so long as they wear the said girdle; and they
do dispose themselves as very wolves, in worrying, and killing, and waste
of human creatures." The Germans had a similar superstition regarding
wolves, and the same respecting the wild boar; and with these let us
compare the British belief, that warlocks and weird women possess the
power of transforming themselves into hares, cats, &c.

_Swine_, which are strangely uneasy in or against tempestuous weather, are
believed to see the wind. In some parts of Great Britain it is a popular
belief that, on commencing a journey, if a sow and pigs be met it will
prove successful, but if a sow only crosses the road, the traveller, if he
cannot pass, must ride round about it, otherwise ill luck will attend him.

(_To be continued_.)

[1] Much of the ill-treatment of the Cat has arisen from its being
invariably the attendant of reputed Witches. (_See page 174, of the
present Sheet_.) In later times the practice of such cruelties may be
referred to the vituperations of naturalists: surely Buffon is among
them. We are happy to see that our Correspondent, M.L.B. writes in the
kindlier spirit towards the poor, persecuted Cat.--ED.M.

* * * * *

THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_.

ADVENTURES OF A YOUNGER SON.

We continue our extracts from this extraordinary work.

_Madagascar_.

"Madagascar is one of the largest and most fertile islands in the world;
nearly nine hundred miles in length, and three hundred and fifty in its
greatest breadth. There is a chain of glorious mountains, winding through
its entire length, of varied height, whence many large and navigable
rivers take their source. The interior of this vast island, and its
inhabitants, are little known; but those parts on the coast which, at that
time and afterwards, I have frequently visited, give abundant indications
that nature has here scattered her riches with no stinting hand. Nothing
seems wanting but knowledge to place this magnificent island in the
foremost rank of great and powerful empires. When I was there, the line,
distinguishing the man from the animal, was hardly visible."

_The Mauritius_.

"It is worthy of remark that, regarding climate, this island has a
peculiarity I never remember to have found in any other in India. Other
islands are comparatively cool and pleasant on the coasts, and close and
unhealthy in the interior, unless o