revolution round the Sun, at one part of her orbit she | receives most of the light and heat on her northern hemisphere, and at another part on her southern, according as her north or south pole is turned towards the sun; while in two points of her orbit, both hemispheres are equally enlightened. The above diagram will best explain the cause of the change of seasons, and of the lengths of the days and nights.

Let A, B, C, D, represent the Earth in four different parts of her orbit, equi-distant from one another;-N for aris and the north pole, and S the sun, nearly in the centre of the Earth's orbit. As the Earth goes round the sun, according to the order of the letters A, B, C, D, her axis N keeps the same obliquity, and is exactly parallel in every part of her orbit.

When the Earth is at A, its north pole inclines towards the sun, and brings all the northern places more into the light than at any other time of the year. But when the Earth is at C, in the opposite time of the year, the north pole declines from the sun, which occasions the northern places to be more dark than in the light, and the reverse at the southern places.

When the Earth is either at B or D, she inclines not either to or from the sun, but lies sideways to him, and then the poles are in the boundary of light and darkness; and the sun being directly over the equator, makes equal day and night at all places.

When the Earth is at E, it is half way between the summer solsticet and autumnal equinox; and when it is at F, it is half way between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice; at G, half way from the winter solstice to the spring equinox; and at H, half way from the spring equinox to the summer solstice.

From this it is evident, that when the Earth is at A, the north pole is enlightened, and the southern in darkness, and that exactly the reverse is the case when the

Is that time when the sun is at the greatest distance from the equator, and is thus called because he then appears to stand still, and not to change his distance from the equator for some time, which appearance is owing to the obliquity of our sphere, and which those living under the equator are strangers to. Solstice is from the Latin words sol, sun, and sto, to stand.

Earth arrives at C, for then the south pole is enlightened and the north in darkness; in the former case, the northern hemisphere has summer and the longest day, while the south has winter and the shortest day; in the latter every thing is completely reversed.

That the Earth is of a globular form, may be inferred from analogy; as all the other heavenly bodies which are visible to us are globes, there is little reason to doubt that the earth is so likewise. Of this, however, there are demonstrative proofs.

The motion of the Earth in her orbit round the sun is called her annual motion, and that round her axis, her diurnal motion, which, at the equator, is about 1942 miles an hour.

These two motions, although constantly carried on together, are not sensible to us, because they are so equable, interrupted by no impediments, and because every thing on the Earth's surface, and the atmosphere itself, partake of these motions.

The Earth is surrounded by a compound fluid substance called the atmosphere, which consists of air mingled with aqueous vapours and other exhalations from her surface. This atmosphere has a refractivet power, by which the rays of the sun are bent out of a straight line, and occasion a degree of light after that luminary is below the horizon. This faint light is denominated twilight.

It has already been observed, that the Orbit of the Earth is not a perfect circle, but inclined to the Elipse, and that the Sun is not exactly in its centre. This occasions the Earth to be seven days longer in passing through one half of her orbit than she is in traversing the other. The Orbit of the Earth is placed between those of Venus and Mars.

pact body, and made the animal which was to be chased distinctly known to every individual of the party. Our settled object was to drive him to the house; and to render the sport as complete as possible, the lasso was not to be used until there appeared a probability that he would otherwise escape. Some of the people then dashed into the midst of the herd, attentively observing the selected animal. One half of the oxen were thus driven at once from the spot, and others which chose to do so were permitted to follow without molestation; but wherever the victim turned, a horseman met him and stopped his career. The work was easy until the remaining group was reduced to about twenty, which then made violent attempts to rejoin their comrades, and fiercely attacked the huntsmen who intercepted them. In a short time. four of them being hard pressed, plunged into some watery ground about two miles from the house, and among them was the object of the chase. When driven from the water, this small number were more harrassed than before, and perceiving their danger, exerted themselves with redoubled violence. Sometimes we were obliged to ride hard; and great coolness and address were necessary to prevent their escape behind us and into a wood, which we were now approaching.In this last respect our efforts were vain: they gained this refuge, and we could no longer act in concert. The wood was full of thick bushes of myrtle, and many trees spread their arms horizontally seven or eight feet from the ground. It was matter of high gratification as well as wonder, to observe how our huntsmen rounded the bushes, and bent under the branches, so as sometimes to hang on the sides of their horses. Though unable to follow, I soon encountered our chief, who had made an unsuccessful cast with his lasso, and was disentangling it from the branches of a tree. I shall never forget the ardour and rapidity with which he afterwards darted and wheeled among the trees, nor lose the conviction fixed upon my mind, what execution such men, so trained, must be capable of in a country like this. My musings were soon interrupted by reaching the beach, and seeing at a distance our young hero, with his ox securely attached to his horse by the lasso, and leading the captive towards the house. The instrument had gone round his horns, and was fixed close to the crown of his head. The animal thus entangled advanced with the most malicious vexation, and made many ferocious efforts to gore the horse which had before pursued and now led

"The lasso is made of narrow thongs, plaited in the same way as the bridles, and is about 7 or 8 yards long. One end of it is firmly fixed to the hinder part of the saddle, generally on the right side: at the other end is an iron ring, about two inches in diameter. The horseman about to use the lasso forms a sort of running noose by passing a portion of it through the ring; this is taken in the right hand, so as that the ring may be at the opposite part of the circle; the noose is then swung with care over the head, until the extreme part of it, including the ring, acquires a considerable momentum. The instrument thus prepared as the man advances towards his selected victim, is in due time discharged, carries off the remainder of the string, which before hung loosely in coils on the fingers of the left hand, and seldom fails to entangle the beast. A well-trained horse, though at full speed when the lasso is thrown, instantly stops, and turning round, pulls against the animal, which is now attached to him. The balls are three in number, round, and nearly three inches in diameter. The external part of each is a sort of purse made of hide, rendered pliable by soaking: the purse is filled with sand, and the aperture drawn close. In drying, the leather contracts, and the whole becomes as hard as a stone. To each ball a string is attached three or four feet long, made of plaited thongs, like the lasso; and the three strings are united by a knot, at two feet distance from the balls. This may be called the handle of the instrument; for the person using it takes the knot in his right hand, and having given it the necessary velocity, by swinging it over his head with all his might, throws it at the legs of the horse or ox which he wishes to secure. In their progress, the balls spread to the utmost distance which the strings will allow, and, reaching the leg, generally pass round it; and though, perhaps, only slightly entangling the animal, suficiently impede its flight."-The custom was derived from the Maraocato and other Indian tribes, who used the lasso and balls with great effect against Mendonca, when he landed, and founded the city of Buenos Ayres.

him; but the wary creature, which had often before been yoked to an unnatural and violent mate, kept his eye upon the ox, and pulled at the lasso so as to keep it always on the stretch, and himself two springs in advance. In his precautions he was greatly assisted by his rider, who with equal care watched the maddening spirit of the beast, and gave signals to the horse. Convinced at length that his attempts to gore his leader were vain, the ox became sullen, and was partly dragged onward. While he was in this mood, the horse passed to the right of a detached bush, and the ox by a sudden spring got nearly abreast of him on the left: thus, the lasso was brought over his back, and he was enabled to employ his utmost might to draw the horse round the bush; the horse also used all his power to counteract this manœuvre; and thus the great strength of the lasso was proved. By this time the whole party was again collected, and another lasso applied to assist in conducting the captive, which, seemingly conscious that he was completely subdued, walked along quietly. A boat had just reached the beach; and the people were still on board, when the treacherous animal, as soon as he came near enough, made an unexpected attack, and caused them to tumble one over another into the water, to the great amusement of the spectators.

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Returning to the hut after a chase of three hours, milk and fruit were served to us in abundance; while the beast was taken from his former bondage and tied to a post, where I found him bellowing with madness, and still furiously striving to release himself. A man now came forward with an instrument called a facam, somewhat resembling both a large carving-knife and a short Sword; and, warning every one to be on his guard, passed near the heels of the ox, and endeavoured by a back-handed stroke to hough him. The attempt was clumsily made, and the beast though wounded was not disabled. Another took the instrument, and used it with greater effect; when the ox gave a desperate kick at the operator, and snapping the tendon fell on his haunches. A third then drew a sharp knife across his low, expressive of rage and agony, he yielded up his life. throat: blood copiously followed; and with a deep belImmediately the people set about skinning the beast, and preparing a part of him for dinner. The former operation was performed in a workman-like manner; and the skin as it was taken off, being stretched upon the ground, preserved the flesh from blood and dirt. During this process, fires had been kindled, and had burned down to clear embers. Slices of flesh were then cut off from the ribs, as the choicest part, for the master and his guests, and roasted at a fire apart; afterwards, the attendants helped themselves as they pleased, and cooked their portion after their own modes.

Horses are trained for the exercises of the field, by fastening a dry hide to the back part of the saddle, and allowing it to trail on the ground. As the horse moves, the hide rattles, and the noise alarms him: he attempts to fly, when it beats against his heels, and he kicks at it violently; but soon convinced that all his alarm and rage are fruitless, he learns to be patient and quiet. In this state, a person mounts him, and compels him to move forward; at first gently, afterwards at an increased pace. He begins with trampling upon the hide; but this incommodes him, perhaps almost throws him down backwards; he then sets down his feet more carefully and safely. The contrivance induces him also to keep an eye turned on the object behind; while the rider takes him over rough and boggy ground, obliging him at the same time to look forward and mark where he is going. Thus he forms a habit of quickly discerning danger and avoiding it, from whatever quarter it may come. So much are the Brazilian horses in general fenced against alarms, that I hardly ever met with one of the description which we call skittish."-Cabinet of Curiosities.

BIOGRAPHY.

THE SPOTTED NEGRO BOY.

GEORGE ALEXANDER GRATTON, the Spotted Negro Boy, whose portrait embellishes our present number, was well known to the inhabitants of the metropolis and its vicinity about 12 years ago, at which time he was exhibited at the fairs by Richardson, a famous purveyor of objects of entertainment at those places of popular festivity.

Both the parents of George Alexander were black, and natives of Africa. He was born in the island of St. Vincent, on the plantation of Mr. Alexander, of which one Gratton was overseer, about the month of June, 1808; and the curiosity of his appearance was such, that he was shown in the capital of his native island, at the price of a dollar each person. It is added, that the superstitious prejudices of the negroes placed his life in some danger, and that he was on that account shipped for England. Probably the prospect of a profitable disposal of him in this country, was an equally powerful motive for his removal.

The child was only fifteen months old, when, in September, 1809, being brought to Bristol, in the ship called the Friends of Emma, Mr. Richardson, the proprietor, as before intimated, of a travelling theatre, was applied to, and an engagement entered upon, by which he was consigned to Mr. Richardson's care for 3 years.

His skin and hair were every where party-coloured, transparent brown and white. On the crown of his head, several triangles, one within the other, were formed by alternations of the colours of his hair. In figure and countenance he might truly be called a beautiful child. His limbs were well proportioned, his features regular and pleasing, his eyes bright and intelligent, and the whole expression of his face both mild and lively. His voice was soft and melodious; and as his mind began to develope itself, much quickness and penetration were betrayed.

When nearly five years of age, he was unfortunately attacked with a swelling in the jaw, and died on the 3d of February, 1813. Mr. Richardson, who had always treated him with a parental kindness while alive, was sincerely afflicted at his death. Soon after he had been placed with him, he had caused him to be baptized at

the parish church of Newington, in the county of Surrey, and on his death, he was buried at Great Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, in a brick vault, which Mr. Richardson caused to be purposely constructed. Mr. Richardson, fearful that the body might be stolen, had previously kept it unburied for the space of three months.

In the vestry of the church of Great Marlow hangs a fine painting of this extraordinary natural phenomenon, executed from the life by Coventry, and presented to the corporation of Buckingham by Mr. Richardson; who finally closed his displays of affectionate regard for a child which was not originally more recommended to his attention by his curiosity, than he was afterwards endeared to him by disposition and manners, by erecting a monument to his memory at Great Marlow, and placing upon it the following inscription and epitaph :

GEORGE ALEXANDER GRATTON,

THE SPOTTED NEGRO BOY,

From the Carribee Islands, in the West Indies, who died Feb. 3d, 1813, aged four years and three quarters.

This Tomb, erected by his only Friend and Guardian, Mr. John
Richardson, of London.

Should this plain, simple tomb attract thine eye,
Stranger, as thoughtfully thou passest by,
Know that there lies beneath this humble stone
A child of colour, haply not thine own.

His parents born of Afric's sun-burnt race,
Though black and white were blended in his face,
To Britain brought, which made his parents free,
And shewed the world great nature's prodigy.
Deprived of kindred that to him were dear,
He found a friendly Guardian's fostering care,
But, scarce had bloomed, the fragrant flower fades,
And the loved infant finds an early grave.

To bury him his loved companions came,

And dropped choice flowers, and lisped his early fame
And some that loved him most, as if unblest,
Bedewed with tears the white wreath on his breast.
But he is gone, and dwells in that abode
Where some of every clime must joy in God!
Cabinet of Curiosities.

EXPLANATION OF WORDS AND PHRASES.

AD OGNI UCCELLO-SUO NIDO E BELLO. Ital. Proverb. -"With every bird its own nest is charming." ADOLESCENTEM VERECUNDUM ESSE DECET. Lat. PLAUTUS. "It becomes a young man to be modest." AD POPULUM PHALERAS: EGO TE INTUS ET IN CUTE NOVI. Lat. PERSIUS.-"Away with those trappings to the vulgar; I know thee both inwardly and outwardly."-I know the man too well to be deceived by appearances. QUESTIONEM JURIS RESPONDEANT JUDICES, AD QUESTIONEM FACTI

AD

AD

RESPONDEANT JURATORES,

Lat. Law Maxim.-"Let the judges answer to the question of law, and the jurors to the matter of fact."

QUOD DAMNUM. Law Lat.-"To what damage." -A writ which ought to be issued before the grant of certain liberties, such as a fair or marked, ordering the sheriff to inquire what damage the county is liable to suffer by such grant. The same writ is also issued for similar inquiry with respect to lands granted to religious houses or corporations, for turning highways, &c.

AD REFERENDUM. Lat. "To be further considered." -A diplomatic phrase borrowed from the States of Holland, and now used proverbially to imply a slowness of deliberation and decision. ADSCRIPTUS GLEBE. Lat." Attached to the soil."Disposable with the land. This is now the wretched description of the peasantry in Russia. It was formerly so in other countries.