THE MIRAGE. y(j 



of ordinary travelling; and which so frequently, in such constitutions, 

 produces sleepless nights." 



'* The Railroads bid fair to be a powerful remedial agent in many 

 ailments to which the metropolitan and civic inhabitants are subject; and 

 to thousands of valetudinarians in the Metropolis, the ride to Tring and 

 back twice or three times a week, would prove a means of preserving 

 health, and prolonging life, more tlian all the Drugs in Apotliecarietf 

 Hall." 



RAILWAY MILEAGE DUTIES. 



The following duties were paid, as under, by the various companies 

 from July, 1837, to January, 1839, by Birmingham and London, 

 10,995, 12s. Id ; the aggregate number of miles travelled during that 

 period, being 24,111,560. The Grand Junction, from July 4, 1837, to 

 January, 1839, 17,032, 19s. lOd.; number of miles, 32,702,384. The 

 Liverpool and Manchester, from January, 1836, to January, 1839, 

 21,397, 2s. 8d. ; number of miles, 41,082,500. London and South 

 Western, from May, 1838, to January, 1839, 1,524, 19s. 3d ; number 

 of miles, 2,927,928. And the Great Western, from January 4, 1838, to 

 January, 1839, 2,229, 10s. Id; number of miles, 4,280,048. 



OPTICAL ILLUSIONS. 



THE MIRAGE. 



Every traveller in the East has described in glowing terms this visual 

 phenomenon, which really "please the eye but vex the heart;" and, while 

 the body is suffering the most dreadful torture of thirst, when crossing 

 the deserts of Egypt, Syria, or Persia, appears like a transparent lake, 

 or flowing river, reflecting on its glassy bosom all surrounding objects. 

 Conceive, if possible, the horror and disappointment, on finding it an 

 optical illusion ! 



Thus speaks an eye witness of this " mockery of woe." " Conceive an 

 European in those countries, travelling with 



-' Some great caravan, from well to well, 



Winding as darkness o'er the desert fell,' 



