We have been much pleased with a little geometrical puzzle, which has
lately come under our notice, and, thinking that it may afford equal
amusement (perhaps not unprofitable) to our readers, we have thought
it worth while inserting it in our pages. The puzzle or problem, as we
may term it, was thus proposed to us, and we give it to the public in
the same words. A lady was desirous of covering a _square_ room with a
carpet, and wishing to employ an irregular piece (vide cut) which she had
in her possession, and which was _equal in superficial extent of surface_
to her room, was greatly at a loss how to fit it exactly. She mentioned
her difficulty to a friend, who immediately put an end to her trouble by
cutting the carpet with _only two straight_ cuts in such a manner that
all the pieces when united formed a perfect square, exactly covering the
room.—Query, how was it cut?
[Illustration]
Miscellanea.
CONGRESS OF ARCHITECTS.—The first Congress of Architects held its meeting
at Leipsic, on the 14th November, 1842. There were 547 architects
present. Next year the Congress is to be held at Bomberg, in Bavaria,
when it is expected that a considerable number of English architects will
attend.
MONUMENT TO BURNS’ HIGHLAND MARY.—This monument has now been completed
over the grave of Highland Mary, in the West churchyard, Greenock. The
erection is more of the Roman than the Grecian style of architecture,
is pyramidical in form, and may be said to be divided into three
compartments, the cornice-stones between which are beautifully and
elaborately carved. The first, or lower compartment, contains the
inscription tablet. The second bears a bas-relief of Burns and Mary
Campbell, representing their parting scene, when they plighted troth and
exchanged Bibles across “the stream around the Castle o’ Montgomery.” The
artist has been peculiarly happy in depicting the position of the loving
pair at this hallowed parting; and few who have seen a correct likeness
of the bard can fail to recognize it upon the beautiful Ayrshire stone
which has been used, although it has been necessary, to be in keeping
with the truth, to impart to the features a more juvenile cast than those
in which Robert Burns is usually represented. The third compartment
contains a female figure, emblematical of Grief, bending over an urn,
which her arms encircle, and upon which is carved the word “Mary.” Above
her head, and almost at the apex of the pyramid, a star, with rays is
cut, in remembrance of the beautiful invocation in “Mary in Heaven.” The
inscription on the monument is simply couched as follows:—“Sacred to
Genius and Love—to Burns and Highland Mary.” The monument stands about
seventeen feet high, was erected at the cost of 1,000_l._, and is by far
the most imposing object in this old churchyard.
DUKE OF ORLEANS.—A fine marble bust of this illustrious prince has been
placed in the “Salle de Conferences,” at the Chamber of Deputies. Its
merits as a work of art are of a very lofty order, and it resemblance to
the deceased is remarkably striking.
THE CITY ARTICLE.—In consequence of the late rain, umbrellas rose, and
pattens were in demand. Consols were done at 90; and so was our reporter
at the White Horse Cellar, by a Jew, who sold pencils. We don’t know much
about India stocks, but we have been induced to invest a little capital
in India handkerchiefs. We lately had an interview with a broker about
a week’s rent in arrear, and found him a regular “Bear.” Tartans look
lively, and broad cloth is flat, so is small beer. Feathers are buoyant,
and tallow is low, especially at evening parties. We offered to make a
purchase of sugar, but, tin being scarce, our offer was declined. This
changeable weather, and the pressure of leather, affects our corn to some
extent. The only time-bargain we have lately made was with a cabman, and
he had the best of it.—_Punch._
CRUEL ASPERSION.—Rivarol, speaking of Mirabeau, said—“That man would do
any thing for money—even a good action.”