74 to protect the building from nuisances, would be a proper addition. The cross of Edinburgh, which stood a little below the entrance to the Exchange buildings, and on the opposite side of the street, was a singular structure, in a mix ed style of Greek and Gothic architecture. It was of an octagonal form; sixteen feet in diameter, and fifteen feet in height; and a column twenty feet high, decorated with a Corinthian capital, rose from the centre of the building. Public proclamations were read from this place; and the spot on which it was erected, which is marked by a peculiar arrangement of the stones of the pavement, is still destined to the same purpose, as well as for the sale of property which is poinded or seized for debt.Of the history of this curious edifice, no record, as far as I can discover, is preserved. Conjecture has assigned the period of its erection to the end of the 15th, or to the early part of the 16th century, but with what probability I venture not to decide. It was removed in 1756; curious and those who are fond of remnant of antiquity, may feel some regret that it was not re-erected in a more commodious situation. Some of the carved stones, as already alluded to in a former communication, were introduced into the grotesque tower raised as a mausoleum by a former proprietor of St Bernard's, near the Water of Leith, and Cart of the pillar is set up in the lawn at Drum, near Dalkeith. This country, as far as I know, has produced not more than two buildings of the same description. The one stood on the public street in the town of Ayr, was called the malt cross, in opposition to the fish cross, and was removed some years ago; the other still remains at the village of Preston, near Prestonpans; and all of them seem to have been constructed in the same way, and probably from the same design; but to none of them is any precise date of its origin or history attached. The industry and ingenuity of the antiquary might be exercised in tracing them." any Proceeding along the street towards Walks in Edinburgh, &c. [October 25, 1817. I intended to have made a few remarks on the topics hinted at in a former communication, but I perceive 1 must reCont: p. 102. serve them till next Number. dustry he was indebted for the solid path | thus affording an example of the mutabi- The house of the celebrated and intrepid reformer, John Knox, is supposed to be the first on the left hand side of the street where it is much narrowed, going towards the head of the Canongate; and from the windows which look to the westward, it is said he addressed the people. Journal of an Excursion to Loch Ketrine, by the Western Highlands of Perthshire. ON Thursday the 20th July 1815, arrived at Edinburgh about half past six in the morning, in company with Messrs M. B, and T. P—, on a pedestrian excursion to Loch Katrine, by the Wes tern Highlands of Perthshire. 1 es com Breakfasted with Mr W. G-, where our friend Mr E. B-, had arrived from Leith to join us, and at half past seven ing being serene and beautiful, we enjoywe set out for Queensferry. The morned very much the scenery around us; where the eye could command at one A human figure, now much defaced, sweep, fine villas, sloping hills, and is cut out of one of the corner stones of mons spotted with white sheep." Passed the handsome demesne of Barnthe building. A book, no doubt intended to represent the Bible, is before him, and ton, where there is a new Gothic lodge, the right hand points to a circle, or sun, and side gateways of exquisite workmansurrounded with rays, within which is the ship; and crossed the Almond by a neat name of God, in Greek, Latin, and Eng- bridge, on both sides of which are delish. On what evidence more satisfacto-lightful fir and beech woods. The difry than tradition, the antiquity ascribed ferent travelling descriptions mention an to this house rests, I know not; but I am enchanting prospect from the height above disposed to think that it belongs to a Queensferry, which we thought only toAfter walking through the town of later age. This production of the chisel lerable. may be intended as a general expression of the benefits of revealed religion, or it Queensferry, which is very dirty and may have been put up by some pious pos- smoked, we embarked in the passagesessor of the mansion, in grateful admira- boat; passed close by Inch Garvy, and tion of the bold character, and successful arrived in about one half-hour on the opwe had a travelling dinner, and set forefforts of the protestant preacher. The posite coast. Here, at the North Ferry, same remarks may be applied to a massy edifice not far from the head of the ward for Inverkeithing; but, mistaking Misfortunes, Canongate, and on the opposite side of our direction, we sauntered along the the street, which is said to have been the shore to near Lime-kilns. residence of the regent Murray; and it has been observed, seldom happen from a projecting part in the front, which without some concomitant advantages to still remains, it is added he was accus-place in the opposite scale; so we, by our tomed to harangue the populace. Those who have an opportunity of comparing this structure with the buildings of Glasgow College, will be convinced that they exhibit a great degree of similarity in the style of their architecture; and hence it may be fairly inferred, that they are the works of the same period. The buildings of Glasgow College, which front the public street, were erected about the middle of the 17th century. But whatever be its antiquity, the house supposed to have been the regent's is no longer the error, had an opportunity of visiting Rosyth castle; the famed and once favourite residence of Queen Mary. It stands on a peninsula ; and, as a humiliating counterpart to its once noble inhabitants, is occupied as a byre. Sic tran sit gloria mundi-so passes earthly greatness. We entered the apartment, which, from its construction, we recognised to be the guard-room; that necessary appendage to feudal castles. It is arched: the light issuing through narrow crevi ces, which only serve to render" dark street, that the passenger might contem-residence of nobility. The lower apart-ness visible." They are, to use the words ments are occupied as a paper warehouse, of Gray, "windows that exclude the plate the memorial of him to whose in October 25, 1317.] light;" and we soon found means of finishing his couplet, in discovering " passages that lead to nothing." Only a few steps of the great spiral staircase remain: the western wing is one complete pile of ruins. After retracing our steps, we gained the right road to Inverkeithing; before which, however, on passing through some corn-fields, we had a fine view of the once royal city of Dunfermline. We passed through Inverkeithing; which, though a small town, is remarkably neat and clean. At the northern extremity stands the church, surmounted by a tolerable spire. The country round ap peared in a high state of cultivation; but in a few miles assumed a very different aspect. Our ideas of good and bad are generally formed from the effects of contrast, and the human heart -but ill can bear To mark the change to foul from fair. Byron. Crossing the railway of Halbeath, from whence coals are carried for exportation from Inverkeithing, we came shortly after to the village of Micklebeath; and the church and manse of Beeth, on our left. We intended visiting Mr F. the minister, but, as we had determined to sleep at Kinross, we had to deny ourselves that pleasure. About a mile onward, the country puts on an aspect of indescribable wretchedness; vast moors of peat-moss on either side of us, which were but ill set off by a lowering and gloomy sky; and, except a few fir trees, and an old druidical tower, we could see neither the verdure of nature nor the labours of man. Journal of an Excursion to Loch Katrine. 75 and as we were pretty much fatigued | tion, from 1550 to 70. A little to the Friday 21st July. Leaving Kinross at seven in the morning, we proceeded along the banks of Loch Leven, endeavouring to find a boat to carry us to the castle, in which Queen Mary was confined, and which is celebrated by Mi chael Bruce, in his beautiful poem of "Loch Leven." The best view we had of it was from the church-yard, which is situated on an eminence, and in which we discovered some stones of consider able antiquity. Behind us was situated Kinross house, the seat of Mr Grahame, built by Sir William Bruce, the Inigo Jones of Scotland. In front is an elegant flight of steps; over the gateway, at the southern inclosure, is represented, on each side, a Cupid riding on a dolphin; and in the centre an urn of fishes; emblematical, in the opinion of one of our fellow-travellers, of its contiguity to, and the abundance of trout in the lake. It may be so. We took the liberty of walking, along the banks of the loch, through Mr Graham's policy; where there is a fine garden, surrounded by extensive pasture grounds, and old woods. We observed two other small islands, besides that on which the castle is situated; and saw some water-fowl-bitterns, gulls, snipes, and plovers. The morning was delightful, and the landscape around us was not less so. Crossing the bridge of Keltie we en"The tints of the earth, and tered Kinross shire. The great northern the hues of the sky," though varying in road here is admirable; smooth, spacious, grandeur, vied in beauty; and notwithand level. We struck off the direct standing our feet being somewhat galled road; and walked up a very fine avenue by yesterday's walk, we could not help to have a peep of Maryburgh, the seat being embued with the most delightful of Mr Adam of Blairadam and Mary-emotions. "The birds sang love on every burgh; but finding no direct communi- spray," and the flocks were sunning themcation, we retraced our steps, and regain-selves in the fields; and though we are ed the great road. It soon however be no great advocates for the formation of gan to rain, and we took shelter at the character from physical causes, yet we first inn we came to; which was a very were all sensible of the effect which nahomely one indeed. We sat here for ture, in her different aspects, has upon the nearly an hour, over our ale, shunning spirits. After proceeding for about two After proceeding for about two the shower, and overhearing, to our great miles along the margin of the loch, we entertainment, the conversation of a club turned to the left, to visit the remains of of country politicians, whose lungs, it Burleigh Castle; once the seat of Queen must be confessed, were much stronger Elizabeth's minister, the famous lord of than their arguments. The shower pass that name. It is rather in a better ed by, and we again set out; nor had we condition than Rosyth; and there are proceeded far before we had a view of some remains of fine Gothic architecture; Loch Leven, and its castle; but as the the date on the tower we neglected to rain began a second time to patter on us, set down; it is, to the best of our recollec girth which we took, about a yard from the bottom, was seventeen feet. On reviewing it, I could not avoid thinking on the inimitable lines of Cowper : "Time made thee what thou wast-king of the woods! That graz'd it, stood beneath that ample cope We next proceeded to the Mills of Forth, where we had a most excellent breakfast. It seems a clean and neat village, and has some good shops in it.Leaving it at ten o'clock, we journied on a very pleasant road : on the left hand we saw the southern range of the Lomonds, on our right the Ochills, and behind us lay the silver tide of Loch Leven. The country around is in a high state of cultivation, and very level. After losing sight of Loch Leven, the road was very uninteresting; but a mile or two onward we passed through some small villages. After leaving Arngask, the country has a fine diversity of hill and dale, pasturage, corn-fields, and woods, interspersed with gentlemen's seats, and with hamlets; till between the hills of Potie, and Balmano, a most noble and brilliant prospect opened before us. In the front, a range of hills, towering above, and piled upon each other, covered to their very peaks, and to the brinks of their precipices, with fine firs: to the left, appeared the blue gigantic summits of the Grampians, supporting the clouds in majestic grandeur; and on our right, the southern Lomonds, the variegated plains, the mouth of the Tay, and the windings of the Erne. The road, after passing the 76 Journal of an Excursion to Loch Katrine.-On Chimney-sweeping. bridge of Erne, is very pleasant; and for a considerable space shaded with trees about one mile from Perth, on the neighbouring height, we have a fine view of the city, and the river Tay, with the depot in front. We went and examined the depot, which is a huge pile of building, compo sed of oriental granite, and Roman cement. The fosse around the inner square was empty; and may be five feet deep in all conscience, it appears proof sufficient against the intentions and exertions of runaways. We arrived at Perth about four in the afternoon; and after sauntering along the beautiful walks, shaded with elms, which form the avenue, and is the Mall and Vour Houts of the city, we had the good fortune to procure a boat, which carried us about four miles on the river, and afforded us, at the same time, an opportunity of exercising ourselves at the oar, in acquiring the management of which, we made no contemptible progress, considering our being so much fresh-water sailors. The bridge is very handsome, and consists of ten arches; the only fault is its narrowness. The resemblance of some streets in the old town of Perth must strike every beholder, by their similarity to others in the old town of Edinburgh. The crescent in the new town is a fine range of buildings, commanding an extensive view of the banks of the Tay. I had here the happiness of meeting with three of my college acquaintances, Messrs R--h, R—-s, and O—-e, who obligingly shewed us the town. From them, however, we had the mortification to learn that we could not see the palace of Scone, as it required a recommendation, which could not be procured so late in the afternoon. We took copies of inscriptions, from the town-house, which is an elegant building, and from its appendages, the prison, weigh-house, &c. but these I have since mislaid. That above the weigh-house door, I however remember "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord; but a just weight is his delight." Prov. Before proceeding to our night's accommodation, we purchased a Guide to the city of Perth and its environs, and an enumeration of the principal tours through the country. After an excellent supper, a convivial glass, and a comfortable nap, we left Perth at six o'clock on Saturday morning. (To be continued.) p. 97. THE cleaning of chimnies by children, has, I am happy to say, been but little known in this part of the country; on that account our attention has been more directed to this system as practised in London, than with the idea of any evil existing from it in this city; and the more so, as our method of cleaning chimnies was lately stated in the House of Commons as an example to the people. of England; what then must be our feelings on the disclosure of such unparalleled acts of barbarity as transpired on the late trial of Rae! To prevent the farther progress of a system, so abhorrent to public feeling, and so inconsistent with the spirit of improvement which so generally prevails, I am induced to recommend to the notice of your readers an invention of Mr Legros, of London, for cleaning chimnies. But it may be observed, that although Mr Legros has the merit of being the first to make it public, a very similar, and indeed superior method, has long been executed by Mr G. Hunter, Princes-Street. [October 25, 1817. instrumeut of a similar kind, being fixed to the chain, may thus be easily drawn up and down by the chimney-sweeper. Humanus. REFERENCES. A an iron pulley-B B chain-C fire-placeDD the axle and frame-E a bolt of iron for fixing the frame on the chimney top. Jubeo. The Stage Coach. TO THE EDITOR. TERENTIUS. But without examining the merits of particular improvements, I would ask, why should this method of cleaning by boys be adopted?-is it now discovered that the men in this city, who are formed into a society under the direction of the magistrates, and who devote their whole. time and attention solely to this business, should now be found incapable of execu ting such a task? It may indeed be said there is an evil in employing them also, as it is done at the risk of their lives but this is a danger which they share in Inspicere, tanquam in speculum, in vitas omnium common with slaters, builders, and others, who find their security in the habitual exercise of their profession. We ought not to talk of relieving the distresses of slaves from the barbarity of their overseers, when we encourage such scenes of misery at our own homes. Could it be supposed for a moment that there existed such a disgrace in any country, far less in ours, which boasts of the refinement of its institutions! Need more be added to these remarks to rouse us to put an effectual stop to such proceedings? Let the ingenuity of our countrymen only be exerted, and any difficulty in accomplishing this object may soon be overcome. In the plan proposed by Mr Hunter, a pulley is fixed on the chimney top, with what is termed an endless chain over it, and hanging in the chimney within reach of the fire-place; a brush, or any other SIR, I HAVE always considered a stagecoach as presenting a most interesting and amusing display of human nature. To a person fond of observing the passions and the tastes of mankind, nothing, perhaps, can afford higher gratification than the strange variety of character, the ludicrous contrast of individual eccentricity, and the marked effect of education, habits, and pursuits, to be seen where all are strangers and equals, and where every one thinks himself at liberty to act, and to assume as he pleases. I remember one of the most celebrated papers in the Spectator records a journey in a stage-coach, from the seat of Sir Roger de Coverley to town; and may probably have furnished the ground-work of October 25, 1817.] The Stage Coach.-Royal Wardrobe, &c. of Scotland. the many pleasant compositions with which we have been since amused. It is true, we must now and then meet with untoward circumstances in this style of travelling; as the being disappointed of places; or thrust in amongst unaccommodating companions; or, when stopping on the road, being summoned back again to the coach before the agreeable process of refection is completed: not to mention the pleasant casualties of being overturned, or run away with; from which, by the bye, the best whips and the best horses are not always insured. But as I consider myself somewhat of a philosopher, I willingly encounter all these inconveniences for the sake of enjoying a scene which presents fairly to view the surface of society, and not unfrequently abounds with information, amusement, and adventure. At present, I shall confine myself to a single character this mode of travelling has furnished; of which, should it appear a rara avis in terris, I can only observe, that it is taken from the life, and that my effort has only been to sof ten, and diminish the peculiarities of the original. """ As great 77 I shall perhaps, on another occasion, communicate some further particulars of my journeyings in these useful vehicles; but would recommend the subject, in the meantime, to some of your more able correspondents, who may also have had an opportunity of enjoying the company of a few passengers in a steam-boat, during a gale, or in a conveyance somewhat better known-a Kinghorn boat. A. Inventory of the Royal Wardrobe, &c. of she insisted upon inside accommodation | absorbed in study; the gentleman began for her feathered companions. This, to converse in a low tone with his chara however, we strenuously opposed; and sposa; and I talked politics with the finding that object unattainable, she left sailor. But all this was ineffectual to them at length unprotected upon the roof. restrain the incessant garrulity of the No sooner were we again in motion, than lady, who, on hearing the name of Bonashe began to complain of confinement; parte, cried out," As to him, I regard and removing her glove, to display a pro-him as an infamous carratter, and was fusion of emeralds and brilliants, decla- he to come here, and I had a pistol, there red she was never used to travel in so should not be wanting somebody to shoot mean a style, and that nothing but the him."In this way we proceeded the most urgent necessity could have com- remaining part of the journey, and to pelled her to such a meanness. The my great satisfaction found ourselves at clergyman observed: "Madam, in order length on the pavement of London. On to accomplish a desirable purpose, we arriving at the inn, the independent lady must sometimes submit to trifling incon- desired a coach should be instantly obveniencies; thought I hope the company tained; and having seen her impedimenta will render your journey less unpleasant stowed into it, she drove off. than you seem to anticipate." to that," she replied, "I am a real independent lady, and have never allowed myself to be in the way of ill-convenience before. In short, Sir, being a lady of fortune, I have spent my time in making myself comfortable, and benefiting my inferiors; and was I worth twenty thou sand a year, I should be liable to do a great deal of good with it."" Madam," Some time ago, I had occasion to visit said our naval companion, " I wish your London from no very remote part of the example was followed by those of our country, and seated myself as usual in people, who possess extensive means." the stage. My only companions at first" As to them," said the lady, "I consi"I consiwere an old clergyman and an officer in der them no better than beggars, for they the navy however, we soon received an live upon the nation, and are not inde accession of a lady and gentleman on their pendent. In short, I look upon myself You are not perhaps ignorant, though return to town. The morning was fine, as much above them, being of indepen- I believe it is but partially known, that a the roads excellent, and our progress very dent fortune."-The other lady, who, it very curious book was lately edited here agreeable. After discussing the usual seemed, had watched an opportunity to by a learned and distinguished person, topics of wind, weather, and provisions, say something satirical, observed, she who holds a high office connected with I had just engaged the clergyman in a thought it a great pity that people of in- the custody of the public records of the conversation respecting the present state dependent fortunes should not receive an kingdom, containing a collection of inof English literature, when, on approach- education equal to their circumstances.-ventories of the royal wardrobe and jewel ing a small house at a short distance from The other immediately exclaimed, "As house of Scotland, and of the artillery the road, we were startled by a stentorian to that, I don't admire your modern edu- and munition in some of the royal castles, command to stop. Having never before, cation. Young ladies, whose parents can during the period from 1488 to 1606. in the course of my travels, heard such hardly afford it, go to boarding-schools, The papers in that volume (of which only an outcry, I began to apprehend some im and learn to draw and dance, and play twenty copies, I believe, were printed) minent danger, and instantly looked out music; and when they come home, they illustrate various matters connected with to ascertain the cause, when the first thing know nothing in a domestical way. 1 the state of Scotland in the 15th and 16th that attracted notice was a lady in all the would have young ladies learn nothing centuries; and, as is justly observed in pride of silks and feathers holding a caged but plain reading, writing, and spelling; the preface, while they afford a display of songster in each hand. Her appearance and then come home to learn the domes- the establishments of the Scottish court, was at once bold and commanding; and ticals, which would make them useful in sufficient to correct the false representahad she held the spear and shield of Mi- society." When this phenomenon first tions of national poverty and meanness, nerva, would have wanted nothing in ap- entered, from the imposing singularity of into which some intelligent writers have pearance to personate that goddess in her her appearance, she attracted universal been betrayed, by the want of authentic most terrible form. A long time was notice; but when we had been favoured evidence on the subject, they at the same occupied in the disposal of her luggage, with these specimens of her manners and time furnish some amusing glimpses of in the course of which she frequently acquirements, and had been nearly stun- the interior nakedness of those domestic found occasion to express her dissatisfac- ned by the loudness of her tones, a gene- arrangements, where a certain barbaric tion and impatience. She at length, ral attempt was made to dismiss her to splendour was aimed at, but accompa however, proceeded to enter the coach; her merited insignificance. The clergy- nied, it should seem, by few of those conwhen, after complaining of its being full, man pulled out a Polybius, and appeared veniencies or luxuries which are regarded 2 SIR, TO THE EDITOR. 78 as constituting the most indispensable acquisitions of modern opulence and refine. ment. Royal Wardrobe, &c. of Scotland.-Fisheries. I shall not now extend this detail. Such curious remains, however, certainly tend to give a nearer and more distinct As an instance of this contrast, in the view of the manners, the characters, and "inventair of the clothing, abilyamentis, domestic habits of our ancestors, than "and uthir graith of the richt excellent can possibly be derived from general "and mychti prince king James the history. In this volume, we have not "fyft, king of Scotland, maid the xxv only a list of the "fantaseis, fedderis, "day of the moneth of marche, the yeir" masking, claithes, pictures, cairtis, "of God jm. v. thretty and nine" and veschellis of glass," used by the "yeris, than being in his bienes ward- giddy and unfortunate Mary, but also of "robbis," no less than twenty five the "buiks" which formed her library; gownis" are described, all of them of among which we discover" The first "claith of gold or silver, silk, satyne," buik of Rolland Amoreuse," " Erro"and velvett," with "hornis and but." res Amoreuses," and " ane buik of "tonis of gold." Many "quhite coitis," Devilry," mixed with the fathers and "blak coitis, ryding coitis, and cassakis" polemics of the Catholic Church. of the same costly sort; 66 doublettis of Edinburgh. 66 66 66 66 1 FISHERIES. P. crammosy, velvett and satyne, of pur66 pure and qubite;" with "hois of blak "velvett, and hois of purpure on claith "of gold;" while the bed furniture of the same prince appears to have consisted THE luxury of the Romans, as the em exclusively of the hangings, which were of pire advanced, was prodigious. The scarus, silk or velvet, of "twa stikkit mattis, among other fish, was one of the delicacies "with ane bowstar and ane cod, with of the table before it was naturalized in ane stikkit holland claith, and ane the seas of Italy: Horace mentions it as "scheit of fustiane," with coveratouris such but under the emperors the liver of grene and reid taffaties stikkit, and of this fish brought astonishing prices this for each of "foure grate beddis;" it was served in the centre of dainties and the fifth is described as 66 ane litle obtained from Persia and India. While "tursing bed of the kingis grace, with Carthage was the rival of Rome, the fishane canapie of blak dammas, ane stik-eries were followed only as a supply of "kit matt with ane bowstar, ane fus- food; but after the destruction of that ❝tiane scheit with ane coveratour of city, they became objects of luxury. The "blak taffaties stikkit, with twa reid table groaned under fish of the most costly "mantillis to the samyne bed." kinds; and chiefs newly enriched by the spoils of Asia and Africa knew no bounds to their indulgence. Fish were brought in light vessels from the coasts of Sicily and Ionia: the people of whom invented the manner of forming holds, in which the fish were preserved alive during the passage to Rome. Nevertheless, the seasons and storms would sometimes prevent a supply; vast basins were therefore constructed near the sea; with strong dykes to resist the waves, and immense excavations in the sides of mountains. In these were kept fishes from Syria, Egypt, the islands of Rhodes and Crete, ready on all occasions. These reservoirs were of two kinds: fresh water and salt water. The first were called plebeian, as the patricians mostly affected the others, which cost in their construction as much as a sea-port. Lucullus, as a further refinement, caused deep caverns to be formed, to which the fish might retire for shade and coolness during the heats of summer, that they might lose nothing of their flavour and delicacy for the table. After this extravagance, the next fashion was to In the same curious volume, is an "inventair of the movables" belonging to Queen Mary, "qubilkis are in the handis of Servais de Conde, vallet of chalmer to hir Grace, 25 November 1561;" and an "inventair of the jewellis, plenissings, "artaillerie and munitioun, being within "the castel of Edinburgh," which belonged to her Majesty, taken by command of her son James VI. in 1578; in which, amidst an infinity of " gownis, vaskenis, "skirtis, slevis, doublettis, vaillis, var"dingallis, clakis, &c. of purper velvet "embroderit about with gold furrit, "with spottit armenis, quhite champit "chalmellit of silk, with pasmentis of gold, armosie, taffetie, crammosie sa"tine," and other obsolete and forgotten sorts of finery," thretty sax pair "of velvot schone of sindrie culloris, "pasmentit with gold and silver; ten "pair of wolvin hois, of gold, silver, and silk." Her Majesty had also "thre pair of wolvin hois of worsett of "Garnsay, and sex pair of gloves of the 66 66 same." [October 25, 1817. obtain tame fishes; and this incurred a most ruinous expense: for these inmates lived on no ordinary food. More was bestowed on these objects than on the children of the family certain kinds were considered as sacred, as well by the Romans as the Greeks. Of this the mullus was a distinguished instance. To the elegance of its form, it united the property of a divine flavour, and of living both in fresh water and salt. known to quit the sea in spring time, for Being the natural lochs of the coast, the Romans availed themselves of the happy discovery, and placed this fish in their reservoirs, changing with the season; taking care to furnish it with those kinds of shell fish which they supposed to be its favourite food. The mullus was often sold for its weight in gold. The Emperor Tiberius, as Seneca relates, sold one by auction between two bidders, Agicius and Octavius; it weighed four pounds, and was bought by the latter at the price of four thousand sesterces A sinius Celer paid eight thousand sesterces for a rarity of this kind; and Suetonius informs us, that three of them were sold for thirty thousand sesterces. The murena, or rather the muremopha, was kept in reservoirs; its value was mightily increased, from the circumstance of the lamentations and tears of Antonia, a lady of the first fashion, for the death of one, for which she had taken a fancy, in the reservoirs of Baia. Crassus was more afflicted for a similar loss, than for the death of three of his children. These fishes were rendered so tame, that they would comé when called by their owners. The gills of these favourites were adorned with rings, like the ear-rings worn by the Roman ladies; and little golden murenæ combined into chains and collets, became the fashionable ornaments, necklaces, and bracelets, of the dames of the highest quality, which continued down to the eighth century, and even later. Such was the fondness of the ancients, for the acquisition of what were difficulties by nature. After all, these fisheries were but child's play to those which were carried on by the northern nations: they administered indeed to depraved tastes; but they neither supplied any proportion of food to the public, nor called out the energies and courage of those who engaged in them. It is among the storms and tempests of the north we must look • A sextertius was nearly two-pence of our money. |