result either in our improvement or disadvantage, according to the use, or neglect of our talents. FOR THE BOWER OF TASTE. K. IMPROVEMENT OF TIME. flattering. I was possessed of good talents, and a large fortune; there was nothing to prevent my gaining a good education, excepting my own disinclination. But my friends (or those that professed themselves such) were ever telling me that A FEW evenings since, as I was much learning would only make walking in a shadowy retired me unhappy, by exciting the envy road, to enjoy the refreshing cool- of the rest of my sex, and I should ness of the air, I observed at no lose all my native gaiety and cheergreat distance from me, a neat white fulness. Too much pleased with cottage, pleasantly situated on the their flattery, and willing to indulge borders of a transparent river, sur-myself in indolence, I was thus derounded by trees of various kinds.luded, till it was too late to recede. On approaching it, my attention But let not your golden years be was directed towards a large elm spent in this manner. Remember that stood in front of the house, under which were sitting an elderly "The more our spirits are enlarg'd on earth. lady and a little girl. Not wishing The deeper draught shall we receive of heav to disturb them, as the youngest ap that en." CELESTE Lady, with the assurance that it was writ ten by a Miss, of thirteen, (and her fr piece.) Heaven bless these precocious infants! Should she ever arrive at the age of seventeen, we doubt whether she will produce any thing much superior, although from her extreme youth, we have reason to hope she may. FOR THE BOWER OF TASTE. peared attentively engaged in read-The following pretty article was sent us by a ing, I approached them with caution, in order to gratify an idle curiosity, by ascertaining the subject which so interested them. I found the little girl was perusing the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew; and when she read that passage which relates to the wicked and slothful servant who hid his Lord's talent in the earth, the old lady breathed a AUTUMNAL THOUGHTS. heavy sigh, and exclaimed, "I am I LEFT my home in the season of the wicked and slothful servant, flowers, when the fragrance of the who have buried my talents in the blossoms were borne upon the soft earth!" Then turning to her com-gale of morning, and the green wil panion, she observed, "Be not de-lows were laving their pensile bratceived, my child, by false friends. ches in the bright river that mean Though people may please you by praising the graces of your person, or by expressing the pleasure they enjoy in your society, or by telling how superior you are to others, yet know that these may not be your friends. A real friend will direct you to what is good and virtuous, rather than gratify your vanity by false praise. When a person warns you to do your duty, though it be in opposition to your inclination, believe that person your friend, and act accordingly. "In my youth, my prospects were dered through the meadow. I left my home when the robin greeted the first blush of morning with his song, while the rustic horn awakered the industrious husbandman to the labours of the field, from which he hoped to obtain a plenteous barvest. I have returned to the asy lum of my childhood, but the flow ers and the blossoms have passed a way with the summer breeze-the willow still waves over the streamlet, but its leaves are scattered upon its faded banks! I have returned to the dwelling of my parents, made and onerous toil; and I thought by the placid air of the venerable Chief Justice, that he was well content that The assistant Justices of the Supreme the harrasing question was decided. Court were also present, near the per sacred to my heart by their affectionate kindness; but the morning song of the spring bird is no longer heard at my casement, and my favourite woodbine no more requires my hand to prune its luxuriance-son of the President; and a group the sound of the horn is still heard, had collected in the same room; in and the labourers are abroad, gath- the midst of which I discovered the ering the harvest of the fruitful smiling features and playful eye of Lafayette. The Speaker was known to year; they regret not that the seabe favourable to the election of Mr. son of blossoms is over, for their Adams, and I thought I could trace toil is repaid with the substance of secret satisfaction at the result in a the earth. Why then should I re- countenance that his height elevated pine? Because Nature has exchan- above those of most of his companged her gayest livery" for the ions. There was no course exultasober robes of autumn? This tion on the part of the victors, nor garb may suggest a theme to a con- any unmanly dejection on that of the defeated. Several of the latter spoke templative mind even more useful to us; and in reply to the condolences than the gay mantle of spring. Let of my friend they made but one reme then hope, that the seeds of in-mark-" We shall see what the next struction that were implanted in my four years will do." "How do you bosom by those whom I most love, do, Gen. Jackson?" said Cadwallader, even with the opening of spring's as we passed out of one drawing-room first blossom, will in due season didate returned the greeting with his yield such fruit as may repay the la- usual mild and graceful mien. bour of cultivation, and the cares of watched his manly and marked feamy affectionate friends. tures narrowly, during the courteous dialogue that followed; but with all my suspicions, it was impossible to trace the slightest symptoms of a lurking disappointment. He left us laughing and conversing cheerfully with some ladies, who induced him to join their party. A minute before, he had been seen congratulating his successful rival with great dignity and with perfect good nature. We now entered the last apartment of the suite, with the hope of finding a cooler atmosphere. A group of men among HELEN. AN AMERICAN DRAWING ROOM. into another. The unsuccessful can 1 THE evening of the day of election was one of those on which Mrs. Monroe opens the doors of the Whitehouse to the motley assemblage I have already described. Great anxiety was felt by every one to be present because it was known that the principal personages of the question which was just decided, were in the habit of pay-whom perhaps a dozen women were ing their respects, on those occasions, to the wife of the first magistrate.We went at ten. Perhaps the company was a little more numerous than on the preceding drawing-room. It was composed of the same sort of visitors, and it was characterized by the same decency of exterior and deportment. We found the President and Mrs. Monroe in their usual places; the former encircled by a knot of politicians, and the latter attended by a circle of women, of rather brilliant appearance. Most of the secretaries were near, conversing cheerfully, like men who had got rid of an irksome intermingled, had collected about some object of common interest.Drawing near I caught a glimpse of the cold air, which in contrast to an uncommonly fine and piercing eye, forms so remarkable an expression in the countenance of Mr. Adams. He was certainly in good spirits; though had we not known his recent victory it is probable that his manner would not have been at all remarked. He soon extricated himself from the crowd and spoke to two or three of us who stood together. "Why have you not been to see us lately?" he enquired of a member of Congress ket." from Virginia; Mrs. Adams complains urday evening, the accused throwed that you were not at her levee last salt, and other spells, on the paveevening." "I have been there so ofment, and bewitched the whole marten this winter that I thought it necessary to be absent for the sake of form." "Is this etiquette ?" "We must ask that question of you;" returned the Virginian, laughing, allusion to the secretary's well known strictures on the subject; "you are our authority in all matters of etiquette." "Well then," returned the President elect, with great good humour, and with the tact of a courtier, "I pronounce it to be always the etiquette for Mr. to visit Mrs. Adams."-Notions of the Americans by Cooper. On being examined as to his belief in her power, he shook his head very knowingly and mysinteriously, and said that "such things had been done, and might be done; and, at all events, it was a breach of the peace." OMNIUM GATHERUM. "We are but the venders of other men's goods." The magistrate expressed his opinion, that from the clear and undisputed testimony in the case, be was not at liberty to dispute the fact; but, as he knew of no law, whether of the state or corporation, to prohibit any person from throwing salt on the pavement, he must discharge the prisoner-and the witnesses retired, complaining bitterly, that an example was not made of such a notorious witch. TRIAL OF A WITCH. Our neighbors of Baltimore have lately caught PROPENSITY FOR Stealing. In a a witch, but they have not drowned work published at Paris, on the Meher. She is described as very old, nomania of Theft, a singular case is very ugly and very black. She is mentioned by M. Esquirol, a physi not the only witch in Baltimore-cian. This gentleman had a patient, we know two others, but they are who, at the age of fifty-five, sudden very young, very beautiful and very ly acquired a propensity to steal the fair. The old witch (according to silver spoons and forks, wherever the Baltimore Gazette) puts spells he dined; but, as he was never unon vegetables and apples; the young attended, the property was always witches cast their spells on hearts taken from him on the following and senses. According to the fol- day, and returned to the owners. lowing account from the Balt. Gaz. Determined, if possible to conquer the magistrate is a wicked unbeliev-this propensity, M. Esquirol, on one er in the sublime art of witchcraft. occasion, when dining with his p The Justice commenced by exam-tient, in a numerous company, deining the witnesses to the fact-one tected him in the act of stealing a of whom testified that she had the "biggest pears and the most desi- the table. This exposure had the spoon, and publicly exposed him at red weggetibles, that the market desired effect, and, from that hour, could reford; but that the witch put the propensity to steal left him. her spells upon the weggetibles and the people in the market, and she PROPENSITY FOR Jesting. When could not sell nothing." Several Dr. Walcott (Peter Pindar) was dy other witnesses proved similar facts; ing, although at an extremely adand the watchman of the district, a vanced age, he was aware of the man about six feet six in his stock-crisis at which he had arrived. He ings; having first used the precau- raised himself sudden'y in bed, tions against witchcraft, which tra- when his nurse begged permission dition informs us are omnipotent into bathe and wash his face. “Oh," such cases, testified, that " on Sat- said he, "do not disturb me-they will take me as soon in heaven with a dirty face, as with a clean one." He spoke hardly a word after. Bower of Taste. THE SISTERS-AN ALLEGORY. ONE fine morning in Spring, three fair beings in the bloom of youth, happy as innocence could make them, obtained the privilege of enjoying an uncontrolled ramble in the delightful pleasure grounds, that environed their dwelling. Previous to this excursion, they met in a plain though beautiful temple, dedicated by Virtue to Friendship, where a reverend sage, who as he bestowed on them his benediction, gave to each a written precept, whereby she might guide her steps homeward, should she separate from her companions, or be so unfortunate as to lose her way, promising at the same time that she who returned with as pure and happy a heart as she went forth, should be entitled to a crown of perennial roses. For a few hours, they proceeded in the same path, till one was attracted by a beautiful parterre of flowers, and away she bounded, with all the gaiety of youth, to form a boquet for her bosom. The other paused by a sparkling river, and seated herself by its side to listen its murmurs, and gaze upon its brightness. river, saw her own bright image reflected upon its surface, and like Narcissus she was so fascinated by the loveliness of her fair shadow, so absorbed in self-contemplation, that darkness came upon her ere she was aware, which not only prevented her return to the path she had left, but also from reading the direction which had been given her, in case of losing her way. The fair girl wept in the anguish of her heart, at her own folly, but knowing her perils would only increase by remaining in darkness, she immediately determined to attempt finding her way back to her path, which she perceived proceeded the Temple. Suddenly a beam burst upon from the lights that illumined its dome, which was now plainly visible! Springing forward towards it with a heart beating with joy, and with all the energy of her soul, she hastened in a moment she was at the feet of the sage, of whom she implored forgiveness. Rise, daughter, said he, you have erred, but as you are sensible of your folly, I again receive you with this monition: Never again lose sight of the Temple of Virtue. She was now pressed to the bosom of her young compannion, upon whose brow blushed the wreath of "perennial roses." But where-wherewas the other fair one? Alas! hers was a less happy fate. She had unconsciously rested beneath the gay, though poison-distilling poppy, whose deadly influence, together with the chilling dews of night had sealed her eyes, to wake no more, in the fair though deceitful bowers of Pleasure. A plain stone was placed over her grave-but no tear hallowed the spot where she slept ! The last, left all alone, felt not however unhappy in her solitude. Her heart was formed for the temperate enjoyment of all that is beautiful in nature, or art, without being a slave to the pleasures of either. After partaking of all the fruits and flowers that grew in her path, she retired to a shadowy bower, where she had leisure to reflect on what she had seen, and store in her mind all that was worth remembering-as also to peruse the scrip which was given her by the sage. It contained these words: "Stray not beyond the boundaries of the Temple of Virtue-Return while yet there is light." Having rested herself, and drank of a sparkling fountain" at her feet, she arose to depart, beguiling her steps with a cheerful song, till she reached the Temple. But what was her sorrow to find, that though the shades of night were now fast falling around, her companions had not returned! She, who had been lured from her path by the gaiety of the flower-garden, had revelled with delight amid the glowing scene, charmed with the hue and fragrance of the flowers, until fatigued by wandering about in search of variety, and oppressed by their enervating sweets, she had fallen asleep in the arbour. She, who wandered by the SCRAPS FROM A PORT-FOLIO. THE BALL. THE Sound of the joy-inspiring viol, the shrilbreathing clarionet, and the heavy beat of the martial drum, is the signal for the young and beautiful to assemble in the hall of pleasure; not that the old and ugly, may not follow, if their will so lead them— To view the belle who lightens down the hall, While half who gaze can scarcely move at all." We have witnessed more of the scicence of dancing in its perfection at Saratoga springs than at any other place, some three years since. A young German belle' bore the palm of superiority for the season, both with regard to her grace in dancing, and also her musical talents, which were unsurpassed by any lady in our country: The beauty of her face consisted wholly in its intelligence, but her form was symmetry itself--just such as Terpsichore would choose her representative should possess. There was in her performance, that cans with an eye of coldness and jealousy, and no doubt still cherish a spirit of revenge against the innovators of their ancient rights. There is a pride about this people, which will rarely suffer them to become servants. They still prefer the liberty of the forest, the uncertain meal, and the frail covering of the tent, to all the comforts which a civilized home could afford them, if the conditions were ser vitude. ethereal lightness, that" poetry of motion," so beautifully described by Miss Owenson. She did indeed 'dance with all her soul.' Although in these incongruous assemblies, made up of fashionables and unfashionables from every part of the world, there must necessarily be many exceptions to grace and elegance; still, the dancing here is generally of a superior order, with more observance of etiquette than might be expected, considering the crowd of the rooms. To promote the general gaiety of the scene, and indulge in the pleasures of the dance, are the principal objects of these 'hops,' where there is little of III. on Wednesday evening, was decidedly formality. Still, those who are most acquain- superior to his first,-owing probably to the ted, form cotillions and quadrilles by them-powerful support which he received from selves, which renders it more pleasant than to mix with entire strangers. TREMONT THEATRE. Mr. Booth's second performance of Richard Messrs. Archer and Wilson. The ladies should also be mentioned as sustaining their respective parts with grace and propriety. Miss Placide, in particular, as the QueenMother, made a strong appeal to the feelings in parting with her children. To Readers and Correspondents. We are happy occasionally to gratify our friends, a may be seen by publishing such 'Extracts as their fancy may induce them to send us; but to many, particularly Alice, we would recom mend the pen, instead of the scissors, which we can if occasion require, use ourselves. One private evening we were gratified with the performance of the Waltz, by two lovely girls, who passed through all its graceful evolutions, to the masterly touch of the piano, by a fair amateur from the South. This was the most perfect exhibition of the grace and beauty of Nature, that we ever saw; it was the very soul and sentiment of dancing. We have witnessed the whirlings, and leapings, and curvatures of the stage, which rather astonish than please. But here, there was no labour for effect, no extravagance of gesture, or distortion of features; We have received from a celebrated and all appeared free and unstudied. They were deservedly favourite writer, part of an interdressed in simple frocks of plain lace, over esting and well written Tale. We thank him white satin and pearl ornaments, with a for his liberality, and will publish it with wreath of natural flowers in their hair, bright pleasure, if he will please to furnish the schole as the blush which exercise had kindled upon and not otherwise, as several recent embar their dimpled cheeks,-which was not dimin-rassments have occurred to the publishers of ished by the universal admiration which their the Bower in not receiving the copy of arti performance and beauty excited. cles in due season, which were designed to be continued. During the summer months, there is an encampment of Indians in this village. These people locate themselves near the Springs, in order to obtain charity from, or sell articles of their own manufacture to, the visitors, by whom they are liberally paid. The dignity of the Indian character must have wonderfully depreciated, to judge of the specimen here exhibited of that people. Notwithstanding their ingenuity, they are indolent, improvident, and regardless both of decency and neatness in their apparel, which discovers all the disgusting variety of squalid mendicity. Through the day, the men may be seen lounging upon the grass, smoking, or asleep within their tents; while the women are employed in making baskets, mocasins, &c. or cooking their wretched meals. In short, all their work, however laborious, is performed by the women, who are coarser and more rude in their manners, than the men. They seem to regard the Ameri even ," (dear) what can the matter be? The gentleman who "achieved his best dancing school bow" in presenting himself as a visiter to our Bower, complains bitterly in the last Bachelors Journal, of being sent home! withsaid professor of politeness forgotten what bis out stating "the why or the wherefore.”—Ess master probably told him, that if he engaged a place in the dance, and neglected to appear when repeatedly called for by the managers, would be appointed in his stead? who, though less accomplished in the art of bowing might nevertheless answer to 'finish' the dance. In oth another er words, we could tell him that whoever engag a seat, if it is in a wigwam, and neglects to c py it, ought to lose it. THE BOWER OF TASTE, edited by MRS. KATHA All literary communications should be, as form |