NOTES TO LETTER IX. Note 1, page 142, line 15. Those living jellies which the flesh inflame. Some of the smaller species of the Medusa (sea-nettle) are exquisitely beautiful: their form is nearly oval, varied with serrated longitudinal lines; they are extremely tender, and by no means which I am acquainted with can be preserved, for they soon dissolve in either spirit of wine or water, and lose every vestige of their shape, and indeed of their substance: the larger species are found in mis-shapen masses of many pounds weight; these, when handled, have the effect of the nettle, and the stinging is often accompanied or succeeded by the more unpleasant feeling, perhaps in a slight degree resembling that caused by the torpedo. Note 2, page 142, line last. And quickly vegetates a vital breed. Various tribes and species of marine vermes are here meant: that which so nearly resembles a vegetable in its form, and perhaps, in some degree, manner of growth, is the coralline called by naturalists Sertularia, of which there are many species in almost every part of the coast. The animal protrudes its many claws (apparently in search of prey) from certain pellucid vesicles which proceed from a horny, tenacious, branchy stem. Note 3, page 143, line 7. Myriads of living points: th' unaided eye Can but the fire and not the form descry. These are said to be a minute kind of animal of the same class; when it does not shine, it is invisible to the naked eye. Note 4, page 143, line 16. On weeds that sparkle, and on waves that blaze. For the cause or causes of this phenomenon, which is sometimes, though rarely, observed on our coasts, I must refer the reader to the writers on natural philosophy and natural history. Note 5, page 146, line 20. Content would cheer thee trudging to thine home. This is not offered as a reasonable source of contentment, but as one motive for resignation: there would not be so much envy if there were more discernment. THE BOROUGH. LETTER X. CLUBS AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. Non inter lances mensasque nitentes, Cum stupet insanis acies fulgoribus, et cum Verum hic impransi mecum disquirite. Hor. Sat. 2. lib. 2. O prodiga rerum Luxuries, nunquam parvo contenta paratu, Lucan. lib. 4. Et quæ non prosunt singula, juncta juvant. Rusticus agricolam, miles fera bella gerentem, Ovid. Pont. lib. 2. Desire of Country Gentlemen for Town Associations-Bookclubs-Too much of literary Character expected from them -Literary Conversation prevented: by Feasting: by Cards -Good, notwithstanding, results-Card-club with Eagerness resorted to-Players-Umpires at the Whist Table -Petulances of Temper there discovered-Free-and-easy Club: not perfectly easy or free Freedom, how interrupted-The superior Member-Termination of the Evening-Drinking and Smoking Clubs-The Midnight Conversation of the delaying Members-Society of the poorer Inhabitants: its Use: gives Pride and Consequence to the humble Character-Pleasant Habitations of the frugal Poor-Sailor returning to his Family-Freemasons' Club -The Mystery-What its Origin-Its professed Advantages-Griggs and Gregorians-A Kind of MasonsReflections on these various Societies. THE BOROUGH. LETTER X. CLUBS AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. You say you envy in your calm retreat Our social meetings;—'tis with joy we meet: If thus your envy gives your ease its gloom, |