15F quire to be here investigated, far exceeds the power of any one man, who has many other pursuits; so that the object is still but in an incipient state. This, however, is a sort of beginning that may be prosecuted. As another attempt of the same kind, with regard to another animal, that will probably some time become of vast importance to Britain, the Editor proposes to submit to his readers in a subsequent number of this work, some facts respecting the natural history of the herring, which in like manner require farther elucidation. Most of these facts were indeed published some years ago as an appendix to a work that he has reason to believe has not fallen into the hands of many of the persons who had the best opportunities of either confirming or confuting these observations. It is meant that this sort of republication fhould in some sort remedy that defect. ANECDOTES. SOON after the late treaty of peace between England and America, the master of an American vefsel in London, fell in company with some sharpers, who urged him very much to join them in drinking a bottle or two of porter. He, not aware of their policy, consented to go to a public house; where, after they had all drank very freely, they dropt off, one by one, until at last the Yankee was left quite alone. The inkeeper coming in, says to him, What are you left alone? "Yes," replied the other. The inkeeper observed to him, that he supposed he was not much acquainted with their English blades.' "I am not," replied the American. 'Well, 6 1 said the inkeeper, the reckoning falls on you.' Does it!" replied the other, affecting surprise, and clapping his hand into his pocket, as if to pay it, but pausing, he says, "Well, if this be the case, give me another bottle before I go." The inkeeper stepped out to get it. In the mean time the American wrote on the table," I leave you American handles for your Englith blades," and walked off in his turn. Soon after the late Sir William Johnson had been appointed superintendant of Indian affairs in America, he wrote to England for some suits of cloaths richly laced. When they arrived, Hendrick, king of the five nations of the Mohawks, was present, and particularly admired them. In a few days, Hendrick called on Sir William and acquainted him that he had a dream. On Sir William's inquiring what it was, he told him, he had dreamed that he had given him one of those fine suits he had lately received. Sir William took the hint, and immediately presented him with one of his richest suits. Hendrick, highly pleased with the generosity of Sir William, retired. Sir William, sometime aftes this, happening to be in company with Hendrick, told him he had also had a dream. Hendrick, being very solicitous to know what it was, Sir William informed him, he had dreamed that he (Hendrick) had made him a present of a particular tract of land (the most valuable on the Mohawk river) of about five thousand acres. Hendrick presented him with the land immediately, with this fhrewd remark: "Now Sir William, I will never dream with you again, you dream too hard for me." 158. THE BEE, OR LITERARY WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4. 1793. ROBINIA FEROX. With a plate. THE robinia ferox is a beautiful hardy shrub, and on account of its robust strong prickles, might be introduced into this country as a hedge plant, with much propriety. It resists the severest cold of the climate of St Petersburgh, and perfects its seeds in the garden of the Empr.fs there. It rises to the height of six or eight feet; does not send out sucá kers from the root, nor ramble so much as to be with difficulty kept within bounds. Its flowers are yellow, and the general colour of the plant a light pleasing green. The figure here given, is copied from the Flora Rofsica by Dr Pallas, who found it in the southern districts, and sent the seeds to St Petersburgh, where it has prospered in a situation where tew plants can be made to live. VOL. Xviii. |