and by all that is known of its present climate, the mean temperature
seems to be the same now. Nor has the time of harvest undergone any
change. Snow and ice, which were known, though rarely, in ancient times,
are occasionally met with now and at present, as in former times. The
inhabitants make use of artificial heat to warm themselves."--_Dr.
Brewster's Journal_.

* * * * *


SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.

NUISANCES OF SOCIETY.

It is quite true that the largest part of conversation turns upon
eating and drinking, the weather, the vices and follies of our
neighbours, and a thousand other trifles that lead not to dispute; and
it must be admitted that it is bad companionship to be eternally
canvassing the greater interests of life, and forcing upon society
opinions upon things in general. There are, indeed, themes in plenty
which belong to the neutral ground of debate; but it is very pitiable
that they should so ill bear repetition. All the world, if they dared
avow as much, are heartily tired of them. Like cursing and swearing,
they are merely unmeaning expletives to supply the lack of sense, to
gain time, and to give a man the satisfaction of sometimes hearing his
own voice. With all the assistance of cards, music, dancing, and
champagne, society is at best but a dreary business, and it requires no
little animal spirits to undergo the infliction with decency. Are you
admitted on terms of familiarity to the domestic hearth of your friend,
that privilege confers on you the opportunity of becoming intimately