12 P.M., thus remaining
open only two or three hours. Other flowers, we may add, are
so peculiarly delicate, as scarcely to bear the contact of the
atmosphere.

Forster, in his "Researches about Atmospheric Phenomena," notices
several prognostics of the weather by plants. Thus, Chickweed has been
said to be an excellent weather-guide. When the flower expands freely,
no rain need be feared for a long time. In showery days the flower
appears half concealed, and this state may be regarded as indicative
of showery weather; when it is entirely shut, we may expect a rainy
day. If the flowers of the Siberian sowthistle remain open all night,
we may expect rain next day. Before showers, the trefoil contracts its
leaves. Lord Bacon observes, that the trefoil has its stalk more
erect against rain. He also mentions a small red flower, growing in
stubble-fields, called by the country people _wincopipe_, which, if it
opens in the morning, assures us of a fine day.

* * * * *

TRAVELS

_Pen and Pencil Sketches of India, being the Journal of a Tour
in India. By Captain Mundy._

These are two very amusing volumes of scenes and situations full of
stirring interest, as their criticships would say--for example the
four extracts immediately following:

Palankeen Travelling and a Sortie of Tigers.

"To those unitiated into the mysteries of Indian travelling, the
prospect of a journey of six hundred miles, night and day, in a hot
climate, inclosed in a sort of coffin-like receptacle, carried on the
shoulders of men, is somewhat alarming; but to one more accustomed to
that method of locomotion, the palankeen would, perhaps, prove
less fatiguing and harassing, for a long journey, than any other
conveyance.

"The horizontal or reclining position is naturally the most easy to
the body; and the exhaustion consequent upon a journey in the heat of
the day, generally secures to the traveller as much sleep during
the cooller hours of the night, as the frequent interruptions of the
bearers at the several stages will allow him to enjoy. I had laid in a
good store of tea, sugar, and biscuits, a novel, some powder and shot,
a gun, and a sword, and plenty of blankets, as a defence against
the coldness of the night. Our baggage consisted of a dozen boxes
(patarras) appended to bamboos, and carried by men: these, with two
torch-bearers (mussalgees) to each palankeen, completed our cavalcade.

"Nov. 24th,