then drive in the bung, leaving the vent-peg loose for three or four
days, after which drive it in tight.

OF FLAVOURING AND COLOURING WINES.

The quality of roughness natural to those red wines in which the skins
and a portion of the stems have been subjected to the process of
fermentation, is readily communicated by astringent substances, and by
none more easily or purely than by catechu and kino, substances free
from injurious flavour; the sloe is also used; similar roughness,
accompanied with flavour, is given by the chips of oak and beech; and
if logwood and walnut peels are used, the astringency will also be
united to a portion of colour and flavour. All these substances may be
rendered highly useful in giving positive qualities to insipid wines.
A simple infusion alone is necessary, in such proportion as the
exigencies may require; care being taken to rack and fine the wine
after the desired effect has been obtained.--_The Vintner's Guide_.

* * * * *

THE GATHERER.

"I am but a _Gatherer_ and disposer of other men's
stuff."--_Wotton_.

BIRDS POISONING THEIR YOUNG.

Mr. Holmes, in his "Account of the United States of America," relates
that some of the birds of North America are remarkable for poisoning
their young; but this is only done if they are encaged or confined.
The _robin_ is one of the birds thus noticed. If the young be taken,
and placed in a cage where the parent birds can discover them, they
will attend upon and feed them for a season; but after the lapse of a
few days, or when the young are fledged, the old ones appear very
uneasy, and endeavour to discover some way by which they may escape.
If, however, they perceive that there is no hope of accomplishing
their purpose, they procure for them a sort of berry, which is an
infallible poison; _apparently disdaining the thought that their
offspring should be slaves_!

* * * * *

A CONNOISSEUR.

Vernet relates, that he was once employed to paint a landscape, with a
cave, and St. Jerome in it; he accordingly painted the landscape, with
St. Jerome at the entrance of the cave. When he delivered the picture,
the purchaser, who understood nothing of perspective, said, "the
landscape and the cave are well made, but St. Jerome is not _in_ the
cave."--"I understand you, sir," replied Vernet, "I will alter it." He
therefore took the painting, and made the shade darke