THE SHAKSPERIAN READER: a collection &c., by John | been "butchered to make a London holiday." We com- mend the encounter to the ingenious person who parodies passages of Childe Harold for the Punch, and ask that he will give it to us in Spenserian verse, beginning with the stanza, "I see before me the Reviewer lie." But to the article. This is a very neat little volume, gotten up in the usual good style of these excellent publishers. We have no fault to find with type or paper. But we cannot approve the license which the compiler has confessedly assumed, of reducing his author to his own standard of decorum-substitu ting his own words for Shakspeare's-and cutting out the passages which are too strong for his taste. Selections are one thing-emasculated plays are another. Think of a man finding "synonymes" for Shakspeare's words! Did Mr. Howe ever hear of "gilding refined gold," or "paint-ble thing to our mind that Mr. Croker brings forward, is the ing the lily?" He evidently believes that he has been sinning. He inakes many apologies-says that to "do a great right," he has "done a little wrong"-admits that he may have "cut beyond the wound, to make the cure complete"-and pleads that he has high medical authority" for such treatment of desperate cases." Who told him that Shakspeare's was a desperate case? His own is much more so. He has done a great wrong, without any right at all: so that his Jesuit maxim shall not avail him Away with such mutilators! They would mar the Apollo 66 We have read Mr. Croker's review with some attention, and while we admit that he convicts Mr. Macaulay of occasional exaggeration, arising out of his antithetical style, we cannot see that he has succeeded in establishing any great fault in the History as a whole. The most remarkawondrous similarity between passages of Mackintosh and Macaulay, relating to the same events. This could scarcely have been accidental and yet Mr. Macaulay makes no acknowledgment of having borrowed anything from his predecessor. Mr. Croker quite fails, we think in sustaining his wholesale accusations of party prejudice and sometimes "falls on 'tother side" by convicting himself of the bitterest tory feelings. Some of his verbal objections to the History are altogether below the dignity of criticism and remind us of his complaint many years ago against Lord Bythat he called one of his poems, "The Bride of Auy ron, Belvidere, or the Greek Slave, because ladies and gentle-dos" when in point of fact the heroine was not a bride, but men don't like to study them in company: or perhaps they might encase the one in a sack coat and pantaloons, and surround the other with skirts and stomachers. Again, we say, down with such mutilators! We insist upon the integrity of the great masters. only about to be one. The Reviews have reached us through Messrs. Nash & Woodhouse, the Richmond agents, at whose store subscrip tions will be received. CHARACTERISTICS OF LITERATURE, Illustrated by the BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE and the FOREIGN REVIEWS. These sterling publications for the last few months have possessed more than usual interest. Blackwood still harps on the old string of legitimacy, so that its political strain We have before us, collected into a volume, the entire has somewhat jarred upon our ears, but there is no lack of series of Essays on literary characters, which Mr. Tuckstirring music of another character thrown out by master erman has contributed to the Messenger during twelve hands. Part XIII of "The Caxtons" appears in the June months past,-Sir Thomas Browne, John Sterling, Mark number, together with the first of the " Dies Boreales," in Akenside, Lamb and Keats, Channing, Swift, and Burke,— which we recognise Christopher North again. The Edin-together with three others, Shenstone, Roscoe, and Macauburgh, for April, contains a noble article on "The Vanity lay, and one written many years since on Charles Lamb as and the Glory of Literature," worthy of its best fame. But a Humorist. To the readers of the Messenger it is scarceperhaps the most striking paper of the day is the slashing ly necessary to say a word in praise of this most excellent criticism of Croker upon Macaulay, in the last number of book. We regard Mr. Tuckerman as one of the most the London Quarterly. In former times, we read in Frois- thoughtful and philosophical writers of our acquaintance, sart, there was a custom for gentlemen to rig themselves and we do not remember to have seen any book from his out in vizor and corselet, mount fiery steeds and ride at fullpen, that is not to be considered as a valuable acquisition speed at each other with lance in rest, for the purpose of to a library. There is a certain finish to his style that shows amusing "gay ladyes" by tumbling each other in the dust. At a much earlier period, there was even a more naughty practice, among the higher classes, of placing two brave men in the open space of an amphitheatre, and cheering them on to kill each other, amid the waving of scarfs and the pomp of regal festivity. Such things are no longer. The age of chivalry is gone. Gladiatorial exhibitions do not now delight civilized people. Nous avons changé tout cela. But we have a diversion of a no less cruel character. Two authors, "clad in complete steel," rush on to a conflict more stirring than any ever fought by knight or gladiator, in the lists or the arena. The Review is the field of engagement and the subscribers are the audience, who look on with the most engrossing interest for the result. This is always the same. Both are used up. It is an affair like the feline skirmish of Kilkenny, where nothing remains to mark the spot of the action. Such has been the case with Croker and Macaulay. In the pages of the Edinburgh and the Quarterly, both these accomplished litterateurs have the true scholar,-a finish derived from wide and intimate knowledge of books imparting a charm to every sentencewhile the reflections in which he indulges betray a habit of attentively observing the springs of human action. Mr. Tuckerman does not write books to order, as many of our modern author-craft do, and in his composition he has generally acted in accordance with a good old maxim touching conversation, long since obsolete,-be sure you have something to say before you open your mouth. The present volume is very handsomely printed and is for sale by A. Morris. We are indebted to Messrs. Robert Carter & Co., of New York for some of their recent publications which we shall take an early opportunity of noticing. This firm has become famous for the number of theological and devotional works which they send forth constantly from the press. THE SOUTHERN METHODIST PULPIT. Monthly: Original: Thirty-Two Pages in Each Number. I. A SERMON by some Southern Methodist minister; II. A PORTRAIT of some distinguished Methodist minister; a superior wood-cut; III. A PEN-AND-INK SKETCH accompanying the Portrait and giving biographical and descrip tive notices of the Subject; IV. ESSAYS on subjects of importance to Southern Methodists; V. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE; VI. Notices of LITERATURE. The second volume begins in July. Remit post-paid to Rev. Dr. Lee, Richmond, Virginia, Rev. Dr. Wightman, Charleston, South Carolina; Rev. J. B. McFerrin, Nashville, Tenn.; Rev. Chauncy Richardson, Houston, Texas; or to the Editor, June, 1849. CHAS. F. DEEMS, Newbern, N. C. A. MORRIS, SUCCESSOR TO DRINKER & MORRIS, Publisher, Bookseller, Stationer and Dealer in Piano Fortes. Is constantly supplied with the most important publications in every department of Literature. Tate's Digest of the Laws of Virginia, 1 vol., 8vo.. Tate's Analytical Digested Index of the Virginia Reports, 2 vols., 8vo. Tate's American Form Book, 1 vol., 12mo. Joynes on the Statute of Limitations, 1 vol., 8vo. Howison's History of Virginia, 2 vols., 8vo., bringing down the History of the State to the reErocession of Alexandria, 1847, He is the agent for the sale of the unrivalled Piano Fortes, manufactured by H. Worcester, of New York, and solicits an examination from purchasers. He is also the agent for the sale of the Magnificent Grand Pianos and Pianinos, manufactured by the celebrated Pianist, Henri Herz, Paris. WHICH IS THE BEST? The Salem Gazette says-" Richardson's is the most valuable Dictionary of the English Language, both for definitions and derivations." Again: The Oneida Whig is of the opinion, that "Richardson's is the most complete Dictionary that any language can boast." This Dictionary is styled by the London Quarterly Review, "A perfect mine of the English Language." The Chronicle and Democrat informs its readers, that nearly every publication in England and America has spoken of Richardson's Dictionary in the most exalted terms. We think the question is answered, so call on the agents, J. W.- RANDOLPH & CO., 121 Main Street, Richmond, and get a copy of Charles Richardson's new Dictionary of the English Language-1 or 2 vols. 4to., containing 2222 printed pages, in first rate binding. Orders for Books, Stationery or Music, will receive prompt attention if addressed to Books Bound, or Blank Books Mauufactured to order. J. W. RANDOLPH & CO. NOTICE. A Lady who has had much experience in teaching the higher English branches, French, Drawing and Painting, and who could teach the rudiments of Music, wishes to make an engagement in a private family. Address the Editor of the Messenger. LITTELL'S LIVING PROSPECTUS. AGE. This work is conducted in the spirit of Littell's so that much more than ever it now becomes. Museum of Foreign Literature, (which was fa- every intelligent American to be informed of the vorably received by the public for twenty years,) condition and changes of foreign countries. And but as it is twice as large, and appears so often, this not only because of their nearer connection we not only give spirit and freshness to it by with ourselves, but because the nations seem to many things which were excluded by a month's be hastening through a rapid process of change, delay, but while thus extending our scope and to some new state of things, which the merely gathering a greater and more attractive variety, political prophet cannot compute or foresee. are able so to increase the solid and substantial Geographical Discoveries, the progress of Colopart of our literary, historical, and political har-nization, (which is extending over the whole vest, as fully to satisfy the wants of the Ameri-world,) and Voyages and Travels, will be favorite matter for our selection: and, in general, we can reader. The elaborate and stately Essays of the Ed-shall systematically and very fully acquaint our inburgh, Quarterly, and other Reviews; and readers with the great department of Foreigu Blackwood's noble criticisms on Poetry, his keen affairs, without entirely neglecting our own. political Commentaries, highly wrought Tales, While we aspire to make the Living Age deand vivid descriptions of rural and mountain sirable to all who wish to keep themselves inScenery; and the contributions to Literature, formed of the rapid progress of the movementHistory, and Common Life, by the sagacious to Statesmen, Divines, Lawyers, and PhysiSpectator, the sparkling Examiner, the judicious cians-to men of business and men of leisureAthenæum, the busy and industrious Literary Gazette, the sensible and comprehensive Britannia, the sober and respectable Christian Observer; these are intermixed with the Military and Naval reminiscences of the United Service, and with the best articles of the Dublin University, New Monthly, Fraser's, Tait's, Ainsworth's, Hood's, and Sporting Magazines, and of Chambers' admirable Journal. We do not consider it beneath our dignity to borrow wit and wisdom from Punch; and, when we think it good enough, make use of the thunder of The Times. We shall increase our variety by importations from the continent of Europe, and from the new growth of the British colonies. it is still a stronger object to make it attractive and useful to their Wives and Children. We believe that we can thus do some good in our day and generation; and hope to make the work indispensable in every well-informed family. We say indispensable, because in this day of cheap literature it is not possible to guard against the influx of what is bad in taste and vicious in morals, in any other way than by furnishing a sufficient supply of a healthy character. The mental and moral appetite must be gratified. We hope that, by "winnowing the wheat from the chaff" by providing abundantly for the imagination, and by a large collection of Biography, Voyages and Travels, History, and more solid The steamship has brought Europe, Asia and matter, we may produce a work which shall be Africa, into our neighborhood; and will greatly popular, while at the same time it will aspire to multiply our connections, as Merchants, Travel-raise the standard of public taste. May, 1844. lers, and Politicians, with all parts of the world; TERMS. The LIVING AGE is published every Saturday, Any number may be had for 123 cents; and it by E. LITTELL & Co., Boston; Price 124 cents may be worth while for subscribers or purchasers a number, or six dollars a year in advance. Re-to complete any broken volumes they may have, mittances for any period will be thankfully recei-and this greatly enhance their value. ved and promptly attended to. Clubs, paying a year in advance, will be sup plied as follows: Four copies for Twelve " 46 66 $20.00 Monthly parts. For such as prefer it in that form, the Living Age is put up in monthly parts, containing four or five weekly numbers. In this shape it shows to great advantage in comparison with other works, containing in each part double the matter of any of the quarterlies. But we recommend the weekly numbers, as fresher and fuller of life. The volumes are published quarAny volumé may be had separately at two dol-terly, each volume containing as much matter as lars, bound, or a dollar and a half in numbers. a quarterly review gives in eighteen months. Complete sets, in nineteen volumes, to the end of 1848, handsomely bound, and packed in neat boxes, are for sale at $2 a volume. To insure regularity in mailing the work, all orders should be addressed to E. LITTELL & CO., BOSTON. Savage's life, 459 PAGE. 1. The Panama Rail-Way and the Gulf of Mexico. Surveys of the Isthmus. Moro's Survey unreliable. Survey of Lieut. Leigh: the routes via Tehuantepec and via Panama-the Rail-Road consid ered commercially,-The Seas and River basins of the old and new world compared. Benefits likely to result to the Pacific Whale Fisheries from a connection across the Isthmus. The Cotton Trade. Reflections on the destiny of America. 441 2. Richard Savage. By H. T. Tuckerman. The Literary Adventurer portrayed. works and character. 7. A Day in Dalarne. By the Author of "Glimpses at Europe during 1848." Scenery of Northern Sweden, The Village of Leksand; Lake Siljan ; breach of hospitality in the village Prost; Watercure-Establishment; Ride to Rattvik; The young postillion; Rattvik Church, its services and congregation; return of the people to their homes by the Lake: A Regatta: Mora, Recollections of Gustavus Wasa. 8. The Streets. (Extract from an Unpublished work.) By Ik. Marvel. 9. From our Paris Correspondent. Political complexion of the Republic-the War upon RomeNew Gironde under the lead of Dufaure. Marriage in Paris now made a matter of business. Weyer's Cave. By the Rev. J. Newton Brown. 516 NOTICES OF NEW WORKS. THIS WORK IS PUBLISHED IN MONTHLY NUMBERS AVERAGING SIXTY-FOUR PAGES EACH, at five DOLLARS, PER ANNUM, INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE. RICHMOND, VA. MACFARLANE & FERGUSSON. GENERAL COLLECTORS FOR THE LITERARY MESSENGER. Wm. Gouldin, General Agent and Collector for Virginia. Thomas L. Jones is our General Collector for the States of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana. Israel E. James, is our General Travelling Agent, for the following States, District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas-assisted by James K. Whipple, Wm. H. Weld, O. H. P. Stem, John B. Weld, T. S. Waterman, R. A. Henry, John Collins, James Deering, and Isaac D. Guyer. Henry M. 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