there is a cottage to let. Full of the prospect of having a place to himself the project of taking the cottage is discussed in the little family circle, the pros and cons are well weighed, and at last, with beating heart, he hies to the landlord’s house; but there his aspirations are soon cooled down. He is told that there are a dozen or two of applications, and that he (the little lord) will chose(sic) his tenant out of them. Those who live in large, comfortable houses, with every convenience attached to them, can hardly imagine the misery which is caused by different families living together in small houses. On the other hand, ye benevolent men and women of England, if you would be convinced of the absolute happiness which you would bring to many a desolate heart by erecting small cottages for the hard working and frugal mechanic by providing for him a “home”, you would no longer look lukewarmly upon this important question; you would no longer hesitate to assist.....We are determined to give this matter our most earnest consideration; and in the mean time we invite correspondents to suggestions ere we again refer to it.
Philosophical Society.
On the 9th of January at a full attendance of members and others a discussion took place on Dr. Stone’s paper Reason and Instinct, those who took part therein being Mr. J. Rock, jun. (chairman), Dr. Hunt, Rev. W. Bleazby, Joshua Fitch, & other gentlemen.
On the 13th of February, a paper was read by R. D. Hale, Esq. M.D., on “Animal Electricity, with a description of the Electrical Apparatus of the Gymnotus and Torpedo, which was illustrated by several large diagrams, and also by experiments. The after discussion was of an animated character, and was prolonged much beyond the usual hour of closing.
At the monthly meeting of the society on March 13th, J. C. Savery, Esq. read an excellent and instructive paper “On Storms”. There was a good attendance, and the chair was occupied by J. Rock, jun., Esq, president of the society.
The last monthly meeting for the season was on the 6th of May, when Robert Harrison, Esq., read a paper, entitled “The Grand Tour a Hundred Years Ago.” A discussion followed, as usual.
At the general meeting, on the 23rd of October, the Hon Sec. J. H. Cole, Esq. read the Council’s report, which showed the number of members to be 52, and the cash in the treasurer’s hands to be £13 18s 4d. The numbers of members had increased. The president, Mr. J. Rock, jun., then delivered his valedictory address on resigning the chair. In a paper written with much eloquence of expression, and cha-
