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Ml MMTOg MIHM. _ i 1 1 1 """ ' ' _ 1"W0 DOLLARS PER ANNUM] ,4Tuaa r*nion o f rjiBuriTY I a iiTmKNAi.' vighiaa-noiI." [PAYABLE IN ADVANCE BY DAVIS & CREWS. ABBEVILLE, S. C, THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 10, 1859. VOL. XV NO. 4d TTTV nTTUTW A T7TD g\-rr urnoriniir I . 1 I M VM iii i? i? uxv ur iuuovun. A TALE OF THE EMPIRE UNDER PETER THE GREAT. CHAPTER 1. The time at which wo open our story is fnid winter, and towards tlie closo of the Seventeenth century. Russia is the scene. In the suburbs of Muscow, and very Aear the river Moskwa, stood an humble tot, which betrayed a neatness of arrange fnent and show of tasto tiiat more than fnadc up for its smallness of size. ]*>aek Of tlie cot was artisan's shop, and other out buildings. This shop was devoted to the fnanufacturc of fire arms, mostly. Some Swords, and other edijed weapons, were imro iihah cnnniol -- ~ "I"'" "|'W?. ..n...V,.lllVII. Tlie master of litis tenement was llic hefro of our tale, liuric Novel. We find liim standing by liis forge, watching the white Smoke as it curled up towards the throat of the chimney. He was a young man, noj, over threc-and-twentv, and possessed a frame of more llian ordinary symmetry and muscular development. He was not large ?not above a medium si/.e?but a single glance at the swelling chest, the broad shoulders, and the sinewy ridges of the bare arms, told at once that lie was master Of great physical power, lli.s father had been killed in the then late war with the Tnrks, and tlie son, leaving his mother with a sufficiency of sustenance, went to Spain Soon after the bereavement. There lie found work in the most noted armories : and now ' I well versed in the trade, lie had returned to his native city to follow his calling, and support his mother. Near by stood a boy?Paul PeepofT?a bright, intelligent lad, some fifteen years of as?, who had bound himself to the gunmaker for the purpose of learning the art. Claudia Nevel, Hulie's mother, was .1 noble looking woman, and tlie light of her still handsome countenance was never brighter than when gazing upon her boy. Sho had a thankful, loving heart, and a prayerful, hopeful soul. 'It is snowing again, faster than ever' remarked Paul, as he took his seat at the supper-table, in company with the others. 'Ah,' returned Jiurir, resting his knife a few moments while he bent his ear to lis'.eti 10 the voice of the storm. 'I had hoped "'twould snow no more for the present. The finow i.i deep enough now. AikI how it blows!' 'Never mind,' spoke the dame, in a trustful, easy tone, 'it inu^t storm wlien it lis telli, and we can only thank God that we have shelter, and pray for those who have none.' 'Auien!' responded Kuril*, fervently. Tlio meal was at length eaten, and the table set back, and shortly afterwards Paul retired to his bed. Iiuric drew his chair close up to the fireplaco, and leaning against the jam, he bowed liis head in absorbing thought. This had become a habit with him of late.? Ilia mother having observed these fits of abstraction, became uneasy and pressed lturic to tell her what it was over which he was so constantly and so moodily brooding. 1 Jcing thus urged, Kuric confessed that it was of Kosalind Valdai (the orphan daughter of a nobleman, and now the ward of OJga, the powerful and haughty Duke of | Auiaj lie was ttiiuking. llitric's father, aiul j the father of Rosalind, had been comrades j in arms in their youth, and their children j liad been playmates. lint when the elder j Nerel was slain in battle, lluric was yet a boy, and the widow and her 6on remained poor and obscure ; while Valdai, more fortunate, had risen to a high rank, and dying, Jeft Rosalind a title and a fortune. The young people, however, had not for gotten each other, lluric loved Rosalind with all the fervor of his being, and he felt fissured that Rosalind rettirnwl his love.? As lie and his moLhcr sat debating the matter on that stormy night, a loud knock upon the outer door startled them. '18 there any one hero ?' the gunmaker asked, as he opened the door^otvin^his cnu wiiu suieiuiiig his eves l rouSJ^^p^pPiHg snow with one hand. Yes,' returned n voice from the Stygian darkness. 'In God's name let mo in, or I shall perish.' 'Then follow quickly,' said Iiuric. 'Here ?givo mo your hand. There?now come.' The youth had found the thickly gloved hand?gloved with the softest fur?and having led the invisible applicant into the hall, he closed the door, and then led the way to the kitchen. Without speaking, Iiuric turned and ga/.ed upon the newcomer. The stranger, who was cqnally desi luuji "t Hscuruiimng wnai manner of man lluric was, was a monk?and habited some thing like ono of the Black monks of St. Michael, lie was of medium hight, and possessed a rotundity of person which was comical to behold. ,At length, after warming himself by the fire, the guest asked if ho could be accommodated with some sleeping-place, and be-, ing answored iu the affirmative, lluric showed him to a chamber, aud thou retired himself. The next morning, after breakfast, llio Monk went with Kuric to his shop, and examined with much interest tlio various weapons therein, lluric quostiQncd him closely as to whether ho had ever met him before, but the Monk replied evasively, ami after saying that ill case tlic jjuiimakor should ever, in any great emergency, need a friend, tliat lio might apply to liim, ho took his leave. Towards the middle of the afternoon, just as liuric had finished tempering some parts of a gun-lock, the back door of liis shop was opened, and two men entered. They were young men, dressed in costly furs, and both of them stout and good-looking. The gumnaker recognized them as the Count Conrad I>amonoflf aLd his friend Stephen U rzen. '1 think T speak with liuric Novel,* said the Count, moving forward. 'Von do,' returned liuric, not at all sur. prised by the visit, since people of all clasess were in the habit of calling at his placo to order arms. You are acquainted with the Lady ltoaa lind Valdai ?' lie said. 'I am," answered liuric, now beginning to wonder. 'Well, sir,' resumed Damonoff, with much haulIiH'ss. 'noilmiK mv Ihkimioco onn I be quickly and satisfactorily settled. It ia my desire to make tlio Lady Rosalind my wife.' lluric Novel started at tliesc words, and lie clasped his hands to hide their tremulous ncss. Hut lie was not loug debating upon ' an answer. 'And why have you come to me with this information, sir?' he asked. 'Ruric Novel, you shall not say that I did not make myself fully understood, and hence I will explain.' The Count Bpoko this as speaks a man who feels that he is doing a very coudscending thing, and in the same tome he proceeded : 'The Lady Rosalind is of noblu parentage and very wealthy. My own station and wealth are equal with hers. I love her, and must have her for my wife. I have been to see the noble J>uUc, her guardian, and ho objects not to inv suit. Hut lie informed me that there was an inij ^dirnent, and that was her love for you. lie knows full well?as I know, and as all must know?that she could never become your wife; but yet ho is anxious not to interfere too much against her inclinations. So a simple denial from you, to the effect that you can never claim her hand, is all that is necessary. I have a paper here all drawn up, and all that I require is si in ] ly your signature. Here?it is only a plain, simple avowal on your part that you have no hopes nor thoughts of seeking the hand of the lady in marriage.* As the Count *pokc he drew a paper from the bosom of his marten doublet, and having opened it he handed it towards the gun maker, lint liuric took it not. lie ilrow back and rmzod tlin visitnr sfnrnlv in the face. 'Sir Count,' lie said, calmly and firml}', 'you have plainly stated your proposition, and I will as plainly answer. I cannot sign tlio paper.' '11a!* gasped Daraonoff, in quick passion. 'Do you refuse V 'Most flatly.' Hut you will sign it!' his&ed Damonoff, turning pale with rage. 'Llore it is?sign ! If you would live?sign!' Perhaps ho cannot write,'suggested Urzen contemptuously. 'Then he may make his mark,' rejoined tne Count, in the same contemptuous tone. It might not require much more urging to induce me to make my mark in a man nor not at all agreeable to you, sir,'the youth retorted, with his teeth now set, and the dark veins upon his brow starting more plainly out. 'Do you seek a quarrel with meV 'Seek ??I seek what I will have. Will you sign V 'Once more?No !' 'Then, by heavens, you shall know what it is to thwart such as me! How's that?' As these words passed from tho Count's lips in .1 low, liissi ng whisper, he aimed a blow with his fist at Rurick's head. The gunmaker had not dreamed of such a das tardly act, and he was not prepared for it. Yet lie dodged it, and as tho Couut drew back Ituric dealt him a blow upon the brow that felled him to the floor like a dead ox. 'lieware, Stephen Urzen!' ho whispered to the Count's companion, as that individual inside a movement as though he would come forward. 'I am not myself now, and you aro safest where you are." Tho inau thus addressed viewed the gun maker a few moment*, and ho seemed to conclude that he had bolter avoid a person al encounter. Conrad Damonoff slowly rose to his feet, and gazed into his antagonist's face a few moments in silence. His own faco deathly pule, and his whole frame quivered. 'Ituric Novel,' he said, in a hissing, maddened tone, 'you will hear from me. I can overlook your plebian stock.' And with this lie turned'^way. Paul,' said the gun maker, turning to his boy, after tbd men had gone, 'not a word of this to my mother, lie sure. i On the following morning, as Rvric was preparing for breakfast, he saw OIm_ tho Duko, pass by, and filrifee off into the Bor odino road. Now, thought be, w the^iroe' to call on Rosalind ; and as Soon he1?ad 1 eaton his breakfast he prepared far the-vis#. Ho dressed well, and no man io Moscow. had a nobler look when the dust of toif was removed from his brow and garb. 1 lie took a horse and sledge, and* started off lor the Kremlin, within which the duk*~ tubided. i In ono of the sumptuously furnished apartments of the palace of the Duko of Tula sat Rosalind Valdai. She was a beautiful girl; molded in pcrfoct form,..with the full flush of health and vigor, and possesing a faco of peculiar sweetness and intelligence. She was only nineteen years of age, and she had been ten years an orphan. There was nothing of the aristocrat in her look?nothing proud, nothing haughty : but gentleness and lovo were the true elements of her soul. 'IIow now, Zenoblo?' asked Rosalindas her waiting-maid entered. There is a gentleman below who would sec you,' the girl replied, 'Then tell him I cannot aeo liirn,' said Rosalind, trembliug. But it is Ruiic Novel, my mistress.' 'RuricI' exelaimcd the fair maiden, starting uPi while the rich blood mounted to her brow and temples. 'O, I am glad he has come. My prayers are surely answer ed. "jead him hither, Zcnoble.' The girl departed, find ere long afterwards Rune onteredthe apartment, lie walked quiekly to where llosaland had arisen to her feet, and taking one of hor hands in both of his own he pressed it to his lips. It was with difticulty he spoke. But tho emotions of his soul became calm at length, and then he received Rosalind's promise that she would never permit her hand to be disposed of to another hj the Duke of Tula, Ruric informed her of the visit of Count Damonoff to his shop, its purpose and tho result. Rosalind was astonished and alarmed.? Still, she could not believe that the Duke meant to bestow her hand upon Damonoff. The Duke owed him money, 6he said, and might perhaps be playing with the Count. Ruric started as a new suspicion flashed upon Lim. Had the Duke sent Damonoff upon that mission on purpose to get him into a quarrel. 'Aye,' thought the youth to himself, 'the Duke knows that I have taught the sword play, and ho knows the Count would bo no match for me. So he ?i.:? ?i.?i~ ? - biiiiiAo i?i una ouuuu milliner iu IIJctKt) I11C an instrument for ridding him of a plague.' But the youth was careful not to lot Rosalind know of this. He thought sho would be unhappy if she knew that a duril was likely to come off between himself and the Count. After some minutes of comparative silence, Ruric took leave of Rosalind, and was soon in the open court. Hero he entered his sledge, and then drove to the barracks in the Khitagorod, where h? inquired for a young friend named Orsa, a lieutenant of the guard. Tlie officer was quickly found, and as lie met lluric his salutation was warm and cordial. After the first friendly greetings had passed, Ruric re mnrKeu, "i may nave a meoung witu Uonrad Count DamonofF. He lias sought a quarrel?insulted me most grossly?aimed a blow at my head?and I knocked him down. You can judge as well as I what the result must be.' 'Most surely ho will challenge you," cried the officer excitedly. 'So I think,' said Ruric, calmly. 'And now will you Berve mo in the event ?' 'With pleasure.' And thereupon Ruric related all that had occurred at the time of the Count's visit to liis shop and then took his leave. lie reached home just as his mother was spreading the board for dinner. lie often went away on business, and she thought not of asking him any questions. On questioning Paul, in the shop, in the afternoon, Ruric, to his great surprise, learned that the Black Monk had been there during his absence, to purchase a dagger ; that he had drawn out of the boy a minute account of the visit of Urzen and Daroonoff, and that ho seemed to be much pleas ea wiiu lturic's conduct. As they were talking, Urzen called and presented a ciial lengo from the Count. Ruric- at once referred him to his friend, and lio took bis leave. That evening about eight o'clock, a sledge drovo up to Ruric's door, and young Orsa entered the house. Ho called Ruric aside, and informed him that tlio arrangement bad all been made. 'Damonoff is in a hurry,' be Baid, 'and wo have appointed the meeting at ten o'clock to morrow forenoon. It will tako the bend of tbe river just beyond tfi^Viska nil!." 'And tbe weapons ?' ashed Ruric. 'Swords,' returned Orsa. *Tbe Count will bring bis own, and be^ gives you the privilege of selecting such an one as you choose.' . . 'I thank yoa, Orsa, for your kindness thus far, and you may rcat assured that I shall bo prompt.' 'Suppose I call hero Id the morning for you I' auggcsieu iuevisitor. *1 should l>e pleascfl to bate you do so,' Uie"j*urimakor Raid ; -and tbifa it was arr&nged. On lift; folk)wing moming-Kit/io was up betitnea, and at tlijp breakfast table not ff vctf^of tbeooe-absorbing ?b?rae was ut* ?%red? After tbe moat waa fimabod^he gUDrtiakjW w-WK ^.to Mi abojp, &fdrt??k down from 0O6 of<ther-toloaeta h long, leathern eft*,?A wWob^rett^- *T>Kk.' Tfeey -ware Toledo bfafevawd oC moat -tquta'Ue ^rert mabsbip pk& fbiab. Karkr fioolr out tbebe&VHt^dM/whufo waft m two edged , ft,fcrors* MTlt>f beavffy gilded metak lie placed tbe yoiM vpau tbe floor* and then, with all his weight ho bent the blade till the pommel touched tho point. The lithe steel sprang back to ils place nn with a sharp clang, and tlio texturo was ?r not started. Then he struck the Hat of tho blade upon the anvil with great force.? tK Tho ring was sharp and clear, and the Ul weapon remained unharmed. ?r 'By St. Michael,' said tho gunmaker to his boy, 'Moscow docs not contain another j"'1 blade like that. Damascus cevor raw n 1,1 better.' T' *1 think you are right, mv funster,' the boy returned, who had beheld the trial of l'' the blado willi unbounded admiration.? I3ut,' he added, 'could you r.ot temper a blade like that ?' 'Perhaps, if I had the steel. But I have jj' it not. Tho steel of these two blades came from India, and was originally ono weapon J\ ?a ponderous, Iwo handed all'air, belong, mg to a Bengal chieftain. Tlic metal possesses all tho hardness of the finest razor, with the elasticity of the most subtle spring. My old master at Toledo gave me theso as a memento. Were I to mention the sum of monejr ho was once offered for the largest one, you would hardly credit it." After this Ruric gave Paul a few direc- ^ tions about the work, promising to bo back 1 before night. Just then Orsa drove up to ^ the door. Ruric was all ready. His mother was in the kitchen. IIo went to her with a smile upon his faco. Ho put his arms about her and drew her to his bosom. I i. vjtou uiess you, my momer. l snail come back.' llo said ibis and then kissed ^ her. w lie dared stop to speak no more, but opened the door and passed out. 8t 'Have you a good weapon V asked Orsa, as the horse started on. ^ I have,' Ruric said, quietly ; 'and one 811 which has stood more tests than most Bwords will bear.' And after some further ar remarks he related the peculiar circura* cc stances attending the making of the sword, and his possession of it. a At length they struck upon tho river, and in half an ltour more thev reached the 'r' appointed spot. The day was beautiful. or They had been upon llic ground but a few minutes when the other party came in sight 13 around the bend of tho river. The monk was there also. As soon as the Count and his second and ,n surgeon had arrived, and the horses had ^ been secured, the lieutenant proposed that they should repair to an old building ^ which was close at hand. 'Aye,' added DamonofT?"Let us have ^ this business done, for I would bo back to dinner. I dine with Olga to-day, and a fair maiden awaits my coming.' 'Noticc him not,' whispered Orsa, who walked close by Rurie's side. 'That is one 0 CO of his chief points to get you angry, and ^ so unhinge your nerves." 'Nevor fear,' answered the gunmiker. The party halted when they reached the interior of tho rough structure, and the ^ Count threw off his pelisse and drew his sword. Rutic followed his example. Sir Count,' the latter snid as ho moved eu a step forward, 'ere we commence this w< work I wish all present to understand dis- an tinctly how T stand. You liavo sought this quarrel from the first. Without the w' least provocation from me you havo insult- vo ed me most grossly, and this is the climax. l,c So, before God and man, be the result up- 'ai on your own head.' 'Out, lying knave ' co 'Hold,' cried the surgeon, laying his hand heavily upon the Count'B arm. "You ^ have no right to speak thus, for you lower yourself when you do it. If you havo ne come to fight do so honorably." a An angry reply was upon Damonoff's ex lips, but he did not speak it. llo turned P8 to his antngonisf and said,? ec^ 'Will you measure weapons, sir ? Mino may bo a mite the longest. I seek no ud- 'ef , , T t ? .. lia vantage ; ana 1 navo one nero ot the same "" length and weight as ray own if you wish it.' wl I am well satisfiod as it ' ,\ repliod Itu- pe rio. Then take your ground. Aro you ^ ready V p|( 'I ana T im Tho two swords wore crossed in an iu- nl slant, with a clear, sharp clang. Thj^fjoro is all of this story that will bo to publisn^d in our columnB. "We gWe this as a sdffF|)le. Tbe continuation of it from where it leaves off here can only be found ou in thd Now York Ledger, the great family f HA *1.- A ?. - - [fnpur, lur wuicn me njoii popular writers in the country contribute, and which i? for c? sale in all the stores throughout the city and mi country, where papers are sold. Remember arid ask for the New York Ledger of March Id, and in it you will get the con lh tinuation of the story froiii. where it leaves off here. If you caoootget a copy at any hit book store, the publisher of the Ledger will * . mafryou a copy on- th6 receipt of five tfents.'' * The Lodger is mailed to subscribers at-.0; $2 a year, or two cdpie4 for $3. Address ?# yt>ur letters to itobert J3oom*y, puMMibev g6 i.4 Ann Street, New York. It U the -hand' gopaert sod best family-paper ift< the coqn, _ lr$,:&ljjrttuly illustrated, and bharaoterixed by.ahjgh moVal tone, t|* present circula .tioj? ? ?*er four hundrod thousand copies, -which ?the best evidence we ean givo of ^ its met its. ^, AUDUBON'S BIRDS. People of taste, and all tbo patrons of itural history and the fino arts, will bo nr atified to learn that tho great work of J. w] Audubon is now in course of republica" re >n in this city, by Mr. J. W. Audubon, th ider tho superintendence of tho litho. aphic engraver, Mr. J. Bien, who executes \y, e plates. Wo have examined seven of f0 cse that have just been completed, form- in g the first number of the serial issue.? tli icy aro much superior as works of art to m c engravings executed in England under tli e personal superintendence of the distin- Ja lished ornithologist. While examining the work, the engraver p ive us an explanation of the methods cm- bj oyed by him of producing the plates, tho ;u lest and most cosily varieties of litho- st aphic printing. The original paintings of pi udubon, ..om which Mr. Bien makes his ul igravings, present a variety ol colors' ni liich it is, of course, impossible to produco jn 7 one impression from a lithographic stone, ni > evade this difficulty, three, four or even :e stones of large size are prepared for w > same picture ; the plates arc 17 by 10 in ches in dimension. m Upon each of the stones an exactly siin st ir outlino is made, representing, for exam- as e, a magnificent group?a celebrated one Ti Audubon's?of a hawk pouncing upon st brood of chickens. The talons of the oi rd are thrown forward, right and left, in m kind of sparring altitude, as if bo would b; aw up the entire brood, or at least clutch at i many chickens as possible in each foot, a lio wings slightly retracted, the head m itli glittering eyes ready to assist tho savje poise of the talons ; tho terrfied prey, n< niggling vainly to elude the winged F iath ; it is carnivorous nature caught and pi ced in one of her most brilliant and tran- a ent attitudes. w Four outlines made upon the four etones ac e each for a separate color. The yellow ai mes first. Wherever there is yellow to th : represented in tho picture?not only as st 1 1 e ?i? I... i \Ji auiutuu L'UlUr, UUL H3 H DII3I3 IOr JG c other colors through which it is to show ansparently?the drawing is completed up- Q j the stone. w A very finely prepared yellow oil paiut in put upon the stone by n roller ; but, by qi e usual art of lithography, it adheres only pi here it should, to the parts of the draw tli g intended to bo yellow. From this m :llow impressions are taken. These are en printed with red or brown, which goes to irtly over the yellow, and covers some of lil e paper itself. Then comes other colors, o< including always with blue, to give sky, stance, air, perspective nr.d shading. ti< Very fine paints, ground with extraordi- It try care, have to be used in this style of P t. The best are those that bIiow no traces ar oil, or are what painters call "dead tb lor," the most difficult of all to obtain* nt rdinary paints have a gloss or shine from th e oil contained in them, which is highly w] jurious in lithography. The result of bi r. Bien's labors upon this work has been th ie production of colored plates equal in to feet to fine oil paintings. In the English of gravings of Audubon's "work, tne skies th are omitted, and very lean foregrounds be id accessories introduced. AH the parts us ive been carefully restored by Mr. Bien? no :io not only surpasses the foreign engra- Bi r in his detail, but in giving the full artis. ni ( effect, covering tho entire plate with idscape, figures and foliage. "ni In order to save snace and reduce the ril st of the work to subscribers, Mr. Bien tic is in some instances combined several of A e original pictures in one plate. In tbe 80 lglish edition, n single 6tnall bird and ^ at might be seen spotting the middle of vast expanse of paper. This tasteless and in pensive island of bird in an ocean of Fi ge has been properly and skillfully avoid- ho Pi The expense of the entire work will be is than half the price of the orginal Eng. of h edition.?New York Century. th ? mi How melancholy the moon must feel len it has enjoyed the fullness of pros ,nt irity, and got reduced to its fast quarter. In ancient days the precept was, " Know B0< vself." In modern times, it has been sup ftu jnted by the far moro fashionable max i, "Know thy neighbor, and everything "fl out him." > '*. - B? u v.....- iva jluuio ia.a vuijr tirtiu uiiou, oniu iiro iv*tho oyster.- - on' - * ? . rto An ignorant mart ftotti the eounli'y in' ^ iires whether mock turtle soUp ta road& it of tortoise shell cats f j^i It is said some babies are so smmlf they n oreep into quart rtteasthrep..Btrt. the no iy some adults can walk into such a wc Bftsure ia astonishing. ^ Labor lost?an orgnf) gri6d6f placing at 10 ie door of a deaf and dumb asjRtay. > - ^ Buffer complains Uiftt ihe opera gieer T m a singing in thGeara. ' . V .fat A heart fail of love ami human ay mpa ^ f lipj^s 6ut ttyotfgfi fhd window ^ cheerful fnco, and speak* W youia a nu ntletone of jrofeer * ?:'M ^ '* m Otrr perfect ermrtionk *re like birds of '# Tftdiao, wfcicb, if yr Wfta ? rtty can seldom riM agatft. "+ ' * ? * .?. " ^ iii ii - <? *** "Iftrther/'aaid* tittle bo* M t'M tifetf jj this pig nose ; stftf *| rgj>er every day." ifc - i > T ? HISTORY OF THE PIANO. The Boston Express lias an interesting tide on tho Piano, a condensation o liich we think will he of interest to our aders. Fifty ycats ago tho instruments, 1 ough very inferior to those of the present ^ iy, commanded extravagant prices, ami ( aro within the reach of hut few. Piano ' rte players, tooj were ijnite as rare as tho ' struments; but now, wlion tho prices o' ' e instruments bring them within tho ' < cans of almost all classes, a knowledge of ' e piano constitute the chief part of a 1 rly's accomplishments. The writer proceeds to say that the ' iano forte of to-day was not an invention ' f itself?no one pretends to Hud a claim- 1 it for it. It has been perfected stop l?y j : ep, through a succession of ages ; ami j obably the thing first conceived, which limately led to something like a Piano, no oro resembled a Piano-forte than a 1>?>< ?t,ck resembles one of Grovor llakei's icely working sewing machines. The first approach to it, or the first idea hich finally developed the Piano, was an islrument called the psulUrion or tym/w<im, which wns simply a box, across which rings or wires were placed, and turned so i to fotm the common scale in music.? he sounds were produced by striking the rings or wires with two light hammers, r.o held in each hand. It was an liistru lent of Greek origin, though much in use p the Hebrews. Tho instrument known i the Dulcimer of the prcsont day, bore nearer resemblanco to it than any instruent with which we are acquainted. Tho invention of the Clavichord was the jxt stop towards the manufacture of the iano-forte. This instrument was an i 111 rovement on ill a psalter ion or tympanum* key-board for the first time being used, by hich am all plates of copper were made to :t upon the strings. After the Clavichord lothcr instrument called the Cluviehlerian, in which cat gut strings were subitutod for wires, and acted upon by soft ather hammers. Another instrument, which it is said ueen Elizabeth was fond of playing upon, as called tho Viryinial. It was a keyed strument, wire metalicstrings vibrated by jills attached to the ends of levers. It robably derived its name from the fact lat tho Virgin Queen held it in high eslilation. The Spinet was of similar construction ' i tho Virginal. It was formed, howeven ; kc tho square Piano ol a much later peri- 1 I. i The Harpsichord, a much lator inven- ! an, was first known about the year 1530. I i s shape was similar to tliat of the grand i iano-forte, liad two rows or banks of lccvs, 1 id could be used together or separately, < e lower bank giving at the same touch the >tes of the upper. In this instrument < e jack, with a movable tongue, through i bicb was passed a quill, was first used, i it ao different in its effects upon the string t at some writer satirically describes the [ ne as " a scratch with a sound at the end s Jt.w However harsh and disagreeable I e tones of this instrument must have p en, compared to the poorest Pianos now a ed, we would remind the instrument conliseur that the fine productions of the ichs, Beethoven, Ilandel, Mozart, C!n- a enti and others were composed upon it. 1 Many years later, a maker of musical n struraents of Paris, by the name of Ma- ? is, improved the action by the substitu- a >n of small hammers instead of rjnills.? 1 Florentine, by the name of Christophcro, ? mucii improved tlie discovery of .Marius, at it may be said to form tlic basis of " 08t of tbe subsequent improvements, and, 0 fact, be may claim to bavo tho first ^ ano-forte. It could bo made to play 111 loud and soft?hcnco the iiamo of S ano-forto. The next great improvements ^ ire made about tho year 1860, by Zampo r London, who met with so great success ll at he realized a handsome fortune in the v Finufacturo of them, the demand for his K itrurnents being greater on the continent H an at home. 1 A rival establishment to Zumpe's was g an in operation in Germany, under tlie I spices of Siiberman, and another nt' n iris, by the brothers Erard. fitill tho ' iglisb Pianos maintained their superiority 11 some time, and Clemenli, Kirkman', and ^ 0 of two others, divided tho business,- if ? t the honors, \Villi Ztimpe, of inn Wing * 1 best Pianos for irtany years- The cele '' iled* ftiBtrumeutr of Broadwood arc of 6V data.- ' - " ' It Tllie'd'ecdndWts Of tho Ernrds, however, y w claim (o mnke the best Tianos in the >rld, and we understand that English .ma ^ rs do not protend JLq dispute their claim.. r< Bopftriority. ^ u The-tfrite*-Chen-states tlfnt in this. eoiin t| ' Iftat chas ptfHios have not been mado f$artQr pf a cefttury, >nd, " urns tpat ^hft world i* uukbl^r lb the _ e Jomur Ohiekerihg, of Bobton fur his h raarvefimea^-niu# ftigfenuityiiir perfecting <j m?d<* ft iff Pi ft no" iiy { and jkp\p^ Ujie rpunfj " j, woer of twenty thousand have beet) ? hy i??ni - And l>ts MiCcessors,. ;tl Miri.* CUlefcertng^ ' Thtertr ' aro ^ 0Mtf> IN6? ytho^ -j orti, U*? writer sAj^, jvra welf ayprcci&Wd' *t wfeose fiapios ar* J ]<??^3<s?^^W^?^Jp|tnHtipn.j Hp inontiotifc y mnnufajWers of ttia instrument otrt of . &OB-^rtof^'tfveri l^n^tio, "of' T/ftliinVoro, * lOfce'ti^rO^ntfl afo fast cdjiltTig iiild' no " ty ie uml ?opufi(r Tavor. " fd ANTECEDENTS Or LEADING ACTORS. "Honor ninl sliainr from no condition rise?? Act well your jmrt?there nil the glory lies." \ y . Mrs. Siddons was formerly a lady's waitng maid ; Forrest, llie American "howler," ,vas an errand boy in ;i TMiiladelphia gro cry stoic ; Murdoch is tlic son of n baker,' uid used to servo his father's customers Voir.' a' large basket which lie carried on 11is bead ; 1 Jilly Uurlon was once a printer's "devil" in a London printing ollice ^ol. Smith is also a practical printer; Barney Williams was, for many years, a regular New York "dock whalloperJ. If." Scott, when a "peevish" bov,'' served as a cabin lluuky on an oyster vessel in the Philadelphia trade ; Charlotte Irishman, before she I timed actress, made a living for herself1 . ! and mother and sister l?v the needle fall honor ami praise toiler ;) Collins,the Irish comedian, served ail apprenticeship under a 1 Miblin barber, and is even unto this day reckoned an excellent " shaver," Charles jMatthewR was a "gentleman born," but was so unfortunate as to lose his title: J. I * It. Roberts is tlie 14 son or a gun smith,' still living in Wilmington, Delaware; J. E. Medonogh, was formerly a butcher, and used" to " kill for Kevser," whose slaughter houso was in Spring (Tarden, Philadelphia ; one of the California " stars" is a nativo of Newfoundland, and is the son or a mackerel catcher?(we wouldn't give his naino for the world, he'd be the*death of its;)1 Xed Bingham was first a gallant soldier, next a clever actor, and now a vender oF firct roln ?*' *-1 t? ? /"* - - - * ....v v-iij.n.T .tuM tuuiituu ] \.?torge Jordan, the handsome and-talented " fop" actor, served an apprcnlieealiipto the printing traile, ami is said to be one of the most rapid typc-siiekers ever " turned out" of Baltimore?(e? jkihscdiI , wc bear that! George lias become disgusted with the stage, and intends rcsuiiiin<r his" "case" at tho stand ;) Piacidc commenced his publib career by playing second fiddle on a Mississippi flat-boat ; J". K. Johnson was onco a1 pill maker in London, but finding mirth to' be tho better kind of nvdicine, he cast' aside his mortar and pestle, and turned his attention and' talents to comic singing, at* which ho is " stunning Garrick's father kept a tenpin alio}- ; Laura Kecne was onco a bar maid in a London saloon, and could mix a " gin-sling" nhd a " brahdy-smach*' with the best of thom ; of MeKoan Buchanan's early life we know nothing?lik'o "Topsey," we "guess lie wasn't boni^ but !rrowe<j," Bourcicault is the son of a'Wor-' L-eslcrsliire gardener, which pursuit lie followed several years before going on the lage?(this will account for his " cabbng"ing" propensities;) John liroughain was* raised in a charitable soup house, in Dubin, hence lie is called a " broth" of a'boy Dhanfrau is a carpenter by trade ; Charles" Wlicatlcigh served several years at the tail)ring business. A number of California ictors rose fioin obscurity. One of tllo nost "airy" of thorn sold "swill-milk" on' he Five Points, ?few York, Beveritl years' >rior to Lis debut on tho stage. It will Lb oen froui tho above that " poverty and loW >irth, the twin jailors of tho daring heart,'' ire not barriors to the attainniorit of fnrriti' Hid position in the dramatic profession^' A Spiritualist on Spiritualism.?I nionl olemnly affirm that I do not believ'c tlihtf here lias, during the past 500 years, arisen' my class of people who were gililiy of Fib' rreat a variety of crimes and indecencies* ? .1 .a ?|niibiiiiiiau> ui /viiieriCH. i'or A 1011 g ime, L was swallowed up In its whirlpool ?>(* xcitoment, and, comparatively, paid but' ittle attention to its evils, believing- that; nuch good might result from the opciiiVlgf f the avenues of spiritual intercourse ; >ut, during the past eight months, I have evo'od my attention to'a' critical investi;ation of its moral, socihl, am! religious earing, and I stand appalled hoforo the evelations of its awful arid d imming realties and would flee from'its" influence as I irould from tho miasma, which would dbiroy both soul aud body. SpirituhlisuY nd prostitution, with a rejection of Chriir ianilv, are twin sisters, which everywhere ;o liaud in hand. With but littfo inqtofry,have been able to eount up over seventy lediu'ms, most of tfhohr have Wholly abhn'loued their conjugal relations, others liv;!?* with their namin'mirn oallml " nffinSti. ?* '' ihers in promiscuous adultery, anti alHl1 tliters exchanged pArlndrs. 0!d mbn1 jftiit fomon, wlio have passed the median of ftj, ai'e not imftcquevilly tho rictitrifc of lis hallucination. Many of the mediums )so all scuso of inbral obligation**,- aVid ield,' for tViXi ft mfe, to' whatever influence lay be brought upon IhcriV. Their pledged, ?oir integrity, ot tholr ohlb's, ai'e no -more jliable than' the shifting breefee Of tho thirlwind, for thoy ai'e irriul'e to yield to lie potters which for the time cfontrOl them. -L/r. B. fi. llalch. A'young, man prtce foil in love with nn eii*C9fl, -mid rite phsfciorir being returned, it ftlv Wftptefl' thtf parent#* con&nt to make lWhappy.' length', jro'eeting-tha-fai her, e,H8kfiU foi! tko daughter's band. "IIow inch money can von command ?" Asked Ive v?iKib>mipp ^niniy. "I cannot com1 iarttf rrttwh iiK' #?h -the reply. "What ard" -otir e)fpectAti6T?(?? Wdl, to .tall" die rutli.X expect tdfhn away; With'jfaur m?*rj be*,If ^qu' db'b'i give oirrcon?cnt."> ^ . . 't K j ^ ?>? ? ? " to? took tb? though yoti wore ^esiile qutheir," baid fi Wag to a fop standing by a uukcy. ' ' r ... ' ^