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exceeds that of any animal whatever; for it will devour every thing it meets with, stones, wood, brass, iron, or leather, as readily as it will grain and fruit, which, in its native wilds, are probably its principal food. The season at which the ostrich lays her eggs varies very much with the temperature of the climate. Those north of the equator begin to lay their eggs in the beginning of July, while such as inhabit the south of Africa defer it till the end of December. Climate and situation have also a great influence on their manner of incubation. In the torrid zone, the ostrich is contented with depositing her eggs in a mass of sand, seemingly scraped together with her feet. There they are sufficiently heated by the warmth of the sun, and need no incubation of the female only for a little time during the night. But although the ostrich be but little engaged in hatching her eggs, she displays, by continually watching for the preservation of her progeny, all the solicitude of a tender mother. In proportion to the coldness of the climate, the ostrich hatches with more assiduity; and it is only in the warm regions, where there is no danger of her eggs being chilled, that she leaves them by day, a circumstance from which she very early incurred the reproach of being destitute of parental affection. So far, however, is this from being true, that she constantly watches for their preservation, so long as they remain in a helpless state, which is always a longer or shorter period, according to the climate. Neither the size of the eggs of these birds, nor the time necessary for hatching them, nor the number of the young, is exactly

ascertained.

OPENING OF THE NILE.

THE sixteenth of August was the day fixed for the celebrated cutting of the bank of the Nile; a time of great rejoicing with the Egyptians, the inundation being now at its height. It is the custom for a vast number of people, of different nations, to assemble, and pass the night near the appointed spot. We resolved to go and mingle among them, not doubting that something highly interesting would occur. We arrived at the place about eight at night, it being distant a few miles from the city; there was firing of cannon, illuminations, in their way, and exhibitions of fireworks. The shores of the Nile, for a long way down from Boulac, were covered with groups of people, some seated beneath the large spreading sycamores, smoking; others gathered around parties of Arabs, who were dancing

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with infinite gaiety and pleasure, and uttering loud exclamations of joy, affording an amusing contrast to the passionless demeanor, and tranquil features, of their Moslem oppressors.

After some time, we crossed to the opposite shore: the scene was here much more interesting; ranks of people were closely seated on the shelving banks of the Nile, and behind them was a long line of persons selling various articles of fruit and eatables. A little to the left, amidst widely scattered groups of trees, stood several tents, and temporary coffee-houses, canopied over, and lighted with lamps. Perpetually moving over this scene, which (both shores and river, and groups of palms) was illuminated by the most brilliant moonlight, were seen Albanian soldiers in their national costume, Nubians from the burning clime of farther Egypt, Mamelukes, Arabs, and Turks. At a number of small sheds, each of which had its light, or small fire, you might have meat, fish, &c. ready dressed. We entered one of the coffee-houses, or large tents, to the top of which a row of lamps was suspended; and, the front being open, we could sip the refreshing beverage, and still enjoy the animated spectacle around.

Being much fatigued, I wrapped my cloak round me, and slept for a couple of hours upon a rush mat on the floor, so soundly as to hear nothing of a loud and desperate quarrel between soine Arabs and Albanians in the same tent; but there was little cause for uneasiness in any situation, while my faithful Michelle was near-he knew so well the manners of these people, and possessed such perfect presence of mind. The night was wearing fast away, and, leaving the tent, we again joined the various parties in the shade, or on the shore; some feasting and dancing, others buried in sleep. The other side of the beautiful river, which shone like glass in the splendid light, still presented a gay appearance; lights moving to and fro amidst the trees-boats pushing off with newcomers-and sounds of gaiety, with the firing of musketry, being still heard.

At last day broke, and soon after, the report of a cannon announced that the event so ardently wished for, was at hand. We proceeded to the spot, around which immense crowds were rapidly gathering. The high and shelving banks of the canal, into which the Nile was to be admitted, were crowded with spectators. We obtained an excellent situation for observing the ceremony, by fortunately meeting with Osmin, a Scotch renegade, but a highly respectable man, and the confidential

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servant of Mr. Salt. The Kiaya Bey, the chief minister of the Pacha, soon arrived with his guards, and took his seat on the summit of the opposite bank. A number of Arabs now began to dig down the dyke which confined the Nile, the bosom of which was covered with a number of pleasure-boats full of people, waiting to sail down the canal through the city. Already the mound was only partly demolished, when the increasing dampness, and shaking of the earth, induced the workmen to leave off. Several Arabs then plunged into the stream, and, exerting all their strength to push down the remaining part, some openings were soon made, and the river broke through with irresistible violence. For some time it was like the rushing of a cataract.

According to custom, the Kiaya Bey distributed a good sum of money, throwing it into the bed of the canal below, where a great many men and boys scrambled for it. Several of them had a sort of net, fastened on the top of a pole, to catch the money as it fell. It was an amusing scene, as the water gathered fast round them, to see them struggling and groping amidst the waves for the coin; but the violence of the torrent soon bore them away; and there were some, who had lingered to the last, and now sought to save themselves by swimming, still buffeting the waves, and grasping at the money showered down, and diving after it as it disappeared. Unfortunately this sport every year costs a few lives, and one young man was drowned this morning. The different vessels, long ere the fall had subsided, rushed into the canal, and entered the city, their decks crowded with all ranks, uttering loud exclamations of joy. The overflowing of the Nile is the richest blessing of heaven to the Egyptians; as it finds its way gradually into the various parts of the city and neighbourhood, the inhabitants crowd to drink of, and wash in it, and rejoice in its progress.

The vast square, called the Birket, which on our arrival had presented a sad and dreary area, was now turned into a novel and beautiful scene, being covered with an expanse of water, out of the bosom of which arose the fine sycamore trees. On one side of this square is a palace of the Pacha; on the opposite side is the Coptic quarter: the palace of the chief of the Mamelukes, of a poor appearance, with some houses, fortifications, and ruins, forms the rest of this square. In walking round the city, and observing the many flat and naked parts, destitute of verdure, and encompassed with piles of ruins, one can

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hardly conceive how the waters can ever reach them; but every day, after the cutting of the bank, it is interesting to see how silently and irresistibly space after space is changed from a dreary, useless desert, into a smiling bed of water, which brings health and abundance with it. The sounds of joy and festivity, of music and songs, are now heard all over the city, with cries of "Allah, Allah!" and thanks to the Divine bounty for so inestimable a blessing.Carne's Letters from the East, vol. i. p. 97.

PHILO-JUDEAN SOCIETY.

AMONG the missionary anniversaries we were constrained to omit reporting in our Magazine for June last, was that of the Philo-Judæan Society. This society was established several years since, in order to rescue the seed of Abraham from the irreligion and profanity which, alas! pervades that interesting nation, and to restore to them all the rights and privileges to which they are entitled, as our elder brethren in the Lord: "whose are the fathers, and of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."

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The means by which these important ends are sought to be achieved are, to teach from house to house, and otherwise, through the medium of missionaries and tracts, and to visit at their own habitations the indigent and distressed among this people, administering relief, and earnestly warning them [to flee from the wrath to come. As an auxiliary means of furthering the instruction of the Hebrew population in London, and to induce fraternity and brotherly_affection, conferences are held between Jews and Christians, wherein the leading truths of Revelation are discussed dispassionately, and a portion of the sacred volume is read at the beginning and at the close of every meeting; from which great good has already resulted.

The anniversary of the Philo-Judæan Society took place at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, in the Strand, on the 13th of May, 1828, the right hon. lord viscount Mandeville, vice-president, in the chair. After prayer, by the Rev. Hugh M'Neile, his lordship addressed the meeting: the report was then read; and also the report of the Ladies' Auxiliary Association, detailing the relief afforded to distressed Jewish females. A succession of ministers afterwards addressed the chair; and among many other excellent things, several made the following observations:

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The Public and State Prisons at Paraguay.

Rev. Dr. Holloway. "It is high time that Christians should manifest the genuine spirit of Christianity towards the descendants of Abraham; that those who are enemies to both Jews and Christians might behold this fraternity, and acknowledge Emmanuel, God with us, blessed for ever." Rev. W. Way. "From the first mo. ment I heard of this society, I resolved to become a member thereof; as I understand the object of it is the conversion of the Jews; a most laudable object, if there is any truth in the Bible."

Hon. I. I. Strutt, vice-president. "I account myself happy in being allowed to advocate the claims of God's ancient people Israel; and call upon all Christians to regard His declaration, "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee."

Rev. Mr. Hunt. "I bear the strongest feelings of affection for the Israel of God, and am deeply concerned for their welfare, as regards their present comfort and their eternal salvation, and pray their heavenly Father to restore them."

Rev. H. M'Neile. "I am happy in this opportunity of expressing anew my cordial support of the principles of the institution, and while I would not relax the energies of other societies, I affirm this to be preeminent."

Rev. J. Williams. "The banner of the kingdom of Christ will shortly be displayed, and the Jews, with every nation upon earth, and every church, will yield obedience to Jesus, whose light will illuminate the world."

Rev. Mr. Allen, rector of St. Paul's, Philadelphia. "It was with no ordinary emotion I listened, when in America, to the Gospel preached by a Jew, to the devotion with which he pronounced the name of Jesus, and to the attention and satisfaction with which those around him listened to his discourse; and I deem this a sign of the approach of the latter day's glory."

Rev. Mr. Reichardt. "If any object to the expediency of accomplishing the objects of this society, I would direct them to what the Lord is doing abroad, that the mouths of all who bring objections may be stopped. I am sure many Jews have been awakened, and are become pious Christians."

Rev. Mr. Clementson. "I rejoice in the success of this society, and hope they will go on from strength to strength, till they appear before God in Zion."

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Rev. Mr. Orchard. "I entertain large hopes of the seed of Abraham, and I

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believe that God will restore His people."

Rev. E. Pizey. "I confess I feel an earnest desire to visit my native place, in connexion with the committee of this society, to endeavour to bring the Gentiles to a proper feeling in reference to the Jews. I hope to have the happiness of seeing a Philo-Judæan Ladies' Association formed at Bury St. Edmund's; and I trust I shall soon see a Philo-Judæan Society formed in every town and county in these kingdoms; especially in those places where the Jews have been heretofore persecuted and distressed."

The Rev. W. Way then offered up the prayers of all present, that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ-would make one, all the families of the earth, making no distinction between Jew and Gentile, but saving all mankind: and the meeting concluded.

THE PUBLIC AND STATE PRISONS AT PARAGUAY: (From a Work called "The Reign of Dr. Francia.")

AT Assumption there are two kinds of prisons, namely, the public prison and the state prison. The first, though it also contains some prisoners of state, is particularly appropriated to persons accused of, or condemned for, other crimes. The building is a hundred feet in length, and, like all the houses in Paraguay, has only a ground floor, which is divided into eight apartments. The court attached to it contains about twelve thousand square feet. In each apartment are huddled together from thirty to forty prisoners, many of whom, not being able to find room to lie on the floor, sleep in hammocks suspended one over the other. These forty persons remain shut up twelve hours out of the twenty-four, in a confined apartment, without windows or airholes, and that in a country where the heat is, for three-quarters of the year, from 22 to 28 deg. of Reaumur, and under a roof which is heated by the sun, during the day, to more than 50 degrees. From these causes, the perspiration of the prisoners may be seen streaming from hammock to hammock until it reaches the floor. When to the effects arising from such a state as this, are joined those resulting from unwholesome food, and the filth and inaction of the prisoners, it will be evident that, were it not for the great salubrity of the climate of Paraguay, the most fatal diseases must have been generated in these dens. The court of the prison is covered with little huts, which

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The Public and State Prisons at Paraguay.

are occupied by prisoners awaiting their trials, those who have been condemned for minor offences, and a few state prisoners. They were allowed to construct these huts when the apartments became over crowded. Here, at least, they breathe the cool night air, but the filth is as great as in the interior of the prison. Some of the prisoners confined in the court are led forth every day to be employed in the public works, and have thus an opportunity of taking exercise. Upon these occasions they are chained two by two, or else wear the grilette, which is a thick ring of iron round the foot. The great majority of the remaining prisoners wear other irons called gullos,* which often weigh twenty-five pounds, and almost incapacitate them from walking. The state supplies the prisoners employed in the public works with a little food, and some articles of clothing; the others maintain themselves at their own expense, or by means of the alms which two or three of their body, accompanied by a soldier, are allowed to collect every day throughout the city. Relief is sometimes sent them by charitably-disposed persons, or in fulfilment of vows.

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We frequently visited these frightful prisons, either to see some sick prisoner, or to give an opinion on some question of forensic medicine. There might be seen confounded, the Indian and the Mulatto, the white man and the negro, the master and the slave: there were mingled all ranks and ages; the guilty and the innocent; the convict and the accused; the highway robber and the debtor; in fine, the assassin and the patriot-and, in several instances, it happened that they were bound by the same chain. But what completes this frightful picture is, the ever increasing demoralization of the great majority of the prisoners, and the ferocious joy which they exhibit on the arrival of a new victim.

The female prisoners, of whom there are fortunately but few, occupy an apartment in an enclosure, divided from the principal court by a palisading. They have, however, more or less, an opportunity of communicating with the other prisoners.

Women of a respectable rank, who have drawn upon themselves the anger of the Dictator, are there confounded with prostitutes and criminals, and exposed to all the insults of the male prisoners. They are loaded with irons, an exemption from which is not granted even to those in a state of pregnancy.

These are two rings worn round the ankles, and united by a cross-bar. Two pair are frequently put upon a prisoner.

122.-VOL. XI.

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I cannot here refrain from making honourable mention of the gaoler of these prisons, named Gomez. This good-hearted man has always sought, not only by the most humane conduct, but also by the sacrifice of a part of his scanty salary, to alleviate the sufferings to which he is witness, and that even at the risk of incurring the Dictator's resentment. It is true, that he had himself, though innocent, pined for several years in these dungeons, into which he had been thrown as a state prisoner. It was after releasing him, that the Dictator imposed upon him the office of gaoler, which he dared not refuse.

Those confined in the public prison being allowed to communicate with their friends, and receive assistance from them, still consider themselves fortunate, when they compare their fate with that of the unfortunate persons who occupy the state prisons. It is in the different barracks that these state prisoners are placed; they consist of cells or little dungeons, under ground, damp, and so low and contracted, that a man cannot stand upright except when he is under the middle of the vault. There the prisoners particularly marked out as objects of the Dictator's vengeance, undergo solitary confinement; others are shut up in cells, in parties of two and four. All are loaded with irons, and have a centinel continually in the same room with them. The door, which is left half open during the day, is closed at sun-set. They are not allowed to light candles, nor to pursue any kind of occupation whatsoever. One of these captives, whom I knew, having succeeded in taming some mice that visited his prison, the centinel one day pursued them, for the purpose of killing them. They are not allowed to shave, or cut their hair or nails. Their families are not permitted to send them food more than twice a day, and that food must be of what is considered in the country the coarsest kind-namely, flesh-meat and manioc roots. The soldiers, to whom the food is delivered at the gates of the barrack, thrust their bayonets into it, to ascertain that there are neither letters nor tools concealed in it, and frequently they appropriate it to themselves, or throw it away. When a prisoner falls sick, no one is allowed to visit him, unless at the last extremity, and even then only during the day. All night the door is closed, and the dying man is abandoned to his own sufferings. His irons are not taken off, even at the approach of death. I saw Dr. Sabals, whom I was allowed, by the special favour of the Dictator, to visit in the last days of his malady, die with the

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grillos on his feet; he was not even permitted to receive the sacraments.

The prisoners of state are often subjected to still more inhuman treatment by the commandants of the barracks, who hope by so doing to please their chief.

When we quitted Paraguay, the entire number of persons in confinement might amount to about 500, one tenth of whom, at least, are state prisoners. Besides these punishments, there is also that of confiscation of property, but which can be inflicted only by the Dictator himself. In general, all those who have been declared traitores a la patria, or traitors to the country, are visited with it; it is sometimes incurred for very trifling causes. A young merchant, who, having been unjustly imprisoned for having had a dispute with an officer of the customs, offered to pay to the state 3000 piastres for his liberty, but all his property was confiscated.

AFFECTING INCIDENT.

(From the New York Gazette of December 8.)

ONE serene evening, in the middle of August, 1775, Captain Warrens, the master of a Greenland whale-ship, found himself becalmed among an immense number of icebergs, in about 77 degrees north latitude. On one side, and within a mile of his vessel, these were of immense height, and closely wedged together, and a succession of snow-covered peaks appeared behind each other as far as the eye could reach, shewing that the ocean was completely blocked up in that quarter, and that it had probably been so for a long period of time. Capt. Warrens did not feel altogether satisfied with his situation; but there being no wind, he could not move either one way or another, and he therefore kept a strict watch, knowing that he would be safe as long as the surrounding icebergs continued in their respective places.

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ship had not sustained any serious injury. He remarked with surprise, that the accumulated icebergs, which had on the preceding evening formed an impenetrable barrier, had been separated and disarranged by the wind, and that in one place a canal of open sea wound its course among them as far as the eye could discern.

It was two miles beyond the entrance of this canal that a ship made its appearance about noon. The sun shone brightly at the time, and a gentle breeze blew from the north. At first some intervening icebergs prevented Captain Warrens from distinctly seeing any thing but her masts; but he was struck with the strange manner in which her sails were disposed, and with the dismantled aspect of her yards and rigging. She continued to go before the wind for a few furlongs, and then grounding upon the low icebergs, remained motionless.

Captain Warrens' curiosity was so much excited, that he immediately leaped into his boat, with several seamen, and rowed towards her. On approaching, he observed that her hull was miserably weather-beaten, and not a soul appeared on the deck, which was covered with snow to a considerable depth. He hailed her crew several times, but no answer was returned. Previous to stepping on board, an open port-hole near the main-chains caught his eye, and on looking into it, he perceived a man reclining back in a chair, with writing materials on a small table before him, but the feebleness of the light made every thing very indistinct. The party, therefore, went upon the deck, and having removed the hatchway, which they found closed, they descended to the cabin. They first came to the apartment which Capt. Warrens viewed through the port-hole. A tremor seized him as he entered it. Its inmate retained his former position, and seemed to be insensible to strangers. He was found to be a corpse, and a green damp mould had covered his cheeks and forehead, and veiled his open About midnight, the wind rose to a gale, eye-balls. He held a pen in his hand, and accompanied by thick showers of snow, a log-book lay before him, the last sentence while a succession of tremendous thunder-in whose unfinished page ran thus:ing, grinding, and crashing noises, gave fearful evidence that the ice was in motion. The vessel received violent shocks every moment; for the haziness of the atmosphere prevented those on board from discovering in what direction the open water lay, or if there actually was any at all on either side of them. The night was spent in tacking as often as any cause of danger happened to present itself, and in the morning the storm abated, and Capt. Warrens found, to his great joy, that his

“ "11th November, 1762. We have now been enclosed in the ice seventeen days. The fire went out yesterday, and our master has been trying ever since to kindle it again, without success. His wife died this morning. There is no relief

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Captain Warrens and his seamen hurried from the spot without uttering a word. On entering the principal cabin, the first object that attracted their attention was the dead body of a female reclining on a bed in an attitude of deep interest and attention.

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