1444. An eruption of Vulcano, one of the Lipari islands, which changed the entire face of the local navigation. Aristotle records a dreadful explosion, which is supposed to have formed the island as it stood in the time of Pliny. 1552. JAMES MEYER, a Flemish historian, died, aged 61. 1556. A truce for five years was concluded between Charles V, emperor of Germany, and Henry II of France. 1617. PROSPERO ALPINI, a famous Venitian physician and botanist, died, aged 64. 1626. Three new committees, viz., one on religion, one on grievances, one on secret affairs, were appointed in the parliament of Charles I. 1664. CHRISTIAN AAGAARD died, a distinguished Danish poet of the 17th century, aged 48. 1674. A parhelion or mock sun observed near Marienburg in western Prussia. It appeared in the horizon beneath the material sun, of a red color. 1679. JOOST VAN VONDEL, a Dutch poet of considerable eminence, died, aged 91. 1684. PHILIP DE MONTAULT, duke of Noailles, died. He renounced the protestant faith, and rose to a high rank in the army. 1684. About the beginning of December commenced a frost at London, which continued till this day. Coaches were run, oxen roasted, bulls baited, &c., on the Thames. 1693. The Mohawk castles burned by the French. 1718. ADRIAN RELAND died; a learned orientalist and professor at Utrecht. 1721. JAMES, earl of Stanhope, died. He distinguished himself in the field and in the cabinet, under George I. 1729. JOHN TRUCHET died at Paris. He was distinguished for his knowledge of geometry and hydraulics. 1751. The coffin and remains of a farmer were interred at Stevenage, England. He died in 1721, bequeathing an estate worth £400 a year to his two brothers, to be enjoyed by them during 30 years, at the expiration of which time he expected to return to life, when the estate was to be given up to him again. In order to his convenience on his reappearance, he ordered his coffin to be placed on a beam in the barn, with the key enclosed, that he might liberate himself. Four days grace being allowed him for his resurrection, beyond the time specified in the will, and not then presenting himself, his bones were consigned to the earth and his estate forfeited. 1757. Battle of Plassy, in Hindostan, in which the British under Col. Clive achieved an important victory. 1776. Georgia adopted a new government. 1780. The first shock of the earthquakes in Sicily and the two Calabrias, was felt at Scylla on the same day. In the night a tremendous wave swept from the coast 2473 inhabitants, with the prince of the place. The work of destruction and terror continued for almost four months, accompanied by incessant rains and bursts of thunder. Of 375 villages in Calabria, 320 were destroyed. It is estimated that 35,521 persons lost their lives in 33 towns only. 1782. The garrison at Minorca, 2692 men under Gen. Murray, surrendered to the French and Spanish, 16,000, under the Duc de Crillon.