continued distillery, over-run with all the demoralisation and misery which accompanies the trade. He at once determined to leave his native country, England, and to establish himself upon his Irish property. It contained about 16,000 acres, of which about 2000 were arable, and the remaining 14,000 mountain waste. Ile gave new leases to his tenants, made war upon the distillers, and in a short time completely eradicated them. He built the house, and formed a domain on a portion of the wildest bog; had a bridge built across the river Finn, and several roads made through the property; and after fourteen or fifteen years' residence and active exertion, the state of his health compelled him to leave Ireland; but instead of abandoning his tenants to their own resources and misery, as absentee proprietors too frequently do, he selected a substitute, to whom he gave unlimited powers to act for him, with ample means for continuing his improvements. He divided the rents of the estate into two equal portions, leaving one half to bear the charges of management, charities, taxes, &c. This arrangement left to the agent, to be applied to the improvement of the property, about L.300 a-year, after deducting all the fixed charges.

Captain John Pitt Kennedy settled, as his agent in Glenfin, in the autumn of 1837. The leases given by Sir Charles Style were to expire in November 1835. During the continuance of these leases, the tenants had divided and sub-divided the small portions of arable land into Rundale, a state of things which paralyses all improvement. It consists not in merely sub-dividing the farm into a given number of small detached farms, but every quality of land is sub-divided, so that a holding of four or five acres was frequently to be found scattered into fifteen or twenty different lots at considerable distances from each other, and interlaced with the similar lots of other occupiers, precluding all possibility of enclosing the holdings. He found the tenants congregated in villages which, from the incessant and unavoidable trespass of the cattle on each other's lands, were the seats of incessant warfare; many of the villages and townlands being without any means of ingress or egress by road.

His first step was to take up the possession of all the farms, and to re-divide the estate into compact holdings, giving to the original tenants as nearly as possible an equivalent, in their new farms, for the arable land they previously held. Observing that when such a claim caine below the quantity by which a family could support itself, instead of receiving a similar small lot of arable, the claimant was placed on a waste-land farm, of improvable land, and dimensions suited to his capability - averaging twenty statute acres; and he besides received some compensation from those amongst whom his former small arable lots may have been divided. The effect of this measure was at once to multiply by about five the average extent of every man's field of exertion, which previously had been so limited, as not to afford employment for one-third of their time; and that in a country where there was but little opportunity of obtaining day labour.

The number of new mountain farms thus tenanted has been 160. Their occupiers are to hold rent-free for the first three, four, five, six, or seven years, according to the quality of the land, and are afterwards to pay a small, and gradually increasing rent, commencing at one shilling per statute acre, till it reaches about ten shillings an acre on the average. The oldest settlements are now of four years' standing; their progress we witnessed. The agent is well satisfied when they improve at the rate of an acre per farm each year, and many have exceeded this rate, notwithstanding the three last unfavourable seasons. This year promises to make up all losses. The richest crops are now growing on these new mountain farms.

The first operation of both the old and new land farmers consisted in enclosing their holdings, and in building cottages in the centre of each. To the building Captain Kennedy contributes a stipulated rate of assistance on the part of the proprietor. We should premise, that previously to fixing the limits of farms on the new division of the lands, he laid out general lines of road through the estate, and then laid off the farms with reference to these communications, the construction of which has been gradually going on from the commencement, at the entire cost of the proprietor, and at the rate of about five miles yearly. The cost of these roads varies from about twenty to sixty pounds per statute mile, according to the nature of the districts through which they pass; the average cost is about twenty-five pounds per mile. The extent made, up to this moment, amounts to about twenty miles; and the employment they afford, as well as every other outlay for labour that admits of it, is strictly reserved for the summer idle season of the year, when the stores of the poorer class become exhausted, and they are most in want of assistance. It is not sufficient, under the peculiar circumstances of Ireland, merely to effect objects useful in themselves. In order to obtain the maximum result, they must be effected in the right way, and at the right time. This consideration involves an analysis of the habits of the poor. They are, we may say, exclusively agriculturists. They imagine that their duties, as such, are limited to the spring sowing and the harvesting of their crops. The judicious preparation of his land for receiving the ordinary operations of tillage, do not enter into the calculation of the small Irish farmer. And during the winter season, which ought to be

improvement - cottages perfected, and in progress, dotted the landscape; the cry of the wild plover was mingled with the wild song of industrious labour. In one dwelling, which we entered by chance, we found a woman habited in the dress of the district busily employed at her wheel, which, though she turned with her bare foot, was in a neat room, lighted by a window that opened and shut, decently furnished-more than decently furnished, for a jack-towel' actually hung on a roller behind the door, and the newly-made stairs leading to the loft were covered in the centre by a narrow strip of coarse carpeting. The young woman shook hands with us both--a ceremony never omitted by these mountain peasants, when a stranger or an acquaintance enters their house.

We passed more than once over those roads, formed across what was once considered an irreclaimable bog, to a height from which we could command an extensive view of Glenfin and its interesting vicinity. How delightful was the reflection, that but for what had been done for the civilisation of the country, and the improvement of the land, the people who now are, and in a few years will be a still more valuable tenantry, would have either increased the starving popu lation, or been emigrants to a foreign country.

passed in draining and deepening his soil, irrigating his land, collecting manure, &c., he lays himself up in absolute idleness. His Lilliputian farm thus produces but a Lilliputian crop, not equal to one-third of its natural capability. His provisions become exhausted about May. Unable to get day labour to support his family through the summer, which is likewise a season when he thinks his farm has no claim upon him, he borrows at usurious interest for their support, and for the following year brings an additional burden upon his shoulders, already too heavily laden for his strength. Having thus commenced his downfall, he adds on, debt over debt, by the same process, each successive year, until he is obliged to sell his interest in the land, and turn out a pauper. Those proprietors who would use their influence or their means to improve their tenants, should consider well those circumstances. They should reserve the whole of their expenditure on all general labours that will admit of it for the loan quarter,' as it is aptly termed, and thereby prevent the poor man getting into debt. All government and county works should be regulated upon the same principle. And again, the winter idle season, which, if properly looked to, may be termed the remedial period of the year, should likewise receive the attention it deserves, by taking Now they are prosperous, industrious, and happy. every means to call forth the energies of the farmer, Where the foxes of the earth made holes, their cotso that in each successive year he may bring an addi- tages are built; land, over which the screaming eagle tional portion of his land into a more prolific state flapped its wings, echoes with the hum of cheerful than it was previously. The method proposed by voices. Children, ignorant of all book-knowledge, and Captain Kennedy to avert the evils of the loan quar-wandering, like Indians, over the hills and valleys, are ter,' is to reserve all possible expenditure in labour gathered in the profitable union of a happy school, for that season. The plan he has found most effectual and taught the independence produced by steady and in bringing out the poor farmer to make the indis- well-directed labour. Land reclaimed without an outpensable improvements required on his farm during lay, which frequently Irish landlords cannot afford; the winter remedial season, is by the instrumentality members of a population of almost paupers converted of a loan fund; from which no one can receive a into cultivators, improving the value of the propriegrant unless he shall have qualified by completing a tors' land, and their own condition at the same time; given quantity of draining, trenching, or other requi- while the agricultural school, established with such site work on his farm-to have been previously laid fair success, promises that a race of better farmers out, and its completion certified for, by the agricul- shall spring up to guide the earth in bringing forth tural teacher of the district. The loans, for this rea- its fruits in due season." son, are for the most part made in the winter. The application of a loan, when granted, is likewise looked to. It must be for some reproductive object—as lime, improved farm implements, the purchase of a cow, &c., but not for food or clothing.

No fines are levied in this fund. No rate of interest is taken beyond what the ordinary law allows. During five years that it has been in operation, the decrees' have not exceeded seven in number, and no loss has yet been sustained. When the defaulters exceed a certain proportion of the borrowers, the issues cease until the number is reduced within that limit, and the names of the defaulters are made public. The system is working well. The people are gradually supplying themselves, by the aid thus afforded, with carts, improved farm implements, additional live stock, lime, &c.; and they are gradually losing their dormouse qualities, and facing the winter's blast for the permanent improvement of their lands. During the last winter, about a hundred tenants were to be seen constructing on their farms thorough-drains, which they had never before thought of; but without which, from the nature of the soil and humidity of the climate, harvesting a crop was by no means a necessary consequence of sowing the seed. It is not unreasonable to anticipate, that a very advantageous change must follow a continued system, thus adding to the productive time of the farmer about five months in each year, which were hitherto, we may say, lost to him; yet the change does not stop here. The intensity of his exertion, whilst employed, is gradually increased by the system of classified remuneration given to labourers at the public works-the man who performs the most labour receiving a commensurate reward; and already the fruits of this classified remuneration have been most prolific. Add, also, the effect of the agricultural teacher periodically visiting each man's farm, and advising with him on all his projects, besides the repeated practical lessons he is receiving, as often as he passes the model farm in connexion with the agricultural school.

Thus we have at once three elements of improvement at work in every man throughout the estate; first, a vast increase of his productive time; secondly, a vast increase of his productive energies during that time; and, thirdly, a vast increase of his skill and judgment in directing those energies.

We have very frequently received gratification by visiting the comfortable villages and cottages where the inhabitants are auspiciously located, and under kind and judicious management; such are rapidly on the increase; and, year after year, we have been happy to observe the active progress of improvement. Yet we had been unprepared, amid the mountain fastnesses of Donegal, to see the number of prosperous and pleasant dwellings that are to be met with throughout Glenfin.

Looking down from one of the hills, over folding valleys and leaping torrents, it was impossible, knowing the nature of the country, and the nature of the people, not to feel deeply anxious to ascertain how such admirable roads, intersecting the bogs and traversing the high lands, had been so quickly contructed; and how, in the midst of bog, such well-built homes and productive gardens had metamorphosed the 'cottier into the small farmer-respecting the laws, and respected by his superiors. The wild beauty of the scene was enhanced by the moral beauty of

TEMPERANCE COFFEE-HOUSES. THIS class of coffee-houses, as may be readily supposed, owe their existence to what is called the "temperance movement ;" and, though not in every respect what they ought to be, have done much good. They are not now confined to large cities, but may be found in almost every town of any note, increasing the stock of simple pleasures, and aiding in the diffusion of general information amongst the people; for no coffeehouse can be kept up for any length of time without newspapers, magazines, or reviews-which form, indeed, a leading feature in their economy. During the intervals of business, and at the close of the day, they are much frequented by commercial men, to whom they afford the means of agreeable relaxation.

But it is matter of some regret that such establishments do not, in general, possess those conveniences, and that amount, or at least appearance, of respectability, which belong, as if by prescription, to an English inn, the comforts of which have been sung by more than one of our pocts. In this, as in many things else, appearance goes a great length, and should accordingly meet with due attention. A house, for instance, may be unimpeachable in every quality, but if situated within a close or alley, approached by a common stair, or possessed of any other mark of inferiority, it is not to be supposed that it will be patronised by those accustomed to the better class of hotels; and, least of all, if lady travellers be in the case. We remember once going considerably out of our way to seek accommodation at a "well advertised" temperance hotel in a provincial town in England, but the spectacle of a drab washing the lobby at mid-day, with other appearances of a mean order, led us to turn away at once without putting our foot within the threshold. This we give as a hint to persons proposing to establish temperance hotels. If they expect to take a high standing, they must look a little more to exterior appearances, as well as to all the usual internal qualities of a good inn.

Glasgow, we understand, is making an effort in these respects, though no house, as far as we are aware, comes yet up to what we point out as desirable-that is, a large temperance hotel to compete with the other leading establishments. As to those houses already in operation, however, there is nothing to find fault with, as far as they go; whether as coffee-houses or inns, they deserve to be spoken of with respect; and from the slight examination we were able to give, they seemed not only reasonable in their charges, but superior in accommodation to any we had previously seen. With Mr's temperance hotel in Jamaica Street, we were particularly well-pleased. It is frequented by the higher class of travellers, and possesses, besides a convenient reading-room, twelve bed-rooms, neatly but not expensively furnished; the charge for a single night's lodging being ls., with 2d. extra for the servant. Other charges were proportionably low. Mrs's coffee-house, in Argyle Street, is also of a superior description, but the charges are somewhat higher. Mr -'s temperance hotel, Melville Place, Trongate, was the first established in Glasgow on total abstinence principles. It is very tastefully fitted up, kept remarkably clean, and possesses bed-rooms elegantly furnished. The reading-room is well sup

plied with the periodicals of the day, and, we understand, much resorted to by the citizens.

Regarding these establishments as well fitted to contribute to the comfort of the traveller, and at the same time to elevate the tone of social life, we wish them every possible success.

ELECTRICAL PROGRESSION. "INTELLECT" makes but slow progress in its "march," compared with the onward movement of electricity. We speak not of its physical movement, for, time out of mind, a flash of lightning has run second only to thought; but of its advances into the social system, and its increasing usefulness in the arts of life. The daily multiplying appliances of this subtile mysterious principle forbid us to question its power to accomplish all things. Electric influence is extending its dominion in regions where, some years since, the most outstretched imagination would not have conceived the possibility of its entering. The engraver finds the utmost ingenuity of his art surpassed; the plater beholds the solvent gold and silver reappear, and, at the touch of this invisible agent, spread themselves over all the intricacies of the chiselled metal with matchless uniformity and precision; saucepans and kettles actually grow in the blue copper solution, to set at nought the brazier's art; the fabric-printer throws down his wooden blocks in despair on seeing the most involved patterns, traced in varieties of colours, impressed at once and in the twinkling of an eye by the touch of a wire; the antiquary starts on discerning his rarest relics reproduced so exactly, that no skill can distinguish the copy from the original; even the giant steam, with his lightning speed, is left far behind by the lightning itself, and groans the announcement, that steam has had its day. To those who have witnessed the inroads of the electric fluid into all the affairs of life, it comes within the range of imagination to conceive that even the functions of government may be, at no distant day, performed with punctuality and despatch" by its all-pervading influence. The lightning-telegraph already threatens to destroy at one fell swoop the whole corps of representative sovereigns and deputy-governors. What need of ambassadors at foreign courts, when communications can be made directly and instantaneously between the sovereigns or ministers of distant nations? Of what use will be colonial governors, where intelligence of passing events is communicated, and all necessary instructions transmitted, across the Atlantic ere an ordinary courier can ride from Whitehall to Windsor? Great advances have been made in the perfecting of this important governmental apparatus since we last noticed its progress; and if it but proceed on the road of improvement during the next twelve months at as rapid a pace as during the past year, the picture now sketched by imagination will be painted in vivid colours on the canvass of accomplished facts.

In the course of experiments instituted by Messrs Wright and Bain for the improvement of their electrical telegraph, they discovered that the electric circuit of a galvanic battery is as effectually completed through a large body of water as through an insulated wire. They have applied this curious discovery so effectually, as to be now able to dispense with two of the wires heretofore thought necessary for the action of their printing-telegraph; and they are thus enabled to print all communications, either verbal or symbolical, at any distance, by the use of a single wire. We understand they are now in treaty with the government to construct a telegraph on this principle between the Admiralty and Portsmouth. One insulated wire would be laid down between the two points, to connect the galvanic battery of the outport with the printing apparatus of the Admiralty, and the return current would be sent through the earth in lieu of using a second wire to complete the circuit. Should the moisture in the ground not prove sufficient to conduct the electricity, the inventors propose to transmit the return current by water; making it pass down the Thames to the German Ocean, and thence along the Channel to Portsmouth; this roundabout voyage to be performed instantaneously. By thus simplifying, and consequently greatly reducing the cost of the electrical printing-telegraph, the inventors have gone far towards rendering it generally available; another step in advance will dispense with all metallic connexion whatever. The atmosphere and the ocean may then be all-sufficient media for the communication of thought, literally to realise the poet's vision

"And waft a sigh from Indus to the Pole."-Spectator. [To the above may very properly be added the following, likewise a newspaper paragraph of recent date:-"A German journal gives the following account of what it designates as one of those wonders in which electrical chemistry is so fertile: A pupil of Berzelius, who was occupying himself in Sweden with galvanic gilding, having used in his apparatus the skin of a sheep, on which there was some of the wool remaining, perceived that it became partially covered with the gold. Struck with the incident, he followed up the idea it suggested, and in time produced an entire golden fleece, preserving the wool in its original and natural state as to texture and flexibility. Living in a village, the young savant showed the wonderful production to his neighbours; but the fanatical and ignorant peasants, regarding him as a practiser of the black art, attacked his laboratory, broke all his utensils to pieces, and compelled him to fly with his fleece to Upsal, where he was received with kindness and consideration by the members of the university, who, by a subscription, not only supplied him with the means of subsistence, but established a new laboratory for him, and aided him in applying his new discovery to the manufacture of woollen cloth. We may therefore expect to have shortly cloths of gold, silver, and platina, which will entirely supersede our present gold lace and embroidery.""]

THE WEE RAGGIT LASSIE.
[From a late number of the Gaberlunzie's Wallet.]
WEE, genty, timid, baslifu' wean.
Tott, totting through the street thy lane,
Like sunny keeks through eluds o' rain;
Thy face sae fair

Peeps sweetly through thy clustering train
O' raven hair.

Thy wee bit neck and bosom bare,
Though tussled by the cauld raw air,
Are pearly pure, and lily fair,
As snaw flakes fa'in;
An' thy wee cheeks glow like a pair
O' roses blawin'.

Thy form light as a fairy fay-
Thy facy sweet as flowery May-
Thine ee, like dawn o' infant day,

Waukin' the east,

Till light an' lustre sparkle gay

In every breast.

Tho' sma' thy mak, an' scrimp thy cleeding,
Tho' bleak thy hame, an' puir thy feeding,
Tho' scant thy lair, an' laigh thy breeding,
Still we can see

Sweet beauty a' the graces leading
Captive to thee.

Yet beauty's e'en a doubtfu' gift,
Wi' mickle show, but little thrift;
Wit the rich may mak a shift

To lead the fashion,
While humble beauty's cast adrift
On human passion.

O, man! why wilt thou seek thy bane,
An' barter happiness for pain:
Why cast on beauty's flower a stain
That gars it wither;

I trow the heart gets little gain

That breaks anither.
Alack! puir wean, thy fate I fear,
Thy morning sky's e'en cauld an' drear;
Dark poortith hovers in the rear,
Wi' boding scowl,

An' how can sic as thou win clear
O' faes sae foul.

Auld beldame Fortune, would I kenned her!
I wadna, wee thing, let thee wander
WI' thy sma' limbs, sac slim an' slender,
Expos'd an' bare,

And thy wee feet, sae jimp an' tender,
A' dinlin' sair.

Hail, holy Nature, thou whase power
Hast gi'en her beauty for her dower,
O tend wi' care this tender flower
That springs frae thee,
And rear her safe in Virtue's bower,
Aneath thine ee!

THE FLOATING ISLAND IN DERWENT LAKE, NEAR KESWICK.

THIS most extraordinary phenomenon is situate not far from Lodore, at the south-east extremity of the lake, and a little more than 150 yards from the land, where the depth of the water does not exceed six feet in a mean state of the lake.

During the last. forty years, it has appeared thirteen times. In the year 1808, from July 20 to the beginning of October in the same year; in 1813, from the 7th of September to the end of October following; in 1815, from August 5 to the end of the month; in 1819, from August 14 to the end of the same month; in 1824, from June 21 to the end of September; in 1825, it was above the water from the 9th to the 23d of September; and from the 11th July to the end of September in 1826. The circumstance of its appearing in three successive years," says Mr Otley, "may be attributed to the extraordinary warmth of the season." It made its appearance again on the 10th of June, 1831, and remained uncovered until the 25th of September. In 1834 and 1835, it was visible for a few weeks in August and September. In 1837, it appeared in July and August. It appeared again on the 19th July, 1841, and remained till the end of August. And it made its appearance in the latter end of last or the beginning of the present month (September), but it is not yet quite so large as on some of the former occasions of its appearance.

air is contained in the body of the island, and may be dislodged by probing the earth with a pole. This air was found by Dr Dalton to consist of equal parts of carbureted hydrogen and azotic gases, with a little carbonic acid."

Mr Otley further adds--" That one material circumstance has, however, generally escaped observation; namely, that the air to which the rising of this island has been attributed is not collected in a body underneath it, but interspersed through the whole mass. And the most probable conclusion seems to be, that the air or gas is generated in the body of the island by decomposition of the vegetable matter of which it is formed; and this gas being produced most copiously, as well as being more rarefied in hot weather, the earth at length becomes so much extended therewith as to render the mass of less weight than an equal bulk of water. The water, then, insinuating itself between the substratum of clay and the peat earth forming the island, bears it to the surface, where it continues for a time, till, partly by the escape of the gas, partly by its absorption, and partly by its condensation consequent on a decrease of heat, the volume is reduced, and the earth gradually sinks to its former level, where it remains till a sufficient accumulation of gas again renders it buoyant. But as the vegetable matter of which the island is principally composed appears to have been amassed at a remote period, when the lake was of less depth than at present, receiving very little addition from the decay of plants recently grown upon the spot, it is reasonable to suppose that the process, of furnishing the gas cannot from the same materials be continued ad infinitum; but that there must be a time when it shall have arrived at its maximum, after which the eruptions will become less extensive or less frequent." ---Glasgow Herald.

SIR RICHARD JEBB.

This physician was very rough and harsh in manner. He said to a patient, to whom he had been very rade“Sir, it is my way." Then," replied the patient, pointing to the door, "I beg you will make that YOUR way." Sir Richard was not very nice in his mode of expression, and would frequently astonish a patient with a volley of oaths. Nothing used to make him swear more than the eternal question-"What may I eat ?" "Pray, Sir Richard, may I eat a muffin ?" "Yes, madam, the best thing you can take." Oh dear, I am glad of that. But, Sir Richard, you told me the other day that it was the worst thing I could eat!" What would be proper for me to eat to-day ?" says another lady. Boiled turnips." "Boiled turnips! you forget, Sir Richard, I told you I could not bear boiled turnips." Then, madam, you must have a very vitiated appetite." Sir Richard being called to see a patient, who fancied himself very ill, told him ingenuously what he thought, and declined prescribing, thinking it unnecessary. Now you are here," said the patient, I shall be obliged to you, Sir Richard, if you will tell me how I must live, what I may eat, and what not." "My directions as to that point," replied Sir Richard," will be few and simple. You must not eat the poker, shovel, or tongs, for they are hard of digestion; nor the bellows, because they are windy; but anything else you please!"-Flowers of Anecdote.

HYDROPHOBIA.

My predecessors, Messrs Blaine and Youatt, as well as myself, have been bitten by rabid dogs, and we are still alive; and we have operated on some hundreds of human beings who have been bitten by rabid animals, and in no case has there been loss of life. The preventive is as follows:-The person bitten should, as soon as possible, thoroughly wash and cleanse the bitten part; not suck the poison from the wound, as is too commonly done-for inoculation may take place by an abrasion on the lip. If the wound be superficial and ragged, let the edges be removed with a pair of scissors, and then apply freely to every part the nitrate of silver, commonly called lunar caustic, and which may be had in any druggist's shop. If the wound be a punctured one, as in some cases it is, from the tusk of the animal going deep into the flesh, the stick of caustic must be carefully pointed, that it may reach the bottom; if necessary, the wound should be enlarged, care being taken in the use of the knife, or the poison may be carried by it over the fresh surface. The nitrate of silver destroys the surface of the wound, and neutralises the poison, which comes away with the destroyed surface without the absorbents acting upon it; and if freely applied to the part affected, the patient may feel himself perfectly safe. I do not recommend the application of a poultice after the operation, but let the wound be exposed to the atmosphere, and should any inflammation ensue, it may be relieved by dressings of olive oil. Believing that some lives may be saved, I communicate this information through your valuable columns.-Extract from a letter of Dr Ainslie, Middlesex Hospital, in the Standard.

COMMERCIAL STRUGGLES.

We will not undertake to investigate the great number of hypotheses which have been advanced relative to the cause of this singular phenomenon, nor examine into any of the arguments which have been adduced, but will merely give the opinion of Mr Otley, who is well-versed in the geological and meteorological properties of the lake district, who is resident at Keswick, and who, for the last thirty years, has watched with much attention the operations of it. Mr Otley says" That it generally rises after an interval of a few days, and after a continuance of fine weather. Its figure and dimensions are variable; it has sometimes contained about half an acre of ground, at other times only a few perches; but extend- In truth, it is wonderful to behold-and not the less ing in a gradual slope under water, a much greater por-wonderful because little known, and therefore a thing tion is raised from the bottom than reaches the surface little esteemed-how fiercely and successfully men of of the lake. Several large rents or cracks may be seen in high commercial fame battle with difficulties as they the earth above the place, which appear to have been beset them. The politician, the soldier, the sailor, each occasioned by its stretching to reach the surface. It has his loud acclaim for coolness and freedom of demeannever rises far above the level of the lake, but having our in time of danger; but few remark, and nobody cononce attained the surface, it for a time fluctuates witli descends to tell, how the mind of a tradesman battles the rise and fall of the water, after which it sinks gradu- with and subdues mere fleshly fears when that which he ally. When at rest in the bottom of the lake, it has the holds dearest on earth, his credit and his name, are in same appearance as the neighbouring parts, being covered jeopardy, and the terrors of "stoppage" compass hita with the same vegetation, consisting principally of lite- about. In truth, that is no mean intellect which, on a rella lacustris and lobelia dorimanno, interspersed with crowded exchange, in the face of rivals, of those great isoetes lacustris, and other plants common in this and all ones whom he has met as equals, and those men to whom the neighbouring lakes. After remaining some time above a glance of recognition has been an acceptable favour, can the water, its verdure is much improved. For a few cover with a face of cheerfulness a bosom of sorrows, and inches in depth, it is composed of clayey or earthy matter, carry high the head when the last planks of the ship are apparently deposited by the water, in which the growing about to part.-The Cotton Lord. plants have fixed their roots; the rest is a congeries of decayed vegetable matter, forming a stratum of loose peat earth, about six feet in thickness, which rises from a bed of very fine soft clay. A considerable quantity of

LONDON: Published, with permission of the proprietors, by W. S. ORR, Paternoster Row.

Printed by Bradbury and Evans, Whitefriars.

NUMBER 565.

TEMPER.

PERHAPS of all the lesser ills of life, and which make up a pretty large amount of misery, few are so truly vexatious and distressing as those which proceed from the infirmities of temper. Thrice blessed are ye who may dispute the assertion, for your inexperience must be a blissful ignorance; but they who know the hideous aspect of the "domestic demon" will admit its truth. Not that it is easy to define precisely where just indignation is merged in mere anger, or where this sinks to the still more ignoble feeling which we recognise as "ill temper;" though, if we do anatomise the vile thing, we shall be obliged to confess that it is the triumph of the worst feelings of our nature over all the higher attributes; triumphs perhaps occasional and rare at first, but, by their exercise, very likely to become frequent or perpetual, for a bad temper is one of the many demons which you must resist, if you would have them flee from you.

Newton Grey was an only child, the only son of a widow, and, perhaps, if ever excuses should be made for such ill-training, some might be offered for the bereaved mother, whose over-indulgence of the sole remnant of her flock strengthened those errors which might have been in childhood uprooted. His education was in a great measure a home one, and Mrs Grey's acquaintance were for the most part of that mole-like and unobservant class (of whom, if the world entirely consisted, we should surely go back in a little while to primitive barbarism) who never discovered anything particular about Master Newton, though perhaps they would have acknowledged, if asked the question, that he was rather a disagreeable boy than otherwise. A public, or even large school, would have been the making of him, for in either he would have found his level; but, as it was, the "disagreeable" boy grew rapidly into the handsome, intelligent (as far as books could make him so), but ill-tempered young man. It must not, however, be supposed that he went about the world like a porcupine with his quills erect -very far from it: he had caught the tone of good society-if not the feeling which that tone is intended to represent-and to the stranger there was even suavity in his manners. The creature was harmless while all went smoothly, but stroke him the wrong way, and you would be glad to draw your hand back. It was remarkable, that though rather popular in society than otherwise, he had not formed any of those warm enthusiastic friendships which are so natural with the young, and which, though possibly in their very elements "sweet, not lasting," may yet be considered as an earnest of those aspirations after the good and the true, which bespeak at least a belief in their existence. Had Newton Grey been questioned on the subject, he would probably have told how often he had already been deceived, or how changeable people were. The truth was, that as soon as acquaintance merged into intimacy, he invariably (to keep up the metaphor) showed his quills, and the fresh warm hearts of his associates as instinctively drew back from a closer contact.

Among his young acquaintances, however, was one who either had for him a more sincere regard than the others, or for some motive not at the time known or suspected, did show unusual forbearance under Newton's petty but annoying outbreaks of temper. It is certain that George Hamilton, though only a year or two his senior, had penetrated the character of Newton Grey, and discovered some of the good qualities which he really possessed, despite his besetting fault. But more did he do than show forbearance, for, in a moment of confidence, he ventured to remonstrate with him on

the painful subject. He cast his thoughts into the mould of gentle, even affectionate words, but he learned that hour a lesson of worldly wisdom, which, though he was too truthful and noble always to act upon, he never forgot; the lesson, that with inferior minds, to tell them of their faults, is most unpardonably to offend.

"Perhaps, sir," said Newton Grey, after a slight pause in the conversation to which we have alluded, "perhaps, sir, you will favour me with some other instance of my violence, or, as I think you phrased it, display of anger disproportioned to the cause.""

"My dear fellow, I believe occasional violence of temper, however unjustifiable, to be even a less fault than that which I am urging you to correct. There is a Turkish proverb to the effect, 'Why beat the Stamboul puppy because the dog at Bagdad bit you?' and I think it applies to you. For instance, was it dignified, or even gentlemanlike, because you were disappointed of the curious prints I know you had promised to take with you, to disappoint the party at the manor house last Wednesday-a party made up chiefly in honour of your coming of age-without even sending an apology, until after they had waited dinner for you as long as in courtesy to the other guests. they could do?"

"It was so provoking, when the fellow had promised that they should be cleaned, and a portfolio made expressly for them by that morning; it put me in such a rage."

"Exactly so. And because the printseller broke his word, you forfeited yours, and had to answer for poor Mrs Percival's soup being cold, her turbot spoiled, and an uneven number of guests being at her tablea thing her precise husband very much dislikes; not to mention that young Bolton had ridden eighteen miles to meet you, and talk over your childish acquaintance, or that my merry cousin Rose had no one to take second in her favourite duets." "I was in such a rage".

"And are now," returned George. "Nonsense. I never was calmer," stammered the other between his set teeth.

"Well, well, the truth was, you did not know Rose would be there, or I daresay you would have gone. It would then have been your pleasure to do so; but having no particular inducement, except the selfish gratification of being envied as the possessor of those rare engravings after all, a ten minutes' interlude in the five hours you would have spent there; when deprived of that, you cared nothing about annoying, more or less, half-a-dozen other persons. This is what I call temper."

"And so, I daresay, you explained it to Miss Hamilton," exclaimed Newton, dashing to the floor a pile of books which stood at his elbow, merely to relieve his feelings. "Fortunately I was not called upon for an explanation; but when your mother entered the room, it was very evident that she had been recently in tears; and though she delivered your message, I doubt not, quite correctly, the real state of the case was, I believe, suspected by all. I even heard Rose defend you"-(a pause, but no word from Newton Grey)-"though a young lady, who is now on a visit to Mrs Percival, joined in the conversation, taking the very opposite side of the argument, and so sensibly and eloquently did she express herself, that I fear, poor girl, she must have spoken from personal experience. I really do believe," continued young Hamilton, after a moment's hesitation, "that good sense is the most valuable quality a woman can possess." Perhaps he might have added, " or a man either."

At all events, the absence of "good sense" in New

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ton Grey was strongly evinced by the fact of his being indignant beyond expression at the "liberty" his friend had taken with him-a liberty which only a very true friend could have ventured upon. Of course he struggled as much as possible to conceal his wrath, for to have given full vent to his feelings, would have confirmed all George Hamilton had asserted; but the latter was never forgiven, and in a few months their intimacy dwindled to a mere bowing acquaintance.

Perhaps the reader may suspect that George Hamilton was more than commonly pleased with the young lady who had spoken so eloquently on the subject of temper; and it was so. The world said he had very much admired his cousin Rose, and that her engagement to Newton Grey had been a great disappointment to him; if so, he was by this time reconciled to his fate; but such sentiments might account for the strong interest he took in the disposition of him on whom her happiness rested. For Ellen Saville, however, his affections soon assumed a much warmer character, for they were based on the most solid foundation. Without any striking beauty to attract, without more than a very moderate competence to lure, and without one particle of art to ensnare, she was one of those persons who, in frivolous society, too often meet with positive neglect. But the conversation which had made so strong an impression on George Hamilton convinced him that, however unobtrusive her manners, she observed, reasoned, judged, and felt; and a very few interviews convinced him he had found the one whose companionship through life would never weary. It might be two months after that eventful dinner-party that young Hamilton paid a visit to his relatives, and entered the drawing-room where, at the moment, Rose was alone. His manner was unusually animated, and his face radiant with pleasure.

"Give me joy, Rose," he exclaimed; "I am the happiest man in the world."

"You have passed your examination, and are admitted, I suppose?" (George was studying for the law.) "Oh, no; that's a trifle in store for next spring," rejoined he; and then, with a voice almost faltering with emotion, he continued-"I have proposed and am accepted."

"By whom?" asked Rose, wonderingly.

"By whom?-why, by the only woman I ever did, could, or can love, Ellen Saville-my Ellen now. Of course she will wish you to be bride's-maid; but, alas! you'll not be needed till next summer; and I am afraid you will be married first, and she will have to be 'second to her friend.""

"Afraid, George, that I should be married first! Perhaps you had better ask Newton to postpone our marriage because you, too, are in love," said Rose with a laugh. "I see you are over head and ears; and, remember, I do not expect one word of sense from you for the next twelve months. That is giving you ten months' courtship and a double honeymoon before the recovery of your senses."

"Though I know you are half in jest, Rose, yet you do me injustice. Since you are to marry Newton Grey, I shall be happy, as speedily as you please, to congratulate you on your nuptials, though I am sorry to say he has almost cut me three times since I saw you. However, let it pass, and forgive me if I ever pained you by the truths I some time since endeavoured to impress upon your mind. I shall be but too rejoiced if experience proves that I was in error. Believe me, my dear girl, I had only your happiness in view when I pointed out his one infirmity, which, I doubt not, you will speedily remove."

The engagement to her cousin naturally promoted