if she asked, as we hoped she would, why we used not that cousinly title-we had a very pretty speech made up to intimate that we desired, when manhood came, to call her by a dearer name. But the provoking little mynx never seemed to notice, whether we cousined her or not!

She was older than we-and her name was Eglantina! One day, walking in the garden with the fair one, we determined to divulge the yet unspoken tale of affection, which surcharged the heart. We were in a beautiful walk, fringed with gooseberry bushes, when, after the most approved fashion of romance, sinking gracefully upon one knee, in burning words, we poured forth the story of our eternal love.

Eglantina calmly listened-we thought that we perceived a kind tear dimming her radiant eye-we rose, and stretched out our arms, expecting, of course, that she would sink upon our breast, and murmur the gentle confession of reciprocated attachment.-Reader, she did no such thing. She serenely turned, and pulling a handful of green gooseberries, gravely asked.

“Cousin John, what are these?"

is in motion, and the vachers (herdsmen) are standing around the fire sipping their café. The cattle are thrown in dire commotion. The sturdy bull, with head erect and fire in his eye, throws forth a hollow roar, stamping and tearing the ground, lashing his tail, and threatening vengeance to any intrusion on his quadrupedal subjects. The more humble cow unconcernedly chews the cud with patient resignation; while the sportive calf gambols across the green, little dreaming of the searing iron being in preparation to mark his side. All is life and animation on this desert waste during the period of branding; and to those who are unacquainted with this section of country, the amount of stock owned by these proprietors would appear almost incredible;-many of them branding from three to five thousand calves every year. The lasso is about to be thrown. And here let me observe, that this instrument is a long rope of twisted bull's hide, with a slip noose at the end of it, used for entrapping horses and cattle. The Creoles are as expert in its use as the Indian with his bow and arrow; and many are the wonderful feats related of the dexterity exhibited in throwing this weapon, requiring not

"Gooseberries, my darling Eglantina," answered cousin only great strength but wonderful expertness, when the

John.

throw has been successful. A company of these wealthy

Eat them," she replied, "goose-berries must be good for proprietors were returning from a branding, when, on emeryour complaint."

Natchez, Mississippi.

ging from a wood (the Petit Bois) into the Prairie Le Eglise, they discovered a large panther returning from the open prairie, where he most probably had been feasting on a calf or pig. It was proposed to dispatch him with the rifle, when a Spaniard in company, named Latiole, bantered a wager that he would capture him with the lasso. The bet,

Adventure and Scenery in the Far South-West. a dozen bottles of wine, was quickly accepted. Winding

BY C. AUSTIN WOODRUFF, M. D.

the rope in a coil on his arm, he spurred his horse and dashed towards him. The panther, perceiving his antago

Sunrise in the Prairie; the Branding; Twilight Musing. nist advancing, stood at bay, crouching in the attitude for a

Tis dawn, and with its grey-lit light the orient sky is shaded with rainbow tints of mellow lustre. At first a dusky hue, murky and cloudy, the presage of a coming storm, girdes the low horizon. Anon the Tyrian purple streaks through the misty vapor, shaded by crimson's richest glow; and then there comes bright scarlet's splendid shades; and last, the dazzling tints of purest golden light.

Who has not watched this mellow shadowing forth of Nature at day's advent, and felt the hallowed presence of Him who encompasseth the earth as it were with a span, and holdeth the sea in the hollow of his hand?" And then comes the god of day, rising majestically from his nocturnal couch through this sea of land, scattering his golden beams with fiery lustre over the face of inanimate and animated nature. He comes, champing and vaunting in his towering pride,

Like mettled courser on the turf-trod track,

to run his diurnal course over the vast ethereal circuit of the arched canopy of heaven,-to carry out the order and grand intents of this vast mechanical orrery, the universe, throwing his benign influence on the vegetable kingdom, dispelling morbific matter, and furnishing life and light to all the objects of God's especial providence. The lark rises from his downy nest, ascends high in the air, and carols forth songs of joy; chaunting peans of praise at day's return. The variegated flowers expand their leaves, wet with the glistening dew, and pour forth the aroma of incense. The gaudy butterfly and industrious bee, gathering the luscious sweets from "every opening flower," are on the wing, and like the frugal husbandman, gathering into the garner the fruits of earth for the coming winter. From among the verdant herbage, the grasshopper and his tiny compeers pour forth their vocal melody, and join in symphonious concert to the Great Giver of Life. The camp

The

spring. They meet, and the lasso is thrown, but misses the
cat. He leaps in the air, and grazes the back of Latiole's
horse. The spring was anticipated; for with a vigorous
bound, horse and rider are beyond his reach; and with
great celerity they turn and again dash to the onset.
rope is again coiled up, and thrown with more success; for
as the panther sprang, the noose passed over his head, and
was arrested midway his body. Latiole now curvets his
horse with many gyrations, winding the rope in a complete
coil about the body of the panther, and having secured him
in the toil, he dismounts and dispatches him with the coteau-
de-chasse. The animal was one of the largest of his spe-
cies, measuring eight feet three inches from the snout to
the tip of the tail.

Let us return to the scene of the branding, from which we have digressed. The cow is roped and led out from the numerous herd, and the calf follows its dam. Again the lasso is thrown, the nursling seized, and the branding iron, hot from the fire, applied to its side, designating the property of its owner. It is now turned loose, and this operation is continued until the whole flock of yearlings receive the same brand that marks the cow. Many were the desperate rencontres that ensued on that day between the sovereign rulers of these different herds. in repelling any encroachment or act of courtesy extended by some amorous bull out of his clan. No uxorious Turk could have a more guardian care, or keep a closer watch over his harem, than does the sturdy bull exercise towards the many females committed to his care. One incident alone is worthy of relation. A veteran leader, whose battles had outnumbered Cæsar's, seemed unusually belligerent during the day. Pent up in this narrow circuit, the furious outbursts of anger were terrible in the extreme. He bellowed until the plains resounded with his roar; he pawed, lashed his tail, and threw his head in the air, bidding defiance to the whole army of leaders. For some time his threats and tauntings were disregarded, until at last forbear

azure streamlets. It is in moments like these that the mind seems to wander far from terrestrial objects, and roams in extatic pleasure among the tinselled parterres of a far-off paradise.

But when night overshadows the earth, and the bright." ness and the glory of sunset have departed, the soul is wrapt in moody meditation. Then comes those hallowed feelings that bring in their train the awful reflection, that as night shuts out the light of day, so will the grave, with all its gloom, close the pilgrimage of man. Again the vision is relieved, and Venus, the goddess of the planetary train, shoots forth in glory; and the minor orbs, one by one, light up their lamps, until the whole sky becomes a sparkling diadem, breathing the sweet melody of Heaven. Alabama.

Notices of New Works.

ance became no longer a virtue. A milk-white champion, those ethereal forms of gilded domes, crystal founts and the junior and inferior in size to the braggart, had become nettled, and entered the list for combat. With head erect he surveyed his opponent, threw the green sod high in the air, and rushed to the encounter. They meet, and front resounds against front. The knight of the milk-white crest is shaken by the concussion, but this only tends to render him more furious. The veteran of many wars stands firm and undaunted; for his head is an impregnable fortress, that has resisted time out of mind such battering rams. Again they measure ground, and again they meet, and the junior combatant is felled to the earth. He rises and resorts to finesse in overcoming his adversary. He passes a feint at his side in his rear, and then seeks a lunge at his chest; but there is the same irresistible bulwark always presenting itself. Thus they fought, totally regardless of the blows and shouts of the vachers, each striving for victory. Tired nature at length began to exercise its influence over the old bruiser. He raised his head to snuff the cooling breeze; his opponent saw it, and with one bound headlong he rushed and gored him in the breast. The vital fluid gushed from the secret fountain and dyed the verdant lawn. He reels tottering from his base, and his heavy carcase shakes the earth around as he falls. A loud stentorian roar issues from his hollow throat, and the dread agony is over. And now comes feasting and merriment The American Journal of Science and Arts. Vol. XL. No 1. among the joyous band upon his noble carcase. There is a happy state of boon-companionship existing among these lordlings of the wilds at their annual merry meetings. Care finds no spot here to rest her leaden wings; but Pleasure is the being, end and aim of their existence: and if there be a spot on earth, where pure and unsullied happiness can be found, reft of the glittering tinsel of fashion, it is in these prairie wilds. Here, at their annual conventions, a league of amnesty is mutually entered into, cancelling every misunderstanding that may have arisen during the past year. It is at this time that a standard of rates is established for the sale of their cattle. The price varies from eight to twelve dollars, according to their age; and a purchaser may roam over the whole of these prairies and he will not find it to vary a shilling. A Creole's word is his bond; for but few can either read or write; and it is a rare instance if the obligation is ever violated. Freed from the inroads of ambition, and knowing no wants beyond the passing hour;

Born of the Gallic race from father's side, The mother owns the Andalusian pride; No pampered luxury claims the heart's desire, But live in simple ease as did their ancient sire. Oh, happy people! long may you enjoy Your ancient customs; let not time destroy The genial course that Nature's dictates teach, But passive live with wants within your reach. The sun was declining in the western sky when we parted from this merry conventicle, and I longed once more to be silent and alone on the boundless prairie, to commune with Nature. What pleasing phantasies arise, and how grand is the magical illusion, when, at the still and quiet hour of twilight, we recur to the scenes of life's early spring. To that period in our pilgrimage, when the opening bud displays its bloom with the rich perfume of hope and joy, we date our only hours of untrammelled enjoyment. Through the vista of years that have past, we take a retrospective glance of the many varied scenes through which we have been wafted on the wide waste of waters; but amidst all the wild vagaries of existence, the heart clings to the hours of childhood's morn.

There is a softening influence that creeps unknowingly upon the senses at the holy hour of evening's prime, when the richly tinted landscape in the far-distant west presents

SILLIMAN'S JOURNAL.

January 1841-New-Haven, Conn.

It is not usual with us to take especial notice of any of the various periodicals of the country. But an apology for noticing "Silliman's Journal" is not necessary to our readers. It is truly THE Journal of American Science. It has done more than any book, work, or magazine that the country has ever produced, towards giving tone and character to our national science at home, and sustaining its reputation abroad. Silliman's Journal is a work of high standing among the learned men of Europe-a place in its columns is frequently asked for contributions from that quarThe scientific American traveller (for, of all the astions in our hemisphere, we the people' enjoy, par excellence, the proud patronymic of the continent-none others, except citizens of the United States being called Americans by foreigners)-and, the American traveller, we were going to self-same Journal; for its standing abroad often proves a say, frequently congratulates himself on account of this source of gratification to his national pride. No gentleman at home, who pretends to keep a run' of the improvements in the arts, or of the discoveries in science, should be without it.

ter.

The number before us contains an interesting and valesble article by the junior editor, on the Electrotype, and another, equally so, on the Daguerreotype and its Applications, by W. H. Goode. Both of these articles are exceedingly valuable to all experimenters and amateurs in this new and wonderful process of making pictures, and of multiplying engravings.

of Kirauea, near Mouna Roa, in the Island of Hawaii (the Over the description (with a frontispiece) of the Volcano Owyhee of Cook,) the writer should have inscribed,

"I cannot say how the truth may be,

I tell the tale as 'twas told to me;"

for he professes so to do, only that in his mouth the tale falls short of reality.' If so, the demon of the crater, and Pelé, the goddess of the Volcano, must indeed have worked themselves up into a most furious rage since we cast anchor in Byron's Bay several years before.

The leading article (European Herbaria) is an interesting and valuable paper. And to those who find amusement in the pursuits of botany, it is richly worth one year's sub scription to the whole work.

There are also some interesting scraps' of Ornithology.

The experiments and observations on Magnetic dip in | library as a Dictionary of the English language. Among the United States by Prof. Loomis, also by Prof. Locke, the various publications of this kind, we have seen none contain valuable information. Until the present day, but that comprised so many advantages in a single volume as little, comparatively, was known of magnetism. Within a the work now before us. It is sufficiently comprehensive few years, the attention of learned men in all parts of the for all ordinary purposes, without being so diffuse and voworld has been turned to the investigation of the phenome-luminous as to place it beyond the reach of families even a and laws of magnetism-their experiments and re- in very moderate circumstances. Mr. Blake has been long searches have already led to important and valuable dis- and favorably known as the author and compiler of various coveries. The day may not be far distant when the vast works of merit, among which are the "Family Encyclopepowers of steam will give way to, and be superseded by dia of Useful Knowledge," and several books for the use of the more subtle and wonderful force of Electro-Magnetism, schools and seminaries of learning, which have gone into of which also there is in the number before us some inte- extensive use. resting accounts and particulars by Joseph Hale Abbot. Magnetism, by the way, is just beginning to attain to the dignity of a science, and there is no way by which one can keep pace with the discoveries and rapid advances made in it, except by means of such Journals as the one under consideration.

There are other articles of interest to the general reader, and of especial importance to the man of science. The Astronomer, the Chemist, the Mathematician, the Geologist and the devotee of Natural History, may each and all find in a work like this something of pleasure, and not a little of proft.

His Biographical Dictionary appears to have been prepared with great care and labor, and where articles have been selected from other authors, they are from the most approved sources. Besides the vast amount of information contained in the body of the work, there are appended to it various tables, that add greatly to its value; such as tabular views of the officers of the General Government and of the various State Governments from their earliest date down to eighteen hundred and forty, &c. &c.

BOWDOIN POETS.

The American Journal of Science and Arts is published *New-Haven, Conn., in quarterly numbers. Price of sub-north. Here we have an elegant little volume of nearly What have we here? Verily poetry cometh from the scription six dollars, delivered to distant subscribers free of postage, which reduces their actual subscription fee to about four dollars and fifty cents.

"THE BOSTON BOOK."

Being specimens of Metropolitan Literature: Boston-Geo.
W. Light: 1841.

from thirty-one poets, all graduates of Bowdoin College, two hundred pages, made up of short poems and extracts in Brunswick, Maine. Who says our country produces no poets? There never was a greater mistake. If our friends over the water doubt it, let them look here and behold a single college, a young institution too, not forty years old, turning out thirty-one poets, already booked. And we may add with truth, that all of the contents of the volume is respectable, and much of it good, and would pass for true coin wherever the English language is read. The volume, which is edited by Edward P. Weston, and published by Joseph Griffin, contains a well-executed lithographic view of the college buildings and grounds.

This is a very neat volume of some three hundred and fifty pages, made up of selections from the writings of nearly fifty persons, who reside or have resided in Boston or the immediate vicinity. It contains in its list of writers such names as Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, William E. Channing, Jared Sparks, Joseph Story, J. S. BuckminThe following little poem, which we extract from the ser, John Pierpont, George Bancroft, Henry W. Long- book for its great simplicity and pathos, may be familiar to Se, Charles Sprague, R. H. Dana, B. B. Thatcher, some of our readers, for it went the rounds of the newspamany others not unknown to fame. No other city in pers several years ago; and though anonymous, has found the union can boast so bright a galaxy of literary stars as its way into several school-books and compilations of Boston, and the selections brought together in the present American poetry. The author's name has never been convolume form one of the most interesting books of the sea- nected with it till it appeared in this volume of the BowThis is the third" Boston Book" published by Mr. Laga, the first having been published in 1836, and the second in 37 or '38. They are all valuable collections of scelaneous articles in prose and verse, and we believe ve been well appreciated by the reading public. The came before us has a fine vignette title page, exhibiting a w of Bunker Hill Monument.

BLAKE'S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. A general Biographical Dictionary, comprising a summary account of the most distinguished persons of all ages, nations and professions. Including more than one thousand articles of American Biography. By Rev. J. L. Blake, D.D. Fourth edition; Philadelphia: Kay & BroNew York-A. V. Blake: 1840.

This very valuable work is a large octavo volume of out eleven hundred pages, on good paper, clear type, and ised in neat and strong binding. Every succeeding ar renders a Biographical Dictionary of more and more imasce. Names of distinguished persons are multiplyEfast, and the literature of different countries is bening so extensive and voluminous, that a Biographical tionary has become almost as indispensable in a family

doin Poets.

THE LITTLE GRAVES.

BY SEBA SMITH.

'Twas autumn, and the leaves were dry,
And rustled on the ground,
And chilly winds went whistling by
With low and pensive sound,

As through the grave-yard's lone retreat,
By meditation led,

I walked with slow and cautious feet
Above the sleeping dead.

Three little graves ranged side by side,
My close attention drew;
O'er two the tall grass bending sigh'd,
And one seem'd fresh and new.

As lingering there I mused awhile
On death's long dreamless sleep,
And morning life's deceitful smile,
A mourner came to weep.

Her form was bow'd, but not with years,
Her words were faint and few,

'Mamma, wont she be hungry there, And want some bread to eat?

"And who will give her clothes to wear, 'And keep them clean and neat?

'Papa must go and carry some; I'll send her all I've got;

'And he must bring sweet sister home,
'Mamma, now must he not?'

'No, my dear child, that cannot be ;
But, if you're good and true,
'You'll one day go to her, but she
'Can never come to you.

'Let little children come to me,
'Once the good Saviour said,

And in his arms she'll always be,
And God will give her bread.'

HENRY ST. GEORGE TUCKER'S LECTURE.

of Commerce and the importance of mental cultivation among her votaries. He alludes to the Boston Mercantile Library Association, in evidence of the justness of his ar guments. This society has done much towards spreading literary taste and general intelligence among the young men of that city. Some of the members have given striking proofs of this in their performances at the anniversary cele brations. Lectures are of great avail in promoting the objects of such societies, and we rejoice that the Richmond Association has received at the outset, so strong a proof of the sympathy of our enlightened men, as is afforded by the able address of Judge Tucker. We cordially trust it will prove a happy augury of the permanent prosperity of the Society.

MR. POINSETT'S DISCOURSE.

A Discourse on the object and importance of a National
Institution for the promotion of Science, established at
Washington, 1840, delivered at the first anniversary. By
Joel R. Poinsett, Secretary of War and Senior Direc
tor of the Institution-Washington : 1841.

No feature of our country seems to have struck De Tocqueville more forcibly than the prevalence of associations. He remarks upon the facility with which they are formed. the success with which they operate and the surprising results they produce. It is, however, not a little remarkable that while we have so many and such flourishing local societies and institutions, so little has yet been done towards concentrating the social power. Our artists complain of the want of a National Academy, our literary men conven only at their respective colleges, and our scientific inqui rers are obliged to resort to the narrow audience of a pr vate club to contribute the results of their studies. In a large and busy land like our own, where men of intellec tual pursuits are widely severed, it is of especial impor tance to institute a common centre of union and correspon dence. To set forth the claims of this object, is the par pose of Mr. Poinsett in the Discourse before us. It was delivered at the first anniversary of the National Institution No one can read the arguments adduced for a National Ot servatory without feeling their force. The remarks in rela tion to the various sciences are not the less true. We trust the whole country will be awakened to an interest in the proposed object. Let not our capital be any longer without its Museum, its Gallery and its scientific collections and apparatus. Let the literary and scientific find there a com mon arena, whence they can communicate with one, and pursue their noble objects under the fostering care of got ernment. A National Institution will do more in ten years for the advancement of science and art than scattered and isolated societies can do in a hundred. We advise a who would realize the importance of the subject to consul Mr. Poinsett's clear and convincing Discourse.

SOUTHERN PLANTER.

It is with great pleasure we hail any addition to our Southern literature. The first number of a publication un der the above title has been laid on our table. It purports to be a practical, Agricultural periodical, published by Mr

Lecture delivered by Judge Henry St. George Tucker, be- C. T. Botts of this city, at one dollar per annum, and cer

fore the Richmond Library Association.

tainly its contents and style of execution recommend it to every cultivator of the soil.

We are truly happy to see the example of other Mercantile cities, followed in this region, with regard to providing Such a work is a great desideratum to the South, L means of mental improvement for the commercial class of from our knowledge of the spirited editor, we unhesitatingly our citizens. These Library Associations have elsewhere express the opinion that he is just the man to conduct it. proved eminently useful. They afford a ready access to It should be a matter of pride, not less than of interest, books and an instructive resort to that large portion of the with the farmers of the South, to support such a publica community whose time is devoted to commerce. Judge tion. The first number alone is worth a whole year's suir Tucker has eloquently advocated in his Lecture the claims' scription.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM-THOMAS W. WHIte, editor AND PROPRIetor.

VOL. VII.

RICHMOND, APRIL, 1841.

DAYS LANG SYNE.

BY ISAAC F. SHEPARD,

Author of "Pebbles from Castalia," and other Poems.
Ah! dinna ye aft mind ye, Marie,
O' happie days lang syne,
When blithe an' joyfu' as ae faerie,

The simmer wreath ye'd twine?

My heart woad aft loup blithe and light,
An' joy blink in mine ee,
When hameward at the dewy night,
We trode the tearfu' lea.

Ye coud na ken the luve wad wake,
Wi' thy sweet e'ening sang,
When we thegither aft wad make

Ane path the braes amang.

Nae simmer rose was half sae sweet,
Nane half sae lo'ed by me,

As when we wad ilk ither meet,
We twa, alane and free.

I feared nae bogle 'neath the flowers,
Nae ghaist the woods amang;

Sae joyfu' gaed the merry hours,

I kenn'd nae day too lang.

Sweet, happie hours! lang, lang bygane,
I luve them mair an' mair;

The banks, the braes, the auld gray stane,
Is thy heart never there?

I ken ye maun aft mind ye, Marie,
O' simmer days lang syne;

NO. 4.

these fashion, trade and the whole train of petty interests wage an unceasing war. In few hearts do they survive; but wherever recognized they carry every unperverted soul back to childhood and up to God. They vindicate human nature with irresistible eloquence, and like the air of mountains and the verdure of valleys, allure us from the thoroughfare of routine and the thorny path of destiny. When combined with genius, they utter an appeal to the world, and their possessor becomes a priest of humanity, whose oracles send forth an echo even from the chambers of death. Such is ROBERT BURNS. How refreshing, to turn from the would-be-prophets of the day, and contemplate the inspired ploughman! No mystic emblems deform his message. We have no hieroglyphics to decipher. We need no philosophic critic at our elbow. It is a brother who speaks to us;-no singular specimen of spiritual pride, but a creature of flesh and blood. We can hear the beatings of his brave heart, not always like a "muffled drum," but often with the joy of solemn victory. We feel the grasp of his toil-hardened hand. We see the pride on his brow, the tear in his eye, the smile on his lip. We behold not an effigy of buried learning, a tame image from the mould of fashion, but a free, cordial, earnest man;-one with whom we can roam the hills, partake the cup, praise the maiden, or worship the stars. He is a human creature, only overflowing with the characteristics of humanity. To him belong in large measure the passions and the powers of his race. He professes no exemption from the common lot. He pretends not to live on rarer elements. He expects not to be ethereal before death. He conceals not his share of frailty, nor There are certain sentiments which "give the turns aside from penance. He takes 'with equal world assurance of a man." They are inborn, not thanks' a sermon or a song. No one prays more acquired. Before them fade away the trophies of devoutly; but the same ardor fires his earthly scholarship and the badges of authority. They loves. The voice that "wales a portion with are the most endearing of human attractions. No judicious care," anon is attuned to the conviprocess of culture, no mere grace of manner, no vial song. The same eye that glances with poetic intellectual endowment, can atone for their absence, awe upon the hills at twilight, gazes with a less or successfully imitate their charms. These sen- subdued fervor on the winsome features of the timents redeem our nature; their indulgence con- Highland lassie. And thus vibrated the poet's heart stitutes the better moments of life. Without them from earth to heaven,-from the human to the godwe grow mechanical in action, formal in manner, like. Rarely and richly were mingled in him the pedantic in mind. With them in freshness and elements of human nature. His crowning distincvigor, we are true, spontaneous, morally alive. tion is a larger soul; and this he carried into all We reciprocate affection, we luxuriate in the em- things,-to the altar of God and the festive board, brace of nature, we breathe an atmosphere of love, to the ploughshare's furrow and the letter of friendand glow in the light of beauty. Frankness, manly ship, to the martial lyric and the lover's assignaindependence, deep sensibility and pure enthusiasm tion. That such a soul should arise in the midst are the characteristics of the true man. Against of poverty is a blessing. So do men learn that all

They dwell about thee like ae faerie,
Thy happiest days, and mine.

BURNS.

BY H. T. TUCKERMAN.

VOL. VII-32