Imágenes de página
PDF
ePub

the northern boundary are the mouths of the rivers Ems, Weser, and Elbe. Sophia, the mother of George I., obtained for her husband in 1692, the dignity of an Elector of the Empire; though three of the other electors, and most of the princes of the empire, opposed this grant from the Emperor; and Ernest Augustus, consequently, never enjoyed more than the nominal rank. From 1700, when Sophia was declared heiress to the British throne, to 1708, when that elevation became more certain, these obstacles were surmounted, and the Elector George, who had succeeded his father in 1698, was fully invested with the rights belonging to his title, and with those of Arch-treasurer. Hannover at that period comprized only 2120 square geographical miles, and about 350,000 inbabitants. Lüneberg, thrice as large, and with twice the number in population, became united to it in 1705, by the death of the Elector's uncle. Bremen and Verden, were purchased from Denmark for about 100,000 guineas, in 1715 and Bentheim was also acquired by money in 1753. The remainder of these dominions have been obtained by the late arrangements in Europe.

sidered as the instruments of this police. | ral governor. A concordat for these is now
They communicate frequently with the go- negociating at Rome: but the Catholick
vernments, both of the provinces and the ge- Church is endowed with little wealth, as the
neral government, which are consequently church possessions have been secularized,
well informed of every occurrence.
and the priests are allowed only small salaries
and establishments. The head of this church
is the Abbot of Loccum, the independance
of whose abbey was secured by the treaty of
Westphalia; he alone remains in the simili-
tude of pristine power. He is elected alter-
nately by the crown and chapter, and has a
revenue equal to one of our poorest bi-
shopricks. There are 25 secularized reli-
gious corporations for both sexes in Hanno-
ver; but their funds are extremely limited,
their priors, &c. mere sinecurists, and their
general executive, the Kloster Cammer, ap-
pointed by the Crown.

Each village, again, has what is called a
Vorsteher, or Baumeister, who is the organ
to expound the will of the superiors to his
fellow-parishioners, and to forward the re-
clamations or complaints of the whole parish
to these superiors. He is generally chosen
by the inhabitants yearly; he is a farmer or
some other inhabitant of the parish; he has
something to do with the adininistration of
the church, and of the poor, and, on the
whole, exercises functions somewhat similar
to our churchwardens and overseers com-
bined. The provincial governments extend
their authority to every thing-even to regu-
late the killing of sparrows, the keeping of pi-
geons, the duties of midwives, the extirpa-
tion of weeds. In short, there is hardly an
action of human beings capable of being
prescribed, respecting which one or other of
these governments has not issued directions.
The practice of medicine is subject to police
regulation. The power of the crown is very
considerable over the magistracy of the
towns; the clergy generally over all classes
of the population eligible to office or employ-are
ment.

The Protestant church in Hannover is ad-
ministered by Pastors (parish priests), with
from 60l. to 4007. per annum. Each has a
Cantor (Clerk), and a Kuster (Sacristan).
The general superintendance lies with a
Consistorium, resembling the synods and
general assembly in Scotland. Tythes are
the property of the crown, of particular
nobles, or of some corporate body.

An eighth part of the people, principally in Hildesheim and Osnabruck, are however Roman Catholicks. They have a bishop in each of these two provinces, besides the Prince Bishop, our Duke of York, who, whether ecclesiastic or layman, is the tempo

The present government consists of H. R. H. the Duke of Cambridge, President of the Cabinet Ministry, and Governor General: the Cabinet Ministers have the title of Excellency' and have the different departments entrusted to them, with subordinate officers and secretaries. But there is a branch of power to which we have no parallel; it is called the Kammer, Chamber, and its duty is to manage the whole of the domains and property belonging to the crown; including regalia, certain rights to forests, to salt, to metals, to levy tolls, and other privileges, together with rather more than one sixth of the whole land of the ancient dominions, without including what did belong to religious bodies, but now under the controul of the Monarch. The Duke of Cambridge presides over the Kammer, assisted by one of the Ministers, a vice pre- The consistoriums regulate all matters resident, and six counsellors, with a great many Camaralen, secretaries, writers, &c. It is of course, a court of much influence throughout the country. That portion of the land which is the property of the crown is divided into what are called Amts, each of which in general comprises several parishes. Over the Amt, an amtman, who is a jurisconsult, is placed as magistrate. Land not under the government of some Amtman, or of sonie towns, belongs to the nobles, and they exercise the powers of government over it. The amtmen are appointed by the Chamber, and when they are noblemen, as they sometimes are, they take the title of Landdrost. When the latter are not themselves learned in the law, they have a jurisconsult, who is then called Amt's assessor, placed under them. These persons have the power of enforcing the orders of government in their respective districts. They correspond strictly to no magistrates of our country, but resemble justices of the peace more than any other. The police of their districts is under their controul. They have certain servants, or Vogts, who may be con

The new constitution of this kingdom is modelled upon that of Britain. Its representative system consists of 101 persons, 48 of whom represent the nobility, 10 the clergy, 37 the towns, and 6 the holders of free property, which has not the privileges of nobility attached to it. Four of the six represent the free proprietors of Friezland, one of those of Hoya, and one is sent by the inhabitants of the marsh lands on the Elbe. Those classed as representatives of the Clergy

elected by the chapters of the secularized convents, above mentioned; and the representatives of the towns are elected by the magistrates. The parliament is called the jahen Gesellschaft—the Assenting Society. The deputies who live out of the town of Hannover receive each 13s. 4d. per day; those who live in that town only 6s. 8d. The officers of the assembly have higher allowances. Members may resign if they please; otherwise the elections are for life.

The revenues of Hannover consist of about

The army of Hannover consists of about 13000 regulars, including 4500 cavalry: the landwehr is estimated at 18,000 men. The former are recruited by voluntary enlistment; the latter by ballot, as in our militia, but with needful modifications. They are exercised a month in every year, and only subject lative to the discipline of the church. They are to military discipline during that time. A the trustees of all the funds which yet belong to force of at least 30,000 men is thus always it. They superintend the business of education; available. Punishments are severe, and runthey very often appoint schoolmasters; they ning the gauntlet still a common infliction. have the examination of all candidates for cleri- The officers receive their first commission cal offices; and they lend their aid to the well from the bounty of the sovereign, and rise afgovernment of the people. They are also ec- terwards according to seniority. Every one clesiastical courts, which decide in cases of di- must study three years at a military school. the divorce between George I. and his wife some half a million sterling of Domanial income, vorce. Those of Celle and Hannover pronounced few years before he was called to the throne of Great Britain. They are the judges in all comand of the produce of seven taxes. (viz. on plaints made against the morals of the clergy. As land, on things consumed in towns, on brewan instance of their power and practice in such ing and distilling, on salt, on stamps, on cases the following anecdote may serve: The imported articles, and on income and perwife of a clergyman was delivered of a child sons), estimated at a total of half a million some few months earlier than was consistent with more. The national debt is above three the date of her marriage. The parishioners milions, and the whole expenditure, includcomplained of their pastor. The affair was ex-ing the interest, is not calculated at so much amined by the consistorium, and, in spite of his as one half of the revenue. observing that the fault of his wife was not his The administration of justice is commitfault, he was removed to another parish, of which the emoluments were less. As the character of ted to patrimonial courts, justice chanceries, his wife was known, there was some truth, as and a court of appeal. The first mentioned well as wit, in the observation of a lady, who, have jurisdiction. in civil suits only, or in when this story was told her, said it was a shame both civil and criminal. The members are to punish the poor man for what he had not oc-appointed by the proprietors and magistracy casioned. in their respective towns. There are seven

- resort.

THE LITERARY GAZETTE, AND

the higher pursuits of the human nind
and we hope our learned readers will not
think we are descending too low in the
Our Reviews very often range among

Frances Fairthought. 2 vols. 18mo.
London, 1820.

[ocr errors]

superior tribunals called Justice Chanceries, each with a jurisdiction over several pro- for the poor. The Vorstehers of the villages, vinces. The chief court of appeal is at Celle and some of the citizens of the towns, call on There is no legal provision in Hannover in Luneburg, and was established in 1713. the inhabitants, generally of a Sunday, for It consists of a president, two vice-presi- some little contribution for the relief of the dents, and eighteen judges. The three pre- distressed, which, from the publicity of the sidents, and six of the judges, are appointed thing, they are under a sort of necessity to by the crown; the other twelve by the States, give, and if they do not, the collector is scale, if we introduce to their notice a little so that every province has a judge in the ordered to notify it to the clergyman. The court, acquainted with its local laws. The collectors bring with thein a book, in which salaries are from 2501. to 3007. a-year, ex-the sum given by each person is inscribed, The title of Evenings Abroad would, we work produced for the rising generation ;— clusive of fees. This Court is famous for and they, in some cases, receive a small re-think, have been better than the double impartiality. There are subordinate courts compence for their labour. The funds so "To teach the young idea how to shoot." of appeal in every county, but this is the last obtained are distributed by the collectors, nothing which for originality, fancy, amusethe towns, according to the wants of each near the justly prized Evenings at Home. name given to these tales; for we have seen person soliciting relief. When this money is When we consider how much the character by the clergymen, and by the magistrates of ment, and moral instruction, has come so collected, the inhabitants are warned by the of maturity depends on the direction of incollectors not to give aluns, and they seem to fancy and culture of youth, that expect, that, for what they give on this occa- twig is bent the tree's inclined," and that sion, they ought never to be tormented by much of the misery or happiness of life debeggars. the most grave, what books should be put into the hands of children; and grant that that it is not beneath the consideration of pends on early impressions, we must feel the writer who creates a valuable article in this class, is worthy of a page in the foremost records of philanthropy and literature. Without apology, therefore, we not only devote a portion of the Literary Gazette to the recommendation of The Neighbourhood to parents and instructors of youth, but select one of the tales, as an example of the ability with which the whole are contrived.

The land of Hannover is divided amongst persons who may be conveniently classed thus-The sovereign, the nobles, town and religious corporations, persons not noble. One sixth at least, as we have mentioned, belongs to the sovereign, and possibly more than three-sixths may belong to the nobles, one-sixth to the corporations, and less than one-sixth to persons not noble. That which belongs to the sovereign is again divided in general into large portions, which have once been noble or ecclesiastical properties, and are now let by the crown in their entire state. They may contain from 500 to 3000 acres, or in the unfruitful provinces even more, with rights of pasturage over large districts, and in some cases, with a right to the services of the peasants. tithes also are sometimes united to them. The They are let to the amtmen, to individuals, or to noblemen filling the office of amtmen: but it is always considered as a favour to have them, and they are let only to those persons whom the government wishes to gratify or reward.

There are 644 noble properties in the kingdom, several of which are united in the hands of one person; bat there is no one nobleman whose income amounts to more than 30,000 Thalers, or 50007. per year. Counts Hardenberg and Platen are amongst the most opulent of the nobility.

as in a good state. Meat costs from two
pence halfpenny to four pence per pound.
The agriculture of Hannover is represented
Wheat or rye between four and five shillings
the bushel; barley three shillings, oats one
and nine pence, potatoes nine pence. The
wages of men from sixpence to eightpence;
of women from fourpence to sixpence. A
considerable quantity of grain is exported,
especially from Friezland. There is one in-
bandry of this part of the world.
teresting custom connected with the hus-

་་

as the

You are at this

[ocr errors]

ters any town is usually conducted in tri- puss and her kitten were basking in the sunThe first corn of every harvest which enumph. The waggon which carries it is de- shine, the old cat thought it a good opporcorated with flowers, the people go out to tunity to give her young one a word of adIt was one fine summer's morning, as meet it, and they accompany it into the town vice, as she was about to leave her protection, in a gay and joyous manner. ous a state. There is not a steam engine in tail, and listen attentively, she thus began: the kingdom; and few modern improvements The manufactures are not in so prosper-her, therefore, to leave off playing with her and must soon shift for herself Desiring in nachinery have yet found their way to understand that what I am going to tell you Hannover. The arts, we may also notice, arc is for your own good: and, if you are not as also in their infancy: there is not one sculp-foolish as men and women, you may profit "You are of an age, my dear Tibby, to Rents are from 78. to 12s. per acre, and good pictures or statues in the kingdom. The the occupiers of small portions of land are only painter of the least reputation, is a tor of any eminence, nor a single gallery of by the experience of another. divided into meyers (again subdivided into Mr. Ramberg, who was educated in England, before I begin, I must say something upon half meyers, or quarter meyers, according and who has so singular a taste that he never your conduct at present. "I will tell you my history, which may to the size of their farms), and Leibeige- could paint a female with the slightest cha-moment biting and destroying the buds of serve you as a lesson through life. But, ners, which strictly speaking means a per-racteristic of modesty. Literature does not that carnation, as fast as you can: and I son who owns his own body, and nothing stand on a high eminence. more. The meyer pays the landlord a'yearly sum, or quantity of produce; and also a tion is general. From the age of six to certain sum when from death or transfer the fourteen all children are taught, and parents We have only further to add, that educa-out of a place, than doing mischief in the assure you that nothing will sooner turn you proprietary is changed. The landlord cannot alter these conditions, except the heir is spring to the schools provided for their in-counsel, and a gaudy butter-fly, made a an idiot, or the rent for the renewal of the struction. Government contributes largely sudden spring; and, though she did not are punished if they fail to send their off was divided between her mother's sage Just at this instant Tibby, whose attention lease has not been paid. The conditions by to this beneficial plan. Music is much cul- succeed in catching it, she unluckily snapped which the leibeigener holds his land are also tivated, and besides reading, writing, and the stalk of a beautiful tulip which fixed, they are not the arbitrary will of his arithmetic, the lowest orders can usually close by. The old cat flirted her tail in lord, and it descends with these to his chil-play on some instrument. dren; but they are conditions of service so onerous, that they reduce him almost to sla-solid, and good; their morals apparent- vain pleasures of the world are alike pursued The character of the population is calm, great anger. his lord a certain number of days in the year, dient, social, contented, and happy. He is obliged to cultivate the land of ly not very strict; but they are loyal, obe- by men and cats. That tulip which you "I see how it is," cried she, "all my cautions will be thrown away, the to neglect his own harvest while he is carying in that of his lord, to employ his horses to bring home his lord's wood, to have so carelessly crushed, was planted by supply his lord with coach-horses when he our young mistress, to whose kindness it is demands them; in short, to do him all am very sorry for what has happened, but owing that I ever came into this family." sorts of feudal services, "Indeed, mother, promise you I will be more steady in future ¿ said the kitten, "I

very.

The Neighbourhood; or Evenings Abroad:
being Original Tales, Narratives, and
Fables, &c. Edited and arranged by

I

garden."

grew

not stir."

66

[ocr errors]

When the old woman had finished her meal, she gave me a little milk and water, which, though very poor, I was very thankful for, and resolved to behave well in this place, if I was permitted to stay.

[ocr errors]

and if you will but go on with what you early, refreshed indeed by sleep, but as hun- | came in, and, seeing what had happened, were saying, I will sit so still that if even a gry as ever. Oh how I thought of the began to scold the girl, the girl to explain mouse were to run across the path, I would mice that used to run about the stable, and the cause; and, in the midst of this clatter, which, at that time, I was too idle to care I contrived to make my escape. I ran a That, Tibby," replied her mother, "is for, or catch. I once more thought of reach-great way without stopping, but, finding no more than I require, and, indeed, I am ing my home, supposing that if I went on, one in pursuit, Islackened my pace. It was sorry to say, you are by no means so eager I must arrive there at last; when after tra- not long before another door presented itself, in quest of mice as I could wish to see you. velling a great way, I came to a wood, and, towards which I crept. I had not waited Yesterday afternoon, when, for the first time peeping about among the trees, had the long when an old woman came out, and, in your life, you caught one, and I was watch-good luck to find a dead bird. This was an sceing me, did not express any thing discouing for you in the parlour, hoping, with a unexpected prize. I growled over it for raging. 'Well, puss,' said she, who do mother's pride, to see you enter with it in some time, to detcr any one who might be you belong to I looked at her, as much your mouth, and shew the family you could so daring as to attempt taking it from me; as to say, to you, if you please.' The old be useful, when, after waiting a considerable I have since found this to be a very foolish woman put out her hand and stroked me; time, I went to seek you, I found you peep-notion, having very often lost a tit-bit by the this I took for a good omen, and, being of a ing about under a gooseberry-bush, and you very means I took to secure it. To return, free disposition, I entered, and seating myasked me if I had seen any thing of it. This having satisfied my hunger, I was in high self by the fire, began washing my face, morning, again, when I left you with a strict spirits, and again began to frolick about hoping I had at last found a home. charge not to leave the hole at the pantry soon after which I discovered a nest of fielddoor, till you had secured a mouse; on my mice; my heart beat with the fear of their return you had left your post, and was try- escaping ine, but I was fortunate enough to ing, with all your night, to get your four secure a fine one; so I now thought myself feet upon a ball, which, if it were possible, quite independent, and, as there seemed no is certainly of no use.' chance of finding my home again, I resolved The kitten now settled herself into an at- to make myself as happy as I could. Necestentive posture, and the old cat, adjusting sity soon made me very dexterous in catching her whiskers, thus began: "I was brought birds and mice, of which there were plenty. up in a stable, along with a brother and I slept at nights in the hollow of a tree, and sister: unfortunately for us, our mother upon the whole passed my time very pleawas too fond of pleasure to like the confine- santly, being only a silly kitten, and looking ment of the place, so we were often left for no farther than the present moment. Winter, hours together with no better amusement however, approached, a season of which I than to bite and scratch each other. Upon had not had any experience; and, as it drew our mother's return, she would fondle and on, the means of my subsistence began to pur over us, tell us how happy we were to fail. The birds forsook the woods, to be have such a snug place; that few cats were nearer the houses, and the mice hardly ever half so well off, hoped we should always be stirred out; a heavy fall of snow coming on, good kittens, and stay at home, which, she I found, if I remained there, I should be assured us, was the only place for true hap-starved to death. So, one moonlight night, piness. In short, her advice was excellent, I left the wood, and took the first road that but, as she never set us the example, we chance presented. After going a considedid not attend to it; for, after giving us rable way, I saw some cottages at a distance, these lectures on staying at home, as soon and having heard from my mother that cats as she thought we were fast asleep, away were very serviceable to man, I thought of she would creep, when, scrambling over the course I must be a welcome guest any where. top of the door, we saw no more of her till But here all was close shut, and I waited day-light. We were now grown strong patiently till chance should give me an opporenough to run about, and I was determined tunity of entering. Day now appearing, to make the most of my liberty. So one I heard some stirring in the house, and soon day, whilst the others were frisking about after the door opened, and a girl came out the stable-yard, I slipped out unnoticed into with a pitcher in her hand; as she left the the fields. I shall never forget the joy Idoor a little open, I had an opportunity of felt in scampering over the grass, and play-surveying the place. A woman was sitting ing with every leaf which fell from the trees; with a child in her lap, watching something all that I saw served me for sport; as for which was boiling on the fire; not choosing food, I thought it a trifle in comparison with to make my appearance too abruptly, I stole my liberty, having had a good meal before I set out. Night, however, came on, and I began to think I might as well return to the stable, and get my supper; so I turned, (as I thought) right for my home, and, setting off full trot, imagined I should get there presently. But when, after crossing many helds, I saw nothing of my home, I began to be frightened, and, by this time, very hun

gry.

For the first time, though not for the fast, I repented not having followed my mother's advice. But it was now too late. I had completely lost myself, and was in danger of perishing from hunger. Quite exhausted, I sat down under a hedge, and, after mewing most piteously, thinking perhaps my mother would hear me, I fell fast asleep. I awoke

in, and, getting into a corner, I observed
what was going on. The bread and milk
which had been in preparation was now
poured out, and the child given into the lap
of the girl to feed it, while the mother was
otherwise employed. The mess being rather
too warm, and the baby very impatient, the
girl placed herself with her back to the basin,
that the child might not see it, till it was
quite ready; and while she was attempting to
quiet, or rather to drown, its noise with her
own, I, who found the temptation too much,
stole up behind her, and was just beginning
to lap, when, at that unlucky moment, she
turned round, and, aiming a blow, myself
and the milk were in a moment on the
ground. The mother, on hearing the noise,

[ocr errors]

Presently my mistress put on her bonnet to go out, and, as I had never moved from the fire since I came in, ventured to leave me in possession of the hearth. As soon as she was gone, I began to look about me; and having a great deal of curiosity, I examined every thing in the place. The smell of the cupboard soon attracted me; and here all my good resolutions were about to fail me, and I should certainly have been imprudent enough to have helped myself, if I could have opened the door, (which was only secured by a button;) I heard some one at the outer latch, and had but just time to drop from the door, and settle myself by the fire, when the old woman entered; I fancy she guessed what I had been attempting, for the first thing she did was to go and see that all was safe in her cupboard. After dinner, my mistress took up her knitting, and I composed myself to sleep; towards evening, as I still lay on the warm hearth (a luxury I thought I could never have enough of) a neighbour entered, who, observing me, said, "Why, this is not your Tom!" No, replied the old dame, I sold him last week to the young gentlemen belonging to the great school on the hill; it was a holiday, and they wanted to try the spirit of their dogs; as Tom was such a fine fierce cat, they thought he would make excellent sport. What then, did you sell your poor cat to be worried by dogs? instead of which it would have been more proper to have acquainted their master.' '* Oh !' cried the old woman, it would have been of no use, their master has enough to do to teach them Greek and Latin; he never interferes with their amusements. To be sure I was sorry to part with poor Tom, who used to follow me about the house, and was such company for me; but they offered so handsome a price, that I thought it was a pity to disappoint such rich young gentlemen for the sake of a cat; and now, you see, I've got another.' Poor creature! said the woman, she appears to have been nearly starved.' "That may be,' replied the other; but she has had a good dinner to-day, for she eat till she left.' This was true, for she had given me nothing but bones. She farther observed,

[ocr errors]

[ocr errors]
[graphic]

learned to distinguish rabbits from rats, and that birds in cages are not to be eaten, I am in no danger of losing the favour of the family. The lady to whom you are going is flower-garden; let me therefore advise you, (as you value a good place,)" At this fond of cats, but she is also, fond of her moment, turning round, the old Cat saw that all her advice was thrown away, for little Tibby was gamboling about in all directions, making wreck of whatever she came near. The mother would have given way to anger and vexation, but, feeling more inclined to go to sleep, curled herself round to take her nap, leaving Tibby and the flowers each to their fate.

that cats were very dainty, for Tom would the difference between canary birds and sparnever eat lobster-shells. This was enough for rows. This, however, was above my comme; I discovered that, if I stayed here, I prehension, and one day making a spring at might serve to make sport for young gentle- the cage, it fell to the ground; the noise men, or starve if I could not help myself. From this time I meditated my escape, and mistake, by throwing a foot-stool at my accordingly took my departure. I had not head, which, missing its object, was brought brought in a servant, who soon rectified my gone far, when meeting a dog running at a in contact with a large china jar, and it was great rate, at which I took fright, I made broken. This proved of more value than the cathe best of my way over a wall into a garden, nary bird, which made the mischief complete. and hid myself under a water-butt. Here II now found there was nothing left but to remained for some time, till at last, ventur- hide myself till the storm had blown over, ing to creep out from beneath it, was per- which I did beneath the water-tub, where I ceived by one of the servants, who attempt- had at first taken shelter; here I remained ed to lay hold of me, but I shrank back into till night, when, creeping out, I encounter my hiding-place, thinking that every one I ed the house-dog. We had always been very saw was an enemy. It happened, however, good friends, so I stopped to consult him on that this house was much infested with rats the nature of my situation; I learned from imagination, and useful tendency of these and mice, and a cat was in great request; him, that I must leave, as death or banish-stories, we must impress on their author the so every means was used to entice me from ment had been determined on. Indeed, necessity of a careful revision of her style, in While we give all credit to the playfulness, my hiding-place, and I was soon persuaded Puss,' said Ranger, I pity you very much, subsequent editions. The grammatical conno harm was intended me. In this family I for I have myself suffered from the inconsis-struction is frequently imperfect, and the shortly became a favourite, and lived in tency of my masters; indeed, I experience sentences are often too long and involved plenty and security; the housekeeper sound- this every day, though upon the whole I for a work of this kind. Possessing the sued my praise from the bottom to the top of have a very good place. Sometimes when perior qualities of invention, natural obserthe house, for she could now lock up her I bark, I am praised for my watchfulness; vation, and pure morality, it is to be regretpastry in safety, without the fear of its be- at other times, I am scolded for making a ted that there should be any drawback on ing nibbled. All went on well for some time, noise. On my master's return I am at account of verbal inaccuracies. The Ladywhen unfortunately my master's eldest son one time permitted to show my fond- bird's Nest, Kate Higgins, and The Wish, took a fancy to keep rabbits; and I, who ness; at another I am beat off. at that time saw little difference between it is no wonder they should behave so to every one has something to recommend it them and rats, thought I could not do the us, for I have observed the same conduct to a favourable reception. family a better service than to destroy them. towards their children; for the other day my But are among the best of the other tales; but As I was continually upon the watch, I soon young master was throwing stones; his fafound an opportunity; the young gentleman ther seeing him, said, Well done, my boy, became tired of attending to them, and left you can hit a mark pretty well.' the rabbits in charge to his servants; I pro- morning, with no more intention of mischief, fited by their neglect, and soon found means he happened to hreak a window, for which of dispatching three. This was not immedi- he was severely punished, although he ately discovered, and probably never would, pleaded in excuse, that he was only trying to had not my vanity on catching a fourth, hit a mark, for which his father had before write a note is here a task; and you require prompted me to show my exploit; so I car- commended him.' Here our conversation a long letter, with an account of every thing ried up my prize, as I had been used to do, ended, and with much regret I took my which strikes me as remarkable in the New You do not know what you ask: even to to shew the family how diligent I had been. leave, preferring my chance in banishment. World. I will endeavour to give you satisBut what was my consternation on finding to that of death. Not to tire your patience, faction; but I warn you beforehand, that I shall myself seized and buffeted about the head my next place afforded me simply shelter, require time. The poco à poco is the maxim till I let go my hold. I was then taken for as to food, my careful mistress was too of every hot climate. I may begin by tellto the hutch, and beaten again, which I conscientious to regard the subsistence of ing you that since my arrival, about four-fifths thought would have ended my punishment; animals, urging, that mice were their pronot so, for on the discovery that more were de- per food; of these, my vigilance and hunger vanished before my eyes, from the effects of stroyed, the young gentleman made a serious soon cleared the place; so one night, after the Vomito Negro, better known under the proposal for having me drowned. From breaking into a pigeon-pie, I made my re-name of the Yellow Fever. What the cause of those who came from Europe with me have this fate I was saved by the pleadings of the treat, well knowing that no mercy would be of this sickness is, and what are the reme housekeeper. They then tried to persuade shewn me. At a sufficient distance from dies for it, the physicians of this country the young gentleman, as he was tired of his this place I was tempted to enter a house, know no more than I; they prescribe very rabbits, to send them away; but this was from the caresses of some children who different remedies, which however have a not to be done. The perverse boy no were playing at the door. Here I was not the same effect, namely, that of sendin Sooner found that he was desired to part doomed to suffer in my own person, but, their patients to the other world. The ne with them, than they became of value, and what was much worse, in those of my off-gresses, (which is very humiliating for the point was at last settled by putting the spring; for animals in this family were con- science) treat the disease with much better hutch in a more secure place. It was now sidered only as inachines, and I had the mi- success; and the captains who have brought summer, and I spent the greatest part of my sery to see my kittens made the playthings them from the African coast, are fain to time in the garden, watching and catching of the children, without the power to prevent solicit their assistance, and owe their preser the sparrows. My master observing me, their being tormented. This family I did vation to those whom they have deprived F said, What a fine bird-catcher this cat is, not, however leave; it left me, for, without their country and liberty. she saves me the trouble of shooting them, any consideration for my fate, they moved which I must otherwise do to preserve my off every thing but me. I took my station at cherries. So I was now in as high favour as the door, still lingering on the spot I had ever; but again an unlucky circumstance been accustomed to; and here I was found brought me into disgrace. My mistress had by our present mistress, who, seeing me in bought a fine canary-bird, of which she ap- a most deplorable state, charitably took me peared extremely fond, and very reasonably under her protection, where I experience (as she thought) imagined, I should know kindness without caprice; and as I have

dreadful disorder; it already prevails in all
the ports of the island of Cuba: I hear jut
now, that of a hundred Frenchmen who were
The Havannah is not the only seat of this
sent about two months ago to Nuevitas, one

Great Britain-a fact which would augment the
interest of the following narrative. Edit.
It is stated that Cuba is about to be ceded to

Full of despair, you throw yourself upon it, rather not to hear or see any thing more, than to sleep. In vain! The miserable hard mattrass produces heat and intolerable restlessness; you cannot sleep, and unhappily, you cannot dream with open eyes; the groans from an adjoining chamber would depress the most lively fancy. This happened to me on the first night; I had scarcely arisen when I hastened to obtain information respecting the sick person, whose lamentations I had heard." He is out," was the answer. This satisfied me; the next day I learnt that that he would not come back again-he had been taken away to be buried! This, my friend, is a true relation of my first day; three fourths of those just arrived have had enough of it, and immediately re-embark the military are generally the first to run off, from which I conclude, that notwithstanding their valour, they value their life more than we imagine.

half have perished. The country is indeed pearance. On a nearer approach several of moskitoes, the sting of which is burning; more healthy, but the Vomito Negro is also small country scats on the right, and a village and your ears against the constant ringing of felt there, though less frequently, and with less called Salnd, at a distance, are visible. This eight or ten bells. There they toll for a inveteracy. The natives are not so entirely prospect is rather pleasant. In a few mi- death, here for a funeral, and in another free from it as is generally believed. It is nutes you have passed the little canal which place for divine service. At last you arrive only on very hard condition, that they can leads to the harbour, and suddenly discover at your lodging. An immense saloon almost secure themselves against it; namely, that an immense basin of an oval form, in which as large as a barn, and nearly as empty, is of never leaving the Havannah, or the other sometimes from a thousand to twelve hun- the eating room; small chambers, even more ports. Those who sail for the continent of Ame-dred flags of all nations may be seen waving. empty than the saloon, serve for bedrica, or to Europe, nay, even those who have The magnificent Tyre never presented a rooms, in which you are reclined between lived several years in the country, do not re- richer and more splendid sight; on the right four walls, without any other furniture than turn to their town residences without dan- the Havannah is hid by a massive wall, and a truck bed. ger. I have just seen a girl ten years of age shews only some church steeples, the heavy die; she was born at the Havannah and shape of which affords reason to suppose educated at a few leagues distance from the that bricklayers and not architects have been city; she came thither to witness a family employed in the public buildings of this city. fête, and died. Similar examples are not To the left of the basin are several houses rare. Perhaps you imagine that this sick- which belong to the village I Regla, and in ness is less active during the six months of the back ground a number of trees,-the the year, when the sun leaves this part of the only ornament of this immense sheet of torrid zone. This is a generally received water. The port itself which is witherror. It is unhappily but too true, that the out doubt the largest in America, fills up Vomito Negro carries off new victims every every day more and more, with a rapidity day; but in autumn and winter, the number which ought to attract the notice of the cois not so great as in spring and summer. At lony. It has been confirmed, that the canal this moment it rages furiously; and during which leads to it has within sixty-nine years the latter half of April, seventy-six French- become ninety-five varas (yards) narrower, men fell victims to it. The English, as well being now only fifty-five varas in breadth. as other Europeans, suffer from it in the In 1743, it was 24 feet deep, now only 17. same manner. I am surrounded with dead In the same year, by the sounding line the and dying. When I go out I meet with entrance of the port was found to be 60 feet hundreds of priests, who, crossing themselves, deep, and now only 18. This evil is known, run to and fro; some carrying the Host, and probably the remedies are easy; but others singing funeral hymns, proceed from firmness and perseverance would be necesevery direction to the church-yard. When I sary to use them with effect, and these quareturn home, twenty bells, which are con-lities seem to be wanting. In the harbour stantly in motion, make a deeper impression on my soul than the scene which I have just left. It is singular, that those who are not seized with this evil do not leave this country, which is under a curse. Speculation has also its martyrdom; people will not abandon a scheme which they have begun; for this reason they stay, and every nation remains faithful to its character: the French- Now that you are acquainted with the man lulls his fears by singing, and the Eng- harbour, I will introduce you to the city lishman by drinking. As I neither sing nor On landing you perceive a narrow archway drink, I fly to the country, where I shall conti- which leads to it. From the beach to this nue my letter unless the Vomito Negro pur-gate is ten steps, at the first of which you

sues me thither. • *

there is a machine for fixing the masts in
ships, which is said to be very ingenious,
and the admiration of all foreign mariners.
It has been built above twenty years, after
the plan of a Catalonian of the name of
Pietro Gatel, who died unrewarded, of vex-
ation and want, and left a widow and children
in the Havannah in the greatest distress.

feel yourself sinking into the mud; and proI am now settled here in the middle of a ceeding onward, through the arch, discover poor country covered with volcanic ruins, that to the right, left, and front, all is mud'; without any prospect except a few thinly scat- a look at the straight streets shews that you tered trees, which afford no shade, and whose will not tread dry ground till you reach the pale green does not enliven the imagination; house to which you are going. The streets but I will entertain you with something are not paved; the water has no drain; the less melancholy than the fever. I have af land remains as God created it; these are ready told you that my voyage lasted sixty the reasons of the continual stagnation of the days; I was all impatience to see land, and water. It may be said that the Havannah is to put my foot upon it. The first thing a great sewer, from which pestilential exhapresented to my sight would, I thought, ap-lations constantly arise. As soon as you enter pear to me the most beautiful in the world; but it was quite different: notwithstanding my inclination to admire, every spot was barren, without flowers-waste without water.

The port of the Havannah is enough celebrated to merit a description. As you enter, you see a fort on your left, called Moro, under the cannons of which all ships must sail; the height on which it is built, its extent, and the threatening mouths of its can nons, impart to this fortress a majestic ap

this city, an insufferable smell assails you,
and never quits you as long as you remain in
it.

The streets are dirty and narrow, in dull
straight lines, with low houses, the windows
of which are without glass. The population
of the streets increases the gloomy impres-
sions, and thousands both of whites and ne-
groes, most of them covered with plaisters
and rags, impress the stranger with most
disagreeable sensations. Add to this that
you have to guard your face against swarms

You try in vain to amuse yourself; there is no edifice worth noticing: confined and filthy places, low houses, the building of which may be classed in the infancy of art; and what is particularly surprizing in so hot a climate is, there is not a single public garden, nor tree under whose shade you can refresh yourself. In short, the Havannah appears both in the whole and in detail, to be built for the inhabitants who wander about the streets. The utmost misery in our Europe does not offer a more disgusting sight than these creatures, with black and brown faces, who fill the public streets; that part of their body not clothed in dirty rags, is covered with plaisters and blisters;-you are not walking in a city, but in a great hospital.

The rich seldom stir on foot; the heat and the mud oblige them to pay their visits in carriages (volantes). With respect to the women, whether rich or poor, custom denies them the use of their limbs: they can only go abroad in a carriage, and there they are hid behind a curtain of cloth which almost entirely conceals them from rude curiosity. It is more worth while to look into the inside of the houses. The great room is level with the ground, and quite exposed, as the windows and doors always remain open. At first you do not know what you shall call this room, for you perceive the carriages, the toilet, and the bed, all pell-mell. Is it a coach-house, a room for company, or a bedroom? It is together; though the apartment faces the street, every thing is done there, and the women dress from the first piece of raiment put upon the body, with as much indif ference as if they were concealed from all profane eyes. On the approach of evening,

« AnteriorContinuar »