ment of some, and, may be, to their profit. If you should not find this dissertation too lengthy, please give it a corner.-BOMBYX ATLAS. Cure for Rheumatism, Scalds, and Sprains.Can you tell me any really efficient remedy, for giving relief from suffering in the above cases? I have noticed your remarks about the wadding as a panacea for lumbago, and have seen it tried in several instances with complete success. I am aware that the simplest remedies are generally the best, and shall indeed feel glad if you can aid me in my present inquiry.—CHARLES W. [You are right. Simple remedies are always the best. Provide yourself with some of "Measam's Medicated Cream," and apply it freely according to the directions therewith given. We need say no more, as the experiment is so inexpensive, and so easily made. We had a severelysprained hand not long since, and by using this only once, we derived wonderful benefit. In cases of rheumatism, too, its virtues can hardly be sufficiently estimated. Its chief recommendation is, the power it possesses of thoroughly cleansing the skin; thus assisting insensible perspiration and inducing a healthy state of body.] For be stated, that there are certainly thirteen springs and thirteen autumns in Demerara in the year; for so many times does the sap of trees ascend to the branches and descend to the roots. example, wallaba (a resinous tree, commou in the Demerara woods, somewhat resembling mahogany,) if cut down in the dark, a few days before the new moon, is one of the most durable woods in the world for house-building, posts, &c. In that state, attempt to split it, and, with the utmost difficulty, it would be riven in the most jagged and unequal manner that can be imagined. Cut down another wallaba (that grew within a few yards of the former) at full moon, and the tree can be easily split into the finest smooth shingles, of any desired thickness; or into staves for making casks; but, in this state, applied to house-building purposes, it speedily decays. Again, bamboos, as thick as a man's arm, are sometimes used for paling, &c.: if cut at the dark moon, they will invariably endure for ten or twelve years; if at full moon, they will be rotten in two or three years. Thus it is with most, if not all, of the forest trees. Of the effects of the moon on animal life, very many instances could be cited. I have seen in Africa, newly-littered young perish in a few hours, at the mother's side, if exposed to the rays Early Spring-Whilst I now write (Feb. 6), of the full moon; fish become rapidly putrid; and our blackbirds, thrushes, missel-thrushes, chaf-meat, if left exposed, incurable or unpreservable finches, &c., are in full voice. They have been by salt,-the mariner, heedlessly sleeping on the rehearsing for some time. Several of the cock deck, becoming afflicted with nyctolopia or night birds are now fighting outside my window-in an blindness; at times the face hideously swollen, if arbutus tree, hard by. The wood-pigeons build exposed during sleep, to the moon's rays; the in the firs and evergreens close to our house. maniac's paroxysms renewed with fearful vigor at One nest was not ten feet from the end of it. the full and change; and the cold damp chill of The squirrels also are very busy building their the ague supervening on the ascendancy of this nest just over our front gate, in a large red cedar apparently mild yet powerful luminary. Let her tree. They may be seen running about on the influence over this earth be studied; it is more lawn, almost any day; and as they are not allowed powerful than is generally known.-EMILY P. to be molested, they make this place their headquarters. It is very interesting to see them playing round the trunk of a noble elm, which grows on the lawn, about sixty feet from the front door; they generally have a brood in the shrubbery, close to the drawing-room windows, and are very constantly passing on the gravel in front. I will shortly send you an interesting account of one that I had, which lived in the house for above eighteen months, and then died. It will be another illustration of the "effects of kindness."C. F. T. Y., Stockleigh Pomeroy, Devon. a tame [Thank you. Send us the paper on the Squirrel by all means. It will be most acceptable.] Influence of the Moon in Tropical Climates.-I find the following interesting remarks, in "Martin's History of the British Colonies." It is worthy a place in the columns of OUR OWN.-Whilst considering the climate of tropical countries, the influence of the moon seems to be entirely overlooked; and surely, if the tides of the vast ocean are raised from their fathomless bed by lunar power, it is not too much to assert that the tides of the atmosphere are liable to a similar influence; this much is certain, that, in the low land of tropical countries, no attentive observer of nature will fail to witness the power exercised by the moon over the seasons, and also over animal and vegetable nature. As regards the latter, it may The Red Men of North America.-The whole number of red men still surviving in North America is estimated at 400,000; and of these it east of the Mississippi-that is to say, in the is calculated that 18,000 still linger in the country organised territories of the Union. There are said to be about 150,000 Indians in California and New Mexico, 12,000 in the Utah or Mormon country, 23,000 in Oregon, 63,000 in the Plains and Rocky Mountains, 29,000 in Texas; and about 110,000 in Minnesota and along the Texan border. LECTOR. Effects of Spring on the Sap in Trees.-The fact that physiologists differ in their opinions as to the circulation of the sap in plants, and the consequent phenomena exhibited in their economy, is, of course, conclusive evidence that the subject is not thoroughly understood. This being admitted, no apology is necessary in offering, for the consideration of those interested in the subject, some opinions, the result of facts-or, at least, what appear to me as facts-gleaned from recent investigation. I have often observed in examining the stools from which Oaks have recently been cut in spring, a diversity of appearance; caused by the rising sap, which continued to exude for some time after the trees were felled. Thus, some would show that, at the time of felling the tree, the sap had risen exclusively not " run through the tubes of the alburnum, and that very facts, the inferences to be drawn appear to me to copiously too. Others would, on the contrary, be sufficient upon which to build a theory, at scarcely exhibit a trace of the fluid in that por- once throwing light upon some of the intricacies tion of the bole; but immediately surrounding of the vegetable economy; and also to afford the pith or medullary canal, an abundant exu- a beautiful example-one among innumerable dation would be evident. The cause of these very others of the admirable compensative powers so marked differences were for some time inexpli- abundantly evident in the mere organic as well as cable to me. By following at intervals for several in the more elaborately organised animal king days the tracks of some woodmen, I found that dom. The ordinary channel of the upward curthe two appearances, as described, were not rent of sap is through the tubes of the alburnum. observable on stools left from the same day's Its progress is accelerated by warm weather and cutting; or, in other words, where trees were cut retarded by cold. If, after the progress of vege yesterday, the sap would perhaps exude wholly tation in spring has once set in, a retardation in from the sap wood; while in those from which the flow of sap were to accrue in equal ratios with they had only been felled a few hours, the tubes im- the fluctuations of temperature incident to our mediately surrounding the heart of the tree would variable springs-it is easy to comprehend that alone convey the rising fluid. I was confident utter stagnation in the vital powers of plants that these differences did not arise from causes would follow-with what results will be readily attributable merely to the lapse of time between seen. In a common-sense view of the subject, the felling of the trees and the period of my this contingency is to be apprehended; but the observation. For, in a series of visits, I found moment that the conditions favorable for such the respective appearances equally evident on the present themselves, a compensatory power is same day of the cutting of the tree. The ap- brought into action, and the demands of the vegetaparent difficulty of solving the problem was now ting principle is still supplied. The sap, checked greater than before. This, however, only stimu- by its near proximity to the lowering temperature lated me in my research. A few hours gave me of the air, when flowing through the tubes nearest a clue to the solution. Passing near a hedge-row the outside of the tree, immediately seeks other where the woodinen were at work, I observed channels open to it; and thus the circulation goes them beating the bole of a tree near the base-to on unchecked, or at least checked but slightly. facilitate the removal of the bark there, previous These central tubes, a designation given to them to cutting it down. I knew well enough that by Mr. Knight, are known to extend uninterrup this process was resorted to when the bark would tedly to the tip of the minutest branch; and well, a contingency brought about by through them a communication is undoubtedly the stagnation of the sap in that part of the tree. established, either by subordinate vessels or cel I knew that a change of temperature would inlular tissue, or both, to all parts of the tree. It a few hours bring about such a contingency in a tree that previously parted with its bark with facility, Reasoning upon the facts previously gleaned, I returned to the spot shortly, and within an hour after the tree had been felled. The workmen were stripping off the bark with difficulty, except at the extremity of the branches, where the difficulty was not so apparent; and at the upper branches of the tree it parted from the wood readily enough. On examining the stool, I found but a slight trace of sap in the alburnum; but immediately around, and at a small distance from the centre of the tree, the flow was great. Several other trees cut on the same day presented similar phenomena. The cause of the bark not parting from this tree readily was accounted for by the men, and of course justly by the frost which on the previous night had been somewhat severe for the season. On the preceding day every tree cut down barked readily enough. Following up the investigation, I found that where the stool of a fallen tree was exuding the sap from the alburnum, the tree had been cut when the weather was favorable, and when the bark from the bole readily separated from the wood; and, on the other hand, where the vessels around the pith transmitted the fluid, the tree had been felled after a frosty night, or when the weather was cold and ungenial. Having gleaned thus much, I entered into conversation with the men who were cutting the trees. They informed me that when the bark around the lower part of a tree separated with difficulty, it parted much more readily from the branches, especially those near the top, and vice versa. Now from these These has always appeared to me that the medullary General Indications of Spring.-I send you the following indications of Spring, which were observed by the late Robert Marsham, Esq., of Stratton, in Norfolk; and were read before the Royal Society, April 2, 1789. Mr. Marsham died in 1797, at the age of 90.-C. F. T. Y., Stockleigh Pomeroy, Devon. INDICATIONS. Thrush sings Mountain Ash Leaf... was also a cruel child. But then I did not understand what suffering was; and what animais are. I received my first lesson in humanity to animals from a young lively officer, who afterwards died the death of a hero in the war against Napoleon. Never shall I forget his reproachful glance and tone, as he said to me, 'The poor worm!' It is now more than thirty years since!"-This barbarity appears inherent among the human race. Earliest Latest. Diffe- served To kill, worry, and persecute helpless animals, is called " manly sport." From the very lowest to the very highest, the feeling is the same,-the Dec. 4 Feb. 13 81 days 56 years practice is all but universal. Is it not shocking? Greatest ience. 10 48 Ob in Snowdrop appears 24 *King Doves "coo 27 Mar. 20 83 55 47 129 Rooks build Birch May 472 52 Sycamore 22 The Human Brain.-Sir Bulwer Lytton, in a late speech made at Edinburgh, thus graphically recorded the wear and tear of the human brain. "In these days," said he, "half our diseases arise from the neglect of our body in the over work of the brain. In this railway age, the wear and tear of labor and intellect go on without pause or selfpity. We live longer than our forefathers; but we suffer more from a thousand artificial anxieties and cares. The, fatigued only the muscles. We exhaust the finer strength of the nerves; and when we send impatiently to the doctor, it is ten to one that he finds the acute complaint (which is all that we perceive) connected with some chronic mental irritation, or some unwholesome inveteracy of habit." How true!-how sad!—W. K. on 19 The Man a Savage.-I have often, my dear sir, pondered over your remarks about man being at heart a savage; and I confess I see too much reason to take your view of the question. The daily records compel one to believe it. Reading, a few Observations on the Weather for January,— days since, Miss Bremer's last work. my eye fell at Barnsley.-There was rain or snow upon the following recorded act of barbarity prac days; but in general in small quantities, except tised upon a little bird at sea. Wearied by its long on the 4th, 7th, and 8th:-first heavy snow, flight, it had taken refuge in the rigging of the averaging from 10 to 20 inches, and in some places vessel in which Miss B. sailed; and here is her drifted by the high winds to such a depth, as to note as to the reception given it :-"I have been make some of the lanes and roads impassable; annoyed to-day, by the behavior of some gentlemen then sleet, changing to rain. The quantity fallen to a little storm-driven bird which sought for rest in the whole month was three inches-probably in our vessel. Wearied. it settled down here and much more, as some of the snow flakes would be there upon our cordage, but was incessantly driven blown off the weather-guage unmelted. away-especially by two young men, an English-highest point of the barometer was 30 in. 30. on man and a Spaniard, who seemed to have nothing the 26th, the lowest was 28 in 30. on the 8th. to do but to teaze this poor little thing to death The highest point attained by the thermometer in with their hats and handkerchiefs. It was dis- the town was 25 deg. in the shade, on the 30th; tressing to see how it endeavored again and again, in the country the same day it was 48 deg. The upon its wearied wings, to follow the vessel; and lowest registered in the town was 12 deg, on the again panted to alight upon its cordage or masts, morning of the 3rd; and in the country 9 deg., on only to be again driven away. I was childish the 2nd and 3rd-probably lower in the night. enough to persecute these young men with my The winds have been from N.N.E. to S.E.S., prayers, that they would leave this poor little S.W. and W., the last few days in great force. creature in peace. But it was to no purpose; and The severity of the frost during the limited period to my astonishment, neither did any of the other of its existence, was more intense than has been passengers take the little stranger under their remembered by any one here. The pools, canal, protection! I called to mind that I had seen in and even the river Dearne, were speedily frozen, Swedish vessels little storm-driven birds treated to the satisfaction of thousands of sliders and differently-left in peace, or fed with bread-crumbs. skaters. The ice was from 7 to 10 inches thick. The end of the pursuit here was, that after the It has been a hard time for the feathered race. bird had left its tail in the hand of one of its tor-Hunger has made strange companionship, and mentors, it was soon taken; it was then put into hard and soft-billed birds have flocked round the a dark cage, where it died in a few hours.-Ionce haunts of man, too often to their destruction, as a greater number of pitiless gunners have been at or powerful at will; in fact, there is a whole band work than we suspected we had amongst us. Our at the disposal of the performer. The touch is winter visitants have been more than usually beautifully delicate,- -so delicate that the most numerous. The common and jack snipe, red-rapid passages can be played off as if by magic. wings, field-fares, wild ducks, wild geese, bram- We should very much like to see one of these blings, and siskins, have abounded. The little Harmoniums placed in the village church at Acton, grebe, and the dun diver (the female of the where we often attend. At present, there is a Mergus merganer), have occurred in the Dearne barrel-organ in use; which, being out of repair, valley. Woodcocks have been a little more plen- and many notes on it defective, the effect is distiful than of late years. One was aroused up in cord in place of concord, and devotional harmony Cockerham Gardens, Longman Row, close to the or psalmody a misnomer. The cost is so very town; and a water hen was taken in the town, trifling in comparison with the coveted gain, that which is yet kept alive. The more scarce water- we trust our hint may be productive of good. The rail has been shot, as also the ash-colored shrike common dimensions of the Harmonium, are,or butcher-bird.-T. LISTER, Barnsley. height, 3 feet; width, 4 feet; depth, 2 feet. Mr. Sprague has also invented a very pretty little musical instrument called the "Improved Concertina." It discourses, when played upon, the most eloquent music,-combining distinct articulation with the most rapid execution. It is very easily learnt, extremely portable, of moderate cost, and equally effective for a duet, trio, or quartette. If you are in the habit of practising devotional music at home, we strongly advise you to procure a Harmonium. The melodious sounds we recently heard, yet dwell with us; and enable us to speak of it with unqualified praise.] Delicacy and "Mock-Modesty."-Delicacy is a lovely feature in a woman's character; but it must be genuine,-innate. Not that delicacy which is perpetually in quest of something to be ashamed of; which makes merit of a blush, and simpers at the false construction its own ingenuity has put on an innocent remark. This spurious kind of delicacy is as far removed from good taste, as from good feeling and good sense. The delicacy I speak of, is the high-minded delicacy, which maintains its pure and undeviating walk alike among women as in the society of men-which shrinks from no necessary duty, and can speak, when required, with seriousness and kindness, of things at which it would be ashamed to smile or blush. That delicacy which knows how to confer a benefit without wounding the feelings of another: and which understands also how and when to receive one. That delicacy which can give alms without display, and advice without assumption; and which pains not the most susceptible being in creation.-A LOVER OF THE FAIR SEX. Musical Instruments :-The Patent Harmonium, and Improved Concertina.-Can you tell me, my dear sir, anything about the Harmonium? I see it advertised in your columns of last month. I imagine it to be a kind of organ. Is it adapted for a room, or for a church more particularly, and what is its capacity? Residing at a remote distance, I am unable to obtain a sight of the in strument; and knowing the kindness of your disposition, I consult you without offering any apology. -CAROLINE E., Clitheroe. [What you allude to, mademoiselle, is an Organ Harmonium, manufactured by Mr. W. Sprague, 7, Finsbury Pavement. We have been down to make the requisite inquiries for you; and can speak very highly of the instrument, whose powers were called into full action during our stay. It is adapted excellently well for the drawing-room; and equally so for a church, chapel, or indeed any place where devotional music is practised. Being of a very convenient size, and occupying a very small space, it is easily transportable; and not liable, by moving, to be injured in any way. The price is twenty-five guineas; which may be increased, according to the costliness of the external fitting up. In the hands of a good performer-one who has a soul for music-the Harmonium is an instrument of rare excellence. It is equally well adapted for all the varied styles of music; and possesses the richness of a larger organ. The effects are easily producible, the tones being soft, mellow, Another Snow Storm.-Our climate loves variety, and indulges in it to the fullest extent. Just when we were peeping out to greet the early flowers, and mingle with the bees rejoicing in the sunshine of a cloudless day,-lo, and behold, we were on the very eve of weather, colder, perhaps, (from the cutting winds) than any we had previously had. We rose on Saturday, Feb. 18, to witness a snow scene, stretched, by the violence of the wind, over the face of the whole country. The landscape was one of unexampled beauty. The previous night had been fearfully boisterous; the houses, right and left, had been shaken to their very foundations; and the destruction of trees, &c., was visible all around. The day, however, dawned brightly; and unusual activity prevailed in town and country. The sun's power, despite the howling blast, rendered the picture a cheerful one; and the "look out was altogether picturesque. The check thus given to vegetation, has been a wholesome one; and as the soil in most places had been turned over, it has derived additional benefit from the fertilising influences of the snow and frost. All promises well, everywhere; and if people continue to grumble, it is simply because they are "used to it." As for the winds and storms of March, let us face them bravely. If they do some little injury, they also do infinite service; the one not for an instant to be set in the balance against the other. We have faced the winds of February, and we got the worst of it. But that is over, and we have become "seasoned" both to wind and weather. Another month, and then! Meantime, we will watch our oppor tunity, and enjoy many a ramble in the open fields; leaving the grumblers to crowd before scorching fires, and to bewail their sorrows with faces a yard long. How the dear sun must laugh at such cowardice !—W. K. American Railways.-It appears that the aggregate length of railways open for traffic in the United States on the 1st of January, 1854, was of dirt, rolling along towards the spot where the 15,510 miles; being an increase of 2,194 miles cricket was feeding. The cricket began, all of a since the 1st of January, 1853. The traffic on those sudden, to chirp very loud; when three more lines is estimated to yield a net return equal to 7 crickets came hopping out of the nest. The per cent on the outlay. The state of the money piece of dirt (as I thought) turned out to be market at the commencement of 1853, induced the a large spider. Immediately the spider pounced promoters of several new lines to proceed vigoupon one of the crickets, and began to carry it rously with the works; but, as the year advanced, away at a very quick rate; but the other three great difficulty was experienced iu finding money hopped after it, and tormented the spider till he for the construction of some of the lines now in was obliged to make good his retreat with as course of formation. It is considered that the much speed as he coull-leaving his prey behind. state of the money market has given a wholesome Two of the crickets followed him, leaving one check to the extensive progress of railway enter behind to watch the wounded one. The two prise, no less than 25,000 miles of railway having which pursued, had a struggle with the spider; been sanctioned in the United States up to the and had nearly done for him (which I was not commencement of 1853; thus leaving 9,500 miles surprised at), when the cricket which was left to be completed, independent of those sanctioned behind with the invalid, took up his poor wounin the year 1853. The average number of miles ded companion in his mouth, and hopped away of railway completed during the past five years, to his hole. I then saw another spider, which was at the rate of 2,000 miles per annum; and, at the cricket had seen before I did; knowing that rate, would require five years more to com- itself to be too weak to contend, and its complete those sanctioned at the beginning of last panions being busy with the other one, it had year; but it is expected that several of the less sought refuge for itself and helpless companion. productive lines will not be proceeded with at This spider had also a battle with the two present, while those which promise a large return crickets (who had by this time overcome the first will be proceeded with and completed as soon as intruder), and was vanquished and killed by possible.-L. R. them. The two conquerors then each took a spider home; and I dare say made a good repast on their enemies. I took great notice of these crickets afterwards, and frequently amused myself with watching their motions.-AN Old Observer of Nature and her Works. The Memory of Music.-The readiness with which the memory lends itself to the service of music, is a standing phenomenon peculiar to her. By what mysterious paradox does it come to pass, that what the mind receives with the most pas sivity, it is enabled to retain with the most Ravages by War and Pestilence.-Some very infidelity-laying up the choicest morsels of musical teresting tables have issued from the Health-office entertainment in its storehouses, to be ready for comparing the loss of life by war and by pestilence. spontaneous performance without our having so It appears that in 22 years of war there were 19,796 much as the trouble of summoning them? For killed, and 79,709 wounded; giving an annual not even the exertion of our will is required; a average of 899 killed and 3,623 wounded. In thought―aye, less than a thought—the slightest 1848-49 there were no fewer than 72,180 persons breath of a hint is sufficient to set the exquisitely killed by cholera and diarrhoea in England and sensitive strings of musical memory vibrating. Wales, and 144,360 attacked; 34,397 of the killed Often, we know not what manner of an idea it is were able-bodied persons capable of getting their that has just fluttered across our minds, but for own living! Besides these deaths from the great the melody, or fragment of a melody, it has epidemic, 115,000 die annually, on an average, awakened in its passage. By what especial of preventible diseases; while 11,419 die by favor is it, that the ear is permitted a readier violence. Comparing the killed in nine great access to the cells of memory, and a steadier battles, including Waterloo-4,740-with the lodging when there, than any of the other organs? number killed by cholera in London in 1848-49 Pictures, poetry, thoughts, hatred, love, promises,14,139-we find a difference of 9,399 in favor are, of course, all more fleeting than tunes! These we may let be buried for years; they never moulder in the grave; they come back as fresh as ever; yet showing the depth at which they have lain, bythe secret associations of joy or sorrow they bring with them. There is no such a pitiless invoker of the ghost of the past, as one bar of melody that has been connected with them; there is no such a sigh escapes from the heart, as that which follows in the train of some musical reminiscence.-LILY OF THE VALLEY. Anecdote of a Cricket.-One day, while sitting by the side of a large fire in the kitchen of a farm-house, I observed a cricket steal out of its hiding-place (which is rather unusual in the daytime), and begin to eat a little bit of bread which had fallen by the side of the grate. Happening to turn my head the other way, I saw what I mistook, at first sight, to be a round piece of war. In cholera visitations, 12 per cent., sometimes 20 per cent., of the medical men employed, died. The London missionaries die as fast as those in foreign countries, and there are some districts in London which make the Mission Society ask themselves whether they have any right to send men into them? From the returns of 12 unions, it is found that 3,567 widows and orphans are chargeable to the cholera of 1848-9; entailing an expenditure of £121,000 in four years only.-WILLIAM P. Remarks on Beauty.-The ideas that most people entertain about beauty are ridiculously absurd. The eye is pleased ere the mind be consulted. Beauty is in fact a snare, luring thousands to their ruin. Connected with this subject, I send you an extract or two from the pen of an accurate observer of life. There seems, he truly says, to be a curse upon physical |