tem, and moulded its now rude and transitory shape, into permanency of principle, symmetry of propor tion, and beauty of arrangement. When we remember the sudden extremes to which Fashion is liable, when we call to mind the rage for pinching stays, swelling hoops, and towering head dresses, that once prevailed, and now contemplate the passion that fires every virgin, matron, and widowed bosom, for a slim form, a divided bust, and an enveloped arm, we must feel disposed to weep over the neglect of a department of knowledge which has left us without a controlling principle to regulate its extravagant transitions. The variations of Fashion must always excite exalted emotions, and inspire sublime conceptions. Nature has allotted Fashion as a mark of distinction to those, who despising the petty avocations of Literature, War, or Politics, soar to immortality upon the cut of a coat, or become as notorious for the tie of a cravat, as Homer for his Paternal Epic. That Fashion was bestowed on man for the purpose of a more full developement of his mental powers, no doubt can now be entertained. As a mark of distinction, it is a great incentive to the noblest ambition. Originally the attendant of wealth, it has now become the mark and criterion of merit: So that its primary folly seems to have been lost in a rational application of silly principles to a noble purpose. Once the measure o a man's purse it is now the more excellent criterion of his taste, his modesty, and his genius, It is in the shades of antiquity that we must search for the germs of improvement. From darkness we strike out light, and take a lesson in wisdom, from the folly of our ancestors. Let us see if we cannot elicit some great and lucid principle, to govern our speculations on Fashion, from the records of past time. If we can recognize in some of the current fashions of the day, a resemblance to the customs, contours, and habiliments of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors, as I think might satisfactorily be shown; it opens to view, at once, the secret governing principle, which nature has established in respect to the vicissitudes of fashion. Indeed, both analogy and experience proclaim in pretty intelligible language, that fashion may be regulated even by the want of invention, which will compel us to a gradual change, or transition from one cut or form to another, till the whole circle of the revolution being completed, we must commence it anew; and in this manner, we may ar range all the fashions of half a century, with their stipulated periods of use and disuse, with the same precision that we regulate the meals of the day, or the divisions and subdivisions of time. It appears by statutes still preserved, and records rendered authentic by accidental agreement with one another, that about the year 1460, during the reign of James 2d of Scotland, (in matters of impor tance dates also become important) an edict of that Prince was issued, which prohibited any woman from appearing at church, or coming to market, with her face muzzled or covered. This ancient fashion of wearing veils, has for many ages revolved into use and disuse, in regular periods of alternate cessation and adoption. From the exuberant richness of antiquarian know. ledge upon this interesting subject, I feel convinced that leisure and research are alone wanting, to give to Fashion the stability of a science, and the regular beauty of a standard art. This, however, cannot be accomplished without public patronage; and I therefore propose, that a new chair be instituted in our University, appropriated to disquisitions upon the science of wigs, cues, coats, cravats, canes, &c.— Should the choice of Professor fall upon me, I can only declare that while I do not seek the honour, it shall be my pride and ambition to discharge its duties with fidelity, and exalt to its proper sphere a department of knowledge, now unjustly condemned to grovel in stupid mediocrity. I 2 THE AUTHOR'S JEWEL, NUMBER XII. COURAGE OF A MAN OF FAMILY. Vain all your care, vain all your outward pride, ' It is now some years, since an old and revered uncle, to whom I was indebted for my education, paid that debt to nature, which no art can evade, or procrastinate beyond the period of its maturity.—My uncle, was passionately devoted, in the latter days of his existence, to what has been thought characteristic of old age-narrative. Among the stories, which I remember he took peculiar delight in repeating, was that of a Colonial officer in the Militia; whose real rank was that of a Colonel, but who al ways took especial care, to entitle himself General -General Drumfield But I am anticipating a part of my story, which will more properly come in place, herafter. The time, was about ten years prior to the Revolutionary War; when the Coffee House and Exchange of this renowned city, was located in the antique structure, which now stands at the south-west corner of Front and High-street. This was the usu |