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and unaccountable presages of his death, for he said, "If he did not die on such a day, (which happened to be the 25th of November,) he believed he should live a month longer;" and accordingly he died that very day month. It is said of the Countess of Shrewsbury, that a fortuneteller had told her that she should not die while she was building. Accordingly she bestowed a great deal of the wealth she had obtained from three husbands in erecting large seats at Hardwicke, Chats worth, Bolsover, Oldcotes, and Worksop; and by a singular coincidence died in a hard frost, when the workmen could not labour. Lord Bacon says, "When I was in France, I heard from one Dr. Pena, that the queen-mother, Catharine de Medicis, had caused her husband's (the king's) nativity to be cast under a feigned name, and the astrologer gave a judgment, that he should be killed in a duel; at which the queen laughed, thinking her husband to be above challenges and duels; but he was slain upon a course at tilt, the splinters of the staff of Montgomery going in at his beaver."

There are many unfortunate accidents and occurrences incident to human life, of which so short-sighted a creature as man can have no apprehensions or prevent. They sometimes come upon us on a sudden, and throw us into a set of thoughts, merely arising from the accident befallen us, which otherwise had never entered into our minds. Predictions, it has been observed, often procure their own fulfilment, and thus occasion the very evils most apprehended. During the reign of terror in France, the Baron of Marivet was continually tormented by the apprehension that he should die upon a scaffold. All the cares of his wife were employed unsuccessfully to calm his fears. He sometimes indulged himself with the hope, that if his birth-day passed without his being arrested, he should be delivered from the weight which pressed upon his heart, and might, perhaps, be saved. Upon one occasion he gazed, in a fit of melancholy, upon his son, who was then about two years old, and exclaimed, "I shall never live to see this child in male clothing,”—an observation which his lady carefully treasured up in her memory. The horror of the revolution appeared at length to draw to a close, and the birthday of the Baron de Marivet had arrived. His wife was preparing a little feast for him upon the occasion, and the hour of

The power of presentiment is indeed extraordinary; and none are more appalling than those that operate and give warning as a forerunner of human existence: but to avert the fatalities that bang over man's existence is impossible

supper fixed upon for enjoying it. Wishing to give her husband an agreeable surprise, and to belie his presentiments, Madaine de Marivet, about eleven o'clock, when they were just serving the dessert, left the table, and returning in a few moments after with her son in her arms, dressed like a sailor, she gave him to her husband, whom she tenderly embraced, and exclaimed, "You now see your son, my dear, in men's clothing, and your birth-day has already passed !”—“ Not yet," was his reply; "midnight has not struck." His friends shuddered at the words, and anxiously turned their eyes upon a time-piece, the fingers of which they silently regarded as they moved towards the wished-for hour. It was just on the point of twelve, when a thundering knock was heard at the door. M. de Marivet turned pale; all who surrounded him were struck dumb with terror. The door opened, and gave admission to the emissaries of the revolutionary committee, who were come to seize him. M. de la C., whom in a letter he had advised to emigrate, had not taken the precaution to destroy his papers. After his departure they had been transported, amongst his other effects, to the house of M. de Piepape, his grandfather. The latter had been imprisoned on suspicion, and seals had been placed upon the property at his house. He died in prison, and the agents of the committee, who were present when the seals were removed, found in an earthen vessel, amongst some torn papers which were destined to be burnt, the letter in which M. de Marivet advised M. de la C. to emigrate. This letter was his sentence of condemnation. M. de Marivet was summoned before the revolutionary tribunal, condemned to death, and lost his head upon the scaffold just before Thermidor. F. R. Y.

THE BALLOON AND THE EAGLE.
A FABLE.
(For the Mirror.)

AN eagle once, as soaring high
In regal grandeur through the sky,
With jealousy espied

Two mortals, who had come to share
The birds' own kingdom in the air,

In solitary pride.

High 'bove the clouds, they knew no fear,
Through fields of snow their swift career
The eagle view'd with mirth ;
For soon the gas which held them there
Escap'd, and left the luckless pair

To find their way to earth.

The bird then mark'd their rapid fall,
And laughing cried, "Thus perish all
Who'd vainly hope to rise

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THE BURNING CLIFF, DORSET. PUBLIC curiosity having been strongly excited by the extraordinary phenomenon of the appearance of a volcanic eruption on Holworth Cliff, we copy the following scientific observations and interesting particulars, in illustration of this singular operation of nature, from the Gentleman's Magazine of this month.

Holworth Cliff forms the southern boundary of a farm called South Holworth, (anciently written Oleworth, Holeworth, and Holwerde,) the property of J. J. Lambert, Esq. of Dorchester; it is situate about two miles eastward of Osmington, and forms a very prominent object from Weymouth Bay.

This cliff is composed of a blue slaty lime-stone, somewhat similar to the Charmouth Cliff, but exhibiting a more advanced state of decomposition, yet bearing a much stronger and closer affinity to the Kimeridge coal, and indeed may be fairly considered as the connecting link between them. This stone, which is used as an article of fuel by the neighbouring poor, is inflammable, and of a strong bituminous and sulphureous nature; it burns free, and produces a very brilliant light, but emits at first, and until the gaseous particles are all evaporated, a very offensive smell; it afterwards continues to burn for a long time pleasantly, and notwithstanding the disagreeable effluvia arising from its first igniting, it does not appear that any injurious effect has ever attended the use of it. It does not burn entirely to ashes, but leaves a substance like burnt slate, which is, after a time, reduced to powder, on being subjected to the action of the atmosphere. It is worthy of remark, that blocks of this stone, which have been exposed to, and washed by, the salt water, burn better than what is recently taken from the cliff.

The soil contains Pyrites, Marcasite, Cornu Ammonis, with remains of other shells and Belemnites. These substances are not found in regular strata, but are interspersed in masses, through the soil, which is impregnated, more or less, with bitumen, to an uncertain depth. There are occasionally found pieces of a darker substance of stone, resembling charcoal, but much harder.

much of public curiosity, was observed to change its appearance, and a quantity or ground, about an acre and half in extent, gradually sunk about thirty feet below its former level, in a direction towards the sea, and remained there for a short period; on this detached piece of ground there was a cottage, inhabited by a fisherman (named Baggs) and his family, who prudently left it after perceiving the first symptom of an alteration; however, the cottage remained, with the exception of a slight crack in one of the walls, perfectly entire. Sometime afterwards this piece of ground made a further gradual slide in the same direction, carrying the cottage with it, without any additional injury; and during a period of nearly three years from its first removal, it occasionally continued its sinking progress downwards, to the extent of nearly five hundred feet, when it made a stand, exhibiting the entire cottage, with its accompanying garden, well stocked with gooseberry and currant trees, and various vegetables, all in the most flourishing condition, and still retaining its position. The cottage has been lately taken down, the materials being removed by its former occupier, to build him another habitation on a spot near, but presumed more secure and apparently less liable to a similar disaster. The fruit-trees and vegetables continued in an equally thriving condition, until the late eruption; but now the numerous trespassing visiters have nearly obliterated every vestige of so remarkable an occur

rence.

As portions of the cliff along the whole extent of this coast are constantly falling down, particularly after heavy rains and breaking up of frost, this slide, as it is called, did not at the time excite any particular notice, although so extensive, but was looked on as merely an incident natural to the peculiarity of the soil; nor was there any thing for some time after this detached portion of cliff had become stationary which caused any remark, until about five years ago, a vapour was observed to exhale from that side of it facing the sea, and the same appearance has occurred occasionally since, at irregular intervals, particularly after heavy rains, varying materially in extent and also as to locality. It has been noticed, that the vapour has been more offensive, and has issued from the interstices in much larger quantities, at the spring tides than at other times; but that the

To persons unacquainted with the nature of the tides, and unaccustomed to nautical terms, it is necessary to explain the meaning of spring tides:-it is the flux of the ocean, which regu

About twelve years since, that portion larly occurs at the new and full moon, when the of the cliff which has lately attracted so

attractive power of that planet causes the tide to

greatest effusion of smoke has occurred about the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. In the months of September and October, 1826, a very considerable portion of vapour was, for the first time, observed to rise from two or three apertures, on the summit of this cliff, and continued to issue therefrom for some time, until fissures were opened by its contending strength, in the side of it, large enough to permit its escaping in that direction. The quantity exhaling from the summit was (to use the language of an eye-witness) as much as is usually caused, and passes out of a chimney, at the first lighting of a common fire. On a calm day it has been seen to rise in a majestic column to the height of twenty feet, and had a very curious and imposing effect in such a situation; since the vapour has forced down a portion of the cliff, and found an uninterrupted passage through the fissures thus opened, it has, with scarce any intermission, continued to exhale, only varying as before-mentioned in the number of apertures, from four to ten, and in the space of ground over which they are extended.

On the 15th of March, 1827, Nicholas Baggs observed the vapour arising from the side of the cliff, to be in larger quantities than usual at that spot, and having occasion for fuel, curiosity urged him to direct the persons he employed for the purpose, to dig at that part; after removing a small portion of the surface, they were very much surprised at seeing fire, and what at first sight seemed to them a small flame. The appearance of flame was momentary-it died away almost as soon as it became visible, and there has not been the least semblance of flame since, except on the application of some combustible material, to either of the fissures in the rock, in which the fire was perceptible, which immediately ignited. Dry sticks, or any inflammable substance, would, on being thrust into any of the apertures from whence smoke issued, instantly kindle and produce flame, and remain burning as long as fed with such matter; but as soon as the substance so applied was consumed, the flame would invariably die away instantly. It is necessary to state, in consequence of the multiplicity of idle reports of a contrary tendency, that there never has been the least flame issuing spontaneously from any part of the cliff, since the first appearance of fire.

The apertures from whence the vapour or smoke issue, are about forty feet above high water mark; the appearances within

rise or spring to a much greater height than at other periods.

the interstices of the rock, at the depth of five or six feet, were very similar to that of the lower part of a lime kiln, in its most active progress of operation. The massy blocks of stone on fire, displayed at first sight a most vivid and somewhat awful appearance; throwing out a very intense heat, accompanied with a powerful sulphureous effluvia, highly oppressive, so much so, as to cause a visible effect on the respiration of those persons who remained any length of time within its influence.

This interesting appearance was visible five or six days, and would probably have remained so much longer, but the unadvised curiosity of the learned as well as the unlearned, eager to dive into the secret workings of nature, induced them to apply crow-bars, pick-axes, and other powerful implements, for removing the surface, as well as portions of the rock, any way offering an obstacle, in order to ascertain (as they imagined) the cause of this wonderful phenomenon ; which, after all their efforts, proved fruitless; nature, in her operations, being too subtle and impenetrable for human ingenuity to develope her designs. The consequence is that, owing to the quantity of rock and soil removed from the principal apertures, a very large portion of the upper part of the cliff being partially undermined has fallen down, and buried the precise spot that first excited so large a share of curiosity; and, although the quantity of vapour now issuing is not so profuse as originally, still the exhalation is considerable, and emits a very powerful effluvia from three apertures, which proves how vast a mass of fire exists, mouldering beneath this heap, feeding on the perishable mementos of a former world. The outward surface of the rock, at this part of the cliff, is very hot, as well the soil around the apertures, and small fragments of the stone retain a very considerable degree of heat for a long time, after being detached from the larger blocks.

The ground shakes with a trifling and sudden pressure of the foot, and even by a blow with a stick, which evidently proves the internal recesses of this mass of earth to be hollow, and of course dangerous to a certain degree. It is very probable, that at some future period, perhaps not very distant, after the partial consumption of the materials feeding this immense body of fire, the present crust or surface may sink down, and exhibit all the incidental peculiarities of an extinct volcano; or possibly astonish us, with the more awful characteristics of an existing one, in active operation.

Previous to the aisruption of this portion of cliff from its neighbouring soil, there was a spring of excellent water, constantly bubbling out a copious crystalline stream, but which this convulsion entirely suppressed. A little water now oozes out from another part of the adjoining cliff, and immediately hides itself amongst the soil, being as it were ashamed of its insignificance. About one hundred feet from the summit of this disjointed cliff, where the exhalation issued last August, there is a hollow formed by its separation from its former site, a pond of stagnant water, abounding with the common water lizard.

There are not at this time any indications that will warrant the expectation of a violent eruption, nor are the peculiar local properties of the soil of such a description as to excite any alarming apprehension. After a time, it is very probable the vapour may partially subside, till another convulsive effort of nature may shew the wondering visiter the astonishing working of her hidden and inexplicable machinery. That there is an extensive body of subterraneous fire accumulated here, is too evident to be doubted; the least casual observer cannot justly draw any other conclusion from even a superficial view, and it is to be hoped that the mighty operations in constant progress underneath will never meet a resisting impediment to a ready vent upwards, for the free discharge of its increasing and superabundant effluvia.

The slide before alluded to, which happened in the year 1816, was unquestionably caused by the operation of subterraneous fire, being the first visible effect of the impulse upwards, produced in consequence of its having met with an obstruction to a free conducting channel beneath, and which proportionably increased the force of that dreadful element.

It being ascertained that the cliff contains a mixture of pyrites, sulphur, and iron ore, the effect to be produced on such a combination of materials by the action of salt water, must be precisely that which has happened. There are instances on record of similar occurrences from the like causes, viz. in the month of August, 1751, at Charmouth in this county; and at the mouth of the river Shannon in Ireland, in the year 1753; and in the Philosophical Transactions mention is made of a like circumstance in Caernarvonshire. There is no doubt of the communication of salt water with the interior part of this cliff, perforating through the loose pebbles at its base, and which communication originally effected the separation and removal of this mass of earth

from its former situation; as a proof of it, if proof were wanting, it has been observed that the spring tides, and more particularly the equinoctial tides (owing to their increasing fluxes coming more immediately in contact with these active internal agents) have invariably produced very visible effects on the discharge of vapour from this cavern; as at these pe riods a much larger quantity issues out, and a far stronger effluvia is emitted than at any other times.

The whole line of coast exhibits in the various strata, and numerous alluvial deposits contained in them, very remarkable features of violent convulsions; and although no record exists to inform us of the precise period of their occurrence, it is not less certain and demonstrable, that they have happened; leaving us incontestible proofs of their amazing effects in the many varied contortions of the soil, intermixed with such a vast profusion of organic remains, with other strong concurring testimonies.

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AFTER a very hot debate, in the course of which Ireton had let fall some very rude expressions respecting Denzil Hollis, the latter desired that he would walk out with him, and then told him, "that he insisted on his crossing the water immediately to fight him. Ireton replied, "that his conscience would not suffer him to fight a duel." Hollis, greatly incensed, pulled him by the nose, observing, that "since his conscience prevented him from giving men satisfaction, it ought to keep him from provoking them."-Percy Anecdotes.

* In Holworth and the neighbouring cliffs, the Nautilus, Cornu Ammonis, Pecten, Pinna, Nomia, Trigonia with vertebræ, and other fragments of the Icthyosaurus, &c. &c. are frequently found. This coast presents a wide and interesting field for the geologist and natural philosopher.

THE AGE OF HAPPINESS.

UPON a candid review of my pursuits and feelings, it appears to me that I was a much happier man than I am now. Upon recollection, I find that Lewis the comedian let me, by anticipation, into the cause of this. We were walking homeward from the Keep-the-line-Club, then held at the British coffee-house. Lewis asked me my age, and I answered "thirty." "Stick to that, my dear boy," said the veteran, "and you will do. I myself was thirty once. I was fool enough to let it go by; and I have regretted it ever since."- New Monthly Magazine.

THE EVENING STAR.

THE Evening Star illumines the blue south,
Twinkling in loveliness. O! holy star,
Thou bright dispenser of the twilight dews,
Thou herald of Night's glowing galaxy,
And harbinger of social bliss! how oft,
Amid the twilights of departed years,
Resting beside the river's mirror clear
On trunk of massy oak, with eyes upturned
To thee in admiration, have I sate,
Dreaming sweet dreams, till earth-born turbu-
lence

Was all forgot; and thinking that in thee,
Far from the rudeness of this jarring world,
There might be realms of quiet happiness.
Blackwood's Magazine.

CURRAN AND THE FLEAS.

CURRAN had a perfect horror of fleas; nor was this very extraordinary, since those vermin seemed to shew him peculiar hostility. If they infested a house, my friend said, that "they always flocked to his bed-chamber, when they heard he was to sleep there!" I recollect his being dreadfully annoyed in this way at Carlow; and, on making his complaint in the morning to the woman of the house "By heavens! madam," cried he, "they were in such numbers, and seized upon my carcass with so much ferocity, that if they had been unanimous, and all pulled one way, they must have dragged me out of bed entirely."

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Barrington's Sketches.

HENDERSON'S COVETOUSNESS. A NAMESAKE, if not a relation, of Mr. Henderson, lately told me that avarice was a predominant failing in the private character of this impressive actor, " who called," says the relater, "one day on my late excellent friend, Dr. Fryer, to present him, as a compliment, with tickets for his (Henderson's) benefit. The good and benevolent doctor, who knew the actor's foibie, and bore with it, as he did with the failings of every one,-instead of accepting the tickets as a present, offered

the money for them, which Henderson took with a blush; and as he put it in

his pocket, struck his forehead with the unemployed hand, burst into tears, and said, I am ashamed ; but, by G—, I can't help it.'"-Dibdin's Reminiscences.

WILD OATS.

HENRY LORD FALKLAND having been brought into the House of Commons at a very early age, a grave senator objected to his youth, remarking, that " he did not look as if he had sown his wild oats." His lordship replied with great quickness, "Then I am come to the properest place, where there are so many old geese to pick them up."

A FINE IMAGE.

As in a sultry and an oppressive summer heat, when the sky begins to overcast, the dread of the dark and boding tempest is unable to extinguish the inward longing of nature for the refreshing coolness which follows in its train; in like manner public opinion (in Germany) has now almost reconciled itself to all that is most dreadful in events, if they only promise to relieve us from our present ignominy, and open to us a source of pure hope in the heavens, the face of which is now obscured by a vapour which veils every happy star from our sight.-Goerres' Germany.

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