father at Athens. Progne being desirous to see her sister, asked Tereus to bring Philomela to her, with which he complied. Tereus fell desperately in love with Philomela; and, as they travelled together, because she refused to favour his addresses, he overpowered her, and cut out her tongue; and returning afterwards to his wife, he pretended that Philomela died on her journey; and that his story might appear true, he shed many tears, and put on mourning. But injuries sharpen the wit, and a desire of revenge makes people cunning: for Philomela, though she was dumb, found out a way to tell her sister of the villany of Tereus. She described the violence offered her in embroidery, and sent the work folded up to her sister. Progne no sooner viewed it, than she was so transported with passion that she could not speak, her thoughts being wholly taken up in contriving how she should avenge the affront. First, then, she hastened to her sister, and brought her home without Tereus's knowledge. While she was thus meditating revenge, her young son Itys came and embraced his mother; but she carried him aside into the remote parts of the house, and slew him while he hung about her neck. When she had killed him, she cut him into pieces, and dressed the flesh, and gave it to Tereus for supper, who fed heartily on it. After supper he sent for his son Itys: Progne told him what she had done, and Philomela showed him his son's head. Tereus, incensed with rage, rushed on them both with his drawn sword; but they fled away, and fear added wings to their flight; so that Progne became a swallow, and Philomela a nightingale. Tereus was also changed into a hoopoe [upupa,] which is one of the filthiest of all birds. The gods out of pity changed Itys into a pheasant. THE HORRORS OF WAR. The harrowing incident related in the following extract, is but one of a multitude, equally dreadful, which occurred at the storming of Cuidad Rodrigo. It is taken from "Recollections of the war in Spain," by Lieutenant Kennedy. Passing through a narrow street with two Scottish sergeants, I heard the shriek of a female. Looking up, we saw at an open lattice, by the light of a lamp she bore, a girl about sixteen; her hair and dress disordered, the expressive olive countenance marked by an anguish and extreme terror.-A savage in scarlet uniform dragged her backward, accompanying the act with the vilest execrations in English. We entered the court-yard, where the hand of rapine had spared us the necessity of forcing a passage. My companions were humane, conscientious men, with the resoluteness that in military life almost invariably accompanies these qualifications. Armed for whatever might ensue, they kept steadily by me until we arrived at a sort of corridor, some distance from the extremity of which issued the tones of the same feminine voice imploring mercy in the Spanish tongue. Springing forward, my foot slipped into a pool of blood. Before I could recover, the door of the apartment whither we were hurrying opened, and two soldiers of my own company discharged their muskets at us, slightly wounding one of the gallant Scots.- Intemperance had blinded the ruffians, and frustrated their murderous intention.We felled them to the ground, and penetrated into the chamber. "The room wherein we stood had been devoted to the festivities of a retired family of moderate fortune. It contained the remains of those decent elegancies that properly appertain to the stranger's apartment in a dwelling of the middle class. Mutilated pictures and fragments of expensive mirrors strewed the floor, which was uncarpeted, and formed of different kinds of wood curiously tasselated. An ebony cabinet, doubtless a venerable heirloom, had suffered as if from the stroke of a sledge. An antique sideboard lay overturned: a torn mantilla drooped on a sofa, ripped and stained with wine. The white drapery, on which fingers steeped in gore had left their traces, hung raggedly from the walls. "On investigation, the sergeants found the dead body of a domestic whose fusil and dagger showed that he had fought for the roof which covered him. His beard had been burned in derision with gunpowder. One of his ears was cut off, and thrust into his mouth. In a garret recess for the storage of fruit, two female servants were hidden, who could scarcely be persuaded that they had nothing to fear. Having flown thither at the approach of the ferocious intruders, they had suffered neither injury nor insult. They came to the room where I lingered over an object, unconscious, alas! of my commiseration, and in accents half choked by sobs, called upon Donna Clara. I pointed to the alcove where the heart-broken lady had flung herself on the bleeding corpse of her grey-haired father. She, too, might have had a sheltering place, could her filial piety have permitted her to remain there when her high-spirited sire feebly strove to repel the violators of his hearth. "Master of a few Spanish phrases, I used them in addressing some words of comfort to the ill-starred girl. They were to her as the song of the summer bird carolled to despair. Her sole return was a faintly recurring plaint, that seemed to say, 'Let my soul depart in peace.' "I motioned to her attendants to separate her from the beloved source of her unutterable sorrow. They could not comply without the application of force bordering upon violence. Bidding them desist, I signified a desire that they should procure some animating restorative. The sergeants withdrew. One of the women held the lamp, the other gently elevated her mistress' head. Kneeling by the couch in the alcove, I poured a little of the liquor into a glass, applied it to her lipsbeneath the torn mantilla. then took it away, until I had concealed my uniform "Affliction, thou hast long been my yoke-fellow! Thou hast smitten to the core of my being with a frequent and a heavy hand; but I bless an all-wise and all-merciful God, who tries that he may temper us, that I have not a second time been doomed to witness aught so crushing to the soul-so overwhelming in wo, as the situation of the young creature over whom Í watched on the baleful midnight of our victory. "She had baffled with a might exceeding her sex's strength, against nameless indignities, and she bore the marks of the conflict. Her maiden attire was rent into shapelessness; her brow was bruised and swollen; her abundant hair, almost preternaturally black, streamed wildly over her bosom, revealing in its interstices fresh waving streaks of crimson, which confirmed the tale of ultra-barbarian outrage; her cheek had borrowed the same fatal hue from the neck of her slaughtered parent, to whom, in her insensibility, she clung with love strong as death. Daughter of Spain!-well was it for thy sire that he was gone from a polluted world-well was it for him to whom thou wouldst have flown in thy desolateness, that his place was filled by a stranger to his wounded dove-one who, though devoted as a brother, could better bear up under the bitter ministrations of that hour. "Through the means adopted, she gave token of revival. Her hand had retained a small gold cross, and she raised it to her lips. The closed lids were slowly expanded from her large dark eyes. A low, agonizing moan followed. I hastened to present the wine. In the act, the mantilla fell from the arm which conveyed the glass. Appallingly she shrieked--became convulsed-passed from fit to fit-expired!" This edifice is situated on the corner of Franklin and Church streets. The form is that of a Greek prostyle temple, with a tetrastyle Ionic portico, deeply recessed, having two columns in the pronaos, forming a double range. This double range of columns contributes additional stability, while the great depth of the portico serves the better to afford shelter from the north and east, (which is very desirable in the winter season,) and was also adopted in consequence of the form of the ground, which is long and narrow; as much room being given to the interior as was desired by the vestry, or would form a good proportion to the eye, and give a uniform extension to the voice. The breadth of the front is fifty feet: the height, including the steps, is also fifty feet, and the length is one hundred feet. The interior is on the plan of the cross, similar, in this respect, to the cathedrals of Europe, having a nave and transept, with a dome over the intersection. Eight richly ornamented Ionic columns, similar to those of the Erectheion, in the Acropolis of Athens, support a semi-circular arched ceiling, at the intersection of the nave and transept, as abovementioned; and the whole is panelled and moulded with the Ionic and Lesbian cymatium, eight inches deep, with the egg, dart, and leaf of enrichment. The exterior of the dome is crowned with a lantern, of the exact size and fashion the monument of Lysicrates, at Athens. The portico is composed from the best examples of Athenian Ionic. It is original in its proportion, and, we believe, the only example of a dipteral portico (a portico with a double range of columns) in existence, the fine ancient examples having perished: and the architect informs us (we know not whether extravagantly) that "the art itself has continued prostrate since the time of Alexander; Rome and England failing in classical architecture, and France and Italy being meretricious." We have stated that the interior is similar in plan to the cathedrals of Europe. It is only in that it approaches the form of a cross. The disposition of the columns, the form of the ceiling, and the coup d'œil of the whole are mainly original; no interior with which we are acquainted presenting the same arrangement, although St. Stephen's, Walbrook, London, the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, furnished the hint. The marble is of the Sing-Sing quarry, and is the best specimen yet furnished from thence. The superintendence was in the care of Mr. N. Wells, of this city. Such is the technical description of the new French Protestant Church, erected in this city by the congregation that formerly worshipped in Pine street-in small, antique building, with a low square tower and high conical roof, that, with its purely French aspect, carried the beholder at once in imagination to some time-worn village of Languedoc or La Vendee. This was another of the few antiquities of New York; and it grieved us sorely when the destroying hand of improvement fell also upon its venerable form, and levelled it with the earth upon which it had so long rested, calm, solemn, and peaceful amid the surrounding turmoil of thrifty occupation, like an aged rock unmoved in the restless commotion of the circumfluent waters. It is true, however, that, in this instance, necessity commanded the work to be performed. The edifice had become so small for the accommodation of those who worshipped in it; and the tall warehouses by which it was gradually surrounded, as the streets in the vicinity became the centre of an active and widely-extended commerce, so completely cast the humble church into the shade, that, even at noon day, the light within it was but a short remove from evening dimness. That part of the city, too, had become almost deserted as a quarter of residence, and by far the larger part of the congregation had their houses at such a distance, in the more modern streets toward the northern extremity of the metropolis, as to make it unpleasant, not to say difficult, for them to attend service in the old church, when the weather was in any degree unfavourable. They long endured the inconveniences amid which their public religious duties were performed, with a constancy and patience admirable in themselves, and strikingly indicating the enduring nature of their attachment to the venerable edifice, within whose walls their fathers had bowed the knee in prayer, and listened to the glad tidings of salvation; and, at length, with a munificence and liberality of spirit not less worthy of admiration, raised among themselves a fund sufficient to procure the ground and erect the handsome building, represented in the engraving. The front, equally remarkable for simplicity, magnitude, and elegance, is upon Franklin street, and the spacious and very handsome dwelling-house adjoining it, is the residence of the Reverend Mr. Verren, the pastor of the congregation. Church street, on which the side of the new church extends, already contains, we believe, more religious edifices than any other of equal length in the city-six, including the Baptist meeting-house in Canal street, the front of which is exactly opposite the extremity of the street. In the rear of the new French Protestant church is the Italian opera house, of which we have heard frequent predictions, that it will, at some time or other, be dedicated to the worship of the Almighty, and thus become more in harmony of character with the structures between which it stands. We have attended the celebration of divine service in the church, and, although we can add nothing to the accuracy or minuteness of the description, as such, we are enabled to speak more advisedly of the general effect, and to convey information in relation to some particulars, which, perhaps, may not be without in terest to the reader. The first striking impression created upon entering is that of uncommon chasteness and simplicity; the architectural style is more pure and consistent than in any similar edifice that has fallen within our observation, and the character of classic elegance is perfectly sustained throughout, with the single exception of the desk and pulpit, which are too much burdened with ornament, and cut up, if we may use the expression, into too many small compartments, for the Doric severity of their form. The predominant feature of the edifice is almost an extreme of At the northern extremity, opposite the altar and pulpit, is an organ loft, containing a superb instrument of excellent tone, erected by Mr. Henry Erben, of this city. Its external dimensions are as follows: height, twenty-one feet; width, thirteen feet; and depth, seven. The design of the case, as will be perceived by the engraving which accompanies this notice, is Athenian Ionic, corresponding with the style of the church, and it is constructed of beautiful highly polished mahogany. It contains twenty stops, and one thousand and three pipes; has two key-boards, one for the great or full organ, and the other for the choir and swell; and pedals for the double octaves. Its cost was three thousand dollars. The bass tones are very heavy-perhaps too much so, in fact, for the size of the edifice, and the upper ones are exceeding sweet and mellow. The flute and clarionet stops, in particular, are perfect in the rich clearness of their tone. The organist appears to have a skilful and rapid hand for execution; but, if it were our province to do so, we gation is almost constantly disturbed for nearly an hour, by the noises unavoidably made in opening and closing a door of such weight and magnitude; an inconvenience which can only be obviated by a small, light inner door, furnished with baize or padding, to deaden the sound created by its movements. would suggest to him a more judicious selection of stops, and less partiality for the great organ that he exhibited when we were present. The power of the instrument is a less desirable subject of display than the sweetness. In general, the "open diapason," "stopped diapason," "dulciana," "principal," and "flute" stops are quite sufficient for the ordinary pur- We have spoken of the first general effect to the eye, poses of church music, and the use of the other requires as being chaste and elegant; but we confess, that after extreme good taste and judgment. For the transmis- a time it becomes somewhat unpleasant, from the presion of sound, the construction of this church appears valence of white; the walls, the pews, the ceiling, and to be admirable; the voice of the preacher, even in its the pillars are of that cold, trying hue-if hue it may lowest tones, is heard with perfect distinctness in every be called; and it seemed, to us at least, that something part; but we are constrained to add, that an inconvení-less glaring for the eye to rest upon would be a great ence results from this very quality, combined with an improvement; for example, if the pews were lined architectural peculiarity of the building. In order to with a delicate shade of blue or green, or stained in gain sufficient extent for the grand portico in front, the imitation of maple or mahogany. We are aware that architect has made the great door to open at once into the object has been to secure harmony of effect with the the body of the church, without any intervening lobby; Grecian character of the architecture, but we could be and as there always will be persons who, from neces- content to sacrifice that propriety for the relief to the sity or negligence, come to church long after the com- eye that would be gained by a slight variety of colour. mencement of the service, it follows that the congreNew York Mirror. MUSICAL TELEGRAPH. M. Sudre, a Frenchman, is at present in the metro- | the ordinary means are unavailable. From the expolis, for the purpose of unfolding to our government periments made by the commission of naval officers, the details of a plan which he has proposed for tele-it was found only to take two minutes to transgraphic communication by means of musical notes. The plan has received in Paris the approbation of a committee of the French Academy, and a military and naval commission, who have reported favourably upon it, as likely to prove highly useful in establishing a communication between the different corps of an army, or vessels at sea. Its principal advantage is, that it may be employed in cases where mit, from one point to another, distant nine thousand feet, three orders taken from the book of signals. The French horn or trumpet, which can be heard at a distance of three miles, was the instrument used on this occasion; but any instrument, capable of expressing the different musical sounds, may be made the origin of the new language.-English Paper. THE DRUIDS. Though the sacred groves of the Druids have been destroyed, yet of the temples, and tables of stone which were enclosed within them, there are still many vestiges remaining. Of their temples, which consisted of two rows of lofty stones placed perpendicularly, that of Stonehenge offers the most astonishing ruins. The prodigious weight of the stones, placed on the top of the standing pillars, affords convincing proofs of astonishing progress in the mechanical arts at a very early period. THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR. "This animal is found, in considerable numbers, in the northern districts of America. In size and form he approaches nearest to the Brown Bear; but his colour is a uniform shining jet black, except on the muzzle, where it is fawn-coloured; on the lips and sides of the mouth it is almost gray. The hair, except on the muzzle, is long and straight, and is less shaggy than in most other species. The forehead has a slight elevation, and the muzzle is elongated, and somewhat flattened above. The young ones, however, are first of a deep bright ash colour, which gradually changes into a deep brown, and ends by becoming a deep black. "The American Black Bear lives a solitary life in forests and uncultivated deserts, and subsists on fruits, The religion of the ancient Britons was one of the and on the young shoots of roots and vegetables. Of most considerable parts of the government. Their honey he is exceedingly fond, and as he is a most expriests, or ministers of religion, called Druids, possess-pert climber, he scales the loftiest trees in search of it. ed undoubted authority. The chief residence of the Fish, too, he delights in, and is often found in quest of Druids was in the island of Anglesea, anciently called it on the borders of lakes and on the seashore. When Mona. They were held in the highest esteem. They these resources fail, he will attack small quadrupeds, had the direction of every thing relating to religion, and and even animals of some magnitude. As indeed, is the British youth flocked to them to receive instruction. usual in such cases, the love of flesh in him grows with Their garments were remarkably long; and when the use of it. employed in religious ceremonies, they always wore a white surplice. They generally carried a wand in their ands; and wore a kind of ornament enchased in gold about their necks, called the Druid's egg. Their necks were decorated with gold chains, and their hands and arms with bracelets. They wore their hair short, and their beards long and flowing. They considered the oak as the emblem, or rather the peculiar residence of the Supreme Being. They performed their rites in woods or consecrated groves, and any one who entered these sacred recesses, carried with him a chain in token of his absolute dependance on the Deity. These groves were of different forms; some quite circular, others oblong; fenced round with stones and guarded by some inferior Druids, to prevent strangers from intruding into their mysteries. Chaplets of oak were worn both by the Druids and the people in their religious ceremonies: the altars were strewn with its leaves, and encircled with its branches. Its fruit, especially the mistletoe, was thought to contain a divine virtue, and to be the peculiar gift of heaven. It was, therefore, sought for on the sixth day of the moon with great eagerness and anxiety, and when found, was hailed with the most rapturous joy, and by a solemn sacrifice. There were other and terrible superstitions connected with the Druidical belief. In the dark and mysterious recesses of their woods, human victims were frequently sacrificed to appease the anger of the Deity. "As the fur is of some value, the Indians are assiduous in the chase of the creature which produces it. About the end of December, from the abundance of fruits they find in Louisiana and the neighbouring countries, the bears become so fat and lazy that they can scarcely run. At this time they are hunted by the American Indians. The nature of the chase is generally this: the Bear chiefly adopts for his retreat the hollow trunk of an old cypress tree, which he climbs, and then descends into the cavity from above. The hunter, whose business it is to watch him into this retreat, climbs a neighbouring tree, and seats himself opposite to the hole. In one hand he holds his gun, and in the other a torch, which he darts into the cavity. Frantic with rage and terror, the Bear makes a spring from his station; but the hunter seizes the instant of his appearance, and shoots him. "The pursuit of these animals is a matter of the first importance to some of the Indian tribes, and is never undertaken without much ceremony: a principal warrior gives a general invitation to all the hunters. This is followed by a strict fast of eight days, in which they totally abstain from food; but during which the day is passed in continual song. This is done to invoke the spirits of the woods to direct the hunters to the places where there are abundance of Bears. They even cut the flesh in divers parts of their bodies, to render the spirits more propitious. They also address themselves to the manes of the beasts slain in the preceding chases, 1142 996 and implore these to direct them in their dreams to an abundance of game. The chief of the hunt now gives a great feast, at which no one dare appear without first bathing. At this entertainment, contrary to their usual custom, they eat with great moderation. The master of the feast touches nothing; but is employed in relating to the guests ancient tales of feats in former chases; and fresh invocations to the manes of the deceased Bears conclude the whole. "Then they sally forth, equipped as if for war, and, painted black; and they proceed on their way in a direc line, not allowing rivers, marshes, or any other Dear mi foyelems od |