Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 7.djvu/64

50 THE GRANITE MONTHLY. the rules gave out, and when that resource failed him, he bordered one page with the diphthongs æ and œ.

The sun and moon have the same appearance as in the almanac for 1883.

In his preface he says that in consequence of his not giving weather predictions the Peruser will necessarily be obliged to form Judgment of the Weather from the Appearance of the Heavens; * * * * and will, no doubt, have a peculiar Pleasure, so often as he finds the Event coincide with his Prediction." [Hasn't that been handed down to the present day?] He says he adds a column to gratify those who "retain the antique Notion of the Moon's influencing different Parts of the human Body: Which I esteem as romantick as any Fable of, and an affront to Common Sense." [Just so. But Leavitt's Almanac for 1883 spells out the parts of the human body daily affected by the moon, "as she changes her situation in the Ecliptic, to different Signs, that they may have Opportunity to perform those bloody Operations, which otherways they would esteem extremely hazardous." There can't be any doubt that Leavitt is ahead of Fowle in "influencing different parts of the human Body."]

There were six eclipses in 1758, one "of the Moon, visible, total and nearly central" at Portsmouth. "Of Comets," the Almanac has quite free mention. Sir Isaac Newton's theories are given, and "The Comet this Year expected, Dr. Hally has ventured to predict." Mr. Fowle is doubtful as to the effect the comet would have upon the earth, but thinks "if it should approach so near as to have a sensible Parrallax, I should conjecture its Effects would be considerable on Vegetables, Fluids, and probably perceivable on the Sea." After quoting Mr. Whiston as supposing that the Deluge was, and the Conflagration would be occasioned by a comet, he quaintly closes as follows: "but we have no need that I know of to suppose it neccessary; for the subterraneous Fire, if permitted, might effectually answer the end; and the Uncertainty and Suddenness of the Time, as appears by Revelation, renders it improbable." After one hundred and twenty-five years the bulk of public opinion still remains with Mr. Fowle, Joe Miller to the contrary notwithstanding.

That portion of the calendar which Leavitt fills with advice to farmers, Fowle fills with dates of important historical events and proverbs. The historical events are conspicuous for the absence of those now taught in our public schools. We quote two, viz.: May 31, 1758. General ELECTION, Boston. As no other election is mentioned, the press of Boston will be pleased to know of this confirmatory evidence of the driving of the Hub ages ago. Nov. 23, 1758. Serapia, a woman of Alexandria, brought forth five children at a birth. Elinora, a Citizen of Florence, was delivered of fifty-two children, never less than three at a birth. Saying nothing of this excellent opportunity for a governess over this full pack of children, or whether any one of them ever had occasion to sing "Do they miss me at home," we end this long review of a short book by advising our patrons to carefully read

What a multitude of circumstances must be brought together to form a petty happiness in this world!

Job's Wife was the only evil which could draw a sigh from him; This was the only one he seemed to feel.

Of all our senses, sight is infinitely quickest.

Fight and die for thy country.

Credit's like a Venice glass, soon broke.

He that is not handsome at twenty, nor strong at thirty, nor rich at forty, nor wise at fifty, will never be handsome, strong, rich, or wise.

A judge ought to be indifferent.

A neuter only has room to be a Peace-maker.

He is wise that is honest.