and learning that he was encamped in the western border of Lake Houle, left Acre by night, and, by break of day, had come up with the Enemy; having secured Jacob's Bridge, which they found ill guarded, they fell on his Camp sword in hand, and a carnage and general rout took place, similar to the affair of Nablous. A considerable number in attempting to escape, perished in the waters and marshes of the Lake; and it was thought that the Pasha himself had shared this fate, but he had the good fortune to escape, borne on the shoulders of two black slaves, who swam across. While these events were taking place, the Pasha of Sidon, Daronich, son of Osman, had engaged the Druses in his cause, and 500 akkals, headed by Ali Djoubalat, had arrived to support him, while the Emir Yousef, with 25,000 men. had descended into the Valley of the Motoualis, where he laid every thing waste with fire and sword; Ali Daher and Nassif, on learning this news, turned immediately in this direction. On the 21st October 1771, an advanced corps of Motoualis routed the Druses, who, by their flight carried terror into Sidon. The Szaffadians followed close upon them, and Ali Djoubalat, despairing of being able to defend the town, evacuated it precipitately, his akkals pillaging it as they departed. The Motoualis entered, and, in their turn pillaged the inhabitants, till the Shiekhs arriving, put a stop to it, taking possession of the Town in the name of Daher, who appointed a mussellim to govern it. The Porte alarmed at these reverses, now offered to make peace with its too powerful subject on terms extremely advantageous. To carry this point, the government removed the three Pashas, and disclaimed their proceedings. The old Sheikh, now in his Eighty-fifth year, was not indisposed to close with the proposals; but his avaricious minister, instigated by private motives, dissuaded him. He calculated that the next spring, Ali Bey would return as the conqueror of Syria; instead of which the rebellion of Mahommed Bey against his patron, in the February of the following year, terminated in Ali's arriving at Acre as a fugitive and a suppliant, with only 800 Mamalouks Their passage was opposed by the Turkish faction in Jaffa, who took advantage of this reverse in the fortune of Daher, to regain the ascendancy, aided by the Shiekh of Nablous. At the same time a large army of Turks, which had assembled near Aleppo, was announced to be approaching. But Daher, undaunted, first marched towards Nablous, chastising the rebels as he passed, and having joined Ali Bey below Jaffa, returned with him to Acre, whence he prepared to take the field against the Turks. In the roads of Caipha were some Russian Vessels, which were taking in provisions; with these the Sheikh negociated, and, for a present of 600 purses engaged them to second his operations by sea. His army at this time was said to consist of 5 or 600 Cavalry, and about 1000 Infantry; whilst the Turks amounted to 10,000 Cavalry and 20,000 Peasants. They were beseiging Sidon, when Daher's approach led them to retreat to the north of the town, there to await his attack. The action was begun by the Russian Vessels, and no sooner had they fired a few broadsides, than the akkals retreated in confusion. The Mamalouks immediately galloped full speed on the Enemy, and the gunners intimidated, fired their pieces with precipitation, and took to flight. The volley did but little execution, and the Mamalouks now rushed upon the Turkish Cavalry, who made a feeble resistance. In the confusion which ensued, the Pashas first set the example of flight. The Druses, who never engage with goodwill on the side of the Turks, retreated to their mountains, and in less than an hour the plain was cleared. The Allies would not risk a pursuit; but the Russians to punish the Druses, proceeded to cannonade Beirout, and made a descent on the coast, where they burnt 300 houses. Daher and Ali Bey now determined to punish the people of Nablous and Jaffa for their treachery; and in July 1772, Ali appeared before the latter town, with a few large cannon, badly mounted and worse served. Eight months were wasted in beseiging, or rather blockading this place, which at length being in want of provision, surrendered by capitulation. Ali Bey returned to Acre, where the Sheikh had been occupied with preparations to enable his Ally to return to Egypt. They waited only a succour of 600 men promised by the Russians; but the rash impatience of Ali Bey determined him to depart without them. Daher in vain endeavoured to detain him, but, find-、 ing his resolution fixed, he sent 1500 Cavalry to accompany him, commanded by Osman, one of his sons. Not many days after, in April 1773 the Russians arrived with the reinforcement; and the regret which this circumstance occasioned the old Sheikh, was severely aggravated when his Son arrived at the head of his fugitive troops, to announce the defeat and death of Ali Bey. (To be Continued.) THE SOLDIER'S FUNERAL They tell that the soldier's wars are done- Slowly, and sadly, and monrufully Move on the men of might; The polished gleam of the glittering glaive As if to show how the arm of the brave The drum's low roll has its tidings said, And the measur'd sound of the mourner's tread And now comes the bier of the valiant dead, With the sword and the plume display'd; But the band is cold which that weapon sped, And the brow which that plume array'd. He fell in his youth, and strength, and might, 'Honesty is the best policy." AN honest man has every advantage sullied conscience, and generally has over a dishonest one, he has an unthe fear of God before his eyes; while on the other hand, the dishonest man has always something heavy hanging on his mind, he is always miserable, and very seldom thankful for the benefits he receives from his Creator; the honest man returns from his labour to his earthly comforts, and is thankful to his Maker for any blessings he may think proper to bestow upon him. In affliction he is resigned to the will of God, and when about to quit this earthly scene he quits it with joy. The dishonest man on his bed of death, has burthens on his conscience which render his repose, (if repose it can be called,) disturbed and unrefreshing; he is never cheerful because his thoughts are always fixed on his vile mean unmanly actions, he has what is termed twinges of conscience, which when once possessed of, it is nearly impossible to get rid of. The honest man has done nothing for which to reproach himself, he is cheerful because he is conscious of having harmed no one, he knows not the pain of a reproachful conscience. One might write much more on that essential virtue to man's present and They had mourn'd him less had he fallen in fight, future welfare, after all however we Amid glory's bright career! Methought that many a brave heart shook, As it beat beside that pall; But I turn'd away, for I could not look could but conclude by saying that "An honest man is the noblest work of God." G. J. W. Falmouth, April, 1827. EXPLANATORY REMARKS. The observations were made twice every day, at 8 A. M. and 2 P. M., of which only the Monthly The Thermometer is in results are here given. the open air and self-registering, entirely shaded from all Sun. The Mean of the Thermometer herein stated, has been found by adding up all the figures of the double observations of every day in each month, and dividing the sum by the number of days in the month. In the variety of Weather, by-" Gleam," is meant when the Sun was dimly seen through the thin cloads. The variations of the Winds, also doubly observed each day, were in the whole year North, to East cxclusive-156 West, to North 153 do. 280 Was highest on 20th day of June......30. 49. Was lowest on 12th do. November..28. 69. Mean height of the year ...29.90 Thus Invalids will see how mild is the Climate, and how few days they will be prevented from taking gentle exercise on the Sea-shore, or the To the Phirefreshing air on the fertile hills. losophical enquirer it will be useful in taking comparative views with other places. Note. This should have appeared much earlier, but unavoidably delayed till now. At the be ginning of next year, it is intended to make a similar communication. BIRTHS IN MARCH. At Constantine Vicarage, the wife of the Rev. E. Rogers of a Daughter At Redruth, Mrs. Cocking of a son IN APRIL. At Truro, Mrs. Mitchell of twin daughters At East Looe, the wife of Lieut. P. Prynn, R. N. of a son At East Looe, Mrs. Bailie of a daughter At Falmouth, Mrs. Burchill of a son daughter Mrs. Taylor of a son Mrs. Jones of twins, a son and At Helston, Mrs. Lanyon of a son MARRIAGES IN FEBRUARY. At Madron, Mr. W. M. Borse to Miss L. Boase At St. Erme, the Rev. H. Nicholls to Miss At Lelant, the Rev. F. G. Webber to Miss A. Woodley At Phillack, Capt J. Banfield to Miss E. Bau field At Illogan, Mr. Ivey to Miss Godolphin DEATHS IN MARCH. At Penzance, H. Boase Esq. aged 68 At Constantine, Mrs. Harris, aged 86 At Hessenford, Mr. R. Little, aged 68 At Launceston, Mrs. Parkins, aged 39 At Falmouth, W. Rogers, aged 7 At Gravesend, Mr. W. Tickell, aged 68 At Truro, R. Ferris At St. Austle, Mr. Soddart At Falmouth, wife of Mr. Wade At Bodmin, Robert youngest son of Lient. At St. Stephens, by Launcestou, Mr. Ferrit At South Perthirwin, a woman named Heron, aged 101 At Mennabilly, near Fowey, Miss C: Rashleigh Printed and Published by J. PHILP, Falmouth, and sold by most Booksellers in the County. The Selector. "WE CULL THE CHOICEST." No. 18.] JUNE, 1827. THE SCILLY-ISLANDS; and previous to the sketch being pursued, it will be right to state a TRADITION, not noticed in any of the older historians before quoted, Viz: "In times past it is helt (says Hooper) that Sillye was continent land with Cornewall, but by the violence of raging seas in processe of time the land betweene them hath bin devourd.” In this Carew concurs," The encroaching sea huth ravined from it, the whole country of LIONNESSE, the space between the Isles and land's-end retaineth to this day that name in Cornish, Lethowsow, and about midway there lieth a rock called the gulfor Wolf-rock. A like overflowing hath happened at the Mount and Plymouthhaven." Borlase remarks," That such a country as Lionnesse formerly existed is much talked-of, and fishermen have said that in the Channel they have seen and found remains of habitations: but I produce this only to prove the tradition from time immemorial." However from the written ancient accounts, the Cassilerides were then islands;-al though it would appear from the excellent Papers in the Transactions of Geological Society, Penzance, by A. Majendie, Esqr. Joseph Carne Esqr. (Vol. 2. Page 354,) and Rev. S. G VOL. 2 [Price 3d Greatheed, that the chief of the Tin must have been procured by the Phanician and other traders from the main land, and as at St. Just, near CapeCornwall, Mr. Carne says, "The mines have been remarkable from time immemorial for their treasures of Tin, so we might say that the Scilly or this Tin became a constituent part of the Shield and Helmet of Achilles,-the Tabernacle of the Israelites,—the Purple of Tyre,-and the Temple of Solomon! It is clear in the Scilly Isles that vestiges of Tin-mines have been viewed by Troutbeck, Borlase, &c. and many other vestiges most probably have been overwhelmed by the sea. The present six principal inhabited islands, with others (among the 140) that are cultivated, will prove very interesting to the enlightened tourist,-the number of Inhabitants altogether are about 3000. As you approach ST. MARY'S which is about 10 miles round and the chief island, you will observe on entering the Sound many green islets with groups of rocks, and the scene is beautifully diversified with the Islands adjacent,-at St. Mary's there are 3 towns, a pier erected by Lord Godolphin, A. D. 1750, a custom-house, and a garrison,-the bills are high and rocky. Heugh-town is the chief place on a sandy bay, good anchorage and will shelter 100 Vessels,-on a height is a fort built 1593, and is named Star-Castle, in the centre is the Gover nor's house; below are the Lines, extending almost 2 miles with strong batteries. Old-town and Church-town do not consist of many houses. The vestiges of Giant's-castle on Salakeedowns, exhibit immense crags to seaward and a ditch and vallum on landside. Adjoining this may be discovered where had stood a Druid temple on the plane of a rock 172 feet from N. to S. Small circles of erect stones are in different parts, and the Barrows or hillocks of sepulture are many. The sad occurrence in the year 1707 must be mentioned; His Majesty's squadron from Toulon came off the Islands in October in a thick fog at night, when 4 of the Ships, the Association, Eagle, Romney, and Firebrand, were all lost!-the first, striking on the Gilstone-rock sunk instantly, and in Porthelik-cove the body of Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovel was found, which being unknown was buried, but afterwards taken up and conveyed to Westminster Abbey and a monument erected: they preserved from the last ship the Captain and 25 men. There is a good Church at St. Mary's, and smaller ones on the other Islands; as the population generally could not do more than supply their absolute wants, there long existed a great need of Ministers and Schoolmasters; these have now for some years been liberally supplied by the "Society for promoting Christian knowledge," which has granted money for the Churches and Schools and annually pays the Pastors and Masters, expending four or five hundred pounds per annum in this benevolent manner. ST. AGNES is distant about a mile from the above, and possesses a Stone Light-house about 60 feet high, situate on a lofty eminence built A. D. 1680, but improved and sustained by the Trinity-house; this brilliant light revolving, alternates light and darkness every two minutes, exceedingly useful to be known by mariners from others on the coast. This island about 4 miles round, contains 400 inhabitants, and is very pleasant and fruitful. TRESCAW the next in extent and population to St. Mary's is about 2 miles from it, being 6 miles in circumference with 7 to 800 inhabitants, the principal place is called Dolphin, and some good houses are in various parts, In a sweet little valley is a small fresh water lake about half a mile long, called the Abbey-pond, near the remains of an ancient monastery founded in the 10th century and endowed by an Eari of Cornwall 300n after the conquest;now only can be seen two fine pointed arches to record the site of the venerable Abbey. At Tregarthan-hill is a rugged curious Cavern called Piper's hole, extending 60 fathoms, and midway is a deep Pond of fresh water 20 fathoms in length; beyond is a sandy beach with a barrier of rocks, so that the report is untrue of a passage to a similar Cavern at St. Mary's. There are several old fortifications, as Oliver's Castle, &c. but now in ruins. ST. MARTIN'S about a mile E. of Trescaw, is 6 miles in circuit, but sand covers a portion of it; on a promontary is a tower 40 feet high being an useful day-mark for vessels, from the top is a fine view of all the Isles and when clear, Cornwall can be seen; this tower was built by Mr. Ekins a century ago, to whom this isle is indebted for its flourishing state; there are now 60 or 70 houses. BREHAR to the W. of Trescaw, distant 4 or 500 yards, at low water the sands may be crossed on foot, is the most mountainous and contains about 330 acres. Troutbeck in 1794 says there were then only 2 families, but now there are 20 or 30 families and still improving. There are several Burrows and a very large one 77 feet diameter. Many remains of hedges can be seen shewing the gradual waste by the sea, and at half a mile distance is a fine lofty rock which they name Brehar-Castle. SAMPSON island, the last of the 6 inhabited, is about half a mile S. of Brehar, it is useful to mainers, appearing like two Pyramids, but little can be cultivated and contains only 8 or 10 houses, the men acting as pilots. Some others of the islets afford pasture for Sheep, but over the greater number the sea has full dominion. The islands are healthy and the people hardy and robust, gaining their livelihood by agriculture and fishing, and also the making kelp, which having been introduced A. D. 1684, by a Mr. Nance, has ever since afforded them |