The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-09-12 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

THE NEW IRON STEAM-SHIP " HELEN
MACGREGOR."

We noticed the launching of this ship in our paper of
the 18th of July, as one of a class that, though intended
only for the merchant service, would add to the celebrity
of Mr. Laird, iron ship builder, of our port, of whose con-
struction, of the same now approved material, she was
the 45th vessel. She has since received her engines, and
will shortly take her departure for her destination. She
was built for Mr. Gee, an enterprising merchant and pro-
moter of steam navigation in Hull, and is intended to run,
with goods and passengers, between that port and Ham-
burgh. Her admeasurement is nearly 600 tons ;—her
length of keel being 180 feet, her beam 26 feet, and her
depth of hold 16 feet. She is of extraordinary strength
throughout in her plates, ribs, and fastenings; and is
further secured by four water-tight bulkheads, dividing
her into five compartments. In model she is (ate equal
to our best merchant steamers, and has already proved
herself a very fast vessel. The engines, of 20 horse
power, are upon a new principle, patented by our towns-
men, Messrs. Geo. Forrester and Co., and which com-
bines economy of fuel and reduction of weight beyond
any plan yet adopted. She has four cylinders—to each
engine—inverted; or, in other words, the cylinders are
raised from the bottom of the vessel, and the piston-rods
work from below. The four cylinders are placed in a
line across the vessel, and a cross bean, is connected with
each respective pair of piston-rods (starboard and lar-
board), to the middle of which is attached the connecting
rod, giving motion to the crank. The beams below are
double, but light, and so contrived as to permit the
parallel motion of the several rods. The boilers are in-
teriorly of the tubular kind, producing great generation
of steam within a small space, and the whole is so com-
pact as to afford much more room for cargo than the
usual place will admit.
Her appearance afloat, as a schooner, with a fine figure-
head, and a correspondingly decorated stern, more re-
sembles a fine steam yacht than a vessel of burthen ; and
she has shown that, in " getting a-head " (as Jonathan
would say), she will be " hard to beat." The cabins are
plain as compared with those of some of our larger
steam vessels intended more exclusively for passengers;
but are, nevertheless, handsome, and extremely com-

modious.
On Friday morning last, the " Helen Macgregor"
(commanded by Captain Frost) made her first trip to sea.
Several of the directors of the Honourable East India
Company having been in the town to witness the trial of
a new iron steam vessel built for them by Mr. Laird, that
gentleman invited them to an excursion in our outward
channel. The vessel started from the Clarence Dock pier
about half-past ten o'clock ; and, though the tide was
still flowing, she went down the river in gallant style.
There was a goodly company on board, including a num-
ber of ladies. Of East India directors there were present,
John Cotton, Esq., the Chairman; Captain Sheppard,
Deputy Chairman ; Astell, Esq. ; Captain Loch ; Sir
Richard Jenkins ; and Plowden, Esq.; also J. C.
Mason, Esq., Head of the Merine Department of the
Honourable Company, and other strangers interested in
the progress of steam navigation. Dr. Brandreth and a
number of other gentlemen belonging to the town or neigh-
bourhood were also on board.
The vessel proceeded towards Bangor, passing the Rock
lighthouse about twenty minutes before eleven o'clock.
The day was delightfully fine and sunny, approaching, in-
deed, to sultry, and the scenery throughout was splendid.
The ship passed close under th Great Ormshead, arid the
mouth of the Menai Straits soon opened out and supplied
objects of additional interest on both sides. The engines
worked admirably, and the vessel was so steady and easy,
that while standing in the after hold (which formed a cool
retreat,) it was impossible to perceive, in the absence of
all vibration, that she was in motion. Her speed, with-
out the aid of sails, was frequently upwards of 11 knots.
A dejeuner was served in the saloon at one o'clock. The
ship rapidly passed the town of Beaumaris, which, with
its new ranges of buildings on the shore, its church
tower, and ivy-mantled castle, showed to much advantage
Baron Hill, the beautiful wooded seat of Sir Richard
Bulkeley forming the background. The views on each
side of the straits became more and more beautiful,
as the vessel approached the Menai Bridge, near which
she was soon moored, and the company landed in boats
and walked along the stupendous and far-famed structure,
which was viewed with much interest and astonishment.
After remaining some hours the whole re-embarked,
and the ship proceeded homeward. Soon after six o'clock
the company sat down to a sumptuous dinner and wines
in the saloon, which was followed by a dessert and fruits,
Mr. Laird in the chair. The healths of the chairman,
of the East India Company, and his brother directors, of
Mr. Gee, the enterprising owner of the vessel, of Mr.
Laird and of Mr. Hicks, builder of the engines, were
drunk with great cordiality. All were highly delighted
with the attention of Capt. Frost, and the skill with which
he managed the vessel, and at two o'clock the vessel
reached the Clarence pier, after a speedy and pleasant run,
and the company landed, highly delighted with the excur-
sion of the day.

Father Mathew, after leaving London, visited the
Bishop of Norwich.
It is stated, in the Mining Journal, that fourteen
hundred lives are annually sacrificed by what are termed
" mine accidents."

A circumstantial report appears in the London papers,
of Saturday, announcing the arrest of Richard Dadd, at
Fontainebl"au, in France, but the statement is disbelieved.
Another destructive fire took place in London Yesterday
(Monday) morning, by which the premises of Mr. Craw-
court tobacconist, of Surrey-place, Old heat-road, were
entirciy consumed.
The Duke of Wellington does not contemplate leaving
Walmer Castle for Hanover, in order to be present at the
military manoeuvres about to take place in the neighbour-
hood of that capital, as erroneously asserted.
SCENE OF MISERY.—A correspondent of a contempo-
rary says, " At Upper Stratton, near Swindon, there is a
man with a family of five children, the eldest a daughter
nearly grown up, living and sleeping in a pig-stye ."
On Friday last, Father Mathew visited Chelsea, when
the Marchioness Wellesiay and several other ladies took
the pledge, and the Marchioness expoessed a desire that
it rnieht operate as an example to others.
CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION.—We are glad to state
that the new Conservative Association for this county is
progressing most favourably, and that it holds forth a
promise of proving much more effective than that which
is now defunct.—Durham Advertiser.
A Puzzr.En.—A few days ago, five ladies accidentally
met at a gentleman's house in the West Riding; and it
was found that they formed the following relationship ;
one mother, two daughters, two aunts, three nices, three
consins, and five sisters.
THE CORN TRADE.—The average duty on wheat, on
Thursday last was 14s. ; and we understand that a very
considerable quantity has been released from bond at that
rate. The Morning Chronicle complains that Sir R.
Peel's corn bill has " ruined the foreign corn trade !"
REBECCA AGAlN.—Notwithstanding the collision and
bloodshed with the police at Pontardulais, as given in our
pages to-day, another gate, almost in the neighbourhood,
the Spuder-bridge gate, 2i miles from Kidwelly, was de-
stroyed, on Friday morning, by the liebeccaites.
NEW WHEAT.—At Stamford, on Friday last, wheat
weighing 18 stone net per sack was selling at 525. at
Grantham, on Saturday, at 50s, and on Tuesday, at Spal-
ding, at 48s; the samples dry and in good condition.
There will next week be a large quantity brought to
market.

A dreadful accident took place, at Messina, on the 15th
ult., by the fall of a scaffold 110 feet high, which had been
erected to exhibit fireworks upon. Fifteen men were pre-
cipitated along with it, four of whom died immediately,
eight soon after, and no hopes were entertained of the re-
overy of the remainder.
In the Wigan municipal list of voters, just completed
by the overseers, there are, out of 3,000 ratepayers, the
names of only 750 persons whose rates and taxes have
been duly paid. This list does not comprise more than
fifty beyond the number of ten-pound householders placed
upon the list of parliamentary voters.
HIGH PRICE OF PROVISIONS IN FRANCE.—The
weather is extremely sultry here, and people must no
longer think of France as a cheap residence. A loin of
veal costs a shilling per lb., a leg of mutton Sid., chickens
are ss. a couple, fine ones 6s. All common fruits are
very dear. Peaches are the only fruit which is plentiful,
you may buy fine ones for Id. to 14d. each.—Free Press.
Extract of a letter from Margate, dated September 6.
" This morning there was a dreadful riot with the crews
of the Isle of Thanet steam-boat and the Royal William.
At one time it was thought that several dead bodies would
have been strewed on their decks. Sledge-hammers,
axes, and knives were called into requisition, and the fight
lasted near an hour."
In addition to the 25,000 f left by the Queen of England
to be distributed generally amongst the servants of the
household of the King of the French, she gave I,ooof to
each of the servants who were specially attached to her
person. His Royal Highness Prince Albert left 2,500 f
to be distributed among the poor of the town of Eu.—
Galiganani of Saturday.
RAYTHER STRONG.—A few days since a man went into
a counting-house in Maidstone, Kent, and solicited alms
in a very importunate manner. They were refused, when
the fellow said, with the utmost coolness, " Do give us a
few halfpence, master, or a glass of rum—for I lushed '
a little too much last night, and my coppers be rather hot
this morning ! "—Sussex Agricultural Express.

The " Inspector-General of the Repeal Waodens of
England, William John O'Connell, Esq.," lately arrived
in Birmingham, for the purpose of enrolling as associates
all those favourable to Repeal. At a Chartist meeting the
" Inspector's-General's" " young gentleman," Jones, in
referring to the troops sent to Ireland, said there was
" an agitation being got up in Birmingham that would
require the troops nearer home ! 1"

THE OPERA VOCALISTS.—LabIache and his family
are about to quit Paris for Naples, his native city, where
he will remain for two months, having obtained a Lange
to that extent from the cl!rector of the Italian theatre at
Paris. Madame Viardot is now in Paris, and has been
engaged to appear in Vienna in the winter season. Per-
siani is awaiting the opening of the Italian theatre in Paris
(which is to take place on the first of October) at a charm-
ing country residence at Chalons.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC OATH.—Amongst tL•e notices
of motions, &c. already on the books of the House of
Commons for the nsxt session, is the following:—" Mr.
Prothcroe—bill to repeal the oath now taken by members
of both Houses of Parliament who are of the Roman Ca-
tholic religion, and to substitute, in lieu thereof, (me
which shall admit of no doubt existing on the right and
power of such members to vote on all questions which
may be brought by them or by other members under the
consideration of either Houses of Parliament.

FLOWER SHOW AT THE BOTANICAL

GARDENS

The show of flowers at these delightful gardens took
place on Friday last, and was, we regret to say, most in-
differently attended, owing, in all likelihood, to the ex-
treme beat of the weather. The afternoon was considera-
bly enlivened by the performances of Mr. Parker's band;
but we must say that nothing, under a sun to which we
are so little accustomed, could have produced any great
amount of hilarity. The list of prizes we give at foot;
and have no fault to find in their appropriation, although
he judges, in their decisions in these matters, sometimes
puzzle us. Our townsman, Mr. Skirvin;-, we observe,
carries off the prize for fuschias and some other plants ;
and well he deserves his honour, for we never saw such
specimens, if they can be produced at all. The fruits, we
may remark, were very splendid ; and especially the
grapes. Mr. Tayleure appears to surpass most of the
gentry of Liverpool in this department of horticulture. A
silver medal was awarded to Mr. Skirving in:addition to
the first prize, for the Libum Speciosum, for extra merit.
Ist best Ericas : namely, Retorta, Irhyana, Hartnelli,
Inflata, Bandonii, and Eweria superba, awarded to
Messrs. George Cunningham and Son, of Oak Vale

Nursery.
2d ditto, Alata, Inflata lrbyannm, Speciosa, Shannonia
Reflexa Alba, and Cliffordiana, to Messrs. Davies, of
Wavertree Nursery.
Ist Exotic Orchedacese, three specimens, Stanhopea
Ocuiata, Stanhopea Insignis, dark var., and Huntley&
Violaeea, to Thomas Brooklehurst, Esq., of Maccles-
field; Mr. Thomas Appleby, gardener.
2d ditto, Oncidium Lanreonum, Brasse Lanreonum, and
Cycnorhes Loddigisii, to Charles Horsfall, Esq., of
Everton ; Mr. Thomas Lees, gardener.
Ist Ten Pelargoniums, Camellia, Oliver Twist, Prince Er-
nest Beauty. Conservative, Life Guardsman, Nymph,
Queen of Faires, Superbe, Lesta, and Madelina, to
Messrs. Davies.
2d ditto, Commodore, Grand Duke, Eliza, Urania, He-
lena, Louis Quartois, Elizabeth, Victory, Matilda, and
Lowndes, Perfection, to Mrs. Foster, of Woolton ;
John Reid, gardener.
2d Six Pelargoniums, to Mrs. Foster.
3d ditto, to Mr. Skirving, of Walton Nursery, for Priory
Queen, Erectum, Prima Donna, Life Guardsman, Louis
Quartois, Gains King, and Montgomery anum.

Ist Fuchsias, to Mr. Skirving, for Thynii; Pendula, Mag-
nifica, Chandlerii, Conspicua, Ricartonia Insignia, Ful-
gens, and Racemiflora.
2d ditto, to Messrs. Whalleys, of Fairfield Nursery, for
Hosea Alba, Laneii, Grivellii, Tricolor, Victoria
Superba, Gem, Enchantress, Conspicua, Arborea,
Venus, Vetrix, and Youelii.
Ist Six Stove or Greenhouse, to Charles Tayleur, Esq.,
of Parkfield ; Mr. John Clarke, gardener; for Lager-
strrema Indica Gardenia Florida' Aeschyeanthus,
Grandiflora Oncidium lanceyanum, Oncidium lancey-
anum var., and Cattleya Loddigisii.
2d ditto, to Mr. Skirving, for Statice Macrophylla,
Statice Arborea, Achemenis Coccinea, Lillium Lanceo-
folla Alba, Petunia Beauty, Marandia, Barclay, and
Alba.
3d ditto, to Charles Horsfall, Esq., for Lissianthus
Russelianus Gesneria Zebrina, Achimenes Coccinea,
Rondilitia Speciosa, and Stanhopea Grandiflora,
Extra ditto, to George Cunningham and Son, for Clero-
dendrum Gesneria Zebrina, Lillium Speciosa, and
Lillium Punctatum.
Ist Four Stove or Greenhouse, to Thomas Brocklehurst,
Esq., for Cattleya Violacea, Nuttonia Spectabilis,
Oncidium Roseum var. and Niphae Oblonga.
2d ditto, to Charles Hors:fall, Esq., for Lisianthus Rus-
silianns Gesneria Zebrina, Gongora Maculata, and
Eulophia u.
3d ditto, toG Charlesineensis Tayleur, Esq., for Aeschyranthus
Grandiflora, Ardesia Grenulata, Cattleya Violata, and
Maxilaria
Extra ditto, to George Cunningham and Son.
Ist Single Specimen, to Mr. Skirving, for Lillium Speci-
osum.
2nd ditto, H. H. Birley, Esq. of Manchester, for Renan-
threa Coccinea.
3rd ditto, Thos. Brocklehurst, Esq. for Maxillaria Stulii.
Ist Pan of Carnations, to Mr. Thos. Williamson, of Old-
ham. _ _

2nd aiito, to Mr. Wm. Lodge, of Broughton, near Man-
chester. _ _ _ _

Ist Pan of Dahlias, to Mr. James Taylor, of Oldham.
2nd ditto, to Mr. P. Freme, of West Derby ; G. Evans,
gardener.
3rd ditto, to Mr. Sala, Knight, of Rochdale.
Extra ditto, to Mr. Wm. Lodge.
Ist Pansies, to Robert Frank, Esq.
2nd ditto, to Thomas O'Grady, Esq.
Ist Cut Flowers, to R. W. Preston, Esq. of West Derby.
2nd ditto, to Mrs. Preston.
3rd ditto, to Richard Alison, Esq.
Ist Basket of Plants, to Charles Horsfall, Esq.

_
2nd ditto, to Mrs. Foster.
3rd ditto, to Isaac Hadrner. Esq.
Extra ditto, to Mr. Skirving.
Ext.'s Priza for Verbenas, to Messrs. Whalleys.
Ditto for Strawberries, to Henry Winch, Esq., Seacombe
Ist Grapes, to Mrs. Cropper.
2d ditto, to A. Sinclair, Esq.
3d ditto, to Henry Winch, Esq.
Best Pine, Charles Tayleur, Esq.
Ist Melons, to E. Faulkner, Esq.
2d ditto. to Charles Tayleur, Esq.
Ist Peaches, to E. D, Falkner. Esq.

2d ditto, to Charles Tayleur, Esq
Ist Nectarines, to Mrs. Preston.

2d ditto, to William Rotheram, Esq.
Best Collection of Fruit, the Earl of Derby.

2d ditto, to A. Sinclair, 'Esq

3d ditto: to Mrs. Preston,
Extra for Pears, to H. S. Salisbury, Esq.
Ditto for Cucumbers, to Henry Moss, Esq., of Aigburth
Ditto for Oranges and Lemons, to Wm. Preston, Esq.
Ditto for Specimens of Cacti, to Charles Tayleur, Esq.

The first arch of the iron bridge which is to cross
Hunt's-bank for the Manchester Junction Railway has
been already fixed, and it is expected that withi❑ a month
the Leeds Railway will be able to come down to Hunt's-
bank station.

W"AN EYRY.—One of the Strathglass keepers discovered
an:eyry this season, containing two very strong young
birds, whose allowance was doled forth by the parents
with great regularity and precision ; consissing of a white
hare and a brace of grouse. The keepers tethered the
young ones until fledged, when they cliped and removed
them to a neighbouring eminence, which they surround-
ed with traps, by which means they captured one of the
old ones, and the other having escaped, carrying with it a
trap and weights.—Caledonian Mercury.
REBECCA AT SALTCOATS. —The new gates at the
entrance to the parish school here were levelled with the
ground early on Sunday morning last. Unlike Samson,
however, who carried away the gates of Gaza, Rebecca
allowed those of the school to lie where they fell. This
act of wanton destruction must have been the work of
some malicions person, and it is to be hoped the guilty
party will be detected. Though the " shoolmaster was
not abroad " at the time (3 o'clock in the morning), it does
not appear that the noise disturbed him.—Ayr Observer.
POUNDBREACH AND RESCUE.—An act came into oper—

ation in July last, providing summary redress in cases
where cattle are impounded, or seized to be impounded,
are rescued from the pound, or on the way to the pound,
and the expense of prosecution has been found consider-
ably to exceed the injury sustained. By the present act
an offender can be summarily dealt with by the magis-

trates and fined £5, and in default of payment imprisoned.
Proceedings may be heard in the absence of a party who
shall refuse to attend, and he may be committed. There
is likewise power given to the magistracy to issue a war-
rant without a summons " whenever good grounds for so
doing to his satisfaction shall be stated, ou oath before
him."

Mr. Sheil, accompanied by his lady and Mis Power,
arrived in Mallow on Saturday last ; but, alas ! there was no

admiring crowd to cheer on the ex-placcaum—he was
" unwept, unhonoured, and unsung"—he did not get even
a solitary hurra! As the right hon. ex-agitator was re-
turning with his lady from ten o'Clock Mass, he was
handed the following pithy address, which was signed "A
Repealer " ;—Ma. SHELL—Throw the weight of your
splended talents once more in the cause of Repeal, and
your too long oppressed country ; and although it may de-
bar you from ' place, ' it will restore you the affections
and gratitude of your countrymen—and old Ireland will
give you a place in the record of her victories far more
glorious than her oppressors can bestow:"—Cork Exami-
ner.

THE COLONIAL BISHOPRICS.—The next bishopric to
be erected for the colonies is that of New Brunswick, and
the committee have determined on recommending a cler-
gyman to her Majesty's Government to be consecrated to
the see, as soon as £30,000 the sum required for the
endowment, shall have been raised. The sum of £20,000
has been contributed from the colonial bishoprics fund,
and about £5,000 have been collected within the province.
Some subscriptions have been received from other quarters,
and about £4,000 are now required to secure the estab-
lishment of a bishopric in New Brunswick, at present a
portion of the large diocese of Nova Scotia. The income
of the bishop will be £1,200 per annum, but the appoint-
ment will be made when a clear revenue of £l,OOO a year
shall be secured.

EXTRAORDINARY DESPATCH.—SOme few years ago,
when the late Earl of Leicester (then Mr. Coke) had his
agricultural meetings at Holkam. a sheep was sheared in
the morning, the wool washed, combed, spun, and wove,
the cloth made into a coat and worn at dinner the same
evening, as a proof of the industry and ingenuity of the
country. A somewhat similar instance of agricultural
effort was accomplished on Saturday last, in our own
county. Mr. Edward Humphreys, of Walcot, had wheat
cut at half-past nine in the morning : at half-past one
some of the morning's produce was in loaves, one of
which Mr. Davies personally presented to his noble land-
lsrd, the Earl of Powis, as a sample of the season's pro-
duction. His lordship was much pleased with it, and par-
took of a portion thereof at dinner.—Eddowe's Shrop-
shire Journal.
-

WESTMINSTER ABBEY.-It is understood that the
Rev. Dr. Turton, the newly•appointed Dean of Westmin-
ster, has given directions that the public shall in future
have the privilege granted them of passing, after the ter-
mination of Divine Service, from the nave, under the
organ, into the spacious and beautiful choir, from which
egress will be obtained through the grand or western en-
trance of that magnificent cathedral, which has for many
years been ciosed against the public, the only entrance
still being by the gate at Poet's Corner. The choir con-
tains the monutnedts of several eminent statesmen and
other exalted and distinguished characters, many of them
of most exquisite execution, the beauty of which has been
recently greatly enhanced by their having undergone a
thorough cleansing, the whole of which all persons will
notm have the opportunity of viewing free from charge.
The above regulation was first carried into effect on Sun-
day, the 27th ult., to the gratification of the congregatio a

THE EXHIBITION OF THE LIVERPOOL

ACADEMY

The nineteenth annual exhibition of the Liverpool Ace- 1
demy of Painting was opened for public inspection yester-
day ; and, after a yet cursory view of the rooms, we have
to congratulate our townsmen on the general superiority
of the productions over those of former years ; and the
artists on the taste, talent, and industry they have here
displayed, in their honourable career of competition,—
evincing, in many instances, a marked improvement, and
giving assurance that the institution—if commensurately
and generously encouraged—will become a permanent
stimulus to the efforts of genius, and eventually lead to
that excellence which will render us as highly distinguished
as patrons of the fine arts, as we have hitherto been (too
erclusively) in the plodding pursuits of commerce. We
especially rejoice to observe, that our native artists—some
of whom have before excelled others who had elsewhere
earned " golden opinions"—have, in this instance, excel-
led their former selves; and we would remind all who
would rejoice in the consummation we have ventured to
anticipate, that it is b., individual and local talent, kindly
nurtured to maturity, that national perfection and emi-
nence are alone to be achieved. By the judicious arrange-
ments of the committee an opportunity is, this year, af-
forded to all classes to promote the grand object of the
originators of the Academy, and we hope and trust they
will cheerfully embrace it. The price of admission is re-
duced to half the amount during the evening exhibition,
when the paintings and other works of art may be seen to
great advantage—the rooms being splendidly lighted with
gas,_

We do not ourselves—as many of our contemporaries
do—assume to be, critically speaking, connoisseurs of all
the niceties of the nice art of painting; nor shall we, like
them, (in the notices we shall from time to time furnish)
obtrude crude and random opinions in high-sounding tech-
nical phrase, purposed to impress their readers with a
high and unanswerable sense of our acumen, but which ge-
nerally result in an exposition of their own arrogance, ig-
norance, or partiality. We think, however, we can dis-
tinguish the difference between 'a senseless daub and a
bright conception, highly finished, and strikingly effective
to ordinary observers ; and abhorring as we do " the cant
of criticism," we shall leave the public, should our re-
marks be impugned by those who erroneously consider
themselves better judges of paintings than of puddings, to
decide between us. We may premise that we have neither
space nor leisure to enter much into minutiae, and that in
our opinion such exhibitions, which are intended chiefly
for the encouragement of rising aspirants of our own coun-
try, and particularly of our own town, invite kindly no-
tice rather than challenge acrimonious invective—though
we shall not in policy and justice overlook what may ap-
pear to us to be glaring faults or inconsistencies.
On entering the principal room, the first picture that
will attract the visiter—from its position, size, and excel-
lence—is No. 108, (opposite the door,) representing
" Dante, accompanied by Virgil in his descent to the In-
ferno, recognising his three countrymen, Rustitucci, Al-
dobrandi, and Guidoguerra," by G. Patten, A.R.A. In
classical and poetical conception, as well as in drawing,
colouring, and execution, this picture is justly considered
a very fine and masterly production. The figures are of
colossal stature. The aerial floating appearance of Dante's
former companions, and the anatomicai accuracy of the
whole, are truly admirable.
A little to the left is P. F. Poole's already celebrated
picture of the horrors of the plague in London in 1665.
The subject is taken from a passage in Defoe's narrative
of that awful visitation, and represents the famous Solo-
mon Eagle, the enthusiast, ex hefting the people to re-
pentance. " Though not affected at all but in his head,"
says the narrator, " he went about denouncing judgment
upon the city in a frightful manner, sometimes quite naked,
and with a pan of burning charcoal on his head." A
variety of characters, young and old, are gathered around
him in the open air, in the various stages of the disease,—
some recklessly playing cards, others fearfully alive to
their danger, and others sinking more or less rapidly into
the arms of death. On one side is a figure of a fine fe-
male placidly reading a holy book, and, just above her,
another rushing frantically from a doorway in her night-
clothes, her aged and anguished mother endeavouring to
restrain her. On the other side a dead body is being
lowered from a window, and in the background another
is being carried on men's shoulders towards the dead-
cart, which is in waiting. One sister in the foreground