tend to restore unto them tranquility we take our stand on an iminence— and hush them to repose. how grand the scene before us : Even the stagnant pool is capable in the distance, we observe the of affording amusement and instruc- splendid city, with its thousand tion to the attentive observer of na- spires and princely habitations ; ture. It is in these reservoirs that around us we notice the variegated we behold the seemingly insignifi- landscape, interspersed with hill and cant mona, the lowest link in the dale; and the mighty river rolling great chain of animal life, a mere in splendour at our feet, while the inflated bladder, floating among continual motion of the vessels that myriads of animalcule, some of glide along its silvery surface adds which are of the most complicated considerably to the beauty of the forms. Here, also, we become appearance. acquainted with the polypi, the connecting link between the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and which possesses properties peculiar to each; and here we may be gratified in the various movements of the vari How superb the ocean-that liquid world, in which the immense whale sports with amazing facility, and "Where the dim ships like shadows ride,” ous tribes the gradations by which when illuminated by the faint they rise one above another, and twinkling of the starry host. voracity with which the larger de- How tranquil is the bright surface vour the smaller species,—and this, when nought terminates the view too, in the small space of a single but the mingling elements of air drop. How overwhelming is this and water. How appalling when consideration! What vast extents the wind, skimming fearfully along of animal existence does this open the surface, raises it into immense to the imagination; for, if myriads waves, the frail bark rises to the of these minute beings exist in a summit, and is then engulfed in single drop of water, how numerous the abyss. The vivid lightning must be the individuals that inhabit glares, the thunder rolls in awful the immense number of reservoirs that may be found in the world! peals, and the tempest, arriving at its utmost fury, the helpless mariThe view of a magnificent river ners are terrified with the dreadful is calculated to aflord us considera- prospect before them, and their efble gratification. On the banks we forts to save themselves from apperceive the active tradesmen at- proaching destruction, are paralyzed tending to the busy concerns of the with fear. The fury of the contendday, and every one who is passing ing elements has destroyed their appears to be intent on the business vessel, they sink in the overwhelmin which he happens to be engaged. ing flood, and none are left to tell Survey the magnificent Thames- the dreadful tale: nor will any small wherries and barges, swift- light be thrown on such affective sailing vessels, and the more rapid incidents, until the earth shall dissteamer, the stately merchantman, close her slain, and the ocean shall and the stupendous East Indiaman, give up her dead. floating on its silver bosom. Here For the rural, magnificent, and are ships from every nation, and the terrific appearances that we have just produce of every clime are, by their glanced at, we are indebted to the means, brought to our shores. If useful class of gases, as before many are THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE MONTHS. With Astronomical Notices. By Professor DEWHURST, F. E. S. L., Lecturer on Astronomy, and Natural Philosophy, &c. * FEBRUARY. THE earlier part of this month may still be called winter; though sometimes the cold abates. But such has not been the case this year. The sun acquires more power, so that days are sensibly lengthened. The the snow and ice may be slowly melted. noticed; for although the verdure of the rural landscape is produced by the soil in which the plants contributing thereto found, yet, without the assistance of these substances, there would be no vitality, and, consequently, no verdure. This, in a most beautiful manner, illustrates the dependence of one part of nature on another. In the existence of a single plant, how substances enter into its constitution; the rain from the clouds above, consisting of some of the gaseous elements in a combined state, moisten the earth, and reduce to a liquid form the various minerals, and other substances that are dispersed therein, and which they are capable of acting on by the process of solution. This solution enters the vessels of the root, and ascends through the stem to the leaves, where it is presented to the action of the air. Here it is fitted for the purpose of nourishing The following were the astronomical the plant, and returns by a set of other vessels to the root, distribut-phenomena during the last month :— ing, in its course, a due portion to every part by which the individual is augmented, and the principle of vitality kept up. In this circulation of the juice, we perceive the necessity of the agency of the gases, both by conveying solid particles of nourishment into the plant, and elaborating the sap when presented to Occasionally, a sudden thaw occurs, with a south wind and rain, which dissolves the snow. Torrents of water descend from the hills: every little brook and rill at this time is swelled to a large stream; and the ice is swept away with great violence from the rivers. Yet, the frost often returns with a greater intensity, with heavy falls of fresh snow, and thus, alternate changes take place during most part of this month. PHASES, OR CHANGES OF THE MOON. First Quarter-1st day-5h. 34m. aftern. Full Moon-9th day-1h. 52m. aftern. Last Quarter-17th day-5h. 39m. aftn. New Moon-24th day-0h. 8m. aftern, On the 11th, Jupiter was in conjunction with the moon, and Venus, which, during this month, was an evening star, and in perihelium on her nearest distance from the sun. 12th-Mercury was at his greatest But all these active agents are elongation; and on the 17th, Saturn only instruments under the control was in his quadratures with the Sun, and guidance of a superior power. and in conjunction with the moon. The primitive agency of the varied 20th.-Mars in his perihelium. 22nd. phenomena which the world exhi--Mercury in conjunction with the bits, can only be found in the great Moon. 24th.-Mars in conjunction and eternal GOD. their action in the leaves. with the Sun and the Moon, as was also Uranus with our Satellite; the planet Venus was in conjunction * Owing to an accident, this was omitted last month-it has therefore been slightly altered, and is now inserted, that the series might not be broken, EDITOR. with the moon on the 25th, and Uranus on the 27th with the Sun. MARCH. "Winter still ling'ring on the verge of Spring, Retires reluctant, and from time to time Looks back, while at his keen and chilling breath, Fair Flora Sickens." WE are now in the third month of the year, when the sun has acquired sufficient power, so that on a clear day, we often feel all the genial influence of Spring, though the naked shrubs and trees still give the landscape the comfortless appearance of Winter. But soft pleasant weather in March is seldom of long duration, for "As yet the trembling year is unconfirm'd, And Winter oft at eve resumes the breeze; Chills the pale moon, and bids his driving sleets Deforms the day delightless." Various signs of returning Spring occur at different times in February. Ewes begin to drop their lambs at the end of this month. The Mole (Talpa Europea) commences his operations as soon as the earth is softened, and burrows in every possible direction, in order to capture its chief food,-viz., earth-worms, and the roots of plants. Many plants emerge from under ground in February, although very few flowers adorn our fields or gardens; and, during the past month, the intensity of the frost has prevented the gardener paying attention to his land. Those in flower are-viz., the Green Hellebore, sometimes called the black (Helleborus viridis), the Crocus (Crocus Sativa), the Primrose Some birds from northern climes, (Primula Vulgaris), the Yellow who took refuge here, now begin to Celandine, or common lesser Pile- leave us and return to their native wort, the Daisy (Bellis pernnris). homes. The red-wing, woodcock, Dr. Mason, the author of the Book fieldfire, and thrush, are of this naof Nature, thus observes, respecting ture, and who spend their summer the daisyin Norway, Sweden, and other parts of the north. The gannets or soland geese, now resort to breed in the Scottish isles, in such numbers as almost to cover the whole surface of the ground with their eggs and young. The mellow note of the thrush, who sings on the bough of some lofty tree, is heard at the beAccording to Dr. Forster, the ginning of this month; at the same Snow-drop (Galanthus nivalis), is time the ring-dove cooes in the almost proverbially constant on woods. The rookery is now all in Candlemas day- appearing blos- motion, the inhabitants being still soming through the snow, and employed in building and repairevolving its white and pendant ing nests; and highly amusing it flowers in accordance with those is, to observe the tricks and artinatural laws dictated for its guidance fices of this predatory order of the by omnipotence. "Not worlds on worlds, in phalanx deep, For who but HE who arch'd the skies, Could raise the daisy's purple bud." "Already now the snow-drop dares appear, feathered tribe; some to defend, and others to plunder, the necessary materials for their new habitations. Frogs (Genus Rana), which, during winter, are torpid at the bottom of ponds or ditches, early in this month, rise to the surface of the water in great numbers. The smelts or sparlings begin to run up the rivers in order to spawn. The following are the astronomical phenomena for this month :— THE MOON'S PHASES. "Which comes before the swallow dares, and takes The winds of March with beauty." Besides the hazel, the fallow now enlivens the hedges with its catkins full of yellow dust, and the alder trees with male and female flowers. Honey-suckle leaves are fully expanded. The peach, nectarine, almond, cherry, and apricot trees, are in full bud this month. The gardeners are employed in pruning trees, digging and manuring beds, and sowing seeds for the flower and kitchen garden. The farmer ploughs the land, and, if fair weather continues, proceeds to sow his oats and barley, though it is seldom completed until the next month. The importance of a dry season for sowing, is expressed in the old proverb "A bushel of March dust is worth a king's ransom." First Quarter-3rd day-6h. 35m. morn. Full Moon-11th day-8h. 39m. morn. Last Quarter-19th day-6h. 31m. morn. New Moon-25th day-9h. 45m. morn. 4th. Jupiter will be in opposition to the Sun. 5th. Venus will be in her inferior conjunction with the Sun. 10th. Jupiter will be in conjunction with the Moon. 12th. Mercury in conjunction with Venus. 14th. The same in conjunction with Uranus. 17th. Saturn will be in conjunction with the Moon. 21st. Sun enters Aries - Spring commences, being the Vernal Equinox. 23rd. Venus in conjunction with the Moon. Mercury in conjunction with An equality of day and night takes Mars. 24th. Uranus in conjunc-place during this month, when the tion with the moon. 25th. Mars sun is an equal time above and below and the Moon in conjunction, also the horizon. The morning and Mercury with the latter. On this evening twilight make apparent day day there will be a total eclipse of considerably longer than the night. the Sun invisible in England; but This is the vernal equinox. At visible on the western coast of South these times, storms and tempests America, and islands in the South are very frequent, when they have Pacific Ocean. 30th. Mercury in always been the terror of mariners; superior conjunction with the Sun. in fact, March winds are boisterous During the mild days in the middle and vehement to a proverb. of this month, the Hive Honey Bees (Apis Mellifria), venture out of their hives in search of food from flowers. The gardens are gay with crocuses, the mezereon shrubs are beautiful, the fields are green with springing grass, but few wild flowers as yet appear. Daisies, however, are sprinkled over dry pastures; and the moist banks of ditches are enlivened with the glossy star-like yellow flowers of pilewort. Towards the end of the month, the violet perfumes the surrounding air-also the daffodil, Verulam Cottage, Pentonville. WEEP NOT FOR THE DEAD! He has rent the thin garments of life The darkness has fled from above; "Who have rent the robes of life." Pocock. From the Persic. The lyre he oft sounded below And the chord that responded to sighs. 'Ah me! but I mourn for him still; Ah! would that he now were with me! O why? on yon glittering hill, Behold! he is waiting for thee. He has drunk of the chalice of grief; But rejoice that so brief was his pain. On his brow is the chaplet of youth, On his cheek are the blushes of love, On his lips are the accents of truth, And the songs they have taught him above. And music is thrilling his soul, And beauty is wooing his eye, He is gazing on waters that roll O'er verdure that never can die. Why, then, art thou weeping for him? Weep rather for those who remain ! Weep for life so sad, cheerless, and dim, Not for death with its glory and gain. M. N. THOUGHTS ON THE IMMORTALITY OF In that bright world beyond the skies, } They spring to new and heavenly birth, Who would not wish to leave the scene SURVEY OF BOOKS. our Magazine, it may be desirable that we should say a word or two on the subject. We have not yet been favoured with a perusal, but we know that it has been highly commended by the adjudicators, and from Rev. Dr. Cox, we have no doubt that it will the eminent reputation of its author, the be worthy of general attention. In our next number, we hope to have an opportunity of reviewing it at some length. At present we wish to urge upon all our friends, who are in any way connected with us, the importance of obtaining for the work as wide a circulation as possible, both as regards the various societies and the interests of young men in general. The Committee of the Parent Society have been put to considerable expense to elicit the talent employed in its production, and it is hoped that the various Branches and Associations will not be backward in exerting their influence to make the Essay as useful as it deserves to be. The Secret Disciple encouraged to avow his Master. By the Rev. G. WATSON. Of all the books that appear in this bookmaking age, how few directly tend to advance the best interests of human beings. Works upon Philosophy, Science, and Theology, are more learned, profound, and logical, and the study of the Holy Scriptures receives more light from history and research, than at any period since the commencement of the Christian aera; but we look in vain for the prototypes of such works as those of Baxter, of Howe, and of Doddridge, which seek to renew the heart and to adorn the man with the clusters of holiness. We fear that the pulpit is not exempt from this defect. Its discourses may be more enlightened, more argumentative, and more elegant in general, but they want the vitality-the unction-the appeal-the individuality, which characterised the sermons of those days. Not that we would undervalue the importance of first principles and fundamental truths, and of all the illumination they may derive from investigation and discovery;-we wish to see them living in and actuating the souls and lives of those around us. A wise and faithful minister - a pious and gifted author-who wishes to speak and write, not for the honours of Time, but for the glories of Eternity, must desire to convey practical truth to the bosoms and affections The Prize Essay, "On the Claims of of men, that they may be to them " 'the Young Men." by Rev. F. A. Cox, D.D. ministers of God for good." This can only L.L.D. &c. &c. Ball, Paternoster Row. be effected under the blessing of the divine As the Prize Essay is to appear, we under-spirit, by endeavouring to discern the exact stand, about the same time as this number of position of their hearers in the moral scale of |