So often alluded to by the poets, is the bird called the King Fisher. It was believed by the ancients that while the female brooded over the eggs, the sea and weather remained calm and unruffled; hence arose the expression of Halcyon days. R.N. * * * * * SIR ISAAC NEWTON. (_For the Mirror_.) Woolsthorp, Lincolnshire, a little village on the great north road between Stamford and Grantham, is memorable as the birthplace of that illustrious philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton. The house in which he was born, is a kind of farmhouse, built of stone, and is, or was lately standing. The learned Dr. Stukely visited it in 1721, and was showed the inside of it by the country people; in a letter to Dr. Mead on this occasion, he says, "They led me up stairs, and showed me Sir Isaac's study, where I suppose he studied when in the country, in his younger days, as perhaps, when he visited his mother from the university. I observed the shelves were of his own making, being pieces of deal boxes, which probably he sent his books and clothes down in upon these occasions." Halbert H. * * * * * The Gatherer. "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." SHAKSPEARE. * * * * * When Dr. Johnson courted Mrs. Porter, whom he afterwards married, he told her "that he was of mean extraction, that he had no money; and that he had an uncle hanged!" The lady by way of reducing herself, to an equality with the doctor, replied, "that she had no more money than himself; and that, though she had not a relation hanged, she had _fifty who deserved hanging_." And thus was accomplished this very curious amour. W.G.C. * * * * * On the Dorchester road from Sturminster, is a public-house called the "King's Stag," its sign displays a stag with a gold collar around its neck, and underneath are the following lines:-- When Julius Caesar landed here, I was then a little deer; When Julius Caesar reigned king, Round my neck he put this ring; Whoever shall me overtake, Spare my life for Caesar's sake. Ruris. * * * * * When Lord Norbury was applied to by a collector of one of the local taxes for the amount of tax, his lordship said, he had already paid it, and on looking to his file, discovered a receipt, signed by the same collector who then applied for it. The tax-man, confounded, apologized in the best manner he could, stating his regret that he did not recollect it. "I dare say," said my lord, "you are very sorry you did not _re_-collect it." * * * * * IN KENSINGTON CHURCHYARD. "Here are deposited the remains of Mrs. Ann Floyer, the beloved wife of Mr. Richard Floyer, of Thistle Grove, in this parish, died on Thursday the 8th of May, 1823. "_God hath chosen her as a pattern for the other Angels_." * * * * * IN DUNDEE CHURCHYARD.