in general, an appellation given to things greatly inferior in size to that which is usual in their several kinds: thus there are dwarfs of the human species, dwarf-dogs, dwarf-trees, &c.

The Romans were passionately fond of dwarfs, whom they called nani or nanæ, inasmuch that they often used artificial methods to prevent the growth of boys designed for dwarfs, by inclosing them in boxes, or by the use of tight bandages. Augustus's niece, Julia, was extremely fond of a dwarf called Sonopas, who was only two feet and an hand-breadth high.—We have many other accounts of human dwarfs, but most of them deformed in some way or other besides the smallness of their size. Many relations also concerning dwarfs we must necessarily look upon to be fabulous, as well as those concerning giants.—The following history, however, which we have reason to look upon as authentic, is too remarkable not to be acceptable to the generality of our readers.

Jeffery Hudston, the famous English dwarf, was born at Oakham in Rutlandshire in 1619; and about the age of seven or eight, being then but 18 inches high, was retained in the service of the duke of Buckingham, who resided at Burleigh on the Hill. Soon after the marriage of Charles I. the king and queen being entertained at Burleigh, little Jeffery was served up to table in a cold pye, and presented by the duchess to the queen, who kept him as her dwarf. From 7 years of age till 30, he never grew taller; but after 30, he shot up to three feet nine inches, and there fixed. Jeffery became a considerable part of the entertainment of the court. Sir William Davenant wrote a poem called Jeffreys, on a battle between him and a turkey-cock; and in 1628 was published a very small book, called the New Year's Gift, presented at court by the lady Parvula to the lord Minimus (commonly called Little Jeffery) her majesty's servant, &c. written by Microphilus, with a little print of Jeffery prefixed. Before this period, Jeffery was employed on a negociation of great importance: he was sent to France to fetch a midwife for the queen; and on his return with this gentlewoman, and her majesty's dancing-master, and many rich presents to the queen from her mother Mary de Medicis, he was taken by the Dunkirkers. Jeffery, thus made of consequence, grew to think himself really so. He had borne with little temper the teasing of the courtiers and domestics, and had many squabbles with the king's gigantic porter. At last, being provoked by Mr Crofts, a young gentleman of family, a challenge ensued; and Mr Crofts coming to the rendezvous armed only with a squirt, the little creature was so enraged, that a real duel ensued; and the appointment being on horseback with pistols, to put them more on a level, Jeffery, with the first fire, shot his antagonist dead. This happened in France, whither he had attended his mistress in the troubles. He was again taken prisoner by a Turkish rover, and sold into Barbary. He probably did not remain long in slavery: for at the beginning of the civil war, he was made a captain in the royal army; and in 1644 attended the queen to France, where he remained till the Restoration. At last, upon suspicion of his being privy to the Popish plot, he was taken up in 1682, and confined in the Gatehouse, Westminster, where he ended his life, in the 63rd year of his age.