REFERENCES.-Mercury-9 Venus- Mars-24 Jupiter-h Saturn-H Herschell or Uranus? Ceres- Pallas- Juno When a man surveys the glorious firmament of stars, his sight represents them to be exceedingly small, but the mind at the same time contradicts the sight, by conceiving them to be of immense magnitude, and an oppressive sense of mysterious sublimity is the result. If, however, the spectator be a man of an active mind, he will not suffer his feelings to evaporate in simple wonder, but will ask himself the questions-How is it that my faculties are thus at issue?-the mind contradicting the sight!-which of them is true-the eye or the imagination?-how can their differences be reconciled? Now, the human soul hates a boundary; it is infinite, in its desires; and aided by this God-perceiving principle, the man whose curiosity we have just seen excited, tasks his ingenuity to contrive some means of ascertaining the size, situation, &c. of the rolling worlds above him. He begins with the eye, that marvellous organ "Which at once takes in the landscape of the world He invents a TELESCOPE, and pointing the sight-invigo- "A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold, lies plain before him;-the bright imaginations of his With this wonderful instrument in his hands, all things become new: the pure glory of the sun, shorn of his beams, is observed to be covered with black and shifting spots of an amazing size; the moon full of pits and mountains; Jupiter obscured by dusky bells; and Saturn surrounded by an enormous double ring. New stars, also, are discovered in every direction; moons are seen rolling with beautiful regularity round the planets; the relative magnitudes of the different orbs become apparent; and an endless round of wonders crowd upon the palpitating soul. These phenomena have been erected by NEWTON and others into a beautiful system, called the "Solar System," and which we have already exhibited to our readers in this work; and we here present them with an engraving of the telescopic appearances of the planets showing their relative sizes; and also a table of their distances from the sun; their several diameters, Vesta. and the period occupied by each in its revolution round the sun. 3123 7702 7916 4398 Mean Distances of the Times of the Sulereal Diameters of the Sun Distance in Eng. Miles 485 Jupiter 890 Saturn - 1800 Uranus The Moon's distance) Days Real Diam. 4332.00 Ceres 30,663.70 Saturn Eng. Miles. 883.246 Not known, but pro- about the earth in The Moon 91.522 76.018 35.100 2160 Millions Uranus It is our intention to give occasional papers on Astrono my, with a description of the apparatus by which the "We, though from heav'n remote, to heav'n will move 85 IRON. BLASTING IN AN IRON MINE. THE ores of iron are now found in every quarter of the globe, but our own land is peculiarly favoured both for the excellence of its native iron, and the prodigious advantage which the steam-engine gives us in its manufacture. The durability of iron, and its indispensable assistance in the preparation of every other metal, make it one of the most valuable possessions that has been be"Without it," queathed to the use of civilized man. observes Fourcroy, "agriculture could not have existed, nor could the plough have rendered the earth fertile. The philosopher, while he studies the progress of the human understanding, and compares the fortune and state of the different nations established on various portions of the surface of the globe, will remark, that their iron-works seem, in some measure, to be proportioned to their intelligence, to the advancement of reason amongst them, and the degree of perfection to which the When we consider it in this point of arts have arrived. view, as the agent by which men, in the variety of its uses, and the numerous wants it supplies, acquire enjoyments which would be unknown to them if they did not possess these products of their industry, iron must sin gularly contribute to extend their ideas, to multiply their knowledge, and conduct their spirits towards that perfectibility which nature has given, no less as the character of the human species, than as the source of all the advantages it can enjoy." Iron is rarely found in a native state, and those instances that have occurred carry with them a very peculiar degree of interest. They are supposed to have fallen from the moon to our own planet. A mass of native iron, reported by the inhabitants ot the country to have fallen from the sky, was found by Professor Pallas in Siberia. Between the rivulets Ubei and Sissim, that run into the Jenisei on the eastern side, is a mountain containing a rich mine of magnetic iron ore; on the same side of the mountain where this mine is situated, was found lying loose on the rock the mass of native iron alluded to, weighing 1630 lbs. This mass is cellular, and the cells are either empty, or occupied by a transparent greenish yellow substance, at first taken for fluor spar, but which on subsequent examination greatly resembles the chrysolite. A still larger mass of native iron was seen and described by Don Rubin de Celis. It is situated in the district of Otumpia, in the Vice Royalty of Peru; its weight is about fifteen tons; . it is compact externally, and is marked with impressions as if of hands and feet, but much larger, and of claws of birds; internally it is full of cavities. It is also imbedded in white clay, and the country round is quite flat and destitute of water. Another mass of iron similar in shape to a fallen tree, has also been seen in the same territory. Native iron in detached masses, and of a cellular texture, has been found near Tabor in Bohemia, and in Senegal in Africa. All these specimens of native iron hear a striking resemblance to each other in being found in casual detachand in their chemical composition, so that it is probable ed masses on the surface of the earth, in their cellular that they have originated from similar causes, and the hypothesis of their having fallen from the moon, or the atmosphere, appears to be supported by strong analogy as well as vulgar tradition. It is not, however, from aerial iron, that the vast quantities consumed are supplied; but by mining and sinking large pits, and in some cases merely collecting it from masses of iron combined with oxygen found on the earth's surface. The interior of a large iron mine is placed at the head of this article, which will furnish the reader with some idea of the amazing masses of earth which it is often necessary to remove before the ore can be raised for manufacturing purposes. In this case, the ore with its earthy bed is dislodged by blasting with gunpowder. A hole is pierced in the earth, and a tube of the inflammable material introduced, which is ignited as soon as the workmen can quit the neighbourhood of the blast. The above process is seen going on to the left of the mine; and while some workmen are breaking up the masses of ore, others are engaged by the aid of machinery in elevating it to the mouth of the shaft. On reaching the earth's surface, one of the first processes is that of roasting. This is effected by mixing it with refuse coal and lighting the whole mass, and the object of the manufacturer is to consume the sulphur and other extraneous bodies. The next process is by the aid of a blast furnace, to fuse or melt the iron. It is afterwards refined, and becomes bar iron. The hammers employed at the Carron works for beating the iron, weigh about four hundred weight each, and make about two hundred and fifty blows in a minute. Iron is converted into steel, by making it hot in contact with charcoal. The most singular property belonging to steel, is that of its hardening by being heated red-hot, and suddenly cooled; and the hotter the steel is made, and the colder the fluid into which it is plunged, the harder will be the steel. Water is generally employed for this purpose; and spring water is considered to be the best. Iron is easily drawn into small wire, and this is effected by passing the metal through a series of holes in a steel plate, so that each hole is somewhat smaller than the one which precedes it. By this means, wire for musical instruments and other purposes may be procured less than the hundredth of an inch in diameter. To protect fine cutlery and delicate instruments of steel from the effects of rust, it has been proposed by Mr. Pepys to inclose them in a thin case of zinc. By this process, an electrio-galvanic arrangement, similar to the plan suggested by Sir Humphry Davy for protecting ships, is produced, and the instrument effectually preserved, even when immersed in a strong acid. It is but justice to this distinguished individual to remark, that all his discoveries, like those of Dr. Wollaston, have tended towards the improvement of our manufactures. The cheapest test to detect the presence of iron when chemically combined with any other body, is infusion of oak-galls. This may readily be procured, and turns the fluid containing iron of a dense black colour-hence the motive for employing sulphate of iron, or what is erroneously termed "copperas," in the manufacture of ink and durable dyes.-Guide to Knowledge. THE YOUNG SAVAGE OF AVEYRON. WHEN the young creature, known by the name of the Savage of Aveyron, was discovered in the forest of Canni, and brought to Paris by the Professor Bonaterre, the public for a considerable time echoed with this intelligence. It occupied the idle, attracted the curious, and gave rise to a multitude of discussions which were at least premature, as they could then have no foundation but conjecture. The boy was committed to the care of Mons. Ytard physician of the National Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, in order that, by the combination of physical and moral remedies, the double incapacities under which he laboured might be more effectually removed On the general social condition of Africa, the Family M. Ytard's exertions have already been crowned with a Library has the following remarks. degree of success which is almost prodigious; he b published the particulars, which he has dedicated to the National Institute. The eye of this child was wild and wandering; he saw, without doubt, but he never dwelt on the object. The loudest noises appeared scarcely to strike his ear; a pistol-shot would not make him turn his head; superficial observers would have concluded that he was deaf -but M. Ytard was aware that, even when the sense is perfect, no perception is produced unless the mind is attentive, and he was not astonished that the violence of this sound made no impression on a being whom it could not interest. He found a new proof of the justness of this observation in the attention which his pupil bestowed on the smallest sound which could interest him, such as the cracking of a nut, or the turning of a key. In the mean time new habits were formed in the boy; a number of new necessities arose-food, dress, rest, and walking out, were so many new means of augmenting his dependence. Finding himself under the necessity of availing himself of those about him, he has begun to feel the force of moral affections, and has conceived a particular attachment for his governess. His ideas have been multiplied and connected; some efforts have been made to amuse him, and it is contrived to unite instruction with amusement. He has been exercised at comparisons; they have accustomed him to compare objects with their images; and in these comparisons he has been constrained to use only the united powers of judgment and of memory. M. Ytard thought this a favourable moment to teach him our written characters, and he made use of the method employed in the instruction of the deaf and dumb: he wrote the name of the object on the image, and then by effacing the image, he hoped that the name would remain connected with the resemblance of the object; but this method proved unsuccessful. Other means were then used, the effect of which was as happy as could be hoped. The boy now distinguishes the characters of the alphabet, and places them in their order; he pronounces the words, lait, soupe, (milk, soup,) in the common tone, and then brings the proper letters, and forms these words. In this manner he every day acquires a new word; he has already passed the limits of ignorance—he has entered on the territory of reason; he is in possession of some of our terms of speech, and will soon be enabled to give us some information respecting his early condition-a subject which, of all others, must be most interesting to curiosity. POETRY. The following article is undoubtedly familiar to many of our readers; but on account of its intrinsic merit, we give it a place in our columns. It portrays human nature to the life, and is worthy of the fame of its author.-Ed. Magazine. HYPOCRISY DETECTED. THUS says the prophet of the Turk- On pain of excommunication. You laugh'tis well.-The tale applied May make you laugh on t'other side. A snug and friendly game at cards⚫ Some love a concert or a race; And others-shooting, and the chase. With sophistry their sauce they sweeten, THE DEATH OF NAPOLEON. BY 1. MC LELLAN, JR. sing spirit was deliriously engaged in a strife more terrible than "The fifth of May came amid wind and rain. Napoleon's pas the elements around. The words 'tete d'armee,' (head of the army,) the last which escaped from his lips, intimated that his thoughts were watching the current of a heavy fight. About eleven minutes before six in the evening, Napoleon expired." -Scott's Life of Napoleon. Wild was the night; yet a wilder night A few fond mourners were kneeling by, The few that his stern heart cherished; They knew, by his glazed and unearthly eye, That life had nearly perished. They knew by his awful and kingly look, That he dreamed of days when the nations shook, He dreamed that the Frenchman's sword still slew, The bearded Russian he scourged again, Over Egypt's sands, over Alpine snows, On the snowy cliffs, where mountain-streams Again Marengo's field was won. He died at the close of that darksome day MISCELLANY. "As flies the inconstant sun over Larmon's grassy hill, so pass the tales of old along my soul by night! When bards are removed to their place; when harps are hung in Selma's hall; then comes a voice to Ossian, and awakes his soul! It is the voice of years that are gone! they roll before me with all their deeds! I seize the tales as they pass, and pour them forth in song. Not a troubled stream is the song of the king; it is like the rising of music from Lutha of the strings. Lutha of many strings, not silent are thy streamy rocks, when the white hands of Malvina move upon the harp! Light of the shadowy thoughts, fly across my soul; daughter of Toscar of hel mets, wilt thou not hear the song! We call back, maid of Lutha, the years that have rolled away!"-Ossian. "MEN spend their lives in anticipations, in determining to be vastly happy at some period or other, when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other-it is our own. Past opportunities are gone, future are not come. We may lay in a stock of pleasure, as we would lay in a stock of wine; but if we defer the tasting of them too long, we shall find that both are soured by age. Let our happiness, therefore, be a modest mansion which we can inhabit while we have our health and vigour to enjoy it; not a fabric so vast and expensive that it has cost us the best part of our lives o build it, and which we can expect to occupy only when we have less occasion for a habitation than a tomb. It has been well observed, that we should treat futurity as an aged friend from whom we expect a rich legacy. Let us do nothing to forfeit his esteem, and treat him with respect, not with servility. But let us not be too prodigal when we are young, nor too parsimonious when we are old, otherwise we shall fall into the common error of those who, when they had the power to enjoy, had not the prudence to acquire; and when they had the prudence to acquire, had no longer the power to enjoy." --Lacon. In literature, it is very difficult to establish a name. Let an author's first work have what merit it may, he will lose if he prints it himself; and being a novus homo in literature, his only chance is to give the first edition to his bookseller. It is true that the bookseller will offer terms extremely liberal to those who have established a reputation, and will lose by many, who, like Scott, have written spiritedly for fame, but tamely for money. But, even in this case, the booksellers have no right to complain; for these calculating Mæcenases ought to remeinber, that if they pay too dearly for the lees, they had the first squeezing of the grapes for nothing.—Ib. Strong and sharp as our wit may be, it is not so strong as the memory of fools, nor so keen as their resentment; he that has not strength of mind to forgive, is by no means so weak as to forget; and it is much more easy to do a cruel thing, than to say a severe one.-Ib. There are some writers, and in general they will be found to be pedants, who imagine they can supply by the labours of industry the deficiencies of nature. It is recorded of Paulus Manutius, that he frequently spent a month in writing a single letter. He affected to imitate Cicero. The consequences are, that he has attained to something of the elegance of his style; but he is still destitute of the native graces of a flowing and unaffected composition. May not such writers be said to create beautiful forms, without the power of bestowing on them animation? Some are very proud in the imitation of their illustrious predecessors, but in general their abilities only reach to the imitation of their defects; as the courtiers of Alexander, who were incapable of imitating his heroism, could mimic his deformity.—Curiosties of Lit. EXPLANATIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES AD INTERIM.-Lat. In the meantime. AD KALENDAS GRÆCAS.-Lat. At the Greek Ka.ends. The Kalends were a division of time among the Romans; but the Greeks had no such division. To say, therefore, that a thing would not happen till the Greek Kalends, was equivalent to saying it would never happen. AD LIBITUM.-Lat. At pleasure. In music, it denotes that the performer is at liberty to time the passage, and otherwise to perform it, agreeably to his own taste. AD NAUSEAM.-Lat. To nausea. For example: His attempts at wit were prolonged ad nauseam―till they excited nausea or disgust. AD NULLUM CONSURGIT OPUS, CUM CORPORE LANGUET.-Lat. Gallus. When the body is indisposed, we call on the mind in vain for strenuous exertion. ITEMS OF NEWS. There has been a tremendous hurricane in Delaware county in this state. It occurred on Thursday, the 13th June. Its greatest fury was exhausted in Kortright and Harpersfield. In Harpersfield, every building within the range of its whirl was entirely demolished, or reduced to a perfect wreck, and trees were torn up by their roots, and carried from ten to a hundred yards. We learn from the Boston Morning Post, that the Rev. E. K. Avery has been re-appointed to the Bristol station. in company with Rev. Charles K. True, of Boston. The President has been received with the usual demonstrations of pleasure at Hartford, Middletown, Newport, Bristol, Providence, and Boston. We understand he will extend his tour as far East as Portland, thence cross to Vermont, and pass through parts of that state on both sides of the mountain. He will visit the Springs, Albany, and West Point, and proceed west by the route of the canal. The New Haven Daily Herald says, that several gentlemen of that city were desirous that General Jackson and suite should visit Mr. Agur's collection of Statuary; and that for that purpose the artist illuminated his saloon on Sunday evening, which presented the only opportunity for the visit. Pesident Jackson, however did not think proper to attend. LOCAL AGENTS FOR THE FAMILY MAGAZINE. H. J. Little, Portland, Me. J. B. Snowdon & Co. Nashville, Tenn. John Aiken, Westborough, Worcester Co. Mass. Editor of the Germantown Telegraph, Germantown, Pa. ONE HUNDRED AGENTS Could be advantageously employed in different sections of the Union, in obtaining subscribers for this Magazine. It is not of a local character, but is calculated for general circulation; and hence subscribers may as well be obtained in one part of the country as another. Good encouragement will be given to agents, and a number to the amount of one hundred at least, could be furnished by us with profitable employment. 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