he always opens his mouth as wide as possible, as if adjusting his tongue, but the truth of this we could not ascertain. My friend was much pleased with my observation, as he declared he never knew the frog so valuable, as to be capable of keeping his gooseberry and currant trees from these destructive visitors. LA FONTAINE. In some respects La Fontaine was not unlike Oliver Goldsmith; both were forgetful, generous, unaffected. The French poet almost forgot that he had a wife; and when his friends told him that it was a shame to absent himself from so worthy a lady, he set out for her abode. The servant not knowing him, said she was gone to church; upon which he returned to Paris; and when his friends enquired about his proceeding, he answered, that he had been to see his wife, but was told she was at church!-Being one day at a house, his son came in-not having seen him for a little time, he did not know the youth again, but remarked to some of the company, that he thought him a boy of parts and spirit. He was told that this promising lad was his own son: to which he answered, "Ha! truly I'm glad on't!"-In company he made no figure. He had been invited to the house of" a person of distinction," for the more elegant entertainment of the guests; but though he ate very heartily, not a word could be got from him. And when, rising from table soon after dinner, on pretence of going to the academy, he was told he would be too soon, "Oh then," said he, "I'll take the longest way."-Being one day at a tedious church service, Racine, seeing he was weary, put a bible into his hands. Fontaine happening to open it at the prayer of the Jews in Baruch, read it over with much admiration, and observed to Racine, "This Baruch is a fine writer: do you know any thing of him?"-In a company of Ecclesiastics, he one day asked whether they thought St. Austin had more wit than Rabelais? -The Reverend Doctor, somewhat amazed at such a question in such a company, observed, "You have pat on one of your stockings the wrong side outwards:" -which was the fact!-On his death-bed, his old nurse, seeing the priest was much troubled about him, said, "Good Sir, don't disturb him so-God won't have the heart to condemn him." SCENERY. scene composed of tapestry, which was sometimes, A COURSE OF EXAMINATION.-Continued. SCRAPIANA.' From the common-place book of a Clergyman who flourished in Lancashire at the beginning of the 18th century. Divisions ended by this rule-Sit in necessariis having gone through the first course and Duty's our's, event's God's; ye devil couzens us of all 13. Describe the particular ceremony performed 14. Draw a parallel between the following:-Crib and Penn--Grimaldi and Milton--Homer and Ben Johnson- -Quevedo and Baxter.-Furnish a dissertation on Clubs, without borrowing from "A Man U Ensis," Translate the term "one of the fancy" into Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Dutch, French, Scotch, Irish and Welsh? 15. State the difference between Coat and Coatee Surtout (not the heraldic) and Benjamin-Gallowses and Braces-Hessians and Wellingtons, and the height of St. Mary's Spire when it is took down, taking the observation from "George's Bar at midnight," and prove the superiority of printing over engraving? 16. Enumerate the living Artists of the town, with a comparative scale of merit that each possess, distingaishing each class, such as portrait, landscape, historical, caricature, and mere daubers-who painted the beauty and the beast, and who destroy'd it.-and give the best pattern of a ledger, with an opinion, whether giving or taking-begging or stealing-borrowing or lending, be the most honourable and profitable? 17. Astronomy being most essential, of all the arts and sciences, state at what time Venus is eclipsed, and where she goes when she is neither a morning nor an evening star. Give an account how many moons have waned since the creation, according to all the different Chronological Writers-and prove the materials Jupiter's belt is composed of, and whether it was wove seamless, or put together in shreds and scraps. 18. Scan Edmund's Poem of the "Curses of Wedlock," and state in what style of poetry it is written, and where its chief beauties lie? 19. Prove that Sheldon did not first find out the mode of precipitating a clear red lake from Madder, it 20. Give Biographical sketches of Dee and Faus- 21. Mention how long since there was a ducking stool in Manchester, and who was it last that underwent the operation-state the difference between dipping and ducking. It has been a question of much literary controversy, whether, in our ancient theatres, there were side and other scenes. The question is involved in so much obscurity, that it is difficult to decide upon it. In Shakspeare's time, the want of scenery seems to have been supplied by the simple expedient of writing the names of the different places, where the scene was laid in the progress of the play, upon large scrolls, which were disposed in such a manner as to be visible to the audience. In the year 1605, Inigo Jones exhibited an entertainment at Oxford, in which moveable scenes were used; and he appears to have introduced in the masques at court several pieces of machinery, with which the public theatres were then unacquainted, as the mechanism of our ancient stage seldom went beyond a painted chair or a trap door. When King Henry the Eighth is to be discovered by the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk reading in his study, the scenical direction in the first folio edition of Shakspeare's plays, printed in 1628, apparently from playhouse copies, is" the King draws the curtain, and sits reading pensively;" for besides the principal curtains that hung in front of the stage, they used others as substitutes for scenes. If a bedchamber was to be exhibited, no change of scene was mentioned; but the property-man was simply ordered to thrust forth a bed. When the fable required the Roman capitol to be exhibited, two officers entered, "to lay cushions, as it were, in the capitol." On the whole it appears, that our ancient theatres in general were only furnished with curtains, which opened in the middle, and were drawn backwards and forwards on an iron rod, and a single | diploma. 22. Who was Dr. Gall, and what is "the Spirit of the Doctor?" What power has an old horse-shoe against witchcraft-and state whether gas is procured more by the aid of Satan or black diamond Genii? 23. Demonstrate, by example, the most polite method of making a bow to a lady, when you are too tight laced, and shew the best way of winking at things with your eyes wide open? Lastly. What is the art of pleasing ?—What is the greatest recommendation for a villain receiving justice?-Whether fire, water, or the sword is the most pleasant when one is in jeopardy, and what is the reason that all crooked lines are not straight? These being duly answered without hesitation or evasion, suiting the action to the word, and the word to the action, will entitle the respondent to his St. Dunstan's harp fast by a wall Drexelius says, all yt we can say of Eternity is still less then it is. Despair will force restitution, when true repentance Difficile est orare, quia difficile est desiderare.— Death of that person not worth a tear, whose life is Drones flie about more hastily than bees, but they Difficilia pulchra.—Things hard are excellent, Dives eram dudum, me fecerunt tria nudum Alea, Vina, Venus, tribus his sum factus egenus. Dives lived a life of pleasure, his life was a conti- POLYHYMNIA. BY JAMES MONTGOMERY. It can no longer be a complaint of this age that English songs, without their music, are senseless and inanimate things; for within a very short period of time, the most celebrated of our poets have contributed to this defightful species of poetry; and a young lady at her piano may with the turning over but few leaves chuse for her voice a song of Moore's, or Byron's, or W. Scott's, or Campbell's. To be sure, Moore's morality and Byron's piety are two for a pair;—but in the Time, swift Time, from years their motion stealing, Tinges fancy's fairy dreams with thought; The music is a fine motivo, exalted a little There is an admirable spirit and beauty in the following. VIA CRUCIS, VIA LUCIS. Night turns to day, when sullen darkness lowers, light Scotch words of the two latter, there is from its tone of deep feeling by an accompa- Cheer up, cheer up; the voice of wild commotion all that is unexceptionable; and even in the two former, a want of meaning is certainly their last sin. It is with very sincere pleasure that we can now add the name of Montgomery to those of the illustrious lyrists we have just mentioned; and who that has read the Wanderer of Switzerland and the minor pieces of this poet, can for a moment doubt his power to be great in song? The present little work is composed of seven very beautiful songs written to foreign airs, and as we have the author's permission to publish them, we shall take them at his word, and let them assert their own beauty-certainly, to our taste, they have that exquisite union of tenderness, melancholy, and truth, which makes a good song perfect. The first piece is entitled Reminiscence; it is exceedingly plaintive and unaffectedly pathetic. REMINISCENSE. Where are ye with whom in life I started, Where art thou, in youth my friend and brother, Where is she, whose looks were love and gladness? She is gone, and since that hour of sadness Where am I? life's current faintly flowing, The air is remarkable for sweetness and pathos. The accompaniment presents only chords repeated in regular succession, supporting but not disturbing the voice, while the short symphonies are full of expressiveness. Youth, Manhood, and Age, the next piece, is of another character; and though one in which the author is eminently successful, perhaps it is not the most fitted for song. YOUTH, MANHOOD, AND AGE. Youth, ah! youth, to thee in life's gay morning, • Polyhymnia, or Select Airs of celebrated Foreign Com. posers, adapted to English Words, written expressly for this Work, by James Montgomery. The Music arranged by C. F. Hasse. niment of more motion and variety than the may claim The War Song is remarkable for strength, simplicity, and expression; mixing, however, no small portion of melody with its more animating qualities. The symphonies and accoinpaniments are characteristically plain. i WAR SONG. Heaven speed the righteous sword, Germania from afar Invokes her sons to war; On, to the combat, on! Go where your sires have gone ; On, to the combat, on! Rest will be sweet anon; The slave may yield, may fly; We conquer or we die. O, Liberty! thy form Shines through the battle-storm; Away with fear, away! Let justice win the day! Meet Again, is the subject of all subjects for music. It is almost a song that sings of itself! MEET AGAIN. Joyful words, we meet again! Love's own language comfort darting Through the souls of friends at parting ; Life in death to meet again! While we walk this vale of tears, Compass'd round with care and sorrow, Gloom to-day and storm to-morrow, "Meet again" our bosom cheers. Joyful words, &c. Far in exile, when we roam, O'er our lost endearments weeping, When this weary world is past, "Meet again" in heaven at last : Joyful words, &c. Proclaims tranquillity, behind. War ends in peace; though dread artill'ry rattle, And gastly corses load the ground; Toil brings repose, with noontide fervors beating, Death springs to life, though sad and brief thy story, Dawn through the terrors of the tomb. The music is of an intense but darker cliaracter in its opening; the reverse of the movement of which Meet Again consists. This air has a similar, but more marked division. Here also the composer, or the adapter, has shown his knowledge of effect in the accompaniment. The home truth of The Pilgrimage, which follows, is delightful. We could wish that' English songs should be distinguished by, and valued for, this character. THE PILGRIMAGE OF LIFE, Or talks by moonlight through the groves; In good old age serenely dying, When all he lov'd forsakes his view, "I follow soon," to his " adieu :" It is a bass sostenuto song, expressive and elegant. The passages are cast into the best parts of the voice. It reminds us of the QuiTM sdegno of Mozart, though the resemblance is in the style, not in the melody. There is a second part for two tenors, which adds a variety to its intrinsic beauty. The last piece, Aspirations of Youth, is the call of Genius to Glory, which can only be truly heard through the air of poetry. With This is set for three voices, with a solo, and infinite spirit and truth is combined a feeling a return to the trio. which carries the invocation to the heart. We should think that this little piece beautifully sung would waken a slumbering mind to its fullest energies. ASPIRATIONS OF YOUTH. Higher, higher will we climb, Up the mount of glory, That our names may live through time, In the mines of knowledge; Excellence true beauty; Hearta and hands together, The music consists of an animating strain, like the War song. The succeeding verses are in the nature of variations, which are introduced either upon the melody itself, or into the accompaniment, and each is concluded with a chorus-a repetition of the last bars of the air with a different accompaniment. attired. The numerous family of the Anemones paid their devoirs early-these elegantes were variously habited. Some wore rich scarlet bodices, others purple and green train. The Misses A., in robes of simple white and green, almost surpassed in beauty their more splendid relatives. The Miss Violets-on their return to the country introduced by the Ladies Primrose. The amiable and modest appearance of the former was much noticed -the costume of each party was thought very becoming, and skilfully assorted to set off the colours and charms of each. The Miss Blue Bells, robes of azure tissue, much admired for the sylph-like elegance of their forms. The beautiful Germander family, with their neverto-be-forgotten eyes of heavenly blue, attracted uni versal attention. weighty arguments; but they have always omitted one, viz. the attention we pay in this age to Dancing: 1 Aware that the necessary abstruseness and flatness of my subject may betray me into perplexity, I shall endeavour, for the sake of a lucidus ordo, to arrange my remarks under different heads. And Ist, let me say that there is no art so ANCIENT as dancing. I think it will be allowed by every thinking' mind, that man was created with legs. What then can be more natural than to suppose that he put these legs to some use? I may be bold in the assertion, but I must be allowed to say that it is my unalterable opinion, that the first pas seul was danced by Adam in Paradise. Almost all the old Hebrew worthies shone in the dance; Moses was a renowned figurante, and David is almost as well known for his dancing as for his playing. We have often heard of a young lady's dancing a man's heart awaya Hebrew damsel danced a man's head off his shoulders. But let not my reader think that the Jews were the only cultivators of this science. The Egytians have been long celebrated teach it to Greece, when he taught her every for their progress, nor did Cadmus fail to thing else. The Pyrrhic dance, with all its varieties, has been long in the mouths of the learned. Theseus and Numa both invented The arrival of the Rose family was anxiously ex-dances, and led off the first couple themselves: pected. The Miss Cowslips were presented it has been Mrs. Tulip-body and train of crimson and gold. ed round their sovereign, eager to pay their dutiful of white, red, and green. The company were greatly delighted with a concert of vocal music from a large party of the best performers in the neighbourhood, consisting wholly Having thus given every word of this interesting publication, our readers may suppose that they need not seek the work elsewhere; but if they suppose that, admiring it, they can do without the music, they are mistaken. The words are so married to the music, that in reading they seem to pine for that voice which gives them feeling, force, and spirit. The Airs are beautifully selected, and most skilfully arranged; and we only wish that Mr. Hasse, who by this work so forcibly proves his power, would not stay here, but, seeking other melodies; The good order and obedience to the laws of their and inspiring his present companion, would lay Queen, for which the attendants on this court are reother delightful songs at the feet of Poly-We are happy to add, that though in so large and markable, is the best refutation of every calumny. hymnia:-(Lon. Mag.) THE RURAL CHRONICLE, Departures. For the north; Frost, Esq. and The Messrs Blackbird and Thrush have begun to give their annual concerts for the season. Their respective ladies are "at home." The musical foreigner of distinction-the Signor Cuckoo-whose favourite cantatas are so repeatedly encored he is said to be on the look-out for lodgings in the neighbourhood.-Strange stories are in circulation respecting a branch of the Sparrow family. The Widow Nightingale to her seat in Poplar islands. The Miss Martens for the season. of amateurs. In this belle assemblee it has been whispered that radical principles had been very generally disseminated, though studiously kept out of sight. When Rome was mistress of the world, when But, 2nd, let me hasten to prove that Dane ing is WISE : 1. Dancing is exercise, 2. Exercise is serviceable to life. Ergo, Dancing is serviceable to life.. 1. Dancing is serviceable to life. 2. Whatever is serviceable to life, is wise. Ergo, Dancing is WISE. By these two simple syllogisms, I have no ing mind; but I will even go farther. Pallas, doubt set the matter at rest with every thinkmixed an assembly, many individuals must have been the goddess of Wisdom, is said to have inventunavoidably thrown into the shade, yet no umbrage ed the dance; but as this rests upon rather was taken, and the evening concluded with the utmost slender testimony, and as I myself think, with harmony, the parties continuing together till the sha- Diodorus Siculus, that a king of Phrygia had dows of evening; when, having partaken of a few drops of a light and charming beverage, (the receipt this honour, I shall not press it; but it is a of which is not to be found in Mrs. Rundell), the well-known fact that the Goddess danced a court broke up; but not before the widow Nightin-hornpipe after the defeat of the Titans. Sogale (who had joined the performers of the morning) had been entreated to favour the company with a song that well-bred lady instantly complied, and poured upon the ears of her delighted auditors one of her most heart-thrilling melodies. DANCING. A multitude of very wise people have declared, that the 19th century has made a decided retrograde: quite as large a multitude have affirmed that it has made no such thing. To prove this they have produced some very crates learnt to dance of Aspasia. Homer makes all his heroes good dancers; so does Hesiod. Solomon (than whom no one was more capable of judging) has expressly assigned a time to mourn and a time to dance. Plato has not disdained to write about it, and divides it into three heads; and a learned Professor of philosophy at Dantzic has given to the world a dissertation on it as late as 1782. The President Montesquieu, and Helvetius, both knew what the esprit of the dance was. Professor Porson was a great dancer in his earlier days. It is also curious that the most rational animals, the dog and the elephant, both dance. But to sum up all in a word, that learned body, the Lawyers, have always been noted for their antique masks and revelries. At certain times in the year, the learned Judges, Sergeants, and Apprentices de la Ley, wigged and gowned, all hand in hand (a grand rond) move majestically round a fire in their respective Halls. The world applauded, and majesty joined in the shout. By this we may infer that Lords Hale, Coke, Fortescue, &c. and even our old friends Bracton and Glanville, were all "Deux de la dunse.". "I will not do him wrong." JULIUS CESAR. There are two snarlers at this divine art, (I TO THE editor, do not mention St. Jerome or St Augustine, SIR,-AS you or the Albigenses and the Waldenses, at prehave lost my letter, (which by the sent) the one, Cicero, who in his oration for bye, was exceedingly careless of you), and as I have Gabinius, dared to call a man a fool if he into the subject again. not a copy of it. I shall not take the trouble to go danced; the other, Lord Byron, who has frequently railed against dancing. When Cicero pronounced that oration, his dancing-days" were over; we may fairly, presume, therefore, that he reviled it, knowing he could no longer shine in it. As for the noble Lord, we all know that he cannot dance even the Scotch step. 66 I shall content myself with referring Mr. Salter and all his friends to the extract from Mr. Lewis' letter, which Mr. Ward published at the Theatre; and with desiring to know how that can be considered a fair statement of facts, which omitted so material an article as the one there mentioned. In a Liverpool publication, which accidentally fell into my hands this morning, there appears an account CHRIST THE BELIEVER'S BREAKWATER; or, a few Poetical Remarks, occasioned by a Visit to the Breakwater, in Plymouth Sound, on the 30th of January, 1822, being the substance of Two Letters, sent to his family. BY WM. GADSBY. Sold by E. Thomson, W. W. Clarke, Silburn and Richard MR. VANDENHOFF TO THE PUBLIC. I could now expatiate on various other heads from the managers of their transaction with Mr. Salter, a comparison of it with what that gentleman published -the Use of Dancing: The Cretans used to in March, will place the matter in a proper point of dance to the battle; so does our 42d. Its plea-view, and demonstrate, that, whatever expectations son, and Geo. Greenough, Manchester; Higham, Chiswellsure Ich war kein Mensch mehr. Das lie- he might choose to entertain, they originated entire-Street, and Paris, Long Acre, London. benswürdigste Geschöpfin den Armen zu haben, ly in his own misapprehensiveness or conceit. und mit ihr herum zu fliegen wie Wetter, dass I am much obliged to Mr. Salter, for his offer of alles rings umber verging-Its grace, "As an explanation in person, but, as I am not privately those move easiest who have learnt to dance." concerned in this affair, and care nothing about it, -Its fluctuations, "Jigs grew to reels, and excepting as it influences the order of the public stage, reels to cotillons." I could view it in a thou-I know no reason for accepting the invitation; and if sand lights, and it would be strengthened at each reflection;-but I abstain. I have at-rially serve his cause as he professes, I think he ought to do himself the justice of presenting them openly to tacked the most difficult points, and, I trust, the world. DING DONG. with success. We would hint that Dancing now-a-days is of great importance. A good pastorale has often 'procured an acred wife; the ballancez has influenced the scale of many fortunes; the demi queue de chat has often entailed an estate; and the chaine Anglaise has been exchanged for the chaine du dame, and that not unfrequently for the fetters of Hymen. Therefore, Saltare si recte nescis, &c. I cannot better conclude than by quoting Tully's eulogium of a different thing, turning the words of the scorner against himself:-"Hæc studia (to wit waltzing and quadrilling) adolescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant adversis solatium et perfugium præbent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris; Pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur.” CORRESPONDENCE. A BOTANICAL GARDEN. TO THE EDITOR, SIR, I have often looked with an envious eye upon the most beautiful Botanical Garden of our Liverpool neighbours; and I never think upon the subject, especially during the summer season, without regretting the want of such a resort near Manchester. I find that I am not singular in these feelings. I have beard a number of persons express a strong wish in favour of this; and the only thing really wanting is, I am persuaded, a person to come forward to start the subscriptions. An institution of the kind recommended would prove highly acceptable, not only to the learned horticulturist,, but to the subscribers in general. Such a place would prove a very suitable promenade for our ladies, who have at present hardly the documents which Mr. Salter holds would so mate June 6, 1822. TO CORRESPONDENTS. We cannot, consistently, comply with the request of "Giacomo," unless he will favour us with his real We have been complained of by several of our friends THE occurrences at the Theatre this evening, impel me to present to the Public ́a plain stafeinent of my case, since the cabal of party prevented my obtaining a bearing. I will, in a few words, answer those charges which have been indirectly urged against me. I never made any application whoterer to resume my situation in the Liverpool and Wanchester Theatres. In November last I proffered my services as an auxiliary, jör a fortnight, in the Manchester season, which proposal was declined by the Managers, because they considered that my temporary appearance might be injurious to the gentleman who had succeeded me in the Company,. In the month of February last, while I was fulfilling an engagement in the Salisbury Theatre, I received a letter from the Management of this establishment, stating “ that a number of changes were contemplated for the next season at Liverpool -that it was deemed advisable that I should resume my former station-and it was proposed to me to return hither on the same terms as constituted our last engagen ent." 载 In a pecuniary point of view, this proposal held forth no advantages over the course of engagements I had entered upon, but the idea of returning to the service of that public which had for seven years cherished and distinguished me by their unanimous and enthusiastic approbation, excited in my breast the strongest desire to become once more a candidate for their favour. After a few letters on either side, in relation to some minor points, an engagémeut, distinct and specifie was mutually concluded, subject only to the established rules and regulations of the Theatre. Malevolence has been active to abuse and calumniate me, but the assertions of falsehood are easily repelled; and I stood before the tribunal of the public, prepared to answer any charges that might have been preferred against me, while defy my enemies to substantiate one single fact among the many insinuations which have been so industriously circulated to defame me. To have declined the proposal made to me to return to the Liverpool stage, would have argued an ungrateful forgetfulness of the fostering kindness which had been extended to me through successive seasons; the recollection of which, with full confidence in its continuance till I cease to deserve it, induced me to present myself to the Liverpool audience. Weak indeed must be that cause which dreads defence. Had I been permitted to speak, 1 conld have refuted every accusation. It is said I failed in Birmingham; as a proof of which, it is asserted I could not renew my engagement there. I have only to say, I hold a letter from the Maneger of that Theatre, soliciting my services for this season, with my answer thereto, which I shall be happy to submit to the inspection of any Gentleman who is liberal enough to seek the truth. Relying on the justice of my cause, I submit its decision to Manchester: Printed, Published, and Sold, by the FOR THE IRIS. "THE CLUB." No. X.-FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1822. Perituræ parcite charta-JUVENAL. WHITSUN-WEEK is, with respect to amusement, by far the most eventful portion of the Manchester year. The Races at Kersal-moor are, to an inhabitant of this town, an object of as much anticipation and recollection, as the Carnival is to the gay people of Venice. The busy note of preparation is heard long before the period of enjoyment arrives; and the various modes in which it is exhibited are, to an observer, sufficiently amusing. The On the subject of going to the races, there exists in our society, that difference of opinion which is always to be found in a company composed, like ours, of persons of different ages, and different religious opinions. Our dissenters condemn, and our churchmen tolerate, the practice. Our young members can SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1822. see no harm, our seniors can discover no good, very Advertisements.-The last column of the Iris is open to such advertisements only as are of a Literary or Scientific nature, comprising Education, Institutions, Sales of Libraries, &c. PRICE 3 d. We set out in good time that we might not be incommoded by numbers. Gentle rain, just sufficient to lay the dust, and to restore the hedges to their usual verdure, fell as we proceeded. We all felt that cheerfulness which generally attends an agreeable walk in fine weather, and our old gentleman, after a little time, was unusually pleasant. The people who were at the same time proceeding smart appearance and orderly conduct of the good humour; though the Doctor desired him to the Moor, contributed not a little to his to observe that they were almost all people from the town. Since the commencement of our paper, however, we have thought it necessary to extend our observations, and to be occasionally present at all places of public resort. How, indeed, should we faithfully delineate mankind, if we did not observe their amusements, and their follies, as well as their graver pursuits. Remarks of this kind, and some merriment It has been for some time agreed amongst us, occasioned by the coarse, but good-humoured that the races were entitled to a paper; and jokes, which were every now and then exwe have been obliged to have recourse to some changed by the people around us, brought us management, in order to prevail upon the very agreeably to the race-ground. The rain President to be present for that purpose. The had by this time ceased, and when we had old gentleman is a churchman, pious, and entaken our station on the rising ground behind tertaining a very high opinion of the dignity the grand stand, the whole landscape was of his profession as a schoolmaster. He at illuminated by the splendour of an unclouded first received our request that he would go sun. This is not the place to dwell upon the to the races with an absolute refusal: but it beauty of the prospect which is there presented fortunately happens, that a dispute has for to the eye of the spectator, and which was some time existed between him, and one of then extended before us, fresh with the recent the members, who is a physician, as to the com- shower, and bright with the reflected sunparative effects of manufactures and agricul- beams. Our attention was directed to the ture upon the health and morals of those who living scene more immediately around us, to are engaged in them. The Doctor is of opi- the vast crowd of human beings, most of nion, with some of his brethren who were whom appeared eager for enjoyment, and gay examined before the House of Lords on the with anticipated pleasure. As our President, Cotton Factory question; and maintains notwithstanding his grave and magisterial ap stoutly, that neither the long time they are pearance, is a person of great good nature, kept at work, nor the heated atmosphere they he appeared much pleased with the cheerfulbreathe, is at all injurious to the health of the ness of those around him, and his goodpersons employed in spinning. As he is a humour discovered itself by a vivacity of exsubtle reasoner, and has considered the sub-pression which he does not generally exhibit. ject with attention, he has frequently got the better of the President in their contests on this head; and the old gentleman has been obliged to appeal to experience, in order to avoid a complete triumph on the part of his antagonist. We took advantage of this circumstance, to represent to the disputants that the race-ground would afford the best opportunity of comparing the effects of manufactures and agriculture; as great numbers of persons, both from town and country would be present, and would, by their appearance and behaviour, enable us to determine the question. With some reluctance on the part of the President, it was at length agreed that he should visit the Moor. Friday, as being the day on which the country people are generally most numerous, was chosen for this expedition; and the Doctor, Mr. Medium the Secretary, and the nephew of our friend the tradesman, accompanied the President. As we had some time to spare before the commencement of the race, we left the eminence, and walked down to the entrance of the course. This movement gave the President an opportunity of triumph which he did not suffer to escape him. A band of country people, consisting of stout young fellows, and ruddy young women, came up the course at the same moment with a group of both sexes, whose pale visage, slender figures, and, in one or two cases, distorted limbs, left no doubt of the nature of their employment. Behold," said the old gentleman, seizing the arm of the Doctor, "behold a complete refutation of your fine system. Look at the well-knit limbs, and muscular forms, of this brave peasantry; look at the glowing health, and sparkling eyes, of these females; and then look at the contrary appearance of the manufacturing classes. Yes, Sir," continued he, still more earnestly, "this perfection of manly health is the result |