Miscellanea.
Congress of Architects.—The first Congress of Architects held its meeting at Leipsic, on the 14th November, 1842. There were 547 architects present. Next year the Congress is to be held at Bomberg, in Bavaria, when it is expected that a considerable number of English architects will attend.
Monument to Burns’ Highland Mary.—This monument has now been completed over the grave of Highland Mary, in the West churchyard, Greenock. The erection is more of the Roman than the Grecian style of architecture, is pyramidical in form, and may be said to be divided into three compartments, the cornice-stones between which are beautifully and elaborately carved. The first, or lower compartment, contains the inscription tablet. The second bears a bas-relief of Burns and Mary Campbell, representing their parting scene, when they plighted troth and exchanged Bibles across “the stream around the Castle o’ Montgomery.” The artist has been peculiarly happy in depicting the position of the loving pair at this hallowed parting; and few who have seen a correct likeness of the bard can fail to recognize it upon the beautiful Ayrshire stone which has been used, although it has been necessary, to be in keeping with the truth, to impart to the features a more juvenile cast than those in which Robert Burns is usually represented. The third compartment contains a female figure, emblematical of Grief, bending over an urn, which her arms encircle, and upon which is carved the word “Mary.” Above her head, and almost at the apex of the pyramid, a star, with rays is cut, in remembrance of the beautiful invocation in “Mary in Heaven.” The inscription on the monument is simply couched as follows:—“Sacred to Genius and Love—to Burns and Highland Mary.” The monument stands about seventeen feet high, was erected at the cost of 1,000l., and is by far the most imposing object in this old churchyard.
Duke of Orleans.—A fine marble bust of this illustrious prince has been placed in the “Salle de Conferences,” at the Chamber of Deputies. Its merits as a work of art are of a very lofty order, and it resemblance to the deceased is remarkably striking.
The City Article.—In consequence of the late rain, umbrellas rose, and pattens were in demand. Consols were done at 90; and so was our reporter at the White Horse Cellar, by a Jew, who sold pencils. We don’t know much about India stocks, but we have been induced to invest a little capital in India handkerchiefs. We lately had an interview with a broker about a week’s rent in arrear, and found him a regular “Bear.” Tartans look lively, and broad cloth is flat, so is small beer. Feathers are buoyant, and tallow is low, especially at evening parties. We offered to make a purchase of sugar, but, tin being scarce, our offer was declined. This changeable weather, and the pressure of leather, affects our corn to some extent. The only time-bargain we have lately made was with a cabman, and he had the best of it.—Punch.
Cruel Aspersion.—Rivarol, speaking of Mirabeau, said—“That man would do any thing for money—even a good action.”