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'This has been explored about four hundred yards. The congelations, on the sides of the walls, have the appearance of grey ice,th rough which a sparkling crystallization appears. They often project into curls and folds. repre

was a practical botanist; and he followed her in her rambles, and carried her specimens with the obedience of a familiar. He was always ready to attend her; and, when she threw her little figure npon a moss bank after a morning's wandering, and took off her bonnet to let the|senting draperies, and mouldings of inimitable

cool wind play in her hair, he was the happiest of men; for then she would answer all his questions, and explain all feelings, and understand all his unutterables, without once laughing at grotesque earnestness.

One day in the decline of summer, an excursion was projected to the Cauterskill Falls. They were several miles distant, and early in the morning Miss Sophy's basket was committed to Job, and the family was in motion. There was not much said by the party; but their faces were all lighted up, and the green path had an unusual elasticity. Miss Sophy tripped forward occasionally for a flower, and then Job made a huge stride or two by way of sympathy but the rest kept quietly on, content with the joyous leap of their pulses, and the sweetness of the mountain air.

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TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT.

NATURAL CURIOSITIES IN FLORIDA.

'These consist, principally, of natural caverns, sinking rivers, great springs, and natural bridges.'

'The arch cave is situated near the public road, about three miles west of the ferries on Chapola river, in Jackson county. It opens, to the east, by an aperture under a vast limestone rock; about five feet high, and thirty feet wide. This passage descends gently, for three or four rods; the cavern then opens, to the extent of a hundred feet wide, and fifty feet high. A deep channel of transparent water skirts the south side for some distance; it then breaks off in wells, and finally disappears altogether. The course of the cave now turns northwest; it grows narrower, and resembles an arch of the gothic order. After proceeding about sixty yards, the cave is crossed by a stream twenty feet wide, and five deep; in this, numbers of crawfish are seen. After passing the stream, the passage turns north of east and presents a hall, one hundred feet in length; pretty straight, with a very uneaven floor of red clay, covered with the debris of the decomposed rock. A row, or rather cluster of stalactical columns, supports the centre of this hall, while thousands of stalactical stretch down their long tubes towards the white bases, which are growing up to meet them, from the floor. Many large holes, in the rock above are filled with bats, which, on the approach of lights, flit off to other dark recesses, with a roaring sound, like heavy wind.

• The passage now becomes crooked and intricate, for a few rods, and then opens into another lofty apartment, from which there are many avenues, most of which remain unexplored, as well as two water courses, one of which bounds the passage.

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forms. The projections are nearly white, but the same sparkling crystalline appearance continues. The regular stalactites are hollow; the outside, a soft chalky decomposition; the centre, irregular sparry crystals, of a yellowish hue.

In the neighborhood of the Arch cave, Col. Stone attempted, in three several places to sink wells; but in every instance, he came to hollow spaces in the earth; and the well-digger,becoming at length frightened at the danger of entombing himself in some fathomless cavern, abandoned his work.

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His Lordship did not aspire to the higher eloquence, but the house never possessed a more powerful debater; nor could any one avail himself of the strong part of a cause with greater ability, or defend its weak, with greater skill; no speaker was ever so conciliating, or enjoyed a greater proportion of the esteem and love of the house. Among his political adversaries, he had not a single enemy. With an unwieldy figure and a dull eye, the quickness of his mind seemed intuition. His wit was never surpassed, and it was attended with this singular quality, that it never gave offence, and the object of it was sure to join with pleasure in the laugh. The assault of Mr. Adam on Mr. Fox, and of colonel Fullarton on Lord Shelburne, had once put the house into the worst possible humor, and there was more or less of savageness in every thing that was said:-Lord North deprecated the too great readiness to take offence, which then seemed to possess the house. "One member," he said, "who spoke of me, called me, that "thing called a minister:"-" to be sure," he said, patting his large form, "I am a thing;

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-the member, therefore, when he called me "a thing said what was true; and I will not be

66 angry with him; but, when he added, that 66 thing called a minister, he called me that "thing, which, of all things, he himself wish"ed most to be; and, therefore," said Lord "North, "I took it as a compliment."-Butler's Reminiscences.

How to drive a Hog.-The following story is told by Matthews the Comedian. When travelling in Ireland," said he, "I met a countryman driving a hog along the highway, and wishing for amusement, I asked him where he was driving it to." "Hush; now, your honor, said he, whist; do, and be aisy." " But," said I, "Pat, where are you going with that hog?" "O your honor, do be aisy, and if you must know, come closer and I'll tell you; I am going to Cork, but he thinks I want him to go to Killarney.

Force of habit. Many instances of the ruling passion strong in death, " are given by a recent writer in describing New South Wales, which has been colonised by English convicts. The most daring rogues, still retain their preeminence over their companions, and exercise || that influence which is accorded to genius and talents. There are, always, among a cargo of convicts, a few who pretend to have reformed their lives. Among other instances of their bare-faced hypocracy, the writer mentions one "who, on arriving at Sydney, was in the last stage of consumption, and unable to set up without fainting. This expiring wretch, who grasped his bible to the last, mustered strength enough, while the hospital man was drawing on his trowsers, to stretch out his pale trembling hand towards the others waistcoat pocket, and actually to pick it of a comb and pen knife: the next morning he was a corpse." Quarterly Review.

THE TALISMAN.

WORCESTER, SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1828. Our readers may dismiss any apprehensions of being annoyed with the discussion of political questions, although we propose occupying a paragraph, occasionally, with matter wearWe should as soon ing an editorial dress. think of entertaining a refined audience with a bull-bait or boxing-match, as of intruding into a work, like this, the wrangling of political partizans, or the abuse of political opponents, which fill so many columns of our cotemporary journals. Our object is to instruct and amuse, and the most we propose to do in regard to the passing events of our day, is, to give a brief summary, from time to time, of such of them as will be most likely to interest our readers.

The news from Europe has become, of late, extremely interesting, and from the events which have already transpired there, the mind is in suspense in regard to the probable result of the present state of affairs. From the last arrivals, it appears, that although it is uncertain whether war has actually broken out, notwithstanding the report that Turkey had declared war against Russia, yet a storm seems gathering in the East, which threatens to desolate those ill-fated regions. Constantinople has become a complete camp, and the numbers of Turkish troops are daily increasing. The Sultan has addressed a Manifesto to the followers of Mahomet, to rise in defence of their

the standard of the Prophet. The East seems ready to pour its merciless hordes upon the provinces of the West. On the other hand, the European Powers are not altogether inac

Origin of Newspapers." Renauldot, a phy-religion, and they are already rallying around sician, first published at Paris, in 1631, a Gazette, so called from Gasetto, a coin of Venice paid for reading manuscript News. In more early times the English nobility had correspondents abroad on purpose to write what were called "Letters of News." The first Newspaper ever published in America was the Boston News Letter," in 1704.

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Russia is embodying her forces, and some of her troops are moving towards the threatened region. The French and British Governments can hardly be inactive spectators of any rupture between Russia and Turkey, and the deep interest which all the European governments must feel in such a contest, must render the result of the present state of affairs of immense importance to the world. We may confidently hope to see Greece delivered from her oppressors, and the cross soon A crisis in the triumphing over the crescent. affairs of the East seems approaching, and the public await the event with deep solicitude.

TO PATRONS AND CORRESPONDENTS.

In presenting the second number of the TALISMAN, we have to acknowledge the aid, we have received in the prosecution of our plan. To those who have interested themselves to procure subscribers, we tender our thanks, and hope by unwearied exertions to merit their continued favors.

We have several communications on hand, which we have not yet concluded to use. To our correspondent P. we will say, that "he hath music in his soul," but the "voice of the Buds" is not sufficiently intelligible to ordinary capacities, to induce us to insert it. We would offer a single general remark which we do not apply to P. "that as all is not gold that glistens," so all is not poetry that rhymes.

SUMMARY.

The Liberal party have prevailed in the French Chamber of Deputies, in electing a President of that body, from one of their number, who has been approved by the King.

The iron roof of the Royal Brunswick Theatre, in London, recently fell, while the company were assembled at rehearsal, ten of whom were killed, and many others were more or less wounded.

The votes for Governor, in 159, towns, are, for Lincoln 18,483, and for Morton 3350.

VARIETY.

He who has a low forehead, and full of wrinkles, will look like a monkey. He who has a high forehead will have his eyes under it, and will live all the days of his life, and that is infallible.

foam and no bridle; but these are not hard A great mouth from ear to ear signifies much mouthed, but all mouth.

A little mouth drawn up like a purse denotes darkness within, and looks more like a loop-hole than a window.

A watery mouth, that splutters when it speaks, and overflows when it laughs, will

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B." Very well, I'm much obliged t'ye.Mrs. Adams and the children are all well I

The survey of the Western Railway has been commenced at Needham, and will doubt-hope?" less be completed as soon as possible.

The votes in 40 towns, heard from, on the subject of dividing Worcester and Middlesex Counties, for the purpose of forming a new one, were 649 yeas, and 3536 nays-nearly as six to one.

John W. Lincoln, Edmund Cushing, Joseph Estabrook, and Joseph Davis, have been elected Senators for the County of Worcesterone vacancy.

Jared Weed, Aaron Tufts, William Eaton, and Edmund Cushing, have been appointed County Commissioners for the County of Wor

cester.

Our summary of domestic occurrences must be both meagre and of little interest.

A. "Quite well, thank'ee."
(A pause.)

B.

A.

Rather pleasant weather to-day."
Yes, but it was cold in the morning."
B. "Yes, but we must expect that at this
time o' year.

(Another pause-neckcloth twisted and

switch twirled.)

A. "Seen Smith lately?"

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B." No-I can't say I have-but I have seen Thompson."

A."Indeed-how is he?"

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B. Very well, thank'ee."

A. "I'm glad of it.-Well, good morning."
B. "Good morning."

Here it is always observed that the speakers having taken leave, walk faster than usual for some hundred yards.

An Irishman who was employed on the ca

FIRE. The dwelling house of Benjamin Snow, in Fitchburg, was consumed with part of its contents, on Wednesday evening last.-nal last spring, was observed one day attenThe fire was discovered about half past one o'clock, and is supposed to have been accidental. Eighteen hundred dollars was insured on the buildings burnt, by the Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and is the first loss of any kind that has happened to the Company since its incorporation in 1824.

tively watching a red headed wood-pecker, while it was tapping a beech tree. On being asked what attracted his attention, he said, "I'm speering at the strange baste upon yonder tree for sure enough the silly crathur has knocked bis face against it, till his head is a gore of bluid.

POETRY.

FROM THE PROVIDENCE PATRIOT.

A Danish Journal offers the following anecdote.

"During several months past, a number of individuals especially young men bewildered by ambition, have thrown themselves from the Round Tower; and to prevent these misfortunes, it has been found necessary to station sentinels at that place. The same precaution is resorted to in Norway, with regard to a lake in the neighborhood of Bergen. In a basin extremely deep, surrounded by projecting rocks, the lake spreads its still and motionless water, so effectually concealed from the light of day, that the stars may be discerned in the fluid at noon-day. The birds, conscious of a kind of attractive power resident in this vast gulf, dare not attempt to pass it.-Whoever visits it, after having, with exertions, clambered up the barrier of rocks around it, experiences a most uncontrollable desire to throw himself into this heaven reversed. It may be referred to the same kind of delusive feeling which is suffered when in a small boat, crossing a still water, which is so very transparent, that every stone at the bottom may be seen; it seems to invite the passenger who feels willing to comply. The Norwegians attribute this sensation to the magic power of the nymphs, or Nixes, who are still supposed to people every river and lake in the romantic districts of Scandinavia."

WILD is the scene-the silent lake,
Spreads its broad bosom to the sky,
And not a wave is heard to break
Upon the damp rocks nigh.
While lonely as the dreary tomb,
Are all that lie within this gloom.

Save rifted oak upon the steep.
Thro' that, the night-winds sadly sigh,
And send across the stilly deep,
A breathing melody.

And hold the heart in which this song
So wildly touching, rests not long;

And brings not the memory,

The scenes of love, the sunny hours,

That, when the heart was young and free,
Pass'd in the green wood bowr's
The soul to fill with tenderness
Impassioned love, and happiness.
In the expanse, so dark, so wide,
The curling clouds in piles are seen,
As thro' the azure vaults they ride
In clusters light and sheen.

Light, they eclipse the mountain snow-
Bright, they are pictur'd deep below.

But gaze not long upon the wave,
Where magic forms in darkness dwell,
For thou shalt find a dreamless grave,
In this cold ocean cell;

And the still waters closing o'er
Thy head-be settled as before.

FROM THE VERMONT STATESMAN.

The sketch below, was written by a young lady of the Troy Female Seminary, when in the fifteenth year of her age, and addressed to another young lady of the same school. The one who wrote it is now dead, and many other parts of the phrophecy are fulfilled with striking accuracy.

THE PROPHECY.

Let me gaze awhile on that marble brow,
On that full dark eye,on that cheek's warm glow
Let me gaze a moment, that ere I die,
I may read thee, maiden, a prophecy.
That brow may beam in glory awhile,
That cheek may bloom, that lip may smile,
That full dark eye may brightly beam
In life's gay morn, in hope's young dream-
But clouds shall darken that brow of snow,
And sorrows blight thy bosom's glow.
I know by that spirit haughty and high,
I know by that darkly flashing eye,
That, maiden, there's that within thy breast,
That has mark'd thee out for a soul unblest.
The strife of love, with pride, shall wriug
The youthful bosom's tenderest string;
And the cup of sorrow mingled for thee,
Shall be drain'd to the dregs in agony !
Yes, maiden, yes, I read in thine eye,
A dark and a doubtful mystery.
Thou shalt love, and that love shall be thy curse;
Thou shalt know no heavier-thou shalt know
no worse.

The tide of sorrow and the sea of grief,
The rushing waves of a watchful life,
Thy bosom's bark on the surge-I see,
And maiden, thy lov'd one is there with thee;
Not a star in the heaven,not alight on the wave;
Maiden, I've gaz'd on thy early grave!
When I am cold, and the hand of death,
Has crown'd my brow with his icy wreath,
And the dew hangs damp on the motionless lip,
And the eye is clos'd in its long last sleep;
Then,maiden,pause, when thy heart beats high,
And think on thy last, sad prophecy!

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THE

Worcester Talisman,

NO. 3.

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POPULAR TALES.

THE BALL.

BY MRS. HOFLAND.

MAY 3, 1828.

"Even if I were not prevented by this unlooked-for engagement from accompanying you to the ball to-night, my love," said the honorable Alfred Seymour to his beautiful young wife, you must nevertheless have declined it, for the child is evidently unwell; look, how the pulse throbs in this little throat, Sophia!" 'So they always do, I believe. I really wish you were less of a croaker, and candle-maker, my dear; however, to make you easy, I will send for Doctor Davis immediately: as to the ball, as I am expected, and have gone to the trouble and expense of a new dress, and have not been out for such a long, long time, really I think I ought to go.' "You would not leave my boy, lady Sophia, if"—"not if there is the least danger, certainly; nor if the doctor should pronounce it ill; but I do not believe it is so; I see nothing particular about the child for my part.'

As the young mother said this, she cast her eyes on the child, and saw in its little heavy eyes something, which she felt assured, was particular-she saw, moreover, more strikingly than ever, the likeness it bore to a justly beloved husband, and in a tone of self-correction added, 'poor little fellow, I do not think you are quite the thing; and should it prove so, mama will not leave you for the world.'

The countenance of the father brightened, and he departed, assured that the claims of nature would soon fully triumph over any little lingering love of dissipation, struggling for accustomed indulgence; and, as he bade her good bye, he did not wonder that a star so brilliant desired to exhibit its rays in the highest circle of fashion. Nevertheless, as he could not be present himself, he thought, on the whole, it was better she should be absent. A young nobleman, who had been his rival, and worn the willow some time after their marriage, had lately paid marked attention to a young beauty every way likely to console him; and Mr. Seymour thought it would be a great pity if his wife's blaze of beauty, appearing suddenly before him, after it had so long been withdrawn, should indispose his heart toward a connexion every way likely to prove happy.

VOL. I.

Unfortunately, the fond husband gave indication of his admiration alike in looks and words, and as the fair young mother turned from him to her mirror, she felt for a moment displeased that her liege lord should be less solicitous than herself to witch the world' with her beauty; and whilst in this humor, she called her maid to shew her the turban and dress in which she intended to appear.'

"Lauk, my lady! why sure you intends it yet. Did any body ever hear of such a thing as going for to stay at home, when you are all prepared? You have been out of sight ever so long; and you are a thousand times more Ah! I knows beautifuller than you ever was. what I knows. Miss Somerville may look twice ere she catches my lord, if so be he sees you in this here plume; 'cold broth is soon warmed,' they say."

Could it be that this vulgar nonsense-the senseless tirade of low flattery and thoughtless stimulation to error-could affect the mind of the high-born and highly educated Lady Sophia? Alas! yes-a slight spark will ignite dormant vanity; and the love of momentary triumph surpass the more generous wish of giving happiness to others, in a sphere distinct The new dress was tried on; from our own. its effect extolled by the maid, and admitted by the lady. The carriage was announced, and she was actually descending when the low wail of the baby broke on her ear, and she recollected that in the confusion of her mind, during the time devoted to dress and anticipated triumph, she had forgotten to send for the medical friend of the family.

Angry with herself, in the first moment of repentance, she determined to remain at home; but, unfortunately, she reconsidered, and went before the arrival of the doctor. 'Tis true, she left messages, and various orders, and so far fulfilled a mother's duties; but she closed her eyes to the evident weakness of her boy, and contented herself with determining to return as soon as possible.

Who could return, while they found themselves the admired of all, and when, at least, the adoration of eyes saluted her from him, whom she well knew it was cruelty, or sin, to attract. The observation forced upon her of Miss Somerville's melancholy looks, told her this, and compelled her to recollect that she was without her husband, and therefore likely

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