'And as we are informed, hath a golden Leg delicately set forth by Mr. Painter, in lieu of that shot off in the fight.' [Illustration: PORTRAIT OF ADMIRAL VAN GALLEN. FROM THE 'FAITHFUL POST,' 1653.] [Illustration: FLAG OF COL. CHARLES JAMES. FROM THE 'POLITIQUE POST,' 1653.] In the foregoing _Faithful Post_ there is a good deal of news about the English and Dutch fleets; and in the news from Lubeck it is reported that the English have printed a 'picture of Admiral Van Tromp represented with a man opening his breast to find his heart; but, searching, it was found in the Calf of his Leg, whereas, saith the Dutch Print, they know very well that Tromp behaved himself most gallantly, and like a man of courage.' In another number of the _Faithful Post_ is an illustration of a comet or 'Blazing Star' seen in Germany. The foregoing portrait of Admiral Van Gallen, and the blazing star, together with a map showing the effects of a great storm and flood in Holland, are printed in the _Politique Post_ for January 4, 1653; but there is no reference made to the engraving of Van Gallen; and the blazing star is described as having been seen at Pembroke, in Wales. In the same number of the _Politique Post_ is a woodcut of the flag of Colonel Charles James, which is thus alluded to:--'By the last Post and intelligence from the Navie, we have received very certain and credible intelligence, that Colonel Charles James having received a commission from the King of Scots, is launched forth into the deep with the Brest men of war who has now struck sail upon the Coast of Brittain, and there set up his Flag on the Poop of the Patrick, called the Vice-Ambral as here represented in the ensueing Figure.' [Illustration: THE HOLLOW TREE AT HAMPSTEAD, 1654.] In 1654 there was a remarkable tree at Hampstead, which was visited as a curiosity. It was called 'The Hollow Tree,' and was probably the central attraction of a place of entertainment. In a broadside of 1654 there is an etching of it by Hollar, with descriptive and other verses. There was a door in the trunk of the tree, and a turret on the top, the ascent to which was in the hollow of the tree. The turret was large enough to seat six, 'and round about roome for fourteene more.' The following is a specimen of the verses accompanying Hollar's etching:-- 'THE SALUTATION. 'Welcome, before! welcome all you that follow! Our heart is sound although our Tree be hollow, Yet know nor age, nor weaknesse did distresse Its willing bulk into this hollownesse: But a desire markt out for noble ends, To finde more room to entertain fast friends, And in the compasse of itself to try Laws of true Mirth and Hospitality. In such a Hollow, Musick dwells; thus love Laies forth itself, yet ne'er doth bankrupt prove. And having read the riddle doth impart Things sometimes hollow have the soundest heart.' [Illustration: PRODIGIOUS MONSTER TAKEN IN THE MOUNTAINS OF ZARDANA IN SPAIN, 1655.]