[Illustration: _Gun Smith_] The boy had thoughtlessly taken up a pistol and presented it at his sister, who, terrified by the sight of so deadly a weapon aimed against her breast, had uttered the piercing scream, which immediately brought Mrs. Durnford and her family to her assistance. By degrees they tranquillized the poor girl's mind, while Mr. Durnford strongly reprobated the wanton levity of her brother. "Surely, Sir," said the youth, "she must be extremely foolish not to know that these things are never loaded when exposed to sale." "That may be very true," said Mr. Durnford, "but so many accidents occur hourly by the same thoughtless conduct as your own, that I am surprised that any humane person can ever run the risk of wounding either the feelings or the body of a fellow creature." The young lady was now sufficiently recovered to thank Mrs. Durnford for her kind attentions, and taking the arm of her thoughtless brother, she quitted the Bazaar. "Theodore," said Mr. Durnford, "can you remember when muskets were first invented?" "I think, papa, in the time of Henry the Eighth, when brass cannon were first cast in England, as well as mortars. The finest steel is that of Damascus in Asiatic Turkey." "We import a vast quantity of swords and dirks from Germany likewise," said Mr. Durnford, "but as the implements of war are unpleasing objects to the female mind, we will turn to a more agreeable subject, and take a survey of those beautiful plants which are the pride of our GREEN-HOUSES." [Illustration: _Green House Plants_ _Published Feb^y 1 1818, by J. Harris, corner of S^t. Pauls._] "How lovely is the Illicium Floridanum with its large red flower!" said Mrs. Durnford; "only smell how delicious is the perfume of its leaves." "Delicious, indeed!" said Mr. Durnford, "I must purchase one on purpose that I may enjoy the scent. It comes from Florida. I must also treat myself with one of those Camellia Japonica, or Japan roses. The blossom is uncommonly fine. Pray what is the name of this tall flower?" "The Lobelia Fulgens," replied the proprietor. "It is a native of North America, and is a hardy plant." "I should like that pot of China roses, mamma," said Emily; "they came originally, I believe, from China, and are called Rosasinensis." "That mignonette is very luxuriant," said Maria, "pray have some, mamma, the smell is so fragrant. Do they not call it Resecla Odorata." "Yes, my love, and it came first from Egypt." "Oh, mamma; do buy that sweet myrtle," cried Caroline, "I am so fond of myrtles and geraniums. What is the Latin term for myrtle?"