Now comes the question, ventilation. Were she alone all the time she would need no communication with the external air, as the hibernation would be perfect, and respiration would not be required. But her young, who do not hibernate, must breathe continually from the time of their birth, and she, being disturbed by them, is forced to breathe occasionally. Now, it is found that when animals are buried under snow their warm breath continually ascends, and makes a passage into the air. The aperture is a very small one, but quite sufficient for the purpose; and even in our Scotch Highlands sheep are enabled to breathe in a similar manner when buried in the terrible snow-drifts, which are apt to overwhelm whole flocks at a time.—_London Sunday Magazine._ ZENOBIA. By ADA IDDINGS GALE. Midst clash of arms, she comes, and glittering spear, Bold, bright and beautiful, her flashing eye; Crowned, gemmed and robed in cloth of Tyrian dye. Palmyra’s pride, unequaled far or near. Proudly she moves and with imperious mien Views with a sweeping glance each column o’er, While they in rapture kneeling do adore, And rising, vow allegiance to their queen. The trumpet’s peal, a thousand helmets shine, The long ranks into perfect order pass, And at the command move on. Alas! That fortune’s star for such should e’er decline, That pomp of pride, that dreams of regal sway Should like the mists of morning melt away. * * * * * The man of the least mental powers may be perfect if he move within the limits of his own capacities and abilities, but even the noblest advantages become obscured, annulled, and annihilated, when symmetry, that is so indispensable, is broken through. This mischief will still oftener appear in these present times; for who will be able to satisfy the requirements of a present ever calling for more exertion and in the highest state of excitement?—_Goethe._ CHARACTER BUILDING. By JAMES KERR.