of a warm, reddish hue, with large crystals of feldspar; though it is sometimes, though rarely, of a dark-red ground, with black specks, as in the magnificent head, misnamed of Memnon, now in the British Museum. Colossal figures are uniformly of granite, in which also is a large portion of the relievos. Beside these, from the account of Herodotus, as also from the statues of wood actually discovered by modern travellers, we learn that even in great works, the Egyptian sculptors were accustomed to exercise their skill on that less stubborn material. Metals appear to have been sparingly used; at least, only very small figures have yet been found of composition similar to the bronze of later times. Yet the Book of Job especially, and other parts of Scripture, would lead to the conclusion that even colossal figures were, from an early period, cast of metal. In the tombs, as those near Thebes, small images of porcelain and terra cotta are frequently found.

A GREEK BUST.

In ancient Egypt, we are told by the writers of Greece of such numbers of colossal statues that it appears almost incredulous, especially when we consider the magnitude of some, and the materials or compositions of others, were the account not well authenticated by countless remains. In most of these, there are striking evidences of a disregard of time, patience and toil. Of these mighty labors, some are hewn from the living rock and left adhering to the natural bed; as the celebrated Sphynx, near the Pyramids of Ghizeh, and various sculptures on the rocks of the Thebaid, which seem like the shadows of giants cast by a setting sun.

To the second class belong both the earliest and latest works of the Egyptian chisel; yet, between the worst and the best, we find no diversity of merit corresponding to the lapse of time-a certain proof that the principles of the art were fixed at an early period of its progress and on a basis independent of its precepts. In every specimen, without exception, which can be ranked as Egyptian, a pilaster runs up the back of the figure, no matter in what attitude it may be represented. The origin of a practice not natural, in en art professing to copy Nature, must be sought for in some external circumstance of its primitive history. Some such circumstance is plainly discernible in works still remaining in the excavations of Philae, Elephantis, Silsilis, and at El Malook, in the tombs of the Theban kings.

At the period to which we refer, anatomy and drawing appear to have been in their infancy; the limbs show no joints, and the movements exhibit neither balance nor elasticity; proportion and perspective seem to have been unknown. Military engines, buildings, horses, soldiers, all appear of the same dimensions, and all equally near the eye. The

heroes in all these monuments bear striking resemblance. They exhibit youth and victory, and show beauty and grandeur mingled together. Sculpture shows us everywhere monuments of courage, but it also reveals to us the fact, that in all ages no inconsiderable proportion of the human family have been the dupes of fears and phantoms, and also that man-worship runs back to time immemorial. In our own day, and on both continents, this deifying prominent character still goes on. This custom can lay claim to some merit, as it exerts a wholesome influence upon the mind and spirit of the age. Especially are the youth of the land stimulated to renewed efforts to become prominent characters in history. Upon this point a chapter might be written profitable to the American student, but our limited space obliges us to forego that pleasure now, as it would be a departure from the main object in view, which is to awaken the latent thought of the rising generation to the benefits, beauties and glories belonging to Sculpture as one of the Fine Arts.

Our illustrations tell their own story so well that no remark of ours would enhance their value. For the information of those not versed in classical mythology, it may be well to say, that NIOBE was the daughter of Tantalas, and one of the Pleiades, married to Amphion, king of Thebes. Proud of her numerous offspring, she provoked the anger of Apollo and Diana, who slew them all. She was herself changed by Jupiter into a rock, from which a rivulet, fed by her tears, continually poured. The subject of Niobe and her children was a great favorite with the ancients, and it has furnished a broad field for sculpture among modern artists. This story,

minds of past ages. We trust it will lead to a better understanding of the men and women who have figured conspicuously on the stage of life in human history, and add to the votaries of Sculpture, as one of the elevating and refining influences of the world.

The Centennial History of the Battle of Bennington.
By FRANK W. COBURN. Boston: George E. Littlefield,
Publisher.

This is a small publication, 12mo, and some seventy odd pages, setting forth in readable form the main facts bearing upon the battle. In the introduction the author says: "I have endeavored to present a comprehensive and faithful account of the battle fought near Bennington, August 16th, 1777. I have consulted, in the preparation of the work, the Collections of the Vermont and Massachusetts Historical Societies; Records of the Council of Safety of Vermont, etc." Gathering his information from such sources, the matter may be accepted as worthy of confidence, and, we doubt not, will prove of general interest to the reading public and especially gratifying to the citizens of Vermont. We think, however, the engraving of General Stark-the frontispiece-does not add to the lustre of his memory.

Proceedings of the New England Historic, Genealo-
gical Society. Boston: The Society's House, 1877.
Much valuable information is furnished in this pamphlet,
and not the least are the lists of present members and officers,
of the Society from 1845 to 1877. Among these names are
many who have held, and others who now hold, prominent
positions in connection with State and National affairs;
indeed, it would be difficult to find an organization more
brilliant in its membership. Among its present officers we
notice the name of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, as
President; Hon. Israel Washburn, Jr., LL.D., of Portland,
Maine, and Rev. Asa D. Smith, D.D,. LL.D., of Hanover,
Vice-Presidents.

From the address of the President, we extract the following: "The library has been steadily increasing in the number of its volumes, in valuable manuscripts and rare autograph letters; and we are also gradually accumulating a collection of curious relics highly important to the illustration of the different epochs of our history. Our gallery of portraits is also increasing. The financial affairs of the Society have been administered, as in years past, with the strictest regard to economy, a principle of the greatest importance in all institutions, but especially in a Society like this." And further on in the address we read, “The year which has just completed its circuit will always be a marked one in the history of our country. It has quickened the interest of our whole people in our local and family history. It has told us over again, in greater fullness and truer proportions the aspirations and achievements of our fathers, and thus enlarged, enriched and endeared to us the record of our national history."

We are glad to note the spirit of patriotism with which this address teems, and the evidences of its prosperity. Such societies should be fostered, for they are instruments to preserve and perpetuate the ideas and deeds of our worthy sires and their successors.

History of the City of New York. By MRS. MARTHA J. LAMB. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co., Publishers. Parts XIII. and XIV. of this carefully written, neatly printed and elegantly illustrated work reach us on the eve of going to press, and we take pleasure in saying a few words in its behalf. In clear type, on rich cream-tinted paper, the author and publishers are giving to the public the most reliable history of the great metropolis ever written, especially when taking into consideration its exhaustive character. Mrs. Lamb in this work gives indisputable evidence of ability as a historical writer. The style is easy and natural, while sufficiently animated to entertain, while furnishing the truths of history. On page 615, in speaking of Chief-Justice De Lancy, she says: "He was an intellectual giant. His breadth of knowledge, culture, magnetic presence, vivacity, wit, condescension to inferiors and charming good nature, made him a general favorite with all classes. . . . He was their friend and champion. His snow-white horses and gilded chariot with outriders in handsome livery excited no envy; his grand old mansion on Broadway, and his still more elegant country-seat, were objects of pride to the inhabitants of the city." The citizens of New York may well congratulate themselves in having their crowning city, and the great characters who helped to make it such, so ably written up.

Minutes, Sermons, and Reports of the General Conference of the Congregational Churches in Maine; and the Maine Missionary Society-Fifty-first Anniversary of the former, and Seventieth Anniversary of the latter. Bangor: Burr & Robinson, Printers, 1877.

This publication gives to the public in attractive form the proceedings of the General Conference, among which we notice with special interest the "Report on the state of the Churches." This shows an increase of church membership for the last current year greater than any preceding year, exhibiting a net gain in the State of nine hundred and twenty-seven members. This is certainly encouraging, and fully justifies the expressions of gratitude embodied in the Report, which tells us: "It is an occasion when we may borrow the words of a Song of Degrees, and say, 'When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing sheaves with them." The financial showing speaks well for the discipline and management of both Church and Society, and we trust the good work may go on.

Frank Forrester's Sporting Scenes and Character. By HENRY WILLIAM HERBERT. Boston: J. R. Osgood & Co., Publishers.

This is a new and revised edition, two volumes, and full of illustrative engravings, from designs made from Nature, by F. Q. C. Darley. It is replete on sporting matters.

SCIENCE AND MECHANICS.

GOSSIP AND NOTE BOOK.

Nature's Teachings.-The falling leaves of autumn rarely fail to awaken thoughts not crowded with past events and pictures of coming realities. They make suggestions in their own modest way, scarcely less impressive, at times, than the "silver-tongued” orator on the lyceum platform. They tell us that summer, with her scorching sun and torrid winds, has completed her annual visit, after having made beautiful and fruitful mountain, valley, forest and glen, and the heart of the husbandman to leap with joy. It requires no renowned linguist to read the simple story. On these gold-tinted garments of tree and vine, are written infallible teachings and sublime truths. In them we see the elements of science, the models for art, the emblems of mortality, the hope of resurrection, the evidences of Omniscient intelligence. The seed only dies to gain a new life; the leaf only sings as fanned by the breath of Deity, and drops from its parent stem to assume other forms, to dissolve, and become restored to its original elements. Matter is not annihilated, nor space destroyed. In what forms these leaves will reappear in the course of another revolution, is known only to Him who controls the planets and regulates the seasons. This lesson, however, is not a mystery. These crimson and variegated emblems admonish us of chilly winds and biting frosts; they turn our minds from the outdoor to the indoor world; from the seaside and lake, the forest and dell, to the bright fire and happy circle of friends and kindred at HOME.

themselves. If their forms are soft, undefined and feathery, the weather will be fine; if the edges are hard, sharp and definite, it will be foul. Generally speaking, any deep, unusual lines betoken wind and rain, while the more quiet and delicate tints bespeak fair weather.

Mind Culture.—A cultivated mind may be said to have infinite stores of innocent gratification. Everything may be made interesting to it, by becoming a subject of thought or inquiry. Books, regarded merely as a gratification, are worth more than all the luxuries on earth. A taste for literature secures cheerful occupation for the unemployed and languid hours of life; and how many persons, in these hours, for want of innocent resources, are now impelled to coarse pleasure? How many young men can be found who, unaccustomed to find a companion in a book, and strangers to intellectual activity, are almost driven, in the long, dull evenings of winter, to haunts of intemperance and bad society.

"If I Had a Mind."-"Wordsworth," said Charles Lamb, "one day told me he considered Shakspeare greatly overrated. There is an immensity of trick in all Shakspeare wrote,' he said, and people are taken by it. Now, if I had a mind, I could write exactly like Shakspeare. So you see,' proceeded Charles Lamb, quietly, it was only the mind that was wanting.””

This change of season creeps on so silently, that ere we know it, the echoes of departure are heard along the line The "good-by!" and the "good-morning!" as recorded on Time's dial, saddens memory and brightens hope everywhere. Editor and reader in spirit have clasped hands many times, and often have we thought that in each a heart was found. Say what we will, there is a sort of inspirational communion between reader, editor and contributor, which An American Knight.-Our fellow-countryman, Cyrus mind can know and heart can feel, while the world at large W. Field, can add "Sir" to his name, as he has been moves onward heedless as the river toward the sea. The knighted by Queen Victoria. future of the AMERICAN MONTHLY, we feel, promises rich stores for all. Its friends have multiplied at home and abroad, and we enter into our preparatory work for the new year with substantial evidences of a brilliant future. That the leaves of our tenth volume be replete with lessons not only drawn from Nature, but from the vast store-houses of history and humanity in all parts of the world, to elevate and beautify many additional thousand American homes, shall be our highest aim and fondest hope. Help us forward in the good work!

The Language of the Clouds.-The colors of the sky at particular times afford wonderfully good evidence. Not only does a rosy sunset presage fair weather and a ruddy sunshine, but there are other tints which speak with equal clearness or accuracy. A bright yellowish sky in the evening indicates wind, a pale yellow, rain; a neutral gray color constitutes a favorable sign in the evening and an unfavorable one in the morning. The clouds are full of meaning in

Is She a True Type of the Race?-Miss Josephine A. Sloan, a colored girl, graduated at the head of her class in the Rogers High School, at Newport, Rhode Island, recently, receiving the gold medal awarded to the first scholarship and pronouncing the valedictory. Her average in every study, on examination, was within a fraction of the maximum, which is 100. She took her last two years' study in one year, and excels in Latin, Greek, French, and German.

The Doctor's Query.-There was an old doctor, who, when asked what was good for mosquitoes, wrote back: "How do you suppose I can tell unless I know what ails the mosquito?"

Precisely the Difference.-"Gentlemen, I introduce to you my friend, who isn't as stupid as he appears to be." Introduced friend, with vivacity "That's precisely the dif ference between my friend and myself."