the waveless ocean, pour forth a silent prayer to God, and think of home. Gathered in little knots. they stand, and many a low-toned speaker tells of calm and storm. Oh what a glorious day: and yet upon their hearts there seems to dwell a strange mysterious fear; and one, bolder than his fellows, remembers how, in years gone by, a dreadful storm succeeded such another morning. And presently, afar off in the west and scarcely visible, is spied a little cloud of white. There's doubt no longer. From the apathy and inactivity which prevailed only a moment since, they are suddenly aroused to the greatest bustle and exertion. Loud voices sound from stem to stern; and strong and willing hands find work in plenty; and nimble feet run up the shrouds and stretch out on the broad yards. And soon the sails are furled and all await the storm. There's no confusion; for in well-ordered vessels each man has his appointed duties and fulfils them. The officers are seen quietly but swiftly moving from place to place, giving such directions as are necessary; and they are promptly obeyed. Like good sailors they are prepared for the storm which is surely coming. A few large drops of rain fall ominously upon the deck, which is soon cleared of all moveables, and the ship made snug and orderly. There is visible anxiety on every face; and as the captain's word "stand-by!" is heard, every seaman in the ship is in his place. They have not long to wait; before another minute has passed over, the threatening gale comes swiftly on, and the fierce hurricane is tearing past and through the ship. Oh what a change. See how the noble vessel bends and struggles with the wind; look how the waves, so quiet not an hour ago, are raised in foaming hills and lash the sides, and sweeping over the ship in furious haste carry all.

that's portable before them. The captain and a sailor take the rudder-wheel between them; it needs strong arms and steady nerves to keep the vessel on her course. One minute she appears to top the heaving waves; the next she sinks into a deep abyss. Steady, be firin, brave hearts. A false step or wrong direction now will be your ruin. The noble vessel still bears on and seems to triumph in the storm. Thus an hour passes. Their exertions are not thrown away. The fearful wind and blinding rain have lulled a moment in their headlong course. A minute more, and the ship, thrown down .upon her side, and seeming almost engulphed in the heaving billows, staggers and heaves, and rights herself again; and then from all that crew there rises up a silent prayer to God; a prayer of gratitude and thanks; for sailors, seeing so much of His great power upon the sea, are, after all, religious in their way.

Their perseverance and their prayers prevail; and evening sees them gladly on their way in safety and security; and greatful hearts, and beaming eyes, and clasping hands speak more than words. All this and more you see in the picture. Do not those who brave such dangers demand our greatest love and gratitude? and yet there are those who leave the sailors ashore to the tender mercies of any who choose to prey upon their simplicity. It is our especial duty to look after these noble defenders of our country; and I hope my young friends, that you never go to bed without adding to your prayers a word for these, the noble and the brave. Without such men, willing and able to withstand such dangers, our homes would want many of the comforts, and not a few of the luxuries of life. They bring to our shores the fruits of many lands, and make our fireside-tables the receptacles of the choicest productions of the earth.

56

FISHMONGER'S

HALL.

N the times when the Catholic religion was prevalent in England, the great demand for fish, in consequence of the number of fast-days, caused the occupation of a fishmonger to be a very profitable one indeed. The great mart for this trade

was Fish-street hill, which is near London Bridge, and where the monument is situated.

very

fine buil

ding it is. It

is situate at the foot of the bridge on the western side of the city end, and is considered as one of the ornaments of this part of London. The fishmongers were formerly

The picture

divided into two companies, the salt and fresh fish companies, and had no less than six halls; but upon their union, in the time of Henry the Eighth, they built one large hall, which occupied the same spot where the present building stands. There is only one regular fish market in London; it is called Billingsgate.

THE AUCTION MART.

OUBTLESS you are aware of what a sale by auction means. Well, here is a Drepresentation of the Auction Mart in Bartholomew Lane, near the Bank.

In this building thousands of pounds, as well as extensive estates, change proprietors almost every day. It is a very useful commercial building, and was originally constructed by a company of auctioneers, merchants, and general traders, for the purpose of more readily meet

ing and transacting business. The front facing

Bartholomew Lane is, as you can see, of handsome elevation and

much architectural beauty. The interior comprises several spacious and handsome rooms, which are fitted up for sales, meetings of cre

ditors, and so forth. Two or more auctions are frequently going on at the same time, when the whole building seems alive with company. The up

per story is lighted by three large lanthorns, or skylights, and a noble staircase leads to the various

apartments. The amount of business which is transacted in the Auction Mart is calculated to give a stranger a great idea of the vastness and grandeur of the commerce of this country. There are many other Auction Rooms in London, where teas, coffees, wines, furniture, books, houses, gold and silver plate, and a great many other things are constantly submitted to public competition, but for the extent of business and the amount of money involved, none of them can compare with the Auction Mart in Bartholomew Lane.