about the cavern, which runs deep into the bowels of the mountain. We can scarcely imagine a more striking spectacle than that which must have presented itself at the time of Mr Brooke's visit. The hundreds of dusky figures with flaming torches, the mass of green creepers, whose dark, rich foliage contrasted admirably with the pure whiteness of the rest, and the varied and fantastic forms which the hand of nature had there moulded, combined to produce a picture in the highest degree exciting to the imagination.

On our countryman's return to Sarawak, he found the province in so distracted a condition, with no probability of any termination of the period of anarchy, that thoughts of throwing up his schemes for the regeneration of the Archipelago, in utter despair, more than once occurred to his mind. The natural vigour of his character, however, triumphed over despondency, and he resolved to persevere. Soon after this, the rebellion occurred, which he assisted in putting down. The details, however, have been given to the public some months ago, and we have therefore no need to repeat them here.

Having seen much of the island of Borneo, its cities, its rivers, its productions, vegetable and mineral, its animals of all kinds, from the ponderous elephant to the creeping lizard; and hearing of its ancient trade in camphor, tortoiseshell, sandal-wood, cloves, bark, birds'nests, and trepang, Mr Brooke determined at all hazards to make an effort to open its inestimable riches to the enterprise of the merchant. Convinced that every province, and Sarawak in particular, might prove a mine of wealth, if properly worked, he thought no pains too great to be bestowed on the attempt, and therefore set about examining the materials with which he was to commence the gigantic labour.

He found the inhabitants uncivilised and ignorant. They had been accustomed, since time forgotten, to bloody and barbarous practices - murder, robbery, treachery, and almost every other vice. Yet they possess a religion, dark and imperfect though it be, founded on the original bases of all faith; one great God dwelling above the clouds, a future state of bliss for the good-the happy hunting-ground of the American Indians-and a place of punishment for the wicked.

Their religion, however, did not teach them to avoid the shedding of blood. Until very recently, the Dyaks of Sarawak indulged in the propensity of head-taking, which depopulated the land, interfered with the cultivation of the soil, and precluded the possibility of the different tribes living in amity one with another. The custom, however, has withered before the breath of European civilisation. No one now thinks of appropriating the heads of his neighbours, since Mr Brooke has declared that life for life shall be the law of Sarawak, and has caused it to be felt that he will be obeyed.

Piracy, however, has always been the greatest bane of progress in the Indian islands. Mr Brooke has devoted himself with unwearying energy to assist in its suppression, and we hope soon to see the fruits of his labours. The first active affair of very great consequence related in the present work, is the triumph over a notorious piratical chief, one Budrudeen. To prevent unnecessary loss of life, it was resolved to seize him by stratagem. He had long ago, by innumerable atrocities, repeated in the very teeth of warning, forfeited the right of being treated as an honourable enemy. Brooke's ally arrived at Singè; I found the patinge (Mr Brooke's ally) waiting till the pangeran (Budrudeen) and the Illanun panglima (his partner in crime) came to the beach; and to prevent suspicion, my party kept close in the boat, whence I could observe what was passing without. The pangeran and Illanun walked down, both well armed, and the latter dressed out with a variety of charms. Once on the beach, retreat was impossible; for our people surrounded them, though without committing any hostile act. The suspicion of the two was, however, roused; and it was curious to

The Borneo pan

observe their different demeanour. geran remained quiet, silent, and motionless-a child might have taken him; the Magindanas Illanun lashed himself to desperation. Flourishing his spear in one hand, and with the other on the handle of his sword, he defied those collected about him. He danced his wardance on the sand; his face became deadly pale; his wild eyes glared; he was ready to die, but not to die alone. His time was come, for he was dangerous, and to catch him was impossible; and accordingly Patirgiali, walking past, leaped forward, and struck a spear through his back far between his shoulders, half a foot out at his breast. I had no idea that, after such a thrust, a man could even for a few instants exert himself; but the Illanun, after receiving his mortal wound, dashed forward with his spear, and thrust it at the breast of another man; but strength and life failed, and the weapon did not enter.'

Among the varied and novel matters contained in this volume, we have a history of Borneo, a description of all its known provinces, towns, rivers, and natural peculiarities; its various tribes, piratical and peaceful; the extent of its capabilities of producing articles of commerce; its gold, diamond, antimony, silver, and other mines; the manners, customs, religion, &c. of its people; and indeed a collection of useful and interesting facts, such as seldom come within the scope of one work. If our readers would learn all that is told in Mr Brooke's Journals, they must read them in their complete form. It is, however, wonderful that the English rajah could have devoted so much time to the collecting of information, multifarious and fatiguing as must have been his duties. Here is a slight sketch of his routine of daily life when at Sarawak:- My spare hours are devoted to the studying of languages, reading, and chart-making; and my companions are constantly employed-some stuffing animals and birds, others in teaching our young Bugis and Dyak youths their letters, and instructing them in copying my vocabularies. Nine is the breakfast hour; four the time for dinner; after which we stroll out till dark, and drink tea at eight. Of wine and grog we have none, and I believe we are all the better without it, retiring happily to our beds about ten, ready for that repose which will fit us for the labour of to-morrow. I have also been engaged in watching some of the head men amusing themselves at chess, which is a favourite game among them.'

But Mr Brooke has also his country-house, situated on the border of a beautiful river, rattling through a stony channel, and overhung with the boughs of mag. nificent trees, whose dark foliage, meeting at top, only admits a few subdued sun-rays, thus preserving coolness and shade on the waters even in the heat of a tropical day. On every side extends a sweep of richly-cultivated country, across which the stream meanders, its course marked now by a barrier of low rocks, and now by banks covered with extra-luxuriant vegetation. Santah Cottage stands on a moderately-lofty eminence on the river's edge. It consists of two storeys built with logs, entwined with split bamboo. A small farm of three acres lies behind it, which Mr Brooke has cleared of wood and jungle, and planted with a thousand nutmeg-trees, with some figs, to which he intends to add the coffee-tree and the betel nut.

Half a mile from this beautiful retreat another cottage is to be built, on a spot called the Fairy Knoll. Here a diamond mine is to be worked, the Santah river abounding in these precious stones. The diamonds are found mixed in the gravelly substratum, and there is likewise a small quantity of gold to be obtained. The earth is washed at the water's edge in large, round, wooden pans, shaped like shields; the diamonds are picked out, and there remains a residue of black sand like gunpowder and gold particles; of course a good deal of neatness and attention is requisite, and the workers seem jealous and superstitious, dislike noise, particularly laughter or merriment, as it is highly

offensive to the spirit who presides over the diamonds; and what is perhaps more important in their eyes, the diamonds cannot be found if the abode of quiet is disturbed by unholy mirth. It is surprising to see people calling themselves Mohammedans yielding to Pagan rites of presenting offerings to the spirit of the minethe gnome king: fowls, rice, ciri, are weekly offered; but I was pleased to hear that they are sensible enough to eat up these good things after they have been offered. Hajji Ibrahim, with a solemn face, requested me to give him an old letter, and he engraved thereon some Chinese characters two inches long, which, being translated, signify," Rajah Muda Hassim, James Brooke, and Hajji Ibrahim, present their compliments to the spirit, and request his permission to work at the mine." Such are Mr Brooke's rural residences, whither he retires when weary of the bustle and activity of his capital. His bungalow at Sarawak is of a more imposing character. Built upon piles in the native style, and thatched with nipa, with a large veranda embracing the four sides, its interior yet presents all the characteristic comforts of an English dwelling. Landing at a little boat-house on the bank, you proceed up a broad gravelled walk, bordered by dense hedgerows of jessamine, to the porch; you then ascend a short flight of steps, cross the broad veranda, and enter a spacious saloon, or hall of reception, forty feet long. Adjoining this is a library, stocked with a choice assortment of the literature of various countries, and supplied also from time to time with the latest publications, periodical and others, on geographical and scientific subjects. Two bedrooms complete the interior arrangements of this curious mansion-half European and half Eastern. A kitchen, various offices, and bath-rooms, constitute detached buildings, at a very few yards' distance, while in close proximity stands a neat cottage, devoted to the purposes of hospitality.

Sarawak town is situated on the river of the same name, in a picturesque and fertile country. The native houses are built on either side of two beautiful reaches, while the Chinese occupy a distinct quarter on the right bank, opposite the English residences, which stand on eminences on the left.

flourish. Mr Brooke, we feel assured, will prove true to the task he has undertaken, and we therefore entertain brilliant hopes of the onward progress of the English in Sarawak.

THE OPPOSITE HOUSE.

A DWELLER in one of the prettiest districts of suburban London, but often yearning for the freedom and retirement of the country, I yet endeavour, as the common saying runs, 'to make the best of things in general'— that is, by living as much apart as propriety will admit from the gossipping society usually found to preponderate in such places, and also by being intimately acquainted with all the hidden nooks, odd corners, and green dells within reach, where the early primrose and violets hide, and where the latest acorn drops. The changes which have taken place in the opposite house' have often afforded me matter for contemplation during the past seven years, the more so, perhaps, because I visited there a long time ago, when, as an only and spoiled child, I was taken about everywhere with one who is now a saint in heaven; for which reason the memories and ideas thus associated assume with me somewhat of a sad and touching character.

The two elderly maiden sisters who were then the occupants I shall designate as the Misses Ramsay. They were rather aristocratic in their connections and pretensions; and it was considered something desirable to be admitted into the exclusive, but exquisitely dull circle, occasionally assembled in their prim drawingroom. I believe nothing save old friendship and family ties would have induced them to tolerate me in this model sanctuary, children and dogs' being especially prohibited, and objects of their supreme dread and aversion.

With this imposing force Mr Brooke reigns over an extensive territory, whose capital contains a population of 14,000 inhabitants. This might not appear so extraordinary, were the people a meek, submissive, and domestic race, nurtured for generations in the lap of peace, and accustomed to the varied arts of industry. On the contrary, anarchy has been for ages the normal state of the country; strife, and consequent bloodshed, have unremittingly urged on the work of depopulation; every man's hand has been against every man; destruction and pillage were the constant employments of the people; and no one knew or thought of peace. But a change has been wrought in the condition of affairs-a change which we should have considered incredible, had it been prophesied five years ago. What the next five years may bring forth it is impossible to foresee. If events, however, advance as steadily as they have done, and in the same direction, we hope to see a colony flourishing at Sarawak, factories in Busy operation, steam-engines in full play, houses and streets built, and gardens laid out, and also an English church for those Europeans and natives who are inclined to attend it. This may or may not happen. The future is the future, and none may read it. If, however, any colony founded by an individual possessed of the requisite energy and ability ever flourished, Sarawak ought to

*For a representation and description of this place, see Views in the Indian Archipelago,' by James Augustus St John.

saucers of peerless china. Their establishment consisted of five domestics, all old retainers, and as precise and orderly as their ladies. First in importance, as majordomo of the establishment, came Benjamin the footman, a tall, gaunt man, with gray hairs, and a long solemn visage, who always appeared habited in an immaculate black suit, with silver shoe-buckles. A thoroughly respectable, though stern-looking domestic was Benjamin; and when, with staid and important demeanour, he came from beneath the porch (where bowering clematis and honeysuckle were kept within strict bounds) to unlock the little green gate through which alone visitors were admitted, wo to the careless individuals who failed to duly scrape and brush their shoes if polluted by contact with mother earth! The vinegar aspect became sourer and harsher, and unquestionable demonstrations of displeasure peculiar to himself, but well understood by those who knew him, evinced the wrath of the worthy Benjamin, and rendered it no pleasant matter to provoke it. The housemaid was his sister, and distinguished by the same undeviating severity of attire and bearing; though certainly, to judge from the neatness and shining cleanliness of the house (which, however, was far too neat and minutely arranged to afford an idea of use or comfort), she was the perfection of good housemaids, not to be had now-a-days for love or money.

The ladies each kept her own peculiar attendantfac-similes of themselves. The cook of this clockwork establishment was of course invisible; and I never knew more than one person who had dined there, the entertainment being always limited to what is vulgarly termed 'tea and turn-out.' The dinner-hour was at

four o'clock to a moment; and our poor friend, who came from a distance, and was unavoidably asked to remain and partake of the repast, whispered to my mother, at our hospitable though far rougher board, 'that if dining off silver and porcelain was enough for satisfaction, there was a profusion of that at the Misses Ramsay's, and to spare; but in other respects it was a Barmecide's feast.'

Tea was handed round at seven precisely-visitors being never waited for. Tea did I say? it was an anomaly in the state of things-old maids being proverbially famed for their renovating hy son; but with the Misses Ramsay it was literally wash-never made in the room, but handed about to the guests on massive silver salvers, together with a very small portion of delicately-sliced bread and butter. I never dared to partake of the untempting beverage; for Benjamin and his worthy sister, Mrs Deborah, looked down so awfully upon me, that I usually felt paralysed, sat demurely still, and was thankful to be pronounced a well-behaved young lady now.' Little did our entertainers guess the outrageous romp I was privately contemplating for the next morning, as an indemnification for present thraldom.

A card-table was then put out, and a whist party formed, the remainder of the guests being left to their own discretion. At half-past nine enter Benjamin and Mrs Deborah again, with the silver salvers now supporting tiny but superbly-cut wine-glasses, each containing a drop or two of wine, while a golden basket held the small modicum of rich cake, divided into minute portions. By this time I was perfectly ravenous, not daring to cast my eyes on the tempting mouthfuls, but eagerly listening for the welcome announcement, at ten minutes to ten, of Your chair is waiting, madam.' Yet strange to say, people always went to the Misses Ramsay's when they were asked; and one redeeming point there was-at all seasons, and at all times, a small but rare collection of the fairest and daintiest flowers shed their perfumed loveliness over the inhospitable stiffness of that cold drawing-room: their scent still haunts me with the associations of my childhood. The Misses Ramsay gave large sums unostentatiously away in charities both public and private; and many poor of the neighbourhood had cause to lament their decease, which took place within a few months of each other, and a year or two previously to our being domiciled in our present residence.

How changed the outward aspect now of the 'opposite house' even as changed as its hidden domesticity! A merchant, reputed to be prosperous, had taken the lease, and brought thither his wife, a lady of Swiss extraction, and a large family of children, of all ages, from twelve downwards.

These children were singularly beautiful, though formed on a large scale of robust healthfulness; their free springing step, agile frames, and well-proportioned figures, betokened pure mountain descent; while their fanciful costume (the talk and wonder of the amazed neighbourhood), as Swiss peasant boys and girls, with fancy-looking caps and gay streamers, bright jackets, laced bodice, and such short petticoats, &c. all combined to make the illusion so perfect, that, as I watched them sporting under the old trees, I often fancied a scene in some theatrical representation was before me. I had never entered the interior of the house since the days of my childhood, when the Misses Ramsay occupied it; but if the exterior was a true index as to its condition, report spoke truly when it said, that on the departure of the Swiss family it was found to be literally torn to pieces. The clematis and honeysuckle have never been visible again; all the flowers were trampled down; for the children's little carriages, drawn by pet goats, completed their destruction.

Carpenters appeared to be in constant requisition; broken chairs and tables were observed to be carried out for repairs; dilapidated blinds and smashed panes of glass afforded continual employment to glaziers and Venetian shade manufacturers. The foreign mother

appeared to be entirely devoted to the whims and caprices of her offspring, to the utter shutting out of all other human sympathies; indeed the scandalmongers of the neighbourhood hinted, that had his home been better regulated, and more comfortably managed, the merchant would not so frequently have absented himself from it: hence disagreements arose; misfortunes in business came; and at length there was a total break up.' The elder children were sent by their English relatives to school, prior to their mother's returning to Switzerland with the younger ones, until arrangements could be made, or unanimity restored. The parting appeared to be a terrific one, and finished at the gate, and outside of it, as the carriage stood ready to convey the weeping children from the home they were never to return to again. The girls were dressed in plain English habiliments, and their close cottagebonnets scarcely permitted the ruddy cheeks, now bedewed with tears, to be visible; the large hands clasped their frantic mother's neck, and the huge feet fondly lingered on that beloved threshold where so many happy memories twined around their young hearts. I never heard what became of them; but a kind of desolation appeared to reign on the final departure of the family.

The shut-up house, its ruinous condition, and its garden choked with weeds, rendered it a melancholy object from our windows; and we were heartily wishing that some eligible housekeeper would take a fancy to it, ere the winter set in, when one morning an array of bricklayers, painters, and paper-hangers made their appearance, and in a short time the opposite house' looked habitable once more; but still its general aspect was not cheerful, for the blinds were all sad-coloured, the paint was dark and dingy-looking, and the fore-court was entirely covered with gravel, all intruding branches being mercilessly lopped. A lady and gentleman in sad-coloured garments became the owners; and though, altogether, things looked as cold and prim as they did in the Misses Ramsay's time, yet they wanted a certain relief and elegance which reigned then, and which is not definable.

The gentleman was a dissenting minister, who, having a handsome private fortune, conducted his ministra tions from a sense of duty. He and his wife were benevolence personified. They were never done admonishing, instructing, cheering; they fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and they were never known to make any difference in their charities on the score of religious distinction. A time came when these excellent persons also removed from the opposite house,' much to the grief of the neighbourhood. They emigrated to New Zealand, possibly for the sake of labouring in a wider field of usefulness-carrying tidings of the blessed Gospel to scenes of heathen barbarism. If such really were their object, what an example of self-devotedness! I wonder if their thoughts ever revert to the neat English cottage, with its suburban accessories!

Once again the opposite house' was inhabited, and this time by a perfect colony of busy bees. A rich and pious lady of the vicinity purchased it for her charity school; and thirty orphan girls, in their pretty uniforms, here found a refuge from the present ills of life, and help and instruction to enable them to combat with those in store for their maturer years. Busy, clean, and happy creatures they appeared to be; and though it was pronounced, by many of the neighbours, to be shameful and impertinent of Lady M to put so genteel a cottage villa to such an unseemly use, yet there were some who deemed it far otherwise. The school-room was that which had formerly been the Misses Ramsay's drawing-room. Poor ladies! how impossible it would have been for them to have imagined that no less than thirty of their forbidden torments, in the guise of robust charity girls, would one day be daily assembled there-that battledoors and skipping-ropes would usurp the place of the delicate embroidery frame

while numberless torn and well-thumbed spelling

well known. The experiments of M. Becquerel in this branch of science have as yet been the most successful, and although not so effective as is to be desired, they have acquired an industrial character. Some of the experiments undertaken in Paris were tried upon nearly 10,000 pounds of silver ore from Mexico, and with a favourable result. A method of amalgamation has also been discovered, by means of which five-sixths of the mercury now considered essential to the process will be saved. About forty ounces of silver are obtained from 1000 pounds of ore; the pulverisation or trituration of the latter is effected in South America by the feet of men and mules, instead of water or other power. Human skill, in fact, seems to be deficient in proportion to the riches of nature. A machine somewhat similar to a mortar-crusher was introduced at Potosi to supply the place of animal labour by a European. With this instrument, one man and a mule, costing five shillings per day, could do as much work as twenty Indians, for whom the charge was three pounds. Although this machine was constructed more than twelve years ago, not one of the labourers or workmen employed at the mines has attempted to imitate it: they leave the owner in undisturbed possession of his advantage, and plod on in their old way. This fact alone will suffice to show the waste of capabilities in the search for metals, and the increased return that may be looked for under a more efficient system of management. The conquest of Mexico by the people of the United States may be regarded as a preliminary step in the development of those hitherto neglected resources. With their restless enterprising spirit, roads, canals, and railways will soon be constructed, and the mining returns will reach their maximum.

Baron Humboldt has expressed himself in most positive terms on the subject of the future production of the precious metals. Confining himself to the Mexican states alone, he says- When we consider the vast extent of surface occupied by the Cordilleras, and the immense number of mineral deposits which have not yet been attacked, we shall understand that New Spain, when better governed, and inhabited by an industrious population, will yield for her own share the seven millions now furnished by the whole of America. In the space of one hundred years, the annual produce of the Mexican mines was raised from 1,000,000 to nearly 5,000,000 of pounds.' In another place he writes- Europe would be inundated with precious metals if simultaneous labours were commenced, with all the improvements in mining machinery, upon the deposits at Balanos, Batopilas, Sombrerete, Rosario, Pachuca, Sultepec, Chihuahua, and many others long and justly celebrated. . . . There is no doubt that the produce of the mines of Mexico might be doubled or tripled in the space of a century.... In general, the abundance of silver is such in the chain of the Andes, that taking into consideration the beds yet left intact, or which have been but superficially worked, we should be tempted to believe that Europeans have scarcely begun to comprehend the inexhaustible fund of riches shut up in the new world.' With the proverbial celerity of the United States' population, much of the work here calculated for one hundred years is likely to be achieved in a quarter of that time the effect on rates of exchange and prices all over the world will be very remarkable. Silver, it is calculated, will be reduced at least one-half in value; and those countries in which the greatest amount of this metal is in circulation will be most exposed to loss. The silver coin circulating in Europe is commonly estimated at L.320,000,000, of which France holds threeeighths according to some authorities, the contingency to be provided for is only a question of time.

A phenomenon will be exhibited similar to that which complicated prices and transformed so many social positions three centuries ago. The crisis, however, will be much less rapid and less violent; because the mass of silver already acquired by the old continent being

enormous, the influence of even a considerable quantity thrown into the market will make itself felt more slowly. The level between different centres of commerce is more easily established than formerly; a glut upon one isolated point is therefore little to be feared. After some time, the value of silver would be regulated everywhere by the cost price; and if the expenses of production are reduced one half, any country at present in possession of a currency worth L.30,000,000, would be the poorer to the amount of L.15,000,000, since the quantity of labour and of profit which a shilling would then represent would be diminished by one half.'

Mines of gold and silver are, however, not exclusively confined to America: with the exception of England, there are several in nearly every other country of Europe, and the return from some of these is increasing every year, a cause which will naturally accelerate the effects contemplated. An accurate annual statement is published of the produce of the mines of Russia. In that empire, the metalliferous deposits extend over a region stretching from Kamtchatka to Peru-one half of the earth's circle in length, with an average breadth of 8 degrees of latitude. The presence of gold under this portion of the world's surface was early known, and recorded by Herodotus, but was subsequently lost sight of for two thousand years. In 1774, the re-discovery of auriferous sand was made during some repairs to the machinery at the Klutchefsk mines; further discoveries followed, and in 1823, the present system of working was commenced. The richest deposits are found in the Ural and Altai mountains: in 1836, the produce of gold was 13,000 pounds weight; in 1845, it had increased to 45,000 pounds; and as far as ascertained, the returns for 1846 were still augmenting. The gold furnished by Russia is to that of America as 144 to 100. So great is the quantity of gold at present existing among civilised nations, that an annual addition of 45,000 pounds would not for a long time cause any sensible difference.'

For some of the facts and conclusions in the foregoing paper, we are indebted to an elaborate article on the subject in the Revue des Deux Mondes,' by M. Chevalier.

NIMRO D.*

A DRAMATIC poem entitled 'Nimrod' has been exciting some attention; but it is no easy matter for critic or common reader to give any account of it. The reason is, that Nimrod' is difficult to read, and the age of earnest laborious readers has gone by. When the men of the present day meet such a work, they peep at it. The critic may write a notice;' but it is such notice as a gentleman gives in passing to his unpaid tailor.

The reason why Nimrod' is difficult to read is, that its author's unquestionable power is unguided by tact. There are materials in the volume for a good, perhaps a great poem; but these are thrown together into a formless, inartificial heap, which shocks the tasteful, and appals the timid reader. The Greek tragedy, the medieval mystery, and the melodrama of these last days, all contribute something to the plan, which is therefore alike unsatisfactory to the classical and romantic reader.

Still, even taken as a whole, there is something grand and majestic in the idea of Nimrod.' The hero, from a slayer of wild beasts, becomes, in quick gradation, a soldier-a conqueror a king-the master of the world, and the adopted son of the god Baal. His love for the humble Nahmah lives throughout his exaltation, and he despatches envoys to bring her to be the companion of his throne, binding himself by an irrevocable oath to grant any request she may make. The priests, however, desire to convert the demigod into their tool, and contrive that Nimrod shall appear guilty of impious

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