Those familiar with the frauds practised in other countries in the manufacture and sale of antiques, and perhaps others, would have a vague suspicion that this might furnish another instance, nearer home. My own mind was not free from such dreams. And notwithstanding the apparent impossibility of finding a place where such a stone might be obtained--of quarrying, working, transporting, and burying the same, and keeping it a profound secret, I still had my suspicions. But the first look at the statue dispels from the mind every thought of that nature. It has the marks of the ages stamped upon every limb and feature, in a manner and with a distinctness which no art can imitate. I have not seen the first person who entertained any doubt of its great antiquity, after looking at that most wonderful and inexplicable figure. The time spent in manufacturing and retailing the simple and absurd rumors which circulate through the community and find their way into the papers, is weakly and foolishly thrown away. It is a serious and most remarkable reality, and one which as yet have received no satisfactory explanation, and probably never will. IS IT A STATUE OR A PETRIFACTION? Serious doubts are really entertained on this subject, and it is elaborately discussed. I must confess that I have none whatever, and for the following reasons: First--There is no satisfactory evidence that any one person ever lived in any age or country of this world, of the statue of ten feet, unless it be Goliah of Gath. I know very well what is claimed and said on this subject, but the evidence would not satisfy a jury of intelligent men. Second--There is nothing in the general aspect, which leads any one to think it anything but stone. I venture to say, that were it in any other form, such a supposition would never have arisen. Third--The stratification of the stone is perfectly visible, even to the imperfect observation now allowed. Mr. Calthrop's letter is full and satisfactory on this subject, but in addition to the places pointed out by him, the stratification may be seen on the left shoulder, and I think on the top of the head. That upon the left breast is, however, most clear, distinct and satisfactory. Fourth--The whole statue, in all its parts, furnishes the most conclusive evidence, that it was all cut from one stone. It is quite clear that the stone has been cut away just far enough and only just far enough to show the legs, the arms and the fingers. Fifth--The fracture of the stone along the left leg,, and especially on the heel of the left foot, which seems to be recent and fresh, is the fracture of our common gypsum, and leaves no doubt, so far as the eye can determine, that the material is stone. It is said that on striking the head or the chest, it gives forth a sound indicating that the statue is hollow. Such evidence must in any event be very uncertain, and now no such experiments are permitted.