shaped bones, engaged in patiently making ing fifty pounds, or more. This unwieldy their flint tools and utensils of reindeer horn, in the midst of pestilential emanations from the animal remains, which their indifference allowed them to retain in their dwelling. The skins of wild beasts, having the hair removed, were stitched together by the aid of their sharpened flints and ivory needles, and served as clothing. We see them pursuing wild animals armed with arrows and lances tiped with a barb of flint. We take part in their feasts, where a horse, bear, or reindeer, replaces, on days when their hunting has been successful, the tainted flesh of the rat, their only resource against famine. Their trading extended as far as the regions now forming part of France, from whose inhabitants they obtained shells, jet, with which they delight to ornament themselves, and the flint which is so valuable to them. But a falling-in of the roof drives them from their principal dwelling, in which lie buried the objects of their faith and their domestic utensils, and they are forced to seek another habitation. bird was mounted on stout dumpy legs, and its wings were mere rudiments of those organs, so that it is not likely it ever made any attempt at flight. Its head was large, with a long and very stout beak, curved at the tip like that of the petrel. It is represented as destitute of a tail, properly speaking, but furnished with a plume of curling feathers, somewhat like those of the ostrich, on the hinder part of the back. Several good paintings of this bird, by Dutch artists, are in existence: one in the British Museum, one at the Hague, another at Berlin, and another at Vienna. Mention is also made of the exhibition of a living specimen in London, about 1640. But notwithstanding all these evidences of the existence of such a bird, the fact would have been doubted, had not some remains of it confirmed its truth. These remains were but very few. A head in the Museum at Copenhagen, a head and a foot in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford, and a foot in the British Museum, attested that a bird unlike any known existing species, and resembling, in some degree, the paintings mentioned, had actually furnished those remains, and been the sub We know nothing certain of the relation of these people with those of earlier times. Had they ancestors in this country? The great discoveries of our illustrious com-ject from which the portraits were taken. patriot Schmerling, and those which Professor Malaise has made at Engihoul, seem to prove that the men whose traces I have brought to light on the Lesse did not belong to the indigenous races of Belgium, but were the only successors of the more ancient population. I have even met with certain evidences of our primordial ancestors at Chaleux, but the trail was lost as soon as found. Our knowledge of these ancestors stops short at this point." We have given in the above abstract an account of the most important features in M. Dupont's report, which is of great in terest. We trust that these explorations, which have been carried on at the expense of the Government, will be continued. Several of the early voyagers who visited the island now called Mauritius spoke of these birds, and not only feasted on their flesh during their sojourn there, but salted them in numbers for their sea-stock. It is stated that they sometimes took as many as forty of them at a single hunt. Neither tradition nor history records their existence in this island after it had received the name of l'Isle de France. If the Dutch, on abandoning the island, left any there, they were probably exterminated by the Maroons, who were its only inhabitants till the French settled there. No naturalist formed part of the crews of the various ships which touched here during the existence of the Dodo, and the accounts given of it are vague and unsatisfactory. Tastes must not be disputed; and we may therefore receive as of equal value the accounts of those who extol and those who decry the flesh of the Dodo. The difference be From the Commercial Gazette, St. Louis, Mauritius, tween an old gander and a Michaelmas gos 21 Nov., 1865. THE DODO. ling is sufficient to prove that both may have been right in their statements. WE presume that most of our readers After the island had resumed its name, have seen the picture of an odd-looking Mauritius, diligent inquiry was made both bird, bearing a very odd name- the Dodo. as to the traditional existence of the Dodo, Old travellers state that this curious crea- or of the actual existence of any remains ture once existed in great numbers in Mau- of it; but both were alike fruitless, though ritius. It was about the height of a large distinguished naturalists, both Creole and turkey, but very much more bulky, weigh-| European, undertook the search. So great was the interest in the history of this nondescript bird, that about twenty years ago, a large volume, compiled with vast labor, and illustrated with elaborately-executed engravings, was published on it by Mr. Strickland; and this volume was the means of assuring Mr. Clark that the bones he has lately discovered were really and truly those of the Mauritian Dodo, Didus ineptus. Mr. Clark, during a very long residence here, had made many inquiries and researches, in order to learn something more about the Dodo than was already known generally, or to find some remnants of it, but without success. men to enter the dark-colored water, about three feet deep, and feel in the soft mud at the bottom with their feet. In a short time he had the inexpressible satisfaction of finding a broken tarsus, an entire tibia and part of another. He at once commenced operations in earnest, and has been fortunate enough to find every important bone of that remarkable bird, including cranium, upper and lower mandibles of bill, cervical and dorsal vertebræ, ribs, coracoid bones, scapula and clavicle, sternum, humerus, ulna, pelvis, femur, tibia and tarsometatarsus, so that an experienced person can well build a Dodo from these remains, the toes being the only part wanting. The skull of this bird is of amazing thick On Dr. Ayres's last visit to Mahébourg he conversed with Mr. Clark about the Dodo, and asked whether by digging roundness, and the cerebral cavity very small. the ruins of the old Dutch settlement, there The beak of great strength and solidity, might not be a chance of meeting with as are the condyles of the lower mandible. some remains? Mr. Clark did not see any Some of the cervical vertebræ are more probability of success in that quarter, as than two inches in diameter, and of very these dwellings were situated on a spot elaborate structure. The sternum, of which where nothing would be likely to bury itself the form shows a strong resemblance to that in the earth, of which the surface is every of the pigeon tribe, in some specimens is year swept completely by the water which more than five inches wide and seven long. flows from the mountains; but he said he The keel is a quarter of an inch thick, and thought a likely spot to contain such re- about an inch deep in the deepest part, mains would be alluvial deposits. A few which is at the centre; and the sternum is days after, Mr. Clark remarked that some there three-quarters of an inch in thickness, marshes in the vicinity of Mahébourg were but it thins off to a sharp edge at the marlikely to furnish these coveted remains; gin. The humerus is less than four inches but having neither time nor means at his in length, and the shaft only about threedisposal, he did not undertake the search, eighths of an inch in diameter, and the ulna though bearing in mind his impression on under three inches, and less than a quarter the subject. The commencement of the of an inch in thickness. Some femurs are railway works, with their numerous cuttings nearly seven inches long and more than an at various heights, gave hopes to Mr. Clark inch in diameter, the tibiæ nine inches long, that some remains might be discovered; but and the upper condyles two inches in diamhis inquiries from those employed there on eter. The tarsometatarsi are of very solid this subject failed to elicit any information. bone, and have been found in greater numAbout two months ago, Mr. Gaston de bers than any others. They are about the Bissy caused to be dug from a marsh on length of those of a good-sized turkey, but his property, known as "La Mare aux more than twice the thickness. Only two Songes," the alluvium contained in it, to or three craniums have been found, with a use as manure. After digging two or three few fragments. The paucity of these refeet, the men came in contact with bones of mains, as compared with other parts of the tortoises and deer, the former in vast num-frame, may very possibly arise from the nubers. As soon as Mr. Clark heard of this, he went to Mr. de Bissy and stated to him what had long been his opinion as to the position in which Dodos' bones might be found, requesting him to give orders to the diggers to lay by carefully whatever bones they might turn up. Mr. de Bissy was much pleased with the chance of making so interesting a discovery, and at once ordered that Mr. Clark's request should be fulfilled. Mr. Clark visited the estate many times, but without obtaining any satisfactory inteiligence. He at length engaged two merous apertures in the head, into which roots insinuate themselves, thus disintegrating the structure. The upper mandible of the bill has suffered from the same cause, and only two tolerably perfect specimens of that organ have been obtained, while the under mandibles are numerous; but only three or four have been found in which both rami remained attached. The tip of one upper mandible is two inches in depth, and an inch in thickness. The vertebræ are very strong, and show that the spinal cord was fully double the size of that of the turkey. In only one instance has the presence of paratively compact peaty soil, overlying the a fragment of the furcula been found at- soft mud which contains the bones of the tached to the coracoid bone, but several have the scapula united to them. These bones present a great diversity of colours. Those which were found near the springs in the marsh are nearly of their original hue. Some found alongside of a large bois-denatte tree were nearly of the colour of that wood, and many others are nearly as black as ebony. The quantity of tortoise bones found here is truly astonishing; they would more than fill a large cart. Some of the femurs are more than three inches in diameter. Mr. Clark believes that these bones belong to two species of tortoise. Several flamingo bones, including humerus, ulna, radius, tibia and tarsometatarsus, have been found, but not a single femur. Two upper mandibles and one lower of that singularly formed bird prove the identity of other bones found in juxtaposition with them. Bones of the egret curlew, moor-hen and sand-lark have been found in great numbers, and many deer's bones, including a skull with horns attached, and the jaw of an old sow, of great strength but very small size, have also been turned up. It is remarkable that the bones of the tortoises and deer were found in the com dodo, of which none are found in the upper stratum. This accounts for none of the latter having been discovered by those who were digging for manure. Mr. Clark deposited the first specimens of dodo's bones he obtained in the Museum at the Royal College, as well as those of the flamingo, the existence of which in Mauritius was remembered by the parents of persons now living. He has also sent a complete set of dodo's bones to Professor Owen, for the British Museum. It is probable that a search in marshes of this nature in Reunion and Rodrigues, might lead to the discovery of remains of the large extinct birds believed to have been indigenous in and peculiar to those islands. "La Mare aux Sonehs" is a spot singularly propitious for the haunt of the animals of which the bones have been found there. A sheltered glen, clothed with thick wood in the memory of persons still living, with two springs in it, and so near the sea as to be a convenient refuge in stormy weather for flamingoes and curlews. Several other marshes have been tried for such remains as those contained in it, but thus far without any success. It is but in relation that you've grown There are more mouths that gape-alas! my own But waters-now than once there were for you. For you, but not for you alone; for meat, And all besides that smokes upon the board; Fish, fowl, eggs, butter too; things good to eat Exceed what moderate incomes can afford. Increase of population must be fed; Our numbers with prosperity extend: Where, if we keep on going thus ahead, Will this prosperity, ye oysters, end? Will ye become as costly as the pearls Torn by the diver from your kind, a prey To decorate the brows of splendid girls? And girls, oh how expensive, too, are they! Ah, no more natives for the frugal swain, No possibility of married life! Oysters are for the rich- and he's insane Who, rolling not in riches, takes a wife. -Punch. PART IX. —CHAPTER XXXII. MORNING AT THE PRIORY. SEWELL was awoke from a sound and heavy sleep by the Chief Baron's valet asking if it was his pleasure to see his lordship before he went down to Court, in which case there was not much time to be lost. "How soon does he go?" asked Sewell, curtly. "He likes to be on the Bench by eleven exactly, sir, and he has always some business in Chamber first." "All that tells me nothing," my good friend. "How much time have I now to catch him before he starts?" "Half an hour, sir. Forty minutes at most." Well, I'll try and do it. Say I'm in my bath, and that I'll be with him immediately." The man was not well out of the room when Sewell burst out into a torrent of abuse of the old Judge and his ways"His inordinate vanity, his consummate conceit, to imagine that any activity of an old worn-out intellect like his could be of service to the public! If he knew but all, he is just as useful in his nightcap as in his wig, and it would be fully as dignified to sleep in his bed as in the Court of Exchequer." While he poured forth this invective, he dressed himself with all possible haste; indeed his ill-temper stimulated his alacrity, and he very soon issued from his room, trying to compose his features into a semblance of pleasure on meeting with his host. "I hope and trust I have not disturbed you unreasonably," said the Judge, rising from the breakfast-table as Sewell entered. "I know you arrived very late, and I'd have given you a longer sleep if it were in my power." "An old soldier, my lord, knows how to manage with very little. I am only sorry if I have kept you waiting." "No man ever kept me waiting, sir. It is a slight I have yet to experience." "I mean, my lord, it would have grieved me much, had I occasioned you an incon venience." "If you had, sir, it might have reacted injuriously upon yourself." Sewell bowed submissively, for what he knew not; but he surmised that as there was an opening for regret, there might also be a reason for gratitude; he waited to see if he were right. "My telegram only told you that I wanted you; it could not say for what," continued THIRD SERIES. LIVING AGE. VOL. XXXII. the Judge, and his voice still retained the metallic ring the late irritation had lent it. "There has been a contested question between the Crown and myself as to the patronage to an office in my Court. I have carried my point. They have yielded. They would have me believe that they have submitted out of deference to myself personally, my age, and long services. I know better, sir. They have taken the opinion of the Solicitor-General in England, who, with no flattering sentiments to what is called 'Irish law,' has pronounced against them. The gift of the office rests with me, and it is my intention to confer it upon you." "Oh, my lord, I have no words to express my gratitude!" "Very well, sir, it shall be assumed to have been expressed. The salary is one thousand a-year. The duties are almost nominal." "I was going to ask, my lord, whether my education and habits are such as would enable me to discharge these duties?" 66 I respect your conscientions scruple, sir. It is creditable and commendable. Your mind may, however, be at ease. Your immediate predecessor passed the last thirteen years at Tours, in France, and there was never a complaint of official irregularity till, three years ago, when he came over to afford his substitute a brief leave of absence, he forgot to sign his name to certain documents -a mistake the less pardonable that his signature formed his whole and sole official drudgery." It was on Sewell's lips to say, "that if he had not signed his name a little too frequently in life, his difficulties would not have been such as they now were." "I am afraid I did not catch what you said, sir," said the Judge. "I did not speak, my lord," replied he, bowing. "You will see, therefore, sir, that the details of your official life need not deter you, although I have little doubt the Ministerial press will comment sharply upon your absence, if you give them the opportunity, and will reflect severely upon your unfitness if they can detect a flaw in you. Is there anything, therefore, in your former life to which these writers can refer - I will not say disparagingly — but unpleasantly?" "I am not aware, my lord, of anything." "Of course, sir, I could not mean what might impugn your honour or affect your fame. I spoke simply of what soldiers are, perhaps, more exposed to than civilians the lighter scandals of society. You apprehend me ?" 1486. "I do, my lord; and I repeat that I have a very easy conscience on this score: for though I have filled some rather responsible stations at times, and been intrusted with high functions, all my tastes and habits have been so domestic and quiet- I have been so much more a man of home than a man of pleasure that I have escaped even the common passing criticisms bestowed on people who are before the world." "Is this man this Sir Brook Fossbrooke one likely to occasion you any trouble?" "In the first place, my lord, he is out of the country, not very likely to return to it; and secondly, it is not in his power not in any man's to make me a power subject for attack.' "You are fortunate, sir; more fortunate than men who have served their country longer. It will scarcely be denied what I have contributed to the public service, and yet, sir, I have been arraigned before the bar of that insensate jury they call Public Opinion, and it is only in denying the jurisdiction I have deferred the trial.' Sewell responded to the vain-glorious outburst by a look of admiring wonder, and the Judge smiled a gracious acceptance of the tribute. "I gather, therefore, sir, that you can accept this place without fear of what scandal or malignity may assail you by." Yes, my lord, I can say as much with confidence." "It is necessary, sir, that I should be satisfied on this head. The very essence of the struggle between the Crown and myself is in the fact that my responsibility is pledged, my reputation is in bond for the integrity and the sufficiency of this officer, and I will not leave to some future biographer of the Irish Chief Barons of the Exchequer the task of apology for one who was certainly not the least eminent of the line." "Your lordship's high character shall not suffer through me," said Sewell, bowing respectfully. The matter, then, is so far settled; perhaps, however, you would like to consult your wife? She might be averse to your leaving the army." experience scarcely corroborated the report. "There are certain steps you will have to take before leaving the service; it may, then, be better to defer your public nomination to this post till they be taken?" This, which was said in question, Sewell answered at once, saying, "There need be no delay on this score, my lord; by this day week I shall be free." "On this day week, then, you shall be duly sworn in. Now, there is another point - I throw it out simply as a suggestionyou will not receive it as more if you are indisposed to it. It may be some time before you can find a suitable house or be fully satisfied where to settle down. There is ample room here; one entire wing is unoccupied. May I beg to place it at your disposal?" "Oh, my lord, this is really too much kindness. You overwhelm me with obligations. I have never heard of such generosity." 66 Sir, it is not all generosity- I reckon much on the value of your society. Your companionable qualities are gifts I would secure by a 'retainer.' In your society, my lord, the benefits would be all on my side." "There was a time, sir—I may say it without boastfulness - men thought me an agreeable companion. The three Chiefs, as we were called from our separate Courts, were reputed to be able talkers. I am the sole survivor; and it would be a gain to those who care to look back on the really great days of Ireland, if some record should remain of a time when there were giants in the land. I have myself some very curious materials -masses of letters and such like which we may turn over some winter's evening together:" Sewell professed his delight at such a prospect, and the Judge then suddenly bethinking himself of the hour-it was already nigh eleven -arose. "Can I set you down anywhere? are you for town?" asked he. "Yes, my lord; I was about to pay my mother a visit." "I'll drop you there; perhaps you would "No, my lord. She wishes she has convey a message from me, and say how long wished it. We are both domestic in grateful I should feel if she would give us our tastes, and we have always been looking her company at dinner - say seven o'clock. to the time when we could live more for I will just step up to say good-bye to my each other, and devote ourselves to the ed-grand-daughter, and be with you immediate ucation of our children." "Commendable and praiseworthy," said the Judge, with a half grunt, as though he had heard something of this same domesticity and home-happiness, but that his own Ïy.” Sewell had not time to bethink him of all the strange events which a few minutes had grouped around him, when the Chief Baron appeared, and they drove off. |