he does, and he is really out of patience with Charlotte. It is very plain, however, that the old lady is of a different opinion."

"Does Mrs. Davenport wish it?" said Virginia, in a doubting tone; for the faith she had hitherto felt in all her friends and intimate acquaintances had now received a severe shock.

"Certainly," replied Arthur, “she is evidently delighted with it. She is a kind old lady, but as worldly-minded a woman as I am acquainted with. I wonder that Lewis is so totally different from his mother and sister."

and using all methods to eradicate an attachment, which not only made her miserable, but was the source of so much disturbance and anxiety to all that loved her, restored in some measure to her self-esteem. But nothing could satisfy the sensitive heart of Virginia, that it would be possible for her to regain the place she had once occupied in the estimation of her friends, and she fancied every eye turned upon her in pity or disapprobation, except that of her father, who did not know what had occurred concerning Augustus, and of Margaret, to whom she always looked as a second, stronger, better self. It seemed to her, that her secret was branded on her brow, and it was with the most painful effort that she forced herself into company, yet she complied with every proposal for her amusement that her "She will reap the reward of her folly, for friends could suggest, with such uncomplaining Mr. Wilson is not a man to be governed, and gentleness, that Mrs. Selden and Margaret often Charlotte will not find his government a pleas- desisted from such attempts from pure compasant one; though he is a highly respectable per- sion. son, as a husband he would be insufferable to a woman fond of her own way and accustomed to a cheerful home.

"You must make allowances, Arthur; many women are brought up to consider marriage indispensable to secure their happiness, and some portion of consideration and attention from society," said Margaret.

"I am very sorry for it," said Margaret, "but as it is amongst the list of irremediable evils, we can do no good by talking of it, and we will think of something more agreeable. What news did Lewis bring from 'The Rectory,' Virginia?" Virginia related all she had heard from Lewis, and Margaret and Arthur encouraged her as much as possible to talk on, while they determined to say nothing of the proposed trip to Maryland until the next morning, as they knew the idea of such a movement would cause her much disturbance.

CHAPTER XXIX.

The earth was made so various, that the mind
Of desultory man, studious of change,
And pleased with novelty, might be indulged.
Prospects, however lovely, may be seen
Till half their beauties fade.-Cowper.

Mrs. Selden marked the deadly paleness that overspread Virginia's face, when she heard the plan suggested that she should visit her Aunt Lennox, and the sadness of the tone with which she asked when they were to set out, without venturing to express the least inclination, and she instantly resolved to lessen the severity of the trial as much as possible.

"In a week or two, my dear; but I have altered the plan a little: I have just determined that Margaret shall join the party."

A bright flush of joy, such as had not lit up Virginia's lovely face for many weeks, told how much pleasure this determination imparted, and throwing her arms around Mrs. Selden's neck, she exclaimed, "Oh how good you always are, mother;" but checking herself almost immediately, she added, in a tone of self-reproach, "and how selfish I always am: you could not do without Margaret."

Perfectly well, my dear; my health is quite good at present, and were I to want assistance, I promise you both that I will ask your Aunt Charlotte to stay with me during your absence. I hope the trip will be beneficial both to MargaIt was settled next morning in family council, ret and yourself. I wish you all to be acquaintthat Arthur and Virginia should set out on a visited with your relations in Maryland, and a change

of scene and society will be advantageous. Arthur, too, will, I hope, be amused and improved by it."

to Mrs. Lennox, as soon as it was practicable to complete some necessary arrangements and preparations for their departure. Virginia heard the plan proposed with a dismay she found it Arthur was delighted to hear that Margaret impossible to conceal, but her first stern lesson was to join the party, and his reluctance to the in life was learned, and she had resolved to obey undertaking was still further lessened by the dethe mandates of duty, rather than the prompt-termination that the visit should be limited to a ings of inclinations, whatever the effect might few weeks duration. cost her. She felt humbled and crushed, but the very consciousness that she was sincere at least in the intention of resisting her own weakness,

Mr. Selden was somewhat dismayed when he found the family circle was to be reduced to so small a number, but as he had always wished

very much that some intercourse should be kept|Lennox, though she had always mixed much in up between his sister's family and his own, he society, had also been actively engaged, since offered no opposition to the plan. Indeed, he the death of her husband, in the management of said he was glad of it, though his countenance her own affairs, which had necessarily occasionand manner certainly did not express much plea-ed considerable intercourse with various kinds sure. He thought a few weeks stay would be quite sufficient; his favorite project recurred to him of a marriage in the families, and he began to go over in his mind the names and ages of his sister's daughters to determine which would suit Arthur best.

The transition from Sherwood to Bellevue, Mrs. Lennox's residence, was by no means so Charles perceived and appreciated the fine unpleasant a one as Arthur had feared. Mrs. points in Mary's character, and determined to

use the influence which he saw he possessed over her mind for good purposes: her intellectual and spiritual nature was awakened by him, and higher, Yet as time wore away. and Charles though nobler views of earthly life were opened to her, kind and friendly in his manners, and evincing a as the vista was extended from time to eternity. thoughtful consideration and even affectionate inMary's habits of intercourse with Charles soon terest in his aunt and cousins, manifested no pebecame those of a younger sister with a brother. culiar penchant for Louisa, and seemed as fixed Mary showed him her favorite haunts, and was as ever in his peculiar views and opinions, Mrs. often strolling with him for hours, while her sis- Lennox felt a degree of mortification and disapters were engaged in visiting or receiving visits, pointment, which it required her utmost address pouring forth with the most artless ingenuous- to conceal. But as she really possessed extraness the fancies sometimes bright, sometimes ordinary powers of self-control, much tact and wild and crude, of a rich but unregulated imagi- address, she managed completely to conceal nation, and all the strange metaphysical and theo- her chagrin, as it respected the failure of her logical perplexities, which haunt and bewilder the plans with regard to her daughter, and the cirminds of children of acute intellect, at a much ear- cumstance, that Charles remained inflexible with lier age than most people imagine. It was true, regard to his peculiar views on religious subjects, Charles discoursed with her on these high subjects served also to moderate her disappointment on with so much simplicity and clearness, and took this score. so much pains to clothe the ideas he imparted Mrs. Lennox thought however her duty to her in the most striking and attractive forms, avoid- brother required her to make some direct effort ing all technical phrases, that Mary never dream- to change or modify Charles's opinions, since ed she was receiving the most important lessons the indirect influence of society and circumstanin metaphysics and theology while she was en- ces from which she had hoped so much had gaged in these interesting conversations. And failed to produce any effect, and though her good when the theme was changed from grave to gay, sense and observation had taught her the futility in those delightful outpourings of feeling and of argument and discussion generally, as to proimagination, which Mary said was like talking ducing a change of opinion, she was not exempt fairy tales, she imbibed many a lesson in criti- from the common error of supposing that her cism, and learned principles of taste sometimes own arguments would form an exception to the from the spiritual recitation of exquisitely chosen general rule. But the discussion ended as might passages of poetry or prose, sometimes from the have been foreseen; each party remained unplayful ridicule with which Charles would treat shaken in their own views, but the tenderness, the false and exaggerated sentiments, or inflated strength, and earnestness with which Charles style, which had excited her admiration. spoke, though at the time without apparent effect, were not altogether lost, but they often recurred afterwards to Mrs. Lennox's mind, accompanied with the uncomfortable doubt, as to whether there might not be some truth in Charles' words, that she felt willing to acknowledge. On such occasions she summoned what she called common sense to her aid, a potent enchanter, who soon dispelled the influence of "things not seen."

would dispel these phantoms, as she considered them, of the imagination.

Mrs. Lennox observed with pleasure the truly fraternal affection with which Charles returned Mary's attachment, and was glad that a new source of attraction and interest had opened itself to her nephew, as she was anxious to detain him with her as long as possible; for though she concealed her wishes and intentions on the subject with great tact and delicacy, she had always entertained the same wish with her brother, that an union should take place between their children, and had determined in her own mind, that Charles and Louisa would be particularly suitable to each other. The strange idea which Charles had taken up with regard to the choice of a profession, his peculiar views of religion, he might have remained with them always. She were certainly very objectionable; but then he was so rational and agreeable in conversation, so observant in his manners of all "the small, sweet courtesies of life," so well fitted, in short, to adorn the social circle, that she could not but believe that intercourse with such society as he would meet at Bellevue, together with the influence which her own very judicious views and character. Louisa's attractions must exert on his mind, As Mary reached the time when it was

Notwithstanding the very different views which Charles entertained from those of his aunt and cousins, yet all parted from him with regret, and Mary wept without restraint at his departure, and wished he had been indeed her brother, that

thought of Charles with a warm and sisterly affection, and a sort of admiration which familiarity generally prevents sisters from feeling, even towards brothers whom they esteem most highly, treasured up his sayings, remembered his advice, read the books he had recommended, and thus his good influence still continued to act on her

F*****

necessary that she should be introduced into soci- | her young relatives, she admired the good sense, ety, Mrs. Lennox remarked with concern that she which she esteemed the highest quality of the was much less easily moulded than her two elder mind, of Margaret's remarks, and her lady-like sisters had been, into what she considered the self-possession, Virginia's extreme beauty and proper standard of feminine perfection. Mary's gentleness, Arthur's handsome person and the approbation and admiration were always called gaiety and frankness of his address, and said to forth by some ideal standard of her own, without herself that the Seldens were certainly a remarkreference to the opinions of the world, and some-able family, and would develope well under any times quite in contradiction to the sentiments of circumstances. her mother and sisters. But Mary was so affectionate and respectful to her mother, so kind to her sisters, and the outpourings of her bright imagination and happy heart shed such a genial influence around her that it was impossible to continue long vexed with her, and Mrs. Lennox hoped that time and example would correct her peculiarities, though she sometimes remarked to Louisa that she perceived with regret, that Mary possessed less good sense and more genius than her sisters, a dangerous gift even for men, and for women a positive misfortune.

Ever since the time of Charles's visit Mary had cherished the warmest predilections for her relations in Virginia, and she hailed with delight the promised visit of her cousins. The sisterly warmth of her greetings upon their arrival, awakened at once a corresponding feeling in the hearts of the Seldens, dispelled immediately Arthur's feeling of constraint, and greatly lessened Virginia's fear, amounting almost to awe, at the idea of meeting her all-accomplished cousins, and her aunt who was a mirror of propriety, and a supreme judge in all matters of etiquette. Margaret aloue had retained her self-possession at the idea of this formidable meeting.

Whilst Mrs. Lennox, seated by Margaret, went through the preliminaries of conversation, which usually take place between near relations, who meet without any personal knowledge of each other, in which each party attempts not only to appear to feel, but really to feel an interest in every thing which concerns the other, to assume, in short, a sort of affectionate familiarity, which it requires much tact to do successfully, unless aided by the genuine promptings of the heart, Mary had possessed herself of one of Virginia's hands, and was pouring forth inquiries about Charles, her uncle and aunt, with all the earnest warmth of affectionate interest.

Mary was evidently not only prepared to love her cousins, but was already in some measure, acquainted with them, and Arthur, Virginia and herself were soon engaged in animated and interesting conversation, while Margaret watched them with pleasure, as she sate by her aunt and elder cousins, sustaining a more measured discourse, and receiving, with all due decorum and composure, their gradual approaches towards familiarity. Mrs. Lennox was much pleased with

THE PAST-A FRAGMENT.
To-day's most trivial act may hold the seed
Of future fruitfulness, or future dearth-
Oh! cherish always every word and deed-
The simplest record of thyself has worth.

If thou hast ever slighted one old thought,
Beware lest Grief enforce the truth at last-
The time must come wherein thou shalt be taught
The value and the beauty of the Past.

Not merely as a Warner and a Guide-
"A voice behind thee," sounding to the strife-
But something never to be put aside—
A part and parcel of thy present life.

Not as a distant and a darkened sky,

Thro' which the stars peep and the moonbeams glow,
But a surrounding atmosphere whereby
We live and breathe, sustained in pain and woe.

A fairy land! where joy and sorrow kiss ;
Each still to each corrective, and relief-
Where dim delights are brightened into bliss,
And nothing wholly perishes but grief-

Áh me!-not dies-no more than spirit dies,
But in a change like death is clothed with wings-
A serious Angel with entranced eyes,
Looking to far off and celestial things.

AGLAUS.

SONNET.-FOR AN ALBUM.
Lady! I've turned these pages o'er and o'er,
Rejoiced to see the many tributes given,
To one who would be innocent in heaven-
Ah! might I dare to add one tribute more!
Cold hearts may notice here imperfect lines,
But I would sooner criticise a dream-
For while affection constitutes the theme,
Flowers have no leaves inscribed with fairer signs.
Therefore I say-well pleased I read how love
Hath glorified the pages of thy book,
With meanings sweeter than thy last sweet look,
And passionate as pure-so may thy worth
Always receive its recompense on earth-
God will ensure its recompense above.

AGLAUS.

FROM OUR PARIS CORRESPONDENT.

PARIS, MARCH, 1850.

to this day the preservation of certain species of the mushroom is an unsolved problem.

Rapidity of desiccation is an essential condition in the preparation of plants. In dry and warm climates it suffices to place the specimens between sheets of paper and suspend them where Of the recent sittings of the French Academy they will be exposed to a current of air. But in of Sciences, I think that is likely to be of most in- most climates this process is of no avail. Life terest to the generality of your readers, in which remains in the plant for several days, and the M. Decaisne rendered to the Academy a report slow desiccation results ordinarily in the alterawhich he was charged to prepare, concerning tion of color, the fall of leaves, and the deformathe new mode of preserving plants, and forming tion of the floral organs. Some persons acceleherbariums, recently invented by M. Gannal. M. Gannal is known every where as the inventor of a new process for embalming dead bodies, by which they are preserved for a great length of time, in marvellous, and I may say, beautiful freshness. I have seen a body embalmed by plant, is attended with several inconveniences, of him exposed at the Morgue for several months together, in order that it might be recognized by friends, and the mystery of its death, which was the effect of a crime, made clear. The body preserved to the last, the beauty, the freshness, the colour of life. One would have said that the subject was yet living and in the enjoyment of a healthful ordinary sleep. His mode of embalming plants is a much more recent invention.

rate the drying of the plant by passing a hot iron over the paper; others plunge them either in alcohol or boiling water, Sometimes the plants in paper are laid in or on a stove. This last mode, by which it is intended instantly to kill the

But

which the least is to render the plant brittle and disorganize certain parts of a delicate structure. These various processes, whatever be the imperfection which characterizes them, are not to be despised, since it is to them that science is indebted for those precious collections, the study of which has introduced into descriptive botany the high degree of precision it has already attained. for them science would not now possess the The art of making herbariums, (horti sicci) collections made in the sixteenth century by says the report, has for a long period occupied Rauwolf and by G. Bauhin: and perseverance the attention of botanists. The most faithful in the use of them during now near two hundred engravings, the most exact descriptions always years, has endowed the museum of Paris, the leave something to be desired by one who would richest at the present day in Europe, with speciintimately know a plant. No art can supply the mens of nearly every known species of the vegplace of the plant itself. The botanist would etable kingdom. actually touch and handle that which is the subject

But let me now describe the new process of of his investigations. Hence the necessity of M, Gannal from which such interesting results herbariums which, since the nineteenth century, are anticipated. have rendered to botany such signal services. He places his plants between strips of brown An herbarium should be a collection of things paper, which immediately absorb any rain water dried at the moment of flowering and fructification or dew which may have fallen upon them. In with sufficient care to preserve their forms, col- this state the plants may be kept twenty-four our, and as far as possible their natural port hours without any alteration. The next day he or bearing. The desiccation to be successful changes the paper, putting other dry sheets in its should be prompt and easy. There are certain stead, and places them in an apparatus of his inplants, of which desiccation and compression, vention, where they are perfectly dried in from by the ordinary modes, however skilfully per- twenty-four to thirty hours, without affecting, in formed, destroy the form, and certain characters any perceptible degree, the colour of the leaves, which it is highly important to preserve. There or the brilliancy and fresh appearance of the are entire families, those for instance of the Or- flowers. The apparatus consists of a cylindrical chis and Cactus, of a soft and aqueous tissue, of copper vase, 20 inches deep, with diameter of 26 which, in the process of drying, the organs be- inches, in which sheets containing a hundred come so glued together as to be quite unrecogni- specimens may be placed. In the vacant space zable. Others lose almost instantly their leaves between the paper and the sides of the vase he and flowers, leaving nothing but the naked stem disposes about 8 lbs. of quick lime and then apin the botanist's hand. The thickness of the plies the cover to the vase. The apparatus is floral envelope in some cases, and its thinness in then placed in a small tub and its temperature others present serious difficulties. How difficult raised by pouring into the tub boiling water to is the preservation of the Nymphaea, the Mag- 50 or 60 degrees Centigrade or French scale nolia, the Iris, and all liliaceous plants. Up (equal to from 122 to 140 degrees, Fahrenheit.)

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