óther instances; and mention what are the ordinary causes of obstruction? One foreigner landing at Falmouth traverses the west coast of England. Another lands at Dover and proceeds along the east coast; they meet and compare notes-what are the chief differences in their accounts? What is the physical character of East Florida?

As it can never be supposed that these queries were intended to be correctly answered, it is presumed that they were designed by the Examiner to form the materials for the sublimest mirth. The number of square miles of Sicily, as set forth in the different answers, varied from 4 to 4,000,000. Some of the candidates, being determined to encourage the comic vein of their task masters, returned entertaining replies to serious questions. On this account some of the papers contained some playful sallies, such as that "the principal circumstance in the American war of independence was the battle of Bunker's Hill, in which Washington Irving was slain;" that the "Azores is a town on the Baltic," and “ Havannah in Holland." Others, in a more serious tone, endeavoured to reprove the ponderous levity of the Examiners, of which an answer to the following question is the best instance,-"If any doubt were entertained of the existence of Alfred the Great, as there is of the Roman Romulus, what would be the best proof we could adduce of his having lived?" A spirited youth, in his papers, took an 'in limine' objection, and denied the major premiss of the hypothesis, by stating that "he never did doubt the existence of Alfred the Great."

Let us now return to our hero, whom we will suppose seated before this tesselated paper of History, Geography and Facetiæ, flanked on one side by an individual, in the before-mentioned tartan never-whisper'ems, and on the other by a good-looking little gentleman, endued with wonderful activity. Whatever hopes of assistance our hero may have entertained from these supporters were quickly dispelled by the Caledonian gentleman on his right affirming with startling vehemence, that it was impossible to answer the questions without the assistance of a book, and proceeding to procure the necessary works at a neighbouring bookseller's: and by the little gentleman on the left, softly enquiring whether Perkin Warbeck was or was not a cotemporary of Pericles. Indeed, the little gentleman afforded, by his assiduity in asking questions, an admirable instance of the "pursuit of knowledge under difficulties;" he seemed to possess a vicariousness, amounting almost to ubiquity,—now with an insinuating bow offering refreshments to the Examiners,-now rushing to the right, to ask who Hobbes was,- -anon stumbling to the left, to ascertain certain circumstances regarding the Duc de Sully, and again returning to write down that the former was the author of a book called the "Leather thing," and that the latter was a celebrated dictator of Rome. Being, however, at length detected in inquiring whether the Edict of Nantz did not relate to certain laws concerning the importation of spirituous liquors, he was sent into honourable exile, at a distant solitary table.

Fearful, however, of being tedious, we must draw this chapter to a close. Shortly after the banishment of the little gentleman, our hero was summoned by the waggish examiner for a vind voce examination in Sophocles. The wit was determined to give a parting taste of his quality, and so, after he had compelled our hero to explain all the metrical difficulties in a chorus, he commenced a more pleasant line of examination. By these

means he reduced poor Fielding very nearly to a suicidal degree of despair, asking, among other facetious queries, with a truculent visage, whether Mount Taurus was covered with snow in the month of June?What Delos was famed for?-and, on our hero answering with rapidity," for being the birth-place of Apollo,"-replying, " No-Eggs." Thus ended the examination, and our hero, as he walked home, could find little room for comfort, and accordingly acquainted his family at considerable length with the pleasing fact, that there was no chance of his entering the East India College at present. In vain did he try again the "sortes pennypieceanæ." Invidious Britannia and her garden rollerlike shield always appeared uppermost. On the next day he went to the field of battle with little hope of raising a trophy, and in about two hours returned home in a frantic state, exclaiming that Tails had deceived him, that he and a majority of the candidates were duly elected.

(To be continued.)

We are much obliged to "A Candidate" for his contribution, but are obliged to decline it, as it intrudes upon the subject of a series of papers promised us by another correspondent. We beg, however, that he will infuse the humor, which he appears to possess, into articles of another description.

Our thanks are due to "H." for his Sapphic Ode, which, though it gives good promise of future excellence in Latin versification, does not possess sufficient classical merit to admit of insertion in our pages.

We recommend " O. M." to stick closer to his Algebra, and not to coquette with the Muses.

20

We are sorry that Mr. "Chrononhotonthologus" should have had so much trouble in copying the verses he sent us ; and beg that his next communication may be a little more original.

"V. W.'s" composition shows much talent and justness of thought, but is rather deficient in perspicuity and method, and calls for a more liberal use of the file. We hope, however, to receive some more contributions from him.

"Þ1200xμμw" is informed that the merit of his charade cannot be estimated, without the solution of it being known to the Editors.—The same answer applies to 66 Swipes" conundrum.

"Hẞn" shall be inserted in our next.

The contributions of "Swipes" and "S." are postponed for further consideration. N. B.-All rejected articles may be had on application at the Porter's Lodge.

PUBLISHED BY ST. AUSTIN & SON, HERTFORD, AND BY J. MADDEN & Co.
LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON.

ST. AUSTIN AND SON, PRINTERS, HERTFORD.

Or all speculations, those on human nature are perhaps the most interesting and instructive; especially if made on an age, when the natural characters and dispor sitions are seldom artfully concealed, but while yet the final bent, whether fos good or evil, is undecided; and while, consequently, the formation of the habits if of almost infinite consequence to the individual. If, then, we examine the minds of the young men of the middling and higher classes, when met together in a place of public education, we shall generally find them divided into three classes, running, indeed, into each other, yet still separated by lines sufficiently distinct. The first belongs to those habitually averse to study of any kind, and in general devoted to the most vain, if not the most mischievous, pursuits. The second, by far the least numerous class, possesses intellect of a superior, though by no means of the highest, order. We see those who belong to it labouring indefatigably at the work set before them, but rarely allowing their views to extend much further; following with diligence the beaten path, but never venturing to quit it, in order to explore the varied scenes among which it leads them. The third, of which, at the present day, the growing size cannot fail to gratify the eyes of the philanthropic observer, is that of those who, while they pursue their immediate studies, do not lose sight of the ultimate object of all education, the perfection of the powers of their mind; and therefore are by no means content with the scanty stock of information meted out to them, but zealously search after, knowledge wherever it may be found, grudging neither the sacrifices nor the exertions which they may find themselves called on to make, in the pursuit.

Widely dissimilar as is this class from the first, it has yet one point in common with it seldom found in the second grade of intellect,- we mean a fondness for the works of fiction and imagination; a taste, however, which produces very different effects on different characters. Reading of this sort dissipates and enervates young and uncultivated minds; but on a strong and fortified intellect, it often bestows a grace, and polish and elegance, which softens the severity of its severer attributes, and qualifies it to delight as well to instruct. Such, we repeat, is often the effect; would we could say always. Of all tastes not absolutely vicious, few are more dangerous than this. Even if indulged at first in moderation, its strength will rapidly, though almost imperceptibly, increase; and, when the proper bounds are once passed, it will require a firm hand, indeed, to manage the reins of the imagination, and to guide the steeds of fancy in their headlong course.

Its effects, however, vary greatly, even upon the minds of a more robust cast. Some, from reading, catch the idea of writing romances, and, neglecting their duller, but more useful employments, work themselves into a morbid state of excitement and enthusiasm. In others, the intellectual powers are not perverted, but weakened; and in all, that time, which should be spent in exercising and improving our highest powers, is much less profitably employed, and habits of industry are destroyed, while those of indolence are strengthened.

So far, however, let us be understood as speaking, not of the use, but of the abuse, of imaginative works. This distinction, however, when applied to the other class, almost vanishes; for Novel-reading, in particular, is commonly a great cause, and a besetting sin of, idleness; and even if viewed as an amusement, one which dissipates the mind more than any other. It is a great mistake to suppose it a recreation, as the experience of those who have tried it as such will testify. Who, after spending an hour, still more an evening, over a novel, has

B

laid aside his book refreshed in his mind, and eager to recommence his severer studies? If the novel has interested him deeply, his thoughts will be constantly reverting to it, glad of an escape from the dry and hard studies of languages, or mathematics, or any of the usual branches of modern education. And, even if it be that wretched trash with which Circulating Libraries are now so generally filled, the unwholesome food will hardly create a new relish for the plain, unseasoned repasts of reason.

If such be the effects of an occasional indulgence in this amusement, what shall we say for the habitual novel-readers. At the best, they do not enjoy a pleasure superior to his who cultivates his mind, and brings the reasoning faculties into play while, it must be remembered, that the pleasures afforded by the intellectual powers constantly increase with their exercise; but those enjoyed by novelreaders are diminished by every fresh repetition. Moreover, they have the double disadvantage of spending their time on what will hereafter profit them but little, and of rendering themselves incapable of feeling satisfaction in any employments of more real use; not to say that the weakness which yields to this temptation will hardly be found proof against others which are stronger and more dangerous.

Upon the whole, then, it is not easy to say in what light novel-reading can be looked upon as conducive to study and the improvement of the mind, which, as a habit, it weakens, without informing; as an occasional amusement, it relaxes, without refreshing; and yet we fear we are hardly exaggerating, when we say that nearly half the books at the present day read by young men are novels, and some not of the least exceptionable kind. We trust that the evil effects of this system of reading may not be fatally evident hereafter; and that, when their judgment and steadiness and decision of character are put to the test, they may not be found wanting.

Ἰωτα.

HYMN TO THE MOON.

Fair sister of the sun! queen of the night!

Whose throne is glory, and whose paths are light!
Not more when all unveil'd is seen thy face,
Than when dim pomp of clouds

Awhile its brightness shrouds,

I greet thee, type sublime of purity and grace.
Anon thou leadest forth a host divine,

Stars numberless, like cluster'd gems that shine;
Anon thou marchest through the skies alone;
While ocean's waves below,

Still as they ebb and flow,

Feel thy incumbent power, thy law mysterious own.

Beautiful art thou, too, when thou art seen

Vesting the landscape in a robe of sheen,

When in their gentle play thy silvery beams,

Like elves on frolic bent

Soon as the day is spent,

Dance 'mid the quivering sprays, and glide o'er sparkling streams.

Oft have I gazed upon thee, and have dream'd
Of countless forms, peopling thine orb, that seem'd
Too bright, too fair for aught but angel-kind;
Such as, o'er Bethlehem's plains,

In new and holy strains,

To shepherds sang of peace for man by God design'd.

Haply they pause at times from their high mirth,
Nor scorn to visit the mean sons of earth;

But, while they mourn the blots on nature's face,

Tell of a coming day,

When these shall pass away,

And vanquished sin and death confess the power of grace.

П. В. Ф.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE HAILEYBURY OBSERVER. GENTLEMEN EDITORS,-Although far from feeling convinced that political discussions will either extend the sale, or elevate the character, of your paper; I am yet unwilling, that the Conservative cause in this College should fail in finding a champion, bold enough to raise the gauntlet which Philalethes has thrown down. Your correspondent has clothed his sentiments in an Attic elegance of diction, and, if he has done nothing else, has at least proved, that the most extravagant opinions may be introduced with the utmost moderation of expression.

I shall at present leave unnoticed the various questions, which Philalethes has raised, on the Home and Foreign Policy of the present Ministry, considering that each deserves to be discussed in a separate article, and shall address my remarks to the general tenour of his letter.

Your correspondent opened his panegyric with a flourish of trumpets, which proclaimed, that the Ministry possessed the favour of the Court and the confidence of the people. The first of these statements is, we hope, in a country like ours, a matter of very slight importance; the other will encounter a denial at once indignant and universal. The only criterion, by which we can judge of the people's attachment to a Ministry, is the test of representation in the Commons House of Parliament; and Philalethes must surely possess a singular felicity in extracting victory from defeat, if he expects to maintain his argument by proofs derived from this source. It is notorious, that the Ministry did not dare to raise a single member of the Lower House to the Peerage at the Coronation;-that the noble lord, who at the commencement of this year was appointed Viceroy of Ireland, was replaced by a gentleman of adverse politics;-that the late Chancellor of the Exchequer was ignominiously defeated, by proxy, at Cambridge;-and that even in Manchester, the stronghold of Liberalism, the substitute for the Governor of Canada gained such a victory, as must have infused a very Pyrrhus-like apprehension into the breasts of those who eat the bread of office.

Philalethes, however, thinking that his praise was too general, has bestowed on the noble Premier such encomiastic sentences, as must surely console his lordship for the cares of office, and the ruthlessness of the Times newspaper. These praises I should have left unnoticed, had they not been made the vehicle for an attack upon a nobleman whom the unprejudiced must ever consider as one of the master spirits of the age. In this part of his epistle Philalethes does not show his usual acuteness; it smacks awfully of the sentimentality of the Globe. From whom did he hear of those facts which would have bridled Lord Brougham's tongue, but which were not disclosed? If your correspondent knows them, it is evident, that the Premier must have mentioned them, which rather detracts from the boasted magnanimity. But all this partakes so much of "pamphleteering slang," that we will not dwell on it. We simply and seriously ask Philalethes, what will probably be the decision of posterity, when one statesman, who has spent a long life in diffusing knowledge, and promoting the interests of science; whose giant intellect has grasped, and adorned, every subject; whose errors have always been the errors of genius; is compared with another, who, though possessing considerable abilities, has been famed for little else than unbounded nonchalance, extensive anecdotical talent, and the "nice conduct of a clouded cane." If the Premier is to look forward with assurance, as Philalethes says, to the favourable sentence of future generations, it can only be, because his lordship has assurance enough for anything. Finally let me say that, under the present government, the church has experienced heavy blows and discouragements,-that our universities have been insulted,-that our peers have been brow-beaten,-that our flag has been disgraced,—our Foreign affairs rendered a farce, and our Home department very nearly a tragedy,-our Colonies endangered, and our Court scandalized. England has, before this, been governed by a virgin Queen, but the supporters of her Court were stately columns, like Burleigh, Walsingham, Bacon and Raleigh, not such filigree pilasters as my Lords Melbourne and Palmerston, and the most noble the Marquesses of Normanby and Headfort.

I have the honour to be yours, &c.

ASTEIOS.

[The Editors, on further consideration, have determined to decline in future, any article of a political nature, which contains allusion to public men of the present day.]