derived from the blood, and of certain organic constituents. These latter readily enter into new combinations, so that chemists differ very much in their estimate of the true nature of these compounds. The ultimate elements of these bodies are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Of these, the two former predominate very much, so that the biliary compounds approach very much the nature of fatty compounds in general. These fatty matters, to which a variety of names have been given, as bilic acid, choleic acid, bilin, picromel, &c., appear to be united with soda, forming a compound similar to that which we have in the mixture of oily matter with soda to form soap. A substance is often found in the bile called cholesterine, of which gall stones are formed; but it may be regarded rather as a diseased than a healthy product of the bile. Although the bile has been in times past regarded as a product which must pass away from the system by the intestines, it is very doubtful if this is the case. That a certain quantity of the bile with the colouring matter it contains passes off, there are many reasons for believing; but it appears that by far the largest quantity of this substance combines with the chyme, and is taken up again into the system to perform the same part in the economy as foods containing fat. We may thus regard the liver not only as an excretory organ, but as one preparing new compounds of carbon and hydrogen for further use in the system. At the same time it appears, that when large quantities of food rich in carbon and hydrogen, as oil, fat, sugar, &c., are taken into the system, it is one function of the liver to separate them from the blood, and deposit them in the intestines, where, when in too large quantities to be taken up again, they produce diarrhoea, and contribute to what are called "attacks of biliousness." The chyle is not absorbed into the system through the common mucous membrane, but through the agency of those little villi (Fig. 11 e, p. 211) which project from the surface of the duodenum and other portions of the intestines. These villi contain in them little ducts, each of which leads to a series of minute vessels called lacteals, which terminate in a large tube called the thoracic duct (Fig. 8, 7 p, p. 145) In their course the lacteals enlarge into a number of glands called mesenteric, on account of their position in the mesentery (Fig. 8 p, p. 145). The thoracic duct is the means by which the chyle is poured into the blood, where, mingling with that fluid, it undergoes those changes which convert it into blood itself, and fit it for the nutrition of the system. A CURE FOR MENDICANCY. ON the day fixed, orders being previously given, the police of Munich seized every beggar of every kind that could be found in the streets, and conveyed them, bodily, to a large manufactory, the character of which was, in fact, that of a workhouse, with, however, the valuable addition of military discipline. Once secured within the New Military Workhouse, the beggars were washed, dressed, and fed; they were given free permission to stay or go as they pleased; but a decree was soon issued making mendicancy a breach of the law, and ordering the gendarmes, throughout the capital, to arrest anyone proved to have been begging. Othello's occupation was gone; the beggar, who dared no longer to beg, was only too glad to eat the excellent dinner provided at the workhouse, and to do the work for which alone that dinner was the recompense. The work of classification was, of course, difficult. There were some genuine cripples, who were too weak for any work, and such were sent to the infirmary; others there The creamy fluid, separated from the were, who, afflicted with some permanent chyme by the action of the bile and pan- complaint, were capable of but little exercreatic fluid, is taken up by a set of vessels tion, and for these light work was provided; called lacteals. It is then chyle. It con- but the majority were "sturdy beggars," who sists of water holding salts in solution, and could work well enough if made to do so. of an organic substance suspended in it No restraint was set on any of them. They called fibrine. Floating about in it are were only warned that they would be taken round bodies peculiar to it called chyle up if they begged, and the only alternative globules; also a number of small granules, was to accept the work offered them. Wages which give to it its peculiar white colour; were paid to really worthy workers, and the these have been called the molecular base of dress and board was common to all. As a the chyle. In addition to these it contains proof of the success of the system, it may oil globules, and a number of minute be mentioned that in five years' time the spherules, probably of an albuminous cha-institution was realizing nearly a thousand racter. per annum. "As we believe authentic information on the subject of emigration is exceedingly valuable, we consider ourselves fortunate in being able to offer to our readers extracts from some interesting letters from a poor (but very superior) woman, who, by the assistance of the Emigration Commissioners and the help of a benevolent gentleman in Kent, left this country for South Australia in 1849. The difficulties as well as the advantages of colonial life are here very fairly advanced, and do equal credit to the heart as well as the head of the writer, and we are quite sure that a perusal of their contents will greatly strengthen our proposition,-How is it that, with such colonies as ours, emigration is not carried on with more spirit and regularity from these shores? "Is it indifference or ignorance, or what is it, that is hindering the outgoing of an overflowing nation like ours, which keeps our cities crowded to crushing, and lets the fertile plains and valleys of our colonies, quite as much our own though they are thousands of miles away, remain year after year uninhabited wastes without man or beast; hearts broken here, homes wasted there? Oh, fatal indifference and most disgraceful supineness! Happy will be the man or woman who shall arouse once more the spirit of enterprise among the people, and lead them to the fresh pastures and broad acres of our colonial possessions." Currency Creek, Adelaide, Dear Friends, ship of Adelaide I consider very flourishing; the old houses or huts are being all taken down; they were generally built of cob and upright slabs, and formed, as any one may fancy, but a poor specimen of architecture. Now the town is well laid out in streets, N. S. E. W., about four yards wide, which gives plenty of room, and there are many good buildings generally built of brick. The produce of the land is generally very good. Wheat averages twenty-five bushels per acre, and other crops in proportion. Potatoes grow well on dark barn soils, but stalk and no tubers form; other vegetables on sandy and other soils they run quite to flourish. Fruit is plentiful, and melons are grown in abundance, broadcast in the fields; they are of a very good flavour and crop well, but are chiefly used for feeding pigs, who eat them greedily. Melons are frequently found in uncultivated ground, side by persons eating the fruit. Grapes springing up from seeds dropped on the wayare also grown in abundance, some persons having fifteen to twenty acres of vines, and are still adding to their number; so I believe this colony is likely in a few years to become a great place for the wine trade. It is generally very good, and sells at from All three to four shillings per gallon. containing a few vines and fruit trees, settlers manage to get a piece of garden which grow very fast, although badly attended to. It is surprising to any person arriving here in the spring of the year, to see the vegetation, or may say the crops, as at that season the sun is not hot and burning, but calm and pleasant, with frequent thunlively and green. der showers, which make all things look In December the hot winds begin to blow, but they rarely last longer than two days, when a cold change succeeds which is very reviving. These hot winds blow from the N.E., and fly in one's face like a suffocating flame of fire, making many persons very languid, and it is only when these winds blow that the climate can be called hot; these warm winds, which on an average blow once every fortnight, make the land very dry. Very little rain falls between the months of October and the following April, but during May and June moderate rains fall, so that the sowing of corn rapidly succeeds these showers, as the land is then in good condition. You will perhaps read with interest a slight account with which I intend to present you, so far as I am yet acquainted with the colony. On entering the port, which is about six miles from the town of Adelaide, the view is very grand, with a large expansion of flat land surrounded by high and romantic hills. On the north side of Ade- The corn is ripe here about Christmas. laide the river Torrens runs, which supplies This colony has been surveyed by govern the town with water. It is carried about in ment authorities and divided into huncasks on carts drawn by horses. The town-dreds, each called after the most remark Currency Creek, Adelaide, South Australia, May, 1850. My dear Jane, This day twelve months we came to Adelaide, and I have very much to be thankful for, for I little thought we should be so comfortably settled in so short a time. We left Mypiniga at the expiration of our six months, for I found I could not do the work with a young child; and a man like my husband, who can turn his hand to anything, can do much better on a farm of his own than in service; but it is a very good plan to get six months' experience before you enter into anything for yourselves. able place the hundred contains Each will I dare say easily get a free passage. hundred is then divided into alphabetical Do not buy smart but strong clothes, and districts, and each district subdivided into stock yourself well with shoes, for cloth sections, each section containing about boots are twelve shillings a pair here. thirty acres, and numbered according to Crockery is very dear; we had to give sixquality in each district, and laid out with pence a piece for common blue pudding fences, N. S. E. W., while between every plates, and tenpence each for common cups two sections each way is a road, so as to and saucers; so if you are fortunate enough form the land in blocks or squares contain- to have any of them you had better bring ing three hundred and twenty acres. them; and take care of your ship things, for you will find them all useful; and for the voyage provide all that you can,-a bottle or two of English wine, some bacon, a cake, and a Dutch cheese, which you will find a great treat with the biscuits. If you could take a small bag of flour you would find it a great comfort, to make a bit of bread when you are poorly, as you are sure to be; so keep on deck as much as possible, and do not take any messes, for sea-sickness will have its course. John wants you to bring some currant bushes; you are to pack them in moss; and I should like some rhubarb, mustard and cress seed, and indeed all the seeds you can get. I forgot to ask you to bring a pound of white cotton, and some darning ditto; also tape of different sizes, and a pound of coarse sewing silk, to make crackers for stock-whips, which have handles two feet long, with a thong of from fourteen to thirty feet in length; they make such a noise you can hear them for miles. And now, dear Jane, when you know what ship you are coming in, write, if it's only a line; and perhaps we may get that before you are aware, and shall be on the look out; and write again before you get to Adelaide, and give it to the pilot, and he will post it long before you are on shore. Then do you stay on board till John comes or sends; we have only one post a week, on Thursday; so that whatever day you arrive we shall not get it till the Thursday after. Do not leave the ship if you can help it; but if you are forced to come on shore before we come, go to Mr. Do you watchmaker, street, tell him who you are, and ask him to recommend you the best inn, and leave word with him where you are lodging, but be sure and make no acquaintances, as there are some queer characters in Adelaide. We are fifty miles in the bush, and I have seen but one woman this seven weeks. I see plenty of men, rough-looking but kind-hearted bushmen. I must tell you, that by keeping in service we should not have done so well as we are now doing. In the course of the next month we shall be milking twenty cows, so you may be sure we have enough to do; but I have the black women to do my washing, and very good washers they are, so that I manage pretty well. And now, my dear Jane, if you have not altered your mind, and still think of coming to Australia, I shall be very glad of a companion, and you will find a comfortable and happy home here, and I feel convinced we shall all be happy together; although I fancy I shall soon lose you, for it is almost impossible for a girl to keep single long in the bush. know there are sixteen or eighteen bachelors in Currency Creek, all farmers; is it not a pity they should not have wives? The farmers' wives are sadly put out, for as soon as they send for a girl from Adelaide, some of the bachelors are sure to steal her away; so do not marry in England unless you are sure the man can turn his hand to almost anything, for those are most likely to succeed in the bush; and I am sure you would not like to live in the town. I forgot to tell you we have a very nice garden, with plenty of cherries, grapes, peaches;and now I must tell you how to come. You TRUTH AND JUSTICE.-Truth and justice are the immutable laws of social order. Far from us be the dangerous maxim, that it is sometimes useful to mislead, to enslave, and to deceive mankind, to ensure their happiness. Cruel experience has at all times proved, that these sacred laws can never be infringed with impunity.-Laplace. ORIGINAL POETRY. AUTUMN. Now summer garbs of smiling green And dressed in russet brown is seen The stately Oak his branches waves, Soon both shall stiff and frozen lie In Winter's iron hold, At whose approach, with north winds fly How true a type of manhood's pride, With blame their pity blending. While to the Oak, through Winter's storm, THE LOVE OF NATURE. IF Nature to a loving child THETA. Invites with sweetest scent and hue, And makes a pathway o'er the wild: Oh! where shall Pity find a tear For those who pass her glories by; Who seek 'mid garish throngs the jov Which blossoms in her lowliest sphere? Earth hath no sadder sight to show Than mocked Ambition's anguish vain; It sought to wield a world-wide reign And thrive on others' want and woe. While he who seeks Life's daily store, In a right spirit from Nature's hand And Heaven throws wide its golden door. ""TIS mine, sweet child," the mother said, She smiled as she gazed on its cherub form, "Tis mine! 'tis mine!" with lordly voice "Stay, stay, O Death!" an angel spake, [arms, "My Master hath need of this 'spotless lamb," Ere sin shall defile its breast; It must dwell in that better land' on high, Where alone is peace and rest." WEALTH. THERE is a wealth material; but, allied With nothing else, how poor a ground for pride! There is a mental wealth: but this alone Blind mercenaries, grasping but to hold- SAMUEL E. "In no point of view is it possible to defend the prevailing error of leaving out what ought to constitute an essential part of female education. Till this defect be remedied, thousands of young beings, who might have been preserved, will continue to be cut off at the very outset of existence, to the lasting grief of those who would have been happy to guard them against every danger, had they only known how. Even in the best regulated families, it is rare to meet with a mother who, before becoming such, has devoted the least attention to the study of the infant constitution, to the principles on which it ought to be treated, or to the laws by which its prineipal functions are regulated. She enters on her important charge with less preparation than if it were a plant or a flower, instead of a being in whose existence and happiness her whole soul is centred. Yet to HER exclusively the infant looks for that cherishing and affectionate care which its delicate frame requires; to her it directs every appeal, in the full confidence that she will be ever watchful for its happiness and relief, and that from her a look or a cry will procure the requisite sympathy or aid. She it is who provides its nourishment, regulates its exercise, and watches over its slumbers. But when we inquire to what extent her education has fitted her for the intelligent discharge of the duties which thus constitute the chief objects of her social existence, we find that, in the majority of instances, on no one point relating to them has she received even a tittle of instruction: and that she marries and becomes a mother without a suspicion of her deficiency in the most ordinary information concerning the nature and functions of the infant whom she is suddenly called upon to cherish and bring up. When her heart is wrung by witnessing its sufferings, and she knows not to what hand to turn to save it from impending danger, she bitterly laments her ignorance and helplessness. But not being aware that much of the difficulty and danger proceeds from her defective education, the idea never occurs to her that those who come after her must, in their turn, go through the same painful and profitless experience with their children, unless, with rational foresight, they be prepared, by the requisite instruction and training, for those duties which they may soon be called on to perform. "It is true that all women are not destined to become mothers; but how very small is the proportion of those who are unconnected by family ties, friendship, or sympathy, with the children of others! How very few are there who, at some period of their lives, would not find their usefulness and happiness increased by the possession of a kind of knowledge so intimately allied to their best feelings and affections! "It may, indeed, be alleged, that mothers require no knowledge of the laws of the infant constitution, or of the principles of infant management, because medical aid is always at hand to correct their errors. According to the present habits of society, however, professional men are rarely consulted till the evil is done, and the health broken; but even if they were, intelligence and information are needed in the mother, to enable her to fulfil their instructions." THE TRAP-DOOR SPIDER. THERE are few insects of such extraordinary habits as the Trap-door Spider, and the following account of it by Professor Jones is so interesting, that we are glad to extract it from his excellent work on Insect Architecture: In the Ionian islands, and also in the West Indies (as well as in the south of France, and in Corsica), there are found certain spiders (Cteniza) commonly known as Trap-door Spiders, which make a cylindrical nest in the earth, and cover the entrance with a door of their own construction, framed of alternate layers of silk and earth, and fastened to the opening by a hinge of stout silk. These spiders also line their nests throughout with numerous layers of silken web to the thickness of stout cartridge paper, and finish it with the greatest care. This beautiful lining is yet further strengthened in particular parts, where the nest is likely to be exposed to danger. But the greatest amount of skill and care is bestowed upon the trap-door and its silken hinge. The door is about the eighth of an inch thick, rough on the outside, not much unlike an oyster-shell, which it also resembles in being thick and strong near the hinge, but thinner towards the circumference. The breadth of this |