But that worthy had no gift of words, and only signified his
emotion by a series of dry-lipped jerks and nods and a waving of
the hands in the piper's direction, meant to imply his general
assent to the piper's view of the case.
The Duke again rose. 'I now rise to ask you, every one of you, Mr
Cameron and Mr MacTavish included, to fill your glasses a good
bumper, to drink with me _the_ toast of this evening. I drink
to the very good health of the bride and bridegroom in whose
honour this ball is given to-night.' At the same moment the door
opened, and Angus MacTavish entered with Maggie Cameron--no longer
Cameron--leaning on his arm. Maggie looked round the room in some
bewilderment. When her eye met her father's, her hand dropped from
Angus's arm, and with her face all pale, she walked firmly toward
him. When she came to him, she stopped.
'Dad!'--with quivering lip and with eyes in which lurked
tears--'iss it angry with me ye are then, dad, cass I hef married
Angus MacTavish? O dad, ye'll no pe that angry!'
The piper, conscious of the dramatic possibilities of the
situation, paused, looked at the Highland Chief, who was still on
his feet, and then at Maggie's sweet fresh face, which was turned
piteously to him. He looked at the white muslin dress, prettily
studded over with satin bows, and from there to the dainty white
satin boot that peeped from below the dress, and felt proud to be
his daughter's father.
'And iss it merrit ye are then, Maggie, to Angus MacTavish? but it
iss--well, it iss a praw lad too, and well deservin' a praw lass
for his wife'----
Maggie's arms were immediately thrown about her father's neck, and
the welled-up tears found easy channel.
'Gif me your hand, Angus, ye pla-guard!' The hands griped with
Celtic impetuosity.
'Excuse me, Mr Cameron,' interrupted the Duke. 'Ladies and
gentlemen, we must drink the young couple's health with full
Highland honours; and no heel-taps!' The rafters rung with hearty
cheers as the men stood with one foot on their seats and the other
on the edge of the table, doing honour to the Chief's bidding to
youth and beauty.
This ceremony over, the piper rose, walked slowly and solemnly,
amidst the silence of the company, to the place where Mr MacTavish
sat. Mr MacTavish rose, and the men faced each other.
'Tonald!' said the piper impressively.
'John!' said the game-keeper. A pause.
'It wass an angry man I wass, Tonald!'
'And so wass I neither,' said the game-keeper.
'But we wull droon it all in this, John,' said the piper, filling
two glasses with whisky, and handing one to his friend.
'But the oil-cake nefer wass biled!' said Donald solemnly, as he
poised his glass between him and the light.
'Teffle take the oil-cake, John!' said the piper impetuously. 'Gif
me your hand, man!'
And the reconciliation was complete.
The tables were speedily cleared away, the piper soon discoursing
stirring music from his pipes; with the satisfaction of seeing
the Duke lead off his beaming child as partner in the first reel.
Daylight peeped in before the pipes were quieted, or the noise and
merriment of the company were hushed.
* * * * *
And now, before the door of a cottage that has been built within
a short distance of the piper's, there are to be seen three fine
boys and a 'sonsie' lassie, the eldest rejoicing in having a Duke
for godfather; and a proud man is the piper as he teaches Archie
the oldest boy how to extract martial music from a sheep's bladder,
which the ingenious youth has converted with skill into home-made
bagpipes. To this day, the piper, on whom years are beginning to
tell their pathetic tale, meets his friend the game-keeper once
or twice a week at Mrs MacDonald's clachan among the hills, and
the toast which always furnishes an excuse for the one extra glass
that the piper thinks needful to send him cheerily on his way home
is--'Cott pless the Teuk!'
THE MONTH:
SCIENCE AND ARTS.
We often read in the newspapers that a certain ship has been taken
out to the 'measured mile' for trial of her speed, which means
that, in order to try the steam-engines, they must be put into
the ship, and the ship into the water. Like much else in English
practice, it is an uncertain way of finding out that which ought to
be previously known; for it is a trial of more than the engines,
seeing that it includes the merits and defects of the boilers
and of the ship, and the behaviour of the steam, which exercise
an important influence on the result. If, therefore, the engines
only are to be tested, the trial might as well be made while the
vessel is still in dock; and while still in dock there should
be some means for ascertaining and accurately indicating their
capabilities. This means has been invented by Mr Froude, F.R.S.,
who has already done so much for the science of shipbuilding; and
his new dynamometer seems likely to fulfil the intended purpose.
It combines some of the most recondite principles in mechanical
philosophy, but may be roughly described as a turbine with its
segmental divisions so constructed that, when set rotating, the
water inclosed is urged into a state of resistance. This resistance
varies with the speed and power of the engines; and a spring lever,
communicating with the interior of the apparatus, indicates the
variations on an external scale. The turbine will be temporarily
fixed to the end of the screw-shaft, the engines will be set to
work, and as the shaft spins round, the power of the engines
will be clearly and independently demonstrated, even up to eight
thousand horse-power, if required. The capabilities of the engines
having been thus accurately ascertained while the ship is still in
dock, it will be possible, when trying her over the measured mile,
to define how far her speed is affected by other influences, in
summing up the result. A working model of this ingenious invention
has been exhibited to the Admiralty and at scientific gatherings in
London.
Mr Cochot, 34 Avenue Lacuée, Paris, has constructed a small
steam-engine of half a horse-power, for use in petty manufactures,
which, as he states, will work ten hours at a cost of not more than
fourteenpence for coal.
Mr Redier, clockmaker of Paris, has exhibited to the Société
d'Encouragement pour l'Industrie Nationale a balance which
registers variations of weight. In this ingenious instrument
clockwork is so arranged in connection with a copper cylinder,
suspended in a vessel of water, as to produce two antagonistic
movements, one of which comes into play whenever excited by the
action of the other. By this alternate movement the registration
proceeds steadily, and is recorded by a pencil on a band of paper.
An exceedingly light spring lever is so combined with the clockwork
that it will keep a comparatively heavy weight in action; such
as holding a barometer free to rise and fall while the column of
mercury stands always at the same level. Many applications may be
made of this instrument, especially in the sciences of observation.
Its sensibility is such that it will register the loss of weight
in a spirit-lamp while burning. The physiologist may employ
it to ascertain the weight lost by animals during respiration
and perspiration, and the botanist to determine the amount of
evaporation from the leaves of a plant; and from these examples
others may be imagined.
Stock-taking in science is as indispensable as in business, and
there is something like stock-taking in the subject for which the
University of Oxford proposes to give a ten guinea medal and about
five guineas in cash: it is 'The History of the successive Stages
of our Knowledge of Nebulæ, Nebulous Stars, and Star Clusters, from
the time of Sir William Herschel.'
The Royal Astronomical Society have published an account of
observations of Jupiter's satellites made by Mr Todd of the
Observatory, Adelaide, under remarkably favourable circumstances.
Sometimes the satellite, when on the point of occultation, is seen
apparently through the edge of Jupiter, 'as if the planet were
surrounded by a transparent atmosphere laden with clouds.' In a
subsequent observation, 'the shadow of the third satellite, when
in mid-transit along a high northern parallel, appeared to be
visibly oval or flattened at the poles.' On several occasions, as
Mr Todd states, he has been surprised at ingress of shadow by the
marvellous sharpness, the minutest indentation of the limb being
at once detected. One night he saw the second satellite, as it
emerged from behind the planet, immediately pass into the shadow,
then reappear within a few minutes of the reappearance of and close
to the first satellite; and the two thus formed 'a pretty coarse
double star.' This must have been a very interesting sight. And
there were times when the astronomer was much impressed by the
sudden and extensive changes in the cloud-belts of the planet, as
though some storm were there in progress, changing the form and
dimensions of the belts in an hour or two, or even less. After
reading this, may we not say that the observer at Adelaide is
remarkably fortunate?
The fall of exceedingly minute mineral particles in the snow
and rain in regions far away from dust and smoke has been
accepted as evidence that a so-called 'cosmic dust' floats in
our atmosphere. Some physicists believe that this dust is always
falling everywhere, that the bulk of the earth is increased, and
that the phenomenon known to astronomers as acceleration of the
moon's motion is thereby accounted for. Iron is found among the
particles, exceedingly small and globular in form, as if they had
been subjected to a high temperature. Recent spectrum analysis
has led to the conclusion that the light of the aurora borealis
may be due to the presence of these particles of iron in a state
of incandescence. In a communication to the Vaudoise Society of
Natural Sciences, Mr Yung assumes that this dust, coming to us
from celestial space, will be most abundant immediately after the
showers of shooting-stars in August and November; and he purposes
to collect masses of air on great heights and treat them in such
a way as to eliminate all the cosmic dust which they may contain.
His experiments lead him to believe that the particles are in much
greater quantity than hitherto supposed, and that they play an
important part in the physics of the globe and in the dispersion of
solar light. Dr Tyndall has shewn that a perfectly pure gas has no
dispersive action. The cosmic dust floating in the upper regions of
the atmosphere would account for the luminous train of meteors, and
for certain phenomena observed by means of the spectroscope. A long
time will of course be required for the quantitative experiments,
but they will be of great interest to astronomers as well as to
physicists generally.
A telephone has been exhibited at some of the evening receptions
in London, but failed to give satisfactory demonstration of its
sound-transmitting powers. In America, on the contrary, the success
is so remarkable, that the Society of Telegraph Engineers have
sent out a deputation to gather information on the interesting
subject. In addition to the instances already given in these
pages, we have now to present further particulars on the authority
of an American contemporary. In April last, telephonic concerts
were held in Washington and Boston, the source of the music being
in Philadelphia. At each place (that is, Washington and Boston)
the music, though rather feeble in tone, was distinctly heard by
the audience in all parts of the hall. The different tunes were
recognised and listened to with profound attention, the intonations
being so clear and distinct as to excite wonder and applause. We
are further informed that 'the music (or electric waves of sound)
was also conveyed by induction along other parallel telegraphic
wires attached to the same poles; for in a telegraph office in
Washington the tunes played at Philadelphia were distinctly heard
on a "relay" used in the despatch service, and even at some yards'
distance from the instrument.' This is the more remarkable as the
relay 'had no connection whatever with the wire attached to the
telephone.' Another noteworthy characteristic of the telephone is
that it will, as is said, deliver a number of spoken messages at
the same time without confusion.
If a 'distinguished architect or man of science of any country
can shew that he has designed or executed any building of high
merit, or produced a work tending to promote or facilitate the
knowledge of architecture, or the various branches of science
connected therewith,' the Council of the Royal Institute of British
Architects will, if they find him worthy, bestow on him their Royal
medal. Such are the conditions announced; but supposing that an
_un_distinguished architect should prove himself competent, is it
to be understood that he will have no claim to consideration? The
Council further announce that they will give their Soane medallion
and fifty pounds for the best design for a convalescent hospital
for sixty patients: Sir W. Tite's prize, thirty pounds, for the
best design in Italian style for the façade of a block of buildings
in a principal street: the Grissell medal for the best set of
drawings illustrating the design and construction of two bays of
a groined cloister of the thirteenth century; and the Institute
silver medal for the best essay on the Constructive Uses and
Artistic Treatment of Concrete. This last is a practical subject
which admits of wide application and development.
A paper by Mr S. Knight, read before the same Institute, 'On
the Influence of Business Requirements on Street Architecture,'
contains information and suggestions which any one interested in
the subject would do well to study. The claims of various styles,
the Italian, the Gothic, the Composite, are discussed, with due
consideration of the important questions of strength, effect, and
light. If the Italian has come to be preferred, a reason why can
be given; but Mr Knight is of opinion that Gothic is compatible
with business requirements, and he brings forward instances. And he
remarks: 'The pointed gable is a mode of finishing a roof towards
a street as consistent in construction as it is expressive and
picturesque in effect; the open valleys between the gables, where
repeated in rows, let in light.' Oriel windows, with a glass roof,
are described as the best for admission of light. As connected
with styles of architecture, we mention that at a previous meeting
of the Institute it was shewn that the 'Queen Anne's' style, if
rightly named, would be the Stuart style.
It is computed that five million tons of coal are burnt in London
in a year. The President of the Meteorological Society states in
his annual address that the heat thereby produced combined with
that evolved by the inhabitants, suffices to raise the temperature
of the air two degrees immediately above the metropolis. Hence it
is that some invalids find it better for their health to reside
in London during the winter rather than in the country. But the
country benefits also, for the prevailing winds being from the
south-west and west, the county of Essex and the valley of the
Thames below London profit by the adventitious warmth. On the other
hand, it is stated that 'London air even in the suburbs proves, as
might be expected, exceedingly impervious to the sun's rays.'
Jute is a low-priced product, and is regarded as fit only for
very coarse manufactures; and dishonest rope-makers mix it with
the hemp which they twist into ropes and cables. But specimens
laid before the Paris Society above mentioned demonstrate that
jute has remarkable qualities which may be developed by proper
treatment. Everything depends on the amount of care bestowed on
the preparation and conversion into yarn or thread; it can then be
woven into textures suitable for upholstery decorations, for dress,
and for household uses, comparable to those produced from flax and
hemp.
From further published statements concerning the eucalyptus we
learn that this useful tree has been introduced into Corsica,
chiefly through the endeavours of Dr Carlotti, President of the
Ajaccio Agricultural Society. More than half a million of the young
trees are now growing in the island. And it appears from reports
made to the Climatological Society of Algiers that more than a
million plants of the eucalyptus are growing in that country; that
the trees 'possess sanitary influence; that wherever they have been
largely cultivated intermittent fever has decreased in frequency
and intensity, and that marshy and uncultivated lands have been
improved and rendered healthy.'
In 1850, deep borings were made on the Marquis of Downshire's
estate near Carrickfergus to explore for coal beneath the old red
sandstone. The greatest depth attained was about fifteen hundred
feet; no coal was found; but at about five hundred feet from the
surface a bed of rock-salt was discovered, which has been turned
to good account. We are informed by the President of the Belfast
Natural History and Philosophical Society that the bed of salt in
the hills to the north of Carrickfergus is more than a hundred feet
thick, that fifty feet are left as a roof, while fifty feet are
being excavated, and that the roof is supported by pillars of the
rock-salt nearly fifty feet thick left standing.
An anchor of novel construction has been made and patented by Mr G.
Tyzack of Stourbridge. The novelty consists in the anchor having
_one_ arm only, which is reversible and so arranged that whichever
way the anchor falls, it finds itself at once in a position to
'bite.' There being no projection above the shank, the anchor is
less likely to foul than ordinary kinds; it can readily be taken to
pieces and compactly stowed; is said to possess unusual strength;
and being made without welding, claims to be cheaper than other
portable or swivel anchors. This seems worthy the attention of
shipowners and yachtsmen.
A meeting was held last year to talk about a Sanitary Institute. A
committee was appointed: they have published a Report and list of
members, by which we are made aware that the Institute is now at
work, and intends 'to devote itself exclusively to the advancement
of all subjects bearing upon public health.' Among these subjects
we find ascertaining the qualifications of subordinate officers of
sanitary districts--matters relating to medicine and to chemistry
in connection with public health--and the establishment of an
exhibition of sanitary apparatus and appliances. This is a good
programme, with the advantage that its objects may be promoted by
persons in all parts of the kingdom. The temporary offices of the
Institute are at 11 Spring Gardens, London, S.W.
A paper by Mr Neison on the Statistics of the Societies of
Odd-Fellows and Foresters is published in the _Journal_ of
the Statistical Society. It furnishes much useful information
concerning those associations generally, and shews in what the
elements of their success or failure consist. In some instances
there is a great tendency towards large and growing sick-lists,
which, as Mr Neison remarks, should be carefully watched. He
was acquainted with a society in which the rate of sickness was
so remarkable that he could not account for it. 'Not only,' he
says, 'nine out of every ten were sick, but sick on an average of
thirty weeks out of fifty-two. On inquiry he found that these were
agricultural labourers, getting a wage of ten shillings a week,
and were insured for a benefit varying from eight shillings to
eight-and-sixpence. After being sick for a short time they were
entitled to half of the benefit, which would be four shillings.
Then they obtained two shillings and sixpence from the parish,
together with some loaves of bread, which would amount to about
seven shillings a week for doing nothing; and as they only get
about nine to ten shillings by labouring, they thought the better
way was to stop at home and sham illness.' Facts of this kind are
not new to us.
THE SOLAN GOOSE.
Mr Frank Buckland has been experimenting upon the anatomical
construction of the gannet, and says it possesses in its body the
most perfect aeronautic machinery that can be conceived. There is
a communication between the lungs, the feathers, and the hollow
bones of the bird, by means of which it is able to inflate itself
like a balloon. The gannet on which Mr Buckland experimented
measured nine inches across the chest, but when inflated it
measured fourteen inches. By suddenly pressing the inflated body,
the dead bird immediately gave out the loud call of the bird
when alive, the sound being produced by means of the air passing
through the voice-box at the bottom of the windpipe. The gannet can
instantaneously extrude all this air from its lungs, bones, and
feathers; and this enables it to drop down from a height upon its
prey in the sea with amazing force and rapidity. Some years ago one
of these birds was flying over Penzance in Cornwall, when seeing
some pilchards lying on a fir plank, in a place for curing those
fish, it darted itself down with so much violence as to stick its
bill quite through an inch and a quarter plank, and kill itself on
the spot. The bones of the bird's neck are of amazing strength,
and as hard as an iron rod. The head is joined to the atlas by a
beautiful ball-and-socket joint.--_Newspaper paragraph._
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS.
FROM THE GERMAN.
Fragrant daughters of the earth,
Love presided at your birth;
Fancy, by your floral aid,
Passion's ardour oft portrayed;
Let me, then, a garland twine
Of varied hues, to picture mine.
Purity, with brow serene,
Heeds no costly jewel's sheen;
Cull the Lily's blossom sweet
To strew the path beneath her feet.
In its virgin hue we find
An image of the spotless mind.
Braid the maiden's glossy hair;
Place the verdant Myrtle there;
Love, with roses myrtle blended,
When to earth He first descended;
It will blossom brighter now,
On the fair one's snowy brow.
Shining Laurel, let not Fame
Your leaves, for heroes only, claim;
On blood-stained fields they gain the prize
The Poet wins in peaceful guise;
The poets, then, with heroes share
The right the laurel crown to wear.
Know you the Rose? the garden's queen!
Few months, alas! her bloom is seen;
Breathing incense to the air,
Magic odours hover there.
But near the rose, the thorn is ever;
Who can love from sorrow sever?
Let the Daisy's modest grace
In my garland find a place;
The 'bonnie gem' of Scotia's Bard,
'Mid rarer flowers in garden cared,
Though humbly reared, a part may claim,
In memory of the Poet's fame.
Dusky Cypress, sadness weaves
Wreaths for mourners of thy leaves;
Ever o'er the silent grave
Drooping branches sadly wave.
Ah! how vain the tears we shed
For friends once numbered with the dead!
See! Life's pictures quickly fade,
And the flowers in dust are laid;
But the Spring's awak'ning fire
Love and Life once more inspire:
To mourning hearts a hope is given
That we may meet and love in Heaven!
* * * * *
Printed and Published by W. & R. CHAMBERS, 47 Paternoster Row,
LONDON, and 339 High Street, EDINBURGH.
* * * * *
_All Rights Reserved._