however as we have seen them of all patriotism, of all | have been stated are correct, the path of duty and of virtue, of all religion and of all morality! By no safety is plain. means however let it be understood, that the temperance organization assumes to itself all the decency, virtue, religion, patriotism and morality; this would savour DIGESTIVE POWERS OF THE STOMACH. too much of an intemperate vanity, which being in- Dr. Beaumont, of the United States Army, has consistent with our professions, might result to our in-published his "Experiments and observations on the jury. But what a field is this for moral effort! How Gastrick Juice and the Physiology of Digestion." loud the call, and how rich the prospect of a glorious These experiments have been made from time to time, harvest for the efforts of true patriotism and real be- during the last eight years, on a Canadian Frenchnevolence every where ! man, who, in 1822, was accidentally wounded by the EXAMPLE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES." Intemperance discharge of a musket: the contents of which were is a social festive vice; apt, beyond any vice that can received in his left side, and carried away the parts so be named to draw in others by the example. The as to wound the lungs and stomach very seriously. drinker collects his circle; the circle naturally spreads; The very remarkable result was, that the man reof those who are drawn within it, many become the covered his health; but in the healing of the parts, the corrupters and centres of sets and circles of their own; coats of the stomach attached themselves to the lips every one countenancing, and perhaps emulating the of the external wound, and formed an artificial aperrest, till a whole neighbourhood be infected from the ture to the stomach; so that this organ could be examcontagion of a single example." So said Dr. Paley, ined at any time, by pushing in a valve which the half a century ago; and this is what we say now. stomach had formed to close the aperture, so as to preAnd what is the result of this imitation of a single vent its contents from escaping thereat. With advanexample? Why, inevitable habitual drunkenness tages for gastrick experiments, never before enjoyed, somewhere, with all its evils and pernicious conse-Dr. Beaumont applied himself to this interesting inquences. And who now, at this age and with all the quiry with a degree of assiduity and patience highly light on this subject gives us an illustration of this commendable. The work which he has recently pubtruth? Temperate drinkers, so called. Who are the lished, as the result of his experiments and observamost prominent opponents, the greatest obstacles to tions, is interesting, and valuable. The following the entire success of the temperance reformation? rules are deduced from Dr. Beaumont's work. Tipplers and temperate drinkers. Has any one of 1. Bulk; or food possessing a due proportion of them a son, upon whom his heart and hopes are fast-innutritious with nutritious matter is best calculated ened; and upon whose future character the glory or infamy of his race depends? I would entreat him, by the affections of that heart, by the tenderness of those hopes, by his love of character, and his regard for duty, to beware, lest the contagion of his example, should bring that son before him a living monument of folly, or that the sepulchre should too speedily teach him to mourn a premature bereavement. What recompense is this, for the poor pleasure of temperate drinking? Suppose drinking makes one bold and garrulous with talk; suppose it makes one vociferous in mirth; admit it affords an evanescent excitement, or inspiration if you please, and enables one the more ingeniously to lend to truth the graces of fiction; are these momentary gratifications which give one nothing, and enter not into rational enjoyment, are these any sort of a compensation for the languor, the listlessness, the pains, the horrours, the abasement, the wreck of soul and body which are only a part of their polluting and polluted train? How long shall the voice of experience teach wisdom? To what end has the finger of God on every page of his great book of nature and of light, traced the lessons of temperance and moderation? It is incumbent upon every individual, to enter into a compact of total abstinence, for every man who does so rescues three at least of his less fortunate fel-state of that organ. low beings from destruction.

DUTIES OF MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL.-Societies of a new character are springing up, called conference temperance societies; and they are bringing into the field an influence, that has been too long suffered to lie dormant. They are composed of clergymen, and they make it the duty of every member to preach expressly on the subject of temperance, at least once in a year. And this is as it should be. For what duty is more incumbent upon a minister of the gospel, than that he should endeavour to overcome all obstacles to its success? And is not intemperance an obstacle? Is not temperance a virtue? And what is the opposite of virtue, but vice? And is vice consistent with the christian religion? Then why can christians complain? Let every man in every station know his duty, and knowing it, fulfil it. We want no vacillating counsels; no whimpering, time-serving apologies; none of your cold, reluctant, half-way measures. Let us do up the whole business. For if the things which

to preserve the permanent welfare of the organs of digestion, and the general interests of the system.

2. The food should be plainly and simply prepared, with no other seasoning than a little salt, or occasionally a very little vinegar.

3. Full and deliberate mastication or chewing is of great importance.

4. Swallowing the food slowly, or in small quantities, and at short intervals is very necessary.

5. A quantity not exceeding the real wants of the economy is of prime importance to health.

6. Solid aliment thoroughly masticated, is far more salutary than soups, broths, &c.

7. Fat meat, butter, and oily substances of every kind are difficult of digestion, offensive to the stomach, and tend to derange that organ and induce disease.

8. Spices, pepper, stimulating and heating condiments of every kind, retard digestion and injure the stomach.

9. Coffee and tea debilitate the stomach and impair digestion.

10. Alcohol, whether in the form of distilled spirits wine, beer, cider, or any other intoxicating liquors, impairs digestion, debilitates the stomach, and if persevered in for a short time, always induces a morbid

11. Narcoticks of every kind impair digestion, debilitate the stomach, and tend to disease.

12. Simple water is the only fluid called for by the wants of the system: artificial drinks are all more or less injurious: some more so than others: but none can claim exemption from the general charge.

13. Gentle exercise after eating promotes digestion more than indolent inactivity or rest. Violent exercise with a full stomach is injurious.

14. Sleep soon after eating retards digestion, and leads to debility and derangement of the stomach.

15. Anger, fear, grief, and other strong emotions disturb digestion, impair the functional powers of the stomach, and deteriorate the secretions generally.

Alexander loved his horse Bucephalus ; Numa, a lap-dog; Augustus, a parrot; Caligula, a horse; Virgil, a butterfly; Nero, a starling; Čommodus, an ape; Heliogabalus, a sparrow; Honorius, a chicken.

and in the colony; but it is particularly so among the republicans. Whenever I have fired at a flock of these birds, I have always shot four times as many females as males.-Vaillant's Travels in South Africa.

"I observed on the way a tree with an enormous nest | journey, and contained three hundred and twenty inhaof those birds to which I have given the appellation of bited cells, which, supposing a male and female to each, republicans; and, as soon as I arrived at my camp, I would form a society of six hundred and forty indidespatched a few men, with a waggon, to bring it to me, viduals. Such a calculation, however, would not be that I might open the hive, and examine its structure in exact. I have met with birds among which one male is its minutest parts. When it arrived, I cut it to pieces in common to several females, because the females are with a hatchet, and saw that the chief portion of the much more numerous than the males. The same is the structure consisted of a mass of Boshman's grass, with-case with many species, both in the environs of the Cape out any mixture, but so compact and firmly basketed together as to be impenetrable to the rain. This is the commencement of the structure; and each bird builds its particular nest under this canopy. But the nests are formed only under the eaves of the canopy, the upper surface remaining void, without, however, being useless; for, as it has a projecting rim, and is a little inclined, it serves to let the rain-water run off, and preserves each little dwelling from the rain. Figure to yourself a huge two Navies may be interesting at this juncture. The A statement of the comparative strength of these irregular sloping roof, and all the eaves of which are completely covered with nests, crowded one against following it is said, is a correct statement of the Freneb another, and you will have a tolerably accurate idea of fleet. these singular edifices.

Each individual nest is three or four inches in diameter, which is sufficient for the bird. But as they are all in contact with one another, around the eaves, they appear to the eye to form but one building, and are distinguishable from each other only by a little external aperture, which serves as an entrance to the nest; and even this is sometimes common to three different nests, one of which is situated at the bottom, and the other two at the sides. According to Paterson, the number of cells increasing in proportion to the increase of inhabitants, the old ones become "streets of communication, formed by line and level." No doubt, as the republick increases, the cells must be multiplied also. But it is easy to imagine that, as the augmentation can take place only at the surface, the new buildings will necessarily cover the old ones, which must therefore be abandoned.

Should these even, contrary to all probability, be able to subsist, it may be presumed that the depths of their situation, by preventing any circulation and renewal of the air, would render them so extremely hot as to he uninhabitable. But while they thus become useless, they would remain what they were before, real nests, and change neither into streets nor sleeping-rooms.

The large nest that I examined was one of the most considerable I had any where seen in the course of my

FRENCH AND AMERICAN NAVY.

33 Ships of the line-of which, 8 three deckers,
38 Frigates-of which, 13 of the first class,
19 Corvettes-of from 20 to 32 guns,
10 Corvettes-of 18 guns,

32 Brigs-of 16, 18, and 20 guns,

3 Schooners-of 12 guns,

20 Steam Vessels!!-6 guns each. These are probably in commission-the whole number of vessels belonging the French Navy it is said count upwards of 300.

There are building, moreover, 24 ships of the line, of which, 3 are first rates.

26 Frigates,

3 Steam vessels.

sion and the remainder in ordinary.
41 Vessels-total, of which 21 are in commis-

will carry 140 guns, (the Pennsylvania,) and 7 Frig
There are building 5 ships of the line, of which, one

ates.

The city of Benares stands on the left bank of the Ganges, at a part where the river forms a fine sweeping curve of nearly four miles in length. The bank on which the city is situated is the concave side of the river, and is considerably higher than the opposing shore; so that if the town is viewed from a position in he upper part of it, from the breadth of the Ganges at this place, and the lowness of the opposite side, it has the appearance of standing on the margin of a beautifully formed bay.

Benares stands on a spot held peculiarly sacred by the Hindoos, and it has long been considered as the head quarters of brahminical learning.

The edifice, with the high minarets so conspicuous in the annexed sketch, was built by the Mohammedan emperour, Aurungzebe, it is said with the intention of humbling the pride of the Hindoos, as not only possessing a very elevated station in the city, but being also erected on the site of a Hindoo temple, removed on purpose to make room for the Mussulman mosque.

The immense flight of steps called the Ghauts of Benares, form a great ornament to the river face of the city. Various Christian missionaries are now labouring in this city.

delighted with musick, than those of cold ones-perhaps from the auditory nerves being more irritable in in the one than in the other, and from the sound being propagated with greater facility; but I could by no means account for climate operating more in favour of musick upon the Bohemians, than on their neighbours, the Saxons and Moravians." "I crossed the whole kingdom, from south to north," says the Doctor," and being very assiduous in my inquiries, how the common people learned musick, I found out, that not only in every large town, but in all the villages, where there is a reading and writing school, children of both sexes are taught musick.

"The Organist and Cantor, and the first violin of the parish church, who are the school-masters, gave me all the satisfaction I required. I went into a school, which was full of little children, of both sexes, from six to ten or eleven years old, who were reading, writing, and playing on violins, hautboys, bassoons, and other instruments. The organist had in a small room in his house, four clarichords, with little boys practising on them all; his son of nine years old, was a good performer."-"He himself complained of loss of hand, for want of practice, and said, that he had too many learners to instruct in the first rudiments, to be allowed leisure for study, and that he had his house not only full of other people's children, but his own." It is not too much to say, that the whole population Dr. Burney, distinguished alike for his literary as of Germany are musicians. Every body performs on well as musical talents, travelled through various some instrument, with greater or less skill, but all parts of Europe, to collect materials for his "General are acquainted with the rudiments of musick, and the History of Musick"-which has been styled by an works of the principal composers. They are in the English writer, a "very elaborate and intelligent habit of meeting together, and performing in concert work." In his work entitled "The Present State of the works of the best authors; it being no uncommon Musiek in Germany," he notices the general custom, thing to hear,. in a village publick house, a symphony particularly in Bohemia, of the rudiments of musick or quartetto, executed by blacksmiths and weavers, being taught in all the publick schools. He observes, Vol. II. p. 3-6.

"I had frequently been told, that the Bohemians were the most musical people of Germany, or perhaps of all Europe; and an eminent German composer, now in London, had declared to me, that if they enjoyed the same advantages as the Italians, they would excel them. I never could suppose effects without a cause; nature though often partial to individuals in her distribution of genius, and talents, is never so to a whole people. Climate, no doubt, contributes greatly to the forming of manners and customs; and it is, I believe, certain that those who inhabit hot climates, are more

that would put to shame the performances of most of the amateurs and many of the professors among us. Family Minstrel.

PENSIONERS. The number of revolutionary pensioners on the rolls of the War Department under the Act of March 18th, 1818, was, on the 7th Nov. last 10,566; invalid pensioners, 3,940; pensioners under the Act of June 7th, 1832, 27,978. Total, 42,484. Of revolutionary pensioners there are known to have died during the year ending Nov. 7th, 425; invalid pensioners, 62; pensioners under the Act of 1832, 1,120.

FUNERAL CEREMONIES OF THE ARABS.

renew their wailings and lamentations as above described. Some scatter a little lime over the stones, to

every holiday the Arabs go in crowds to visit the tombs of their dead, and to bedew them with their tears.-Poiret's Travels, 1773.

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, MIDDLETOWN, CONN. This institution was incorporated by the Legislature of Connecticut in 1831. The buildings are situated in Middletown, in the state of Connecticut, and are the same that were lately occupied by the American Literary, Scientifick, and Military Academy, under the care of Captain Partridge. The Academy having failed in its operations, the buildings were vacated and left useless on the hands of the proprietors. At this time, several annual conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, were preparing to make a united effort to establish a college under the patronage of said church: and were holding their privilege of location in the market, for the purpose of securing a liberal local subscription. To secure this privilege to the city of Middletown, the proprietors of the Academy offered their buildings as a gratuity, for the use of a college or university for ever, on condition that there should be an additional endowment raised, of $40,000. The citizens of Middletown and its vicinity, with a commendable zeal, by a publick grant, and by private subscriptions, pledged about $18,000 of the endowment. These offers, together with the other local advantages, fixed the university in its present location.

There are many circumstances which render this a favourable place for the university. The size of the city is favourable-were it much smaller, it could not afford the accommodations necessary for such an institution. Were it much larger, or were it a place of commercial importance, it would be much more difficult to control the students, and preserve their morals. It is central and easy of access-central, because it is within twelve or fifteen hours sail of New York, the great commercial emporium of the nation-easy of access, because it is on the navigable waters of a river, on which steam-boats ply daily, from New York in one direction, and into the interiour of New England in the other.

The Arabs, who set little value on the lives of man-make this rude tomb look somewhat brighter. On kind, respect their remains, and take the utmost care of their interment; the want of it they consider one of the greatest misfortunes that can happen, and they die with composure when they are certain of leaving some one behind them to bury them. The severest punishment, therefore, among them is to be cut to pieces and thrown to the dogs. Their funeral ceremonies, as far as I have had an opportunity to observe them, are as follows:-Scarcely has the Arab breathed his last, when his body is carefully washed; after which it is wrapped up in a winding-sheet of white cloth reserved by the Arabs for that purpose. This cloth is manufactured in the town of Arabia; but they set a much higher value upon that which is brought them by pilgrims from Mecca, and which has been blessed by the principal Iman. This Benediction is expensive, it is true; but the singular favours annexed to it make them forget what it costs. As soon as the dead body is purified, it is laid upon a kind of litter, and is carried to the place of interment, either on horseback, or by the friends and relations of the deceased. While the men are employed in digging the grave, the women squat down in a circle around the body, which they feel and uncover, and afterwards converse together with much indifference; but every now and then they break off their discourse to give vent to their lamentations, to ask the body questions, to beseech it, in the most earnest manner, to return again and take up its abode amongst them. "Why," say they, "hast thou quitted us ?" Did we not prepare thy courcouson well? Alas! shall thy children behold thee no more? At present, since thou hast plunged them into sadness and wo, nothing remains for them but to sigh and to weep. Ah! return again with us; nothing shall be wanting to thee. But thou hearest us no more; thou no longer givest us an answer to our words; thou hearest only our sighs," &c., and other expressions of the same kind, which I have often made the Arabs translate to me, whilst I was assisting at these mournful ceremonies. These dismal lamentations, which display a natural and pathetick eloquence, would have a powerful effect in moving the hearts of the spectators, did they not see these very women, a moment after, throw aside The site itself is delightful. Few, if any, excel it. that external appearance of the deepest grief, talk and The buildings are on an eminence, about one half laugh together, and afterwards return to their former mile from the river, commanding a view of the town, wailings. During these tender complaints, they tear some neighbouring villages, the valley of the river for their hair, and open the veins of their temples with some distance, and a most fruitful surrounding country, their nails, while the blood trickles down, mingled highly cultivated and interspersed with dwellings, with their tears, and exhibits an appearance of the gardens, and orchards, in rich rura! loveliness. In a deepest despair. When the grave is finished, the body word, it is a rural city, reclining in quietude on the is deposited in it on its side, and with the face turned slope of a verdant valley, washed by a stream that towards the east. One of their papas puts into his heads in another empire, and by which it stands closely hand a letter of recommendation to Mahomet; after connected with the great and busy world around, withwhich a kind of arch is formed over it with branches out partaking much of the bustle of its business, or of trees, in order that the earth may not touch it. the contagion of its moral corruptions. The air is When the grave is covered with earth, other branches salubrious, and the water fine-and perhaps no place of trees are laid over it, with a quantity of large stones, in the Union surpasses it for health. And it is certo prevent savage animals from devouring the body in tainly not the least among the recommendations of the the night time. In the middle of the stones, an open-place, that the inhabitants partake largely of that charing is left where they deposite earthen vessels, and other family utensils; but this is only done to Arabs of a certain rank. Before they quit the grave, they erect in the middle of it a kind of funeral flag, which is generally a piece of the clothes of the deceased, fixed to the end of a stick. When the ceremony is finished, each returns home with the greatest tranquillity, and without showing in their exteriour appearance, any signs of the melancholy duty they had been discharging. The nearest relations and friends of the deceased go, from time to time, and visit his tomb. They remove some stones from it, and in part uncover the body, to see that the person has not returned to life; and when the smell convinces them of the contrary, they

acter of morality, industry, frugality, intelligence, and equality, for which New England in general, and Connecticut in particular, have always been noted.

The plan of education struck out by the board of Trustees and Visiters, who are the immediate guardians of the Institution, is well suited, it is believed, to the present circumstances and wants of the community. Radical changes, in old institutions, are effected with difficulty; hence while the literary seminaries of a lower and less permanent character have been greatly improved, and in some instances, throughly renovated, by the increased experience and light of succeeding generations, our most richly endowed and popular colleges and universities, have remained almost station

GIPSIES.

ary. The Wesleyan University, however, is constitu- | 358,157; foreign 5115, tons 622,735. These vessels ted on a new, and as is believed, on an improved plan. brought merchandise, from French colonies, 64,095,Some of the peculiar features are the following. 1. 215f; and from foreign countries, 403,021,964f. The The scholars are classed, in the different departments departures were-French vessels 3,075, tons 248,840; of science and literature, according to their advance- foreign 4,580, tons 464,028. They took goods, for ment in each, without reference to their standing in French colonies. 42,626,864f; for foreign countries, other departments, or to the time they have been in 507,778,695f. The goods in bond, on the 31st Decemcollege. The standing of the students is ascertained ber, 1833, were 112,960,111f. The goods that passed and fixed, by timely and thorough examinations. 2. in transitu through France in 1833, were 107,871,655f. When, by these examinations, an under graduate is found worthy of a degree, he is admitted to the accustomed honours of a graduate. 3. Though none but classical scholars are admitted to a degree of A. B. all the other advantages of the University may be enjoyed by those who wish to receive instruction in the sciences and modern literature, to the exclusion of the classics; and these are also entitled to a diploma, specifying their attainments in the studies they have pursued. 4. The professors have a moderate salary secured to them, but all above this is contingent, and depends on the success of the University, and the industry and ability of the professors. 5. Provision is made for the removal of such professors from office as are found to be incompetent or inefficient. 6. The government is more strictly paternal, and less by statute laws and a penal code, than is common in most of our American colleges. Such, in a few words, are the local advantages, the character and prospects of the Wesleyan University. With the ordinary blessings of Providence, we may expect, in a few years, to see this university taking a high rank among the useful institutions of our country. The President of this institution is the Rev. WILBUR FISK, D. D.

FRANCE.

The following official summary of the imports and exports of France for 1833, will prove, at this moment, particularly acceptable to our readers:

From official tables just published by the Custom House, it appears that, in 1833, the imports into France by sea were 467,117, 179f, and by land 226,158,573f; total imports, 693,275,752f. The exports were-by sea, 550,408,559f; by land, 115,907,753f; total, 766,316,312. -The vessels that arrived were-Frenc'. 3561, tons

In England they are still pretty numerous, but are found only in distant places, seldom coming into the towns excepting in small companies of two or three persons. In Germany, Sweden and Denmark, they have become rare, as also in Switzerland and the Low Countries. In Italy their numbers are diminished. In Spain it is said there are 50 or 60,000 of them. In Transylvania they are most numerous; for in a population of 1,700,000 souls, there are reckoned 104,000 gipsies. We do not exaggerate in estimating the Tzengarian or gipsy population in Europe at nearly a million; in Africa 400,000; in India at 1,500,000, and about 2,000,000 in all the rest of Asia-for except in Asiatick Russia, China, Siam, and Japan, they are everywhere to be found. Hence we may deem the totally population of these people to be 5,000,000.

EXECUTION OF CAPTAIN HALE.

The case of Capt. Nathan Hale has been regarded as parallel to that of Major Andre. This young officer was a graduate of Yale College, and had but recently closed his academick course, when the war of the revolution commenced. Possessing genius, taste, and ardour, he became distinguished as a scholar; and, endowed in an eminent degree with those graces and gifts of nature which add a charm to youthful excellence, he gained universal esteem and confidence. To high moral worth and irreproachable habits were joined gentleness of manners, an ingenuous disposition, and vigour of understanding. No young man of his years put forth a fairer promise of future usefulness and