the driving wheel and the training wheel 10 feet 6 inches; height of the fire box 5 feet 5 inches; length the same; breadth 5 feet 9 inches-slightly overhanging the rails. Distance between the leading and driving wheels 6 feet 8 inches; the extreme bearing between the angles being 17 feet 2 inches. The driving wheels are of 6 feet diameter, the other wheels 3 feet 10 inches. The diameter of the boiler (outside) 4 feet 3 inches; length of tubes 12 feet 7 inches, of 2 inch inside diameter; number of tubes 190. The height of the top of the boiler to the level of the rails, we are assured, is 7 feet 9 inches. The cylinders are 18 inches.

"The old plan of locomotion by stationary power up the Edinburgh and Glasgow incline has been resumed. The train being drawn by the iron rope, and the engine carried up at the same time, the process has the two-fold advantage of preventing delay and personal annoyance to the passengers. The working arrangements have given very general satisfaction."

MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES.

MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON.

THE Twenty-eighth Annual Report of this useful institution has been made public. It is a comprehensive, business-like document, exhibiting the affairs of the Association in a healthy and prosperous condition. The Library, the most prominent feature of the institution, has received its full share of attention during the past year. During the year, 670 volumes have been added; and the library, at the making up of the report, contained 5,725 volumes. The number of members who enjoy all its privileges at this time is 1,134. From the report of the Treasurer, it appears that the receipts during the year amounted to $3,773 16, and the expenditures to $3,163 19. Of the balance on hand, amounting to $669 53, the Trustees have invested $500. The Association is entirely free from debt, besides having invested, mostly in railroad stocks, $16,100. The course of lectures the past season proved successful, the gross receipts amounting to $1,566, defraying all expenses for halls, lectures, &c., and leaving a nett profit of $332 82. The tables of the reading-room are supplied with twenty-three of the leading American and English Magazines and Reviews, including, of course, the Merchants' Magazine. The Association has a valuable collection of coins and curiosities, which are appropriately arranged. The literary exercises of the members appear to have been conducted with great ability; and the members whose constant attendance has served to inspire the participants with a laudable ambition to improve their talents, is the best comment upon the importance and interest of this peculiar feature of the institution. The classes of the members formed for the purpose of studying Book-keeping and French, are well attended. Warren Sawyer, the retiring President of the Association, in closing this report in behalf of the government, remarks:

"In conclusion, the Government cannot retire from office without expressing to the members their heartfelt thanks for the generous confidence and kind support they have received during the year. This liberal aid and sympathy has lightened our duties, and cheered us in all our services. We have the satisfaction of surrendering the Association to our successors free from debt. In possession of central and commodious rooms, with an increasing Library, with its future financial prospects of the most gratifying character, with union and harmony among our numerous members, and the Association with a name and position among the public institutions of our city, which affords the best guaranty of its permanence and popular character."

The following gentlemen constitute the board of officers for 1848-49 :

Thomas H. Lord, President; James Otis, Vice-President; Wm. H. Kennard, Corresponding Secretary; Henry P. Chamberlain, Recording Secretary; George H. Briggs, Treasurer. Directors: S. G. Wheelwright, John P. Ober, Jr., Charles P. Creasy, Irah Chase, Jr., Charles G. Hooker, Henry C. Allen, Samuel H. Millard, John D. Lovett. Trustees: D. N. Haskell, T. J. Allen, E. C. Cowdin, Warren Sawyer, Francis G. Allen.

THE TRUE MAN OF BUSINESS.

The following description of a business man is from the pen of WILLIAM H. STARR, Esq., the editor of the "Farmer and Mechanic." Our knowledge of Mr. Starr warrants us in saying, that his description of the true man of business is derived from his own personal practice. We commend the portraiture, so faithfully drawn, to the attention of mercantile and business men generally.

There is a sort of bustle and impatience with which some men seem inspired in all their transactions, that by no means indicates business talents. This is proved, not only by the results of such efforts, compared with those of a more quiet and orderly system, but by the incidents of inconvenience, discomfort and dissatisfaction which disturb, excite, and torment the minds of such men continually.

The true business man has order and method in all his arrangements. His time has a proper division, as the exigencies of his business may require. Nor does he over-tax himself with labors and cares in one department, to the neglect of another. He estimates the character and wants of his business, and provides competent and faithful assistants in all its departments. Though not ashamed of the drudgery or physical exertions required in his pursuits, yet he would make no show of devotion to these, if other more responsible interests might for the time require his attention. He esteems no labor disgraceful that may be made useful, and if poverty or circumstances required, he could handle the hammer, the trowel, or the spade, and not be ashamed to receive a call while so employed, from his most genteel or fashionable friend; yet, while an intellectual or planning department is essential to every pursuit, he esteems it no special mark of republicanism to deprive his less intellectual neighbor of a chance to earn his bread, by circumscribing his enterprise to the employment of his own labor merely. He is of opinion that he may have enough of honorable enterprise to employ his fellow men by the hundreds, and that of necessity would occupy all his time and all his mind in their supervision, and still not deserve to be esteemed an aristocrat.

The true man of business has his plans settled so as to keep everything in proper order, and to finish up the labors of each day in season to afford him some time for mental relaxation, or for the cares and interests of his family and of society. The man that teases himself and his assistants all day, with petulance and complaint, is usually ill fitted to make home happy when he returns to his house at night.

Every day, with the correct system of business, is made to bear fully its own burdens ; its orders are attended to, goods are shipped, letters are filed, books are posted, and cash is balanced. Its doctrine of accumulation does not apply to deferred duties to be performed; but only to profits accruing from strict attention and punctuality.

With the strict business man, his whole system and plan is in his mind; and as it provides for variations in the markets and the condition of trade, when these incidents occur, he is prepared for them. He has engaged in no extraordinary speculations, and has made his investments with a careful regard to the ordinary laws of trade, and on what, despite of temporary fluctuations growing out of factitious influences, must ultimately be the demands, consumption, and resources of the country, and withal, he is managing so far within his means that foreign causes cannot ruin him.

So much we say in general; but we would also notice some minor incidents which serve to show the character of the true business man.

In purchasing stock he deals only with such houses as he esteems to be characterized for integrity, whose recommendations are a sort of implied warranty. Hence the purchase of a cargo he can accomplish while men of less system would be cheapening a pair of boots, or obtaining deduction on a package of auction teas.

He holds that the pleasure and character of business are to be based on a good understanding between man and man. Hence every question that could be raised in respect to a transaction is clearly stated and properly disposed of in closing the arrangement. Thus he keeps out of the law, and has all his time to devote to current affairs.

Nor does his system end with what pertains to his own interest, but he has a careful regard for the interests and feelings of others, according to the great Christian law of doing to others as he wishes them to do by him. He makes the great principles of justice and equity to govern his conduct in small matters as well as in those of more consequence. If he has received the labor of poor men, he pays them promptly in as good money as he would pay his banker. This not only secures him a good reputation, but a clear conscience. The habits of many who never pay small debts till their poor creditors have spent more time in calling and asking for their pay than their whole claim is worth, our man of business heartily despises. For he knows that if a guinea is the poor man's whole estate,

it is of as much consequence that this small amount should be at the disposal of its owner, as if it were the amount of thousands.

Whenever a man of business borrows money, (which should be as seldom as possible,) he pays promptly on the day stated; and lest his creditors might have some apprehension of his punctuality, he contrives, if possible, to return what he has borrowed several hours earlier than it may be wanted to meet bank obligations and for other purposes. Hence, our real business man is seldom in the market at twelve o'clock with ten or twelve thousand dollars to raise before three. In fine, what he does is done properly, and does not require to be repeated. His transactions are prudent, and not dependent on contingencies, beyond his power to control; hence, if not successful, are not ruinous. Just to all, if he is really unfortunate he carries with him a character that insures him against extreme want, and one that may again promote him to success and prosperity.

COMFORT FOR MERCHANTS' CLERKS IN LONDON.

A London correspondent gives a glowing account of the arrangements made by the proprietors of a large retail dry goods house in that city, for the bodily comfort and mental improvement of their clerks and other subordinates. He says:—

"A day or two since, I received from the head of one of the largest drapery houses an invitation to inspect the arrangements they had just made for increasing the comforts of those under their protection; and believing that I may do good to other young men, by describing the plan now adopted by many employers in London, I shall not apologize for 'going a shopping,' because it is to buy information, and dispose of it at prime cost. There are many large establishments in America, who may not scorn to take a hint from what others are doing, and, indeed, it is part of my business here to chronicle improvements. "The business of the house in question closes at seven o'clock; and then, after tea, those young men who are disposed may retire to a large and well lighted reading room, well supplied with a fine library and the best periodicals of the day. For those who are disposed, teachers in French, Latin, German and music are engaged, and any instrument chosen is procured by the principals. Drawing masters are also at hand, and there is a fine selection of casts and pictures to study from. Three times a week the most distinguished savans are engaged to lecture to the young men, and courses on chemistry, popular anatomy, geology, botany, electricity, &c., are given by masters in their respective vocations. Occasional examinations are instituted, and once a week a conversazione is held, at which the young men and women of other establishments exchange visits. Besides all this, every individual is allowed a certain time each day for out door exercise. In short, the employer's house is made a home to them, and few so situated, I hear, feel inclined to idle away valuable time, eating welch rabbits and drinking pots of porter at the Coal Hole.' I have not enumerated half of what I saw and heard, but this must suffice."

A SUCCESSFUL MERCHANT.

"I mean to be a rich man, cost what it will. A man is nothing in this world without wealth. With plenty of money he is everything. I mean to get rich anyhow."

Such was the soliloquy of a young merchant who, with a small capital, had recently established himself in business. He made a stern resolve to be rich, and having great perseverance, he went busily to work in the execution of his purpose.

The

Everything was made subordinate to the accomplishment of his golden vision. Ease and pleasure were out of the question. Domestic happiness was of no account. merchant's brow arched with incessant care; his heart chilled and warmed with the rise and fall of the markets; the changes of commerce shaped his dreams; money was his reigning idea. He had time for nothing but business. In vain did his wife languish beneath her domestic cares at home. He had no time to unbend himself at home, and contribute to the bliss of his little world there. Neither could he bestow attention to the wants of the world, nor the miseries of his fellow creatures around him. True, the poor were of. ten cold and hungry-true, the drunkard reeled along the street-the young fell into the increasing snares of vice-immorality abounded, and virtue, struggling to maintain a foothold on the earth, called upon him for aid. The call was in vain, for our merchant had neither ears nor eyes for aught save the court of MAMMON.

After many years of toil and care, after enduring anxiety and labors, sufficient to wear out his over-taxed energies, he had reached the goal. The merchant had grown rich; so rich that he could forsake the counting room, and live with princely splendor in a palacelike home!

This was the fulfilled vision of his youth. He had sought gold, and his massive coffers groaned beneath the weight of their glittering load; and when men passed him, they said, That is old - -, the millionaire."

Was the price worth what it cost? Thirty years of sacrifice had been devoted to its pursuit! During that period, true enjoyment had been a stranger to his heart; how could it be otherwise? For thirty years he had not had time to be happy! He had surrendered all for the advantages of wealth! He had literally sold these for gold! He had his prize. Was it worth what it cost, we ask?

Let the sequel show. The merchant had not been many months out of the counting room before his mind, missing the stimulus of business, began to prey upon itself. For intellectual and religious pursuits it had now no relish. They had been avoided so long for want of time, for the sake of the money-god, that they would not now afford delight. Without occupation the merchant's life became a blank. His mind sunk into weakness, his memory failed, his energies dried up; first he sunk into weakness of second childhood, and then into the stupidity of an idiot.

They carried him to the asylum of departed intellect, and there, ever talking of notes and ships, his soulless eyes gazing into vacancy, his fingers tracing figures in the air, the successful merchant ended his days with maniacs and fools.

HONDURAS MAHOGANY TRADE.

The Honduras Observer says:-In reviewing the trade of the past year, certain facts must be stated and borne in mind to account for the difference that the figures present this year as compared with the last; and first, as applicable to all descriptions, the high rates of freight very considerably reduced the import from all places, so that, in some instances, there were months when not a single import took place. As respects Honduras wood, until lately but a very small portion of it was suitable for the manufacturing districts-the chief supply consisting of ship-building wood, of long lengths and small diameters; buyers, therefore, obtained their machinery wood from London, but just now, by the late arrival here, the supply of such wood is ample. Of St. Domingo and Cuba, the apparent reduced consumption may be at once accounted for by the fact, that almost the whole of the year's supply has come within the last three months, so that the chief part of the year was without any wood to sell; consequently, although with a limited import, the present stocks are large. They represent stocks which, in ordinary circumstances, would have been in consumer's hands, whose requirements must be in that degree in need of supply. Honduras -The import this year is 1,393,000 feet, against 2,605,289 feet. The consumption is $72,000 feet, against 2,362,729 feet; and the stock 1,000,000 feet, against 479,021 at the close of last year. St. Domingo-The imports consist of 879,269 feet, against 1,085,563 feet last year. The consumption has been 639,343 feet, against 969,586 feet; and the stock is 440,903 feet, against 250,677 feet at the close of last year. Cuba, compared in like manner, shows as import, 257,979 feet, against 822,192 feet; as consumption, 203,915 feet, against 1,159,106 feet; and as stock, 146,264 feet, against 92,500 feet at the close of last year. There have been no recent sales of any importance; the whole of the attention having been concentrated on the forthcoming sales of the 2d, 3d, and 4th February, when almost the whole of the wood comprising the above (except the Bay-wood) will be brought forward for public sale, there not having been any important auction sale for several months here..

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1847. The Annual Report of the Hon. Edmund Burke, Commissioner of Patents, contains he usual annual estimate of crops for each State and Territory for 1847. The publication of the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury of the Commerce and Navigation of the United States, compels us to defer the estimates of crops for each State; we, however, subjoin the totals of each article produced, according to Mr. Burke, in his report:—

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Statistics of Coal. The Geographical and Geological Distribution of Mineral Combustibles or Fossil Fuel, including, also, Notices and Localities of the various Mineral Bituminous Substances employed in Arts and Manufactures, illustrated by Maps and Diagrams, embracing, from Official Reports of the Great Coal-producing Countries, the Respective Amounts of their Production, Consumption, and Commercial Distribution, in all parts of the World, together with Prices, Tariffs, Duties, and International Regulations. Accompanied by nearly four hundred Statistical Tables, and eleven hundred Analyses of Mineral Combustibles, with incidental statements of the Statistics of Iron Manufactures, derived from Authentic Authorities. Prepared by RICHARD C. TAYLOR, Fellow of the Geological Society, London; Member of the American Philosophical Society; the Historical Society, Pennsylvania; of the Acade. my of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia; and of various other Societies in Europe and America. 8vo., pp. 754. Philadelphia: J. W. Moore.

We have quoted the title of this work in full, as it gives as clear and as comprehensive a view of the contents of the volume as could well be done in a single page; and we hope those who take any interest in the subject will read it, as it will save us the time and space of recapitulating the contents in this notice. We referred to the work in former numbere of this Magazine, while it was in the progress of preparation for the press, and expressed our conviction that it would be a most valuable addition to the literature and statistics of the coal trade. We are not disappointed in its character or contents; for, on a careful examination, we find it to be all that was promised by the compiler in his prospectus, which we also published in our Journal some time since. Considering the many difficul ties of preparing a work of the kind, Mr. Taylor has succeeded beyond our most sanguine expectations, based upon a knowledge of his long experience, general intelligence, and perfect familiarity with the whole subject. The information it contains is not to be found in any single, nor even in a number of works. "The materials," says Mr. Taylor, “had to be collected and arranged by degrees, and to be drawn from original sources; and, in this manner, the data sought for became the nucleus, which has gradually expanded into the substance and capacity of a single volume." Deficiencies and omissions there undoubtedly are in the work; but we venture to say, that on no kindred subject has a more complete or perfect treatise ever been produced. We shall endeavor, at our leisure, to speak more fully of its character and contents; but, in the mean time, we commend it to every miner, coal dealer, political economist, and man of science in the country. 2.-Memoir of the Life of Elizabeth Fry, with extracts from her Letters and Journal Edited by two of her Daughters. In two volumes. Vol. II. 8vo., pp. 552. Philadelphia: J. W. Moore.

The first volume of this work was published in the early part of the present year, and duly noticed in the March number of this Magazine. Several memoirs of this distinguished philanthropist have been published since her death; but this must be considered the most authentic, prepared as it was by two of her daughters, who had access to all her manuscripts, and who, from an intimacy springing from consanguinity and affection, enjoyed an opportunity of understanding the modes of conduct, and all the secret springs which actuated this most benevolent of women. The present volume embraces a period of nearly twenty years in her life, from 1826 to her death in 1845. It for the most part is made up of extracts from her diary, correspondence with her children, and eminent philanthropists of her time; the narrative of her life and labors being made complete or united by her two daughters, whose discriminating judgment is strikingly manifest in the whole arrangement of the subject. The example of such a woman will prove more efficacious in recommending the benevolent precepts of Jesus than many sermons from softlycushioned pulpits, and lips uttering well-rounded sentences, with graceful and classic elo

quence.

3-Posthumous Works of the Rev. Thomas Chalmers, D. D., LL. D. Edited by the Rev. WILLIAM HANNA, LL. D. Vol. III. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This third volume of the posthumous works of Dr. Chalmers is a continuation of the "Daily Scripture Readings," noticed in former numbers of this Magazine. The present volume embraces notes on the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. The volumes of this series are published in a uniform and beautiful style.