many, as in England, they were first observed on the |
jasmine, but now exclusively on the potato, though
they will enter the beehives, to feed on the honey
found in them. This insect has been thought to be
peculiarly gifted in having a voice, and squeaking like
a mouse, when handled or disturbed; but, in truth,
no insect, that we know of, has the requisite organs
to produce a genuine voice. They emit sounds by
other means, probably all external. The grasshopper
and the cricket race effect their well-known and often
wearisome chirpings, by grating their spiny thighs
against their rigid wings; and this acherontia atropos
appears to produce the noise it at times makes, which
reminds us of the spring call of the rail or corn-crake,
by scratching its mandible, or the instrument that it
perforates with, against its horny chest.—Journal of a
Naturalist.

A SISTER'S LOVE

When o'er my dark and wayward soul
The clouds of nameless Sorrow roll;
When Hope no more her wreath will twine
And Memory sits at Sorrow's shrine
Nor aught to joy my soul can move,
I muse upon a Sister's Love.
When, tir'd with study's graver toil,
I pant for sweet affection's smile,
And, sick with restless hopes of fame,
Would half forego the panting aim;
I drop the book,-and thought will rove,
To greet a Sister's priceless Love.
When all the world seems cold and stern
And bids the bosom vainly yearn;
When Woman's heart is lightly chang'd,
And Friendship weeps o'er looks estrang'd;
I turn from all the pangs I prove,
To hail a Sister's changeless Love.
And, oh, at shadowy close of even,
When quiet wings the soul to Heaven;
When the long toils of lingering day,
And all its cares are swept away;
Then-while my thoughts are rapt above-
Then, most I prize my Sister's Love.
CHAUNCEY HARE TOWNSEND

SIR WILLIAM JONES,

THE DISTINGUISHED ORIENTALIST.

Hebrew language with so much vigour and assiduity, that entire nights were often employed in close application. His preceptor, Dr. Sumner, acknowledged, that his pupil knew more Greek than himself. His sight was so impaired by study, that he was prohibited from applying, for some period, to severe intellectual efforts. His name was long remembered at Harrow, where he received his early education, with that profound veneration, which his superior intellect and unrivalled learning commanded.

Sir William Jones was distinguished not only for his classical attainments, and for the beauty of his poetic compositions, but for the eloquence and power of his declamations, and the masterly manner in which he delivered his orations. At Oxford, his college tutors dispensed with his attendance on their lectures, alleging, that he could employ his time to greater advantage. He went through the Greek poets and historians with a pen in his hand, making remarks, and composing in imitation of his most admired authors.

His studies and researches as a lawyer were not confined to any one branch of jurisprudence, but embraced the whole in its widest extent. He compared the doctrines and principles of ancient lawgivers, with the later improvements effected in the science of law; collated the various codes of the different states of Europe; and collected professional knowledge wherever it could be acquired. While his multiplied and important engagements required his daily attendance in Calcutta, his usual residence was situated on the banks of the Ganges, at the distance of five miles from the court. To this spot he returned every evening after sunset, and in the morning rose so early, as to reach his apartments in the city by walking, at the first appearance of the dawn.

This eminent man had studied eight languages critically, eight others less accurately; and had examined twelve more, less perfectly. His poetic taste was refined and elevated, and many of his translations and imitative pieces reflect on him great lustre. His veneration of Christianity was early and profound, and his admiration of the language and sentiments of the Holy Scriptures was ardent and unqualified. He saw the light that beam'd around, and own'd It came from heaven.

His last hours were peculiarly touching. His disorder was an inflammation of the liver. On the morn

THE Life of Sir William Jones, by the enlightened Lord Teignmouth, is an intelligent, affectionate, and just piece of composition, producing a pleasing impression on the mind. It is the production of an inti-ing of his decease, his medical attendants called on mate friend, a man of superior mind, and of kindred spirit. Sir William Jones must be the object of respectful veneration; at his numerous attainments all must wonder; with his amiable and fine spirit, all, who can value what is lovely and excellent, must be delighted and his diligence ought to induce unceasing emulation.

The portrait he has sketched of his mother, exhibits his own affectionate and filial disposition in a beautiful manner, and is quaintly, though strikingly, embodied. "She was virtuous, without blemish; generous, with out extravagance; frugal, but not a niggard; cheerful, but not giddy; close, but not sullen; ingenious, but not conceited; spirited, but not passionate; of her company, cautious; in her friendship, trusty; to her parents dutiful; to her husband, ever faithful, loving,

and obedient."

In his twelfth year, William, the son of this estimable woman, wrote out from recollection, the Tempest of Shakspeare-translated into verse several of the Epistles of Ovid, all the Pastorals of Virgil-and composed a dramatic piece. His knowledge was not omly acute and extensive, but most extraordinary. He learned the Arabic characters, and studied the

Lord Teignmouth, and all repaired to the house of this distinguished scholar. He was lying on his bed, in a posture of meditation, and the only symptom of remaining life, was a slight motion at the heart, which, after a few moments, ceased, and he expired without a pang or a groan. The monumental honours paid to his memory, at Oxford and St. Paul's, were distinguished; but, as has been well remarked, “the the contemplation of acquirements so extensive and whole earth is the sepulchre of illustrious men," and splendid, of talent so uncommon, and of worth so exalted, will induce the esteem and admiration of every generation, even the most remote.

of mortality, but his character and genius are emSir William Jones was cut down early by the stroke balmed in our hearts, and many a noble minded, richly endowed youth, will derive vigour and encouragement from his splendid excellences.

T. W.

THE formation and steady pursuit of some particular plan of life, has justly been considered as one of the most permanent sources of happiness.-MALTHUS.

NATURE has sown in man the seeds of knowledge, but they must be cultivated to produce fruit.-LORD COLLINGWOOD,

MANNERS OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. THE following extract from the Journal of Elizabeth Woodville, before her marriage with Sir John Grey, is copied from an ancient manuscript in Drummond Castle; it gives a curious picture of the habits of the great in former times. After the death of Sir John Grey, she became, in 1465, the queen of Edward IV. On the accession of Henry VII, who had married her daughter, she was confined in the nunnery of Ber、 mondsey, and died there, but was buried at Windsor. "Monday, March 9. Rose at 4 o'clock, and helped Catherine to milk the cows; Rachel, the other dairymaid, having scalded her hand in so bad a manner the night before. Made a poultice for Rachel, and gave Robin a penny to get her something comfortable from the apothecary's.

cows which produce the former, feed during summer in the shrubby pastures of Epping Forest; and the leaves of the trees, and numerous wild plants which there abound, are supposed to improve the flavour of the butter. It is brought to market in rolls from one to two feet long, weighing a pound each. The Cambridgeshire butter is produced from cows that feed one part of the year on chalky uplands, and the other on rich meadows or fens: it is made up into long rolls like Epping butter, and generally salted or cured before being brought to market; the London dealers, having washed it, and wrought the salt out of it, frequently sell it for Epping butter.

rior.

The butter of Suffolk and Yorkshire is often sold for that of Cambridgeshire, to which it is little infeSomersetshire butter is thought to equal that "Six o'clock. The buttock of beef too much boiled, of Epping: it is brought to market in dishes conand the beer a little of the stalest. Memorandum:taining half a pound each; out of which it is taken, To talk to cook about the first fault, and to mend the second myself by tapping a fresh barrel directly. "Seven o'clock. Went to walk with the lady, my mother, into the court-yard. Fed twenty-five men and women; chided Roger severely for expressing some ill will at attending us with broken meat. "Eight o'clock. Went into the paddock behind the house with my maid Dorothy, caught Thump, the little pony, myself, and rode a matter of six miles without saddle or bridle.

"Ten o'clock. Went to dinner. John Grey, a comely youth, but what is that to me? a virtuous maiden should be entirely under the direction of her parents. John ate but little; stole a great many tender looks at me, and said, "Women never could be handsome in his opinion, who were not good tempered." I hope my temper is not intolerable; nobody finds fault with it but Roger, and he is the most disorderly servingman in our family. John Grey likes white teeth; my teeth are of a pretty good colour I think; and my hair is as black as jet, though I and John, if I mistake not, is of the same opinion. "Eleven o'clock. Rose from table, the company all desirous of walking in the fields; John Grey would lift me over every stile, and twice he squeezed my hand with great vehemence. I cannot say I should have any objection to John Grey; he plays at prisonbars as well as any country gentleman, and he never misses church on sundays.

say

it;

washed, and put into different forms, by the dealers of
Bath and Bristol. Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
butter is very good; it is made up in half pound
packs or prints, packed up in square baskets, and
The butter
sent to the London market by waggon.
of the mountains of Wales and Scotland, and the
moors, commons, and heaths of England, is of excel-
lent quality when it is properly managed; and though
not equal in quantity, is superior to that produced by

the richest meadows.

Considerable quantities of butter are made in Ireland, and it forms a prominent article in the exports of that country: it is inferior to that of England. Some of the best Irish butter brought to London, after being washed and repacked, is sold as Dorsetshire and Cambridge butter.

The salt butter of Holland is superior to that of every other country; large quantities of it are annually exported. It forms about three-fourths of all the foreign butter we import.

The production and consumption of butter in Great Britain is very great. The consumption in London may be averaged at about one half pound per week for each individual, being at the rate of 26lbs. a year; and supposing the population to amount to 1,450,000, the total annual consumption would be 37,700,000lbs., or 16,830 tons: but to this may be added 4,000 tons, for the butter required for the victualling of ships and other purposes, making the total consumption, in round numbers, 21,000 tons, or 47,040,000lbs., which at 10d. per lb. would be worth 1,960,0001.

"Three o'clock. Poor Farmer Robinson's house burnt down by an accidental fire. John Grey proThe average produce per cow of the butter dairies is posed a subscription for the benefit of the farmer, and gave no less than four pounds himself with this bene-estimated by Mr. Marshall at 168lbs. a year; so that, volent intent. Memorandum: Never saw him look so handsome as at that moment.

66

Four o'clock. Went to prayers. "Six o'clock. Fed the hogs and poultry. "Seven o'clock. Supper on the table: delayed in consequence of Farmer Robinson's misfortune. Memorandum: The goose-pie too much baked, and the pork roasted to rags.

"Nine o'clock. The company fast asleep; these late hours very disagreeable. Said my prayers a second time, John Grey distracting my thoughts too much the first time. Fell asleep, and dreamed of

John Grey"

USE OF BUTTER IN ENGLAND. BUTTER, as every one knows, is a fat substance, obtained from milk, or rather from cream, by the process of churning.

supposing we are nearly right in the above estimates, about 280,000 cows will be required to produce an adequate supply of butter for the London market.

But the consumption of butter in London has sometimes been estimated at 50,000 ton ; which would require for its supply upwards of 666,000 cows!

RELIGION will always make the bitter waters of Marah wholesome and palateable, but we must not think it continually will turn water into wine, because it once did.WARBURTON.

No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.-LADY M. W. MONTAGU.

ANIMALS go rightly, according to the ends of their creation, when they are left to themselves; they follow their instinct and are safe: but it is otherwise with man; the ways of life are a labyrinth for him; his infancy does not stand more in Butter is very extensively used in this and most need of a mother's care, than his moral and intellectual faother northern countries: that of England and Hol-culties require to be nursed and fostered: and when these are left to starve for want of nutriment, how infinitely more land is reckoned the best. In London, the butter of deplorable is his condition than that of the beasts who perish! Epping and Cambridge is in the highest repute: the-SOUTHEY.

At first they had only two horses, but afterwards Chelmsford. the number was increased. In the reign of James the First, "the stout old Earl of Northumberland, when he was got loose, hearing that the great favourite Edinburgh Buckingham was drawn about with a coach and six horses, thought he might very well have eight in his coach, with which he rode through the City of London, to the vulgar talk and admiration.”

In general, however, it was thought disgraceful in those times for the male sex to ride in coaches. "In

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE AND EDUCATION,

APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.
SUPERSTITIONS OF THE DRUIDS.

hither they led those who were accused of any crime, and, under pretence that the gods would, by this form of trial, show the guilt or innocence of the party, directed him where to touch and make the proof: and thus, at their discretion, they either absolved the accused, or made them appear guilty.

The misletoe, the seed whereof is eaten and voided by the birds, and thus conveyed from one tree to another, they affected to hold in veneration. When it was discovered growing upon an oak, upon which tree it is rarely to be found, the Druids went thither

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whistling over his work, and his hammer was often heard till the "noon of night." He thus obtained a good reputation, and some of this world's goods. He soon married a virtuous female, one whose kind disposition added new joys to his existence, and whose busy neatness rendered pleasant and comfortable their little tenement. Time passed smoothly on, they were blessed with the smiling pledges of their affection, and in a few years Tom was the possessor of a neat little cottage and a piece of land. This they improved; and it soon became the abode of plenty and joy.

But Tom began to relax in his conduct, and would

with great solemnity, and all things were made reau occasionally walk down to an ale-house in the neigh

bourhood. This soon became a habit, and the habit imperceptibly grew upon him, until, to the grief of all who knew him, he became a constant lounger about the ale-house and skittle-ground, and going on from bad to worse, became an habitual drunkard. The inevitable consequences soon followed. He got into debt, and his creditors soon took possession of all he had. His poor wife used all the arts of persuasion to reclaim him; and she could not think of using him harshly; she loved him even in his degradation, for he had always been kind to her. Many an earnest petition did she prefer to Heaven for his reformation, and often did she endeavour to work upon his paternal feelings. Over and over again he promised to reform, and at last was as good as his word, for he was induced to stay from the ale-house for three days together.

for sacrifice and for feasting. Two white bulls were fastened by their horns to the tree; the officiating, priest ascended, and cut the mistletoe with a golden knife; others stood below to receive it in a white woollen cloth, and it was carefully preserved, that water wherein it had been steeped might be administered to men, as an antidote against poison, and to cattle, for the sake of making them fruitful. The sacrifice was then performed. The best and most beautiful of the flocks and herds were selected for this purpose. The victim was divided into three parts: one was consumed as a burnt offering; he who made the offering feasted upon another, with his friends; and the third was the portion of the Druids. In this wise did they delude the people. But they had worse rites than these and were guilty of greater abominations. They were notorious, above the priests of every other idolatry, for the practice of pretended magic. They made the people pass through fire, in honour of His anxious wife began to cherish hope of returning Beal; and they offered up the life of man in sacrifice, happiness. But a sudden cloud one day for a moment saying that when the victim was smitten with a sword, damped her joy. "Betsey," said he, as he arose from they could discover events which were to come, by the his work, "give me that bottle." These words pierced manner in which he fell, and the flowing of his blood, her very heart, and seemed to sound the knell of all and the quivering of his body in the act of death. her cherished hopes; but she could not disobey him. When a chief was afflicted with sickness, they sacri- He went out with his bottle, had it filled at the aleficed a human victim, because, they said, the conti-house, and on returning home, placed it in the winnuance of his life might be purchased, if another life dow immediately before him. Now," said he, "I were offered up as its price; and in like manner, men can face my enemy." With a resolution fixed upon were offered up when any calamity befel the people, overcoming his pernicious habits, he went earnestly and when they were about to engage in war. Naked to work, always having the bottle before him, but women, stained with the dark blue dye of woad, as- never again touched it. Again he began to thrive, sisted at these bloody rites. On greater occasions, a and in a few years he was once more the owner of huge figure, in the rude likeness of man, was made his former delightful residence. of wicker-work, and filled with men: as many as were condemned to death for their offences were put into it; but if these did not suffice to fill the image, the innocent were thrust in, and they surrounded it with straw and wood, and set fire to it, and consumed it, with all whom it contained.

His children grew up, and are now respectable members of society. Old age came upon Tom, and he always kept the bottle in the window, where he had first put it; and often, when his head was silvered over with age, he would refer to his bottle, and thank God that he had been able to overcome the vice of drunkenness. He never permitted it to be removed from that window while he lived; and there it remained until after he had been consigned to his narrow home.

Their domestic institutions were not less pernicious than their idolatry. A wife was common to all the kinsmen of her husband, a custom which prevented all connubial love, and destroyed the natural affection between child and father; for every man had as many wives as he had kinsmen, and no man knew his child, ON THE CUSTOM OF PLANTING YEW TREES nor did any child know its father. These were the abominations of our British fathers after the light of the Patriarchs was lost among them, and before they received the light of the gospel.

[Abridged from SOUTHEY.]

HOW TO FACE AN ENEMY. THOMAS P—————————, at the age of eighteen, was, by the death of his master, left alone in the world to gain a livelihood as a shoemaker. He shouldered his kit, and went from house to house, making up the farmer's leather, or mending the children's shoes. At length a good old man, pleased with Tom's industry and steady habits, offered him a small building as a shop. Here Tom applied himself to work, with persevering industry and untiring ardour. Early in the morning he was

IN CHURCHYARDS.

[From FAULKNER'S Histories of Fulham and Kensington.]

THE original design of planting these trees in churchyards, has given rise to much antiquarian discussion. They are said to have been originally planted either to protect the church from storms, or to furnish the parishioners with bows. The statute of 35 Edw. I, which settles the property of trees in churchyards, recites, that they were often planted to defend the church from high winds, and the clergy were requested to cut them down for the repairs of the chancel of the church whenever required. Several ancient laws were enacted for the encouragement of archery, which regulate many particulars relative to bows, but it does not appear that any statute directed the cultivation of the yew. Although the scarcity of bow