[From Townley's Journal, Vol II, 1791]

DOUGLAS, February 14[1790].

14th. (or Valentine-day) AFTER a very wet and blowing night, a very stormy morning; it continued exceedingly wet and stormy, till near the close of day. However, the evening cleared up a little, and by ten it was as bright a stay light night as ever was seen ; but without the least frosty tendency in the air. How will the above account accord, with that of Valentine day, last year ?

" February 14th, 1789. ANOTHER cold and raw, and most gloomy-looking morning. The wind is got down again into the west; but I do not expect its remaining there long ; for it is cold enough to lay claim to the most frigid point upon the compass. This being ore of their greatest markets, the last Saturday before Lent, I took a walk through the market, in the Lower Town, which I found very much crowded with people : but not at all well stocked with those necessary articles of food, generally exposed to sale there. Very little fresh fish, except some very small whitings. Turkeys and fowls very scarce; of course, very dear. Geese in great plenty, and therefore much more reasonable. The vegetable market made a very wretched appearance. No- thing hardly green in it, except corn-sallad, which the French use as a culinary vegetable to their boiled beef, when they can get any.

I SAW great plenty of fine apples, in very good preservation. Immense quantities of eggs too, and exceedingly reasonable, considering the uncommon severity of the winter. The French farmers, or rather their wives, (for they have the entire management of the poultry keep immense numbers of hens, (for the sake of the eggs only) which they cannot be induced to part with, hardly on any terms whatever. In a dozen baskets of chickens, or fowls, you will not fee above one or two hen birds. The egg- money goes towards cloathing the. family, and buying a few necessary articles of humble household furniture : humble enough; for their best farm houses are wretchedly furnished in that respect ; not near so well as those of many cottagers in England. Happy for them, they know no better, therefore are contented : neither desiring, admiring, or coveting any thing out of the plain, humble style of their fore-fathers:

" CAPTAIN OLIVER, and Captain Pansey, went cut, well stored with passengers, under a noble breeze from the S. W.-A large smuggling cutter lest the harbour at the same time and a small French sloop, from thesouthward, came in-At my return from the harbour, I was greatly surprised to see three full packs of English wool, in Engish sheeting, laying under the tackle-door of Mr. Russel's warehouse. Soon afterwards, seven more were brought up in carts; and then they were all billed up to the upper story. I sound it was brought in by a small cutter, that had taken the advantage, by the first run of the tide, to land it near the barracks. Madam Le Roche's bother-in-law who is also a proveditor for the smugglers, told me it came from near Rye, was some of the most choice Sussex long wool, and, when: laid down at Amiens, would be well worth seventeen pounds sterling per puck; that he was the better-enabled to speak of the value, as he :had dealt a. great deal in the same article, before the laws-in England were made so severe against running it. I then left my apartments, which were close by, and went to examine the quality of the wool, Whilst I was so doing; Russel came by, and looked very confused ; which I could not wonder at, as he must be conscious to himself, that I was thinking of him as a traitor to his native country, a consequently a very great villain, well deserving a halter. (x)-Oh! the auri sacra fames! What numbers has it perverted, and turned from the direct paths of rectitude and honour, into the crooked by-ways of TURPITUDE and DISHONOUR ? soon lost to all true sense of shame, and abandoned by every generous, noble principle.

" THIS day has been long accounted and esteemed, I mean in vulgar estimation, as the general pairing day, for the feathered tribes, especially the sweet choristers of the woods and dales; but how St. Valentine got such a peculiar influence over their little loves, so as to determine, at his will and pleasure, so general a choice of companions, I have yet to learn, being but meanly versed in church history ; especially what relates to the lives and transactions of saints. He will find very few to pair, in this region, upon this his annual festival; and, I think, the chilly season will so damp the amorous desires of those very few that are left, as to. make them defer the happy connubial season, to a time of more genial temperature; when the cheering rays of the fun may inspire their mutual loves with a proper degree of warmth. When that will be, I cannot say; but can truly affirm, that I have not seen a single glimpse of his all-cheering face, for several days past. Such a gloomy season is not apt to promote billing and cooing, the 14th of February, not excepted."

(x) This is the fifth running in of noble English wool (or rather the seventh, including the two dirty packs that came lately in the new London Trader) that I have seen here.--Two very considerable ones.-Shocking!

15th. A FINE, bright morning, but the wind in its favourite quarter, S. W. blowing moderately, which may procure us a fine day. Capt. Stewart, in his revenue cutter, and the Ann sloop, of Whitehaven, have both left the harbour.-Intelligence is just arrived, that Capt. Cook (in his fine cutter) has fallen in with the Laxey sloop, fitted out by two old offenders, from this place, upon some illicit concerns, and carried her into Kirkcudbright. The tobacco on board her will make her of some value to my friend; who, from his great industry, deserves to be successful ; and I hope he will continue to be so, till this northern channel is cleared of such daring, hardened offenders as the above: one of whom had left his native country and family, on account of some Exchequer writs, out againt him for former offences. Perhaps the smart of punishment may now work that reformation, which clemency and forbearance could not.

THIS day continued fine and fair, till about four, when some small showers began to fall with great mildness ; but they proved introductory to as wet and stormy an evening as Douglas has known for some weeks past.

This morning, the remains of poor Miss Tennison were carried, in great funeral pomp, to be interred at Kirk St. Ann. This young lady was very quickly cut down, (by a fatal, relentless atrophe) like a sweet flower of the field, just opening to its perfect beauty. Such an early sacrifice to death's devouring hand, must be long and deeply regretted, by all who had the pleasure of knowing her : for she was

" Of manners gentle, and of temper sweet."

THERE is another species of consumption, of a very different nature; for though slow, it works sure ; it is called the grog consumption, and is so common in the island, that it puts an end to the existence of near half the inhabitants. in the towns, more in proportion than in the country: but a general malady, ending in death at last, and often destroying the mental powers, long before the bodily ones are totally subdued; for the Manks people are a hardy race.

MANY foreigners fall victims to the same complaint ; which is held, by some to be very infectious, or catching, to which, opinion I readily subscribe.

THERE is another general complaint, which is uncommonly fatal in the island, (but is chiefly confined to children) the small-pox. That dreadful, loathsome disease makes terrible ravages, whenever, or wherever, it prevails.- Hearing the doleful knell (at the Old-Chapel) continually sounding, for some months after I arrived, (and knowing the chief cause of that constant alarum) I have at last obtained, from the register, a perfect list of all the poor infants, that fell martyrs to that horrid-complaint, in this town ; only betwixt the 27th of April last, and the second of October, when the mortality chiefly ceased. The number, I find to be fifty six. Out of that number, three under inoculation. From the same authority, I find the number of births (during the whole of the last year) did not exceed seventy-three. A poor make up for the mortality of about five months, and from one malady only.

BEING got on the subject, of registers, it reminds me of the two very extraordinary ones of funerals, in the Upper and Lower Town of Boulogne ; in the short space of two months and ten days; or from the, 10th of November, 1788, to the 20th of January, 1789.

THESE I was obligingly presented with, by the gentlemen who kept them: and therefore I can depend upon their authenticity. The instances of extraordinary longevity, they hold forth, make them very curious, and therefore I with to perpetuate the memory of them, as far as this Journal can do it.

COPY of the REGISTER for BURIALS, in the UPPER TOWN of BOULOGNE, within the above DATES.

N. B. OUT of so small a number as 24, one above go, viz. 96 ;-8 above 80;- 2above 75;-and 16 above 70.-The medium age of the oldest, 90.

REGISTER of the LOWER TOWN of BOULOGNE, within the same DATES.

OUT of that number, 1 above 90 ;=6 above 80;- 15 above 75 ; and 9 above 70. The medium age of the 3 oldest, 91.

" THE above registers give, incontestible proofs of the salubrity of the Boulogne clime. There is a man, now living in the Lower Town, who completed his centennials nativity, in October lat ; his wife then in her 89th,year. It is very probable (from the apparent; constitutional strength and vigour of those recorded in the, above dead lists sleveral would have made near approaches, if they had not attained, to their centennial nativities, had it not been for the uncommon severity of the season, and the absolute want of sufficient food and fuel. Dreadful wants! in seasons, such as the present, and to those that are journeying through the evening of life."

OF those poor children, in this place, that struggled through the small-pox, there are numbers that are so mauled and defaced, that, not a single trace of original features is discernible ; and several, God knows, have lost the blessing of sight. From the same cause, there are more poor blind objects to be seen in this island, than any place of the same inhabitancy that, I have ever yet seen.

FROM fevers (either malignant or inflammatory) the inhabitants of the isle are pretty much exempt; unless when brought on by shameful intemperance. Gouty complaints are pretty, frequent; but attached (as in other countries), to particular families, Strangers often suffer, at their first residence, by rheumatic and scorbutic complaints. This is confirmed to me, by the first medical knowledge in the island, and also by some self-painful experience, with respect to the former malady.

16th. A VERY fine, chearful winter's morn, and a fine winter's day, till four; when a shower or two excluded it from the short, favourite list.-Wind getting down to S. W. and bringing on a wet night.

17th. A DELIGHTFUL winter's morning; at its first dawning, serenely mild and pleafant but, by eight, it began to blow pretty hard, and continued to do to, the remainder of the day, but still pleasant and fair to the last; so there is one advance in the short list.-Wind West. -In the morning walked up to the Haigh, the day of sale for the furniture, &c. where I met with some agreeable ladies, and saw a vast concourse of people..

THE Manks people are wonderous fond of attending sales, and seldom return sober from them; often bidding for what they do not really want, and sometimes buying more than they can conveniently pay for; but this remark appertains solely to the common country-people; who are lured to such meetings, under the fancy and hopes of buying bargains; but frequently are mistaken.

18th. ANOTHER fine winter's morning, with a strong gale of wind from the South, which makes some swell in the bay.-I took a walk to Kirk Onchan, and returned by the Haigh, where I saw great numbers of people, fetching away the bargains they had made the preceding day. I found the wind too boisterous to make walking pleasant, especially when facing the wind, which was thin, and piercing; not favourable to rheumatic complaints. The day continued fair; but a trifling distillation came on, about eight.

19th. A FAIR morning, but raw, cold, aad gloomy; therefore unpleasant.-I have just seen some horse loads of the finest haddocks imaginable, brought to market here, from Peel, which is reckoned the best place in the island, for every species of the cod-kind. I never was in any place that was half so well supplied with fish, as this rocky island; and that upon the most reasonable terms. Indeed I must, in justice, say of it, that it is an excellent land to live in. My Welsh author, observing upon the productions of the island,, expresseth himself, in the following whimsical, eccentric manner.

" THIS island, besides corn of all sorts, yieldeth good store of flax and hemp ; neither is their little bee an idle drone, but affordeth both honey, and wax; not, only for the use of the inhabitants, but for exportation also;, for it employed. the same heretofore, to fa.htlier and lighten the ancient christians in their synaxis, (x) but is now employed for their patron's uses, to exchange for other necessaries, (with the shopkeepers) which are wanting in the island. There is not. much pasture ground ; the most: and best is in the Earl of Derby's possession, lying on the south side of the island, near unto his Castle of Rushen, (y) and in the Calf of Man.

THEIR meat, (z) therefore, in general, are by consequence little, low, small, and poor, (but not in any extremity but resembling those of. Ireland.; but nothing near our breed, of England:, and no marvel; for they, feed, for the most part, in heathy grounds, lying continually in the open field, both summer and winter ; never housed ; neither is any hay or, fodder given them, but are enforced to feed on what they find. Those that graze by the sea shore, or near thereunto, are observed every day, of themselves, to go down in companies, (nature and. necessity only guiding and there will they expect the ebbing of the tide-water, to have the benefit of eating the sea-tangle: ; that is, those weeds which, the sea, at the coming in of the tide, casteth, upon the land,; and ebbing leaving, thern there in great heaps, the cattle do more willingly (yea I may truly lay more greedily feed on those weeds, than upon grass or hay. And it, is there observed, that those cows that feed on them are far fairer, bigger bodied, fatter, and yield more milk, than those of the inland-parts, that have not the same, commodity for their saturation, sustentation, and nourishment. (aa)

" You need not much to question, whether, amongst British animals, in every species, there be not some (as well as amongst men) which may be reputed not only in the natura brevium, but merely of the pigmean races. For example, in horses. In England, we have those we call tits, the Irish their hobbies, and the Scots their galloway nags.

" BUT Sir Evan Lloyd's breed of the little, dainty, diminutive merlins, that run wild all the summer, upon the mountains in Wales, do far exceed all the rest, in asmall, neat, curious composure, as if cast in a mould: but there are all of the Gentilesea. (bb)

" THE Manks breed are low and little, (equal with the least of those above named, except the merlins, and withal pitifully poor, and the molt unsightly that may any where be seen. As the Orcades horses are said to resemble French asses, so there do not dissent, either in shape or height, from those : for you are scarce able to discern any head, for hair;- which is of a sooty-black colour.

" I COULD not observe any one of them that had so much as one white spot, in foot, or face : no other colour than that Cimmerian black, in any part of their bodies. This long, fearing, straggling hair hangs dangling down, almost two-three handfuls beneath the whole length of their bellies. Their excoriated hides are not, by the eye, to be distinguished from a bear's akin. A reasonably tall man needs no stirrups, to abide him: but, being mounted, no man needs desre a better beast, for travelling; they will plod on, freely and willingly, with a soft and round amble, setting as easy as your Irish hobby. You have no need to make use of spur or twitch. In enduring labour and hardness, they exceed others. They will travel the whole day, (and night also, if they be put. to, it) without either meat or drink." (cc)

(x) Our author cannot help stepping out of the way, (whenever there is the least opening) to shew his extensive reading and general knowledge,

(y) The Welsh 'squire. had certainly never seen the north side of the Island. There certainly is some good pasture-land in the south side; but not to be compared, either in quality or quantity, with those that are to bo seen and met with, in a very extensive range of grass grounds, within the parishes of Ballaugh, Jurby, Kirk- Bride, and Kirk Andreas, on the north side.

(z) I suppose he means their beeves. They certainly are are very small in general ; yet their carcasses yield very decent,well flavoured beef, from the beginning of September, till March ; not so fat as the English beef, yet such, as would not discredit any market.

(aa) Our author was fortunate to see what was never seen before, or since,-Manks cows feeding greedily upon tangle. I fancy he was near-sighted, and took the great hogs for small cows. For those go regularly to the shore, (in summer time upon the recess of the tide; not to feed upon the tangle, but upon small, young crabs, that are brought in with it. These I have many times observed were devouring, with great greediness.

(bb) My fairy biographer told me, The horses those elves were riding, upon Rumswark hill, were very small, and very beautiful; I therefore suspect they were Sir Evan's beautiful merlins, borrowed upon the occasion; and that, when they galloped over the hill with them, they were were going to return them, to the right owner ; for they are slrialy honest, and harmless, I believe, too; though charged with so many mischievous tricks.

(cc) A noble description of the Manks cavalry ; but there happens to be a great lack of truth in it; in one descriptive particular especially, the colour. I am satisfied his Cambrian worship would not have bestowed a self-colour, a sooty black too, upon the whole breed of Manks horses, had it not been for the purpose of displaying his erudition, by the poetic epithet, Cimmerian.

The dark, Cimmerian vale,"

which by all mortals must once be pasted.-There is as great a diversity in the colour, as in those of any other country. The tradition amongst the mountaineers, a guileless set of mortals, is, that they were anciently all of a Danish-grey colour; many are so now, in the mountainous parts of the island.

10th. A MOST delightful spring-morning calm, serene, and mild.-Having been asked, by three or four persons, if I had seen the new monument, lately erected in Kirk- Onchan church-yard, to the memory of the late collector, Mr. Betham, I was induced to believe there must be something very curious: in the monument itself, or, in the inscription,.designed for it by his son, Doctor Betham. I was resolved, therefore, to take the benefit of so very fine a day, in order to satisfy my curiosity ; which was done in the manner it often is, when raised by public surmise :

" Parturiunt montes; nascitur ridiculus mus."

I found a plain, decent monument, of black- marble, from Castletown, with the following plain narrative upon it:-(he is styled Doctor of Laws)-

" The degree of Doctor of Laws was an honour conferred upon him, by the University of Glasgow. He held the office of Collector of His Majesty's Customs, for this island, the last twenty-four years of his life."

-Plain, modest, and sensible.

IT turned out the finest winter's day, I ever remember. The larks were soaring, and singing delightfully: not a bush but what resounded with some kind of wild-notes: some sweet ones, from the linnets and thrushes, which were warbling on every side of me.-Stopped at the Haigh, on my return, where I met with Mr. Robert Heywood, and his young, handsome, tall wife.- The wind, all day, 'full South.

21st. A MUCH finer day than the last having quite a summer warmth, as well as serenity. The society, from the Liverpool coffee-house, -had thieir dinner dressed at the Hague, and spent a most agreeable day there, chiefly in the open Air. ' Saw from thence, the mailboat sail into Douglas-harbour, after a most fhameful stay at Whitehaven. What says my Boulogne Journal; for the 21 st of February, last year?

" Feb. 21. A soft, mildish morning, inclining to drizzling rain; with a very heavy appearance upon the water. About ten, the gentle distillation turned to a very heavy fall of rain, which- lasted about two hours. The day then cleared up, the wind riling very much; and, at hast, becoming very boislerous. A brig came into the harbour, from Calais, where the was driven in the late tempestuous weather, and where she had been since, undergoing some necessary repairs of the damages she sus tained on her passage from Cette ; from whence she was originally freighted with brandy, for this port.

Two large smuggling-cutters, and a lug- sail, got into the road, but too late for the tide's bringing them in. The market was pretty well supplied this day, with butchers meat, fish, and poultry: but no game, nor one single woodcock; though the market, last year, was amply supplied with them, during the months of February and March. We then supposed them to be on their return towards their native country: but, from the prefent scarcity, at the same identical season of the year, we are induced to suppose, either that the late October flight has been destroyed, during the late very severe season ; or, that those birds have some instinctive forebodings, that there is more bad weather yet to,come; and are hence deterred from taking their long and fatiguing flight, over the stormy, northern ocean, till a more mild and settled season arrives.

" The last night was allowed (by every one that ventured out, into the sharp, biting air to be as severely cold, as if it were still the very depth of the winter-season : though the wind continued to blow from S. W. by W. which is the very foftest to receive it from, on this coast : but the case (most probably) is, that the atmosphere was so strongly impregnated with icy particles, during the long continuance of the most severe frost ever remembered in this climate, that it is, and will be, immaterial, from what point the wind directs its course for a harsh, churlish feel will, more or less, prevail, till the influence of the sun is powerful enough entirely to subdue and refolve the chilly impregnation. Then, and not till then, some signs of spring-vegetation may be surely expected : at present, there are not the least appearances of vegetable life, in these parts: the most hardy, enduring plants,. as well as the most early springing ones, still continuing in the same state of most profound somnolency.''

22 d. ANOTHER fine; serene morning with a small degree of frost, which makes it more seasonable than yesterday, though not near so pleasant.-Wind N.E. by E. which point of blowing would certainly have afforded us a peep at the Cumberland hills, if there had not been a thick, still haziness in the atmosphere. Mona's mountains are very clear, and look low.

23d. FROM the pleasing serenityof the last evening, the uncommon brightness of the moon, and the brisk twinkling of the stars, together with a full easterly wind, I drew confident conclusions, in favour of a bright, frosty morning: but when I opened the house-door, about six, I perceived more than a spring-like mildness and softness to prevail, even at that early hour, when the dawn of day was hardly passed, and gone.

IN passing the head of the bay, a little before noon, I had, the pleasure of observing five fine brigs crossing it, upon different tacks. It was exceedingly pleasant, taking exercise there: it called the ladies' out.

24th. A VERY dark, uncomfortable morning, there being a true Monks-fog, which is equally powerful as a Scotch-mist, in reaching the skin of an Englishman. A most unwelcome and unpleasant change in the weathers from the charming, comfortable feel of yesterday.

IT is chiefly owing (I believe) to such sudden, as well as violent, changes in the state of the atmosphere, that rheumatic complaints are so prevalent within the island; especially amongst strangers, whose constitutions have not been assimilated to such sudden and violent alterations in the weather.

GOUTY complaints are also common in this island ; but they chiefly pay their unwelcome visits to the aborigines of the place; attaching themselves very strongly to particular families, where they seem to claim a kind of hereditary right to fequent residence.- This observation will certainly militate very strongly against Doctor Cadogan's late doctrine; a doctrine which is certainly refuted by constant, general experience :-I mean, upon his unrestricted principles! Yet I will freely acknowlede his professional merit, and as freely allow that his general rules are admirably adapted, to curb the fierceness of that most painful and, too often, fatal malady; rendering the necessary paroxisms in the disorder more mild, and of shorter duration too; great points gained.

IT is very notorious, that the paroxysms, in gouty habits, are more violent, excruciating, and of longer duration here, than in other countries; from whence it happens, that chalky concretions are formed, at a more early period in the complaint, and at a.. more early time of life, than actually falls to the lot of its patients and martyrs, in other climates., Whether the difference ariseth from those frequent and abrupt vicissitudes, in the air and weather, as above alluded to, or from stronger habits of indolence, and of intemperance too, by the too free use of spirituous liquors, I will not pretend to determine; but the fact does not admit a doubt; therefore there must be a cause, and a marked one too, for it.

25th. AFTER a very stormy night, a fine, fair morning, and tolerably pleafant. As the day advanced, the more tempting it became, calling forth all lovers of exercise, or rural sports, to enjoy Such a lovely spring day, (and that within the month of February) as would do credit to the charming month of May, in any stage of it.

WHILST walking upon the sandy shore, my ears were highly gratified with the sweet melody of linnets and thrushes within the Lock-house gardens; and with the hill more sprightly notes of the larks, that were singing, and soaring, above the lofty beach, all exulting in fo delightful a change ; that seemed to vanish at remembrance of past winter; giving a kind of foretaste of summer's golden months. It soon recalled to my remembrance Thomson's sweet address to the spring

" Come, gentle spring! ethereal mildness, come?
" And, from the bosom of yon dripping cloud;
(While music wakes around) veil'd in a show'r
" Of shdowing roses, on our plains descend."

WRAPPED up in the poet, and his harmonious numbers, I had insensably strolled to the foot of the steepy path, that leads up to the Hague; when I found myself got so far, I was determined to mount the hill, and take a few turns in the garden, to mark what advances vegetation had made, during my absence, not more than five days, within that sheltered place. The alteration was found to be very great. The numberless crocuses and polyanthuses, that were then only past opening their beauties to the sun, had this day fully disclosed them. The solitary mezereon-bulb, so much admired there, had now expanded his sweet peach-coloured blossoms, which were seen in their most perfect state of beauty. The honeysuckles, that then only promsised an early foliage, have now robed themselves, in such a close covering of dark-green leaves, as to adumbrate, and nearly conceal, the parent item, promising an early fragrance.

" Fair Lonicera (dd) treads the dewy lawn,
And decks, with brighter blush, the vermil dawn;
Winds round the shadowy rocks, and paneled vales,
And scents, with sweeter breath, the summer gales;
With careless grace, and native ease, she charms,
And bears the horn of plenty in her arms.
Five rival swains their tender cares unfold,
And watch, with eye askance, the treasur'd gold."

-The wind has been S. W. all the day ; therefore Captain Brew will certainly go out.

(dd) "Caprifolium, or Honeysuckle; five males, one female. Nature has, in many flowers, used a wonderful apparatus, to guard the nectary, or honey gland. In the honeyfuckle, the petal terminates in a long tube, like a Cornucopia, or horn of plenty; and the honey is produced at the bottom of it." Botanic Garden; or Loves of the Plants,

26th. CAPTAIN Brew did sail, by a change of wind to S. E. by E. but a monstrous strong gale coming on, he was obliged to put back, and all on board the Liverpool packet were most happy, to get the vessel moored again in this safe harbour. All the night was very stormy, and the morning produced a very disagreeable sight ; watery channels and dirty streets. A heavy land-fog made the day still more uncomfortable; and such a disagreeable contrast with the preceding one, made it still more unwelcome. In most countries, strong winds will disperse and dispel foggy vapours; but in this, winds seem to be the parents of them. If ever King Eolus should be disposed to remove his court, from dark Eolia, I do believe it will be into this rocky island; this land of wind, storms, and vapours; and that he will make either Snafell, or North Barrule, the grand prison, for his very turbulent subjects :-

"--------- vasto Rex AEolus antre
" Luctantes ventos, tempestatesque sonoras
" Imperia premit, ac vinclis et carcere fraanat.
" Illi indignantes magno cum murmure montis
" Circum claustra fremunt, Celfa fedet AEolus arce,
" Sceptra tenens ; mollitq; animos, & temperat iras.

" The blustering tempests, and reluctant winds,
" Their rage imperial AEolus restrains,
" With rocky dungeons and enormous chains.
" The bellowing brethren, in the mountains pent,
" Roar round the cave, and struggle for a vent.
" From his high throne, their fury to asuage,
" He slakes his sceptre, and controuls their rage.

Or in the sublime language of Mr. Pope, speaking of the Almighty Ruler of all nature controuling the elements,

" Rides in the whirlwind, and directs the storm."

THE afternoon has proved tolerably pleasant; for though we were visited with a few showers, yet the sun shone out so cheering, at intervals, as to make ample amends for the short interruptions, which those showers occasioned to the enjoyment of the day. Captain Brew (who has a number of passengers, anxiously waiting to go to Liverpool) talks of making another attempt this evening's tide; but I hope he will be better advised ; for the setting sun has exhibited several suspicious symptoms of hard blowing again.

BEING informed Mr. Duke Norman had got possession of a very curious and beautiful fish, which had been found by the fishermen, as they were dredging for oysters in Laxey Bay, I sent to request the favour of an inspection, which was obligingly granted. The very first glimpse convinced me, that the beautiful stranger was not to be classed amongst the finny inhabitants of the deep, but must be numbered amongst the marine reptiles. It is about five inches long, and about three broad, in the most extended part; its back (which is of a light brown colour) is composed of five strong (yet soft) annular muscles ; its belly (of a light shining chestnut colour) of about twenty very small ones, closely and regularly arranged. Its sides are embroidered with small filaments, exhibiting the the most beautiful, changeable colours, much resembling the fplendid fhining.of the Spanish flies, or cantharides, when alive; or the inimitable varying hues of the mallard's neck, when in the highest lustre of plumage. Its mouth is of the true reptile form, and its eyes sunk so low in the head, as to be scarcely discernible by the naked eye.

THE fishermen call it a sea-mouse ; but it has not one characteristic of an animal about it. ; I think I have feen a drawing of one, or a reptile much resembling it, in Rheda's Treatise on Insects. The fishermen now and then meet with one of those beautiful creatures, though rarely, about the oyster-beds.-Wind West.

27th. IT blew hard, but (I believe) conti- nued fair all night, as I could. perceive the moon to fhine very resplendently, whenever I was awake. A vessel came into harbour (during the night) from Ireland, with seventy-two most extraordinary recruits, for the East-India Company's sevice. Every one took them, at first, for a hopeful reinforcement for our new settlement, at Botany Bay.

THE recruiting officer ought to have the thanks of the Irish magistrates,, for clearing their gaols and streets of the vilest set of miscreants, and most dangerous blackguards, that ever were collected together, out of any nation under the sun. Falstasff's company was honourably equipped to what this is; for the Knight's raggamuffins could muster a shirt and half, amongst their necessaries ; this honourable company, not a rag in the linen-way, to cover their nakedness.

MURDER was very near committed this. morning; one man stabbing another in the throat, with a: long knife. The officer of the vessel, who has undertaken the conveyance of these ruffians to London, is frightened out of his senses, expecting his throat to be cut every moment, when out at sea; for there is not a guard sent over with these banditti, save one poor serjeant, and a private; and they, as pale visaged as the captain

THE day has turned out colder than I expected from the feel of the morning, which was tolerably mild; but, since the fall of a cold shower, the air has been raw and unpleasant.- Wind N. W. by W.

28th. AFTER a soft, still night, a very mild, tranquil morning, with a very trifling fall of rain, just enough to exclude the last day of the month, from obtaining a place in the short list

GOOD discipline will make good soldiers the White Boys, from Ireland, have been very tolerable, since they have had a guard of regulars over them; a few of them made to pace in couples, and several made fine, with steel-russles. It is not the first time their wrists have carried the shining ornaments, I am confident, as they fit so easy upon the gentlemen who do not seem in the least incommoded with them, or the least bashful in wearing them.