entirely disappears; and it is on this part of the coast that the most perfect columnar formations occur. Doon Point and Runascariff are the most remarkable, although the same appearance, in a ruder form, may be traced wherever the basalt predominates. Our map will show the situation of these strata with regard to each other, where the alternate elevation and depression of the limestone may be distinctly traced all round the island.
Sandstone, coal, iron ore, &c., the substances which form the eastern side of Ballycastle Bay, and which appear different from the common mineral productions of the country, may also be traced directly opposite, running under Rathlin, which, in connection with other circumstances, would tend to confirm the opinion entertained by some geologists of their being a continuation of the same general strata. The limestone traverses the island from west to east. This chalk, or white limestone, when crossed by a basaltic dyke, often undergoes a remarkable alteration near the point of contact, the limestone becoming granular marble, highly phosphorescent when subjected to heat. On the western side of Church Bay the chalk is intersected by these basaltic dykes, and has been converted, in each instance, into granular marble. Dr. Hamilton, from the sandy texture of this marble, calls it calcareous sandstone, which he remarks occurs near Lame, on the opposite coast, but in point of phosphorescent qualities that found in Rathlin is much superior.
A mineral resembling the puozzalana of Italy has been found chiefly on the east side of the island, in connection with the basalt. Dr. Hamilton describes it as being of the character of a basaltic cinder broken down. Specimens had been forwarded for experiment, as it was supposed it might serve the same important purposes as those volcanic products found at Naples and in the Canary Islands, but on examination it did not appear likely to answer general expectation.
RICHARD GRAINGER.
I have petitioned for space in these columns to rectify a mistake I have been led into, by special information as well as common report. I rejoice to find that both are wrong, and that I have been wrong in assuming them to be trustworthy. That such a mind as Richard Grainger’s should have given way was a painful thought to many who will now be thankful that a faithful and intimate friend of his can bear such testimony as the following that it was not so. Mr. Fenwick writes to me thus, under date of October 12:—
“Your sketch of my late worthy friend, Mr. Grainger, affected me very much. I admired it greatly, except in one particular, where I am sure you have been misinformed. You state that ‘when he had worked too hard, and allowed himself too little sleep, his brain gave way.’ Now, no person beyond his own family knew Mr. Grainger so intimately as I did. He perpetually resorted to me as a friend on whom he could rely for advice; and although, as you may suppose, he felt embarrassment from his affairs, yet he never lost the equanimity of mind which ever distinguished him; and he worked through his difficulties in a manner which astonished me.”
ANA.
Serfdom and Emancipation in Russia.—There are amongst the Russian nobility some who possess from 70,000 to upwards of 100,000 serfs. Count Schermetyeff is considered the richest nobleman in Russia. He possesses 120,000 serfs, amongst whom are several whose wealth amounts to millions. His annual income is estimated at 1½ million silver roubles (250,000l.). Every serf pays to his master from 10 to 15 roubles annually, so that the annual income of a possessor of 100,000 serfs cannot be less than 400,000l., independent of the income he derives from forests, mills, fabrics, &c. The total number of serfs now in Russia is upwards of 23,000,000, and taking the value of each serf at only 300 roubles (50l.), the loss sustained by the owners, by the emancipation, is certainly not less than 1,150.000,000l.! or half as much as the National Debt of this country. Taking the interest at 5 per cent., the loss of annual income to the nobility cannot be less than 67,000,000l., or more than double the interest we pay for the National Debt. M.
A Reverse of Fortune.—During the confinement of the last Earl of Cromartie in the Tower his nephew, although taking no part in the rebellion, was imprisoned with him, and on his uncle’s discharge was permitted to leave with him. The earl and countess (earl and countess no longer now) resolved to reside in London, at least for some time, and as simple Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie fought earnestly against their misfortunes. Their nephew and his two daughters had also to struggle bravely for daily bread. In the end, George III. restored some portion of the attainted property to the earl’s daughter, on whose neck was plainly visible the mark of a blood-red axe, and admitted his nephew into the Charterhouse. But the earl’s two great-nieces had to fight the battle of life alone, and obtained a precarious living by making shirts and mending linen for their friends, and taking care of sets of chambers for gentlemen of the law. In Cannon Street there is a house that looks out upon a little railed-in grave-yard, and there these patient, suffering ladies resided for some time, nobly fulfilling the duties of their fallen station, and dying at length honoured and lamented by all who knew them.
“Ready, Aye Ready!”—We all remember that when, during the Indian mutiny, it was thought necessary to despatch Sir Colin Campbell to Calcutta to assume the command of the forces, the gallant old general gained great credit for having demanded only twelve hours to prepare for his departure. In this, however, he was outdone by the late Earl Cathcart, who when asked by Lord Hill, the then General Commanding-in-Chief, what time he would require to prepare himself for active service, and proceed to Canada with despatches, replied, as he rose to take his departure, after a moment’s hesitation, “Half-an-hour, my lord; but if necessary I will be quite ready in twenty minutes.”
