(To the Editor.)

This stands upon a rock, which was found in a morass near Lachta, in Karelin, at a distance of eleven versts, or about 41,250 English feet.  The dimensions of this stone were found to be 21 feet by 42 in length, and 34 in breadth; its weight is calculated at 3,200,000 lbs. or 1,600 tons.  The mechanism for its conveyance was invented by Count Carbury, who went by the name of Chevalier Lascuri.  A solid road was first made from the stone to the shore; then brass slips were inserted under the stone to go upon cannon balls of five inches diameter, in metal grooves, by windlasses worked by 400 men every day, 200 fathoms towards the place of destination.  The water transport was performed by what are called camels in the dockyards of Petersburgh and Amsterdam.

E.A.B

* * * * *

SONNET TO HOPE.

(For The Mirror.)

  As some lone pilgrim through Night’s dreary scene,
  With cautious steps scarce venturing on his way,
  Views the chaste orb of Evening’s soft-eyed Queen
  Gild the blue east, and scare those mists away
  Which from his sight each faithful light obscur’d,
  And led him wildering, sinking pale with fear! 
  Not he more bless’d by Cynthia’s light allur’d,
  Onward his course with happier thoughts doth steer,
  Than I, O Hope! blest cheerer of the soul! 
  Who, long in Sorrow’s darkening clouds involv’d,
  When black despair usurp’d mild Joy’s control,
  Saw thee, bright angel, fram’d of heavenly mould,
  Dip thy gay pallet in the rainbow’s hue,
  And call each scene of Peace and Mirth to view.

The Author of “A Tradesman’s Lays."

* * * * *

The income of a Russian metropolitan does not exceed 800l. a-year; that of an archbishop, 600l.; and of a bishop, 500l.; sums apparently as small as persons of their rank can possibly subsist on, even in Russia.  They are, however, allowed a considerable sum annually for purposes of charity.

* * * * *

THE SKETCH-BOOK.

* * * * *

A SCENE FROM LIFE.

(For the Mirror.)

  Truth is strange—­stranger than fiction. 
  LORD BYRON.

“And so the Fernlands is to be sold at last,” I said, casually meeting Mr. Nibble, our under-sheriff—­“Poor N——­, I am grieved for him, he has struggled hard against oppression.”

“It is quite true, sir,” replied the man of the law, “a horning came down last night, but it will answer no end—­for Messrs. Sharke and Scrapepen, have advertised the whole of the property for public roup on Tuesday next.”