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which so much improve nature, can contribute in our favour. The early approach of religion, learning, civility to this Island, and the long continuance of them here, have given us lasting inclinations to that which is most excellent: The most perfect form of government and righteous laws, which the inhabitants of Great Britain enjoy, have raised them to such a generosity of spirit, as cannot be expected where servile fear, and flattery, are more necessary. Long custom and good education in this generous freedom, give a particular genius to the natives, and therefore there is no reason that Britain should think so meanly of itself, as to prefer the modes of other countries, or give up its own to be over-run by swarms of foreigners. She has ever been most kind and free to receive all of merit into her bosom; but she will not make herself common and venture the multitude of nations to come in upon her, lest too great mixture should spoil her present happy constitution. Among the many reproaches which have been unjustly cast upon us, there is none more frequent than that an Englishman never knows when he is well. But for confutation of this, we can challenge all other nations to shew whether they have so long preserved their ancient religion, their laws and liberties, the constitution and freedom of their government, as the English have done; and accordingly they still continue in the same mind, to have the perpetual enjoyment of them."

A CERTAINE RELATION OF THE HOG-FACED GENTLEWOMAN, called Mistriss Tannakin Skinker, who was borne at Wickham, a neuter Toune betweene the Emperour and the Hollander, situate on the River Rhyne. Who was bewitched in her Mother's Wombe,

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in the yeare 1618, and hath lived ever since unknoune in this kind to any but her parents and a few of her neighbours; and can never recover her true shape till she be married, &c. Also relating the cause, as it is since conceived, how her Mother came so bewitched. Lond. 1640. 4to. With a wood-cut of the lady and her suitor.

This very rare tract sold at the Gordonstoun sale for 71. 17s. 6d. [It has however been reprinted within these few years.]

As we have never been able to ascertain whether the contents of this singular tract are a translation, or merely the composition of an Englishman; it is impossible for us to say what degree of credit may be attached to the recital. On one point, however, we are decided, namely, that this tale has served as the basis for all the pig-faced ladies, both in this country and in France. As some additional anecdotes of a more recent date on this subject may not prove uninteresting, we give the following for the entertainment of our readers.

"There is at present a report in London, of a woman, with a strangely deformed face, resembling that of a pig, who is possessed of a large fortune, and we suppose wants all the comforts and conveniences incident to her sex and station. We, ourselves, unwittingly put in an advertisement from a young woman, offering herself to be her companion; and yesterday morning, a fellow (with a calf's head, we suppose) transmitted to

*We have searched the files of the Times Newspaper in the hopes of being able to add the advertisement alluded to, but without effect; if, therefore, any reader could favour us with the same, we should feel infinitely obliged.

us another advertisement, attended by a one ponnd note, offering himself to be her husband. We have put his offer in the fire, and shall send his money to some charity, thinking it a pity that such a fool should have any. Our rural friends hardly know what idiots London contains. The pig's face is as firmly believed in by many, as Joanna Southcot's pregnancy, to which folly it has succeeded. Though no Parson Tozer has as yet mounted the rostrum to preach in support of the face, there is hardly a company in which this swinish female is not talked of; and thousands believe in her existence. The story, however, is an old one. fifty years ago, it is well recollected by several elderly people, there was exactly the same rumour. It was revived with but slight effect about thirty years since; and now comes forth again in its pristine vigour. the original invention of the pig-faced woman, about the year 1764, a man offered to make her an ivory trough to feed out of; which can only be considered as a feeble type of the silver cradle actually presented in our day "The Times, February 16, 1815.

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In the same paper of the following day, a correspondent writes to the Editor, relative to Joanna Southcote and the Pig-faced Lady, but we only extract the latter part of his letter, as it is connected with the present subject.

"As to the Swinish Lothario, who wants to marry her, and sent you a one pound note for the insertion of his advertisement, I am surprised that he should suppose such a beauty may be so obtained. Undoubtedly, if he means to have her, he must woo her in grunts. The old proverb, says, That old birds are not caught with chaff,' does he think young pigs are to be caught with paper? No, Mr. Editor, my opinion is,

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that she should be put up to be grunted for. But fair play is a jewel;' so here, also, I object to the Saints and Pograms as competitors. They have such a habit of grunting in their places of worship during the discourses of their preachers, that we plain men who go to church, shall have no chance with them. In the elegant amusements usual at country wakes, of grinning through a horse-collar for a cocked-hat, men who had practised with vinegar were always debarred entrance. SUIPHILUS."--The Times, Feb. 17, 1815.

"The revival of the old story of the young lady with a pig's head, is supposed to have arisen from the melancholy fact of an amiable duchess having been delivered of a daughter very much disfigured, a misfortune which is attributed to the force of imagination, in consequence of a dog having suddenly leaped on her, while she was walking with her husband."-Morning Herald, February. 23, 1815.

The advertisement which appeared in the Morning Herald, February 15, 1815, and repeated again on the 16th.

(c SECRECY.

"A single gentleman, aged thirty one, of a respectable family, and in whom the utmost confidence may be reposed, is desirous of explaining his mind to the friends of a person who has a misfortune in the face, but is prevented for want of an introduction. Being perfectly aware of the principal particulars, and understanding that a final, settlement would be preferred to a temporary one, presumes he would be found to answer the full extent of their wishes. His intentions are sincere, honourable, and firmly resolved. References of great respectability can be given.

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"Address to M. D., at Mr. Spencer's. No. 22, Great Ormond-street, Queen-square."

About twelve years back, a considerable sensation was created in Paris, where it was publicly announced that a lady of immense wealth, having a pig's face, was desirous of uniting herself to a gentleman who would espouse her for her talents only. It was asserted that the female in question was gifted with every accomplishment in the most transcendant degree; and that she received all her suitors, wearing a deep veil of silk that completely obscured her physiognomy. The house of the supposed female was designated, and in conse-, quence crowds flocked to the street, and letters without number were left at the porter's lodge; the writer of this article having, with others, been prompted from curiosity to inspect the hotel alluded to. This hoax. continued for a length of time, when it was at length bruited abroad that the whole statement originated in the frolic of a suitor to a young lady in the house designated, whose addresses had been slighted, when to revenge himself he had recourse to the above expedient, which ultimately forced the lady and her family to quit their residence, so annoying were the applications for admittance by gentlemen anxious to espouse the wealthy and accomplished Pig-faced Lady.

MEMOIRS OF SIR JAMES MELVIL of Halhil, containing an impartial account of the most remarkable Affairs of State during the last age, not mentioned by other Historians: more particularly relating to the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, under the reigns of Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, and King James. Published from the Original Manuscript by

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