British government intelligence of the military operations and diplomatic measures adopted by the commanders and sovereigns of the Continent.

Early in 1797 he returned to England, but in the following autumn joined his regiment at Gibraltar, whence he proceeded to the attack of Minorca with Sir Charles Stuart, and received for his valuable exertions in the reduction of that island the most grateful and honourable acknowledgments. After this he was employed two years at the blockade of Malta.

On the completion of this service General Graham came home for a few months, and, again anxious for active service, proceeded to Egypt, but before his arrival that country had been completely conquered. His active and enterprising spirit had now to endure a period of repose. In 1808, however, he proceeded with Sir John Moore to Sweden, and afterwards served in Spain with that gallant leader during the fatal Peninsular campaign of 1808.

In 1809, General Graham commanded a division at the siege of Flushing; in 1810, he commanded the British troops at Cadiz; and in 1811, he fought and won the memorable battle of Barossa, for which he received the thanks of parliament; and being at that time a member of the House of Commons, and in his place there, he had the satisfaction of hearing that tribute of a nation's gratitude from the lips of the Speaker.

After this he joined Lord Wellington, and was present at the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo; but ill health rendered it necessary for him to revisit England for a short period. Early in 1813, however, he returned to the Peninsula, led the left wing at the battle of Vittoria, reduced the town and citadel of St. Sebastian, crossed the Bidassoa, and (after a severe contest) established the British army on the territory of France.

It was about this period that Mr. Abbot, then Speaker of the House of Commons, and afterwards Lord Colchester, in alluding to General Graham's distinguished career, stated that "his was a name never to be mentioned in our military annals without the strongest expression of respect and admiration ;" and Mr. Sheridan, speaking of the various excellencies, personal and professional, which adorned his character, said, "I have known him in private life, and never was there seated a loftier spirit in a braver heart." Alluding to his services in the retreat of the British army to Corunna - in which Sir John Moore, the general in command, was killed-he continued, “In

the hour of peril, Graham was their best adviser; in the hour of disaster, Graham was their surest consolation.”

On the 3d of May, 1814, he was created a peer of the empire, by the title of Baron Lynedoch, of Balgowan, Perthshire, and refused a grant of 2000l. per annum, to himself and heirs, which was intended to have accompanied his elevation. In 1826, he was appointed to the governorship of Dumbarton Castle.-The conduct and character of Lord Lynedoch have been the subject of eulogium by Sir Walter Scott, in his Vision of Don Roderick, the concluding stanzas of which are dedicated to him.

1. When did Lord Lynedoch die? and at what age?

2. Lord Lynedoch entered the army in 1794: tell me how old he was at that time?

3. In what foreign army did Colonel Graham serve?

4. What memorable battle was won by him in 1811 ?

5. What did he in 1813 ?

6. Repeat what Mr. Sheridan said of the gallant general in the House of Commons.

LESSON CCCLIII. -DECEMBER THE NINETEENTH.

Toulon.

On this day, in 1793, Toulon was recaptured by the French. The only thing, said an ingenious traveller at the time, which the English have to console them under the loss of Toulon is, that, upon the best calculation, it cost while in their possession from 20,000l. to 25,000l. per day.

It was originally built by the Romans, after their conquest of Gaul. It was destroyed about the end of the tenth century, and was hardly rebuilt when it was pillaged by African pirates. In 1524 it was taken by the imperialists under the constable of Bourbon, and again pillaged by Charles V. in 1536. It has been frequently depopulated by the plague, particularly in 1418, 1461, 1476, 1587, 1621, 1630, 1647, 1664, and 1720. Yet notwithstanding these depopulations, it contained about 80,000 citizens in 1789.

Toulon was highly improved, ornamented, and fortified by Louis XIV., who employed the celebrated Vauban to erect the strongest fortifications; and constructed a new haven, with an arsenal containing every thing necessary for ship-building, with a rope work, an armoury, a foundry for cannons, muskets, and all other warlike apparatus.

The harbour of Toulon is very spacious, and surrounded

A WINTER FIRE-SIDE.

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by hills, which gives it tae appearance of being almost circular. The entrance is defended on both sides by a fort with strong batteries.

The great prince Eugene besieged this city in 1707, but without success. In September, 1793, however, it was surrendered by a party of French royalists to the British admiral, Lord Hood, who accordingly took possession of it, in conjunction with the Spanish troops, in trust for Louis XVII.; in whose name Lord Hood promised the French a restoration of the constitution of 1789. But the French republicans, disregarding this offer, laid close siege to it; and notwithstanding the heroic exertions made by the British and their allies, and particularly by Sir Sidney Smith, General O'Hara, and Captain Hare, the garrison was obliged to evacuate Toulon, after having destroyed the arsenal, and burnt or taken several ships of war.

The loss on the part of the allies was very great, vast numbers of the royalists being either drowned or falling into the hands of the French, while endeavouring to get on board the British vessels. Toulon is seated on a bay of the Mediterranean.

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1. What took place on this day, in 1793 ?

2. What did Toulon cost the English while in their possession ? 3. By whom was Toulon originally built?

4. When was it destroyed?

5. By whom was it taken in 1524?

LESSON CCCLIV. -DECEMBER THE TWENTIETH.

A Winter Fire-side.

ALTHOUGH the beauties of Nature no longer force themselves, as it were, upon our notice, how many delicious hours may be spent around the winter fire-side; and what a rich store of enjoyment is there laid up for those whose minds are properly attuned to the calls of humanity! While the earth displayed its mantle of green in Spring; while the sun shone forth in fervid glory, and the bright blue sky proclaimed the Summer; while the golden sheaves and clustering fruits gave joyful evidence of the arrival of Autumn,—then, indeed, we could revel in the banquet which Nature had spontaneously provided for us. But in the dark and dreary hours of Winter, when chilling frosts, and drifting snows, and howling winds wrinkle her fair face; when gloomy days and length

ened nights add to the desolate aspect of all around; how truly enviable are they who are blest with a social circle, where mental pleasures can be found to compensate for those exterior charms, whose absence still we cannot but regret.

Though the old castle hall no more resounds with the harper's minstrelsy, and the wassail-bowl is no longer drained by the well-fed peasantry who were assembled to partake of the baron's bounty, we must not be unmindful that in this country there are many among the affluent who, with a liberal hand, dispense the bounties of Providence at this season; and who, when work is scarce and skies are inclement, greatly alleviate the distresses of the poor, by supplying them with occasional food and articles of clothing. Nor is the exercise of charity wholly confined to the rich and lordly. Associations have been formed, and institutions founded, for the casual or permanent relief of the destitute; and although much of that hilarious festivity, which formerly reached the door of the cottage as well as the gates of the palace, has gone down to oblivion, let us thank God that benevolent hearts still exist in this Christian land.

Who is there amongst us that does not rejoice at the happy words, "Christmas is come again!" Who is there that does not acknowledge the pleasurable associations which are produced by that joyful sound! Who can forget the happy faces which will be ready to greet our return from school, and join in the guileless recreations that make our Christmas holidays so dear to us!

And what season is there so peculiarly adapted for the expression of a pure and holy rejoicing? The recollection of the merciful event it commemorates ought to fill us with a solemn and sacred feeling, and throw a halo of sanctity over our conviviality, thereby rendering our enjoyments suitable to that happy jubilee which brought peace and good-will to men. How heart-stirring, yet how tender, are the services of the church at this period! With what simple beauty they dwell on those pastoral scenes which accompanied the divine announcement ; and with what sublime inspiration they break forth in celebrating the Redeemer's birth! Then it is that the pealing organ and the full-voiced choir of many a timehonoured edifice are so beautifully grand and expressive, wafting their holy melody through a long vista of noble arches, while the echoes reverberate along the richlyvaulted roof.

1. When was it that we could revel in the banquet which Nature had provided for us?

2. For what purpose have associations been formed, and institutions founded?

3. What merciful event does Christmas commemorate?

LESSON CCCLV.

-DECEMBER THE TWENTY-FIRST.

Duke of Sully.

On this day, in 1641, expired Maximilian de Bethune, Duke of Sully, a marshal of France, prime minister of Henry IV., and one of the ablest and most honest statesmen that France ever had.

The picture of his own mode of life is curious and interesting. He rose every day at four in the morning, and employed his first two hours in reading and despatching the memorials which lay upon his desk. At seven he went to the council; and he passed the rest of the day with the king, who gave him orders relative to the different offices which he held.

He dined at noon, and afterwards gave a regular audience, to which persons of all ranks were admitted. The ecclesiastics of both religions were first heard; then came the turn of villagers and men of inferior condition; persons of quality were reserved to the last.

When this was concluded, he usually resumed his labours till supper-time, when he caused his doors to be shut, and laying aside business, indulged himself in society with a few friends. He usually went to rest at ten, but if any thing extraordinary had deranged the occupations of the day, he borrowed some hours of the night.

His table was simple and frugal; and when he was reproached for its plainness, he would reply, with Socrates, that if his guests were wise they would be satisfied; if not, he did not wish their company.

"What would pass the like?"

Such was the life of this first minister. hire you," said Henry to a courtier, "to "Not all your majesty's treasury," was the reply.

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1. What great statesman expired on this day, in 1641 ?

2. To whom was he prime minister?

3. At what time did he rise in the morning?

4. In what did he employ his first two hours?