The Sun.
London, England, 1865-07-03 00:00:00

first place, there is the class in which the accommo-
dation is irremediably bad, and in which the build-
ings ought to be altogether abandoned. The second
is that sort where, with alterations, the buildings
might be preserved for the treatment of disease and
infirmity. The third division is that in which the
buildings are capable of being developed " into
really good hospitals for the treatment of all kinds
of disease." It is a great advantage in the present
most unsatisfactory state of things that this inspec-
tion should have taken place, and as it cannot be too
much felt that some reform is absolutely necessary in
these places, so all that tends to increase our know-
ledge thereof should be duly welcomed.

LATEST INTELLIG-ENOE.

(REUTEIt'S TELEGRAMS.)

FRANCE.

BOURSE, July I.—Although quotations have suf-
fered no retrograde movement, the change which
took place towards the close of business yesterday
has maintained throughout the various markets to-
day ; offers have predominated, and the closing
rates have been with difficulty maintained. The
markets closed as follows :

4 per Cents 95 75
Do. end month —
3 per Cents. 66 65
Do. end month 66 621
Credit Mobilier 700
Do. end month
Bank Shares 3575
Credit Fonder 1255
Italian Loan 66 90
Do. end month 66 82
RAIL'

Ditto Threes
New Mexican
Do. Bonds 317 50
Russian —
Austrian
Spanish Threes
Home Debt -
Defcrred
Roman

It is stated here that in all the infirmaries there
are great defects in classification and separation,
which are important items everywhere, but in
unions are indispensable to health and comfort. It
is dreadful to hear that in all cases the ventilation is
imperfect. If one thing is worse than another it is
for poor creatures who cannot get out of these places
to be deprived of a proper supply of fresh air. In
sickness, and in all cases where there is constant
occupation, a far greater amount of ventilation is
necessary than in the ordinary occurrences of life.
Defects in construction render this evil more aggra-
vated, but the matter will be best understood
by mentioning that one-thousand cubic feet
is the least allowance that health requires, but in
these infirmaries little more than five hundred is the
rule, and in some instances there is considerably
less. The " washing arrangements" are very bad,
and should be materially altered. The bedding is
not sufficient to match the size of the beds, and is
often not more than five feet when it ought to be at
least six. One of the greatest defects is in
" nursing," and that is rightly animadverted on in
this report. Pauper nurses are a great evil, and it
is stated here that they " often terrorise the pa-
tients, and are sycophantic to the officials."
Surely no language can be too strong
that condemns such a system, and it is impera-
tively necessary that great alterations should take
place in the rules which sanction such anomalies.
The quality of the food is generally good, but the
cooking is often bad, and the " dietaries" are not
suited to the infirm in many cases. The medical
officers are overworked and underpaid, and very
often placed in a false position. Epidemic diseases
are not sufficiently prevented, and, notwith-
standing some late improvements in that direction,
much remains to be done. The Inspectors con-
sider that by adopting proper means much might
might be done to relieve the public conscience, and
without burdening the Exchequer in an important
degree. In pursuance of these objects they
recommend that the general system of our volun-
tary public hospitals should be applied to these in-
firmaries as far as can possibly be done, and also
advise a carefully considered measure of concentra-
tion. It is earnestly to be trusted that due heed
will be given to these reports, and that
those in authority will not adopt their usual
mode of turning a deaf ear to all that is said in
consideration of the existing systems. It cannot
any longer be urged in extenuation of these evils
that there is exaggeration ; they have spoken
who do know concerning these ways,
and testified to what they have seen.
A great responsibility rests from henceforth with all
those who have the power to effect changes, but
who neglect their opportunities and abuse their pri-
vileges. The voice of wailing has come from these
abodes of misery ; and not very long back.we read
pitiful cases of the treatment which the sick unto
death met with in Infirmary Wards. If the ills
arise from ignorance, enlightenment should take
place ; if from carelessness, more heed should be
given to the important task ; but, in any case, the
general feeling of the community demands a change
for the better, and that without loss of time.

VATS.

Cash. Acct.
Orleans
Northern 1056 25 ... 1057 50
Lyons and Mediterranean B3B 75 ... 835
Southern 572 50 ... 572 50
Western 525 ... 522 50
Eastern
Sardinian
Austrian
Lombard 482 50 ... 482 50
North of Spain l6O ... 157 50
Saragossa 313 75 ... 317 50
Ditto to Barcelona 152 50 ...

LITERATURE,

Miss Carew. By Amelia B. Edwards, author of
" Barbara's History." 3 Vols. Hurst and
Blackett.
A kindly critic has prophesied of the brilliant
r author of " Barbara's History" that she will "on
same bright day of a lucky season wake up and find
herself famous." In anticipation of which happy
period the fair authoress continues to make a steady
development of her very considerable powers. Never
has her brilliant and vivacious style been more con-
spicuously displayed than in this very original and
charming story of " Miss Carew." Among the
varied tales which amused the leisure of that very
fascinating heroine and her companions on the deso-
late island of the new Juan Fernandez, the reader
will perhaps recognise some already favourably
known, but well worthy of a re-publication. The
thrilling story of the rival " Patagonian Brothers"
struggling for life and death, while clinging to the
car of the balloon, is only a specimen of the breath-
less interest which Miss Edwards is so skilful. in
exciting. Her style possesses many of the attrac-
tions, with few of the drawbacks of the sensational
romance. We commend these stories to readers
as kindly as those who so eagerly perused them
upon that above-named island, even though appear-
ing as they did in the shape of Waste Paper pur-
chased at twopence a pound ! This bundle
of Waste Paper redeemed from the hands of
the cheesemonger is, in the very presence of the
overwhelmed and annihilated Author, presented to
his lady-love by the mistaken kindness of a blunder-
ing and officious friend. The situation is capital.
The whole story of "Miss Carew," in fact, is inimi-
table throughout. From the first moment of his
introduction to us, when Philip Dundonald, the
briefless barrister, the unknown author reveals to us
the secret of his hopeless passion for Miss Carew,
the heiress, he enlists our interest and our sym-
pathies, and, with no diminution to that sympathy,
excites no small amount of amusement at his mis-
fortunes. A distant bow or a polite smile from
Miss Carew consoles her hapless adorer for a week,
but an end comes to his happiness. " Suddenly, in
the middle of June, when the season was at its
height, and the weather at its brightest, the sun
went out in the heavens, and London became a
howling wilderness. The Court Journal announced
the departure of Miss Carew for her seat in York-
shire." We shall not attempt to depict the despair
of the unhappy lover. We refer our readers to
the interesting pages of his veracious history.
Happily the solitude of the recluse is invaded by
Sir Geoffrey Buchanan, a most welcome visitor for
Dundonald, a most delightful acquaintance for
the reader. Here is a portrait of Sir Geoffrey
Buchanan :
Sir Geoffrey Buchanan is one of the best men that breathe
the good north country air ; hearty, joyous, hospitable,
boisterous, good-humoured, good-looking, weighs fifteen
stone, and stands six feet three without his shoes. He is
about forty-five years of age, and owns large estates in
Durham and Northumberland. About eight years ago he
married a pretty, penniless French governess, who makes
him perfectly happy. His ruling hobby is mechanics.
With a keen taste for field sports—with a kennel full of
hounds, a stable full of hunters, and one of the most perfect
yachts that ever flitted over the face of the waters—Geof-
frey Buchanan's first and foremost delight is in his work-
shop. The inventor is born, not made ; and Geoffrey is a
born inventor. He is gifted with that inconvenient in-
genuity that is perpetually on the alert to improve every-
thing. His house is a museum of experimental mechanics;
but his inventions,J am bound to confess, seldom answer
the precise purpose for which they are intended. Too
frequently, indeed, they do something that nobody expects
from them, and which is highly disagreeable when done.
He invented a warming apparatus, for instance, that blew
up four of his.green-houses ; a mowing machine that nearly
cut his own legs ofl ; and a baby-jumper that all but
strangled his eldest-born at the tender age of eleven
months. Ho says of himself that he has achieved mole
failures than any man of science upon record ; but then no
amount of failure discourages him. No sooner has one
invention turned out badly, than he begins another, still
more complicated, still more impracticable, and based, of
course, like the last, on the soundest principles. Dear old
Geoffrey Buchanan ! Everyone laughed at him and every-
one loved him ; and I believe I did leas of the first, and
more of the last, than most people. Yet I cannot say that
I was in the least delighted to hear his hearty voice at my
door that dusty, sunny, dismal morning in June, as I sat
obstinately melancholy, in my little first-floor lodging,
bewailing my blighted hopes and Miss Carew.
With this very characteristic sketch, which assuredly
justifies what we have said of the animated manner
and amusing character of the tale, we take leave,
with regret, of the charming Miss C arew.

The continual recurrence of alarming accidents
on our railway lines is really enough to make the
least nervous traveller uneasy. When railways
were once fairly established, after getting through
the preliminary opposition which they had to en-
counter, some few more cautious or more timid than
their fellows refused to trust life and limb to their
perilous care. The more hardy and energetic
travellers, delighted to exchange the tedium and
fatigue of the coach for the rapidity and ease of the
cushioned Express, laughed at their fears and pre-
judices. But there really seems at present good reason
for unwillingness to venture on the great steam
highway if life and health are worth any consi-
deration. Mr. MI LNER GIBSON takes other people's
troubles very quietly, and expresses his conviction
that directors and companies do all that can reason-
ably be expected. No one supposes that they wish
to murder or maim their passengers, or, indeed,
that they do not deeply regret the frequent occur-
rence of these sad catastrophes ; but it is quite
evident that a fault lies somewhere, and that
reasonable precautions are not taken. The
two terrible disasters which have first
occurred at Rednal and Staplehurst have com-
pletely thrown into the shade any lesser accidents,
of which there have been a long list lately. Last
Wednesday there was a serious mischance at the
Bruton station of the Great Western Railway,
when a ballast train consisting of 13 trucks and a
brake van ran from the main line into the goods
shed, and thence down a steep embankment into
the turnpike road beneath. The unfortunate fire-
man lost his life, and the other men employed were
slightly injured, but as there were no passengers
there were of course fewer personal injuries.
This morning we learn that on Saturday
night we had a very narrow escape of a
repetition of the Staplehurst accident with all its
horrors on the Great-Eastern line. The down ex-
press train to Norwich was within almost two
miles of that city, when the driver felt the engine
give a violent jerk. He at once gave the signal for
the brakes to be applied, and by his promptness
materially mitigated the danger. The engine or
guard's van left the line for a distance variously
represented at 100 and 200 yards, until it reached
a bridge over a stream. The end of its ad-
ventures being that the rails were torn up,
one carriage turned over, and others broken
before the train came to a standstill.
Happily no life was lost nor serious injury inflicted,
except the shock, which was not a slight one, but
the passengers had a most imminent escape from a
fearful catastrophe. We hope that these matters
will be very closely looked into, for the rapid increase
of our railway lines demands more care instead of
less caution, and either the rules must be ineffective,
or the men inefficient or overworked, to account for
such a constant succession of disasters. The plea-
sant anticipations of a trip to the continent, or a
visit to a country seat, after the whirl and tumult of
London will be considerably damped if every pas-
senger feels bound to make his will before he starts!
Surely our mechanical science is advanced enough
to secure good workmanship and proper material.
Where, then, is the fault ? Let a stringent inquiry
ascertain without delay.

Tile Brazilian Government has paid over to Earl
Dundonald the amount of his claim for services rendered
by his late father in the cause of the independence of
Brazil; but the bills being at four months, the earl insisted
upon the payment of the interest. This was considered to
be rather close shaving for an gnglish ari,.tocrat.

THE SUIV,IRLONDON, MONDAY EVENING, JULY 3, 1865.1

pages. " Mr. Gladstcine at Chester" is a very smart article,
which takes the Chancellor of the Exchequer to task for
his conduct at a recent election, where much truth is found
mixed up with sharp sayings, and remarks more flippant
than agreeable. The proceedings at Chester were certainly
not distinguished by Mr. Gladstone's usual constitutional
course of action in his public and political career, but it
may be presumed that the idea of an election triumph was
too much for him, and that zeal got the better of discre-
tion, and prudence was outwitted by presumption. " The
Past and Coming Parliaments" is the last subject met with.
It discusses the pros and cons of the coming eventful crisis,
and for the most part this is Bono in a fair spirit, and with
a candid judgment, although of course a strong political
bias is discernible throughout this brilliant and varied
chronicle of events and speculation of probabilities. It
is stated that the Conservatives have no particular cry to
go to the country with, and this is certainly no cause of
regret to them, for much that is mischievous is wrought to
the community by the factious efforts of class politicians.
Altogether this is a very good number, and well sustains
the reputation of this far-famed serial at the close of the
session, and on the eve of a new and eventful epoch in
political and parliamentary careers.
DUBLIN.—" Who is the Heir ? " presents us
this time with some most brilliant sketches of
society, and also delineates celebrated characters in
a striking manner. The plot of the story is a ,rery
peculiar one, and takes some time in its develop-
ment ; the brothers Mauleverer are fine specimens of
aristocratic life, and display sterling qualities. " London"
is a suggestive sketch, that discloses many time-honoured
associations connected with well-known haunts of trade
and traffic. A tribute is here paid to Mr. Thornbury's
recent work on "Haunted London." "The Duration of
Human Life" is a very interesting article, and will, doubt-
less, attract the notice of many, being a theme which ordi-
narily engrosses a large share of attention and research.
Some of the instances here given are very striking, and the
last is perhaps the most singular of all. It concerns the
oldest man in America, who, according to the Chicago
Journal, was born in 1726. This man has seen many won-
derful changes, and must have beheld the sons and
daughters of the Pilgrim Fathers. " Guy Deverell" is
concluded much in the manner in which we might have
expected it to be. The old baronet dies, leaving anything
but a pleasant memory behind him, and the varied charac-
ters are scattered about. It is a satisfaction to think that
some of the characters were happily disposed of, and Beatrix
is removed from the gloomy manor-house to more congenial
scenes. " Parties, Public Opinion, and the General Elec-
tion," is an article on an exciting theme justnow. It would
appear as if the chief object of this paper was to depreciate
Mr. Disraeli ; but it may be questioned if the terms of
sinister and un-English here applied to him might not
with more correctness be given to the present holders of
office. "Moliere, His Life and Times," is a good subject
for an article, and it is ably treated of here. It is said that
Moliere's vices were those of his age and youth ; " but we
find, as he advanced in years, that when the unholy fires
of his passion were burnt out in him his character became
noble, generous, and tender. Two hundred years have
rolled away since he lived and moved on the earth, yet his
life is still interesting and instructive." We meet with the
first part of " Oak Leaves and Mould," a sketch in verse,
which contains some graceful lines, and expresses some
thoughts worthy of record. " Scenes in the Transition
Age from Caesar to Christ" are continued; and there is an
article called "The Samosatian Philosopher and Satirist,'
which will please the classical student.
UNITED SERVICE.—The present is a capital num-
ber, replete with practical matter for the military
student. The musketry of 250 years ago affords an
instructive contrast to the Enfield and other rifles
of the present time which have superseded old
" Brown Bess" to the manifest advantage of the
service. "Standing Armies; or, The Modern Military
System," is a paper that enters into a comparative view
of the progress made by the principal European States
in the equipment and enlargement of their armies.
From about the ono-sixtieth to the one-hundredth of the
population is considered to be the proportion generally ad-
mitted which may be conveniently devoted to the profes-
sion of arms; it is so in France, Austria, and Prussia.
"Field Artillery" discusses the best mode of arranging the
classification of the men and the uniformity of field move-
ments. " The Austrian Manceuvre" regulations is a review of
a new book or order on that important subject. The
Austrians are much better at planning regulations in the
closet than in practising them in the field. The Germans
generally are too much addicted to stiff formal rules
which seldom find opportunity for action, while a keen
eye and rapid execution in seizing on a lucky chance
will beat all the cumbrous strategy in the world. Common
sense is as requisite in the conduct of an army as in the ordi-
nary avocations of life. " The Spade in a Campaign" discusses
the use of fortifications on a large scale, and the necessity
of impromptu defences for camps in a learned and military
spirit. " The Windward and Leeward Command," " Re-
collections of the Mutiny at the Nore," "Greenwich Hos-
pital," Captain Knollys's "Oswald Hastings," and other
papers, add to the general interest of this number.
COLBURN'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.—The

French colonization in Africa is just now a
matter of some importance, owing to the Emperor's
recent journey, and, accordingly, the first paper we
meet, founded on several French works on Algeria,
is likely to gain attention. We do not in this
country know much of its internal life, and, therefore, the
account given here has something of originality. Francis
Jacox takes his cue this time from a modern novelist in-
stead of the greatest dramatists. He considers, " typically,"
Mr. Chaffanbrass, the cleverly sketched counsel in Mr.
Trollope's "Orley Farm." " Idalia," by the author of
"Strathmore," is continued and Fulko Erceldoune traces
his vision at last, though he cannot fully penetrate the
mystery that surrounds her. What this author and his
heroes and heroines would do transplanted from the roses
and diamonds and perfumes he and they affect to dispiso
into the plain world of common life, it is difficult to ima-
gine. Mrs. Bushby's story of " Woodbury" is also con-
tinued, but it is anything but pleasing. Among the re-
maining papers are the narrative of a cruise among the
islands of Lake Ontario, and an article on Chateaubriand
and 1792.

BENTLEY'S MISCELLANY.—‘‘ The House of Seven
Chimneys" proceeds with its usual animation. The
Prince and the Duke are still in Spain, and the
author has the opportunity of describing a bull-

fight vividly. Francis Jacox contributes an essay on
misery assuming mirth, and Mrs. Munster gives us a lively
description of an adventure in TippOrary. There are
numerous tales begun, continued, and completed, the most
prominent being " The Aristocrat and the Pauper," from
the Swedish of Uncle Adam.

CORNHILL.--,, Wives and Daughters" is con
tinuecl, and much takes place that is of a momen

tous kind in this instalment. We meet with the
first disagreement between Mr. Gibson and his un-
satisfactory second wife. It was a painful thing for
the honest man to discover the want of truth and
lack of principle which characterised his partner. Roger
is off on his perilous expedition in the cause of science,
which will take him to Africa. This is a very elaborate
style of story, and one well calculated to impress and in-
terest by its descriptive skill and powers of observation.
" The Poetry of Provincialisms" is a readable sketch.
Much that is instructive and entertaining may be
gleaned from these pages, and it is perfectly
true what is here mentioned, that these quaint
phrases and rare expressions are most significant and strik-
ing. "Our peasants still speak good old English words,
pregnant with meaning ; living out of doors, their words
breathe an out-of-door air, their images are picturesque,
and full of life." Thus, when we hear of a starving man
described as "never get poisoned," and crops spoilt by
rain styled " water stain," we reel convinced that there
is a real meaning in such descriptions, that contrasts
curiously with the weak and feeble illustrations of over
refinement and ultra civilisation. It is correct, likewise,
what is stated in conclusion, that we more_ especially
_ . .

need fresh life and ♦igour in our poetry. "Poetry, in-
steak of being an oak of the forest, nurtured by the

wind and the rain, is now a plant forced in the hot

air of drawing rooms." " Arm adale" is important in

its details, for it brings the notable "Miss Gwile

through many difficulties till she soems on the point of
carrying out her daring scheme. Young Allan ie really
so foolish that one can hardly pity him ; but then it is

provoking to think of deceit so entire and selfishness so

palpable meeting with a triumph. Midwinter's efforts to
serve his friend very forcibly show the harm done by
officiousness, and how over anxiety defeats his purpose.
" The Shoddy Aristocracy of America" is an appropriate
sketch to meet with at this juncture. It is said that the

" Shoddy of to-day stands without a parallel in human

history it is the one new thing under the sun not dreamt

of by Solomon." The Shoddy contractors of the land of
stars and stripes are hero dexterously described. There is
an article on "Erasmus" to suit studious readers, and the
" Profession of Advocacy" contains some wise hints and

useful innuendoes. " The Famous Quire of Earndale" is an

entertaining sketch, and "the English Drama," during the
reigns of Elizabeth and James, is well worthy of perusal.

TEMPLE-BAR.—" Sir Jasper's Tenant" promises
to be fully as exciting in its events and as striking
in its characters as any of its predecessors in the

LONDON SOCIETY.—AIways gay and varied, this
lively, serial is especially in its element in these
bright summer days when the weary business of
fashion and politics is well-nigh done, and English
watering places, German Spas, and Alpine clubs
become the most engrossing topics of conversation.
"The Annual Question—Where shall we go 2" records the
family dilemma of selecting a place of holiday resort, in a
most amusing fashion. "Pall-mall in Paris" and "Vienna
Society" are two peeps at continental capitals very well
worth reading. "Scenes in Court" and " The London
Opera Directors" are both continued with unabated talent.
The illustrations to both aro cleverly done. We have
besides an animated sketch entitled Marriage Notes in
Town and Country," and " A History of Croquet," for the
benefit of its fair admirers. A new story, with the touch-
ing title of " Faithful and True" is commenced, but though
decidedly a love story, it is not too sentimental. The nume-
rous illustrations, as usual, keep up their character.
THE SHILLING MAGAZINE.—" Phemie Keller"

occupies in the previous numbers an important
position in this part. Phemie ends, as the reader
had foreseen, by accepting Captain Stoudon's offer,

but the success of the experiment is very doubtful.
The style is clear and vigorous, and the writer
possesses good abilities as a novelist. " Jacob
Tonson and his Friends" tells us the career of the original
founder of the famous Kit-Cat club. "Christie and Man-

line of fiction that have gained for its author so
much renown. In this portion of the tale we meet
with the eclaircissement between Marcia and the

son's" is a paper that will fascinate the artistic dilettante,
and which contains some curious details of former sales.
" The Flashing Style" is a sensible article, denouncing that
extravagant virulence of style which was at one time so
much in vogue, but which is happily now fast dying out
among the better class of writers. "Josiah Wedgwood and
his Ware" is the subject of an agreeable paper, in which
Miss Meteyard's work is reviewed at some length. At this
season of trips across the channel a specific for sea
sickness is not to be disregarded, and accordingly the
writer, who brings forward a new suggestion for the re-
moval of this terrible spectre, deserves public gratitude.
He opens his pleading by saying, with a mixture of truth
and satire, that he wonders no one has ever attributed the
natural antipathy of England and France to the exceed-
ingly uncomfortable state in which their inhabitants first
set foot upon each other's shores. All old grudges or na-
tional rivalries are, he considers, as mere dust in the
balance, "compared with the feeling of utter disgust at all
sublunary things with which the adventurous Celt or
Islander first encounters his friends across the channel.

Viewed in this light the inventor of the ice-bag, if it be
really effectual, is a national peacemaker.

THE SIXPENNY.—" The Fate of Thorsghyll,"
which has for some time occupied a prominent place
in this magazine, concludes in the number before

mysterious tenant who has so deeply impressed her. This
is a painful scene, and described with that power and
pathos which the writer so well knows how to employ.
Marcia's character comes out well in scenes of trial. Mr.

us, and all ends happily. Other stories are plentiful, and
there are also numerous sketches on various social topics.

The lovers of the marvellous will find themselves well

supplied in the third number of " Temple Tales ;" and the
soberer reader may consult his tastes in the study of
" Popular Physiology." " The Marked Money" is a tale

of circumstantial evidence ; and " A Terrible Tornado"
describes the havoc committed by a tempest in the island

Df Barbadoes.

Pauncefort, as he calls himself, sends a packet to Mrs.
Venison, in which he sets forth a narration of his wretched

GOOD WORDS.—Charles Kingsley's story of
' Hereward, the Last of the English," continues

with unabated vigour ; while " Alfred llogart's

Household" relates the tranquil course of ordinary domestic
life. The second part of Sir John Herschell's essay on
" Light" is given in this number, and we have also a well-
written paper on " Longevity," by Dr. Andrew Wynter

life. It is a tale, like one would fancy it to bo, full of

Mr. Kaye continues his series of Indian biographies and
records the active and eventful life of Lord Cornwallis.

mistakes and miseries, but the worst portion of it has yet
to be told. " Country Lives " is a pleasing little sketch,

The editor describes his visit to Jerusalem; and Henry
Rogers contributes a "Report of a Dialogue on Strikes and

Lock-outs." We have two poems by Jean Ingelow and
David Wingate, and it is altogether a very attractive

number.

THE SUNDAY MAGAZINE.—ThiS magazine, which
is edited by Dr. Guthrie, whose name is known and

which presents the reader with some of the delights of
• --- - -

honoured in connection with the ragged school

country life, and also brings them before us in a feeling

movement, is more directly religious in its style and

manner. It_ is perfectly true what is here stated, that

contents than Good Words. It treats rather of the general

principles of our faith than of any particular tenet, and a

"other countries, rich as they may be in majestic scenery
and sylvan glades, cannot vie with our own dear land in
the rural beauty of its country lanes." The description of
the country churchyard is very effective. "The Watch-
ful Hill" is a peculiar sketch, which is much in the style
of the," Pilgrim's Progress." It is a useful illustration to the
weak to persevere in well doing, and a glorious example
to the faithful at the end of their journey. "Land at Lae t"
continues in its usual style and the story increases in
interest as it becsmes more developed. Geoffrey
sets the example of a very quiet marriage, which
quite scandalises his family and friends. "A Recent
Military Trial" is a very sensible paper, which exposes
many of the fallacies of that system. It is well said that
the "recent discussions in Parliament and in the press in
connection with the removal of Colonel Dawkins from the
Coldstream Guards have brought to light circumstances
little calculated to dispel the doubts already entertained by
the English public regarding the efficacy of a military
legislation." "Faces in the Crowd" is very well done, and
depicts some most striking pictures of existence in its varied
details. Much may bo gleaned that is interesting and in-
structive from these glimpses of life, and as the writer re-
marks with earnestness, "are they not better to watch
than flies and weeds ? and is it not of more interest to read
their lives and characters than to make a stupid hortus
siccus, or stick pins into asphyxiated moths and beetles."
"Heart and State" is a novel title, but the idea is well
carried out. "David Chantrey" is very exciting in this
instalment ; it chronicles the very unwise proceedings of
the hero, who forfeits one's interest in him by his vehement
demeanour and violent actions. His notions of propriety
were certainly most extraordinary, and if he reap unplea-
sant consequences so much the better. A sketch is given
of "Richard Cumberland" which will repay perusal, and
an interest attaches to the record, as the subject of it forms
" one of the great connecting links between the last and
the present centuries." " The Haunting Past" is the title
of some verses which are very melancholy.
Sr. JAMES'S.—A somewhat singular story opens
this number by the author of " Shirley Hall Asy-
lum." This writer's works are not usually too
tame, but the reader may justly find that fault with
the first instalment of " The Village Doctor."
" Only a Clod," by Miss Braddon, is rapidly ap-
proaching its conclusion, and as the three volumes are
long since in the hands of the novel readers, it is need-
less to dilate upon the story, which is fully equal to its
predecessors in interest, and in its delineations of charac-
ter. The reader who is seeking for a "sensation," how-
ever, had better turn from fiction to fact, or rather to
criticism, and peruse the description of " A Brussels
Studio," wherein the painter, M. Wiertz, appears to have
" supped full of horrors," and to have given the public the
benefit of the consequent nightmares. A " Memoir of
Charles Dibdin," whose name is inseparably associated
with his " sea songs," is full of interest. Like the lives of
most men of genius, his career was chequered and eventful,
and in spite of constant hard work he never amassed a
fortune or even a competency, though others profited
largely by his labours. His music to the "Padlock," we
are told, produced £1,700 clear, yet of this he received but
£45 ; his renowned song of " The Waterman," or " Poll
and my Partner Joe," he sold for two guineas ; and
"Nothing like Grog" for half a guinea. Yet he was not
without his pecuniary successes, and his popular lectures,
in which he introduced most of his famous sea songs, were
enthusiastically received, both in the metropolis and in the
provinces. His critic remarks that the chief characteristic
of both verse and music was Freedom. "Freely flowed
his sentiments, and as freely his rhymes. Freely he
gethered in all words, good, bad, and indifferent ; King's
English, sea slang, and even profanity, to swell the tide of
his verse, which rolled and surged like its theme—the sea
—in lines of every conceivable metre and strength. His
songs had, and still have, a strong hold on the national
mind. Of these songs he is said to have written the im-
mense number of 13,000 ; and it is remarkable that per-
sonally he knew little of a sea life, having never been
on board ship in any other capacity than that of a passen-
ger for a short voyage. Paul Feval's romance of the black
coats proceeds rapidly, and there are other articles of inte-
rest, including a " Gossip about Lyme Regis" and a sketch
of the manner of our Prince's life during his sojourn a
Oxford

therefore admirably adapted for distribution among the
working classes, for whom its good type, plentiful illus-
trations, and cheerful, animated style especially adapt it.

THE ENGLISHMAN'S MAGAZINE.—This magazine
does not belong to the ordinary class of light litera-
ture, having in it many articles of sound value and
treating of topics of real intrinsic interest. It is not
the sort of serial to take up to read in a railway
train or to pass away a spare half-hour, but it is one which
the reader will put on his shelf to road when he has really
leisure and inclination for giving a little time and thought
to the question discussed. Fiction and poetry are intro-
duced, so as to prevent the more solid portions from be-
coming tedious, and the magazine appears to be well
edited as well as well written.

THE FCLECTIC.—SeveraI interesting topics are
treated of this - month, and those who do not share
the political or religious views of the Beecher family
will read with pleasure the article on Lyman Beecher
and his household, full as it is of pictures of domestic life.
Mr. Dixon's " Home from the Holy Land" is the subject of a
lengthened criticism, and " Schools and Schoolmasters,"
and " The faculty of Literary Appreciation," are among tho
remaining subjects of discussion.

THE VICTORIA MAGAZINE.---This somewhat pre-
tentious serial proceeds with unabated spirit. Among
the best of its articles are papers on the " Czarina
Catherine 11. as a politician," and on the " Com-
monwealth of Florence." The story of " Trouble
at Thornhill," is interesting and well-written, and the
topics of the day which concern women's rights, &c., are
fully discussed.

LE FOLLET.—The gay fashions of the present
season are seen to full advantage in Le Follet's
charming plates, and the letter-press is sufficiently roman-
tic to divert the fair readers from the more important study
of the modes.

NEWTON'S LONDON JOURNAL. —The leading article
in this number is on Factory Labour, and draws a
very suggestive picture of the condition of some of our
manufacturing districts. The list of recent patents, the
scientific notices, and other technical information are given
at length.

THE BOY'S MONTHLY.—The usual variety of
pleasant reading for young folks is given in this part, and
there is some curious information on matters interesting to
boys.

MISCELLANEOUS.—" The Englishwoman's Do-
mestic" is very attractive this month, both in prose
and verse. The Fashions, an important feature with the
fair sex, according to our taste, seem to be very becoming
and distingue, and the other usual and entertaining contents
make the publication a very useful and pleasing one.—
" The Young Englishwoman" is one of the best and
cheapest publications offered to the public; it abounds with
information on music, needlework, and ornamental ladies'
work.—" Cassels' Illustrated Don Quixote" is more than
ordinarily beautiful. The engravings contained in this
month's number are about the best we have seen. " The
Illustrated Shakspere" and " Gulliver" also well maintain
the reputation they have gained as first-class illustrated
books ; and the "Natural History" and other publications
issued by the firm are all of the average excellence.

MACMILLAN'S MAGAZINE.—The studious reader
will open the first article with interest, while the
mere idle, seeking for entertainment or instruction
in that modified form usually met with in serial
literature, will be somewhat startled by the title of
" Grote's Plato, the Negative or Search Dialogues."
It is, in fact, a review of Mr. Grote's work by one who is
fully able to deal with his subject, and ho cites numerous
passages to illustrate the manner in which the old Grecian
philosopher is treated by the English scholar. Mr. Pal-
grave continues his essay on Women and the Fine Arts,
and attributes the general failure of feminine artists to their
want of concentration. " The Dove in the Eagle's Nest"
proceeds with unabated interest, and poor little Christina's
troubles thicken round her. ller marriage is indeed ac-
knowledged by the grim old Baroness herself, but only
after she is apparently left a widow by the destruction of
Eberhard and his father on their journey to the Emperor.
Whether or no the young baron is dead the reader has some
doubts, but ho is at least absent during several years, and
Christian is kept to train her boys to be Christian knights
as best she can, in opposition to the influence of their
grandmother. The other story " Cradock Nowell," also
records a crisis in the fortunes of its dramath perscmx. As
the reader foresaw, old Biddy's ingenious scheme for de-
tecting the heir to the estate in the newly-born twins has
proved an egregious failure, and poor Cradock loses his
heirship on the very eve of the celebration of his majority.
The Editor's discourses on London, as it presents itself to
the eye of a spectator on the top of St. Paul's, and those
who are duly curious may learn Joseph Mazzini's views
"On Ca3sarism." The direful history of Cawnpore is re-
lated in a melancholy paper. There are two or three
poems of average merit scattered through the number.

The Fatal Accident on the Great Western
Railway,

In our impression of Friday we gave some par

_ _ ...
culars of a terrible accident which occurred on
Wednesday night at the Bruton station of the Wilts,
Somerset, and Weymouth branch of the Great
Western system. It will be remembered that a

ballast train of 13 trucks and a break-van ran from

the main-line into the goods-shed, and then along a
siding, the abutments of which it carried away, down
a steep embankment into the turnpike-road beneath,
which it crossed there by a bridge. The ruin which
ensued baffles description. The engine was dashed
against the buttress of the bridge, the tender was on
the top of it, bottom upwards, and 12 trucks and
their contents of ballasting lay broken and strewed
in the abyss, while another truck, laden with flour,
was hurled right across the road to the bottom of
the opposite embankment, a distance of 28 yards.
To add to the horror of the scene the fire of the
engine soon ignited the broken trucks, and the town
fire engine had to be employed in extinguishing the
flames. It was not till 2 o'clock that assistance from
Frome arrived, and later in the morning a strong
staff and a powerful engine came from Swindon.
About 10 o'clock the body of the stoker, Radford
Bartlett, was taken out from beneath the tender,
fearfully mangled and burnt, but it was not till
nearly 4 in the afternoon that the unfortune fireman
was found buried beneath the engine and its coke,
and also frightfully mangled, his abdomen having
been literally squashed. Two men, one a guard
and the other a fitter, who rode in the break next
the engine, escaped with comparatively trifling in-
juries, and they are now at Bruton, under the care
of Drs. Heginbotham and Stockwell. Another
guard and seven men, who were in the break-van
behind, escaped simply because the road was so
blocked by the ruins of the preceding carriages.
The inquest on the bodies of the unfortunate fire-
man and driver was held at the Blue Ball, Bruton,
on Saturday, before Dr. Wybrants, coroner for
Somerset, and a highly respectable jury, of which
the Rev. 11. Randolph was foreman. The Great
Western Company was represented by Mr. Graham,
the western manager ; Mr. Lyrall, the chief super-
intendent of the lines ; Mr. Reynolds, assistant-
engineer, and other officials. The pointsman, James
Andrews, was present, in charge of Superintendent
Sheppard, of the Somerset Constabulary.

It is unnecessary to give the evidence at length,
inasmuch as the cause of the catastrophe was clear
and undoubted. It was proved by Henry Pearce,
the guard, that the train was going at a speed of
14 or 15 miles an hour, when, seeing the signals all
right, the speed was increased. They passed
Andrews, the policeman, on the platform, and he
showed a white light and waved them past. Imme-
diately afterwards the witness heard the brake-
whistle, but there was no time to put on the brake,
and in a second or two the crash came. Whether
he jumped out or was thrown out the witness did
not know, but he found himself on the rails, and
when he got to himself he went to look for his mate,
whom he found much scalded and hurt. Evidence
was then given as to the duties of the prisoner, who,
it appears, had been two years in the service, and
was always a steady and sober man. He had been
on duty only two hours when the occurrence hap-
pened. Mr. Reynolds, the assistant-engineer of the'
line, stated the steps which had been taken to clear
the obstructions ; and it was proved by Andrew
Hurden, a porter, that the prisoner had admitted in
a few minutes after the accident happened that he
had left the points wrong. In substance, this was
the whole of the evidence, and the Coroner having
clearly explained the law of the case, the jury re-
turned a verdict of " manslaughter" against James
Andrews, and added recommendations that the
siding should be carried to the other side of the
bridge, and this they recommended as a general
principle ; that means should be taken to secure
better telegraphic communication by night, and
that greater caution should be taken. Mr. Graham
undertook to convey these recommendations to the
directors.

The prisoner was then committed for trial at the
next assizes, the coroner offering to take bail.

ELECTION OF SHERIFFS.—On Saturday at four
o'clock the polling for Sheriffs of London, which had lasted
seven days, terminated at Guildhall in the return of Mr.
Alderman Gibbons and Mr. James Figgins, a member of
the Common Council, by a considerable majority. At the
final close of the poll the numbers were—for Mr. Alderman
Gibbons, 886 ; Mr. Figgins, 777 ; Mr. Bennett, 581; Mr.
Alderman Stone, 84 ; Mr. Alderman Waterlow, 54.
THE NATURALIST'S LIFE.—The students of the
natural world, on the whole, are a fortunate and
happy and contented race ; their out-of-door studies hare
a tendency to prolong life, and at the same time to calm
and to soothe that feverish unrest of the brain which car-
ries off so many members of hard-worked professions be-
fore they have reached their prime. Linnaeus, Buffon,
Olivier, all lived to be old men ; wo have still among
us the veteran naturalist, Mr. Edward iTesse, in the full
enjoyment of all his powers and faculties at 85 ;
and if Charles Waterton has just died at 83, be it known
to all that his death was hastened on by a
fall in his own grounds, while walking the other day round
the edge of his lake, among his aquatic birds and the other
feathered and four-legged inmates of his hospitable domain.
Well, such men have quiet and happy days; they let the
great world foam and seethe on outside their lives, caring
nothing for politics, for wars and rumours of wars, which
party is in and which party is out, or how cotton or corn
stand in the market. These things, Which engage and
trouble the rest of mankind, scarcely interest them at all ;
to a new flower, a rare shell, an animal not previously
named, a fossil relic disclosing some great truth or opening
np some fresh vista in the dim antiquity of man—to these
things they give themselves with delight and enthusiasm.
To share the feeling one must be touched with a portion
of the same spirit ; otherwise it is impossible to compre-
hend the charm of their placid existence.—Once a Week.