ble additions of Natural Curiosities, Paintings, Wax Figures, &c. to their former Collection. Amongst other productions of nature is a large collection of American Birds, in a fine state of preservation, containing almost all the various kinds found in NorthAmerica. Also various foreign Birds, Fish, Insects, &c. The upper end of the Hall, opposite the en trance, is decorated with an elegant painting, by an Italian artist representing the Fountain at Ver sailles. The gallery of the Hall is enriched with a handsome collection of Prints from SHAKESPEARE, on which the lovers of Poetry and Painting may revel with delight. Those representing the Seven Ages are peculiarly striking and elegant, as are two from the Tragedy of King Lear. Launce instructing his Dog, and Falstaff relating his escape, are irresistibly ludicrous. Amongst the Paintings we no ticed with pleasure a well-finished portrait of His Excellency Governour Strong.-Some of the Wax Figures are brilliant and reflect credit on the ingenui> ty of the artist who executed them. We cannot however, speak in very high terms of one said to repre. sent General WASHINGTON, which bears little or no resemblance to that illustrious person, at least in latter part of his life.

The whole collection cannot fail of affording an evening's amusement, and we have no doubt the proprietors will be remunerated for their trouble and expense. We take the liberty of recommending to them to increase their collection of Portraits, rather than their Wax Figures. We generally look with pleasure at the picture of a man, whose character we contemplate with respect and veneration. Our country affords many such, and Messrs. B. and D. would do well to enrich the Museum with their portraits.

THE

POLYANTHOS.

JANUARY, 1807.

FOR THE POLYANTHOS.

Lucubrations of Nehemiah Notional.

N°. III.

THOUGH I have many relatives, the number

of my correspondents has hitherto been small. My letters have ever been confined to a few se lect friends, whose feelings and taste correspond with my own. I have never had an inclination, and very seldom an opportunity, to enlarge this small but well chosen circle. Necessity however has lately compelled me to add several names to my list of correspondents, and I must own that I am pleased with their attention, as I know them to be rational men though they belong to the Notional family-to be men whose experience has been great and well improved. Their letters shall occasionally mingle with my own lucubrations.

... YOL. 4.

In the following letter I recognize the writing and style of a friend whom I have long valued. His sentiments appear to be the result of experience and observation, and I think, that I cannot more effectually accomplish my design than by inserting them in his language.

Mr. Nehemiah Notional,

Sir,

As I have the honour of belonging to the family of the Notionals, and am far from opposing your design to diminish its number, I have taken the liberty to write to you. I am a talkative old man, Sir, and shall say much, though little to the purpose. But as I have had considerable experience in the world, I flatter myself that my opinions will generally agree with yours, even if they are not expressed in the refined style of modern days.—I hearti ly agree with you that the Notional family is. very numerous, that it has acquired an undue influence in society: And I think that instead of attempting to knock them down with the cudgel of reason and argument, you have very wisely endeavoured to exalt them on the pillory f satire, that they may be exposed to derision and contempt.

Business which I could not avoid compelled me to visit this metropolis, from which I have been absent many years. I have been but a short time in Boston, but short as the time has been, I have discovered thousands of our