which our limits compel us to pass over, our author goes on to strengthen his argument, from the fact that nothing has been deduced in favor of phrenology from all the various and complicated injuries inflicted upon the cranium and brain, and accounts of which have been preserved in the records of medicine. "The idea that the brain is composed of a plurality of organs, and that each has its own appropriate functions, has elicited every argument which could be brought to its support. To sustain the proposition, volumes have been written, experiments have been made, and the records of medicine and surgery, have been ransacked in pursuit of facts. "If the brain be composed of a plurality of organs, as represented by the figured head, each of which is the seat of a separate faculty, it necessarily follows, that when any one of these organs is injured or destroyed, its faculty must be injured or destroyed also. "Yet in all the mutilations of the brain, to which man has been subjected for two thousand years, it appears that the records of surgery do not furnish a single well authenticated case, in which the loss of a particular faculty has happened, according to the organ on which the injury was inflicted, while the other faculties remained unimpaired. "We learn from the researches of Haller, Dr. Ferrier, and numerous others, that a vast variety of cases are recorded, in which large portions of the brain have been actually destroyed, and in so many parts of the head, as to dispose of nearly all the phrenological organs in turn, and that not a single case has happened of such partial destruction of intellect, as must have occurred if the doctrine of separate organs be true; and we can hardly find a surgeon who has not met with cases in his practice, where portions of the brain have been destroyed by wounds, the consequences of which fully confirm the statement of these writers. "In many of these cases, blindness and deafness have been produced, motion and sensation destroyed, and all the intellectual faculties suspended; but there has not been a destruction of a particular faculty of the mind while its other powers have remained untouched. How then, can it be, after the lapse of so many ages, that there are no facts of this description to confirm the doctrines of phrenology? Certainly it cannot be for the want of an opportunity for observation. "To say nothing of the accidents of private life, there is scarcely a naval or military battle, in which cases of injury of the phrenological organs are not met with in abundance; and yet the science derives no support from this source." ized, &c. The other most important points in this case are noticed in the following remarks of Dr. Sewall: "Here then is a case, in which all that portion of the brain, which has been assigned by phrenology to the intellectual functions, viz:-Individuality, Form, Size, Weight, Coloring, Locality, Order, Time, Number, Tune, Language, Comparison, Causality, Wit, Imitation, Eventuality and Wonder-was found in a state of disease and disorganization, and yet not one of those functions destroyed or impaired. And it should be borne in mind, that not one hemisphere of the brain only was found diseased, (for in such an event, the phrenologist would say, that although one hemisphere was disorganized, the other being healthy, the sound half performed the functions of both, as the brain is composed of two symmetrical portions,)-but in this case the anterior lobes of both the right and left hemispheres of the brain were diseased, and to an extent which precludes the possibility of any mental operation, being performed by them. Take, in connection with these facts, the position of the phrenologist, that the periphery or external portion of the brain is that in which the mental operations are performed, and what becomes of the doctrine of a plurality of cerebral organs, or a separate compartment for each of the mental functions? As well may we talk of walking without legs, or seeing without eyes, as to suppose this youth capable of those intellectual functions which phrenology has placed in the anterior lobes of the brain, if the doctrine of separate compartments be true. Under all this devastation of cerebral organization, what was the state of the boy's mind? 'The boy's faculties,' says the surgeon, were not destroyed, but there was some intellectual confusion, from the time of the injury, during the operation, and for two hours after, from which time he recovered every faculty of the mind, and they continued vigorous for six weeks, and to within one hour of his death, which took place on the forty-third day.'" Professor S. presents various other cogent and forcible reasons for believing phrenology to be absurd in theory and unfounded in fact; but for these, we must refer our readers to the work itself, with the assurance that its perusal cannot fail to afford them both entertainment and instruction. In conclusion, we cannot better express our own estimate of this highly interesting publication than in the language of the London Monthly Review: "There is the reasoner, the practical expounder and the calm, dignified, and self-possessed refuter, exemplified in every page." GHOSTS. He then inserts an interesting surgical case, copied from the American Medical Intelligencer, for April 1837, in which a boy, eleven years old, received a kick from a newly shod horse, that fractured the right superior portion of the frontal and the adjoining portion of the The universality of the belief in ghosts, is generally parietal bone. A portion of the bone an inch and a brought forward, as an argument in favor of their exishalf long was driven in upon the brain, which was tence. But it appears to me not to be one. I think otherwise so much injured as to prove fatal on the forty- that it may be explained on rational principles. Bethird day. The space of the skull, previously occupied sides their belief in ghosts, all nations have also had by the right anterior and middle lobes of the cerebrum, one in other supernatural beings. But the imaginary was found, upon a post-mortem examination, to present beings of different regions have always differed widely a perfect cavity, the hollow of which was filled with some in the character assigned to them. Thus in Asia, we sero-purulent matter-the lobes having been destroyed find a belief in ghouls and genii-beings whose assigned by suppuration. The third lobe was much disorgan-character differs widely from that given to the fairies of western Europe. As these beings do not really exist, there must be some tendency in the human mind to imagine their existence. And this tendency, it appears to me, consists in an inherent desire, which all men have, of assigning to every effect a cause. To men in a barbarous state, there are innumerable operations of nature, which they cannot account for: there are, particularly at night, many sounds floating through the air, and many appearances of natural objects whose cause is concealed. Men then, on account of this tendency which I have supposed, are led to solve the diffi culty, by imagining them to be the work of supernatural beings. After the idea of such essences is once conceived, many qualities and attributes are quickly given them, as is well exemplified in the number of those assigned to the Grecian gods. The characteristic features attributed to these beings, is the joint work of the disposition of the people, of whose imagination they are the product, and of the nature of the country which that people inhabits. And thus their differences are owing to variations in these particulars. Now the reason that ghosts are more universally believed in than any other supernatural essence, is-1st, That it is very natural to suppose that those with whom we have lived in terms of love or friendship will not desert us, if possible, even in death. 2nd, on account of this feeling, and the tendency which I have supposed above, it is more natural for men to attribute effects, whose cause is unknown, to the spirits of the dead, than to imagine other beings in order to account for them. 3rd, As these circumstances are common to all mankind, this belief has therefore been universal. Williamsburg, Va. THE ORPHAN. G. The bugle's blast o'er mountain, O'er hill and dale afar, The sire obey'd the summons, And she, the tender-hearted, And thus bereft and lonely, The little orphan stray'd, By tumult's din dismay'd. But God, who times the tempest To the lambkin newly shorn, From many a pelting storm. And tho' through all her journey, Her days and nights have been; Illum'd her darksome lot, Peace to thy slumbering ashes; We made her grave by starlight, And bade the sod press lightly Have you seen a friendless orphan, Adown this cold world wander, Uncared for and unblest? Come view with me this low bed, On a dark and lonely dell, In far Britannia's green isle, Her birth-place and her home, When day-light toil was o'er, MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, Again considered; with remarks upon the resolutions of The June number of the Southern Literary Messenger, contains an article on the Mecklenburg Declaration of Indepen dence, the direct object of which is to deny the authenticity of that instrument as published, and, in its tendency is insidiously cal culated to impeach the motives and injure the character of those venerable patriots who have given their solemn testimony in its favor. The writer wishes the public to know that these Mecklenburg resolves of May 20th, 1775, are spurious-a base imposition practised upon the community, and should no longer receive that share of attention they have hitherto commanded. This, we believe, is the obvious meaning of his article. And upon what does this grave denial, this reckless disregard of well-authenticated facts depend? Upon an old newspaper, dis› covered by Peter Force, Esq., of Washington City, containing certain patriotic resolutions passed by a committee in Charlotte, May 31st, 1775. These resolutions are seized upon, by "la vestigator," with unusual avidity, and without paying a decent regard to the pious exhortation," Stop, poor sinner, stop and think," so important in worldly matters as well as in ethics, are proclaimed to the world as the original Mecklenburg Declara tion of Independence! Alas! to what extremities prejudices authority. In every section of the state, the great principles of liberty, and the "unalienable and inherent rights of man" had been sedulously inculcated by the distinguished whig leaders of the day-to them the people were ardently attached, and to them they anxiously looked for a removal of grievances. Upon the memory of such men as a Johnston, a Harvey, an Ashe, a Hooper, a Caswell, an Iredell, a Polk, with many others, pio der the auspices of such men, the provincial congress of 1774 was called into being, comprising the virtue and intelligence of the people. In this congress, the delegates of each county and town were instructed to have elected county committees," whose duty it was to have the resolves of congress properly executed, arrest tories, and consult for the general good. These mendation of the delegates, and proved one of the most useful instruments employed in the revolution of public opinion. They held four regular sessions during the year, but from their great facility of assembling, were in the habit of meeting at "short notices" for the transaction of any important business. Histo. will carry mankind! Enough, it was thought, had appeared in the pages of the Messenger, editorial and communicated, to satisfy every impartial inquirer on this subject. In the few remarks we now intend to make, we disclaim controversy-but shall proceed to examine briefly in what manner this subject has been investigated in the article above alluded to, and inquire if that knowledge of facts, value of testimony, or honesty of deduction has been evinced in its production, as might have cha-neers in the cause of liberty, the patriot delights to dwell. Unracterised its author. We think it may be made apparent, if Investigator had ever read the Mecklenburg resolves, and accompanying proceedings, with any other motive in view than to cavil, he might have found therein a satisfactory solution for any mystery, to which the resolutions of May 31st might have given rise, and their origin consistently accounted for. In the account of the Mecklenburg Convention, we are informed of the appoint-county committees," soon sprang into existence at the recomment of a "standing committee of public safety," whose duty it was to meet at stated periods and transact such business as the exigency of the day demanded. Before this committee," clothed with civil and military power," were arraigned all tories, and persons suspected of being inimical to the "American cause." It exercised much wholesome and efficient authority, and recom-ry informs us, they sometimes "usurped the authority of the mended various measures of a prompt and decisive nature, which had a general influence on the people of the county to unite them in the cause of liberty and the country." Now, we ask an impartial community, may not these resolutions of May 31st have emanated from this "committee of public safety," and does it not comport more with fair and honest inference, to conclude that such was the case, than to adopt the disingenuous artifice of pronouncing them identical with the Mecklenburg Declaration passed eleven days before, "in presence of a large, respectable, and approving assemblage of citizens?" A few of this large assemblage," are still alive to testify to the proceed. ings of the 20th of May, and delight to narrate this "deed of noble daring" with all the patriotic ardor so common to the veteran soldier; thus verifying the glowing sentiment of Miss Leslie : "The warrior's soul lights up and shines county court, and subjected the gravity and reason of the law to the control of the popular will." This conflicting jurisdiction, however, did not "uproot the foundations of civil society," as predicted by governor Martin -on the contrary, their impru dences were amply atoned for by the good they accomplished. "They exercised, rigidly, a political censorship, and did not hesitate to subject to the penance of a dungeon all persons convicted of disrespectful language towards the American cause." That they held frequent meetings throughout the year 1775, we have abundant proof in the history of the state, and proclama. tions of governor Martin, denouncing them as "traitorous" and "seditious combinations," and "subversive of his majesty's government." And again, we ask, may not these resolutions of May 31st have emanated from this "committee," deriving its authority from a provincial congress? At this distant day it is, perhaps, impossible to say with which committee they origina. ted-either might have passed them, and it is now a matter of little moment to which we ascribe their paternity. The flame, kindled at the battle of Lexington, continued to rage with una. bated fury throughout the state, and was the active excitant in the Mecklenburg Convention of May 19th and 20th, of promoAn impartial public will not, without due investigation, thus ting the adoption of the most stern and declarative measures. basely repudiate the high and unimpeachable testimony of a no- The same soul-stirring argument-the "inhuman shedding of ble phalanx of revolutionary worthies. The Mecklenburg De- blood" at Lexington-is heard and felt, in the proceedings of the claration of May 20th, and the resolutions of May 31st, which "Cumberland Association," one month afterwards, (June 20th.) Investigator heralds to the world, will be found," upon compari- These "associations" prevailed extensively during the year son," to be entirely different; the one emanating from an unu 1775, and, although only a few of their acts, breathing the most gually large" convention" of delegates and people of the coun-spirited tone of resistance, have reached our times, shall we rety unanimously adopting independent measures; the other,ject these as spurious, unworthy of a "local habitation and a only such patriotic proceedings of a legislative character, as occurred frequently at that excited period, without any thing attending their publication to make an indelible impression on the memory, and, in reality, never existing, or regulating the community as therein recommended. In the exasperated state of the public mind that then existed, it is not surprising that "committees" met frequently, and that their proceedings should be marked with a spirit of resistance. With these facts before us, in offering a rational explanation of these resolutions of late discovery, is there any propriety or necessity of adopting the forced and illiberal construction which "Investigator" is pleased to advance ? name," because they have not yet been found in the pages of a newspaper, and thus fall within the limits of our narrow prejudices? The proceedings of these "associations," and a few other patriotic meetings, as well as the Mecklenburg resolves of May 20th, have come down to us in a properly authenticated manner, and they all await the same doom-a rejection or reception by an impartial public. The Mecklenburg Declaration was found among the valuable papers of the late General William R. Davie, in all respects a proper depositary of such a record, and to whom we have evidence a copy was sent. This copy, now in the executive office at Raleigh, somewhat torn, and bearing all the marks of age, is entirely legible. A bare inspection of this venerable paper is well calculated to produce a favorable opinion of authenticity in the mind of any superfi. cial or incredulous investigator of this subject. But apart from these explanatory views relative to a consistent accountability of the resolutions of May 31st, have we not the most direct and says, he was "present on the 20th of May, 1775, and heard his father, (Col. Thomas Polk,) proclaim independence to the assembled multitude." And need it be inquired, will he be believ Were this the only consistent view that could be taken of this matter, the community might rest satisfied. But there is another mode of accounting for them, drawn from the history of the state, touching this eventful period, which we will briefly notice, and leave for others to determine. It will be recollected that on the 24th of April, 1775, nearly one month previous to the adop-specific testimony? The late Col. William Polk of Raleigh, tion of the Mecklenburg Declaration, the royal governor of North Carolina was compelled, in consequence of the fearful array of popular movements in view of the palace at Newbern, to take shelter on board "his majesty's ship Cruiser." Weed? The proclamation of independence on such an inspiring forbear giving a detail of the train of interesting events which occasion, was well calculated to make a deep impression on led to this first gubernatorial expulsion, constituting, as it does, every interested spectator. The late General Graham, of Linone of the brightest pages in the early history of the state. It coln, a citizen and soldier worthy of the best days of the repub. is here passingly alluded to, to show, that at this early period lic, and noted for his general intelligence and accurate knowthere existed much naturity of opinion on the subject of inde-ledge of revolutionary events, says, During the winter and pendence; the people were actually living under a whig govern- spring preceding that event, (Declaration of Independence,) ment, and, consequently, no where felt the restraints of royal several popular meetings of the people were held in Charlotte; two VOL. V.-95 of which I attended. On the 20th of May, 1775, besides the two | only in this, but in several other important respects. Added to persons elected from each militia company, (usually called committee-men,) a much larger number of citizens attended in Charlotte than at any former meeting-perhaps half the men in the county. The news of the battle of Lexington, the 19th of April preceding, had arrived. There appeared among the people much excitement. After reading a number of papers, as usual, and much animated discussion, the question was taken and they resolved to declare themselves independent." this, many of the respectable witnesses would soon pass from time to eternity; and hence, not only the honor due to the actors, but the cause of truth pointed out the necessity of publishing to the world the important fact, and the indubitable basis upon which it rested. It is worthy of remark, that several of the most conspicuous actors in the Mecklenburg proceedings of May 20th, were active and influential members of the provincial congress, which convened in Halifax a little upwards of ten months afterwards, (April 4th, 1776.) We accordingly find that the same spirit of independence which characterised the Mecklenburg Convention above all other "meetings" of the people or their "committees," also shone conspicuously in this Congress, and gave birth to the first legislative recommendation of a national declaration. As this report on the subject of independence is not extensively known, we subjoin it as an important historical document: "The select committee to take into consideration the usurpa tions and violences attempted and committed by the King and Parliament of Britain against America, and the further measures to be taken for frustrating the same, and for the better defence of this province, reported as follows, to wit: This is but a small part of General Graham's testimony; but our prescribed limits will compel us to pass over much of its interesting historical matter. Need it be inquired throughout the range of his acquaintance, was he deceived, or can he be believed? The testimony of the late Rev. Humphrey Hunter, of Lincoln, who, in the commencement of the revolutionary struggle, laid aside, for a time, his academical studies-his engagement with books, to join in the engagement with menis equally specific, clear, and satisfactory. He left behind him a manuscript "Journal of the war in the South," describing every battle in which he was an actor, and every important transaction which he witnessed. He says, in connexion with this subject, "Orders were presently issued by Col. Thomas Polk, to the several militia companies, that two men selected "It appears to your committee, that pursuant to the plan confrom each corps, should meet at the court house on the 19th of certed by the British ministry, for subjugating America, the May, 1775, in order to consult with each other upon such King and Parliament of Great Britain have usurped a power measures as might be thought best to be pursued. Accordingly, over the persons and properties of the people unlimited and unon said day, a far larger number than two out of each company controlled; and disregarding their humble petitions for peace, were present." The resolves, as heretofore published, are liberty, and safety, have made divers legislative acts, denouncthen given. "These resolves having been concurred in, by-ing war, famine, and every species of calamity, against the laws and regulations for the government of a standing committee of public safety, (above alluded to) were enacted and acknowledged. Finally, the whole proceedings were read distinctly and audibly at the court house door, by Col. Thomas Polk, to a large, respectable, and approving assemblage of citizens." But will we be told all this is spurious or fabricated testimony? So deep an impression had this magnanimous and early step by the citizens of Mecklenburg made on the writer's memory, that in an account of a "general review" in Charlotte, in 1812, seven years before the first public agitation of this subject, by the editor of the Raleigh Register, we find the place and the occasionfested by the united colonies, and their sincere desire to be reeliciting a passing tribute of veneration to this illustrious transaction. After saying "One hundred seniors, exempted by law from military duties, were present," and that "a large majority of these were veterans of the revolution," he adds, "it is also worthy of remark, that not a few of these well-tried patriots had paraded on that same ground in 1775, and anticipated Congress in a Declaration of Independence." The testimony of John Davidson, one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration, sustaining the above statements, has been adduced. He also furnished a copy of one of the original certificates, granted by Abraham Alexander, chairman both of the Mecklenburg Convention and the "Committee of Public Safety." It ran in the following words: "North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, November 28, 1775. These may certify to all whom they may concern, that the bearer hereof, , is allowed here to be a true friend to liberty, and signed the association. continent in general. The British fleets and armies have been, and still are daily employed in destroying the people, and committing the most horrid devastations on the country. That governors in different colonies have declared protection to slaves, who should imbrue their hands in the blood of their masters. That the ships belonging to America are declared prizes of war, and many of them have been violently seized and confiscated. In consequence of all which, multitudes of the people have been destroyed, or, from easy circumstances, reduced to the most la mentable distress. And, whereas, the moderation hitherto mani conciled to the mother country on constitutional principles, have procured no mitigation of the aforesaid wrongs and usurpations, and no hopes remain of obtaining redress by those means alone which have been hitherto tried, your committee are of opinion that the house should enter into the following resolve, to wit: "Resolved, That the delegates for this colony in the conti nental congress, be empowered to concur with the delegates of the other colonies in declaring independence and forming fire ga alliances, reserving to this colony the sole and exclusive right of forming a constitution and laws for this colony, and of appoint ing delegates from time to time (under the direction of a general representation thereof,) to meet the delegates of the other colonies, for such purposes as shall be hereafter pointed out. "The congress taking the same into consideration, unaaimously concurred therewith." Upon comparison, it will appear that a striking similarity of language is common to this short state paper, and the national Declaration of Independence. Yet who accuses Mr. Jefferson ABRAHAM ALEXANDER, of intentional plagiarism? It is not strange, that men who have Chairman of the Committee of P. S."been long accustomed to think alike should also speak alike. Il is not strange, when high-toned patriotic feelings seek for utThis was the test of patriotism, with which every individual terance, and the cause of liberty was the ever-present, seul friendly to the American cause was required to be furnished; stirring theme, that men should express themselves in similar er so vigilant were the measures adopted by our forefathers in identical language. Neither is it strange that many choice guarding the sacred privileges we now enjoy! Other testimony phrases should be currently used, and fondly remembered. equally clear and specific might be cited from published and Such expressions as " inalienable" or "inherent rights,” “dis unpublished sources, but as this subject was discussed some solve the political bands," "absolve all allegiance," "pledge what in detail, in a former number of the Messenger, we deem to each other our lives, our fortunes," &c., or "sacrifice" or it unnecessary to multiply proof. Long before the first public "risk our lives and property," with many others that might be announcement of this subject in 1819, the citizens of Mecklen-named, were peculiarly the language of the times. The senti burg knew and appreciated the noble deed. It was not a vague ments eloquently embodied by Mr. Jefferson, were not pecuar and uncertain tradition of the passage of a few patriotic resolu- to himself, but adopted by him as expressive of the comman tions of a bold character, of which several of the colonies could feeling in the emphatic language of that eventful period. We even then boast, but it was the adoption of a Declaration of In-particularly allude to those expressions upon which is built the dependence that made the distinguishing and indelible impres sion. When public attention was first called to this subject, it was not so much to remove any doubts that had arisen, as to supply the knowledge of a memorable transaction in the history of the state, which was known to be notoriously deficient, not theory of plagiarism. In conclusion, under whatever aspect this whole subject is viewed, the honest inquirer will see no propriety of adopting "Investigator's" gratuitous assumption of a forgery of resolutions for the 20th of May. Against this cheap and summary process of settling questions, the candid reasoner C. L. H. His servants will revolt and enter his willing protest. The imposing circum- | less precision, so desirable, yet so rare. stances under which the Mecklenburg Convention was called performed their several offices like the invisible wheels into being, its duration, (two days,) the subject discussed, (In- and springs of a time piece, the results of which apdependence,) and the applause with which the proceedings were received by a large and admiring audience, were as fitly pear to the eye, without any material interruption to calculated to rivet the attention, and make a lasting impression the other senses. His garden was laid out with matheon the memory, as any other prominent and interesting occur- matical skill, and in happy accordance with his conrence of the revolution. We now dismiss our remarks to the ceived opinions of taste. Each walk and bed had its careful investigation of an impartial public, prepared to await its rightful decision, under whose award the subject can only boundary of stiff box wood—and bachelor's hat, with properly rest in peace. southernwood or old man, were conspicuous embellishAugust 31, 1839. ments to almost every parterre. In proof, however, that Mr. Singlesides was not so illiberal as to allow his antipathy to the ladies to militate against his professed admiration for plants and flowers, a particular spot in his garden was appropriated to the culture of old maids, whose stiff stems and dusky red petals occupied a small space of earth; and lady slippers, maiden's blush, heart's ease, and even love in a puff, were likewise permitted a place. It must be confessed, however, that he appeared tacitly to consider this portion of his garden as an infected district, for he had caused an intervening row of tall shrubs to be planted, so as to intercept it as much as possible from observation, and when disposed to take a turn in his garden, always carefully avoided that particular spot. THE BACHELOR BESET; OR, THE RIVAL CANDIDATES. The house of Mr. Singlesides was situated in one of the pleasantest parts of the city; it was a snug, commodious building, painted white, with a pretty verandah, green venetian blinds, and modestly overtopped by a slate-colored roof. Before the door was a prim looking row of trees, trimmed into proportions exactly corresponding with one another, and the whole fenced in by a white paling, along the top of which ran a cornice, garnished with a formidable array of sharp nails or spikes, which presented a military air of defiance. Besides these defensive appliances, the dwelling was guarded on the sides and in the rear, by a high brick wall, which showed a no less hostile aspect, being surmounted by fragments of bottles that threatened laceration to all who should attempt to reach its height. From the neatness and order of all around, one might readily conjecture this to be the abode of "single blessedness;" and so it was—for Zachariah Singlesides was fast hastening towards his grand climacteric, and from his first verging to manhood up to the present time, love had never sweetened or embittered his draught of life; and it was a source of much self-gratulation, that amid the vicissitudes of our ever whirling sphere, woman had not influenced his destiny. A bachelor, with avowed principles of abhorrence to the matrimonial contract, which principles have been vigorously and consistently sustained through a long series of years, is not often liable to become an object of speculation to the fair sex. In the instance of Mr. Singlesides, his pertinacious resistance on first commencing life, to the advances of the ladies, had established a conviction, that nothing short of a miracle could uproot feelings and prejudices, confirmed and strengthened by time—and, that the thaw ing of a glacier or an iceberg would be quite as feasible an undertaking as that of attempting to melt the frozen ramparts around his heart. Returning home, sometimes worn and harrassed by every-day cares and professional labors, he never felt the want of those pleasing sympathies of conjugal affection, which numbers have so feelingly depicted. When he closed his door upon the world, it was with very opposite emotions-he had within him a sweet consciousness of quiet and security, unmingled with fearful anticipations of sour looks and squalling notes from wife and children. On the opposite side of the street, directly facing the house in which Mr. Singlesides lived, stood the mansion of Miss Betsey Bud, an elderly gentlewoman, who had survived the expectation, at least, if not the hope, of matrimony. When the reminiscences of past days were sometimes made the tea-table chat of a group of respectable matrons, whose youth had been cotemporary with that of Miss Bud, many a racy joke relative to her love adventures was recollected and laughed over. But age seemed to have dried up every avenue to the tender passion in the heart of Miss Betsey; it was believed that the fire of her juvenile days had burnt out, and though its violence had been extreme, all now regarded her as an extinct volcano. Although within a convenient distance for watching the movements of the bachelor, she was never detected in the unbecoming act. Her eyes, those "outlets of the soul," were discreetly confined to her own household, and if Mr. Singlesides proved his liberality by suffering lady slippers and old maids to occupy a corner If in his youth and manhood, therefore, he had been of his garden, Miss Bud with true feminine pride, had irritated by the arts of the designing, they had long rendered bachelor hats and bachelor buttons contraband since ceased to ruffle his serenity. He revelled ad plants in her well organized flower knots. This prulibitum, in the "funny and free revelries" of a bachelor, dent line of conduct sufficiently demonstrated that she and if the din of connubial devilries smote upon his not only abstained from evil, but even from its appear. ears in the quiet of his orderly domicil, he would de-ance; for though it may be heroic to face and overcome voutly bless his stars that he was exempt from the evils temptation, still that prudence is commendable which which distracted his neighbors and acquaintance. guards against objects calculated to awaken desires Among other blessings enjoyed by Mr. Singlesides, known from past experience to be fruitful of discontent was that of having his household conducted in the and disappointment. Whatever, therefore, had been quietest and most methodical manner possible. His Miss Betsey's juvenile follies, the tongue of malevodomestic arrangements moved onward with that noise-lence could not now find a single fragment of indiscre |