But another remarkable effect was produced by this discharge; the sounds sometimes seemed to be cracked or broken; owing, we believe, to the many jagged projections which interrupted its course.

From "Breda Head" to "Peel" the shore was less precipitous, and we again had views of the sloping sides of the mountains, covered with corn fields and pastures, and dotted here and there with white farm-houses and cottages.

As we drew near to Peel, another report from our cannon announced our approach. At this season there is always a considerable number of visitors from Douglas and other places on the island, who come to visit this little fishing town, and see its romantic old castle, and climb the neighbouring heights for a view of the eastern coast of Ireland, which, on a clear day, is visible.

The old castle is situate on that small island you see on the map. We may here say that the name of "Peel" has nothing to do, that we know of, with that of the distinguished statesman who took off the heavy taxes on corn, and gave to his hard-working countrymen and their families a cheap loaf of bread, for which the name of Sir Robert Peel will long be had in grateful remembrance. There is nothing remarkable in the appearance of the castle; but many curious tales, some true and some untrue, are told of strange things done in olden times within its walls and in its dungeons.

As we neared the old ruins we could observe numerous visitors on the look-out for us; and as our steamer, at reduced speed, passed by, they hailed us with hats, caps,

and handkerchiefs, which complements were returned by another discharge from the cannon and a lively air struck up by our band.

Putting on more speed we now went out further off shore; for the land here loses its mountainous character, and is generally flat, and therefore the water near shore is more shallow. There was nothing now landward to attract our attention for many miles. But we kept steadily on our way round "Jurby Point" and the "Point of Ayre," and it was not until we drew near the Bay of Ramsey that the land and its scenery again excited our admiration. And there was much to admire as we passed the bay. There was the neat little town of Ramsey with its white houses, bright in the sunshine, and beyond it a high mountain, whose wooded slopes formed a strong background contrast to the picture. We were at least two miles out, and perhaps the scene was more pleasing from the distance; but we could not cease to admire it under the various forms of grandeur and beauty which it assumed so long as we had it in view.

Rounding "Manghold Head," we ran down along the eastern coast past "Kennay," "Laxey," and "Clay Head;" and then rounding its northern point, we had a new view of the lovely Bay of Douglas, with all its natural and artificial attractions.

Having now taken you with us on this voyage round the island, we shall next ask your company on a trip with us inland to some of its principal towns and villages.

We hope you have taken care to look at the map for the places we have mentioned as we went along.

POMPEY'S PILLAR.

THIS celebrated pillar stands on a small eminence near Alexandria. It is of red granite; but the shaft, which is highly polished, appears to be of earlier date than the capital or pedestal. The centre part of the cap-stone has been hollowed out, forming a basin on the top; and pieces of iron still remaining prove that it was once ornamented with a figure, or some other trophy. It is remarkable that while the polish on the shaft is still perfect to the northward, corrosion has begun to affect the southern face, owing probably to the winds passing over the sands in that direction. Its substructure was once evidently under the level of the ground, and formed part of a paved area, the stones of which have been removed, leaving only those beneath the column itself, to the great risk of the monument.

It is to be regretted that the protection of the Egyptian Government has not been so far extended to this interesting relic of ancient Alexandria, as to prevent its pedestal and shaft being defaced by the names of persons who have visited it, or of ships that have anchored in the port, some of which are painted in black letters of monstrous height. The total height of the column is ninety-eight feet nine inches; and the shaft is seventy-three feet; the circumference twentynine feet eight inches; and the diameter at the top of the capital sixteen feet six inches.

The operation of forming an open ladder to ascend the column has been performed several times of late years, and is very simple. A kite was flown, with a string to the tail,

and when directly over the pillar it was dragged down, leaving the line by which it was thrown across the capital. With this a rope, and afterwards a stout hawser, was drawn over; a man then ascended and placed two more parts of the hawser, all of which were pulled tight down to a twentyfour-pounder gun lying near the base (which it was said Sir Sidney Smith attempted to plant on the top); small spars were then lashed across, commencing from the bottom, and ascending each as it was secured, till the whole was complete, when it resembled the rigging of a ship's lower masts. The mounting this solitary column required some nerve, even in seamen; but it was still more appalling to see the Turks, with their ample trousers, venture the ascent. The view from this height is commanding, and highly interesting in the associations excited by gazing on the ruins of the city of the Ptolomies, lying beneath.

THE MOTHER'S HEART.

A MOTHER'S love, a mother's care,
A mother's heart alone can know;
Love's lamp for ever glowing there,
Beam's brightest in a night of woe.

How soft, how silent is her tread,
Like falling snow her footsteps light,
When, angel-like, to sorrow's bed

She breathless steals by day or night!

How gentle is that blessed hand

To minister, to help, to raise,
To point with hope's prophetic wand
To brighter scenes, to better days!