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the beautiful craft that is ende
cidens, will be driven into that
dached upon those dangerous
water is boiling up as though ten thousan
spirits were at work, and where oillions of
sy have been swallowed by the same franal
ster of the deep; when

From side to side beneath the glittering
An Ins
the infernal

Like Hope upon a deatu-pea, and, unworn
Its steady eyes, while all around is torn
By the distracted waters, bears serene

Its brilliant hues with all their beams unshorn:
Resembling, 'mid the torture of the scene,
Love watching Madness with unalterable mien."-
Byron.

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NEW-YORK, FEBRUARY, 1836.

Blackwell's Island.

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The Shipwreck.

The beautiful now bears;
‘STAY, angry ocean! for thy breast
Rock thy wild tossing waves to rest,
And calm their anxious cares."
Hark! to sullen answering roar-
Beneath my world of waves,
Earth's loveliest have sought before,
The quiet of my caves."

THIS island is situated on the East River, midway between Long Island and New-York, near the entrance of HELL GATE, about seven miles from the city. It was formerly the property of a wealthy gentleman, who occupied it, as a private residence; and has been within a few years purchased by the Corporation of the city of New-York, for the site of the PENITENTIARY, and is in fact, the most advantageous spot that could have been chosen, possessing the same facilities for a prison; being surrounded by water, debarring all inter-But manhood treads the reeling deck course with the opposite shores, except through With steps of pride and power, the proper channel.

A building of such noble structure and imposing appearance, as the one represented in the Engraving, seems to be too good a habitation for those despicable outcasts, chained to the floor of their cells; it is in every respect a PALACE of human nisery and woe.

His stern deep voice man's rage could check,
In passion's stormiest hour!"

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Of fleets that awe the world,
Speak ye of power!-the conqueror's boast
Lies shiver'd on my rockiest coast,
Or in my depths is furl'd!"

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With many an empire's treasury,
My cells are paved with gold,
In yellow heaps, untold;

Blackwell's Island-Hell Gate-the East River,« If wealth could bribe thee, stormy sea!"Throg's Neck-the Shot Tower, are all familiar names to the residents of New-York. And who that has ever leaped upon a noble steed and trotted out to Nowlan's, or who that has ever stept with a fair lady in a beautiful Stanhope and drove to that delightful resort at the Shot Tower, will not in an instant recognise the scenery and view pictured in the Engraving.

As one sits in the look-out at the extreme height of the hill and watches the river roll swiftly on towards the ocean, the eye rests upon a small bout with four skilful oarsmen struggling against the current, or, as you turn-the beautiful pleasure barge, is perceptible to the eye, with its sails full bent and leaping on with wind and tide-at one time leaning over as if to upset-then righting again and ploughing and shaking the white foam in its seeming wrath and pride; or, stretching the eye still further on, it rests upon the vessel heavy laden with all kinds of merchandise, moving slowly to its place of destination, which is to pass in its route the dangerous" Pot of Hell Gate," and perhaps by an unlucky wind or a careless helmsman, the beautiful craft that is endeavoring to avoid accident, will be driven into that frightful eddy, and dashed upon those dangerous rocks, where the water is boiling up as though ten thousand evil spirits were at work, and where millions of property have been swallowed by the same fearful monster of the deep; when

"From side to side beneath the glittering morn,

An Iris sits, amidst the infernal surge,

Like Hope upon a death-bed, and, unworn

Its steady eyes, while all around is torn

By the distracted waters, bears serene

Its brilliant hues with all their beams unshorn:
Resembling, 'mid the torture of the scene,
Love watching Madness with unalterable mien.”—

Byron.

And pearls and gems, that shame the round
Upon a monarch's brow,

Are cumbering the quiet ground,
Where monsters rest them now.

Can calm me, or delay;
"Nor youth nor beauty, wealth nor power,
Resistless, as the passing hour,
Is my impetuous way,
There is no flattery in my ruth,
Capriciously I spare;
Death and the ocean speak the truth,
To hear it, listen there!"

Matin Hymn.

HAIL Nature's universal King,
Creation's God, thy praise we sing:
As mounts the sun o'er hill and sea,
His glories lift our hearts to Thee.

"Let there be light," th' Eternal said,
And darkness like a phantom fled;
O'er earth and sea effulgent shone
The glory of the Mighty One.

Then man arose, a breathing form,
An essence of the Godhead warın.
With life and love to worship Him,
Before whose brightness suns are dim,

Pervading Spirit, veiled with wing
Of seraph rapt, thy praise we sing,
Exhaustless fount of love and might,
We bless Thee for the gift of light.

M. J. M. M.

ORIGINAL.

Tea Table Chat.

NUMBER I.

on Gastronomy which made me exclaim-Oh man! man! can you debase your noble faculties, your great endowments in a pursuit so low? THE rich satin curtains were closely drawn, bril-feited, for the poor gratification of making a Are your high destinies to be forgotten until forliant lamps threw a softened light over the costly sauce, or giving rules for a roast? After all, the furniture of Louisa's drawing room, as she, attired epicure comes back to simplicity at last, and the in fashion's latest, entered her luxurious apartment. insipid white sauces of the present day are the Casting a look of satisfaction around she surveyed result of the wise discoveries in Gastronomy of so her form in an ample mirror, then reclining on a many ages and so much study. I trust it is a yielding sofa and resting her satined foot on an study, which will not engross the faculties of my embroidered ottoman, she uttered-" My small countrymen, whilst they have the important affairs party to-night, will be perfection-there will be of their own government to interest them. It is talent, knowledge, beauty, fashion-a happy one of the overgrown weeds which have sprung mixture, like a well dressed salad where no one thing prevails, and not one can be spared to make up in the hot-beds of luxury in Europe-100 many, too many of those weeds are being transa perfect whole. Yes" said she "my new friend planted here, which have been mistaken, for Harriet, my unpolished mountain gem is the flowers of value, by Americans, during the present material for which all these incongruous elements rage to visit Europe. May we never be brought streams, that having no turbot, is a national to say, forgetful of the variety of our forests and inisfortune."

combine and are made harmonious."

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said that-after all, I do not see any thing so very Oh, Fanny Kemble!" said Adelaide, "she objectionable in her book."

But alas! how vain are human expectations. Louisa like other mortals, was doomed to disappointment. Ring after ring was heard at the door-bell, but instead of seeing her expected visitors enter-Ceasar alone appeared with notes of apology from her most distingue friendsanother and yet another-it seemed as if all the ills which flesh is heir to, had befallen her expected coterie, such as sudden indisposition-above her profession; and all that is objectionable unexpected arrivals of country cousins-most inopportune and not-to-be-dispensed-with business. It was enough to provoke the patience of a saintbut Louisa was something of a philosopher-and

when a few of her intimates arrived, she determined to make the best of it. There was Cornelia, a young widow from the South-and Adelaide, the friend of her youth-and Harriet, a lady from Vermont, with whom she had lately become acquainted. Whose unsophisticated simplicity of) character and strong good sense had won her regard.

Come ladies fair," said Louisa. "it appears the fates have decreed-we must entertain each other-not a male can we see to-night; but to make amends, let us enjoy, what is said to be the truest, purely feminine pleasure. We will have a nice little tea table chat, and give free vent to all our opinions, unchecked by the Lords of

creation."

Nor I," said Harriet, "but I see much to admire, much to make me like her; there is a nobleness, a high-mindedness, which raised her

must be allowed as the inevitable consequences of unveiled, undisguised, for that she might be called that profession. She shows herself to us open, imprudent, but she is at least frank and honest.'

"I should think" said Cornelia, "she devoured too much and too eagerly for your approbation."

"And you Harriet" said Adelaide, "do you vindicate Fanny Kemble, you, who used to think

us so mad when we ran after her at her first appearance."

"It is true," replied Harriet, "I thought it one who was a talented and clever actress; and I very ridiculous to raise into a divinity, a goddess, think the undue censure her book received, quite as unmerited; now, however, she is fulfilling the quiet, but important duties of domestic life with credit and praise; let her rest in peace."

"But with her mind, her talent," said Adelaide, "she will probably be before the public again in some other form; she cannot long be idle."

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The others agreed the plan was delightful, and welcomed the circumstances which made it so Have you read the Linwoods," asked Louisa. feasible. The table was soon drawn out; the work it is, so much nature, so much simplicity, "Oh yes," replied Harriet, "what a delightful steaming urn was placed upon it, whilst they all of such a writer we ought to be proud, one, gathered around, a gay and happy quartette. whose inspirations are fresh from our own clear Adelaide and Louisa were soon engaged in an skies and verdant forests; so different from the animated discussion on the relative merits of far-fetched imitations of Europeans, which is Pico, Souchong, Pouchong, Hyson and Chulan, the rock, on which so many of our writers whilst Harriet sipped her milk and water in split. There is a charm in Miss Sedgwick's silence for a while, at length laughing at their domestic scenes, which interests and fascinates Really ladies," said she, "one us; it is the charm of nature and feeling, pure, would suppose it a matter of importance, which simple, unadulterated feeling. Who that has beverage was offered you."

earnestness. 16

“And is it not of some importance ?" asked Louisa, "what we eat and drink."

read her 'Home' will not agree with me. Such writers ought we to produce, it is in keeping with our boasted republicanism-much more "As far as health is concerned it may be," an- so than those who transplant Foreign follies, swered Harriet, "but for the mere gratification Foreign vices, to our native prairies and western of the palate, I consider it one of the most earthly wilds."

of all enjoyments. I read not long ago, an article | "Ah! now" said Cornelia. "you are aiming

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