THE
PETERITE. Vol, . I.
DECEMBER, 1879 .
No . 9.
THE AERONAUTS. [CONTINUED FROM PAGE I 19.]
T length we espied in the distance a low black speck in the water, which Gregory pronounced to be land, and towards this we bent our way. As we drew near, apprehensions began to fill my mind as to the reception that we should meet with there. Ignorant of the direction of our flight, I could only calculate from the great depth of the atmosphere through which we had descended that we were indeed in a new world, and with w hat beings it might be peopled, beasts, men, or gods, I knew not. But these vague fears were stilled as we descended and saw no signs of animal life. As far as we could judge it was a small island about five miles long by ten broad, a mere spot in the ocean, but still land, and never was land more welcome to shipwrecked seamen than this to us . The coast looked barren and uninviting, but the interior consisted of verdant plains interspersed here and there with gigantic trees and masses of thick brushwood . But there was not a sign of life there . Except for the rustling of the trees, and the splashing of the sea against the cliffs, everything was still as death . Having carefully examined all the neighbourhood from a safe height, we descended at last near some trees, under whose shade a rippling stream of water promised us at least an assurance against thirst, and there we first dared to land from our machines . We had been as nearly as I could tell six hours in the air, exclusive of the time when we were flying through space, but of the time of day we had no means of judging . Above our heads was a vast white canopy of heaven, no sun, no stars ; but a luminous reflection seemed to pervade the air and supply the place of a sun . After looking around us for a few minutes, we set out to find means of satisfying our hunger, and were fortunate enough to discover a low bush
A
130
THE AERONAUTS.
bearing berries that resembled mulberries in their taste and colour. We were in the act of eating these in default of anything better, when suddenly, without previous warning, we were enveloped in darkness . We lay for some moments hardly daring to speak. Separated from our engines we were powerless, and dared not move for fear of losing our way . At length we agreed to watch and sleep in turns, but watching was useless, the darkness was intense, and not a sound to be heard, so after watching for about an hour I followed the example of Gregory, who was already sound asleep . When we woke again it was broad daylight, and there was still the same unearthly stillness ; our machinery lay still where we had left it, and there were no signs of any beasts about . After long consultation, we determined to try to find some other land than this, where there was nothing but berries to afford us sustenance, and we accordingly started again with the wind, as it seemed still to be blowing in the direction that we had come . We had been travelling for some time about too yards above the sea, without seeing land, and I was beginning to despair, when Gregory pointed out to me a black mass of seaweed floating in the water . This, he said, was a certain sign that we were near land, and indeed before we had gone much further we perceived a long dark line stretching along the horizon, that could not be anything but lancl,—the mainland of that new world in which we found ourselves . This sight redoubled our ardour, our speed increased with the certainty of finding a resting place before nightfall, and we each contended to be the first to discover some new features about our destination. Sea-birds now began to flock round us, evidently scared by our novel appearance, and as they were of unusually large size, I was not without misgivings lest some of them should attack us and cause some injury to our floats . One monster indeed attacked Gregory, but the latter fortunately disabled him with a blow of his knife, and we were not molested again . Gregory soon called my attention towards a thin column of smoke that rose in the clear sky towards our left hand, and advised me to direct our flight towards this . Another moment brought us to the land, and we descended for an instant to rest ourselves after our exertions . The smoke still seemed distant from us about three miles, and besides that there were no signs of human
THE AERONAUTS .
131
habitation ; indeed the coast was so barren that it seemed hardly capable of supporting life, except the sea-birds who evidently made their nests in the cliffs . After resting for a few moments, we carefully examined our dresses that they might not fail us in an emergency and then rose again in the air . We then saw that the smoke proceeded from a large conical mound, which stood alone on a sandy waste extending round it for several miles. We hesitated before descending, but were reassured by the sight of something resembling a human form that emerged from the mound . This figure appeared larger than the average height of human beings, though not gigantic, and was clothed with a material which glistened in the distance like polished metal. Anxious to put an end to our suspense, I motioned to Gregory to descend . With a shrill cry, as if to call companions to his help, the stranger ran towards us uplifting a large staff which he bore with the evident intention of attacking us. But when he came up to us, he stood still with amazement . His companions, too, some four or five in number, who had run out at his cry, stood at a respectful distance looking at us with awe as we divested ourselves of our coverings . Then they suddenly fell on their knees with low murmurs, which we afterwards found were prayers that we would not punish them . Encouraged by their attitude, I addressed the man nearest to me, first in English, then by signs, as he spoke in a language which I did not understand ; and presently I made him understand that we wanted food . Then the party led us inside the hut, which was the mound from which the smoke issued, and placed food before us. It was evident that they were afraid of us, and we ate heartily, not fearing any open violence . When we had finished our meal of fruits and roasted flesh, we again attempted to enter into conversation with our hosts, who now seemed more inclined to meet our advances . I discovered, by drawing figures on the sand, that they supported themselves by catching sea-fowl, and that some great distance from them inland, there existed a large city or concourse of men engaged in agriculture, and that they periodically went there to exchange the feathers and skins of their prey for some of the ordinary necessaries of life . I made signs that we would go there at once, but they made me understand that night was coming on, and it would be better for us to wait until the morning, when one of their number would act as
THE AERONAUTS.
our guide . This I agreed to, and after a little more conversation, during which I endeavoured to make them understand where we came from, they led us into an inner room where we understood that we were to pass the night . After bringing in our flying apparatus, and placing it in a place of safety, we then awaited the fall of night . This came on as on the previous day, suddenly and without any previous warning as far as we could see, but we were prepared for it, and retired to our chamber thoroughly tired after our long day's travelling . On the following morning we were aroused by the strangers, who informed us that they were ready to start, as the journey would be a long one, and we ought to reach our destination before night-fall . After a hasty meal, we set off with two of our hosts who were to act as guides. The country at first was sandy and barren, but after a time we came on a few trees scattered here and there, succeeded by a large tract of land covered with luxuriant vegetation, evidently wild and uncared for . Then in the distance we saw a few scattered huts, similar in shape to the one that we had quitted, but our guides made signs that we should avoid them as much as possible, so as to avoid any curious followers, who might seek to impede our journey . At length after we had travelled for some thirty-five or forty miles, the country began to assume a more settled appearance ; the huts were larger and nearer together, and there was some appearance of enclosed fields and plantations. We met travellers, too, at intervals, evidently of the same race as our guides, tall, fair-haired men of light complexion, and clad in long white flowing garments . These occasionally stopped to interchange greetings with our companions, and appeared to regard us with great curiosity, but after a few words, evidently of explanation, they proceeded on their way, and left us in peace A few more minutes brought us to a collection of some dozen huts made of white clay and thatched with straw, where we were given to understand that the chief men of the country lived. These received us hospitably . Before questioning either us or our guides, as soon as they understood that our business was with them they took us into a large room with a meal prepared in it, and there made signs to us to eat . After we had made a pretence of eating, one of our guides began a long harangue, which from his frequent gestures and looks towards us, I took to
THE AERONAUTS .
133
be a description of our landing on the coast . Then a tall, greyheaded old man came forward and addressed us, evidently in several different languages, but without success, as we could answer only by signs. At length he desisted, and after dismissing our guides, to whom we gave a trifling present as a reward for their kindness, he signified that we were to be his guests for the present . For many days we continued with him, seeing none but our host and an attendant, as we understood that there might be danger in going abroad alone ; still through the walls of our chamber we could hear voices, and occasional shouts of merriment, from which we concluded that there was a family near us . During this time we picked up a few words of the native language, and employed ourselves in trying to put together an account of ourselves and our travels . This was fortunate, for one day we were called before a large assembly of elders, who tried to discover our story from us . This we gave in their own language, apparently to their satisfaction, and we again retired with our host, not to our old apartments, but to another house some distance away where his family lived . Here we saw the first women who had presented themselves to our eyes since we landed . They were of a comely person, and slightly taller than the men . Their garments were of the same white material, but we understood that this with the men was the holiday attire, to be changed for a coarser brown substance when engaged in their daily toil, while as the women were occupied in household occupation such as spinning with a substance somewhat resembling flax, they were enabled to wear a more delicate substance without fear of soiling it . On the following clay our host took us out with him to view the country, arranging that vv e should spend the night with one of his friends who lived some eight miles off. We discovered that there was little or no agriculture known to this simple people . They lived on the produce of their flocks, and the fruit which grew in abundance round them . A low shrub which they cultivated supplied them with a substance resembling cotton, from which their outer garments were principally made . The only luxuries which appeared to be known were garments curiously made from the feathers of birds, arranged in grotesque patterns, and sometimes edged with wool coloured to suit the fancy with different earthy dyes .
134
THE AERONAUTS.
Here follow in the original narrative many pious reflections on the happiness of such a people, and comparisons between their state and that of our forefathers here, with which it is hardly necessary to trouble the reader . On arriving at our destination we discovered that we were just in time to take part in the capture of one of the enemies of this agricultural people . This was a gigantic bird somewhat resembling the fabled roe, which sometimes dared even to carry off the shepherds as they tended their flocks. [TO BE CONTINUED .]
OUR VOYAGE TO RIPON. EAR reader, did you ever row to Ripon ? If not, take my advice and never try . We (that is, the luckless crew, of which the writer was one) did, and on reaching home registered a solemn vow never to enter rashly on such an expedition again . The morning fixed upon arrived, and we started for the boat-house, and after the usual preliminaries, launched our bark— the launching of which, by the way, though pleasant and amusing to the bystanders, is not quite so entertaining to the chief actors in the scene . We started in capital spirits, in spite of the aspect of the heavens, which was not promising, and got well into swing by the time we reached the water works. I felt happy then, and I felt happy at the same place coming back, though from quite a different reason. Of course I cannot speak for the rest of us, but I should think we all shared the same feelings . Our row up to Poppleton was singularly uninteresting . The first point of interest was that we had an easy at Poppleton, when we essayed to drink the river water from a patent filter, purchased from the Exhibition for the purpose, which operation—as it was performed by sucking at one end of a long tube—reminded me forcibly of the days when I was young, and blew soap-bubbles . Having here sufficiently recruited our energies, and rested ourselves by leaning across the sharp edges of the stretchers in various uncomfortable attitudes , we recommenced our onward route towards the mouth of the Nidd . In that portion of our journey we sought recreation and harmless diversion, in giving utterance to sundry inhuman cries, for the edification of the cattle on the banks, who seemed rather
D
OUR VOYAGE TO RIPON .
135
surprised at our intrusion on their territory, and followed us along their respective fields till stopped by the hedges . From the Nidd to Linton always seems long, this time it seemed longer than ever ; but the worst was yet to come . When we sighted Linton we rejoiced above measure, as if, instead of having accomplished less than half our journey, we had accomplished a good three-fourths . Then we rowed quietly tip to a punt which was fastened to the bank, certainly with some misgivings as to the passage of the lock, but unaware of the full extent of our misfortune. Having moored, we disembarked . Here I may mention that one of the crew, while climbing up the steep and slippery bank, had the misfortune to drop his provisions, which rolled helplessly down the bank, followed by their unhappy owner, who was making desperate efforts to stop the downward progress of his dinner, which tumbled pitilessly onward, till it found a resting-place on the wave, from whence it was at last dragged to shore. After this episode, we proceeded to survey the obstacle . Alas ! the lock chamber was too narrow and too short to admit the boat with safety . We were like Canadian voyagers at the foot of a " portage ." Having raised our boat laboriously up the seven or eight feet of bank, we carried it to the opposite side of the lock, marching through mud and pools of water, and deposited it on the grass, in the most level situation we could find, and sought rest and refreshment for ourselves. Here, however, the Fates did not permit us to repose, for a prancing steed threatened destruction to our frail craft, till Stroke, waxing wroth, seized a large pole and repelled the irate animal. When this little scene had been enacted, we commenced the descent into the river (which was far easier than the ascent on the other side had been), shoved off, and proceeded rapidly up stream . Further on, we encountered a bargee, and asked him his opinion of the weather, and what might be the nearest village ; to which he replied, that he thought it would rain, and there was a village of Aldwark, a mile further up, where we should find an inn with accommodation for man and beast , With lightened hearts we then proceeded, but when we reached Aldwark there was no sign of rain . Thereupon we held a council of war ; motion carried, " to advance at all hazards . " I have since been led to suppose that that bargee had some pecuniary connexion with the Aldwark inn, and that he had tried
136
OUR VOYAGE TO RIPON.
foully to entrap us. Anyhow, forward we went, astonishing the cattle still more than we had done previously . Though we went at a very good pace, we seemed to get no nearer Boro' bridge, for nearly every bargee or pedestrian whom we met, said it was about four miles further on ; so much for Geography ! The pangs of hunger now began to assail us, so we landed in a field covered with huge leaves, and in the next field were two sanguine mortals trying to fish . We timed one ; he was a quarter of an hour preparing his tackle, and had caught nothing when we started ; here we remained about thirty-five minutes, which, alas, fled too quickly, and again we set out cheerfully, and reached Boro' bridge without further adventure. Looming dreadfully before us lay another lock, and another bank to be surmounted. Here, again, we were unprepared for the obstacles which barred our progress ; for, after we had with great toil surmounted the bank, we had to lift the boat across two high gate-posts, and over a plank bridge only two feet in width. You must know we were carrying the boat on our shoulders , two abreast, and so the whole concern reminded me dismally of a funeral . They were repairing the lock gates, consequently the lock was empty, and there was a huge dam on the other side ; while, by way of making matters pleasanter, the only landing consisted of a rotten raft, half covered with water . I would rather not think or speak more than is necessary about this lock, so suffice it to say that, somehow or other, we found ourselves on the other side triumphant, and splashed from head to foot with mud and water . We now proceeded along the canal leading to the river, passing beneath a narrow bridge ; and here was shewn the disadvantage of a boat whose oars will not unship, for we had to shorten oars in passing, and in consequence narrowly escaped a watery grave. From Boro'bridge to the next lock I remember very little, in fact I was too much occupied to notice anything. The noise of the weir of the first lock roused us to activity and fresh display of our muscular and tractive powers . At this lock was a wet and clayey bank of precipitous formation, and a landing-stage composed of a badly secured and very crank boat . This domain was kept by an idiot, who stood grinning away heartlessly at our frantic exertions . This time we had to convey our boat across a kind of island, and embarked safely on the other side . From
OUR VOYAGE TO RIPON .
137
here we rowed on past Newby Hall, and enjoyed the landscape, which certainly is splendid just there . Further up, the river grew shallow and rapid, and thus we knew, as Columbus knew by the shoaling sea, that we were somewhere in the neighbourhood of the looked-for land . At length we rounded a corner, and saw before us the first of the Ripon canal locks. Here we spent a good twenty-five minutes trying to land, as it was impossible to get nearer than four or five feet of the bank, owing to the mud and shoal water. Cox, gallantly coming to the rescue, jumped out, not on to, but into, the slimy bank and, covered with mud, drew us to land . We then sent a scout to inspect the lock ; he came back, wildly and frantically gesticulating, and when he came nearer appalled us with the statement that the canal was dry . Here was a fix! four or five miles, for aught we knew to the contrary, to Ripon, and, like the Pickwickians, with a dripping, heavy, boat on our hands, instead of a "wretched horse "; in a desert spot, and not knowing which way to turn . However, we agreed to make the best of a bad case, and to leave the boat where it was, as we could not very well take it away . So we carefully and tenderly packed the oars and apparatus inside, and trudged up to the lock-keeper ' s house, where they directed us to follow the canal, which would take us to Ripon . I am sure we rather astonished the lock-keeper ' s dame, for I never before saw such figures as we cut then. After following the canal for what seemed miles and miles, and tramping over thorns, thistles, and sharp stones, we reached a large and well kept road, which I presume was the Boro ' bridge and Ripon road ; marched along this for some distance, turned and crossed a bridge, and found ourselves within the city . The Riponites came forth from all quarters to see us, making no very complimentary remarks on our appearance . In this manner we travelled some distance, and reached an inn, where we put up, and found a happy relief. '' All ' s well that ends well . " Before tea we went out to inspect the town, but as it was pitch dark, with a thick fog, we didn ' t see much . Convinced of the futility of trying to see, we went in to tea, and did ample justice to that meal, as might be expected . After tea we had a species of "pick up " concert (vocal) with a voluntary and brilliant accompaniment on a high tuned piano . Soon after this was over, we turned in, gladly, and thus ended " Our Voyage to Ripon . " REmus .
13
OXFORD LETTER. OR the first time, we believe, since the institution of the race, the Trials have been stopped both at Oxford and Cambridge by the frost . One night at Oxford was enough to freeze half the course from Oxford to Ifliey, whilst fully one half of the remainder was dangerous from floating pieces of ice . After waiting for a couple of days, and tubbing the men in pairs over about a quarter-of-a-mile of water, the President decided to follow the example of our Cambridge rivals, and row the race on the Putney water . But no sooner were the boats packed than news came that the water there, too, is impracticable, so there was nothing left but to give up the race altogether for this term . Two of last year's eight were rowing in the trials, Southwell at stroke and Disney at seven . Hobart also appeared occasionally . F . M . Hargreaves has been rowing five in one of the boats . Opinions as to his chance for the eight next year are conflicting . Keble men fancy him greatly . Others don't . We incline to the golden mean, and think that ties will give him a very good chance, though some of his faults of form militate against him. Football, of course, has been almost at a standstill for some time. We were anxiously looking forward to the match ' Varsity Manchester, which was to have been played on Monday, Dec . 1st, as it would form some criterion for the match with Cambridge . But we were doomed to disappointment, and after hanging about the ground :for some time with a faint hope that the match might come off after all, were at length convinced of our mistake by the appearance of the Captain of the ' Varsity Football Club in his ordinary attire. After that we ask the intelligent reader what could we do except play Billiards ? The only ' Varsity matches that have come off since our last are those against the United Hospitals and Richmond, both won . Knight as usual played splendidly, and succeeded in running completely round his opponents . The dribbling of A . H. Evans, our Captain, called forth repeated applause from the crowds of spectators . The match against Richmond was very hotly contested, the ' Varsity forwards being weak . There were two unfortunate disputes, the second of which was rather peculiar . From a line out, a Richmond forward got the ball and ran in . One Umpire said that the ball was not thrown out straight, the other that it was knocked on with the hand . The Richmond Captain persisted in trying the kick, which, though very easy, failed, much to the satisfaction of the spectators .
F
OXFORD LETTER .
139
J . H . Daniel, our only representative on the Athletic list up here, won the Throwing the Cricket Ball at Queen ' s Sports with a throw of 87 yds . 2 ft ., against the wind, and on a bitterly cold day. C. H . Chadwick has taken a Fourth in the Honours School of Jurisprudence . Another O . P . has obtained his `hits of paper' in Political Economy and Rudiments. A third is in for Smalls, and still lives in hope. During the long vacation B . H . Abrahall was placed third in an examination for a valuable appointment in the Foreign Office. We must offer our hearty congratulations to Wade on his success, and hope that next term we shall have some more Honours to record. In conclusion, we wish our readers lots of skating, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year . O . P.
NOTES AND ITEMS. SCHOOL HONOUR.—G . H . WADE has been elected to the First Open Classical Exhibition at Balliol College, Oxford. The Theatricals take place on Tuesday, 16th, and Thursday, 18th of this month. The Old Boys' Football Match is fixed for Friday, 19th, weather permitting. The Hon . Treasurer of the Petevite has great pleasure in announcing a balance in hand for the year of about 4' 2 los.
THE DEBATING SOCIETY. On Wednesday, November 5th, GRIFFITH moved "That the home and foreign policy of the Government is much to be blamed . " In a speech abounding in trope and metaphor, though singularly destitute of anything like fact or argument, he described the Ministry as `a board of dummies, ' and directed the fire of his eloquence against that party `which thinks war a grand thing, spending other people ' s money a grander, and a ` Scientific Frontier ' and ` Peace with Honour ' the grandest of all .' LE MAISTRE replied with an almost equally violent tirade against the Liberal party, taking the hon. mover roundly to task for many of his expressions . By way of replying to Griffith ' s definition of the home policy of the Government as `stagnation, ' he triumphantly instanced the Bishoprics ' Bill as a great and wise measure . BASKETT threw a little more definiteness into the discussion, and some passages of arms took place between him and Le Maistre . The debate was adjourned .
140
DEBATING SOCIETY.
In private business it was resolved to throw open the meetings of the house to non-members by means of forms of admission, which may be obtained from members . We hope that this addition to the society's rules will not be allowed to remain a dead letter. On November 12, BASKETT re-introduced Griffith's motion with a masterly summary of the political history of the present administration, and drew a gloomy picture of the state to which the country had been reduced by Lord Beaconsfield . His speech was a pleasing change from the vague generalities of the previous debate . LE MAISTRE replied, and this time did not confine himself to epithethurling, but made a really able defence of the Government ; he stoutly denied that their foreign policy was aggressive, as had been asserted by Baskett. WADE spoke at considerable length in support of the Government ; he admitted the charge of aggression, but contended that aggressiveness was the natural and healthy instinct of the Englishman, thus basing his defence on grounds entirely different to the previous speakers . BASKETT replied briefly, and a division took place, when the motion was rejected by 9 to 5. With this debate, a very short session, but one exceptionally rich in good debates, came to a close, the Theatricals monopolizing the rest of the term .
FOOTBALL. This has been put a stop to for some time recently by the extremely hard weather that we have experienced at York . This accounts for the fact that only two out-matches have been played since our last number, namely v . Leeds Grammar School, and S. John's College, York . For one of these only, can we find room. v . LEED'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Played at Leeds, on Saturday, November 8th, on the School ground, resulting in a tie. S . Peter's won the toss and elected to kick off. The ball was returned by one of the Leeds backs, and the first scrimmage was formed in neutral ground ; but by a well-directed rush the Leeds forwards carried the ball into their opponents' goal, and S . Peter ' s had to touch-down in self-defence . This was the only score throughout the game, and both sides played their best all the time . Our team, whose strong point is running, found the ground too narrow to out-run their opponents, and this more than anything contributed to the evenness of the game . For S . Peter's, Watson, Baskett, Moss, Douglas, Chadwick, played best ; for Leeds, Riley and Lambert .
CONTENTS .
PAGE
Aeronauts, The (concluded) Agamemnon at Balliol, The Athletic Sports Boating Season British Association at Swansea British Association at York Commemoration Day Concert, The School 155, 180, Cambridge Letter Correspondence 181, 209, 224, 242, Cremation 189, 210, Cricket Day on Snowdon, A Debating Society Distribution of Prizes Down a Coal Mine Editorial Evolution 152, Football Hints for Debating Societies Leaves from Lakeland Legend, A Memory of last August
142 219 2 39 180, 191 255 273 216 237 189, 278 264, 283 1 74 228, 2 43 185 198, 205 231 167 251, 267 268 261, 281 1 99 2 57 203 169
CONTENTS. PAGE
New Fives Court Notes and Items 151, 1 77, 1 97, 213, 141, Obituary Oxford Letter Poetry, Original—Fragment To Pyrrha York Gala 190, 207, School Letter Testimonial to Serjeant Smith Thackeray, W . M. Theatricals Trip through Scotland
.
182,
1 97
230, 243, 266, 285 153, 182, 229, 263 J54, 178, 208,
2 77 156 214 230
223, 241, 260, 280 182 251
1 44 183