They will require greater care in their general training; be more subject to the diseases incident to children; more troublesome in nursing, and longer before they attempt to walk. On the other hand, the case is widely different with children of hardy peasants, whose employments expose them to full exercise in the open air, and thereby render their bodies strong, active, and muscular; whose wives are exempt, by their poverty, from the thraldom and mischief of stiff stays and tight lacing, and the baneful diseases that follow in their train. The children of such persons, will, evidently, possess a more perfect organization, their bodies be altogether stronger, and consequently will require less nursing; they speedily show symptoms of activity, they are more lively also whilst in the arms, they are able in a very short time to support themselves, and early enjoy all the activity natural to infancy. This is no exaggerated picture, the contrast is obvious and striking, and must force itself upon the attention of parents.

From the preceding remarks it will readily be seen that the first stages of life possess in every point of view, great interest and importance. In proportion, generally speaking, to the care bestowed upon infancy and childhood, will be the stability and comfort of maturer years. Let parents consider this; let them, as the natural and responsible arbiters of the future destinies of their, as yet, helpless offspring, diligently acquaint themselves with those subjects which so imperiously demand their attention.

Then may we hope, that the rising generations, as they successively appear on the great stage of human existence, will ensure a progressive improvement, both in corporeal and mental excellence."

THE FIRE.

Hark! as the smouldering piles in ruin fall.'-CAMPBELL.

'Twas Night! and Commerce, with her busy brood,
Had left her noblest haunts in solitude;

Her lordly sons, who reaped from many a breeze
The golden spoils of freighted argosies,
Joined the gay revel, or partook the mirth

Whose heart-born smiles illumed the household hearth.

Without, the keen wind, which by day had slept,
Through the chilled streets in icy gushes swept;
Close muffled forms, half quailing to the blast,
'Neath the pale lamps glanced silently and fast,-
And on the frozen ground, like steel with steel,
Rang the steed's hoof, and crashed the whirling wheel;
While through the frost that fell in sparkling spars,
Gleamed the cold radiance of the quivering stars.
Such was the scene, when o'er the city's hum
There rose a cry, which, ere the morn was come,
Swelled to a roar that struck her proudest dumb!
From lip to lip, from street to street, it flew,-
Thousands to thousands gathered, as it grew;
Peal wakened peal, till tower, and dome, and spire
Shook with the tocsin of the demon FIRE!
Whose beacon glow, re-signal'd from the sky,
Flashed floods of light on Fear's dilated eye.
The fearless hearts, still prompt, at Terror's call,
To form in Danger's front a breathing wall,
Flocked to the scene. For once, their subtle foe
Defied their art, and mocked them with its glow.
Think not before the fiery wreck they quailed—
'Twas not their courage, but their means, that failed;

The quenching stream grew stagnant, ere its tide
To the red surge their aching hands could guide;
And the fierce tyrant they so oft had quelled
Powerless to smite, a conqueror they beheld!
Fast from their homes distracted merchants fled
Towards the vast torch their blazing fortunes fed;
They saw, in utter, impotent despair,
Their garnered millions melting into air;
While meagre Rapine round the ruin glared,
And clutched each remnant by Destruction spared!

Yet were there crowds, whose God-like actions claim
A bright exemption from the list of shame;
Who toiled untired, who risked their lives unfeed,
Winning from grateful hearts their hallowed meed.
And one, (I would I knew his honest name,
'T would peer the noblest on the scroll of Fame,)
A son of ocean, whom the wind and foam
Had nerved and hardened, in his floating home,
But left the heart that storm-chafed breast concealed
Soft as an infant's 'neath its rugged shield,
Heard, as he strolled among the gazing throng,
A woman's shriek-convulsive, wild, and long;
'T was the heart's wild, uncounterfeited tone;
A thousand echoes answered in his own,
As with an oath, which if translated true,
Would read a blessing, to the spot he flew.
There, scarce restained within the friendly grasp
Of twenty hands, and writhing in their clasp,
With starting eyes, her lips with horror white,
And arms outstretched toward the wreathing light
That round her home in spiral eddies coiled,
A mother raved: 'Oh give me way!-my child!
Monsters! he perishes!'- But help was nigh:

Tossing, with cheering shout, his hat on high,
The gallant seaman sprang, to save or die.
With a firm step, the half-charred beams he trode,
He scaled the stair, that quivered as he strode,
For one wild instant, agonized suspense
Motionless held that concourse vast and dense:
The next burst forth from 'neath the nodding roof,
(Unscathed his form, by Heaven made danger-proof,)
The generous Tar!-and on his arm upborne
A smiling infant, from the fire-tomb torn :
The sobbing mother clasped her rescued prize,
Unspoken blessings raining from her eyes;
And shouting hundreds-thus to nature true-
Lauded the deed not one had dared to do.
But he whose pastime 't was to strive with death,
Shrunk with a blush from Adulation's breath;
And ere those hearty plaudits died in air,
He whom they greeted was no longer there.

Meanwhile, the dread Destroyer, winged and urged
By the strong blast, a howling ocean surged,
Whose waves were heaving flames: beneath its shocks,
From their foundations reeled the rifted blocks;
Crash echoed crash, as in the fiery swell,
Engulfed, absorbed, each blackened giant fell;
The glowing wrecks, from the concussion hurled
Through the dun air, like hissing meteors whirled :
Destruction's heralds, bearing on his path

A sparkling symbol of his wilder wrath:
Swift through the smoke in radient curves they sprung,
And, falling, kindled wheresoe'er they clung;
Till from a thousand roofs at once unrolled
Ruin's dread banners,-waved each streaming fold,
Blazoned with crimson, amethyst, and gold.

Hark to that yell!-the Conqueror hath come
To smite proud Commerce in her own proud home!
A fiery storm yon solid roof o'erstrews,-
See, from its arch the curling vapors ooze :
Now bursts the flame, each cracking column shakes,
The shivered marble falls in glowing flakes:
The vaulted hall, where late rich merchants trod,
Transferring thousands with a careless nod,
Nought now could tread, save demons! Gleaming there,
Like some pale spirit, through the crimson glare,
The sculptured statesman stands; e'en as he stood
In breathing life, mid storms by faction brewed.
But see!-a smouldering mass, with awful din,
The strong-ribbed cupola, comes thundering in!
Statue and column, all within its sweep,
Lie shivered, crush'd beneath its blazing leap;
And naked walls, cleft by the earthquake-shock,
Alone remain, Magnificence to mock!

Through groves of gleaming masts the flashes play,
Bright roll the rivers to the blushing bay;

The Hudson headlands, towering, scathed, and bare,
Loom, like vast Titans, in the lurid air:
For circling leagues, on billow, rock, and plain,
Rests, without shadow, the ensanguined stain:
While, darkening the stars, o'erarching all,
Heaves the huge smoke-cloud-Desolation's pall!
The morn breaks in at length, but dull and slow
Its gray light mingles with the dusky glow:
Lo! as Day climbs the sky, men view aghast,
The vacant waste on which its beams are cast.
Acres of ashes!-flecked with tongues of flame-
Piles of rich merchandize, and none to claim!
Skeleton forms of buildings half consumed,
Mid wrecks more total standing half-exhumed ;
Streets choked with fallen walls, and seared and seamed
By the red torrent that late through them streamed;
Volumes of smoke, like storm-clouds sweeping heaven,
In blinding gushes every moment driven,

And shivering wretches peering through the gloom,
To snatch some relic from the reeking tomb.

Such was the scene returning Day bebeld:

At length the mighty scourge was stayed-was quell'd; And, on the fragments of his feast, enjoyed, Destruction slumbered, like a monster cloyed.

The Knickerbocker.

LONDON AND PARISIAN FASHIONS.

DRESSES.-The dress has again assumed an appearance indicative of by-gone days; again are the attempts to revive the hoop, the spencer, the demi-corps, the train, &c. made with a considerable degree of spirit; nevertheless they are invariably modified, more or less-the crinoline jupe and demi-train being, in particular, modifications only of the ancient hoop, and sweeping train of the ladies of the old court.

The black satin pelises made short at the termination, with a deep flounce of rich lace, or fur, are excellent additions to our toilettes of the present day. The mode adopted of having the front part of the corsage set in folds over the gathers of the shoulder, affords a peculiarity that heightens the effect.

For robes de chambré, dresses wadded, quilted and lined,

as well as bordered, with loops of the same color; an arabesque design in lace is sometimes added to the sleeves, waist and pockets.

The prevalent taste in dress is in most respects similar to that which it has been our province to record for a considerable time past, both as respects material and making-up. The observations of the "Petit Courrier" on this subject, are so pertinent as to render a quotation peculiarly applicable. A species of revolution in taste, and a tendency altogether distingué, has made the profession of modiste one that is not attainable by every one. Formerly it sufficed to accumulate a stock of flowers, gauze ribbons, and a little patronage; now there must be tact, taste, imagination, and knowledge; for an anachronism can be no more pardonable in a bonnet than in a novel.

It is no longer a mere work woman-one who drudges at a daily task-but an artist who invents and composes, one who exercises a power which the position of a flower, or the shade of a ribbon, may sway to your success or downfal, multiply or abase the inducements of vanity, or exercise a despotic influence on the destinies of the heart.

A mousseline de laine dress, of blue, was made with a deep flounce, and placed on full, headed with an embroidery of silk, similar in color but of deeper hue, which also formed an ornamental tablier in front. The sleeves were ornamented with lace, and the manchettes formed of the same. Several rows of lace were also disposed on the bust obliquely.

CHILDREN'S DRESSES.-Embroideries, so greatly admired on the habiliments of infants, are by the great advance made in the art, added with exceedingly good effect in every variety of costume, in which they can be introduced, the lace for the caps, &c. is of exquisite workmanship, and the skirts with valenciennes trimmings, are exceedingly

attractive.

Indian muslin, and China bastiste, have been employed very wide for their "robes de promenade," and they are made of such a length as to descend to the nurse's knees. An embroidery sometimes imitating a tablier, is worked on the front, and a lace edging is further adapted both to the embroidery and the extremity of the dress. The valenciennes prevail in this department of the costume.

Transparent dresses also prevail, over rose colored, blue, straw coloured, &c., under dresses and nœuds of similar colors, placed on the shoulders, and down the length.

The style of open dress down the front, the outer less in length than the underneath one, and highly ornamented with laces, ribbons, or other ornaments. The taffeta is much liked, and white is a prevalent colour even in the winter season.

HATS, CAPS, &c.-Of these the shapes have afforded nothing that needs especial notice, as significant of a leading change. The peculiarities and modifications will be found in the illustrations and examples.

The morning cap with half veil in point lace, or the dress Hat with long marabout, sometimes shaded with delicate and harmoniously blended tints, as well as the evening bonnet with barbes, &c. descending sometimes to the waist, are equally appropriate, and belonging to the season.

Among some very elegant coiffures may be particularly noticed, a Petit-bord formed of ribbons, intermixed with pearls, and in which the hair mingling, and being disposed in the most appropriate manner for [display, produced a truly becoming effect.

A Tocque was formed of a resille of gold, appended to which were barbes of lace, with flowers embroidered in colors.

A coiffure in velvet, the front peaked over the forehead, and slightly projecting, the side parts turned upwards and back, just over the ears, with an introduction of pearl bordering, and a barbe of the same edged with rows of small pearls, formed a very elegant and recherché addition to the toilette.

MATERIALS AND COLORS.-The many and very beautiful fabrics that divide the attention of the fashionable are extremely well adapted to the diversified modes that now prevail; and though they have not yet obtained that numerous and fanciful catalogue, forming the usual fashionable nomenclature at this period of the season, the varieties of texture and pattern are neither unimportant nor few. The same general sorts are still in vogue-the velvets-the satins-the Cachmeres, are still more predominant. The levantines, poult de soie, and pekinets, as well, but considerable variations are produced in the manufacture, by changes in proportions of the materials, in the distribution or the pattern.

VARIETIES.-The shawl continues to be fabricated in varieties scarcely less numerous than ever; the shot silk is used, upon which embroidery shows admirably. The printed velvets are no less deservedly admired, worked as they have been with the most consummate skill and taste.

A velvet pelerine, small, laced on the shoulders is a very elegant novelty, and is susceptible of much varied ornament; its vogue is guaranteed by the adoption of ladies of fashion in the first circles.

The vogue of furs has still further increased, and a most extensive choice may be had now in some of the leading establishments.

Laces hold on their influence in the toilette embellishments, and the English point, the Brussels point, the Paris, Alençon, &c., impart an elegance to the bonnet, the dress, the fichu, the shawl-even the mantelet.

The crinoline jupes are indispensible to the completion of a fashionable toilette, whether a ball, promenade, or carriage dress they are made equally well adapted for the purpose ; three separate textures are all that are required— stout and strong for velvets, brocades, poplins, &c.; thin, almost transparent sort for muslin or other ball dress, and an intermediate texture for ordinary apparel. The mode of wearing these important accessories is also very important, a just medium being particularly necessary to be observed in not forcing too great an amplitude towards the ceinture, or on the other hand depriving the folds of their proper rotundity, also not too high on the hips. It must also be remembered that they should not be worn immediately under the dress but underneath the petticoat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES.

PLATE I.

FIGURE 1.-WALKING DRESS.-Gros d'Afrique dress, made high up the neck, gathered in perpendicular folds in the front of the bust; the sleeves are made full, with a frilling at the upper part, and gathers at the summit, with a guipure braiding. Several short flounces with a heading, similar to that above named, complete this costume. The bonnet has a couple of feathers worn pendant.

FIGURE 2.-MORNING DRESS.-Robe de chambre, of

Indian batiste, with wide collar thrown over the shoulders, and being thrown open displaying an under dress, which has a lace flounce and rouleau heading.

The сар of tulle and lace alternated, is made full at the side, and flat, with a narrow border at top.

FIGURE 3. CONCERT DRESS.Satin dress. Corsage cut low, having a wide fold in the upper part, resembling a draping, extending along the border and widening at the centre, joined with rosettes.

The sleeves short, and having double sabots at the termination, the corsage is terminated in a peak. The skirt is moderately full and plain.

FIGURE 4.-WALKING DRESS.-Cachmere cloak, elegantly printed, with ample cape and fringe laid rather full, the front part terminating in a long peak. The hat of satin, with marabout feathers. First half figure of silk, the corsage close fitting, and sleeves ornamented with nœuds. Second half figure represents the back of the lower one. The first bonnet is in levantine with a garland attached to the inner part of the brim, the exterior ornamented with ribbons, and a drooping feather.

The second bonnet is one of recent design, low brim, and descending low at the sides, with ribbon nœuds, and a bouquet.

PLATE II.

FIGURE 1.-WALKING DRESS.-Satin redingote. Closed up nearly to the throat with a very narrow edging. The spencer-fichu, with wide sleeves, continuing to the wrist, and descending low in front, is fringed at the extremity. A cordelière is tied round the waist, and the ends fringed, hang low down the front. Bonnet adorned with a bouquet.

FIGURE 2.-EVENING DRESS. Satin dress. The corsage made low, close fitting, with a fur trimming on the top, the skirt laid on full, and having three rows of fur trimmings reaching nearly to the hem; the sleeve short, close, and trimmed to correspond. The hat of satin, with long drooping feather.

FIGURE 3.EVENING DRESS.Challi dress. The corsage is half-high mounting, indented slightly in the middle, and having a narrow edging of lace. The sleeve is moderately full, and has bouillons at the upper part, alternately with lace frillings; the skirt is very full, and the lace flounce deep and full, and richly embroidered. The cap has one side descending lower considerably than the other.

FIGURE 4.-WALKING DRESS.-Silk dress, with very deep flounce, with piped headings. A mantelet shawl with capuchon lined and wadded, united in front, forms an attractive addition to this costume. The tocque, has feathers and a pendant end, fringed.

The first half figure has nothing remarkable to designate it, the bonnet is adorned with a bouquet. The second half figure for a ball drees, has a lace fall, the waist close fitting, sleeves in bouffans, and having the additions of pendant ornaments of lace.

The Bonnets are ornamented with feathers, flowers, &c. the caps of muslin, tulle, &c. are very original in the make. The peculiarities are necessary to be studied in order to a successful imitation, much depending on accurate observation of the falling back of the front and top, the projection of the sides, the placing and amount of ornament, &c.

PLATE III.

FIGURE 1.-PROMENADE DRESS.-Pekinet dress. Corsage

moderately high, increased at the top of the shoulders, by the addition of a draping, which extends from thence to the middle of the bust, the sleeve close fitting in the upper part, and full and rounded for the rest of the extent: the termination of the dress is edged by an ornament which takes a double serpentine form. The bonnet low and projecting in front.

FIGURE 2.-EVENING DRESS.-Lace dress. The corsage half-high mounting, close fitting, and ending in a point. The sleeves formed of bouffans and terminating in a deep lace ruffle; the flounce is deep and has a narrow blond heading, the skirt is ornamented by ribbon and lace alternating in a serpentine line, and terminating in a nœud with long ends.

Organdi dress and satin edging of the material of A couple of barbes are

FIGURE 3.-CONCERT DRESS. Palatine, with capuchon, and an which the dress is composed. placed on each side of the coiffures. FIGURE 4.-A satin dress, over which a figured satin opera cloak is placed, looped in front, and having a rather deep fringe surrounding it.

The first Half-figure has the corsage gathered in front, and the sleeves composed of various frillings, terminate at the elbow. The bonnet is not high in the crown, but is sloped both from the top and the back, increasing in width at the ears.

Second Half-figure has the corsage set in small gathers, and in parallel lines; the upper part of the sleeve ornamented with ruches in several rows. The bonnet drawn, and having a twisted ribbon of the same.

The Bonnets are ornamented principally with feathers; and a species of short barbes completes that in the centre.

PLATE IV.

FIGURE 1.-CONCERT DRESS.-Levantine dress. Half high mounting corsage, short sleeves and a full flounce. Cloak of velvet, with crimson bordering and collar, with ribbon nœuds at each extremity of the arm-holes. Blond cap with marabout feathers.

FIGURE 2.-WALKING DRESS.-Poult de soie redingote, trimmed with velvet, which extends from the shoulders in a V form down the entire length, and surrounds the lower part of the dress, an edging of black lace completes the effect. Satin bonnet with voilette attached.

FIGURE 3.-PROMENADE DRESS.-Satin cloak, over a dress of gros d'Afrique, which has a full deep flounce and heading. The cloak has a lozenge-cut collar, and terminates in front in a peak, being hollowed out at intervals. An edging of passementerie completes the effect. Satin bonnet and feathers.

The Paletot of satin bordered with fur, with wide sleeves, and ornamented with nœuds, composes the subject of the half figure on the left.

The bonnets in satin and velvet, with feathers and ribbon ornaments. Caps in tulle, with bouquets, &c.

LIFE; AN ALLEGORY.

BY J. G. PERCIVAL, ESQ.

It is now morning. Still and glassy lies the lake, within its green and dew-sprent shores. Light mist hangs around like a skiey veil, and only reveals the uncertain outlines of woods and hills. The warm vernal air is just stirring in the valleys, but has not yet ruffled the water's mirror.— Turns the eye upward, the misty vault opens into the calm clear heavens, over which there seems suffused a genial spirit's breath. Far distant on the horizon flash out the gilded and reddening peaks, and from yonder crown of snow, a sudden radiance announces the risen sun. Now in the east stream the golden rays through the soft blue vapor. The breeze freshens, and comes loaded with fragrance from the woods. A faint, dark curl sweeps over the water; the mist rolls up, lifts itself above meadow and hill, and in gathered folds hangs light around the mountains. Away on the level lake, till it meets the sky, silvery gleams the. sheated wave, sprinkled with changeful stars, as the ever rising breeze breaks it in ripples. Now the pennon, that hung loose around the mast, rises and fitfully floats. We spread the sail, and casting off from the shore, glide out. with cheerful hearts on our voyage. Before us widens the lake; rock after rock receding back on either hand, and opening between, still bays, hung round with sparkling woods, or leading through green meadow vistas to blue sunny hills.

It is now noon. In the middle lake speeds the bark over light glancing waves. Dark opens down the clear depth. White toss the crests of foam, and as the sail stoops to the steady wind, swift flies the parted water round the prow, and rushing pours behind the stern. The distant shores glow bright in the sun, that alone in the heaven looks unveiled with vivifying goodness over the earth.— How high and broad swells the sky! The agitated lake. tosses like a wide field of snowy blossoms. Sweep after sweep of the long-retiring shores; hill gleaming over hill, up to the shadowy mountains; and over these, Alpine needles, shooting pearly white into the boundless azureall lie still and happy under the ever-smiling sun.

And now it is evening. The sun is sinking behind the dark mountains, and clouds scattered far in the east, float soft in rosy light. The sun is now hidden, and strong and wide sweeps up its golden flame, like the holy blaze of a funeral pile. The breeze slackens, the waves subside in. slumber, and slowly the bark steers into its sheltering bay. Long shadows stretch from hill to valley, fall like dark curtains on the lake, and a solemn, subdued serenity broods like a protecting spirit, over the hushed and quiet earth.Only the far summits yet retain their brightness. Faint blushes stain the eternal snows, recalling the first dawning roses, like the memory of early joys in the tranquil moments of departing age. These, too, fade; but the evening star looks bright from the blue infinite, and like the herald of a better world, leads us softly to our haven.