replied Frank. "Perhaps I did him injustice. I
always classed him with that Mrs. Dalton.'
Perhaps," observed Mr. Verner, quietly, "you
did her injustice too."

66

Edith felt that keen and painful shyness so natural to one who sees that allusion is being made to a matter, the secret of which she knows, while the person most intimately concerned is ignorant that she knows it. Hurriedly and awkwardly she changed the topic.

"The Daltons are going abroad," said she, "they are quite tired of Beechwood, and they mean to spend the summer in travelling, and to winter at Rome. But, dear Aunt Peggy, I want to ask about your piece of news. You wrote me word that Mr. Owen Forde was engaged to Mrs. Alvanley."

Aunt Peggy's color rose, and she looked exceedingly blank. "It was a mistake, my dear," said she.

There was a somewhat awkward pause, which the good lady herself broke by adding, "Since I have been so extremely foolish, it is useless to try to make a mystery of it, but I am sure I need not ask you all to consider this as said strictly in confidence for of course it would overwhelm Owen with annoyance if he knew that I had told you. The fact is, I ought to have said nothing at all about it; but he mentioned it to me in so confident and decided a tone, that I thought it was all settled, but it turned out afterwards that he had only sent the offer-and-and-"

"It was refused," said Captain Everard, looking as though he repented the words the moment they had passed his lips, yet uttering them in a tone of considerable satisfaction.

66

Yes," replied Aunt Peggy, in a very downcast

self back in his chair; "he will exhibit himselt far more effectually than I could. Give him plenty of rope-I would n't interfere with him for the world."

"Well," responded Aunt Peggy, "I will apply to him, then; Captain Kinnaird, may I entreat you to afford me a little information concerning Miss Bracebridge?"

"Oh yes, certainly," said Frank; "Miss Bracebridge is that is to say, I don't know that there is anything very particular to be said about her. I suppose she would generally be considered pretty.'

His manner was so elaborately terse and dignified, and so uncontrollably embarrassed, that the rest of the party could not resist joining in the laugh which Everard timed. Frank looked very good-humored, but a little really vexed, which his friend perceiving instantly changed the subject. He afterwards imparted to Aunt Peggy the true explanation of the mystery; namely, that Frank having been himself desperately enamored of the pretty Miss Bracebridge, and not receiving as much encouragement as he desired, had been violently jealous of Everard, and had taken refuge in a sort of haughty misanthropic theory, that he was not to be happy in this world, but that all his friends were to enjoy themselves at his expense. This idea, not being very congenial to his nature, had been dismissed as soon as he found how matters really stood with Everard, and it did not appear impossible that he might return and prosecute his suit hereafter, with some hopes of success. Everard's intimacy with the young lady had been simply that easy and pleasant communion which the public is apt to mistake for a flirtation, but which is, in fact, a much better thing, and is sometimes an introduction to one of the highest of earthly goodsa vestibule, as it were, to the sanctuary of Friendship. But it seems to require a faith greater than that which is able to remove mountains to induce people to believe, that there can really exist such a phenomenon as a friendship between man and woman. It is not very common, perhaps, to meet "A very pleasant programme," remarked Frank, with a true friendship at all; for human nature is yawning, "but I thought the good lady's means often changeable, often heedless, often unreasonawere so small that it was all she could do to live ble, and there are a thousand fine and tender links, with comfort, and dress with fashionable decency." the snapping of any one whereof may indefinitely "She had fifty thousand pounds left her the retard the final formation of the chain; but neverother day," said Everard, laconically. Frank elon-theless there is such a thing, and it is well to note gated his face, and drew his lips together with a very significant expression. Delicacy towards Aunt Peggy prevented him from saying a word, but he could not help congratulating himself inwardly on the poetical justice executed upon Mr. Owen Forde. He had offered to fifty thousand pounds, on the strength of his own fascinations—and been rejected. "And now," said Aunt Peggy, with a little malice," there is another question which I want to ask, and I am not quite sure to which of this illustrious company I ought to address it; so I will ask it generally, and let him answer who can. Who is Miss Bracebridge?"

manner.

“Mrs. Alvanley has gone to London, I think," said Mr. Verner.

"Yes," answered Aunt Peggy," she has taken a house in Belgrave Square for the season, and afterwards I believe she is going to the Rhine."

"I will undertake to satisfy you on that point," cried Everard, with the utmost alacrity.

"Indeed, you shall do no such thing," interrupted Frank; "don't listen to a word he says. I know of old his faculty for so dressing up a story that the very hero of it can't recognize it. I won't trust my character in his hands."

"Your character!" repeated Aunt Peggy; "I didn't know you were particularly interested in the matter."

"Let him go on," said Everard, throwing him

it where we find it, if only by way of exception to general rules-by way of contradiction to the popular belief, according to which the fairest beginning is only the prelude to indifference or disappointment. The question, of course, is really whether the true germ be in both hearts, or not; if it be there, it must needs grow up and bear fruit, in spite of all possible disadvantages of sun and shade, rain and drought; but if we have mistaken another plant for the heavenly seed, we must bear to see it perish before the first unkindly blast. Fancy, convenience, community of pursuit, may deceive us for awhile, but these have no root; they are the annuals of the spirit, and fade after a single season's growth. Woe, then, to him who has mistaken them in another for that which they are not!

Everard and Edith walked together that night in the shrubbery. There is no record of their conversation, but, as they returned to the house, they paused and looked back together upon the moonlit garden, as Edith had before done in her desolation and remorse. She looked up now in his face. "Is it possible," said she," that happiness can harden

the heart? I could not think harshly of any human being at this moment. My heart seems like a garden, so full of sunshine, that the tiniest flower, the meanest blade of grass, has somewhat of glory and beauty-thanks be to my sun for shining on them!" "And the dreary cold of the past has prepared the soil for bearing this sweet harvest," returned he. Then there was silence between them. There is no expression for perfect happiness but perfect silence. It is not human enough for language; and the fullest concord of harmonious sounds is, after all, only a sigh after the Infinite. No sound in the whole catalogue of earthly notes expresses unmixed joy but the laughter of a very young child, and we all know how that changes to tears in a moment. Yet if speech and sound are but the voice of longing, so after all is silence, rightly understood, only the voice of waiting. When will that Future come wherein the Present shall satisfy the soul?

My poor Amy! Will she ever be-not as happy as I am, but happy in any sense?" murmured Edith, as she laid her head on the pillow, for a night of joyful dreams, and yet more joyful wakening.

Gentle public, we leave you to answer this question. And according to your answer shall we judge whether or not you have appreciated the MORAL of this story. For it has a moral, we do assure you, sage school-masters and philosophers, and may, on the whole, be not inaptly named a "book of instruction." This fact will, of course, be held to excuse it for dulness. In conclusionfor the tale is ended-we would humbly entreat you to believe, that Mr. Verner was in reality a very delightful personage-in fact, an IDEAL MAN-We have contrived to present him to you on paper in the aspect, we are somewhat afraid, of a very oppressive prig; but we pray you to believe that the fault is ours, not his, and has arisen out of a species of that human deficiency to which allusion has so recently been made, which renders the expres sion of perfection of any kind well-nigh impossible. Should you agree with us, we can only say we are sorry that we attempted it; and so we wish you a long farewell, for Aunt Peggy is about to betake herself to a retirement, which perhaps she might deem herself wiser if she had never left.

REPUTATIONS FURNISHED.-The following adver- | "Orator," his "Letters," his "Speeches against tisement is copied literally from the Times.

LITERARY ASSISTANCE.-Strictly Confidential. -A quarterly reviewer, classical scholar, and political writer of considerable experience, whose successful productions in various departments of literature have elicited from the "Athenæum," "The Times," "Quarterly," and numerous other reviews and periodicals, testimonials, which will furnish incontestable evidence of his high standing and competence to the task, ENGAGES TO ENHANCE OR TO CREATE THE REPUTATION OF AUTHORS or diffident aspirants IN ANY BRANCH OF THE BELLES LETTRES. POEMS, SATIRES, ESSAYS, LECTURES, SPEECHES, PREFACES, PROSPECTUSES, LEADING ARTI CLES, SERMONS, or ROMANCES of sterling value, composed and transferred for an adequate remuneration. Works prepared for the press. Manuscripts critically corrected. Inviolable secrecy.

Antony and for Ligarius." The last, according to

Cicero's own expression, "sold so capitally," that he declared his intention that for the future everything he should write, Atticus should have to publish. We have here again clearly another example of the very great size of the editions. For Cicero, in this speech, had introduced, by mistake, a person long ago deceased as still living, and commissioned Atticus, after the book had already found a good sale, to have the mistake subsequently corrected by the erasure of the name in all the copies, that is obviously in those which were still unsold. But now how great must have been the remaining stock of copies, notwithstanding the large edition which had already been disposed of, when no fewer than three of the most skilful copyists were appointed to [This must be a wonderful genius; but, strange correct this one mistake! These, however, within to say, his gifts do not avail him for himself, and three days, could certainly rectify at least a thou he can create any reputation but his own, or why sand copies! That Atticus, moreover, was not this tender of services so much beneath one who only concerned in the multiplication, but also in the must combine the genius and accomplishments of sale of works-that his pursuit was not simply a a Scott, a Byron, a Junius, a Sterne, an Addison, hobby, but an actual business-this is clear from and a Johnson? The collocation of performances the extraordinary sale of the Ligarian speech. We is curiously happy; next to sermons being placed even find Cicero himself in the number of his cusromances of sterling merit. The modest author tomers. He purchased from him a copy of the dares not promise as much for his sermons. The Serapion.-Schmidt's Freedom of Thought and advertisement is not properly headed; it should be Faith. "A CRICHTON TO LET."]—Examiner. CICERO'S PUBLISHER.-He employed the whole-In the case of "Miller vs. Champion," it has body of his slaves in writing. In his workshop, lately been decided by Mr. Dubois, at the Bloomswhich excelled everything that there had hitherto bury County Court, that newspapers could not be been in establishments of the kind, there were col- lent on hire. This decision, we learn from a comlected, as in our modern printing-offices, all sorts petent legal authority, is erroneous. There is no of workmen, part of whom were engaged in prepar-law against lending newspapers for hire. There ing the paper, and other materials, and repairing the instruments; part in multiplying the copies, and in correcting; part in skilfully rolling up the finished books, and completing them with covers, titles, and the other customary ornaments. Atticus, in like manner, established a bookshop, such as at this time of day could be found nowhere in the world, connected with any bookseller's or stationer's establishment. Cicero published most of his works with him, as, for instance, the "Quæstiones Academicæ," the

NEWSPAPERS CAN BE LEGALLY LENT ON HIRE.

was formerly an act (29 Geo. III., c. 50, 1798) which prohibited it under a penalty of 57., but that act was repealed by the present Newspaper Act, 5 and 6 Will. IV., c. 76, and the provision has not been reenacted. Indeed, for many years previously to the repeal the enactment had, so far as the Stamp-office was concerned, become a dead letter, it having been ascertained that the practice of letting out newspapers tended to promote the sale of them.-Daily News.

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE LIVING AGE.

Paragraphs from Paris-10 Feb., 1848.

We have seen the river Seine ribbed with thick ice, and in three days afterwards without a particle of it; so little durable is any extreme of weather in this meridian. The middle and southern divisions of France have been inundated with snow, and experienced on the whole a much severer season. Our atmosphere is now mild, yet gloomy. The sun is rarely visible, and the lengthening of the days hardly perceptible. Funerals abound in every quarter; la grippe continues to be fatal to the old and decrepit, though the victims are far less numerous proportionably than in London.

fect of police that no such meeting could take place. The. ministry had found a law of interdict, of 1790, which might be applied to the project. Prodigious clamor followed; the committee of the festival issued a card, in the journals, declaring that being in a lawful and already tolerated course, they would inflexibly persist. In the afternoon of the 8th inst. this topic emerged in the hot debate. Duvergier, a man of authority in the opposition, exclaimed that all the invited deputies-some sixty or seventy-would attend the banquet, in order to try the question whether Frenchmen were subject to the arbitrary will of the cabinet. His colleagues confirmed this engagement by a chorus. Duchatel, minister of the interior, said, "The The chamber of deputies have already expended government will not yield." The scene therea fortnight in the debates on the reply to the king's upon is pretty accurately described thus:-Indigspeech, which embrace all the main topics of for- nation throughout the left; protests—murmurs— eign and domestic policy. It is not probable that cries of surprise and wrath; the tempest redoubled the hubbub will be concluded before the end of the when the minister repeated vehemently, “The week. Much instruction concerning the condition government will not yield." The whole opposiof the country, and the situation and aims of par- tion in tumult-several voices at the highest pitch, ties, is to be found in the mass of the prepared "Those are the very words of Charles X.; speeches. No change ensues in the doctrines or there is blood in those words." Immense action of the government, or the general disposi-noise; extreme agitation; order! order!" But tions and views of the country. The struggle is let us exhale our patriotic rage." M. Lesseps, mainly between M. Guizot and M. Thiers, and apostrophizing the minister, "You play the game this being regarded commonly as a mere competi- of provocation." Answer: "The government tion for power, makes an impression that does not does not mean to provoke any one." Another threaten the peace at home, so important for the cry: "You have never done anything else." national progress. There is a sort of entente cor- The president of the chamber calls M. Lesseps diale between the leader of the French opposition to order; the deputy vociferated, "That may do; and Lord Palmerston British measures and pol- you shall be, yourself, set to rights by the people." icy are therefore extolled by contrast. Several At the end of Lamartine's eloquent harangue of the orators of the centre gauche chime with M. about Italy, the sitting was suspended some twentyThiers on this head; but the French in general five minutes, so lively was the sensation. Among deem Lord Palmerston an inveterate enemy, and his statements were these:-The most exalted, the have no confidence in British professions of good most enlightened, the most illustrious in name and will. Repugnance could be distinguished in the descent, of the whole peninsula-over the whole, faces of the chamber, on most of the benches, when clergy and all-were at the head of the reformM. Thiers spoke of "noble and independent Eng-movement. The Italian race had done as much land." The London Times of the 7th inst. rewards to consecrate their soil as ever race did in human him by saying: "In spite of the moderation of the tone of M. Thiers there is that in the stamp and purpose of his mind which identifies him and his party with the enemies of the tranquillity and the permanent interests of Europe."

In one of M. Guizot's replies to the opposition, last week, a prominent member of the left cried out, 'Speak in your own name, not that of France." The premier answered, "I do speak in my own name; be assured that I shall never speak in yours." Replication: Truly I hope not." M. Thiers to an interrogator: "Don't be so furious in your questions, but listen to me." Retort: "I am not more furious than you were just now in the tribune."

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annals; France should connect herself by principles and conterminous alliances in a way to be prepared for the gravitation of the Russian power and despotism on the middle of Europe. This indispensable precaution, however, the ministry sacrificed to dynastic interests; the Spanish match was the bane of true French state-wisdom. This assertion would not stand a fair discussion. It is rendered more plausible, indeed, by the barrenness of Queen Isabel, and the precariousness of her life. Most of the Spanish politicians at Madrid—the majority of the nation we may suppose-would second the French court in supporting the claims of the Duchess of Montpensier. For this end-it is argued by the French opposiThe government suffered some sixty and more tion-the French government now truckles to Ausbanquets, in the interior, to agitate for electoral tria, in order to prevent a league of Metternich with reform. Last month, it was proposed to hold a Lord Palmerston for the exclusion of the duchess. kindred banquet in the 12th district of Paris; On the 29th ult., M. Guizot assured the chamber of all arrangements were concerted, and the day deputies that if France undertook to assist the and invitations settled. Suddenly advices came Italians to drive Austria from Lombardy she would from the department of the interior and the pre- have to encounter another coalition of Austria,

Prussia, Russia, and Great Britain-all being resolved to keep things on the basis of the treaties of 1815.

La Presse, a journal that represents itself as in opposition, though not of the opposition, boasts of issuing sixteen thousand copies every morning, printing six thousand per hour. The subscription is only forty francs, or eight dollars, per annum, and it is as well supplied, as ably edited, as any other of the daily journals. The principal editor has a seat in the chamber of deputies. He lacks character, but retains influence and high associations by means of the journal-by dauntless assurance and indefatigable exertion. It is he, Girardin, who killed in a duel Armand Carrel, the great republican editor and oracle, and who has accepted twenty challenges since.

One of the commercial delegates, Haussman, who accompanied the French embassy to China, has published three interesting volumes, entitled a visit to China, Cochin China, and Malaisia, in 1844-5 and 6.

The sitting of the deputies (yesterday afternoon, 9th Feb.) was one of the most disorderly, violent and obstreperous known since the era of the National Convention. The morning papers report it with this general description: "The voice of M. Barrot, heard above all others, crying to the ministry, 'You transcend Polignac and Peyronnet.' These names were the signal of a grand mêlée. The immense bugle of the centre sounded a most formidable yell. The entire left answered by the fiercest uproar: then nothing could be distinguished in the universal clatter of defiance hurled and retorted-stamping, extended arms with hands clenched, flourishes of fists in the air, every one on tiptoe-fiery eyes-the confusion and clamor being everywhere—the chair in dismay, and trying in vain, by perpetual ringing of the bell and calls to order, to regain some authority." The keeper of the seals was the chief object of the onslaught of the opposition. The president of the chamber, at 6 o'clock, pronounced the discussion ended, and rushed from his seat, and the deputies, bellowing after him, "separated in extreme agitation." If the opposition persists in holding the banquet which the ministry and police prohibit, and the authorities stand firm to their assurances in the chamber, there may be a dangerous public conflict, of which the issue will depend on the fidelity of the troops.

very interesting character, was found violated and murdered with the most horrible circumstances near to the great edifice of an important religious order

the Brothers of Christian Doctrine, A member of this community has been arraigned upon strong and very peculiar presumptive evidence. A deep, wide-spread concern is felt by all the clergy and the devout laity. Toulouse is filled with strangers, from a considerable distance; most of the Paris journals have sent down reporters, and interminable narratives, including the long bill of indictment, are already published.

A gentleman who passed some forty minutes, the 9th inst., in conversation with the astronomer Le Verrier, portrays him in these terms. "The stature of this wonderful calculator is about five feet seven; his frame is robust and well turned: his complexion very fair; his hair sandy; his bluish eye exceedingly bright and vivacious; his elocution rapid, clear, and indicative of a gay spirit. He reads and writes English well enough for his purpose; he neither speaks it nor understands it sufficiently when spoken. He manifests a keen desire for the progress of astronomy in the United States, and would bestow a portion of time and study, not easily spared, for the purpose of advancing and commemorating American studies and discoveries. There is a striking contrast between his appearance and that of the illustrious Arago, of whom he has become in a manner the rival and antagonist. The latter has a dark skin, a large, wild black eye-an air of habitual command; he is taller and considerably older, fond of pleasantry, more or less sarcastic on every occasion."

The announcement of Marshal Bugeaud as minister of war is daily expected, though the present minister has not intimated an intention to resign. He possesses all the essential qualifications for the post. He is to be deemed the real conqueror of Algeria; yet he is not at all popular; he has not been half as much distinguished at home, in any way, as any one of the American superior officers have been everywhere with you on their return from Mexico. His manners are simple-rather blunt; he is inclined to jesting or waggery; he is tall, well-limbed, sinewy; his complexion light, his head quite grey-white; his face good, but not remarkably intelligent. He can talk most attractively, in the most familiar style, at the royal and ministerial dinners. Among the few good speeches delivered since the commencement of the session, Three of the opulent American residents of Paris in the chamber of deputies, are those of Marshal have given recently large balls-Mr. Ridgway Bugeaud and General Lamoricière on the surrenof Philadelphia, Mr. Vanzandt and Mr. Legueurder of Abd-el-Kader and the future administration of New York. These entertainments have not of Algeria. It was at first anticipated that, the been surpassed this winter in brilliancy and luxury. emir being removed, the French forces and the anThe fashionable French take an interest of curios-nual expenditure in Algeria might be reduced a ity in them; the British gentry, whole and half, moiety-that is to fifty thousand men and fifty rejoice in the suppers, and amuse themselves, the next day, at the expense of their host. What of the Yankees? &c. &c.

In the south, the large city of Toulouse, indeed, all the adjacent country, is now engrossed by a criminal case as exciting and atrocious as any single one in the French judicial annals. A young girl, of a

millions of francs. But the marshal argued that a material retrenchment could not be attempted for a considerable time; the Arabs were four millions; reluctant subjects; now condemned to new and hateful modes of life; to be perpetually watched and distrusted. Military colonization alone would suit the case; the first care of the settler was and

would long be-to keep his head on his shoulders. There might be a large saving in the cost of the present civil administration; and Bugeaud related instances of enormous jobbing and other abuse. General Lamoricière made an impressive recital of the circumstances and considerations by which he and the Duke d'Aumale were induced to assent to Abd-el-Kader's terms. He believed it practicable for the emir to escape with a few horsemen, to the desert; he thought that this alternative was far the worst for French interests: his responsibility was covered by that of the governor-general, the young duke for whom the ministry were liable. M. Guizot announced that he would send Abd-elKader to Alexandria, provided securities could be obtained against his return to Algeria.

Scott by criticising the capitulation at Puebla. La Presse, of the 8th inst., tells its readers that General Cass has just been elected "president of the legislature of Ohio, by 237 votes against 22," and "can count upon the decided support of nearly all the Western States"-and that in the senate at Washington, the executive was vigorously attacked by Mr. Johnson of Maryland, and defended with not less warmth by Mr. Crittenden.

Among the sights of last week was a grand procession of between two and three thousand students of the law and medical schools on the left bank of the Seine. Their purpose was to deliver a petition to the chamber of deputies, asking the restoration of the historian Michelet to his chair in the college of France, his hall having been closed by the minister of public instruction on account, ostensibly, of some very indecent proceedings by a crowd of his disciples with the speech of His Majesty, Louis Philippe. The main cause of the minister's measure (a little arbitrary) was the rad

When the procession arrived near to the palace of the deputies, it was encountered by a strong body of the municipal guards, and found itself flanked by a squadron of cavalry, and in the midst of a host of police agents. A parley ensued; a committee was let pass to meet a deputy, a Jew lawyer, who undertook to place the petition on the desk of the secretaries. The patriotic youth, most of whom had truly rugged miens and strange costumes, wheeled about and dispersed to three offices, successively, of radical journals, to be harangued by the editors. Seven or eight hours were consumed, and seven or eight miles traversed, in this rather ludicrous affair.

In the most recent case of scandal in high life, in Paris, that of Count Mortier, lately minister plenipotentiary in Sardinia, and some years ago in Switzerland, we are approaching to a conclusion after shocking discussions before the courts. A committee of examining physicians have reported, | ical and infidel strain and purport of the lectures. in curious detail, that the count is partially insane, and must be indefinitely confined to a maison de santé. He was subject to an irascibility and to jealous hallucinations, which rendered him really dangerous to his family. The relatives of the countess have attested the infliction of brutalities on this lady, for a series of years, which render the contrast between her social exterior and domestic lot, like that of the butchered Duchess of Praslin. The fate of poor Count Bresson is nearly forgotten. Before his departure for Naples, he paid several visits to the American consul-an old acquaintance. In their last conversation, he manifested extreme sensibility to the atrocious charges heaped upon him, when he was at Madrid, in the London Times and the Chronicle. Rising sudREAR-ADMIRAL USSHER, whose death, after a very short illness, we noticed last week, was in the denly, he exclaimed, with intense emotion, "Sir, sixty-ninth year of his age. He was an Irishman, those Madrid correspondents of the London press and a descendant of the celebrated Archbishop are the greatest scoundrels and blackguards in this Ussher, and had seen a great deal of service. world." Immediately, on his departure, the con- Amongst other duties, it fell to his lot to convey sul remarked, to a person in the next room, that Napoleon to Elba. He was nominated commanderthere was an extraordinary and wild vehemence, in-chief of the Irish station in June, 1847, and sucand bitter resentment, on this topic, which surprised He was further promoted to the rank of Rear-Adceeded Sir Hugh Pigott to the command at Cove. him in a practised diplomatist. The Times has ma-miral of the White just previous to his death. lignantly suggested that the suicide of Bresson was owing to remorse for his agency at Madrid. It might be more plausibly ascribed to heinous calumnies of the scoundrels and blackguards. Two or three weeks ago, the Times more than hinted that Queen Christina was employed at Madrid in studiously abridging the life of her daughter, Isabel, in order to open the throne to the Duchess and Duke of Montpensier, conformably to the plans of the French court. In the last number of the Edinburgh Review, Louis Philippe is styled the wily spider of the Tuileries. The London Spectator has the following compliment to the Emerald Isle: "The grand resource of an Irishman in difficulties is murder; the form varies, but the principle is universal." The same London oracle, explaining the unfortunate dispute of the American commanders in Mexico, says, that General Worth offended General

OLD RICE. A gentleman who has resided for many years in India, fourteen hundred miles up the Ganges, says that the people there who are able to keep their rice, do not eat it until it is two years old, and the soft part has been eat out by the worm. Then they winnow it clean, and eat it. Rice is the common food, and the poor people are obliged to eat new rice, as rich people do here. This gentleman says that during his residence in India, there have been famines in the districts around him, in which "millions of people perished." The famines result from the entire absence of rain for six months, and scorching winds, which destroy all vegetation. The British government are building a canal of great capacity, from the mountains in which the Ganges rises, down into the country seven hundred miles, at an expense of fifty millions of dollars, for the purpose of irrigating the land. The cost of the canal is to be paid from the revenues of India.-Journal of Commerce.