13.-Encyclopædia Americana: Supplementary Volume. A Popular Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, History, Politics, and Biography. Volume XIV. Edited by HENRY VETHAKE, LL. D., Vice-Provost and Professor of Mathematics in the University of Pennsylvania, Member of the American Philosophical Society, author of "A Treatise on Political Economy," etc. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard. The present volume is supplementary to the Encyclopædia Americana, which was based on the seventh edition of the famous "Conversations-Lexicon." It is nearly fourteen years since the first edition of this work was published in the United States. The supplementary volume, before us, is extended, so that it embraces the improvements introduced into the German work. Professor Vethake, availing himself of almost every recent and reliable source of information, has posted up to the present date the matter contained in the previous volumes of the work. Independent of the improvements derived from the German work, the numerous important events that have occurred, and the facts that have been observed, during the lapse of fourteen years, seem to have been gathered up with care, and faithfully recorded. The biographical department is quite full, especially that relating to the many individuals who have emerged from comparative obscurity during that period. Omissions in the former volumes are also supplied; and, while the present includes all that is recent in the arts, sciences, literature, history, politics, and biography, it seems to complete and render more perfect the entire " Encyclopædia Americana." 14.-Small Books on Great Subjects. Edited by a few Well-Wishers to Knowledge. Nos. VI. and XL. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard. We noticed in former numbers of this Magazine, the six previous numbers, and expressed our opinion as to their character. Number VI. contains "A Brief View of Greek Philosophy, from the Age of Socrates to the Coming of Christ," and number XI., some account of “Christian Sects in the Nineteenth Century." It is rare to meet with such concise, and at the same time such comprehensive views of "useful and enter taining knowledge." 15.-The Lady's Receipt Book; a Useful Emporium for Large or Small Families. By Miss LESLIE. Being a Sequel to her former work on Domestic Cookery; comprising New and Approved Directions for Preparing Soups, Fish, Meats, Vegetables, Poultry, Game, Pies, Puddings, Cakes, Confectionary, Sweetmeats, Jellies, etc. Also, a List of Dishes for Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper Tables. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. The author's former work, "Directions for Cookery, in all its Branches," has obtained a wide-spread popularity in this country-indeed, we learn from the booksellers that it is considered the book for housewives. It has, at all events, passed through numerous editions, each of which has been enlarged and improved; so that its size could no longer be increased. The present volume is made up entirely of fresh accessions of valuable knowledge on this and other subjects, connected with the domestic improvement of our countrywomen, and forms, altogether, a most desirable addition or "sequel" to the former work, and must be equally acceptable to those for whose benefit it has been prepared. 16.-Ghost Stories; Collected with a Particular View to Counteract the Vulgar Belief in Ghosts and Apparitions. With Ten Engravings, from Designs of F. O. C. DARLEY. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. This volume contains a collection of celebrated ghost stories, that in their time occupied the minds of the ignorant and credulous with fear and wonder. The whole theory of ghosts, however, is exploded; and the object of this volume is to dissipate the inbred horror of supernatural phantoms, which almost all persons derive from nursery tales, or other sources of causeless terror in early life. The examples in this volume, while they amuse the reader, are well calculated to dispel the flimsy phantoms of ghosts. 17.-A Pictorial History of Greece; Ancient and Modern. By S. G. GOODRICH, author of Peter Parley's Tales. Philadelphia: Sorin & Ball. The design of the well-known and popular Peter Parley, in the present compilation, was to give an ample and faithful account of the ancient Greeks, and to present in detail a view of their manners and customs, their modes of thought, speech, and action. Considerable space is devoted to their celebrated men, including their philosophers, poets, historians, and artists. Its pictorial illustrations are numerous and well executed, and it appears to be well adapted for the use of schools and other seminaries of elementary education. 18.-An Exposition of the Book of Proverbs. By Rev. CHARLES BRIDGES, M. A., Vicar of Old Newton, Suffolk, author of an " Exposition of the cxixth Psalm," "Christian Ministry," etc. New York: Robert Carter. The "Proverbs of Solomon" were well adapted to the rudeness and simplicity of the first ages, when books were few and philosophy little understood. The elegance and force of these proverbs are well described by their author, under the figure of "apples of gold in pictures of silver," and as "goads and nails fastened by the master," etc. The volume before us, covering nearly five hundred and fifty octavo pages, is a vigorous, though often far-fetched exposition of each proverb; but in a manner conformable to the views and sentiments of a learned and pious divine of the Church of England. The practical every day character and tendency of the teaching of this book will commend it alike to the Christian and the moralist. It is a mine of wisdom. 19.-English Synonymes Classified and Explained; with Practical Exercises, Designed for Schools and Private Tuition. By G. F. GRAHAM, author of English, or the Art of Composition," "Helps to English Grammar," etc. Edited, with an Introduction and Illustrated Authorities, by HENRY REED, LL. D., Professor of English Literature in the University of Pennsylvania. New York: D. Appleton & Co. "The great source of a loose style is the injudicious use of synonymous terms," so says Dr. Blair, in his "Lectures upon the English Language;" a fact that will not be disputed. There can be no manner of doubt as to the value of this book of synonymes in forming the chaste and correct writer. Its study is calculated to produce a thoughtful and accurate use of language, and thus impart, almost unconsciously, not only a critical but a moral habit of mind-the habit of giving utterance to truth in simple, clear, and precise terms-of telling one's thoughts and feelings in words that aptly express them. It is thus that we may escape the manifold mischiefs of words used thoughtlessly and at random, or words used in ignorance and confusion. The snow-white paper, clear and elegant type, and handsome and substantial binding of this educational work, features peculiarly belonging to the school-books of the present publishers, is worthy of all praise. 20.-An Introduction to the French Language; containing Fables, Select Tales, Remarkable Facts, Amusing Anecdotes, etc." With a Dictionary of all the Words translated into English. By M. DE FIVAS, member of several literary societies. From the fifth English edition. New York: D. Appleton & Co. We have in this volume selections in French from a work of acknowledged excellence, which has passed through five editions in England. The selections are from the most popular writers, and apparently well adapted to the wants of every student who is desirous of entering early upon a course of instructive or entertaining reading. There is a dictionary at the end of the volume, in which the meaning of every word contained in the book is given; an excellent arrangement, as it saves the discouraging labor and loss of time occasioned by the transition from a reading-book to a separate dictionary, in the early stages of learning a foreign language. 21.-The Book of Anecdotes; or the Moral of History, Taught by Real Examples. By JOHN FROST, LL. D., author of the "Book of the Army," and "Book of the Navy." New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton. Dr. Frost is quite as industrious and successful as Peter Parley in the production of entertaining and instructive books. The present volume contains more than one hundred anecdotes, drawn from history, each designed to illustrate the beauty of a virtue, and impart a meaning and force to the definition which explains, or the precept which commends that virtue. A single example of benevolence, courage, fortitude, or any of the virtues, recorded on the page of history, has often influenced the entire character of an individual, and led to high and noble aims in life. The volume, at once amusing and instructive, is handsomely printed, and each anecdote appropriately illustrated with neatly engraved cuts. 22.-Amy Herbert; a Tale. By the author of "Gertrude," "Laneton Parsonage," etc. Edited by the Rev. W. SEWELL, B. D., Fellow of Exeter College. Appleton's Literary Miscellany, No. 21. This story, we are told by the editor, was written by a lady for the use of a young member of her own family. It is calculated to interest the young under the form of narrative, and at the same time exhibits a Christian tone and temper, and what the author conceives to be Christian truth, without obtruding either in a manner unsuited to a work of amusement. We are glad that it has been published in a form worthy of preservation, and added to the publishers' "Literary Miscellany," which thus far embodies so many excellent and choice works. 23.--The Family Prayer Book; or, The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America; accompanied by a General Commentary, Historical, Explanatory, Doctrinal, and Practical. By THOMAS CHURCH BROWNELL, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Connecticut. New York: Stanford & Swords. This is a large and handsome volume, of nearly eight hundred pages, octavo. Its character is generally understood and appreciated by members of the Episcopal Church in the United States, and it has the cordial recommendations of the bishops and clergy of that communion, without distinction of "high" or "low." Indeed, these distinctions do not appear to interrupt the devotional part of Episcopacy;-besides, Bishop Brownell seems to occupy a sort of neutral ground in the Church; adhering to its principles, and endeavoring to enforce what he conceives to be the doctrines and duties of Christianity as they are understood by the Church of which he is a much respected and esteemed official and member. The work is compiled from the most approved liturgical works, various alterations and additions being made, to adapt it to the liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. 24.-The Emigrant. By Sir FRANCIS B. HEAD, Bart. New York: Harper & Brothers. There is in this volume an agreeable mixture of the grave and the gay; political history, hedged up by light and graphic sketches; and the incidents of several years residence in Canada. Governor Head writes with a free pen, and in a manly spirit; and although as republicans, we cannot sympathise with his aristocratic notions, we can appreciate the gentlemanly bearing, scholarship, and cleverness of the author and the man. 25-Alderbrook: A Collection of Fanny Forester's Village Sketches, Poems, etc. By Miss EMILY CHUBBUCI. 2 vols. 12mo. Boston: William D. Ticknor & Co. Miss Chubbuck, the writer of the present collection of tales, sketches, and poems, is better known to the readers of our light periodical literature, as "Fanny Forester," and will be, hereafter, as the companion of that celebrated missionary, Dr. Judson, whose name she now bears. The volume before us is thus dedicated : "To him who is henceforth to be my guide through life, its sunlight and its gloom, these few little flowers, gathered by the wayside before we had met, are half-tremblingly, but most affectionately dedicated. May their perfume be grateful; their fragility be pardoned; and Heaven grant that no unsuspected poison may be found lurking among their leaves! Fanny Forester." The power of the author over the purer and better sympathies of humanity is irresistible, and the social virtues so agreeably illustrated, will secure for the author a place at every fireside circle that finds its chief pleasure in the cultivation of the domestic affections. 26.-The Pre-Adamite Earth: Contributions to Theological Science. By JOHN ARRIS, D. D., author of the "Great Teacher," "Great Commission," etc., etc. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. This is the first of a series of treatises, which the learned author is engaged in producing-each complete in itself. The present volume consists of five parts. Of these, the first contains those preliminary truths which divine revelation appears to place at the foundation of all the objective manifestations of the Deity. The second presents the laws or general principles, which are regarded as logically resulting from the preceding truths; and the third, fourth, and fifth parts, are occupied with the exemplification and verification of these laws in the inorganic, the vegetable, and the animal kingdoms of the pre-Adamite earth, respectively. The design of the author seems to be, to harmonize theology and science; and he assumes that every one who admits that there is a true theology and a true science of nature, will admit that there is a sense, whatever it may be, in which the two are related. -The American Cruiser; or, The Two Messmates. A Tale of the Last War. By the author of "Life on the Ocean." Boston: Waite, Peirce & Co. The rapid sale, and extensive circulation of the author's "Life on the Ocean," and the belief that no work extant describes correctly the operations of private and armed vessels of war connected with American history, the author informs us, were the considerations that led to the production of the present volume. Many of the scenes that are here described fell under the personal observation of the author, while others were gleaned from venal statements, or from the log-book of the Cruiser. The descriptions of nautical life and naval warfare, founded in truth, as deduced from real life, and the interest that belongs to the romance of the sea, will secure for these graphic sketches many admirers, who will be amused, if not instructed, in the perusal. The writer, however, aims to render his work beneficial to his brother tars, by conveying lessons of instruction, that they may avoid those rocks and shoals upon which so many sons of the ocean have been wrecked, and cast away. B-Scenes and Songs in Social Life. A Miscellany. By ISAAC FITZGERALD SHEPARD, author of "Poetry of Feeling," editor of the "Christian Souvenir," etc. Boston: Saxton & Kelt. A very agreeable collection of tales, poems, and sketches, selected from the accumulated productions of the author. They appear to have been "woven from the web of truth," and written to illustrate some principle of morals, or enforce some virtue of social life. "Some of them," says the preface, "are little more than a plain recital of actual occurrences, and will be recognized as such by living witnesses. The peaceful "Records of a Bachelor's Club" inculcates temperance with effect, and will operate as an offset to the usual bacchanalian rites of such clubs. On the whole, the author has contrived to mingle mirth and morality together, or unite them with good fellowship, and the highest degree of social hilarity. 29.-The Sister of Charity. By Mrs. ANNA H. DORSEY, authoress of "Tears on the Diadem," "The Students of Blenheim Forest," etc. New York: Edward Dunigan. The design of this story is to aid in the good work of supplying the younger portion of the Catholic community with a source of mental recreation, which, while it interests the mind, will also lead it to the conclusion that religion and morality, above all else, constitute the only true and lasting happi. ness. The writer's aim is to confront the morbid and demoralizing fictions of the day with a strong, healthy current of pleasant reading, designed to instruct and win the heart, while it amuses the fancy. It is not particularly sectarian in its character, and the doctrinal points of the Catholic Church are but lightly touched. The two beautiful volumes we should think admirably suited for a Catholic giftbook; and the Protestant, in our opinion, would not commit an unpardonable sin in presenting it to the Catholic friend and servant as a Christmas present. 30.-The Juvenile Companion and Fireside Reader, consisting of Historical and Biographical Anecdotes, and Selections in Poetry. By the Rev. J. L. BLAKE, D. D., author of Various Works on Education and General Literature. An improved edition of a comparatively old and popular work. The selections, comprising the best passages and pieces from the most approved English authors, are generally of an instructive character, and an unexceptionable moral tendency. 31.-Matrimony; or, Phrenology and Physiology Applied to the Selection of Congenial Companions for Life; including Directions to the Married for Living together Affectionately and Happily. By O. S. FOWLER, Practical Phrenologist, etc., etc. New York: Fowler & Wells. We have no doubt that the adoption of Professor Fowler's principles of selecting "congenial companions for life" would be far more productive of the felicities sought for in the matrimonial alliance than the principles that too generally govern our choice in this all-important matter. We think, moreover, that were the motto which Mr. Fowler has placed in his title-page, "Natural Waists, or no Wives," adopted, we should soon find a new race of beings. It is a good book-full of common-sense suggestions and its counsels, if heeded, would do more to promote moral reform than all the societies, instituted for that purpose, in Christendom. 32.-The Poetical Writings of the late Willis Gaylord Clark. First complete edition. New York: J. S. Redfield. These poems, collected from the various periodicals in which they were originally published, have many admirers. They are sweet expressions of the pure and gentle spirit of the author; and, to quote from a friendly critic, they "flow in melody from a heart full of the sweetest affections, and upon their surface is mirrored all that is gentle and beautiful in nature, rendered more beautiful by the light of a religious imagination." Devoid, however, of that spirit of the "living present," so full of hope in, and for humanity, which appears in Longfellow, Lowell, Mackay, and others of the same stamp, their circle of admirers must gradually diminish. This handsomely-printed volume, of nearly three hundred pages, with its fifteen tales and sketches, is reproduced in its present form without preface, note, or comment, with this simple and characteristic inscription, "To Anna Loring, the Child of my Heart." The stories, many of them, at least, have been published in the periodicals of the day, the Columbian and other Magazines. Mrs. Child is a true woman, with a heart full of the largest sympathies for the whole human race; and her imagination and fancy-indeed, whatever of talent or genius she possesses-all harmonize with that innate goodness which pervades a life of Love and Duty. The "fact and fiction" of these agreeable tales and sketches are alike full of truth and beauty, and will interest the pure and simple-hearted as well as the most cultivated and progressive minds. 34.-Greenwood Illustrated; in a Series of Picturesque and Monumental Views, in Highly Finished Fine Engraving, from Drawings taken on the Spot. By JAMES SMILLIE. The Literary Department by N. CLEVELAND. Parts I. and II. New York: Published by R. Martin. The plan of this work is excellent, and the manner in which it has, thus far, been carried out, creditable in the highest degree to all concerned. The numbers already published give promise of a degree of pictorial excellence that has not, so far as we have seen, been excelled, and, we have little hesitation in adding, been equalled, on this side of the Atlantic. The two parts before us contain six engravings, accompanied with appropriate letter-press descriptions. Four parts more will complete the work, which is furnished to subscribers at fifty cents each, or three dollars for the entire work. We cheerfully give our unqualified testimony as to the fidelity of the views; and the pen and pencil show us how art and nature are combining at "Greenwood" to form an attractive and fitting place of burial. We shall refer to this beautiful work again. 35.-The Architect; a Series of Designs for Domestic and Ornamental Cottages, connected with Landscape Gardening, adapted to the United States. Illustrated with Drawings of Ground-Plots, Plans, Perspective Views, Elevations. Lectures, and Details. By WILLIAM H. RANLETT, Architect. Parts I. and II. New York: William II. Graham. This work is designed to supply a systematic treatise on rural architecture, with scientific and practical developments of various styles adapted to the United States. Each design consists of a groundplot, the several flower plans, two geometrical elevations, and framing, and all the necessary working plans-accompanied by full specifications and estimates of all materials, labor, &c., required for the construction, and the necessary descriptions and directions. The ground-plots contain topographical views of the gardens and other grounds connected immediately with the residence. The two numbers are handsomely executed, and give promise of a most valuable contribution to this department of the arts. Three numbers more will complete the first volume. Each number contains six plates, from drawings on stone, in the first style of tinted lithography. Such a work will be useful, not only to the professional architect, but to the private citizen. 36.-My Own Treasury; an Illustrated Gift-Book for Young Persons. Edited by MARK MERRIWELL. New York: Wiley & Putnam. This very handsome book has quite an English look; and we more than half suspect it one of the first-fruits of the new tariff. Be that, however, as it may, its one hundred engravings are very cleverly designed and executed, and the tales, sketches, and histories, happily blend whatever is attractive in narrative, and graphic in description. It will prove a most attractive “Christmas-book" for the little folks. ART. CONTENTS OF NO. II., VOL. XVI. ARTICLES. PAGE I. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF NAVIGATION AND NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, No. IV. New series. By Gen. H. A. S. DEARBORN, of Massachusetts, author of "A Memoir of the Commerce and Navigation of the Black Sea, and the Trade and Maritime Geography of Turkey and Egypt," etc......... II. TRADE AND COMMERCE OF NORWAY,.. ..... 131 138 152 III. MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE.-SOCIETY ON THE BASIS OF MUTUAL INSU- ...... 172 VL MINERAL RESOURCES OF MISSOURI. Mineralogical Observations in the State of Missouri. By Dr. LEWIS FEUCHTWANGER, of New York,.. VII. THE LEAD REGION. BY CHARLES LANMAN, Esq., of New York,. 177 181 MERCANTILE LAW CASES. Decision in the Court of Common Pleas of England,.. Principal and Factor Consignment-Advances-Sale,... COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW, 182-183 .......... 182 EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLustrated WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: Commercial Legislation-The Sub-Treasury-Scarcity of American Coins-Importance of a Sound National Coinage-United States Government Stock Prices-Treasury Notes-Leading Features of the Banks of Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, and New York-Exports from the Port of New York-Price of Flour in New York, at the close of each month-Exports of Certain Articles to Great Britain-Receipts and Exports of Flour at New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, 1845, '46-Receipts of Produce at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1841, '42, '43, '44, 45, '46-Ohio Canal Tolls, 1842, 43, 44, 45, '46-Shipments of Flour and Wheat from 184-193 Michigan-Receipts on New York Canals, at Tide-water, etc., etc.,.... |