7 Geo. 4, cap. 46, banks may be considered as consisting either of the Bank of England (including its branches), of joint stock banks, or of private banks. -BIGGLESWADE.

78. A lengthened or elaborate reply to the above question, containing, as it does, so many minor queries, would involve too much of your valuable space and my time, to allow of its being given. I shall therefore content myself with giving a slight outline of the subjects on which your correspondent requests information, and refer him to some good works from which he may read them up at his leisure.

First, as to Archimedes.-Plutarch, Polybius, and Livy are the principal (if not indeed the only) writers who mention the great mathematician at any length; and not one word appears in them about his "burning mirrors;" from which we may, I think, safely presume that the tale is a fabrication, added by an admiring and imaginative posterity to the life of one of its scientific pets.

The raising the enemy's ships into the air is a story which rests upon a somewhat more secure basis, but even that is rather doubtful. Full and accurate information on the subject of Archimedes, may be obtained from the authors I have before mentioned, viz., Plutarch, Polybius, and Livy, all of whom are (I believe) to be obtained in an English translation, and a cheap form, of H. G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden.

Mohammed's Coffin.-Never, per. haps, in the whole history of human error did a story, so wildly improbable and utterly untrue, obtain so large a share of popular credence as that of Mohammed's coffin. The tale is this: -that his coffin is suspended in mid air, between the ceiling and the floor, by means of two powerful magnets,

* Mohammed is the correct orthography, as the word in Arabic is pronounced Mu. hammed, or Mohammed, and is derived from the past participle of the verb "Hamad," "praised," or "most glorious." Ockley's Hist. Saracens, p. 1, note.

placed one above and the other beneath it. The facts are simply these:- Mohammed died at Medina, on the 8th of June, 632, and was buried in a grave dug beneath the bed on which he expired. For further information on the subject of this extraordinary man, see Ockley's "History of the Saracens," and Washington Irving's "Mahomed and his Successors," published in Bohn's libraries.

The next point on which "Adolescens" asks for information is, Fortunatus, and his purse and cap; and here I must plead almost entire ignorance; but with cloudy recollections of childhood's tales floating through my brain, I fancy that Fortunatus was the youngest, handsomest, poorest, and, of course, according to all the rules of fairy lore, the best of several sons of a rich gentleman; and that the said Fortunatus, being turned out of doors by his brother, was endowed by a good fairy with a wonderful cap, which had the power of transporting him wherever he pleased, and an equally wonderful purse, which would never become exhausted.

Such is the tale, as I remember it; but I by no means vouch for its accuracy. Any book of fairy tales would, I should think, satisfy "Adolescens's" curiosity on the subject.

Lastly, with regard to Diogenes. This eccentric cynic philosopher was a native of Sinope, from which he was compelled to fly, as his father kept the public bank, and had adulterated the coinage. He went to Athens, and became a pupil of Antisthenes, and there committed those eccentricities of behaviour which have rendered his name so justly famous. To enumerate them would be an endless task-their name is legion, but they may be found, together with the most extensive and accurate information regarding him, in Diogenes Laertius's "Lives of Eminent Philosophers," of which a translation is published in Bohn's library.

And now I have, to the best of my ability, answered all the questions put

by "Adolescens." I have purposely abstained from elaborate replies, thinking that the better way would be for your correspondent to read up the subjects for himself. Should he, however, desire any further or fuller information on them, I shall be only too happy to give it, if it lays in my power so to do. -PONTIFEX.

79. A grammatical difficulty." A Person" is informed that in sentences of the given form, the following methods are now most generally adopted, viz. :— 1st, the nobler, i. e., the masculine gender, is held to include the inferior.

(The grammatical terms are used for convenience, not with any reference to the woman's rights question.) The use of "he" would, therefore, be sufficient. 2nd. When the verb cannot conveniently be made singular, the nominative should be pluralized. "A Person" would thus be changed into persons in the sentence given. These are, of course, only evasions of the difficulty, not explanations. It is an awkward construction, and we have no counsel to give more serviceable than the above.-N.

AFFIRMATIVE.

"The cheap defence of nations" is true patriotism and self-sacrificing exertion; these the rifle movement has elicited, hence it is judicious and advisable.-MEM.

That each man should be trained to wield the arms on which national safety now so much depends, as it multiplies the means and the chances of safety, is highly advisable, and so must be judi. cious.-L. P.

To train a man to feel the glow of patriotism, to prepare for the hour of danger, to devote himself to the service of his country, and to supply him with inducements to take eagerly to the healthy gymnastics of the drill, are all judicious objects; at least so thinks, Yours, &c.-GOOSE STEP.

Self-defence is the best defence; and hence the recent rifle movement, which places the defence of the country in the anhired bravery of the people, is a wise step, and worthy of encouragement.— A. B. C.

The formation of rifle corps throughout the country may, by presenting a guarded and determined appearance, save the kingdom from a disastrous

war.

While Europe remains as it is, the surest guarantee that the desolating flood of invasion shall not reach our shores, is in our having an effective force of loyal British hearts, who, by their strength and readiness, shall deter any power from entertaining any such idea. The motto of rifle corps is, "Prevention is better than cure."-L. W.

The rifle corps movement is one of which every true Briton may well feel proud, exhibiting, as it does, the noble spectacle of a great and free people voluntarily and spontaneously arming for the defence of their country against foreign invasion. A movement which has elicited the respect and admiration of continental nations, and greatly increased our powers and influence abroad, must surely be judicious;-showing that though we are the inhabitants of a Protestant country, and have made some advance in literature, science, and art, and devote much attention to trade and commerce, still we are not " a nation of shopkeepers," but inherit the same brave and patriotic spirit for which our ancestors are so justly celebrated.-J. M.

At a time like the present it behoves us as a nation to be on our guard.

Therefore it is both meet and right that we should depend upon the patriotism of England's sons to come forward and voluntarily offer their services for their country. The rifle corps movement seems to be one of necessity, and is by all means advisable in present circumstances.-J. F. M.

I am of opinion that the rifle corps movement is a judicious one, inasmuch as it will bring into military training a large number of persons who otherwise would not have been fit for service in the hour of need; and that it is advisable such corps should be organized, knowing, as we do, the character of the French emperor, whose glory is in bloodshed on the battle-plain. His cunning and deceitful mind would at any moment he required contrive some artful scheme to upset what many now consider our alliance with him. A man who is in the hands of his soldiers cannot travel in his own track with the firmness and stability an emperor should do. As to an invasion, I consider nothing improbable from France, whose motto, graven on their hearts, is "Revenge!"-F. L.

A loyal, patriotic movement, affording a harmless, healthful, invigorating exercise-bringing the various classes of society more in contact with each other-eventually proving the means of a cheap and efficient mode of defence of our hearths and homes-and moreover calculated to make other nations respect us more than at present-must surely be judicious, prudent, and wise.

During the forty years of peace commercial pursuits have so engrossed our attention, that we have neglected our means of defence, and have fallen into a state of false security: some folks imagine the days of war have passed away, and the days of peace are to last for ever; but it is plain to all observant minds that such is not the case, that it is time for us to be up and doing, and prepared for whatever emergency may arise; therefore, under present circumstances the movement is advisable, and it is only right for us, holding the

proud position we do, to be always prepared for the worst; and the voluntary warlike attitude our country has assumed, through the rifle corps movement, is the means best adapted for that purpose.-GEORGE.

I do not share in the apprehensions so prevalent of late as to a foreign invasion, for I think that the time when such an attempt might have been made -and by France especially-is gone. Still I regard the enrolment of volunteer rifle corps throughout the country as eminently useful; because it is a inovement which seems destined to give shape and practical development to the patriotism of the nation, and cannot but produce a great moral effect upon foreigners as well as upon ourselves. The spirit with which the movement has been entered on by the community at large will convince our "invasionstricken" countrymen that there still exists amongst us that strong love of home and fatherland which can, when needed, raise a buckler over every hearth in the land; and it will also show observing foreigners,-would-be masters of our broad acres-that the defensive power of Britain is not to be calculated by the numerical strength of her regular army only. I think we are perfectly safe without the aid of rifle corps, but their existence will prevent even the possibility of danger to our realms from a foreign foe. I therefore think them judicious in themselves, and advisable, under present circumstances, for allaying the fears of our timid friends and dispersing even the suggested hopes of our home and foreign enemies.-G. H. S, Dublin.

I contend that the rifle corps movement is both judicious in itself, and advisable under present circumstances:

Firstly, Because if there be no probability of an enemy landing on our coasts, still we may rest more safely, being assured that we have a number of able-bodied men to protect us and our homes from danger, should such an event take place.

Secondly, Because the formation of a

rifle corps must familiarize its members to the use of arms, and make them of greater service in the country's defence than they would have been under other circumstances.

Thirdly, It may be argued that we have our soldiers, who would, if called upon, be enabled to defend our country against the approaches of our enemies; but have we sufficient soldiers?—and, if not, can the country, under present circumstances, afford sufficient funds for the purpose of enlarging our armies? I think not; therefore, the formation of rifle corps appears to be the cheapest and best mode of ensuring the country's safety.

Fourthly, If the country has already sufficient defenders, an addition to the number can do no harm.

Lastly, The formation of a corps may prevent an enemy from landing.F. S. M.

We are of the number of those who entertain the belief that the rifle corps will not be required for actual service, and therefore that the duty they will have to perform will be in the nature of amusement, and of bodily exercise; in the latter respect very useful indeed. We trust we shall not be wrong in our view of this question, for peace is what we love and admire, unless there be real cause for war. However, for the same reason that many persons consider it right to keep fire-arms in their private residences, for the protection of their property from thieves and robbers, we consider it to be "judicious" to be prepared for the enemy who may intrude upon our country. That the rifle corps movement is also "advisable in present circumstances" we do not doubt, on the ground of the recent rumours of an interference with our just rights. Besides, the movement has pacified the fears of the timid and nervous, who never think themselves safe unless they are convinced by the adoption of more than ordinary means.-TNEJBOR.

The unsettled condition of the continent of Europe has caused great anxiety during the past year, and con

VOL. III.

tinues still to excite serious misgivings. We have seen a war, conducted with unusual vigour and brilliancy, abruptly concluded, while the object sought at its commencement was unattained, and the question it was to solve was only rendered more intricate. Since then an ignis-fatuus has been flitting before our eyes, in the shape of a Congress, where, in friendly conference, the great powers should unloose this Gordian knot. But the first rude gust of January blew it to the wind, and we are left in amazement to ask, What next? Will the affairs of Italy now be allowed quietly to subside? Or, if not, will the next appeal be to Mars or Minerva? Should it be to the sword, no more judicious step could have been taken by our countrymen, than that of drilling and arming themselves. By this means the security of the country is increased, the hands of Government strengthened, and the army rendered more effective; since, if needful, the home duties of a number of the regulars would be performed by volunteers. Britain will thus be more desired as a friend, more dreaded as an enemy, and, if neutral, more respected by all. Still more judicious is the movement, should the arts of diplomacy be employed. It will lend our representative greater influence; it will show him that the people have done their duty, and expect him unflinchingly to do his; while the sacrifice of time and money voluntarily made is an earnest of what the country can, and if necessary will do, which will cause his suggestions to be more aptly listened to.

Could we speak of the movement in more favourable terms, they should be applied to it as a permanent national institution. While it exists, we can give the lie to those who talk of Britain having reached her culminating point. The people who evince such love of liberty and country have youthful blood in their veins, and strength in their muscles. There is no position they cannot retrieve, and no crisis which their patriotism will not carry them

Q

successfully through. Improving gradually in discipline, and increasing in strength, these corps will form a national bulwark. And should despots, leagued together, ever threaten our sea-girt isle which Heaven forefend! - her sons, forgetting awhile the joys and fruits of peace and toil, will rally round her flag, and man her walls; they will draw the sword in defence of that liberty they have always enjoyed, inspired by the glory of their cause, and remembering that

Never did Britain's fame, More brightly shine, than when she stood alone,

Confiding solely in her own good sword."

We cannot overlook the curious fact, elicited by the present movement, that two towns in England, Rochdale and Carlisle, are completely under petticoat government; and that the ladies have commanded their liege lords (?) to fawn on the French, and forget their duty. How unlike the matrons of Sparta and Rome!

To allay their apprehensions, we may tell them that a volunteer force will never do to make war with. It is like

-to use a familiar example - the hedgehog's bristles, "united to protect, but not combined to injure." And none is better aware of this than our ally, -their bugbear, Napoleon III.-NONA.

Under present circumstances, the ad. visableness of rifle corps is evidenced in the fact that our outlay for naval and military purposes is increasing, and has been increasing, from year to year; so much so, that the most unthinking stand aghast at the enormous sums yearly swallowed up for the support of these two branches. Still, in the face of so great an outlay, when danger is reported to be menacing our shores, our Government have had to acknowledge the humiliating fact of their utter inability to meet it with anything of a force at all adequate to roll back the tide of invasion. The judiciousness of rifle corps is not to be viewed in a spírit of patriotism alone, but likewise in a spirit of economy; it is not only a great

movement to insure internal quiet, and strike terror to the hearts of external foes, but it is a movement having at its root a great tax-saving principle. The volunteer corps have imposed a willing tax upon themselves; they have closed the avenue against Government asking for more money for army purposes. Should they do so, has the country not its answer? We war not for conquest, our principles are only those of self-defence. What need of an increase in our army-have we not an army of hundreds of thousands of volunteers, able and willing to defend home and institutions, from whatever source they may be assailed? The movement has a deeper purpose in it than John Bright's conceit about the press trailing a red herring before the eyes of the nation; it has a purpose identical with his own views of governmental economy; its very principle is the acknowledgment that freemen alone should defend their freedom; in fact, it is the first instalment of our assimilation to John Bright's model republic-it is the first blow struck at the folly of standing armies in this country, except for colonial purposes. It is a movement that a learned speaker said lately would "change the whole current of society." It is no retrogression, but a progression. It has already had beneficial effects; it has imparted a firmer tone to our Government, and its influence has been felt in the silent cogitations of Europe's arbiter he that utters his oracles in the palace of the Tuileries, on whose words the despotic rulers of Europe hang their fate, as upon the words of inspiration Our volunteer movement has placed a barrier between him and this country of a character most consolatory to us, though to him most portentous.

Its judiciousness has been questioned but by a few, and their opposition has been of the most flimsy description. Under present circumstances it has wrought much good, and is destined to accomplish more.-D. R. R.