The Columbian fountain., 1846-11-09

The NEW PLANET.-Armed with this moral
and physical enginery, LIE VerrIer>sat himself
down in his study TO grappe with the great pro-
bem of the new world. Astronomers had long
noticed irregularities inthe movements OF Hers
chel Sometimes it was haslened, sometimes
retarded sometimes pulled outwardly from its
orbit, and again returning to it. Taking all
the observations of Herschel which have been
made, he found that at such time It began
to diverge from its estimated course, al such
time it began to return towards It. at such
time itreached its orbit again. He concluded
that at the time of its greatest divergence,
line drawn from the eye Of the spectator
through Herschel, would also intersect the
body Of the planet beyond. Thus he found the
place Of the planet at a given time. Then
Inc amount or influence ~--vrtea, 10 'aasa f,ntad
the distance and probable mass Of the planet.
From these he computed its probable orbit,
and determined its place in the heavens. In
a few weeks after, it was discovered by friend
to whom he had written in Berlin, in the place
where he had located it. Then it was discov-
cred in London, and afterwards in the United
States. How great. said Prof. M, is the
honor of this man. The elder Herschel had
accidentally discovered planet, and his name
goes down to all ages linked with il. But LIE
Verrier, alone in his study with his slate and
pencil grapples with great problem with this
mental enginery, and having mastered II,
when it lies in his power, his own work, he
says to his servant the astronomer, Go, point
your tube to such place and you shall see
world" His servant obeys, and a new world
is added to our system. How much the great
er honor is his.
Prof Nj. concluded his Lecture before he
had fully dove with the subject promosng a.
.. L III MOI he, al
possessed in all probability the requisite in
strument and position to determine the dame
Ter and map Of the new planet. 1t was an in
creased load upon his overborne shoulders.
He had not an astronomical clock, and how
could he do what was required of him when
he could not determine within twenty minutes
the time of day. He hoped in time to have it,
but now he sometimes felt that could he but
raise the required sum he would sell himself,
like the man who gambled away his freedom to
crafty his passion for gambling. Prof. Mitch
el's Lecture, Cincinnati.
A SINGULAR SERMoN.-Four gentlemen and
an old minister were assailed on the highway
by three robbers, who demanded and took pos
session OF all their funds. The old minister
pleaded very hard to be allowed a little money,
as he was on his way TO pay abil in London.
The highwaymen, as our authority informs,
"beine generous fellows, gave him all his
money back again on condition of his preach
ing to them a Sermon" Accordingly they re-
tired little distance from the highway, and
the minister addressed them as follows
GENTLEMEN You are the most like the
old apostles Of any men of the world, for they
were wanderers upon the earth, and so are
YOU; they had neither lands nor tenements that
they could call their own, neither, presume,
have you. They were despsed oil all, but
those of their profession, and so, | suppose,
are you; they were unalteraby fixed in the
principles they professed, and | dare say SO
are you; they were often hurled into Jalls and
prisons; all of which suff'erings presume have
been undergone by you Butin this point, be-
loved, you differ nightly; for the apostles as
cended from tree into heaven, where, am
afriad, you will never go; but as their deaths
were compensated with eternal glory, yours
will be with eternal shame and misery un-
less you repent of your sins.
| T7
! AN APT RFpLy.-Husband, don't know
where that boy got his bad temPer-not from
me Pm sure .
No my dear, for n'tperceive you have
lost any ..-.--.--.....-.,..-.-.
A gentlemen unaccustomed to public spes
king. becoming embarrassed. whispered TO hi:
friend. Quick, give word!" Upon which
the other replied, " Yes, yes, what word dc