Зображення сторінки
PDF
ePub

time has now made dingy and threadbare, and in the bottom of one of the bed-curtains you are shown a place where a small piece has been cut out and sewn in again a circumstance which serves to identify the scene of the following story :

It was on a dark rainy night in the month of November, during the reign of Elizabeth, that an old midwife sat musing by her cottage fireside, when on a sudden she was startled by a loud knocking at the door. On opening it, she found a horseman, who told her that her assistance was required immediately by a person of rank, and that she should be handsomely rewarded, but that there were reasons for keeping the affair a strict secret, and, therefore, she must submit to be blindfolded, and to be conducted in that condition to the bedchamber of the lady. With some hesitation the midwife consented; the horseman bound her eyes, and placed her on a pillion behind him. After proceeding in silence for many miles through rough and dirty lanes, they stopped, and the midwife was led into a house, which, from the length of her walk through the apartments, as well as the sounds about her, she discovered to be the seat of wealth and power. When the bandage was removed from her eyes, she found herself in a bedchamber, in which were the lady on whose account she had been sent for, and a Iman of a haughty and ferocious aspect. The lady was delivered of a fine boy. Immediately the man commanded the midwife to give him the child, and, catching it from her, he hurried across the room, and threw it on the back of the fire, that was blazing in the chimney. The child, however, was strong, and by its struggles rolled itself off upon the hearth, when the ruffian again seized it with fury, and, in spite of the intercession of the midwife, and the more piteous entreaties of the mother, thrust it under the grate, and raking the live coals upon it, soon put an end to its life. The midwife, after spending some time in affording all the relief in her power to the wretched mother, was told that she must be gone. Her former conductor appeared, who again bound her eyes, and conveyed her behind him to her own home; he then paid her handsomely, and departed. The midwife was strongly agitated by the horrors of the preceding night, and she immediately made a deposition of the fact before a magistrate. Two circumstances afforded hopes of detecting the house in which the crime had been committed; one was, that the midwife, as she sat by the bedside, had, with a view to discover the place, cut out a piece of the bed-curtain, and sewn it in again; the other was, that as she had descended the staircase, she had counted the steps. Some suspicions fell upon one Darrell, at that time the proprietor of Littlecote House, and the domain around it. The house was examined, and identified by the midwife, and Darrell was tried at Salisbury for the murder. By corrupting his judge, he escaped the sentence of the law, but broke his neck by a fall from his horse in hunting in a few months after. The place where this happened is still known by the name of Darrell's Stile -a spot to be dreaded by the peasant whom the shades of evening have overtaken on his way.

[ocr errors]

11

[ocr errors]

༣་

their claws; such sad experience may at length cure the negligent amateur. "We love birds," they say; "No," I reply, "you love yourselves, not them, if you neglect to keep them clean."

public would have availed nothing. He was timid; the family was of the first distinction; above all, the deed was done, and could not be amended. Time wore away, however, and with it his terrors. He became unhappy at being the solitary depository of this fearful mystery, In washing the feet of birds, they must first be soaked and mentioned it to some of his brethren, through in warm water, or the dirt will be so pasted on the whom the anecdote acquired a sort of publicity. The skin that in removing it the bird will be wounded, divine, however, had been long dead, and the story in and the irritation thus excited may soon occasion some degree forgotten, when a fire broke out again on dangerous ulcers. House birds are generally subject the very same spot where the house of had for- to sore feet, and great attention is therefore necessary merly stood, and which was now occupied by buildings to examine them often if they are not attacked; a hair of an inferior description.-[The conclusion of the wound round them will sometimes become drawn so tale is of a superstitious nature, and therefore inad. tight that in time the part will shrivel up and drop missible in detail in the present work. But we may off. Another proof of the necessity of care in cleanmention that it represents a young lady as having ap-ing is, that few birds preserve their claws after havpeared in the midst of the flames, threatening to scare ing been kept some years in the house. all who should behold a third fire in the same place. The story has afforded a groundwork to the lively modern novel entitled "Elizabeth de Bruce."]

SONGS AND MANAGEMENT OF TAME
BIRDS.

[From Bechstein's "Cage Birds," a recently published work.] WHAT is most prized and admired in house birds is undoubtedly their song. This may be natural or artificial, the former being as varied as the species of the birds, for I know of no two indigenous species quite similar in their song; I ought perhaps to except the three species of shrike I have given, which, from their surprising memory, can imitate the songs of other birds se as to be mistaken for them: but a naturalist would soon perceive a slight mixture of the song natural to the imitator, and thus easily distinguish between the shrike that copied, and the tit-lark or red breast copied from. It is so much the more important to be well versed in the different birds' songs, as to this knowledge alone we are indebted for several curious observations on these pretty creatures. An artificial song is one borrowed from a bird that the young ones have heard singing in the room, a person's whistling, a flageolet, or a bird-organ. Nearly all birds, when young, will learn some strains of airs whistled or played to them regularly every day; but it is only those whose memory is capable of retaining these that will abandon their natural song, and adopt fluently, and repeat without hesitation, the air that has been taught them. Thus, a young goldfinch learns, it is true, some part of the melody played to a bullfinch, but it will never be able to render it as perfectly as this bird: this difference is not caused by the greater or less suppleness of the organ, but rather by the superiority of memory in the one species over that of the other.

The strength and compass of a bird's voice depend on the size and proportionate force of the larynx. In the female it is weak and small, and this accounts for her want of song. None of our woodland songsters produces more striking, vigorous, and prolonged sounds than the nightingale, and none is known with so ample and strong a larynx: but as we are able to improve the organisation of the body by exercise and habit, so may we strengthen and extend the larynx of several birds of the same species, so as to amplify the song in consequence, by more nutritive food, proper care, sounds that excite emulation, and the like; chaffinches, bullfinches, canaries, and other birds reared in the house, furnish daily examples of this.

This anecdote is given by Sir Walter Scott, in the notes to his poem of Rokeby, as the contribution of a friend acquainted with the circumstances. Sir Walter himself then adds a similar legend which was current in Edinburgh during his childhood:About the beginning of the eighteenth century, when the large castles of the Scottish nobles, and even The space assigned to tame birds varies according the secluded hotels, like those of the French noblesse, to their nature and destination. All are less at ease which they possessed in Edinburgh, were sometimes in a cage than when at liberty in a room, where young the scenes of strange and mysterious transactions, a pine branches, cut in winter or early in spring, should divine of singular sanctity was called up at midnight, be placed for their accommodation. Several, however, to pray with a person at the point of death. This never sing unless confined within narrow limits, being was no unusual summons; but what followed was obliged, as it would appear, to solace themselves, for alarming. He was put into a sedan chair, and, after the want of liberty, with their song; consequently, he had been transported to a remote part of the town, birds only prized for the beauty of their plumage or the bearers insisted upon his being blindfolded. The their pleasing actions, are best placed in a room. request was enforced by a cocked pistol, and submitted Rather large birds, such as thrushes, should have a to; but in the course of the discussion he conjectured, room appropriated to them, or be kept in a large from the phrases employed by the chairmen, and from aviary, as they give a very unpleasant smell to the some part of their dress not completely concealed by place which they occupy, unless carefully cleaned; their cloaks, that they were greatly above the menial but their young ones may be allowed the range of any station they had assumed. After many turns and apartment, placing in a corner a cage or branch to windings, the chair was carried up stairs into a lodg- rest and sleep on, where they may run and hop freely, ing, where his eyes were uncovered, and he was intro-seeking a roosting-place for themselves in the evening duced into a bedroom, where he found a lady, newly delivered of an infant. He was commanded by his attendants to say such prayers by her bedside as were fitting for a person not expected to survive a mortal disorder. He ventured to remonstrate, and observe that her safe delivery warranted better hopes. But he was sternly commanded to obey the orders first given, and with difficulty recollected himself sufficiently to acquit himself of the task imposed on him. He was then again hurried into the chair; but as they conducted him down stairs, he heard the report of a pistol. He was safely conducted home; a purse of gold was forced upon him; but he was warned, at the same time, that the least allusion to this dark transaction would cost him his life. He betook himself to rest, and, after long and broken musing, fell into a deep sleep. From this he was awakened by his servant, with the dismal news that a fire of uncom mon fury had broken out in the house of, near the bead of the Canongate, and that it was totally consumed; with the shocking addition, that the daughter of the proprietor, a young lady eminent for beauty and accomplishments, had perished in the flames. The clergyman had his suspicions, but to have made them

on the fir branches placed for that purpose, or in a cage with several divisions, into which they soon learn to retire. Some birds, such as the dunnock and the bluebreast, sing best in this state of liberty. It is necessary to avoid placing them with shrikes or tits, as these often, in the midst of plenty of food, will kill smaller birds, for the sake of eating the brain or intestines. Those that are confined that we may better enjoy the beauty of their song, should have a cage proportioned to their natural vivacity: a lark, for example, requires a larger cage than a chaffinch. The habits of the birds must also be considered, whether they rest on the ground or perch on sticks. The nightingale, for example, must have perches, while the skylark never makes use of these.

In every case cleanliness is absolutely necessary, in order to keep birds a long time, as well as healthy and active. In general it is better not to disturb the birds very often; but if not every day, yet every week at farthest, it is necessary to clean even the perches of those that roost, and strew sand where they keep at the bottom. Negligence in this entails many inconveniences-unpleasant smells from sick birds, gouty feet to some birds, loss of the use of their limbs or all

It is very necessary to procure for house birds food which is like, or at least which nearly resembles, what they would procure for themselves in their wild state. This is rather difficult, and sometimes almost impossible; for where can we find in our climate the seeds on which the Indian birds feed in their own country? Our only resource then is to endeavour with judgment to accustom these birds to that food which necessity obliges us to give them. There are some birds, such as chaffinches, bullfinches, thrushes, and the Bohemian chatterers, which are so manageable in this respect, that as soon as they are brought into the house they eat without hesitation any thing that is given to them; but others which are more delicate will absolutely eat nothing, either through disgust of their new food, or despair at the loss of their liberty; with these great precaution is necessary. Dr Meyer of Offenbach writes to me on this subject as follows:-"The following is the best method of accustoming newly taken birds to their change of food, a thing which is often very difficult to accomplish with some species. After having put the bird in the cage, it must be left quiet for some hours, without disturbing it at all; it must then be taken and plunged into fresh water, and immediately replaced in the cage. At first it will appear faint and exhausted, but it will soon recover, arrange its feathers, become quite lively, and will be sure to eat whatever is given to it. It is a well-known fact that bathing gives an appetite to birds, for the same reason that it does to men."

If, as an exception, one of these delicate birds, among which are most of the songsters, eats with eagerness as soon as it is brought into the house, it is a sign of death, for it seems like an indifference which is not natural, and which is always the consequence of disease. Those birds which retire into a corner, mopping for some hours, are the most likely to live; it is only requisite to leave them alone, and by degrees they recover from their sullenness.

Birds which eat insects only, such as wagtails, wheatears, stonechats, and bluebreasts, are the most difficult to preserve; but most of them, having nothing particular in their song, offer no compensation for the trouble and care which they require; but the following is the best method for success. After hav ing collected the flies, which in spring may often be seen in great numbers on the windows of old buildings, they must be dried, and preserved in a jar. When live insects can no longer be found, these flies must be mixed with the paste, hereafter described, which may be regarded as a general or universal food, and given to the most delicate birds, such as nightingales, provided ants' eggs or meal worms are now and then mixed with it.

RECEIPT FOR THE GENERAL FOOD.-In proportion to the number of birds, white bread enough must be baked to last for three months. When it is well baked and stale, it must be put again into the oven, and left there until cold. It is then fit to be pounded in a mortar, and will keep several months without getting bad. Every day a teaspoonful for each bird is taken of this meal, on which is poured three times as much cold, or lukewarm, but not boiling milk. If the meal be good, a firm paste will be formed, which must be chopped very small on a board. This paste, which is very nourishing, may be kept a long time without becoming sour or sticky; on the contrary, it is always dry and brittle. As soon as a delicate bird is brought in, some flies or chopped worms should be mixed with the paste, which will attract it to eat. It will soon be accustomed to this food, which will keep it in life and health.

Experience teaches me that a mixture of crushed canary, hemp, and rape-seed, is the favourite food of canaries; goldfinches and siskins prefer poppy-seed, and sometimes a little crushed hemp-seed; linnets and bullfinches like the rape-seed alone. It is better to soak it for the young chaffinches, bullfinches, and others; in order to do this, as much rape-seed as is wanted should be put into a jar, covered with water, and placed in a moderate heat, in winter near the fire, in summer in the sun. If this is done in the morning, after feeding the birds, the soaked seed will do for the next morning. All of them ought to have green food besides, as chickweed, cabbage leaves, lettuce, endive, and water-cresses. Sand should be put in the bottom of the cages, for it seems necessary for digestion.

Amongst those which feed on seeds and insects, the quails like cheese and the crumbs of bread; the lark, barley-meal, with cabbage, chopped cress, poppy-seed mixed with bread crumbs, and in winter, oats; the chaffinches, rape-seed, and sometimes in summer a little crushed hemp-seed-too much hemp-seed is hurtful to birds, and should only be given as a delicacy

now and then; for when they eat too much of it, they become asthmatic, blind, and generally die of consumption; the yellow.hammers like the same food as the larks, without the vegetables; the tits like hempseed, pine-seed, bacon, meat, suet, bread, walnuts, almonds, and filberts.

Every morning fresh water must be given to the birds, both for drinking and bathing. When a great many are left at liberty, one dish will do for them all, | about eight inches long and two in depth and width, divided into several partitions, by which means they are prevented from plunging entirely into the water, and in consequence making the place always dirty and damp. A vessel of the same size and shape will do for holding the universal paste, but then it must have no partitions. Quails and larks require sand, which does for them instead of water for bathing.

It has been observed that birds always moult at the time when their food is most abundant; the forest birds may then be seen approaching fields and culti vated places, where, having plenty of insects and seeds, they cannot suffer from want; indeed, the loss of their feathers prevents their taking long flights, and the reproduction of them occasions a loss of flesh which must be repaired; an abundance of food is therefore necessary and, following this rule, during moulting some additional food must be given to house birds, appropriate to the different species-millet or canary seed, a little hemp-seed, white bread soaked in water, lettuce, or endive, to those which feed on seeds; and a few more meal worms and ants' eggs to those that eat insects: all should have bread soaked in boiled milk, warmth, and baths. Nothing has succeeded better than this regimen: all the birds which I have seen treated in this manner have passed their moulting season in good health.

The length of a bird's life very much depends on the care which is taken of it. There are some parrots which have lived more than a century; and nightingales, chaffinches, and goldfinches, have been known to live more than twenty-four years in a cage. The age of house birds is so much the more interesting, as it is only by observing it that we can know with any degree of certainty the length of birds' lives in general. Thus house birds are of importance to the naturalist, as giving him information which he could not otherwise acquire. It is worthy of remark, that the quick growth of birds does not prevent their living much longer than quadrupeds. The length of life with these is estimated to be six or seven times longer than the time which they take to grow; while birds live fifteen, twenty, and even thirty times longer.

The length of life is sometimes attributed to the substance of which the bones are composed being much more loose and light, and consequently remain ing porous longer than those of quadrupeds. Some swans have lived three hundred years.

BIOGRAPHIC SKETCHES.
GROTIUS AND HIS WIFE.

AMONG the number of learned men whom Holland
bas produced, one of the most eminent was Hugo Gro-
tius, who flourished in the early part of the seven-

teeth century, and obtained a wide reputation for his

deep and extensive scholarship, as well as for his sufferings in the cause of religious and civil liberty.

Grotius was a native of the town of Delft, where he was born in the year 1583. While yet a child, he ac

[ocr errors]

to trial, and Grotius supported him by his pen and He visited Holland, on his way to Sweden, and at last
his influence. But his efforts were useless. In 1619, met with distinguished honour from his ungrateful
Barneveldt, on the charge of rebellion, was brought country. After delivering his papers to Christina,
to the scaffold and beheaded, and his friend Grotius he prepared to return to Lubeck. He was driven back
was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the fortress by a storm; and being impatient, set out in an open
of Louvestein, in South Holland. After this very rigo. waggon, exposed to wind and rain. This imprudence
ous and unfair proceeding, his estates were confiscated. occasioned his death. He was compelled to stop at
Previously to his trial, he had a dangerous sickness, Rostock, where he died suddenly, August 28, 1645,
during which his anxious wife could not by any means in the sixty-third year of his age. His beloved wife,
obtain access to him; but after he was sentenced, she and four out of six of his children, survived him.
presented a petition, earnestly entreating to be his fel- Grotius was the author of a number of works in
low prisoner, and her prayer was granted. In one different departments of learning, and his writings
of his Latin poems he speaks of her with deep feel- are believed to have had a decisive influence in the
ing, and compares her presence to a sunbeam amid diffusion of an enlightened and liberal manner of
the gloom of his prison. The States offered to do thinking in affairs of science. Much of his learning
something for his support; but with becoming pride being merely philological, or referring to a knowledge
she answered that she could maintain him out of her of the Greek and Latin tongues, is now justly heid
own fortune. She indulged in no useless regrets, but to have been of little value, and his productions in the
employed all her energies to make him happy. Libelles-lettres are therefore in a great measure forgot.
terature added its powerful charm to these domestic ten. His fame in modern times rests principally on
consolations; and he who has a good wife, and is sur- his great work on natural and national law, written
rounded by good books, may defy the world. Ac. in Latin, and entitled De Jure Belli et Pacis-the
cordingly, we find Grotius pursuing his studies with Law of War and Peace, by which the science of juris-
cheerful contentment, in the fortress where he was prudence has been ably promoted.
condemned to remain during life. But his faithful
wife was resolved to procure his freedom. Those
who trusted her with him must have had small know.
ledge of the ingenuity and activity of woman's affec-
tion. Her mind never for a moment lost sight of this
favourite project, and every circumstance that might
favour it was watched with intense interest.

Grotius had been permitted to borrow books of his friends in a neighbouring town; and when they had been perused, they were sent back in a chest, which conveyed his clothes to the washerwoman. At first his guards had been very particular to search the chest; but never finding any thing to excite suspicion, they grew careless. Upon this negligence, Mrs Grotius founded hopes of having her husband con. veyed away in the chest. Holes were bored in it to admit the air, and she persuaded him to try how long he could remain in such a cramped and confined si tuation. The commandant of the fortress was absent, when she took occasion to inform his wife that she wished to send away a large load of books, because the prisoner was destroying his health by too much study.

At the appointed time Grotius entered the chest, and was with difficulty carried down a ladder by two soldiers. Finding it very heavy, one of them said, jestingly, "there must be an Arminian in it." She answered very coolly that there were indeed some Arminian books in it. The soldier thought proper to inform the commandant's wife of the extraordinary weight of the chest; but she replied that it was filled with a load of books, which Mrs Grotius had asked her permission to send away, on account of the health of her husband.

A maid, who was in the secret, accompanied the chest to the house of one of her master's friends. Grotius came out uninjured; and, dressed like a inamarket-place to a boat, which conveyed him to Brason, with trowel in hand, he proceeded through the bant, whence he took a carriage to Antwerp. This fortunate escape was effected in March 1621. His courageous partner managed to keep up a belief that he was very ill in his bed, until she was convinced that he was entirely beyond the power of his enemies. When she acknowledged what she had done, the commandant was in a furious passion. He detained her in close custody, and treated her very rigorously, general, procured her liberation. Some dastardly spirits voted for her perpetual imprisonment; but the better feelings of human nature prevailed, and the wife was universally applauded for her ingenuity, fortitude, and constant affection.

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ART OF
TURNING.

THERE is one class of persons who might be of infinite service to the community in promoting science and art, and every other means of social improvement; namely, the gentlemen who have nothing to do. In this wealthy country, how many individuals must there be, possessing competencies, without the neces sity of even conversing twice a-year with a factor or steward, and whose time, therefore, is entirely at their own disposal! Altogether over and above the gentlemen of the half-pay, the number is immense; an absolute army of martyrs to time. How much is it to be desired, both for their own sake and for the sake of their fellow-creatures, that they could be induced to devote their energies, and partly their fortunes, each to the cultivation of some department of know. ledge! especially those which, from the uncertainty or impossibility of pecuniary returns, cannot well be cultivated by professional persons. To go no further than geology-how much good might be done by a few of the idle affluent in ascertaining facts in that science! and with how much pleasant recreation to themselves! This is indeed a case in which it may be said that the aid of such individuals is indispensable, as it seems impossible for the few professional persons to whom the science has hitherto been chiefly indebted, to take, within the next ensuing age, such a range of inquiry as may afford proper grounds for generalisation. The tainly better than they were; but yet too much of usual amusements of unoccupied gentlemen are cer animalism and vegetation remain. We still see most important countenances gathered at steeple-chases. and very yawning ones in the porticoes of the clubs. In contrast with these, how delightful to reflect upon the members of the Geographical Society, many of whom are devoting their wealth and youthful energies in exploring distant and obscure parts of the world.

Iquired fame for his extraordinary attainments. At until a petition, which she addressed to the States- How delightful to observe such men as Mr Greenough

eight years of age he composed Latin elegiac verses; and at fourteen, he maintained public theses or dissertations in mathematics, law, and philosophy. In 1598, he accompanied Barneveldt, the ambassador from the Dutch States, to Paris, where he gained the approbation of the reigning French monarch, the celebrated Henri Quatre, or Henry the Fourth, by his genius and demeanour, and was every where admired as a prodigy. After his return to Holland, he adopted the profession of a lawyer, and while no more than seventeen years of age, pleaded his first cause at the bar, in a manner that gave him prodigious reputation. Some time afterwards he was appointed advocate-general.

In the year 1608, Grotius married Mary Reigersberg, whose father had been burgomaster of Veer. The wife was worthy of the husband, and her value was duly appreciated. Through many changes of fortune

they lived together in the utmost harmony and mutual confidence. It will be immediately seen how the devoted affection of the wife was tried in endeavours to

sooth the misfortunes of the persecuted husband. Grotius lived in an evil time, when society was unhappily distracted by furious religious and political dis. putes. Mankind were mad with theological controversy, and Christian charity, amidst the tumult of parties, was entirely forgotten. Grotius was an Arminian and a republican, and his professional pursuits soon involved him in a strife, which it was next to impossible to avoid. Barneveldt, his early patron, who possessed similar sentiments, was seized and brought

reunited to his family. A residence in Paris is ex-
Grotius found an asylum in France, where he was
pensive; and for some time he struggled with pecu-
niary embarrassment. The king of France at last
settled a pension upon him. He continued to write,
and his glory spread throughout Europe. Cardinal
Richelieu wished to engage him wholly in the inte
rests of France; and not being able to obtain an ab-
ject compliance with all his schemes, he made him
feel the full bitterness of dependence. Thus situated,
he was extremely anxious to return to his native coun-
try; and in 1627 his wife went into Holland to con-
sult with his friends on the expediency of such a step.
He was unable to obtain any public permission to
return; but relying on a recent change in the go-
vernment, he, by his wife's advice, boldly appeared
at Rotterdam. His enemies were still on the alert;
they could not forgive the man who refused to apolo-
gise, and whose able vindication of himself had thrown
disgrace upon them. Many private persons interested
themselves for him; but the magistrates offered re-
wards to whoever would apprehend him. Such was
the treatment this illustrious scholar met from a coun-
try, which owes one of its proudest distinctions to his

fame!

He left Holland, and resided at Hamburgh two years; at which place he was induced to enter the service of Christina, queen of Sweden, who appointed residence of ten years, during which he continued to him her ambassador to the court of France. After a increase his reputation as an author, he grew tired of a situation, which circumstances rendered difficult and embarrassing. At his request he was recalled.

and Viscount Greenock (the number is fortunately not small) coming forward at the meetings of scientific associations, each with the result of his painsful observations and researches, as a contribution to science, and each happy to mingle on terms of equality with men of the same tastes, whatever be their position in society. How infinitely more deserving of appprobation is a mingling of ranks conducted under such circumstances, than that which takes place in the fives' court and the ring, and with what different results to the character of the superior individuals must it be attended! But, indeed, the gratuitous labours of men of rank in aid of science and art are too obviously their mend them. In giving exercise to faculties which own reward, to require any effort of ours to recomwould otherwise, perhaps, suffer the injury arising from idleness, or be directed to inferior and unprofit able objects, they must not only tend to increase the enjoyments, but add to the duration of life.

These remarks are designed to introduce to our readers a notice of some improvements which have just been executed, by an amateur, in the art of turning, and which were lately explained at a meeting of

the Association for Promoting the Arts in Scotland. Turning is an art which in itself is apt to appear of secondary importance; but we have only to reflect on the material aid which it gives to other arts, to be satisfied of its great and varied utility. It enters into machinery of every kind, from the trinket-like watch to the energetic steam-engine. It is brought to the aid of every art, from the implements of agriculture

to naval architecture. Without turning, the exquisitely accurate movements of the printing-machine, by which the present sheet travels perhaps twenty feet along cylinders between the receiving of the first and second impressions, without the one being the twentieth of an inch removed from an exact opposition to the other, would be entirely lost to us. It is also the prime element for the production of innumerable ornamental objects, which daily surround us in our homes, and add insensibly, but not the less surely, to our current happiness.

The amateur artist whose work we are about to describe, is Mr Graham Dalyell, of Edinburgh, distinguished by his numerous antiquarian publications, and his patient inquiries into the habits of the zoophytical tribes, of which we lately presented some notices to our readers. This gentleman has for many years prosecuted turning as an amusement, and, by the exercise of much natural ingenuity, and an expenditure of time which perhaps no professional artist could have afforded, he has produced some kinds of work, not only of surprising beauty, but of such peculiarities of shape and ornament, as would seem to defy the art by which they have been fashioned. The two principal specimens exhibited by Mr Dalyell were a hollow brazen and an ivory vase, of a circular form, and several inches in height, each provided with a cover. The brazen vase was formed from a coarse cast giving the general outline, and the ivory one from a solid piece of tusk. Instead of the parallel lines around the object which are usually produced by turning, these vases present a multitude of curves, angles, facets, and other figures, which, in the brass specimen, reflect the light in a beautiful manner; while the ivory one not only displays similar various carving, but is relieved by a great deal of open work, which at a little distance gives the whole the airy appearance of a piece of lace. Along with the specimens, Mr Dalyell exhibited some of his tools, and explained that the work is produced by combinations of the rose engine, eccentric chuck, and drilling apparatus, the tools being brought to bear upon some of the objects in much the same manner as those of the seal-engraver. He also showed that, instead of the ordinary application of turning to small and trifling articles, it was adapted for work of considerable magnitude, though, before attempting any

Beautiful and interesting specimens of work may be produced by the judicious combination of the rose engine with eccentric and drill turning. The operations of the last, singly, are the most expeditious, and they require only the lowest exercise of personal strength. The machine and its complicated apparatus, whereon the work submitted to the society had been executed, was made expressly for the owner by an excellent artist, Mr Andrew Paterson, also our fellow-citizen, at the cost of about two hundred guineas. It is said to be distinguished by many im. provements.

SPEECH WITHOUT A TONGUE. NOTWITHSTANDING the startling appearance of the announcement that the want of a tongue is not in every case attended by dumbness, its truth is placed beyond all rational controversy, by many examples, attested by indisputable authority, of persons, who, though deprived of the whole tongue, and sometimes of the uvula also, have still retained the power of speaking, and

even of pronouncing words, in a clear and accurate facts which ought to induce us to beware of rejecting, manner. This, indeed, is but one of the multitude of without examination, even what at first sight appears contrary to the universal experience and common sense of mankind. To impress upon our readers, therefore, this valuable lesson, and also because the subject is in itself exceedingly curious, we extract the following particulars from a work of high authority, The Study of Medicine, by John Mason Good, M.D. "There are some persons who profess to disbelieve all the stories of this kind that have descended to us, for the mere reason that they have never witnessed any thing of the same kind in their own age or coun. try. But such persons would have also joined the king of Siam in disbelieving the Dutch ambassador's assertion, that the rivers in his own country became so hard and solid during the winter, that men and women could walk and skate upon them. The accounts are too numerous, and in many instances too

singularity, however, the society evinced a commend. able tardiness of belief. They requested another report upon the subject, and from another set of wit nesses, whom they themselves named for the purpose, and for whose guidance they drew up a line of cate gorical examination. This second report soon reached the society, and minutely coincided with the first; and to set the question completely at rest, the young woman was shortly afterwards brought to London, and satisfied the Royal Society in her own person." Dr Good throws out the conjecture, that in these cases articulation is effected by the glottis, or upper opening of the windpipe, which he supposes to acquire this unusual power in consequence of long practice calling forth the full extent of its latent powers.

A TOUGH YARN.
"I'll tell the tale as 'twas told to me."

THE Rockingham outward-bound East Indiaman was
skimming along before a freshening breeze which had
just begun to ruffle the broad bosom of the Atlantic,
every stitch of canvass was set, and joy sat smiling
on the countenances of all at the prospect of soon
when suddenly a seaman engaged about the rigging
escaping from the regions of calms and variable winds,
lost his hold and fell overboard. "Put the helm
down!" shouted the officer of the watch; "a man
overboard! Aft here, cutters; clear away the boat!"
In one moment all was bustle and excitement; small
sails flapping in the wind, studdingsail-booms crack-
ing, tacks and halyards let go by the run.
flew rapidly up in the wind, the mainbraces were let
go, and the mainyard swung aback. The cutters were
lowering the boat, when suddenly came the orders,
"Keep all fast, 'tis too late! Port, quarter-master;
keep the ship on her course! After-guard, brace up the
mainyard!"—and these promptly and actively obeyed,

The ship

soon the vessel moved on in the even tenour of her course. All was silence and gloom, for poor Pat Roonan was a universal favourite.

Meanwhile, however, the cause of all this commotion was quietly perched upon the rudder, patiently

thing of the kind, the artist would require to undergo well supported, to be treated with scepticism; and all waiting for some friendly hand to render him assis

a long probation in plain turning, so as to become acquainted with the nature of the materials, the mode of working them into shape, and of bringing wood, ivory, and metal, to the highest finish.

The operations of the rose engine (so called from its producing leaf-work, like the convolutions of the rose) are so tedious, that, except in the lower department of what is called engine-turning, often seen on watch-cases, it has been almost totally disused. It is calculated, however, for the finest departments of the art, as it not only can produce the work from which it derives its name, in every varied form, but is adapted also for elliptical figures. A series of wheels called rosettes, about six inches in diameter, are arranged on the spindle of the lathe, the circumference of each cut into different curves; the puppets being suspended on central pivots below, yield on pressure against the rosette, and are returned to their position by springs. Meantime the tool of the artist is applied to the work on the chuck, which it fashions after the curves of the rosettes, and by the continued oscillation it is perfected. In this and in eccentric turning the work revolves, while the tool remains stationary, being fixed in what is called the slide-rest, a most important instrument to all artists, whether for plain or ornamental operations. Its powers, its expedition, and its certainty, are so great, that no manufactory should dispense with it. Cylinders and cones, whether solid or hollow, are peculiarly within its sphere; and if properly made and adjusted, it can be set to any angle. In general, it may be observed, that the tool is grasped as in a vice by the upper part of the slide-rest, while the stalk elevating it to the centre of the work rests on a bed which is advanced horizontally towards that centre by one screw, and longitudinally by another. Thus they operate at right or other angles: besides which, there is a circular movement obtained by adapting an endless screw to a circular arc, which rests on the bed of the slide-rest.

In drill turning, which is entirely a new and modern art, the work remains stationary, while the pressure of the tool in rapid revolution operates by complete penetration of the substance, or by excision from the surface. Here a spindle is affixed to the slide-rest instead of the cutting tool, as above, and a drill, which may be of very various formation, is inserted into the one end of the spindle, while there is a pulley at the other. A frame with a drum or roller, seven inches in diameter, and two or three feet long, resting on pivots, is elevated above the bed of the lathe; a long band passes from the wheel of the lathe around a pulley at one end of the drum, to give it motion, and a short band descends from the drum to the pulley on the drilling spindle, to communicate that motion to the drill. Meantime the lathe spindle, which has a dividing plate, is locked to keep the work stationary, as the drill makes its first cut; another division is then taken either there, which is best, or from a dividing plate with a click on the chuck, for the second cut. But in workmanship such as that exhibited to the society, where divisions perhaps to a hairbreadth are essential, an endless screw must opetate on the chuck's dividing plate.

that is left to our judgment and ingenuity is not to deny the evidence, but to account for the fact.

Hundreds of cases might be quoted upon this subject; but the following may be sufficient, although others are referred to in the author's nosological sys. tem, which may be examined at the reader's leisure. Those now selected are taken from recent times, and from authorities that may indeed be disbelieved, but cannot be disputed.

tance. The officer of the deck had seen him go down under the ship's quarter, and looked in vain for his re-appearance, he having risen under the counter, and, being a good swimmer, instantly and instinctively striking out for the rudder-chains. Pat loudly shouted for help, but amid the noise and confusion which prevailed, his cries were unheard. Being a bold and active fellow, and not gifted with much patience, he made a spring for one of the gunroom ports, which in tropical latitudes are often kept open to give air to the various stores the room contains, and once more succeeded in getting on board.

In the third volume of the Ephemerides Germanicæ, we have the history of a boy, who, at eight years of Tired with his exertions, he seated himself for a age, lost the whole organ of the tongue, in consequence moment, and, looking around, what a tempting specof a sphacelus proceeding from the smallpox, and who tacle presented itself! On one side was a tin box of was able to talk after its separation. The boy was ex- the best biscuits, on the other an open case of bottled hibited publicly, but a trick was generally suspected; ale. Pat looked long and wistfully at them both, in consequence of which, the boy and his friends were weighing the enjoyment against the probable conse summoned to appear in court before the members of quences; at last, "here goes," said he, dipping his the celebrated university of Saumur. In the presence hand into one, and taking a bottle from the other, of this learned body he underwent a strict examina- and in two minutes a quart of the best Hodgson had tion as to the loss he had sustained, and the lingual changed masters. He soon began to feel its powerful powers he still possessed. The report was found cor-effects, but before yielding to them, contrived to stagrect, and the university, in consequence, gave their ger to a dark corner, and to lie down between two official attestation to the fact, in order, as it expressly packages. Here he slept soundly, and unobserved by asserts in its record, that its reality might not be called the gunner when he went his evening rounds, till the in question in succeeding times. shrill sound of the boatswain's pipe awakened him In the Memoires de l'Academie des Sciences for the to a sense of his situation, and the discipline to which year 1718, is an account of a girl who was born with. he had subjected himself; but the common boardout a tongue, but had nevertheless learned to speak, ship saying, "Swallow a tooth of the dog that bit and talked as easily and distinctly as if she had en- you," recurred to his recollection; and having in joyed the full benefit of that organ. The case is given vain endeavoured to stifle his conscience in any other by a physician of character, who had accurately and way, he at length fairly drowned it in another bottle repeatedly examined the girl's organs of speech, and of the intoxicating beverage. The consequence was was desirous that others should examine them also. another long sleep, from which he awoke with all the horrors of the "cat" hanging over him. But it was time to think how to escape from the dilemma; and when an Irishman once fairly sets his wits to work, what can he not accomplish? It was broad day. The sun had nearly attained his meridian, and the smooth and unruffled sea reflected his beams with almost intolerable splendour, while the ship, lying perfectly unmanageable, heaved and rolled heavily with the swell: it was a dead calm. Pat looked out of the port, and a bright idea striking him, he proceeded to act upon it. The fear of the "cat" overcame his dread of the sharks, and letting himself quietly overboard, he dropped as far astern as he could without being observed by those on deck. It was seven bells in the forenoon watch; as usual, the officers were busy "taking the sun," and laughing and joking with each other, when suddenly the cry "ship ahoy! ship ahoy!" arising from the sea, filled every one with astonishment and surprise. All rushed to the tafferel, where to their dismay they perceived poor Pat Roonan, slowly, and apparently with much fatigue, forcing his way through the waters. The first surprise over, all hastened to give assistance; and with no little difficulty, this dead alive" was hoisted on the deck. "Where do you come from, sir ?" cried the captain. Why, sir," says Pat, blowing and sputtering at intervals, and seemingly scarcely able to articulate, "it was too bad to leave a poor fellow-kicking-his

About seventy years ago, our own country furnished us with another equally striking example of the same power, and which forms the subject of various papers in the Philosophical Transactions, drawn up chiefly by Dr Parsons at the time, and printed in the volumes that were published between the years 1742 and 1747. It is the history of a young woman of the name of Margaret Cutting, of Wickham Market, near Ipswich, in Suffolk, who, when only four years old, lost the whole of her tongue, together with the uvula, from what is said to have been a cancerous affection, but still retained the powers of speech, taste, and deglutition, without any imperfection whatever; articulating, indeed, as fluently and with as much correctness as other persons, and articulating, too, those peculiar syllables which ordinarily require the express aid of the tip of the tongue for exact enunciation. She also sang to admiration, and still articulated her words while singing, and could form no conception of the use of a tongue in other people. Neither were her teeth in any respect able to supply the place of the deficient organs; for these also were but few, and rose scarcely higher than the surface of the gums, in consequence of the injury to the sockets from the disease that had destroyed the tongue. The case, thus introduced before the Royal Society, was attested by the minister of the parish, a medical practitioner of repute, and another respectable person. From its

66

You

I dare say that what I have told you brings sad recollections to the minds of my wife and eldest daughter, who, with myself, had to fly from our home at the time of the great fires. I felt so interested in his relation of the causes of the burnings, that I asked him to describe to me the particulars of his misfortunes at the time.

We

heels in the middle of the Atlantic; if it hadn't wear them ?" When the Marshal de Belleisle left him growth" land, tnat is, the spruce, pine, and all other been for this blessed calm-I'd never have come up at Prague with eighteen hundred men, the inhabitants, firs. The destruction of the trees was effected by the with the old ship." Here Pat sunk exhausted upon pressed by famine within and a numerous army with-insects cutting the leaves, and you must know that, a carronade; but he chuckled in his sleeve when he out, demanded that he should surrender the town, although other trees are not killed by the loss of their saw the captain's steward bringing a glass of brandy Upon this he seized several hostages from amongst the leaves, the evergreens always are. Some few years to revive him. Pat's impudence, and his invariable principal citizens, and shut them up in his own house, after this destruction of the larch, the same insects atreply to all direct and indirect questions put to him under which were a number of vaults filled with gun-tacked the spruces, pines, and other firs, in such a on the subject, "sure I never had such a swim in my powder; determined to blow them up with himself, manner, that before half a dozen years were over, they born days; if it hadn't been for the calm, I'd never should the inhabitants insist on surrendering the city.began to fall, and, tumbling in all directions, they cohave got on board again," carried him well through; He obtained all his demands, marched out of the town vered the whole country with matted masses. and the boldness of his unwavering asseverations with the honours of war; and in testimony of their may suppose that, when partially dried or seasoned, staggered his messmates into a half belief of his story. admiration of his bravery, they presented him with they would prove capital fuel, as well as supplies for Time wore on, and the Rockingham arrived safely two pieces of cannon. A general officer, who had been the devouring flames which accidentally, or perhaps by at her anchorage in Bombay harbour. Like all other too long accustomed to a court life to understand much (intention, afterwards raged over the country, and connine-day wonders, Pat's adventure had ceased to be about war, complained with as much haughtiness as tinued burning at intervals for years, in many places remembered, when Captain Graham dining on shore bitterness of the preference given to this soldier of stopping all communication by the roads, the resinous in company with the commander of another vessel in fortune over him: this was repeated to Chevert, and nature of the firs being of course best fitted to insure the roads, the conversation turned upon swimming, he determined to revenge himself in his own way. and keep up the burning of the deep beds of dry leaves and the great power in the water which a black man One day that the Marquis de Belleisle had appointed of the other trees. on board the latter gentleman's ship displayed. Pat him to an expedition as dangerous as it was glorious, Roonan and his adventure occurred to Captain Graham. he took this opportunity thus to address the malcon"When the wine is in, the wit is out," and consider-tent: Monsieur, it has always surprised me that a able bets were laid by the two gentlemen upon the man of your merit has never been employed." "It result of trial of the prowess of the two seamen. is not my fault," rejoined the other; "all here goes The next morning was named for the match. Pat Roo-by favour. I have frequently solicited the command nan was summoned to the quarter-deck, and told what of a detachment, but have always been retused.” “I was expected from him, and that it was arranged know one that will be granted you," said Chevert; the two men should swim directly out to sea, with at- he then acquainted him with the nature of the enter tending boats to pick them up when exhausted. prise; and as he proceeded to detail the dangers and Though a good swimmer, Pat well knew he was no difficulties of the expedition, the officer became first match for the black, and he trembled at the conse- thoughtful, then uneasy, and finished by saying it quences of a discovery of his deception; still he trusted was not his turn to march, that he was not acquainted that his native impudence would again save him. And with that part of the country, and that in short he so it did. The story of the bet had got wind-the would not go. "Well, sir," replied Chevert, "this beach was crowded with people-the boats were man- detachment has been given to me; and it is by such ned-the swimmers stript, and just about to make the perilous undertakings, which you have refused, that plunge, when Pat exclaimed, "Avast there, brother! I have reached the rank I now hold. I am aware of heave to for a minute, will ye ?" He went to his own the remarks you have made upon me, but now I have ship's boat, and took from it a large and well-filled my revenge.' With such a noble mind, it was not bag, which he slowly and deliberately began to lash to surprising that Marshal Saxe had the affection of a his back. "Hallo!" cried the gazing black, "what father for him. On one occasion when the former was you got dere ?" "Grub, to be sure, you nigger!-lauding the noble qualities of the latter, to the great you don't suppose I'm such a greenhorn as to go out annoyance of his enemies, a person present had the to sea on a cruise without laying in a stock of pro- boldness to remark, that Chevert was nothing more visions ?" "Why, how long you going to swim?" qu'un officier de fortune. "How!" replied the mar"How can I tell, you black squall, how long we shal, pretending to have heard something new; "is shall be out; it won't be less than a week, any how," this really true? I always had a warm regard for said Pat with the greatest coolness. him; I shall now add respect to my esteem." Chevert never concealed or felt humbled by his origin; his soul was too noble to be mortified because he was lowly born; he even experienced a pride in owing all to himself, and nothing to favour. Chevert was surprised one day by a visit from a stranger whom he had never seen before, and who came to claim rela.. tionship with him. "Are you a gentleman ?" de. manded Chevert. "Am I a gentleman!" replied the other; "can you doubt it ?" "In that case," rejoined the warrior, you cannot possibly be any relation of mine, as I am the first and only gentleman of my family." This extraordinary man died in January 1769, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.

He knew his man; nothing could induce the black to swim; Pat came off with flying colours, muttering to himself, "Oh, an' it would be a quare thing if I couldn't bother a nigger when I chated my own captain."

A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE.

AN AMERICAN FOREST ON FIRE.
[By Audubon.]

CHEVERT, an eminent French general, and one of the
bravest men who ever lived, was originally a destitute
orphan, and entered the army as a common soldier at
twelve years of age. Without high birth, fortune, or
connections by his personal merits alone-he rose to
the rank of lieutenant-general, at a period when favours
and honours were usually bestowed upon those only
who could boast of a long line of ancestors. A profound
study of tactics, an unwearied attention to his duty,
with an ardent desire to distinguish himself, were the WITH what pleasure have I seated myself by the
means which he employed to elevate himself above the blazing fire of some lonely cabin, when, faint with fa-
crowd, and fix upon him the regards of his country. tigue, and chilled with the piercing blast, I had forced
Though extremely modest, he knew his talents and my way to it through the drifted snows that covered
his rights, which he showed on the following occasion, the face of the country as with a mantle! The affec-
when he considered himself unjustly treated. A com. tionate mother is hushing her dear babe to repose,
pany in his regiment becoming vacant, he applied for while a group of sturdy children surround their father,
it, but the colonel of the regiment had solicited it for who has just returned from the chase, and deposited
one of his friends. Upon this Chevert went imme- on the rough flooring of his hut the varied game which
diately to Versailles, and laid his complaint before the he has procured. The great back log, that with some
minister. On the latter saying that he had never difficulty has been rolled into the ample chimney,
heard any thing about him, Chevert replied, “In that urged, as it were, by lighted pieces of pine, sends forth
case, have the goodness to write to my colonel, that a blaze of light over the happy family. The dogs of
you require a brave and able officer to conduct an af- the hunter are already licking away the trickling wa-
fair as difficult as important; and demand of him, if ters of the thawing icicles that sparkle over their
he can name any one who will suit your purpose." shaggy coats, and the comfort-loving cat is busied in
The minister did so, and the colonel named Chevert; passing her furry paws over each ear, or with her
upon which he immediately received the appointment. rough tongue smoothing her glossy coat.
The confidence with which he inspired the soldiers, How delightful to me has it been, when kindly re-
was only equalled by the bravery by which he distin-ceived and hospitably treated under such a roof, by
guished himself. On one occasion, when he was de-persons whose means were as scanty as their genero-
termined to surprise a fort, he sent for a soldier, and
thus addressed him. "Go straight to that fort with
out stopping; when they ask who goes there, make
no reply; when the challenge is repeated a second
time, still advance in silence; at the third demand
they will fire upon you; if the shot fails, throw your-
self upon the guard-secure him-I shall be there to
assist you." The soldier departed, fulfilled his or-
ders, and every thing happened as Chevert had fore-
seen, such was the enthusiasm with which he inspired
those under his command. At one time when he was
ordered to dislodge the enemy from their position on
the top of a hill, which was covered with wood, when
they had penetrated a little way, he seized the Mar-
quis de Brebant by the hand, and exclaimed with ar-
dour, whilst his eyes sparkled with the love of glory,
"Swear to me, on the honour of a soldier, that you
and your regiment will die to a man before you re-
treat." Then turning to the soldiers, he said, "We
must advance, but never return." And with one voice
of assent the soldiers obeyed. He was always superior
to danger. At the commencement of an attack, his
officers entreated him to put on his cuirass, but he re-
plied, pointing to his soldiers, “Do these brave fellows

sity was great, I have entered into conversation with
them respecting subjects of interest to me, and re-
ceived gratifying information. I recollect that once
while in the state of Maine, I passed such a night as
I have described. Next morning the face of nature
was obscured by the heavy rains that fell in torrents,
and my generous host begged me to remain in such
pressing terms, that I was well content to accept his
offer. Breakfast over, the business of the day com-
menced: the spinning wheels went round, and the
boys employed themselves, one in searching for know.
ledge, another in attempting to solve some ticklish
arithmetical problem. In a corner lay the dogs dream-
ing of plunder, while close to the ashes stood grim-
alkin seriously purring in concert with the wheels.
The hunter and I having seated ourselves each on a
stool, while the matron looked after her domestic ar-
rangements, I requested him to give me an account
of the events resulting from those fires which he had
witnessed. Willingly he at once went on nearly as
follows:—

It is a difficult thing, sir, to describe, but I will do my best to make your time pass pleasantly. were sound asleep, one night, in a cabin, about a hun. dred miles from this, when, about two hours before day, the snorting of the horses and lowing of the cattle, which I had ranged in the woods, suddenly awakened us. I took yon rifle, and went to the door to see what beast had caused the hubbub, when I was struck by the glare of light reflected on all the trees before me, as far as I could see through the woods. My horses were leaping about, snorting loudly, and the cattle ran among them, with their tails raised straight over their backs. On going to the back of the house, I plainly heard the crackling made by the burning brushwood, and saw the flames coming towards us in a far extended line. I ran to the house, told my wife to dress herself and the child as quickly as possible, and take the little money we had, while I managed to catch and saddle the two best horses. All this was done in a very short time, for I guessed that every moment was precious to us.

We then mounted, and made off from the fire. My wife, who is an excellent rider, stuck close to me; my daughter, who was then a small child, I took in one arm. When making off, as I said, I looked back and saw that the frightful blaze was close upon us, and had already laid hold of the house. By good luck there was a horn attached to my hunting clothes, and I blew it, to bring after us, if possible, the remainder of my live stock, as well as the dogs. The cattle followed for awhile, but before an hour bad elapsed, they all ran as if mad through the woods, and that, sir, was the last of them. My dogs, too, al though at all other times extremely tractable, ran after the deer that in bodies sprung before us, as if fully aware of the death that was so rapidly approaching.

We heard blasts from the horns of our neighbours, as we proceeded, and knew that they were in the same predicament. Intent on striving to the utmost to preserve our lives, I thought of a large lake, some miles off, which might possibly check the flames; and urging my wife to whip up her horse, we set off at full speed, making the best way we could over the fallen trees and the brush heaps, which lay like so many articles placed on purpose to keep up the terrific fires that advanced with a broad front upon us.

By this time we could feel the heat, and we were afraid that our horses would drop every instant. A singular kind of breeze was passing over our heads, and the glare of the atmosphere shone over the daylight. I was sensible of a slight faintness, and my wife looked pale. The heat had produced such a flush in the child's face, that when she turned towards either of us, our grief and perplexity were greatly increased. Ten miles, you know, are soon gone over, on swift horses; but, notwithstanding this, when we reached the borders of the lake, covered with sweat and quite exhausted, our hearts failed us. The heat of the smoke was insufferable, and sheets of blazing fire flew over us in a manner beyond belief. We reached the shores, however, coasted the lake for a while, and got round to the leeside. There we gave up our horses, which we never saw again. Down among the rushes we plunged by the edge of the water, and laid ourselves flat, to wait the chance of escaping from being burnt or devoured. The water refreshed us, and we enjoyed the coolness.

On went the fire, rushing and crashing through the woods. Such a sight may we never see! The heavens themselves, I thought, were frightened, for all above us was a red glare, mixed with clouds of smoke, rolling and sweeping away. Our bodies were cool enough, but our heads were scorching, and the child, who now seemed to understand the matter, cried so as nearly to break our hearts.

The day passed on, and we became hungry. Many wild beasts came plunging into the water beside us, and others swam across to our side, and stood still. Although faint and weary, I managed to shoot a por eupine, and we all tasted its flesh. The night passed I cannot tell you how. Smouldering fires covered the "About twenty-five years ago, the larch or hackmi-ground, and the trees stood like pillars of fire, or fell tack trees were nearly all killed by insects. This took across each other. The stifling and sickening smoke place in what hereabouts is called the “black_soft | still rushed over us, and the burnt cinders and ashes

[ocr errors][merged small]

fell thick about us.. How we got through that night I really cannot tell, for about some of it I remember nothing.

Towards morning, although the heat did not abate, the smoke became less, and blasts of fresh air sometimes made their way to us. When morning came, all was calm, but a dismal smoke still filled the air, and the smell seemed worse than ever. We were now cooled enough, and shivered as if in an ague fit; so we removed from the water, and went up to a burning log, where we warmed ourselves. What was to become of us I did not know. My wife hugged the child to her breast, and wept bitterly; but God had preserved us through the worst of the danger, and the flames had gone past, so I thought it would be both ungrateful to Him, and unmanly, to despair now. Hunger once more pressed upon us, but this was easily remedied. Several deers were still standing in the water, up to the head, and I shot one of them. Some of its flesh was soon roasted; and after eating it, we felt wonderfully strengthened.

By this time the blaze of the fire was beyond our sight, although the ground was still burning in many places, and it was dangerous to go among the burnt trees. After resting awhile, and trimming ourselves, we prepared to commence our march. Taking up the child, I led the way over the hot ground and rocks; and after two weary days and nights, during which we shifted in the best manner we could, we at last reached the "hard woods," which had been free of the fire. Soon after we came to a house, where we were kindly treated for awhile. Since then, sir, I have worked hard and constantly as a lumberer; but thanks be to God, here we are safe, sound, and happy.”—American Ornithology, vol. ii.

FLY FISHING.

IA SHORT time ago we presented a few detached papers on the GENTLE ART, with the intention of continuing them at intervals. The tediousness of that mode of publication, however, and other circumstances, have induced the author to throw the papers together, forming a volume for the use of anglers, which is now published in a neat portable size, embellished with wood engravings. From this interesting little work we extract the following chapter on Fly Fish. ing:

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

ment.

[ocr errors]

Fly fishing is by far the most exquisite department of the gentle art. There is, generally speaking, a greater degree of skill necessary to complete the adept, more nice calculation, and a superior style of arrangeThe advantages of the fly over the ground fisher are, however, not a few: he avoids the trouble of collecting and preparing his bait, the filth and cruelty of attaching it to his hook, and those numerous uncertainties accompanying water and weather, which fall oftener to the other's lot. We shall not, however, attempt any disparagement to the merits of =the honest bait fisher, since, to our knowledge, he is often a nobly-gifted and scientific craftsman, a good and worthy man, zealous in behalf of the art, and in no wise to be underrated. We ourselves, in our younger days, were bait fishers, no great hands we allow, but still tolerably successful; and if we live on till our arm and eye fail, we shall be bait fishers once more, tottering in second infancy to the river side, content with a few humble minnows, as fortune directs, or a chance salmon, which pities our age, and is willing, to his own cost, to sound our leading strings. We are now come to treat of the method of fly fishing in use with excellent anglers. Your rod and tackle being ready, the wind in your favour down the river, draw out with your left hand a few yards of line from your reel, dip the top of your rod in the water, and with a rapid jerk you will lengthen as you wish that part you intend for throwing. A thirteen foot wand will cast from six to seven fathoms of line. With a large double-handed rod you may manage a much greater length. Always, if you can, angle from a distance. Trout see you when you least imagine, and skulk off without your notice. Noise they care little about; you may talk and stamp like a madman without frightening them, but give them a glimpse of your person, and they won't stay to take another. Some ichthyologists attribute to them an acute sense of hearing; this we are disposed to question, for how happens it that the most obstreperous rattling of stones when wading causes no alarm, although conveyed to them through the medium of water, a good conductor of sounds? We remember angling one still night by St Mary's Loch, when our movements were heard distinctly by some shepherds from the distance of a mile, and yet the fish rose eagerly at our very feet,

The Art of Angling as Practised in Scotland, by Thomas Tod Stoddart, Esq. author of "The Death Wake," and other poems. W. and R. Chambers, Edinburgh; and Orr and Smith, London.

following our fly to the shallowest parts of the margin -a fact which, if it does not prove the obtusity of hearing, at any rate renders it a matter of little consequence to the angler.

It requires some art to throw a long line. The be ginner should commence with a short one, and without flies, lengthening it gradually as he improves. The best method of casting is to bring the rod slowly over the right or left shoulder, and with a turn of the wrist make the line circle behind you; then, after a pause, fetch it forward again in the same manner, and your flies will descend softly upon the water. All jerks are apt to whip off your hooks or crack your gut. A fly-fisher may use two, three, or four flies on his casts, according to pleasure. When angling with small hooks, we adopt the medium number. Large ones ought to be fished with in pairs, and well separated. In throwing the cast, the lowermost, or trail fly, should be made to alight foremost; its fall ought to be almost imperceptible; it should come down on the water like a gossamer, followed by the droppers. The moment a fly touches the surface, it is ten times more apt to raise a fish than during the act of drawing it along. At no time are we stanch advocates for the system of leading our hooks, either against or across a stream; our method is rather to shake them over it for a moment, and then repeat the throw. A trout will discover your fly at the distance of several yards, if feeding, and will dart at it like lightning. Always, if you can, fish with the wind, and do not concern yourself, as some do, from what quarter it comes. In spring, no doubt, a south-west breeze is preferable to all others; yet we have seen even easterly winds not the worst, on many waters, especially during summer months, when the natural fly is apt to become overplenty.

Trout will sometimes take in the most unlikely weathers, so that the angler should not despair at any time. Hunger causes them to feed at least once in the twenty-four hours, and generally much oftener. If the wind blows down the river, commence at the pool head, and fish every inch of good water; you may pass over the very rough and very shallow parts, also those which are absolutely dead, calm, and clear, unless you see fish rising in them, when, should your tackle be light, there is no harm in taking a throw or two. Dead water, however, when rippled or discoloured, may be angled in with great success. When you raise a good trout, strike slowly, or hardly at all. only continue the motion of your hand without slackand par may be whipped in with rapidity: 'tis folly ing it; the fish, if large, will hook itself. Small trout to play or use ceremony with such trifles. Should the fish miss your fly altogether, give him another chance, and a third if that will not do; a touch of your barb, however, will sharpen his wits, so as to prevent him from again rising. He prefers flies with out stings. When you hook a trout, if you can, turn his head with the stream, and take him rapidly down. Thus you will exhaust him in the shortest time, whereas, by hauling against the current, you allow him to swim freely in his natural direction, and also is really needful. A good-sized fish, handled in this exert three times more strength upon your tackle than foolish manner, can never be taken; it is impossible to tire him out, and the strongest line will give way to his resistance. When your victim is exhausted, draw him gently ashore, upon the nearest channel, or most level part of the margin. He will come in sideways, and generally lie motionless for a few seconds, during which time you will be able to run forward and seize him. Beware of catching hold of your line, until he is properly banked. Many a famous trout have anglers, who think so to save time and labour. One we seen lost by this inadvertence on the part of should remember how the spring of the rod is thus removed, and how there remains no proper curb to the strength of the fish, which easily breaks a single gut, or tears itself from a sharp hook, and wishes the astonished angler better sport farther on.

In playing a large fish, especially if it be a salmon, always keep opposite the head, and never allow your line to slacken for an instant; if you do, be not surprised if it should come back to your hand again, evi. dently without any thing. A salmon fly should be angled with, in short jerks, among the most rapid parts of the stream: the fish lie mostly near the head or bottom of a pool, and seldom about the middle. In running them, use your legs as well as your line, but always keep the latter on the qui vive, letting it out somewhat charily, with the assistance of the hand, and taking every opportunity to wind it up again. The fish, when hooked, generally ascends or strikes across the current; after a fair heat, he will often spring furiously out of water, striving to disengage the barb from his mouth, or shiver the line with his tail. At such times considerable skill is required to prevent him from accomplishing his purpose. When he becomes calm, he will take matters more philosophically, and not seldom refuse any farther resistance by attaching himself firmly to the bottom. him immediately, as you best can; for he meditates the snapping of your line by a sudden effort, when you are off guard. Either wade in, and kick him, or, if the pool be too deep, throw stones cautiously near the spot where he lies. He will soon start again in beautiful style, as if for the sea; when he becomes exhausted, drag him to the edge, gaff, and secure him. A salmon, hooked by the back-fin, will play ten times more vigorously than one hooked by the mouth. You |

Rouse

[ocr errors]

may as well bridle a horse by the middle, and attempt to turn him, as manage a large fish so fastened. We have known anglers occupy a whole day in securing a moderate sized grilse.

There is, we believe, a very singular instance on record among the inhabitants of the lower part of the Tummel, with respect to the capture of a huge salmon with the rod. The time occupied was so great, that we shall not forfeit our title to veracity by mentioning it, but leave the curious reader to inquire for himself. We remember also another instance of this kind, which we had from good authority in the south of Scotland, how a salmon hooked by the side-fin below Elibank wood on the Tweed, took the angler down to Yair bridge, a distance of several miles, and at length made its escape with his tackle, after several hours' play. Even when hooked by the mouth, the salmon is no contemptible animal to deal with. We ourselves were compelled to work one for some hours in St Mary's Loch, on a common trouting fly, and at length secured him, before he was nearly exhausted, by enclosing him in a small bay, and then preventing his escape from behind.

So much for the strength of this fish, and yet, strange to say, with such small means may its prodigious power be kept under by eminent anglers, that a single horse-hair has been known to master a full-grown salmon. The feat of capturing one with such slender tackle was, we believe, some time ago performed by the Reverend Mr Paterson, lately clergyman at Galashiels, now in Glasgow.

In angling with the fly, whether for trout or salmon, it will be remarked, how, at certain times, they will rise in great numbers towards your hook, without your being able to secure a single fish. This is owing sometimes to their state of repletion, and sometimes to the colour of the water or the quality of the atmosphere. On these occasions, it is truly tantalising to behold the most desirable fish mocking your fly with repeated plunges, seemingly aware of your presence, and defying your nicest ingenuity. There is, however, no proper help for it, although we have observed that a change in the size or colour of the hook will sometimes work wonders; also, when trouting, a small, white, flesh maggot, toughened in bran, and attached to your fly, is no bad remedy. The fine perception which tront possess in their smell often causes them to quit your artificial insect when just on the point of seizing it. This faculty of theirs is so powerful as to enable them to discern the approach of a it by the interposition of a stone or other obstacle. worm some yards off, although prevented from seizing If you throw a handful of salmon roe into a calm clear pool, which seems for the time almost evacuated, except by a few stragglers, and watch it cautiously, you will be surprised at the number of fish smelling their way from all quarters to the baited spot; many

of these will swim up from the distance of two or three hundred yards, directed merely by the flavour carried down to them; the smallness of which may be imagined more easily than calculated.

In general, however, trout trust more to their sight dart at them with a velocity too great to be easily in seizing flies than to their sense of smell. They checked by any sudden discovery. Like men, they find the deceit when there is no remedy, and gain the most valuable lesson at the precious cost of life. We have even caught trout in very turbid water, angling with the artificial fly in the manner of worm, so foolishly are they sometimes taken with appearances.

Double-rod fishing has got into practice on some rivers; it is poachers' work, and ought to be prevented by law. This method of raking the water requires between a couple of rods, and hung with flies, is no art, and affords little amusement. A line stretched taken down the stream by two individuals on its opposite sides, so that every inch of water is gone over, and every feeding trout raised. As by the lath, immense numbers of fish are wounded as well as taken, getting detached from the hook after a long continued struggle, and then pining away for months at the bottom, unable either to feed or spawn. We hope soon to see an effectual check put upon this manner of depopulation.

Fly-fishing in Scotland was wont to commence about the end of March, or early in April, although of late years our spring weather has been so unusually mild as to add even part of February to the angler's calendar. Nay, we have seen, during Christmas, trout rise freely, especially near the mouths of streams. In some rivers, great quantities of kelts, or spawned salmon, are taken in the month of March, on their descent to the sea. We have known of forty or fifty of these useless fish being captured with a single rod in one day, certainly a most unnecessary slaughter. April, May, and June, are undoubtedly the best months in the season for angling with the fly, not that in them you will catch the greatest number of trout, but such as you do catch are generally of a larger size than those taken at a later period. July and August are mostly too hot and dry; the waters are then clear and covered multitudes of gadflies and other insects. Par, however, and small trout, may be captured in great quantities, especially in the mornings and evenings; nor are the brandling and other worms rejected by the larger sort of fish; white maggots also are esteemed at this time. If rainy, September and October vie with the spring months for the heart of the angler. Salmon are now ascending our Lowland rivers, and

with food; the fish lazy, and the angler tormented by

« НазадПродовжити »