teristic for being omitted in noticing so numer- Such is the tale of most perfect and most graphic ous a genus of birds, of the manners of by truth, told by one of nature's own ornithologists; far the majority of which we know absolutely and the tanager, and Wilson and Bertram, must nothing: "Passing through an orchard one even-share the admiration of every reader who can ing, I caught one of these young birds that had feel. It would not be right, however, to suppress but lately left the nest. I carried it with me about Wilson's reflections: "The happiness of my good half a mile, to show it to my friend Mr. William friend was scarcely less complete, and showed itBertram; and, having procured a cage, hung it self in his benevolent countenance, and I could up on one of the large pine-trees in the botanic not help saying to myself: If such sweet sensagarden within a few feet of the nest of an orchard tions can be derived from a simple circumstance oriole which contained young, hoping that the of this kind, how exquisite, how unspeakably rapcharity or tenderness of the orioles would induce turous, must the delight of those individuals have them to supply the cravings of the stranger. But been who saved their fellow-beings from death, charity with them, as with too many of the hu- chains, and imprisonment, and restored them to man race, began and ended at home. The poor the arms of their friends and relations! Surely, orphan was altogether neglected, notwithstanding in such godlike actions, virtue is its own most its plaintive cries; and, as it refused to be fed by abundant reward!" Where, among the romances me, I was about to return it back to the place of human life, shall we find expressions so pure where I found it, when, toward the afternoon, a and warm from the heart as these; and who that scarlet tanager, no doubt its own parent, was sees its aspirations rise to this height, would reseen fluttering round the cage, endeavoring to get frain from being an ornithologist-living, as one in. Finding this impracticable, he flew off, and of nature's brotherhood-with the lovely and soon returned with food in his bill, and he con- lively tenants of the wood? tinued to feed it till after sunset, taking up his lodgings on the higher branches of the same tree. In the morning, almost as soon as day broke, he was again seen most actively engaged in the same affectionate manner; and, notwithstanding the insolence of the orioles, continued his benevolent offices the whole day, roosting at night as before. On the third or fourth day he appeared extremely solicitous for the liberation of his charge, using every expression of distressful anxiety, and every call and invitation that nature had put in his power, for it to come out. This was too much for the feelings of my venerable friend; he procured a ladder, and mounting to the spot where the bird was suspended, he opened the cage, took out the prisoner, and restored him to liberty and to his parent, who with notes of great exultation, accompanied his flight to the woods." ANCIENT ARMOUR. SHIELDS. (Continued from our last number.) HAVING noticed in detail the various kinds of shields used by the ancient oriental nations, we now proceed to a brief description of their construction, and the materials of which they were formed. A great portion of the shields described in Homeric verse, as well as noticed by subsequent ancient writers, were formed of wood and steel, Form and manner of using the Roman Shield, as contrasted with those of the Barbarians. From the column of Trajan. VOL. VII.-2 such material is used among some barbarous nations, when weapons of defence of this character are brought into requisition. Xenophon mentions Egyptian soldiers in the Persian army bearing "long wooden shields which reached down to the feet ;" and according to Plutarch in his life of Cammillus, the wooden shield was in use among the Romans at the time of that general. They were made of two planks glued together, covered with linen, and then with raw hide, Around the whole circumference was fastened a rim of iron or brass, invulnerable to the strokes of the sword. Sometimes a shell of metal overlaid the other materials, thus rendering the shield doubly strong. But the material most in use, was the hides of bulls, doubled or tripled. According to Homer, the shield of Hector was of this kind, as well as those of most of that poet's heroes, both Greeks and Trojans. They were often anointed with oil, to prevent them from injury either of heat or wet, and it was to this practice that Isaiah alluded, when he said, "Arise ye princes, and anoint the shield;" thus practically admonishing them to keep their armor in readiness and order. “Retiring, heaved A black, rough, huge stone-fragment from the plain, We often read in sacred history of brazen shields, and "shields of gold," (belonging to Solomon,) but it is probable that most of them were merely plated with the various metals These plates were kept polished, and when not in use, the shield was secured in a leathern case, to prevent rust and tarnish. Yet solid metal shields were sometimes used. Alexander the Great, had a body of soldiers who bore silver shields, and it is said that Alexander Severus had some men with golden shields. That the latter were solid, is extremely doubtful. The ancients were very fond of ornamenting their shields with various devices, such as beasts, birds, men, flowers, &c.; and even had historical subjects and scenes of social life embossed or engraved upon them. Of the latter kind of embellishment, were the ornaments upon the famous shield of Achilles, a description of which we intended to introduce here, but have deferred it till a future number. Of other individual shields mentioned by Ho markable than that of Agamemnon. These bull's-hide shields were often rimmed with metal, as represented in the foregoing pic-mer, none next to that of Achilles, was more retured combat. And they were also, like the wooden shields, sometimes plated with metal. Homer, with his usual perspicuity of detail, thus describes the shield of Ajax, when he battled with Hector : "Ajax approached him, bearing, like a tower, His sevenfold brazen shield, by Tychius wrought With art elaborate; like him was none In shieldwork, and whose home in Hyla stood; He framed the various shields with seven hides Of fatted beeves all plated o'er with brass." Hector's spear— -“Struck the shield of Ajax; through the brass Its eighth integument, through six of hide It flew, and spent its fury on the seventh." "His massy shield, o'ershadowing him whole, Of Gorgon scowled, bordered by Flight and Fear, The following cut represents ancient Persian shields and spears, from sculptures at Persepolis. For what purpose the appendage from the belt of Thus foiled by the great strength of the shield, the third figure was used, is doubtful, for it seems Hector afterward an uncouth form for a shield. Ancient Persian Shields and Spears. ། Although the Greeks, ever jealous of honor | Other eastern nations were also well acquainted and glory, claim to be the inventors of armor of with the use and construction of armor, as is evievery description, as well as every other produc- dent from the sculptures now extant, that were tion of genius, yet it is highly probable from the executed when Greece was in her infancy. The testimony of sacred writ and concurring profane subjoined engraving represents an ancient Persian history, that the Hebrews were skilful in many horseman, bearing a spear and shield, himself and arts of this nature, when the Greeks, a weak col- horse protected by coats of mail. ony, first landed upon the shores of Europe. SPEARS. THESE weapons were used in the offensive as extensively as the shields were in the defensive, and no warrior was completely accoutred for battle without his spear or javelin. Among the most savage nations, they were formed simply of a stick of wood sharpened and hardened in the fire; but among nations more advanced, improvements were made, and a stone or metal point was added, which rendered it more durable and destructive. Among the savages of our own country, the arrows are tipped with a kind of flint-stone. Sometimes the spear was pointed with horn, fishbones, &c., where the use of metal was unknown. Among the ancient Greeks, brass and copper were used prior to the adoption of iron; and Homer frequently makes mention of the "brazen spears" of his heroes. In one instance he says of the spear, Of the spears used by the Hebrews, but little is known, but they probably varied very little in their construction from those of surrounding nations. Like other warriors, they had two kinds, one intended to be hurled at the enemy when at a distance, and the other for giving thrusts during a close personal attack. In each case the shield was successfully used in the defensive, unless the spear or javelin was thrown with such force as to cleave the shield, and thus wound its bearer. The same kind of spear was often used for both purposes, and when two horsemen approached each other for combat, they commenced the attack by throwing their spears at each other. Their next aim was to recover their weapons thus thrown, and then commenced a close combat. Whoever first recovered his spear had a decided advantage over his antagonist, and hence agility was one part of an ancient warrior's military education. Homer often mentions the fact that his heroes retained, during continuous battles, the same favorite spear, and as it would generally be easier for one to recover the spear of the other, sooner than his own, if ineffectually thrown, it can be accounted for in no other way, than that it was a general understanding among combatants that each should use only his own. "Rough-grained, acuminated sharp with brass." Herodotus says that the Massageta had their arrows and spears pointed, and their battle-axes edged with brass. He also remarks that some were made entirely of brass, and we may infer that such was the case with some of the nations with which the Hebrew writers were acquainted, or perhaps with the Hebrews themselves, as fre- Some warriors, remarkable for their prowess quent mention is made in scripture of the "glit- and strength, sometimes went into battle with tering spear." The "target" (lance) of Goliath two spears. Such was the case with Goliath. is described as "brazen," and yet it is evident | He carried one spear behind his buckler, and the from other passages, that iron and steel were af- other in his right hand. One was undoubtedly a terward used. lance, intended to be thrown at the enemy; the yards. Joshua's spear must have been of great length, for it served as a signal at the time of the ambuscade in the affair of Ăi. As many of the costumes as well as customs of the ancient Asiatics are still preserved among the people of the east, we subjoin a group of modern oriental shields and spears, which undoubtedly give a very fair representation of those used among the ancients. We shall conclude our notice of spears and shields at the commencement of our next number on ancient armor, and proceed to a description of other weapons, and various standards in use. g a, large Arabic shield; b, small do.; c, side view of the same; d, large Turkish shield; e, Mameluke shield; f, Arabian CHIVALRY. spear; g Turkish; h, Mameluke. [Extract from a Manuscript Poem.] BY B. J. LOSSING. I JOY to give my fancy rein, nor curb its airy flight, When to the buried Past it turns, and wanders 'mid the night That hung o'er Earth's darkest shade ere Chivalry arose With its illuminating power, the deepening gloom t'oppose. 'Tis sweeter still to meditate upon that glorious age, Whose every scene, with gorgeous lines, is writ on History's page; When Virtue, Honor, Power, Love, and Christian meekness gave Their preference to the helmed head, and deemed that none were brave Unless they bore the glittering spear, and wore the iron vest, A transcript of some magic scene displayed in færy land, divine; Where Love made every hero's breast its unpolluted shrine: King Richard with the lion's heart-Ducacet of Navarre- Their Savior's Holy sepulchre in the land of Palestine. King, lord, and vassal--rich and poor-the mitred priest and slave, Sped onward to those burning plains where millions found a grave; Nor counted they the fearful cost of maimed and slaughtered USEFUL ARTS. CULTIVATION OF SILK. THIS branch of industry, now bidding fair to become an important pursuit among the domestic manufactures of this country, is receiving much notice and encouragement in many of the states of the Union. And for the further encour agement of silk-growers and manufacturers, the American Silk Society has offered the following premiums: 1st. For the greatest quantity of merchantable raw silk, produced by any individual from cocoons of his or her own raising, during the year 1839, one hundred dollars, or plate of that value, at their option. 2d. To the person or association who shall make the greatest quantity of merchantable raw silk from three fourths of an acre of ground, the trees of which shall have been planted in the year 1839, two hundred dollars, or plate of that value, at their option. southeastern exposures are the best suited for the following reasons: the mulberry requires both sun and air to ripen the wood, both of which essentials are best secured in the situations pointed out. They will grow in any situation, but I have always found that the wood matured with the greatest certainty when placed under the influence of these exposures. Distances. If the trees are raised for sale.-The distance should be either four feet by three, four feet by two, or four feet by one and a half; the first will give three thousand six hundred and thirty trees to the acre; the second five thousand thousand two hundred and sixty. At either of four hundred and forty-five, and the last seven these distances good marketable trees may be raised, but we question much whether closer planting will not subtract more from the size of numbers arising from closer planting. At all the trees than will be repaid by the increase of feet apart; for as the trees increase in size, less events the rows should not be nearer than four distance than that will not admit of the passage of the horse to plough or harrow them, without endangering the limbs of the trees. 3d. To the person or association who shall make the second greatest quantity of merchantaIf the trees are planted for a permanent orchard. ble raw silk from three fourths of an acre of -The best distance would be eight by three, or ground, the trees of which shall have been plant-eight by two. Less than eight feet space between ed in the year 1839, one hundred and fifty dollars, or plate of that value at their option. 4th. For the best pound of sewing silk, made from cocoons of the competitor's own raising, in the year 1839, fifty dollars, or plate of that value, at their option. 5th. For the second best pound of sewing silk, made from cocoons of the competitor's own raising, in 1839, thirty dollars, or plate of that value, at their option. Five pounds of the silk offered for the first premium, and the whole quantity produced for the other four premiums, must be deposited with James O. Law, treasurer of the American Silk Society, in Baltimore, previous to the next annual meeting of the society which takes place on the eleventh of December, 1839. the rows will not conveniently admit carts between them to gather the leaves, which in the be attended to, as it is a matter of the first imsetting out of a permanent orchard should always portance. And while upon the subject, I will rebe placed on a southern, or southeastern expomark that, if possible, all such orchards should sure, and for this simple reason, the obvious propriety of which will strike every observer: the trees thus placed will yield foliage in the spring at least two weeks earlier than if situated on a multicaulis tree, from an experience of years, we northern or northwestern exposure. The morus to be as hardy as the oak, if planted on high, dry assert, whenever the wood is thoroughly ripened, ground-therefore as foliage and not fruit is the object sought in their production, they should be placed in that position of all others, the best calculated to encourage an early putting forth of their leaves. Time of planting.-The best time is as soon as you can put your ground in a state of thorough pulverization. The legislature of nine states of the Union have deemed the subject of sufficient importance, to offer a bounty to their citizens for the production of silk. Georgia gives a bounty of fifty cents per pound for good silk reeled from cocoons. Individuals in many places are operating on a large scale, some having cocooneries three hundred Preparation of the ground.-It would have been feet in length. EDWARD P. ROBERTS, Esq., editor better that it had been ploughed in the fall, as fall of the Baltimore Farmer, gives the following di-ploughing always conduces to the destruction of rections for planting the mulberry trees:grass and weeds. But if you neglected so doing, Directions for planting the Morus Multicaulis. take a piece of ground that was in root or corn -As the period has arrived when the Morus Mul-culture last fall, which had been well tended and ticaulis may be safely planted, I consider the oc-kept clean; plough it deeply; harrow it thoroughcasion a proper one to lay down certain rules for ly; three harrowings will not hurt it; then roll it the guidance of those who may not be acquainted well, when, if your cuttings, layers, or roots be with the several methods of their culture. ready, you may lay off your furrows, north and south, and proceed to plant. Soils and Situations.-A light sandy, sandy loam, gravelly loam, or light loam, are the soil Modes of planting. By onebud cuttings.-Cut best adapted to its culture; stiff ground or tena-up your branches so as to leave one eye or bud cious clays must be avoided, as also all low or upon each piece, and your cuttings are prepared. wet grounds. The best situations are those that The best method of placing them in the earth, is are elevated and dry, and the deeper the soil the to give them a vertical position, inclining the top better. Those grounds which have southern or of the cutting to the north at about an angle of |