It has been satisfactorily proved that the polypus cannot see its prey, but is only aware of its presence by the actual agitation of the water, from its remaining altogether passive when a thin piece of glass is interposed between them. There are many Monads, which, without possessing any trace of an eye, are yet susceptible of light. An equally extraordinary phenomenon presents itself in the Proteus Anguinus. This singular animal is found in the subterranean lakes of the interminable stalactital caverns in the limestone range of the Carniolan Alps, where the author saw it. In appearance it is between a fish and a lizard; it is of a flesh-colour, and its respiratory organs, which are connected with lungs, so as to enable it to breathe above or below the water, form a red crest round the throat, like a cock's comb. It has no eyes, but small points in the place of them, and light is so obnoxious to it, that it uses every effort to exclude it, by thrusting its head under stones. It is reported also to exist in Sicily, but is known nowhere else. BUMPER. [Illustration: [++] A Bumper.] The jolly toper is so fond of the thing we call a _bumper_, that he troubles not himself about the name, and so long as the liquor is but fine and clear, cares not a farthing in how deep an obscurity the etymology is involved. The sober antiquarian, on the contrary, being prone to etymology, contemplates the sparkling contents of a full glass with much less delight than he does the meaning, the occasion, and the original of the name. The common opinion is, that the _bumper_ took its name from the _grace-cup_; our Roman Catholic ancestors, say they, after their meals, always drinking the Pope's health in this form, _au bon Pere_. But there are great objections to this; the Pope was not the _bon Pere_, but the _Saint Pere_; amongst the elder inhabitants of this kingdom, the attribute of sanctity being in a manner appropriated to the Pope of Rome, and his see. Again, the grace-cup, which went round of course, after every repast, did not imply anything extraordinary, or a full glass. Drinking-glasses were not in use at the time here supposed, for the grace-cup was a large vessel, proportioned to the number of the society, which went round the table, the guests drinking out of one cup, one after another. COFFEE. From a number of the "_Public Advertiser_," of May 19 to May 26, 1657, we have 'In Bartholomew-lane, on the back side of the Old Exchange, the drink called _Coffee_ is advertised as to be sold _in the morning_, and at _three of the clock_ in the afternoon.' QUAINT RECEIPTS. The following Receipts are taken from a work entitled, "_New Curiosities_ in _Art_ and _Nature_, or a _Collection_ of the most valuable _Secrets_ in all _Arts_ and _Sciences_. Composed and Experimented by Sieur Lemery, Apothecary to the French King. London: John King, Little Britain. 1711."