Chapter 2

"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by way of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements in St. Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where they are situated no one knows, nor doth the city receive any rents or profits thereby.

"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three Cranes, and from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' Hall; where my Lord Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, and guests invited, dined at one table, and we, the sheriff's, at the head of another, with the Court of Assistance of each of our companies: and the Clerks of the Exchequer by themselves at another table. After dinner, the Lord Mayor, aldermen, &c. returned into a separate room, where we sat with them at the head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; our two companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall."

On the 7th of October they "settled a point," with the keeper of Newgate in regard to the transportation of _felons_. That was, that the keeper should deliver them to the merchant, "who contracts to carry them over," at the door of Newgate, and there discharge himself of any further custody; but leaving him and his officers the privilege of protecting them down to the water side, according to any private agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully understood that the sheriffs should not be responsible for their charge "from the time of their first delivery."

(_TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT._)

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SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.

STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS.

(_From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental Locomotion. Concluded from page 185._)

We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change of the whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, though in this the political economist can see the solution of all our Malthusian difficulties to an indefinite extent and duration. What we urge is merely the partial adoption of the thing to such an extent as will relax the present pressure, and restore us to a wholesome state of national prosperity. This will occasion no dangerous experiment, and will be gradually followed up by a progressive conversion, by which all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be equalized.

If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the said committee came after three months of patient and thorough investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements in the means of internal communication ever introduced._"

[Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens, John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.]

In viewing the moral advantages which must result from steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward, regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses. The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is perfectly safe for passengers."

The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear no proportion to the loss of lives from consumption and other diseases occasioned by cold and wet, from exposure on the top of coaches.[4]

[4] It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of the weather.

Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the present system of quick travelling. The short average life of stage-coach horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully over-wrought and _out-wrought_ they are by the great speed now in practice. Driven for eight or ten miles, with an oppressive weight, they tremble in every nerve. With nostrils distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, they can scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they are well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be exerted. The morrow comes when their galled withers are again to be wrung by the ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of the wheels. But we do not witness all the misery of the noble and the generous steed. When the shades of night impend, the reproaches of the feeling, or the expostulations of the timid traveller no longer protect him from the lash; and the dread of Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a time its beneficent purpose; when the stiffened joints--the cracked hoofs--the greasy legs--and stumbling gait of the worn-out animal are all put into agonized motion by belabouring _him upon the raw_! The expression is Hibernian, but the brutality is our own. A few ill-gained pounds reconcile the enormity to the owner--and the cheapness and expedition of the conveyance give it public sanction: but humanity is outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and the noble precept, that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," is trampled under foot.

Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we have comfort for comparative inconvenience--the inside of an elegant apartment, where books, amusement, or general conversation may occupy agreeably the time--for the outside of a hard, unsafe stage conveyance, and exposure to all changes or varieties of atmosphere. Nay, we see no reason to prevent such improvement in steam-carriages as shall fit them up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of Napoleon, or the travelling long coach of the present Duke of Orleans, with beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety for danger--accelerated speed without inhumanity--gain of time--of accommodation--of money--and over and above all, as a non-consumer of food, we have by the substitution what will remove the host of Malthusian ills to a period of almost indefinite duration.

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OLD POETS.

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EYES AND TEARS.

How wisely Nature did decree With the same eyes to weep and see! That, having view'd the object vain, They might be ready to complain. And, since the self-deluding sight, In a false angle takes each height, These tears which better measure all. Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall. Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh, Within the scales of either eye, And then paid out in equal poise, Are the true price of all my joys. What in the world most fair appears, Yea, even laughter, turns to tears: And all the jewels which we prize, Melt in these pendents of the eyes. I have through every garden been, Amongst the red, the white, the green; And yet from all those flow'rs I saw, No honey, but these tears could draw. So the all-seeing sun each day, Distils the world with chemic ray; But finds the essence only showers, Which straight in pity back he pours. Yet happy they whom grief doth bless, That weep the more, and see the less; And, to preserve their sight more true, Bathe still their eyes in their own dew. So Magdalen, in tears more wise Dissolv'd those captivating eyes, Whose liquid chains could flowing meet, To fetter her Redeemer's feet. Not full sails hasting loaden home, Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb, Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair, As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are The sparkling glance that shoots desire, Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire. Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes, And here the hissing lightning slakes. The incense was to heaven dear, Not as a perfume, but a tear! And stars show lovely in the night, But as they seem the tears of light. Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice, And practise so your noblest use; For others too can see, or sleep, But only human eyes can weep. Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop, And at each tear in distance stop: Now, like two fountains, trickle down: Now like two floods o'er-run and drown: Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs, Till eyes and tears be the same things; And each the other's difference bears; These weeping eyes, those seeing tears.

MARVELL.

(_From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John Dove._)

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A DROP OF DEW.

See, how the orient dew Shed from the bosom of the morn, Into the blowing roses, Yet careless of its mansion new, For the clear region where 'twas born Round in itself incloses: And in its little globe's extent, Frames, as it can, its native element. How it the purple flow'r does slight, Scarce touching where it lies; But gazing back upon the skies, Shines with a mournful light, Like its own tear, Because so long divided from the sphere. Restless it rolls, and unsecure, Trembling, lest it grows impure; Till the warm sun pities its pain, And to the skies exhales it back again. So the _soul_, that drop, that ray, Of the clear fountain of eternal day, Could it within the human flow'r be seen, Rememb'ring still its former height, Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green; And, recollecting its own light, Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express The greater heaven in an heaven less, In how coy a figure wound, Every way it turns away: So the world excluding round, Yet receiving in the day. Dark beneath, but bright above; Here disdaining, there in love, How loose and easy hence to go; How girt and ready to ascend: Moving but on a point below, It all about does upward bend. Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil, White and entire, although congeal'd and chill; Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run Into the glories of th' almighty sun.

IBID.

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NOTES OF A READER.

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ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK.

We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens, to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial, and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air becomes chill and misty, though

The weary sun hath made a golden set, And, by the bright track of his fiery ear, Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow:

the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in which the majority of them will pass the coming winter.

The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and weathercock[5] to the Llama House.

[5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very strange introducing of natural weathercocks."

Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for Goats.

The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows, is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary.

Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535, opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient." We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque.

Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No. 560.

In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most interesting resort.

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THE VOICE OF HUMANITY.

"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal Creation" exists--though, in one sense, as a blot upon the character of the age. They publish the above Journal quarterly, assembling acts of atrocity which make the blood curdle in our veins, and remind us that "all are not men that wear the human form." The funds of the society are not in a prosperous condition; the sand of their philanthropy is well nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. Let us glance at the contents of, the _Voice_ before us. The subject "Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and Smithfield-market," is continued--a plan which we illustrated in _The Mirror_ about five years since. True enough the Society write, but the people do not consider; they are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the mammon of money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in the midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists for its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the metropolis--and markets are increasing for the sale of the necessaries and luxuries of life; the _Haymarket_ has been removed from a fashionable quarter to the suburbs, that loaded carts may not obstruct carriages in their road to St. James's, the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera--yet, not a single, _Abattoir_--for the health of the people--exists near the metropolis. The King and the Court patronize and plan horse-racing, throwing the lasso, and, if recent report be true, hawking; the Parliament legislate, a bill is "ordered to be printed"--yet, the inconsistency and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to ask, where is the truth of the motto--_Salus populi suprema lex_. Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not uncommon; yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor are caught, while the rich break through the meshes of the net. In the work before us are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, including "the cold-blooded cruelty towards the generous and heart-broken _Rattler_, in riding him thirty-four miles in the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next are four police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows the fact of _a respectable woman_ boiling a cat to death! and next is this quotation from the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for April, 1789:--

"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young man of large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and horses rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality. Mr. Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he had a favourite cock upon which he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he made upon this cock he lost; which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were present attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, that he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, in the midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead upon the spot!"

If we be asked whether it be proper to regard _all_ such dispensations as judicial inflictions, we reply in the words of Cowper above:

"'Tis not for us, with rash surmise, To point the judgments of the skies, But judgments _plain as this_, That, sent for man's instruction, bring A written label on their wing, 'Tis hard to read amiss."

[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:]

THE WORM.

Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside Nor crush that helpless worm; The frame thy wayward looks deride, Required a God to form.

The common Lord of all that move, From whom thy being flowed, A portion of his boundless love On that poor worm bestowed.

The sun, the moon, the stars, he made To all his creatures free; And spread o'er earth the grassy blade For worms as well as thee.

Let them enjoy their little day, Their lowly hiss receive; Oh! do not lightly take away The life thou canst not give.

Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been abolished by the extended education of the people. Brutal sports among boys are much less indulged than formerly, and the worrying of domestic animals almost invariably denotes a _bad boy_, in the worst sense of the phrase, likely to make a bad man; "so true to nature is the admirable aphorism of Wordsworth:--

The boy's the father of the man."

But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult cruelties; though, according to the above showing, such atrocities will be less rare in the next than in the present generation. To conclude, we hope that the present notice may awaken the sympathy of the reader towards the laudable objects of the _Society_, under whose guidance the _Voice of Humanity_ is published. It is a difficult matter to point out "the uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally babbling of our high state of civilization and refinement, yet, we repeat, the necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to a national disgrace.

* * * * *

THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.

VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA.

_BY LIEUTENANT G.H.P. WHITE, ROYAL NAVY._

On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from Catania with a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, taking the necessary guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the provisions, &c., as nothing in that way can be procured after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small village about twelve miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the Sicilians into three several regions. The first is called Piè de Montagna, the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city of Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country around is formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the third eruption mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the sixth year of the Peloponnesian war, and the second of the eighty-eighth Olympiad. Traversing the lands of Battianti, and St. Giovanni della Punta, the road is constantly over the lava, and the country on either side is delicious. Trecastagne, nine miles from Catania, is seated on the acclivity of a high volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful and picturesque. Near the principal church the view is most extensive. Towards the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching from Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain itself, surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these have been thrown up in various forms, composed principally of cinders, and covered with rich vegetation. The freshness of the air, the beauty and picturesque situations of the houses surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the over-teeming fertility of the soil, and the laughing fields, where golden Ceres still lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, intersected by courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places ten miles in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind with horror and astonishment: that such wondrous masses, consisting of earths, stones, and minerals, fused and mixed, could be driven forth in one wild current from the mountain, makes us pause, and confounds any attempt to reason on the phenomena.--And, although the lava for many centuries lays waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state as to become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we reflect on the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for state of decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving at any certain conclusion. When this process is duly effected, the cactus opuntia, or prickly pear, is planted, which hastens the desired event, and has the power to break up the lava, and render it fit for productive purposes. Five miles from Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has often suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, and baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is two thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the sea, and its mean temperature 64° Fahr.