tion I overheard a short time ago. Two were just entering their teens, the third a little toddling thing of five or six, and they all had parasols. The two elders carried theirs majestically upright, but the younger performed with hers some eccentric motions, for which she was gravely reprimanded by one of the youthful dowagers, the other kindly excusing her by the plea, that she was "such a little thing, you know." These may seem small matters; but I honestly confess that I regard them with some interest, as indications of what the future people are to be, and I am old-fashioned enough to like, in this respect at all events, what was better than what is. I should not object so much to precocity in knowledge or power, but this is a sort of precocity which seems to indicate that the heart is getting old while the brain remains young; that the sincerity of nature is fading away before artificial forms; that the fresh impulses of soul are being withered by conventional ceremony; that the gaiety of youth and its wild lightheartedness is being checked by arbitrary notions of propriety, and its simplicity being corrupted by finery and ostentation. I like men really to be men; and in order that that should come to pass, I think it necessary that children should really be children. Many may differ from me, but in my opinion a fine manly character is better reared up out of the enthusiasm, the wild energy and ready sympathies, and earnest confident simplicity of true childhood, than out of the premature gravity, distrust, and decorum of the mannikin tribe, and I shrink with nervous fear from that state of society in which hearts shall grow old before brains develope or forms expand, and the rising generation lose the openness and candour of youth, and acquire the duplicity and secrecy of old age, before they even enter upon the real business of life. Depend upon it, the subject is well worthy of the consideration of the mothers and fathers of England, and it will be well for all if it seriously engage their attention. HONFLEUR. with the exception of one, sailor, had perished, and their death-shrieks were heard where their cheers and joyous laughter had failed to reach. Most of the bodies were found, the pretty bride's among the number, in all her simple finery, still wearing her orange-flower wreath, which the cure held in his hand at the funeral, while he discoursed upon the necessity of our being ever prepared to meet death. There was not a dry eye amongst his hearers as may well be believed; but there remained no relations to mourn their fate, for every one nearly connected with either side, had joined the fatal party. To the west of the town rises the Côte de Grace, clothed with English verdure, and crowned with lofty trees. The little chapel dedicated to Notre Dame de Grace has nothing to recommend it architecturally, but it is much frequented by the maritime population, to whose prayers its patroness has they say been particularly kind-as to her aid they ascribe many escapes from wrecks and drowning, besides innumerable cures; and accordingly crutches and sticks, models of ships, and moulds of deformed limbs, &c, encumber the little building to such an extent, that it must soon be enlarged, unless for the future these votive offerings are rejected. At the time I speak of, the resident priest was a very aged man, much above ninety, scarcely ever seen but in his own chapel, and I believe I am the only protestant who ever penetrated into his stronghold. No appearance of a house is visible from the outside, but an extremely high wall, on part of which a roof is perceived, might lead those (who happened by any accident to remark it), to imagine that a stable might possibly be on the other side. It encloses, however, a tolerable sized old-fashioned garden, the cure's room looking on it from a veranda; and there the old man had passed the last twenty years of his life, never going beyond it, except to his little chapel, which he entered by a private door opening from a laurel arbour. Very few of his own communion even were admitted to this peaceful retreat, and I only crept in, under the wing of a very pious lady, whom he had christened, prepared for her first communion, and married. He received me however with much kindness, called me mon enfant, ma fille, and gave me leave to gather his fruit, and play with his dog, whilst he conversed with my friend. I never before saw any one so old, it was said he was then ninety-eight, and he died the next winter. THE mouth of the Seine is, as it is known, of very difficult navigation, and even an experienced pilot requires all his attention to avoid the numerous sand-banks which are covered at high water. Some years ago a very melancholy occurrence threw a gloom over the cheerful little town, which it was long ere it recovered. A rich watchmaker married his only daughter to the son of a small propriétaire-both being extensively connected in and about Honfleur, where the families had long resided. They formed the eccentric idea of holding the weddingfeast upon one of the largest sand-barks, and after the ceremony at church and the Mairie, the whole party embarked in a large boat. This odd fancy caused much laughter and amusement, but the thought of danger never entered into the minds of the many who watched their proceedings from the shore with telescopes. They were observed drinking healths and making speeches; then every thing was put back into the boat, except a barrel, upon which the musician mounted. Whilst they continued gaily dancing, the fact of the waters gradually gain-ing, during that time, there the social inhabitants of ing upon them was unobserved by the unsuspecting merrymakers; but the moment the attention of those on the land was aroused to this circumstance, a boat was put off to their assistance, though it was confidently expected they themselves would take the alarm in time to reach their own. Alas! alas! the good cheer, the merry dance, drove out of their heads every recollection of the hour; and when at last they heard and saw the near approach of the rising waves, they rushed frantically towards the place where they had moored their little vessel, it had drifted out of their reach, and before their friends could get near enough to save them, every soul, Nothing can be conceived prettier than this same Côte de Grace, both in itself and in the rich, varied, and extensive views it commands from every point. Just at the top of the ascent is a Calvaire, particularly well carved and coloured, where the peasants, on their way to and from market, stop to say a prayer, and to tell their children that He, whose sufferings were there represented, died to save sinners, and loved little children. During a fire I saw two boys, not above eight years of age, climb up the crucifix and kiss the crown of thorns, praying to God, in their innocent language, to "put out the fire for sweet Jesus' sake." It so happened that a minute after the fire slackened, the flames were got under, and the houses saved. At Whitsuntide, there is an annual fair, which lasts a fortnight, and morning and evenHonfleur, and many neighbouring parishes, repair. A French fair is a very different amusement from that which comes under the same denomination in England. I have attended many, and even at those in the environs of Paris, never did I observe or hear any thing improper or unpleasant for a lady to see and hear. To be sure, at Paris, the National Guard were always present to keep order, tie the sacks round the necks of those who ran in them, beat a drum as a signal, when it was time to set off, enter all the dancing booths, &c. &c., but in this primitive place, military surveillance was unnecessary, and all amused themselves selon leurs fantaisies, without giving umbrage to their neighbours. I was never more amused, and I been described so often, but I may mention that at may add amazed, in my life, than the first time I went to this fair, to see the grave citizens and merchants of the town astride on mimic horses, peacocks, lions, and bears, shouting "bon voyage" to each other, with all the glee of schoolboys, as on their merry-go-round they missed or succeeded in detaching the ring-he who in so many rounds took off so many rings, had his ride for nothing. Animated by the example of these worthy gentlemen, a party of our own jack-tars took their places, and the joyous noise they made soon attracted every one around them. They set up a hurra! that might have been heard over at Havre, and quite out-halloo'd the more refined French. All the year round, this Côte and the surrounding orchards are a favourite resort for the humbler classes upon fine Sunday evenings; with all my protestant austerity, I could not frown on the happy family groups sitting together under the shade of an old apple tree, eating shrimps, and drinking their cider, or dancing to the sound of a violin, the performer of which was perched in the tree as high up as he could find a safe seat among the branches. Much rustic grace was frequently displayed, and invariable good-humour, and I cannot say I think our own peasants show to more advantage, in their ale-houses and gin-shops, while their wives and children remain at home, starving or grumbling. No doubt we can find some cottagers who may read the bible to their families upon Sunday night, as we find in France pious peasants, who prefer spending that day in religious exercises, to dancing, or supping on shrimps and cider; but it is not of these admirable exceptions to a general rule of whom I speak. There was also a guinguette, where you could dance in bad weather, and whereon was inscribed, "Play, music, and dancing to be enjoyed here, where tout jusqu'à l'amour, se passe avec décence;" but although hung with scarlet and yellow draperies, and very fine to look at, it was not so popular or so pleasant as the dance under the orchard trees, where you paid your sou to the fiddler in the branches. The bowing and scraping, and complimenting; the scrupulous use of the words, Monsieur, Madame, and Mademoiselle in every sentence, was inexpressibly amusing to us, when made use of by the street-sweepers, muddiggers, and woodmen, as well as by the more refined shopkeepers. Honfleur, the Fête Dieu is celebrated with unusual splendour for so confined a sphere. All the houses are hung with carpets and tapestry, or sheets looped up with bunches of fresh gathered flowers, the streets are strewed with rose leaves, the dresses of the priests as magnificent as any I saw at Paris. The little curly-headed St. Johns, with their lambs, the tiny angels with their wings, personated by prettier children than you can find, I think, elsewhere, and the reposoirs display a degree of richness and taste, few other small places can boast, for in the large towns these processions are not permitted. The carnival, too, is usually kept up with much spirit by the young men, who spare no expense to amuse the spectators and themselves. My little girl, of five years old, was much amused by the masks, and continually called us to the window whenever she saw them pass; but, when Lent began, and a funeral went by, the priests chanting to the trombone, and carrying the cross and numerous banners inscribed with appropriate texts, the little creature thought it was some new device, and screamed out, "Come and see ze Makis! ze Makis ! " much to the horror of an old Catholic lady who was paying us a visit at the time-and who glared at the innocent little heretic most fiercely. There is a small Anglican chapel supported by the visitors; and a French protestant pastor visits Honfleur occasionally-at least such was the case a very few years since; and if the revolution has not altered remote towns as much as it has done Paris, I do not suppose there is any change in this respect. Louis Philippe and his excellent queen found a secure retreat at Honfleur, previous to their departure for England, which I think says much for the right feeling of its inhabitants; and the year I spent there myself, and the many kindnesses I there received, will ever remain a bright spot in my grateful remembrance. WHY SCORN THE POOR? Why scorn the poor? Brief days and it will be Time levels all! And thou and I, Patrician, Then what avails, Fame, title, blood, or lands? Then are we one: Thou in thy down bed lying: I on my straw heap dying. CHARLES RYDER. When Napoleon visited Honfleur, he expressed great admiration of the view from the Côte de Grace, saying he had never seen any which pleased him more than that from Mont Joli; but, although during the three days of his abode here, he was followed by admiring crowds at every turn, when his body passed up the river it made little sensation, and his memory did not appear to be honoured much by the inhabitants; a friend of mine, indeed, overheard one old woman remark, "bien sûr son ame est aux enfers." No doubt she had, like many others, lost husband or sons through his insatiable ambition, and the Emperor's past glory could not banish the remembrance of her grief. There are several ponds full of the most lovely little frogs, much the size and shape of a leaf, and of quite as bright a green. I suppose they are not of the edible sort, or they would not be so numerous, or a fricassée so dear. One thing I remarked here, and, indeed, in every part of France where I have happened to reside, the absence of all woodland music. Small birds are shot and snared for the table, and men are no more ashamed to speak of their success in destroying these little songsters than our sportsmen are to THOUGH few persons, perhaps, pay greater tribute to the talk of bagging grouse and hares. "What sport have laudable spirit which urges men to become travellersyou had?" asked one fellow of his moustachioed friend, penetrating into unknown lands, crossing the pathless who was returning with belt and bag, gun, and powder- wastes of unfrequented seas, and meeting, in every shape, flask. "Capital sport! five thrushes, three sparrows, a danger face to face; and all this for the mere purpose of robin redbreast, and a jenny wren!" During my long re-enlightening mankind in general, and bringing before the sidence in France, I only remember seeing three robins. mind's eye the customs of the savage and the nature of I shall not speak of any religious ceremonies, they have the brute; or of laying bare to view the wondrous MY WALK TO "THE OFFICE," No. 1. Travellers abroad and observers at home-The man of methodThe start in life and its finish-My fat friend-Love and affection versus parental authority. beauties and resources of untrodden shores before our wondering and admiring gaze notwithstanding, I say, my readiness to give them their full meed of praise, I honestly confess I could not do it. Whether it is a fact that with grey hairs my blood bounds less courser-like along my veins; or whether it is I do not possess the necessary spirit of enterprise, I cannot tell; but this I know, that something more than a view into the jaws of an infuriated lion, or a burning crater; a combat with a cannibal, or a love-match with an oil-bedaubed Chinese of the feminine gender, is necessary to attract me beyond the limits of our sea-girt isle; whilst a snooze upon a bed of down, even when accompanied with the various inconvenient attendants which sometimes assail our bodies corporate, is infinitely preferable to the very questionable honour of being lulled to roost on a swampy couch redolent of fever, by the continued flourishing of mosquito trumpetings. No; very nice company when they come back again, are these sight-seeing travellers very clever, shrewd, danger-seeking gentlemen, no doubt -and I ask but one thing granted me, and we shall be on the best of terms, that, whenever I doubt a fact, I shall not be obliged to go and see for myself. Rather than this alternative, I will read their books and take their word for all contained therein; which, as I think, is saying a great deal. at eventide such joyous happy shouts of merry ringing laughter, filling the surrounding air, that made me light and happy only to listen to it: and though it looks deserted, dull, and very miserable, with its weed-filled garden, and its staring board inscribed “To Let,” I have seen such glistening faces sparkle at the garden-gate, that, in my own private particular vocabulary, I called it paradise. I was never intimate with the occupants, but I knew them, or, at least, I felt I knew them. He, the husband, I can recollect meeting the morning that he took his first step into life; and, with clean lay-down collar, neatly brushed clothes, and every stitch and button carrying the impress of a mother's guardian care, started in all the pride of fancied youthful independence to his office. Morning after morning did we always meet, and if it were not for wearying you, my patient reader, I could tell the various dates at which the lay-down collar grew erect, and was bound within the confines of a stock; when the no-tail coat, or jacket, was changed for the long-tail; and when, in fact, to all appearance, the world and time were claiming him to play his part, and bear his burden as a man. Yes, nor was this all; it was, of course, but a guess; but I thought some three or four years after this, that his eye seemed brighter; a smile of inward joyous satisfaction played about his expressive physiognomy; and from some other almost But, after all, I would simply ask, is it so impera- indescribable somethings, I concluded he had become a tively necessary to run all the hair-breadth escapes of married man. And when, soon after, the cottage alluded which these worthies talk so much, to find something new to changed tenants, not altogether to my surprise, I under the sun? Why, take for instance where I live, a found my worthy friend installed therein-not alone. little way out of town as it is called now; well, I lived in the Again, some time passed by, and there were two same spot, not the same house, some twenty years ago, children; and a sweet, kind, dear-looking mother they and people used to say, when change of air was necessary, had; too weak and delicate, apparently, to battle with the that they had a friend in the country, who would house roughnesses of the every-day world; much less to bear them for a while; and my brother clerks were wont to the mighty stroke that was about to smite her spirit hold me up to the admiring gaze of the cits, as a specimen to the dust. But there was no doubt about it, I felt sure; of the raw material produced in the rural districts, and the bright eyes looked a great deal brighter as I overtook take a most affectionate farewell of their relatives when my friend returning of an evening; and a hectic flush they came to see me. Yes, the free winds of heaven and husky cough,—all told the tale; and when sometimes, breathed upon me then; a man could look abroad and as I have seen him sitting at the little porch, beside his not feel cramped between brick walls whichever way he guardian angel here, I thought it was symbolic of a turned, and felt that he was in the open air; and now, change that must soon, alas! too soon, waft him to why lath and plaster cover the once lovely landscape, another porch-to another angel, in the deep, dark, unand a long uniform terrace, where every blade of grass, fathomable there! And so it was. He gradually got knocker and railing is so like its fellow, that for some from bad to worse; and she, bowed down as she most years, I may safely say, I never felt sure of having rat- visibly was, eve after eve, would lend her tender arm for tatted at my own knocker, or pulled my own bell-con-him to lean upon, as, almost with superhuman energy, he found it! Or, again will they have the assurance to say sallied forth to look and smile upon his children, and that opportunities for observation do not occur to a man show how true he spoke, when, to cheer her heart and who lives at home? If so, I would just ask them to do raise her hopes, he said that he was better. Well, I was as I have done, walked to my office every morning for walking to my office, as usual, one morning, and looked, many a long year, and then, if they have eyes at all, as I always did, upon this little spot, to note what change what histories may be learnt, what joys, griefs, troubles, had come to pass; but there was little need to look; deep, ups and downs, are noticeable in the visages of the deep sobs, and broken-hearted wails, were too clearly passers-by! For instance, look at that man who lives audible to doubt; yes, reader, it was a loud, heavenat No. 3, in our terrace; see him methodically unlock reaching shriek that told the tale; and, as though the the outer gate, cast a glance round to see that every tender form who breathed it, sought but to hasten to join thing is in its proper place, and then, the model of neat-him whom she had most devotedly loved on earth, she ness, sally forth to walk to his office, never varying, morning after morning, one second in the enactment of each several action: very old bachelor-like and methodical, is it not, gentle reader? but, would you believe it? this same system of punctuality, care, and order, has done him good service in his time. I recollect him once an errand-boy! and, they say, that now he's worth however, never mind what "they" say-it is not money makes the man. And then, somewhat lower down in that once rural lane, there stands a pretty little cottage, as cottages go nowa-days-empty now, but not always so; and the honeysuckle trails negligently along the broken lattice-work, drooping as though it missed the loving hand that once was wont to train and prop its roaming tendrils. But it is all quiet and changed there now; and yet I have heard never breathed another. And so, as I have said, all is very dull and very quiet at the "cottage" now. However, to proceed a little farther on my "walk," there is one man who never fails to attract my particular attention, and, let me be in whatever humour I may, to raise a smile; he is very short, very stout, and the very opposite to any idea that may be formed of agility, or even common locomotion; and yet he is always on the move. It is always excessively warm with him-the exertion of walking is so great; and the continual fretting and chafing against the multitude makes him irritable and nervous. The pavements are, he says, so inconveniently small; and yet one would think, to see him, that he likes it all the while he rails, for to do anything quietly and deliberately, is a height of philosophy beyond his comprehension. Hurry, bustle, and confusion form the elements in which he lives; and yet he is always behindhand-always in a hurry; and then, as though the actual exertion necessary to transport his corporealities from one spot to another were not sufficient, he throws his arms to-and-fro, like the sails of a windmill in a very strong breeze; while, as though his naturally rubicund visage were not sufficiently vermilion, he must needs enclose his throat in a cravat that threatens hourly, from the tightness with which he fastens it, to force the blood through his very pores. And yet, with all his grumbling, and his life is made up of it, he is, I suppose, what the world would call a happy man. Well, it may be so-it is but another paradox to the many others that one meets with; but, for my part, I can see but one result in the indulgence of such habits-a fit of apoplexy. I have been given to understand, that he attributes his continual restlessness to having been born in a coach; if so, the force of association will make it more difficult for him than for another to leave this busy stage. But let me pass on to two others of my morning passers-by. father's will, and ingratitude of the deepest dye. While in the daughter, that very quality which had formed her model and her study in the father, would be converted to a monster of tyranny, seeking to crush that fair image in her bosom, which a greater than man had raised. The father, in his pride, had raised a rod which should smite him in his tenderest parts,-the daughter, in her blinded admiration, had worshipped that which soon must prove a very adder in her path—who then in such a case was first to learn the great and noble lesson of humility? About three years passed by, and still I met the same individual; the brow, I observed, was closer knit; the upper lip was curled into a smile of continual contempt; and, hide it as he would, there was evidently a something gnawing at his heart, struggling for expression, but always beaten down. A fire, in fine, was raging within that man's breast, which no earth-water could ever quench. But I should perhaps have mentioned first, that I had had, just before this period, my interest greatly excited by a new friend on my route. Punctually, morning after morning, did I meet her almost on one spot; and once I fancied that she looked at me in passing, as though she recognized my odd looks and features-a sort of vague recollection of having seen me before; but whether it had been in this material world of ours, bodily and in the flesh, or whether it was as a shadow personified in the wilds of mind-wanderings or Dreamland, there seemed to be grave doubts. Not so with me. I knew her at the first glance. The cheeks were a good deal paler and thinner than they used to be, and the expression of firmness of purpose, which was wont of old to give an aspect of nobility to her countenance, was now fixed into a look of the sternest resolution, that no common power could bend; while her dress, though scrupulously neat, was of the poorest description. But despite all change, I knew her the loved and loving, but inflexible daughter of an inflexible parent. And what, thought I, can have been the cause of this great sorry change? The father's spirit wounded, but not yet crushed; the child, throwing up the pride of station and of wealth to gain her purpose, though she daily toiled "From morn to noon, from noon to dewy eve," Some ten years ago, I was in the habit of meeting a man of gentleman-like exterior, somewhat advanced in years, with the bearing of one evidently in the habit of commanding with imperiousness, and being obeyed with dexterity, if not with humility. Pride-strong, stubborn, inborn pride, was stamped upon every movement as he walked. I should not class it under the head of superciliousness, or littleness either, for withal there was mixed up with it an expression of contempt for the base or mean, so unmistakeable, that I doubt whether any trial could have induced him to waver from the path of honour, any more than he would have forgiven one who might happen to brave his authority, or thwart his plans or wishes. And yet with all this, I dare say, so long as things in general, and his own whims in particular, jumped with his humour, a more pleasant or better-hearted man one would rarely chance to meet withal. I had, on various occasions, overtaken him at eventide, with a young lady leaning on his arm, and then one could see his firm muscles relax, his haughty brow unbend, and another, and a softer sort of pride mingle with the stern, as with evident pleasure he scanned the handsome feminine likeness of himself portrayed in the features of his daughter. And truly, he had in consequence. Nothing but love, guessed I; but a felireason to be proud of her appearance, for in fact, decked citous circumstance soon put me in possession of the as she was in the best of all that money could procure, facts, which were simply these. She had been woced and and that too in the most subdued and chaste manner, won by a gentleman in every way her equal in personal she was as fair and fine a woman as ever fell to my lot to qualifications, and at first received and encouraged by her gaze upon; but, nevertheless, look deeper than the sur-parent; but circumstances altered; the veil of wealth face, and there was still, albeit softened by more femi- with which the father then believed him to have been ennine habit of thought, the same inflexibility of purpose shrouded withered into thin air, and he stood boldly fordisplayed, the same stern, proud, unbending will, if once ward as one willing and able to earn his living by the the mind were firmly fixed on gaining some desired end. honest exercise of those great and acknowledged gifts Yet one could see clearly enough that at this time those which God had oestowed upon him, as a barrister. But two were all in all, the one to the other; their tastes, this altered the case materially, and fierce and strong had habits, and opinions were cast in the same mould, and the battle been between those steadfast spirits--parent affection induced a compliance (in minor matters, great and child; the former charging her with want of duty ones had not arrived) on the part of the child to the and filial affection, the latter retorting that he sought to superior judgment of the father, that had produced a make her guilty, not only of duplicity, but of actually mutual uniformity of conduct which bound their hearts breaking her plighted word to him, to whom alone of all together, not only by the natural chain of affection, but men she would ever breathe it. Cruel denunciation also by the ties which a profound respect and admiration followed; but all failed, and served only to make her for each other had created. But the great trial was to resolves more firm if possible than heretofore. Suffice come; and all that had tended to make these early years it, however, at once to say, that, penniless as she now run smoothly, might, when the first check took place, was, she became the wife of her betrothed, secretly proud prove the very cause of rudely severing every bond which of that strength of mind which enabled her to brave each had cherished as necessary to existence. But when her father's wrath, the world's sneer, and bid defiance to the tug of war should arrive, then would the idol each had the worst. And the worst came, her husband caught raised prove but a mocking phantom, and all that had a fever which reduced him to the grave's brink; their hitherto been admired as the prominent characteristics in means of existence sensibly diminished, and, as a last each other's dispositions would become the rock on which resource, she, the high and haughty girl, more nobly their happiness would split. Firmness of character, proud than ever, now took a situation as day-governess, cherished by the parent in his child, as ennobling her to supply those little extra wants, which that one, the course of life, would become in his eye disobedience to a cherished of her heart, needed, but which, without such ELIZA COOK'S JOURNAL. sacrifice, he never could have had. But a change came c'er the spirit of their dream, and just as returning health was raising brighter hopes in the breasts of both, they read in a newspaper that, owing to one of those vicissitudes which it is needless to explain, but which are of every-day occurrence, their father was threatened with legal proceedings, which might wrench the last farthing from his grasp. Then, indeed, was that high-minded girl beautiful to behold-then, indeed, if the woman had played her part before, the daughter was eager to do her duty now; and what the offer of station, wealth, and every apparent prospect of rendering her earthly career a happy one had failed to do, the first sound of that stroke which might fall on him whom, in spite of all, she fondly loved, at once completed. She fell upon her husband's neck and wept. And then came the consultation as to what course it would be best to adopt; and after various suggestions had been argued, pro and con, it was agreed that, considering he knew the most intricate particulars of her father's position in this affair, no one could prove of such service to him, in a legal point of view, as her husband; and that, even at the risk of refusal, he should write at once, offering his services without fee or reward, but simply as a peace-offering, if it should be so accepted. Well, reader, the letter was written, received, and answered; and, after a time, the trial came on, and-but out of the way, reader, out of the way-or that approaching carriage may-By Heaven, do you see who are Well, the occupants of that same carriage? then, I'll tell you: they are a father, a daughter, and a You may guess the rest, while I make up son-in-law. my office." for lost time in hurrying to " No! J. ST. CLEMENT. LAMARTINE'S "VALLEY." WORN and weary is my spirit; hope to me is charmless now; Give me in my childhood's valley some retreat-some cottage where THE GREAT MAMMOTH CAVE OF KENTUCKY. There is little reason to doubt that this vast under- The last visitor to the mammoth cave who has favoured the public with an account of its wonders, was the late John Wilson, the well-known singer of Scottish songs, He was who was unhappily seized by the prevailing epidemic, shortly after he had paid his visit to the cave. accompanied on the occasion by his two daughters, and an active intelligent guide, familiar with the known wonders of the place. "We descended," says Mr. Wilson, " by about thirty. we bade farewell for a while to the light of day. In a rude steps to the entrance, where our lamps being lighted, very short time we came to a wall that had been built by the miners, and in which there is a doorway, inside of which we were fairly in the cave. The temperature of the cave is always at sixty, and where the temperature out of doors is higher, the air rushes out at this doorway, so as to blow out the lamps, if the command of the guide is not obeyed to keep your lamps before you. At first one penetrate the darkness-the lamps only tended to make cannot see very well-the eyes are not yet accustomed to used to it. The Church, as it is called, was the first apartthe darkness the more visible. By and by we got more ment where we made a halt. It is very large, with galBeing told by the guide to put our called the pulpit. leries around it, and a projection of rock at one side, we were struck with wonder and awe at the splendour and For size, Exeter lights behind us, he set fire to a Bengal light, and then the vastness of this rocky apartment. Hall would be nothing to it. During the season, service By their banks I fondly linger, by their banks so fresh and green-is performed in it by some of the clergymen visitors, and Watching where they gloss the shadows, spell-bound by the soften Near their source is where they vanish-nameless as they onward Like to them my life has passed-like to them does pass away day; But their course is calm and tranquil, giving back the sunbeam's shine, While no sunlight is reflected by this troubled soul of mine. ing scene; And their music lulls my spirit, as they murmuring steal along the effect must be very sublime, to see each worshipper |