Was this done by parallel parabolical mirrors? "He could make a plane glass without grinding it on either side, in which people saw themselves reflected seven times. "He invented all these and many other curiosities, too long to relate, without the aid of the black art; but by natural philosophy alone, if we may believe the _tongues_ whose _eyes_ saw it. By these experiments, he so gained the King's favour, his Majesty granted him a pension of 2000 guilders. He died in London, anno 1634, the sixtieth year of his age." Thus writes the Alkmaar chronicler. If you, or any of your learned correspondents, can elucidate the history of the instruments made by my countryman, he will much oblige all scientific antiquarians, and me, though not a Dr. Heavybottom, especially. I need not make apologies for my bad English, and hope none of your many readers will criticise it in a _Dutch_ periodical. JANUS DOUSA. Amsterdam, April, 1850. * * * * * VERSES ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES YORKE. I have in my possession a MS. book, in his own handwriting, of the late Rev. MARTIN STAFFORD SMITH of Bath, formerly chaplain to BISHOP WARBURTON, containing, amongst other matter, a series of letters, and extracts of letters, from the amiable and gifted, but unfortunate, CHARLES YORKE, to Bishop Warburton. At the close of this series, is the following note and extract:-- "Verses transcribed from the original, in Mr. C. Yorke's own writing, among his letters to Bishop Warburton; probably manuscript, and certainly his own composition: written from the _Shades_." "Stript to the naked soul, escaped from clay, From doubts unfetter'd, and dissolv'd in day, Unwarm'd by vanity, unreach'd by strife, And all my hopes and fears thrown off with life,--{8} Why am I charm'd by Friendship's fond essays, And, tho' unbodied, conscious of thy praise? Has pride a portion in the parted soul? Does passion still the formless mind controul? Can gratitude out-pant the silent breath, Or a friend's sorrow pierce the glooms of death? No; 'tis a spirit's nobler taste of bliss, That feels the worth it left, in proofs like this; That not its own applause but thine approves, Whose practice praises, and whose virtue loves; Who lov'st to crown departed friends with fame, Then dying late, shalt all thou gav'st reclaim." It is my own impression, as well as that of an eminent critic to whom I communicated these lines, that they have been printed. If any contributor to "NOTES AND QUERIES" can tell where they are to be found, or can throw any light on their authorship, it will gratify THE EDITOR OF BP. WARBURTON'S LITERARY REMAINS. Bath, May 18. 1850. * * * * * CULTIVATION OF GEOMETRY IN LANCASHIRE.