, withou was already plain enough that he had not the least talent provided always that the gentieman, whose assiduities the such interruption, the intruder is led at once into the pres for it. Good eating and drinking were pointed out as young lady appears to encourage, possesses what commerwhat best suited his faculties; and he was enjoined to cial men call the one thing needful-I mean, a sufficiency of wealth; for character, temper, and corresponding tastes, confine his amorous addresses to single women. are minor considerations, which seldom claim the attention of speculating parents. To ascertain the fortunes in possession, or expectancy, of the single men presented to them, becomes, therefore, the business of your female heads of families; and while the utmost pains is taken to draw the rich and noble into the vortex of their daughters' attractions, equal care is observed in keeping suitors of an opposite description at a respectful distance." Plentiful distributions of the philippic were made, gratis, at Dresden and Leipsig, where the thing became the universal laughing-stock. The professor was enraged to madness; and his thirst for revenge brought him into a situation which has perhaps never had its equal. sence of the persons whom he comes to visit, a side frown given to the stupid attendant by whose error he has gained admittance, a similar look exchanged between the hus band and the wife, the dismissal of the children, or the sudden disappearance of the lady, too plainly discover how little he is welcome. at large. "What renders the system of giving ruinou e ments particularly ridiculous is, that no one is deceived it. Who imagines that the donor of a gala lives equal magnificence on ordinary occasions; and who d that it is an effort of vanity, which can be but sel repeated? The fashion, therefore, in London, of changing great dinners is little more than a general ment to visit each other in assumed characters, and game of humbug, which imposes on none but the weal and least experienced of mankind. "If the stranger, unacquainted with the manners London, happens to knock at the door near the time dinner, and is by some unlucky mismanagement peritten to pass the porter's lodge, the mischief is still greater, a The Count de Brühl, prime-minister of Saxony, used to every possible manoeuvre is practised to get him out d visit Leipsig during the fair; and Gottsched had no sooner house with the utmost expedition. Foreigners are heard of his arrival, than he requested an audience, fully "On another occasion, I was at no great distance from nished at finding, that he who receives them on one convinced that an offence which had been given to a man a young couple who had for some minutes been engaged with the most lavish profusion, will, on the next, caref of his consequence would be punished with the utmost se- in rather an animated conversation, when the mother of the abstain from exercising the lowest act of ordinary verity. He suspected the criminal to be no other but T. C. young lady entered the room, and drawing her away, ex-tality. I have indeed been oft asked to family di claimed in a loud whisper, How can you be so absurd but these family dinners (true symbols of preud bum Rost, the minister's own secretary; and his suspicion hap- as to throw away your time in this manner? Don't you have always proved no less luxurious than the prof pened to be well founded: but the delinquent had used the know that Mr. is only a younger brother? I must banquets which your daily newspapers are so fond precaution of putting his employer into the confidence, and once again repeat what I have told you frequently before scribing, for the amusement and edification of the mo of obtaining his silent consent to the impression. They never to allow any man to monopolise your attention were working together when the linguist was announced, till I have given the signal by holding up my fan.' I lately too, received a lesson for my vanity, I shall and R. offered to leave the room, but his master bid him not easily forget; I danced at a ball with a very pretty to stop. The minister received G. very civilly, and pre- girl, who, having visited the Continent, and travelled even served the utmost calmness during his visit; but the lat- as far as Naples, possessed a fund of conversation very suter bursted out immediately, "Your Excellency has un-perior to that of the generality of unmarried females whom I met in society. She received my attentions so favourably, doubtedly heard what an abominable libel a malicious per- that I ventured to hand her to supper, and to keep by her son (fixing his eyes up on Rost) has dared to publish against side during the remainder of the evening. In going away, me." The Count pretended not to know what was the mat- I was introduced to her parents, and was invited to their ter; but Gottsched had provided himself with a copy for the house, where I soon became a constant visitor. This inPerhaps, indeed, the perpetual feasting of the case, and he presented it. "Pray read it to me," said his tercourse had continued some days, when, calling one petite, unaccompanied by any endeavour to gra morning at our Ambassador's I learnt that a near relation mind or heart, may be the cause of that apathy Excellency, that I may be able to judge." The appli- or the young lady, on the day after the ball, had made the which form the two prevailing maladies of yar t cant made two steps backwards, and begged to be excused. most particular inquiries there respecting the extent of my countrymen. In hopes to get rid of those evils, the Do read it," repeated the Count; "my secretary might fortune, and the antiquity of my family. I found, too, for ever in motion; and, not content with going fre indeed take this trouble from you; but he does not read that a great anxiety had been expressed to ascertain whe-country-houses in London, and from London to Bath so well." The poor man durst not resist the all-power- ther I was the identical Marquis de Vermont, who pos- Cheltenham, they migrate in flocks to the most dist sessed the hotel in the Rue Fauxbourg St. Honore, whose corners of the earth. Abroad, they live exclusid ful minister; and yet, how should he recite a lampoon garden, opening in the Champs Elysées, had so often ex-gether, and follow the same habits to which they pon himself, and in the very presence of the author? cited the admiration of the person who asked the question. their misery at home. Change of place, thereft He set about it, however, and after having once begun, In short, I found that the young lady and her family were duces no change of feeling, and they continue to he did his duty as a lecturer, and proceeded with great fond of Paris, and that all the civility which they had be- about, laughed at by those who thrive by their ex emphasis; taking care to lay particular stress on the most stowed on me, arose from a selfish speculation on the ad-gance, and the living pictures of woe; while envied a obnoxious passages, in order to make the Count feel their vantages of a possible matrimonial union with a rich in- hated by the rest of the world for the possession habitant of their favourite city. Need I add, that after wealth which affords them so little gratification. S atrocity. The scene could not possibly have been more making this discovery, the sweetest smiles of the fair for is the first blessing of civilized man; and as no comical, but when the reader had finished, his Excellency tune-hunter could not induce me to repeat my visits? a enjoys this less than you or more than we, I am indice |