antly shot Mr. Scull, one of the company,
who died of the wound.

This little story affords a striking proof, that amiableness
and politeness of manners are not only pleasing, but useful,
in our commerce with the world.

Salem always was famous for its collections of natural and historical
curiosities, and many of its houses are now well stocked with such things.
Among these collections we may mention Mr. Geo. R. Curwen's antique family
portraits, china, clothing, and furniture; Mr. M.A. Stickney's rare coins,
old paper money, and books, autographs, etc.; Mr. H.F. Waters's rare
ancient furniture (Mr. Waters is now in London, engaged in historical
research in reference to American families); Mr. John Robinson's
remarkable collection of Chinese coins, and scarce views of old houses of
Salem; Mr. T.F. Hunt's valuable collection of Chinese books and pictures;
Rev. Dr. Bolles's fine collection of works on London; Rev. B.F. McDaniel's
collection of engravings, etc.; Mr. N.J. Holden's and Mr. F.P.
Richardson's collections of illustrated books, autographs, etc.; besides
numerous minor collections. It is not too much to say that Professor E.S.
Morse's collection of Japanese pottery is certainly not surpassed in the
world; the South Kensington collection in London, which is the best in
Europe, does not approach it in size or importance. One of the best
museums of our country was started in Salem in the latter part of the last
century, and that collection is now, as is well known, in charge of the
Peabody Academy of Science. Its objects of natural history have in recent
years been carefully classified and arranged under the direction of Dr.
Henry Wheatland, Professors Morse, Putnam, Packard, and Robinson; and its
cabinets, together with those of the Essex Institute, now contain probably
more unique and valuable specimens than are to be found elsewhere in this
country.

* * * * *

The "silhouette," or cheap portrait cut in black paper, was much in vogue
in New England some seventy or eighty years ago. The process was named
from M. Silhouette, an honest French minister who about 1759 was noted for
his advocacy of economy in everything relating to the public welfare. He
received a great deal of ridicule, and hence all inexpensive things were
said to be _a la Silhouette_. At the rooms of the Essex Institute, and in
many houses in Salem, there are numerous silhouettes of former citizen