When the art of distilling spirits, generally attributed to Raymond Lully, was discovered, the secret of longevity was supposed to have been brought to light, the mercurius volatilis to be at length fixed, and the pernicious product received the name of aqua vitae—­liquor of life; “A discovery concerning which,” says a learned physician, “it would be difficult to determine, whether it has tended most to diminish the happiness, or shorten the duration of life.  In one sense it may be considered the elixir of life, for it speedily introduces a man to immortality!"

C.J.T.

* * * * *

SOUP

Is manufactured in great abundance in Paris from the bones of butchers’ meat.  At one of the hospitals upwards of 1,000 basins of soup are furnished daily.

* * * * *

ABYSSINIAN CATTLE

Are remarkable for the extraordinary size of their horns, some of which are four feet long, seven inches in diameter near the head, and hold ten quarts.

* * * * *

ECCENTRIC INVITATION.

Paul Spencer exhibits the following distich on his door, in Glasgow:—­

  “Entertainment here for all that passes,
   Horses, mares, mules, and asses.”

C.J.T.

* * * * *

CANALS.

According to a calculation recently made, there are 103 canals in Great Britain—­extending 2,682 miles, and formed at an expense of thirty millions sterling.

C.J.T.

* * * * *

“Do you know what made my voice so melodious?” said a celebrated vocal performer, of awkward manners, to Charles Bannister.  “No,” replied the other.  “Why, then, I’ll tell you:  when I was about fifteen, I swallowed, by accident, some train oil.”  “I don’t think,” rejoined Bannister, “it would have done you any harm if, at the same time, you had swallowed a dancing-master!”

* * * * *

LIMBIRD’S EDITIONS.

CHEAP and POPULAR WORKS published at the MIRROR OFFICE in the Strand, near Somerset House.

The ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS.  Embellished with nearly 150 Engravings.  In 6 Parts, 1s. each.

The TALES of the GENII. 4 Parts, 6d. each.

The MICROCOSM.  By the Right Hon. G. Canning. &c. 4 Parts, 6d. each.

PLUTARCH’S LIVES, with Fifty Portraits, 12 Parts, 1s. each.

COWPER’S POEMS, with 12 Engravings, 12 Numbers, 3d. each.

COOK’S VOYAGES, 28 Numbers, 3d. each.

The CABINET of CURIOSITIES:  or, WONDERS of the WORLD DISPLAYED 27 Nos. 2d. each.