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VULGAR Esnons RESPECTING THE BAROMITER.-—The barometer has been called a weather glass. Rules are attempted to be established,~by which, from the height Duh? mergury, the coming state of the weather may be predicted; and'we accordingly find the words “ rein ” “ changeable,” “ fair,” “frost,” &c., engraved on the scale attached to common domestic barometers, as if, when then the mercury stands at the height marked by these words, the weather is always subject to the vicis- situdes expressed by them. These marks are, however. entitled to no attention; and it is only surprising to find their use continued in the present times, when know- ledge isso widely diffused. They are, in fact, to be ranked scarcely above the‘Tol Stellarum or astrological almanac. Two Wometfi‘fme‘near the river Thames, and the other on thg heights of'Hsmpstead, will differ by halfminch, the buffer being always half an inch 10W thanjhe former. If the words, therefore, engrav- edge-obs plates are to be ‘relied on, similar changes Offloflher could never happen at these two situations. But what is even more absurd. such a scale would inform us that the weather at the foot ofa high building, such as St. Paul’s, must always be different from the weather at the top of it. It is observed that changes of weather Ire indicatedtbut by its change of height. One ofthe most general, though not absolutely invariable, rules is, that where the mercury is very low, and therefore the Atmosphere very light, high winds and storms may be expectedgv'pmhe following rules; meyrgeuerally be reli- ‘edppon, at "least to a certain extent :—Generally the rising of the mercury indicates the approach of fair weather;the falling of it shows the approach of foul weather. 2. In sultry weather, the fall of the mercnry indicates coming thunder; in winter, the rise ofthe mercury indicates frost- in'frost, its fall indicates thaw, and its rise indicates ow. 3. Whatever change of weather suddenly follows a change in the barometer, may be expected to last but a short time. Thus, if fair weather follow immediately th rise of the mercury, there will be. very little of it; a‘, in the same way, if foul weather follow the fall of the mercury, it will last but a short time. 4. If fair Weather continue for seve- Ial days, during which the mercury continually falls, :1 long ;' tinnance of foul weathergwill {Mny ensue; and again, iffoul weather contirtues'for several days, while the mercury contimnlly fish‘s, along succession of fair weather will ably succeed. 5. A Huntii'tting and unsettled of the mercurial c mn indicates changeable weather. The domestic barometer would become a_mnclf"more useful instrument if, instead of the 'wdrds usually engraved on the plate, a short list of .the best established rules,.such as the a accompanied it, which might “either engraved in the dime or print- ed one card. It would be ri t, however, to express the rules only with that degree of probability which ob- urvation of past phenomena has justified. There is no lule respecting these effects which will hold good.— Dr. Lardner. . I “Tn LATE SIR D. Wir.xir:.—-—On Friday Mr. Haydon dew. ajhctiawat the 'Mechanics’ Institution, treat-

ing ofthe greht er of 'lkie as an artist, and of his character as a n. E. ears that, when not more than fiveorsix years of , ir David began to show indi- cations of his peculiar talent. An amusing instances occurred on the occasion ofa lady visiting his father, when little Wilkic, being missed from the immediate circle was found endeavouring to sketch a large nose. for wlhch she was remarkable. For want of proper ma- terials, he would draw eyes, mouths, and noses with n tsrred stick upon the wall. His father at first objected to allowing his son to follow the art as a profession, and sent him to Graham's school, in Edinburgh, where he made considerable progress. Sir David. it appeared, made money enough in Scotland by painting portraits, to bring him to London, and be related to Mr. Haydon the anxiety he felt to come to town, and the rapture he _was in when sailing up the Thames, and seeing, for the first time, the rolling of rtLondon sky. Mr. Haydon spoke of the intimacywhich existed between Mr. Jack- son, Sir David, and himself, when studenis at the aca- demy, and gave the distinguishing marks oftheir cha- racters. Jackson was the lively and good-natured ; Wilkie the reserved, meek, and mild ; Haydon, like a soldier in the art. The Hammer also. gave some profes- sional anecdotes concerning early productions, and the treatment Wilkie received from noble patrons. Mr. Angerstein was the first who paid him a reasonable price; eight hundred pounds being the price he gave hiln for the “Village Merrymaking,” now in the Natio- nal Gallery. gpurin’g the time he was painting this pic- ture, he hugger-5g, badehealth ; indeed as we all know, ,his health was nei'ir very strong. Mr. Haydon seemed acto think Sir David was spoiled, as an artist, by being in. troduced intotashionable and high life, which distracted , .Ifislfgtention from those beautiful domestic subjects exercised his early pencil; and he thought. it would have been beneficial to him to have been sent to live agstn in his native country, where he first found such delightful ob'gcts for observaiion. In the course ofhts discourage, aydon read a letter, which was one ofthe longish id ,indited, addressed to Sir R.

Peel,.fromegrtisaleiiiihfitrhich he gave an interesting descriptioi, fthe plaocffid of the inhabitants. Sir

David appears from this to have had it in contem- plation toxexercise his ,flf’guts on Scripture subjects. , visiting the localities of the bigéilim adequately to represent

. sacred sovsitflts,‘ . to out wit induced him to undertake

them, was i the journey. % . ~. _Tnn Mauuuo‘rivn.—A self-propelled chaise called by this name, the property and invention of Mr. A. G. Guin- ness, the Civil Engineer of Dublin, has been running M through our streets, to the great astonishment and ‘ amusement.“ the inhabitants and visitors. In appear- ance It resembles nn‘ordinary Bath chair, with the excep- tion that the Wheels are much higher than the body. Underneath the seat is a well, in which the machinery is hidden. Its powers of velocity appear to be very great; bttt the .most wonderful property connected with his the facility with which it is made to turn. We saw - it in North Street on Friday evening. It ran down the street into Castle Square, and thence curvetted into East Street at a most tremendous pace, and with the most perfect ease; and we have little doubt, if. its powers can be made as available on acclivities as they are upon nparly level roads, that railroads will speedily be at a discount.-—Brigliton Guardian. , New Dyscovsnv.—- A gentleman distinguished in the scientific world is at present engaged in the inves- tigation of a new mode of taking portraits, which, unlike

. the Photographic process, will not be subject to the

/vsriations “of solar light and atmospheric influence and which consequently will not be liable to failure iii any instance. The discovery of fixing the shadow of the sitter on a polished plate is justly deemed the won- . tier of the present age; but the improvements which ; ,have been made in the process, and moss especially the

complished, will

a

investigatioh‘| is yet in its infancy.

above alluded to, convince us that they” We understand the newmventton has been secured to the discovegter bizfltent. and w'“ shortly bgébrought into generatope V "it. The "wilt? of taking'i‘pnttraits by the Photographic process is from solar light and _the 'applicnft of electricity, and the atmosphere iQsome my - ’ ~ anncr acting-on the rays oflight as well ts. rical FXPeflmems' occasioned failures'tvhii' xperieuced _were unable frequently 1 : the necessity or attempting some V , _ ’perfect light in an atmosphere of a Vtemperature, which, when 36-. .most valuable acquiSIUOD. "0‘ only to the invento’ i rt to the public at large-~607- respondent qf Liverpool Mail. ' " e FURTHER PARTICULARS or:“Tnc HUNTEns’ SO- cruTv”.—Sir G. Arthur, ,theEleLieuteuam-Governor of Upper Canada, was the first who. succeeded iirdls- covering the existence of this band ; and it was ‘0 “‘5 measures that the very formidable plan which was to have been carried into effect in the fall of1838 was defeated. But disunion among the Unionists, more than British bravery or foresight, was the real cause of its proving abortive. The reader mttst know, that _the only. point on which all the branches ofthis Assomation agree, is hatred to Great Britain. Apart from this,'no strong bond exists amongst them. The greater portion ofthe, Canadian hunters agree only with the Americans as far as hostility to England is concerned. They wish to throw off English supremacy, without having any de- sire to become Americans ..... "Papineuu, Morin. Vlgeft are the leaders of this party, and‘it includes nearly the whole of the Lower Canada sections, with the excep- tion ofthe Cote’s and Nelson’s parties, which are for an union with the United States, and have the nihst partisans in the districts of Montreal, and on the border of the river Richelieu. Again, amongst the Americans there exists a difference of opinion as far as an union is concerned. They all want the free navigation ofthe St. Lawrence and ofthe St. John, the northwest terri- tory, and the. whole of the country to the west ofthe Rocky Mountains, but they are not prepared to say that a norlhrrn srt-off‘f‘or Texas will not be necessary. Why, then, not take Texas into the Ufiionl say the southern lodges ..... ..At the elections, the watchword is given from thechief and it is here, that this association threat— ens to become most mischievous and dangerous, as it is most likely they will succeed in'getting the ascen- dancy in all the eastern and middle states. Regarding this body only in a military point of view, one is struck at the first moment by their large number; but yet it would be a very bad calculation to suppose that their physical strength corresponds to their numbers. The writer is of opinion that, with the utmost exertion, the association could not at any single point concentrate 2,000 men; and that it can only be imposing as aux- iliary to some well pronounced movement. l' "‘ "‘ The escape ofthe political prisoners from the citidal of Quebec, one ofthe strongest places in the world, shows how extensive and general was the adhesion to the Hun- ters’ interests. The three principal prisoners were thirty- _four (lays in the upper town of Quebec, whilstthe whole garrison was visiting every cornef of every room, house, cellar, and even every coffin. Many a time they were obliged to change their quarters seven or eight times a day, and,in spite of the tremendous reward, they were not betrayed. Since the failure of the movement in 1838, the Council of the Hunters came to the decision of waiting for occasions, and ofmaking as many as they could, in order to scquige a better organization, and to be prepared for any event. They Fe'solved to extend and encrease the number oflodges,’ and to organise in- tercourse and political connexions in Europe. Papineau aml Le Veque being at Paris, it was proposed to appoint them plenipotentiaries, and, in fact, Papineau was even received by Marshal Soult in private audience. T0 England an bishman and a Scotchman were sent, M‘E —and S—g.to see what could be done with the Char- tists. We have heard a great deal about the report of these two gentlemen which we cannot repeat; as we have no proofin our hands, and to reveal only part of the truth would commit some persons vsnv DEEPIJI. It was at their suggestion that subscriptions to the Irish Repeal fund were begun in America, which of course will increase considerably if the Council of Hunters should approve of that peaceable mode of sympathising agitation.—Moruing Chronicle.

AN INDIAN Doc'ron.-—Several hundred spectators, in- cltiding Indians and traders, were assembled round the dying man, when it was announced that the ” medicine- man” was coming; we were required to form a “ ring,” leaving a space of some thirty or forty feet in diameter around the dying man, in which. the doctor could per- form his wonderful operations; and a space was also opened to allow him full room to passthrough the crowd without touching any one. This being done, in a few moments his arrival was announced by the death-like “hush sh " through the crowd; and nothing was to be heard, save the light‘and casual tinkling ofthe rattles upon his dress, which was scarcely perceptible to the ear, as he cautiously and slowly moved through the avenue left for him; which at length brought him into the ring, in view of the pitiable object over whom his mysteries were to be performed.

Readers! you may have seen or read of the Witch of Endor—-or you may imagine all the ghosts, and spirits, and furies, that ever ranked amongst the “ rank and file” of_demonology; and yet you must see my painting of this strange scene before you can form a just conception of real frightful ugliness. and Indian 'conjuration—yes, and even more: you must see the magic dress of this Indian “big bug” (which I have this day procured in all its parts).placed upon the back of some~person who can imitate the strides, and swells, the grunts, and spring the rattles of an Indian magician.

His entrée and his garb were somewhat thus :—he an- proached the ring with his body in a crouching positioh, with a slow and tilting step—his body and head were entirely covered With the skin ofa yeliow bear, the head of which (his own head being inside of it) served as a mask ; the huge claws of which, also, were dangling on his wrists and ancles; in one, hand he shook a fright- ful wrattle, and in the other brandished‘his medicine spear or magic wand ; to the rattling din and discord of all of which he added the wild and startling jumps and yelps of the Indian, and the horrid and appalling grunts, and snarls, and growls ofthq grizzly bear in ejaculatory and guttural incantations'tO-the good g’md bad spirits, in behalf of his patient; who _was mm"

. . , _ g and groaning in the agontes'of death, whilst he was dancing around him, jumping over him, and pawing him about, and rolling him in every direction,

. In this wise, this strange operation proceeded for half an hour, to the surprise ofmnu like silent audience, until the man died fund the me- dicine-man danced ofi'to his quarters, and packed up,

I

morons and death— '

._ . _ , , 2: mystery dress and equipments—Catlin sNorth Amer

can Indians.

BOMB Pnoov.-—- many of but men, trenches or para used to show their contemp

' ' in of them and rungiug across '- fire In executing this feat one day, Will] some others,

d

n shot, fired by the French, struck the groun firesinhlfid then hit Palmer on the' back, and he. fell, as we thought, killed upon the spot. To our splrprlifeii

however,in.a moment he jumped up unhurt, t e .a having glanced off his knapsack. In commemoratlilon. ofthis event he was afterwards known by’, the appe :1- tion of “the bomb«proof man.”---CoslellosAdventures

gfa Soldier. A Lov'rv

In relievin ickets in the trenches instead of goiitg quietly through the llels in front of the walls ofthe town, t of danger by jumping out the face of the enemy’s

Altman—The highest inhabited place upon the face ofthe globe is a farm-house Situate 13,500 geet above the level‘of the sea, or about two miles isn- a half above that level. This lofty and elevated itabllla— tion is situate on the highest peak .of the Andes, in South America, Chimborazo, which rrses to 21,440 feet above the level ofthe sea. It may be truly said that the dwellers in this farm-house are accustomed to, and move in, “ high life.”

\

DEATH or CLARINDA.-——It is not Without_ emotions of a painful and melancholy kind that we have this day to record the deatli'of Mrs. Maclehose, who was well known too large circle as the Clut‘inda of Robert Burns. In early life’she was remarkable for her personal beauty, and, being highly accomplished, it need excite no surprise that. Burns, havmg tasted the pleasures of her socrety, became deeply enamoui- ed of her. In fact, she was for a season the goddess of his idolatry, and, as she discovered somewhat ofa kindred taste for poetry, it naturally followed that the bard should address some of-‘his effusions to her. The lady'was not insenstble to the devotion of'sucb a man as Burns; indeed, she was so fhr carried away by this feeling as to enter: into an eij- tolury correspondence with the poet, who, in the series of letters addressed to her under the name of Clurmda, poured out some of his most brilliant ideas and sentiments, dashed off in the heat of composition, Without much regard to the strict proprieties of style. These letters were not in- tended to meet the public eye, but havmg been incautiopsly lent to some roguish publisher, animperfect copy was given to the world, Calculated to prejudice in some respects the fair fame of Mrs. Maclebose. Those who knew her best, however, some of Whom had perused the whole 'correspon- deuce—the lady’s letters as well as the poet’s—were fully convinced ofthe gross injustice of such imputations. But although often urged to publish the letters alluded to, Mrs. Maclehbse, from regard to the feelings of a near‘relatiqn who died some years ago, would not consent to give them to the world. An obstacle to that course being. now remo- ved, it is highly probable that the interesting correspondence will speedily appear in a complete and authentic form. Clarinda, for by that name she will be best known, died full of years; we believe she was considerably above eighty. To the very last she retained traces of the personal beauty for which she was remarkable in early life, and which we have often heard alluded to in enthusiastic terms by a con- temporary, himself'not an undistinguished friend of Burns, who knew her when both were in the heyday of existence. She preserved her faculties in surprising perfection; and we have often enjoyed the exquisite pleasure of hearing her sing with great accuracy the songs ofBurns, to which the bard himsolf had often listened, with what feelings may be now only imagined—Edinburgh Evening Post.

PRESIDENT TYLER AND HIS FAMILY.—A sthington cor- respondent of the Salemflazetle gives an account of his visit to the President, who, he says, came into the drawing room with a quick pace and busy look, apparently not having had time that morning to “dress up ” or shave. He has a “large oval face, high Roman nose, keen grey eyes, hair little if at all grey. His face is full of deep lines, and is hard and dry, and somewhat careworn; and he speaks low and very quiflk.” The daughter ofthe President was in the house all day during the debate on the veto, and heard all the hard things that were said about her" father. A dandy described her as a “corn-fed Virginia girl.” He however saw her himself at church, and we give his own account :—“In, the pew with the President were two rough and tumbling looking boys of 12 to 14, and a young lady of 18 or 20, whom I at once con- cluded to be the ‘corn-fed Virginia girl’ ofthe jewelled ex- quisite ofthe gallery conversation. Her bonnet was of chip or straw, of no very costly character, still very pretty and becoming. Gloves, she wore none, and thus betrayed a good—sized, healthy-looking, white and delicate hand. She had on a white muslin dress, and a silk show] which hung over the side of the pew, l opined, appertaiued to her. She was strictly attentive to the service, responding audibly. Her attitude was demure, and the circumstance that she was this day tojoin herself with the fold of'Gorl, by the rite of confirmation, may have added to her disposition to condense her attention 'upon the services. Her face bore all the cha- racteristics of her father’s, a long oval, with aquiline nose, light grey eyes, high, expanded forehead, and brown hair. Complexion light; a skin,’clear, white, transparent, and free front a blemish. Of her neck I cannot speak so decidedly : owing, I suppose, to her want of‘ taste,’ her dress did not expose more than an eighth of a yard of this interesting fea- ture, and that was rather darker than her complexion; it was, no doubt, ‘the shadowed livery -of the banished sun’ which she acquired while rompi g about ‘at home on the plantation.’ I will add a sing e fact to the credit of Mr. Tyler. After church he walked home with his children ; thus setting a good example to those who thoughtlessly cause an array of coachmen, footmen, hostlers, &c., to break- the Fourth Commandment, that they may shew their supe- riority to those who cannot afl‘ord to ride.”——.N. Y. Express.

I 1!:th Qtolonta—t metals.

. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1841.

_The steam'er Pocahontas has discontinued her trips for this'season. The mail was received here this morning, havmg been forwarded from Pictou by a sailing vessel. It,

powever, supplies us with no news of any public impora ance. , ‘

GREENE Co. N. Y.-—-The Baptist Church in this place has settled as pastor, brother Knox, a recent convert fi'Om the Church of England, who has been heard with' much favour in several Churches of New York City.—.N'. Y. Bap. Adv.

HAnIFAX, N. 8., Nov. 27.—A/great alteratiou is taking place in our garrison. Two regiments from Bermuda, the 76th and 30th, will relieve the 8th and 37th, who will re- turnlto England in the course of next week. The de ar- ture of these regiments is generally regretted; the conduct of both officers and men has been so orderly and film as to acquire the unqualified esteem of the community. and all classes concur in wishing them the possession of the chotcest blessings, wherever they may be stationed.