resting to know the process by which this
was managed.

C. CLIFTON BARRY.

[Footnote 1: In one of the Scottish ballads the same idea is more prettily
expressed "leaned until a brier."]

* * * * *

COMET SUPERSTITIONS IN 1853.

From the 19th of August to the present time that brilliant comet, which was
first seen by M. Klinkerfues, at Goettingen, on the 10th of June last, has
been distinctly visible here, and among the ignorant classes its appearance
has caused no little alarm. The reason of this we shall briefly explain.

During the past fifty-five years the Maltese have grievously suffered on
three different occasions; firstly, by the revolution of 1798, which was
followed by the plague in 1813; and lastly, by the cholera in 1837. In
these visitations, all of which are in the recollection of the oldest
inhabitants, thirty thousand persons are supposed to have perished.

Mindful as these aged people are of these sad bereavements, and declaring
as they do that they were all preceded by some "curious signs" in the
heavens which foretold their approach, men's minds have become excited,
and, reason as one may, still the impression now existing that some fatal
harm is shortly to follow will not be removed.

A few of the inhabitants, more terrified than their neighbours, have
fancied the comet's tail to be a fiery sword, and therefore predict a
general war in Europe, and consequent fall of the Ottoman Empire. But as
this statement is evidently erroneous, we still live in great hopes,
notwithstanding all previous predictions and "curious signs," that the
comet will pass away without bringing in its train any grievous calamity.

By the following extracts, taken from some leading journals of the day, it
will be seen that the Maltese are not alone in entertaining a superstitious
dread of a comet's appearance. The Americans, Prussians, Spaniards, and
Turks come in the same list, which perhaps may be increased by your
correspondents:

"The Madrid journals announce that the appearance of the comet has
excited great alarm in that city, as it is considered a symptom of
divine wrath, and a presage of war, pestilence, and affliction for
humanity."--Vide _Galignani's Messenger_ of August 31, 1853.

"The entire appearance (of the comet) is brilliant and dazzling; and
while it engrosses the attention and investigation of the scientific,
it excites the alarm of the super