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dividually, and with the utmost nicety and exactness. The whole arc, from Formentera to the Orkneys, will contain nearly 22° of the earth's meridian; and thence the quadrantal arc of the whole meridian, extending from the equator to the pole, being ascertained, will afford the best of all possible standards of length and capacity, whenever it shall be determined by the Legislatures of both countries to equalize their weights and measures by the same common standard. The great arc deduced from these operations will be found to pass over a part of Spain, all France and Great Britain: Belgium has already followed the example of France, and has taken the standard from the same natural source: thus, if by this participation, the three nations, from their united meridian, should agree to take the same standard derived from it, there seems little reason to doubt, the rest of the world, without loss of time or difficulty, would follow their example.

M. Biot and myself beg to return thanks to Mr Bain for his book on the variation of the compass, and with his compliments to yourself, I have the honour to remain, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

W. MUDGE.

Wm Blackwood, Esq.

SOME ACCOUNT OF 'BOWED DAVIE,' THE SUPPOSED ORIGINAL OF THE 'BLACK DWARF.'

MR EDITOR,

There is an evident propensity in man, to confer the stamp of reality or past existence on even the most imaginary characters that come before him, whether from the pen of the dramatist, novelist, or incidental story-teller. Accordingly, in conformity with this principle, I find the Quarterly Reviewers, in an article just published on the "Tales of my Landlord," pointing out an individual as the probable prototype and original of the Black Dwarf— orCannie Elskie, of the ingenious and far-famed novelist. Now, sir, with a laudable regard to facts, the Reviewer has referred us to the actual spot where this supposed original is said to have resided. He has thus rendered inquiry practicable; and as I happen to know some particulars regarding the individual alluded to, which bear the Reviewer's story out, as far as facts go, and correct it where exaggeration seems to have led astray I here propose to lay them before your readers, whom they may perhaps serve to interest or amuse.

David Ritchie, for such was the name of this real dwarf, lived for many years in a small cottage on the farm of Woodhouse, parish of Mannor, Peeblesshire, and was very generally known in that part of the country, by the name of "Bowed Davie o'the Wud'use"—a name given to him from his remarkable personal deformity,—his stature being short—his body thick—and his legs awkwardly bent—and although not altogether possessed of that spheroidal form which is given to the Black Dwarf, yet evidently affording us, in his personal appearance, an imperfect prototype of that mysterious personage. He also resembled Elshie in his temper, which was quite sour and misanthropical. This was particularly displayed in his conduct to a sister of his own, who resided many years in a neighbouring cottage, but from whom he was completely estranged. This cottage was erected for him by Sir James Nasmyth, and was given to him rent-free, It was remarkable for the lowness of the door, which was made proportionate to the size of the inhabitant. The cottage was surrounded by a garden, which was cultivated by Davie himself, and was long the admiration of every passenger who came through the sequestered vale in which it lay. It was, in fact, the richest garden for verdure and beauty which the surrounding country could display; its wall was nearly seven feet high (a height uncommon in that part of the country) and included some very large stones, which the dwarf himself was said to have lifted. The late Dr Adam Ferguson, who resided in the neighbouring mansion of Hallyards, used sometimes to visit Davie, as an amusement, in this retired spot; but I never heard that any thing remarkable occurred on those occasions. Mr Walter Scott was also a frequent visitor of Davie's, and was said to have held long communings with him.—So far the Reviewer's account of 'Bowed Davie' is consistent with facts; but I believe it may be affirmed, that he was never much remarked for his intellectual superiority, and that the