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nies, and he was a man perfectly conversant in everything that relates to the construction of machinery : he had minutely examined it, and knew the effects of each part, though he had not received anything like a scientific education. If he had, we should in all probability have been indebted to him for scientific discoveries as well as practical improvements. The most beautiful and useful invention of late times, the Safety-lamp, was the reward of a series of philosophical experiments made by one thoroughly skilled in every branch of chemical science. The new process of refining sugar, by which more money has been made in a shorter time, and with less risk and trouble, than was ever perhaps gained from an invention, was discovered by a most accomplished chemist, and was the fruit of a long course of experiments, in the progress of which, known philosophical principles were constantly applied, and one or two new principles ascertained.

GURNEY'S STEAM COACH. This beautiful specimen of mechanical invention appears at length to be brought to a state of perfection, beyond which we hardly think it possible to make any essential improvement. We had lately an opportunity of witnessing the operation of this machine through the Albany-road, and streets adjacent to the Regent's Park; and we should say its progress could not have been less than at the rate of 12 miles per hour; and in some part of the road, where the rain had not rendered the gravel extremely heavy, the speed of the carriage could not have been less than 14 miles an hour. From the late improvements made by Mr. Gurney with the view of producing a uniform supply of water to the boiler, (or rather the steam-generating pipes); and also in order to produce a regular blower or current of air through the fire chamber, the difficulties which presented themselves in the earlier stages of the invention to maintain an adequate supply of steam, appear to be completely obviated.

To persons not acquainted with the

numerous difficulties which present themselves in bringing into full operation such a complicated piece of machinery, it would be difficult to convey an adequate opinion of the merits of this invention. We have from time to time examined its progress in detail; and we have no hesitation in saying, that the arrangement by which the supply of water to the steam-pipes is effected by Mr. Gurney, is one of the most beautiful specimens of ingenuity we have ever witnessed, among all the curious applications of the steam-engine, either for stationary purposes, or for propelling vessels. The difficulties are almost insuperable, in order to reconcile the necessary power required for propelling a carriage of this kind, with the prejudices or fashion which prevails, with regard to the appearance of a stage-coach. The necessity of consulting appearances has, in fact, greatly added to the difficulties of bringing this invention to perfection, as a vehicle for passengers. But it appears to us that the ingenious inventor has at length vanquished all his obstacles, both with regard to maintaining an uniform speed, at discretion, of at least 10 or 11 miles an hour; and, from having the centre of gravity below the horizontal line of the axles, the risk of overturning seems to be entirely obviated.

We understand a carriage will be completed to carry passengers, in the environs of London, in three weeks or a month from the present time. Taking into consideration the perfect control of the engine, and the uniformity with which it is now capable of being managed by an ordinary conductor, we should say there was scarcely a possibility of its not ultimately superseding the use of horses in running four-wheel carriages, for the conveyance both of goods and passengers. We believe it is estimated that the expense of conveyance may be reduced to one-half or two-thirds of the present average charge of stage

coaches.

SALT AS A MANURE.

Mr. Brande, in his recent Lecture on Vegetable Chemistry, says, "Salt

has been very much extolled for a manure; I believe that a great deal more has been said of it than it deserves; it certainly destroys insects, but I do not believe what has been said of its value. We are not to infer that because a manure is found to be useful on one soil in a certain climate, that it shall prove equally useful in others; experience must direct us in this particular.

MUSHROOMS, POISONOUS AND INNOCENT.

A student of medicine at Paris, M. Letellier, has just published a work containing descriptions of edible and deleterious mushrooms, with lithographic figures done by himself. It would appear that M. Letellier tested the qualities of all the mushrooms which he has described by eating of them himself, taking care to note, with impassible sang-froid, all the circumstances of pain and other effects produced. We cannot but look upon such dangerous experiments with productions of this class as a very unwarrantable sporting with health, if not with life.

AN ASTRONOMER'S DREAM. Kepler, in his "Somnium Astronomicum," imagines the planets to be huge animals swimming round the sun by means of fins, which act on the etherial fluid as those of fishes do on water. Their regular periods of revolution, of course, will be somewhat on the same principle with the annual visits which the herring, &c. pays to our shores. Lucretius was not much nearer the truth when he called them the flaming walls of the world, "flammantia monia mundi."

BLIGHT IN FRUIT TREES.

Whenever you see the branch of a tree blighted, or eaten by insects, procure a shoemaker's awl, and pierce the lower extremity of the branch into the wood; then pour in two or three drops of crude mercury, (which is the quicksilver in common use) and stop up the hole with a small stick. In about forty-eight hours, the insects not only upon that branch, but upon all the rest

of the tree, will be destroyed, and the blights will immediately cease.

UTILITY OF STORMS.

Dr. Huxham, in reference to epidemic diseases, remarks, that he often observed them abate greatly, both in their number and violence, after stormy and heavy rains, the contagious effluvia and morbid congestions of the atmosphere being thus dispersed. In this way, he continues, even tempests themselves very frequently prove salutary, stagnant air being, no less than stagnant water, liable to corruption, unless often put into motion. The salubrity occasioned by the agitation of the air, which is more general, perhaps, on the sea-coast, than in any other situation, was noticed with great interest by the ancients. Augustus Cæsar was so strongly impressed with its beneficial influence, that he built and dedicated a temple to Circius, a wind so powerful that it frequently blew down the houses of the people. The inhabitants of Gaul, also, as Seneca informs us, gave public thanks to this exceedingly tempestuous wind, in consequence of its clearing the atmosphere and rendering it healthful,

DISCOVERIES IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS,

If we compare the map of these countries but ten years ago with that which now exists, we shall see at one glance how much geography has been benefited from these arctic voyages. We now, for the first time, have obtained undeniable proof that the great continent of America is insulated, and that the idea of its being joined to that of Asia by a slip across Behring's Strait, like the bridge of a pair of spectacles, as some Germans, and our countryman, Admiral Burney, would have it, is destitute of all foundation. We now know, that, from Behring's Strait to the Strait of the Fury and Hecla, this northern coast of America presents an undulating line, whose extreme latitudes extend from about 67 to 71 deg.; and that it is indented by many good harbors and large rivers : whereas, before Franklin's expedi

tions, the maps had no line of coast, but only two points, one of which was erroneously laid down, and the other doubtful; the rivers and lakes were drawn ad libitum, which are now placed, the former in their proper directions, and the latter in true shapes and dimensions.

THE COMET OF 1832 (DAMOISEAU's). Some mischievous wag has been terrifying the old women, as well in petticoats as without, both in this country and on the continent, with fearful prognostications of the destruction of the world in the year 1832, by a ballistic visitation from a comet

the one of which the elements were determined by Damoiseau, whose name it bears, and the periodic time of which is 6.75 years. It is almost needless to say, that from this body there can exist no rational cause of apprehension; at its nearest approach to the earth it will be more than 44 millions of miles distant from it, and might approach millions of miles nearer without occasioning any serious consequences. In 1770, a comet approached within 2,062,500 miles. Lalande estimates at 35,750 miles the distance at which a comet might produce upon the earth any sensible effect.

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CANINE SMUGGLERS.

ILLICIT traffic is carried on to a great extent in the department of the Rhine by dogs educated for that purpose. In the district of the Sarreguemines alone, from March 1827 to March in the present year, 58,277 dogs crossed the Rhine on this unlawful pursuit. Of these, 2,477 lost their lives in the adventure; but the remaining 55,800 got clear off with their spoil, barking a hoarse laugh at the custom-house officers. It is supposed that they carried with them 140,000 kilogrammes of contraband goods.

LE KAIN.

Le Kain was the ugliest player on the French stage. The actresses, of course, were all his enemies; and, at his début, the boxes turned a look of disgust on his disagreeable face and ungainly figure. The young actor, filled with the courage of despair, resolved to play Orosmane before the court, and at once decide his fate. The audience, prevented perhaps by etiquette from expressing their disdain, became gradually accustomed to his appearance; and the first act was scarcely over when his destiny was indeed fixed. He had thrown him

self headlong into the passion of the scene, opened his way with irresistible force to the heart, and became beautiful with genius and sensibility. Louis XV. wept-" albeit unused to the melting mood ;" and the ugly Le Kain was from that day acknowledged to be the most profound and pathetic actor on the French stage.

BAD MANAGEMENT.

In the prison at Ghent, spirits are sold, but pens and paper cannot be obtained without a special application to the governor.

DR. CHANNING'S REMARKS ON NAPO

LEON.

In the broad principles which Dr. C. lays down, we agree without the smallest qualification; and, in general, we go along with their application also.

But occasionally, we think, he warps and strains them to get them to reach Napoleon. We think that, in many instances, he is unjust to the great subject of his analysis-but that, in most, he is fair and right— while, in all, his mannel of judging is equally strong, severe, original, and ably-argued. He has achieved that most rare of all intellectual faculties—

that of blending the most close and logical reasoning, with the kindliest charities of humanity. He proves that good feeling and good sense are always on the same side-that right and expedient are almost convertible terms. We think America has greater cause to be proud of Dr. Channing than of any writer she has yet put forth.

SIR W. JONES AND MR. DAY.

One day, upon removing some books at the chambers of Sir William Jones, a large spider dropped upon the floor, upon which Sir William, with some warinth, said, “ Kill that spider, Day, kill that spider!" "No," said Mr. Day, with that coolness for which he was so conspicuous, "I will not kill that spider, Jones! I do not know that I have a right to kill that spider! Suppose when you are going in your coach to Westminster Hall, a superior being, who, perhaps, may have as much power over you as you have over this insect, should say to his companion, Kill that lawyer! kill that lawyer!' how should you like that, Jones? and I am sure, to most people, a lawyer is a more noxious animal than a spider."

MARSHAL SAXE.

The great Marshal Saxe was very fond of gaiety, and used to say, "The French troops must be led on gaily." His camp was always a gay scene; and it was at his camp-theatre that he gave the order for battle. The principal actress used to come forward and say, "There will be no play tomorrow, on account of the battle which the Marshal intends giving; the day following we shall act The Cock of the Village,' and The Merry Intriguers.' '

WILSON.

Towards the close of Wilson's life, annoyed and oppressed by the neglect which he experienced, it is well known that he unfortunately had recourse to those means of temporary oblivion of the world, to which disappointed genius but too frequently resorts. The natural consequence was,

that the works which he then produced were much inferior to those of his former days; a fact of which, of course, he was not himself conscious. One morning, the late Mr. Christie, to whom had been entrusted the sale by auction of a fine collection of pictures belonging to a nobleman, having arrived at a chef-d'œuvre of Wilson's, was expatiating with his usual eloquence on its merits, quite unaware that Wilson himself had just before entered the room. This, gentlemen, is one of Mr. Wilson's Italian pictures ;-he cannot paint any thing like it now." "That's a lie!" exclaimed the irritated artist, to Mr. Christie's no small discomposure, and to the great amusement of the company; "he can paint infinitely better!"

PALM WINE.

This wine, which is frequently mentioned by ancient writers, is obtained by making an incision in the bark of the palm tree, and inserting a quill or reed through which the juice exudes. It is extremely pleasant to the taste, but strongly intoxicating; and you are frequently much amused in the East, by observing its effects upon the lizards, which, as soon as you leave the tree, run up and suck the juice. They immediately become intoxicated, and in that condition lie about, looking up stupidly in your face. Parrots and other birds also sip the palm wine, but have never been observed to be the worse for it.

EDUCATION IN FRANCE.

At a recent meeting of the Society in Paris for the promotion of elementary instruction, one of the secretaries read a paper, from which it appears, that the number of children in France to whom it is desirable to communicate this instruction is about 5,500,000, -2,750,000 boys and as many girls ; that the number of communes is 39,381; that fewer than 24,000 of these communes have schools for boys; that the schools in those communes, to the number of 27,000, receive 1,070,000 children; that the number of girls educated at schools does not exceed

430,000; and, consequently, that 4,000,000 of children are still in need of instruction. Great hopes are, however, entertained that this desirable object may be accomplished; and it is said that, in the next session, a law on the subject will be proposed for the consideration of the French chambers.

TALES OF A GRANDFATHER.

Sir Walter Scott has nearly finished a second series of this excellent and interesting school-book, which has been more successful than could have been anticipated, even by those who comprehend the extent and versatility of his genius. Upwards of 15,000 copies of the first series have been already sold; and from the tone in which it has been spoken of at Paris, we expect that the French translation will become as popular on the continent as the original is at home.

SHOOTING STARS.

The Mohammedans, who are an imaginative people, account for shooting or falling stars in the following manner :-The devils, according to their opinion, are a very inquisitive set of beings, who endeavor to ascend to the constellations, whence they may pry into the actions, and overhear the discourse of the inhabitants of heaven, and perhaps succeed in drawing them into temptation. The angels, who keep watch and ward over the constellations, hurl a few of the smaller orders of stars at these ambitious spirits, and thus produce those trailing fires that stream in clear nights over the sky.

MADEMOISELLE BOURGOIN, In one one of her conversations with Bonaparte, insinuated, in the most flattering terms, the pleasure it would give her to possess a portrait of his Majesty. Napoleon, generously as condescendingly, instantly complied with the fair one's request, by presenting her with a piece of five francs.

PRINCES.

Gibbon, who was no republican, observes, that the generality of princes,

if they were stripped of their purple, and cast naked into the world, would immediately sink to the lowest rank of society, without a hope of emerging from their obscurity. He might have added, that most of them deserve to be compelled to make the experiment.

DUELLING.

The King of Prussia has recently issued the most severe orders against duelling, which has increased, to a fearful degree, in his Majesty's dominions. He directs that all disputes shall be referred to a Court of Honor.

SINGULAR SUPERSTITIONS OF THE

SWISS.

If a huntsman, on going out in the morning, sees a fox cross his path, or meets an old woman or friar, he immediately returns home again; as he is persuaded that, in the first instance, he will meet with no game, and in the other, that he will shoot a man hidden in the leaves, or do some other irreparable mischief.-The stagnation of the blood known by the name of nightmare, is called by them Tokeli. This Tokeli is represented as a little gnome, all covered with fine grey hairs, but of an elegant figure, who lays himself on the chest of sleeping men or women, and embraces them nearly to suffocation. A person who has been thus embraced is in expectation of soon finding a treasure, as an indemnification from the Tokeli for the fear and agitation he has caused.

INDIAN HISTORY.

The first four volumes of a complete History of India have just appeared at Paris. They may in some measure be regarded as introductory to the history itself, as they consist entirely of dissertations on the chronology, philosophy, laws and literature of India.

ELOQUENCE.

A professor, whose lectures were generally nearly terminated ere the students had all arrived, commenced his observations lately on this neglect, by observing, "The first who shall in future arrive the last, &c."

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