more numerous than any other species. It spends the winter in the southern states, and arrives here in the vernal equinox, when it commences its occupation with great activity. Mr Ord saw it, sitting on its eggs in East Florida, on the 3d of March. Wilson says, it begins to lay in New Jersey apout the first of May. Its nest is built of sticks,and, what is remarkable, it often allows the purple grakle or crow blackbird, to make its nest among the outer sticks of its own, even three upon one. It abounds along the whole coast, from Georgia to Canada; and twenty nests have been counted in a mile. Its arrival is hailed by the fishermen as indicative of the approach of shoals of fish. Near Great Egg Harbour, a piece of a shad, weighing six pounds, was taken from one of these birds, and a flounder escaped from another, by struggling, which served the whole family of a Mr Beasly for dinner. Sturgeons and other large fish have sometimes drifted to the shore with dead fish-hawks fastened to them by their claws, having ventured to pounce on too heavy or too powerful a prey. A female, which had lot a leg, has been known to be well supplied with fish by her faithful mate.

The nest is built at different heights between fifteen and fifty feet, and usually on the top of a dead or dying tree. It is formed of sticks two or three feet long, and an inch or one and a half inches thick, piled up four or five feet, intermingled with corn-stalks, mullen-stalks, seaweede much wet turf, being lined with old dry sea-grass, and so well packed as often to endure the tempests uninjured, and being used, with occasional repairs, from year to year. A nest com

monly contains three eggs, which are much like hens' eggs, but larger, and marked, as if by art, with dashes of dark brown.

"I was told" says Mr Gardiner, " by a man of truth, that he saw an eagle rob a hawk of its fish, and the hawk seemed so enraged as to fly at the eagle, while the the eagle very deliberately, in the air, threw himself partly over on his back, and while he grasped with one foot the fish, extended the other to threaten or seizo the hawk."

Gardner's Island, at the eastern tremity of Long Island Sound, has long been a remarkable resort of ti h hawks. They build their ne-ts unmolested, in the

old trees, and are supposed to catch about 600 fish daily! White eagles also inhabit the same place.

The intelligent projector of that fine old estate furnished Mr Wilson with many interesting particulars illustrating the habits of this remarkable bird:

We have only room enough remaining, after the description promised of the engraving, for a few lines from Wilson's pen.

"Soon as the Sun, great ruler of the year,
Bends to our northern climes his bright career,
And from the caves of ocean calls from sleep
The finny shoals and myriads of the deep;
When freezing tempests back to Greenland ride,
And day and night the equal hours divide;
True to the season, o'er the sea beat shore,
The sailing Osprey high is seen to soar,
With broad unmoving wing; and, circling slow,
Marks each loose straggler in, the deep below;
Sweeps down like lightning !plunges with a roar,
And bears his struggling victim to the shore.

,, The long-housed fisherman beholds with joy
The well-known signals of his rough employ,
And as he bears his nets and oars along,
He hails the welcome season with a song"

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Sketch of the Life and Character of
FISHER AMES.

From President Dwight's Travels. In Dedham lived the Hon. Fisher Ames. This gentleman was born April 9th 1758, of respectable parents and was educated at Harvard College, where he took the degree of A. B. in 1774. He then commenced the study of the law; and soon after he began the practice, was regarded as an advocate of distinguished talents. In 1788, he was chosen a member of the Convention, for ratifying the Federal Constitution. The following year he was elected a representative from the district of Suffolk to the national legislature;and was regularly re-elected during the presi dency of General Washington. In all these situations,he distinguished himself by sound wisdom, most impressive elodence, immovable integrity, and exalted patriotism. After his speech on the necessity of making appropriations for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain, delivered April 28th, 1790, one of his antagonists objected to taking the vote, which was to decide the question at that time; because the house was borne away by the power of his eloquence. From this period he generally declined public business on account of the imperfect state of his health; yet he several times accepted a seat at the council

board This however was obvionsly done to serve his country; not to gratify himself. He loved retirement; and delighted in his family. For public life, at the same time he had little relish. During his retirement, however, he never forgot the interests or the dangers of his country. Feeble as he was, he published within a few years before his death, a series of political essays, which were then highly esteemed as specimens of original thought and superior wisdom. Few men have so much good sense as Mr Ames possesed; and none with whom I have conversed, a mind so ready to furnish at every call the facts which should be remembered; the truths which should be declared; the arguments which should be urged; language in which they might be cleary and forcibly expressed; and images with which they might be beautifully adorned. His imagination was perhaps too brilliant, and too rich. It would hardly be said, that any of the pictures which it drew, were ill-drawn, or out of place; yet it might, I think, be truly said, that the gallery was crowded. The excess was not, however, the consequence either of a defective taste or a solicitude to shine; but the produce of a fancy ever creative, always exuberant, and exerting its powers more easily in this manner than in any other. To speak and write as he spoke and wrote, was only to permit the thoughts and images which first offered themselves, to flow from his lips or his pen.

Mr Ames was distinguished by a remarkable and very amiable simplicity of character. In circles where any man would have thought it an honor to shine, and where he always shone with superior lustre, he appeared entirely to forget himself, and direct all his observations to the entertainment of the company; and the elucidation of the subject. Wherever he conversed, it was impossible to fail of receiving both instruction and delight. But the instruction flowed not from the strife of talents, nor the ambition of being brilliant. Whatever was the field of thought,he expanded it; whatever was the theme of discussion, he gave it new splendor: but the manner in which he did both showed irresistibly, that they were the most obvious and the least labourious employments of such a fancy.

His moral character was still more estimable. His integrity appeared to be

direct without effort, and without deliberation; it appeared to be straight because it had never been warped: to dictate what was right because it had not yet learned to do what was wrong. His sense of rectitude, both public and personal, was not only exact, but delicate and exquisite. His patriotism was glowing.

As a public man, Mr Aimes was an object both of envy and praise; but I should more strongly covet his private character.

Of the inspiration of the scriptures he was firmly satisfied. It ought to be observed, that although he had read extensively the ablest works on the external evidences of Revelation, yet the Divine origin of the Scriptures was most deeply impressed on his mind by their contents.

"No man,"said he, ever did or ever will, become truly eloquent, without being a constant reader of the Bible, and an admirer of the purity and simplicity of its language." To a mind like his, it was impossible that the dictates of a book thus regarded, should be indifferent. Accordingly, he professed publicly the religion which it enjoins, and adorned his profession with a life irreproachable. Through the great and the gay world he passed without a stain. On its follies he looked with pity; on its splendors with self-possesion. No opinion, no practice was adopted by him, because it was fashionable. In the devotions of his closet, and in the duties of Christian benevolence, he found a satisfaction, which grandeur rarely knows, and applause can never confer. Humble, sincere, and submissive, he often shed, in intimate religious conversation, the tear of contrition, and lamented his want of fervor in addresses to God. When his end was approaching, with a consciousness that it was near, he said "I have peace of mind: it may arise from stupidity; but I believe it is founded on a belief of the gospel. My hope is in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ." The Divnity of the Savior he admitted without a question, and it would seem, from a minute investigation of the subject.

DESTROYING WASPS-One method is the old simple one of hanging bottles partially filled with sweetened water against the walls, in the spring of the year, about the time when peaches, apricots, &c, are in bloom; before food for those noxious insects becomes plentiful.

JUVENILE DEPARTMENT.

Washington's self control. "Just fifty-two years ago," said an old man one day in Springfield, New Jersey, to a traveller who had stopped a few moments at the stage-house, "I saw General Washington. It was the only sight I ever had of him in my life; but I remember him very well, and have thought how he appeared and conducted a great many times since. I lived in this town, and was a boy fourteen years old. It was the season when the British came from Staten Island and marched up this way, and were driven back by our people after a sharp battle, a little distance from this spot.

"I had heard they were coming, and my father told me I was going to drive a wagon down to the village, with things for our army. I was used to horses, and could drive a two horse wagon, though I was only a small boy. All the men were wanted who could be spared, to take their guns and join the soldiers. I was pleased to learn that I was considered manly enough to fill a man's place, and was glad to do anything that would let another soldier go to the army,as well as to earn something for my father. When the wagon was ready I got on the top of the load and drove down to the street, following another wagon which my father drove. This stage-house was not built then, and several of the other buildings you see here have been raised since.

When we

reached the middle of the street, almost in front of this, an officer called out to us to stop: and there we checked the horses, and waited some time. There were other wagons near us and a good many soldiers to be seen in all directions. I was glad of an opportunity to see much of them, and had a very good place, so high above the ground, on the top of my load.

SO

"I saw a very gay-looking soldier coming on horseback down yonder long hill; and when he reached the corner opposite, seeing several officers talking together under that same little old apple tree you see by the fence, which was then a young one, he stopped his horse, and and said to them, in a conceited tone.

"I want to know if you can tell me whether the militia are to be commanded by continental officers or not.'

"Such are the orders,' said a tali man,

one of the persons to whom he addressed himself.

"I expected it would be so,' said the horseman, strutting still more ; 'that's just what we are to expect, I suppose, from these paltry fellows sent here with commissions from congress. I halted my regiment the other side of the hill, to ask the question; and now, I shall go and march them home again.'

"Perhaps,' said the tall officer, 'you do not know whom you are speaking to.'

"Yes I do,' replied he, in a truly impertinent manner; it is a good-for-nothing continental officer!'

"I was surprised that he received no answer whatever. The tall officer did not say a word. Besides, I did not see that he showed the least sign of anger. He did not change his appearance or manners in any way that I could see; but slowly turning round, he coolly walked away, under that row of apple-trees, to the farm house yonder, where he went in at the door. I followed him with my eyes, till he disappeared, and turned them again to the spot he had left. The persons there remained as he had left them, the horseman in his saddle, just taking off his eyes from the farm house. He had been sitting in his saddle, and followed the stranger as I had done, till he disappeared; then, after a momentary pause,he turned to one of the officers, and said in a lower tone:

"Who is that?'

"That,' he replied, 'is His Excellency, General Washington.'

"I never saw so sudden a change in the manners of a man in my life, as the answer made. He instantly dropped his reins; and the first motion was to catch at his cap, which he took off without the least ceremony, and immediately squeezed under his arm, as if his uppermost feeling was that he was unworthy to wear it. His next object was to get to the ground with as little ado as possible; and he slid quickly down, without noise. I felt a curiosity to see what further he intended; and found he started on a brisk walk, without speaking, for the farm house, which he quickly entered.

"I sat on my wagon, reflecting with pleasure that I had seen General Washton, of whom I had heard so much said, and whom I had so otten desired to see. I kept thinking how wonderful it was that a man so great and so highly honored had

stood quite unmoved, and borne such insulting language. I saw that he had complete control over his temper, and that there was something in him quite different from what I should have looked for. At the same time I knew enough though so young, to understand that the horseman felt ashamed of himself, if not afraid of suffering for his conduct; and would have liked to know what he was doing in the house. It was very plain that he intended to say something, and no doubt wished to excuse himself or ask pardon, but how he would be received, I should have liked to know.

"It was but a few moments, however, before the militia colonel appeared again, with a more resolute air than when I had last seen him, but with his cap still under his arm; and hurrying back to his horse, mounted in haste, clapped spurs in and galloped up the long hill; and his bare head soon sunk beyond it After sitting a few minutes longer, (for we hat still no

orders to move,) my attention was attracted by other objects nearer by me, when I heard the sound of distant lively music; and looking again, saw a regiment of New Jersey militia marching over the Hill at quick step, with the reconciled colonel at their head, who soon halted them at the street, and gave out that he awaited the orders of His Excellency, General Washington, to march the troops under his command when and where he should please to send them.

When the aged man had finished his story, as I expected the stage-coach to arrive very soon, I lost no time, but walked across the street to the apple-tree he had pointed out; and putting my hand into my pocket, took my knife, and cut off a twig from the end of one of its branches, which I put into my hat, took home with me, and preserved, as a memorial of this important truth: Washington was not easily provoked.

Р

at

This is one of the favor te toys of chi'dren who like quiet amusements home; and for a very good reason. It shows many trang e sights on the wall, which appear the more wonderful, because they are much larger even than the little box from which they are made. After a good child, who has received a present of a magic lantren, his amused himself and his friends with it, he will not forget his little friends. They will take as much pleasure in seeing the exhibition as he did; and will listen attentively, no doubt, when he explains the uses of the different parts, and shows how they are to be placed and moved.

I once knew a boy who showed his new magic lantren to a party of his playmates, named the parts one by one, laid them down, told the name of each, showed

how it fitted in its place, and told all he knew about the use of it. Then he appointed one to hold a lamp which was to be blown out, with a match to light it again when the exhibition should close, two to stamp by the tadle that it might not be overset in the dark, and the others on chairs in convenient places for seeing. He also requested one to draw out the glasses, and put them in the box with care; and then he went through the whole with many very good natured remarks. The company were much pleased, and laughed heartily at some of the queer figures.

To gratify his little friends s'ill further, he allowed several to come in turn and put the glasses through the slide with their own hands. Children and grown persons also like to do things, as well as

can

see them done; and they are mistaken, who suppose that others will always be satisfied to look on or listen, and let them do all that is to be done. No one learn without trying; and it is commendble to wish to do what is not dangerous or expensive or troublesome-what is useful proper and well timed.

There was another boy who showed his magic lantern, but would not allow anybody else to touch it. For that he was called very selfish and disobliging.

Now look at the picture above, and I will tell you some of the parts of this favorite toy.

A is the upper part of the tin box. B is the table which it stands upon. G is a lit tle lamp inside, which is sometimes fed with spirit, but oil makes a brighter light. Olive, or sweet oil, does not make much smoke. There is an opening to let it out. Do not touch that part-it is soon hot. M is the reflector, commonly made of tin, round and hollowed in like a saucer, to throw the light through the tube, C D, which has two magnifying glasses in it. At EF is an opening, to slide the painted glasses through, upside down. The picture on the glass that is put in there will be made on the wall, PO. You must try different distances, till you find where the picture will look best. You must also. have the tube pushed together to a particular p'ace, or the picture will not be distinct.

But why do the magnifying glasses make the picture on the wall so much larger than the picture on the sliding glass? You must study before you can answer that. Yon must learn that part of natural philosophy which is Optics, which tells how we see, and many curious things about light. There is no magic in a magic lantern, nor in anything else, to a man of true learning.

VERSES FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN. LESSON 2.

Ye are my friends if ye do whatsover I com. mand you.

This is my commandment, that ye love one another. John xv 12, 14.

And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. Eph. iv. 32.

Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Eph. vi 1.

The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. Matt. xviii. 11.

Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matt xix. 14.

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Matt, xxii. 39

MISCELANEOUS.

Classical Studies.

We extract, the following passages from a letter received from "Leon," in reply to one of our questions:

It is not probable that three out of a hundred, of those Americans who have studied the classics in their youth, ever recur to them in subsequent periods of their lives, as sources of intellectual recreation.

But this consideration by no means settles the question as to the utility of those studies; for distaste in regard to the classics often arises from the undue severity of teachers, and from other other causes connecting unpleasant associations with what would be otherwise agreeable: and besides, the mind may have been strengthened and fertilized by books which are on the whole, unattractive.

Are classical studies, then, in our age and country, beneficial, as usually pursued? The writer of this article would answer a question shaped like the foregoing one, decidedly in the negative. As commonly taught in schools, without reference to the abilities and powers of pupils, he deems them in a great degree, a waste of time most deplorable. True it is, that in many cases we are unable to foresee accurately the particular pursuits for which school-boys may be destined; and it is therefore necessary, in selecting courses of school ctudies, to choose such as will probably be the most useful in the majority of cases.

In the great majority of cases, the destined occupations of our lads are agricultural, commercial, or mechanical, and their fleeting school days may be far better spent than in learning a little Latin and less Greek.

The

Are the dead languages, then, useless in all cases? By no means. He who would devote himself to the pursuit of letters, must drink deeply of those ancient fountains which Providence only opens at distant intervals for enriching, by their streams, the intellects of men. lawer and the physician must be Latinists; the divine must be versed in Hebrew and Greek: but, I repeat, the great majority of our young fellow-countrymen and country-women may be far more profitably employed than in studying the dead languages.

But what are the moral and religious notions of the classical authors? Their theology has become the mere drapery of the poet; their systems of ethical and political philosophy were long ago exploded: their principle deities were but impersonations of passion, pride, cruelty, and Just their morality was derived from false premises and they had, until the dawn of Christianity, but the feeblest glimpse of popular liberty and right.

As a substitute for the mythology and false teachings of old Greece and Rome, we have the Divine Classic-the Bible-together with the literature of which it is the subject or the source-works which are not only adapted to sharpen