e. The climate of England renders it necessary that, at night, they
should be protected in sheds; and, in winter, fed with hay," &c. "The
down was at this time taking from them by a girl, with a common
horse-comb; and, on comparing it with some specimens I had procured in
France, received through Russia, I found not the slightest degeneration:
but, on the contrary, from its very clean state, and the small
proportion of hair, I should say, it would realize in Paris a much
higher price than any I had seen. Mr. Tower has had some shawls made
from the produce of his flock, one of which he presented to his late
Majesty. It was greatly admired, and considered to rival those of
Cachemire. Mr. Tower states that his flock produces an average of 2 1/3
oz. of down annually from each animal."--_Gardeners' Magazine._

* * * * *

THE GATHERER.

* * * * *

_Lines on finding a withered Primrose just before the
opening of spring._

The primrose has gone ere the Summer's bright beam
Had enlivened the glade, or illumin'd the stream;
It died ere a bud of the forest was seen,
Or Spring had appeared in her tresses of green.

It bloom'd in simplicity's meekest of form,
The spoil of the winds and the gust of the storm;
Like the offspring of want on a pitiless shore,
No hand to upraise it--no heart to deplore!

It knew not the fostering smiles of a friend,
Or the dew-drops of pity on sorrow that 'tend;
In its solitude drooping, like one in despair,
It shrunk 'neath the blast of the wintry air.

In the wildness of nature unnoticed it grew,
No solace or warmth from companions it drew;
Forsaken--unpitied--unwept for--unknown,
Like a child of the desert, it perished alone.

_Robespierre._--Mademoiselle Gabarcos, the daughter of a Spanish banker,
and one of the finest women of her time, married Talien, to save the
life of her father. At the epoch of the 8th Fructidor, some deputies who
had been placed on the proscription list by Robespierre, wished to delay
the attack upon him in the Convention. Madame Talien, who had brought
them together in her house, finding that they hesitated, addressed them
in the following terms:--"Cowards, since you will not deliver France of
this monster, you shall not live to see the destruction of your country,
for I will immediately send him your names." This bold declaration
electrified them. Next day Robesp