breakfast at the house of a respectable and recently converted
member of the "Broken Remnant," a warm-hearted weaver, a man of
rare conversation--ready wit, and cutting dry sarcasm. He was also
as much celebrated for his poetry as the unrivalled productions of
his loom. His birds-eye, his barley-pickle, his lowland plaiden,
and fine linen, were the theme of praise among the young maids in
danger of being married--and to their praise I add mine. I have
proved his hospitality, and proved the labours of his loom. I sat
down to an ample breakfast with this Cameronian worthy--his wife
lively always, and once handsome--his two sons, inheriting their
father's powers even to overflowing, and a solemn browed Cameronian
from the borders of the moorlands. This family auxiliary undertook
to pronounce a blessing on our good cheer; a serious trial of my
patience and appetite. I endured his sermon for many minutes; it
was in its nature controversial. He touched on the adventure at
Drumclog, and addressed Providence in strong and familiar term
anent the disaster at Bothwell Brig. I looked piteous but resigned,
and the good housewife poured forth the tea. But then there came
headings and hangings, and finings and confinings, and sad travels
and sore tortures. The goodwife placed a plate of smoking savoury
cake before him, but he was not to be tempted; he threw a passing
curse or two on patronage, still he was distant from our day
half a century at least. I looked with an imploring eye, and my
entertainer closed his; but I could see by the sarcastic curl at
the corners of his mouth that he was inwardly enjoying my misery.
Once I stretched my hand, for I had half a mind, like the renowned
and impatient good man of Drumbreg, on a time of similar trial, to
seize my cup with a cry of "Ye have done brawly man," and cut short
all explanation by falling to. I endured it to an end however,
and an excellent breakfast enabled me to endure the infliction of
a "return thanks," eminently curious and controversial. We then
sallied forth to the preaching--the pastor had already commenced; it
might be half past 9 o'clock. I was struck with the magnitude and
repose of the congregation. Besides the sodded seats which held the
oldest and most respectable members, the broom then, I think, in
full bloom, with all its perfume about it, was bent down for many
acres to form rural seats to Cameronian dames, and dames indeed of
all persuasions.--There were many dressed in the latest fashion; the
old simple mode of dress however prevailed. Though all shewed deep
symptoms of devotion, and many of awe, the young women by no means
confined their eyes, and many had bright ones, to the contemplation
of the preacher. This festival always attracts an immense
multitude, and though the Cameronians are the only communicants,
all sects and denominations of Presbyterians crowd to the place,
and occupy the vacant ground. I saw many of the Cameronians with
whom I had a personal acquaintance, and a silent squeeze of the
hand, or an acknowledgment, an austere one, of the eye, was all
the recognition to be obtained. The list of offences and sects
excluded from communication is extensive and curious--they call it
"debarring"--Socinians, Arminians, Unitarians, Episcopalians, false
teachers, promiscuous dancers, and playhouse frequenters. I cannot
inflict the whole of this tremendous catalogue upon you. One prudent
and warning exclusion I cannot omit to mention, namely, that of all
wives who disobey their husbands.
In the green hedge-row lane, leading to the tent of the preacher,
various stalls were established by persons who thought--as godliness
was great gain, great gain was godliness. Here refreshments of all
kinds, particularly liquid consolation, abounded, and one tent,
rivalling in dimensions the tabernacle of the preacher, looked
presumptuously down from the very crest of the hill on its more
devout neighbour below. Here the owner of a neighbouring public
house had established himself, and into this canvass mansion, in a
moment of weakness, I was tempted to enter. I had sundry reasons
for this piece of backsliding;--first, I had become wearied with
the unexampled length and tediousness of the before-mentioned
four hour's sermon; secondly, I was desirous to partake of either
Ram-Jam, Mid-Row, or Pinkie, three denominations of ale, for which
the landlord was become deservedly famous, and in the brewing of
which, weak nerves, as well as a good head, had been doubtlessly
consulted--and; thirdly and lastly, a dark-eyed damsel from the
mountains wished for my private opinion anent the sinfulness of
dancing, and to instruct me in a near road over the hills to her
father's house, which stood in a remote glen on the stream of Ae.
While deeply employed in taking a chart of this desart path, I
could not avoid remarking with what particular gravity all were
drinking, and many getting drunk. Consolation had been poured forth
in no stinted tide, for a huge wall of empty vessels flanked the
entrance. The proprietor of this house of call for the thirsty, was
a ruddy carroty-headed rustic, who had contrived to draw down his
cheeks for the occasion, in a manner unusually solemn. He sat apart
busied, or apparently busied, with that chief of all sage books, the
Young Man's Best Companion; while his daughter, as active a girl as
ever chalked a score to a thirsty man, managed the business. But
his mind had wandered into a long and studious calculation of the
probable profit in his fermentations, and the Book, which was only
put there as a decoy to the godly, was neglected. I contrived to
withdraw it unperceived from before him, and for this feat I was
rewarded by a grim smile from a broad bonneted son of Cameron, and a
snuff from a tuphorn with a silver lid.
On returning to the meeting, the stars were beginning to glimmer,
amongst the thin mist of the summer evening, and I could see
groupes, already at some distance, of the spectators retiring
home. Far differently demeaned themselves the pious remnant. They
crowded round their preacher's tent after the repose of a brief
intermission, and I left them enjoying a mysterious lecture on
Permission, Predestination, Free Grace, The Elect, and Effectual
Calling.
I am now, and I say it with sorrow, far removed from the society
of those exemplary and pious people; and I heard, I confess, with
something of an old Cameronian spirit and regret, that a proposition
has been made to remove the meeting house into the neighbouring town
of Dumfries. Of my old favourites, few I understand survive, and
year after year lessens the number of those devout men who regularly
passed my father's window on the Sabbath morn. Mr. Farely has
long since been numbered with the blessed--and Jean Robson, a very
singular and devout character, has also rested from her labour of
instructing the youth of the Cameronians. She taught the writer of
this imperfect account to read--the Bible, and the famed Prophecies
of Alexander Peden. She tore the leaf from the Bible which said,
"James, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith," and denounced
the name of _Sunday_ as Popish, or what was worse, Prelatical, and
caused us all to call it the Sabbath. She died 83 years old. She
used to flog her scholars, and exclaim,--"Thou art an evil one--a
worker of iniquity," while the tawse and tongue kept time and told
sharply.
The Cameronians make few converts--few people are fond of inflicting
on themselves willingly the penance of controversial prayers and
interminable sermons. There is a falling off in the amount of the
flock.--My friend, the weaver, became a convert from conviction.
Another of the converts joined the cause in the decline of life,
not without suspicion of discontent, because his gifts had been
overlooked by the minister of the parish kirk, in a recent
nomination of elders. He was fond of argument, and seemed not
unwilling to admit the potent auxiliaries of sword and gun on behalf
of the cause. On one occasion, he grew wroth with the ready wit of a
neighbouring peasant, on the great litigated point of patronage--and
seizing the readiest weapon of his wrath, a hazel hoop--for he was
a cooper--exclaimed, "Reviler--retire--else I'll make your head
saft with this rung." On another time, he became exasperated at the
irreverent termination of an epigram on a tippling blacksmith, which
was attributed to Burns, who then resided within sight--at Elisland.
On the last day,
When sober men to judgment rise,
Go drunken dog, lie still incog.
And dinna stir if ye be wise.
The honest Covenanter, after three days and three nights meditation,
brought forth his expostulation with the mighty bard of Caledonia.
It commenced thus--
Robert Burns ye were nae wise
To gie to Rodds sic an advice.
It has lost all its attraction since the voice of its author is
mute, for who can repeat it as he did--the pithy preliminary
remarks on the great poet's morals--the short Cameronian cough--the
melodious trail of the tongue--and the frequent intrusion of
explanatory notes, which the uninspired could not always distinguish
from the poem itself, all these things are departed and passed
away, and the verses sleep as quietly as the dust of the poet. Two
other occasional converts scarcely deserve notice--one of them was
saved from thorough conviction by the well-timed exaltation to a
neighbouring precentorship, and the other has returned to his seat
in the kirk, since the dark-eyed daughter of an adjacent Cameronian
gave her hand, and it was a white one, to one of the chosen who was
laird of an acre of peat-moss--and I have not heard of any other
damsel of the covenant having caused him to relapse.
SHEPHERD'S DOG.
(From the London Sportsman's Cabinet.)
This dog is the most timid, obedient, placid, serene and grateful
in the creation. He seems studiously conscious of the purposes
for which he was formed, and is never so perceptibly gratified,
as when affording the most incessant proofs of his unsullied
integrity.--Instinctively prone to industry, he is alive to the
slightest sensation of his employer, and would rather double and
treble the watch line of circumspection, than be seen indulging
in a state of neglectful indolence.--The breed is propagated and
preserved with the greatest respect to purity in the northern parts
of the kingdom of England, as well as in the highlands of Scotland,
where, in the extensive tracts and uncultivated wilds, their
services exceed description.
Constitutionally calm, patient, and philosophic, the sheep dog seems
totally lost to every appearance of novelty, and insensible to every
attraction beyond the protection and indefatigable preservation of
the flock committed to his charge.--In the most sequestered and
remote spots, dreary wilds and lofty mountains, almost inaccessible
to man, this dog becomes an incredible and trusty substitute; for
once initiated in the ground-work of his office, he soon acquires
a perfect knowledge of the extent of his walk, as well as every
individual of his flock: and will as regularly select his own, and
disperse intruders, as the most faithful and attentive shepherd in
existence. This becomes the more extraordinary to the contemplative
mind, when it is recollected what immense flocks are seen to cover
the downy hills of Hants and Wilts, as far as the eye can reach,
without control; and to know that by a single signal from the
shepherd, this faithful, sagacious animal, replete with energy,
vigilance, and activity, will make his circle, so as to surround a
flock of hundreds, and bring them within any compass that may be
required.
The sheep dog is so completely absorbed in what seems to be the
sole business and employment of his life, that he does not bestow
a look, or indulge a wish, beyond the constant protection of the
trust reposed in him, and to execute the commands of his master;
which he is always incessantly anxious to receive, and in fact is
invariably looking for by every solicitous attention it is possible
to conceive.--Inured to all weathers, fatigue and hunger, he is the
least voracious of the species, subsists upon little, and may be
justly considered truly emblematic of content. Though there is the
appearance of a somniferous indolence in the exterior, it is by no
means a constitutional mark of habitual inability; on the contrary,
the sagacity, fidelity, and comprehensive penetration of this kind
of dog, is equal to any other, but that there is a thoughtful or
expressive gravity annexed to this particular race, as if they were
absolutely conscious of their own utility in business of importance,
and the value of the stock so confidently committed to their care.
Amidst the infinity of cases so constantly issuing from the press,
in which proofs almost incredible are authentically adduced of the
courage, sagacity, fidelity, gratitude, and self-denial of different
kinds of dogs, many are to be found appertaining to this particular
race; if they are not so numerous as some other sorts, it may be
fairly attributed to the little proportional chance they have (from
their remote and sequestered employment) of displaying those powers
in an equal degree with dogs more engaged in the bustle of human
society.
Dr. Anderson (in his translation from Dr. Pallas) introduces the
following instance of sagacity in a shepherd's dog, which he
considers truly astonishing; and it will create no surprise with
those who are in the least acquainted with their perfections.
"The owner himself having been hanged some years ago for sheep
stealing, the following fact, among others, respecting the dog, was
authenticated by evidence upon his trial. When the man intended to
steal any sheep, he did not do it himself, but detached his dog to
perform the business. With this view, under pretence of looking at
the sheep with an intention to purchase them, he went through the
flock with the dog at his feet, to whom he secretly gave a signal,
so as to let him know the individuals he wanted, to the number of
ten or twenty, out of a flock of some hundreds; he then went away,
and at a distance of several miles sent back the dog by himself
in the night time, who picked out the individual sheep that had
been pointed out to him, separated them from the flock, and drove
them before him by himself, till overtaking his master, to whom he
relinquished them."
The shepherd's dog rather shuns than seems anxious to obtain the
caresses of strangers, of whom he always appears to be shy and
suspicious; it being remarkable, that when refreshing upon a journey
with the flock, he seldom reposes but close to the feet or body
of his master; who well knows if he but deposits his coat or his
wallet, and gives the animal the accustomed signal; when the sheep
are at pasture, he may absent himself for hours, and at his return
find the whole as safe and regular as if it had been under his own
inspection. Although it is already observed, these dogs afford no
evident external proof of quick conception, or rapid execution
(except in all matters relative to the flock, to which their every
faculty appertains) yet their sagacity and fidelity is found equal
to every other branch of the species, when necessarily brought into
useful action.
"In the month of February, 1795, as Mr. Boulstead's son, of Great
Salkeld, in Cumberland, was attending the sheep of his father upon
Great Salkeld's common, he had the misfortune to fall and break
his leg.--He was then at the distance of three miles from home,
no chance of any person's coming, in so unfrequented a place,
within call, and evening very fast approaching: in this dreadful
dilemma, suffering extreme pain from the fracture, and laying upon
the damp ground at so dreary a season of the year, his agitated
spirit suggested to him the following expedient: Folding one of his
gloves in his pocket handkerchief, he fastened it round the neck of
the dog, and rather emphatically ordered him "home."--These dogs,
trained so admirably to orders and signals during their attendance
upon the flock, are well known to be under the most minute
subjection, and to execute the commands of their masters with an
alacrity scarcely to be conceived.
Perfectly convinced of some inexplicable disquietude from the
situation in which his master lay, he set off at a pace, which soon
brought him to the house, where he scratched with great violence
at the door for immediate admittance. This obtained, the parents
were in the utmost alarm and consternation at his appearance, but
more particularly when they had examined the handkerchief and its
contents. Instantly concluding beyond a doubt, that some accident
had befallen their son, they did not delay a moment going in
search of him; and the dog, apparently conscious the principal
part of his duty was yet to be performed, anxiously led the way
and conducted the agitated parents to the spot where their son lay
overwhelmed with pain, increased by the awful uncertainty of his
situation.--Happily this was effected just at the close of day, when
being immediately removed, and the necessary assistance procured,
he soon recovered, and was never more pleasingly engaged than when
reciting the sagacity and gratitude of his faithful follower, who
then became his constant companion."
* * * * *
The instances of intelligence in the shepherd's dog are recorded
in all books treating of the manners and habits of the dog tribe.
One more may be mentioned from a recent publication. It is given
for the purpose of stimulating the American farmer to possess
himself of one of the breed as soon as possible.--Speaking of the
"Currack of Kildare," the author says, "The commonage is stocked
by a prescriptive proportion, attached to the adjacent farms:
every sheep owner has a particular raddled mark; the shepherd's
dogs are so trained, that if a sheep, with a strange mark, comes
on his master's front, the dog will single him out and worry him
off."--See Statistical Survey of the County of Kildare, by T. J.
Rawson, Dublin, 1807. p. 121.
J. M.
_The new steam ship Robert Fulton._--This ship is intended to ply as
a regular packet between New York and New Orleans. She is said to
be, in every respect, one of the finest vessels ever built in that
city. A communication in the Gazette gives the following description
of this beautiful vessel:
"This ship is a splendid piece of naval architecture--the most
perfect model I ever beheld, and does great credit to her builder,
Mr. Eckford. She is upwards of 750 tons, of a very great length,
rigged with lug sails; has three kelsons, (the centre one large
enough for a ship of the line,) together with bilge ways, and the
whole secured and bolted in a very extraordinary manner, perhaps the
most so of any vessel ever built. Her frame timber and plank are
of live oak, locust, cedar, and southern pine, copper bolted and
coppered.
"She will afford accommodation for more than 200 persons, is fitted
up with high and airy state rooms, thoroughly ventilated by means of
sky lights the whole length of the cabin, which is very extensive.
Her after cabin is neatly arranged for the accommodation of ladies,
and separated by means of folding doors, in the modern style. She
has also a range of births fore and aft, together with a commodious
fore cabin. And what adds to the greatest comfort and security of
all, her engine and other machinery are completely insulated and
unconnected, as it were, with the other part of the ship. In the
centre, lengthwise, is a kind of well-hole, or square trunk, made
both fire and water proof; no possible accident, therefore, by the
bursting of the boiler, can reach either of the cabins. This trunk
or well-hole being enclosed by very thick plank, caulked and leaded,
may be inundated with water at pleasure, without any inconvenience
to the passengers.
"The furnace is also completely surrounded by the continuation of
the boiler, so that no part of the fire can ever come in contact
with the wood. There is a space of about 9 or 10 inches filled in
with materials, non-conductors of heat, which answer the double
purpose of excluding the heat from the cabin, and at the same time
deadening the disagreeable noise of the engine. She is also provided
with a leather hose, similar to those used by our fire engine
companies in this city, which will enable the hot or cold water to
be conveyed to any part of the ship, and furnishing at the same time
the great conveniency to the passengers of a warm or cold bath, at
pleasure. Her engine was constructed by Mr. Allaire, and is supposed
to be the most powerful and most exact piece of workmanship ever
turned out in this country; and her boiler is said to be the largest
ever known to have been made in this or any other country. Take her
all in all, she certainly presents a spectacle altogether _unique_."
MISCELLANY.
_Public Lands._--The highly important bill, for changing the mode
of disposing of Public Lands, so that hereafter they shall be
offered for sale in half quarter sections, the minimum price to be
one dollar and twenty-five cents, and all to be paid in cash, has
_passed both Houses of Congress_, by great majorities, and now wants
only the signature of the President to become a law.--This bill is
to take effect from the 1st of June next.
From a late London paper it appears, that a new and easy method has
lately been discovered, in England, of preventing the destruction of
the young turnip plants by the fly, and for which the discoverer was
rewarded with 200 guineas. It is merely to sow about 2 _lbs._ of
radish seed on every acre of turnip land, with the turnip seed; the
fly, preferring to feed on the radish plants, will, in such case,
leave the turnip plants unmolested.
One of the most effectual methods of preventing the ascent of
insects on fruit trees, in the spring, is to draw a streak of tar
round the body of the tree; but the surface of this soon becomes
incrusted by the warmth of the atmosphere, and then the insects are
enabled to pass this barrier. To remedy this, mix a proportion of
oil with the tar, which will prevent the hardening of the exterior
for a considerable length of time; and when the effects of the oil
are dissipated, let the exterior be again softened with oil.--This
plan is certainly one of the most efficacious for preventing insects
from ascending the bodies of fruit trees.
_The scab in sheep._--The shepherds, in Spain, cure this disease
with an ointment made of the trunk and roots of the juniper, by
breaking them in small pieces, and infusing them in water. The sheep
of this country are, however, but little liable to the scab.
It is a fact well ascertained, that when apple trees are in bloom,
if the _farina_ be gathered from the blossoms of a tree bearing
sour fruit, and scattered on those of a tree bearing sweet, the
apples produced from these blossoms will partake of the flavour of
both trees. In this way the flavour of fruit may be changed for the
better--a matter worthy of note, though perhaps not very profitable
in practice.
From Munich, Germany, we learn that Dr Vogel has announced the
important discovery, that sulphuric acid, diluted with a certain
proportion of water, and then applied to saw dust, to old linen,
to paper, &c. will change these substances into gum and saccharine
matter. M. Chaptal, somewhere in his book on chymistry, has ventured
to offer his opinion, very modestly however, that even the chemical
art of making gold (the great secret of the philosopher's stone)
will yet be discovered--that chymists will yet be convinced that
all matter is the same, only different modifications.
_Calculation of the Period of a Second Deluge._--According to the
calculations of the learned astronomer of Bremen, M. Olbers, after
a lapse of 83,000 years, a comet will approach to the earth in the
same proximity as the moon; after 4,000,000 years it will approach
to the distance of 7,700 geographical miles, and then, if its
attraction equals that of the earth, the waters of the ocean will be
elevated 13,000 feet, and a deluge will necessarily ensue! after a
lapse of 220,000,000 years, it will clash with the earth.
During the late inundation of the Rhine, a hare, dislodged by the
water took refuge in a tree. One of the boatmen who were traversing
the inundated country, in canoes, to pick up the sufferers, observed
the hare, steered for the tree, and without making his boat fast,
climbed hastily up to seize the poor animal. The hare perceiving his
danger, sprang from the tree into the boat, which was put in motion
by the leap of the hare, and floated down the stream, leaving the
boatman in his place upon the tree, in the disagreeable necessity of
watching the rise of the waters.
The Rhetorical Society at Cortryk, in the Netherlands, has lately
offered a gold, and a silver medal, as a prize for a poem of 100
lines, and an epitaph of 12 lines, upon Kotzebue.
From a London paper we have the following advertisement--A _new
species of man_. Among the wonders of nature none have exceeded this
extraordinary phenomenon--a man covered with scales, that rattle
at the touch, is now in exhibition at the public rooms, 23, Bond
Street. Physicians and natural philosophers will find an extensive
field open for their inquiries.