discovery of the North-west Passage. Captain has arisen between these two countries, without McClure has entered the North Sea by Behrings' Straits, and the intelligence received shows that he has reached a point which has already been attained from the east. We propose to enter on this subject fully in our next issue. FRANCE. The premature accouchement of the Empress has again revived the hopes of all parties opposed to the present Usurpation. An unsuccessful attempt was made to assassinate the Emperor, at the opening of the Opera Comique. The Emperor was, however, sufficiently alarmed to postpone his visit to the south in consequence of this attempt, and the well grounded reports that secret societies have been formed, in the south, for his destruction, and the re-establishment of a new order of things, but whether of Legitimacy, Simple Monarchy, or Republicanism, is not known. The French Industrial Exhibition for all nations is to take place at Paris in 1855. AUSTRIA. offering any comment, or at least, anything more than is actually required. A long existing grievance, the custodiership of the Holy Places at Jerusalem, was the first pretence urged by the Russian government. As this, however, involved the interests of both France and Rome, and as the former of these powers would neither concede her own rights nor those of the Pope, an amicable arrangement was entered into. This did not, however, suit the views of the Russian Emperor, who, misled in all probability by the insane conduct of the Peace Congress in England, and considering that Louis Napoleon would have enough to attend to in securing his own power, determined to find some other cause of quarrel against the Sublime Porte. This was found in the pretended grievances of certain Christians, resident in the Turkish dominions, professing the religion of the Greek Church. That this was a mere pretext, the subsequent conduct adopted by these very Christians most An incident occurred at Smyrna of importance clearly demonstrates. The first cause of disto the relations existing between this country and agreement between these two powers having the United States. A Hungarian named Kosta been arranged, Russia advanced her claim to be was forcibly seized in a café and taken on board the protectorate of the religion of the Greeks an Austrian brig, the Austrian Consul having throughout the Turkish dominions. This claim issued orders to carry him away. Captain was resisted by the Emperor of Turkey, who at Ingraham commanding the U. S. sloop of war the same time issued a proclamation confirming St. Louis, who was then in port, having learnt to his Greek subjects the privileges they had that Kosta had announced his intention of be- enjoyed. Prince Menschikoff, having only given coming an American citizen, and that he had an four days for the consideration of his demand, American passport, protested against the seizure, at the expiration of that time, left for St. Petersand brought his guns to bear on the Austrian burg, where his proceedings were approved by brig. An engagement was prevented by the the Czar, who repeated his demand, giving eight French Consul taking charge of him until the days for their acceptance. The French and claims of the two governments should be settled. English fleets were now placed at the disposal of It is difficult to determine which party is most the Sultan by the respective ministers of those to blame; the Austrian power had not a shadow countries, the Turks making great preparations of right to seize Kosta on Turkish territory for war, heartily assisted by the very Greeks in although entitled to demand his surrender. The whose behalf the Russian demand was made. interference of Captain Ingraham, although it may have led to a beneficial result, was improper and outrageous in the extreme. The Danubiau principalities were now occupied by the Russians, this step being at the same time accompanied by a declaration that the movement was not to be considered a "casus belli:" Count Nesselrode repeating his demand that Menschikoff's note should be accepted, and threatening that the Russian troops would, in case of refusal, cross the frontiers of the Empire. This proposition was refused by Reschid Pasha, who referred to the Firman already issued, and at the same time The death of the Queen has thrown the various protested against the occupation of Turkish courts of Europe into mourning. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. We must content ourselves with merely stating the facts connected with the disagreement which territory by the Russians. Russian intentions were now clearly developed by the Ukase issued by the Czar, who, notwithstanding the hostile position assumed by the very mediation, the expectation of which had pre- Russia declared at the same time her mission Greeks in whose cause the pretence of war was urged, persisted in his demand, alleging that his occupation of the Danubian principalities would prove to the Porte to what end his stubbornness must tend, but that at the same time he had no desire to precipitate hostilities, even at this date, professing his willingness to stop the movements of his troops, should he receive a guarantee that the religious and orthodox opinions of the Greek subjects should be respected. Count Nesselrode at the same time declared that by sending their fleets to the Dardanelles, England and France had but complicated matters, having made as it were the commencement of a combined hostile demonstration against Russia, and rendering it necessary for Russia to make a corresponding The Sultan now demanded the evacuation of military movement by the occupation of the the Danubian principalities within a given period Danubian principalities, reiterating his declaration (a fortnight) stating explicitly that a negative anthat the occupation was neither a warlike demonstration, nor with any intention for permanent occupancy, but would cease when the Czar's demands were complied with, should this not, however, take place, the Russian government could not answer as to what the Emperor's refusal might lead. Russian pretensions were still more clearly defined by Nesselrode's declaration of the Czar being the virtual protector of all professing the orthodox religion in the East. The accusation made by the Czar of seeming hostility on the part of France, was denied by the French minister, who, at the same time, asserted the injustice of the demands of Russia, declaring that the Emperor's Firman had removed all cause of complaint, and that in a matter so nearly touching the honor and integrity of Turkey, the four powers had not deemed it advisable to influence the Porte in his rejection of Russian interference, having only taken such steps as the protection of their own interests and the preservation of a balance of power rendered absolutely necessary, but that the Russian occupation of the Danubian principalities was a direct violation of existing treaties, and that the Porte had an undeniable right to consider this step as an act of war, adding that the interests of nations must be opposed to the recognition of such claims or measures as asserted or taken by the Czar. This letter was followed by the Emperor's protest against the Russian occupation of the Danubian principalities. The four powers drew up a note which was accepted by the Czar, but rejected by the Porte, on the grounds, that it embodied all the claims previously preferred by the Czar, and charging his allies with unfair dealing, in first proposing a to be the extermination of Paganism, and that those opposing her in that sacred mission would be annihilated with those Pagans. swer, or non-compliance, would be met by instant hostile movement on his part. A negative answer was returned; but, as non-compliance had previously furnished grounds for hostilities, before the answer had been received, war was actually begun. Since the commencement of hostilities, the successes of the Turks by land have been without a check; but a summary of the proceedings is out of the question, as if even all the various reports are authentic, the details would occupy our whole Magazine. There is no doubt, however, that in three battles the Turks have been victorious. One significant circumstance must not be passed over, the presence of various Englishmen at the battle of Oltenitza, the most serious engagement that has yet taken place. The fleets of France and England are in the Bosphorus, and there is no probability that war can be prevented, or that the leading powers of Europe will not be drawn into it. A severe lesson seems to be impending over the Czar; and it is to be regretted that French and English vacillation should not have prevented a less costly one, while there was yet time. The position of Austria in the meantime is a humiliating one,- liée with the Roman Catholic powers, who are all opposed from religious principles to the claims asserted by the Czar, bankrupt in exchequer, and closely bound to Russia by policy, the position of the young emperor is by no means an enviable one. It was expected that the next important intelligence would be the bombardment of Sebastopol, the Russian Gibraltar of the Black Sea. The latest accounts, however, show that the Turks have sustained so serious a loss in the only naval engagement that has taken place, that it is scarcely to be hoped that this can take place. Some English Prints charge France and England with having purposely waited for a reverse on the means of preserving peace, as, on first the part of the Turks, in order to interfere. The assuming power, his warlike intentions towards bad policy which destroyed the Turco-Egyptian the United States, were no secret. fleet at Navarino is now likely to be felt. The Turkish troops are reported to be in SOUTH AMERICA. the highest spirits, and assurances of fidelity, ac-rious revolutions that are continually taking It is scarcely worth while to chronicle the vacompanied with liberal voluntary supplies of money, are being poured into the imperial exche-place in the minor states of Southern and Central America. One remarkable proposition has, however, been brought forward, that the five quer. UNITED STATES. Beyond railroad collisions and steamboat acci- powers of Central America, should unite in a customs-union, similar to the German Zolverein. CHINA. dents which have been attended with the most lamentable and awful loss of life, there has been little to record during the past six months. YelThe Revolution in China has been, as far as low fever has prevailed in the south, and has oc- can be ascertained with any degree of certainty, casioned great mortality. Two exploring expedi- so far successful. One of the most extraordinary tions have sailed, one for the purpose of again features connected with it is, that the leader has seeking for Franklin; another for scientific pur- been brought up, and is, a Christian, and that it is poses, and destined for the south. An expedition his intention to overthrow the present idolatrous was sent to Japan to insist on the establishment system established. Hitherto the proceedings of of commercial relations, which was received in a the insurgents have been unmarked by crueltyfriendly manner, and has as yet been successful the officers forming the council are said to be in its objects. Frenchmen. John Mitchell, the Irish rebel, made his escape from Australia, and arrived at San Francisco. It appears as if the citizens of the Union had, however, enough to sicker them in other adventurers. Mitchell, therefore, has met with little favour except at the hands of a few ultra democrats. We congratulate the Union on the acquisition of so valuable a subject. Three very extensive fires have occurred in New York within the last few weeks. Messrs. Harpers, the most extensive publishing house in America, was totally destroyed on the 10th, and nearly all his valuable stock destroyed. His stereotype plates, which were in vaults, were saved. The damage was estimated at £350,000, on which there was an insurance of £62,500. The second occurred on the 27th, when several very extensive establishments were destroyed, with several vessels lying at the wharves. Among these were the packet ship Joseph Walker, the mammoth clipper ship Great Republic, loaded with cotton, and several other vessels. The loss is estimated at nearly £590,000. The third, which was in John Street, destroyed the printing establishment of Putney Russell, with several other buildings. The loss here is something under £250,000. MEXICO. Santa Anna has again resumed the reins of government; but so surrounded with difficulties is he, that it is hard to foretell what success will crown his efforts. There is, however, very little doubt but that these very difficulties have been MAJOR.-You must be almost hoarse, Doctor, so I think before chess we will have facts. Come, Laird. LAIRD. Here they are. I'll just read on, and bad luck to him who first cries "Hold, enough!" [Laird reads.] HEAVY PROFITS OF CLEANLINESS. Although but little sectarian in feeling we have a high respect for most of the religious sects of the age; yet we think all of them might make a decided improvement in their creeds, by emNESS in all their commandments. We once knew bodying another article requiring strict CLEANLIan eminently pious woman on whom this very subject was strongly enforced, with practical results, through a dream, She was not only an enveterate smoker, but suffered the fumes to operate as an antagonistic to cleanliness. She dreamed of her own death, and arrived at the gates of paradise; but the registering angel, to her astonishment and consternation, was unable to find her name. While just on the brink of despair, it was at last discovered, having been almost wholly obscured by a thick cloud of tobacco-smoke! This is a literal fact, and this lady afterwards became widely known for her interest in the cause of Christianity, and opposition to tobacco. It may seem strange to some, that we place this quality in such distinct prominence. This is because its benefits, and the evils of its contrary vice, are so little felt. It is only a proof of the wide prevalence of the evil. In a moral point of view we have little to say, except the simple suggestion of the impossibility, almost of becoming familiar with the rubbish and filth of an unswept house and unwashed linen, averse to the rubbish and dust of sluggish moraliwithout becoming at the same time too little ty. For how can one be expected to attain the mental discipline required for moral purity, who is too lazy to preserve a cleanly person. It is however, in an economical point of view that our present remarks are chiefly intended. We have heard farmers dissuaded from cultivating neatness, as something unnecessary, and urged to devote all their time to such labor as will yield immediate profit. Instead of being embellished with shrubs and shade trees, their door-yards must be marked with the ruts of loaded carts; soap must be economized on wearing apparel, and scrub-brooms, on the dairy and kitchen-floor. Now, we hope none of our readers will ever listen to such advice for a moment. We do not believe a word of it.-We have had occasion to visit, both privately and officially, many of the best farms in the country,-those which have proved pre-eminent for their heavy profits by good management,—and without a single exception, they were specimens of neatness throughout. The door-yards were not covered with chips, barrel-hoops, cast-off shoes, or puddles of dish-water; the barn-yard was not reeking with the fumes of manure heaps wasting through summer in the hot sun; nor were the fences lined with thistles, briers, and burdocks; but every part showed the complete control which was exercised by the touch of a master, not only in raising large crops, but in keeping out all intruders, whether animals, weeds, or refuse matter. The same energy which preserved a neat ornamental lawn, kept in motion the clock-work of an excellent management. FARMERS' CLUBS. thought upon it sufficiently, or that his notions are in a crude and unavailable shape, and the result is, that he goes home resolved to inform himself with regard to the subject before another meeting. Immediately connected with this, is the tendency to accuracy in experiment which such associations foster. It is not enough that the member of the club satisfy himself with an approximate experiment. He must be careful at every step, and precise in every detail, in order to satisfy all the members of the soundness of his conclusion. The member of the club is more than an individual farmer; he is one of an associate body who are pledged to each other's interests, and laboring for the greatest good of the greatest number. He is a public-spirited man, and soon learns to attach some importance to his observations, and to regard himself as of some consequence in the agricultural world. The club operates against that spirit of isolation and seclusion which is much too prevalent among farmers. It calls them together-calls for their views, and, gives them a dignity and a power they had not in an unorganized condition. It infuses a new purpose into the mind of every individual member namely, that of doing something constantly for his own improvement, and the progress of his profession. It leads him to read more, and to read more carefully and understandingly, and if he discharge his duties properly, it assists him materially in expressing his ideas. Farmers are not wanting in talent, or natural capacity; they need only practise to enable them to explain to others clearly and forcibly their own persuasions; and this practice is afforded by a club, where every one feels free to express himself, and obliged to contribute something to the general fund. The formation of a club would also enable the farmers in every town to own an agricultural library, and to have the reading of all the best agricultural journals. If at the outset twenty farmers contribute five dollars each, the club will have the means of purchasing many of the standard works on agriculture, and with them can form the nucleus of a library which can be increased as funds will permit. Another advantage, which should not be lost sight of, is the beneficial effect which these club meetings would have on the sons of farmers and the youth generally. They would be led to regard farming as a rational and pleasing pursuit, rather than a slavish drudg ery, and would turn their attention to studying agriculture, and to observation, instead of avoiding everything that savors of the soil. As the season when farmers have more leisure than at any other time of the year is approaching, we wish to call attention to the importance of some organized system of improvement. There are abundant facilities for becoming thoroughly acquainted with the most successful modes of culture in practice, and all that is requisite is a sufficient degree of interest to call out the farmers, bring together their knowledge, and form a jointstock company, with the sum total of each man's wisdom for a capital. Every farmer has had experience, and claims to have derived from it certain rules which guide him in his farming; and yet very few are governed by the same rules. A conaiderable proportion of farmers read more or less on agricultural subjects, and obtain in this way very much information, which may be made useful to their neighbours. The farmer who has not observed a single new fact or learned any thing worth communicating during the past year, must have been very negligent or extremely dull, and certainly needs such instruction as his more active brethren can give him. Those who know most about agriculture, are ready and waiting to learn more from the experience of the most hum- The floral hall which is at all times the principal ble laborer, and all may be alike benefitted by attraction, was situated on the summit of the elemaking a common fund of all the available know-vation. It was one hundred and twenty feet ledge, from which each may draw as he has occa-long by eighty feet broad, forming a centre hall sion. about twenty-four feet wide the whole length, and There are many advantages to be derived from two side halls also the whole length of the buildwell conducted Farmers' Clubs. Among the ing. The eastern side hall was devoted chiefly more important, we mention the following. They to the flowers and vegetables. serve to create an inquiring spirit, and lead the farmer to reflect upon and digest his observations and his reading. When called upon for an opinion on a subject, the farmer finds that he has not AN AMERICAN ACCOUNT OF THE HORTICULTURAL There was a good display of annuals and Verbenas. The display of Dahlias was not so great. There were some very tastefully done up table bouquets. There was a very pretty floral design by Mr. Kerr's gardener, filled up in the different mental garden; there were cabbages, oats, barley, plots with Asters, Marigolds, Verbenas, &c. potatoes, corn, carrots, beets, mangel wurzel, There was a fine box of annuals from Messrs. turnips, &c., &c., with a full report of the quanThompson & Murray, of the City Gardens, Ham-tity raised, and all the particulars connected with ilton. Judge Campbell, of Niagara, had some the various specimens. very good Cockscombs, seemingly the same that The peaches were a very good display. There figured at the Horticultural Show in Toronto were some very excellent hot-house grapes, from lately, and received so much merited praise. J. W. H. Boulton's garden. Enoch Turner and W. F. Moore, of Hamilton, had a very fine display B. Jarvis, of Toronto, and W. P. McLaren, of of Balsams. Eneas Kennedy had a very good Hamilton, had also some very fine specimens. collection of plants, from his own private garden. There was a very prolific specimen of grapes, we Mr. Fleming, of Toronto, had a pretty fair collec- think from Mr. Lewis, of Saltfleet; there were tion of green-house plants. Thomas & Murray upwards of forty bunches on one vine about three had a very pretty flowering Jessamine, very use- feet long. Mr. Humphreys, of Toronto, exhibited ful and suitable for a hall window; it flowers in a basket of very excellent Sweet Water grapes. the early part of the season, and gives out a pow- This was decidedly the best specimen of that erful and most delightfully fragrant odor. They kind of grapes in the exhibition. There were had a fine specimen of Veronica, and a very fifty-six different entries of "twelve winter pretty Gesneria zebrina, a plant of beautiful foli- apples." The winter table apples made a very age. The Torenia Asiatica, from the same gar- good display. The Ribston Pippins were very dens, was a very fine specimen, with a beautiful fine. There were some excellent baking apples, soft blue Memulone flower. It grows easily, and from Leslie's Garden. There were seven entries flowers freely; but requires a good deal of heat of twenty varieties of apples, some of them very to bring it to perfection. There was a very fine, from Leslie, Turner, Bruckly, of Hamilton, graceful Japan Pine from the same garden. This and others. plant is well adapted for a conservatory. The Lantana Ewingii, a flower something like a Verbena, but more variegated. The flower first becomes orange, it then fades to a soft fine pink, and from that comes nearly to a white, the flowers appearing in all their different stages in one plant at the same time. It flowers from the beginning of June all the way to winter, and is well adapted for bedding out. It has been only recently introduced. There was one plant, a native of California, termed the Zauchneria Californica, with a beautiful scarlet flower, resembling a Fuschia somewhat. This plant is also well adapted for bedding out. J. F. Moore exhibited a very healthy Indian Rubber plant, and one Orange tree, with one specimen of the fruit upon it. There were two fine specimens of Aloes, and a very fine specimen of the Abutilon stratium, with a beautiful striped well-shaped flower; a consider able variety of Cacti, and a rather curious plant -the Eschynanthus zebrina-from the same garden. Dr. Craige's son displayed some very fine specimens of dried plants, very well prepared. There were only a few of them displayed, the greater part of them being left in the portfolio. MAJOR.-Thanks, Laird. I am not sorry we are nearly done. I smell supper. Where's Mrs Grundy. Laird, ring the bell. DOCTOR. While Mrs. Grundy is coming, I must bring to your notice a new collection of music, which, for cheapness and good style in getting up, surpasses anything I have yet seen in this country, and, I may add, in the old. The publisher-A. Montgomery, Spruce Street, New York-has sent me the first four numbers, which contain-" Coming through the rye;” “Friendly is thine air, Rosalia;" "the Prima Donna valse;" La valse d'amour"-the first by Jullien, the second by Koenig. "The home where changes never come," and "My own, my gentle, mother"- two songs, both by Glover. The whole of that music cost one shilling sterling. It is well printed, and some of the pieces are very celebrated. Can anything be cheaper? On the opposite side of this hall there was a great display of cabbages, chiefly from Toronto gardens. There were also squashes, in great variety; celery, large beets, and also some remarkably fine table beets. Mr. Leslie showed a good collection of pears aud quinces, of very fine quality. In the western hall there was a most magnificent display of white and red onions, the Mrs. GRUNDY (who has entered while the Doctor finest by far that has yet been exhibited at any of was speaking.)—Cheap, certainly; but I think our fairs. There were some tomatoes of a very that I know as cheap a work, which I have large size, but not very tempting; there were already introduced to you-I mean the "Monisome very fine small ones. There was a display of white table turnips, very fine. The capsicums tor of Fashion." I have made several extracts were a very good display. There were some from it, and I can cordially recommend it. Are good cauliflowers, two heads especially very fine. The chicory looked well-it was chiefly from Pear's garden, Yonge street. The carrots were very good display. There were three baskets of varieties of vegetables. The Baron de LonJupe of rich white satin, with wreath of roses gueuil displayed some very fine egg plants, of a festooned at the bottom. Dress of figured gauze large size. The water-melons were rather an ordi you ready, gentlemen, for my gatherings ? DESCRIPTION OF PLATE.-BALL COSTUME. nary display. The Normal School, Toronto, exhi- with a broad horizontal stripe of pink satin: low bited specimens of the production of the experi-pointed body opening on a stomacher of white |