Every lover of science, on approaching this spot, will feel himself on holy ground, however the idle and incurious of our metropolis may neglect the scite, or be ignorant of its identity.  We are there led into an eternity of reflection and association of ideas; but lest human pride should be too fondly feasted in the retrospect, the hallowed towers of the abbey, seen in the distance, serve to remind us of the imperial maxim, that “art is long, and life but short.”

[Footnote 1:  See mirror, vol 3, p 194—­vol 5. p 311.]

[Footnote 2:  We requote this passage from Mr. M’Creery, as it has already appeared in vol. 5; and in vol. 3, a correspondent denies that the first English book was printed at Westminster; but we are disposed to think that an impartial examination of the testimonies on each side of the controversy will decide in favour of Caxton.]

* * * * *

TEA.—­ITS INTRODUCTION INTO ENGLAND.

(A correspondent, who signs M.M.M. informs us that the article sent to us by P.T.W. and inserted in No. 280 of the MIRROR, was copied verbatim from the Imperial Magazine, a work which we seldom see, and consequently we had no opportunity of ascertaining the origin of our correspondent’s paper.  It seemed to us a good cyclopaedian article on the subject, and we accordingly admitted it.  We now subjoin M.M.M.’s communication.)

In addition to what has been said in the article upon tea, (by P.T.W.) allow me to remark (and which I do not recollect ever to have seen noticed in any work upon the subject) that the seed is contained in two vessels, the outer one varying in shape, triangular, long, and round, according to the number which it contains of what may be termed inner vessels.  The outer vessel of a triangular shape, measures, from the base to the apex about three quarters of an inch, and is of a dark brown colour, approaching to black, and thick, strong, and rough in texture; within this is another vessel, containing the kernel; this inner vessel is of a light brown colour, thin, and brittle, in shape, seldom perfectly round, but mostly flat on one side:  there are three of them in a triangular seed vessel, two in a long one, and one in that which is round.  The kernel is of a brown colour, and in taste very bitter.  In no other species of teas than Bohea, is the large kind of seed found, which is probably owing to that species being gathered last or in autumn.  There is a small seed found mixed with the Congou kind of teas, about the size of a pea, which is in every respect similar to the large, except in size.  This seed was evidently not permitted to ripen, but the calyx of the flower connected with the peduncle is quite perfect.  The Twankey species are of the same appearance, all of which I have had ample opportunity of inspecting.

As an appendage to this note, we are induced to quote the following pleasant page from Time’s Telescope for 1828; and we take this opportunity of reminding our readers that our customary Supplementary sheet, containing the spirit of this and other popular Annual Works will be published with our next Number.