and with good generalship effected their retreat, from the apparent impossibility of the undertaking.

But such little incidental excitements are now, and for ever, at an end. Macheath himself would scarcely stop a carriage on the Company's railway; and, even if the veriest adept in the trade calculated on turning to his own advantage the celerity of the conveyance as a means of escape, one silent whisper passed by that immovable, almost invisible, telegraph that is suspended by the rail side, might anticipate the flight and prepare an unexpected greeting for his arrival. Picture to your self the awe- struck murderer, who not long ago, at the end of many miles, found himself met by the details of a crime committed within the hour! The stings of conscience are not swifter than the detection which this invisible agency then produced-and, if the rapidity of the noisy mechanism of steam carriages is surprising, the motionless but instantaneous communication of the electric telegraph partakes of the sublime. This voice without sound-this mute hue and cry, is

"Wonderful! wonderful! wonderful! past all whooping!"

way reports,) that on one alone of the many now in operation, viz. the Eastern Counties, for the week ending the 11th of October, 1844, the receipts amounted to 93637. 128., and the number of passengers to 65,078. In addition to the advantages of a free circulation of || money, which must be felt by all the mercantile classes, another benefit arising from railways is the increased demand for labour which they occasion throughout Great Britain and Ireland. In the latter portion of the Empire, employment for the labouring poor—a circulation of specie and facility of communication from one part of the country to another-will, in all human probability, prove more effectual in the removal of that weight of poverty, and its consequences crime and disease, than any political measure that has ever been suggested for the amelioration of the Irish peasantry. Nor is it to be forgotten, that in proportion to the extent in which the use of machinery is made to supersede that of horses, so will be the quantity of land withdrawn from their support, and made applicable to the cultivation of food for man. In fine, the subject of railways affords occasion for reflection to all classes, from the politician to I can, however, see nothing now of Wimbledon com- the mechanic; from the busiest merchant to the idlest mon. Where is the mound of dead men's bones that traveller. Shakspeare, "fancy's child," in some of his once marked the site of a battle fought during the Saxon wildest reveries, having "exhausted worlds and then Heptarchy, in 568? And where is the well that once imagined new," devised for one of his bewitching fairies, supplied the village of Wimbledon, and which was never the task of placing a girdle round the earth in fifteen known to freeze? And the fire-house on the edge of minutes. This dream of poetry may now be compared Putney-heath, (albeit in the manor of Wimbledon,) of with the sober deductions of philosophy; and Dr. Lardner which so many marvellous stories amused my infancy or Mr. Babbage's calculating machine alone, can prove Of this iron house the true history is, that it was built-not what may be done, but what will be found imposin 1776, by David Hartley, Esq., for the purpose of proving the efficacy of his invention for preserving houses from fire. The experiments were successful, and repeated several times in the reign of George III. before their majesties, the lord mayor and aldermen, and many other persons of distinction. Many of the spectators remained in perfect confidence and security in the room over that in which the fire was burning with great rapidity. An obelisk recording this invention was erected near the spot, on the anniversary of the great fire of London, Nov. 22, 1776.

sible, when electricity, and magnetism, and steam, and locomotion are brought, by human skill and industry, to the highest perfection of which they are capable. At present, the Reports laid before Parliament prove that the rate of express trains varies from thirty-four to fortyeight miles an hour! Bishop Wilkins, in the days when the Royal Society first dawned, wrote an essay on How a man may fly to the Moon, in which he says "If it be here inquired what means there may be conjectured for our ascending beyond the sphere of the earth's magnetical vigour, I answer: First, it is not perhaps impos But neither the little ugly iron house nor the obelisk sible that a man may be able to fly with wings," &c. are now to be seen--at least, by the flights of railway pas- The worthy prelate should have consulted his contemsengers. Houses and pleasure grounds alone are visible,porary, Lord Worcester, on steam,--and then the shroud and what was Wimbledon common is now studded with suburban villas and "genteel summer residences particularly adapted for small families," and especially contrasting the extensive locality of the Old Manor House.

of Encas and Achates might have been applied to their deeds, instead of to their speculations.

"A veil of thickened air around them cast,

That none might know-or see them as they pass'd." But setting aside these and all similar visions, past and to come, it has been officially announced that the actual receipt of monthly traffic on the South Western Railway, from July to December, 1845, amounted to 201,5227., and the amount derived for passengers during the same period to 183,0727. In this instance, truth is more wonderful than fiction.

VISIT TO THE SCHOOL FOR THE INDIGENT
BLIND, ST. GEORGE'S FIELDS.

But if the profuse expenditure of our ancestors on their mansions and establishments is now only to be found in the records of the antiquarian, we must not from thence conclude that the actual wealth of England at any time equalled what it amounts to at present, however the channel through which it flows may differ from the current of their days. A gentleman of a thousand pounds a year would not now consent to be the retainer even of a Lord Burleigh. But in one of the many houses which might be erected out of the materials of one old one, he probably would himself form the nucleus of another circle-perhaps become the founder of a future aristocracy. Nor are riches now confined, as formerly, to the sole possession of lands or tenements. From documents recently laid before Parliament, it appears that the personal property of this kingdom has increased during the last ten years at an average of forty-five millions sterling per annum; and a fact coeval with this enormous accession of wealth, if not in a great degree accounting for it, is in further evidence before the House of Commons, namely, that during the last twelve years sixty millions sterling have been invested in railways: whilst the impetus which must inevitably be given to all branches of trade and agriculture by the extraordinary circulation of money within Great Britain which these railways produce, may in some measure betesselated pavements, and other proofs of Roman calculated from the fact (taken at random from the rail- civilisation. It is curious, however, to note, that

ONE of the most striking instances of advancement in what may be termed the moral topography of the metropolis is to be found in the past and present occupancy of the district, known to this day as Saint George's Fields, although they have long ceased to be in rure. In ages long past, they formed the centre of several Roman roads; and it was an important station of that great people, as is sufficiently attested by the discovery of coins, bricks,

notwithstanding these indications of the early im-
portance of St. George's Fields, it must have been
a strangely neglected district; for, within the me-
mory of persons living, it was probably one of the
most Alsatian suburbs of the metropolis; where
idleness and improvidence ran their short-lived
round, and vice and crime succeeded, with their
legion of misery and ruin. The place had, indeed,
about it a sort of moral pestilence, corresponding
with the natural swamp of the site. It was then
the scene of low dissipation and debauchery;
of Sabbath profanation, and knavery, and
wickedness in their most odious forms. The
reader will, doubtless, recollect it, in record at
least, as the focus of "the Riots' of 1780; a fact
sufficiently indicative of the bad character of the
locality in the latter portion of the last century.
From generalities, however, let us descend to
particulars. A considerable plot of ground was, at
the above period, occupied as "the Dog and Duck"
gardens, the resort of characters of the worst de-
scription, and thus stigmatized in one or more of
the excellent Hannah More's tracts; "the Cheapside
Apprentice," if we remember rightly. Upon this
very site, at the present day, stand four palaces of
philanthropy; four of the noblest institutions of
which this country can boast; the Philanthropic
Society, for the Reform of the Children of Vice;
the Royal Hospital of Bethlehem, and the House of
Occupation of Bridewell, and the School for the
Indigent Blind. The philanthropist, as he surveys
these "happy homes and havens," may reflect upon
the vast amount of good which these institutions
must have effected for the welfare of the metropo-
lis and the country; and, in the boundary wall of
Bethlehem, he may see the identity of the locality,
a stone, sculptured with a dog and duck, the sign of
the notorious gardens.

The infamy of the Dog and Duck gardens grew to so frightful a pitch, that they were, at length, closed by order of the magistracy, and the premises vacated. They were, however, shortly afterwards appropriated to a much better purpose. In the year 1799, the house was opened as a "School for the Indigent Blind," by a generous band of four gentlemen, Messrs. Ware, Bosanquet, Boddington, and Houlston. Its provision for some time after its establishment, was for only fifteen blind persons. We remember the infant establishment in one of the tavern buildings: it did not, for a time, excite any extraordinary interest; for the public had not then fully acknowledged the truth of the benevolent || Dr. Lettsom's observation: "he who enables a blind person, without excess of labour, to earn his own livelihood, does him more real service than if he had pensioned him to a greater amount."

The institution, however, soon attracted the notice of philanthropists; and up to the close of 1805, had bequeathed to its fund legacies amounting to 500.; and from this period, the stream of benevolence appeared to set in towards the objects of the establishment, in bequests of various amounts, ranging from 51. to 10,000l.

tion, with a bee-hive in its fascia, emblematic of the industrial education of the school. In 1826, the directors and friends of the institution were incorporated, under the title of "the President, VicePresident, Treasurer, and Members of the School for the Indigent Blind;" the object of the establishment being "the reception, maintenance, and employment of blind persons in indigent circumstances;" the qualification of members being, a donation of ten guineas, or an annual subscription of one guinea; a larger amount entitling to a proportionately larger number of votes for the admission of candidates to the School. This act of incorporation gave fresh impetus to public sympathy; for, in the two years following, the bequests were numerous, and included three legacies of 500l. each, and one of 10,000, the latter by a good Samaritan," James Tillard, Esq., through whose munificence are retained certain of the scholars who would otherwise be placed in a state of want and destitution. To commemorate such generosity, the persons so benefited are designated "Tillard's class."

The object of the institution, we may here explain, is the twofold education of the blind; "the imparting to them that religious knowledge, which shall set before them their duty to God and man, and render them wise unto salvation; and the instructing them in a trade, by which they may be able to provide, either wholly, or in part, for their future subsistence." The excellent result may be thus summed up.-"During a period of forty-five years, 336 persons, exclusive of those who have been placed on the permanent establishment, or died in the institution, as also of those who have been dismissed as incapable, or for misconduct, have been returned to their families, able to earn, according to their several abilities, from 6s. to 1. 88. per week. The number of pupils has increased from fifteen males, admitted in 1800, to seventyfive males, and seventy-six females; and a manufactory has been established, where articles made last year, entirely by the hands of the blind persons, were sold for 1524l. 98. 11d."-(Account of the School,) 1816.

A short time since, we devoted an afternoon to the inspection of this very interesting establishment; and the facts and impressions of our visit we will endeavour to convey to the reader. Nothing within the range of our own observation, has awakened in our mind a livelier satisfaction at the labours of the philanthropist to alleviate the burthens of suffering nature. We remember the institution from our childhood, and many a time and oft have our tender sympathies been excited by witnessing the sightless beings in their playgrounds; then, indeed, our eyes were "dimmed with childish tears" at what we considered an afflicted condition of almost abject helplessness. Our subsequent visits to the school have, however, dispelled these false impressions, and have convinced us that although blindness must still be considered, comparatively, as "an afflictive mutilation," benevolence has, with her blessed light, so bettered the condition of the sufferers, that they are no longer

"From the cheerful ways of men

At length, the site of the School was required by the City of London for the building of Bethlehem Hospital, the old structure in Moorfields being condemned for removal. A site of two acres was then allotted to the School, opposite the Obelisk, at the junction of the Surrey roads, and between the point formed by the meeting of the London and St. George's roads. The frontage was a plain eleva- | public, who are invited to visit the School, and

Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair
Presented with a universal blank."

Evidence of this consolatory fact is open to the

witness the pupils at work, at stated periods. In thus courting publicity, the Committee of the School have largely contributed to its success; and it will be a delightful "recompense of reward," if the details of our visit be the means of inducement to others to visit the establishment, and there test, by their own observation, the nature and extent of its benefits.

in a correct and impressive manner; the workers
in other parts of the room joining in the chorus.
Some of the women were matronly, of middle age,
and remarkably active; but here might be seen
one or two advanced in life, and upon whom the
afiliction had fallen heavily, and whose demeanour
reminded one of the querulous king:-
"All dark and comfortless!

Shut from the living, while among the living!
Dark as the grave amidst the bustling world!
At once from business and from pleasure barr'd!
No more to view the beauty of the Spring!

Nor see the face of kindred or of friend."
These cases were, however, the exceptions, and
altogether rare. The majority of the women
evinced remarkable quickness in superintending
the pupils. Among the latter were
nature's fairest children, cast in her finest moulds:

"Softness and sweetest innocence,

some of

We entered by the handsome iron gate of the eastern wing. In the first room to the right of the gateway were several females, of various ages, seated at a table; some of them knitting, others at needlework, and a few unoccupied. They were uniformly dressed in dark stuff gowns, and printed cotton handkerchiefs over their shoulders. They were quiet, and to all appearance contented; some had the full bloom of health, and replied to questions with much vivacity. Visitors are strictly enjoined not to express their compassion within the pupils' hearing, an injunction we had some difficulty in complying with; for, notwithstanding all that humane ingenuity has devised towards making up for the loss of sight, the first glance at the sufferers can scarcely fail to quicken our sympathies; the blank of the "sightless balls" is painfully affecting, and it is not until you become better acquainted with the inmost condition of the blind that you become sensible of their cheerful frame of mind, which fits them for the full enjoyment of society; and we soon acknowledge, with Mr. Alston, that though labouring under disadvantages, at first appearance insurmountable, we find that the sense of hearing is very acute in blind persons, which enables them, from oral information, to analyse and compare, and arrive at conclusions more or less correct; while their retentive memory and other powers of mind all contribute to their stores of knowledge, so that by these united means, they become well informed on subjects of general in-ployment; and their work appeared to be well

Like Nature in the world's first Spring." There is something inexpressibly touching in the 't fair perfection of blind beauty!

terest."

From the girl's work-room we passed, between a range of apartments for the officers of the institu tion, to the boys' work-room, corresponding in size and position to the girls' room. In the former were several men and boys, employed in making wicker baskets, cradles, hampers, &c. Here, as in the girls' room, each person has his place on one of the two sides of the room, the centre being left clear and open. Above each worker, or nearly so, was hung a fiddle, reminding us of the invariable fondness of the blind for music; a degree of taste and feeling which would almost seem to have been given to them to guard against the melancholy which a sense of their privation might otherwise give rise to. The males were cheerful in their em

executed. In an adjoining room, several were working at brown and white rope door-mats, neatly bordered with coloured work, and worsted rugs for hearths, carriages, &c. These articles are invariably well made, and the mats of "the Blind School" have been for many years known among housewives as proverbially more lasting than those

men's work may be mentioned here: this is shoemaking, which is mostly carried on in a room at the extremity of the western wing. Here are made the shoes for the inmates of the school; and slippers, &c., for sale. We saw here an aged pupil, who has been many years in the institution, and who has been long maintained here to superintend the shoemakers.

The correctness of these inferences was strikingly evident upon our entering a large work-room upon the ground floor, where females were employed in knitting stockings, and needlework; in spinning, in making household linen, and body-linen, for the pupils; in netting bags and reticules of silk, &c., and in fine basket-making; most of these employ-generally manufactured. Another branch of the ments involving retentiveness of memory and uniformity of operation, apparently incompatible with a state of blindness. There is a machine adapted to the use of blind persons, for making sash-lines, clock and clothe's-lines, of a peculiar construction, which have been patented; the sash-lines, especially, have been approved of by builders of the first eminence. It is important to notice these points, lest it should be imagined that the manufactured articles are clumsily made; whereas they are in many respects superior to goods of their class. At one end of the room is a glazed case, in which are a variety of fancy baskets, baby-hoods, bags, purses, watch-pockets, and other articles of tasteful design, both as regards colour and make; in short, such as are contributed by the ladies to "charity bazaars," and are among the labours of the drawing-room. These elegancies are offered for sale to visitors, at very moderate prices.

The women and girls are ranged on each side of the long room, and as we walked down the apartment, the busy hum of their industry gave a cheerful air to the scene. At the suggestion of the superintendent, a choir of the women sang a hymn

After inspecting the ground floor, we ascended to the upper story, where the educational business of the institution is principally carried on; as the lower floor is mostly appropriated to the industrial operations. In one of the large upper rooms, a number of boys were seated at a long desk, the teacher of reading taking one of the ends. This intelligent officer received his appointment about six years since, during which time, the progress of the pupils under his care has been satisfactory to the committee, as well as to those visitors who have, from time to time, made the the necessary observations. Different systems of reading are taught, but that by raised or embossed letters, according to the plan of Mr. Alston, of Glasgow, is preferred by the committee. We examined three

or four of the boys in the New Testament, printed | here mention, is most carefully attended to: the by this method; their proficiency was various: Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testament, as one read verses from the Epistles uninterruptedly, well as the Liturgy, have been printed in embossed and with good emphasis and intelligence; another letters for this purpose, and the chaplain to the stumbled and failed to keep his fingers on the line; institution attends three times, at the least, in every a third read somewhat more distinctly, &c. It week. The comforts and advantages thus afforded should, however, be added, that the male pupils, to the pupils are inestimable, since, by this means, generally, are reluctant to receive this instruction, they are enabled to acquire information for themas they think it will deprive them of acquiring a selves, to "make their burthen easy," and, "to hold knowledge of the trade by which they are likely communion with their God in the perusal of his to be benefited on leaving the School. This will, Holy Word." in some measure, explain the moderate success of this branch of instruction in the establishment. The attempt to teach reading and writing was first made here in June, 1831, by Mr. Gall, under the most promising auspices; and the reader who is anxious to pursue the subject further, will find some very interesting details in Mr. Gall's "Origin and progress of Literature for the Blind." It may be as well to remind the reader that the proficiency of all blind pupils depends greatly upon whether they could read before they lost their sight, and whether they have been blind from their infancy, or never acquainted with letters.

In every portion of the establishment, we were much gratified with the neatness, extreme order, and cleanliness, in many instances exceeding the keeping of a private house. In the ground-floor apartments, as the work-rooms, which are most used, there was no indication of slovenliness; and in the bed-rooms, to use a familiar phrase, you may "dine off the floor."

We have already explained the origin and objects of this excellent institution, generally. It may, however, aid the good work to state that the pupils are clothed, boarded, lodged, and instructed. The applicants must not be under ten years of age, and We have already adverted to the fondness of blind not exceeding twenty-five; and none who have a persons for music, in noticing the violins hung up in greater degree of sight than will enable them to the men and boys' working-room. The great accuracy distinguish light from darkness, can be placed on of the ear, it is well known, gives to the blind a cor- the list of candidates. It has been found that responding advantage in music; they depend en-pupils between the ages of twelve and eighteen tirely upon this sensitiveness, and hence they harmonise so well together, and keep such perfect accord in time, that Paganini, after listening to some pieces performed by the pupils of an institution for the blind, in Paris, declared that he never before had an adequate notion of what harmony

was.

Many of the pupils, both male and female, at the St. George's Fields' School, have evinced similar te and aptness for music; and hence, they are instructed in it, not as a mere amusement, but with a view to engagements as organists and teachers of psalmody. This instruction is given in the upper rooms, where an organ and piano-fortes are provided; we heard some of the pupils play, and more than one were competent to play or teach singing in any church or chapel.

It was not a little interesting to witness the taste and feeling with which the players executed several pieces of music; as well as the delight which the practice evidently afforded them. Every year, an opportunity is given them for a public display of their abilities, in a concert of sacred music, the proceeds of which are added to the funds of the institution. This performance usually takes place in October, in the chapel, or music room, a tastefully designed apartment which occupies the centre of the first floor. It is divided into four sections by archways, which support the tower; in the centre division to the front, immediately under the tower is placed the organ; on each side of which are ranged seats for the inmates of the establishment. The remainder, forming the largest compartment, is occupied by seats for the public; and in the centre, opposite the organ, is placed the reading desk. The ceiling is flat, formed into pannels by moulded ribs, with bosses at their intersections, the ends next the wall resting on brackets supported by corbels. The whole is grained in imitation of oak, and has a very pleasing effect, harmonizing well with the character of the building. The religious instruction of the pupils, we may

have derived the greatest benefit from the school instruction. If they be in extreme indigence, they will, probably, be but little benefited by what is taught them; because the value of the instruction they may have received, will, when they leave the School, chiefly depend upon their means of carrying on the trade which they have learned. The pupils, we should add, regularly receive as pocket money, a part of their earnings; and when they leave the institution, a sum of money, and a set of tools for their respective trades are given to them.

Amidst the hundreds of benevolent foundations which constitute the highest worth of this vast metropolis, it would scarcely be possible to point to an establishment more important in its objects, or more complete in its provisions for carrying them out, than is "the School for the Indigent Blind.” The munificence of those "who enjoy the luxury of doing good" has proved how extensively the great design has been appreciated from its first opening; and we can hardly picture any scheme of philanthropy worthier of public support than that which removes an afflicted class from a life of sorrow, indolence, and repining at their infirmities, to a scene of cheerful employment, and moral and religious culture; in short, from darkness, moral as well as physical, to the brightness of human excellence. It has long been proved that the blind possess unusual degrees of certain perceptions, a sort of benign compensation for their great privation; and to nurture betimes this capacity for active pursuits, is one of the noblest exercises of superior means and intelligence. With such an extended sphere of utility, and fostered by royal patronage, and the wisdom-tempered presidency of the Primate of all England, we trust, "the School for the Indigent Blind" will long flourish as a monument of the Christian spirit of the age.

A CHRISTMAS PARTY IN THE COUNTRY.

СНАР. У.1

land," asked Justine.
tains?"

"What took you to the moun"It was one of the many excursions kindly planned

"MRS. Barlow," asked Agnes, "have you ever read for me by our good friends, Dr. and Mrs. Gordon, with Mrs. Lester's School?"

whom I was staying; and one of the pleasantest. There was no show place to be seen, but much natural beauty, as wild as if it had been ninety instead of nine miles from the city. After passing through the interminable rows of Jane-villes and Ann-villes, Larch-villes without a larch, and Elm-courts with nothing higher than a shrub near them; and admiring for the twentieth time the grandiloquent conceit of Rathgar Castle Cottage, as building of one story high, we came into a more rural the name was placed in large letters before a castellated district, where the April sun was shining on a green more lovely and more vivid than any I had ever seen before. Presently the road became more and more wild, now rising over a stony bank, which would have shaken to pieces any but Irish springs, now descending into a little valley threaded by a brawling brook, through which Tommy, the horse, dashed with an impetuosity which seemed to justify his master's partial assurance that he knew he was taking us to a charming spot. The last sign of civilization seemed past; and I think that last sign was a broken cart placed between two falling gate-posts, as a substitute for the absent gate."

"And a very clever contrivance too," said Mr. Barlow. "Some people would call it very Irish; but I fear country; and if our eyes were as much upon the look out slovenly farming is not altogether confined to that at home as abroad, we might make discoveries there which strike us as peculiar when seen in another land.” "I have frequently remarked this propensity to comment upon things from home, which at home would pass without notice," added Mrs. Loraine, "and thought

"It joins delicacy of form to splendour of colour," remarked Rosaline, "for nothing can be more elegant than its gay golden flowers, which are enriched in the inside by numerous spots of a deeper tint. It is a rare plant, and has its native seat on bleak and high stations, which we north-country people call fells ;--the shoulder of some mountain, where boggy spots are found; and it requires great care and attention to pre-it but a variation of the same propensity which leads serve it in more sheltered places. It is one of the many flowers born to blush unseen, and waste its sweetness on the desert air; or rather its beauty, for sweetness it has none to waste."

"The true shamrock seems as difficult to find as the origin of the round towers, around which it is said to flourish; but this certainly is not like the leaves worn on St. Patrick's day in the morning.'"

"It is very unlike the other saxifrages." "It is not a saxifrage, but of the saxifrage tribe. Its botanical name is Chrysosplenium, which word is derived, I believe, from two Greek words, signifying gold and the spleen, and refers to its medicinal qualities. Yet, even this name has to me a different signification in its sound, for it so nearly resembles that of the precious stone Chrysoprasus, whilst its bright yel low-green hue is also like that stone, that I jumble in my mind Chrysosplenium and Chrysoprasus, and emeralds and the Emerald Isle in bright and inextrics ble confusion."

"Upon my word, Sophia," exclaimed Cyril, "you do make a most confused affair of it. Can you not give a

more clear account?"

"Oh, yes. I can account for it myself, because the actual association of ideas is with the day when I first saw this humble beauty spread in luxuriant profusion on the Dublin mountains, when I was with my father in Ireland two years ago."

"In Ireland! You are a greater traveller than I had supposed, Sophia. Do tell me something of Ire.

(1) Continued from page 151.

us to see in other individuals those faults which selflove prevents us from detecting in our own mind and character an illustration of that spirit which our blessed Saviour reproves in those who would pluck out the moat from their brother's eye, yet see not the beam in their own eye."

replied Sopha; "and the pretty Chrysosplenium taught "I was much struck with this during my Irish visit," me also the folly of admiring in strangers those amiable qualities which too often pass unappreciated in the dear circle at home; for it is to be found in our own neighbourhood; yet I had overlooked it here to be charmed with it far away."

"But beauty and amiability should charm us wherever we find them," remarked Justine;" and perhaps the plant was in greater beauty there, or in greater luxuriance, and thus forced itself upon your notice. But pray continue your account of your excursion, for I have much curiosity to know what is to be found in the inside of an Irish cabin. Did you contrive to get into one?"

"Oh yes! our friend Tommy at length drew us up a rocky pass called the Breeks of Balinascorney, where we once more saw a few cottages, or cabins, of a very humble description, to be sure, but not of the lowest class. At one of these we begged accommodation for ourselves and our horse, which was very cheerfully granted by the good-looking mistress. Mrs. Gordon remained with her to rest, whilst the Doctor and I gratified our aspiring natures by ascending nearly to the summit of the hill, for which trouble we were rewarded by a most lovely view. Mountains and rocks below us formed the foreground of the picture, and bounded it on the south. Before us, westward, lay the city of Dublin and part of its lovely bay, the blue waters laving the shore as gently as if caressing the thing they loved; whilst to the north was another range of grassy hills, over which peeped the faint grey outline of Slieve Donnard, at the distance of sixty miles. Nothing could be more lovely! The very remembrance of the pure air and brilliant sunshine is renewed enjoyment!"