PREFACE. THE Completion of the first of our half-yearly volumes for 1853 calls upon us to address a few words to our readers; and this necessity, and the season in which it occurs, remind us of a brief mythic story which may serve for the nonce by way of apologue. way In the glittering realms of fairy-land there lately dwelt a rather imperious race of gnomes, who were administered to by a troop of elves under an accomplished superintendent. The gnomes lived upon the breath of flowers; and to collect the latter the elves spread themselves abroad and gathered the precious essence, as gay of spirit the while as Prince Charles and Endymion Porter when they went "a May-dewing" with the coy infantas of Spain. The sole reward asked for by the elvish gatherers of flowery essences was that they might be repaid by the smiles and protection of the ward masters whom they faithfully served. It was when flowers were at their brightest, and when the willing labourers had borne a tribute of rich aroma to their lords, that, at a signal from his chief, an elf who blushed at being so honoured, stepped diffidently forward, and ventured to express a hope that the past fatigues of himself and worthier compeers were acceptable to the high mightinesses for whom they toiled. "Sirrah," replied the gnomes in chorus, "the sole characteristic that we have in common with mortals is oblivion of past services; our gratitude, like that of the sons of earth, consists in the same lively sense of favours to come.' If it be true, as one of the most tuneful of those earthly children has said, that even God is blest when man receives,' why should you expect further acknowledgment than that we consume your tribute, and sit expecting for more." It was all that the band of workers desired, and we are, even as they, satisfied if what was produced may purchase satisfaction, and doubly rewarded if we find-our great object, we confess-increased demand attend upon our labour. It is true that there is a labour which physics pain, and such a labour of love should be found in literature. It is said of Jacob that he served seven years for Rachel, and that they seemed to him but as a few days, for the love that he bare her. Time, depend upon it, did not fly with him because he experienced delight in watering his uncle Laban's sheep, but because there was a fair partner in his toil, sweet meetings at well-sides, communings in the fields at even-tide, and the sure and certain recompense for all at the end. Like Jacob, too, we are willing to labour, meet with much attendant on our toil that sweetens life, and hope, as he hoped, with Leah in possession, for Rachel in prospect. Like him, if we have achieved much, we shall endeavour to deserve more, and if the Rachel of our hopes be the consequent award of our endeavours-a consummation which we aim to achieve by renewed exertions-gratitude will lend increased vitality to the yet juvenile and vigorous heart of GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE MINOR CORRESPONDENCE.-Baptism of the first Earl of Carnarvon-Speeches of the Duke of Wellington-Apsley House-Parentage and Education of the late Dr. Mantell PAGE Henry Newcome, the Puritan of Manchester A Journey from London to Paris in the year 1736 by Sir Alexander Dick, Bart. The Cloister Life of the Emperor Charles the Fifth Wanderings of an Antiquary; by Thomas Wright, Esq. F.S.A.-No. IX. A Visit to the Hill Intrenchments on the Borders of Wales (with Engravings) Report of the Commissioners on the University of Cambridge....... CORRESPONDENCE OF SYLVANUS URBAN.-The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, and its relation to Art-St. Mary Axe-St. Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins-The old and new Churches at Harley, Shropshire-Etymology of the word Many. NOTES OF THE MONTH.-Proposed National Palace of the Arts and Sciences-Royal and Astronomical Societies--Admission of Engravers to be Royal Academicians-Anniversary of the Botanical Society-University of Cambridge-Personal Literary Distinctions--Bequest of Miss Hardwick to the Schools and Hospitals of London-Shakspere's House at Strat- ford-upon-Avon-Autograph Letters of Burns-Continental Forgeries of Autographs- Antiquarian Works in preparation HISTORICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS REVIEWS.-The Lady of the Lake, illustrated by Foster and Gilbert, 58; Proceedings of the Somersetshire Archæological and Nat. History Society, ib.; Cox's Historical Facts, and Account of Lympsham, 59; Godwin's History in Ruins, 60; Memoir of John Fred. Oberlin, ib.; Pashley's Pauperism and Poor Laws, 61; Papers for the Schoolmaster, 63; Bagster's Greek Apocrypha, 64; New Biblical Atlas and Scripture Gazetteer, 65; Adams's Parliamentary Handbook, ib.; Poems, by B. R. Parkes, ib.; Ryland's Life and Correspondence of John Foster, ib.; Moultrie's Poetical Remains of Wm. Sidney Walker, 66; Good Health, 68; Dowden's Walks after Wild Flowers, 69; ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCHES-Society of Antiquaries, 70; Archæological Institute, 72; British Archæological Association, 73; Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, ib.; Promotions and Preferments, 83; Births and Marriages OBITUARY; with Memoirs of The Earl of Shrewsbury; The Countess of Lovelace; Dowager Lady Hoghton; Sir John L. Loraine, Bart.; Sir Wm. Earle Welby, Bart.; Sir Josiah John Guest, Bart.; Lieut.-Gen. Sir H. F. Bouverie; Lieut.-General Wemyss; Sir Edward Stanley; Colonel Bruen, M.P.; Capt. T. L. Lewis, R. Eng.; Capt. T. W. Buller, R N.; Mr. Serjeant Halcomb; Miss Berry; Rev. Edward Mangin; Rev. Henry Hasted; Profes- sor Empson; John Hamilton Reynolds, Esq.; William Ballantine, Esq.; Rev. Father Palmer; Mr. H. J. S. Bradfield; Mr. Thomas Fairland; John Vanderlyn |