much anxiety and labour, and be furnished with a | he proclaims that "Memphis shall bury them," we reason for its use, in the light loose nature of the have only to visit the pyramids of Djiza, and in the earth of which it is composed*. gloom of their sepulchral chambers we shall have a em If we wish to know what is meant by the balming" of Joseph and his venerable father, we have only to explore the mummy pits of Egypt, and we shall find not only men, but the inferior animals, preserved with the most pious care, and retaining, after the lapse of ages, the fragrance of that "spicery, and balm, and myrrh," with which they were prepared for interment. Some curious relics of this description may be seen in the British Museum : two of the human form, three mummy cats, an embalmed ibis, a jar containing another (see cut), and the bones of a third. The cat and the ibis were held in extreme veneration by the Egyptians, the former being considered sacred to the moon, and the other celebrated for its propensity to destroy serpents. The Sacred Ibis. If we would find an answer to those who question the narrative of Moses, with regard to any of the products which he mentions as peculiar to Egypt, we may find the sycamore, the corn, and the flax, in the mummy and its appendages: the first, in its outer case; the second, buried with it as the type of a looked-for resurrection; and the third, manufactured into the bandages that enfold the shrivelled, but apparently imperishable, body. If we be asked the import of the "great and sore lamentation" at Abel Misraim, we have only to direct the inquirer for his answer to the walls of some Egyptian temple, or the ruder sketches of many a papyrus roll, where the uplifted hands and the frantic actions of those who compose the long and solemn pageant, bear witness to the extravagantly splendid rites attendant upon Egyptian funerals. The three following figures are considered by Denon to form part of a funeral ceremony. He describes them as priests, with their arms raised in the attitude of exclamation. If we would understand the full meaning of that prophetic denouncement against the workers of abomination, which the sacred writer pours forth, when *There is a fragment of brick, from the pyramid at Daghous, in the small room of Egyptian antiquities, at the British Museum, in one of the glass cases. Supposed Funereal Figures. fitting emblem of that "land of darkness, as darkness itself," where even hope cannot enter. The mystic paintings, pourtrayed around its chambers of imagery, realize something of the spiritual darkness which hung over its inhabitants, when they groped at noonday after that God whose candle had, at one time, shined upon their land. Even the slight and incidental notices of this country which occur in the Books of the Chronicles, are borne out by existing documents. Some of the Jews, we are told, were "potters," and we read of" the families of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea." The ibis-jars to which we have before referred, and which are still found in almost exhaustless numbers, are monuments of the skill of the potters; and evidences of the labours of the workers in fine linen present themselves in the wrappers of Egypt's departed potentates. And if we wish to know why these "workers in linen" were of one "house," or family, we have only to consult Herodotus, or his follower Diodorus, and we shall see that the division of castes existed very early in Egypt, and that trades and professions were generally hereditary. If we need a commentary on the common sin of paganism, when men "professing themselves wise, became fools, and changed the glory of God into an image made like unto corruptible man and to fourfooted beasts and creeping things," where can we find it better than in the pantheism of Egypt, where every creature in which was the breath of life became an idol, and the vital principle was adored under the varied forms which it animated, from the beetle of the dust to the lordly ox that fattened in the fresh and luxuriant herbage of the Delta. And, if example be wanting to enforce the needful caution of Holy Writ, "We ought to give earnest heed to the things of God, lest at any time we should let them slip,"-can we find one more forcible or appropriate than that set before us in the destinies of this mightiest but "basest of kingdoms?" D. A. I HAVE passed through many places of honour and trust, both in church and state, more than any of my order in England these seventy years before. But were I but assured that by my preaching I had converted but one soul unto God, I should take therein more spiritual joy and comfort than in all the honours and offices which have been bestowed on me. -ARCHBISHOP WILLIAMS. THOUGH we cannot comprehend the Christian mysteries, we can judge of their fitness and adequacy to work certain beneficial effects in ourselves. Religion, like the heathen poet's fame, hides her head among the clouds; but we may behold her footsteps upon earth, and observe the blessings that are strewed for us in her path. LANDER'S COMMERCIAL EXPEDITION TO PERHAPS no enterprise of modern times has excited The whole of that undertaking derives a romantic character from its magnitude and danger, no less than from the humble and apparently inadequate means which were employed in its accomplishment. Yet it does not seem, after all, that the scantiness of their means was in itself so great an evil as many people imagined; for, from the account of the travellers themselves, it appears pretty evident that had they, like their unfortunate predecessors in the same pursuit, possessed more abundant and costly resources, not only would their progress through the country have been more difficult, but their lives would have been in constant jeopardy. At the same time, the success of the travellers must not be attributed to the scantiness of their resources; for it is evident from their artless, though clever, narrative of their journey, that to their own courage, perseverance, and address, supported by an humble and unshaken confidence in the protection and blessing of Almighty God, their success is to be ascribed. This steady reliance upon the power of HIM " who is mighty to save," inspired them with hope and courage, and enabled them to rely with calmness and resignation, upon a happy deliverance from the most distressing emergencies. The almost miraculous manner in which the travellers were preserved at the close of their labours, shows, that the God in whom they trusted did not desert them in the hour of need. These remarks have been called forth by a notice of the New African Expedition, which lately left our shores, under the command of Mr. RICHARD LANDER. It is nearly twelve months since a commercial speculation of this kind was first contemplated by Mr. Sterling, of Sheffield. This gentleman made a visit to London to consult Mr. Lander on the subject; and with his friend Mr. Huntley Gordon, late of the Treasury, intimated to the traveller the probability of his embarking in an expedition to the Niger, the nature and objects of which he also briefly explained. Mr. Sterling was so entirely devoted to this scheme, that his delicate and declining health alone prevented him from taking an active share in it.. But, notwithstanding his enthusiasm, it is more than likely that the project would have been abandoned, if he had not some months afterwards fallen in with Mr. Laird, of Liverpool, who, by a singular coincidence, had entertained similar views to himself, and had also travelled to London for the purpose of obtaining from Mr. Lander some particulars concerning the newly-discovered river, and the countries through which it flows. These gentlemen soon induced a number of merchants at Liverpool to join them in the scheme. The necessary capital was speedily invested, a committee was formed, and in a remarkably short space of time three splendid vessels, completely equipped, were floating on the bosom of the Mersey, laden with British productions and manufactures, and ready for sea. The ships had been purchased and fitted out (principally under the direction of Mr. Laird,) with such secrecy and despatch as to excite a degree of surprise approaching to wonder. The command of the expedition had been very properly invested in Mr. Lander, whose experience and local knowledge eminently qualify him for the | charge. The expedition is composed of two steamers, and one sailing vessel of 150 tons burthen. The Quorra, which is the largest of the steam-vessels, is a noble vessel, built under the inspection of Mr. Laird. Her burden is little short of 150 tons, and her engine is of fifty-horse power. She is well manned, and is furnished with every means of defence which the judgment and ingenuity of her proprietors could devise. Her internal arrangements are judicious; the cabin is constructed with great skill, and the vessel is, altogether, well adapted for the service in which she is engaged, and the country in which she is employed. The Quôrra is commanded by Mr. Herries who has an able coadjutor in Lieut. Allen, also of the Royal Navy. Both these officers have been amply supplied by the Admiralty with chronometers and other instruments, to enable them to make the necessary scientific observations and surveys; and, as they are very competent to the task, much useful geographical information may be expected from them. Mr. Brigg, a surgeon, well acquainted with botany, and other branches of natural history, is also attached to the Expedition. The other steamer is of wrought iron, and is called the Alburkah, (an Arabic word, signifying Blessing.) She draws but two feet of water, and carries fifty tons. From her small size and lightness, she will be capable of ascending the Niger much farther than her more formidable companion; and if, moreover, advantage be taken of the state of the river, it is probable that she will surmount those difficulties of rocks, currents, and flats, that would effectually arrest the progress of the Quôrra. This curious iron steamvessel may thus become the principal, if not the only, means of communication between the more interior parts and the coast, along which the sailing vessel will be continually cruising. This latter, which is called the Columbine, will furnish the steamers, as occasion may require, with the necessary fuel, and with the British-manufactured goods with which she is laden, for the purpose of carrying on the trade with the natives. Should the Expedition succeed, it is intended to form a settlement at PATASHIE, a large and beautiful island in the Niger, one day's journey below Boussà. It belongs to the King of Wowwow, who has frequently expressed his earnest wishes that our countrymen would come and trade with his people. From him our adventurers would receive encouragement and indulgence. From its central situation and natural advantages, Patàshie would afford every facility for trading; the natives are hospitable and obliging, and all the neces saries of life are in great abundance. In the course of time, this delightful island may become a central market for the sale of British manufactures; and the native African trader, from Bornou on the one side, and Timbuctoo on the other, may hereafter resort to it to supply their respective countries with the cottons of Manchester and the cutlery of Sheffield. Mr. Lander has been supplied by the Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, with a variety of presents for the Rulers of the Nun, or Brass River, to repay them for the losses they incurred in procuring his brother's freedom and his own, when they were made prisoners in the Eboe country. It will be remembered, that though they were conducted to a British vessel by the natives, on the promise of immediate reward, they were not only refused an advance of the promised ransom, put subjected to treatment | to each other, and many are highly social, flocking It is not generally known that those portions of the Landers' journals which were supposed to have been lost in the Niger, when they were captured by the natives, are still in existence. A short time since they were offered for sale by King Boy, to the master of a Liverpool vessel at the Bonny River, but the purchase was refused on account of the extravagant price demanded for them. Fortunately, Mr. Lander will now be enabled, with the gifts he has it in his power to present, to redeem his own property, and thus make his late narrative more complete. Before his departure from England, the First Lord of the Admiralty honoured him with several interviews, and amongst other favours furnished him with letters to the Commanders of His Majesty's vessels on the African station, requesting them to forward his designs to the utmost of their ability, and to render every assistance to the interesting expedition of which he has the command. SIGMA. ON FISHES. THEIR FORMS AND COLORS, GENERAL CHARACTER, &c. THE Fishes which are most abundant, and most frequent in our sight, have pleasing forms. Many are eminently beautiful in their colours, and in the general appearance of their neat and glossy skin and scales. Several have a golden hue or spots difficult to account for; and many a silvery gloss, as though the particles of these two metals were diffused among their skin. Others display a fine tinge of blue; some very pleasing tints of green. The effect of the whole is, that the general appearance of the fish creation in their forms, colours, brilliancy, gliding movement, rapid and changeful activity, and universal animation and vigour, excites sentiments of pleasure and admiration. To us, with the exception of a few, they are wholly inoffensive. Not many, even in their own domain, would molest us; but all, even the most hostile, remain there, helpless and indefensible against our power, however great their magnitude may be. The general character of fishes is not that of voracity and hostility. It is gentleness, harmlessness, sociality, and animation. They are peaceful animals; happy in themselves, and for the most part harmonizing together, without any general display of savage cruelty or malignant passions. Such as are appointed to be the food of others, die in that way, and are sought and taken for that purpose, when the appetite actuates, but no further. They cannot be justly stigmatized as voracious for this habit, more than ourselves for taking and eating them and cattle, sheep, fowls, game, and other living creatures. The mild and harmless character of the fish class is impressively shown by most of its largest tribes. The great Greenland Whale pursues no other animal, leads an inoffensive life, and is harmless in proportion to its strength The Sturgeon, with a form as terrible and a body as large as the shark, is yet harmless. The great Narwhal, one of the largest and strongest, is one of the most harmless and peaceable inhabitants of the ocean. It is seen constantly sporting among the other great monsters of the deep, no way attempting to injure them. The ocean, indeed, contains some of a different humour-as the woods and mountains have the wolf and the tiger-but their object seems chiefly food. Fish which devour others for their subsistence, act only as the other carnivorous animals of nature, but they are for the most part indifferent or inoffensive They have no organ of voice, nor lungs-yet a few emit sounds. As the Tunnies sail in their vast shoals, they utter a very loud hissing noise. The Ground Ling makes a similar sound when he is handled. The Scieria Stridens gives a small shriek when first taken out of water. The great Morse roars like a bull when he is disturbed, and snores while asleep. The common Seal moans piteously when pursued on land, as it is hurrying to the sea. The Ursine kind low like an ox, and the Leonine one both grunts and snorts. The Ursine Seal is said to have been observed, when vexed, to shed tears. Fish appear capable of pleasurable feelings. No bird or quadruped seems happier. They appear to be easily satisfied with food, not to suffer from inclemency of weather or variations of the seasons. They are always in one even temperature-they appear to enjoy a longer continuity of health and strength than most other animals. They possess a natural longevity, which in some of their classes surpasses that of man. Like the vegetable, and other animal tribes, they have been made useful to man, both in contributing to his sustenance, and in supplying him with many important conveniences (as for instance, the Whale supplies us with oil and whalebone). But independently of the human race, they have been created to be happy beings in themselves. They display to us our Creator's power; enlarge our knowlege of his omnipotence, and give us ocular evidence of its multifarious application. [Abridged from TURNER's Sacred History of the World.] VEGETABLE FLY-TRAPS. Dionaea Muscipula, &c. CERTAIN plants, such as Sarracenia and Nepenthes, known familiarly as Pitcher-Plants and MonkeyCups, have their foliage so curiously formed, that they are enabled to hold a considerable quantity of fluid in these leafy receptacles, to which it is said that monkeys resort, when thirsty, and hence their name. A further circumstance, however, requires attention. In these receptacles are generally (almost invariably) found flies and many small insects, which, tempted to enter, either by the fluid itself, or the excretions from the plant, often of a sugary nature, with which it becomes mixed, are unable to get out. They are shut up either by the closing lid, its vaulted form, the narrow throat, or a bristly barrier, with which the throat of the pitcher is furnished, the hairs of which being all pointed inwards, like the entrance to an eel-weir, or the wires of a mouse-trap, may easily be passed in one direction, but not in the other. The prey is thus entrapped, and held, just as by the teeth of fish and other animals, which are frequently situated not only on the tongue and palate, but also in the throat and stomach; being, like the hairs in these plants, organs for holding, not chewing, their food. It has often been objected to as an act of cruel amusement, if not of sheer malevolence, on the part of nature, to set these vegetable fly-traps, as in Dionca, Sarracenia, Drosera, &c., to insnare and destroy the heedless flies, shortening their already brief existence; but observation and experiment would rather lead to the conclusion that such sacrifices of the smaller insects form no unimportant items in the food of certain plants. In the pouch of one small Sarracenia, examined a few days ago, I found twelve common flies, and two wood-lice; and the multitudes imprisoned and destroyed by the Apocynum, Dionæa, and other plants, would lead one to believe, were it from their number only, that nature could . never sanction such an expenditure of animal life, were it not to answer some important end in the well Vegetable Fly-Trap. being of those plants she has furnished with these organs of destruction. The little Sundew, which grows commonly in our bogs and marshes near London, on Hampstead-heath, &c., would itself furnish sufficient proof; I have often seen several flies and worms in the possession of one of these small plants, which was flourishing by its prowess, and fattening on the delicacies it had caught. RULES FOR EMPLOYING TIME. IN the morning, when you awake, accustom_yourself to think first upon God, or something in order to His service; and at night, also, let Him close thine eyes. Let your sleep be necessary and healthful, not idle and expensive of time beyond the needs and conveniences of nature; and sometimes be curious to see the preparation which the sun makes, when coming forth from his chambers of the east. Let every man that hath a calling be diligent in pursuance of its employment, so as not lightly or without reasonable occasion to neglect it in those times which are usually and by the custom of prudent persons employed in it. Let all the intervals or void spaces of time be employed in prayer, reading, meditating, works of nature, recreation, charity, friendliness, neighbourhood, and means of spiritual and bodily health; ever remembering so to work in our calling as not to neglect the work of our high calling, but to begin and end the day with God, with such forms of devotion as shall be proper to our necessities.-JEREMY TAYLOR. A CHILD'S MORNING THOUGHTS. SEE the sun, how broad and red! He seems to touch that elm-tree's head; With a colour like the rose. See, what little shining beads Almost hid in misty steam. Happy birds are on the wing;: To Him who kept me through the night, But in the Sarracenia the number is still greater; aften, in the larger plants, so great as, from their putrefaction, to cast an offensive smell around. The putrefying, however, is a necessary process; and it is, probably, both modified and checked by the sugary juices of the plants, which, like the gastric fluids of the animal stomach, may be fitted not only to digest, but also to retard or regulate the changes that take place in the food. The water in these receptacles, impregnated by the half-putrefying animal matter, doubtless affords a highly nourishing and strengthening drink to the plant; for it is well known that the drainings of dunghills give a very powerful stimulus to vegetable growth. These speculations would seem, in some measure, to admit of experimental proof; for the Sarraceniæ, if kept from the access of flies, are said to be less flourishing in their growth, than when each pouch is truly a sarcophagus; and further, I remember to have heard, or read, of a physiological experiment Birmingham, Langbridge. Edinburgh, Oliver & Boyd. Nottingham, Wright. In my work and in my play, Be Thou, Lord, with me to-day!-E. S. R. A. "THE fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Here, then, we may learn, whether or not we have found the strait gate. But let us take care that we be not contented to remain, like menials, at the entrance; the children and heirs are advanced still further; and their affection is ever leading them forward to reach that perfect love which casteth out fear.-B. A. made on two plants of Dionea Muscipula, selected for this purpose, of nearly equal size and health; both were kept under similar circumstances, save that the one was restrained from flies, worms, and all kinds of animal food, while the other was daily fed with small strips of rump-steaks, the result of which experiment was, that the Epicurean plant languished on its lenten diet, while the vegetable beef-eater flourished on its more substantial fare. [Extract from BURNETT'S Essay on the adumbrations of a Stomach in vegetables.] LONDON. PUBLISHED IN WEEKLY NUMBERS, PRICE ONE PENNY, AND IN MONTHLY PARTS PRICE SIXPENCE, BY JOHN WILLIAM PARKER, WEST STRAND. And by the Publisher's Agents in the following places :--- Bristol, Westley & Co.; Exeter, Penny & Co. Carlisle, Thurnam. Derby, Wilkins & Son. Dublin, Curry Jun. & Co. Orford, Slatter. Watts, Lane End. Macclesfield, Swinnerton. Yarmouth, Alexander, lay & Co.; Empson. The SUPPLEMENT for NOVEMBER will be ready for delivery with No. 27, on the 1st of December, |