If the person resists the effect of the poison, which rarely happens, he is taken to his house in great state, a procession being formed like that which is represented in the engraving. It appears from the accounts of the missionaries who have visited the island, that the practice of the tangena is so extensive as actually to diminish the population of the island; and what is remarkable is this, that the people seem to take a great interest in these trials, and actually encourage them, seeming to have great delight in them. It is indeed a fact that cannot be disputed, that in all nations not softened and civilized by the influence of Christianity, mercy seems to be unknown, and cruelty affords only a pleasing excitement. * * * * * “The clock upbraids us with the waste of time.” A Philosophical Tea-pot. _Anne._ Mother, why do you not use that pretty tea-pot that grandmother gave you? _Mother._ Why, my dear, do you not remember that the nose is half burnt off? _A._ Well, mamma, suppose it is--it does not look very badly, and you have always told me that as long as things were useful, we must not put them aside. _M._ But it is not useful, Anne; that is the only reason why I have set it up on the high shelf. _A._ I do not see why it is not useful, I am sure. I think, mamma, you might as well put away my little spade because the handle is broken off at the top, or John’s kite because the wind has taken off a piece of the tail! _M._ Well, my dear, this sounds very well; but let us consider the matter a little. Of what use is a tea-pot? _A._ Why, to hold tea, I suppose! _M._ Well, what is tea--a solid body? _A._ Oh no; it is what my book of natural philosophy would call a liquid. Oh, that book is very interesting; wait a minute while I get it, mamma--here it is! _M._ What is one of the properties of liquids? _A._ Let me see--oh, here I have it. Liquids always tend to an equilibrium. _M._ Do you understand what that means, my dear? _A._ Yes; my mistress explained it to me the other morning. Water or any other liquid always seeks a level; that is, if water is put into a bowl, it will be equally as high on one side as on the other. If the bowl stands uneven, the liquid will still be perfectly level. _M._ A very good explanation, Anne. But now to the proof. Can you tell me why, on this principle, my tea-pot is of no use now the spout is broken? _A._ Let me see--no, I cannot understand why it is so. The tea-pot itself is good, and you can fill it just the same as ever! _M._ Ah! but can you fill it? that is the question. _A._ Why, mamma, how absurd it would be to suppose I could not fill it! But let me try; there is nothing like trying, after all. (_She brings the tea-pot._) Here it is, poor neglected thing. Indeed, I do not see why I cannot fill it, unless there are holes in the bottom or sides.