Literature, Criticism, &c. ON SPANISH LITERATURE. ESSAY II. Translated expressly for the Kaleidoscope. INTRODUCTION. However, the kings of Arragon, D. Juan the First, D. To Corresvondents. ginated in the north of Spain before the conquest of that country by the Moors, descended with the heroic warrier from the Asturian mountains, accompanied the rising tune of their arms, and finally became the establish medium of intercourse even in the southern provizes, where it had been long and powerfully withstood by the These monarchs honoured by their presence these as- Arabic. The poetry, also, of that bold and remar semblies, in which the verses of the competitors were re-people,-poetry which had been born amidst the clar Hitherto we have seen four people (the Romans, the cited, and they distributed prizes with a munificence wor- of arms, and nursed by the lofty and almost increcita Goths, the Jews, and the Arabians) whose abode in the thy of royalty. The successful candidates were crowned deeds of the old Christian warriors, became the general kingdom must necessarily have left some traces behind it, with laurel, amidst the sound of musical instruments and standard of imitation. in the minds as well as in the manners of the Spaniards. the acclamations of the people. This ceremony was sucThe association of these various elements has formed their ceeded by a sumptuous repast; after which the victors were character and language. Whilst this language was yet conducted to their houses by a numerous escort. Besides in the feeble state of infancy, another class of strangers these marks of honour, they had, from the day of their was invited into Spain. Besides new expressions, they also triumph, the exclusive privilege of repeating, or singing, introduced the art of combining them with greater elegance, their verses in public. The muses appear to have howhich art was very advantageous to the rising language; noured the kingdom of Arragon by a particular affection. I mean the Troubadours, to whose compositions modern At the coronation of Alphonso the Fourth, 1328, the Infant poetry is much indebted in Spain, France, and Italy. D. Pedro, Count of Ribargorza, and brother to the King, The Spaniards boast of their Troubadours so early as the accompanied by the principal noblemen of the court, extwelfth and thirteenth centuries. Raymon Vidal and ecuted some new dances, and performed some pastoral Guillermo de Berguedam, both Catalonians, were Trou-scenes, which had been composed for the occasion. The badours, as well as Nun de Mataplan. Raymon Lulle de Mallorca may also be counted in this class; but, without carrying our researches so far, we will commence at the time when a royal poet invited some French Troubadours to settle in Barcelona. We are indebted for the relation of this curious event to the learned historian Zurita. About the end of the fourteenth century, John the First, King of Arragon, sent a solemn deputation to the society ot Toulouse, to consult with that celebrated body on the best means of introducing the Gaya Ciencia into his domi-ral other poems, which were formerly very much admired, nions. The deputation was received with that respect and attention which it deserved. Two of the leading members of the society were, in consequence, despatched to Barcelona, where they founded an academy of Troubadours. juggler Ramuset sung an idyl, which the Count had com- and often repeated in public. An historical poem was In the fifteenth century, the city of Valencia produced Osias March and Jacobo Roig The works of the former have been translated into Castilian verse. The latter vented his spite against women in a satire called Espil or the Mirror. This piece has been imitated by Prior. Afterwards, to reconcile himself to the fair sex, Roig sung The marriage of Ferdinand the Fourth, King of Arrathe immaculate conception of the Virgin. He was phy-gon, to Isabella of Castile, by uniting the two crowns, sician to Queen Mary of Arragon, wife of Alphonso the Fifth, and lived to be nearly a hundred years old. Five editions of his works have appeared, the most ancient of which bears the date of 1512. was a fatal event to the muse of the Troubadours. The In the sixteenth century, Pedro Seraphi distinguished himself in the Valencian dialect. His pieces have been placed at the beginning of an edition of Osias March's, printed in Barcelona, 1560. Besides those already mentioned, there is an infinite number of Spanish Troubadours; but the exact time when they flourished is unknown. Among them were Mola and Arnau, both Catalonians; Narias Vinyolles, Vincent Ferradis, Guillermo de Cabestany, Bistorts de Rouissilon, Beranger de Palasol, Mossen Bernardo Fenollar, &c.; all authors belong. ing to the Provincial School, and all have furnished supplies to the Cancionero General, printed at Antwerp in 1573. The Troubadours of Provence, in general, made use of verses of short measure. Their principal productions consisted of sonnets, pastorals, and love-songs. They established a poetic tribunal, styled the Court of Love. It was composed of a certain number of the most celebrated poets, who decided upon all questions relating to gallantry. The Troubadours generally belonged to the first noble families in the kingdom. At length, they carried the licentiousness of their poetry to such a degree as to scandalize the public, to tarnish the reputation of the palace, and to bring into suspicion the honour of the ladies of the Court. To make their festive entertainments more pleasing, they procured jugglers, jesters, and courtly circles, or under shady bowers. The festive meetdancers, who justified, by their indecent behaviour, the ings in which the Gaya Ciencia flourished, gradually fell precautions that were afterwards taken against them. into disuse. The Castilian language, which doubtless ori A GHOST SEER. A correspondent, who calls himself 4 Sep, THE COUNCIL OF TEN.-These gentlemen, according tom, sent their MS, so very late, that we could not DRAMATIC CRITIQUES.-We wish Dramaticus himself wi SPORTING ANECDOTES.-The sketch of the late John LANCASTER AND BELL-In order to give as large a OLD OWEN ROBERTS, MARINER.-A penny or 1997 cation of W. L. At the end of the fifteenth century, the discovery of the New World added such splendour to the arms of Castile, and such dignity to its language, that the muse of that kingdom eclipsed all her former rivals. The glorious exploits of the conquerors of America, drew PORTUGUESE LITERATURE-We have received the co upon them universal attention: new passions arose: it might have been said that the nation had suddenly started from a long and deep lethargy. Amidst the many important events that happened about this time, the effeminate compositions of the Troubadours had not sufficient strength to command public attention. They were calculated not to provoke to warlike deeds, but to be sung in the bosom of peace; to entertain lords and ladies in In preparation for early publication,—C.—J. H. S—3 K The Retreat. THE CORONATION OF THE KING OF FRANCE-As curiosity, we shall in the next Kaleidoscope introdot particulars of the recent French Coronation eTESA and the lines of J. of Shrewsbury NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATION. We shall be happy to read " proffered communication of S. Printed, published, and sold, EVERY TUESDAY, OR, Literary and Scientific Mirror. " UTILE DULCI." is familiar Miscellany, from which religiousand political matters are excluded, contains a variety of original andselected Articles: comprehending Literature, Criticism Men and Manners, musement, Elegant Extracts, Poetry, Anecdotes, Biography, Meteorology, the Drama, Arts and Sciences, Wit and Satire, Fashions, Natural History, &c. &c. forming a handsome Annual olume, withan Index and Title-page.—Its circulation renders it a most eligible medium for Advertisements. -0.259.-Vol. V. Natural History. LETTERS IN THE REVOLUTIONS OF THE GLOBE. BY M. ALEX. E a legère couche de vie, qui fleurit à la surface du globe, ne gri que des ruines.-Paris: printed, 1824. eruption of this volcano, during which, stones and masses | pole. They are, in many instances, from 100 to 120 me- The other volcanoes of Iceland are much less celebrated than Hecla, because their eruptions have, hitherto, been much less frequent. The summits of two of them, although very elevated, are not covered with snow; this circumstance may be accounted for by the heat constantly preserved in their soil. The want of snow upon the summits wlated expressly for the Kaleidoscope from a recent French work of the highest mountains, in a country so generally volcanic, may reasonably be attributed to the action of subterranean fires, which, although they do not produce erup. tions, have, nevertheless, sufficient power to melt masses LETTER XV.-CONTINUED. OF THE ATMOSPHERE. will not, Madam, weary your attention, by describyou the different accidents produced by local cirances, in the form, appearance, and disposition of of ice. The change of place, to which the ice is subject in Iceland, may also be attributed to the action of the internal heat of the soil. The climate of Iceland is less cold than that of Switzer tres thick, and their height above the usual level of the surrounding land is from 15 to 20 metres. ; The fact most important to be determined respecting all the species of glaciers, is their augmentation or diminution since, if our doubts on this subject were removed, the most satisfactory inferences might be obtained, as to the increase or decrease of temperature in the regions where they are situated. Now, if the hypotheses of Leibnitz, Buffon, and many other naturalists, be founded in truth, the glaciers must very perceptibly augment every century. In fact, according to their opinions, ice, which is destined, at some future time, to invest the whole globe, is already extended over a very considerable part of its surface; it occupies, even under the equator, all the land elevated 2400 fathoms above the level of the sea. In the burning regions of Africa it is found at the height of 2000 fathoms, and approaches still nearer to the level of the sea as it be lind kind of glaciers. You may easily imagine, that land; since, although the summers are colder, the winters comes more distant from the torrid zone. Upon the Alps, Home parts of them are, in consequence of their exsituation, melted by the heat of the sun, others, sheltered in the shade of the mountains, are und by it. Thus are formed those splendid arches of hich have so beautiful and wonderful an appearance be valleys beneath. Sometimes similar causes promost perpendicular crags, or walls of ice, which d very low into the valleys. extremities of some of the valleys, particularly parts of them near the defiles, which open into valleys, are ornamented by pillars of ice, or cylinand pyramidal stalactites, formed by water which am above, and was instantaneously frozen when it d the ice below. he Alps, ice of constant duration is found at the of 1500 fathoms above the level of the sea; in the of Peru, at that of 2434 fathoms; and upon the of Teneriffe, at that of 2800 fathoms. In countries to the north, the lower boundary of perpetual snow ed much nearer the level of the sea: in Norway, ice is formed at the height of 600 fathoms: in ad it descends to the foot of the mountains; and the Pole, every part of the land is constantly frozen. I may easily suppose, Madam, that mountains cowith perpetual ice become most common in the ties nearest the poles, although they are less elevated he mountains situated near the equator. Norway, the summits of all mountains of any consile elevation are covered with glaciers, which resemaore than any others, the glaciers of the Alps. ere are also, in Sweden, mountains covered with per1 ice, which contain the sources of vast rivers. e mountains of Iceland afford an instance of the same omenon. But the most striking peculiarity attending is, that their loftiest summits are not covered with etual ice; this circumstance depends upon local causes, h have not yet been satisfactorily explained. me of these mountains are at once glaciers and voles. Hecla is the most celebrated of all: when it is med, the ice on its summit melts, and torrents are produced, which inundate the surrounding country, destroy the neighbouring villages. Perhaps you have lately in the public journals, the account of a recent are less severe, so that the temperature is less variable. The appearance of Lapland is far more terrific. It The eastern and western coasts of Greenland, particularly the latter, are covered with enormous pyramids, and inaccessible masses of ice, which no navigator has ever been able to approach. it is formed at the height of 1500 fathoms; in Norway, at that of 600; in Greenland and Lapland it extends to the bottom of valleys, nearly on a level with the sea; finally, all the land near the pole is entirely covered with ice. In the other hemisphere ice appears still nearer to the equator, so that it already occupies more than a tenth part of the globe. Whilst it is thus terrifically advancing from the poles towards the temperate regions, it is also descending from the summits of mountains, and as its increasing mass constitutes a new cause of cold, it will gradually contract the regions animated by life, until they will entirely disappear from the surface of the globe. | The poles are, probably, covered with a very thick layer of ice, which never melts. We cannot ascertain the state The large mountains of ice are much more durable; bases. We are assured that they cannot fail, by this slow, but certain progress, finally to invade our fields, meadows, and villages. With respect to the Alps, particularly those of Switzerland, it is certain that the ice upon them has, in the course of some latter years, been very perceptibly extended. In the bailiwick of Ucterlaken, the snows now occupy some parts of the mountains which formerly afforded pasturage, and they have entirely obstructed a road which led beyond them into le Valais. A small village, called Sainte Petrovelle, has disappeared, and the ground upon which it stood is covered with ice. As the Alps are the frozen mountains which are the nearest to us, they have been the most carefully observed by the naturalists of our countries, who have been too much inclined to draw general inferences from the effects described above, although they are of little importance, and will not, probably, be durable. We are, in fact, informed by tradition, and by some historical documents, that the glaciers of Switzerland, of which we are now speaking, have creased in height, during the last century, and th have also been hori It zontally extended; but that, at other times, they have been known to diminish both in height and extent. cannot, therefore, be doubted, that the effects produced by these changes mutually compensate each other, and thaf there is no danger to be apprehended by the people who live in the vicinity of these places. It is certain, that during the time when the ice has been extended in one part, it has diminished in another. A magnificent arch of ice, whence issued an abundant stream, and which was distinguished for its brilliancy among the glaciers of Grendelwaldt, has entirely disappeared. As for the passages in the polar regions, lately acknowledged to have become impassable, even if we allow that the causes of the difficulties now experienced ought not to be sought in the want of skill, or in the timidity of modern navigators, may it not reasonably be presumed that a larger quantity of ice has been accidentally accumulated in those places, and that a warm summer will suffice to render them as easy of access as ever they were before? Reason forbids us to indulge in the gloomy forebodings which, although entertained by men of superior talent, have been founded rather upon suppositions than facts. Literature, Criticism, &c. ON SPANISH LITERATURE. ESSAY III. Translated expressly for the Kaleidoscope. CONCLUSION OF THE INTRODUCTION. Before we quit this class of men, who have been so celebrated for their poems and songs, we must pay a tribute to the memory of the Marquis of Villena, the legislator of their school, and a conspicuous character in the poetical annals of his country. He was the brightest ornament of his age; and he may be regarded as the father of poetry in Spain. secret intrigue. The husband discovered it, and EXTRACTS FROM MR. BLAQUIERE'S INTERESTS D. Henri, Marquis of Villena, who was descended from the royal blood of Arragon, joined brilliancy of talents to nobleness of birth. He was eminently skilled in poetry, philosophy, and astronomy. The delight which he experienced in studying this last science, caused his ignorant countrymen to regard him as a necromancer. As his ancestors had been dispossessed of the Marquisate of Villena, Instead of seeing in the glaciers the sad effects of a de- gave him the Lordship of Cangas, and afterwards caused King Henry the Third, to indemnify him for the loss, structive cause, which may have banished life from a con- him to be elected Grand Master of the religious and mili-country. siderable part of the globe, it is more philosophical to con- tary Order of Calatrava. His learning and this new digsider them as the means employed by nature, since the nity procured him a rival as well as enemies. After excommencement of the present order of things, for the periencing, for some time, numberless difficulties, and reformation of immense reservoirs, fit to become the sources verses of fortune, disgusted with the empty parade of of copious rivers, which fertilize the land of all the coun-grandeur with the Court, and with the world, he retired tries watered by them, in their passage to the sea. It is certain, that, if this resource had not been provided by nature, a large part of Europe would be destitute of water, as the sources of the great rivers, by which it is watered, are supplied by the waters preserved in these masses of ice. If, Madam, the glaciers of the Alps did not exist, the sources of five large rivers, of several rivers of moderate size, and of an infinite number of permanent brooks, would be dried up. Were these mountains less elevated, the rains poured down upon them would either immediately occasion disastrous innundations, or would be discharged in vapour; but, when they are frozen into snow and ice, they are accumulated and preserved; and, being drained away only gradually, and regularly, are rendered more fit to fertilize the countries which they cross, in their passage to the sea. It has been calculated, that, at Paris, at the height of 1800 metres, the temperature is only two degrees colder than ice at the height of 18,000 metres, it is eighty-two degrees colder than ice, that is, the cold is more than double that which can be produced by the most efficacious artificial means, and which suffices to congeal mercury: at the height of 120,000 metres, the temperature is 300 degrees colder than ice; and it is conceived that it could not be supported by any living body. It may, therefore, be supposed, that, at that height, the atmosphere terminates. This intense cold produces clouds, which are formed merely by the condensation of the watery vapour diffused through the air. As this vapour is one-third lighter than air, it has a constant tendency to rise, and would always continue to rise, if, at a certain height, the cold did not condense it, and again reduce it to a liquid state. It then remains suspended, during some time, and has the appearance of clouds, after which it again falls to the earth, in the form of rain; so that no particle of water is lost in consequence of evaporation. Eleusis, where he remained a night. tirely to philosophy and the muses. Besides a translation "In giving an account of the modern Greek . the flesh, is handed round, and examined by a ing the blade-bone of the victim, which, being ought not to omit noticing the ancient practice party, who decide the fate of the campaign ac the marks they happen to discover on this Lord sa divination." Such was the end of this philosopher, this great friend pyria, or fishing by fire, which is noticed by the While at Missolonghi, Mr. Blaquiere wise r of the muses, who had imitated Dante, the father of historians of Greece. Mr. B. accompanied Przz A Italian poetry, and who immediately preceded Chaucer, rocordato on board one of two canoes, about th the father of that art in England. He resembled the lat- long, on the extensive lake in front of the tow. ter in many points. Both passed much of their lives at that, besides the gondolier at the stern, there wa "On the canoes being put off from the shore, I sh had been deluded by its favours. Both afterwards pre-chips in an iron cramp, that extended about eighteet Court, and both at length had reason to regret that they man close to the prow, busily occupied in placing ferred, with equal satisfaction, the pleasures of study and forwards; he soon after applied a torch to these, retirement to those of ambition, and each had the honour mediately burst forth into a brilliant blaze. T of being the first to reform the poetry and to improve the signal for commencing; and in amoment more, Isr language of his country. If their numbers are not distin- raised in both hands, and ready to strike his prev stand on the very edge of the prow, with a lig guished for harmony, the defect must be attributed to the conoe was now set forward with increased veloc unsettled state of the language at a time when the nations instead of being displaced from his position, the of Europe were more attached to the labours of Mars than bearer not only remained, but began to use the to those of Apollo. of death, and seldom drew it back without brings The Marquis had a servant named Macias, who was without ever moving from his position. On large carp or bream, which he safely deposited in This is not the case with respect to caloric, for the ad- also a celebrated poet, and who has left behind him several the side, the water seemed teeming with the mission and discharge of which the atmosphere always songs, which are carefully preserved in the old Cancio of which an infinite variety were darting under opens a free passage. The transmission of the caloric, which we receive from the sun, is effected directly by more distinguished for his misfortunes than for his talents; were above But whatever might be his poetic merit, he is the boat in every direction. Whenever the blare s means of radiation. The caloric, which proceeds from tle, and his name deserves to be inscribed in the martyrology boats employed in the same way as ourselves; w it was renewed by a fresh supply of chips. Assa! earth into surrounding space, is imparted, not only by that of love, in conjunction with those of Ovid and Tasso. it be easy to describe the singularly pleasing effect means, but also by the removal of particles, which, when Deeply enamoured with one of the maids of honour at- ed by the canoes darting across each other, sufficiently heated, rise to an indefinite height. Caloric is also transmitted, though in a very slight de- cation to see that nobleman give her in marriage to a effe tached to the household of his master, he had the mortifi- seemed to be running a race, and came so near. could often touch them as they glided past us. The dat gree, and very slowly, from one particle to another. tleman who belonged to the kingdom of Jaen. This cir- novel and interesting scene. On returning, after b To be concluded in our next.] cumstance did not prevent the lovers from carrying on a little more than two hours, we found that the qua neros. Colonel is an Aberdeensman." "An Aberdeensman," | quoth I? "Yes," says he, "a Scotchman, you know." Ah! I have you now-a favourite of the government." ." Exactly so," was the reply-"a towsman of the honourable and reverend owner of the palace there, (pointing) a real man of business, ar.d worth a plum; in short he second part of Mr. Blaquiere's very interesting" consists of documents and correspondence, includThe Last Days of Lord Byron," from which we the two following anecdotes :- hile we were one day walking in the woods near a, my master saw an old woman, decrepit with athering sticks; he inquired into her circumstances, mediately granted her a pension for her future nance. It was customary to dress a dinner daily Lordship, while at the above place; as the servants on board wages, and as my master scarcely ever t home, I had orders to find out twelve of the most spoor of the city, to whom the victuals were always is-he is-Mr. William Allan !!!” The Naturalist's Diary. JUNE, 1825. (Concluded from our last.) The Austrian rose blossoms in the early part of the month, as does also the Chinese rose: these are followed by the common garden rose, the single yellow rose (rosa lutea) and the white rose (r. alba) last of all comes that loveliest of all floral attractions-the "Moss Rose," which should be termed "The Rose"-par excellence! e of the dogs happening to get into a mill dam, a who saw he was likely to be carried into the wheel, over the brink so far, that he fell in and was unforydrowned. My master seemed to suffer very much his accident, and not only defrayed the expenses of From the garden to the field it is but a step, and here teral, but settled fifteen shillings a week on his chil- we shall see clover in blossom, and regale our olfactory they should grow up and be otherwise provided for." senses with its delightful fragrance. The sweet-scented letters, correspondence, documents, &c. in the se- vernal grass (anthoxanthum odoratum) which is the cause livision of Mr. Blaquiere's volume, will throw much of the very delightful scent of hay, flowers also in this le light on the present state of Greek affairs, and we month, and diffuses its fragrance through the country. mend the work as a faithful and candid view of the About the beginning of June, the pimpernel, thyme, the it state and future prospects of one of the most inte-bitter-sweet nightshade, white bryony, and the dog-rose, -g revolutions the world has witnessed. A CANADIAN FAVOURITE AND PLURALIST. the Colonial Advocate, a spirited paper, commenced in Upper Canada last summer.) have their flowers full blown. The rose is fairest when 'tis budding new, And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears; The rose is sweetest washed with morning dew, And love is loveliest when embalmed in tears. O wilding rose, whom fancy thus endears, I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, Emblem of hope and love through future years. Lady of the Lake. soms in this month as well as in the next. The foxglove, which produces a beautiful flower, blosThe poppy (papaver somniferum) has its flowers full blown. The scarlet poppy, on the painted fields, Bows his somniferous head, inviting soon To peaceful slumber the disordered mind. The common jay in this month frequents our gardens, and makes great havock in the bean-rows. One of the most interesting insects in June, is, in its e following very pleasant story was related to me days ago, by an acquaintance, on whose veracity I confidence. A gentleman crossed to York from go: on arriving at the little capital, he inquired for ustom house, as he had some goods on board to enter at office he was shown the place, hard by the quay. collector proved to be a very mild, good natured genan, as might be; quite a man of business too, very ersant with figures; in short, a man well known on age, as the saying is; he was-Mr. William Allan. opening his trunk, Mr. Z. found some of his letters to be left at the Post-office of York; he inquired e it was located, and in the postmaster recognised-perfect state, the angler's May-fly (ephemera vulgata) William Allan. He had some bills which he wished which appears about the 4th, and continues nearly a fortiscount-had them properly indorsed-posted off to night. It emerges from the water, where it passes its Bank of Upper Canada-was shown to the President aurelia state, about six in the evening, and dies about at institution, and that President was the indefatigable eleven at night. There are also the golden green beetle ; 1. William Allan. A day or two after, he was accom-various kinds of flies; the cuckoospit insect, and the staging a friend, who had come to town to pay some beetle. The several species of the gad-fly make their apey for a store and tavern license-on arriving at the pearance in June. The larvæ of the dragon-fly (libellula) ce of the Inspector of Licenses, he was amazed to find after a two years' submersion in stagnant water, now functionary in the person of Mr. William Allan! ascend the stalks of plants, and bursting their shells, their view of the militia took place while he stayed-he had wings soon dry, in all its brilliant colours, is seen darting curiosity to go to see it, and recognised in the Colonel, with astonishing velocity over the waters and the meadows (now) old acquaintance-Mr. William Allan! A in search of its prey, a butterfly, or other insect, which, took place in the hotel where he lodged; his evidence when captured, is devoured with voracity. The small wanted, and the acting magistrate was-Mr. William blue dragon-fly does not yield in richness of hue to the an! Taking up a newspaper to amuse himself, he read peacock's neck. names of the Society for Strangers in Distress-the The numerous species of aphides are now found on surer was-Mr. William Allan! Walking with a many plants, bearing an appropriate name from each. ad to see the Hospital, he was told the name of the Those which infest the rose tree and bean, are possibly stees one of them was Mr. William Allan! He hap-most under observation. One is green, and scarcely dised to overhear a debate about a property which had tinguished from the colour of the young leaves; the other n forfeited, by a man who ran away in the time of war; is black. The intercourse between these insects and the names of the commissioners were mentioned in the ants is curiously described in a recent publication. "That rse of the argument, and one of them was-Mr. Wil- ants should have their milch cattle is as extraordinary as Allan! Another day he met a friend from Niagara in that they should have slaves. The loves of the ants and eful mood-inquired the cause, and was informed that aphides have long been celebrated; and that there is a Commissioners for War Losses had cut off half his connexion between them, you may at any time, in proper im. Who are the commissioners (asked he) of Oswe- season, convince yourself; the former will always be found ?" the reply was A. B. C. D. and Mr. William Allan! very busy on those trees and plants on which the latter sold some of his goods to a merchant, who gave him an are found: their object in thus attending upon them, is to er on the treasurer of the district-the treasurer was obtain the saccharine fluid, which may be denominated · William Allan! He had occasion to inquire for a the milk, that they secrete. The ants watch the moment ck chip hat, and was directed for a good one to apply when the aphides emit this fluid, and suck it down. They he store of Mr. William Allan! He could hold no absolutely possess the art of making them yield it at their er; but amazed, astonished, and confounded, ex- pleasure; or, in other words, of milking them, using their ned, "How I pity this poor man, this Mr. William antonne as fingers, patting the abdomen of the aphis on if he does the duty of so many different situations, each side, till a little drop of fluid appears, which the ant fe must surely be a burden to himself; and if he does takes into its mouth."-Kirby and Spence's Entomology. How I pity a country, the laws of which allow one The grasshopper now makes his appearance, to hold such a number of important trusts, at one Slipping glittering drops of dew, he same time." "Poh!" says my uncle Sim, who Singing songs for ever new; ear President Allan, in the same street, "you are a floating among the green leaves, and with his Ser, and should be silent; you see but a small speciOf the blessings of our provincial government. The Sweet prophetic song Foretelling summer days. The bee pursues his ceaseless avocation of collecting the sweets of nature to form his elegant condiment of honey: and what can be more delicious than The flower-drawn nectar of the mountain bee! and what more interesting than to watch the operations of this industrious insect! With this example before us, let us go in search of flowers, more flowers, gathering rosebuds while we may," but ever bearing in mind, that those who pluck the flowers, And place them on their breast-but place to die; Thus the frail beings we would fondly cherish Are laid within our bosoms but to perish: and while "we dote on odours," and admire the elegant shapes and varied hues of these favourites of nature, let this truth be ever deeply engraven on our memories, "That in a day withers the flower of life." roses, including the guelder-rose, with its balls of dazzling To continue our walk-marigolds and pæonies and lehem (ornithogalum uniflorum) shines in all its splendour. whiteness, now display their beauties. The Star of Bethand pinks and sweet-william add their pretty colours: the panicled lychnidea and red valerian ornament our gardens pleasing contrast with the rich crimson of the other. The at this period; the delicate lilac of the one, forming a blossoms of the sweet-brier are now open the white lily, and the flower-de-luce, or iris, with its splendid floscules and curiously. formed pistils, now shine in the garden. The forget-me-not (myosotis palustris) always flowers in June, and throughout the summer. The following lines were addressed to a young lady, who, on the author handing her into a carriage, held out at the window a nosegay which he had presented to her, in which the forget-menot made a principal figure: I culled each flow'ret for my fair, The wild thyme and the heather bell, And round them twined a tendril rare: She said the posy pleased her well. But of the flowers that deck the field Or grace the garden of the cot, Though others richer perfumes yield, The sweetest is "Forget-me-Not." We roamed the mead, we climbed the hill, We rambled o'er the breckan brae; The trees that crowned the mossy rill, They screened us from the glare of day. She said she loved the sylvan bower, Was charmed with ev'ry rural spot; And, when arrived the parting hour, Her last words were "Forget me Not." New Monthly Magazine. abundant flowers, covering the ground with their delicate In this month the gum cistus tribe shed daily their blossoms. The fern-owl may be seen about the middle of the month, in the evening, among the branches of oaks, in pursuit of its favourite repast, the fern-chaffer. Mackarel (scomber scomber ) are taken in abundance this month. The several kinds of corn come into ear and flower in June, as well as most of the numerous species of grasses. Gooseberries, currants, and strawberries, now begin to ripen; the first affording a rich treat to the young in its celebrated "fool:" the gourmand thinks of the "jelly" to be made from the second, and has a delightful vision of haunches of venison and leverets; and fair-handed damsels in imagination sip "with silver spoons" the strawberry immersed in cream. But we have more "goodly prospects" even in June: the elder-tree is in flower, and promises a rich supply of fruit to make our favourite beverage of a cold winter's evening, when the bitter-biting frost and the Custful winds send us to our chimney-corners for warmth and shelter. The hay-harvest commences about the end of the month, in the southern and midland parts of the kingdom. About this time, also, birds cease their notes. The rural ceremony of sheep-shearing usually takes place in June, and was formerly celebrated with much innocent pastime. In addition to our list of flowers, we must not omit to name the sweet and fragrant honey-suckle (lonicera periclymenum) admired by all for the charms which it imparts to the rural walk. The bard of Avon has not forgotten to show his affection for this pretty parasite: let us, then, to avoid the fervid rays of noon, Steal into the pleached bower, Where honey-suckles, ripened by the sun, and, with a volume of his "immortal works" in our hands, indulge in the rich fancies and beautiful imagery of the "Midsummer Night's Dream." Poetry. LINES OCCASIONED BY THE EARLY SINGING OF THE THRUSH. Sweet bird! upon my ravished ear As fall thy wood-notes soft and clear, Hymning thy welcome to the morn, From neighbouring bush of blossom'd thorn,What pleasure mine, what dreams of bliss Sparkle athwart the dim abyss, The gulf profound that yawns between This lower world and that unseen! Sweet bird! thy warblings blest prolong, Or gifted land of Italy: And sooth to say (to me more dear) The echoes of thy lengthened call, The thrilling cadence loud and long, In heavenly regions far away. Sweet bird! unschooled, and wild, and free, I love thy untaught minstrelsy; For, as I list, a brighter green Upon the sunny lawn is seen; A purer azure robes the sky, A very paradise of bliss Irradiate with happiness; And hopes and aspirations high Towering above mortality, In hour so pure the soul is given To steal from earth and mount to heaven, Traverse the land by angels trod, Sing on, sweet bird, for, oh! thy lay A festal bright of laughing hours, Sing on, sing on!—and yet again, I love thy music wild to hear, Sing on, sweet bird, for as thy lay Liverpool. THE SIMNEL. How useful is a "country friend," A "country friend" with this intent, Of shape that's neither square nor round, But such a queer ill-looking thing G. How to prepare it was the next I'll warrant you I just have hit it! THE DIORAMA. ~ TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-I believe you to be a friend to fair play, in that character, as well as in your editorial capacity, I a venture to put a plain question to you, to which le a plain answer. You have often extolled the Dia Canterbury Cathedral; and I admit, that if it be van professes to be, you cannot possibly speak of it in tear praise adequate to its merits.-But, Sir, is there Is this Diorama really, as the proprietors assert |surface, parallel to the side of the building?) I suspect, painted on the principle of the horizo deriving all its effect from an optical or perspe ception? If you are enabled to give a satisfactory answer queries, you will oblige hundreds of sceptics, and the rest, Yours, &c. Liverpool, June 11, 1825. DUBITAN In reply to the query of this correspondent, ve observe, that however incredible it may appear, te no doubt that the Diorama is painted on a flat si like other pictures. We do not possess such however, as would justify our pledging ourselves fact; but we here promise to answer the query bitans unreservedly next week, in such a way 25 no doubt on his mind, if he has any dependance "word and honour." The Housewife. "Housekeeping and husbandry, if it be good. Must love one another as cousins in blood: The wife, too, must husband as well as the men Or farewell thy husbandry, do what thou can." Cure for Cholera Morbus.-Dr. Johns, of this t published a letter in the Manchester Gazetie, d the following is an extract:-The leading sy Increased irritability of the stomach and bowels cumulated bile, and great depression of streng indications of cure are: 1. To allay irritation rouse and support the powers of life. And, off the offending bile. In adult persons recently a and where the constitution had not been prev paired, forty or sixty drops of laudanum in hal ful of brandy, or in as much tincture of rhubar bined with strong peppermint water, to which w a quantity of carbonate of magnesia, seldom fatal check the vomiting and purging. This medicine pr at longer or shorter intervals, followed up with ten grains of calomel, and if necessary three or four spoonfuls of castor oil, generally cure. I do not, indeed, remember a case, to whe called, in its incipient stage, but yielded to this tr and there is multiplied evidence of its success in t perience of others.-Manchester paper. afterwar |