THE GREAT PEACE BAZAAR, 1851.

Tas Ladies' Committee for conducting the League of Brotherhood Bazaar in 1851, have resolved to make an earnest appeal to the friends of Peace throughout Great Britain, for their zealous co-operation in preparing a demonstration that shall be worthy of the great Peace Year 1851, and which shall render substantial aid in the prosecution of those practical measures wh ch have been set on foot for promoting Peace and Brotherhood throughout the world.

In almost every public notice of the approaching Exposition of the Industry of all Nations, it is spoken of as a great international Peace Movement. This will give a favourable bias to the public mind, during the coming year, towards pacific principles and feelings, which will be strengthened by the holding of the next Peace Congress in London, during the summer of 1851. Every opportunity should be taken to foster and develop this idea of Peace and Goodwill, as connected with the Great Exposition; and it is important in the meantime to diffuse correct information as to the real principles and objects of the League of Brotherhood, and kindred Peace associations. The Committee believe that the preparations for the intended Bazaar will afford the most favourable opportunities for introducing the subject among families, and enlisting the sympathy and aid of those who have never before been identified with the movement.

The Committee would strongly recommend the formation of working parties for the winter, in every town and village where it is practicable, to meet once a week, or once a fortnight, at the honses of the members, and that invitations be freely extended to neighbours and friends to join such meetings.

Rich and poor may all contribute money, time, or influence. Let genius lend the pencil or the pen; let the manufacturer send the produce of his machinery-the tradesman a contrioution from his store-the mechanie a specimen of his skill. Those whose occupations prevent them from taking an active part, may render valuable assistance, and double its worth, by sending their pecuniary contributions as early as possible to the London Committee, who would immediately convert it into materials to be worked by those who can only afford to give time.

The Bazaar will probably be held in the Hall of Commerce, in the month of June, and the Committee will be glad to receive all such contributions as may in the meantime be prepared, which may be sent to the Office of the League, No. 3, Winchester Buildin_s, Old Broad-street, London.

The proceeds of the Bazaar will be applied in ail of the funds of the League of Brotherhood, established by Elhu Burrit n 1816, for the promotion of peace and brotherhood throughout the world.

The efforts of the Society are now chiefly directed to an extensive distribution of short monthly papers, entitled "Olive Leaves" throughout France, Germany, and Great Britain. These olive leaves are translated into the languages of the respective countries in which they are circulated, and are received with eager and grateful interest by the people. Elihu Burritt had devoted himself to this work in Germany for some tim', and intends shortly to extend the movement into Denmark, Sweden and Russia.

The following articles are suggested as most likely to meet with a ready sale at the Bazaar: —

For Ladies.-Dresses and dressing gowns, caps, collars, armlets, cuffs, gloves, shoes and slippers, anti-Macassars, articles for the work-box and toilette, bags, reticules, travelling bazs, baskets of all kinds, pocket handkerchiefs, aprons, and shawls. Scarfs, knitted and netted articles of real utility, children's clothing, and clothing for the poor.

For Gentlemen.--Caps of various kinds, stocks, collars, fronts, comforters, braces, housewives, purses, carpet bags, blue office bags, watch guards, shirts, gloves, slippers, and muffatees.

Miscellaneous. -Toys, desks, dressing cases, albums, ottomans, cushions, scrap books, flowers, stationery, books, music, draw. ings and engravings, autographs, collections of plants, seaweeds, sheils, curiosities, work boxes, musical instruments, jewellery, cutlery, seeds and plants, lamps, walking sticks, glass and china. Models, invalid blankets, specimens of manufactures, and perfumery..

3, Winchester Buildings,

CAROLINE MARY FRY,) MARY ANN SCOBLE, JANE COLGATE,

Secretaries.

ARDWICK LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY.

This society, young but flourishing, held its first soirée on Thursday evening, December 19th, at the Ardwick Green Academy, Manchester. After tea, an excellent programme, including songs and recitations, was gone through to the evident satisfaction of the auditory. Mr. Pigot presided at the piano: the choruses were selected from the choicest English and German composers, and included Tom Cooke's "Gipsies' Tent," and Miss Flower's beautiful motett "Now pray we for our country:" and recitations were given by the pupils of Mr. Law's academy.

This society was established for the purpose of mutual improvement by means of essays, discussions, lectures, and a library, which latter already numbers 150 volumes, collected in the short space of four months.

The financial position is satisfactory; the society has the free use of the Ardwick-green academy for its mectings, and thus surmounts one of the greatest difficulties of young societies--obtaining a suitable room. The committee has arranged for the delivery of several lectures during the ensuing quarter.-M. P.

BEAUMONT INSTITUTION.

On Monday, Dec. 30th, a grand concert took place at this institution. Mr. and Mrs. Sims Reeves, Mr. Borani, Miss Dolby, and Miss Lizzy Smart, a débutante, were the vocalists, while Miss Binfield Williams made a first appearance here in two spirited fantasias on the pianoforte. The large concert room was crowded to excess; and it is no small source of gratification to the dwellers in this almost taboo'd neighbourhood, that they possess an establishment amongst them at which the stars of the west are not only not ashamed but are positively proud to appear. It is but fair to add that free admission to six grand concerts during the season is included in the guinea subscription of the members, besides the library and other advantages.

HEALTH OF LONDON.

A very interesting report of the sanitary condition of the city of London has recently been drawn up by Mr. Simon, the medical officer of health to the city.-It appears that the rate of mortality in 1849 averaged 30 per 1,000-while that during the twelve months ending September 28th, 1850, averaged 21·92 per 1,000. Although this decrease is in some measure due to the absence of cholera during the past year, yet Mr. Simon has no hesitation in ascribing it mainly to the sanitary improvement of the streets and dwellings in the city.-When the improvements which he advocates shall be fully carried out, he conceives that the average yearly mortality in London will be reduced to that of the most favoured country localities,-which is not more than 19 per 1,000.

SOUTHAMPTON MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

The members of the above society celebrated their second annual soirée on New Year's-eve, when about 300 persons sat down to a comfortable tea. At half-past six the chair was taken by the Mayor, R. Andrews, Esq., who in an opening address acknowledged the pleasure he felt in viewing the establishment of such societies as these, regarding them as no unimportant feature in the progressive tendencies of the age. The report read by the secretary, Mr. T. Chennell, showed the general advancement and improvement of the society both in interest and numbers; it being generally in a most prosperous and flourishing condition. A humorous recitative address, composed expressly for the occasion by the secretary, was ably given by one of the members. Sentiments embodying the principles of the society were spoken to by several gentlemen, and in particular "Success to the National Exhibition of 1851," was earnestly advocated by the chairman, who, himself an intending contributor, urged on the young men present to unite hand-in-hand, and do their part to make it truly not only an exhibition worthy of our country, but of the whole world.

The amusements of the evening were enlivened by the performances of an excellent brass band, and a selection of vocal music.

THE CONTEMPORARY PRESS.

The responsibility of the pulpit is frequently insisted upon with great but not exaggerated emphasis; those who occupy it, are solemnly reminded of the immense influence they exerc.se for good or for evil, on man and society. They are admonished against abusing the power which the sacredness of their function gives them, to propagate deadly error and mislead the souls of men. We think it were well, if similar charges were occasionally given to those who have been designated the "highpriests of letters," and who are now wielding an influence hardly inferior to that of the pulpit. It is sad to think with what levity this office of public instructor is assumed, and how frivolously and recklessly it is often exercised at the bidding of vanity, spleen, cupidity, and party feeling. We fear that there are but few of those who address the community through the medium of the periodical press in this country, who have anything like an adequate consciousness of their responsibility as the moral guides of the nation. The aim seems to be to write something racy, smart and taking, to minister to the prevailing prejudices of the age, and above all to secure the patronage of the respectable and powerful. Hence it is, that whatever does not bear the seal of prescription is eschewed, or if advocated at all, with such extreme hesitancy and tenderness, and with so many cautious and enfeebling qualifications, that the effect is almost as bad as positive hostility, while the earliest opportunity is seized of escaping from even this small seeming sympathy with what is unfashionable and unprofitable. Those who are interested in the peace movement, have had (some very edifying examples of this.-Herald of Peace.

[The noble cause to which the Herald of Peace is devoted can receive no better or more effective support than that which is afforded in its columns. Ably and eloquently written in a caus and reasoning spirit, it is a publication to which we heartily wish God speed.-ED. P. H. J.]

REGISTERED LETTERS.

The Postmaster-General has given orders that all the townreceiving houses in the kingdom shall resume receiving regis tered letters, a practice which had for some time ceased.

ART EXHIBITIONS.

It is our intention to step somewhat out of our usual course, and give notices of the various exhibitions of scenic art, science, and amusement, of the metropolis; so that visitors from the country may see where to turn their steps for rational, instructive, and interesting entertainment -

THE OVERLAND MAIL TO INDIA.

The journey to Calcutta was not very long ago a serious undertaking, and is still not a trifling affair. To annihilate geographical distance, and shorten the time occupied by nearly three months, was certainly great; but a more wonderful achievement is that by means of which we are conveyed in a few hours from our own smoky and foggy metropolis to the glorious eastern land, and set down in the "city of palaces," the capital of our In an empire. We, however, do not perform the Overland route subject to the annoyances that proverbially beset travellers: simply, we enter the Gallery of Illustration, in Waterlooplace, seat ourselves comfortably, and make use of our eyes. Imagination will scarcely be required; for the scenes and places occurring along the journey are depicted so correctly and lifelike, that after he first five minutes the pleasant and exhilirating delusion steals unconsciously over you that you are actually en route. Leaving the bustling docks of Southampton, points of picturesque or historical interest crowd rapidly on, until Cairo is reached-than which no Oriental town more completely realises the ideas created by a perusal of the Arabian Nights. Halting at the city of Victory," you prepare to cross the desert: and here it is you remember that dear old dismal A'bion is far behind. All is changed: wandering Arabs and gorgeous Arnaouts, picturesque encampments, and caravans of camels, and a brilliant sky, take place of the familiar sights at home. The desert is crossed, and at Suez the voyagers embark on the Red Sea with its astociations of sacred story; and on the waves that rose above the hosts of Pharaoh, we journey on to Point de Galle, Ceylon. Here the eye, wearied with the blue sky and the Red Sea still more intensely blue, rests gratefully on the lovely scenery which the table-land of this enchanting island presents. Madras comes next, and then Calcutta itself: and the journey is accomplished. Contrary to the wont of travellers, we have not a word of dissatisfaction to say we were highly gratified throughout. The diorama is admirably painted and managed; and it is impossible to spend a couple of hours more pleasantly or more instructively.

PANORAMA OF THE NILE.

Egypt is pre-eminently the land of historical associations, sacred as well as profane; in it originated the art that has civilised the world-the papyrus was the fir-t medium of writing, and the hieroglyphics gave the Greeks and the Hebrews their alphabet. Along the valley of the Nile are situated nearly all its great cities and temples-the mighty ruins that have for ages been the objects of wonder and admiration-upon the banks of its noble stream may be seen the oldest arch, the oldest column, the oldest statue. The panoramic picture at the Egyptian-hail represents all these Titanic relics, in a double voyage, westward from Cairo to the second cataract, thence returning eastward to the starting point. The views are admirably painted, and unquestionably correct: the artist lived twelve years among the scenes which he has delineated. The first view of course is Cairo; Memphis, a royal city long before Alexander became a conqueror, and the huge ruins of Thebes, with the sounding statue of Memnon, follow, in the grandeur of their desolation; and up to Abou Simbel crumbled palaces give place to unroofed temples, and these to deserted towns. At this point the westward journey terminates, with a view of the interior of the great temple of Atou Simbel, first discovered by Burckhardt, and in the halls of which are statues sixty feet in height! On the return eastward, the objects of interest and wonder are no less numerous, with several beautiful moonlight and sunset scenes. The simoon, the pyramids, and the sphinx are the last views in the panorama. The journey along the valley of the Nile ordinarily occupies about three months; but may be accomplished by a visit to the Egyptian-hall in little more than an hour; and by all means we recommend such visit.

THE MUSIC OF NATURE.

Any ear may hear the wind. It is a great leveller; nay rather, it is a great dignifier and elevator. The wind that rushes through the organ of St. George's Chapel at Windsor, has first passed through the barrel-organ f some poor Italian boy; the voice of Alboni and that of a street singer have but one common capital to draw upon-the catholic atmosphere, the unsectarian air, the failure of which would be the utter extinction of Handel, Hadyn, and all the rest. This air, or atmosphere-the compound of mitrogen and oxygen, to which we are so deeply indebted, sometimes plays the musician of itself, and calls upon Handel, Halyn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn, upon the ocean and the forest; and they, like invisible but not inaudible performers, make glorious music. Sometimes the shrouds of a ship, as she rolls upon the tempestuous deep, raise wild, piercing sopranos to the skies; sometimes the trees and branches of a forest of gigantic pines become mighty harp-strings, which, smitten by the rushing tempests, send forth grand and incessant harmonies-now anthems, and anon dirges. Sometimes the waves of the ocean, respond, like white-robed choristers, to the thunder-bass of the blue sky, and so make creation's grand oratorio, in which "the heavens are telling," and the

earth is praising, the glory of God. Sometimes deep calls upon deep, the Mediterranean to the German Sea, and both to the Atlantic Ocean; and these, the Moses and Miriam of the earth, awaken rich antiphones and from opposite choirs, responsing from one side in nature's grand cathedral, praising and adoring their Creator and Builder. Were man silent, God would not want praise.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE'S SONG.

"As to Jenny Lind's singing," says a writer in the New York Era, "I'd like to see the mawkin bir i that could begin to im tate some of the notes that she gets orf. Them's the notes that'l pass current in heaven; and it's a blessin' that nobody can't steal 'em from her, for there's suckers mean enough to rob even her. Wot a woice she has got! It sounds sumumes jest as if she'd swaitered a lot o' flutes, and they was a playin' of their own akord; or like a song bird had flewed into her mouth, and was begin, with his musicallest notes, to let out agin,"

NATONAL PROVIDENT INSTITUTION.

The fifteenth annual meeting of members of this well-manared and highly successful institution was held at the London tavern, on the 16 h December, 1850; and from the directors' report we learn, that during the past year, 1549 policies have been 188184, the annual premiums on which amount to the sum of 22,845, de 4d.; 138 additional proposals for assurance have been declineiss ineligible. Large as is the number of policies issued in the past year, it will be seen that it is about 180 short of the number effected in the year preceding; but there is no doubt that the great excess of assurance in 1849 over every former year, wat materially contributed to by the alarm on the public mind which the fatal effects of the cholera produced during several mont of that period, Happily, no such stimulus to Life Assurate has existed this year; and to this circumstance may tha kay be at ributed a great diminution in the rate of mortality, as cu pared with the previous year. The number of deaths, since the last report, has been 73;and the amount of claims, incrudeţ bonuses thereon, is 37,4137. 12s. 5d.; the ormer being 25 esa, and the latter less by 8,661. 11s. 3d. than last year. The to amount paid to the families or representatives of deceased ara bers, since the commencement of the institution, cluding b nusus, is 194,828/. 6. The annual income of the institut now 172,5007. 168 9d. The accounts for the year ending the a of November last, have been duly audited. The balane a receipts over the disbursements i-106,6267. 78. 6d,, increasi the capital stock of the institution at that date to the sun w 623,8697. 148. 7d., which is invested in real and government scale ties. At the close of the last session of parliament, an act reating friendly soc eties was passed, containing seme provisions affec this institution. By this enactment, the privilege of appo nominees, in respect of any sum assured subsequen: to the la of August, 1850, is prohibited; leaving, h wever, the menje) whose assurances were effected on or previous to that day, a the full enjoyment of all the powers and privileges heretature possessed; and further the act provides, that assurances Baj still be effected, payable to the widow, widower, child, or cas dren, of a deceased member, and assurances so effected are pay able free of legacy and probate duty. The act also extends the powers of investing the funds of the institution, including that of advancing monies on interest to members, ou security d their policies of assurance: the judicious exercise of this power the directors believe will be productive of great benefit.

These, and some minor changes in the law, render it needfal to make some alteration in the society's rules, which the aree tors are desirous to accomplish with as little delay as possibi, but they regret to find, that by adhering to former practice in regard to alteration of rules) they are precluded from conveni a general meeting of members for this purpose until no thereof has been given at two annual meetings. In order to prevent a recurrence of the great inconvenience occasioned by th long declay, the board of directors have resolved to propose to e special general meeting, to be convened as above, that the d rectors shall thereafter be empowered to alter, rescind, or amend the rules of the institution so far, and so far only, as may be re quisite to render them conformable to any future Acts of par liament. In the meantime, the requirements of the late Art will, of course, be strictly observed. In reviewing the prov sions of this new Act, it is gratifying to find, that the ojes and principles of this institution continue to be fully reg nised, sanctioned, and encouraged by the legislature. Aft reading the report, it was unanimously resolved: "That the report be received, adopted, and entered on the minutes, and printed copies circulated in the usual manner." A ballot was taken to supply the two vacancies, occasioned by the re ment, by rotation, of two directors, according to the requi ments of rule 3. The chairman announce the election 13 have fallen upon William Tyler, Esq., and Robert Major Heborn, Esq.

PROPOSED PARK FOR FINSBURY.

A deputation waited upon Lord John Russell, on the 24th at his official residence in Downing-street, to present a memera agreed to at a meeting of nearly 3,000 inhabitants of Finsbury on the subject of the new park so much cesited in that boroug The members of the deputation having severally addressed lordship, the noble lord remarked that it appeared to him the proposed park was desirable, and he would confer with St George Grey and Lord Seymour on the subject. The deputat having thanked his lordship, withdrew.

"Zenobia; or Letters from Palmyra." An historical romance by the author of "Julian." The letters are supposed to be written towards the close of the third century, when Tadmor (a name now synonymous with desolation) was in its glory, and Zenobia was its queen. The "Letters" afford just views of the condition of mankind during the period to which they relate; and in them the contract, between paganism and Christianity is powerfully exhibited. This spirit runs through the work, but is never obstrusively brought forward. It is a valuable addition to the many excellent works already comprised in the "Parlour Library." "Bellah."-A stirring tale of the Vendean war. The writing is vigorous, and the incidends neither few nor far between, and managed in a very clever manner. It is a translation from the French.

SOCIAL RE-UNION.

To the Editor of the People's and Howitt's Journal On Wednesday, the 8th inst., the workmen of Messrs. Carr and Co., of Carlisle, gave those gentlemen an entertainment as a mark of their appreciation of the efforts made by them to improve the moral, mental, and physical condition of all in their employment. A number of guests were invited to join in the festivities, among whom were the Rev. J. J. Osborne (author of the "Philosophy of Human Knowledge," and other able works) Miss Adelaide Adams, and others of local celebrity for their unceasing efforts in the cause of human improvement. The large packing-room of the factory was tastefully decorated with evergreen for the occasion. The edible part of the entertainment having been done justice to, Mr. E. Harris, one of the workmen, was called to the chair, and briefly explained the object of the meeting. Mr. Joseph Hewatson, another of the workmen, then read an address to the Messrs Carr. Mr. J. D. Carr, the senior partner of the firm, acknowledged the satisfaction he felt in being thus given to know that the arrangements the firm had made had been productive of so much good. He had great pleasure in accepting the address. Mr. J. S. Conacher, another workman, followed in an able and eloquent address; after which the Rev. J. J. Osborne addressed the meeting on "Duty." He contrasted criminal with intellectual enjoyments, and pointed to those before him as a proof of the superiority of the latter. Loud applause greeted the rev. gentleman on his resuming his seat. The proceedings were wound up by Mr. Gordon Teacher in an interesting address to the younger portion of the assembly on "method," showing the important benefit it confers on those who follow it. The meeting then terminated. It was highly gratifying, as being another instance of the progress that is making in breaking down the barrier of rigid exclusiveness which has so long been a characteristic of the intercourse between employers and employed; and as a still further demonstration of what knowledge is doing for the peeple. J. WALKER. LONDON RAGGED DORMITORY AND COLONIAL TRAINING SCHOOLS, A meeting of the committee of management and other friends of the institution was held on Tuesday, 7th inst., at the estab lishment, in Ann-street, Westminster, for general business; John Carter Wood, Esq., in the chair. The report of the present state of the institution was highly satisfactory, and testifying to the steady success of its operations, although funds are much noeded to increase the results of its most important advantages during the few months it has been in existence. It was established for the purpose of receving a limited number of male thieves or vagrants from the age of 16 to 20 years, or special cases above that age who are anxious to reform, but being destitute of friends or a home when sent from prison, are reluctantly compelled to resort to their old and vicious courses for a subsistence. During the last three months there have been upwards of two hundred voluntary applicants for admission, Öf the present inmates some have been in prison as many as 15 and 21 times. At the end of the first year, ending May last, 76 had been admitted from the streets, 13 from various prisons, recommended by the chaplains, 23 did not complete their probation, 4 were dismissed for bad conduct, 3 absconded, 5 dismissed for want of funds, 2 restored to their friends, 2 filling situations in England, 15 emigrants to Australia, 5 to the United States. Since which, up to the present time, 35 more have been provided for by emigration and otherwise. The financial statement showed that the Institution was indebted to the treasurer above 100%. In the educational department, the education of the in

mates does not so depend upon reading and writing, &c. (although their secular learning is very satisfactory), as moral and religi ous training. In the industrial department the inmates are employed in shoemaking, tailoring, and carpentering, under competent teachers, and a printing room has been established. The report concludes with an earnest appeal for support.

KENTISH TOWN LITERARY INSTITUTION.

The lecture series for 1851 at this institution was inaugurated on Wednesday, the 8th inst., by a Shakespearean readingMacbeth. The lecturer, Mr. Nicholls, acquitted himself admirably, and was listened to with profound attention throughout. We are glad to learn that this institution is, as it well deserves to be, in a flourishing condition. Mr. Nicholls will give a reading of Othello on the 15th of January, when we hope to be enabled to speak more at large of his high taste and literary acumen

A NEW COMMERCIAL ROUTE TO CHINA.

It is stated in the Orenburg Government Gazette, that commercial relations have already been established between Orenburg, or rather Troitsk, a town in the Orenburg Government of about 3,700 people, and Tchugatchak, a town situate within the Chinese limits. The road to it crosses the Kirghese Steppe, far to the northward of the road through Bok hara, Tashkend, &c. The Tartars in Troitsk formed a society, and one of them undertook the journey, which was reckoned somewhat insecure on account of the long-existing troubles prevalent in those parta. He loaded 70 camels each of 14 poods (560lbs.) of Russian manufactured goo is, and with 15 horses and 12 servants, set out for Troitsk. The accounts of the journey are taken from a diary kept by the merchant himself in the Tartar language. He reckons the distance he travelled at 1,900 versts, which de lucting one-third for windings, make about 800 English miles. The road lay across the river Ischun and over the Tarbagati mountains, on the east side of which there are gold washings, worked by a tribe subject to the Chinese, called Duuganae. The Tartar merchant gives a glowing account of the good reception he everywhere met with as the subject of the great emperor of Russia, but especially from the Chinese frontier officers, who as soon as they heard that he was a Russian subject--it should be added that he did not come with empty hands, but brought plenty of presents with him-only took from him a fifth part of the customs and duties usually exacted from the neighbouring wild tribes the Adishans and Kashgars, and they even forced the half of this back upon him on his return. One of the principal causes of this trading undertaking, in getting up which the government itself probably took an active part, was the circumstance that although sixteen years ago tea used to be exported from Russia into Central Asia, this export trade has not only ceased since that time, but tea now is imported into Russia by Bokharan merchants, although not to any great extent. It was, therefore, obviously a matter of some interest in Russia to procure the establishment of a new trading point on the western frontier of China.

EFFECT OF THE TAX ON PAPER.

"1. That the tax presses most unequally upon the fund for the remuneration of those who are labouring for the instruction and amusement of the people.

"2. That this tax, which in its effects upon cheap literature is excessive, operates against the extension of the best English authorship, and interferes with the improvement of all the productions of the press.

"3. That it diminishes the author's profits to the lowest point; and substitutes for useful English works invasions of foreign copyrights-or encourages the production of inferior and injurious works by unskilled labourers in literature.

"With the craving for extreme cheapness amidst the great body of book-buyers-and with the growing appreciation of what is really excellent in literature-of what is clear, condensed, imaginative, earnest, benevolent-what prevents us having the noolest popular literature in the world? The inroads upon the labour-fund out of which the best authorship is to be supported. The State, which exacts a paper-duty and thus robs the capital which would otherwise go to the remuneration of literary industry, is the power which denies the popular writer his maintenance, or abridges his profits and limits his fame."-Charles Knight.

COCKS'S MUSICAL MISCELLANY.

Music is an appropriate means of recreation for all classes, and fitted to produce results of incalculable benefit in a moral and social point of view; and it is a favourable sign of the times that a love of the science is extending among our countrymen and refining their tastes. Popular publications, therefore, having for their object the extension of a knowledge of the best examples of the art will always ensure our warmest recommendation. And this we can conscientiously accord to "Cocks's Musical Miscellany." The selection is excellent-independent of a variety of interesting information on subjects within its peculiar province. In the four numbers already published, there are anthems and other sacred compositions, by Beethoven, Bishop, Viner, Dr. Croft, and Dr. Hayes; marches, minuets, and slow movements by Haydn, Czerny, and Beethoven; songs and glees by Mendelssohn and Warren. The January number contains Haydn's racy "Minuet of the Ox," and Mendelssohn's sweet and touching melody, "Das Erste Vetichen" (The First Violet). We repeat the " Miscellany has our hearty commendation.

THE PEACE QUESTION.

It is with no small pleasure that we hear that the Committee of the Liverpool Peace Society intend to open their campaign of love, if we may so speak, for 1851, with a series of lectures, to be delivered by "good men and true" in the cause, on the horrors of war, and the religious aspects and blessings of peace. We wish all success to so truly glorious an effort, and we not only wish the society success in its future labours, but we think, also, that we may congratulate it and its kindred societies through the country, and through the world, on the triumphs already won. Scoffers and scorners, it may be, will ask for our proofs of the position which we here take up. We will display them. In the first place, we point to the impression which has been made by the missionaries of peace. At one time, and notvery far back, an avowal of their principles was sufficient "to set the table in a roar" if made in private society, and would have been hailed with thunders of derision at a public meeting. They have outlived that; aye, they have lived that down. They are now, at all events, listened to with respect, if not conviction, and are heard in silence where they do not excite sympathy. Nor are these impressions made upon individuals only. The princes and rulers of the world are beginning to give deferential audience to them, and to be swayed more by the public opinion gathering in their behalf than they would, perhaps, like to conless, even to themselves. We fancy that we have detected many evidences of this in the turn which recent even s have taken on the continent-where, after the sword was drawn and the scabbard all but thrown away, hesitation succeeded, and then hostilities were suspended. We are, however, frequently told that the view which we are advocating, namely, that the principles of the Peace Society are growing into favour with mankind, is contradicted by the fact of the wars which we have of late years witHe nessed in Italy, Hungary, Mexico, and still in Holstein. must be either a very obstinate opponent or a very shallow thinker who resists us on any such ground as this. We never talked of a miracle. We never looked for a harvest on the day of the seed-time. We know very well that cacat aqua lapidem, non vi, sed sæpe cadendo. The conviction which has made 18 way, "like the thunder-cloud streaming against the wind," in the face of old prejudices and long-established habits of thought and feeling, must necessarily be a plant of slow growth. That it does grow at all in the stony soil, and amidst the nipping frosis and biting cold of human nature, is a splendid and magnificent testimony to the resistless force and power of truth. There have been wars since the peace societies took the field, and there will be, we fear, wars again and again before they achieve their final triumph. But still we contend that they are making way, gaining friends, winning converts. Take your stand on the shore of the ocean when the tide is rising, and what do you see? The mighty wave comes rushing in! but, lo! it recedes again, and leaves uncovered the spot over which, the instant before, it poured its waters. Yes, it recedes again; but s.op, look, it was only to gather fresh strength and make fresh head. Again it rushes in, and again and again retires and advances in its foamy onset, but each time gaining a point which it did not reach before, until its work is accomplished. And so, doubtless, it will be with the champions of peace. They will achieve no sudden and instant victory. Their cause may even occasionally seem to recede and be losing ground, as human caprice or human passion triumph in the world; but they must not be fainthearted or down-hearted at any such temporary checks. Truth is inscribed on the banner, and they must have faith in it. The very season at which we write speaks to us of "peace on earth." With such a preacher in our ears, there is no room for despair within us. We only echo its inspirations when we say, Go on and fail not. Go on and prosper. You will prevail if you will persevere, but you must persevere to prevail.-Liverpool Albion.

MICE POWER.

A gentleman in Kirkaldy, Scotland, has trained a couple of mice, and invented machinery enabling them to spin cotton yarn. The work is so constructed, that the common house mouse is enabled to make atonement to society for past offences, by twisting twine and reeling from 100 to 126 threads per day. To complete this, the little pedestrians have to run 10 miles. A half-pennyworth of oatmeal, at 1s. 3d. per peck, serves one of these treadwheel culprits for the long period of five weeks. In that time it makes 110 threads per day. At this rate a mouse earns 7s. 6d. per annum. Take off 5d. tor board and 1s. for machinery, there will arise 68. clear for every mouse annually. The mouse employer was going to make an application for the lease of an old empty house which will hold 10,000 mouse mills, sufficient room being left for keepers, and some hundreds of spectators.

THE TEMPEST PROGNOSTICATOR.

Dr. Merryweather, the inventor, writing upon this subject in connexion with the forthcoming exhibition, says "I consider the great exhibition of all nations to be one of the grandest ideas that ever emanated from the mind of man. As to its beneficial results I never harboured a doubt; therefore, as a provincial individual, I have studied to do my best, to contribute my humble mite towards is advancement; and I trust the discovery of the Tempest Prognosticator' will be considered no unworthy addition to the talent and ingenuity of my own country. As my discovery is of a prophetic nature, I may be permitted to venture a prediction, in asserting that Paxton's

crystal palace will stand longer, and more firmly rooted than the elin trees it encloses;-that it will long remain a splendid mom. ment of British grandeur and prosperity; and will be regarded by the public of future ages as a temple of fame, where the lowly artisan will always possess the power of exhinting the products of his silent, but industrious efforts, without having the care-worn reflection that he will be crushed and raised in the attempt. Experience teaches, that some of the finest discor. eries, and those of the greatest utility, have originated in the hay thoughts and researches of retired and unobtrusive indivi The number of important scientific ideas that have been lost to the world from the inability of the parties bringing then s notice, must have been considerable; hence the incalculable value of periodic great exhibitions, for stimulating latent energies and talent in every province of the British empire. It is est 230 years since the celebrated Galileo made the discovery of the principle of the barometer, so admirably carried out by T celli and Pascal; for which and other discoveries, he was s moned before a congregation of cardinals and monks, and set before the tribunal of the holy inquisition, which compelled in to recant his "sinful and detestable errors and heresies," and sentenced him to the dungeons of the inquisition for E What would have been my fate, had I brought out my discovery of the Tempest Prognosticator at that time, and in that country! In this great country of freedom and liberty, no such tritu has been allowed to exist; but in lieu of which, we have oral poor discoverers and inventors an unholy inquisition in the shape of patent-laws, which obliges the poor artisan to inOSTE himself to the amount of several hundred pounds, with apparent object of securing to himself and family the beads of his own toil and ingenuity! If the patent-laws are not disgrace to the age, they are, certainly, a curse to the ingeni of the poor inventor.

I hailed with delight the scheme lately issued by the Roy Society of Arts for the amendment of the Patent Laws, who carried into effect, would, I am sure, be most satisfactory t poor inventors, for whom I feel the keenest sympathy. A was through the influence of a prince of Tuscany that the vers rable Galileo was rescued from his dreadful fate, so it will vi solace to all poor artisans to reflect that the President of Royal Society of Arts is the Prince Consort of our bel Queen.

The worthy doctor has addressed the following to the comms sioners:

My Lords and Gentlemen,-I shall feel much obliged if y would provide standing-room in the Building for the Great Li hibition of next year, for a circular, pyramidal appara.s three feet in diameter and three feet six inches in height: 60posed of French polished mahogany, glass, silver, brass, &cijs illustrate my discovery of the means of anticipating storus, designated the "Tempest Prognosticator;" which I am desur JA of promulgating, for the first time, on that occasion, for it benefit of all nations.

As it is my intention to simplify this apparatus as much w possible, to render its operations coinprehensible to every Gu and manageable by all who take pleasure in meteorologień pursuits, I wish to ask the following question. Will the Regis tion of this new and singular discovery protect it from pr as long as it is in the Great Exhibition?

There will be a pamphlet published at the commencement of the opening of the Great Exhibition, giving the whole history of tre discovery, containing vouchers of its efficacy, and instructions for its management and appliance; and my belief is that it will be the perpetual means of saving thousands of lives, as well as protecting an immense amount of property. I therefore ope it will be deemed worthy a prominent and easily accessible plate in the Great Exhibition.

GEORGE MERRYWEATHER, M.D.

THE LONDON LITERARY CIRCLE.

If a person be remarkable for any talent, no matter whet his station in life, here he is welcome. The question alat asked in the literary circles in London is not, as in other er cles, "what is he?" but "who is he?" Authors, artists, editors, musicians, scientific men, actors and singers, male and female, are grouped together, indiscriminately, and peers, baronets, knights, lawyers, doctors, booksellers, printers-provided they possess this qualification of being authors, artists, or mustcians, or be renowned as the patrons of literature, art, r music-here meet together in temporary social equality, but regulated by so much good sense, that it does not lead to lamliarity elsewhere.-London Literary Journal.

sent

RAILWAY TRAFFIC.

On the London and North-Western, during the four days pre ceding Christmas-day, the number of parcels and packages outward" was little short of 25,000, and "inward' of 10,000. By the Great Western there were 15,000 parcels out ward, and 10,000 inward bound. By the Great Northern "in and out," there were about 10,000 exclusive of goods trains, 25 was the case on the Eastern Counties, of corn, meat, & from the agricultural districts. The London and South-Western, South-Eastern, and Brighton had a larger complement than usual of Christmas traffic.

TAXES ON KNOWLEDGE.

It is calculated, on what appears to be reasonable data, that the taxes on knowledge, besides the loss of intellectual nourishment which they occasion in town and country, actually keep forty thousand persons out o employment in London alonecompositors, printers, folders, stitchers, and so forth, with the workers auxiliary to them. The number so kept out of work in the country by the same causes cannot be much, if at a 1, interior. Perha is no branch of our native in lustry is so widely established as the manufacture of paper. Ualike cotton, silk, pottery, hardware, hosiery, and other industries, it is confined to no one aistrict. The paper-mill is found on the southern downs, in the lowland flits, by the rills of Derbyshire, among the fens of Cambridge, and on the hills of Yorkshire. A new impetus to the trade would be beneficially felt, more or less, in every part of England. Persons accustomed to measure the importance of a department of production by the amount which it yields to the State revenues are apt to fail into a great mistake when applying that mode of judgment to the raw material of books-inasinuch as the duty is levied on the value, and the value is almost entirely the cost in labour. There is perhaps no other fabric of which the raw material is worth so little and the finished article so much, by comparison with one another. We have no accurate return of the number of persons employed in paper-making, but an estimate may be readily formed. We learn from an excellent letter addressed to Lord John Russell by a Scotch manufacturer, that "there are sixteen mills in the district around Einburgh, which return to the revenue about 80,000!. a-year, a d that he number of persons employed in these works is about 4,000." Now, if 4,000 workers produce paper chargeable with uty to the extent of 80,0007, the whole number employed in the 500 mils which exist in England, Ireland, and Scotland, to produce the duty of 800,000. will be abou. 40,000. In this branch of trade, then, we have 40,000 people actually employed; and taking his at the usual calculation of four persons dependent on each individual, we arrive at the fact that 160,000 of the pop la ion are sus ained directly by the paper manufacture. Then again, the total duty paid amounts to 800,0001. O an average this may be taken to represent 20 per cent. of the value of the paper as sold by the maker, which will give the total value of the paper sold at 4,000,000. Here we have, on the one hand, the small amount of 4,000,000. as the total value of the article; and, on the other, the large number of 160,000 people dependent for their daily bread on a branch of business apparently so triding in is resul s. Now, how is this? Almost the whole sum-with the exception of the dutyis distributed in labour. The raw material costs next to n)thing. This calculation, however, includes merely the persons who are directly sustained by the manufacture: the tribes of preparatory and after-workers--ra-sorters, dealers, printers, publishers, carriers, newsmen, and so on, are not taken into account. Were all these added, the number would be doubled or trebled. This consideration should have its weight with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is only too often the case that authority is compelled to listen to policy while justice is denied an audience: but a claim like that of the promoters of an abolition of all taxes on knowledge, being based alike on sound fiscal policy and on the highest principles of morality and justice, ought to command a speedy and a favourable consideration.-Charles Knight.

THE MANCHESTER FREE LIBRARY,

The subscription to the fund for the new "Manchester Free Library and Museum" has now reached 6,300. A committee has been formed to carry the plans into effect. The Hall of Science, a large building erected by the followers of Robert Owen some years ago, has been purchased, and it is expected that the institution, furnished with newspapers, magazines and 13,900 volumes, will be ready for public use in July next.

SHAKESPEAR'S HOUSE.-MR. MACREADY.

Application has been made by the Shakespeare House Committee to the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford for licence to Mr. Macready to read the tragedy of "Hamlet" in the theatre of the University-the Star Assembly-room, the only other place in Oxford adapted for such a purpose, having been found, on due inquiry, too small for the au fence which Mr. Macready, it is believed, will be the means of banging together. Considering the noble application which Mr. Macready means to make of the money obtained by his readings, we trust that the Vice-Chancellor and the Curators of the theatre will see the propriety of acceding to the application. It is not to be supposed-for the sake of the University-that the same authorities who gave the theatre to Jenny Lind, to fill Mr. Lum.ey's pockets, will refuse it to Mr. Macready for the purpose of assisting a Committee of Englishmen to purchase for the nation the house in which Shakespeare was born.-The Athenæum.

NOVEL APPLICATION OF GALVANIC ACTION.

In the Madras Spectator, September 18th, it is stated that a person in that town has discovered a substance which he calls fibre (what it is, remains a secre), which, under galvanic action, contracts suddenly to one-fourth of its length, "Its power being equal to 100lb. on every square inch of us sectional surface." The inventor has constructed a model engine to show the application of the new motive power. A reciprocating beam attached to an ordinary crank, with fly-wheel of about four feet in diameter, is fitted at each end with a cylindrical piece of the

fibre, insulated by a plate of glass. Near the frame is a small galvanic battery. Operations are begun by giving a shock from this battery to one of the pieces of fibre, which immediately and violently contracts, drawing the beam down on that side, and of course communicating motion to the crank and fly-wheel. So soon as the centre has been turned, another shock given to the opposite piece of fibre continues the motion: and the shocks being alternately repeated, the fly-wheel soon gains an enormous speed. -Architect.

USE OF A WHITENED CHAMBER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.

M. Blanquart-Evrard of Lille, has in a note on "Photographie," communicated by him to the Paris Academy of Sciences, given the following statement of his experiments :-"I have not only covered the dark chamber wi h white paper, but I have whitened the interior of the tube to the extremity of the leases, usually blackened by opticians, and under these circumstances I have obtained the following results: -1. The formation of the image in one half the time required with the blackened camera. 2. The formation of the image by expo ure to light which was insufficient for obtaining it in the darkened box. 3 Uniformity of impregnation; the parts in sha low and the half lights being brought out before the illumi ated portions are solarise 1. 4. Infinitely less resistance in the action of those coloured objects, red and yellow, which ordinarily present many difficulties to photographic action. Thus, not only are the results better, viewed in reference to artistic effects, but the photogenic power of the lens is doubled by transtorming the black chainber into a white one."

BEAUMONT INSTITUTION-THE PAPAL AGGRESSION.

A series of lectures are being delivered weekly at this institution on this all-absorbing topic, the lecturers being the Rev. Hugh Stowell, M.A., W. W. Champneys, D. Roberts, and other well known clergymen of various denominations. The admission is by tickets, and the large room is crowded every Friday evening by enthusiastic audiences.

EARLY CLOSING.

The young men of London are deeply indebted to Mr. G. Hitchcock for the invaluable assistance which he has rendered to every scheme having their welfare for its object, and especially for the example which he has set in being foremost to carry out to its full extent the long-desired abridgment of the hours of business. Early closing is the first great step towards the moral and intellectual clevation of an immense class in this country -the young men engaged in trade: and as Mr. Hitchcock nas lent to the movement the strong influence of his example and the liberal aid of his purse, a very natural wish has been awakene i to express to him, in some tangible forn, the sense which the young men of Loudon entertain of his endeavours in their behalf. A committee has been appointed to invite subscriptions for a testimonial to Mr. Hitchcock; and an equal and general subscription of one shilling is suggested.

ACTIVITY AND DECISION.

A man now-a-days must have something of the steam-engine in him. "A lazy, snail-pace1 chap," said the writer, "might have got on in the world fifty years ago, but he won't do these times. We live in an age of quick ideas: men think quick, speak quick, and slow coaches ain't tolerated. 'Be up and dressed always, not gaping and rubbing your eyes, as if you were half asleep, but wide awake for whatever may turn up, and you may be somebody before you die. Think, plan, reflect as much as you please before you act; but think quickly and closely, and when you have fixed your eyes to an object spring to the mark at once."--American Paper.

JEWS' AND GENERAL LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION. The annual ball to celebrate the opening of this institusion took place on Thursday, the 16th inst., at Willis's Rooms, and was attended by a numerous and elegant co npany. Tue object of this institution, which holds its mee ings at Sussex Hall, Leadenhall-street, is told in its title. It has now been established six years, and has been most successful in pro ntia; a taste for literature among the youthful members of the Jewish body. The library contai is nearly 4,500 volumes of the principal standard and modern works, an i the rea lin-rooms are well supplied with morning and evening papers, and periodical publications, and lectures are given on the various branches of art, science, and polite literature, and there are morning classes for the study of the Hebrew and other languages. During the past year a series of free lecture. have been given on the Friday nights to the working-classes, members of the Jewish religion, and it is gratifying to be enabled to state that these lectures have been uniformly well at ended by the persons for whose interest they have been established. This is really a most interesting feature in connexion with the institution.

NEW PROMENADE AT CHELSEA.

We are glad to learn that the fine esplanade in front of Chelsea hospital and the open groun is between the buildings and the river are about to be thrown open to the public, after the manner of the Temple Gardens: he animated appearance of which on a summer evening, especially on Sundays, always s.rikes the foreigner as one of the most pleasing features of our metropolis.