Lord Dexter believed in transmigration sometimes; at others
he was a deist. He died on the 22d day of Oct. 1806, in the
60th year of his age.
_Salem Observer,_ Dec. 17, 1825.
From what we have heard and read of Mr. Dexter, it is a matter of
surprise to us how such eccentricities could have attracted the
attention they evidently did. It is doubtful if so much folly and
conceit could now interest many people for any length of time.
* * * * *
Curious old almanacs.
AN OLD ALMANACK. A friend has handed us an almanack one
hundred and fifty years old, which is quite a curiosity in
its line. The following is the title:
"The New-England Almanack for the Year of our Lord MDCCIII.
Being Third after Leap-year, and from the Creation, 5652.
Discovery of America by Columbus, 211. Reign of our Gracious
Queen Anne, (which began March 8, 1702,) the 2 year. Wherein
is contained, Things necessary, and common in such a
Composure. As the Quarters of the Moon, Aspects of the
Planets and Weather set down Exactly according to the
Aspects, Courts, Spring Tides, Rising and Setting of the
Sun, Sun and Moons place, time of Full Sea at Boston, the
Eclipses, High Ways, &c., with several other Curiosities.
Calculated for the Meridian of Boston, the Metropolis of
New-England, Lat. 42, 24, but may serve any part of the
Country, (even as far as New-York,) without sensible Error.
By Samuel Clough.
The Heavens to us, God's Glory do make known,
By th' Firmament, his handy work is shown.
Licensed by His Excellency the Governour. Boston: Printed by
B. Green and J. Allen, for the Booksellers, and are to be
Sold at their Shops. 1703."
Then follows a short address "To the Readers" of the
Almanack. The figure of "Man's Body" with the "Twelve Signs
of the Zodiack," is headed with the following lines:
The Anotomy must still be in,
Else th' Almanack's not worth a pin:
For Country-men regard the Sign
As though 'Twere Oracle Divine.
But do not mind that altogether,
Have some respect to Wind and Weather.
The months of the year are introduced as follows:
_January._
Cold Weather now 'gins to be fierce,
And Norwest Winds our bodys pierce.
_February._
The Weather still continues cold,
Therefore warm cloaths are good we hold.
_March._
'T is the best Month of all the year,
Wherein to brew good napping Beer.
_April._
Now Leaves on Trees begin to spring,
And Birds on Hedges sit and sing.
_May._
To walk Five Miles in his own Farm,
Will do a Husbandman no harm.
_June._
Now Countrymen each Sun shine day,
Mow down their Grass, and make it hay.
_July._
If Mildew now blasts English Grain,
'Twill make poor Husbandmen complain.
_August._
But if from Blasting it be free,
The Farmers then should thankful be.
_September._
The Leaves from Trees now fall away,
And sweetest Flowers do decay.
_October._
If Barns are full, though Fields be empty,
It doth prognosticate a plenty.
_November._
One day this Month each Fruitful year,
Give thanks to GOD, and Eat good chear.
_December._
The Weather now 'gins to be cold,
Which makes to shrink both young and old.
* * * * *