FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, destruction on the many vessels that crowd the sur- rounding waters, the birds emit a loud sound ; not a melodious note, or a soft warble, but a shrill, sharp cry, as of agony. This thrilling sound has caused the Turks to declare that they are the condemned souls who, having lived an evil life in this world, are not permitted to rest quiet in the tomb, by the side of their holier brethren; and as the Turk loves quiet, no greater penance could be laid upon his spirit." By December, 1855, the greater number of the hospitals were closed ; the Barrack Hospital was again used for its original purpose; and all seemed hopeful and invigorated. Her Majesty, to mark her warm appreciation of the inestimable services of Miss Nightingale, presented her with a beautiful ornament, adapted to be worn as a decoration of the most elegant and costly description. It was formed of a St. George's Cross, in ruby-red enamel, on a white field, representing England; this was encircled by a black band, typifying the office of Charity, on which was inscribed the legend "Blessed are the merciful." The letters Y.R., surmounted by a crown in diamonds, were impressed upon the centre of the St. George's Cross, from which emanated rays of gold. Wide - spreading branches of palm, in bright green enamel, tipped with gold, composed a frame- work for the shield, their stems being banded with a riband of blue enamel, inscribed with the word " Crimea." At the top three brilliant stars of diamonds illustrated the idea of the light of Heaven
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