V JOURNAL in terms of the very highest praise. In this little episode, we see pictured the whole world in a nutshell. Ever agog for novelty, people read all the cheap and vile trash that is poured out from the press. The "book-merchants" know this, and buy up every old (formerly unsaleable work) that may have appeared. An ornamental (!) ad captandum green cover is then attached to it; it is re-christened; and despatched forthwith to fulfil its evil mission among tens of thousands of railway and other travellers. One city-house is notorious for purchasing any and, everything that is offered to them; boasting at the same time, that they can "force" it down the public's throat! This ERY MARVELLOUS ARE THE STRIDES NOW MADE BY MEN AND WOMEN IN A KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONTENTS OF BOOKS! They read them by the wagon-load; and then -Oliver Twist-like-call out loudly for "more!" Nor are their wants long in being abundantly supplied. Every book-stall in London, and at the railway stations, groans beneath the weight of countless volumes; bedight ex-is, alas! too true. ternally in all the varied colors of the rainbow," artistic devices" the patterns are called! A short time since, having occasion to travel by rail, we took a note of these matters as we flew from post to pillar, from town to town, from city to city. Turn where we might, there lay, in solid masses, books positively countless. Heaps upon heaps! At each place where we tarried, we asked a multitude of questions about the disposal of all this rubbish. Who were the buyers? What class of people? &c., &c. The answer was in all instances alike,-"the public generally." Our informants (all intelligent men) added, that good books, or books tending to reflection, met with a very small sale. Anything light, trifling, jocose, or whimsical, there was an immense call for. We are well aware of this; and have often noticed, whilst waiting the arrival or departure of a train, the questionable taste shown in the selection of books by intending travellers. Whilst thus occupied, frequently have we thought on those lines of Cowper :'Twere well for most, if books, that could engage Their childhood, pleased them at a riper age. The man approving what had charmed the boy Would die at last in comfort, peace, and joy; And not with curses on his art, who stole The gem of TRUTH from his unguarded soul. We are much afraid that thoughts like these seldom trouble the multitude! John Bull is unmistakeably mad; and no wonder, when he reads books at this rapid rate, never having time to digest one line of them. Then,-our fair friends; what a school of learning is now open for them! Novels, romances, fiction of all kinds, penned in the worst possible taste, these, and books on the "Fashions," are their sole study. History, and works for the "improvement of the mind," are altogether out of date (they must not be alluded to); whilst crochet and other useless fiddle-faddle occupy all their spare "thoughts." And these are, the "goddesses" whom men of sense are called upon to "worship." Nice companions are they for solitude-truly,nice ornaments, too, for a happy home! They are, for the most part, little better than animated pegs,-mechanical dummies for showing off every new fashion. But so the world wags, and we must e'en take it as it is,-rejoicing (as a friend now at our elbow remarks) that "things are, no worse!" We are 66 a character," it is said. Granted. And we are 66 very plain-spoken." Granted Are they destitute of enjoyment? Is our also. What then? Are our pursuits vain? object ignoble? Plead we not for good sense? Do we not seek to reduce the fearful distance between man and man, and to make the social compact closer? We want more amity; more "twos and twos" to become one," both in sentiment Incidentally, we have inquired in our and in habit. Friendship (properly so called). travels-if KIDD'S JOURNAL was ever asked is delightful. Only think of the union of for? The reply has been "Yes, occasionally, two fond hearts, with only one mind com-but that is a work much too solid for rail-mon to both! Who, that is in the secret, would consent to differ from us? way travellers. It is a work we dare never speculate upon,-for the public taste lies As bees mix'd nectar draw from fragrant flow'rs, quite a different way." Let us be honest So man from Friendship wisdom and delight.and kind in our remarks. More than one,- Twins tied by Nature. If they part, they die! two, or three of the booksellers' assistants, presiding at these stalls, spoke of QUR VOL. V.-23. We well know whom we are addressing; and should not hold such converse in any A A A CHAPTER ON GAD-FLIES. THE NATURAL HISTORY of the Gad-fly is very curious; so curious that, as July is here (the month common to this insect), we propose offering a few observations on its habits. Its principal victims are the horse, the ox, the sheep, and the deer. begin with THE GAD-FLY AND THE HORSE. Let us JOURNAL save OUR OWN. Our readers are quite "one" with us, and well understand the delights of true friendship. They may, however, have certain among their acquaintance to whom they might like to read what we say. It would come better from us, perhaps, than from themselves. Now for a word or two about profitable meditation. We always find, in our strolls and wanderings, the greatest of all possible pleasures in meditating much upon what we The term gad-fly has been employed to have read, seen, and heard. It is only in denote the various species of a family of solitude, or quietness, that one can indulge insects parasitic on horses, oxen, and other in these privileges, and give the soul a holi- animals. These insects much resemble large day. Gazing on the blue Heavens, and common flies; but the body is often ornaaccompanied by the glorious sun, the heart mented with bands of different colors, like feels free. The busy world is no place for the humble bees. The wings are very strong, meditation. The thoughtful spirit sickens and in general fully extended; the mouth of at all it beholds there, and would gladly the insect, when in its winged state, is nearly escape far away-if it could. The observations obsolete, its place being supplied by three of a single day afford meditation for months small tubercles, which are not fitted for organs to come. Nor is such meditation unprofit- of nutrition. Each species of this remarkable. We wish we could get people, gene-able family is confined to its own particular rally, to close with our ideas; but alas! we are as a heathen to them. Each party considers the other mad! Who shall decide? The season has now arrived when The "thought" will be almost universally banished Let us close these few passing "Meditations" with half-a-dozen lines embodying a favorite sentiment of ours, to which may there be many a responding heart! Nature in zeal for human amity, one. NEEDFUL auxiliaries are our FRIENDS to give quadruped, and displays much skill in the selection of the fittest spot for the deposition of its eggs. The animals which have been ascertained as subject to their attacks, are-the horse, ox, ass, rein-deer, stag, camel, sheep, hare, and rabbit. Although there is reason to believe that the deposition of the eggs is rather annoying than painful to the several animals, yet the degree of terror which the approach of the gad-fly produces in them is very great. Horses are much agitated at the sight of it: they toss their heads, and gallop to a distant part of the pasture, in the hope of driving it away, or escaping from its pursuit. This is not, however, to be easily effected: the fly often keeps up with their pace, and follows her victim wherever he goes. His only chance of escape now lies in plunging into the stream; and if there is one at hand, he thus effectually rids himself of the annoyance, for the gad-fly never follows him there. If no water is near, the fly soon finds an opportunity of accomplishing her purpose. Selecting the part where she designs to deposit her egg, she hovers over it for a few seconds, then suddenly darts down and leaves the egg adhering to the hair; this is so rapidly done, that she hardly appears to settle, but merely to touch the hair, and leave the egg affixed, by means of the glutinous liquor which is secreted with it. She then retires to a short distance from the horse, to the animal in precisely the same way; then and prepares another egg, which she attaches another, and so on. Other flies repeat the operation; so that as many as four or five hundred eggs have been May our creed become a universal one, placed on one horse. The most wonderful and the sooner the better! part of this proceeding is, that the insect invariably places the eggs on those parts of the horse's body which are within reach of his tongue. After four or five days, these eggs are ready to produce the young worm upon the smallest application of heat; so that when the horse licks that part of the skin on which they are deposited, the eggs readily open. Small active worms issue forth, and clinging to the moist surface of the tongue, they are carried with the food into the animal's stomach. Here, in a heat far surpassing that of our warmest climate, these worms attain their full size; and on this taking place, they detach themselves from the hold they had taken within the animal, and are voided by it. They then seek some convenient situation and assume the pupæ state, and, after six or seven weeks, appear in the form of a fly. There are no fewer than five species which form the torment of horses, and trouble the short repose allowed to this noble animal. In Germany, the grooms make use of a particular kind of brush, with which they cleanse the mouths and throats of the horses, and thus free them from these troublesome insects before they are carried into the stomach. One species of gad-fly to which the horse is subject, always deposits its eggs on the lips of the animal, and is even more distressing to him than those we have just described. It perseveres in its attempts, notwithstanding all the efforts made to avoid it; and it often hides in the grass till the horse is grazing tranquilly, when it fastens on the desired situation. GAD-FLIES OF THE OX, SHEEP, AND deer. At certain seasons, the whole terrified herd, with their tails in the air, or turned upon their backs, or stiffly stretched out in the direction of the spine, gallop about the pastures, making the country re-echo with their lowings, and finding no rest till they get into the water. Their appearance and motions are at this time so grotesque, clumsy, and seemingly unnatural, that we are tempted rather to laugh at the poor beasts than to pity them, though evidently in a situation of great terror and distress. The cause of all this restlessness and agitation is, a small gadfly (Estrus bovis), less than the horse bee; the object of which, though it be not to bite them, but merely to oviposit in their hides, is not put into execution without giving them considerable pain. This fly has been minutely described by Reaumur, who affirms that, in depositing the egg, the insect bores a small hole in the skin of the ox, by means of a singular organ of a horny texture, somewhat resembling an augur or gimlet. Mr. Bracy Clark does not admit this to be the case, but, after close exami nation, states that the parent insect merely glues the eggs to the hair of the animal, as in the case of the horse-bee; and that it is not till the living insects appear that the puncture is made. These larvæ are called warbles or wurmals; and after they have burrowed into the skin, they form around themselves bumps or protuberances on the back of the ox, where they enjoy an equal degree of warmth, are protected from inclement weather, and remain till they arrive at maturity, with an abundant supply of food within reach. These tumors vary in number on the animal, from three or four to thirty or forty. The cattle most covered with them are not disesteemed by the farmer, for it is on young and healthy subjects that they are chiefly found. The tanners also prefer those hides which contain the greatest number of bot-holes (as they are commonly called), as being the best and strongest. The situation of the tumors is generally near the spine, but sometimes upon the thighs and shoulders. The largest of them are nearly an inch and a half in diameter at the base, and about an inch high; they can scarcely be perceived during summer, but in winter attain their full size. The attack of the fly is attended with some danger, when the oxen are employed in agricultural work; for, whether in harness or yoked to the plough, they become unmanageable, and run directly forward. Nor are our flocks exempt from the annoyance of the gad-fly. Sheep are sometimes observed, in the heat of the day, to shake their heads, and strike the ground violently with their fore-feet; or they will run away to dusty spots, ruts, or gravel-pits, where, crowding together, they hold their noses close to the ground. This is with a view to rid themselves of the fly (Estrus bovis), and to prevent its entering its nostrils, where it lays its eggs around the inner margin. When the larvæ issue from the eggs, they make their way into the head; and when full-grown, they fall through the nostrils to the ground, and assume the pupa state. We have no means of knowing whether the sheep suffers much pain from these insects; but, from the strange freaks it occasionally performs, when infested by them, there is reason to suppose that they have, to say the least, a teasing and irritating effect. Sometimes the maggot makes its way even into the brain. The fallow-deer, according to Reaumur, are subject to the attack of two species of gad-fly; one of which deposits its eggs in the same manner as that of the ox, so as to produce tumors; the other, like that of the sheep, so that its larvæ can make their way into the head. There is a curious notion prevalent among the hunters respecting these two species. Believing both insects to be of the same kind, they imagine that they mine for themselves a painful path under the skin to the root of the horns, where they congregate from all parts of the body, and where, by uniting their labors, and gnawing indefatigably, they occasion the annual casting of the horns. Ridiculous as this fable is, it is sanctioned by some authors. The rein-deer is still more cruelly tormented by these insects. The gad-fly takes the opportunity of depositing its eggs at the time when the animal sheds its hair, about the beginning of July. The hair then stands erect, and the insect is always fluttering near, to the great terror of its victim. Ten of these flies will put a herd of five hundred deer in the greatest agitation. The poor animals tremble, change their position incessantly, sneeze, snort, stamp, and toss continually. The fly closely pursues them if they flee from her, and keeps up with them as they bound over precipices, valleys, snow-covered mountains, and even the highest Alps. In their flight, the animals always choose a direction contrary to the wind, as an additional means of gaining advantage over their enemy. By this constant fear and agitation, they are kept from eating during the day, and are ever on the watch; standing with ears erect, and eyes attentive to all around them. There is also a species of gad-fly appropriated to hares and rabbits in America; and this is said to be the largest species of Estrus yet discovered. Recent observations likewise go to prove, that there is either a species of the family appropriated to man, or that the same sorts which attack quadrupeds, under certain circumstances attack human beings. In South America it is common to see Indians with their stomachs covered with small tumors, produced by a species of Estrus. This insect is said to penetrate the deeper the more it is disturbed, so as in some cases to produce death. Verily Nature abounds in wonders! AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF A DOG,-No. XXVI. WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. (Continued from Page 300.) EVER SINCE OUR LATE VISIT, my dear friend, to the Peahen, the recollection of my adventures with a certain unfortunate peacock have come so vividly to my mind, that I must tell you all about them. I dare say you will blame me a little; but the truth is, it was fifty times more my brother's fault than.mine; for, entre nous, I really am the most innocent dog in existence. Fact,-'pon honor! But now for the funny scene. I cannot help laughing at the reminiscence, even at this distance of time; and for the sake of the laugh, 1 am quite ready to take my share of the blame. Indeed, I think I ought to bear the whole of it, seeing that "De mortuis, nil At about ten minutes' walk from our house at Cour," on the Geneva road, lived an immensely the filthy moustache movement! this man's face fat radical Vaudois, by name M-n. Talk of was positively hidden by his enormous black moustaches and whiskers; his beard too was at least a foot long! He was a fine stout fellow, and had a fine countenance; but he was particularly severe, and about the worst-tempered, most despotic person I ever met with. Being at that time in easy circumstances, and inhabiting a pretty country house, (he was a great bully, and an out-and-out radical to boot), - he celebrated H. D-y) then chief of the radical party was a capital tool in the hands of "Coco," (the at Lausanne, who used him as a kind of spy upon all the conservatives at "Cour." He hated the foreigners of every country with a most implacable hatred; and he had several times tried to pick a quarrel with Bombyx. But my old master is not to be annoyed unfairly; and so he told M—n, very coolly, that if he did not confine himself to his own business, he would convert him into an Irish stew. This made M- -n wax very wrath. He became furious. Now -n most The back part of our house was on the highroad, and there were several bed-room windows which opened thereon. On one of these windowsills, my brother and myself were in the habit of taking up our position every morning M -n used to drive up to town daily, about 8 o'clock a.m., in a "char Allemagne," a species of long cart, the like of which I have not seen in this country; and as he passed, he always grumbled and swore at Carlo. The latter never failed to return the compliment by showing his teeth; and this used to provoke M Carlo as usual; and was, as usual, replied to. sadly. One morning, as he passed, he saluted Upon this, Mn, unable to restrain his wrath, struck at Carlo with his whip; who, in half a second, leaped clean upon his back. lowed instantly, and alighted in the middle of a hamper of empty bottles. Before he could stop his cart, we were both off. He could not say one word, for he was the first to use his whip; and he got well laughed at into the bargain by some people who were passing. He was more especially quizzed by "frère Jean," who was just going to execute a commission for Bombyx, and who witnessed the whole of the fun. I see Jean now,stroking his nose! He took such a capacious 66 I fol prise!" He was, moreover, nearly crying with laughter. M- -n in his rage felt inclined to strike at Jean! Luckily for him, he thought better of it; and after swearing most heartily at Jean, he drove away; the latter kept on stroking his nose in double quick time, and laughing most provokingly. This, however, only increased his dislike to all foreigners, and to Bombyx in particular. It so happened that our friend kept a great deal of poultry at the rear of his house; also a favorite peacock, and a pair of pretty peahens and "chivras." Well, one October morning, Bombyx and his sons, accompanied by my brother, frère Jean, and myself, went out for a day's shooting, intending to dine at "Crissier" and to return late. We started pretty early, and commenced chatting about the probability of the day's sport just in front of M--n's country house, which was prettily situated on a little elevation from the high-road, with a lawn and entrance in front. were Of course my brother must poke his nose everywhere; and naturally enough must examine the grounds of M- -n's country house. He was intent upon game" (as were all the party); and most unluckily, at this moment, the favorite peacock crossed his path. Presently we all startled and alarmed by a loud shrill sound like "gluck, gluck, keroo!" gluck, gluck, keroo!" and looking round to ascertain from whence it proceeded, there was the peacock, flying straight across the road at about six feet from the ground, and Carlo springing after him! I immediately joined him; and on we went through Mr. Dt's meadow; and the grass being very high, somehow or other the affrighted bird escaped, and we also escaped a good sound thrashing. This we certainly should have had on our return (and to say the truth we well deserved it), had not Jean and Bombyx been afraid of attracting attention. Bombyx and his sons now went on quickly, and Jean lingered behind until he was convinced that no one had seen anything of this adventure, --knowing full well what a disturbance there would be should M-n twig what had been 'up." We then proceeded to "Crissier," where we had some famous sport; and on our return it was wisely determined to come home by the lake, in order to avoid passing M―n's country house; thus probably risking another adventure which we might not so easily get over. Well, we had just got to the bottom of Mr. Dt's orchard (which borders the lake, at a distance of about a mile from M-n's house), when Carlo began running about the grass and sniffing up the air in a most anxious manner,his stump shaking about most rapidly. I dashed in to see what the fun was;--when "gluck, gluck, keroo! gluck, gluck, keroo!" was again repeated. The unfortunate peacock had wandered down to this spot, and probably could not find his way home! Up he started, and flew towards the lake,-Carlo after him. I followed. At last Carlo got firm hold of his tail, and I seized Carlo's stump. My young master had now come up; and one seized my tail, and the other got hold of his brother's jacket. As for Bombyx and Jean, they could not move for laughing for several moments. Our approach to the lake, however, compelled the young gentlemen to loose their hold; they not being anxious, at that season, for a cold bath. Thus lightened, the peacock pushed forward most vigorously; but we retained our hold firmly, till the feathers of the poor bird's tail gave way, and he escaped only to fly a little further, then dropping from pure exhaustion. What was to be done? There was no boat nearer than "Ouchy;" and as the lake was very rough, the bird would be dead long before we got there. The water was gradually carrying the unfortunate creature further out every minute. After a minute's consultation, we were called back; indeed we did not want much calling, as the water was very cold and unpleasant. Bombyx, his sons, and ourselves, went quietly home, whilst Jean stopped behind to reconnoitre. There was no garde-champêtre near. The coast appeared quite clear, and so it was; for Jean, after loitering about for a couple of hours, came home straight before M—n's house, and wished "Bon soir" to his gardener, who was just coming out of the gate. He was now quite sure that nothing was known of this adventure; and on going down to the lake next morning, he espied the poor bird's tail feathers which were left in my brother's remorseless jaw. Two mornings after, he went out again; and passing Mn, who was standing at his gate, spoke to him. Yet not a word about the peacock escaped his lips! It was thus all safe; and we had only to keep quiet. Bombyx's idea was, to go at once to M- -n, and tell him the exact truth; offering either to replace the peacock or to pay its value. But this, Jean overruled. He said (and truly) that with M- -n's hatred to all foreigners (and particularly to Bombyx), there was no knowing what he might do when he should fairly have got him in his power, especially as he was just then a great favorite with the celebrated "Coco." So we kept our own counsel, and thus we escaped entirely: for although Mhad even offered a reward for the recovery of his favorite, and had much regretted his loss, yet he never suspected anything of the unfortunate occurrence. -n You may believe how grieved Bombyx was at not being able to follow his inclination, and make the proper amende. Still it was wise to be guided by Jean, who knew his customer well. There is no knowing what might have been the result,everything was so mixed up with radicalism. It required no little tact to live peaceably at that period; for all foreigners were looked upon with the most jealous suspicion. To such a pitch was this bitter acharnement carried, that a radical would not walk on the same side of the street as a conservative; and if by any chance they met on the same trottoir, or in the same alley, they would rush up against each other; when the weakest was obliged to yield. Violent quarrels and deadly rencontres were of hourly occurrence. It was never safe to go out after dark unarmed. My old master always carried a pair of pistols in his pocket; well loaded, and ready in case of need. Singular enough, although M -n enlisted his all in radicalism, like most others he ruined himself, and was obliged to sell everything he possessed. His friend "Coco," however, gave him the situation of governor of the lunatic asylum, and thence he got the name of "Maître Fou," which dreadfully incensed him. Some old aunt has since died, and bequeathed him a nice little property; but whether "Maître Fou tinues to hold the governorship of the lunatic asylum or whether he has returned to his old residence, I know not. Perhaps he has followed the example of his cunning master, "Coco," who rowed with the stream of radicalism until he got a well-assured comfortable income, and then turned a stanch conservative, which he will now probably ever remain. con I have a vast many more funny anecdotes in store for you; but I perceive you are going to take a |