FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER in his description of the herbal of his "School- That in her garden sipped the silvery dew, * * * * * * * And lavender, whose spikes of azure bloom The daintiest garden of the proudest peer, associated, though their remains, less fitted for preservation, have failed to leave distinct trace behind them. We at least know generally that with each succeeding period there appeared a more extensively useful and various vegetation than that which had gone before. I have already referred to the sombre, unproductive character of the earliest terrestrial flora with which we are acquainted. It was a flora unfitted, apparently, for the support of either graminivorous bird or herbivorous quadruped. The singularly profuse vegetation of the Coal Measures was, with all its wild luxuriance, of a similar cast. So far as appears, neith er flock nor herd could have lived on its greenest and richest plains; nor does even the flora of the Oolite seem to have been in the least suited for the purposes of the shepherd or herdsman. Not until we enter on the Tertiary periods do we find floras amid which man might have profitably labored as a dresser of gardens, a tiller of fields, or a keeper of flocks and herds. Nay, there are whole orders and families of plants labiate family; which, though unfashionable All the plants here enumerated belong to the of the very first importance to man which do even in Shenstone's days, have still their pronot appear until late in even the Tertiary ages. ducts favourably received in the very best Some degree of doubt must always attach to society. The rosemary, whose banishment from merely negative evidence; but Agassiz, a geo- the gardens of the great he specially records, logist whose statements must be received with enters largely into the composition of eau de respect by every student of the science, finds Cologne. Of the lavenders, one species (Lavenreason to conclude that the order of the Rosacea dula vera) yields the well-known lavender oil, -an order more important to the gardener than and another (L. latifolia) the spike oil. The almost any other, and to which the apple, the peppermint (Mentha viridis) furnishes the essence pear, the quince, the cherry, the plum, the peach, so popular under that name among our conthe apricot, the nectarine, the almond, the rasp- fectioners; and one of the most valued perfumes berry, the strawberry, and the various bramble- of the East (next to the famous Attar, a proberries belong, together with all the roses and duct of the Rosaceae) is the oil of the Patchouly the potentillas-was introduced only a short plant, another of the labiates. Let me indulge, time previous to the appearance of man. the true grasses-a still more important order, remark. There have been classes of religionAnd ere quitting this part of the subject, in a single which, as the corn bearing plants of the agricul- ists, not wholly absent from our own country, turist, feed at the present time at least two-thirds and known on the Continent, who have deemed of the human species, and in their humbler it a merit to deny themselves every pleasure of varieties form the staple food of the grazing sense, however innocent and delicate. The exanimals scarce appear in the fossil state at all. cellent but mistaken Pascal refused to look upon They are peculiarly plants of the human pe- a lovely landscape; and the Port Royalist nuns argument, that they seemed as if warring with remarked, somewhat simply for their side of the Providence, seeing that the favors which he was abundantly showering upon them, they, in the stern law of their lives, were continually side of Providence against Pascal and the nuns, rejecting. But it is better, surely, to be on the than on the side of Pascal and the nuns against Providence. The great Creator, who has provided so wisely and abundantly for all his creatures, knows what is best for us infinitely better than we do ourselves; and there is neither sense nor merit, surely, in churlishly refusing to partake of that ample entertainment, sprinkled with delicate perfumes, garnished with roses, and crowned with the most delicious fruit, which we now know was not only specially prepared for us, but also got ready, as nearly as we can judge, riod. Let me instance one other family of which the fossil botanist has not yet succeeded in finding any trace in even the Tertiary deposits, and which appears to have been especially created for the gratification of human sense. the Rosacea, it exhibits no rich blow of color, Unlike or tempting show of luscious fruit: it does not appeal very directly to either the sense of taste or sight; but it is richly odoriferous; and, -hough deemed somewhat out of place in the garden for the last century and more, it enters argely into the composition of some of our most ashionable perfumes. I refer to the Labiate amily-a family to which the lavenders, the ints, the thymes, and the hyssops belong, with asil, rosemary, and marjorum-all plants of gray renown," as Shenstone happily remarks 1 1 1 for the appointed hour of our appearance at the such a powerful, mail-clad giant? What power feast. This we also know, that when the has she to do anything which could subject the Divine Man came into the world-unlike the monster to even the slighest inconvenience or Port Royalist, he did not refuse the temperate molestation? Her ordinary resort, that of fetuse of any of these luxuries, not even of that tering and binding her victim by throwing her "ointment of spikenard, very precious" (a pro- threads of cobweb around it, it is plain would duct of the labiate family), with which Mary anointed his feet.-Testimony of the Rocks. THE SPIDER AND THE SNAKE. be of no more avail here than the cords upon the limbs of the unshorn Samson. Aware that her accustomed mode of attack was useless, how did she acquire the knowledge and sagacity requisite for devising another, adapted so exactly to the case in hand-one depending upon the It would seem that there is no living thing so structure and habits of the serpent to aid in renobnoxious as not to find some admirers. What dering it successful? How was she able to creatures so repulsive as rats and spiders! Yet perceive that it was in her power to wind a loop the London Quarterly finds something beauti- of threads around this creature's throat, despite ful and even loveable in the former, and Dr. of all his endeavors to foil her in this work-a Asa Fitch, in Harper's Monthly, labors to show loop of sufficient strength to hold him securely, that the latter "delicate little objects" are notwithstanding his struggles and writhings, unworthy of our esteem and admiration! He denies til, by her tackle-like power, she could gradually that their bite is fatal to any save insects, and hoist him up from the floor, thus literally hangextols their agility, adroitness, sagacity, and ing him by the neck till he was dead? This heroism, as worthy of all praise. In support of was the feat which this adroit little heroine these views, he tells the following curious story actually performed-a feat beside which all the concerning a heroic spider who captured a snake. fabled exploits of Hercules, in overpowering The affair came off last summer, in the store of lions, serpents, and dragons, sink into utter Charles Cook, in the village of Havana, Che-insignificance! And who can say that in the mung county, N. Y., and is attested by the Hon. planning and execution of this stupendous A. B. Dickinson, of Corning, "who himself achievement, there was not forethought, reasonwitnessed the phenomenon, as did more than a ing, a careful weighing of all the difficulties and hundred other persons." dangers, and a clear perception, in the mind of this little creature, that she possessed the ability to accomplish what she undertook; in short, an exercise of faculties of a much higher order than the mere instinct which is commonly supposed to guide and govern these lower animals in their movements? An ordinary-looking spider, of a dark color, its body not larger than that of a common housefly, had taken up his residence, it appears, on the other side of a shelf beneath the counter of Mr. Cook's store. What may we suppose was the surprise and consternation of this little animal, on discovering a snake, about a foot long, select- By what artifice the spider was able, in the ing for its abode the floor underneath, only two first of its attack, to accomplish what it did, we or three spans distant from its nest! It was a can only conjecture, as its work was not discovcommon silk snake, which, perhaps, had been ered until the most difficult and daring part of brought into the store unseen, in a quantity of its feat had been performed. When first seen, sawdust, with which the floor had been recently it had placed a loop around the neck of the "carpeted." The spider was well aware, no serpent, from the top of which a single thread doubt, that it would inevitably fall a prey to this was carried upward, and attached to the under horrid monster, the first time it should incauti- side of the shelf, whereby the head of the serously venture within its reach. We should pent was drawn up about two inches from the expect that, to avoid such a frightful doom, it floor. The snake was moving around and around would forsake its present abode, and seek a more incessantly, in a circle as large as its tether secure retreat elsewhere. But it is not improb- would allow, wholly unable to get its head down able that a brood of its eggs or young was secret-to the floor, or to withdraw it from the noose; ed near the spot, which the parent foresaw while the heroic little spider, exulting no doubt would fall a prey to this monster, if they were in the succss of its exploit-which was now sure abandoned by their natural guardian and pro- beyond a peradventure was ever and anon pastector. We can conceive of no other motive sing down to the loop and up to the shelf, adwhich should have induced the spider so perti-ding thereby an additional strand to the thread, naciously to remain and defend that particular each of which strands, being tightly drawn, spot, at the imminent risk of her own life, when elevated the head of the snake gradually more she could have so easily fled, and established and more. herself in some secure corner elsewhere. But the most curious and skilful part of its But how, we may well ask, was it possible for performance is yet to be told. When it was such a weak, tender little creature to combat in the act of running down the thread to the FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. loop, the reader will perceive it was possible for the snake, by turning his head vertically upward, to snap and seize the spider in his mouth. This had no doubt been repeatedly attempted in the earlier part of the conflict, but, instead of catching the spider, his snakeship thereby had only caught himself in an additional trap. The spider, probably by watching each opportunity when the mouth of the snake had thus been turned toward her, adroitly, with her hind legs, as when throwing a thread around a fly, had thrown one thread after another over the mouth of the snake, so that he was now perfectly muzzled, by a series of threads placed over it vertically; and these were held from being pushed asunder by another series of threads placed horizontally, as my informant states he particularly observed. No muzzle of wire or wicker work for the mouth of an animal could be woven with more artistic regularity and perfection; and the snake, occasionally making a desperate attempt to open his mouth, would merely put these threads upon a stretch. The snake continued his gyrations, his gait becoming more slow, however, from weakness and fatigue; and the spider continued to move down and up on the cord, gradually shortening it, until, at last, when drawn upward so far that only two or three inches of the end of his tail touched the floor, the snake expired-about six days after he was first discovered. A more heroic feat than that which this little spider performed is probably nowhere upon record-a snake a foot in length hung by a common house spider! Truly, the race is not to the swift, nor is the battle to the strong! And this phenomenon may serve to indicate to us that the intelligence with which the Creator has endowed the humblest, feeblest of his creatures, is ample for enabling them to triumph in any emergency in which he places them, if they but exercise the faculties he has given them. It is only the slothful, cowardly, timorous, that fail; and they fail not so much before their enemies as before their own supineness. PHILADELPHIA MARKETS. FLOUR AND MEAL.-Their is rather more inquiry for flour, but current rates are still $5 25 for standard sion of this Institution will commence on the 16th of HENRY W. RIDGWAY, Crosswicks P. O., Burling- ton Co., N. J. 10th mo. 3-3 m. BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, near the Chel road. ton Hills Station, on the North Pennsylvania Rail and continue 16 weeks, where the usual branches of an English education will be taught, and every attenGayner Heacock will open a school 12th mo. 7th, tion paid to the health and comfort of the children. Terms $40. No extra charges. Books furnished at the usual prices. Address JOSEPH HEACOCK, Jenkintown P. O., Montgomery Co., Penna. 9 mo. 26-8 t. G Union-Ville, Chester County, Pa., nine miles south west of West Chester, and sixteen north west from Wilmington; daily stages to and from the latter' and tri-weekly from the former place. The winter term will commence on the 2d of 11th mo. next, and embraces all the usual branches, comprising a thorough English Education, Drawing included. Terms: $57, continue twenty weeks. The course of instruction Pens, Ink and Lights. The French, Latin and Greek including Board, Washing, Tuition, use of Books, and competent teachers, one a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of a popular College in that Languages taught at $5 each, extra, by experienced State, whose qualifications have gained her a place amongst the highest rank of teachers. The house is and comfort to thirty-five or forty pupils. large, and in every way calculated to secure health REEN LAWN SEMINARY is situated near For Circulars, address EDITH B. CHALFANT, Principal. L YOUNG MEN AND BOYS. It is intended ONDON GROVE BOARDING SCHOOL FOR brands. Sales to retailers and bakers, for fresh ground EL at $5 30 a $ per bbl., and fancy brands from $61 up GRAIN. The receipts of Wheat continue light, and there is very little demand for it. Southern red is held at $1 25 a $1 26, and $1 35 a $1 36 for good white; only a few samples were sold. Rye sells at 70 c. Cornis dull, with sales of yellow at 73 a 75 cents in store. Delaware oats are in fair supply at 32, and Penna. 34 cents per bushel. CLOVERSEED-The demand hts fallen off, with sales at 4 62 a 4 75 per 64 lbs. Timothy is bringing 2 25 per bushel. Of Flaxseed the market is bare, and it is wanted at $1 70 cents per bushel. W anted a male teacher for a Friends' School at Westfield, Burlington County, N. J. For further LDRIDGE HILL BOARDING SCHOOL.—The and boys) of this Institution, will open on the 9th of Winter session (for the education of young men and continue 20 weeks. 11th mo., are thoroughly taught by the most approved methods of Also the elements of the Latin and French languages. Those wishing to enter will please make early application. cular. For full particulars address the Principal for a cir- Eldridge Hill, Salem County N. J. 8 mo. 29, 1857-8 w. Merrihew & Thompson, Prs.,Lodge St., North side Penna. Bark Communications must be addressed to the Publisher No. 34. addressed the following letter to a gentleman who had attracted her notice after a public meeting at Ross, which, with a few extracts from one he wrote to her in reply, it is thought may prove both acceptable and instructive to some readers. Dear Friend, "Strange as it may appear for one who has free of expense, to whom all payments are to be made.no acquaintance with thee, to address thee-in EXTRACTS FROM THE LIFE OF MARY DUDLEY (Continued from page 515.) 17th of 6th mo. 1794, my dear mother thus writes from Enniscorthy. this manner, I feel persuaded that it will not be it proceeds from an apprehension that it may altogether unacceptable to thee, when I tell thee conduce to my peace; and seems pointed out as the best means to throw off some of the feelings which have attended my mind when thou hast "Though my bodily strength, as thou knowest, been presented to my view. It was I conceive, is not great, I have cause to be thankful that the the drawing cords of gospel love that influenced tabernacle is so supported as that th work of my heart to pay the present visit to these parts; the day is, I humbly trust, advanci hereir and not satisfied with coming to see how my I have peace so far in the pres embassy. brethren fared, I have been sensible, since enThe lines fall not in pleasant places, heritage tering into the field of labor herein, of the exis not goodly, and if we visit the sit must tension of the heavenly Father's love to His be in the prison house, where it too generally family universally; and have been engaged, lies. We attended Forest Meeting on first day, which was large and remarkably exercising to us, but through merciful assistance our minds obtained relief: we had a season of religious retirement in the evening in Jacob Goff's family, at whose hospitable mansion we lodged and were affectionately entertained. "Feeling about the inhabitants of Taghmon, a little town through which we passed, but where no room sufficiently large was to be found, they were invited to our Meeting House about half a mile distant; and on second day forenoon we assembled with a considerable number of the military, and others of different descriptions, who conducted themselves with solid attention, and through divine mercy it proved a memorable time. There was sensible liberty in declaring, and willingness to receive, the testimony of truth. At the conclusion some books were distributed, with which the people seemed so pleased that we saw several reclining on the grass as we passed by the fields, employed in reading them. Oh! that my heart may thankfully remember this favor, added to many others, and be engaged resignedly to pay those vows made in the day of trouble; for long indeed have I seen that sacrifices of this nature would be required at my hands. Before leaving Enniscorthy, my dear mother excitedat is truth?' with my beloved companion, to appoint Meetings which maketh manifest, it is in my heart to say | His kind, providential care of my poor soul. unto thee, dear friend, stand open to its unerring discoveries, and believe in its infallible teachings; for as this disposition prevails in us, we shall be instructed in all things appertaining to life and salvation. Yea, if no inferior medium conveyed any thing fully satisfactory, or sufficient to obviate the difficulties presenting to our view, I am persuaded from a degree of certain experience, that in this school of inward attention greater proficiency may be made in true and saving knowledge, than will be the case in a far longer space whilst our views are outward; as by ever so great exertion of the mental powers, things viewed in the light and eye of reason only may be decided in a very erroneous manner. Man, however enabled to write or speak on the most important points, can only help to convince the judgment and inform the understanding, but the divine principle wherewith we are mercifully favored, operates in a far more powerful manner; it not only speaks in us the intelligible language of conviction, but, whilst it discovers the reality, puts us in possession of it, and conveys such a soul-satisfying virtue that it allays the thirst for every inferior stream. Here that water being partaken of which Christ the indwelling fountain administers, we go not thither to draw, namely to that spot whence we derived something, but not fully adequate to the desire or thirst excited; because we feel, that whosoever drinketh of this unmixed spring it is in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. And you, my much esteemed friend in the gospel, as an ambassadress of Christ, and a messenger of the Lord to me for good, I salute with my heartfelt and grateful acknowledgments. "Through your ministry I received of the baptizing power of Christ; it quickened my soul, it reached, melted, and tendered my heart, and refreshed me as with the dew of heaven. Those feelings we cannot bring upon ourselves; it is the Lord only, either by Himself immediately, or His agent or agents sent with power from on high, that can effect such things. The earnest solicitude raised in you to write to me, the refreshment and comfort I received from your letter, my state pointed out in your sermon, the effect it had on my dear children and myself, all declare unto me the finger of the Lord in this matter, and that you have come unto us in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.' May we keep close to that light which maketh all things manifest, until it shines more and more unto the brightness and clearness of the perfect day, and so living in the light, we shall have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us all from sin all the blessed merits of His death, and all the life-giving influences of His Spirit, are to be had by being joined to this light, and walking in it; in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. : "Whatever others may do, as for me, my dear wife and children, may we serve the Lord with our whole hearts, and be engrafted into the true vine. To hear of our progress in true religion will, I am very certain, be highly pleasing to you. And now my respected friend, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace! Go on in the baptising power of the Lord. May we, every one of us, hold out unto the end and be saved, that so in the day when the Lord shall make up his jewels we may unitedly partake of the boundless ocean of everlasting glory and bliss. These are the fervent desires of your much obliged and sincere well-wisher." "Now, dear friend, what my mind feels deeply solicitous for is, that this may be thy favored experience; that the substantial part of true religion may be richly inherited by thee; that being a witness of the inward and spiritual baptism, as the door of initiation into the church, the mystical body of Christ, thou mayest become thereby a partaker, at the spiritual table, of the soul-sustaining 'bread of life,' and be nourished with the wine of the heavenly kingdom, comprehending the communion of saints, and being, through the power of truth, sanctified throughout body, soul and spirit, participate everlasting-ed ly of the treasures of the Lord's house; so desireth the heart of thy truly well-wishing friend, "Respected Friend, MARY DUDLEY. "For so I must call you, your very unexpected and highly welcome letter was delivered to me last Saturday evening. Just before I received it my mind was engaged on divine subjects, and on some particulars relative to which your letter seemed as a messenger from heaven: as such indeed I received it, and have been greatly affected by it; and from the altar of my heart I return praise and thanksgiving to that adorable Being who has, in numerous instances, shewn Near the close of this service, she was confined with a severe attack of indisposition, which tendgreatly to reduce her already exhausted frame; so that she returned home in a very weakly condition, and was for some time unequal to much exertion. Early in the 9th mo. however, she believed it required of her to enter again upon religious service, and was engaged in holding Public Meetings in several places within the compass of her own Monthly Meeting, as well as attending some Meetings for worship and discipline in Cork; and near the close of the year she set out with a prospect of more extensive labor in that county, having S. L. for a companion, as also her nephew J. G., he being again kindly disposed to act the part of a caretaker to his dedicated relative. During about four weeks which this journey |