STEEL THREE HUNDRED TIMES DEARER THAN GOLD.

Steel may be made three hundred times dearer than standard gold, weight
for weight; six steel wire pendulums, weight one grain, to the artists
7s. 6d. each, 2l. 5s.; one grain of gold only 2d.

T. GILL.

* * * * *

SCRAPS.

Omai, the South Sea Islander, was once at a dinner in London, where
stewed Morello cherries were offered to him. He instantly jumped up, and
quitted the room. Several followed him; but he told them that he was no
more accustomed to partake of human blood than they were. He continued
rather sulky for some time, and it was only by the rest of the company
partaking of them, that he would be convinced of his error, and induced
to return to the table.

At White Hall Mill, in Derbyshire, a sheet of paper was manufactured
last year, which measured 13,800 feet in length, four feet in width,
and would cover an acre and a half of ground.

Among the ancient Saxons at Magdeburgh, the greatest beauties were at
stated times deposited in charge of the magistrates, with a sum of money
as the portion of each, to be publicly fought for; and fell to the lot
of those who were famous at tilting.

W.G.C.

* * * * *

AN OLD APPLE-WOMAN'S STORY ABOUT APSLEY HOUSE.

When London did not extend so far as Knightsbridge, George II. as he was
one morning riding, met an old soldier who had served under him at the
battle of Dettingen; the king accosted him, and found that he made his
living by selling apples in a small hut. "What can I do for you?" said
the king.--"Please your majesty to give me a grant of the bit of ground
my hut stands on, and I shall be happy."--"Be happy," said the king, and
ordered him his request. Years rolled on, the appleman died, and left a
son, who from dint of industry became a respectable attorney. The then
chancellor gave lease of the ground to a nobleman, as the apple-stall
had fallen to the ground, where the old apple man and woman laid also.
It being conceived the ground had fallen to the crown, a stately mansion
was soon raised, when the young attorney put in claims; a small sum was
offered as a compromise and refused; finally, the sum of four hundred
and fifty pounds per annum, ground rent, was settled upon.

J.G.B.

* * * * *

COMETS AND WOMEN.

(_For the Mirror_.)

Comets, doubtless, answer some wise and good purpose in the creation; so
do