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with the luxuriant foliage of the Isle of even the anxieties of every day active Wight, and guarding the numerous pretty villas and elegant residences which spread over its terraced elevations.'

"The luxuriance of the ivy is especially noted as tending much to take away the appearance of winter bareness.

Bonchurch is country, and Ventnor, which lies close to it, is town in comparison, and the regular lines of houses-private and with accommodation for visitorshotels, shops, and all the etceteras, give it a more matter-of-fact and less romantic appearance than the other portions of the Undercliff; but yet, Ventnor, with its lofty

"From and including Bonchurch, to the village of St. Lawrence beyond Ventnor, we have the most favoured and best protected portion of the Undercliff district, and the best adapted for the winter residence of the delicate; as we advance more to the west, the protection is less as a whole, though undoubtedly equal to that of the eastern Undercliff, in many of the sheltered little nooks. Moreover, owing to its elevation above the level of the sea, the Undercliff differs from most situations on our coast, in being less exposed to the direct and im

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mediate influence of the sea-air; a circumstance which in a medical point of view deserves attention.'

cliff back-ground, its bold coast, its seaview, and its proximity to Bonchurch, has much to delight, to amuse, and to cheer. Nor must we omit to mention, amidst its "But delightful as this district of the other attractions, the search after the Isle Undercliff is, even in December, one must of Wight diamonds,' which will often while not forget that all our readers are not lookaway an idle hour, either with the transient ing for invalid information, but that some summer visitor, or the more settled in- who may contemplate a summer trip may valid. This may seem a small matter to wish to know what they are to expect to enumerate among the capabilities of any see on our island. Few trips will offer invalid residence, were it not that every more genuine sources of pleasure. Suplittle attraction and excitement becomes of pose we cross from Portsmouth to Rydevalue to those whose wearisome hours of which lies on the north-eastern side of the ill-health are unrelieved by the stirring lozenge we find a fashionable wateringincidents of the bustle, the business, and place, with clean, open streets, many of

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cliff, or, if we will, traverse the high downs which border its sheltering cliffs. Passing Niton, St. Lawrence, Ventnor, Bonchurch, we come to another of these island Chines, that of Shanklin; but how different from the Black Gang! Here, the rivulet, which has in the lapse of time excavated the chasm or little glen, is overhung by the most luxuriant wood and vegetation, till it ends in its little waterfall, and takes its serpentine course to the sea. Near the Chine, the elevated, but finely sheltered village of Shanklin offers a fine sea-view, a magnificent beach at the foot of a hill, and all that a tourist may require. A little farther eastward, and the white, very white chalk cliffs of Bembridge meet the view best seen from the sea, as they tower in loftiness sufficient for the eyrie of the eagle, which has erewhile made them its home. A little farther, and we are once more in Ryde, where thronging visitors, steamboats, and luggage-porters, and all the etceteras of bustling sea-side life, tells us how favourite a resort is 'The Island.'

them facing the sea, or rather the 'Solent Channel,' as the expanse of water which separates us from the mainland is called, and very busy is the scene which this strip of water, now narrowing and again widening, gives occasion to. Steamers and wherries sweep its surface ruffled with their constant movement to and fro; while westward, towards the Motherbank, the merchant craft, and castward, beyond Spit head, the war vessels of Britain swing to the changing tide. Overlooking all this, and scattered along the coasts, the mansions of wealth and rank add greatly to the beauty of the scene; nor is the interest lessened by the sight of the towers of Osborne, which indicate the whereabouts of the palace of the Queen. But let us go with our tourist, northward to Cowes. Who does not know the rendezvous of the Royal Yacht Squadron ?-and here are the stir and bustle of a frequented harbour, moreover, excellent bathing and bathing accommodation. Make your visit in August or September, and perhaps the Regatta will add its excitements to the tourist's visit. Should we make up our minds to leave the sea for a time, a boat will take us up the Medina to Newport, and we shall visit as desirable a little town as can be found, cheerful in itself and environed by a pleasing contrast of hill and dale; open down and wood-girt field. We bend our steps westward to the long end of the lozenge-shaped island to Freshwater Bay, with its lofty chalk cliffs, to Scratchells' Bay, and lofty vaulted arch worn in the rock by the never-tiring waves. Here, too, we get our view of the Needles,' or Needle rocks, so well known to all, and so dreaded by the sailor who approaches this coast in a storm. A journey of twelve miles along the south-west border of the lozenge, and we reach the most southern, and, at the same time, the highest land in the island, St. Catherine's Point, which rises within a little of nine hundred feet above the sea, and here looks down upon the district of the Undercliff. But, ere we reach the land of sheltered nooks and luxuriant foliage, we must past the chasm of the 'Black Gang Chine;'* dark, rocky, and unclothed by tree or shrub, this sterile place may yet possess greater charms for some minds than BEAUTIFUL THINGS.-Beautiful things are sugeven the gentler and more cultivated gestive of a purer and higher life, and fill us with beauties of other scenes. Leaving, however, a mingled love and fear. They have a graciousthe Chine behind us, we may well wendness that wins us, and an excellence to which we involuntarily do reverence. If you are poor, yet our way through the beauties of the Under-pure and modestly aspiring, keep a vase of flowers

Chine is a provincial term applied to the crannies, or, as they would be called in Scotland, little glens, which occur along the Isle of Wight coast.

"It has already been stated, that for the winter residence of the invalid, the district of the Undercliff, to which may be added the sheltered portions of Shanklin, is the most suitable for the delicate-chested, or, indeed, for those in ailing health generally. Sir James Clark states, from the end of October to the middle of May as the proper season for the residence of those who seek the mild climate on the score of health, and even up to the middle of August it is allowable; but from that time to the middle of October it is far from a desirable resort,

The air is then relaxing, and has a depressing effect upon the animal economy.' The same authority classes Niton, Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin, as good summer residences, but gives the preference over them all to Ryde, not only from its position, but because, from the open manner in which part of it is built, many of the houses having gardens attached to them, it possesses most of the advantages of a country residence, together with those of a sea-bathing place. The neighbourhood is also very beautiful and favourable for exercise."""

on your table, and they will help to maintain your dignity, and secure for you consideration and delicacy of behaviour.-T. T. Lynch.

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AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF Rufus Rugsdale. In the midst of the hilarity, the sound of a cannon burst suddenly upon the ear, startling the guests, and sus

WASHINGTON. As the barge gained the oppo-pending the dance. Washington and the site bank, one of the rowers leaped ashore, officers looked at each other with surprise, and made it fast to the root of a willow but their fears were quickly dispelled by which hung its broad thick branches over Rugsdale assuring them that it was only a the river. The rest of the party then discharge of ordnance in honour of his dislanded, and, uncovering, saluted their com- tinguished visitors. The joy of the moment mander, who respectfully returned their was again resumed; but the gloom of suscourtesy. "By ten o'clock you may expect picion had fallen upon the spirit of Washme, ," said Washington. "Be cautious-ington, who now sat in moody silence apart look well that you are not surprised. These from the happy throng. A slight tap upon are no times for trifling." "Depend upon his shoulder at length roused him from his us," replied one of the party. "I do," he abstraction, and looking up he perceived responded, and bidding them farewell, de- the person of the Indian standing in the parted along the banks of the river. bosom of a myrtle-bush close to his side. "Ha! again here!" he exclaimed with astonishment; but she motioned him to be silent, and, kneeling at his feet, presented him with a bouquet of flowers. Washington received it, and was about to place it in his breast, when she grasped him firmly by the arm, and pointing to it, said in a whisper"Snake! snake!" and the next moment mingled with the company, who appeared to recognise her as one well known and esteemed.

That evening a party was to be given at the house of one of his old and valued friends, to which he, with several other American officers, had been invited. It was seldom that he participated in festivity, more especially at that period, when every moment was fraught with danger: nevertheless, in respect to an old acquaintance, backed by the solicitations of Rufus Rugsdale, he had consented to relax from the toils of military duty, and honour the party, for a few hours, with his presence. After continuing his path for some distance, along the river's side, he struck off into a narrow road, bordered thickly with brushwood, tinged with a thousand dyes of departing summer-here and there a gray crag peeped out from the foliage, over which the green ivy and scarlet woodbine hung in wreathy dalliance; at other places, the arms of the chestnut and mountain ash met in leafy fondness, and cast a gloom, deep almost as night. Suddenly a crashing among the branches was heard, and like a deer a young Indian girl bounded into the path, and stood full in his presence. He started back with surprise, laid his hand upon his sword -but the Indian only fell upon her knee, placed her finger on her lips, and, by a sign with her hand, forbade him to proceed. "What seek you, my wild flower?" said the general. She started to her feet, drew a small tomahawk from her belt of wampum, and imitated the act of scalping an enemy-then again waving her hand as forbidding him to advance, she darted into the bushes, leaving him lost in amazement.

"There is danger," said he to himself, after a short pause, and recovering from his surprise. "That Indian's manner betokens me no good, but my trust is in God; he has never yet deserted me;" and resuming his path, he shortly reached the mansion of

Washington regarded the bouquet with wonder; he saw nothing in it to excite his suspicion; her words and singular appearance had, however, sunk deeply into his heart, and looking closer upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw a small piece of paper in the midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it forth, and confounded and horrorstricken read "Beware! you are betrayed!"

It was now apparent that he was within the den of the tiger, but to quit it abruptly might only draw the consummation of treachery the speedier upon his head. He resolved, therefore, to disguise his feelings, and trust to that Power which had never forsaken him. The festivities were again renewed, but almost momentarily interrupted by a second sound of the cannon. The guests now began to regard each other with mistrust, while many and moody were the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose countenance began to show symptoms of uneasiness, and ever and anon he looked from the window out upon the broad green lawn which extended to the river, as if in expectation of some one's arrival.

"What can detain them ?" he muttered to himself. "Can they have deceived me? Why answer they not the signal?" At that moment a bright flame rose from the river, illuminating, for a moment, the surrounding scenery, and showing a small boat,

filled with persons, making rapidly toward the shore. "All's well," he continued; "in three minutes I shall be the possessor of a coronet, and the cause of the Republic be no more." Then gaily turning to Washington, he said-"Come, general, pledge me to the success of our arms."

The eye of Rugsdale, at that moment, encountered the scrutinizing look of Washington, and sunk to the ground; his hand trembled violently-even to so great a degree as to partly spill the contents of the goblet. With difficulty he conveyed it to his lips, then retiring to the window he waved his hand, which action was immediately responded to by a third sound of the cannon; at the same moment the English anthem of "God save the King" burst in full volume upon the ear, and a band of men, attired in British uniform, with their faces hidden by masks, entered the apartment. The American officers drew their swords; but Washington, cool and collected, stood with his arms folded upon his breast, and quietly remarked to them-" Be calm, gentlemen; this is an honour we did not anticipate.' Then turning to Rugsdale, said 66 Speak, sir; what does this mean?"

"It means," replied the traitor, placing his hand upon the shoulder of Washington, "that you are my prisoner. In the name of King George I arrest you." "Never!" exclaimed the general. "We may be cut to pieces, but surrender we will not. Therefore give way;" and he waved his sword to the guard, who stood with their muskets levelled as if ready to fire, should they attempt to escape. In an instant were their weapons reversed, and, dropping their masks, to the horror of Rugsdale, and the agreeable surprise of Washington, his own brave party, whom he had left in charge of the barge, stood revealed before him. "Seize that traitor!" exclaimed the commander. "In ten minutes from this moment let him be a spectacle between the heavens and the earth." The wife and daughter clung to his knees in supplication, but an irrevocable oath had passed his lips, that never again should treason receive his forgiveness after that of the miscreant Arnold. For my own life," he said, while the tears rolled down his noble countenance at the agony of the wife and daughter, "for my own life," I heed not; but the liberty of my native land-the welfare of millions, demand this sacrifice for the sake of humanity I pity him; but by my oath, and now in the presence of heaven, I swear I will not forgive him."

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TREE MIGNIONETTE.

THERE is something in the very name of flowers that is delightful to English feelings, and hence my desire to add to that delight by giving a few directions for producing tree mignionette.

Perhaps many of the readers of the Family Friend may not be acquainted with the fact, that this plant, which we all so much admire for its simplicity and fragrance, is a native of the Land of Egypt,", that land so full of Scriptural interest and so wonderful in its history. Yes, this quiet looking plant sprang originally from the plains that echoed the " cry" of the captive children of Israel, which "came up unto God by reason of the bondage;" those very plains that witnessed so many miracles, such awful judgments, and such protecting love: where, in a more glorious day, the Saviour's infancy was passed, and from wherce at length "God called his Son." How endless and how blessed is the tale this little annual tells! Surely it should bloom in every garden, to remind us all, as we enjoy its perfume, that to this day "the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear;" that the "covenant" and the promise are "to us and to our children;" and that "happy is that people who have the Lord for their God."

Having told you thus much of the his tory of the mignionette, I will now proceed

with instructions for raising tree mignion- | after all; and no one with the slightest idea ette. About the end of April is the best of taste would thank you for a score of them. time to sow seeds for this purpose; and as You must therefore leave as many leaves as the little mignionette tree will be expected you can the first year, and the stems of your to last for at least twelve years, it is essen- trees ought to look as feathery as the legs of tial to lay a good foundation to commence a bantom fowl. The second year cut off with. A good rich compost is the first more than half of these side spurs, beginthing needful, which may be composed of ning at the bottom, and only taking off a one-third cow-dung, rather better than one-pair at a time, and in a fortnight another third rich mellow loam, and the remainder couple, and so on progressively. You must silver sand, with a handful of dry lime not permit any flowers to perfect themselves mortar to keep the compost from getting the first season. The second year you may too close. Having got your mould ready, allow your trees to bloom after the middle of take as many three-inch pots as you will October all the winter, but before that nip require plants; drain them with pieces of off all the buds as fast as they appear. When crock, broken pot, and over that a little of the first pots become filled with roots, say the roughest of your compost; fill up, about Midsummer, shift them into five-inch nearly level with the top of each pot, and pots, and give them another shift about the place three or four seeds in the centre of end of July, but never shift them after each pot; cover them with earth, and press August, as a check would destroy them altothem down very close. Water and place gether.-G. M. F. G. them in the window. If the seed is good, they will germinate in ten days. The moment they appear above ground give them plenty of air. When the weather is fine put them outside the window from ten to four in the afternoon. They will not require much water, a gentle shower from a rose water-pot the first thing in the morning being quite sufficient, as they will then have time to drain and dry before you take them in for the night. When they are of sufficient size to choose the strongest plant pull two or three of them up, that is to say only leave one plant in each pot. When you have fixed on the one plant that is to form the future tree, place a neat little stick down by the side of it; this stick must be a foot long, and pushed right down to the bottom of the pot. When the plant is two inches long, you must tie it loosely to this stick with a piece of bass. Keep tying it as regularly as it grows, and when it reaches the top of the stick give it a larger one, if you wish a long stem, but this is a matter of taste, and according as you wish it taller change the stick. All that is necessary now, is, that as soon and as often as side branches appear on the stem, you should stop them at the second joint. Some people who do not know how to estimate the value of leaves cut off the side shoots close to the stem at once; but the substance of the stems and trunks of all trees, and mignionette trees especially, is first performed by the leaves; and by cutting off all the leaves in that fashion the stems of your trees will grow in the form of a fiddle-stick, or be the same thickness all the way up; and if you grow it that way, no matter how fine the head, the stem will only be the ghost of a trunk

A SUBURBAN PICTURE OF NICE. As February advances, the streets become every day more and more enlivened by groups of picturesquely - attired market women passing to and fro, crowned with wide, flat baskets full of flowers, and carrying over each arm other baskets, equally rich in fresh and fragrant nosegays. No brilliant exotics, nor even rare plants, as much as a wealth of gathered violet, crocus, and anemone

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Sweet nurslings of the vernal skies, Bathed in soft airs and ted with dew, that inspire alike languid invalid and silent mourner by a lonely hearth, with a strong human yearning to be away in the quiet shady nooks where these "stars of earth's firmament shine in all their own pure beauty. Away from the thronged, hot, public promenade, with its white, blinding glare of sun-calcined limestone; its aloes, cypresses, and every green herb bordering the way, scorched, shrivelled, and coated over with flour-like dust, until the colour of leaf or blossom is no longer perceptible; through the unwatered streets, where every now and then the odour from stagnant ditch, leaky gas-pipe, or defective drain, renders you actually grateful when the breeze wafts in your direction the whiff of a passing cigar! till you at last breathe more freely as, leaving the dusty carriageroad, you begin ascending one of the narrow mule-tracks that wind among the olive-yards on the hills. And in these hills, with their elastic bracing air, cool bowery paths, lovely sequestered glades, and glori

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