hight and length and breadth and depth of | an absurdity in all possible directions, and I must say, May, that you have succeeded very well in the attempt. You know that the chances to court in the mines are like angels' visits, and if I were courting ever so ardently, you well know I would refrain under such circumstances. You wish to know whether I would stay angry long; no, May, it is not in my heart to stay angry long with any body, and I don't think it would be possible for me to be angry with a sister so good as you seem to be. But this is a letter unreasonably long, and when I have added my invition to it, I am afraid it will tire your patience, and that of all who may read it. BROTHER FRANK'S INVITATION TO SISTER MAY. Come to my cabin so lonely, Come to my mountain home, Come, my sweet sister May. I'll fondly think of thee. Come, with thy heart o'erladen In my cabin home for me. Hide slyly away in their curls Come to my cabin so lonely, Come, my sweet sister, come. LOVE. Take back your gold, and give me loveThe earnest smile, The heart-voice that can conquer pain, And care beguile. Take back your silver, whence it came- A woman's nature feeds on love- Take back your silver and your gold- But bring me love-for love is heavenAnd they are dross. a Califor Old Block has written a play nia play-time, 1850. One thing is selfevident, that if it is put upon the stage half as well as it is written, it will be the most successful minor drama that has yet been introduced to a California audience. We are tempted to steal the following, with the hope that the author will not sue us for an "invasion of copyright!" Enter CASH and DICE, L. Cash. How much did you pluck that goose? Dice. A cool five thousand. Cash. Five thousand! you are in capital luck. How did you come it over the greenhorn so nicely? Dice. Why, the moment he came in I had my eye on him. I saw he was a green 'un, just from the mines, and therefore proper game. I carelessly began talking with him, and found out that he was on his way home; told me a long yarn about his father and mother; old man was crippled, and the old woman supported the family by washing, and all that nonsense; and how he should surprise them when he got home, and that they should'nt work any more, and all that sort of thing; let out that he had dug a pile by hard labor, and had the money in his belt. Well of course I rejoiced with him, commended him as a dutiful son, and to show him my appreciation of so much virtue, I insisted on his drinking with me. Cash. Ah! ha! ha! You're a perfect philanthropist well : - Dice. At first he rather backed water, but I would take no denial, and I finally succeeded in getting the first dose down him. A little while after, not to be mean, he offered to treat me. I Cash. Of course you was dry. Dice. Dry as a contribution box. winked at Tim, so he made Sluice Fork's smash good and strong, and somehow forgot to put any liquor in mine. Cash. What monstrous partiality! ond dose, and he grew friendly and confiDice. Directly he began to feel the secdential. Well, I offered to show him around among the girls, in the evening, with all the sights in town, and at the same time cautioned him against falling into bad hands, for he might be swindled or robbed by strangers. Cash. Good fatherly adviser, ha! ha! ha! Dice. Yes, and he grew grateful fast, for he insisted on my drinking with him. Cash. Ah! that hurt your feelings. Dice. I told him I seldom drank anything Cash. Only when you could get it, I s'pose? Dice. As he would take no denial Ihem! reluctantly consented, and nodded to Tim, who favored his glass with morphine, and mine, particularly, with cold water. Cash. You're a practical illustration of a California temperance society. Cash. And won, of course. pier man than Sluice Box is at this moment does not exist. Cash. How, at being robbed? Dice. Not that exactly; but, by the time his money was gone, he was so beastly drunk that Tim kicked him out of the round tent into the gutter, where he now lays fast asleep, getting ready for another trip to the Mines, instead of helping his mother wash at home, and plastering up his father's sore shins. Cash. Ha! ha! ha! the fools are not all dead. We'll go it while we're young.[Sings.] "O, Californy, that's the land for me.' The moral is excellent-as every one might expect, who knows "Old Block." Success to the author and the play. So mote it be. Dice. It wasn't long before he was the richest man in California, and a d- -d Then again there is a very neatly printed sight the smartest. Of course he was, so I invited him up to the table to see the boys and pleasantly named and well written little play. He asked me if I ever played. I Odd Fellows' monthly called THE COVENANT, told him I seldom staked anything, but what which we are happy to see has found its I did I was sure to win, so I threw a dollar way to our table. We sincerely hope that on the red. it may long live to be the messenger of "friendship, love, and truth" to many hearts; and, as it pours the healing balm of help and sympathy into the wounded spirit, we trust that its able and warm supporters may feel the reaction of its generous breathings, and, as expressed in its rare pages, prove that "A word of kindness is never spoken in vain. It is a seed which, even when dropped by chance, springs up a golden-petaled flower." Dice. Of course. And then I proposed that he should try it. He demurred some, but I told him a dollar was nothing if he lost I would share the loss-so he finally let a dollar slip on the red. Cash. And won, of course. Dice. To be sure; our Jake knows what he's about. Sluice Box was absolutely surprised when two dollars were pushed back to him. He then doubled his stakes, and went on winning till he thought he had Fortune by the wings, when suddenly his luck changed, and he began to lose, and became excited. It was my treat now, and that settled the matter, for he swore he not leave the table till he had won the money back. So he staked his pile, and we fleeced him out of every dime, and a hap The young lady who deliberately "cut an acquaintance" and was afterwards" filled with remorse," has, we are happy to say, been "bailed out." Editor's Table. POLITICAL-It is a matter of some con- | A vast majority of the people have written gratulation that the excitement in political affairs is for the time being ended, and we are certainly glad of it. The election over, there are duties for the citizen-patriot yet to perform, which incite his constant watchfulness, support, and sympathy. REPUDIATION. By a vote-an overwhelming vote of the people, the idea of "repudtation " has been indignantly repudiated. the fact for future history, that they have no sympathy with dishonesty, even though the money used which created the debt was but little better than stolen. Let not future legislators attempt to repeat the experiment. We hope they are honest, but it is barely possible that they will bear watching! THE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION OF 1857.This exposition of the multitudinous kinds THE STATE AGRICULTURAL FAIR.-It should not be forgotten that for several years past the Committee of the State Agricultural oping the wonderful resources of the soil, and in encouraging every department of industry,—and at a time, too, when they stood almost alone in the enterprise. To their indefatigable exertions very much of California's present prosperity is attributable. It is therefore our earnest hope that the great interest manifested in the Industrial Exhibition of San Francisco will in no wise detract from the progress and prosperity of the State Agricultural Fair now being held in Stockton. and variety of articles produced by the the Mechanics' Institute, for such purtaste, skill, and industry of our young poses. State, is alike creditable to the institution which brought it into being, and to the people who so cordially aud unanimously fostered and supported it. It is a gladdening | Fair have been earnestly engaged in develtriumph as a beginning; and the question now arises, what is it to be in time to come? The gratifying success of this experiment imposes additional responsibility upon the directory, suggestive of large and comprehensive ideas of their duty and mission in the future. Self-reliance now for the development of our resources and the encouragement of home manufactures, requires only a leader. Will the Mechanics' Institute become that leader? We would suggest immediate preparation for an active and self-reliant future, and an onward course. No hesitancy, no delay. Let them take immediate steps to secure a suitable site for the erection of a permanent exhibition hall, where at all times the genius of the young and enterprising may find sympathy and encouragement—and where, too, the curiosities and wonders of the State may form a permanent museum. A place of public resort of this character, for instruction and amusement, where either citizen or stranger could spend a leisnre hour, would, at the same time, become a constant monitor to the visitor for the production of something useful or ornamental. Perhaps, too, there could be an advantageous union of the Academy of Natural Sciences with ble method of obtaining it? We think not. THE FIRST OVERLAND MAIL.-From San Antonio, Texas, to San Diego, California, the first overland mail has arrived in thirtyfour days, traveling time. This, no doubt, will be a very expensive way of finding out something concerning one of the suitable routes for the great Pacific Railroad; but for encouraging and protecting immigration and opening up settlements upon the great highway of travel, every one knows it to be utterly useless. It is true that the public wish to be better informed concerning the vast territory lying between the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River, and our Pacific possessions; but the question very naturally arises, Is this the most suita Monthly Chat, WITH CONTRIBUTORS AND CORRESPONDENTS. you all kinds of information is at all times acceptable. T. E.-We never stoop to such; but, did L. L., Georgetown.-Is received. We thank we do so, we can assure our correspondent that we are fully equal to the task of doing our own "fibbing "(!) Declined. A. This month it was necessarily omitted, but will appear next. H., Oroville.-Send 'em along. Doings. Your spirited reply to Eugenie is unintentionally crowded out this month. H. F, T., Petaluma. For heavens-no, for our-no, for the people's sake-don't send for any more legal gentlemen. In our opinion, nineteen at least from every twenty could now be spared, to an immense advantage to the State. If people would do right, and be satisfied with a just and common-sense decision, a few neighbors would answer much better than a host of lawyers. Annie B.-If you do "love" our "spirited and spicy Magazine," and would like to occupy a corner, please, as you "love" it, to write with greater care; and then we shall be happy to find you one. G. S.-Mrs. Thomas O. Larkin was the first white lady who ventured to California. J. V. H., Webber Creek.-We have a word to say to you; and don't you mention it to any one! In your postscript you remark, "If you reject these lines, pray do not cut me up as you do some of your correspondents." Now, Mr. J. V. H., we never attempt such a thing as to "cut up" any. body, however poor their contributions may be, premising that all things must have a beginning; but, whenever any very important (!] personage takes the liberty of "putting on airs," we feel that a double responsibility falls upon us: first, to teach him that no true-hearted nobleman of nature ever "puts on airs" to any one; and, secondly, that when he takes the trouble to try how they will fit on us, he certainly makes a mistake in "waking up the wrong passenger," that's all. Mountaineer.-The American Lion is entirely a distinct animal from the American Tiger; and both materially differ from their prototypes of the eastern continent. The American Jaguar, or "Tigre "-improperly so called by the Mexicans and natives -is much smaller than the African or Asiatic Tiger, though its characteristics in other respects are identical, and is the most voracious and destructive animal in North America. The Puma, or American Lion (Felis discolor) is much larger than the Jaguar, but not as ferocious, and preys upon much smaller animals. T. S., Suisun.-Be a man in all things, think right, write right, and act right, and then "let her went." Keep sacredly your own self-respect, and you need not care a mouldy potato for the balance. We should treat them as McCarthy did his cold-with "sovrin contimpt." A. T., Salmon Falls.-We are persuaded that you have not done yourself or subject justice. Give us some of those earnest gushings of the soul, that will either make us laugh or weep,, and we don't care which. But oh! save us from any thing flat or insipid. A Subscriber, Roach's Hill.-Thank you. We shall bear it in mind. RECEIVED Several articles too late to be examined this month. FURTHER ADVENTURES OF MR. JOSHUA FLIMPKINS. We last saw Mr. Flimpkins with his friend Mr. Simples on their way to the boat; but they arrive just three minutes too late, the consequence of their call at the "Free Lunch Institute." Mr. Flimpkins again resolves to cut the acquaintance of all city institutions. Mr. Simples takes it upon himself to show Mr. Flimpkins something more of the city. Hires a cab to take them to the Pavilion of the Industrial Exhibition. Mr. Flimpkins prefers an outside seat, as he wishes to see what is going on. Mr. Simples prefers the inside; but from the extraordinary speed made, and an outside cry of "Stop her! stop her!" he, too, is desirous of seeing what is going on. Mr. Flimpkins sees enough of what is going on, is perfectly sure he will go in, the next time he rides a cab. rather short of funds, suggests the expediency of quartering himself upon the hospitality of his friend Mr. Simples. Mr. Simples acquiesces; but is horrified at the idea, and determines to cut his acquaintance the first opportunity. Seizes a favorable moment, he thinks; but Mr. Flimpkins thinks differently. the Pavilion of the exhibition; gets in; congratulates himself on having the "bus" all to himself; thinks differently before he reaches the Pavilion; arrives all safe, and so do six other men, nine women, eleven children, six poodle dogs, and about the same number of market baskets. Goes in on a fifty-cent ticket, is a single man, never married, not he; is so well pleased with the exhibition that he resolves to stay a few days; expresses a willingness to purchase a season ticket; hopes some gentleman will be kind enough to introduce him to some lady; he is introduced; from the appearance of the lady, he judges her to be some, and proves himself to be rather more than some, on an introduction. ENDEAVORS TO CUT HIS ACQUAINTANCE. And thus they go it, Simp. and Flimp., through Montgomery and up Washington, Flimp. holding good his distance behind, and Simp. about the same distance ahead; but Simp. becomes desperate; desperate emergencies require like efforts, or remedies; must shake him off at all hazards; sees the cover off from a half-filled street reservoir; must get rid of him, so plunges in with the cry of Murder! Police! and rises head above water, just in time to hear Flimp. arrested after an accidental somerset-and started off for the station-house. TURNS A SOMERSET. No one appearing against him, he is discharged. Makes inquiry for his friend Simp. Has'nt been heard from; begins to fear the hole he went in at has some connection with city institutions; therefore will hear of Simp. being "dead and drowned," before he'll go near it to look after him. He now arranges with his landlord till he again receives funds from his friends in the country. The coin arrives, all right, and Flimp. is now Mr. Flimpkins again. He visits North Beach; here he concludes to take an omnibus ride-his first-as far as the dock till he does it on a steamboat; is perfectly disgusted with city life and institutions; and to get as far from all of them as possible, under the circumstances, attains to his present elevated position, where he remains twentyfour hours, less one, and is safely on board, and off for Sacramento. |