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"Now doan't you go vur to vret, Miss. I zaw't appun. He bean't urt, bless 'ee! Vell inta az zaft a bed o' dust, like, az

iver you zee. Tull brush awf, ma'am."

"But the horse, farmer?" said I.

“Oh, a may be they'll stop 'un, at the turnpike, down yander," ('twas a mile off.) "The beast war in want of a gallop. Too much carn in 'un, measter, and too little o' man on 'iz back."

The now powdered beau ran up. To him my new acquaintance coolly continued,

"I be zaaying to thic genlemun, az zum brutes be better ved nor taught. What a yon iver done that they should stick you a top o' a hoss ?"

"Vy, you uncommon stoopid, and purtickler rood person!" fumed the dismounted dandy, "carn't you nither ketch a oss, nor elp a shuperior hup?" "Volk bean't as cute az cockneys in our parts," replied the bumpkin.

"Har yer larfin hat me, fellar? Hits wery vell as I bruk my vip, lest vise my temper's riz so that I've a moind”

“Well, I ax pardon," pleaded my friend, "I didn't azist ee, but now I will, raay-urlee. Teake a vool's advice! Avore ever your trust yourzelfagin outzide a speretty animal, in the very power o' a creatur as can't like 'ee, you come any day, zee one o' our bways back a unbroke colt, wiout zaddle, or bridle, or aalter, and yit stick on, houlding by main vorce, as a body may zaay. Then you'll vind out that tiz one thing to ha' a good hoss, and another to know how to ride 'un."

THE MENAGERIES, QUADRUPEDS, VOL. III.

[THIS volume, we take it, completes one of the most popular sections of the Library of Entertaining KnowledgeQuadrupeds, described and drawn from living subjects. It is from the hand of a first-rate naturalist, so that its information, unlike the maximum of that contained in books of natural history for all readers, may be relied on. In the present volume, there is, perhaps, less of structural detail and illustration than in its predecessors; and more of extract from the journals of travellers who have seen the animals described, in their native plains and forests. This circumstance, however, renders the book still more attractive by imparting to it picturesque variety in place of scientific detail. The quadrupeds described are the Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, and Tapir; the Hog and the Ox, and their varieties; the Buffalo and Bison; the Sheep and the Goat. Our extract shall be from the most characteristic portion of the work:

Habits of the Tapir.]

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The two beautiful Tapirs from South America, which are now in the gardens of the Zoological Society, have been there about six years, and their age is supposed to be between ten and eleven; both are females; their height, at the shoulders, is fully three feet; their length, from the snout to the end of the spinal column, six feet two inches. The body is heavy and massive, the shoulder muscular, the limbs short and strong; and their whole contour betokens great strength not uncombined with a degree of clumsy activity. The eyes, though small, are quick and intelligent. In their general deportment they are peaceful and unobtrusive: they neither display timidity nor curiosity; but are immediately lured by the offer of food, to obtain which they will come to the bars, and poke out their long moveable noses, by way of soliciting a morsel. They are fond of being scratched, or rubbed, like the Hog, and testify their pleasure by a whistling kind of noise. They sleep the greater portion of the four-and-twenty hours of the day, and always during the night. It is in the morning that they are the most lively, probably because they then feel "the keen effects of appetite;" we must not, however, judge precipitately of the habits of animals in their native freedom by what we observe of them in captivity. Night, according to the best accounts, is the most active period with the Tapir in its natural condition.

Though these creatures, as we have said, are usually quiet and peaceful, they sometimes break out in fits of irritation, and plunge about, lunging violently with their heads, and snapping with the teeth like a Hog. In these moods it is unsafe to venture within their reach, for they are quick in their actions, and their strength, in proportion to their size, is as great as that of the Rhinoceros; so that when rushing forwards, which they will do with considerable velocity, they bear down every moveable obstacle in their way. They agree, however, very well together; at least, when the space in which they are confined is sufficiently large to allow them to act as they please, without interfering with one another.

Few pachydermatous mammalia, the Hippopotamus excepted, appear to be so decidedly aquatic in their propensities as the Tapir. With this animal, water is not only a luxury, but almost, it would seem, a necessary. It is highly amusing to see how the two individuals in question, when the season permits it, will revel in the en

*Since writing the above, both animals have unfortunately died.

joyment of their bath. They plunge in, swim and flounder about, and often totally immerse themselves, continuing unseen at the bottom for at least a couple of minutes; they then rise to the surface, and elevate their snout for the purpose of breathing; again swim about, and again disappear beneath the surface. They are, in fact, at home in the water; and it is very evident that, like the Hippopotamus, they not only seek refuge in the lake or river, but have the power of diving to the bottom, and, perhaps, also of traversing it, so as to avoid pursuit or observation. It is remarkable that they always go to their tank to dung, and, in summer, usually do so while beneath the water; a circumstance which renders it necessary to clean out the tank, and change the water frequently.

Of all extant pachydermata, the Tapir approaches most nearly to the Elephant in the proboscis-like structure of its elongated nose, which it uses with singular address. If any article of food be offered to one of these animals in the Zoological Gardens, it will be seen how cleverly they hook it towards their mouth, and with what facility they can twist their snout in various directions, and extend or contract it at pleasure. This instrument they ordinarily use in the collecting of their food, such as roots, twigs, and other vegetable matters, which they draw to the mouth, hooking them in it with the utmost dexterity.

The diet of the individuals at the Zoological Gardens, consists of five pounds of sailors' biscuit each, per diem, with a portion of green vegetables, and a little hay; and each, in the same space of time, consumes about three gallons of water.

The whole appearance of the Tapir is decidedly hog-like, and the intelligence which our individuals display is of the same character and grade as is exhibited in that well-known beast. Patient of confinement, to eat and drink and be satisfied makes up their round of happiness: no longing for the freedom of the forest, no pining for liberty, disturbs their quiet repose. They are, in fact, personifications of inoffensive sensuality. The motion of the jaws, in eating, differs considerably from that observable in the Horse or Elephant, which grind their food; the former, by a lateral motion of the lower jaw; the latter, by a motion backwards and forwards, so as to make the grinders rub upon each other; but the Tapir champs its food by a quick opening and shutting motion of the lower jaw, so that the vegetable matters on which it subsists are chopped or minced by the transverse conical ridges of the grinders.

[The account of the Rinoceros in the Regent's Park is even more interesting than the previous extract, but has already appeared in print. The volume is abundantly illustrated with wood-cuts.]

NEW MAP OF THE ENVIRONS OF LONDON.

Now that the lines of the metropolitan railways are constructed, or hastening to completion, a revised map of the Environs of London becomes a desideratum. Such is the sheet now before us, the ichnography of which extends thirty miles from St. Paul's Cathedral, or the nucleus of London, and comprises "all the railways to 1840." The great natural division of this important district is the river Thames: the extreme town, north, being Hertford; south, Nutfield; west, Maidenhead; and east, Cormingham. The railways shewn are the Northern and Eastern line as far as Shearing, Essex; the Eastern Counties, beyond Chelmsford; the Greenwich line; the Croydon and Brighton, the latter just beyond its junction with the Eastern railway at Mill-street, below Nutfield, Surrey; the South-western, to Farnborough, Surrey; the Great Western, to Maidenhead; the Birmingham, to Tring; and the Thames Junction, Thames Haven, and Grand Junction lines, entire. The size of this map is seventeen inches and a half by thirteen inches and a half; and the scale, three statute miles to one inch. It is admirably drawn on steel, by Mr. Jobbins, the surveyor; and is executed with surprising clearness: the river, canal, and railway lines are coloured, and the parks and commons shaded and dotted; and, although filled with names, it is published at so reasonable a rate as almost to be sure of finding its way, sooner or later, into the pocket of every pedestrian tourist; a proportion of success which will be only commensurate with its merit.

Fine Arts.

EXHIBITION OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY.

THE rooms of the Academy in the National Gallery, were opened to the public on Monday last; the Royal view having taken place on Friday, and the customary banquet on Saturday. The number of works of art sent for exhibition is stated to have been greater than ever known before, nearly as many pictures having been rejected for want of room, as have been received.

Among Sir David Wilkie's contributions are-An Irish Contraband Distillery; a whole length portrait of Her Majesty ; a cabinet picture of Benvenuto Cellini;

the Disabled Commodore, at Greenwich Hospital; and the Hookabadar, an Indian. Maclise has three pictures, the most striking of which is the Banquet Scene in Macbeth, introducing only the shadow of Banquo. Sir A. Calcott's only picture is an exquisite composition-Milton dictating to his favourite daughter Paradise Lost. Charles Landseer has an attractive picture of Nell Gwynne, as a balladsinger entering a room at a tavern in Covent Garden, wherein are seated Charles II., Rochester, and boon companions. Webster has painted, larger than usual with him, the street-exhibition of Punch and Judy-a very English scene. Edwin Landseer is even more canine than hitherto his picture-Laying down the Law, (in dog-Latin, of course,) is a group of dogs, said to be all portraits of distinguished individuals. Roberts's pictures are the fruits of his recent tour; as Balbec, in Syria; Edfou, in Upper Egypt; Memnon, at Thebes; a street in Grand Cairo ; and the Nativity Church at Bethlehem. Stanfield has magnificent views of Avignon and the Gulf of Salerno, the latter painted for Lord Lansdowne, and the last of a series. For this munificent patron of art, too, Collins has painted Christ disputing with the Doctors. Two pictures of Scottish history promise to be very popu lar: Prince Charles's entrance into Edinburgh, in 1745, with many whole-length portraits of the Pretender's adherents, by Duncan, a young artist from Scotland; and Prince Charles in Adversity, by Allan, of Edinburgh. The Slave Trade, by a French artist named Biard, is an extraordinary picture. Chantrey contributes many works to the Sculpture; and two or three young artists exhibit works of high promise in this department.

Obituary,

On April 25, at Taunton, aged seventytwo, Sir Robert Seppings, F.R.S., M.R.I., &c., the distinguished naval architect. Sir Robert commenced his career under the late Sir John Henslow, and served his country faithfully, as surveyor of the navy, for nearly fifty years. His improvements in ship-building were numerous and important, and his exertions, on several occasions, were honoured with the marked approval of both houses of Parliament. The Royal Society, and the Society of Arts, both awarded him their gold medals; and several foreign diplomas were, from time to time, conferred on him. (Taunton Courier.) Sir Robert Seppings introduced the circular bow and stern, the system of diagonal timbering or bracing, whereby

the strength and durability of our ships are so immensely increased; the method of scarfing short pieces, by which the delay and difficulty often attendant on the procuring of crooked timber are avoided; the making frigate-timber applicable to the building of line-of-battle ships, by the use of a circular coak, or dowel, instead of chocks, thereby effecting a saving of about £1,000 in the building of a seventy-four gun ship; and the use of iron knees, by which was effected a very considerable saving of timber and space. Sir Robert Seppings had, for some time, retired from the surveyorship of the navy; and his successor, Sir William Symonds, has effected a still further economy of space by removing the chocks behind the iron knees, and using metal diagonal braces instead of wood.

On the 5th ult., on passage from Naples to Leghorn, whilst travelling with a friend for the recovery of his health, the Rev. Dr. Lant Carpenter, in his sixtieth year. His steamer, on the 5th, for Leghorn; that friend states that they left Naples in a Dr. Carpenter had unlocked his travellingbag in his berth, at bed-time, as if preparing for retiring to rest, when it is supposed he became sea-sick, and went upon deck; that the night was dark and rainy, and the sea rough, and that, doubtless, a him into the deep: he was last seen besudden lurch of the vessel had precipitated tween ten and eleven o'clock at night,

standing on the cabin-stairs, as if for the

benefit of fresh air.

On the 22nd ult., James Prinsep, Esq., aged forty, F.R.S., Member of the French Institute, Berlin, Royal Academy, &c.; and Secretary to the Asiatic Society of Bengal; after a lingering illness brought on by over-exertion in his official, literary, and scientific pursuits, during a twenty years' residence in India.

Varieties.

Love of Children.-It is a false and mistaken notion, altogether, that men of great mind and intense thought are easily wearied or annoyed by the presence of children. The man who is wearied with children must always be childish himself in mind; but, alas! not young in heart. He must be light, superficial, though, perhaps inquiring, and intelligent; but neither gentle in spirit, nor fresh in feeling. Such men must always soon become wearied with children; for very great similarity of thought and of mind-the paradox is but seemingis naturally wearisome in another; while, on the contrary, similarity of feeling and of heart is that bond which binds our affections together. Where both similarities are combined, we may be most happy in the society of our counterpart; but where the link between the hearts is wanting, there will always be great tediousness in great similarity.The King's Highway; by Mr. James.

Suspicion.-There is nothing makes a man sus

pect much, more than to know little. Suspicions among thoughts, are like bats among birds; they ever fly by twilight.

The Société d'Encouragement.-The subjects of prizes for the ensuing year comprise one for improvements in Photography, especially as to the taking off at least 200 copies from the same Daguerréotypic image; the forming of images by means of lamplight, &c., and the representing the colours of the various objects represented. Prizes are also announced for the introduction of new species of leeches into France, for the stocking of pools and rivers with them, and for means of utilizing leeches after they have once sucked. Prizes will be given by this Society for new methods of making potatoflour and bread, and for the extension of the use of iodine and bromium. Paris Letter; Literary Gazette.

Zoological Society.-There appears to be a reaction in the public taste in favour of the Zoological Gardens, the number of paying visitors during the present year, up to April 26, being 5,698 more than in the corresponding period of the year 1839; 3,436 more than in 1838; 5,733 more than in 1837; and 1,381 more than in 1836. Much of this increase is, doubtless, to be attributed to the fineness of the present season, especially in comparison with the cold spring of last year.

West's Picture of the Annunciation, which, from the year 1817 to 1826, occupied a large space in the centre of the organ in Marylebone New, Church, has been sold for £10, or the eightieth part of its original cost, £800. It will, we hear, be transmitted to America, the native land of the artist, "where," observes the John Bull, "his works seem to be better appreciated than in our own country."

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Penny-Post Pictures.-Little did we expect that, in re-echoing the praises of the successful" design, from the London and Westminster Review, a few weeks since, we were commemorating such ineffective pieces of work as we now find the Envelopes and Stamps to be. Their prices are one penny and twopence, "the latter being coloured, and, most appropriately, looking very blue." The envelope, bearing Mr. Mulready's design, has a singular, not to say droll, appearance: it is, in effect, an outline caricature, and is not a whit superior to the "commonplace designs usually employed in analogous cases," instead of being, in the words of the London reviewer, "as far removed from it" as possible. (See Lit. World, vol. ii. p. 383.) To our thinking, nothing can be less official than this allegorical, unforgeable design: it is altogether a piece of utter silliness and child's play, strangely at variance with its purpose, unless we are to consider the lads and lasses, who are opening their billets, to be an impersonation of Valentine's Day, with its supplementary thousands. "adhesive stamp," or "plaster," as some wags have already named it, bears a head intended for that of Her Majesty, but, by no means a successful portrait. At all events, we are happy to learn that the imitation of these designs has, by the ingenuity of the artists, been rendered a work of extreme difficulty, if not of impossibility: and this we take to be the most successful part of the business.

The

Normal Schools.-The first "normal," or model school for schoolmasters, was established in Hanover, in 1754. Most of the German normal schools have taken this as a model for their institutions of a similar character, and admirably has it been found to answer. It is melancholy to see how party spirit and reckless bigotry have combined in England to retard the establishment of similar institutions here, whilst there is no part of the civilized world more in need of good schoolmasters; and so it ever must be, until men are regularly educated for the profession. In England, this profession is only resorted to, in general, when all other sources of livelihood are exhausted; and, in the majority

of cases, those who undertake it are totally unfitted, by education, habits, or training, for that most important of all offices. In Prussia, Hanover, Wurtemberg, Bavaria, Baden, Nassau, and in the minor German states, in Austria, Hungary, Holland, France, and Switzerland, there are model schools everywhere found, supported and endowed by the state; and in most of these countries no man is even allowed to become an assistant in a public school until he has gone through the ordeal of a normal school. Here he is not only taught himself, but he is taught how to teach others, by precept as well as example.-Mr. Barron, M.P.

Rogue-Elephant.-In Ceylon, a rogue-elephant" has been known to come, in mid-day, into an open field, kill a woman, by trampling on her, and then return leisurely to the forest; neither irritation in the animal, nor inducement to the act, being perceptible by a number of persons who were near the victim.

Shakspeare.-The Royal Shakspearean Club celebrated their sixteenth anniversary, at Stratford-onAvon, on the 23rd ult., but without the customary oration. The truth is, we are not such adepts in the éloge as our neighbours. We are glad to learn, from the Morning Herald, that "the house of Shakspeare is still as firm, and its timbers as sound, as ever;" and that visitors flock to it as fast as ever, 121 signatures having been added to the album during the previous month. The repair of the church, by Mr. Eginton, is expected to be completed in the ensuing summer. This improvement, and the stone embankment of the Avon, will cost upwards of £4,000.

Grass.-At Little Mulloo, on the eastern coast of Africa, the grass rises above the head of a man on horseback.

Science and War.-As it is not improbable that a British expedition may invade China, we would recall to the memory of our Government the excellent example set by the late imperial ruler of France, on similar occasions. The expedition to Egypt was accompanied by Denon, and a whole band of persons eminent in almost every branch of literature and science; and the result of their enterprise has been, the appearance of many volumes of the deepest interest and value to those who are more the friends of peace than of war, and rejoice to see any good brought out of evil.' And, mentioning the example of France on one point, is it not very gratifying also to see an individual of the high literary character of M. Guizot, (an honorary member, let us note in parenthesis, of the Royal Society of Literature,) at the head of one of the most important embassies in the world-the representative of France to England? Would that letters and intellectual attainments were equally honoured by us! But not only is M. Guizot, an instance of this kind: we have, in his secretary, Mons. E. Herbet, another proof of the respect paid to literary talent by our neighbours across the narrow Channel. This gentleman was, till lately, editor of the Revue Française, one of the first literary journals in France, and is, (we believe, still,) head of the department of the Ministry of Public Instruction, which is charged with the great historical works of the kingdom. M. Herbet lately returned from a mission to Constantinople and Asia Minor.-Literary Gazette.

Oddity. The other day, an advertisement of a book-case for sale was headed, "To Men of Talent:" any reply to which would surely indicate vanity.

Criticism.-One of the surest methods of damning a book, is to state that "it is not likely to become popular."

LONDON: Published by GEORGE BERGER, Holywell Street, Strand. Printed by WHITEHEAD & Co. 76, Fleet Street, where all Communications for the Editor may be addressed.

A JOURNAL OF POPULAR INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT. CONDUCTED BY JOHN TIMBS, ELEVEN YEARS EDITOR OF "THE MIRROR."

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THE CHURCH OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW, BY THE EXCHANGE, LONDON.

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