April 1.] 
THE FIELD. 
whether the fire had taken placo in the neighbourhood of 
Hinekwftll or at Woolwich. The various engines of the 
T ondon Brigade and West of England Office were called 
nlmost simultaneously, when, from the strong reflection in 
the clouds, and from the description the police hud given 
f hearing the explosion, it was foared that the disaster had 
occurred in the Royal arsenal at Woolwich. The engines, 
however, were driven towards the scene of danger, the 
firemen being guided solely by the light in the atmosphere, 
and after travelling along for some miles, they were In- 
formed that the conflagration was raging at Bluckwall. To 
that point the engines were driven with all posslblo expe- 
dition, and on arriving there it was found that the out- 
break' had taken place in the premises of the West Indian 
Dock Company at Blackwell, belonging to the dock or 
pier-master, situated at tlio entranco of the Docks, in and 
near which were a groat quantity of ropes and other 
marine stores, as well ns 90 gallons of naphtha. The moment 
the latter material took Are, the vessels containing the same 
burst with such a noise as to alarm the whole neighbour- 
hood, and the noise was distinctly heard by the policemen 
ns fur distant as Lambeth. Tho mains of the East London 
Company’s works afforded an abundant supply of water, 
from which tho firemen laboured incessantly, but the flames 
could not bo conquered until the pier-master’s office was 
burned down, a great quantity of rope and other murine 
stores consumed, and the 9l) gallonsV naphtha burned. Tho 
origin of the outbreak is unknown, and it is understood that 
t|, e property destroyed was uninsured. Notwithstanding 
the parly hour in the morning, some thousand spectators 
wero attracted to the scene. 
His grace and other members expressed a hope that, should 
the inquiry bo proceeded with, it would be made ns simple 
as possible, and that no attempt, at first at least, should be 
made to elaborate it. Mr. Curd well said it was his 
intention to ask Mr. Hall Maxwell to prepare a report 
showing the probable cost Tor Scotland, and tho best mode, 
in his opinion, of carrying out tho object in view. — Edin- 
burgh Net os. 
Cholera at Glasgow. — Deaths on Tuesday, 15; 
Wednesday, 14; Thursday, 9. There have been 1,-80 
deaths from cholera within tho Glasgow bills of mor- 
tality since tho hoginning of the present outbreak. 
Grain Trade at Leith. — The docks and harbour are 
at present crowded with vessels, many of them laden with 
grain, estimated to amount, in the aggregate, to from 35,000 
to 40,000 quarters Edinburgh Courant. 
PROVINCIAL. 
DURHAM.— Mr. Raker, high sheriff of Durham, lias fixed 
April 1 (to-day) for tho nomination of candidates for the 
representation of the northern division of the county, which 
lias become vacant by tho elevation of Lord Scaliam to 
tho peerage. The nomination will take place in tho county 
Court-house, Durham. 
Pembrokeshire Mail Arrangement.— Tho Post- 
offico authorities and the South Wale* Railway Company 
have at length arranged respecting the carrying of the muils 
by tho South Wales line into Pembrokeshire. Tho Secre- 
tary to tho Company has consented to waive the requisite 
notice, and on the 1st of April (to-day) the mails will be 
forwarded by rail from Carmarthen. Tho London mails will 
arrive at Haverfordwest soon after 8, in lieu of the half-past 
19 and bo despatched at 4, instead of some hours earlier, as 
under tho present system. With Pembroke the accom- 
modation will be similar, thereby affording tho inhabitants 
an opportunity of answering their letters per return of post. 
This is a great boon. 
Cornwall.— The Fisheries— The season has com- 
menced rather favourably. Large quantities ol pilchards 
have already been taken at St. Ive’s and other towns on the 
coast; and in consequence of their plenty, they have boon 
sold at 1 Jd. per dozen. Mackerel are, as yot, very scarce, 
and fetch as high as 3s. and 4s. per dozen. 
Disappearance op the last Western Mail 
Coach.— On Saturday the last remains of tho once cele- 
brated western mail-coaches were taken off the road, the 
Dorchester and lixoter mail-coach being on tlmt day with- 
drawn. The postal communication between the south and 
west of England is now effected by tho Southampton and 
Dorchester, Yeovil and Bridgewater, and Bristol and Exeter 
Railways. One of the most ancient post-roads in the king- 
dom was the one between London and Exeter, through Bas- 
ingstoke and Salisbury, anil on It mail-couching was first 
brough to perfection. It was a coach on this road wliicl 
many years ago was attacked by a lion on Salisbury plain. 
Of late years, ho we vet, the coach service has been shorn of 
its fair proportions both in the length of its run and its ap- 
pointments, and the Into pair-horse mail between Dorchester 
and Exeter would scarcely have been acknowledged by tho 
dashing Johns and scarlet-liveried guards who sat behind 
their four bloods that once rasped over Salisbury plain. 
IRELAND. 
Veteran Battalions. — Circulars have been addressed 
by the War offieo to officers on half- pay residing in Ireland, 
requesting instant answers to questions with respect to the 
time such officer bus been in receipt of hall'-pav, the causes 
which led to his retirement, whether from ill health, or from 
what other reason, his pmunt ago, and whether he would be 
prepared for active employment in the event of his services 
being demanded by the Horse Guards. It is beliovod hero 
that tho information thus sought for has for its ultimate 
object either ilio embodiment of tho old veteran battalion, or 
the calling out, at no distant period, of Hie Irish militia. 
This, however, is more speculation. 
Cholera. — Three cases of cholera have appeared in the 
Mallow workhouse. At Kanturk the total number of cases 
up to Saturday was 120, of which 51 died, 12 were cured, 
and GG remained under treatment. Tho epidemic was 
abating in violence, but is still evidently lingering in that 
quarter of the country. 
HORTICULTURE. 
An Imperial Bouquet.— A bouquet to be offered by 
tho Horticultural Society of Toulouse to tho Empress was 
exhibited thero on Sunday at tho Capitol in the Salle du 
Trone, where a vast crowd went to see it. Not loss than 
10,000 violets and 300 camclias have been employed in this 
gigantic bouquet, which is two and a liulf feet in diameter, 
by three feet high. It is composed of a dome of violets 
surrounded by a circle of eainelias, garlands ol these lust 
running down the dome, on which arc to he soon the initials 
of her Majesty in orange flowers. A bluo ribbon, also hav- 
ing the cipher of her Majesty, ties the stem ot tho bouquet. 
This beautiful object left Toulouse on Monday, and was to 
he presented to her Majesty on Wednesday, by M. Dnplun, 
member of the Legislative Body, president ot the Horticul- 
tural Society of the Haute Garonne.- 
Hot-ukd Frames. — “Would any of your readers be 
kind enough to stato in your next number what they con- 
sider the best covering for hot-bed frames at night, as a 
protection against frost. Mats, I am aware, arc generally 
usod, but I have seen recommended somewhere or other 
something of a more durable nature. Yours obediently, 
Castle.” 
SCOTLAND. 
Museum op Practical Geology and Agricul- 
tural Statistics. — A deputation of the Highland and 
Agricultural Society waited on tho President of the Board 
of Trade, on Tuesday, in reference to the abovo objects. The 
Duke of Hamilton, us president of tho society, explained to 
Mr. Cardwell the views of tho deputation as to the im- 
portance of a practical geological and chemical institution 
being given to Scotland, and, with reference to a plan of ihe 
ground behind the college, pointed out the suitableness ol 
tho proposed site. In reply to a question put by Mr. 
Cardwell as to the expediency of establishing the institution 
in Glasgow, the deputation expressed an opinion that, os a 
national museum, it should be in the metropolis of tho 
country, and under the supervision of a responsible Govern- 
ment officer unconnected with any other body. Mr. Cardwell 
intimated his approval of tho proposed site, and his readi- 
ness, in the mouutimc, to rocommond to the Chancellor of 
the Exchequer that the ground should be acquired. Tho 
Duke of Buocleuoh then called attention to the subject of 
agricultural statistics, aud stated that the society w as anxious 
Incidents of Travtl in Central America , Chiapar, and 
Yucatan. By tho late John Lloyd Stephens, and 
revised, with additions, By Frederick Catiiernvood 
Hall, Virtue, and Co. 
This book is to the new world wlint Lnynrd’s works are 
to tho old, only tlicso discoveries are, if anything, more 
curious, no one supposing them to exist cither above or 
beneath the earth. What u mine of speculation is here 
opened to us as to the beings who inhabited those regious 
of son and gold in times so long past, and periods so un- 
known, that they appear to huve no tangible place in 
ancient history or fabulous loro. The publication of this 
work in a cheap form is a great boon to society. It Is the 
first edition printed in England, and in addition to all 111 
original illustrations, which are re-engraved, Mr. Cuthcr 
wood lias introduced several new ones that have neve 
before appeared. The portrait of Mr. Stephens is very 
charactoric, and the map is a most useful appendage fi 
tho reader. Tho ruins are marvellous, and is a new world 
that Shukspcaro even never imagined when bo exhausted 
old. The getting up reflects infinite credit ou printer, pub- 
lisher, mid editor, and as only to be known to bo universally 
read. 
Hard Times. By Cuarlls Dickens. (No. 210 “ House 
Hold Words.”) Bradbury and Evans. 
Hard Times — . “ H arder where there's none!” 
wo heard one of tho ragged school ejaculate as ho 
.lead the offichc ; and so say wo when Dickens’ name 
is attached to anew tula, with such a titlo, to which tho 
moving masses around us give “a local habitation or a 
name.” Verily, tho world owes you much, good sir; for in 
tho midst of the most intenso interest, exciting scenes, and 
artistic elaboration of character, the heart is opened, and 
from it gushes a flood of pure humanity. Wo defy any one 
to rise from one of tho stories of this great master of fiction 
without feeling that ho lias derived not only great pleasure, 
but deep instruction. Wo huvo hero Chapters I. II. and 
HI. of “ Hard Times, ’’and tho very first paragraph denotes 
the school in which we are to become students : — 
“ Now, what 1 want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls 
nothing but Facta. Facts alone ore wanted in life. Plant 
nothing else, and root out everything else. You can only form 
the minds of reasoning animals upou Facts: nothing else will 
ever be of any service to thorn. Tins is tho principle on which I 
bring up my own children, ond this is tho principle on which 
I bring up these children. Slick to Facts, sir!” 
Then we have the square-headed, emphatic schoolmaster, 
with his inflexible, dry, and dictatorial voice, Gradgrind, 
a cognomen teeming with stubborn realities and calcula- 
tions, a two-and-two-are-four-and-notlling-over man, a 
being of scales and multiplication tables. A charming wild 
rosebud is Sissy Jupp, we opine, who loves flowers, and 
does not know that “a horse is a graminivorous quadruped 
with forty teeth.” Her father, Siguor Jupp, and “ his 
wonderful dog, Merrylegs.” Mr. M'Choakumchlld is 
another utilitarian specimen, who, if ‘‘lie hud only learnt 
less, he might have taught much more.” 
“ Ho wont to work in tiiie preparatory lesson, not unliko Mor- 
ginna in the Forty Thieves: looking into all the vessels ranged 
before hitn, one alter another to. see what they contained. Bay, 
good M'Choakuinohild. When from thy boiling store thou shalt 
HU each jar brim-ful, by aiid bye, dost thou think thut thou wilt 
always kill outright the robber Fancy lurking within — or some- 
times only maim him and distort him !” 
Gradgrind’s “ own metallurgical’Louisa ” and “ mathe- 
matical Thomas ” seem to be promising chicks for the 
futuro : 
“There was an air of jaded sullenncss in them both, and pnrti- 
ularly in the girl: yet, struggling through the dissatisfaction of 
299 
natural to cheerful youth, but with uncertain, onger, doubtful 
flashes, which had something painful in them, analogous to tho 
changes on a blind fnco groping its wny. 
'* 8ho was a child now, of (fifteen or'sixtocn ; but at no distant 
dny would seem to become a woman nil nt onco. Her father 
thought so as ho looked at her. Sho was pretty. Would lmvo 
been self-willed (ho thought in his eminently practical way) but 
for her bringing-up.” 
I-Iore ends our first lesson, from which wo have a glim- 
mering of tho force of education in the formation of man- 
kind. That to make us wholly machines, is to deaden the 
finer feelings of tho heart, sap tho foundations of our 
happiness, and vendor us, not beings of God’s own imago, 
but of tho earth most earthy. 
The Netvcotnbes. (No. 7 ) Edited by Arthur Pendennis, 
Esq. Bradbury and Evans. 
Mr. Thackeray increases his interest and amusing satire, 
as a snowball gathers, in his onward course. The present 
number is excellent, and tho illustrations admirable. 
Handley Cross ; or Mr. Jorroeks's Hunt. (Part 13.) 
Bradbury and Evans. 
Jorrocks is a groat dust, and now the hunting season 
is closed, these numbers will servo as a panacea until 
tho next merry meeting. The hedgehog incident and l’igg 
is a perfect opitome of fun. “ The Pigg Testimonial,” 
presented by Puppy Cacklor, is n rich scene ; and wo 
can fancy wo sec the jobbed gold watch with a. Wnther- 
ston and Brogdcn chain glittering in the hand of the 
chairman. Pigg’s speech, too, as it was, and as reported, 
foxily point a. satire. The illustrations are of the true 
breed, and show that Mr. John Leech has a thorough 
knowledge of the sport which man, horse, and dog must 
over delight in. 
Writings of Douglas Jerrold (Collected Edition). (Part 40.) 
Bradbury and Evans. 
This Part contains a continuation of Mr. Jerrold’s 
charming plays— a final portion of The Rent-Day , the 
whole of Nell Oivynnc, and t ho commencement of Tho 
Housekeeper. These three titles indicate the greatest 
dramatic successes, of a higher order, of this unique 
author; wc 9ay unique, for he confessedly stands alone in 
a peculiarly pungent and polished style of writing. Tlicso 
dramas are. and always will bo, what are called “ stock 
pieces” — a few, very few modern dramas deserve or 
attain so enviable a distinction. 
The English Cydoptedia. By Charles Knioht. 
Bradbury and Evans. 
Containing from “ Canada” to “ Ducks,” under tho head 
“Natural History and Geography,” clearly and cleverly 
arranged by the practised hand of the veteran editor. 
The printing proves, if proof was necessary, what perfect 
masters Messrs. Bradbury and Evans are of the typo- 
graphical art ; and how they can do it for the price is a 
mystery. Such rare information on such terms makes 
ignorance a sin. 
The Home Circle. ( Part 57.) Johnson. 
One of the best of cheap illustrated periodicals, and fuliy 
bearing out its title. 
Vital Statistics. (Part 1.) By Thomas Joitlino Kino. 
Is a work on a subject of vital importance, and la show- 
ing by tables and data tho effect of various diseases upon 
mortality, and the practical experience of tho author, must 
be nn advantage to tho science of statistics. 
The Potato Disease. By the Hon. Gbantley F. 
Berkeley. 
Tills pamphlet Is a letter addressed to tho Enrl of 
Derby on the results of prnctleul experience in the cultiva- 
tion and (lie disease of this valuable edible; and tho opinions 
and advice formed llicrron are hacked theoretically by Dr. 
John Parkin, In his “ Rnnoto Cause of Epidemic.” Wo 
recommend our agriculturists to look to it, for no disease 
was ever of more tearful consequences. 
A Proposition to Constitute a People's Society of Nobles 
and all Classes. Huuenrd. 
A well-meaning uttompt io mcdluto in tho matter of 
strikes and lock-outs, hut, wo tear, utopian to a certain 
extent — though a neutral ground, if rightly and honestly 
taken up between tho oinploper end employed, Is the propor 
modo to adjust the existing disgraceful differences. 
to see a general inquiry, and was prepared to uid it by ull i, ei . f„ COf there was li light with nothing to rest upon, a tire with 
means in its power, uiid, if required by Government and nothing to hum, o starved imagination xcepiuglifo in itself some- 
furnished with the means, to undertake the conduct oi it. how, which brightened its expression. Not with tho brightness 
^mmnsaurj into Atonic Intelligence. 
Monday, 3rd April — General Mooting of Hoys’ Scltool at 11- No. 25, 
Freemasons' Tavern No. 82, London Tavern— No. 85, Anderton’# 
Hotel No J07, Hadley’s Hotel No 108, Hullden’Arms, llussoU-strcot, 
Clielse.v — No. 223, White Hart, lllsbopsgnto- street— No 257, George 
and Vulture Tavern— No. 31«, Freemasons' Tavern— Chap. No. 30, 
Freemasons' Tavern. 
Tuesday, 4th April.— No. 0, Freemasons' Tavern— No. 18. London 
Tavern No. 33, Chequer*, l'rovldcnco-roud, Finsbury— No. 08, Albion 
Tavern— No. 118, Ship und Turtle, I.cadcuhnll.strcct— No. 201, Free, 
masons' Tavern— No. 264, George and Vulture Tavern— No. 781, 
Freemasons' Tavern— Audit Committee Girls' School at 11. 
Wednesday. 5th April —No. 233, Freemasons’ Tavern. 
Thursday, Oth April —No. 20, George and Blue Boar— No. 53, 
Falcon Tavern— No. 158, Hadley’s Hotel-No. 227. Gcoreo and Vulture 
- No. 275, King's Hoad, Poultry -No 281, Freemasons Tavern— No. 
812, George Tavern, Cnmnicrolnl-routl East — Chap. No. 2, Freemasons 
Tavern— .Chap. No. 0, Freemasons' Tavern. 
Friday, 7th April. - Chap. No. 321, Thatched House Tavern, St. 
James's. , _ 
Saturday, 8th April— No. 100, Freemasons Tavom. 
Robert Burns, Chapter No. 25, Frcoroueons Tavern, 
Monday, 27th.— This chapter had it* charter granted lit 
1844, and lias progressed in prosperity through Hie care und 
exertions of present und pust principals, In a most extraordi- 
nary manner. This being installing night. Comp. Blackburn 
was most ably installed into tho chair os Z. by Comp. VY'at- 
eon , I\ Z. Comp. Blackburn then proceeded to instal 
Comp. Newton us II., and Comp. Robinson u6 G. ; the other 
appointments were — Comp. Toniblesou, I’. Z., as E. ; 
Comp. Kirby as N., Comp. Carpenter as l‘.S., Com- 
panions Hewlett und Allan as A.S. The business was 
worked in a most efficient and impressive manner by 
the whole of tho officers, so as to call forth the admiration of 
the numerous companions present, and was frequently tho 
theme of conversation during the evening. About 40 com- 
panions sut down to banquet, umongst whom wo noticed 
Companions Moore, Tomblason, Watson, Watkins, Archer, 
Savage, Fox, Chaakor, Goring, tho G. Principals, wlm have 
passed the chui.s, a circumstuuco unprecedented in Arch- 
masonry, und not likely to occur again. Upon the whole, 
we should say thut the Robert Burns Chapter is socoud to 
none. ^ 
Tiib Car of Jitiobiinauth.— “ We arc given to understand,” 
huns the t'itir.en of the lOlli u!t. lEnst India paper), “that tlio 
famous car of Juggernaulli of Mulies, neor torninporo, was to- 
tally destroyed bv tiro on tho night of Monday lust, and tho ‘ odo- 
kuriea,” or proprietors of Juggerunuth, huvo been merged in 
grief, attributing tlio accideut to tho fury of the god for causes of 
which tbey ore not cognizant.” 
