the property it contained. I am happy to say, however, that a noble subscription was raised for the survivors, who were enabled shortly afterwards to proceed upon their voyage.

I might tell you of many other instances of ships catching fire; the Kent East Indiaman, for instance, which took fire in the Bay of Biscay, many years when there were six hundred and forty persons ago, on board. This occurred through a simple accident, during a storm. The officer on duty finding a spirit cask was loose, was taking measures to secure it, when the ship lurched (that is, rolled on one side) violently, which caused him to drop his lantern. In his haste to save it, he let go the cask, which suddenly stove in, and the spirit communicating with the light, was instantly in flames. The greatest alarm and confusion took place, many of the poor sailors giving themselves up as lost; but after suffering the most anxious suspense, a sail was discovered, which making quickly towards the burning vessel, was the means of saving the whole crew. Let us thank God that these dreadful accidents are not so common as they used to be, owing to the greater precautions now taken.

I shall have frequent occasion to speak to you about ships; when I will describe to you their construction, uses, and the various points of interest connected with them. You are aware the chief glory of our country has arisen from our commerce with almost every nation in the world; and that to the bravery of our seamen we owe the security and prosperity of our homes. Ought we not therefore, when we lay our heads upon our pillows, to offer a prayer for those fearless men who dare the perils of the ocean, that we may live in peace and comfort.

up

ET us, my young friends, take a little amusement in Natural History. As we begin to know each other, we shall have conversations about many

things I hope. You have played at the game of Birds, Beasts, and Fishes upon the slate, I dare say. Well, we shall have just such a game

in

the JUVENILE MUSEUM, with this exception only, that in our game upon paper there will be something to remember, as well as to amuse.

Suppose we begin with the birds.

Have you

seen in the shop windows of a curiosity dealer, or in the rooms of the British Museum, a little bird about the size of a lark, with a yellow body, and purple wings, and a long streamy white tail, that looks as if it were made out of fine silk? That is the Great Bird of Paradise. Here is a representation of the beautiful creature. Is it not a splendid bird? For many years this bird's mode of life was a mystery; and it came about in this way: when they were first brought to

this country, it was observed that they were without legs. The inhabitants of the Molucca islands, which are in the East Indies, were careful to remove their legs, before they offered them for sale. The reason they did this was, because the birds' legs were large and unsightly.

Now this was the occasion of many silly errors; for, where the merchants saw the birds were without

legs, they foolishly concluded they lived in the air without resting; and it was considered, since they had such heavenly colours, they must needs have a heavenly residence. And from this idea they were named the Birds of Paradise.

There

The

Their real history is now well known, and they are found to be as harmless as they are beautiful. are various species. Golden Bird of Paradise, which is here represented, differs materially from all the rest. It is about as large as a pigeon, and is remarkable for its splendid gold colour. The bill, and both sides of the head and throat, are tinged with black, mixed with a shining green, and their feathers are as soft as silk.

The most remarkable feature of the Great Bird is that immense mass of feathers which springs from underneath the tail, and hangs down in beautiful softness. All the tribe are noted for the splendour of their plumage, which, in dif

ferent kinds, is tinted with
many colours,-gold, orange,
purple, red, blue, pink, white,
and green.
The King Bird of
Paradise is known by two long
feathers which hang from his
tail in the most singular man-
ner. At the end are two bright
eyes like those of a Peacock;
you may understand his cha-

The

natives who trade in these birds kill them by

shooting at them with blunt arrows, or guns loaded with sand.