ing artists are left to grope their way in the maze of obscurity, which has hitherto hidden those principles that ought to guide their efforts. Artists have not done so, but this has been done for them by the author of the pamphlet named in our first article; and although the term used in it cannot be said to be derived from any of those languages which it is customary to employ, the definition there given is such as will be likely to satisfy the intelligent artist. To assist those who are anxious to acquire a ready practice in perspective and artistic drawing, we, thirdly, proceed to explain the methods to be employed in acquiring a knowledge of those arts so intimately connected. We should, as before observed, advise the students first to acquire a knowledge of the principles and practice of orthographic projection; an art which will assist them in comprehending the simple principles and methods of practice to be employed, whilst engaged in drawing the perspective representations of any objects which can be placed before them in the commencement of their career. It is also recommended they should avail themselves of the assistance of some competent teacher, who may explain, by models and diagrams, the great utility of this branch of art. The following facts will be brought to the student's notice, whilst engaged in the practice of perspective :— 1st. That the perspective representations of objects, contained under plain surfaces, ever consist of a combination of straight lines; and those contained under cylindrical, conical, spherical, and irregular surfaces; of circles, or a combination of straight, circular, elliptical, and other curve lines. 2nd. That any number of representations of a given object, which vary in form with each other, may be so placed as to appear almost alike. 3rd. That the perspective representations of objects, do present a better appearance of them than can be executed according to any other given rule. 4th. That there is only one position from which the usual perspective representations of objects ought to be viewed with one eye. 5th. That the perspective representations of distant objects, when viewed with both eyes from any positions from which they can be seen, will appear more like the originals than the representations of near objects when viewed in a corresponding manner. From these facts, young artists will deduce the following rules to guide their future progress: 1st. That the method of readily describing straight, circular, elliptical, and other curve lines ought to be acquired. 2nd. That when any number of artists sketch a representation of a given scene, as the figure of the outlines of such will greatly depend on the position in which they have held or placed their paper or other material whilst engaged in sketching, this should lead them to place it in such a position, as others will be likely to choose when viewing it. 3rd. That the artist ought to aim at executing such representations of objects, as will present an appearance scarcely to be distinguished from that which may be obtained by viewing the originals. 4th. That when practicable, they should aim at having their productions, whether in the possession of a private individual or in a public exhibition, placed so that they may be viewed from the proper and most favourable position. 5th. That as it is customary to view artistic drawings with both eyes, this should lead the artist to choose such favourable positions before commencing to sketch in the outlines of any objects, so that when executed, they may not puzzle the beholders to comprehend what they are intended to represent. We shall merely remark, that after the students have acquired the practice of perspective, and the methods of describing any combinations of straight and curved lines, they ought to try their powers in sketching the outlines of simple objects, and afterwards proceed gradually to more complicated efforts. By daily practice, they will soon acquire a method of sketching the representations of all objects to which they can direct their attention; after which, if they aim at pictorial scenes, they should take lessons from some practical artist well skilled in the mechanical and chemical department of the art; and having thus acquired the method of handling the requisite tools, of preparing their colours, and also of giving to any plane surface such tints as present the desired appearance, they will be able to colour their sketches, so as to present an appearance almost similar to that which they themselves gained from viewing the originals. But only after years of such practice, combined with a careful study of men, manners, and things, will they be equal to the task of executing such compositions as will afford pleasure to themselves, and to those who may afterwards behold them. R. The Neapolitan sculptor, Persico, has just completed a marble group, the execution of which was intrusted to him by the Congress of the United States. It is destined for the Capitol at Washington, and consists of two figures, one of Columbus, the other of an Indian woman turning away from him with a look of shy curiosity. Revieins. A Treatise on Astronomy. By E. Henderson, L.L.D., F.R.S. Cotes. THIS useful work has reached a second edition. It is very nicely got up and illustrated, and contains an infinity of valuable information, condensed within narrow limits, but clearly expressed, and carefully arranged. To say that there is not a vast display of novelty, would be to tell that Kepler and Newton lived before Mr Henderson. He, however, has the merit of offering us, in a convenient and attractive shape, what others have discovered and communicated to the world. If the matter is not new, it is so wonderful that it will bear reading over and over again; and what can impress the mind with more awe and admiration of the Supreme Being, than such a display of the marvellous works of his hands as we transcribe below: ON THE IMMENSITY OF THE UNIVERSE. "About the year 1610, the telescope, then recently invented, was for the first time applied to astronomical investigation by Galileo; he, with his refracting telescope, with a power of about thirty times, observed thousands of stars invisible to the naked eye. Since the days of Galileo the telescope has been very much improved. The large 40-feet reflecting telescope of the late Sir William Herschel was frequently charged with the great magnifying power of 6,450 times. With such a power, the heavens seemed, as it were, to dissolve before its strength; on directing it to that peculiarly white track in the sky commonly called THE MILKY WAY, it was instantly perceived that its groundwork was of stars.' In one proportion of this track 116,000 stars swept over the field-view of this telescope in fifteen minutes, at another time 258,211 stars in forty-one minutes! It has been calculated that the Milky Way alone contains at least 18,500,000 stars, which are equal to 5,314 times the number of visible stars in the heavens, or about 19,000 times the number visible to the eye at one glance in the most favourable evening. Although the other parts of the celestial canopy are not so densely crowded, yet it is astonishing to consider the increased number the telescope unfolds to view in every constellation. "It may safely be asserted, that the telescopic number of the stars is at least 80,000,000 (eighty millions), some of which must be upwards of thirty-one thousand billions of miles distant from the Earth. It is well known that the late Sir William Herschel concluded from unquestionable evidence that his telescope enabled his eye to reach and rest on portions of space 497 times farther distant than Sirius. Suppose the distance of Sirius to be as great as the star 61 Cygni, or 62,528,490,691,900 31,076,659,873,874,300 miles, = miles X 497 for the probable radii, 62,153,319,747,748,600 miles for the diameter, and about 195,000, 000,000,000,000 (one hundred and ninety-five thousand billions) of miles for the circumference of the universe, as developed by the telescope alone! At such enlarged views of the amazing distances and number of worlds, as sounded by the telescope, the pious and contemplative mind may well exclaim, 'Great and marvellous are His works!' yet 'these are but part of His ways.' There is every reason to conclude that these are but the overwhelming number of worlds located as the small dust in the balance,' compared with in every nebula. Up to the present year there have been reckoned about 3,275 nebulæ. Nebula is a name given to a singular celestial appearance, cloudy in aspect, somewhat resembling small patches of froth swimming on the surface of water. It is not improbable that each of these 3,275 nebulæ may contain at least 80,000,000 of stars! What must we then think of the vast extent of the universe and its innumerable hosts of stars? Even although these nebulæ contain the great number of stars mentioned, they must only be considered as a very small part of an overwhelming and incomprehensible whole-only as a few groups clustering on the 'frontiers of the Creator's dominions."" Memoir of Grace Horsley Darling. Menzies. So much has been written on the generous daring of Grace Darling, that what little remains to be told of her "short and simple annals" cannot surprise. There are, however, some deeply affecting and very gratifying passages in this brochure. Among them, we must point to the little importance the heroine attached to what she had done. The good heart, satisfied with the performance of a duty, forgot the danger it had braved, and looked for no reward. We are told "Mr Sinclair, the agent for Lloyd's at Berwick, who was necessarily amongst the first to visit the Longstone after the occurrence of the wreck, good-humouredly remarked to the heroine, 'Well, Grace, we'll surely be able to get you a silk gown for this.' Grace smiled, and seemed rather elated at the prospect of such a reward. Mr Sinclair's curiosity being thereby excited as to her real feelings in regard to the matter, being put to her, that so far was she from it turned out on a few further questions of her exertions, in the innocence of her dreaming of wealth or applause as the result heart she would have gladly accepted of such an article of wearing apparel in full acquittance of every claim which she conceived her self entitled to hold, in virtue of her heroism, upon the generosity of her fellow-creatures." It is pleasing to know that if her life was short her last moments were tranquil. She seems, in her closing day, to have realised the wish breathed by Kirk White. interesting sufferer, recorded in our last A noble lady, as in the case of another volume, it will be seen, did herself honour by taking care that what human skill could effect for her should not be wanting. Thus ends her little, not inglorious, history: 66 : Consumption was the disease to which she fell a victim. Having shown symptoms of delicate health, she was, towards the latter end of last year, removed from the Longstone Light-house, on the recommendation of her medical attendant, to Bamborough, where she remained for a short time under the care of Mr Fender, surgeon. Finding herself no better, she was removed to Wooler for change of air. Her wish was complied with, but alas! she found no relief, and at the request of her father, she met him at Alnwick with a view to proceed to Newcastle for further medical advice. The Duchess of Northumberland having heard of the arrival of the heroine of the Longstone at Alnwick, immediately procured for her a comfortable lodging in an airy part of the town, supplied her with everything requisite, and sent her Grace's own medical attendant to give her the benefit of his medical advice; all, however, was of no avail. Her father anxiously desiring that she should return amongst her family, she was accordingly removed once more to Bamborough, where she arrived only ten days before her dissolution. On the day of her removal from Alnwick, her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland, without even a single attendant, and attired in a most homely manner, repaired to Miss Darling's lodgings for the purpose of taking her last farewell, which she did with the most unaffected kindness. For some time previous to her death, she was perfectly aware that her latter end was approaching, but this gave her no uneasiness. She had been nurtured in the fear and love of God, and dependent on the merits of her Redeemer, and her hope of mercy increased as her bodily strength diminished. She was never heard to utter a complaint during her illness, but exhibited the utmost Christian resignation throughout. Shortly before her death she expressed a wish to see as many of her relations as the peculiar nature of their employments would admit of, and with surprising fortitude and self-command, she delivered to each of them some token of remembrance. This done, she calmly awaited the approach of death, and finally, on the 20th of October, resigned her spirit into the hands of Him who gave it without a murmur." British and Foreign Travellers' Guide. A Complete Directory to every part of the Kingdom and Abroad, comprising Tables of all the Railways in Great Britain; Times and Fares of the Steamers from every Port; an Index of eleven hundred Towns, with the Steam, Railway, and Coach Conveyance to each; the Continental Railways, Times and Fares of all the Foreign Steamers from British and other Ports; with an Index: a Complete Guide to the chief Cities and Places of Resort in Europe, the Mediterranean, India, West Indies, and America; Value of Foreign Coins-Passports-Tides Mails, and Foreign Postages, and a large variety of useful Information. London: Sherwood, Gilbert, and Piper. THE above inordinate title will almost startle the reader. It promises much, but so far as we have had occasion to look into it, not more than it fairly performs. It contains a prodigious fund of valuable information, which will save those who have to travel not only money, but much valuable time, and, whether at home or abroad, will prevent them from feeling at a loss in any part of the world. A TRIP TO NORWAY. FRANCE, Switzerland, and the Rhine, have been so much run upon for years, that, to Summer tourists, it will be joyful news when they hear that there is a place worth visiting, not difficult to reach, which has not been worn threadbare. Norway is that place; and we are glad to have an opportunity of laying before the readers of the Mirror,' a few notes of a profes sional gentleman lately a visitor there. They were not intended for publication, and perhaps are the better on that account for those who think of making the trip: Having obtained our passports from Collector Waters, of Weck, we embarked on board the schooner Flyvende Fisk,' G. Terkeldsen, commander, bound for Christiansand, the wind being north-west. The 'Flyvende Fisk' sailed out of Helmsdale in great style on Thursday morning, July 14, 1842. At half-past one we first steered direct for Traserburgh, and then east-south-east, until we arrived at the mouth of the Frith, intersected with islands, which leads up to Christiansand. The wind was quite fair, and blew rather fresh, so that our voyage was performed in good style. Land was visible this morning, Saturday the 16th, about four o'clock, and at about a quarter to nine the Naze, with its small lighthouse was visible. There is nothing particularly striking in the Naze, but the whole coast thence to the entrance at Christiansand is most beautiful. I can only compare the gradual rising of the rocks from the margin of the sea to a kind of deception, as if the rocks were formed into the most elegant forest (it may be said that this idea requires some imagination, but it certainly struck me sc); no wood is to be seen until you are nearly opposite Mandahl. All that is along the coast is very stinted in growth. We arrived at Christiansand about six o'clock on Saturday evening, having made our passage to the Naze in fifty-two hours, and to Christiansand in sixty-six hours. I must not omit mentioning that the attention of Captain Terkeldsen and crew would have done credit to the attendants on board of any English or Scotch steamer. I was much struck with the cool and seamanlike appearance of the pilot who came on board, leaving his companion in the pilot-boat alone. It was as much as any fisherman in Scotland would risk. Captain Terkeldsen informed me that in very stormy weather, when there is difficulty in approaching the vessel, the crew have only to throw a rope on board the pilot boat, when one of the pilots fastens the rope round his middle, and is pulled on board. No sooner did our anchor touch the bottom than two or three of the custom-house men began to examine our luggage. They very soon, in the best-humoured manner, told us they were satisfied; I saw one of them look at a cake of Windsor soap with a most anxious squint as if he would have liked it in his pocket, but I did not at all feel in a liberal mood. . On landing below the custom house, we certainly cut rather a funny figure, or figures, with Pincher, our little Scotch terrier, attacking every unfortunate dog that came within his reach, and our small bag of Helmsdale biscuit, &c. Here were two or three young men, dressed like Frenchmen, who, I presume, flattered themselves on being the leaders of fashion in Christiansand. They, to prove their high breeding, indulged in a long stare and a good laugh at our expense, but soon changed their note on our treating them with a good laugh in return. We next marched up to our hotel, of course expecting something very sober in Norway, but we found a smart young man who received us in the English style; next there peeped out an English coach dog, and smooth terrier, so that we might have fancied ourselves at the entrance of an English hotel. At nine o'clock we had dinner; the dishes were small round bannocks made of whiting, surrounded with very rich gravy, and at the one end of the table was a very fine lobster; we had also new potatoes, with cheese, rye bread and biscuit. The rye bread is very dark coloured, and rather sour. We finished the above feast with a glass of corn brandy. It resembles whisky in colour, but tasted as if there was carraway seed in it. I liked the taste, but was told it would not be drinkable if mixed with water. It becomes white from the essential oil it contains. I am told, that by buying a quantity, it may be procured at the very low rate of about sixpence per bottle. We had a short walk through one or two streets, and were charmed with the softness of the atmosphere and the beautiful clear blue sky; I could have believed any one who had told me that I was in Italy or Greece. The houses have a very pleasing appearance (being made of wood), and painted various colours, principally white, red, and dark drab. The streets are very broad, but ill paved, with a kind of shallow drain in the centre; there is an attempt at some pavement, but in truth it is a part of the street, as the flags are put in very irregularly, in every sense of the word. I observed that a great many of the girls among the lower orders have a peculiar waddling walk, probably caused in a great measure from their being accustomed to walk on such rough pavement. My bedroom is a very lofty and large room, walls coloured pea-green, no carpet, a very neat cabinet and chairs, with sofa made of birch wood, beautifully polished-indeed, the construction and polish would do credit to any tradesman. The sofa and chairs are covered with red tartan-I presume to be in character with the name of the hotel (Britannia). There is in one corner of the room a very high stove, between seven and eight feet high; the corner of the room in which it stands is painted in imitation marble. very comfortably on a bed formed of crossed boards; the bottom mattrass appeared to be made of straw, the one above, seemed to be hair,- your covering is one sheet, with an Eider-down covering above all. I slept I have just had my first Norwegian breakfast; our bill of fare consisted of lobster, ham, a small mutton ham, a small bit of roast beef, two bread baskets, one containing slices of rye bread, also small slices of remarkably white breadthe other basket contained a small oblong loaf, which tasted very sweet, that is to say, it had an unusually pleasant wheaten taste. There were also white thin and crisp biscuits-they appear to be prepared with water, instead of any rich substance. I observe it is the custom in this hotel to put a high glass full of flowers on the table, which, considering the heat at present in Christiansand, gives rather a refreshing look to the breakfast table. A tumbler is put down for each person, and a large bottle of fine clear water in the centre of the table. I was particularly struck with the fine grain or minute crystallization of the white sugar put down for our coffee. The cream that is used for coffee and tea is universally boiled, which glves it a rich taste. After breakfast we had an invitation to call on Captain Terkeldsen, and were introduced to his wife and daughter the former a most motherly, kind looking woman, the latter a genteel, lady-looking girl of 17. Captain Terkeldsen and his son accompanied us to church. In order that we might leave when we pleased, it was fixed that we should sit in the organ gallery, where we had a very good view of the building, which is truly an elegant, or rather I should say a cathedrallooking place. The walls of stone whitewashed, the windows Gothic, and in the shape of a cross. The tiles are black, which form a good contrast with the white walls. At one end there is a square spire, with a clock in it; the inside of the roof, which is lofty and arched, is covered with boards, and painted white. The seats are light blue, and the pulpit an imitation of blue marble. I remarked that all the females sat on one side and all the males on the other; they seemed to listen with great attention. Many wore straw bonnets, others were attired in the ordinary way, with cotton dresses (figured prints). Our hotel landlord informs me that some of the women are not allowed to wear bonnets. I could not resist asking the reason, when our landlord informed me that "many of de ladies rise from servants, and do not like to see deir (their) servants dressed like ladies." I certainly observed a great many in church with:out bonnets, but cannot exactly think that the above reason would prevent so many from wearing them. It seemed most desirable that some part of their dress should be red, scarlet, or pink. The universal shape of the cap was exactly to fit the head-that is to say, the greater proportion of the hair being fas-.. tened behind, which gives a slight projection to the back part of the head. There is a frill along the whole front, and another along the part that corresponds to the back of the head; and what I observed in every case was, that the pink ribbon (the favourite colour) ran straight behind the front frill. Others, whom I afterwards Cound to be from the country, were dressed in coarse, home-made stuff. The dresses vere very similar to that of a Sutherlandshire matron; the head was covered with a white handkerchief, the corners down; others had coloured handkerchiefs, with pink ribbons hanging behind. Coming out of church we went to hear the military band; the music was really equal to any you would hear an English band play. The tunes I could recognize as waltzes, quadrilles, &c., that is to say, I knew the time, and could tell what they were, although I never heard them before. I ought to have mentioned that the clergyman was in the early part dressed in a white robe (which I rather think is the case in administering the sacrament); on coming to the pulpit he had on a black gown, with a thick frill or ruffle around his neck. At one o'clock we dined, and tasted Norwegian salmon; it was very good, not, perhaps, quite so firm as Scotch (but the weather is very hot); in every other respect you would hardly know any difference. We had very fine roasted veal, and new potatoes, which made an excellent dinner. After having a glass of Hollands and hot water, we joined the family to have our coffee, which was very good; and we were blessed with two of the fair sex (of the family), the elder, a buxom, jollylooking lassie, but her hands looked as if she were fond of working, and I shortly saw her engaged mending her gloves, on Sunday evening. What is most distressing (in a land that is otherwise lovely in scenery and true hospitality), is to see how little regard is paid to Sunday. Here you meet a boy walking quite gravely with a fishing rod over his shoulder, and there a young man with a gun in his hand, often returning from a boating excursion, &c. A TRAGIC ACTOR'S REMUNERATION.Mr Bunn, on a late trial, stated the ordinary remuneration of a tragic actor, invested with no peculiar attraction, to be from twelve to twenty pounds a night. That is pretty well, but he should have added he is not likely to be called upon to perform more than once in a month or six weeks. Mr Moon, the eminent printseller, has been named one of the Sheriffs of London for the year ensuing. Mr Murray, the bookseller in Albemarle street, died on Tuesday last, aged 65. - The Museum at King's College, London, was opened to the public, in the presence of H. R. H. Prince Albert, and several noblemen and gentlemen. A Latin address was read, and the national anthem was sung by Mr Hullah's pupils in the school and college. Prince Albert apparently took great interest in the works of art. &c., which were explained to him by Professors Wheatstone, Daniell, and Cowper. A salute was to have been fired from the top of the shot tower, opposite Somerset house, by means of the galvanic battery; this, however, failed, through some fault in the arrangements. Prince Albert, the new President of the Society of Arts, presided at the late distribution of the prizes awarded by the society. The society, from the time of its foundation, has disbursed more than 100,000l. in rewards; and among many eminent men who received its medals, are mentioned Sir T. Lawrence, Nollekens, Flaxman, Ross, and Landseer. The American papers announce the death of Noah Webster, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He is best known on this side of the Atlantic as the author of a very copious English dictionary. The King of the French has given Horace Vernet a commission to paint a picture representing the taking of Warsaw, for which he is to receive 200,000 francs. An Irish jury the other day returned the following verdict in the case of an old woman charged with larceny:-" We find her Not Guilty, and hope she won't do it any more." The gout may be said to be a beacon on the rock of luxury to warn us against it. |