The right hand figure is an elevation, or side view of the same instrument, which shows that the external square frame turns upward in front, that it may more readily pass over the straw, or haulm, that lies before it. The pins which mark the insertion of the rollers are also seen; and from this frame rises a seat or kind of chair, for the convenience of the driver. The yoke is represented in connexion with the left hand figure, to which it joins by rings and a hook which allow of free motion; and the other end, which is borne by the oxen, is equally constructed for securing the same advantage. The principal subject of the above draught shows the manner of using this machine, which presents, what it proposes to illustrate, in a more lively manner to the eye than it is possible for the best written account to describe. Beyond the circle of corn strewed for threshing, a man is engaged in winnowing a quantity of corn, which is already threshed, by throwing it up against the wind, which blows away the chaff, but leaves the grains of corn; the weight of which ensures their falling down. Observe the form of the fan used by this figure: it resembles a small shovel, with a long handle; unlike any kind of corn fan, or winnowing machine used in this country the representation of it therefore is well. adapted to correct whatever erroneous conceptions of the instrument the reader might heretofore have entertained. The number of passages in Scripture which may be explained or illustrated by means of the above delineations, is too great to be enumerated here; and the youthful reader will find it a delightful task to search the Bible for, and compare them with this account. We shall, however, refer him to the second verse of the eighty-ninth Psalm, the seventh verse of the fifteenth chapter of Jeremiah, and especially to the twelfth verse of the third chapter of St. Matthew, where the process of winnowing with the fan is alluded to; and remark in conclusion that we here see the import of the phrase "thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn," as applied by the apostle to ministers-that is, "it is not fit that he who contributes to prepare food for others should be denied a portion of sustenance for himself." And it is a remarkable fact, that among all the nations of the East, the oxen which tread out the corn never were, and to this day are not muzzled, although they always were and still are muzzled when employed in any other kind of labor. SKETCHES OF CHARACTER. SIR WILLIAM HERSCHEL. This eminent astronomer was born at Hanover in 1730. His father was a musician. At the age of 14 he was placed in the band of the Hanover regiment of guards. About the year 1758 he proceeded with a detachment of his regiment to England, accompanied by his father, who, after a short stay returned to his native country, leaving his son in England. For several years he obtained a subsistence by his musical talents, devoting his leisure hours to the study of the English and Italian languages; he also made some progress in the Greek and Latin. The bent of his inclination during this period, was however, principally directed to mathematics, and astronomy, and frequently after a harassing day of 14 or 16 hours occupied in his professional avocations, he would seek relaxation, if such it might be termed, in extending his knowledge in his favorite pursuits. Having in the course of extensive reading made some discoveries which awakened his curiosity, he commissioned a friend in London to procure him a telescope of large dimensions, but the price being above his limited means, he resolved to construct one himself. After innumerable disappointments, he completed a five feet Newtonian reflector. The success of his first attempt encouraged him to fresh efforts, and in a short time he made telescopes from seven to twenty feet. As a proof of his perseverance, it is said, that in perfecting the object mirror for his seven feet instrument, he finished two hundred before he produced one that satisfactorily answered his purpose. As his love for the study of astronomy increased, he gradually lessened his professional engagements, and in 1779 he commenced a regular review of the heavens, star by star. In the course of eighteen months' observation he remarked that a star, which had been recorded by former astronomers as a fixed star, was gradually changing its position; and after much attention he was enabled to ascertain that it was an undiscovered planet. He communicated the fact to the Royal Society, who elected him a fellow, and decreed him their annual gold medal. This great discovery was made on the thirteenth of March, 1781, and bestowed on that planet the name of Georgium Sidus, in compliment to the king, who in consequence of his merit settled on him a handsome salary, which enabled him to relinquish his professional occupations, and devote himself wholly to the study of astronomy. He shortly afterwards, fixed his permanent residence at Slough, near Windsor, where, in the hope of facilitating and extending his researches, he undertook to construct a telescope of forty feet, which was completed in the year 1787. With the aid of this ponderous instrument, assisted by others of a more manageable size, he continued to enrich the stores of astronomical science. In these researches he was materially assisted by his sister, Miss Caroline Herschel, who was equally devoted to the study which has immortalized her brother. In 1793 he announced the discovery of a volcanic mountain in the moon, and four years afterwards communicated the account of two other volcanoes in that orb, which appeared in a state of eruption. Showing these apparent eruptions at one time to a gentleman, the latter exclaimed, that he not only saw the fire but the smoke. It will be impossible in a sketch like the present, and perhaps also superfluous, to detail the many important discoveries which have been made by this great astronomer; they are well known to the scientific world. By his labors he is justly esteemed as the most celebrated man of his age. Various public bodies testified their respect for his talents, and his sovereign conferred on him the honor of knighthood. Sir William died on the 23d of August, 1822, leav, ing behind him an unblemished reputation in priva life. His name will descend to posterity as one of th greatest astronomers of the age in which he lived. YOUNG LADIES' DEPARTMENT. TO YOUNG LADIES. To you, my young friends, I would address myself, in the language of deep and earnest interest. You are now at that delightful period of life, which is like spring among the seasons, redolent of beauty and freshness, and giving fair promise of the rich fruits of maturer years. Take heed the young blossoms be not blighted. Call to mind the countless advantages which have been bestowed on you-reflect upon the anxious solicitude of the fathers who wait to see you the object of their pride, as well as the sources of their happiness-remember the cares, the exertions, the almost heart-breaking anxiety of the mothers who have guided your infant feet to the threshold of the temple of knowledge, and then press forward "in the race set before you." You are entering upon a noble career. The pure, and elevated, and holy duties which are peculiarly a woman's, will soon claim your undivided attention. Let me pray you, therefore, so to discipline your hearts, so to cultivate your minds, so to purify your spirits, now, during the unbroken leisure of youth, that the hour of trial may find ' with you your lamps trimmed and burning.' You have begun well-go on then in the same course, and remember that "of those to whom much is given, much will be required;" and that genius and knowledge, while they lay claim to the highest honors which men can bestow, also bear with them the highest responsibilities both to God and man. Science is now opening to you her richest stores of honor, and usefulness; and the prayers of parents and friends are following you, when you are utterly unconscious of them, Pause then-in the cool freshness of the morning of life, before you wax faint in the noonday heats-pause and form for yourselves the noble resolutions which should direct your future fe. Look back through the shadowy vista of past, ears, and behold what are the foundations of the most asting honors of men. Look forward, with the eye of faith, to the glories of the promised land; and while you weigh well the different results of moral conduct, take heed that you "keep your hearts with all diligence, for out of them are the issues of life." Form your taste on the classics, and your principles on the book of all truth. Let the dawn of your being be hallowed by that pure devotion, which is ever an offering of 66 a sweet smelling savor" to the bounteous giver of all good. Let the first fruits of your intellect be laid before the altar of Him who breathed into your nostrils the breath of life, and with that breath your immortal spirit and while your life furnishes the most striking illustration of the benefits of education, let it be your care so to persevere unto the end that it may be said of each, in her own peculiar sphere, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Mrs. Embury. POETRY & MUSIC. THE PRAYER AT SEA. Father Supreme!-to thee our prayers ascending, Far and resistless-wilt thou not attending List to the voice of those who watch and weep? O'er the vex'd world of waters still thou movest, The storm to calmness,-and we see thee then |