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engaged. Poised upon the light scaffolding aloft, hundreds of painters were noiselessly yet actively clothing alike the perpendicular and the horizontal frame-work of the building in a varied and cheerful garb. Towards the eastern extremity, stupendous pieces of mechanism, cast-iron beams, bright polished rods and wheels, and globes of burnished ass, drawn by many horses, were borne along on wagons and trucks to the restingplace prepared for them, where deep broad beds of concrete awaited their ponderous approach. By similar agencies, hydraulic presses of unexampled magnitude, pumps upon novel principles and of marvelous proportions, brewing machines, organs, collossal statues, enormous bells, monster telescopes, locomotive engines of matchless speed, were in process of conveyance from point to point, amid the shouts of men, the din of hammers, and the clangor of metal. Yet, from the midst of all this clamor, bustle, and chaos, here and there magnificence and beauty were bursting their cerements and emerging into light. Towering forms were daily seen to peer with majestic composure upon the turmoil below, as if proud of their own existence and of the imposing circumstance and character of their appearance. At length the preparatory labor began to diminish, the task assigned to each individual committee or sub committee was accomplished-in some cases indifferently, in others happily and satisfactorily.

Such might be the history of the great event in language such as he may employ whose duty it may be to comment upon it after the long lapse of centuries.

Let us now hasten back on the lapse of centuries, and inspect the result with the eyes of men of our own day.

The long and anxiously anticipated 1st of May has arrived! A vast cortège, composed of wellappointed and costly equipages, has suddenly supplanted the unwieldly chain of wagons, trucks and carts that, for weeks past, have all but rendered impassable the avenues and roads leading to the Park. Tens of thousands of spectators, eager to witness the cavalcade, converge in dusky lines athwart the green plain and along the gravelroads. Entering, with the privileged and aristocratic, as the portals are opened on the above momentous day at the central southern gateway, our readers will, in imagination, behold before them a lofty fountain,

"Chasing the sultriness of the day,
As, springing high, the silvery dew
In whirls fantastically flew,
And flung luxurious coolness round

The air, and freshness o'er the ground."

They may now turn either to the right, and in

spect the gorgeous contributions of India, or to the more quaint, curious, but not less ingenious devices from the Celestial Empire, lavishly displayed upon the left. Among the former are included magnificent shawls from Cashmir, Persia, and Nepaul, brilliant in colour, intricate in design, yet with every tint so harmoniously arranged and artistically contrasted that they may well long be dwelt upon with admiration and wonder. Here, too, are specimens of goldsmiths' work that would put to shame, for lightness and delicacy of execution, any of the vaunted jewelry of Europe-gems that must excite the astonishment and cupidity of many beholders.

From China the textile tissues of silk, the embroidery, the elaborate and exquisite carvings in ivory, in wood, and in coral, the natural and artificial productions in infinite variety, have been liberally supplied.

Further on, we pause for a while before the shelves and walls adorned with the productions of Greece and the Levant; and it must certainly be admitted that the subjects of the Sultan, though in some respects avowedly far behind the rest of the world, are in other manufactures infinitely beyond them. Italy, Spain and Portugal demand no mean share of our attention, next arrested by Belgium as we pass by the precincts of the southern to those of the north ern States Flanders, as Tristram Shandy terms it, "the old prize-fighting stage" of Europe, at first sight seems to have presented articles that speak more of the doings of war than of commerce and peace; but her contributions and those of the northern continent of Europe are altogether eclipsed by the magnificence, richness, and variety of our neighbors the French.

The most beautiful porcelain of Sevres, the costliest tapestry of the Gobelins, the most marvelous carpets from the looms of Aubusson, Parisian cabinet-work, marqueterie, bronzes, and bijouterie, together with the velvets and silks of Lyons, unsurpassed in the world, are crowded here. Even the very fittings on which these treasures are displayed themselves merit more than a passing glance ere we proceed to criticise the more solid productions of Holland. Con spicuous among these we find a silvery-toned chime of bells, candelabra, vases, goblets remarkable for the taste with which they have been moulded and adorned; though in this hasty tour we must leave the minute consideration of them to enter the suite of spacious rooms fitted up with furniture from Vienna; sideboards, tables bookcases, fauteuils covered with a profusion of carving, so exquisitely wrought that it may be questioned whether Grinling Gibbon himself be

not here excelled-trophies of ponderous arms, || foliage so light that it seems almost to float upon the air, heaps of autumnal fruit, bouquets of sum: mer flowers, only needing their appropriate color to deceive the most practiced eye.

But stay. In close proximity to the vast octagonal hall inclosing the emblems of the industry of the Zollverein, her Majesty and the illustrious group in attendance upon her are offering the mute though eloquent tribute of their admiration to a collossal lion of bronze, a mighty emanation from the genius and foundry of Munich. Never before was the truculent quadrupedal monarch represented so truthfully as here. Beneath the dusky hide, the giant bones here and there protrude, clothed though they be in other parts with a due proportion of brazen muscle and metallic sinew. The creature's head alone is a study. The half-furtive, half-ferocious expression of the eye and lip-the dauntless brow, with the shaggy mass of mane enveloping the cranium-the tremendous development of chest-the firm protrusion of the mighty limbs-impart to the whole statue an air of reality and life that has rarely been approached before.

In immediate contiguity to this formidable monster is the representation of a young lady whose position not even the most courageous can envy. Evidently not deeply indebted to the milliner for her costume, or the saddler for her accoutrements, and mounted, en cavalier, upon a fiery steed, the dauntless damsel is preparingnot with a light whip to remove a fly from his arched neck, but-with comparative composure and determination, to transfix a tiger of no ordinary magnitude, whose intentions to breakfast upon her horse's shoulder are sufficiently apparent. It has never been our fate to witness a similar incident; it might therefore savor of presumption to criticise too minutely the daring effort either of the sculptor or of the dark equestrian. Most of our fair readers and riders, however determined their disposition or great the affection for their favorite, would, we opine, be inclined to abandon him to his fate if thus assailed, rather than enter upon so unequal a contest.

Russia has had assigned to her an extent of space proportionate to her territorial immensity and the performances of her sons indicate, on their part, indomitable perseverance, patience and ingenuity. Democratic America, in unnatural proximity to the possessions of the Czar, engages the beholder more from the utilitarian character than from the extraordinary beauty and taste displayed in her supplies, although she scarcely occupies her original superficial allotment.

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It is stated that the Swiss have evinced the greatest amount of mechanical ingenuity and manual dexterity. There is a pen-holder from Geneva, of no more than ordinary dimensions, yet containing within its minute tubular concavity a train of watchwork, wound up by a little stud at the side, and showing not only the exact minute and hour, but the day of the week and month. A still more complicated piece of machinery is that contained in a musical-box in which an entire military band, admirably modelled and characterised by the most life-like movements, are seen performing numerous recent and difficult specimens of modern music. A golden pocketbook, adorned with exquisite miniature-paintings and landscapes, incloses, within a very narrow compass, a chronometer and a secret receptacle either for a treasured portrait or a cherished lock. The varieties, however, from the several Cantons are exceedingly numerous, and each beautiful of its kind. Many days might profitably be passed in studying these Helvetic works alone.

In the British portion of the edifice, are to be seen statues of every dimension; fountains even more imposing than those in Trafalgar square; models upon a grand scale of various public undertakings; an achromatic telescope elaborately mounted, with object glass twelve inches in diameter; an enormous dome cast in iron at Colebrook Dale; endless varieties of silken tissue of every hue and texture; dazzling arrays of the cutlery of Sheffield, from the heavy dragoon's trenchant-blade to the schoolboy's pocket-knife; a pair of resplendent shears, more than a cubit in length, with the bows and shank richly ornamented with a diversity of graceful patterns, all wrought out of the cold metal by the file alone, the blades being also elaborately chased by the graver's hand. The steam-engines, marine, bucolic, stationary and portable, the lathes, hydraulicpresses, gas generators, brewing machines, pumps, and agricultural implements, from their number and diversity, and the space that even a brief notice of them would occupy, we are compelled to pass without comment.

This great event will mark a new era in the history of mankind. One of the most immediate and probable of its effects is the cementation of the bonds of peace. In former times, or in another country, this remarkable demonstration could hardly have occurred. The ordinary difficulties and charges of traveling constituted of themselves, till lately, an insuperable impediment. The innumerable and impolitic restrictions, insecurity of property, and instability of government, would amount almost to a prohibition elsewhere even now. It will also be inter

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esting, in a philosophic point of view, to note the consequences upon the different ranks and denominations of men. The assemblage will be motely enough; their opinions, tenets, views, feelings, religions as varied as their complexions

and physiognomies, and characters. It will be hard, indeed, if some important end does not spring from the temporary yet peaceful collision into which they will be brought.

TRUE greatness is the offspring of real goodness. No man can be truly great without being really good The one is inseparably connected with the other. As the moon is to the sun, so is greatness to goodness; each receives light and beauty from the other. That which is usually called greatness we think lightly of, because it is only an empty sound. It is generally associated with those good, but mis used words, power, glory, and, wealth. Princes, heroes, and capitalists, are its representatives; and the mean, the idle, and the sordid, are its worshipers. We do not deny that many belonging to these classes have possessed those elements of greatness which are beginning to be recognized and appreciated by society; but we may safely say, that the greater part of them have been strangers to them. How many who have sat on thrones, commanded armies, and possessed millions of money, have embodied in themselves every feature of vice and wickedness! Their deeds oppressed humanity, and their names are a blot on the page of history. Grecian, Roman, and even English history abounds with instances of the so-called great, whose lives were marked by the foulest crimes, and the filthiest conduct. They were a personification of evil, patterns of folly, vice, and crime; and their memories will be loathed by the latest posterity.

The standard by which men have usually been measured and pronounced great, is a false one, and we rejoice that it is rapidly coming into disMen are beginning to be valued by their

use.

mental and moral worth. The riches of the mind and the wealth of the heart are the principal elements in that greatness which we desire to see universal. The peasant in his cottage may possess more of true greatness than the monarch in his palace. Genius may inspire his mind, and virtue inflame his heart; nobility may be impressed on his brow, and beauty beam in his eye; the voice of praise may sound in his ear, and the pen of the historian record his works of faith, and labor of love; whilst his princely neighbor, whose only boast is of power, wealth and ancestry, is a plague-spot in creation. He can truly say, “I am creation's heir; the world-the world is mine!" This is not an imaginary picture; it is exemplified in the lives of many of our countrymen. It gives us peculiar pleasure to have to state, that there is also a large class of the noble and wealthy who are embodying in their lives the true and genuine principle of greatness. They value power and wealth only in proportion as it gives them the means of ministering to the happiness of the poor and the miserable. Royalty and nobility have condescended to associate with the peasant and the mechanic, and to patronize the humble efforts of the poor sons of Genius. These are delightful signs of the times, and they cannot be over estimated; class-distinctions, titles and wealth, are all becoming insignificant, even in the eyes of those who are honored with them-in comparison with the noble dignity and excellence of religious virtue and intellect.

with 2 Tim. 4: 8; the sayings of Christ in the Evangelists with the sayings of Christ in the Apocalypse, &c. These are collected in a tabular form, side by side, with much ingenuity, and are often exegetically suggestive. First Impressions of England and its People. By Hugh Miller, is the title of a new work by GOULD & LINCOLN of Boston. Mr. Miller has become known in this country through the medium of several erudite and spirited scientific treatises which reveal one of the most vigorous, manly writers of the age. Clear and logical in thought, and masculine in expression, his style takes hold of the reader with a strong grasp. They are quite in a new vein of scientific writing, and have proved very popular. This work records his first impressions of England, and is replete with pleasant wonder, shrewd criticism, and entertaining information. His remarks on the geological examinations he made are highly valuable, in a scientific point of view; while the general reader will find gratification in his observations on men and things at large.

Dictionary of Sacred Quotations, by Rev. H. Hastings Weld. published by LINDSAY & BLACKISTON of Philadelphia. It is a collection, in alphabetical form, of admirable selections from the whole range of English Poetry, of passages relating to biblical or religious subjects, usually brief, and designed to facilitate quotation. They constitute a highly pleasing body of poetry on exalted themes. The selection evinces great familiarity with literature and good taste in adopting them.

A work of great value, as well as interest has been published by E. WALKER, 114 Fulton Street-the History of the Protestants of France, by G. De Felice, Montaubanrelating to a most exciting and eventful period. It has all the interest of romance. The Reformation put on some of its most chivalric aspects in France. The quick intelligence and energetic character of the French were favorable not only to the reception, but the valiant defense of the truth. Some of the most eloquent defenders, most heroic martyrs, most astute and large-minded theologians, and most valiant soldiers that Protestantism has ever called into life, sprang from the soil of France. The history of the Reformation, at least up to the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and its immediate consequences, is a continued romance, crowded with brilliant efforts, noble sacrifices, and astonishing successes. Prof. De Felice has treated the subject in a manner at once erudite and thorough bringing out all the principal incidents and personages of the period, and presenting them in an orderly and perspicuous narrative. There are many eloquent passages, particularly in the portraiture of characters. It is well translated by Dr. Lobdell of Pittsfield, and forms a beautiful and valuable volume.

Dealings with the Inquisition, by Rev. Giacinto Achilli.-A handsome 12mo, from the press of the HARPERS, which will be read with thrilling interest by those who recall the interesting history of Dr. Achilli, and of his escape from the Inquisition. Besides being a painfully interesting sketch of personal trials and perils, it is a most valuable and spirit-stirring picture of the real nature of Popery, and refutation of all its pretenses to advancement and increasing liberality. The work indicates, too, a mind of high order, stored with varied learning, and under the guidance of noble impulses and manly piety.

Universal Atlas, by Messrs. THOMAS COWPERTHWAITE & Co., of Philadelphia.-The maps are drawn with wonderful precision and distinctness-every State of the Union by itself, and clearly divided into counties, indicating every important town, road, railroad, river, and canal, accompanied also with plans of most of the cities. They are strongly outlined, beautifully colored, and corrected up to

the very latest as well as minutest changes. The maps of other governments on our continent are also numerous, and very full and complete; while those of foreign lands are superior to any this side of the water. As the world goes, no one can get along without an atlas. The newspaper has become well-nigh unintelligible without the light which a good map throws upon it. Names of far-off lands, and unknown cities and localities, are constantly occurring, which are more than Greek to the reader who has not an intimate knowledge of the geography of the whole world before him. Every family ought to have one-almost as religiously as a Bible. The comfort and light which a constant access to a good atlas would impart, can hardly be estimated. And as none but good ones are tolerable, it is a great boon to the reading world to have one so admirable in design, so comprehensive in scope, and so beautiful and clear in execution, as that published under the name of Mitchell's. In years to come, it must of necessity be the very first of the kind.

Life and Writings of Algernon Sydney; with Sketches of his Contemporaries, by G. Vantwoord, is a recent work from the press of Mr. SCRIBNER. It depicts an eventful, pure and beautiful life,-too idealistic for the times he lived in, or indeed for political life at any time, yet so disinterested, patriotic and large-hearted, as to draw around itself a halo that mankind will always admire. Mr. V. enters warmly into his subject-admires so much as to become a partizan-thus proving himself a better biographer than historian. The selection from Sydney's writings, though brief, presents some touching memorials of his fine mind and generous spirit.

The Messrs APPLETON have published a school book entitled the Book of Nature, by Edward C. Marshall, which we can commend as unusally varied, tasteful, and complete for declamation and reading.

A valuable work on this subject has been put forth by Mr. Barry, a fruiterer and horticulturist in Rochester, entitled The Fruit Garden, and published by C. SCRIBNER. It has the appearance of great accuracy and completeness. It treats of four subjects connected with fruit-growing-the physiological structure and character of trees, modes of growth, diseases, and the proper soil for them: then, the growth of fruit-trees in the nursery; the plantation or laying out of gardens; and finally, a description of the most desirable kinds of uit. The discussions of these several topics are full an rspicuous; and they are illustrated by drawings. The ork is prepared for the practical use of every-day fruit wers, and is well adapted to communicate instruction intelligibly and accurately.

Rev. Dr. Alexander has been induced, by the public call, to abridge his learned and valuable Commentary on Isaiak, and now issues from the press of Mr. WILEY, the first volume of a new edition in 12mo. The omissions consist mainly of those parts which detailed the history of the interpretation of the passages; leaving all that pertained to the author's own view of the meaning, and to the proper illustration of it, contained in the larger work. As it is, the work is a fine specimen of the verbal commentary-concise, rigid, clear and learned. Dr. A. has decided opinions of his own, and is neither incapable nor afraid of stating them. A proper degree of dogmatism is an essential in the perfect commentator; the reader doubts an author's confidence in his own results, if he expresses them diffidently. Biblical students will not fail to possess this work, as it is now become a classic in hermeneutical literature, and has the solid qualities that entitle it to its reputation and place. And to Bible readers generally, it may be strongly commended as a work of great clearness and excellence, and thorough in its character.