humbler apartment of the same dwelling, are, by the heartless neglect of their superiors, virtually delivered over to Satan.

Kitchen society is poisoned at its source by the operation of causes already touched upon. Each pious family possesses the gift which, applied in faith and prayer, is designed to heal those bitter waters. Whether or not this is done, it behoves us for the sake of those hundreds of thousands who are placed beyond our individual reach, to seek a remedy for the evil in its first stage. If an appetite for better things could be excited in the minds of even a few among the frequenters of coffee-shops and similar places, something would be done. It is clear that the people will read: and equally clear that they will take what the vigilance of interested agents sets before them. It has been computed, that if fifty persons were to subscribe 10s. 6d. each, it would suffice to supply fifty places of public resort with the 'Record' newspaper, for three months. By a similar plan, the 'Watchman,' Conservative,' and 'Church of England Magazine,' might be laid before these thoughtless and mis-guided people. In fact, newspaper reading, as carried on among them on the voluntary principle, is ruinous to their minds and souls: for they will not provide themselves with what they most need. Shall we act upon the elevated plan of an establishment, and, with a reliance on God's blessing, endeavour to place it before them?

MOUNTAIN SCENERY.

SLIEVE DONARD.

AMONG the few things that please all tastes, the diversities of a mountainous country may be numbered. Scaling the heights of lofty eminenecs is an achievement reserved, perhaps, for the more adventurous few: but to gaze upon the cloud-capped pinnacle, to follow the undulating line, to mark the shifting lights, and endless varieties of shade, from the faint shadow of a summer's cloud floating across, to the impenetrable gloom of some deep chasm or receding cave-this is an enjoyment that all may partake; nor do I remember to have met with an individual who dissented from the general expression of gratification in looking on such an object.

Travellers in search of the picturesque are very apt to overlook what lies near their own doors. Multitudes bend their steps to other lands, for the avowed purpose of seeking what they would find in high perfection within the boundaries of the British isles. In some cases, no doubt, the charm of a continental tour derives not a little of its potency from the very name-the eclât belonging to it; but now that the magic of steam has provided a sort of Aladdin's lamp for all who please to avail themselves of it, 'the continent' has become every body's lounge, and a tour through the neighbouring states confers no more

It may,

distinction than a turn in Hyde Park. therefore, occur to some persons to take a survey of what is really beautiful in their own country; and for the lovers of mountain scenery a rich feast is reserved, in quarters rarely visited, considering the numbers who annually sally forth from the principal cities of the empire.

A few weeks in Ireland would amply repay to a lover of the wildly picturesque the sacrifice of a more fashionable choice. I have lately looked upon some scenes, particularly in Down and Donegal, which have left on my mind an impression not soon to be effaced; and in justice to what the hand of the benificent Creator has placed within the bounds of our national habitation, I will note down a few recollections of some peculiar mountain scenery, beginning with that of Mourne.

On the extreme edge of the eastern coast of Ireland, in the county Down, lies a village called Newcastle, running along the beach. Taking this direction, from the large and populous town of Newry; the traveller may secure for himself a full view of the Mourne mountains, which, for the space of about fifteen miles, never cease to present him with new and striking combinations as the road winds along, taking an unavoidable circuit round their base. These enormous masses, gracefully broken into every variety of form, studded with rocky protuberances, clad with brown moss and purple heather, with here and there a specimen of cultivation adventurously carried to a considerable height, and then a downward sweep that defies the approach of mortal tread, continue to develope themselves on the right hand, thrusting the spectator in with as magnificent a wall

as can be conceived. Sometimes the sloping sides of two neighbouring mountains descend in beautiful regularity, opening a pass through which is beheld a perspective of similar character, terminated by some dark eminence which lifts its head in frowning repulse of any farther intrusion into the shadowy recess. During this drive, I could scarcely spare a glance to the left, where the ground also rose considerably, but presented a range of well cultivated fields, and enclosures. The peculiar grouping of the mountains on the right produced such an extraordinary diversity of shapes and outlines, that every minute afforded some striking novelty in the fine profile of the hills. When this had continued so long as almost to oppress the mind with the weight of unmitigated grandeur, a new feature appeared: the slope from the lower part of the mountains extending for some distance to the road, was interspersed with cottages, scattered far apart, each in its little enclosure, shaded by a few trees, while the intervening ground was laid out to the best advantage, either as turf bog, pasturage, or arable land. This scene of rural life, with the noble mountains for a back ground, was doubly beautiful after so much barren magnificence. A short tract, of wilder character, succeeded; and then, just as the eye roved somewhat listlessly over a comparatively tame and monotonous swell, chiefly consisting of black turf, a curve of the road suddenly threw full upon the gaze a perfect crowd of gigantic heights, overtopping each other in splendid confusion, while right in front a broad and glorious expanse of deep blue water melted into the horizon. There was not, at that moment, in the line of vision, a single intervening object between me and the Isle

of Man, though a rich belt of cultivated and inhabited country lay in a hollow of some miles, beneath the eye, ere it could reach the sea.

The mountains now began to retire, forming by their sweep a wide and beautiful recess, in which lay one of the loveliest spots in the British dominions—a spot where the eye can rest, the spirit can magnify the Lord, and the heart that loves poor Erin may rejoice; for her wilderness and solitary place is glad because of them who dwell there: it is Tollymore Park, the seat of Lord Roden. Newcastle lies gleaming on the beach, at some distance below; but the mountains must still be the traveller's guide, and following them he will turn into the noble gateway of the Park, after depositing any needless incumbrance at the neat, respectable, rural inn which offers its accommodation nearly opposite. That gate is thrown open to all comers, with liberty to walk or drive through the demesne, under such restrictions as the good feeling of every reasonable person must cheerfully comply with. A broad carriage way, curving between lines of flowering shrubs and stately trees, speedily leads past the mansion, and, before plunging into the romantic shades of the park, presents a scene which it is nearly as impossible to describe as to forget. A lawn, gently swelling, of Ireland's own brightest emerald green, most exquisitely kept, where every variety of delicious flower is interspersed with the loftier family of shrubs and trees, is bounded by a mountain of singularly graceful outline, extending in a weavy swell until, far to the left, it slopes upon the intersecting line of ocean: this is planted to its summit, in every part, with the richest specimens of woodland beauty. Above it