In air, in floods, in caverns, woods, and plains, Blue crystal vault and elemental fires Thou tossing main, whose snaky branches wreathe dies Of dew-bespangled leaves and blossoms bright, Of all perceptions one abundant source Hence planets learn their course;- I say not DEVOUT ASPIRATION. Shield me Father, from distress," And there, my God! my King! unrivall'd sway; PRESCOTT, THE HISTORIAN. historical writing, to which, perhaps, the reading of Gibbon's autobiography contributed not a little. I proposed to make myself a historian in the best sense of the term, and hoped to produce something which posterity would not willingly let die. In a memorandum book, as far back as the year 1819, I find the desire intimated; and I proposed to devote ten years of my life to the study of ancient and modern literatures-chiefly the latter-and to give ten years more to some historical work. I have had the good fortune to accomplish this design pretty nearly within the limits assigned. In the Christmas of 1837, my first work, The History of Ferdinand and Isabella, was given to the public. "During my preliminary studies in the field of general literature, my eyes gradually acquired so much strength, that I was enabled to use them many hours of the day. The result of my studies at this time I was in the habit of giving in the form of essays in the public journals, chiefly in the North American, from which a number, quite large enough, have been transferred to a separate volume of miscellanies. Having settled on a subject for a particular history, I lost no time in collecting the materials, for which I had peculiar advantages. But, just before these materials arrived, my eye had experienced so severe a strain, that I enjoyed no use of it again for reading for several years. It has, indeed, never since fully recovered its strength, nor have I ever ventured to use it again by candlelight. I well remember the blank despair which I felt when my literary treasures arrived from Spain, and I saw the mine of wealth lying around me, which I was forbidden to explore. I determined to see what could be done with the eyes of another. I remembered that Johnson had said, in reference to Milton, that the great poet had abandoned his projected history of England, finding it scarcely possible for a man without eyes to pursue a historical work, requiring reference to various authorities. The The following, is a letter from Prescott, the Historian, to a friend, explaining the origin and extent of the difficulties under which it is well known he has labored in the composition of his histories. It is, says the Boston Journal, a pleasantly-related tale of a faithful pursuit of remark piqued me to make an attempt. knowledge under difficulties: 66 "I obtained the services of a reader who knew I suppose you are aware that, when in col-no language but his own. I taught him to prolege, I received an injury in one eye, which nounce the Castilian, in- an manner suited, I deprived me of the use of it for reading and suspect, much more to my ear than to that of a writing. An injudicious use of the other eye, Spaniard, and we began our wearisome journey on which the burden of my studies was now through Mariana's noble history. I cannot even wholly thrown, brought on a rheumatic inflam- now call to mind, without a smile, the tedious mation, which deprived me entirely of sight for hours in which, seated under some old trees in some weeks. When this was restored, the eye my country residence, we pursued our slow and remained in too irritable a state to be employed melancholy way over pages which afforded no in reading for several years. I consequently glimmering of light to him, and from which the abandoned the study of the law, upon which light came dimly struggling to me through a had entered; and, as a man must find something half-intelligible vocabulary. But in a few weeks to do, I determined to devote myself to letters, in which independent carcer I could regulate my own habits with reference to what my sight might enable me to accomplish. "I had early conceived a strong passion for the light became stronger, and I was cheered by the consciousness of my own improvement; and when we had toiled our way through seven quartos, I found I could understand the book, when read, about two-thirds as fast as ordinary English. My reader's office required the more patience; he had not even this result to cheer him in his labor. my writing case my best friend in my lonely hours, and with it have written nearly all that I have sent into the world the last forty years. FOSSIL INSECTS. "I now felt that the great difficulty could be "The manuscript thus written and decipherovercome; and I obtained the services of a reader ed-for it was in the nature of hieroglyphicswhose acquaintance with modern and ancient by my secretary, was then read to me for cortongues supplied, as far as it could be supplied, rection, and copied off in a fair hand for the the deficiency of eyesight on my part. But, printer. All this, it may be thought, was rather though in this way I could examine various a slow process, requiring the virtue of patience authorities, it was not easy to arrange in my in all the parties concerned. But in time my mind the results of my reading, drawn from dif- eyes improved again. Before I had finished ferent and often contradictory accounts. To do Ferdinand and Isabella' I could use them some this, I dictated copious notes as I went along; hours every day. And thus they have continued and when I had read enough for a chapter- from till within a few years, though subject to occasionthirty to forty, and sometimes fifty pages in al interruptions, sometimes of weeks, and somelength-I had a mass of memoranda in my own times of months, when I could not look at a language, which would easily bring before me, book. And this circumstance, as well as habit at one view, the fruits of my researches. These second nature-has led me to adhere still to notes were carefully read to me; and while my my early method of composition. Of late years recent studies were fresh in my recollection, II have suffered, not so much from inability of ran over the whole of my intended chapter in the eye as dimness of the vision, and the warnmy mind. This process I repeated at least half ing comes that the time is not far distant when a dozen times, so that when I finally put my pen I must rely exclusively on the eyes of another to paper, it ran off pretty glibly, for it was an for the prosecution of my studies. Perhaps it effort of memory rather than creation. This should be received as a warning that it is time method had the advantage of saving me from the to close them altogether." perplexity of frequently referring to the scattered passages in the originals, and it enabled me to make the corrections in my own mind which are usually made in the manuscript, and which, Though it may at first seem a little out of with my mode of writing-as I shall explain-place, let us anticipate here, for the sake of the would have much embarrassed me. Yet I must illustration which it affords, one of the sections admit that this method of composition, when of the other great division of our subject- that the chapter was very long, was somewhat too which treats of the fossil animals. Let us run heavy a strain on the memory to be altogether briefly over the geological history of insects, in order that we may mark the peculiar light which "Writing presented me a difficulty even it casts on the characer of the ancient floras. greater than reading. Thierry, the famous No insects have yet been detected in the Silurian blind historian of the Norman Conquest, ad- or Old Red Sandstone Systems. They first apvised me to cultivate dictation; but I have peared amid the hard, dry, flowerless vegetation usually preferred a substitue that I found in a of the Coal Measures, and in general suited to writing-case made for the hlind, which I pro- its character. Among these the scorpions take cured in London forty years since. It is a simple a prominent place-carnivorous arachnidæ of ill apparatus, often described by me, for the benefit repute, that live under stones and fallen trunks, of persons whose vision is imperfect. It consists and seize fast with their nippers upon the creaof a frame of the size of a sheet of paper, travers-tures on which they prey, crustaceans, usually, ed by brass wires, as many as lines are wanted on the page, and with a sheet of carbonated paper, such as is used for getting duplicates, pasted on the reverse side. With an ivory or agate stylus the writer traces his characters between the wires on the carbonated sheet, making indelible marks, which he cannot see, on the white page below. This treadmill operation has its defects; and I have repeatedly supposed I had accomplished a good page, and was proceeding in all the glow of composition to go ahead, when I found I had forgotten to insert a sheet of my writing-paper below; that my labor had all been thrown away, and that the leaf looked as blank as myself. Notwithstanding these and other whimsical distresses of the kind, I have found recommended. such as the wood-louse; or insects, such as the earth-beetles and their grubs. With the scorpions there occur cockroaches of types not at all unlike the existing ones, and that, judging from their appearance, must have been foul feeders, to which scarce anything could have come amiss as food. Books, manuscripts, leather, ink, oil, meat, even the bodies of the dead, are devoured indiscriminately by the recent Blatta gigantea of the warmer parts of the globe-one of the most disagreeable pests of the European settler, or of war vessels on foreign stations. I have among my books an age-embrowned copy of Ramsay's "Tea Table Miscellany," that had been carried into foreign parts by a musical relation, after it had seen hard service at home, not until that terminal creation to which we ourselves belong was ushered on the scene did they receive their fullest development. There is exquisite poetry in Wordsworth's reference to "the soft murmur of the vagrant bee," "A slender sound, yet hoary Time Doth to the soul exalt it with the chime and had become smoke dried and black; and yet even it, though but little tempting, as might be thought, was not safe from the cockroaches; for, finding it left open one day, they ate out in half an hour half its table of contents, consisting of several leaves. Assuredly, if the ancient Blattæ were as little nice in their eating as the devourers of the "Tea Table Miscellany," they would not Of ages coming, ages gone, have lacked food amid even the unproductive Nations from before them sweeping." flora and meager fauna of the Coal Measures. With these ancient cockroaches a few locusts And yet, mayhap, the naked scientific facts of and beetles have been found associated together the history of this busy insect are scarcely less with a small Tinea-a creature allied to the poetic than the pleasing imagination of the poet common clothes-moth, and a Phasmia-a crea- regarding it. They tell that man's world, with ture related to the spectre insects. But the all its griefs and troubles, is more emphatically group is an inconsiderable one; for insects seem a world of flowers than any of the creations that to have occupied no very conspicuous place in preceded it; and that as one great family-the the carboniferous fauna. The beetles appear to grasses-were called into existence, in order, have been of the wood and seed deyouring apparently, that he might enter in favoring cirkinds, and would probably have found their food cumstances upon his two earliest avocations, and among the conifers; the Phasmida and grass- be in good hope a keeper of herds and a tiller of hopper would have lived on the tender shoots of the ground; and as another family of plantsthe less rigid plants, their cotemporaries; the the Rosacea was created in order that the garTinea, probably on ligneous or cottony fibre. dens which it would be also one of his vocations Not a single insect has the system yet produced to keep and to dress should have their trees. of the now numerous kinds that seek their food"good for food and pleasant to the taste"; so among flowers. In the Oolitic ages, however, insects become greatly more numerous-so numerous that they seem to have formed almost exclusively the food of the earliest mammals, and apparently also of some of the flying reptiles of the time. The magnificent dragon flies, the carnivorous tyrants of their race, were abundant; and we now know that while they were, as their name indicates, dragons to the weaker insects, they themselves were devoured by dragons as truly such as were ever yet feigned by romancer of the middle ages. Ants were also common, with crickets, grasshoppers, bugs both of land and water, beetles, two-winged flies, and, in species distinct from the preceding carboniferous ones, the disgusting cockroaches. And for the first time amid the remains of a flora that seems to have had its few flowers-though flowers could have formed no conspicuous feature in even an Oolitic landscape-we detect, in a few broken fragments of the wings of butterflies, decided trace of the flower-sucking insects.__ Not, however, until we enter into the great Tertiary division do these become numerous. The first bee makes its appearance in the amber of the Eocene, locked up hermetically in its gem-like tomb-an embalmed corpse in a crystal coffinThe Boston Advertiser has received informaalong with fragments of flower-bearing herbs and trees. The first of the Bombycida too-insects tion from the Observatory at Cambridge, Mass., that may be seen suspended over flowers by the to the effect that the new comet discovered on scarce visible vibrations of their wings, sucking the 22d of August, by Mr. Tuttle, at the Obthe honied juices by means of their long, slender servatory, will doubtless be visible to the naked trunks-also appear in the amber, associated eye as soon as the moon ceases to rise until a with moths, butterflies, and a few caterpillars. late hour in the evening. On the evening of Bees and butterflies are present in increased the 1st inst. it was seen in the vicinity of the proportions in the latter Tertiary deposits; but stars Alcor and Mizar, rapidly traversing the flowers in general were profusely produced just "Thus in their stations lifting toward the sky THE LAST NEW COMET. constellation of Ursa Major, and is now entering the constellation of Canes Venatici, moving in the direction of Arcturus. infotmation apply to Lippincott & Parry, corner of Market and Second Streets, Philadelphia. 10th mo. 17th, 1857.-4t. HESTERFIELD BOARDING SCHOOL FOR Review of the Weather, &c., for TENTH sion of this Institution will commence on the 16th of 11th month 1857, and continue twenty weeks. TERMS $70 per session, one half payable in advance, month. 1856 1857 Rain during some portion of the 24 hours 7 days 7 days the other in the middle of the session. do. 66 the whole or nearly the whole current weeks for the present... 735 The average mean temperature of the month under review, for the past sixty-eight years has been 54.30 deg. The Highest during that period, (1793, 64 deg., and the Lowest, (1827) 46 deg. No extra charges. For further information address HENRY W. RIDGWAY, Crosswicks P. O., Burlington Co., N. J. From the above it will be seen, that the tem.REEN LAWN SEMINARY is situated near perature of the month the present year has exceeded the average of 68 years by only about a degree and an half, while the uniformity of temperature (as to " Mean," "Highest," and "Lowest," with last year is worthy of notice. The quantity of rain that has fallen during the two Fall mouths thus far is less than that of last year, viz. 1856, Ninth and Tenth months combined, 5 29 inches, 1857 ditto. 3.79 inches. The deaths, taking the proportion of weeks, eighty-two less. Philada. 10th mo. 7th, 1857. J. M. E. Thou oughtest to be diligent in the pursuit of such things as are needful for the body; yet not to afflict thyself with the anguish of cares and fears, and such like passions; but quietly put the issue of thy labors into God's hands, and patiently expect what he will bless them with. PHILADELPHIA MARKETS. FLOUR AND MEAL.-Their is a limited inquiry for Flour Sales to retailers and bakers, for fresh ground at $5 31 a $5 50 per bbl., and fancy brands from $61 up to $7. Rye Flour is held at $4 25 per bbl. Nothing doing in Corn Meal. GRAIN. The receipts of Wheat continue light, with a slightly increased demand for it. Southern red is held at $1 25 & $1 26, and $1 30 a $1 35 for good white; only a few samples were sold. Rye sells at 75 c. Corn is dull, with sales of yellow at 70 a 71 cents. Delaware oats are in fair supply at 32, and Penna. at 33 a 35 cents per bushel. CLOVERSEED. The demand hts fallen off, with sales at 4 50 a 4 75 per 64 lbs. Timothy is bringing but $2 per bushel. Of Flaxseed the market is bare, and it is wanted at $1 40 cents per bushel. anted a male teacher for a Friends' School at 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 continue twenty weeks. The course of instruction embraces all the usual branches, comprising a thorough including Board, Washing, Tuition, use of Books, English Education, Drawing included. Terms: $57, Pens, Ink and Lights. The French, Latin and Greek Languages taught at $5 each, extra, by experienced and competent teachers, one a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of a popular College in that State, whose qualifications have gained her a place amongst the highest rank of teachers. The house is large, and in every way calculated to secure health and comfort to thirty-five or forty pupils. For Circulars, address EDITH B. CHALFANT, Principal. Union-Ville, P. O., Chester County, Pa. 9th mo. 5th, 1857.-8 t. ONDON GROVE BOARDING SCHOOL FOR culars of YOUNG MEN AND BOYS. It is intended to commence the next Session of this Institution on the 2d of 11th mo., 1857. Terms: $65 for twenty weeks. For reference and further particulars, inquire for cirBENJ. SWAYNE, Principal. London Grove, P. O., Chester County, Pa. TLDRIDGE HILL BOARDING SCHOOL.-The Winter session (for the education of young men and boys) of this Institution, will open on the 9th of 11th mo., and continue 20 weeks. E The branches of a liberal English education 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. For full particulars address the Principal for a cir- 8 mo. 29, 1857-8 w. W Westfield, Burlington County, N. J. For further Merrihew & Thompson, Prs.,Lodge St., North side Penna. Fank there are many in that country who are in search of that which alone is permanently good and being convinced that all the teachings and doctrines of men fall short of procuring it for them, they have enquired, as some formerly did of the Messiah, Where dwellest thou?' May all such wait for and accept the gracious answer, 'Come and see.' "Be assured dear prisoners, that as this invitation is followed, it will lead into liberty and EXTRACTS FROM THE LIFE OF MARY DUDLEY. enlargement from that state of thraldom wherein (Continued from page 531.) power of satan unto God. He causes us to feel the human mind is bound with oppressive chains. An Address to the French Prisoners at Kinsale.verted from darkness to light, and from the By submitting to the Lord's call, we are con"The love of the gospel having lately engaged me to pay a religious visit to Kinsale, where, by the sorrowful effects of that spirit which causeth wars in the earth, you have been cast into prison, I found my mind drawn towards you, my dear brethren. "Your situation claims the sympathy and attention of those who, as they feel the influence of divine love, are enabled to administer spiritual encouragement to others. Your present circumstances are extremely affecting; you are detained from your friends, and your native land: amongst strangers and exposed to many difficul ties. that it is sin and corruption which separate us from Him; and, if we faithfully attend to the guidance of His Holy Spirit, we come to experience the bonds thereof to be broken in us, and know an introduction into the glorious liberty of His children. "Here is a privilege attainable even in your outward prison, where you may sing to the Lord a new song, because He doth marvellous things in and for you. The great enemy uses every means to hinder this work, and to chain the mind in the dungeon of transgression, and plunge it deeper into sin and sorrow. He tempts the unwary (especially in stations like yours) to seek a temporary relief in things which divert from inward reflection: the tossed mind flies to one false refuge after another, which does not afford the rest it seeks; but lead gradually into a "Yet when we consider the kindness of that good Providence, without whose sacred permission not a hair of our head falleth to the ground; when we recollect that He is omnipresent, watching continually over His creature man in every situation in life, there is surely encourage-captivity that is, at length, lamentably confirmed, ment for each of us to trust in Him, as a very present help in every time of need, as well as a refuge and strength in the day of trouble. "My dear brethren, you may find Him in the prison as readily as if you were at liberty; He is with the poor as well as the rich; for His abode is with the children of men. His temple is the human heart, and it is therein that the only altar is placed on which acceptable sacrifice is offered to Him. "No outward obstruction need hinder us from finding Him an unfailing helper; and as we turn the attention of our minds immediately to Him, He proves Himself all-sufficient for us. Oh! how do I wish that every one of you may happily experience this to be the case. A few years since, I paid a religious visit to some parts of France, and I have comfort in believing, that and the enemy gets full possession of the fortress of the heart. Whereas, had there been attention given to the captain of the soul's salvation, and obedience yielded to His commands, the subtle adversary would have been repelled in all his attacks, and prevented from obtaining the dominion. Ah! my dear friends, I want you to be enlisted under the glorious banner of Christ Jesus. I want you to be well disciplined in the use of those weapons which are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. "Under the impressions of divine love, a current of which I feel to flow towards you, I invite you to Him who reveals Himself in the secret |