FASHION.


Pignotte places the temple of this deity in the moon; and it may therefore
be presumed that it was the walls of this edifice that Professor
Grinthausen, of Munich, lately mistook for an immense fortress. The error
of the German astronomer would seem to corroborate the hypothesis of the
Italian poet, who doubtless did not assign that local habitation to the
goddess of fashion without mature reflection. Indeed, it cannot be denied
that that planet possesses some mysterious influence over female fashions,
analogous to that which it has over the tides; hence the cause, for we
really know of none better, of _monthly_ fashions. Let not however any
malicious wit suppose that the moon has anything whatever to do with
monthly periodicals!

* * * * *


HOW TO CHOOSE A RELIGION.


Karamsin, in his history of Russia, relates that when the inhabitants of
Livonia were first converted from Paganism to Christianity, they hesitated
whether they should adopt the faith of the Russian or German church; at
length in their extreme perplexity, they determined to decide their doubts
in a most summary manner by casting lots, when chance prevailed in favour
of the latter. There are many cases in which this example might be
followed very advantageously, thereby saving a great deal of time and
vexation to the parties; for instance, it might be very beneficially