GOSPEL LIGHT.

1834.] 117 The world twines itself about the soul, as the serpent doth about an eagle, to hinder its flight upward, and sting it to death.

NATIONAL SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

(Sent by R. F. the Master of the School.) We do not ask the persons who had the happiness of being present in our school-room, on the day of examination, to confirm us in our opinion of the efficiency of the system of education pursued in the National Schools of this parish; for we ourselves have daily proofs of this, in the improved habits of the children instructed in these schools, arising from the religious, moral, and orderly habits which the system has produced in the persons who have passed through these schools, and who now fill many respectable situations, both public and domestic, in this and our sister island.

We were infinitely gratified by the proceedings of Thursday. We think they were well calculated to unite the different ranks of society in feelings of devotedness to God; and in bond of attachment to their country, and to each other.

GOSPEL LIGHT.

I.

WIDE o'er earth's remotest border,
Long had midnight darkness dwelt ;
Darkness, parent of disorder,

Darkness, such as might be felt.

II.

But the Lord of life descending,
From his mansion in the skies;
Peace and joy his steps attending,
Bids a glorious light arise.

III.

Jesus comes! in silent wonder,

Nations hail the new-born light;

While he rends the veil asunder,

Which conceal'd him from their sight.

IV.

Now the prince of darkness trembles,

For his reign is near its end;

All his forces he assembles,
His frail empire to defend.

V.

Vain attempt! the word is spoken,
"Christ shall reign on ev'ry shore;"

Soon shall Satan's rod be broken,

Sin and darkness be no more.

BATHURST.

THE CANARY.

THIS bird has its name from the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, not far from the Coast of Barbary, in Africa, and where the temperature of the air is so good, that the ancients called these Islands, "Fortunate." Here therefore was the original home of these sweet little songsters, and from thence they were brought to Europe.

-But matters are altered now. Canaries are bred in Germany, France, and England; and improvements in the race are thought to have taken place in each of these countries, so that now our European birds are superior to the natives of the Fortunate Islands: and among them the English Canary is inferior to none, either in plumage or voice. In colour these birds vary; the bright yellow, without a black or coloured feather of any sort, is most, esteemed by some people; and it is remarked, in these yellow birds, that, as they grow older, their colour grows brighter, becoming much superior in brightness of hue the second and third moulting, to what it is at first; then there are the piebald birds, which do not look true bred, and (though admired by some) are not the right thing, though it is often difficult to account for their dark feathers. -The Mealy Canaries are often good songsters, though not so pretty to look at.-Canaries will breed three or four times a year, but twice is quite as much as is good for the poor hen. They begin to lay as early as March, but April is the better month, the cold often killing the young birds if out too soon. The breeding cage should always have two holes for nests in it, because it often happens, that the hen begins to lay again, before the first brood is out of the nest; in which case the cock takes care of them. Canary seed is the best food for these birds in a general way: when breeding, egg and bread is likewise very proper, the bread grated very fine, or egg alone.-Hemp seed is bad

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as a constant food, too fattening, and apt to change the colour of the plumage.-When the birds are ill, mawe seed is a popular remedy: this is the seed of the common mallow. Saffron in the water is likewise recommended, when they are moulting; but nature generally brings them about, and it is as well to leave it to her. Sometimes birds are seen to droop suddenly without apparent cause; then the feathers above the tail should be rubbed gently up, and probably a lump will be found with a white head, which should be pricked, and it is curious to see, (if that were the sole cause of the bird's ailment,) how instantaneously it will brighten up, and even begin to sing-this disorder is called the pip. Young birds should be put near good songsters, as they are apt learners; a screaming Canary is to be avoided, the note being disgreeable in itself, and very likely to be caught. Old birds are very liable to have coughs, and cracks in the voice in singing; they should be kept out of the way of beginners, or the defect produced by age may be learnt as an accomplishment.— Canaries do not require any great degree of warmth; fresh air does them good, and I have an idea that if properly prepared, they might be made to live in our woods and fields, as goldfinches and linnets do; but for this scheme to answer, they should be gradually hardened, and perhaps it would be almost a pity, if it did; a cheap and simple pleasure would be deprived of half its zest; for if Canaries warbled from every hedge, we should no longer have any amusement in bringing them up in our houses, where, not having been accustomed to liberty, they seem very happy. F.

GARDENING.

(From the Horticultural Register, p. 91.) GOOSEBERRIES strike readily from cuttings. The best time is September; trim off with the knife all the buds, on that part of the cutting which goes into the ground, leaving only four buds at the upper end of each, to form the tree. When the cuttings have grown one season, take them up, and cut off all the roots about half way down that part of the cutting which was in the ground; the part thus cleared will form a lengthy stem to the tree; but take care

to leave enough roots for the growth of the plant, and plant it again very shallow. Head each cutting in at a bud that will lead the plants in a proper direction. The four buds at the top will form a pretty head.

INDIAN CORN.-The green ears of the hardy short growing species of maize, which has been so successfully cultivated in this country of late years, forms a most delicious vegetable, for about six weeks in the summer. The cobs should be plucked just as the styles or silky part are beginning to turn brown and wither. The corn is then about the colour and consistence of cream; the cobs should be stripped of their covering, and boiled for about three quarters of an hour. A small portion of the stalks is left on for the greater convenience of holding it in the fingers; the grains easily come out, and are eaten with cold butter, pepper, and salt.

I. J. T.

ROSES.

SEVERAL Cottages of the poor having been repaired, a "Country Clergyman" asks "what are the best running roses" to cover trellis works, &c. in order that he may supply them with Roses for their porches.

Answer from the Conductors of the Horticultural Cabinet.

"The following kinds of Climbing Roses are of quick growth, hardy, and handsome flowering, and may be had at most of the public nurseries. Double white Ayrshire; Yellow Ayrshire; Bengal florida plena; Boursoult rubra; Boursoult alba; Hermite de grand val; Incarnata scandens; Knighti scandens pallida; Moschata scandens; Scandens Caroliniensis; Sempervirens Double: Seven Sisters Rose; Roxburghia alba; Hyacinthina rubra; Grevillia rubra; Russelliana rubra pallida; Banksia lutea; Banksia alba; Multiflora alba; Multiflora rubra."Horticultural Cabinet, March, 1834.

TO PROTECT THE BARK OF TREES.-Mr. Boutcher observes (in a Treatise on Forest Trees, published many years since) that by mixing the Laburnum, or Beau Trefoil, in all plantations infested with hares, while a twig remains, no other plant will be touched; and though eaten to the

1834.]** ANSWERS TO HISTORICAL QUESTIONS.

121

ground every winter, they will spring with additional vigour ever summer, and constantly supply these animals with luxury. The produce of 5s. worth of seed, properly raised and distributed, will furnish plants enough to protect 500,000 other trees.-See Horticultural Register, March, 1834. Art. X. p. 116.

ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS IN ENGLISH HISTORY, (In the last number, p. 80.)

Answer 1. After the death of Edward the Third, his grandson, Richard the Second, became king.

A. 2. He came to the throne in the year 1377.

A. 3. He was only eleven years old when his grandfather died.

A. 4. Being too young to govern, the affairs of the kingdom were managed by his uncles, the Dukes of Lancaster, York, and Gloucester.

A. 5. There was, then, a tax called the Poll-tax; that is, a tax of so much a head for every grown person; and this was very severe on the poor, for a poor man had to pay just as much as a rich one. Every one above the age of fifteen were required to pay this tax.

A. 5. Wat Tyler resisted the payment of this tax, and headed a mob, and marched to London.

A. 7. The king met Wat Tyler, and his followers, in Smithfield.

A. 8. The young king conducted himself with great courage and prudence.

A. 9. Tyler behaved himself with great insolence.

A. 10. Sir William Walworth was then Lord Mayor; he stabbed Wat Tyler with a dagger.

A. 11. The king's mild and courageous behaviour pacified the people. He told them he would himself be their leader, and see that all their complaints should be attended

to.

A. 12. No; the king did not continue to act in the excellent manner in which he had begun.

A. 13. The Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Hereford had a quarrel. The king said, he would hear them both state their grievances; but, instead of declaring which was to blame, he sent them both into banishment.