The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-04-28 00:00:00

OUR CONTEMPORARIES.

The amusing old lady who bestows her weekly tediousness
upon us in the columns of the Mercury appears to be a little
galled at the course pursued by the majority of the Dock
Committee, in excluding the reporters from their meetings.
The opportunity, however, of letting off a little of her bottled
wit, presented by our publication of the correspondence be-
tween • Messrs. Gladstone and Leathom, was 'not to be re-
sisted ; and accordingly we are favoured with half a column
of vapid impertinencies, which have just as much relation to
the matter in dispute as the lucubrations of our venerable
contemporary usually possess.

The great fault of Mr. Robertson Gladstone, no doubt, is
that he is a Conservative. It is gall and wormwood to the
Whig-Radical party,, that a really liberal proposition should
have emanated from one of that party, and that it slictedd be
opposed by an alderman of our mock-liberal corporation.
We are sorry, however, to see that even Whig malice can
find no greater fault with Mr. Gladstone's manly reply to an
insidious attack than that it occupies " eight closely-written
pages." We should think the worthy Editor of the Mercury
has himself written, in the course of his life, pages heavy
enough to sink a three-decker, and dull enough to convert a
whole year into one long November. :We should not be sur-
prised, some of these fine days, to hear of the'suicide of some
unfortunate 'wretch being attributed to the weariness pro-
duced by wading through his vapid columns. Certainly the
only chance he will ever have of thinning the ranks of the
socialists will be achieved on this principle.
It is truly a pity that the old gentlewoman is not relieved
from the necessity of exposing herself weekly to the con-
tempt of the world. How much better she might be em-
ployed in ironing her night-cap or tweedling a spindle.

The Journal is angry with us for impressing upon the
minds of Churchmen the importance of recording their votes
in favour of the church-rate at Walton. We were really not
aware that we had used the slang of the prize-ring, or any
other slang, in the few remarks we made upon the subject
of the vestry proceedings. We do think, however, that the
party to which the Journal belongs, and especially the gentle-
men who exhibited themselves on the occasion in question,
have no right to skew themselves.so very squeamish either
as to the manner or matter of a controversy, and we shall cer-
tainly never adopt the Liverpool Journal as our pattern in
manners.

PORTRAIT OF HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF
WELLINGTON.

We were much pleased, yesterday, by an inspection of this
beautiful portrait, (now to be seen at the Lyceum, in Bold-
street,) and which is not only replete with numerous gratify-
ing associations, but derives peculiar interest, not only from
its being considered an admirable likeness of " the noblest
Captain of the age," and one of the most straightforward and
upright statesmen who ever honoured the House of Peers,
but from its being recently taken after repeated sittings by
the gallant original, painted expressly for himself, and pre-
sented by him to the University of Oxford,—and, above all,
from its vraisemblance to the Duke, venerable as he now is,
and his known declaration that it is the last for which he
will sit.

The portrait was painted by John Lucas, Esq. It was
commenced at Walmer Castle, in November last, and finished
at Apsley House, in February. It is a picture which was
wanted. Good portraits of the noble Duke, as a warrior
and as a statesman, have already appeared ; and we have now
a likeness of his Grace in a character not less honourable,
that of chancellor of the first university in the kingdom. The
portrait is full length. The noble Duke appears in the in-
terior of an apartment in the college, lighted by a small oriel
window, as if just risen from an antique oak chair, after read-
ing a book. He is in the gorgeous costume of " chancellor ;"
but the limner has judiciously softened down the richness of
the gold lace, &c., by the disposition of the robes, so as not
to distract the attention from the principal object—the like-
ness itself. As a work of art, the picture is rich, harmo-
nious, the colouring goody and the whole in admirable keep-
ing. The smartness of touch of the artist is conspicuous.
The, countenance of the noble Duke bears so strong a resem-
blance to all we have ever seen of himself, a few years ago,
or of subsequent portraits, that we at once concur in the
universal opinion of some distinguished individuals (including
a military officer of high rank, who saw it on Saturday), that
it is a veritable likeness.

At the request of the members of the University, a fine en-
graving is to be taken from the portrait, by S. Cousins, Esq.,
the highly-successful engrave• of " Bolton Abbey in the
Olden Time," and other tine pictures. We strongly recom-
mend a visit to the portrait, in the assurance that few will in-
spect it without being induced to become subscribers for the
plate.

PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION AT BIRKENHEAD.—We call
the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another
column, announcing a meeting to be held at Birkenhead,
on Friday evening next, for the purpose of forming a Pro-
testant Association for the town and neighbourhood. The
meeting was originally intended for this evening, but has
been postponed iu consequence of the fair which takes place
at Birkenhead to-day.

Pun); WATER.-It is surprising what nauseating liquid is
often imbibed under the name of water. Let the master of
every house but inspect the interior of his cistern, and it will
not be long, we suspect, before he becomes the proprietor of
one of Robins's Royal Filters.—GazEtte of Health.

LIVERPOOL INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB.
—An appeal was made on behalf of this institution, on Sun-
day last, at St. Andrew's Chnrch, by the respected minister,
the Rev. J. Jones, when the handsome sum of seventy pounds
was collected. This is a very seasonable addition to the funds
of the charity, and we hope the example will be generally
followed throughout the other congregations of our churches
and chapels.

EMIGRATION AGENT.—Lieutenant Henry, R.N., the go-
vernment emigration agent, has been transferred to Liver-
pool, vacant by the death of the late agent there ; and owing
to the paucity of emigration from this port, consequent on
the late disturbed state of the Canadas, the office here for the
present to be closed.—Bristol Standard.

SUICIDE BY,A LUNATIC.—On Friday an inquest was held
on the body of Joseph Ford, who lived in the Old Ropery,
Fenwick-street. It appeared from the evidence that the de-
ceased had been of insane nsind upwards of seven years, four
of which he passed in the Lunatic Asylum. He was in the
habit of having his meals taken to him in his bed-room. On
Thursday, about noon, the servant took up his dinner at the
usual time. About four she saw his legs suspended from the
railing leading to the attic, the story higher than his bed-
room. His wife was informed of the circumstance, and pro-
ceeding up stairs, accompanied by her daughter, they found
him quite dead, hanging by his neck, to which was attached
a cord. A surgeon was sept for, but life had become extinct.
A verdict of insanity was returned by the jury.
COUNTY CONSTABULARY ACT.—Steps have recently been
taken in several of the large towns in the eastern division of
this county, to prevent their being brought under the opera-
tion of the county constabulary act. On Wednesday even-
ing last the police commissioners of Salford held a special
meeting on the subject, and determined on getting up peti-
tions, and sending a deputation to London, with the view of
obtaining the insertion of a clause in the amended act now
before parliament, to except that town from the operation of
the act. On Thursday noon a meeting of delegates from
Salford, Oldham, Warrington, and Rochdale, was held at
the Town-hall, Salford, on the same subject, when resolu-
tions to a similar effect were adopted.
NUPTIALS AT FRODSHAM.—On Thursday last, the town
of Frodshim, in Cheshire, and its adjacent village of Over-
ton, were the scene of more than usual gaiety and rejoicing,
occasioned by the marriage of Edward Fawcett, of the Inner
Temple, Esq., Barrister at Law, with the second daughter of
the Rev. John Collins, an old and highly esteemed resident
of Frodsham. At eleven o'clock the churchyard presented
an animated and imposing appearance, being filled by well
dressed persons, of the middle and lower classes, assembled
to manifest respect for the worthy father of the young bride,
and having the walk conducting to the entrance door- lined,
on either side, by girls of the Sunday School, waiting to con-
gratulate, on the most interesting of events, a faithful and
affectionate teacher. As she passed from her carriage to the
church, flowers were scattered in her path, a beautifully
decorated arch held over her head, and every indication given
of lively interest in her happiness. The church itself was
not less striking in the mark which it afforded of respect and
joy, containing a very large number of spectators, all of whom
behaved with the greatest propriety, and seemed deeply
interested. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the bells
struck up a mery peal, flags were hoisted, and the whole
town was stirring. Whilst the bridal party partook of a
luncheon, the children of the parish schools were treated
with buns and a glass of wine each, in the National Schoo
room. At four o'clock, the happy pair took leave of their
friends, and set out for Leamington.—From, a correspondent
FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Saturday night, between seven
and eight o'clock, a fatal accident occurred at Eccleston Lane
End, near Prescot. A man, of the name of John Rother-
ham, was driving a cart belonging to Mr. Brown, nail manu-
facturer, of Cowley Hill, hear St. Helens. The cart was
laden with two tons of iron. When he had got through
Prescot there was a caravan in the road, which the deceased
was attempting to pass, and his horses going quicker he made
an effort to take hold of one or the horses, either for the pur-
pose of keeping up with them or of leading them safely past
the caravan, but Unfortunately, being in a state of intoxica-
tion, he missed his hold, and helplessly fell under the horse's
feet, the wheel of the cart passing over the lower part of his
belly. Several persons were instantly on the spot to render
him assistance, and a messenger was despatched for a sur-
geon, who arrived in a few minutes, but not until the un-
fortunate man had breathed his last. He died almost imme-
diately after the wheel passed over him. The person who
first went to him did not apprehend anything very serious,
as the cart appeared to be empty, and it was thought the
wheel had gone over the deceased's thighs, but he was soon
undeceived; when taking hold of the deceased to look in his
face he saw his eyes fixed in death ; he exhibited no signs of
consciousness, but without the least struggle, without uttering
a word, or scarcely a groan, after breathing a few times, he
resigned his life, adding one more to the innumerable host of
victims which are sacrificed at the Jagarnautic shrine of
Bacchus.

M. FAUC HER'S PATENT PUMPS.—At noon on Friday,
there was a very interesting exhibition of the power of M.
Faucher's patent pumps on board the Alonzo in Prince's
Dock, in the presence of several ship-owners, captains, and
others. The construction of these pumps includes various
improvements or inventions for which letters patent have
been ;fronted to M. Faucher. The principal feature in this
invention are, the simplicity of the machiner a new metallic
packing to supersede the use of leather for rendering fluid-
tight the movable surfaces in the construction of hydraulic
machines which is also applicable to steam engines, and a
new nozzle, called a fan-jet, which spreads the water like a
shower, and which may he applied to any length of hose-
pipe. By means of M. Faucher's mprovements the hydraulic
apparatus to which they have been applied may be used either
as a double acting lifting pump, or as a force pump of superior
durability, power, cheapness, and simplicity. We under-
stand these pumps have been adopted by the City of Dublin
Steam Navigation Company, the Pacific Steam Navigation,
Company and others, and that they are highly approved by
the most scientific and practical men in the kingdom.
Amongst these we may mention Mr. Fairhurn of Manchester.
The exhibition gave the highest satisfaction to
iallal whonde
rs
witnessed it, and Captain Engledue and other
e
complete
one
o r more
thato r
e onf ol‘vi e.
ssel
could
Panther's p be:cmnolplnss.idered

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.—On Sunday afternoon, about five
o'clock, a fine little boy, the son of a working man, was seen
trundling his hoop close to the edge of the canal, near Eaton-
street, when he and another child were ordered away by a
man sitting on some timber near them, and who apprehended
that they might fall into the water. Soon afterwards some
suspicion arose that the deceased had fallen in, but it does
not appear that anyohnoeobssaenr-ytehde
aacicmidbebnlitlia searchAonthew, ;eras,
made by two men, w
and after a second attempt the deceased was drawn out by
means of a boat-hook. He sobbed once, and was carried to
a public-house in Vauxhall-road. A surgeon was instantly
called in, but life was extinct. The deceased had not been
in the water above seven or ten minutes. An inquest was,
yesterday, held on the body, before Mr. Currie, when these,
facts transpired.

SKETCHES OF LIVERPOOL AND ITS VICINITY.

No. IV.

(Written for the Liverpool Standard.)
ST. NICHOLAS'S TOWER.

I was sauntering on the Egremont pier-head (the first to
the northward of George's dock entrance) waiting the de-
parture of the steam-boat, and on looking at the clock of St.
Nicholas's tower, I could not help admiring the taste dis-
played by the architect in that truly elegant structure. The
stone-work of. the turrets and lantern, with its flying but-
tresses and rich open carved work, all in good preservation,
is beautiful; and the gilded ship, which surmounts the whole
as a vane, is appropriate. I was reminded of a quaint de-
scription given of this tower by a local bard whom I have
before quoted. In a satirical, digressive, but humorous de-
scription of the town, he says :
Not far from George's dock, but where there's less stir,
St. Nicholas' and its Gothic tower appear :
The last designed by Harrison of Chester.
('Tis well to have such clever neighbours near,
For here they care not with such piles to pester—
They'drather build of cotton bags a tier ;)
And thus are we indebted, I conjecture,
To Cheshire both for cheese and architecture.
Upon the tow'r, magnificent and tall,
Rise lantern top and turrets laborate ;
(There once a steeple stood which chanced to fall,
And crushed some hapless beings 'neath its weight;)
The windows of the church are rather small
(St. George's being too large makes matters straight):
Here vestries meet for poor-rates to beseech us,
And make their annual officers and speeches.
By the way, Mr. Editor, thought I, how does it happen
that the clock of St. Nicholas's church is so well illuminated
after dark (forming a pleasing and useful object to parties on
the river), and that the clock of St. George's church, facing
at its respective sides some of the finest streets in the town,
is generally half-eclipsed, or so bedimmed apparently with
smoke that the hour is not distinguishable ? It may be said
that such matters are scarcely worthy of the pen of a
" sketcher;" but in this I do not concur, inasmuch as it is
the due attendance to each that makes up the aggregate of
those ornaments and utilities which are pleasing to the eve
and creditable to the town. But I was called from my di-
gression by the hissing of the steam from the ferry-boat, and
the cry of the boatman—" Now for Egremont.' My pur-
pose was a ramble to the Rock battery and Light-house, and
a peep at New Brighton, and I regretted that my friend
Alfred was too much occupied to accompany me—the more
so as he would have entertained me, no doubt, with a recital
of a tradition relating to this point of the Wyrall peninsula
in olden times, and which I once heard him allude to as be-
ing entitled, " The Legend of the Black Rock." I shall,
however, obtain it from him some of these days, Mr Editor,
for the entertainment of your readers.
EGREMONT.

The forenoon (Saturday), I need scarcely remark, was ex-
ceedingly fine, and inclining to sultry, with, in the earlier
part, a light air, from the south, a cloudless sky, and a con-
sequently ardent sun. It was yet scarcely noon. A number
of passengers crowded the boat, and we started to the tune
of " Rule Britannia," on a couple of clarionets and an equal
number of French horns, though sooth to say, there were no
" waves" to rule. The river was, as usual, enlivened by sailing
vessels of all sizes and sorts, slowly moving down under sail,
against the rising tide, or drifting up along with it. The
smoke of the town was carried in murky clouds down Bootle
Bay, and almost shaded Everton from view. The Cheshire
shore showed to comparatively greater advantage, the wind
from those points of the compass on which there is some
westing being alone favourable for a distinct view of our noble
port from the river.
In about a quarter of an hour we landed at Egremont.
Here there is a pier run out ; but the water is too shallow
when the tide is not up to admit of the steamer's running
close to it. A small vessel is consequently moored a short
distance out, alongside of which she lies, and thence the pas-
sengers are landed in a large flat-bottom' boat, simply and
effectually worked by a winch and rope at each end. The
end of one rope is attached to the stationary vessel and that
of the other to the pier, so that one of the winches being
turned (by two men) and the other let loose, the boat is al-
ternately warpedjbackwards and forwards without the aid of
oars.

The Egremont hotel is a large and handsome building.
Leading westward from it is a spacious street or road, on
each side of which are a number, of modern built detached
houses, with small gardens or shrubberies in front. At the
top of the street, which diverges on the right towards Liscard,
stands Egreemont church, a handsome and spacious building
in the Grecian style. The front, or east end, facing the street
noticed is of stone, with a projecting collonade of four-flated
doric columns, surmounted by a handsome boldly-corniced
pediment. The windows are large, and the whole with a
surrounded yard is neatly enclosed. There is a road thence
through Liscard to New Brighton ; but I preferred going
along the sands below, for the sake of the river scenery. At
first on leaving Egremont pier, the footing is loose, and walk-
ing somewhat laborious, but as the pedestrian draws nearer
to the Rock, the sands become firm and smooth.
A good deal of the land beyond Egremont, on the shore,
is of a clayey nature, and large masses of it Dave, from time
to time, fallen down in a puddled state, after heavy rains in
the winter, and more particularly after frosts. In several
parts strong stone walls have been built at its base to preserve
it, but much yet remains exposed to these periodical dimi-
nutions. Just above one of these mural erections, where
there are two inclined planes or slips, laud is advertised to
be sold for building on ; and a little to the westward, and
facing a road laid out for a street in that direction, a hand-
some pavilion-roofed house is already completed. From
every eminence in this quarter, pleasing and extensive pros-
pects are obtained to the eastward ; from the basin of the
river above the Dingle point and the town, along the whole
extent of coast northward as far as Formby. The white
houses and villas of Bootle, Seaforth, Waterloo, &c. have a
lively, and though apparently much exposed to the sea-breeze,
a warm appearance. It may be remarked that, whether
from the saline particles borne on the winter's gales or other
causes, neither there nor at New Brighton, the site of which
is for the most part of greater altitude, is the temperature
inure severe or attended with greater vicissitudes than 'in
parts of the county situated in vallies, or presenting an ap-
pearance of shelter. It may be added, that along the north
shore too, where the soil is light and sandy, spring scatters
her earliest garlands, and even winter reluctantly nips the
tenderer flowers, and seldom leaves the pasture without
some cheering floral mementos of the comparative mildness
of the climate.

On walking along the beach on a still day the novelty in
sound of modern times is the frequent dashing or thudding
of the water by the paddle-wheels of the steam-vessels that
are continually passing to and fro. This is peculiar, and,
like bells in the distance, falls upon the ear in varied modu-
lation, as it is borne more or less distinctly on the wind or
current of air. Passing northward, a handsome brick-built
mansion is seen on the eminence, overlooking the shore,
with a fine sloping lawn, diversified by shrubberies, and a
wood of considerable height on the north. The southl front
is entirely covered with a fine pear tree, now in full leaf, and
rich with blossom. At the east front there is a veranda,
affording a shady walk. This is " Sea Bank," the seat of
Mr. Maddock, a magistrate. The gardens are said to be fine.
There are several neat houses built contiguously, a little
to the north, with hanging grass:plots and flower-gardens in
front. Near there is a small inn—" The Half-way House,"
with a green in front, on which there are green seats, for the
accommodation of those who prefer sitting out of doors. On
a sign-board swinging in front there .1; a picture of a fat
kitchan-maid, following her vocation. On this are inscribed
two homely couplets, inviting those " on pleasure" to par-
take of the ham and eggs and ale and porter provided within.
While I was passing this spot the wind, which had for some
time inclined to calm, chopped round to about the N.N.W.,
and gave some diversity to the vessels on the river. A vast
number of small fishing boats, which had been shrimping in
Bootle Bay, now made their way up the river. Many of
these have tanned or pointed sails, which gives a variety to
the scene. Several large vessels lay at anchor a little to the
eastward ; one of theta, a bark, gaily decorated with flags.
The pedestrian now reaches

THE MAGAZINES,
a hamlet, at the back of which is the gunpowder manufac-
tory, from which it derives its name. There are here some
neat cottage-built houses, with little gardens, on the sides of
the bank and on the eminence,. Below the inn, or " Maga-
zine Hotel," is the Life-boat House, a substantially-built
shed, in which a large life-boat is kept in constant readiness,
in cases of danger to crews in the neighbourhood. There is
an inclined plane in front of it, by which the boat, mounted
on wheels, may readily be launched when the tide is thrown
up by gales. The spot is marked by a lofty flag-staff on the
high ground behind. Here considerable improvements are
going on for the protection of the land from the sea.
A little further on stands " The Royal Hotel," a fine large
building lately erected, but unoccupied, with a piece of ground
in front strongly walled in from the river. North of it there is
a coppice, and a little glade or valley, at the top of which
stands a handsome two-story cottage facing the south, and
partly secluded from the shore. From this point Bootle
Landmarks, two slender and lofty pillars, painted white and
black perpendicularly, to render them more conspicuos from
the channels without,—and Bootle, Seaforth, and Waterloo
churches form prominent objects on the opposite side,—while
the villages themselves form 'a continuous line of lively
cottages and marine villas. Proceeding nothward, the
pedestrian reaches the freestone rock which is continued
hence all round the Rock point, with the exception of some
little intervening sand. Coppices overtop the rock, which
here forms the natural sea wall, and through which are cut
entrances with steps leading to several villas above. The
sand hills, commence at a short distance further on. The
pedestrian has now reached New Brighton pier, an erection
of wood of considerable length and elevation, and affording a
generally good and commodious landing from the steamer.
Near the top stands the " ferry house ;" and here may he
seen ladies, and boys and girls riding along the sands on
asses, and occasionally ponies, a number of which is here
kept for hire. Passing on I soon reached

THE ROCK PERCH BATTERY,
A. structure of no little interest to excurtionists. It com-
mands the mouth of the Mersey, and was built for the pro-
tection of the port against any possible aggression from
abroad; but in all probability will never be called into
warlike requisition, the difficulties of the outward channels
for foreign vessels, being almost insurmountable.
The battery, to which I was politely admitted by Mr.
Oliver, the master gunner, who has charge of it, is of an
irregular triangular form, with a straight side facing the
landward 'or south, terminating in two round towers. It is
built of red free stone, in large blocks. The approach
to the
entrance which is in the centre of the south side, is by an
inclined plane raised on three arches of increasing size, and
terminating iii a draw bridge. The foss is
of no great depth,
the battery having frequently a better substitute in the sea that
washes round it and isolates it from the shore. The gateway
has two ionic pillars on each side with a surmounting en-
tablature over which is the Royal Arms in alto relievo, cast
in iron, and painted in immitation of stone. The esplanade
or interior space is spacious and well tlaged. In the centre
is the magazine, partly sunk below the surface, and strongly
arched for greater safety under the slated roof. There is a
cordon round the towers, and also round the battery. On
the interior of the gateway is the following inscription, re-
markable only in the estimate having exceeded the actual
cost:--

"PERM ROCK BATTERY.
r Estimate
Expense t Actual cost
Commencement 31st March, 1826.
Date of { Completion.... 30th April, 1829.
Superintended by Captain Kitson, Royal Engineers."
The battery mounts 18 guns in all, namely, 16 thirty-two
pounders and two eighteens. The two last are in the inside
or middle of the tower, in which are port-holes; and there
are two of the thirty-twos on their tops. The carriages are
of the traversing platform kind, of the best description. The
guns were cast at Rotheram, in Yorkshire. The carriages
are by Messrs. Barclay, of the same county. There is an
infantry platform, raised over the houses built against the
south side, for the soldiers, and from each room there are
horizontal loop-holes for musketry, in case of an attack from
the landward. This platform is covered with asphaltum,
and a fine view is obtained from it.
I remember, Mr. Editor, seeing the foundation stone
of this battery laid with great ceremony ; and the subsequent
fate of Captain Kitson; the able and gallant superintendent,
forms a painful reminiscence. He went out in the employ-
merit of the government to Honduras, in South America,
where he died soon after of a malignant fever. Lamentable
to relate, his lady and family embarked for this country after
their bereavement, but the vessel was lost, and all on board
perished !
Round the battery, to a considerable extent, the ground is
composed of free stone, which is for the most part washed
clean by the sea. On the north there is a landing-place,
near the light-house, for small boats, and parties of pleasure,
here frequently debark, and, seated on the shelving rock,
partake of the viands and other refreshments they have

brought, in the cool of the sea-breeze, while the ythingsters
amuse themselves catching crabs, in the pools left by the re-
tiring tide.

THE ROCK -
IS continuous to the batteryLlGHT
on theHOUSE
north-west. It is a
strong circular building, of a peculiar light-coloured Welsh
limestone, of great durability. Its height is about 92 feet
from the base to the middle of the ball at the top. The
foundation is sunk six feet in the rock. There is an admira-
ble, brilliant, and changeable light (red and white) at this
light-house; and at the top, which is surrounded by a cop-
per railed balcony, there is a bell which is rung during hazy
weather, as a warning to vessels to keep an offing. The
building is wide at the base, like a bell, for the purpose of
additional strength; and it is of solid masonry up to the
door on the south side, or about half its height. The ladder
is of brass, and is let into the stone. The upper part is in
the form Of a round pillar or monument. I have heard it
stated that the cost of the whole, including the revolving ap-
paratus, was upwards of £34,000. The view from the bal-
cony is beautiful, the spot being the key to the navigation of
the port. No vessel of any considerable burthen can either
enter or depart without passing near to this light-house, which
is an excellent substitute for the clumsy perch, with a bell to
be rung by the wind, that previously occupied its site, and
which was known as " The Rock Perch."
There are many pleasing, and some melancholy associa-
tions connected with the Black Rock, so called probably
from the sea-weed growing upon it—the stone itself being
red. "To round the Rock," whether outward or homeward-
bound, is equivalent to leaving or entering the boundaries of
the port. Seamen's advance notes become payable so long
after the ship has passed the Rock outwards. Insurances,
too, I am informed, have frequent reference to the Rock, as
to the hour or date of passing it. Parties who have friends
or relatives going to sea not unfrequently convoy them as
far as the Rock, and return in their boat. Others, looking
anxiously for vessels, in the cargoes, crews, or passengers in
which they are interested, gaze from the quays towards the
Rock, as the first point at which a vessel from the westward
becomes fully visible ; and if telescopes fired cannon-balls, as
well as assisted eye-balls, the Rock battery, though recently
erected, would long since have been battered down. The
Rock is a joyous sight to the returning mariner. To those
who adventure themselves for the first time on board ship,
it rouses some apprehensions of the advent of watery sick-
ness, for the waves on the other side of it are no respecters
of persons,' and toss their snowy crests with all imaginable
haughtiness, on the impulse of the gale, which has there free
ingress. lam here reminded of my quaint friend's allusion
to this fact, with which I shall " pass the Rock :"
'Tis sweet to sail upon the Mersey's breast,
.Not when the sluggish wave is asleep,
But when it lifts its living snowy crest,
To kiss the summer ;ales that o'er it sweep
'Tis sweet on deck, when the full'sail is press'd.
And wings the bark all foaming through the deep ;
All this is well till round the " Rock" you go,—
Then you'll get sea-sick-, and must go below.

NEW BRIGHTON.
To the south of the Battery, and near to the base of the
sand hills, on which New Brighton stands, there is a valuabl
spring of fresh water, in the sand, which is frequently
covered by the tide. Two barrels, one within the other, are
here inserted, to prevent the sand from falling in upon it, or,
in other words, to deepen the well and keep it clear. The
water is quite fresh and pellucid, and may be seen at the bot-
tom forcing up little bubbles of sand to the height of an
inch or two. The overflow, which is not great, runs a few
yards in a furrow, cut in the sand, by which it is immediately
afterwards absorbed. In summer time an aged female gene-
rally attends at this well to keep it clear, and receives, on
serving water from it, any trifle which visiters may choose to
bestow.

Close by, and near the beach, there is a range of houses,
known as Union-buildings, from their having been built by
a building company. Leaving these on the right, the pedes-
trian may mount the sand-hills, towards a hotel on the south
side of the principal street or road leading from the ferry-
house. The whole of these heights are irregular, being full of
hill and dale. They are covered for the most part with
the wiry grasses common to such ground, including star-
grass, much of which has been planted of late years. The
sand is thus bound, and the blowing or drifting checked, so
that an earthy superstratum may in time be established.
This has been effected to a great extent in this quarter, and
'
there are even amongst the barest of these hills, patches of
pretty thick grass, In a few years, what with fencing in,
forming, and forcing gardens, turfing, &c. the before arid
appearance of New Brighton will be completely changed.
I know of no place near the town more salubrious and
cheerful in passable weather. The hills rise to a consi-
derable height, and there are detached houses perched even
on some of the highest peaks, around which verdure has al-
ready been taught to afford its shelter and its shade. The
views, particularly of the river and the whole expanse of sea
northward and westward, are superb, affording au ever-
changing panorama. A little above the inu, on the west, a
rude seat, made from a plank of an old -vessel, is placed
against an old thorn bush. There seated, I witnessed, within
an hour, the sailing, or rather towing out by steam vessels,
of several large vessels to various parts of the world, down
the Formby Channel, and many more arrived both by that
and the Rock or Horse Channel. Two of the crack Glasgow
steamers also came down the river, and stood direct to the
north, one following the track of the other. They appeared
tollbe antagonist, but of equal and great power, neither gain-
ing any apparent advantage for a succession.of miles. The
smoke they sent forth, drawn in trails by the now easterly
wind, darkened the ocean for a long distance to the west-
ward. The Actaeon, another fine Glasgow steam-ship, also
passed up the river from the north in gallant style. Nume-
rous vessels were seen indistinctly on the distant horizon,
and as the evening proceeded many of them came up under
sail, of large and small degree. Late in the afternoon a
number of steamers, bound to various parts in Ireland, fol-
lowed each other in rapid succession round the Rock, tor-
turing the water with their paddle wheels, and holding their
course to the west.
On the higher ground on the north side of New Brighton
there are or seven large houses or buildings, forming se-
veral houses each, including a hotel, with frontages both to
the north, overlooking the houses below, and also to the
south. The 4irst house in the lower street or terrace is a
neat pavilion roofed cottage, the property of Mr. Rocvson,
with ground both on the north, where it is one storey in
height, and the south, where it is of two stories. Next to it
are two conjoint elegant houses, in the tasteful English Go-
thic or Elizabethan style. Beyond are several handsome
villas on the cliffs or eminences immediately over the preci-
pitous rocks, known as

THE RED NOSES.

To view these romantic rocks I descended to the sands
below, which here extend in a beatiful smooth surface for
several miles, from east to west, between the Mersey and the
Dee. These sands are a favourite and healthful resort of
parties in search of health or recreation ; and here, when the
wind is high, " the lone enthusiast" (to use the words of
Beattie)

" oft will stray
Listening with pleasing dread to the loud roar
Of the wide weltering wave."
The Red Noses are points or promontories of freestone
rock, between which there are numerous indentures or little
bays, into which the tide frequently rises. The action of
the water, for ages, has worn the stone, which varies in its
quality, into small shelved caves and cavities, and having
undermined a great portion of it, it has left it in an abrupt
and fantastic overhanging masses and ledges. The first part
of this formation, going westward, is of a mouldering yellow-
ish sand stone, and the strata throughout inclines slightly to
the south. Further on, where the " Noses" are, the stone
is red, with light streaks, and being more resistible frOm its
hardness, has maintained its position in promontories. One
immense mass appears to be outwardly supported from fall-
ir g by two little points or knobs, worn to almost a point,
where they rest upon the shelving stratum below. One of
the caves, opening from a fissure in the rock, might give
shelter to a dozen or fifteen outlaws, if they did not aspire to
stand erect. This is four or five feet above the level of the
sand. There are several handsome villas just above, and from
these the owners have, in two instance, formed romantic
footways to the level of the strand through the rock, termi-
nating in iron gates. In this work nature has been the principal
and whimsical artificer. Behind these mansions there are
several smaller dwellings in the Elizabethan style. The
smaller caves are accessible to their recesses only by children.
Westward, the rock is streaked with white coloured stone,
and assumes many fantastic shapes. The largest cave re-
sembles an arched alcove, and faces the north. It is about
nine paces in length, and four to five in depth. This was
once much larger, and more covered in; and is I presume
" the ruins" or remains of the cave alluded to in a tale in the
Lancashire Literary Musevnz, entitled " The Fisherman's
Daughter." A short distance further to the west, the rock
gradually decreases in bulk, drawing towards the land, and
terminates in an abrupt point of yellowish stone, north of a
furze preserve, beyond which all is again a range of sand
hills to nearly Leasowe Castle.
I here turned southward from the shore, and enloyd a plea-
sant walk through the fields to the ancient village of Wallasey,
and thence by Liscard to Woodside, which present scenes
worthy of notice ; but my sketch has insensibly so much
enlarged upon me that I must bid you farewell—merely
adding that there are several fine mansions at New Brighton
on the brow of the hill facing Liverpool, and on the road
leading thence to Liscard.

Cider is selling from' £5 to £lO the hogshead, more than
double the usual price.—Worcester Journal.
A recent letter from Lord Brougham says that he will not
fail attending the house on the day that parliament recom-
mences its sittings.

Fanny Elssleris to receive the sum of ?0,000 dollars from
the manager of the Park Theatre for six months' engage.
ment.

LoRD LYNDHVRST.—A correspondent at Brighton writes
—" Lord Lyndhurst will be in town by the 2d of next
month. if not before. The noble and learned lord is rather
weak, but in other respcctS is quite recovered from his severe
illness."—Standard.

NOVEL ENcLosuaE.—A gentleman of this town, a few
days ago, received through the Post-office, from a friend at a
distance, a bird, of that rare species called the nutcracker,
ready prepared for stuffing, the postage being only fourpence.
A short time previously, another gentleman received four
birds, ready stuffed, in one parcel, the postage of which was
eightpence !—Preston Chronicle.
We understand that the Lords of the Treasury have fixed
the 6th of May for the day when the postage stamps are to
come into use. The issue of the stamps will, in the first
instance, begin in London, and be extended as speedily as
practicable throughout the whole of the kingdom ; but let-
ters, properly stamped, posted in any part of the kingdom,
will pass free.—Morning Chronicle.
A. remarkably fine oak was a short time since felled in the
park belonging to Sir T. E. Winnington, Bart., M.P., and
on Saturday week it was removed towards Liverpool, where
it is to form part of the keel of a vessel. It contained 370
cubic feet of timber ; was 50ft. Gin. long, 10ft. Bin. in cir-
cumference, when trimmed; and took 23 horses to draw it
up the bank at Stanford, on its way to Stourport.—Worces-
ter Journal.

THE WALSALL AND SOUTH BANKING COMPANY. A
new issue of notes took place yesterday (Friday), distinguish-
able from the old notes by being printed in blue ink. This
step has been rendered necessary by the recent abstraction
of notes, and the subsequent legal proceedings against Mr.
T. F. Wood, the late manager. No re-issue of the old notes
has taken place for some months past, and the amount now
out is consequently very small; the directors thinking it ad-
visable, under the circumstances, to conduct the business of
the bank in gold until their arrangements for a new circula-
tion were fully completed.—Staffordahire Gazette.
The Water Witch, revenue cutter, has arrived in the Shan-
non, with the diving-bell apparatus, and is to proceed round
the coast of Malhay, to endeavour to raise the guns, chains,
and anchors, of the Marten, sloop of war, wrecked on that
coast about 24 years ago. Mr. Deane, the inventor of the
diving helmet, attempted this feat in the summer of 1837,
but from the unsettled state of the weather, and insufficiency
of his assistance, was unable to bring up any of them.
There is every reason to hope the present attempts will be
attended with success.—Cork Constitution.
A CALF.---Recently Messrs. Carlisle, of Wigton, and
Briggs, of Bassenthwaite, were called upon to perform the
operation of embryotomy, on a cow, the property of Mr. P.
Robinson, of Isalgate, near • Bassenthwaite, and produced a
dead calf which had two heads, eight legs, and nine feet ; one
of the hind legs was club or double-footed. It had two
spines or backbones, and a double number of ribs ; also two
tails, one at the termination of each spine ; the ribs met at
the sides, and formed one cavity for the internal organs, of
which some were double. Mr. Robinson gave the calf to
Messrs. Carlisle and Briggs, and we understand it is their
intention to present it to the British musasur,eaglige
Patriot.