and if we can serve you, or any of you, how happy shall we be! With respect to your chickens, the season has much to do with their sudden death. You must vary their food. Give them a change of boiled rice (served warm); boiled potatoes (also warm), and a little roasted butchers' meat, chopped fine. Be sure to keep them warm in their habitations at night; and let them have free access to plenty of pure spring water. Their regular diet of barley and oats, mixed, may be given as usual, once a day, and what we have prescribed will form an agreeable change. Above all things, be careful to keep your poultry-houses well cleansed. More chickens die from want of cleanliness, whilst roosting, than from any other cause whatever. The stench from below engenders, as it rises, an incurable disorder. By the way, Miss Sarah, if the weather continues as it is at the present time of writing, we imagine that your prayer for us and our JOURNAL to "live for ever," will be rendered vain. We have lived in the hope of a change, till hope has almost given up the ghost; and left us hardly the materiality of a washed-out shadow.]

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A

Tame Squirrels with Tin Collars, "Wrinkle." The good-natured Public, Mr. Editor, little imagine whilst buying a tame squirrel with a tin collar in the street, that the latter, if not removed, will soon destroy the former. But it is so. Every Spring, squirrel selling is made a trade of. Young ones are caught, and placed under cats, whose kittens are first destroyed. The cats of course suckle them, and they thrive. They are then used to lap milk, and to eat bread soaked in it. Previous to being sent up for the London market, a piece of tin, vandyked, is placed over their respective heads. Under this, a piece of red cloth is fastened, to hide the cruelty practised by the tightness of the collar. No sooner are these little creatures exposed for sale, by boys in smock-frocks, ("just come from the woods!") than they find ready purchasers. They are then fed on nuts, bread-and-milk, and fruit of all sorts. The consequence is, they are very shortly afterwards attacked by ulcerated sore throats, and found choked at the bottom of their cages. With these collars on, they cannot bite; nor eat without sensible pain. This very Spring, I have purchased one of these little fellows, and lost him of course. It was this that induced me to pursue the inquiry, the result of which I now send you pro bono. I recently asked one of these "smock-frock" gentry, why he did not tell his customers to remove the collars?" No-ah!" replied he, "If ar deed thart, um wouldn't die, and ar couldn't sell no mo-ar on um!" Let us hope after this, Mr. Editor, that we shall assist in diminishing cruelty

to these dumb animals at least.-EOLUS.

FEMALE EDUCATION.-Is it not a matter for surprise, that while young ladies are so sedulously taught all the accomplishments that a husband disregards, they are never taught the great one he would prize? They are taught to be exhibitors abroad; whereas he wants a companion at home.

NOTES OF A JOURNEY TO LONDON.

BY THE AUTHOR OF A COLD." AMONG THE MANY PAST PERIODS of our existence round which memory delights to hover, there are always a few pre-eminently attractive, and enlinked with a thousand tender associations. Of these, the day on which we may be said to have commenced the voyage of life, remains pictured on the heart, in colors that outlast the wear of years. The hopes and dreams which then gathered round the mind, panting for exertion,- the visions of triumph and renown that fancy dimly traced; and, above all, the last and sacred interview with those who have reared us from the cradle up to manhood's bloom; these are the favorite subjects of our retrospective hours; and, though often remembered, seldom become wearisome. Such, at least, is the case with some of us. Some eventful years have rolled away since I left a faithful guardian, to fight my battles amid the wide world, in all the pride of inexperience and romantic enthusiasm. It was on a bright summer's evening, and the clouds that garlanded the sky, the breezes that played in the air, and the glance of mingled sorrow and delight with which I gazed on the beautiful suburbs of B, while the vehicle rattled carelessly by them, still linger fresh on my memory. As the coach-no railways had we then-toiled slowly up a beetling hill that overhung the town, I turned round to take one "longing, lingering look." Before me lay one of the most splendid cities in the universe, embosomed in a valley, whose surrounding hills were dotted with cottages that now glittered beautifully in the sun. Here might be seen the shattered relic of a castle, with ivy clinging faithfully to its iron window-gaps; and there the white face of some stately mansion gleaming through the trees. From its peculiar situation, and the reverent tint of its houses, it looked imposingly grand, viewed from an eminence. The sunshine mingling with the livid smoke, flung a silky dimness over the piles; softening their shadows, and increasing their stateliness. Crescents fronted with vine-trellis, parades with their smooth broad pavements; and here and there an ancient steeple, frowning with melancholy sublimity over all, arrested and delighted the eye. To finish the picture; to the left were seen occasional glimpses of the Avon, flashing along its snaky course beneath the shades of alders and drooping briars. All this, how ever, soon grew shapeless in the dim distance

house after house sank from the gaze-and then I silently and sorrowfully took my seat.

The first object that attracted the eyes of the passengers, was a dying horse. To make a serious matter of such a subject, will excite

the smile of some readers; but it would not, had they witnessed the scene. The day had been remarkably sultry-the breezes were impregnated with heat, as they passed over the parched earth,-and scarce a pond was to be seen without exhibiting half of its bosom crusted with mud. Amid such sultriness, a poor horse, oppressed with toil, had dropped on the road. Upon a withered patch of grass, the fine animal struggled in the agonies of death; his broad sides heaved up and down with a reluctant motion; his limbs quivered, till by degrees each wrestle of life became more faint; his mane hung over his veinswollen neck, and then with ears momentarily upshot, he turned his red eye-balls with a fiery expression on his master, swelled forth a groan, and died. I shall never forget the laborer's look, as he stood, dumb and motionless, by his beast; it was the eloquent sorrow of affection, rather than selfish regret for his mere loss; he appeared unconscious of the passing coach, and, with a drooping head, gazed intensely on the animal; his eye seeming filled with the collected gratitude of years for his services.

A boisterous but heart-warm exclamation of pity from a tar, seated before me, soon diverted my attention. He appeared an openhearted fellow, fraught with all the amiable, but blunt, qualities of an English sailor. It was delightful to observe the joy that glittered in his eye, from time to time, as he turned to his wife, who held a punchy boy on her lap: it was evident, too, that he had just returned from a voyage his natty round straw hat, with its ribbon dallying with the wind, the snug blue jacket and clean Russiaduck trowers, all proclaimed him newly rigged out for a little sport on land. His face was somewhat seamed; but there was a generous feeling playing about his features, and lighting them up into manly expressiveness. Though not exactly conceited, he was aware that he was no disgrace to his Majesty's navy; sometimes he would exhibit his small foot, by swinging it heedlessly over the coach, and then, with a preparatory bridling of the head, he would strain down the collar of his jacket, take a look at the nosegay stuck in his button-loop, then clap his powder-veined hands together, and conclude by parentally pinching the cheek of his son, as much as to say-"Go it, my boy! I hope you'll make such another as your father!"

There was more politeness in this unsophisticated specimen of good-nature, than in half the courtiers of the land. Assuredly, it was not very delicate; but it held the same control over the stranger's heart. He could not possibly sit quiet-now he was gazing across the shadowy fields, now hailing a traveller with a jocose salute, and then looking round about on the passengers, with a dumb

request for them to share in his happiness. He was ready to make all the world as contented as himself. To the coachman he was particularly liberal with his services, being ever active in supplying the place of a guard, by well-timed "hollos !" when carts or closed turnpikes threatened any interruption. The hills were a considerable relief to his restless hilarity; in a breath he was down on the road to secure the drag, and then " up again," with infinite facility.

Being seated at the hinder part of the coach, I had little opportunity of observing the remainder of the passengers: there was one, however, by my side, whom I shall never forget-one of those interesting beings, who, though strangers, never fail to fix themselves in our memory. Who, or what she was, it was impossible to determine;-her dress, mien, and other nameless attributes of good breeding, betrayed her of no mean rank. Her countenance was almost beyond beautiful : it added to the grace of expression a delicate tinge of melancholy. Once, with great gen tleness, I endeavored to entice her into conversation, by resorting to the Englishman's introductory topic: she replied,but it was with a brevity that hinted her wish to enjoy her thoughts. Once, in particular, I saw her cast her eye, with intense meditation, athwart the landscape. It was one of those looks that reveal the course of the imagination :— hers seemed, at that moment, to be travelling into distant lands, perhaps voyaging across the ocean, and hovering round a wavetossed vessel that contained some cherished friend. She gazed in this manner for several minutes, till a tear stole into her eye, and then, as if awakening from a dream, she wiped it away, and resumed her previous calm. The temporary bustle at the inn now intruded agreeably on the monotony of a long journey; as the coach rested here for a quarter of an hour, we all alighted except the interesting stranger. Every entreaty failed to persuade; and she sat quietly in her seat while the rest went to exhilirate themselves with requisite cheer. Not feeling any inclination to join them, I preferred pacing outside the inn, and enjoying the beauty of the night. The meadows were now glittering with the night dews, as if studded with diamonds, and the moon was in her watch-tower, coloring all around with a blue radiance. The trees in their shadowy groups, appeared truly beautiful; while at a distance might be heard the tinkle of a team, winding the round-roofed wagon along the moonlit road. In the midst of this, my attention was called to a still more pleas ing sight. Spite of all the "lady's" previous rejections of refreshments, the mariner, in the plenitude of his warm-heartedness, determined on another trial. For this purpose, he had prepared a tumbler full of spirits and

By five in the morning, the suburbs of London came in prospect; there was a mist, however, rolling about in the air, in wavy phantoms, that for awhile curtailed the view, at last, the sun's prevailing rays melted it all away; and then innumerable houses, and towers, and walls, and waving flags, rose on the eye, all brightening into bold effect beneath the influence of the sunshine. At this moment, a detachment of the horse-guards rode by on their majestic steeds, and in their commanding regimentals. It was the first time I had seen this regiment, and therefore, the impression they made was the more forcible. I could almost have imagined them, as they approached with that dignity inseparable from gigantic form and graceful posture, an array of monumental statues, that had left their pedestals, and started into life!

I was now informed that we were in "London!" What a thrill that word shot through every part of my body!-Here then was the "city of the soul," the cynosure of all my boyish hopes the wondrous place, where I had so often travelled in my dreams of enthusiasm. This was the ground hallowed by genius!-the nursing mother of the mighty! Yes!-thought I (oblivious for a moment of the stern realities of my lot)—and I will make my name to be heard amongst its countless multitudes-I-but there these Alnascharlike aspirations were checked, by an unceremonious jerk from the coach, that had now arrived at its destination.

What a singular influence the situation of the person has on the feelings! I had no sooner deposited myself on the ground, than all lofty aspiration evaporated, and left me perfectly awake to my present condition. Oh! the blank, cold misery of arriving in town, unknown and ungreeted, while all around is an atmosphere of bustle and joy!

There is an undefinable sensitiveness about us, for the first few moments after our arrival in a strange town. The merry countenances, and the unrestrained stir of business and pleasure on all sides, appear a heartless mockery of our own dismal and dreamy aspect. For five minutes, I stood half bewildered amid the indefinite concourse that surrounded the hotel at Piccadilly. Here was a monotonous-looking farmer, moving about like a living rick from his own yard-and there, was a peevish old gentleman, poking his way through the crowd with a family walking-stick, while behind him some despe

by this ingenuous memento, I deposited my trunk and "self" in a cab, and proceeded in search of lodgings.

Of my further adventures, more anon.

PRIZE RABBITS.

The Fancy Rabbit Show.

THE "Metropolitan Fancy Rabbit Club" have just held their twentieth session, at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street; and we never recollect seeing the room more numerously filled, nor finer specimens of rabbits exhibited for the decision of the Judges.

and presided as he always does over the Dr. Handey was, as usual, in the chair, meeting, with much good humor, and a thorough zest for the " fancy" in which he so much delights. He was ably supported by Mr. Wynne, in the vice-chair.

The Chairman, after dwelling a little on the utility of the society, and eulogising the harmony that prevailed among the members of this club in particular, called on the business of the evening.

On the prize animals being brought forward, one by one, for exhibition, the admiration expressed was most lively. They were certainly beautiful creatures. In our days of boyhood we used to think certain of the breed then very handsome; but the perfection to which they are now brought, exceeds the power of description.

The number of prizes awarded was ten. These were granted for "length of ears;' the best black and white; best yellow and white; best tortoise-shell; best blue and white; best grey and white; also for selfcolors, and for weight.

Mr. Herring, the animal painter, carried off the first prize, for his tortoise-shell buck. Although only four months and fifteen days old, its ears measured 20 inches in length, by 43 inches in breadth. The other successful aspirants were Messrs. Bancks, Littleton, Arnold, Cavendish, Bird, and Locke.

To some of these were awarded double prizes. We may also mention that, in several instances, two animals were so closely alike, that both their owners had prizes given them.

We should indeed be wanting in observation, did we neglect to particularise the buck shown in the course of the evening by its owner, Mr. Arnold. It was a lovely fawn-color, and its ears measured 20 inches

by 5 inches. Its sire is still living, and in the possession of Anthony Bancks, Esq. As a remarkable animal, this deserves separate mention. It was the admiration of the whole room.

The Judges were Messrs. William Jones, Payne, Lock, and Bird. On the health of the Chairman being given, that gentleman responded in a manner in which none but himself can respond; he was all heart, all enthusiasm. Of course the "Judges" were also toasted; and, on their behalf, Mr. William Jones" came out" in a neat speech, comprising volumes of meaning in a nutshell of space; the true art of oratory. He was loudly applauded. The remainder of the evening being devoted to bilarity, joviality, and good fellowship, we of course evaporated. Late hours, to US, are a terror.

Had the room not been so densely crowded, we should have asked the chairman to have furnished us with the age and measurement of each particular rabbit. could not get near him. However, we will procure it forthwith.

Notable Things.

When found, make a note of.-CAPT'N CUTTLE.

We

men.

First Spring, gentle Spring, hastens on to its duty,

Its birds, buds, and blossoms, its sunshine and showers; Then Summer bursts forth in ethereal beauty, With songs of enchantment, and paths strew'd with flowers.

Rich Autumn next claims our warm admiration, Luxuriant in glory, in grandeur sublime;

And Winter has charms in its wild desolation,

Its bright sparkling icicles form'd by the rime.
All nature is beautiful, free from confusion;
Seed time and Harvest glide gracefully by,
Oh, tremble, ye Atheists, own your delusion,-
Learn wisdom from Heaven, Earth, Ocean, and
Sky.

Let fashion's mad votaries boast of enjoyment,
And rush madly onward,-we envy them not,
From Nature we claim both delight, and employ-
ment,

Creation our study, contentment our lot.
Let slaves to ambition enjoy its deception,
And revel in pleasures that tend to destroy;
Dame nature we hail with a cordial reception,
And bask in the sunshine of Hope, Peace, and
Joy.

From proud forest trees, to the meek humble daisy,

Rocks, mountains, and valleys, Omnipotence

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DISTINCTIONS AND DIFFERENCES.

THE CROW AND THE ROOK.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN TOWNS, or pay little attention to these matters, would no doubt consider these two birds as one and the same, alike as they are in size and color, and seen, as they usually are, spread over our fields, or uttering their well-known cawings on the top of some hedge. They are, however, as distinct in their characters and habits as a hare and a rabbit. The real crow, commonly called the carrion crow, is the next link in the chain after the raven, which it resembles far more nearly than it does the rook. The male and his mate, for example, seldom associate with the rest of their species, except for particular purposes, but generally remain in pairs. Their favor ite food too, like the raven's, is carrion, and they will watch their opportunity, and pounce down on young lambs, or even sheep, when they find them what is called cast,— that is, thrown upon their backs in a furrow, and unable to rise. In these cases, the eye is the point which they first attack; but smaller living prey they will also attempt to carry off, to be devoured at leisure. A person walking near a plantation heard a shrill cry, and running in to find out the cause, discovered a crow fastening itself on a young rabbit, weighing from half to threequarters of a pound, which was making great efforts to release itself; but in vain, for the crow actually caught it up and bore it away across two or three fields. Such is their favorite food; but, when pressed by hunger, they will also feed on potatoes, barley, or, in short, whatever comes within their reach.

The rook, on the other hand, is a social bird,* passing its days with those relations

* To prove that the Rook is not altogether gregarious, and that certain members of their family are of retired habits and refined taste,

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and friends amongst whom it was born and bred; and for its food, preferring a vegetable diet, or such insects as it can collect under the sod of the meadow, or pick up in its progress over a fallow or fresh-ploughed field. There is one intermediate link seen, in parts of England, between the carrion crow and the rook-namely, the hooded-grey or Royston crow. They are clever birds, and when frequenting the sea-shore, in search of shell-fish, may be frequently seen, after vain attempts to break through the hard shell of a cockle or mussel, to seize it in their bill, mount with it to a great height, and then let it fall on a hard rock, by which it is broken, and the bird has nothing more to do than to reap the fruits of its forethought.

It is said that this species of crow will pair with the common crow, a proof how nearly allied the two species are; as it seems almost an established law of nature, one at least rarely infringed, that neither animals nor birds, essentially differing, however near may be their apparent resemblance, will ever breed together. One great difference, besides the color (which in the hooded crow is partly grey), is, that the latter is a regular migrating bird, that is, going and coming at certain times of the year, to certain districts. But even in this respect, the carrion crow has been known to resemble it in a slight degree: it having been remarked by a naturalist, that in the parish in which he resided no crows were

we may mention that a pair of these birds have left their companions and recently nested in our garden. Their young, three in number, are now busily occupied in flying among the high trees; and seem with their parents, to be as happy as birds can be. Our lofty pine trees afford refuge and safe-keeping to many other large birds. Magpies, jays, starlings, the woodpigeon, &c., abound during the season of incubation. The voice of the Rook is far from being discordant, indeed we have learned to listen to it with pleasure. It is delightful to have the various larger tribes so closely associated.-ED. K. J.