The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-01 00:00:00

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NORWICH UNION FIRE INSURANCE
SOCIETY.
,The business of the Compapy exceeds £70,000,090.
The dut paid to Gbvernment for tear 2 was
£85,062, and the amount insured on fyalB6rmingstock,
£10,086,332.
A bonus of three-fifths of the profi's periodically made to
parties insuring, who have thus, from time to time, received
sums amounting in the aggregate to £140,000 ; and the Society
now holds a large Reserve applicable to a future Bonus.
The rates of premium are in no case higher than those
charged by the other principal offices making no returns to
their insurers.
For pro-pectuses apply at the Society's Offices, Surrey-
street, Norwich and 6, Crescent, New Bridge-street, Black-
friars EC • .

No. '22,08.

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1863.

Our Gunboats and Mortar Vessels.

partment can be in producing what will never be
wanted, for, as with the poor gunboats, by the time
the metalwork is completed the woodwork is con-
demned, the hull is broken up, and the metalwork
goes no one caret, to inquire where. As to the future,
there is hope, for it ie impassible to believe but that
with such indefatigable workers as the present First
Lord, the Controller of the Navy, and the newly-
appointed Chief Controller, a new era must be inau-
gurated, and the ruinous system which has prevailed
for such a length of time in our national dockyards
be superseded at length by one befitting the large
interest at stake and the dignity of the nation.
Naval and Military Intelligence.

MAGAZINE DAY.

Created to meet a sudden emergency in the war
waged by England and France against Russia, the
last vessel of our gun and mortar boat fleets
might in the due course of time have passed
away with and into those convenient " waters
of oblivion" into which individuals and pecples
are ea ever ready to consign their failures, their de-
feats, and their disappointments, had their history
hitherto been " written in sand." It could not be
so, however, under the circumstances of their his-
tory subsequent to their creation. The Fe in sung
over the inauguration of this miniature fleet of hor-
nets cannot readily be forgotten. This flotilla of
gun and mortar craft were termed " the best legacy
of the Russian war, the only solid advantage that
remained to us after all our expetiments. We had
not only learnt that a maritime Power requires
other vessels besides line-of-battle ships, but we had
actually got a strong fleet of these vessels ready
built for any future emergency. There they were
all hauled up safe and sound, all paid for, and fit to
be launched at an hour's notice in strength suffi-
cient to sweep the Channel of an enemy." But this
precious flotilla, —this real naval reserve—this
squadron on which so much money had been spent,
was found rctten and good for nothing, and the
boats were only fit to break up or crumble to dust
where they lay. They were not broken up, and
they were delayed at an immense expense in fall-
ing literally to pieces. Two certainly, the Caroline
and theMackarel, were eventually condemned and
taken to pieces, but even now fragments of their
poor rotten skeletons may be met with in obscure
corners of the Hasler Yard, each fraga-ent forming
part of a tale of fraudulent copper bolt fastenings
and sappy timbers. Others of the gunboats had as
much as £l,OOO and £1,500 each spent tipcm them ;
some, it is said, still more, and others less ; but the
one professed object aimed at was to render this
rotten and useless fleet available for some purpose.
The exposure of our folly had made as to a certain
extent ashamed of ourselves, and we were glad to
hide the cause from sight as quickly as possible.
All visible defects were made good, and each
vessel the partial repairs of which only were thus
"made good" at an enormous expense had
her planking carefully caulked, her bottom payed
over with an honest coat of tar and with an " air
stroke" of planking left out (too near the top sides
to be of any service). The gunboat squadron stood
under their sheds at Hasler, looking, to all outward
sign, bright, sound, and fit for anything. At this
time the fact was the boats were only partially re-
paired, English elm had been introduced alongside
partially decayed plank and framing, and the whole
closed in, airtight from keel to " air stroke," and
now all again are rotten.
The recent annual inspection of the naval estab-
lishments at Portsmouth is, however, likely to cause
the curtain to descend upon the last act of the gun
and mortar boat comedy. In anticipation of their
lordships' annual visit to the yard at Haslar a re-
port of the condition of the boats stored under the
sheds was prepared, which !ed to further investiga-
tions being made, and the result is that this too
famous yard at Haslar is to be degraded from its
hitherto maintained position, and to descend from
its high-sounding title of " gunboat yard and slip-
way," to " a yard for building and repairing ships'
boats and repairing gunboats ;" the latter, we should
presume, means so long as wooden gunboats are
still supposed to be of use.
The gunboats now on the blocks under Haslar
sheds are 47 in number (exclusive of six building),
and their destiny in the immediate future has been
assigned as follows ;
Condemned to be broken up—The Tiny, 20 horse

BLACKIVOOD.—" Caxtoniana," this month, con-
tinues the question of" On Some authors, inwhose
writings knowledge of the world is eminently dis-
played." It will be interesting to many to peruse
the remarks on the creation in England of the
"Novel of Manners." lUcharclson, Fielding,
Smollett, and Sterne are duly considered. Sheridan is
a'so met with in these varied and vivacious pages. It is
truly said that the " School for Scandal" is the finest prose
comedy in the English, or perhaps any other language
The remarks on this gifted man are very appropriate. The
" School for Scandal," it is said, does not borrow its plot
from previous writers. Sir Walter Scott is met with,
"Knowledge of the world never forsakes Sir Walter Scott,
and in him it is always idealised up to the point of dramatic
narrative, and no farther." It would be difficult to find a
truer description of all great novelists than this. "The
Spectre of Milaggio" is a very interesting sketch of adven-
tures abroad. It is written in a simple style, and yet furs
fishes sufficiently perilous anecdote to form the ground-
work of an old romance. The denouement is very
ingeniously contrived, and the ghost does good service to
the affrighted party attacked by ruffians. "Jean Paul
Richter" is an article to attract tho studious world. It is
stated that the translation of " Titan" has recalled to mind
the life and writings of this man, whose name is still one of
interest and perplexity to English readers. In England it is
mentioned, accurately enough, such a writer would never
have been popular. Here is a humorist whose sentences
are like Chinese puzeee, whose meaning is as hard to
penetrate as the driest chapter in Locke or Cudworth.
Titan, long called the masterpiece of Richter, has at
last found an English translator. The life of
Richter is alluded to, and the comments there-
on will be found very interesting. It is curious
to note the account given of the mode of teaching followed
by Richter's father, here aptly styled repressive education,
The mind of this youth could not, however, be repressed
by any means—he educated himself by all the chance read-
ing that came in his way; and ever toiling, struggling on,
he attained at last to some measure of that success which
had been the day-dream of his youth. " Chronicles of
Carlingford The Perpetual Curate," are not very
eventful in this instalment. Miss Leonora seems to be
gaining wisdom, from her experience and survey of
things. Miss Dora is rendering herself as ridiculous as
an amiable simple-minded lady can, and rumour with her
hundred tongues is rife with mischief, spreading every-
where the news of Mr. Wentworth escorting back at
nightfall pretty little Rosa Elsworthy. The Curate of St.
Roque's has departed at a perilous time for the safety of
his citadel—its security is menaced on all sides, by covert
slander and open assault. There are some contemplative
lines on the subject of "Hearing Weekday Service in
Westminster Abbey." " The Pyramids, who built them
and when," is an elaborate paper, which describes the pas
and cons of the extraordinary deductions which nr dern
discoverers have made. Considerable research has been
made by the writer of this treatise to show the fallacy and
folly of the " Egyptologists," and it is to be hoped that
the sense and judgment evidenced herein will convince
many who are liable to be led astray by their summary
conclusions and audacious conjectures. " The Battle of
Gettysburg, and the Campaign in Pennsylvania," is an
extract from the diary of an English officer present with
the Confederate army. It will be found very interesting
to peruse, and furnishes a concise account of some exciting
incidents. The writer expresses his conviction of the vita-
lity of the South, and evidently is hopeful as regards their
final triumph.
DUBLIN UNIVERSITY.—" Wylder's Hand" is
continued. This story is a very exciting one; there
are not so many attractive characters as in its pre-
decessor, " The House by the Churchyard," but it
is sketched in a masterly manner, and presents
some very striking pictures of life to our notice.
Mark Wylder has got into great difficulties in this instal-

PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL LIFE
ASSOCIATION.
Established 1840.
TRUSTEES.
Thom as Baling, Esq., M.P. wm. Geo. Prescott, Esq.
Thomson Hankey, Esq., M.P. I Baron L. de Rothschild, M.P.
;Mutual Lit, Assurance for all classes.
This Association hai now in existence 6,000 policies, for a
total sum of £1,500,800.
The Annual Income is .. • • " £51•000
The Accumulated Fund exceeds .. 2 o,' 00
It has paid in Claims • • • • • • 112,000
The whole of the profits are divided quinquennially among
the Members Three divisions have already been made*
When the following sums have been. added.. as..bon;s3eosoto the
policies
_ Dec. 31, 1847
• 3852 21,025000
„ 1857 .. • • '• " •
• 56,500
1862 ..
Making the total bonus additions, £06,600.
Bonuses ma 7 be received in wish or applied to the reduc
Bon of premiums at the option of the assured, in lieu of an
addition to the policy.
Attention is especially invited to the system of free or paid-
UP policies introduced by this Association, by which the
sacrifice so often submitted to on the relinquishment of
po icy is wholly avoided.
The balance-sheets of the Association are open to all,
whether assurers or otherwise.
Active and influential agents will be appointed in unrepre-
sented districts.
WM. THOS. LINFORD, Secretary.
Chief Office, 15, Moor,gate-street, E.C., Aug 1, 1863.

THE. NAVY.
The Snipe, 5, screw steam gun vessel, 431 tons,
80-horse power, Commander A. H. W. Battiscombe,
underwent her final trial of machinery at the mea-
sured mile off Maplin Sands, on Thursday last, in
charge of Capt. W. K. Hall,
commanding the Sheer-
ness steam reserve. The trial was pronounced
highly satisfactory, the vessel's speed being 8.440
knots an hour, about a quarter of a knot greater
than that of her sister ship the Jaseur: She
anchored at the Little Nore after her trial, where
she was inspected the next day by Vice-Admiral Sir
G. R. Lambert, K.C.8.;, Commander-in-Chief at
Sheerness, and staff. The Snipe sailed on Satur-
day morning for Plymouth, en route to her destina-
tion, the West Coast of Afifca.

THE ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
HEAD OFFICES,
29, Lombard-street, London, and Royal Inturance-
buildinE;s, LiverpoeL
Total Annual Revenue exceeds £soo,o^o.
Accumulated Funds in hand over 1,010,000.

Chairman in Liverpool:
CHARLES TURNER, Esq., !LP.
Chairman in London :

WILLIAM WAINWRIGHT, Esq.

A court-martial, of which Capt. J. Fulford, of the
Formidable, was the president, assemble d yesterday
on board the Formidable, 84, flagship of Vice-Ad-
miral of the Red, Sir G. It. Lambert, K.C.8., Corn-
man du-in-Chief at the Nore, fur the trial of John
this ship." " I shall not
Cast, private Royal Marines, serving on board the
Wellesley, 72, in Chatham Harbour, on a charge of
having, on the quarterdeck of the Wellesley, be-
haved in a highly insubordinate manner. He made
use
doh
another
mutinous of
ouetr day's
i nou
s
by saying,
soldiering
in
He was
further charged with having, While being conducted
below, struck Colour-Sergeant Charles Jeffrey, his
superior officer in charge of the detachment of Royal
Marines serving on board the ship. Commander R.
Studdert, of the Wellesley, prosecuted, and Mr. G.
H. Knight, of the firm of Essell,Knight, and Arnold,
solicitors, Rochester, officiated as Judge-Advocate,
and conducted the case for the prosecution. The
prisoner on being arraigned confessed himself guilty
of both charges, and threw himself on the mercy of
his judges. The Court, after deliberating for a short
time, sentenced the prisoner to receive 48 lashes on
board the Wellesley at such time as the Commander.
in-Chief shall direct, and afterwards to be dismissed
with disgrace from her Majesty's service.

EXTRACTS FROM THE_ REPORT FOR THE YEAR

1862.

The Directors of the Royal Insurance Company are now
called upon to make their accustomed periodical Report at the
Meeting of its Shareholders.

FIRE BRANCH.
The Directors have, as pleasingly as unexpectedly, at the
close of the year, to announce, for the first time, that the Fire
Premiums have not only reached, but exceed £300,000.
The high comparative position held by the Royal in the
Government Returns of Duty is agiin fully maintained.
The profit of the business of the year exceeds considerably the amount realised in the preced,ng year, and in taut sur-
passes that of any rear, with but two exceptions, sine • the
commencement of Mi., Office, the balance tr, the credit ou
account of British and Foreign insurances being J.;45,10? 10s.
6d., and of the North American business, which is kept sepa.
rately, £11,097 16s. 10d.

LIFE BRANCA.
The very gratifying duty now falls upon the Directors to
state the sum assured on n-w policies for the year 133'62
exceeds even that of the yegr 1861 by £lBO,OOO, and has arrived
at the almost unexampled amount for a single year of
£701,427 on 1,493 new policies issued. Until within the last
few veers it is believed that such a sum assured as that which
has just bt en announced as the result of one year's business
was all but unheard of.
This portion of the Company's business has been carefully
watched, and cannot. fail to give much satisfaction to the
shareholder, as well as no small encouragement for the
future to the participating life assurer.
Evidence of continued care in the selection of lives is amply
afforded by a statement of the number rejected. These have
amounted to 311 for the year, on which the aggregate sum
proposed for assuranoe amounts to £143,28 I. Various degrees
of ineligibility have led to these lives being declined.
No small number of the Assurance Companies of the da
re cord their accepted lives annually at a sum not much, if at all, exceeding those which the Royal has declared as in admis-
stole in a single year from deterioration of some kind or
another.
If, to complete' their review, the Directors now advert
briefly to the United Kingdom, they have to announce that
in Fire Business its progress has been undoubtedly more
rapid than that of any other Company established either in
London or elsewhere, except when amalgamations have taken
place. The returns of duty have proved this. In Life, the
amount of New Policies already reported make all other
evidence needless.
The Directors conclude their present Report with the
expression of an opinion that the prospects of the Royal
Insurance Company were never brighter, and of a consequent
hope, founded on a grateful remembrance of the past, that
the future may untold for it a sphere of still greater ma2ni-
tude, combining distinguished commercial success to the
Office with a lengthened career of usefulness and protection
to the public.
PERCY M. DOVE, Manager and Actuary.
JOHN B. JOILNSTON, Secretary in London.

ment, and ends by ignominiously retreating to Boulogne,

A.D. 1720.
ROYAL EXCHANGE ASSURANCE
CORPORATION
(Established by Charter of his Majesty George the First)
FOR SEA, FIRE, LIFE, AND ANNUITIES.
Offices, Royal Exchange, London.
Branch Office, 29, Pall-mall.
OCTAVIUS WIGRAM, Esq., Governor.
GEORGE PEARKES BARCLAY, Esq., Sub-Governor.
Sir JOHN HENRY PELLY, Bart, Deputy-Governor.
DIRECTORS.

and putting off his marriage suit with Miss Brandoneine
die. Rachel Lake is enveloped in some dark mystery
which seems to have obliterated all brightness from her
path. Her brother is pursuing his unworthy course, and
laying snares for many with his artful dodges. "Old
Tamar" is a well-drawn character ; the old woman seems
quite weird-like in her strange demeanour and fitful
actions. The story of " Bella Donna ; or, the Cross before
the Name," is continued briefly. " Jenny" is,playing at
her game with great success, and is now promoted to the
important post of secretary. The dying woman sees
through her manoeuvre, and with the prescience that the
coming end often imparts to weak and rapid characters,
she combats the endeavours of the crafty girl to the utmost
of her power. " notes on Eloquence and Oratory" is a
readable paper on an interesting subject. It is said that " a
peculiar temperament is essential to the orator, and depth,
and fire of nature—an inner power of at once awakening
and contracting emotion, a capacity for being mightily
moved, in order to move mightily." There are some im
_ _

Ilenry Bainbridge, Esq. Wilmot Holland, Esq.
Robert Barclay, Esq. Earl of Leven and Melville.
John Garratt Cattlev, Esq. Chas. Jno. Manning, Esq.
Mark Currie Close, Esq. Henry Nelson, Esq.
William Davidson, Esq. The Hon. Josceline W. Percy.
Thomas Dent, Esq. Charles Robinson, Esq.
Alexander Druce, Esq. Samuel Leo Schuster, Esq.
Fredk. Jos. Edlmann, Esq. Eric Carrington Smith, Esq.
Riversdale W. Grenfell, Esq. William Soltau, Esq.
L'obt. Amadeus Heath, Esq. Joseph Somes, Esq., M.P.
WM. Tetlow Hibbert, Esq.' William Wallace, Esq.
Jas. Stewart Hodgson, Esq. - Chas. Baring Young, Esq.
Medical Referee, SAMUEL SOLLY, Esq., F.R.S.
FIRE and LIFE ASSURANCES may be effected with this
Corporation on advantageous terms.
In the Life Department, assurances are granted with par-
ticipation in Profits, or, at lower Premiums, without such
Participation
The
pearl Reversionary Bonus on British Policies has averaged
y 2 per cent. per annum on the sum assured.
Equivalent reductions have been made in the Premiums
Payable by persons who preferred that form of Bonus.
The divisions of Profit take place every Five years.
Life
Any sum not exceeding £15,000 may be insured on one
This Corporation affords to the Assured—
Liberal participation in Profits—with exemption from
the liabilities of partnership.
A rate of Bonus equal to the average returns of Mutual
Societies—with the guarantee of a large invested Capital
Stock.
The advantages of modern practice,—with the security
of an Office whose resources have been tested by the ex-
perience of nearly a CENTURY AND A DALE.
The Corporation have always allowed the Assured to serve
in the Militia, Yeomanry, or Volunteer Corps within the
United Kingdom, free of charge.

power ; the Midge, 20 ; the Flirt, 20 ; the Ready,
40; the Pincher, 60; the Swinger, 60; the Thrush,
40; the Badger, 60; the Beaver, 60; the Beacon,
60; the Traveller, GO; the Savage, GO; the Por-
poise, 60; the Pert, 20; the Grinder, 60; the
Brazen, 60; the Bullfinch, 60.

To be surveyed further, for sale or breaking up
The Wolf, 60 horse power; the Crocus, 60; the
Camel, 60; the Garland, 20; the Garnet, 40 ; the
Primrose, 60; the Prompt, 60; the Pickle, 60; the
Gnat, 20; the Redbreast, 60; the Parthian, 60; the
Blossom, 20 ; the Confounder, 60 ; the Gadfly, 20;
the Rocket, 60.

presaive lines called the " College Gate." They refer to
the statue of Goldsmith placed over the gate through which
ha once slunk out last on the list of examined. The con-
cluding verses are spirited and sad in their truth to life :
Now, as ye enter that College gate,
Lift up your eyes and you'll see,
Towering over your heads, a bronze,
In its proud serenity.
Yes ! the strains from that wretched fiu.te
To the ends of the earth have sped :
Though " Noll" was a drudge so long as ho lived,
He's deified, now that he's dead.

For repairs, to be added to, or rather, to form the
reserve ;—The Brave, 60 horse.power ; the Peacock,
60 ; the Cherokee, 60; the Wave, 6U; the Swan,
60; the Whiting, GO; the Fenella, 40; the Hunter,
40 ; the Skylark, 60.

To be fitted for coal depots :--The Pet, 20 horse-
power; the Snapper, 60.

This list only includes the Haslar gunboats, but
in addition to these there are some 110 others of the
same class of vessel efloat in our home ports and on
foreign
list.
stations,of
favourableoau
rl
present
e swe
ahnvi t ce
erh
gmp
()cur soitefnbe looked upon
conditionc e as possessing
th a n
sgoerhequoted above as in the " Haslarts''
eabvysmretntihliltethhiloni
regard to the original construction of these
vessels, while it is admitted that the contractors
were compelled to turn them out of hand in a very
hurried manner, owing to the nation's requirements
at the time, and to build portions of them with un-
seasoned timber, owing to the impossibility of
i
obtaining seasoned wcod, there s at the present
moment a vessel under repair in Hasler Yard which
from having been originally constructed with sea-
soned timber, affords a remarkable contrast in her
condition to the exotic gunboats which have cost the
nation such immense sums of money, but the days of
which we may now reasonably hope are numbered.
The vessel alluded to is simply an open dockyard
_ _

And what is this world F—the College gate,
Through which genius may slink with shame :
The list is the ledger of life's success,
And the statue is posthumous fame.

ROYAL EXCITANGE, LONDON.
ROBT. P. STEELE, Secretary.

"Glimpses of Cassarean Rome" is a striking sketch of some
past scenes of magnificence. "An old Pageant," " The
City," and "Beyond the Tiber," aro reproductions of some
of those important events which have been immortalised in

ORTH BRITISH AND MERCANTILE
INSURANCE COMPANY.

Established 1809. -
Incorporated by Royal Charter and Special Acts of
Parliament.
ACCUMULATED AND INVESTED FUNDR, £2,12:1,828.
ANNUAL REVENUE, £422,401.
LONDON BOARD.
John White Cater, Esq., IP. du Pre Grenfell, Esq.
Chairman. A. Klockmann, Esq.
Charle,, Morrison, Esq., De- .Tohn Monet t, Isq.
puty Chairman. Jcnius S. Morgan, Esq.
A. De A rrovave, Esq. G. Garden Nicol, Esq
Edward Cohen, Esq. John H. Wm. Schroder, Esq.
James du Buisson, Esq. George Young, Esq.
EX-DIRECTORS.
A. IT. Campbell, Esq.
!,='. C. Cavan, Esq. Robert Smith, Esq.
P. Ralli, Esq. Frederic Somes, Esq.
Manager of Fire Department —Georgl A. Whyting.
Manager of Life Department—W. F. Birkmyre.
Superintendent cf Foreign Department—G. 11. Burnett.
Secretary—F. W. Lance.
General Manager—David Smith.

the pages of history. " Glimpses of Crusading Days" is a
romantic account in verse of a knight's departure for
Palestine, and his satisfactory return from thence. " The
Grand Four" recapitulates the ceremonies that the earlier
generation went through in perfecting themselves for
society. Mrs. Fitzbenty informs us concerning an Irish
actress of the last century. It is well worthy of perusal,
and the many struggles of this lady render her an especial
object of attention. "The Art of Wrestling" takes a
glance at the old-fashioned matches of past days. " A
Couple of Indian Recollections" recount some hair-breadth
escapes that were made by the narrator. 'Songs of Ulster in
Many Moods" present a considerable variety to our notice.
The best is "All Wears Away." " The Ghosts of the
Day" treats of various events of a singular nature. It is
said that "Scepticism is the attitude of a great number of
its intellects, and scepticism and superstition invariably go
hand in hand." " Cymric Studies in relation to English
History and Literature" contains some useful hints on the

lighter daily employed in doing all kinds of rough
work. She was launched 69 years ago, and her

FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Kingdom,
The Company grants Insurances against Fire in the United
and all Mercantile Risks foreign countries.
n; the Port of London accepted at re-
duced rates.
Losses promptly and liberally settled.
. looereign Risks.—The Director., having a practical know-
most!folg of foreign countries, are prepared to issue Policies on
toe tavourfole terms. In all
allowed to Merchants and others "seffecting such Insurances.
LIFE DEPARTAIENT
es a discount will be
The following Statement exhibits the improvement effected
during the las • few years :
No. of Policies
Issued.
Sums.
1859 P 5 ........ 455 ....... . X 377,425 Premiums....Xl,s 18 8
........ 6' 5 ..... ... 419,913 ...... 14,070 1 6
1851 18'0 ........ 741 ....... 475.649 ...... 14,071 17 7
1862 ........ 781
........ 527,(ite ...... 1A,551 2 9
........ 1,137 ........ 768,334 ...... 23,641 0 0
Thus in five years the number of Policies issued was 3,623,
assuring the large sum of L 2,928.947.
The leading features of the Office are:-
1. Entire Se urity to Assurers.
2. The large Bonus additions already declared, and the
pprospect of a further Bonus at the neat investiga-
on.
8. The advantages afforded by varied Tables of premiums
—unrestrcted conditions of Policies—and general
liberality in dealing with the A ssured.
Forms of Propozal and every information will be furnished
on application at the
READ OFFICES : .... LONDON 58, Threadneedle-street.
ED INBURG it 644, New Bank Buildings.
Princes-street

original timbers, which now form her frame below
the water line, are as sound and hard as on the day
of her launching.
So much for the Haslar gun'oats, their rotten and
fungus covered hulls, their short copper bolts,
their partial repairs, their subsequent rot on the
blocks high and dry under the uheds, their last

subject to students. It is said in conclusion that if we do
not bestir ourselves, the Germans will have done the work
for us, and we shall be distanced to the lasting disgrace of
the country. " What is Pisciculture" is a dissertation on
fish. It concludes the long list of contents here met with,
and affords some useful information.

FRASER.—The lover of light literature, if any
such turn over the stately pages of Regina, will
probably pass quickly by the opening article which
bears the alarming heading of " A Plea for the Free
Discussion of Theological Difficulties." -Without
entering upon a question of such indefinite extent,
we may observe that it is the work apparently of a thought-
ful and conscientious man, who is by no means rationalistic

survey and condemnation in the present year of
1863, and the necessarily proposed significant trans-
formation of the designation of Hasler Establish-
ment from "gunboat yard, sheds, and shipway," to
the more modest one of " boat building and repair-
ing yard."

Tie mortar vessels at Haslar have not attracted
the same amount of public attention, from the fact
of their being fewer in number, and therefore more
unimportant than the gunboats, and also from their
having been left in a comparatively undisturbed
state. There are 19 mortar craft now on the blocks
at Haslar—nine of iron and ten of wooden con-
struction. The iron ones are being converted as
they are wanted into open lighters for dockyard
use, and the larger bodied wooden craft are being
handed over to the Coastguard as they require ves-
sels for stations in the different rivers and creeks
around the coasts—the very best purpose to which
both classes of vessels can now be applied, although
both would have done good service doubtless be-
yond what they effected at Swcaborg, had the war
with Russia fortunately or unfortunately lasted a
twelvemonth longer.

or radical in his principles. The story of " Late Laurels"
is continued, and verifies the old proverb—" Marry in
haste and repent at leisure." Under the companionship
of the ill-assorted young couple, even Italy loses its
romance, and the honeymoon its fascinations. Little pity
need, however, be wasted on such frivolous and selfish
mortals, who appear to have left their romance at home
with their deserted relatives. "A. Manchester Man." who
has before now appeared in these pages as a contributor
giving sensible opinions on men and things, gives us
paper on a subject which is painfully prominent with all
Manchester men just now—the cloud over our Lanca-
shire mills and homes, This tribute to the
outburst of general sympathy which met the ter-
rible crisis is warmly and feelingly paid :—‘, Noble-
man and merchant, clergyman and layman, trades-
man and operative, joined hand in haud," he says, to
succour those that were stranded on the bare rocks of want."
The echoes of sympathy were awoke not only in b
palace, mansion, and cottage of the land, but they reachedls
us from the far East and the far West—nay, from and
which arc to us literally the very ends of the earth.
,Canada,
Australia, India, New Zealand, all contributntio
u).iterhaasa-
eisiance, while help came from peoples upon w
no such claim—from shores and islands so distante
scum that we had scarcely heard ofelit,oh:Fin as emerging by 61tnhg,
nobility,
spoken
otfhiel1;;; threi
into the light of civilisation.
mof
writerols) most
rebmiyni,nteielrint
lbmseheomaflbf
heori
gf ohtfhpterhaeisoesufferersl.d countyllota rise
pleasant,"
he ro.
marks, "to see a nobleman of his high rank and station
takingeuthceomPenfoi
i
cement
etion h ihsed ihs tarse sdsohnoe hasin tmh crisis.suiies te d a Fromwixte htflul he
cinotmermest in devising the best plans for its relief, and be has
thereby won the good opinion of both rich and poor." A
paper on "The Periodical. Press of the United States of
America" is more frank than fhttering to Nort :hers edi s.
4, In the American Republic," says the writer, "who-
ever has a new ism to propagate--n new theory
Cffice to e,tcot—
to advocate--sTlew candidate for

NORTH BRITISH AND MERCANTILE
INSURANCE COMPANY.
8 W WEST-END OFFICE:
Secretar , ATERLOO-PLACE, PALL-MALL.
y—ALEX.J. RUSSELL.

ItiIPTURE

11THI—.—BY ROYAL LETTrit PA r 11,Nri ir (PERFECTED AND EXDIDITEDEVERTRE
TE'S I\loo-MAIN I ' 8 --2-
----‘.
H ards i
A
TRUSSEnT
YIKIIIRITIONS or 18
G5l AND 1862). 18 allow"
Two undred Medical
invention to 60 file blirlos upwGßeflectlve
invention iu the curative treatment The use of a steel spring', so often hurtful 1 ir'iti:' eNfieretAs:
Is here avoided—a soft bandage being wornni..!..)lpl
t'ody, while the requisite resisting povver is supp d the
an the eirlt
!lIN,-3lftin Pad and Patent I,ever, fitting', Nth h se.",la I?3' the
, ,--t. cio2uness that it cpunoz, be d‘lteeted, aria inryren ease
al !jag sleep. A desfziptlye circular may be ban, anCtv?fil
trurs, which cannot fail to fa, forwarded by post,
et:lNi( rence ot the body, two inches below the Lip, I, . '
t elug
Gi:;lt to the manufacture:,
Mr. WHITE, 228, Piccadilly.
A Single Truss, ills., 21e., 2(ls. tki., and Ms. fid. Postage, lb.
A Double Truss 425., and 525. 6d. Postage, is 8d
Ms. 6d, .
An Umbilical Truss, 425. and 528. 6d. Postage, is. 10d.
Post office Orders to be made payable to John White, Post-
on-ice, Piccadilly.

The Hasliar gunboat history will also, like every
other part of our naval administration, illustrate in
tho most forcible manner our present 83'64111 of
dockyr,rd. departments.- The head of the " wood,'
department is perfectly aware that the hulls of the
useless craft which ho is patching up and passing
a horrible sham. The head of the
off as soun.d vessels to order, are rotten to the cure,
manedtar l
department,ebut
on the other hand, can
aniug hopelessly
de-
gree know
nothing (officially, and therefore he must be igno-
iTante)no,faandwoooldereefnovreesstVis'splahyus unwonted hail ben
gree of activity in " bringing forward" her en.

NEW PATENT
FLAST IC STOCKINGS,
Cc.. for Varicose Veins and al? cfm-s of
.n"'s and Swellin,, o.; 1.e,,5, Sprains. /to. 7°hey ire
in texture,7 aad inepcnsive, and are drawn on
"w "°rcunarystocki4s. 6d. 78. ed., 108., to ifE.
etwit. Postage 6d. 11-* 11"
9
JakiN
miTE, Manuiacturcr, 2`41,

gives, not giving, as would be the case in

_ .
any private establishment, any thought or oP.re

004 the expense, bent shcwing bow sirt his de-

STAMPED ....sd.

a newquack medicine or perfumed soap to sell, establishes a
periodical to accomplish his purpose." The consequence
of this, as might be expected, is itson4iLwliat extensive press.
In 1861, there were in the Union
than 4,000 weekly papers, and 3 daily papers, more
'monthlies and semi-
moathlies--the whole number being 5,233. Aa
of the proportion existing between the press
and t"
'a sample
lation, we m.ay mention that St. Louis, a city with a p"ti-
yopu-
lotion of little mere than 160,000, has 65 periodicals,
eleven
of which are daily ; and New Oilcans, before the
wer, had
4S publications of the same class, though its numbers
only
amounted to 170,000. It is unfortunate that the
charactern
of the press is not commensurate with the extent of its ia-
fiuence. The writer of the paper in question denounces the
members of the press and the pulpit for encouraging the war,
for the sake of securing popularity. "To the everlasting
shame and disgrace of self-styled freemen, the press and the
pulpit succumbed even when clergymen, bishops, and edi-
tors knew better, and allowed the deluge of blood to roll
its red manes over the land." The few editors who pre •
sented honourable exceptions to the rule paid for
the maintenance of their convictions with loss of property,
and even of liberty. The writer styles it " a terribly
significant fact that the paper which has the largest circu-
lation of any in New York is believed to have risen by black
mail and personal abuse." The narrative of a pleasant
ramble through Belgium, and the reflections of a hermit in
the midst of the modern. Babylon, are both worth reading.
So, too, is a sketch of the history of Madagascar, but a more
attractive one will be found at the conclusionof the number,
bringing our old friend A.K.H.B. before us again, with
his discursive reflections "touching" (we wonder he does
not say" concerning") "Dream-life," The essay is brief,
and not one of his best, yet it.brings to our minds, after the
suggestive fashion of his writings, a clearer perception of
some of the great home truths and universal affinities lying
in our common footpath. " The Prussian Crisis" is con-
sidered in a paper which remarks upon the singular indif-
ference manifested by this country to German prospects
and politics.

UNITED SERVICE.—The United Service opens
with an excellent article on the late Lord Clyde.
'While doing justice to his high merits as a com-
mander, the writer does not hesitate to expose his
foibles. This is as it should be, for every man has
his weak points, and, as regards Lord Clyde, the
exposition of these very foibles only tends to enhance the
eminence of his qualities in cases of difficulty. He is de-
scribed as being rude in speech and brusque in conversation
in ordinary times, but when called upon to exercise his
military skill in cases of emergency, the general was all
courtesy, though peremptory and decided. This,brief out-
line of the history of our latest General of renown is well
worth reading, and, although the writer concludes by say-
ing—" He was a man, take him for all and all, we may not
look upon his like again," we have yet to learn that England
cannot produce men equal to the moment, no matter what
crisis may arrive. England may be a nation of shop-
keepers, but history has shown that shopkeepers can fight;
and that to the purpose. No. 3 of "Military Studies"
treats of the various manoeuvres which cavalry can perform.
The Austrians are conscious of the necessity of develop-
ing this branch of their service, and the steps recently
taken by their Government show that in future continental
wars the lesson taught by Napoleon have not been thrown
away. It has been shown only recently what English
cavalry can do, however limited their number. Austria
can bring ten times as great a force of cavalry into the field
as Great Britain could furnish, and if she can supply bold
riders end good horses, as history tells us she can, the tide
of battle may one day be turned on the Imperial phalanxes
of her Gallic neighbour, and a bold charge may change the
fortunes of a well-fought day. The Mexican question is
considered at some length, and many probabilities are dis.
cussed, but as yet the conclusion to the whole affair is
locked up in the bureau of the Tuileries. Under the head
of a visit to the King of Dahomey we find an account of
the dominions of that interesting monarch. His visitor has
been so well entertained and was so well pleased by the
courteous conduct of his noble Majesty, that he charitably
overlooks the barbarity of national customs, and trusts that
intercourse with Europeans may lead our black brethren to
more enlightened ways. The war ix New Zealand is con-
sidered, and an account of the recent engagement given.
It is to be hoped that this lesson will bring the Maories to
their senses. A paper on the Navy and the past session
recapitulates what was not done and what ought to have
been done. " Greenwich Characters" are continued, and
a new tale, entitled "Recruiting under Difficulties among
the Virgin Islands," promises to furnish matter of interest.
We have also an article on the Polish question, and the
general supply of information completes the number. .
TEMPLE BAR.—" John Marchmout's Legacy," as
usual, contains some very exciting events. We
have a strange scene of " Capt. Arundel's Revenge."
Paul Marchmont's mortification was richly de-
served, and it was like his sneaking nature to
swallow the affront and to go on quietly as before.
His enormous wealth, of course, attracted some ; but the
discerning ones soon spied him out, and noticed his arrant
meanness of soul and want of spirit. When it was known
that the insult was to be passed over, general contempt was
felt by those who witnessed the scene at the porch on the
hunting morning. " The fox-hunting squires shrugged
their shoulders, and I am sorry to say that the epithets
hound," cur,' 'sneak,' and mongrel' were more often
applied to Mr. Marchmont than was consistent with Chris-
tian feeling on the part of the gentlemen who uttered them."
Capt. Arundel " wandered far away in the depths of Brit-
tany" to cure himself of his great grief before assuming his
duty as a soldier, which he felt to be his true vocation.
Olivia is found out by her father to be mad, but he is not
allowed to keep her, as Paul Marchmont and his mother
insist on taking her back with them. "Breakfast in Bed"
reaches the 12,h and last chapter in this number. It is
called "On a Young Lady in a Balcony." It chiefly con-
cerns the Juliet of Shakapere, now rendered in English by
Stella Collas, but various digressions are met with. These
papers have taken us over many places and through divers
scenes, and have been entertaining in their way, with end-
less variety in their style. "The Trials of the Tredgolds"
is proceeded with at some length. It is very complicated
in its structure, and will suit the reader who likes to be
puzzled in making out the plot of a narrative. M. r. Gifford
makes an enemy of William Moyle by discharging him on
account of the engagement between his daughter and his
employer's son. Doubtless some important eelau eissement
will ensue from this. "To Arms is a very vehement
adjuration to the nations to take tip the cause of Poland.
"My Travelling Companion" is the commencement of a
sketch that bids fair to be an exciting one in the way of
hapless adventures. At the end of thisinstalment the
writer is left shut up in an iron closet, without any possi-
bility of escape or immediate hope of rescue. "Blue Dis-
tance" is a readable paper on fine views and lovely prospects,
and truly says that it is surprising how people can often be
content to look out upon backyards, when they might have
splendid scenery if the houses were contrived better. Many
other papers of various attractions make up the contents of
this number.

THE CORNHILL.—The most attractive paper in
the Cornhill is also the first, "The Small House at
Allington" having the honour of priority
assigned
to it this month. The instalment of the family
history before:us chronicles some important events.
An unpleasant interview between the old Squire
and Mrs. Dale produces a resolution, on the part of herself
and her daughters, to leave the Small Ifees!,so as no
longer to be under an obligation which they could not repay.
Whether they will carry out this somewhat
“Ann' .Respectability"
unnecessary
determination, remains to be seen.
attacks with some severity the indignant denunciations of
society's conventional laws which some gifted writers have
i
thought fit to indulge ia. There s, undoubtedly, much to
be said on both sides, and tbough the judgment of the social
world is certainly very far
from infallible,is mach
truth h
constitutes of itself a claim
to indulgence
truth in the plea that there is nothing in reckless and liimc -
prudent conduct which
and consideration. "The Opera in
1833-1353 ''win attract musical connouseurs, and some
of the critic's observations are just and sensible.
We aro glad to find him protesting against the
pernicious practice of drowning the singers' voices with
the accompaniments. or force them to take refuge in abso•
lately screaming, if they wish to be heard. In applauding,
as be may well do, the performances of Costa's orchestra,
the writer gives a not unneeded piece of advice to that emi-
nent conductor. " lle should reflect that, if it be gloriou,
to have a giant'a strength, it is tyrannous, except upon
gigantic occasions, to use it like a giant. Let his overtures,
marches, symphonies, and finales be as brilliant and over-
powering as ho pleases, but let him remember that we pay
our money to hear the singers, and not simply to see them
waving their arms end opening their mouths." A reties
of articles on contemporary Italian poets is begun this
month, and the first number is devoted to Giovanni Pratt,
"whose name holds a very prominent place, and twenty
Years ago occupiol one still more striking, on the list of
Italy's living poets." 'We know too little of distinguished
men of continental countries, and this attempt to familiarise
ns With their, style, charact,r, and writings deserves encou-
ragement. An essay on "Art ‘l'riticisin" sets forth the duties
of the critic, giving him eleven general titles as to his
functions and obligations, of which the eleventh is the most
important and uncommon, namely, " To resist the forma-

tion of prejudices." "Going to the Dogs" is a chapter of
painful truth, and parents and guardians will do well to
take heed by its warnings. A new story, entitled, "Out
on the World," commences this month, and promises in-
terest. Is it to prove a successor to the pleasant little
" Story of Elizsbeth ?"
MACMILLAN.--The fourth of the Letters on India
tells us "A story of the, Pret.t- ISlatir,y," narrating