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Even so late as the reign of Henry the Eighth, the reciters of verses, or moral speeches learnt by heart, intruded without ceremony into all companies; not only in taverns, but in the houses of the nobility themselves. The Minstrels continued down to the reign of Elizabeth; in whose time they had lost much of their dignity, and were sinking into contempt and neglect. Yet still they sustained a character far superior to any thing we can conceive at present of the singers of the old ballads.

When Queen Elizabeth was entertained at Kenilworth Castle, by the Earl of Leicester, in 1575, among the many devices and pageants which were exhibited for her entertainment, one of the personages introduced, was an ancient Minstrel, whose appearance and dress are minutely described by a writer present, in the following passage :

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"A person, very meet seemed he for the purpose, of about forty years old, apparelled partly as he would himself. His cap off: his head seemly rounded tonster-wise: fair kembed, that with a sponge daintily dipt in a little capon's grease, was finely smoothed, to make it shine like a mallard's wing. His beard smugly shaven and yet his shirt after the new trink, with ruffs fair starched, sleeked and glistering like a pair of new shoes, marshalled in good order with a setting-stick, and strut, that every ruff stood up like a wafer. A long gown of Kendale green, after the freshness of the year now, gathered at the neck with yellow gorget, fastened afore with a white clasp and a keeper-close up to the chin; but easily, for heat to undo when he list. Seemly begirt in a real caddis girdle; from that a pair of capped Sheffield knives hanging a' two sides. Out of his bosom, drawn forth a lappet of his napkin edged with blue lace, and marked with D for Damian, for he was yet but a batchelor. His gown had long sleeves down to the mid-leg, slit from the shoulders to the hand, and lined with white cotton. His doublet-sleeves of black worsted upon them a pair of points of tawny chamlet, laced along the wrist with blue threaden poinents, a wealt towards the hands of fustian-anapes. A pair of red neather stocks, a pair of pumps on his feet, with a cross cut at his toes for corns; not new indeed, yet cleanly blackt with soot, and shining as a shoeing-horn. About his neck, a red ribband suitable to his girdle. His harp in good grace dependent before him. His wrest tyed to a green lace and hanging by: under the gorget of his gown, a fair flaggon chain, pewter for silver, as a squire minstrel of Middlesex, that travelled the country the summer-season, unto fair and worshipful men's houses. From his chain hung a scutcheon, with metal and colour, resplendent upon his breast, of the ancient arms of Islington." The Minstrel, the author tells us, "after three lowly courtesies, cleared his voice with a hem; wiped his lips with the hollow of his hand, for 'filling his napkin, tempered a string or two with his wrest, and after a little warbling on his harp for a prelude, came forth with a solemn song, warranted for story out of King Arthur's acts."

Towards the end of the sixteenth century, this class of men had lost all credit, and were sunk so low in the public opinion, that in the thirty-ninth year of Elizabeth's reign, a statute was passed by which "Minstrels wandering abroad," were included among "rogues, vagabonds and sturdy beggars," and were adjudged to be punished as such. This act seems to have put an end to the profession.

[PERCY'S Reliques of Ancient English Poetry.]

Ir is with flowers as with moral qualities; the brightcoloured are sometimes poisonous, but, I believe, never the sweet-smelling.-Guesses at Truth.

LORD BACON.

THE BIBLE.

"There never was found in any age

of the world either philosopher, or sect, or law, or discipline, which did so highly exalt the public good as the Christian faith."

JOHN SELDEN, (called by Grotius) The Glory of England." There is no book upon which we can

rest in a dying moment but the Bible."

JOHN MILTON, the immortal Poet." There are no songs comparable to the Songs of Sion; no orations equal to those of the Prophets, and no politics like those which the Scriptures teach."

SIR MATTHEW HALE.- "There is no book like the Bible for excellent wisdom, learning, and use." HONOURABLE ROBERT BOYLE. "It is a

matchless volume, it is impossible we can study it too much, or esteem it too highly."

JOHN LOCKE. To a person who asked this profound thinker which was the shortest and surest way for a young gentleman to attain to the true knowledge of the Christian religion, in the full and just extent of it, he replied,-"Let him study the Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament; therein are contained the words of eternal life. It hath God for its Author, Salvation for its End; and Truth, without any mixture of Error, for its matter."

SIR WILLIAM JONES.—“I have carefully and regularly perused the Holy Scriptures, and am of opinion that the volume contains more sublimity, purer morality, more important history, and finer strains of eloquence, than can be collected from all other books, in whatever language they may have been written." READER!

Oppose these deliberate and disinterested opinions of some of the greatest men that ever lived, to the flippant sarcasms of free-thinkers, or rather non-thinkers. Clasp the BIBLE to your heart, believe its holy truths, obey its sacred commands, regulate your lives by its precepts, and die, resting on that Saviour whom the Scriptures reveal, as having "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel."

UPON THE SIGHT OF A TREE FULL-BLOSSOMED.-Here is a tree overlaid with blossoms; it is not possible that all these should prosper; one of them must needs rob the other of moisture and growth. I do not love to see an infancy over-hopeful; in these pregnant beginnings one faculty starves another, and, at last, leaves the mind sapless the too-frequent blossoms, that the rest may thrive, so it is and barren. As, therefore, we are wont to pull off some of good wisdom to moderate the early excess of the parts or progress of overforward childhood. Neither is it otherwise in our Christian profession: a sudden and lavish ostentation of grace may fill the eye with wonder, and the mouth with talk, but will not at the last fill the lap with fruit. Let me not promise too much, nor raise too high expec plain of my small hopes, than of my short performances. tations of my undertakings; I had rather men should com

-BISHOP HALL.

A FULL and clear river is, in my opinion, the most poetical object in nature. Pliny has, as well as I recollect, compared a river to human life. I have never read the passage in the analogy, particularly amidst mountain scenery. The his works, but I have been a hundred times struck with river, small and clear in its origin, gushes forth from rocks, falls into deep glens, and wantons and meanders through a wild and picturesque country, nourishing only the uncultivated tree or flower by its dew or spray. In this, its state of infancy and youth, it may be compared to the human dominant-it is more beautiful than useful. When the mind, in which fancy and strength of imagination are predifferent rills or torrents join, and descend into the plain, it becomes slow and stately in its motions; it is applied to move machinery, to water meadows, and to bear upon its bosom the stately barge:-in this mature state, it is deep, strong, and useful. As it flows on towards the sea, it loses its force and its motion, and at last, as it were, becomes lost, and mingled with the mighty abyss of waters. -SIR H. DAVY.

WILLIAM COLLINS, THE POET.

A MONUMENT of exquisite workmanship, from which the above is taken, was erected by public subscription in Chichester cathedral, to the memory of WILLIAM COLLINS. The poet is represented as just recovered from a fit of phrensy, to which he was unhappily subject, and in a calm, reclining posture, seeking refuge from his misfortunes in the consolations of the Gospel, while his lyre and one of the best of his poems lie neglected on the ground. Above are two beautiful figures of Love and Pity entwined

in each other's arms.

The monument was executed by FLAXMAN, shortly after his return from Rome. Mr. Hayley, in speakof the deceased, thus concludes his epitaph:

But thou, O Hope! with eyes so fair, What was thy delighted measure? Still it whisper'd, promised pleasure, And bade the lovely scenes at distance hail! COLLINS was acquainted not only with the learned languages, but with Italian, French, and Spanish. He was fond of popular traditions; he delighted to take those flights of imagination which pass the bounds of nature, to gaze on the splendour of fictitious palaces, and to repose in Elysian gardens of his own creation.

The latter part of his short life cannot be remembered but with pity and sadness. He languished for some years under that depression of mind which clogs the faculties without destroying them. He was for some time confined in a house for lunatics, and afterwards retired to the care of his sister in Chichester, where he died in 1756.

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Who join'd pure faith to strong poetic pow'rs, Who, in reviving Reason's lucid hours, Sought on ONE BOOK his troubled mind to rest, And rightly deem'd the Book of GOD the best. WILLIAM COLLINS was born at Chichester on Christmas-day, 1720. His father was a respectable hatter. He was admitted a scholar of Winchester College in 1733, but although he stood first in the list of scholars to be received in succession at New College, Oxford, in 1740, he lost his election, there being no vacancy. This he considered the first misfortune of his life. He suddenly left the University after becoming a Demy of Magdalen College. He came to London about 1744, with many projects in his head, but possessed of very little money. He planned many works, but he pursued no settled purpose. His odes, some of which were composed at this time, particularly "The Passions," exhibit vast powers of poetry. There is an expression in the latter ode, which at once strikes to the heart. Though the measure is the same in which the characteristics of Fear, Anger, and Despair, are described, yet, by the judicious variation of the cadence, each has an expression appropriate to itself. Thus, after the image of Despair,

With woful measures wan Despair,Low, sullen sounds his grief beguiled; A solemn, strange, and mingled air; 'Twas sad by fits, by starts 'twas wild! How beautiful beyond imitation is the animated picture of Hope:

After his return from France, whither he had gone hoping to recover from his malady, a friend paid him a visit at Islington: there was then no wandering of mind discernible by any but himself; but he had withdrawn from study, and travelled with no other book than an English Testament, such as children carry to school. His friend took it into his hand, out of curiosity to see what companion a man of letters and a poet had chosen. "I have but one book," said Collins, "but THAT IS THE BEST." This interesting fact supplied Flaxman with the subject of the monument above.

EGYPT IN CONNEXION WITH SACRED
HISTORY AND PROPHECY.

THERE are few countries in the world which have excited greater interest than Egypt; but, amongst the many claims which it possesses to our attention and regard, there is none more powerful than that derived from its connexion with sacred history. As the cradle of the Jewish nation, and the scene of some of the most remarkable events recorded in the Word of God, it deserves, and will abundantly repay, the laborious investigation and research which are now necessary for tracing its rise, progress, and decline, or drawing out the particulars of its early annals.

These inquiries, we have said, will amply recompense those who are disposed to pursue them, for it is almost impossible to move forward a single step in our researches, without discovering the most strik ing coincidences between the testimony of sacred and profane writers, and the singular confirmation offered by existing facts to the minutest details of Scripture, sical character of this astonishing country. as regards the aspect, manners, customs, and phy

tion of Moses, that Egypt brought forth" by handIf, for example, we require a warrant for the asserfuls" in her seasons of plenty, and supplied its numerous population with treasures of corn that could not be gathered nor numbered for multitude, we have it on the united testimony of ancient and modern writers, and even in the present features of the land. hand of Heaven." If we would know how a country, "wounded and wasted though it be by the eternal naturally so fertile, could be subject to the famine under which it groaned in the days of Joseph, we have only to consult the same authority, and we shall find that its products are so far dependent on the annual overflow of the Nile, that a failure of this event would inevitably produce the greatest distress and misery. If we would know why the Israelites, during their affliction, could not make bricks without straw, we have only to inspect a fragment of the va rious structures of that material still existing, and we shall see the very "stubble' which cost them sc

much anxiety and labour, and be furnished with a reason for its use, in the light loose nature of the earth of which it is composed*.

If we wish to know what is meant by the " embalming" of Joseph and his venerable father, we have

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only to explore the mummy pits of Egypt, and we shall find not only men, but the inferior animals, preserved with the most pious care, and retaining, after the lapse of ages, the fragrance of that spicery, and balm, and myrrh," with which they were prepared for interment. Some curious relics of this description may be seen in the British Museum : two of the human form, three mummy cats, an embalmed ibis, a jar containing another (see cut), and the bones of a third. The cat and the ibis were held in extreme veneration by the Egyptians, the former being considered sacred to the moon, and the other celebrated for its propensity to destroy serpents.

The Sacred Ibis.

If we would find an answer to those who question the narrative of Moses, with regard to any of the products which he mentions as peculiar to Egypt, we may find the sycamore, the corn, and the flax, in the mummy and its appendages: the first, in its outer case; the second, buried with it as the type of a looked-for resurrection; and the third, manufactured into the bandages that enfold the shrivelled, but apparently imperishable, body.

If we be asked the import of the "great and sore lamentation" at Abel Misraim, we have only to direct the inquirer for his answer to the walls of some Egyptian temple, or the ruder sketches of many a papyrus roll, where the uplifted hands and the frantic actions of those who compose the long and solemn pageant, bear witness to the extravagantly splendid rites attendant upon Egyptian funerals.

The three following figures are considered by Denon to form part of a funeral ceremony. He describes them as priests, with their arms raised in the attitude of exclamation.

If we would understand the full meaning of that prophetic denouncement against the workers of abomination, which the sacred writer pours forth, when There is a fragment of brick, from the pyramid at Daghous, in the small room of Egyptian antiquities, at the British Museum, in one of the glass cases.

he proclaims that "Memphis shall bury them," we have only to visit the pyramids of Djiza, and in the gloom of their sepulchral chambers we shall have a

Supposed Funereal Figures.

fitting emblem of that "land of darkness, as darkness itself," where even hope cannot enter. The mystic paintings, pourtrayed around its chambers of imagery, realize something of the spiritual darkness which hung over its inhabitants, when they groped at noonday after that God whose candle had, at one time, shined upon their land.

Even the slight and incidental notices of this country which occur in the Books of the Chronicles, are borne out by existing documents. Some of the Jews, we are told, were " potters," and we read of " the families of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea." The ibis-jars to which we have before referred, and which are still found in almost exhaustless numbers, are monuments of the skill of the potters; and evidences of the labours of the workers in fine linen present themselves in the wrappers of Egypt's departed potentates. And if we wish to know why these "workers in linen" were of one "house," or family, we have only to consult Herodotus, or his follower Diodorus, and we shall see that the division of castes existed very early in Egypt, and that trades and professions were generally hereditary.

If we need a commentary on the common sin of paganism, when men "professing themselves wise, became fools, and changed the glory of God into an image made like unto corruptible man and to fourfooted beasts and creeping things," where can we find it better than in the pantheism of Egypt, where every creature in which was the breath of life became an idol, and the vital principle was adored under the varied forms which it animated, from the beetle of the dust to the lordly ox that fattened in the fresh and luxuriant herbage of the Delta.

And, if example be wanting to enforce the needful caution of Holy Writ, "We ought to give earnest heed to the things of God, lest at any time we should let them slip,"-can we find one more forcible or appropriate than that set before us in the destinies of this mightiest but "basest of kingdoms >" D. A.

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I HAVE passed through many places of honour and trust, both in church and state, more than any of my order in England these seventy years before. But were I but assured that by my preaching I had converted but one soul unto God, I should take therein more spiritual joy and comfort than in all the honours and offices which have been bestowed on me.-ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS.

THOUGH we cannot comprehend the Christian mysteries, we can judge of their fitness and adequacy to work certain beneficial effects in ourselves. Religion, like the heathen poet's fame, hides her head among the clouds; but we may behold her footsteps upon earth, and observe the blessings that are strewed for us in her path.

LANDER'S COMMERCIAL EXPEDITION TO AFRICA.

PERHAPS no enterprise of modern times has excited a greater share of public attention than the late expedition to the Interior of Africa, undertaken by the brothers Lander. It was a long, lingering and perilous adventure, but it led to the discovery of the course and termination of the celebrated river Niger, which, till the result of their almost hopeless enterprise was known, had been matter of controversy and dispute for several centuries.

The whole of that undertaking derives a romantic character from its magnitude and danger, no less than from the humble and apparently inadequate means which were employed in its accomplishment. Yet it does not seem, after all, that the scantiness of their means was in itself so great an evil as many people imagined; for, from the account of the travellers themselves, it appears pretty evident that had they, like their unfortunate predecessors in the same pursuit, possessed more abundant and costly resources, not only would their progress through the country have been more difficult, but their lives would have been in constant jeopardy. At the same time, the success of the travellers must not be attributed to the scantiness of their resources; for it is evident from their artless, though clever, narrative of their journey, that to their own courage, perseverance, and address, supported by an humble and unshaken confidence in the protection and blessing of Almighty God, their success is to be ascribed. This steady reliance upon the power of HIM "who is mighty to save," inspired them with hope and courage, and enabled them to rely with calmness and resignation, upon a happy deliverance from the most distressing emergencies. The almost miraculous manner in which the travellers were preserved at the close of their labours, shows, that the God in whom they trusted did not desert them in the hour of need,

These remarks have been called forth by a notice of the New African Expedition, which lately left our shores, under the command of Mr. RICHARD LANDER. It is nearly twelve months since a commercial speculation of this kind was first contemplated by Mr. Sterling, of Sheffield. This gentleman made a visit to London to consult Mr. Lander on the subject; and with his friend Mr. Huntley Gordon, late of the Treasury, intimated to the traveller the probability of his embarking in an expedition to the Niger, the nature and objects of which he also briefly explained. Mr. Sterling was so entirely devoted to this scheme, that his delicate and declining health alone prevented him from taking an active share in it.

But, notwithstanding his enthusiasm, it is more than likely that the project would have been abandoned, if he had not some months afterwards fallen in with Mr. Laird, of Liverpool, who, by a singular coincidence, had entertained similar views to himself, and had also travelled to London for the purpose of obtaining from Mr. Lander some particulars concerning the newly-discovered river, and the countries through which it flows. These gentlemen soon induced a number of merchants at Liverpool to join them in the scheme. The necessary capital was speedily invested, a committee was formed, and in a remarkably short space of time three splendid vessels, completely equipped, were floating on the bosom of the Mersey, laden with British productions and manufactures, and ready for sea. The ships had been purchased and fitted out (principally under the direction of Mr. Laird,) with such secrecy and de spatch as to excite a degree of surprise approaching to wonder.

The command of the expedition had been very properly invested in Mr. Lander, whose experience and local knowledge eminently qualify him for the charge.

The expedition is composed of two steamers, and one sailing vessel of 150 tons burthen. The Quorra, which is the largest of the steam-vessels, is a noble vessel, built under the inspection of Mr. Laird. Her burden is little short of 150 tons, and her engine is of fifty-horse power. She is well manned, and is furnished with every means of defence which the judgment and ingenuity of her proprietors could devise. Her internal arrangements are judicious; the cabin is constructed with great skill, and the vessel is, altogether, well adapted for the service in which she is engaged, and the country in which she is employed. The Quôrra is commanded by Mr. Herries, who has an able coadjutor in Lieut. Allen, also of the Royal Navy. Both these officers have been amply supplied by the Admiralty with chronometers and other instruments, to enable them to make the necessary scientific observations and surveys; and, as they are very competent to the task, much useful geographical information may be expected from them. Mr. Brigg, a surgeon, well acquainted with botany, and other branches of na tural history, is also attached to the Expedition.

The other steamer is of wrought iron, and is called the Alburkah, (an Arabic word, signifying Blessing.) She draws but two feet of water, and carries fifty tons. From her small size and lightness, she will be capable of ascending the Niger much farther than her more formidable companion; and if, moreover, advantage be taken of the state of the river, it is probable that she will surmount those difficulties of rocks, currents, and flats, that would effectually arrest the progress of the Quôrra. This curious iron steamvessel may thus become the principal, if not the only, means of communication between the more interior parts and the coast, along which the sailing vessel will be continually cruising. This latter, which is called the Columbine, will furnish the steamers, as occasion may require, with the necessary fuel, and with the British-manufactured goods with which she is laden, for the purpose of carrying on the trade with the natives.

Should the Expedition succeed, it is intended to form a settlement at PATASHIE, a large and beautiful island in the Niger, one day's journey below Boussa. It belongs to the King of Wowwow, who has frequently expressed his earnest wishes that our countrymen would come and trade with his people. From him our adventurers would receive encouragement and indulgence.

From its central situation and natural advantages, Patàshie would afford every facility for trading; the natives are hospitable and obliging, and all the necessaries of life are in great abundance. In the course of time, this delightful island may become a central market for the sale of British manufactures; and the native African trader, from Bornou on the one side, and Timbuctoo on the other, may hereafter resort to it to supply their respective countries with the cottons of Manchester and the cutlery of Sheffield.

Mr. Lander has been supplied by the Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, with a variety of presents for the Rulers of the Nun, or Brass River, to repay them for the losses they incurred in procuring his brother's freedom and his own, when they were made prisoners in the Eboe country. It will be remembered, that though they were conducted to a British vessel by the natives, on the promise of immediate reward, they were not only refused an advance

of the promised ransom, but subjected to treatment | to each other, and many are highly social, flocking more unfeeling than that which they had experienced peaceably together in shoals. among the uncivilized natives of Africa.

It is not generally known that those portions of the Landers' journals which were supposed to have been lost in the Niger, when they were captured by the natives, are still in existence. A short time since they were offered for sale by King Boy, to the master of a Liverpool vessel at the Bonny River, but the purchase was refused on account of the extravagant price demanded for them. Fortunately, Mr. Lander will now be enabled, with the gifts he has it in his power to present, to redeem his own property, and thus make his late narrative more complete.

Before his departure from England, the First Lord of the Admiralty honoured him with several interviews, and amongst other favours furnished him with letters to the Commanders of His Majesty's vessels on the African station, requesting them to forward his designs to the utmost of their ability, and to render every assistance to the interesting expedition of which he has the command. SIGMA.

ON FISHES.

THEIR FORMS AND COLORS, GENERAL CHARACTER, &c. THE Fishes which are most abundant, and most frequent in our sight, have pleasing forms. Many are eminently beautiful in their colours, and in the general appearance of their neat and glossy skin and scales. Several have a golden hue or spots difficult to account for; and many a silvery gloss, as though the particles of these two metals were diffused among their skin. Others display a fine tinge of blue; some very pleasing tints of green. The effect of the whole is, that the general appearance of the fish creation in their forms, colours, brilliancy, gliding movement, rapid and changeful activity, and universal animation and vigour, excites sentiments of pleasure and admiration.

To us, with the exception of a few, they are wholly inoffensive. Not many, even in their own domain, would molest us; but all, even the most hostile, remain there, helpless and indefensible against our power, however great their magnitude may be.

The general character of fishes is not that of voracity and hostility. It is gentleness, harmlessness, sociality, and animation. They are peaceful animals; happy in themselves, and for the most part harmonizing together, without any general display of savage cruelty or malignant passions. Such as are appointed to be the food of others, die in that way, and are sought and taken for that purpose, when the appetite actuates, but no further. They cannot be justly stigmatized as voracious for this habit, more than ourselves for taking and eating them and cattle, sheep, fowls, game, and other living creatures.

The mild and harmless character of the fish class is impressively shown by most of its largest tribes. The great Greenland Whale pursues no other animal, leads an inoffensive life, and is harmless in proportion to its strength The Sturgeon, with a form as terrible and a body as large as the shark, is yet harmless. The great Narwhal, one of the largest and strongest, is one of the most harmless and peaceable inhabitants of the ocean. It is seen constantly sporting among the other great monsters of the deep, no way attempting to injure them.

The ocean, indeed, contains some of a different humour-as the woods and mountains have the wolf and the tiger-but their object seems chiefly food. Fish which devour others for their subsistence, act only as the other carnivorous animals of nature, but they are for the most part indifferent or inoffensive

They have no organ of voice, nor lungs-yet a few emit sounds. As the Tunnies sail in their vast shoals, they utter a very loud hissing noise. The Ground Ling makes a similar sound when he is handled. The Scieria Stridens gives a small shriek when first taken out of water. The great Morse roars like a bull when he is disturbed, and snores while asleep. The common Seal moans piteously when pursued on land, as it is hurrying to the sea. The Ursine kind low like an ox, and the Leonine one both grunts and snorts. The Ursine Seal is said to have been observed, when vexed, to shed tears.

Fish appear capable of pleasurable feelings. No bird or quadruped seems happier. They appear to be easily satisfied with food, not to suffer from in clemency of weather or variations of the seasons. They are always in one even temperature—they appear to enjoy a longer continuity of health and strength than most other animals. They possess a natural longevity, which in some of their classes sur passes that of man. Like the vegetable, and other animal tribes, they have been made useful to man, both in contributing to his sustenance, and in supply. ing him with many important conveniences (as for instance, the Whale supplies us with oil and whalebone). But independently of the human race, they have been created to be happy beings in themselves.

They display to us our Creator's power; enlarge our knowlege of his omnipotence, and give us ocular evidence of its multifarious application.

[Abridged from TURNER'S Sacred History of the World.]

VEGETABLE FLY-TRAPS.

Dionaea Muscipula, &c.

CERTAIN plants, such as Sarracenia and Nepenthes, known familiarly as Pitcher-Plants and MonkeyCups, have their foliage so curiously formed, that they are enabled to hold a considerable quantity of fluid in these leafy receptacles, to which it is said that monkeys resort, when thirsty, and hence their name.

A further circumstance, however, requires attention. In these receptacles are generally (almost invariably) found flies and many small insects, which, tempted to enter, either by the fluid itself, or the excretions from the plant, often of a sugary nature, with which it becomes mixed, are unable to get out. They are shut up either by the closing lid, its vaulted form, the narrow throat, or a bristly barrier, with which the throat of the pitcher is furnished, the hairs of which being all pointed inwards, like the entrance to an eel-weir, or the wires of a mouse-trap, may easily be passed in one direction, but not in the other. The prey is thus entrapped, and held, just as by the teeth of fish and other animals, which are frequently situated not only on the tongue and palate, but also in the throat and stomach; being, like the hairs in these plants, organs for holding, not chewing, their food.

It has often been objected to as an act of cruel amusement, if not of sheer malevolence, on the part of nature, to set these vegetable fly-traps, as in Dionaa, Sarracenia, Drosera, &c., to insnare and destroy the heedless flies, shortening their already brief existence; but observation and experiment would rather lead to the conclusion that such sacrifices of the smaller insects form no unimportant items in the food of certain plants. In the pouch of one small Sarracenia, examined a few days ago, I found twelve common flies, and two wood-lice; and the multitudes imprisoned and destroyed by the Apocynum, Dionæa, and other plants, would lead one to believe, were it from their number only, that nature could

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