THE CHAMELEON. Oft has it been my lot to mark, "And what a length of tail behind! "Who ever saw so fine a blue? (1) Perter-saucy, positive.-(2) Acquiesce-agree, give in. (3) Triple-three. "Hold there," the other quick replies, "And saw it eat the air for food." "I've seen it, sir, as well as you, "And must again affirm it blue; "At leisure I the beast survey'd, "Extended in the cooling shade." ""Tis green, 'tis green, sir, I assure ye."— "Why sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes ?"- So high at last the contest rose, To him the question they referr'd, And begg'd he'd tell them, if he knew, "Sirs," cries the umpire, (4) " cease your pother, (5) "The creature's neither one nor t'other, "I caught the animal last night, "And view'd it o'er by candle light; t "I mark'd it well-'twas black as jet "You stare-but sirs, I've got it yet, (4) Umpire-one who decides any question proposed to him. (5) Pother-talk, noise or bustle. H "And can produce it." Pray, sir, do: "Well then, at once to ease the doubt," "If MERRICK. I think it will not be much out of place to give you a short description of the subject of these witty and admirable verses. The Chameleon is, as I daresay you know, a species of Lizard, and is found in Africa, India and Australia. The most wonderful feature in the natural history of this reptile is the power it possesses of changing colour. And very true it is that each of the travellers saw rightly, and saw differently, one said it was green, another blue, and the umpire chosen to decide the matter announced it black, but lo! when the creature is produced it turns out to be white! The reason and cause which create these different colours, has been accounted for in various ways, one is, the varied influence of light on the nervous system. But when you get older, you will be better able to comprehend the many theories that have been proposed and discussed on this interesting point. The tongue of this animal is a most extraordinary organ, and is the instrument by which it secures its insect prey, darting it out to a great distance and in the twinkling of an eve withdrawing it again. CHRISTMAS HYMN. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining! Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean, 1 Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine? Vainly we offer each ample oblation; 2 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid! HEBER. (1) Myrrh-an aromatic or powerful scented gum, brought from Ethiopia, but the tree which produces it is nnknown. (2) Oblation-an offering. Up with me! up TO A SKYLARK. with me into the clouds! For thy song, Lark, is strong; Up with me, up with me into the clouds! With clouds and sky about thee ringing, That spot which seems so to thy mind! Alas! my journey, rugged and uneven, And hope for higher raptures, when life's day is done. Poets of all ages have sung of the glories of this exquisite warbler, but of all pieces, Shelley's ode to the Sky-lark is the most admired and read. I subscribe a few verses of this fine poem. Higher still and higher, From the earth thou springest Like a cloud of fire; The blue deep thou wingest, And singing still dost soar, and soaring ever singest. In the golden lightning Of the sunken sun, O'er which clouds are bright'ning, Thou dost float and run; Like an unbodied joy whose race is just begun. |