It having been found that some inconvenience occasionally arose from the time fixed for the holding of the Spring Quarter-Sessions interfering with that appointed for holding the Spring Assizes, an Act has been passed (4 and 5 William IV., cap. xlvii.) for allowing a discretionary power to the Justices of Peace as to the time of holding the Spring Quarter-Sessions, and they are empowered, at the preceding Epiphany Session, to appoint two of their body to alter the day for holding the Sessions, if they shall see occasion, so as not to be earlier than the 7th of March, nor later than the 22d of April; notice of the day so appointed is to be advertised in such papers as the Justices shall direct.

DIRECTIONS TO KNOW THE STARS.

[FROM HOSIER'S MARINER'S FRIEND.]

The following directions are intended to point out a simple and practical method by which the principal fixed Stars of our hemisphere may be found and known by the most inexperienced eye.

The North Polar Star (situated in the tail of the Little Bear, described hereafter) is easily distinguished, by means of a neighbouring constellation called the Great Bear, which is remarkable for having four stars of the second magnitude, forming what is generally called the square of the Great Bear. If a line or arc of a great circle be drawn northward through the two westernmost stars of the square, called the pointers, it will pass close to the Polar Star, and within one degree of the Pole itself. The Polar Star and Dubhe (the northwesternmost star of the before-mentioned square) form an equilateral triangle with the easternmost star in the tail of the Great Bear.

The Great Bear is a constellation in which are several remarkable stars; four are of the second magnitude, forming what is called the square; the other three are in the position of an oblique angle, and form the tail. The Great Bear has served to point out the North Polar Star; and as it is a constelfation that does not set in our hemisphere, it will serve to direct us to many other of the constellations, for which reason we shall commence with those that never set at London.

Cassiopeia is a constellation directly opposite to the Great Bear, with respect to the North Star, so that a line drawn from the centre of the Great Bear, or the stars, by the Polar Star a, would pass through the middle of Cassiopeia, on the other side of the Pole. This constellation is formed by seven stars, most of which are of the second magnitude, in form of a Y, or rather a chair reversed.

The Little Bear is a constellation of nearly the same form as the Great Bear; it is parallel to it, but in a reversed situation. The Polar Star, at the extre mity of the tail, is of the third magnitude; the four following are smaller, being only of the fourth magnitude; but the two following of the square are of the third magnitude, and are called the guards of the Little Bear; they are on a line drawn perpendiculaly from the centre of the square of the Great Bear.

Arcturus is the principal star in the constellation Bootes, and one of the first magnitude; it is distant from the tail of the Great Bear about 310 south-eastward. The two last stars in the tail of the Great Bear form a line which, continued, passes near to Arcturus.

Lyra and Capella. When the constellation of the Great Bear is on the meridian, two bright stars of the first magnitude are observable; that on the east side is named Lyra, or the bright star in the Harp; and that on the west side is called Capella, in the left shoulder of the Waggoner. A line drawn westward through the two northernmost stars in the sqaare of the Great Bear, leads directly to Capella.

The Dragon is a constellation situated on a line drawn from the northernmost star of the square of the Great Bear, by the guards of the Little Bear, between Lyra and the Little Bear, where the four stars in the head form a kind of lozenge, plain to be seen. The tail of the Dragon is situated between the Polar Star and the square of the Great Bear.

Orion is a remarkable constellation, formed by three stars of the second magnitude, situated close to each other in a right line, and in the centre of a large quadrilateral figure formed by four stars; the north-east and south-westernmost of which are stars of the first magnitude. The three stars in a right line, before described, are called Orion's Belt; and by their situation serve to point out the Great Dog Star, Sirius, to the south-east, and the Pleiades, or Seven Stars, to the north-west. These latter are a cluster of small stars in the neck of the constellation of the Bull. A line drawn from Sirius, through the middle of Orion's Belt, will pass somewhat to the southward of them. To the south of the three stars in Orion's Belt is seen a row of stars called his Sword, and the nebulous stars of Orion.

Aldebaran is a bright star of the first magnitude, forming the south eye of the constellation of the Buil. It is situated near the Pleiades, and about 14° S. E. from the latter. This is one of the stars from which the moon's distance is computed in the Nautical Al

Procyon, or the Little Dog, is a star of the first magnitude, situated north-easterly from Sirius, and more easterly than Orion; it forms with Sirius and the Belt of Orion nearly an equilateral triangle.

Castor and Pollux (the Constellation of the Twins) are two stars of the second magnitude, situated near each other in the middle of the space between Orion and the Great Bear; the northernmost of these is Castor, the southernmost Pollux: they are to be distinguished by means of Orion; for a line drawn from Rigel (which is the south-easternmost star of Orion's quadrilateral) by the easternmost star in his Belt, will pass between Castor and Pollux. Pollux is one of the stars from which the moon's distance is computed in the Nautical Almanac; it is distant about 450 E.N.E. from Aldebaran, the S. eye of the Bull. A line drawn from Rigel through the star named Bellatrix, in the western shoulder of Orion, leads nearly to a star of the third magnitude, in the tip of the south horn of the Bull: this star is nearly 140 distant from the star Bellatrix. The star at the tip of the north horn of the Bull is of the second magnitude, situated close to the foot of the Waggoner, on a line drawn from Pet Elquese, the east shoulder of Orion, and the star in the tip of the southern horn, from which it is distant about 89. Between the horns of the Bull the ecliptic line passes.

The Lion is a constellation formed by a large trapezium, wherein is observed a star of the first magnitude named Regulus, or the Lion's Heart; which is one of the stars from which the moon's distance is computed in the Nautical Almanac. A line drawn from Rigel in Orion, through Procyon in the Little Dog, will lead to Regulus, which is about 37° from Procyon to the north-eastward, and about the same distance E. S. E. half E. from the star Pollux. A line drawn from the northern Polar Star through its pointers, passes about 12° to the eastward of Regulus. In the tail of the Lion is a star of the second magnitude, situated to the southward of a line drawn from Regulus to Arcturus, at about 24 from Regulus to the east, and forms nearly an equilateral triangle with Arcturus and the bright star in the heel of the Virgin.

Cancer, or the Crab, is a constellation formed of many small stars, somewhat difficult to distinguish : the nebulæ of Cancer are a cluster of stars less visible than the Pleiades; they are situated on a line drawn from the middle of the Twins by Regulus, or on a line drawn from Procyon to the tail of the Great Bear.

The Ram, (Aries,) which is the first of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, is formed principally of two stars; one of the second, the other of the third magnitude. This constellation is pointed out by a line drawn from Procyon to Aldebaran; which, continued, leads to the southward of the star Arietis, which is about 230 to the W. of the Pleiades, and is one of the stars from which the moon's distance is computed in the Nautical Almanac.

The middle of the constellation Perseus is formed by three stars, one of which is of the second magnitude; they form the segment of a circle turned towards the Great Bear. A line drawn from the North Polar star to the Pleiades, passes through the middle of Perseus; a line drawn from the Belt of Orion by Aldebaran, passes through the head of Medusa, which Perseus holds in his haud, in which is a star of the second magnitude, named Algol: this star is not always of the same brilliancy.

The Swan is a remarkable constellation, that assumes nearly the form of a large cross, in which is a bright star of the second magnitude. A line drawn from the Twins by the N. Polar Star, leads to the Swan on the opposite side, at nearly the same distance from the Polar Star on the one side, as the Twins are on the other.

The square of Pegasus is formed by four stars of the second magnitude; the northernmost star of the square is in the head of Andromeda. A line drawn from the Belt of Orion through the star Arietis in the Ram, leads to the bright star in the head of Andromeda. A line drawn from the Pleiades by the S. side of the star Arietis, leads to the star Algenib in the extremity of the wing, which is one of the four stars that form the square; the other two are to the westward: the northernmost one is called Scheat, and the southernmost one Markab, or Pegasi: the latter is one of the stars from which the moon's distance is computed in the Nautical Almanac; it bears about E.

by N. 480 from the star in the Eagle called Aquile, situated on a line drawn from the centre of the Swan and W. 44° from the star Arietis in the head of the through the middle of the Eagle, at about 350 to the Ram. A line drawn through that diagonal of Pe-S. of the Eagle. The Swan is about the same distance gasus formed by the stars Algenib and Scheat, to the from the Eagle to the north. north-westward, leads to the bright star in the tail of the Swan. Another diagonal line, from Markab through the head of Andromeda, towards the N.E. passes near the bright star in the centre of Andromeda, and also near the star at the foot of Andromeda, both of the second magnitude; dividing into three equal parts the space comprehended between the head of Andromeda and the centre of Perseus. They are nearly in a line between the constellations of the Ram and Cassiopeià.

Ophiucus and Hercules. A line drawn from Antares northward to the Polar Star, crosses the constellations Ophiucus, or the Serpent-Bearer, and Hercules. The stars in these constellations being difficult to distinguish, we shall endeavour to show how they may be traced. A line drawn from Antares to Lyra, passes through the head of the Serpent-Bearer, near to which is that of Hercules: in each is a star of the second magnitude, situated in a line pointing towards the Northern Crown: the one that is most to the southward and eastward is in the head of the SerpentBearer, and is called Ophiuci; that to the northward and westward is called Hercules.

Capricornus is a constellation situated in the ecliptic, on a line drawn from Lyra through the Eagle. In this constellation are two stars of the third magnitude, situated on the before-mentioned line.

The constellations which appear in the summer evenings have not so many remarkable stars to distinguish them as those that appear in winter; but they may be known by the following directions. About the end of May, towards nine o'clock in the evening, when the middle star in the tail of the Great Bear is on the meridian, above the pole, at London, the bright star in the heel of the Virgin, named Spica, is seen on the Fomalhaut, in the mouth of Piscis Australis, or the meridian to the southward, with about 280 of altitude. Southern fish, is a star of the first magnitude, and one This is a star of the first magnitude, and one from from which the moon's distance is computed in the which the moon's distance is computed in the Nau- Nautical Almanac. It is situated about 60 S.E. from tical Almanac. It is situated at about 54° E S.E. from Aquila, and 450 S. a little west from Pegasi. It is a Regulus, or the Lion's Heart, with no bright star near bright star of high southern declination, its altitude in it, and forms nearly an equilateral triangle with Arc-northern latitudes being small, never exceeding 20 in turus in Bootes, and the bright star in the tail of the the latitude of 400. Lion called Deneb; from the last of which it is distant about 350. At the same time are seen, about 16° south-westward of Spica, a figure in shape nearly a trapezium, formed by the four principal stars in the constellation of the Crow; a line drawn from Lyra, the bright star in the Harp, through Spica, leads directly to them.

Hydra. A line drawn from the two stars in the square of the Great Bear nearest the tail by Regulus, leads to a star of the second magnitude called Alpharæ, or the Heart of Hydra, at about 23 to the S. of Regulus: the head of Hydra is a little to the S. of Cancer, or the Crab, between the stars Procyon and Regulus, and about 30 S. of a line drawn between those two stars; the Hydra extends from the constellation of the Crab to the S. of Libra..

Crater, or the Cup. This constellation is situated between the Crow and Hydra.

Lyra, the bright star in the Harp, is of the first magnitude, and one of the most brilliant in the Hea vens; it forms nearly a right-angled triangle with Arcturus in Bootes and the North Polar Star, the right angle being to the eastward next Lyra. This star is seen to just touch the horizon when on the meridian below the pole, and is, therefore, one of those stars that never set in the latitude of London.

The Dolphin is a small constellation, situated about 15° to the E. of the Eagle, formed by a lozenge of four stars of the third magnitude.

The Constellation Aquarius, one of the signs of the Zodiac, is distinguished by a line drawn from the bright star Lyra through the Dolphin. A line drawn from the Dolphin to Fomalhaut in the mouth of the Southern Fish, passes between two stars of the third magnitude in the shoulders of Aquarius. These two stars are the most remarkable in this constellation.

Cetus, or the Whale, is a large constellation situated to the S. of Aries, or the Ram, below the space between the Pleiades and the square of Pegasus. A line drawn from the bright star in the head of Andromeda, between the two stars in the head of the Ram, leads to a star in the chaps of the Whale, at about 25° southeasterly from the horns of the Ram: this is a star of the second magnitude. A line drawn from Aldebaran through the before-mentioned star, leads to a star of the second magnitude in the tail.

Pisces, or the Fishes, is the twelfth sign of the Zodiac. It is composed of stars the least remarkable of any in the heavens: one of them is situated to the south of the square of Pegasus; the other is situated more northerly and easterly, between the head of Andromeda and that of the Whale. The star in the knot of the line that unites the two Fishes is of the third magnitude, and is the most remarkable of the constellation; it is situated in a line drawn from the foot of Andromeda by the head of the Whale: it is about 400 W. of Aldebaran, on a line drawn from the foot of the Twins by Aldebaran.

Corona Borealis, or Northern Crown, is a small constellation near to Áreturns, on a line drawn from Arcturus to Lyra. It is readily distinguished by seven stars that appear in the form of a semicircle; one of these is of the second magnitude, and named Alpheta. Aquila, or the Eagle, is a constellation that contains a bright star of the second magnitude named Altair. Having given directions for finding the principal conAltair is situated about 340 S. by E. from Lyra, and stellations, with the most remarkable stars that appear 480 W. by S. from the star Pegasi, the south-western-in our Hemisphere, it is unnecessary to continue a partimost of the square of Pegasus. Altair is readily distin- cular description further. It will be sufficient simply to guished, being the centre of three stars, forming a point out the position of the other inferior constellations. right line in the direction of N.N.W. and S.S.E.: the Thus, Lepus, or the Hare, is a constellation at the foot stars on each side are of the third magnitude, and dis- of Orion. Columba, or the Dove is to the S. of the tant from Altair about 20 or 30. This star is nearly of Hare. The Centaur is a constellation to the S of the the same colour as Antares, mentioned hereafter. Virgin, nearly on a line with the horizon. Lupus, or the Wolf, is S. of the Scorpion. The ship Argo, to the S. of Hydra. Antinous to the S. of the Eagle. Equuleus, or the Littie Horse, between the Dolphin. Aquarius, and Pegasus. The Great and Little Triangle, with Musca Borealis, or the Northern Fly. are in the centre between a star of the second magnitude in Andromeda, and the Pleiades. Eridanus, or the River, is between Rigel in the foot of Orion, and the Whale. Cor Caroli, or Charles's Heart, to the S. of the tail of the Great Bear. Coma Berenices, or Berenice's hair, between the Great Bear and the Lion. The Lynx, between the Twins. the Great Bear, and the Waggoner. Taurus Poniatowski, between Aquila and Ophiucus. The Unicorn, to the S. of Procyon, between Orion and Hydra. Leo Minor, to the N. of the Lion. The Sextant, to the S of the Lion. Lacerta, or the Lizard, between the Swan and Andromeda. The Ren-deer in Messier, and the Camelopardalus between the Great Bear and Cassiopeia Canes Venatici or the Greyhounds, between the tail of the Great Hear and Bootes. Vulpes and Anser, or the Fox and Goose. and Sagitta, or the Arrow, to the S. of Lyra and the Swan, or N. of the Eagle and Dolphin.

Scorpio and Antares. A great circle, or a line passing eastward by Regulus and Spica, near the ecliptic, passes through the constellation Scorpio, in which is a star of the first magnitude, named Antares. It is situated about 460 E.S.E. from Spica, with about 26° of south declination. It is a remarkable star of a reddish colour. On each side of it, to the W.N.W. and S.S.E. about 20 distant, is a star of the third or fourth magnitude, forming an obtuse angle with it, no bright star being near.

Libra. In the constellation Libra are two stars of the second magnitude, one in each scale: the one in the northern scale is nearly in a line drawn from Arcturus in Bootes to Antares in the Scorpion; the southern scale is between Spica and Antares. the three being near the ecliptic; Spica at the distance of 210 from the southern scale to the west, and Antares about E. by S. 250 distant from the same.

Sagittarius is the constellation next to Libra, eastward, in the ecliptic, on a line continued eastward from Spica throug Antares. Sagittarius contains many stars of the third magnitude, forming a figure resembling a large trapezium. This constellation is

MONTHLY NOTICES.

1. Quarter Sessions commence in this week. 1. British Museum closes.

5. Half-yearly dividends on some species of Stock become due. See Table of Transfer-days. 8. Brit. Mus. 10 till 4; Reading Room, 9 till 4. 8. Fire Insurance due at Christmas must be paid by this day, or the Policy becomes void. 22, 23. Melton Mowbray fair-horses, cattle.* 25. Whittlesey fair-horses.

[No parent should neglect the registration of his children. It might, in after life, prove of the greatest importance to them.]

Deaths. Intimation should be given of deaths in the same manner as births. This is of importance to be done early, as the undertaker must have a certificate to give to the person who reads the funeral service, without which he may refuse to bury the body.

REGISTRATION Births. Individuals should As the cause of death is to be entered, sound cause their children to be registered within forty--discretion should be exercised in ascertaining the two days after birth, by giving notice to the regis- real nature of the deceased's death, for which imtrar of their district, when it is entered in the portant purpose every facility should be given. registry, without payment of any fee whatever.

Day of the

,, 21 8
" 28 4

Day of the

Month. Year.

Sundays, and
Remarkable Days.

10 W

10

11 TH

12 F

13 S

14

15 M

11 Hilary Term begins.

12

13 Cam. Hilary Term begins.
14 2 Sunday after Epiphany
15 Oxford Hil. Term begins.

16

16 Tu

17 W

17

ASTRONOMICAL PHENOMENA.

Mercury, in the constellations Capricornus and Sagittarius, is an evening star in the first part and middle of the month. On the 19th, at 2h 46m P.M., in inferior conjunction with the sun; in the latter part a morning star; on the 10th, at 6h Im A.M., stationary; on the 15th, at 1h 25m A.M. in conjunction with Mars, at 80 21' N.; on the 81st, at 2h 27m A.M., stationary.

Venus, in the constellations Aquarius and Pisces, is an evening star throughout the month. On the 15th, at 9h 39m A.M., in conjunction with A Aquarii, at 10 18 N.; on the 29th, at 4h 2m A.M., at greatest brilliancy.

Mars, in the constellations Sagittarius and Capricornus, is an evening star throughout the month.

Jupiter, in the constellation Leo, on the 4th, at 5h 4m A. M. stationary. On the 14th rises at 9h 10m P.M., and passes the meridian on the 15th, at 3h 43m A.M.

.

Saturn, in the constellation Libra, on the 15th, rises at 3h 31m A.M., and passes the meridian at 8h 2m. Uranus, in the constellation Aquarius, on the 15th passes the meridian at 2h 54m P.M.

The Moon, on the 4th, at 0h 42m P.M., in conjunction with a Tauri, (Aldebaran) at 90 28′ N.; on the 10th, at 9h 26m P.M,, with Geniorum (Pollux) at 10 43' S.; on the 13th, at 7h 10m A.M. with a Leonis (Regulus) at 3° 38' N.; on the 15th, at 3h 20m P.M.; with Jupiter at 10 12 N.; on the 18th, at 9h 30m A.I. with a Virginis (Spica) at 20 18' S.; on the 21st, at 8h. 46m. A.M. with Saturn, at 5° 36' S.; on the 22nd, at 1h Im A.M. with a Scorpii (Antares) at Oh 38m N.; on the 25th, at 8h 1m A.M. with Mercury, at 8° 8' S.; on the 26th, at 10h 53m A.M., with Mars, at 30 36' S.; on the 28th, at 1h 28m A.M. with Uranus, at 2° 41' S.; and at 6h. 7m P.M., with Venus at 6° 0'S.

The Constellation Canis Major will be on the meridian about midnight in the beginning, and Gemini 21 3 Sunday after Epiphany. and Canis Minor about the middle of the month.

Eclipses of Jupiter's Satellites.

First Satellite. 4th, Im. at 8h 28m 38 A.M.; 11th, Im. at 5h 21m 18s A.M.; 12th, Im. at 11h 49m 39s P.M.; 20th, Im. at 1h 42m 55s A.M.; 27th, Im. at 3h 36m 15s A.M.; 28th, Im. at 10h 4m 34s P.M. Second Satellite. 7th, Im. at 6h 44m 278 A.M.; 17th Im. at 10h 36m 20s P.M.; 25th, Im. at 1h 11m 228 A.M. Fourth Satellite. 11th, Em. at 10h 24m 49s P.M.

26 F

26

27 S

28

10 13

The Monthly List of Fairs is only a selection of the more important ones.

Hegira, 1254.

15

Fortunate
Days.