图书图片
PDF
ePub

they pushed the prevailing style of dress beyond its usual limits; extremely.compressed waists, very low bodies, greatly exposed back, and perfectly naked shoulders, hugely protruding bustles, and artificially projecting busts, added to the most beseeching coquetry of attitude and manner.

It should be remarked that these were only excrescences on the general surface of the society here; I know indeed that their extravagances appeared as revolting to the greater portion of their own countrymen and countrywomen, as they did to us. In general, there is not so much of dandyism in either sex in America, as there is in England or in France. The men are more grave, and not so polished; the women are more reserved, and neither so elegant nor so animated as in the fashionable circles of Europe; but when they break out beyond their natural or accustomed bounds, and set up for decided "Exclusives," they run into greater extravagances than the beaux and belles of England or France; and being without the refinement of manners which these last generally possess, they become more complete caricatures in the eyes of their own nation as well as of strangers.Buckingham's America.

ROMANCE IN REAL LIFE.

THE Paris Globe furnishes us with the fol

lowing Neapolitan romance. No dates are given, but we are to suppose that the affair is of recent occurrence:-"The Countess Mulfioli was left a rich and beautiful widow, at the early and interesting age of twentytwo. Innumerable suitors came, but the Duke de Hermello was the only one whose sighs were reciprocated. Their union was agreed upon, and deferred only till the term of widowhood had expired. One day, at a fête, the young countess took the fancy of consulting a fortune-teller, who was there for the entertainment of the guests. He, as usual, examined the lines of her hand, and with a troubled countenance and tremulous voice, said, 'Lady, you are at the gates of the Temple of Happiness, but you will never pass over its threshold, and will die in despair.' The lady was deeply affected by this prediction, and all the affectionate soothings of her lover were scarcely adequate to restore her mind to tranquillity. Time and passion, however, had obliterated the impression, when the Duke de Hermello went on a visit to Rome, and the countess retired to a convent, anxiously awaiting his return. Days, weeks, and months, elapsed without the reappearance of her betrothed. At last came from him the following cruel epistle:Madame! we deceived ourselves in believing that we were destined for each other. To-morrow I shall be married to

127

the Princess Maria Doria. Let us forget our childish fancies, but ever remain friends.' This was the stroke of fate, for on finishing the letter she sank to the ground, and was taken up a lifeless corpse. On the same evening her father left Naples for Rome, and five days after the Duke de Hermello received three poniard wounds as he was getting into his carriage, and expired on the spot. The ministers of justice in both countries are engaged in the investigation of these tragical events, which have occasioned the deepest emotion in many noble families."

FASHIONABLE SOCIETY.

THE tone and spirit of modern society are decidedly hostile to cheerful and interesting conversation. And though we may be told that fashion has tended to polish and refine manners, and to spread far and wide the elegant courtesy of deportment for which all persons of good breeding are distinguished, we must still demur to the proposition. Good manners result from knowledge, good sense, good feeling, and the habit of good society; whereas, fashion cares not a straw for sense, feeling, or learning, and only lays down a rule of manners, which the initiated must acquire, and act up to, and which prescribes at present a stiff, vapid, blasé kind of hauteur, totally inconsistent with healthy, sanguine, and elastic feeling, but which is easily acquired by all those who are destitute of the very qualities from which elegant and refined manners can alone spring. The exertions of fashion have always been directed towards the extinction of whatever is elevating in our nature.

all chivalrous sentiments, are unfashionable. All generous enthusiasm, Even cheerfulness, good humour, and hilarity, are banished from polite society, in order that the dignity of fashionable persons may not be compromised by sympathizing in the joys or the woes, in the pleasures or the sorrows, of ordinary mortals.”Captain O. Sabertash.

The Gatherer.

Pedantry, says Coleridge, consists in the use of words unsuitable to the time, place, and company.

Whoever would shine in polite discourse, must at least be well versed in the philosophy of life, and possess a fair acquaintance with general and natural history and the outlines of science; and though he need be neither a poet nor an artist, he must be well read in poetry, and acquainted with the fine arts, because it is only by their study that taste can be cultivated and fancy guided.-Sabertash.

[ocr errors]

The Dog Smugglers. The contraband trade carried on by dogs on the frontier of France next to Belgium, says the Constitutionnel, continue to increase in extent and activity. The number of dogs thus employed is estimated at 80,000. A premium is given for the destruction of each of the quadruped smugglers, and immense numbers have fallen victims to the douaniers, but they are immediately replaced by others. Their homes are in France, where they are well fed and kindly treated, and their education consists in sending them from time to time into Belgium, where they are nearly starved, and severely flogged by men dressed as French Custom-house officers; so that they have the uniform in horror, and in the course homeward carefully avoid it, taking a circuitous route as soon as they catch sight of it. When they are let loose to return home, laden with a burden of from five to six kilogrammes of merchandise, they proceed with rapidity, and are sure of good treatment on their arrival.

Surgery. Within a few centuries past, while chirurgical science was in its rude infancy, surgeons were denominated barbers, or rather, barbers performed most of the few coarse and simple processes in surgery then known; while surgeons, on the other hand, did the duty of barbers as an appendage to their profession. Almost within our own time, the military surgeons of the Hessian regiments quartered in America during the revolution, shaved and dressed the chief officers of the staff; and some old American records indicate that the utensils of shaving constitute a much more costly item with "chirurgians" of those days than their surgical implements. How great has been the progress of the surgical science, therefore, to have been thus in a few years redeemed from barber-ism and placed in the rank of one of the noblest of arts.

The Old Lady and the Cobbler.-Some years ago the husband of an old lady residing in a country village happened to die rather suddenly without making a will, for the want of which very necessary precaution his estate would have passed away from his widow, had she not resorted to the following remarkable expedient to avert the loss of her property:-She concealed the death of her husband, and prevailed upon an old cobbler, her neighbour, who was in person somewhat like the deceased, to go to bed at her house and personate him; in which character it was agreed that he should dictate a will, leaving the widow the estate in question. An attorney was accordingly sent for to prepare the required document, and the widow on his arrival appeared to be realizing the greatest affliction at her good man's danger, but forthwith proceeded to ask questions of her pretended husband calculated to elicit the answers she expected

and desired. The old cobbler, groaning aloud, and looking as much like a person going to give up the ghost as possible, feebly answered "I intend to leave you half my estate; and I do think the poor old shoemaker, who lives over the way, is deserving of the other half, for he has always been a good neighbour." The widow was thunderstruck at receiving a reply so different to that which she expected, but dared not negative the cobbler's will, for fear of losing the whole of the property; while the cunning old rogue in bed laughed in his sleeve, and divided with her the fruits of a project which the widow had intended for her own sole benefit.-Scotch Gazette.

New Balloon.-La Presse states, that M. Leinberger, an ingenious mechanic of Nuremberg, is about to construct a balloon of metal, which he expects to guide as he pleases. For this purpose a subscription has been raised sufficient to cover the exThis steampenses of such a machine. balloon, which is in progress of construction, may contain from three to fifty persons, with provisions for fifteen days. Every precaution has been taken to prevent the possibility of accident from fire, explosion, or want of gas, and even should the balloon fall into the sea, its construction is such that it may continue to proceed through the water as rapidly as a steam boat. ordinary balloon can traverse 500 miles in twenty-four hours, the rapidity of a steamballoon, whose wheel, similar to an Archimedes screw, will describe at each rotation a space of seven yards, must be considerably greater. Several skilful engineers, who examined this machine, have no doubt of the possibility of completing this new mode of transport, which hereafter will render useless high-roads and rail-roads. The only difficulty will be where to place the custom

houses.

As an

A Diminutive Horse.-This animal, which measures only twenty-seven inches in height, was brought from Java, by Captain Lukey, of the ship "Victor." Upon his arrival in London, the captain brought the horse to the Mansion-house, and galloped it round the saloon before the Lady Mayoress and some of her friends. On taking leave, the captain took the little animal in his arms and ran down stairs with it amidst great laughter, and depositing it in a cab, drove off to the west-end. In speaking of it, the captain said it could draw him in harness

at the rate of ten miles an hour. It was

presented from Captain Lukey to her Majesty, through Lord Charles Wellesley, and is now at Windsor.

LONDON: Published by HUGH CUNNINGHAM, 1, St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square; and sold by all Booksellers and Newsmen.

T. C. Savill, Printer, 107, St. Martin's Lane.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic][subsumed][merged small][subsumed][merged small][merged small][subsumed][ocr errors][merged small]

lars.

THE CHINESE COLLECTION,

KNIGHTSBRIDGE.

THE apartment occupied by the collection is 225 feet in length by 50 in width, with lofty ceilings, supported by numerous pilOn passing through the vestibule the visitor finds himself, as it were, transported to a new world. It is China in miniature. The view is imposing in the highest degree. The rich screen-work, elaborately carved and gilt, at either end of the saloon; the many-shaped and varied-coloured lanterns suspended throughout the entire ceiling; the native paintings which cover the walls; the Chinese maxims adorning the columns and entablatures; the embroidered silks, gay with a hundred colours, and tastefully displayed above the cases containing the figures, and the multitude of smaller cases crowded with rare and interesting objects, form a tout ensemble possessing a beauty entirely its own, and which must be seen by the reader before it can be realized.

Superb Chinese Screen at the upper end of the Saloon. This part of the saloon is almost entirely occupied with a rare and admirable specimen of Chinese screen-work. It is of ample dimensions, and is richly and tastefully gilded; the portion of the wood-work not covered with gold is painted of delicate green; and the silk inserted in the panels is as gay as it can be rendered by a profusion of exquisitely-executed paintings of the most delicate and magnificent of eastern flowers. The whole view is redolent of the spirit and beauty of spring. The drawings and colouring of the flowers are admirable, and shew the perfection which has been attained in these branches of their art by Chinese painters. Besides the floral delineation, there is also a row of silk panels, if we may be allowed the expression, exhibiting views of naval architecture, both curious and instructive. The whole is surmounted by a richly-carved and gilt fretwork, of exquisite beauty and design.

Chinese Temple and Idols.-The three colossal figures in this section of a religious temple are the triad of Buddha San, Paou, Fuh-"three precious Buddhas"

66

past, present, and to come." At the right hand is seated Me-lih-Fuh, the first of the triad, whose reign is already past; in the centre is Heen-tsae-Fuh, that person of Buddha who now reigns over the world; and at the left hand, We-lae-Fuh, whose reign is not yet come. The attributes of Buddhas are infinite, and he is worshipped in many persons, being sometimes male and sometimes female. These figures are eleven feet in height, and are representations of the divinities in the celebrated Honan "Joss-house."

The principal religion of China is Buddhism, or Boodhism, which also prevails over

Birmah, Siam, Ceylon, Japan, and Cochin China. It is stated by Ward that Boodh, the founder of this religion, is described in Burman books to have been a son of the King of Benares, that he flourished about 600 years B.C., and that he had, in various ages, ten incarnations. The Boodhists believe there are four superior heavens; below these, twelve other heavens, with six other inferior heavens. After these comes the earth; then the world of snakes; then thirty-two chief hells, and one hundred and twenty hells of lesser torment.

Glazed Case, No. 1, contains:-1. Mandarin of the First Class and his Secretary; 2. Mandarin of the Second Class; 3. Mandarin of the Sixth Class; Two massive Arm-chairs, covered with Crimson_ Drapery, richly embroidered; Square Table, handsomely carved, with Marble Top; Specimens of Crimson Drapery, elegantly embroidered, hanging in front of the Table; Cap Stands and various Ornamental Articles; Chinese Maxims on the Wall.-The principal figures in this case are three civil mandarins, of the first, second, and sixth grades, bearing the title "Ta jin” (“great and distinguished men,") applicable to persons of the above class. The one highest in rank is seated, with his head uncovered; the others, with their caps still on, are paying the customary respect to their superior previously to the occupancy of an adjoining chair. The former is upon the left, this being the post of honour among the Chinese. A secretary is in waiting behind the principal, with official documents in his hand. The two dignitaries are attired in their state robes, which are literally stiff with embroidery.

[blocks in formation]

The nobility of China are of two kinds, hereditary and official. The former class is not numerous, nor greatly influential. It consists chiefly of the relations of the emperor, who are styled princes, and are bound to live within the precincts of the imperial palace. The real nobility, or aristocracy of the country, are the mandarins. Of these there are estimated to be on the civil list of the empire not less than fourteen thousand. The mandarins are divided into nine ranks, or "pins," each of which is indicated by a double badge the colour of the globe on the apex of the cap, and the embroidery on the front and back of their official robes. The colours employed are red, blue, crystal, white, and gold; and these, with certain modifications of shade, serve to distinguish what are denominated "Kew pin"-i. e., "the nine ranks," into which all persons possessing any rank in China are divided. The nominal rank, and of course the distinctive costume, of any of the official grades, may be purchased of the

emperor. The sum demanded for the distinction is, however, proportionately large. Howqua, for instance, the richest of the Hong merchants, whose likeness we have in the collection, purchased his nominal rank at the enormous price of 100,000 dollars.

Glazed Case, No. 2, contains:-4. Priest of Fo, or Buddha, in full Canonicals; 5. Priest of the Taou sect, in full Dress; 6. Gentlemen in full Mourning Apparel; 7. Servant of the above, also in Mourning Dress; 8. Chinese Soldier with Matchlock; 9. Archer of the Imperial Army of the Tartar Tribe; Circular Chinese Shield, made of Rattan; various Military Weapons on the Wall.-The costume of the Chinese, as displayed in the figures of this collection, form an interesting subject of observation. The dress of every grade of society in China is fixed by usage. Persons in the lower classes wear coarse and dark-coloured fabrics; while those who have been more favoured in the accidents of birth and fortune seek the gratification of their taste in rich and costly silks, satins, furs, broadcloths, and embroidery. There is a great variety in the dresses; yet "the general model is not departed from, the usual articles being a shirt, drawers, a long gown or pelisse, buttoning in front, stockings, and shoes." The shoes are singular, generally of embroidered cloth, sometimes the uppers being of one colour, sometimes of another. The lower portion of the soles is leather, made of hogs' skins, while the intermediate space, commonly about an inch in thickness, is filled up with bamboo paper, with the edge painted white. They are quite light, notwithstanding their clumsy appearance. The Chinese seem to have a great partiality for blue in their costume-frequently the whole garment is of this colour; and even when such is not the case, the collar, cuffs, and lower edges of the drawers are, for the most part, of the favourite hue.

The wealthier Chinese are extravagantly fond of showy dresses, and a well-provided wardrobe is an object of great pride. Handsome garments often descend as an heir-loom from generation to generation, and constitute the chief riches of a family. A deficiency of clean body-linen is not regarded as a calamity by a Chinaman. A fair outside is what he mainly covets, being little heedful of either the quality or condition of what is underneath. The change from a summer to a winter costume, and vice versa, is made simultaneously throughout an entire province, the viceroy setting the example by assuming the cap appropriate to the season.

There is, therefore, one great fault in Chinese costume-namely, a want of linen or white cotton, little of which is worn. Though their garments of light silk will

bear washing, they are not so cleanly as linen. No sheets are used in their beds, and no cloths are spread upon their tables. The skins of animals are used for winter apparel, and some of the Chinese furs are handsome and costly.

Glazed Case, No. 3, contains:-10. Literary Gentleman in Summer Costume; 11. Ditto; 12. Ditto; 13. Servant handing a Book; 14. Mandarin of the Fourth Class; 15. Servant; a pair of Chinese Book-cases; Silk Scrolls on Wall.-The education and literature of the "Celestial empire" form, beyond comparison, the most interesting and instructive point of view in which the Chinese can be contemplated. We cannot, indeed, praise the kind of education practised in China. The studies are confined to one unvaried routine, and to deviate in the smallest degree from the prescribed track would be regarded as something worse than mere eccentricity. Science, properly speaking, is not cultivated at all. There is no advancement, no thirsting after fresh achievements of knowledge, no bold and prying investigations into the mysteries of nature. Chemistry, physiology, astronomy, and natural philosophy, are therefore at a low ebb. The instruction given in their schools is almost wholly of a moral and political complexion, being designed solely to teach the subjects of the empire their duties.

Glazed Case, No. 4, contains:-16. Chinese Lady of Rank, with Fan; 17. Ditto, preparing to Smoke; 18. Ditto, with Guitar; 19 & 20. Two Female Domestics; 21 & 22. Mother and Boy of the Middle Class ; 23. Daughter of the above; Chinese Table, handsomely carved, gilt, and painted; Specimen of Citron, or Finger Fruit.-The generality of Chinese ladies cannot boast of great beauty. They make a free use of rouge, and this article is always among the presents to a bride on the occasion of her nuptials. The distinguishing marks of personal attractions among the Chinese, in a gentleman, are, a large person, inclining to corpulency, a full glossy face, and large pendant ears; the latter indicating high breeding and fortune. In females it is nearly the reverse, delicate forms are in them highly esteemed, having slender "willow waists." The eyes are termed "silver seas;" the eye-brows are frequently removed, and in their stead a delicately-curved pencil line is drawn, resembling the leaf of the willow "Lew shoo," a species of palm which is considered beautiful, and used metaphorically for "pleasure." Hence the saying-" deceived and stupified by willows and flowers;" i. e., by dissolute pleasures. In what circumstances the "golden lilies," the highest of personal attractions, originated, is not known. The distortion is produced by turning the toes under the soles of the feet at birth, and confining

« 上一页继续 »