Notices of New Works.

THE REPUBLICAN COURT, or American Society in the
Days of Washington. By Rufus Wilmot Griswold,
With twenty-one portraits of distinguished Women.
New York: D. Appleton & Company, 1854.

slightest departure from facts and without any coloring of incidents. In short, he has given us the most interesting and fascinating book that has appeared for many years.

The volume opens at the end of the war, when Washington was about leaving New York. The parting with his officers at Francis's tavern in that city is eloquently described. "I cannot come to each of you," said the chief to his assembled warriors, "I cannot come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged if each of

We quote the following from the concluding portion of the first chapter:

The deluge of pseudo-philanthropic stories and sickly romances which, since the advent of Mrs. Stowe's "Un-you will come to me and take me by the hand." This and his public audience with Congress, the author calls cle Tom's Cabin," has overrun the Northern press, and the apparent avidity with which this sort of "machine lit-scenes among the most impressive in human history. erature" is received by the public, have not deterred some sterling writers from producing works of untainted and standard excellence. Among the latter for the present season, "The Republican Court," by Dr. Rufus W. Griswold, is preeminent.

66

Washington, meanwhile, surrounded by his family and friends, was busy with his long neglected private affairs, and with great plans for the improvement and extension of inland navigation, until the meeting of the Convention for forming the Federal Constitution, of which he reluctantly consented to be a member. In the beginning of 1784 he wrote to Lafayette, 'At length, my dear Marquis, I am become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac; and under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig tree, free from the bustle of a camp, and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with those tranquil enjoyments, of which the soldier, who is ever in pursuit of fame-the statesman whose watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in devising schemes to promote the welfare of his own, or perhaps the ruin of other countries, as if this globe was insufficient for us all, and the courtier, who is always watching the countenance of his prince, in hopes of catching a gracious smile, can have very little conception. I have not only retired from all public employments, but I am retiring within

The magnitude of the undertaking is comprehended at once. It is a subject which genius alone cannot compass, for with the embellishments of fancy it must unite histo-myself, and shall be able to view the solitary walk, and rical truth. It requires patient labor, research and the tread the paths of private life, with a heartfelt satisfacwarrant of authorities. What is written must be well tion. Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased weighed for it has to stand a severe test. With this the with all; and this, my dear friend, being the order of my author appears properly impressed. His strict adhe-march, I will move gently down the stream of life until rence to truth, in those portions of the work of which all I sleep with fathers.' In the following August Lafayette students of American history can judge, is valuable evi- revisited this country and passed two weeks with the chief at Mount Vernon; and when he was gone Washdence of a similar fidelity in other parts of which we are not so well able to judge, not having the facilities withington set off on horseback to see his lands in the Westwhich the author has been furnished. Besides a large miles along the routes of his earlier military experiences, ern country, travelling in this way nearly seven hundred collection of authorities which Dr. Griswold possesses to the scene of Braddock's defeat, at Fort Du Quesne. in his extensive collection, he says that he has two thou- What a marvellous book, could they have been recorded, sand unpublished private letters, of which some three would have been the hero's reveries and dreams, thus hundred were written by Washington, and great numbers wandering between his own great history and germinaby Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Jay, Mrs. Cushing, Mrs. Pinckney, ting empires in which the free spirit of mankind at the families of Wolcott, McKean, Livingston, Boudinot, length' should throw its fetters off. After his return he Willing and others. again saw Lafayette, who had accomplished an extensive tour through the Northern States, and been every where greeted with fit public honors. When at last they turned from each other, at Annapolis, to which place Washington accompanied his departing friend, he writes, I often asked myself, as our carriages separated, whether that was the last sight I should ever have of you? and though wished to say No, yet my fears answered Yes. I called since fled to return no more; that I was now descending to mind the days of my youth, and found they had long the hill I had been fifty-two years in climbing, and that though I was blessed with a good constitution, I was of a short-lived family, and might soon expect to be entombed in the mansion of my fathers. These thoughts darkened the shades, and gave a gloom to the picture, and consequently to my prospect of seeing you again. But I will not repine; I have had my day.' It was in

In our judgment, Dr. Griswold will gain more extended fame by this, his latest work, than by any other that he has written. Although he tells us it was prepared when his health was so feeble that at one time he thought he would not have strength to finish it, (and actually was obliged to call in the assistance of another to write the second chapter,) we find no evidence of fee-I bleness in any part or portion of the book. With Dr. Griswold it must have been a labor of love. The peru sal of authorities-of mauuscripts-nay, the very handling of those old and sacred letters, must have inspired him with enthusiasm for his subject. He has infused into the whole composition both elegance of style and purity of language. He has made of it in every particular a highly finished and artistic performance, without the

deed the last meeting of Lafayette and Washington; but of South Carolina to agree the proposal, and he, with the Chief had not yet lived his day; stormy or dark or Cristopher Gadsden and Thomas Lynch, were appointed splendid, thus much of it was but the morning, and now representatives. He was the youngest of the three, and he was resting, not in its night, but in its calm though probably the youngest member of the Congress which clouded noon; and new toils, different and not less glori- met in New-York in 1765. He was but some twentyous, awaited him before the serenely magnificent setting seven years old. The North, at that time, knew but

of his sun, and the completion of the vast proportions of his character, so that it should not stand alone for the admiration, but for the loving and reverent amazement of the world.

little of the South; its inhabitants were supposed to be indolent and luxurious, and, at any rate, but little was expected from such a seeming stripling as John Rutledge; he spoke, and sober and thoughtful old men were surprised into admiration and respect by the eloquence of the young representative from South Carolina. His power over his constituents is very great. When news of the Boston port-bill reached Charleston, expresses were sent over the State to call a general meeting of the inhabitants. They came, and it was easy to induce them to appoint delegates to a general Congress; but there came propositions to instruct them how far they might go in supporting the Bostonians. John Rutledge rose in all his might; his subject was, 'No instructions to the

With Governor Clinton of New York, Washington proposed buying the mineral springs at Saratoga, but some thing prevented. His old companions in arms, in France, were very anxious that he should spend a winter in Paris, but he declined. As often as he was called away from home the admiring and grateful people greeted him with the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells, but he received all honors modestly, and all evidences of affection gratefully. Houdon came from France to model his statue, and Pine from England to paint his portrait, and Mount Vernon was thronged with illustrious guests from representatives,' but full authority to exercise the dismany nations, eager to become personally acquainted with the greatest of men, who passed his days and nights without a thought or fancy of ambition, in the cultivation of his farm-the happiest of men as well as the greatest. There is nothing in all history more respectable, more dignified, or more wonderful, considering the common infirmities of human nature, than those four years of Washington's retirement and repose, between the Revolution and the Convention for forming the federal constitution, in which, as if it were a matter of course, he was called to preside."

Dr. Griswold, in the preface before alluded to, claims particular merit for the next chapter, which is entitled "The Convention." This is the one, for the preparation of which he is indebted to an "eminent man of letters." Who this anonymous litterateur is we cannot guess, but, certes, he has not added to the attraction of the volume. On the contrary we much prefer Dr. Griswold by himself; for really this is the only chapter to which critical exception can, to any extent, be taken. We might, if we would, allude particularly to the bad taste displayed in off-hand descriptions of some of the celebrated personages who formed that memorable Convention, which framed the Constitution. But we let it pass.

cretion, and a pledge, to the men of New England, that South Carolina would, to the death, stand by all her delegates promised for her. Some one in opposition asked what should be done if the delegates made an improper use of this large grant of power? With an energy of manner which was in itself as forcible as an argument, the clear sound of his voice rose above the listening auditory, and rung out in his short words, full alike of decision and honesty, "Hang them." The impression was irresistible, and the delegates went without directions as to their conduct, ready to help Boston to the full extent of their ability. John Rutledge was one of those delemate of his virtues, and he referred to him, while he himgates. Washington cherished always the highest estiself was a member of that body, as the greatest orator in the Continental Congress. He has served his State in her highest offices; she has unbounded confidence in his patriotism, talents, decision, and firmness, and has now sent him to assist in making him a constitution.

The chapters following "The Convention" are taken up with descriptions of "The Inauguration” of Washington as first President under the Constitution-Society in "New York Metropolitan" and in Philadelphia-and the President's tours in the East and the South.

After giving us many and lengthened pictures of the It is delightful to read of the social lives of those great Northern celebrities of that body, the writer comes to por- and glorious persons who formed "the Republican tray those of the South. There is rather a happy allu- Court." It is a privilege to be let into their home circles, sion to George Washington, one of the delegates from to see them at their domestic gatherings, their dinnersVirginia, whom he does not presume to describe. "We their balls--for seeing them thus we learn to love them can only belittle him,'by praising him as we would another man," he says, and says truly. How proudly did Virginia stand represented that day, by her son, the idol of all the States-of all American hearts!

The following sketch of John Rutledge of South Carolina is well done, and is free from the criticism we have just hinted at.

more.

Mrs. Washington did not come to New York from Mount Vernon with her husband. He preceded her by a short time. On her arrival, although it was not customary with the President to give formal invitations, yet on that day-Vice President Adams, Governor Clinton-the Count de Moustier, Don Diego Gardogin, Mr. Jay, General Arthur St. Clair, Senators Langdon, Wingate, Izard

"But let me call your attention to John Rutledge, of and Few, and Mr. Muhlenberg speaker of the House of South Carolina, an able and most accomplished gentleman. He is of Irish descent on the father's side, though Representatives, dined at his table en famille. As there a native of the State which he here represents. He was no Clergyman present Washington himself said studied law in the Temple, London, and returning to grace. He dined on a boiled leg of mutton. It was his Charleston, commenced practice, so far back as 1761. custom to eat of only one dish. After the dessert a simHe is very eloquent, and at once rose to the first rank ple glass of wine was offered to each of the guests, and in his profession. When Massachusetts, in 1764, pro- when it was drunk the President rose, all the company posed to the other provinces to appoint committees to following his example, and repaired to the drawing room, meet in a Congress, as one step towards cementing an whence every one departed as he chose, without the least union, it was John Rutledge who induced the Assembly ceremony. Such simplicity was worthy of the Chief of

our early Republic, and of what our Republic has since and agreeable, but perhaps not quite so handsome as become.

those of Philadelphia. The President arrived in Charleston on Monday, the second day of May. A twelveoared barge, manned by thirteen captains of American ships, conveyed him, with several of the most distinguished gentlemen of the State, from Hadrill's Point, ments, and singers, greeted him with triumphal airs and and accompanying barges, containing a band with instru

The President on every Tuesday afternoon received all persons that chose to call upon him; and on every Friday evening the drawing rooms of the Presidential residence were opened from eight till ten o'clock for visits to Mrs. Washington, at which the chief was always present. These assemblages were marked by as little ostentation or restraint as the ordinary intercourse of respectable cir-songs, whilst a large procession of gaily caparisoned boats gave to the river a brilliant and beautiful appearcles. They were accessible to the families of persons ance. On landing he was received by Governor Pinckconnected with the government, to distinguished stran-ney, the attendants and wardens of the city, the society gers, and indeed to all men and women whose social po- of the Cincinatti, and the military of the district, all of sition entitled them to a recognition to a polite and culti-whom attended his procession, amid the ringing of bells, vated society, while they furnished opportunities for visits of civility and courtesy by the more intimate friends of the President and his household.

the firing of cannon, and the acclamations of the people, first to the Exchange, where he was welcomed in a formal address, and then to the house prepared for his reception.

He remained in Charleston a week, and every day received evidences of the affectionate admiration and res

We would be glad had we the space to quote the long
and deserved notice of Mr. Bingham of Philadelphia,
whose reputation for distinction and influence is found in
that city as fresh almost at the end of half a century aspect of the people. The merchants were foremost in
at its beginning-but we must conclude with one more
extract, which we could not pass over. It is taken from
the chapter entitled "The Southern Tour."

rendering him honor. In their address to him they said,
Were it possible for your fellow citizens to omit doing
justice to your merits, the testimony of other nations
would evince their neglect or ingratitude-the whole
world concurring in the same opinion of you.
Sensible of the numerous blessings our country has de-

and of my particular satisfaction in observing the advantages which accrue to the highly deserving citizens of this State from the operations of the general government. 1 am not less indebted to you for your expressions of personal attachment and respect; they receive my best thanks, and induce my most sincere wishes for your professional propriety, and your individual happiness.'

"Charleston at this period was the seat of a refined and generous hospitality, and in social elegance was far in advance of any other city in the Southern States. Al-rived from your wise and judicious administration, we ways conservative, her inhabitants were slow to admit feel animated with the most lively sentiments of gratitude any innovations in manners, and the tasteful and rich towards you: suffer us, then, to represent to you the costumes of the middle of the century were still worn feelings with which we are impressed, by assuring you therefore by the more respected classes, though numerous that we yield to none in sincere respect and attachment modifications had been generally adopted in Boston, New to your person; and we earnestly implore the Almighty York and Philadelphia. Milliners and tailors correspon- Father of the universe long to preserve a life so valuable ded directly with the inventors of dresses in London and and dear to the people over whom you preside.' He anParis, and had little regard for the taste of our Republican swered, 'Your congratulations on my arrival in South Court. Women preferred the French fashions, and often Carolina, enhanced by the affectionate manner in which improved upon them. But Dr. Ramsay assures us that they are offered, are received with the most grateful senthey rarely had resolution enough to follow their own sibility. Flattered by the favorable sentiments you excorrect ideas in originating styles entirely new. Gentle-press of my endeavors to be useful to our country, I demen were partial to blue, the product of their staple indi-sire to assure you of my constant solicitude for its welfare, go, and most of them had at all times at least one coat of that color. Pantaloons had been introduced and were now worn by some of the younger men, but in a few years they were entirely laid aside and breeches again adopted, notwithstanding the superior fitness of the more modern garment for so warm a climate. A keen sensibility on points of personal honor gave rise to frequent duels, so that more took place in South Carolina, than in all the "On Wednesday evening he attended the corporation nine States north of Maryland, but it was regarded as a ball, at which there were more than two hundred and consequence of this practice that there was a pervading fifty women, many of whom wore sashes and ribbons propriety and courtesy in society. Drunkenness, we emblazoned with his portrait and with appropriate inhave the authority of Dr. Ramsay for believing, might scriptions. He entered the room with Governor Pinckbe called an endemic vice' there, and he finds for it an ney, Senators Izard and Butler, and several other public apology in the qualities of the atmosphere. Periodical characters, and after being seated a few moments arose, races, hunting and fishing, and luxurious and protracted and passing round the rapidly formed circle, saluted dinners, occupied the attention of old and young, while in dancing and music there was a more common proficiency than in any other part of the country. The Duke de la Rochefoucauld Liancourt observed that from the hour of four in the afternoon the people of Charleston rarely thought of anything but pleasure and amusement; they had two gaming houses, and both were constantly fall; many of the inhabitants having been abroad, had acquired a greater knowledge of European manners and a stronger partiality to them than were found in the north and foreign modes of life were consequently more preva-ball. lent. The women were more lively than he had seen "On Friday he dined with Major Pierce Butler, and elsewhere, and took a greater share in the commerce of on Saturday was entertained with great splendor by the society, but without any lessening of modesty or deli- merchants at the Ecxhange. Among the invited guests cate propriety in their behavior. They were interesting were the Governor, the senators and representatives of

every lady, which gave particular satisfaction, as every one was anxious to have a good view of him.' The City Hall was elegantly decorated for the occasion. The pillars were re-entwined with laurels and flowers, and the walls festooned with banners and adorned with pictures.

"On Thursday he dined with a large party at Governo Pinckney's, and in the evening attended a concert by the Saint Cecilia Society, at which there was even a greater display of beauty and elegance than at the corporation

the State in Congress; the attendant and wardens of the [umes, after the manner of Signor Boccacio, we need not city, resident officers of the National and State govern- say much, and especially are not called on to reveal the ments, members of the South Carolina legislature for the "meaning of the mystery." Some of them are interestCharleston district, and the elergy of every denomination.ing, but we would have omitted the nameless story of The toast of the President was, The commercial inter-Jamestown and the cargo of wives. We have spoken of ests of Charleston;' and after he retired, the company this work. thus fully, because it deserves a wide popdrank with great enthusiasm, The President of the ularity especially in the South, which it treats of, and United States; long may he live to enjoy the praises of a whose cause it espouses with admirable fervor. The grateful people.' The President left the Exchange at

eight o'clock, and proceeded to the City Hall, to view work is worthy of attention otherwise however, and we the exhibition of fire-works. He afterwards rode with commend it to our friends wherever they may be. It is Mr. Izard to the houses of several gentleman, before re-published in the uniform style of Mr. Simms' republicaturning to his lodgings. tion of his romances.

"On Sunday he attended divine service, in the morning and afternoon, and dined in a private manner with General Moultrie."

WOOD NOTES, OR CAROLINA CAROLS: A Collection of North Carolina Poetry. Compiled by Tenella. In two volumes. Raleigh: Warren and Pomeroy. 1854. We confess to have derived the liveliest pleasure as well as much valuable instruction from the perusal of this These tasteful volumes are worthy of a longer nowork. The interest to the reader is so continually kept tice at our hands, than we fear the pressure of literary up that no one who has commenced it, can possibly lay matter upon our editorial table will permit us to acit down till it is finished. Besides its literary merit, the cord them. They appeal very strongly to our Southvolume is rendered still more attractive by its illustra-ern feeling, and we have read a number of the carols with tions, (being twenty-one exquisitely engraved portraits the deepest interest. We have no hesitation in saying of distinguished women after paintings by Stuart, Trum-that the poem of "Ianthe," by Mr. Seymour W. Whibull &c.,) and the superb manner in which it is produced ting is musical, perfectly sustained, and instinct with by the publishers.

SOUTHWARD HO! A Spell of Sunshine. By W. Gilmore
Simms, Esq. New York: Redfield. 1854. [From
James Woodhouse.

"Southward ho!

As the waves flow, as the winds blow,

as much rhythmic melody as any verse in the English language. This is extreme praise we know, but we do not hesitate to stake our literary reputation upon the assertion. "A Day on the Hills," by J. M. Lovejoy, is an admirable specimen of Spenserian verse, and his short ballad "Napoleon" full of energy and vigor. Here is a

verse

"O'er blasted thrones his eagles flew,
The smoke of war went rolling back.
While from the ashes empires grew
And shed their splendor on his track;
The hero-gods of ancient time

Sit in his shadow, common things;
He stood above the world sublime,

His playmate-War: his playthings-Kings." The beauty of the line we have italicised need not be pointed out.

Spread free the sunny sail, let us go, friends, go!" is Mr. Simms' motto, and the best criticism of this entertaining volume would be the simple declaration that every thing about it is Southern. It is scarcely necessary, however, to tell the readers of the Messenger that this is the character of Mr. Simms' last volume ;-his first and all which followed it have brimmed and overflowed with the warmest, strongest and most enthusiastic devotion to the land of the South. This sentiment is so strong in the author of the "Partisan," and especially so strongly revealed in the work before us, that some of the pages of We cannot in our circumscribed space more than refer "Southward Ho!" where refractor Northern gentlemen to other poems of great merit-the graceful “Hills of suffer argumentative destruction, are richly humorous, Dan," "The Marriage of the Sun and Moon," etc. An from the excess of Southern patriotism alone. We have extended analysis of the volumes in addition would, we right, it is true, to take exception to Mr. Simms' some-fear, cause us to stumble over many specimens of mere what extravagant caricature of the Virginian in his "hours chaff, mixed with the golden sheaves. We must not omit of ease" on the tavern porch, his feet on a barrel, his hand however all mention of the pieces of “ Tenella," the comon a mint julep, and a cigar buried in the corner of his piler of the volumes. Many of the graceful and beautimouth, (it should have been a pipe,) but we are so glad ful verses of Tenella have appeared in the Messenger, to meet with an appreciative estimate of the Old Douin- and we need not recall them to the memory of our readion and the genius of her sons that this is soon forgotten.ers who have more than once conveyed to us the expres The pages of the volume devoted to our soil are among sion of their very great admiration for the fair writer's gethe most pleasant in the book; especially do we recall nius. They will be found collected in these volumes, avivid picture of the valley of the Shenandoah, as true with others, and we are glad to have them in our library to nature as it is exquisite in painting. We claim to know in this form. Wood Notes is published in Raleigh: withsomething of those "sweet fields," and we here state for out looking at the imprimatur we should suppose them the benefit of those who have not explored the region, to be from the press of Ticknor and Fields, the most tastethat it has nowhere been half as truly painted as in this ful publishers in this department in North America. vivid page of "Southward Ho!"

Mr. Simms' description of Jamestown, and his coup! d'oeil of the old days there are admirable. His "Legend of Pocahontas" is facile princeps among the many poems on the same subject. So much for the Virginia portion of the volume, which is all we have yet been able to read. Of the numerous tales scattered throughout the vol

THE LAND OF THE SARACEN; Or pictures of Palestine,

Asia Minor, Sicily and Spain. By Bayard Taylor.
New York: G. P. Putnam & Co. 1855. [From J. W.
Randolph.

Mr. Bayard Taylor's last volume of travels-we mean the last published. We need not speak of these

volumes further than to say that they sustain the author's | world, and traveller in many lands, which will wile away high reputation for acuteness, good humor and that the hours in a railroad car or steamboat as well as any "travelled eye" which, we are informed, includes so work lately published. The sketches of Grisi and Mamuch. His descriptions of Jerusalem, the localities, and rio are interesting, and exceedingly plain spoken-the the manners and customs of the inhabitants at present, is portrait of that celebrated gentleman, Mr. Dion Bourcigraphic and straightforward: the quarrels of the Greek cault, is as neat and clear as any sketch we recall. The and Latin Christians with the Turkish guard posted in the book is written in a lively, rollicking, style and will chapels to preserve order, is excellent. The author amuse almost any reader whatever his tastes may be. frankly confesses that he could not realize the presence We have no reason to doubt the truth of the author's of Christ once, in the city, but gives a singular description" claiming acquaintance" with so many celebrities; but of a perfect living resemblance of our Saviour. The are convinced that he "draws the long bow" most vigovolume is handsomely printed and illustrated. rously in a hundred places.

POEMS OF THE ORIENT. By Bayard Taylor. Boston.
Ticknor & Fields. 1855.

We have more than once had occasion to speak of Mr. Bayard Taylor's muse, and it is scarcely necessary to enter into any extended notice of this volume, which, with the exception of the subject, reveals no new traits of the writer. The Poems from the Orient are a collection of lyrics "breathing full east," and many of them of rare beauty-the poem "Camadeva" for instance, which is as graceful and beautiful as any verse of the same description we can recall. But the whole volume is far from being equally excellent. Mr. Taylor will pardon us for saying that we did not expect such commonplace, as many pages of the book are filled with, from a poet of his undoubted originality. It seems to us, too, that we recognize our old friend Tom Moore's property in the ring of some stanzas, and a portion of one of the poems is dangerously similar to Tennyson's "Amphion." There can be no doubt about Mr. Taylor's originality in the great art of poesy, and we exhaust praise in declaring as much we really do not see why he does not throw aside these similarities, to call them by no harsher term. The writer who can produce the "Vino d'oro" and "Camadeva" and a dozen other pieces, surely need not imitate the manner of Tom Moore, or even Tennyson. "Poems from the Orient" is handsomely printed, and comes to us from the publishers through Mr. Morris or Mr. Woodhouse.

CLOVERNOOK CHILDREN. By Alice Carey. With engravings. Boston. Ticknor & Fields. 1855.

THE ILLUSTRATED NATURAL HISTORY. By the Rev
J. G. Wood, M. A. With 450 original designs by Wm.
Harvey. New York. Harper & Brothers. 1854. [From
A. Morris.

This is one of those excellent, popular works, which the Messrs. Harper seem to have monopolized the right of publishing. Dr. Wood's work is illustrated with a profusion of wood cuts of more than average excellence, and more real learning is combined with this attractiveness, than in any other compilation we know of. The volume is handsomely published, and presents a very attractive appearance-and the purchaser may be satisfied that it contains in addition a great mass of the most accurate information.

MARTIN MERRIVALE: his X mark. By Paul Creyton.
Illustrated. Boston. Philips, Sampson & Company.

1854.

"Martin Merrivale" is by the author of "Father Brighthopes," which should be a household possession of every person who wishes his children to be at the same time deeply entertained and permanently benefited. We do not say too much in declaring that this little volume has few counterparts in its department, crowded as that department is, with the admirable productions of Miss Warner and others. "Martin Merrivale" is a much more ainbitious work, and the story fills a duodecimo of more than four hundred pages. The book has many scenes of surpassing interest-many which touch the fountain of tears, and purify the heart. If we add to this the assertion that many of the personages met with by Martin are delinea

MR. RUTHERFORD'S CHILDREN. Second Volume. By the authors of the Wide Wide World," "Dollars and Cents," etc. New York. G. P. Putnam & Co. ted with admirable humor, we have given the highest

1855.

We have classed these two little works together as worthy representatives of that host of good children's books which Miss Warner, Miss Carey and other ladies have been giving to the world of the fireside. They are both pure and graceful tales which will delight children, and grown persons too for that matter. We need not speak of the authors. Miss Warner's "Wide Wide World" has become a household word wherever the English language is read, and Miss Alice Carey is well known to the juveniles, and to the whole community, by her graceful "Clovernook" of which this is a sort of sequel. We cominend these little volumes most cordially to such of our readers as are about to select New Year's presents. For sale by A. Morris.

YOU HAVE HEARD OF THEM. By Q. New York:

field. 1854. [From Jas Woodhouse.

praise to the "Cross Mark." It is not more than is due, and we most cordially commend the book to every one. We shall immediately proceed to read the portion which we did not receive when it was issued in numbers, and may recur to it again. The volume is published with the greatest taste, and is illustrated by very numerous engravings of passable quality. We have received it from Mr. Wood

house, who has it for sale.

A COMPLETE TREATISE ON ARTIFICIAL Fish Breeding : including the reports on the subject made to the French Academy and the French Government, etc. Translated and edited by W. H. Fry. Illustrated with engravings. New York. D. Appleton & Co. 1854.

This is an interesting little volume on a curious subject, and seems to contain a number of valuable facts, Red-highly useful to those whose attention is directed

But Mr. Q. it seems knew them, one and all. A lively amusing collection of sketches by a clever man of the

to the matters of which it treats. The diagrams are perspicuous and illustrate the text excellently. We have received the volume from the publishers.