His highnes the lord protector (Cromwell) with the advice of his council, has encouraged and authorized the making thereof, in order to the preservation of the woods of the nation." Coke is now principally used in iron smelting; steamengines also consume a vast quantity annually, and by its substitution for coal as fuel in a steam-carriage, the nuisance of smoke is prevented. Thus, coal now yields gas for lighting, coke for heat, tar for many useful purposes, (as preserving fences and outbuildings,) and a liquor which is converted into sal ammoniac, an important substance in chemistry, and of useful application in certain branches of domestic economy, as the fermenting of bread and biscuits. Sal Ammoniac is used by gingerbread bakers in large quantities; it ferments, or renders the mass light. BOTANY.-No. IX. PRIMULACEÆ. THE flower, which is taken as the pattern for all the other members of this order, is, perhaps, of all others, not even the rose excepted, the most familiar, namely, the primrose. The leading characters which make up our notion of the primulaceæ are derived from the regularity of the corolla, and the particular nature of the seed-vessel. This seed-vessel generally appears like a little ball, neatly rounded, and of a smooth and delicate texture. It is without partitions, and the seeds are borne upon a central column. If the calyx or cup of a primrose be examined after the fall of the corolla, a round polished capsule will be seen in its centre; if a cut be then adroitly made round it, so as to divide the case, without disturbing any thing it contains, a little central column will be exposed to view, bearing a crowded knot of seeds. The curious reader will then have under his observation one of the distinguishing marks of this family. The calyx is generally divided into five teeth, never down so far as to appear in distinct leaves. Corolla regular, with five equal tubes, bearing the stamens, each in a line with the clefts, that is, just opposite to the middle of the teeth of the calyx. Stamens uniformly five. Style single. Stigma seldom divided; sometimes in a head or ball, as in the primrose. The stems of plants belonging to this order are always herbaceous. If the student is desirous of exemplifying what is meant by pentardria, or five stamens, when found in one flower, and monogynia or one style, the well-known plants of this order will afford him easy opportunities of doing it. EXAMPLES. Primula. Flowers generally in an umblet, with an involucre. For a definition of these terms, see UMBELLiferæ. Corolla, with a cylindrical or pipeshaped tube, and a spreading border. If we gently rend this tube, the five little stamens are seen originating from the substance of the corolla. The next object is a little ball or stigma placed upon the top of a delicate thread or style, and at the bottom a small globular seed-vessel. P. Vulgaris, common primrose. Leaves toothed and wrinkled. The flower-stalk rises apparently from the root, whence it has been technically called a scape. Flowers are in the primrose commonly unconnected with each other, yet a variety has been found resembling the common primrose in all respects, except that it had its flowers in an umblet, that is, having several blossoms upon the same flower-stalk, which blossoms proceeded from a single point in that flowering stalk. It would appear, therefore, that the common mode of producing one solitary flower from the same peduncle or flower-stalk, was a deviation from the regular way. P. Elatior, oxlip.-Differs from the primrose chiefly in having several flowers growing in an umblet upon the same scape or flower-stalk. Found in woods. P. Vevis, cowslip.-The cowslip differs from the preceding species in having its corollas with a concave limb, instead of being flat. P. Farinosa, bird's-eye.-Leaves smooth; in which particular it differs from all the rest. Border of the corolla flat. Blossoms rose-coloured, in umblets. In marshy mountains. Hottonia.-Corolla cup-shaped, stamens standing on the margin or edge of the tube of the corolla. H. Palustris, water violet.-Flowerstalks in whorls, numerous, and of a fleshcolour. The leaves are toothed like a comb, and remain beneath the surface of the water. In ditches and ponds; flowering in June and July. Lysimachia. Corolla wheel-shaped, that is, without a tube, and having its divisions flat and horizontal. Capsule globular, pointed, with five or ten valves or folding pieces. L. Vulgaris, yellow loose-strife.-An elegant ornament of watery places, where shade abounds, along the reedy banks of streams. In these situations it is found f A. Tenella, bog pimpernell.-Leaves growing among the common Valerian and egg-shaped, or nearly round, rather sharp, the purple spiked willow-herb; but it is stem creeping. Flowers rose-colour, nearly not so common as they are. Stem is three bell-shaped. Found in boggy places, flowerfeet high, terminated by a beautiful clustering in August and September. of yellow flowers. The leaves are lanceshaped, and placed by fours in a whorl. The clusters of flowers rise from the bosom of the leaves at the top; each partial or lesser flower-stalk is furnished with a little coloured leaf, which is usually called a bracte, at its base. If the stamens be examined, they will be found to have their filaments united at their base. L. Nummularia, money wort.-Leaves somewhat heart-shaped. This pretty unaffected plant is found among the grass and other herbage in moist meadows, and is readily distinguished by its pale green leaves, creeping stem, and its solitary flowers, which are of a bright yellow. Anagallis.-Corolla wheel-shaped, that is, without any tube, as in the primrose, and having its segments flat and directed as from a centre like the spokes of a wheel. The essential characteristic, in conjunction with the wheel-shaped corolla, is in the seed-vessel, which parts horizontally, so that one half resembles the lid, the other the bottom of a box. In this way it is opened for the discharge of the seeds, which, before they are ripe, adhere to a central column, as described in our general outline of this order. A. Arvensis, pimpernell, or poor man's weather-glass. This pretty little plant is extremely common in corn-fields, flow ering from May to September; it may be distinguished by its smooth, egg-shaped leaves, and small scarlet flowers, with a purple centre. If the under sides of the leaves be examined, a number of minute impressed dots will be discovered. It has obtained the name of poor man's weather-glass from the disposition which the blossoms exhibit to close up at the approach of rain. In cloudy weather, we have often seen the blossoms shut, which may be explained by recollecting that the expansion of a blossom is owing to the stimulus of heat; if then the effect of this stimulus be counteracted by the presence of moisture, it will close, supposing that its elasticity has not been destroyed. There is a variety of the pimpernell with blue flowers, found also in corn-fields. This is, by Sir James Smith, made a distinct species, under the name of A. Coerulea, and distinguished from the former not only in its blue flowers, but in the upright nature of the stem, and its toothed corolla. In a summer's walk into the fields, we may look for the poor man's weatherglass in every cultivated piece, and recognise it by the red dye of its flowers. If we come to a spot that is moist and grassy, especially in the shade of a wood, we may look about in expectation of finding the moneywort, known by its bright yellow flower; and if we approach a stream of water, there are hopes of meeting with the water-violet, which we distinguish by its flesh-coloured blossoms, and its leaves, which are cut like the teeth of a comb. If we are successful in finding the last, we may return home with our gains, examine each blossom carefully by itself, and then compare it with the rest; and we shall then have reason to admire that wisdom which has joined so many plants together by so many points of mutual agreement, that at first sight seemed not to have the slightest relationship to each other. By such a walk recreation will be obtained for the body, relief to the mind, and a portion of solid botanical knowledge for the understanding: and, what makes this knowledge valuable, we are enabled by it to trace, with greater certainty and comprehensiveness, the wisdom and beneficence of that gracious Being who bestows appropriate favours on each little plant, yet links them together into families by many harmonious tokens of relationship, thus reminding us while we ought to be thankful for our peculiar gifts, we are nevertheless brethren, and should neither quarrel with nor envy each other. OMNIPOTENCE AND LOVE OF GOD, AS DISPLAYED IN THE GOSPEL. THE omnipotence of God, which Job was instructed to discover in natural creation, we may see yet more distinctly in the manifestations of the gospel. What but omnipotence can break the hard heart, and turn the lion into the lamb? What but that can lead you, so weak a creature, through hosts of spiritual foes, conquering and to conquer? What inferior power could have originally established the church of Christ amid such fierce opposition? What else has preserved it till this day, so that the gates of hell have never yet prevailed against it? In every accession. mind and forces reflection. You know I mean sanctified sorrow, for there is a sorrow which leaves the soul (just as 'soap and nitre leave the Ethiopian) in the condition in which it found it. THE BIBLE. We are convinced, by the history of ages, and the present state of countries God in the world, that the Sun of Righteouswhere they are without hope and without benumbed faculties of mankind. We know ness alone could resuscitate the torpid and that from Revelation mind has derived its strength, science its utility, and the arts to that church, by the true conversion to God of another sinner, there is a fresh manifestation of the almighty power of God. Man loves sin so dearly, hates holiness so heartily, and is so chained down to the world and vanity, that Omnipotence alone can effectually turn him to God, and holiness, and truth, "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto And what a good works," Eph. ii. 10. delightful view of the goodness, mercy, and compassion of God have we exhibited in the gospel of Jesus Christ! Job was sent to learn something of the beauty and glory of God, from the peacock spreading his rainbow-wings to the sun. their refinement. From the Bible the asYou may learn the same lesson far better in the mild lustre, the holy beauty, the and the geologist borrowed his clue and sotronomer has moralized his demonstrations, lovely harmony of the Divine perfec-lutions. Nay, it is from heaven the poet and tions, as seen in Him, who is the brightness the orator have received models of their of his Father's glory, and the express | respective arts, and all that is sublime, ver image of his person, Heb. i. 3. I said- nerable, or pathetic in [the production of indeed, I retract not the assertion that human genius have been durable only as the eye of faith may read, "God is infinitely holy ! in the cross of Christ ; | those perfect prototypes. they embodied the spirit and genius of yet sure I am, that the eye of gratitude may read, if tears permit, "God is love!" as that sentiment shines forth, in characters of grace, from the same cross. Was it not love, christians, let me appeal to your best feelings, was it not pity, mercy, love, unparalleled, for God, against whom you had so sinned, to give his well-beloved Son to suffer, bleed, and die, for such as you; the Just for the unjust, the sinless for the sinful, the pure, holy, obedient child Jesus for the impure, polluted, disobedient rebel?-Hambleton. AFFLICTION, THE late Rev. Joseph Hughes remarked, "My short residence in London was rendered very pleasant by the cordiality of my friends. No human enjoyments, however, are unmixed: while others might, in the kindness of their hearts, congratulate my felicity, amultitude of anxieties poured in upon my mind from expected and unexpected quarters; and, if they did not quite overwhelm me, they at least prevented me from suffering that which was joyous in my lot to lift me up above measure. This is the peculiar way in which affliction (the little I have encountered) has operated for my good. It has always been sent seasonably, just when my vain heart was singing a requiem to its cares, and in danger of removing from religion to as great a distance as it is from distress. Sorrow humbles the | KNOWLEDGE OF SIN.-When any person comes practically to know how great a thing it is for an apostate sinner to obtain a remission of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified, endless objections, through the power of unbelief, will arise unto his disquietment. Wherefore that which is principally suited to give him rest, peace, "and satisfaction, and without which nothing else can do so, is the due consideration of, and the acting faith upon that infinite effect of Divine wisdom and goodness in the constitution of the person of Christ. This, that conclusion, at first view, will reduce the mind unto ،، If thou canst believe, all things are possible." For what end cannot be effected hereby? what end cannot be accomplished that was designed in it? Did God ever do any thing like this, or Is any thing too hard for God? make use of any such means for any other end whatever? Against this no objection can arise. On this consideration of him, faith apprehends Christ to be, as indeed he is, the power of God and the wisdom of God unto the salvation of them that do believe, and therein doth it find rest with peace, Mic. vi. 6-—8 ; Dan, xi. 24.—Owen. JOHN DAVIS, 56, Paternoster Row, London. Numbers in a Cover, 3d. Price d. each, or in Monthly Parts, containing Five IN No. XLIX. we gave a drawing of the High Priest in his robes: the above sketch exhibits him in a white dress. The cap of the above figure resembles the Phrygian bonnet; and the golden plate in the left hand is flat. The censer in the right hand is taken from medals supposed to be ancient Hebrew, though the best judges dispute their authority; for only those which have Samaritan descriptions on them are reputed authentic, and on such medals this censer has not yet been found. The great day of expiation was the tenth of Tizri, which answers to our Sep VOL. III. tember. On that day, the high priest, after he had washed not only his hands and his feet, as usual in common sacrifices, but his whole body, dressed himself in plain linen like the other priests, wearing neither his purple robe, nor the ephod, nor the pectoral, because he was to expiate his own, together with the people's sins. He first offered a bullock and a ram for his own sins, and the sins of his house; afterwards he received from the princes of the people two goats as a sin-offering, and a ram for a burnt-offering, to be offered in the name of the whole nation II HINDOO IDEAS OF ECLIPSES. writes: On December 26, 1833, there was an eclipse of the moon. Thousands of people came, from all directions, to Benares, to bathe in the Ganges, and to give alms to the brahmins. My boys also asked for liberty; which, being assured that none would come to school, I was obliged to give. The next day I went to school; and having heard them read a chapter, the boys begged permission to ask a question. "Well," I said, "what is it ?" "An explanation," replied they, "of the true causes of an eclipse." "You should know them," I said. "Yes," they answered, we know two; yours and ours; but which is the true one, we do not know." I asked them, "What do you suppose them to be?" They answered, "You know that the brahmins and our shasters say, that Rah swallows the moon up." "And do you really believe that?" I asked. derrhan (a kind of weapon) in his hand, cut off his head; but it was now too late. Rah, having drunk Amrit, was immortal; and now, being enraged at the sun and moon, as the principal causes of his misfortune, he haunts them through the sky; and whenever he can get them, he will lay hold of them. Sometimes he can get only a part of the moon, and then a partial eclipse takes place; but sometimes, coming just in front of the moon, he swallows her up, and then a total eclipse is caused. When he happens to get the moon so between his teeth as to be able to swallow her up, the people in the moon, while she is passing through his terrible mouth and neck, have very much to suffer, as may be imagined. But if the people on earth, at the time of an eclipse, bathe in the Ganges, especially at Benares, and give alms to the brahmins, (this probably being the most meritorious,) they not only obtain thereby remission of all their sins, but also obtain very effectual means of alleviating the really pitiful state of the poor people in the moon. This story, unreasonable as it may appear to us, is most heartily believed by thousands, even of the pundits. "Then are Some were silent; others said, "No:" The day after this, the teacher of the and once more repeated their question hindoo class, a man who is convinced of what I thought the true causes might be. the truth of christianity, and most gladly I began to explain them; and showed, by would avow and confess Christ had he not an experiment, how an eclipse comes to so much to hazard, put the same question pass. They all admitted that my explan- to me respecting the cause of an eclipse. ation of what caused an eclipse was much I asked his opinion; and he repeated the more reasonable than theirs, and were very story I have just related. I told him sorry to be so deceived by their brahmins plainly that he was mistaken; and exand shasters. The story of Rah's swal-plained to him the true causes. He, having heard lowing the moon, alluded to by the boys, my explanation, replied, was repeated to me by a brahmin, and is our shasters mistaken in this point?" as follows:-When Vishnu churned the I said, "Yes; and not only in this, but sea, fourteen Ratan (previous things) came altogether." out; one of them was Madera, (wine) another Amrit (immortality.) Vishnu being desirous to give the Madera to the Rakshas, (demons,) and Amrit to the Deotas, (gods,) caused the Deotas to sit on one side, and Rakshas on the other; and having distributed the Madera among the Rakshas, and made them drunken, he began to give the Amrit to the Deotas. One Raksha, however, whose name was Rah, having perceived what Vishnu was going to do, took the form of a Deota upon him, and sat among them. Vishnu, mistaking him for a Deota, gave him Amrit. But Chandermah, (moon,) and Surgj, (sun,) seeing what Vishnu was doing, cried out, Heh, Vishnu! what are you doing? this is a Raksha." Hearing this, Vishnu at once knew him; and having his chakkar mo He was silent for a while; and then repeated an old question, namely, "What is the state of a man who sees the beauties and suitableness of christianity; who believes in one God, but is not entirely convinced that there is only one way of obtaining salvation?' I showed him that it was easy for a sincere mind to ascertain this point, it being plainly revealed in the holy Scriptures; and added, that many alleged, as the cause of their unbelief, their not being fully convinced; while it was, in fact, nothing but either a fear of man or the love of sin, both being inconsistent with a believer in Christ. With this man I had many an interesting conversation. I hope that the Lord will continue the work which He has, I humbly trust, begun in him. |