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per cent. would not be purchased to a large | tian government representative. Howamount. The native is as keen about in-ever, as we drop anchor alongside the terest as any Jew; but he will forego it new pier we obtain a wider view of the readily for the double luxury of keeping place, which now presents a more anihis savings secret, and in his own hands; mated and business-like appearance. The and his preference for gold shows that the ground is covered by a network of rails smallness, as compared with the value of sweeping round from various points toa coin, increases greatly his eagerness to wards the "workshop"-a large corrupossess it. The writer has stood in a gated-iron building which towers to the room lined from floor to roof with English east of the little settlement; the intervensovereigns every one of which had been ing space being encumbered with boringordered by Sikh peasants and was to be tubes, steam-cranes, and machinery of withdrawn from circulation. Every one numerous kinds in endless confusion. A had been pierced for a wire, the peasantry visit to the foundry, smelting-room, and stringing the sovereigns in rouleaus. workshops well repays the visitor.

From St. James's Gazette.
THE EGYPTIAN OIL-WELLS.

THE petroleum-wells on the west coast of the Red Sea, concerning which high expectations are entertained at Cairo, lie at the extremity of the Gulf, and within about one hundred and forty miles of the port, of Suez. The approach by sea from the north is along a most inhospitablelooking coast, as seen from the deck of a steamer; a landscape without a sign of water or a vestige of verdure. The hills, of evident volcanic origin, rise from near the shore in serried lines as far inland as the eye can reach; their rugged, unclothed peaks sharply defined against the steelblue sky; a picture of desolation under the rays of the noonday sun, but affording marvellous effects of color at dawn or when bathed in the warm afterglow of an Egyptian sunset.

The machinery is all of the finest description; the steam cushioned hammer being, for instance, a perfect model in its way. Certainly, if the dream of oil prove illusory, the sale of this plant will be an offset against the very great original outlay incurred by the Egyptian government in their search for the hidden spring. The electric light is supplied throughout the premises; any part of which can be separately illuminated at a moment's notice. The skilled workmen are principally Americans, with a sprinkling of Russians and Roumanians from Baku, many of whom are accompanied by their wives. The welfare of the community has not been overlooked. Their material wants are principally supplied from Suez, between which port and Jebel Zeit a more or less regular weekly communication is maintained. Fresh vegetables and fruit are procurable in abundance from Tor on the opposite Sinai coast, and bullocks from Keneh on the Nile. Water is condensed at Gimsah, where an old khedivial steamer is stationed for the purpose; while ice and mineral waters are made on the spot in sufficient quantities to meet all demands.

On rounding a small promontory after a run of fourteen hours from Suez, we come in full view of the little settlement at Zeitieh nestling under the black brow of The Oil Mountain, Jebel Zeit, lies in Jebel Zeit the Oil Mountain-on the latitude 27° 50′ N.; but the petroleum disnorthern extremity of a fine natural har-trict, as marked on our Admiralty charts, bor, which we enter through a deep, well- really extends for several miles to the defined channel between the coral reefs. north and south of this point. The whole The first view strikingly reminds one of territory shows more or less indication of Eden City as depicted in the old wood- surface oil, and is besides rich in hydrocuts in Martin Chuzzlewit." Rows of carbons, sulphur, lime, etc., offering an small wooden shanties, unadorned by paint interesting field for geological research. or plaster, run at right angles one to an- Gypsum of the purest quality has been other, forming broad thoroughfares where discovered in abundance some miles to some goats and geese-apparently the the north of Jebel Zeit, and already meassole inhabitants are disconsolately wan-ures are in contemplation to work these dering. One tiny box of a house bears gypsum fields. The promontory of Gimsah the imposing inscription, in letters a foot lies about twelve miles south of Jebel long, "Post, Telegraph, and Telephone | Zeit, and here another little City of Eden Office;" and a crescent flag flying from a has sprung into existence. Ábout two tall pole over another Lilliputian structure miles north-north-east of the spacious natmarks the official residence of the Egyp- ural harbor formed by this promontory

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and the adjacent coral reefs are found the so-called petroleum pools, consisting of a black, bitumen-like substance, which emits an unmistakable odor, and "scents the desert air" for miles around. In the neighborhood of these pools we come upon the traces of former excavations of a somewhat extensive character, which were commenced by the ex-khedive Ismail in quest of oil and abandoned nigh twenty years ago. The hill of Gimsah is honeycombed throughout the work of a French company to whom Ismail Pasha gave a concession for sulphur-mining about the same time. It is here that Mr. Tweddle, the American expert to whom the work of exploration has been temporarily confided, has finally pitched his tent, after abandoning the previous borings at Zeitieh; and it is here where his artesian boring machinery may be seen in active operation. The lowest depth attained is seven hundred and fifty feet, at No. 2 derrick; whilst Nos. 1, 3, and 4 show a descent of three hundred and fifty-six feet, six hundred feet, and four hundred feet respectively. A certain pressure of gas is sometimes experienced, on which occasions oil of a superior quality, though generally mixed with sea water, rises temporarily to the surface. No rich deposit has, however, as yet been discovered, so that all that can be said at present is that the indications are favorable. Pessimists aver that even if the vein be struck the pressure will be insufficient for practical purposes. They base their opinion on a report to which they give credence -of the frequent appearance of oil on the surface of the sea at a distance of several miles from the coast. From this they infer the existence of a permanent subaqueous outlet which would, of course, greatly tend to reduce such pressure as might otherwise be expected. Be this as it may, Mr. Tweddle seems sanguine as to the ultimate success of the enterprise, if only the Egyptian government can be induced to persevere. His contract expires in a few weeks and is not likely to be renewed; but the circumstance of his retirement need not necessarily impede the work of exploration. A complete staff of skilled American and European workmen has been collected who, if willing to remain, are fully equal to the task allotted to them under any ordinary surveyor. The appliances and organization leave nothing to be desired; so there need be no fear of the undertaking being abandoned until all reasonable hopes of success have been finally exhausted.

A DAY'S BOAR-HUNTING IN BENGAL.

A WRITER in the Field describes the chief incidents of a boar-hunt in which he and a dozen others took part in Behar. The first animal the beaters drove out of the covert in front of which the horsemen were posted was a wolf. This afforded a chance of deciding a question they had just been arguing whether a wolf could be run down by a horse and accordingly the whole field went in pursuit. "At first the wolf, not quite seeing what was up, was inclined to take it leisurely till we neared upon him, when he put on full steam, widening for a while the breach between us; but as ground got clearer, and dureres (field hedges), which greatly hampered the long stride of the horses, fewer, we found ourselves again nearing, Begg with the lead, along with four others who had singled themselves out of the crowd. We are collaring our chase plainly enough. Great though wolf's speed, he is not proof against the well-trained horses on good ground. Now Begg's spear hangs over wolf, and each felt a pang as his chance of first spear seemed gone. But wolf, looking up just in time, espied the glittering point, and evaded his fate by dodging to the right, just enough to front Williams, who, riding next, pressed for spear. Any one now might back the winner,' as, whenever a horse came too close, wolf just slipped aside a little. By Jove! a close shave that! Williams's spear was over wolf, just grazing his hide, when wolf dodged it by crossing under the horse, then, pulling up sharp, doubled round for the rear, after marvellously escaping a broken back among the horses' feet. Pulling up, I got round in time to see the fight finished. How often it happens that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong! Macfadgen, coming quietly, dodging along hindmost, like a piece of well-steadied machinery, meets wolf after he had run the gauntlet of his other enemies, and, with spear held well forward, pins him through and through, the steel striking the ground. The fight is over. The scourge of sleeping children, vainly struggling to keep his legs, is put beyond pain as the field gathers round. He was a spanking wolf, well worth our trouble." After an interval of rest there was an exciting encounter with a boar, which made such a desperate charge on his leading pursuer that, notwithstanding a spear-thrust, he "sent horse and rider spinning through the air as if they were executing an acrobatic feat,

and finally landing on their backs after a complete double revolution." Then two boars broke away, and one of them made a desperate resistance, meeting charge after charge when brought to bay, and dying bristling with embedded spears. "He was a tall, lanky fellow, with big tusks, of the kind that would give us a sharp run and prove an active fighter. That he could run was already obvious by the way he was taking across country; that, too, none of the smoothest, but well broken by ditches and holes of one kind and another, where the chances of a spill | were about five to one. . . . .. A mile or two of stiff riding had now to be got through ere we overhauled him again, which, on perceiving, he made for a pool of stagnant water, the remnant of a dried-up lake. Here he lay down to wallow and roll while we surrounded him. Having become aware of this fact, his lowering eye and wrathful visage proclaimed no pleasure at the discovery, while leaving as little doubt of his intentions. He sounded a couple of snorts, nodded his head, and advanced at a walk in my direction, having seemingly singled me out for vengeance. The walk merged into a trot, trot into a gallop, and before I could well wheel my horse to meet him he was on me like a thunderbolt. Hitting my boot a sharp blow with his tusk in passing. a rapid movement having evaded his direct charge-he was not content to go on, but turned round to have a word with the horse. As he disappeared below its flanks I dealt his rear, which protruded, such a stimulant as speedily sent him out and on to the next

horse, that of Williams, who was advancing to meet him. Ere reaching Williams's horse, however, he met his spear, which slipped through and through him, only to be doubled up next instant against the horse, as pig swerved in his course for a fresh charge. He was now intently plying his tusks on Westwood's horse (the latter so frightened that it seemed paralyzed and unable to move), and seemingly indifferent to Westwood's spear, now added to the number. After serving out Westwood, he made again for the puddle, lively enough, though a little disheartened en route by another spear from Williams. Not yet beat, however, he stood at bay in the water, turning to face every attack, and meeting his assailant half-way like a true duellist. It was a turn of sharp practice now, as one after another rushed by him, manoeuvring their horses so as to deliver the spear and yet avoid the charge; but it was a fight that could not last. Assailed on every side, boar gradually sank under the repeated thrusts, till his last efforts showed only the will without the power. Bristling all over with embedded spears, at length the poor brute lay down, fighting to the last, with the dying satisfaction, however, of having left his marks on three horses. A fine tusker' he was, measuring thirty-seven inches. On looking at our horses, I found both my saddle-girths cut, one right through, the other nearly, and a long but not deep cut on the horse's forearm. Williams and Westwood fared worse, Williams's horse having been cut in three places; but, though severely, neither dangerously."

MORADABAD AND THE JUBILEE. - The | ing hard to secure the buildings being conpeople of Moradabad have determined on structed at the earliest possible date. When commemorating the jubilee of the queen-em- this is done"-to use the words of Dr. press in a thoroughly practical and useful form one in consonance with the noble movement now on foot for the amelioration of the sufferings of India's women. At a cost of some twenty thousand rupees, contributed partly by private subscriptions and partly by municipal donations, the Jubilee Hospital for Females is to be erected on a suitable plot of ground, acquired for that purpose near to the Civil Hospital. The building is to be of a novel and picturesque design, and will contain eight special wards for purda-nashin women, besides accommodation for sixteen other female patients, quarters for female doctor, dispensing and store rooms. Mr. Spedding, the magistrate of Moradabad, is work

Walker, inspector-general of civil hospitals"and the female hospital is placed under the charge of a trained female practitioner, the Moradabad Hospital will be in advance of any other in these provinces." In connection with the above movement, we may mention that Moradabad will have the honor of heading the list of jubilee card collections, the applications for cards having been first received from this district. A sum of over eight thousand rupees has already been collected on these cards, chiefly in small sums. other districts will only follow the example of Moradabad, the success of the Dufferin Fund will be assured.

Allahabad Pioneer.

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For EIGHT DOLLARS, remitted directly to the Publishers, the LIVING AGE will be punctually forwarded for a year, free of postage.

Remittances should be made by bank draft or check, or by post-office money-order, if possible. If neither of these can be procured, the money should be sent in a registered letter. All postmasters are obliged to register letters when requested to do so. Drafts, checks, and money-orders should be made payable to the order of LITTELL & Co.

Single Numbers of THE LIVING AGE, 18 cents.

TO ALFRED J. CHURCH.

The long-accustomed loyalty to hate,

AUTHOR OF THE LEGEND OF ST. VITALIS, But years bring weariness for sweet content,

AND OTHER POEMS.

As happy children who in careless play Scatter bright blossoms on their homeward way,

So thou on life's rough path hast scattered flowers,

To lighten some dark day, or bitter hours,
Unto thy brothers, who, with weary feet,
Pause in the toil of life thy voice to greet,
That as an organ pealing, loud then low,
Like the loved voices silent long ago,
Lingers within our hearts, and never we
Its echoes may forget as long as time shall be.
And now these fadeless blossoms thou hast
twined

Into a wreath; and ever shall the wind

Of time blow softly o'er them, and the air
Seem sweeter for the gift of things so fair.
The lowest place thou wert content to win,
So thou couldst find but room to enter in,
And lay thy chaplet there before that shrine,
Amid so much the world doth deem divine.
Yea, thou hast passed the portal, and hast
found

That with the laurel green thy brow is bound.
Spectator.
F. P.

MOON-THIRST.

WHO knows-yon ancient planet waterless, Once swayed with ocean; yonder caves, whence night

Not ever is dispelled, were swum with light, And floods and verdurous mountains felt the

stress

Of winds that smote the shining capes, to

bless

Woodlands with power and ships with men of might:

While cloud-encircled and more softly bright The moon walked on in gleaming spotlessness? Now, cold of heart, and evermore accursed With death, white ashes strewn upon her head, Blind on her course the haggard phantom moves;

But fierce and unallayable her thirst,

And fondness, daily sustenance of love, Which use should make a tribute easier paid, First grudged, and then withholden, starves the heart;

And though compassion, or remorseful thoughts

Of happy days departed, bring again
The ancient tenderness in seeming flood,
Not less it ebbs and ebbs till all is bare.
O happy shore, the flowing tide shall brim
Thy empty pools, and spread dull tangled
weeds

In streamers many-colored as the lights
Which flash in northern heavens, and revive
The fainting blossoms of the rocks; but thou,
O heart, whence love hath ebbed, art ever
bare!
Spectator.
A. J. CHURCH.

PLYMOUTH HARBOR-SUNDAY. Is it not well that England sends her sons From such proud harbors, such fair haunts as these,

To wage their battle with the roaring seas, And shout for victory with their cloudy guns; Here where the shifting wall of white foam

runs

Forever Soundward, where baronial trees Blend the waves' whisper with the hum of bees

And sweet church bells ring down their benisons?

Yes, when the sailor's heart is strung for fight, Thou, Edgecumbe, shall be present in that hour,

The Hoe and Hamoaze, clear before his sight,
Shall nerve his arm and lend his spirit power;
And if he fall, yet falling will he smile,
Dead for the love of this his native isle.
Spectator.
H. D. RAWNSLEY.

ECHOES.

To earth's far seas in vain her hands are As one who walks upon a windy night,

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Through unknown streets, to reach the minster door,

Guides not his footsteps by the gusty light,
But by the clangor that the wild bells pour;
Yet oft he pauses, when in the wind's roar
Some louder echo calls him left or right;
And much he joys when, full of angels bright,
He sees the great rose-window flame before.

So if the wanderer in life's ways attend

To catch the heavenly carillon, above Its earthly echoes, nature, art, and love; Then in his ears, as earth's sweet voices end, The bells sound clearer, and before his eyes Bright windows open in the darkening skies. Spectator. F. W. B.

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