releasing corporate bodies in large towns from the burdensome ceremonies of public receptions; thus making a compromise between their own dignity and the convenience of the provincial public.  Once introduced, and the arrangements upon the road for meeting the wants of travellers once adapted to such a practice, it would easily become universal.  It is, however, very possible that mere horror of the heats of daytime may have been the original ground for it.  The ancients appear to have shrunk from no hardship as so trying and insufferable as that of heat.  And in relation to that subject, it is interesting to observe the way in which the ordinary use of language has accommodated itself to that feeling.  Our northern way of expressing effeminacy, is derived chiefly from the hardships of cold.  He that shrinks from the trials and rough experience of real life in any department, is described by the contemptuous prefix of chimney-corner, as if shrinking from the cold which he would meet on coming out into the open air amongst his fellow men.  Thus, a chimney-corner politician for a mere speculator or unpractical dreamer.  But the very same indolent habit of aerial speculation, which courts no test of real life and practice, is described by the ancients under the term umbraticus, or seeking the cool shade, and shrinking from the heat.  Thus an umbraticus doctor is one who has no practical solidity in his teaching.  The fatigue and hardship of real life, in short, is represented by the ancients under the uniform image of heat, and by the moderns under that of cold.

Blackwood’s Magazine.

* * * * *

RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS.

* * * * *

“PROGRESS” OF CHARLES II.  AND HIS COURT.

The accompanying memorandum relative to Charles II. and his Court, is copied from an old Family Prayer Book, and from the date of the book, (?) and appearance of the writing, there is little doubt of its authenticity.

W.H.

“King Charles the Second, with his Queen Katharine, the Duke of York, and his Duchess, and Prince Rupert, the Duke of Monmouth, and many others of the nobility did lodge in Wickomb, the 30th day of September, in the yeare 1663.  They did come into the town about 4 of the clock the same day.  They came from Oxford.  The King in his progress going back again to London.  The King did go out of the town between v and vi of the clock the next morning, and was at his palace at Whitehall before 9 of the clock in the morning.  The Queen did go out about viii of the clock, and dined at Uxbridge, and then went to Whitehall.  The King was lodged with his Queen at the Catharine Wheel.”

* * * * *

FAT LIVING.

The vicarage of Wyburn, or Winsburn, Cumberland, is of the following tempting value:  Fifty shilling per annum, a new surplice, a pair of clogs, and feed on the common for one goose.  This favoured church preferment is in the midst of a wild country, inhabited by shepherds.  The clerk keeps a pot-house opposite the church.  The service is once a fortnight; and when there is no congregation, the Vicar and Moses regale themselves at the bar.