tons
burden, had been on the stocks for a period of five mouths. But this
reminds us that the fixed hour has come, the notes of preparation are
already dinning in our ears.

The yard was now filled with spectators, who discussed the merits of
the vessel, while they watched with evident anxiety, and some measure
of curiosity, the train of preparations for loosening her stays, and
committing the monster fabric to her destined element. The shores
around were lined with peering faces and a well-attired throng; the
bosom of the stream was agreeably dotted with numerous row-boats,
freighted with living loads, passing and repassing in a diversity of
tracks. The sight, as a whole, was magnificent in its variety; and it
was associated with a feeling of satisfaction, which so many happy
faces wearing the bright flush of anticipation could alone produce.
But, boom! boom! the signal has been given for her release, and with a
stately smile and queenly bearing the proud beauty takes her
departure, bearing with her the best wishes of a joyous and excited
multitude. 'Hurrah! hurrah!' shout the frenzied workmen, as, in token
of success, they pelt the unconscious object of their solicitude with
missiles of every conceivable size and shape. 'Hurrah! hurrah!' repeat
the delighted multitude, as they toss their arms, and wave their hats
and handkerchiefs in the air. 'Hurrah! hurrah!' exclaims a voice at my
elbow. 'There flies the _Australian_ like a shaft from a bow, the
first steamship, destined to convey Her Britannic Majesty's mail to
the Australasian continent. May good fortune attend her!'

SCIENCE OF POLITENESS IN FRANCE.

For ages past, the amenity of foreign manners in general, and French
manners in particular, has been the theme of every tongue; and the
bold Briton, who would fain look down upon all other nations, cannot
deny the superiority of his continental neighbours in this respect at
least. Why this should be, it is difficult to say, but there is no
doubt that it is so; and even the coarse German is less repulsive in
his manner to strangers than the true-born and true-bred English man
or woman. The French of all ranks teach their children, from their
earliest years, politeness by _rule_, as they do grammar or geography,
or any other branch of a sound education. From _La Civilite Puerile et
Honnete_, up to works which treat of the etiquettes of polite society,
there are books published for persons of every class in l