8.-The Occult Sciences. The Philosophy of Magic, Prodigies, and Apparent Miracles. From the French of EUSEBE SALVERTE. With Notes, Illustrative, Explanatory, and Critical. By ANTHONY TOED THOMPSON, M. D., F. L. S., &c. In two volumes, pp. 332 and 315. New York: Harper & Brothers' New Miscellany, XXII. and XXIII.

Science, with severe investigation, is doing much to brush away the credulity of the past. From the most ancient times, men of superior intellect, desirous of enthralling the human mind, have adduced miracles and prodigies as the certain proof of their missions, and as the inimitable works of the divinities whom they revered. A considerable portion of these volumes is occupied in tracing many of the extraordinary apparent miracles of antiquity to mechanical and scientific sources. Far from presenting merely a collection of falsehoods and folly, the most marvellous or incredible pages of history here open to us the archives of a learned and mysterious policy, which some wise men in every age have employed to govern the human race; to lead to misfortune or to happiness; to greatness or to degradation; to slavery or freedom. The work is philosophical, without being infidel; and is, on the whole, one of the most deeply interesting and instructive books that have been published during the past year.

1.-The Farmers' Companion; or, Essays on the Principles and Practice of American Husbandry. With an Address prepared to be delivered before the Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of New Haven County, Connecticut; and an Appendix, containing Tables, and other matters useful to the Farmer. By the late Hon. JESSE BUEL, Conductor of The Cultivator." Sixth edition, revised and enlarged. To which is prefixed a Eulogy on the Life and Character of Judge Buel. By AMOS DEAN, Esq. 12mo., pp. 335. New York: Harper & Brothers.

Agriculture lies at the foundation of every other pursuit-Commerce and Manufactures are its handmaids. The latter prepares its products for use, and the former distributes them to consumers at home and abroad. Few men have done more than the author of this volume to diffuse accurate information among the farmers of America. The system of agriculture, with which the name and reputation of Judge Buel is essentially identified, and which is unfolded in this excellent manual, consists in sustaining and strengthening the soil, while its productive qualities are put in requisition, and in rendering the farm every year more valuable, by annually increasing its products and its power of producing. These principles Judge Buel tested by a practical application to his own farm-a circumstance that greatly enhances the value of his system of farming.

8-The Lives of Vasco Nunez de Balboa, the Discoverer of the Pacific Ocean; Hernando Cortes, the Conqueror of Mexico, and Francisco Pizarro, the Conqueror of Peru. Iemo., pp. 276. New York: Harper & Brothers.

We have, in this little volume, a comprehensive account of the liyes and exploits of three of the most remarkable navigators and adventurers who followed Columbus in his track to the New World. The reader who follows these bold voyagers, cannot fail to obtain some knowledge of the geography of South America, while the perusal of their adventures will make him acquainted with the character of the bold and enterprising men of the Spanish nation at that interesting period.

-Letters on Astronomy, addressed to a Lady; in which the Elements of the Science are familiarly explained in connection with its Literary History With numerous engravings. By DENISON OLMSTED, LL. D., Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy in Yale College. 12mo., pp. 414. New York: Harper & Brothers.

There is not, perhaps, in the whole range of human knowledge, a more interesting or ennobling study than that of Astronomy. What more emphatically “declares the glory of God" than the harmony which pervades the heavenly bodies, the suns and systems of the universe. It is the design of these familiar letters, which are divested, as far as possible, of all that is technical, to inspire a taste for the study of the science. The epistolary style affords scope for that familiar illustration so needful in teaching astronomy, and permits the introduction of interesting historical and biographical sketches, which tend to enliven the subject, and to enrich the mind of the learner with a variety of pleasing and valuable information.

10.-The Useful Arts, considered in connection with the Applications of Science: with numerous engra vings. By JACOB BIGELOW, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica in Harvard University; author of "The Elements of Technology," etc. etc. 2 vols., 12mo. New York: Harper & Brothers. These volumes were originally published under the sanction of the Massachusetts Board of Education. The work embraces an account of the principles, processes, and nomenclatures of the more conspicuous arts; particularly those which involve applications of science, and which are considered useful, by promoting the benefit of society, together with the emoluments of those who pursue them. The best and most recent authorities were consulted in the preparation of the work; and the author seems to have embodied, in a clear and comprehensive manner, a mass of useful information on a great variety of subjects connected with the arts, which is well adapted for the improvement of the popular mind.

11.-Poems. By THOMAS BUCHANAN READ. 12mo., pp. 124. Boston: William D. Ticknor & Co. This little volume of poems is not without merit. The versification is generally natural, and the author possesses several of the requisites of a true poet. Some of the poems are beautiful in conception, and happy in execution; while there are others that scarcely rise above mediocrity.

12. Encyclopædia of English Literature: a Selection of the Choicest Productions of English Authors, from the Earliest to the Present Time, connected by a Critical and Biographical History. Elegntly illustrated. Edited by ROBERT CHAMBERS, Editor of the Edinburgh Journal," "Information for the People," etc. In two volumes. Vol. I.-Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. Three numbers of this excellent reprint have been published, covering two hundred and seventy-si pages, and embracing "a concentration," (to quote the language of the prospectus,) "of the best productions of English intellect, from Anglo-Saxon to the present times, in various departments, set in a biographical and critical history of the literature itself." The whole work is to be completed in sixteen semi-monthly numbers, at twenty-five cents each; forming two large imperial octavo volumes of seven hundred piges each, double column letter-press. The fourteen hundred pages of the work contain an amount of matter equal to twenty-five volumes of Harper's Family Library." The work is embellished with more than three hundred wood engravings of the heads of the principal authors, and of interesting events connected with their history and writings. It will enable the reader to obtain, in a comparatively short period, a more accurate knowledge of the history and progress of English literature than could be gathered, in an ordinary life time, from hundreds of volumes. Its intrinsic value, and low price, should secure it a place in every family library; and we hope to see It introduced into the ten thousand District School Libraries of New York.

13.-Hudibras. By SAMUEL BUTLER. With Notes, and a Literary Memoir, by the Rev. TREADWAY RUSSELL NASH, D. D. 18o., pp. 498. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The high rank which this remarkable poem takes in English literature is too well known to require a critical notice in this place, were we capable of giving it. The present edition is, perhaps, the most correct and complete that has ever been published, as it certainly is the most beautiful that has been produced in this country. It is printed in a handsome, legible type, and on good paper; uniform with similar works from the same publishers. It is illustrated with the portraits of several distinguished men who figured in the time of the poet, and who are referred to in the poem. Difficulties in language and customs, etc., prevalent at the time the work was written, are obviated or overcome by the copious annotations of the learned editor. It is justly considered the scholar's edition of "Hudibras." 14.-Margaret Percival. By the author of “Amy Herbert," "Gertrude," " Laneton Parsonage." etc. Edited by the Rev. WILLIAM SEWELL, B. D., Fellow and Tutor of Exeter College, Oxford. 2 vols. 12mo., pp. 283 and 303. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The author of this story of domestic life is understood to be a daughter of the learned and scholarly editor. The previous productions of her pen, most of which have been reproduced in this country by the publishers of these volumes, and form part of their "Literary Miscellany," (an admirable collection of recent works of merit,) have been well received. The narrative is not deficient in interest; and the gentle and Christian tone it is designed to promote, will secure for it a favorable reception in a circle that discard the trashy and demoralizing fictions of the day.

15.-Education: its Elementary Principles, founded on the Nature of Man. By J. G. SPURZHEIM, M. D., late of the Universities of Vienna and Paris, and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians in London. With an Appendix, by S. R. WELLS, containing a Description of the Temperaments, and a Brief Analysis of the Phrenological Faculties. Seventh American edition, improved by the author, from the third London edition. 12mo., pp. 334. New York: Fowler & Wells. The system of education inculcated and enforced by the great and good Spurzheim, based as it is upon the nature of man, must commend itself to every cultivated mind. The science of phrenology is destined to produce an entire revolution in education, morals, and religion; greater, if possible, than the early apostle of the science saw from the prophetic mountain that opened his vision to man's destiny in the future. This treatise should be studied by every parent who has at heart the physical and moral well-being of his offspring-the largest development of all the faculties bestowed on them by the great Creator. "Combs' Constitution of Man," a work of almost unrivalled popularity, it is said, was based on this excellent treatise. The appendix of Mr. Wells is a valuable addition to this work.

16.-Pauline Seward; a Tale of Real Life. By JOHN D. BRYANT. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 336 and 300 Baltimore: John Murphy.

This is a Catholic novel, the "dogmatical portions of which," says the author, "refer to eternal truths." Eclectic in our religion and our philosophy, if indeed we have "any to speak of," we endeavor to gather what we conceive to be good and true from all sects and all schools, and we frequently read the productions of minds as far apart as the East is from the West, with interest, and not, we hope, without instruction. So far are we Catholic, in what we conceive to be the highest acceptation of the term. The author of the present work inculcates, under the form of a narrative, what he honestly believes to be the highest truths of revelation and the Church to which he belongs; and our esteemed friend the publisher has sent it forth on its mission in two very handsomely printed volumes; and we would commend it to Protestant Christians who are desirous of ascertaining the arguments in favor of Catholicity, from an able and enlightened advocate. The narrative will interes the reader, if the inferences do not obtain the assent of his understanding.

17-Memsir of Robert Swain. 12mo., pp. 259. Boston: James Munro & Co.

We are told, in the brief and simple preface to this little volume, that a limited number of copies were originally printed, for the use of "Robert's friends, only ;" and that the interest felt in the sim ple and touching story of his life, and a wish for it to be allowed a more general circulation, have been so often and kindly expressed, that it is suffered to go forth freely on its mission of encouragement and instruction to the young. We can scarcely lay our hands on a book so full of moral truth and beauty; and we would have every youth in our land mark well these "foot prints in the sands of time" the apposite motto selected for the title page.

18.-Literary Studies: a Collection of Miscellaneous Essays. By WILLIAM A. JONES. Two volumes in one. Ičino., pp. 135 and 159. New York: Edward Walker.

We have in this country but few essayists. Our authors are all poets or novelists, or rather storySellers. The author of the present volume has made but little noise in the world, and seems to have devoted himself rather to "studies," in a quiet, unostentatious manner, than to gathering the laurels of fame from the high ways and by ways of literature. Although a confessed admirer of the British essayists-Bacon, Temple, Goldsmith, Shenstone, Mackenzie, Lamb, Hazlitt, and Leigh Hunt, we cannot discover that he copies the style of either. These essays are written in a clear and forcible style; and his views, though leaning to conservatism, are marked for moderation and candor. It is, on the whole, the best book of essays that has been published by an American for a long time. 19-Specimens of the Poets and Poetry of Greece and Rome. By Various Translators. Edited by WILLIAM PETER, A. M., of Christ Church, Oxford. 8vo., pp. 530. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. This splendid volume contains specimens of more than one hundred and twenty Greek poets, whose names are given in the index, besides a large number from uncertain authors, and something like thirty Roman poets. The selections from the Greek poets commence with Homer, about nine hundred and fifty years before Christ, and close with Democharis, a grammarian, and disciple of Agathias, about five hundred and sixty years after Christ. The Roman poets commence two hundred and thirtynine years before the Christian era, and close with Arienus, who flourished three hundred and eighty Fears after Christ. The selections are made by a gentleman of scholarly attainments and correct taste, who has added biographical notices of most of the poets. There is scarcely a book in our possession that we value more highly. It should find a place in every choice and well-selected library. 20.-The Rural Cemeteries of America; illustrated in a Series of Picturesque and Monumental Views, in Highly Finished Fine Engraving, from Drawings taken on the Spot. By JAMES SMILLIE, Esq. New York: R. Martin.

It will be perceived, by the title-page quoted above, that Mr. Martin has extended his original design of giving only a series of views of "Greenwood," and now proposes to embrace views taken from Mount Auburn, Boston; Laurel Hill, Philadelphia; Green Mount, Baltimore; Mount Hope, Rochester; the Albany Rural Cemetery, &c. The present number is confined to Greenwood, and contains views of Lawn-Girt Hill, the Tour from Ocean Hill, and Sylvan Cliff, with appropriate letter press illustrations. The interest manifested of late years in picturesque and beautiful resting-places for the dead, would seem to silence the oft-repeated assertion that America is a land for the living, only. We shall refer to this work again.

21.-The Estray; a Collection of Poems. By II. W. LONGFELLOW. 12mo., pp. 144. Boston: William

D. Ticknor & Co.

This little volume contains some sixty poems, selected from the poets of England and America, by our favorite Longfellow. With few exceptions, however, we think the genius of the poet transcends his taste as a compiler; and yet there is not an unworthy piece in the volume. Still, we prefer to select "beauties" for ourselves. But there are many who will appreciate the labors of the gifted compiler; to such, we commend the volume.

22-Philosophy in Sport Made Science in Earnest; being an Attempt to illustrate the First Principles of Natural Philosophy by the aid of the Popular Toys and Sports of Youth. From the Sixth (and greatly improved) London edition. 18mo., pp. 432. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

The object of the present work is to inculcate that early love of science which can never be derived from the sterner productions. The work was originally composed by the author for the exclusive use of his own children; and he would never, we are informed, have consigned it to press, but for the earnest solicitation of friends, on whose judgment he placed the utmost reliance. The illustrations are calculated to enlist the sympathies of the young, by the familiar and agreeable form in which they are exhibited. Great philosophic truths are rendered as attractive to the imagination and fancy of the young as the plays and sports with which the author has so happily blended them. 2.-The Elder's House; or, the Three Converts. 18mo., pp. 234. New York: Edward Dunigan. This is one of the very attractive volumes of "Dunigan's Home Library," the design of which is to inculcate, under the garb of the agreeable tale or narrative, the doctrines held and the duties enJoined by the Catholic Church. The stories embraced in the series, generally, will afford amusement for the Protestant, and instruction for the Catholic. The volumes comprised in this "Library," are produced in a most beautiful style: the paper is fine, the type distinct, and the binding in the best taste'

24.-The Supernaturalism of New England. By J. G. WHITTIER, author of "The Stranger in Lowell." Wiley & Putnam's "Library of American Books," No. XXVII.

It is really very pleasing at times to turn aside a little, from the stern, every-day, matter-of-fact occurrences of life, and with an unprejudiced, yet observing eye, note the strange events which are actually passing around us. We are apt to look back to the days of our forefathers as the time when superstition had a deeper hold on the heart than it now has; when a belief in the supernatural was far more universal than ever since-failing to notice in every new sect that springs into existence, how ready we are to welcome whatever is unknown. This is a racily written book, and one hard to be cast aside, when once taken up; for, from the warm and affectionate dedication to his sister, to the closing chapter, where he hopes the work will serve to while away some heavy hour-it is full of sparkling incident, shifting the scenes, as he himself says, in sudden transitions from the grave to the gay; from the grotesque to the ludicrous." 25.--The Potato Plant; its Uses and Properties, together with the Cause of the Present Malady, the Extension of that Disease to other Plants, the Question of Famine arising therefrom, and the best means of averting that Calamity. By ALFRED SMEE, F. K. S., Surgeon to the Bank of England, &c. &c. Illustrated with ten lithographs. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

If there was ever a demand for a valuable work upon an important subject, there certainly is one now for a candid, able work upon the potato disease. There is no one that does not feel interested in this matter, which is now affecting so vitally the happiness of millions; from the humble laborer to whom the potato has long been the most economical source of food, through all ranks back to the farmer whose interests are more immediately affected. All are concerned; and to each we would recommend a perusal of the above work, emanating from a country where the disease exists to a vastly greater extent than with us; where, also, more time is devoted to momentous agricultural questions. The accompanying plates, numerous and well executed, render the work still more perfect, and combine to form an accurate, carefully prepared statement of all which pertains to, or results from, the present malady.

26--Chaucer and Spenser. In Two Parts. Part 1.--Spenser and the Faery Queen. By Mrs. C. M. KIRKLAND. Part 11--Selections from the Poetical Works of Geoffry Chaucer. By CHARLES D. DESHLER. Wiley & Putnam's Library of American Books. Nos. XXV., XXVI.

We are glad to announce that these ancient masters of English song are at length given to us in such a form, that whereas it has hitherto been a task to peruse them, it will now be a two fold pleasure-from the modernized spelling, on the one hand, and the beautiful type and clear paper made use of, on the other. Their beauties have been locked up from the mass of readers, and only the poet and the scholar have been willing to delve them out. Some readers might, at first, be led to object to these works, as "selections," but we would advise all such to read Mrs. Kirkland's remarks on this subject, in her preface, and we feel assured all will agree with her, that it is preferable to receive portion rather than nothing. We hope each will be induced to extend these volumes so as to include the complete works of each of these poets.

27.-Exchange Tables, invented for the sole purpose of pointing out the exact amount to be drawn in British Sterling to pay any amount of United States Currency, at the Current Rate of Exchange of the Time. By FREDERICK HERM. New York: P. A. Mesier & Co.

The author having been extensively engaged in the sale of British exchange for many years past, had frequent occasion to draw bills for the purpose (often on short notice) of paying for money advanced here on shipments, or collected for account of British correspondents, or for collections made on such accounts; but not finding among the many publications any one to afford the desired aid in making the necessary calculations, has invented and used these tables with great benefit and uniform success. They are simple in plan, and can be relied on for accuracy in the result, and will be found very useful to both sellers and buyers, besides saving a great deal of time, and guarding against errors in calculation.

28.-The Adopted Son; a Historical Novel. By J. VAN LENNEP, LL. D. Translated from the Dutch, by E. W. HOSKIN. 2 vols., 8vo., pp. 239 and 219. New York: Burgess, Stringer & Co.

This novel, which is said to be the first ever translated from the Dutch, is dedicated by Mr. Hoskin to the Duke of Wellington. It has been done with the desire of attracting a more lively attention to the literature of a country very imperfectly known. We have not, of course, found time to read it; but our knowledge of the translator, a gentleman of education and taste, inclines us to venture a favorable opinion, and to recommend it to novel-readers.

19.—Simmonds' Colonial Magazine and Foreign Miscellany. Edited by P. L. SIMMONDS, Esq., Fellow of the Staustical Society of London, etc., etc.

The January number of this standard periodical is replete with articles of value and interest. Wo know of no work in England that will compare with it on the score of solid, useful information, touching the history, geography, commerce, and resources of the British colonies in every part of the world. The New York Historical Society, in electing Mr. Simmonds, its editor, as a corresponding member, conferred upon that gentleman a compliment as just as it was well merited, and we feel quite sure that a more valuable member, or one of more general information on subjects connected with the objects of the Society, could not well have been selected from the residents of the "Great Metropolis."

CONTENTS OF NO. IV., VOL. XVI.

ARTICLES.

ART.

PAGE

I. COMMERCE OF CEYLON..

339

II. A CHAPTER ON COLONIAL CURRENCY, PRIOR TO THE YEAR 1739. By LORENZO NEELEY, of New York.....

....

344

III. COMMERCE IN THE STRAITS OF MALACCA: Embracing Notices of Malacca, Singapore, Prince of Wales Island, Province of Wellesley, etc. By J. BALESTIER, Esq., United States Consul at Singapore.....

IV. LOWELL: AND ITS MANUFACTURES..

V. THE GRANARY OF THE WEST. By J. W. ScOTT, of Ohio..........

.........

......

351

356

363

VI. THE MINES OF UPPER CALIFORNIA. By L. W. SLOAT, Esq., of New York......... 365 VII. PLANK ROADS-NEW IMPROVEMENT. By J. SNOW, Esq., of New York............ 367 VIII. COMMERCE OF RIO DE JANEIRO, FROM 1836 TO 1847.......

.........

IX. PRODUCTION OF SUGAR IN THE EAST INDIES: Embracing Extracts from an Unpublished Letter of J. BALESTIER, Esq., United States Consul at Singapore, to a Gentleman in the West Indies........

371

375

X. COMMERCIAL CODE OF SPAIN, No. III.-OF MARITIME TRANSPORTATION. Translated from the Spanish. By A. NASH, Esq., Counsellor at Law, of New York........ 378 XI. THE LAW OF DEBTOR AND CREDITOR IN MISSISSIPPI: And of the Prosecution of Actions in that State. By the Hon. BENJAMIN F. PORTER, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Alabama.........

379 XII. MERCANTILE BIOGRAPHY.-Late ROBERT THOM, British Consul at Ningpo........... 381 MERCANTILE LAW CASES.

Salvage. Decision of Judge Betts in the U. S. District Court, Southern District of New York....... 383 Collision.-Ship Northumberland and Schooner Louisa..... 386

COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW,

EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRATED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS:

The Prominent Features of Commercial and Financial Affairs during the month-Tonnage employed in Foreign Trade of every description, for the last twenty-six years-Rates of Freight from New York to Liverpool, 1844 to 1847-Ship-building in United States, from 1828 to 1846-Comparative Rates of Sterling Bills at New York and New Orleans-Exports of New York-Banks of New York-Issue of United States Treasury Notes-Deposits in United States Treasury-Rates of Continental Bills in London--Comparative Exchanges at London and Paris-Bank of England-Export of Breadstuffs, from 1844 to 1847, etc. etc......

387-393