19.-The Life of William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, Major-General in the Army of the United States during the Revolution, with Selections from his Correspondence. By his Grandson, WILLIAM ALEXANDER DUER, LL. D. Published for the New Jersey Historical Society. 8vo., pp. 272. New York: Wiley & Putnam. There are but few names in the course of our Revolution which were more distinguished than that of Lord Stirling. His history, and the history of the events through which he passed, possess a peculiar interest; for some of the most important scenes in the war were those in which Lord S. gained honor for himself and for his country. The battles of Germantown and of Monmouth-of Long Island, where be was taken prisoner, as also the many minor brilliant exploits planned and executed by him, all show how much his heart was engaged in the cause of freedom. We have to regret exceedingly the loss of some of the most valuable of Lord Stirling's correspondence, especially that of General Washington; but the selections which we have here possess an almost inestimable value. The neat manner in which the work is published is highly creditable to the New Jersey Historical Society; and we only hope that other works as valuable may follow this, their second volume. 20.-The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. By WILLIAM HAZLITT. In Six Parts. Nos. 87 to 92, of Library of Choice Reading. New York: Wiley & Putnam. All our works on the French Revolution take but one side of the question; Hazlitt, apparently from a conviction of right, has taken the opposite ground;--not that, in defending Napoleon, he justifies every excess committed; Robespierre, if living, would not do that; but he justifies everything he dares, and admitting the blame of the rest, throws it all upon the coalition, who ought not to have reduced the French to the necessity of massacring the suspected which filled their prisons. His views on these points are really curious; and the way in which he points out the errors committed, seems to show a willingness to have them repaired in some future attempt. It is the merit of this work that it stands alone, and supplies a deficiency in history hitherto unfilled; but "the man of one book" should rely upon another author than Hazlitt for his opinion of the life and times of Napoleon. 21.-Probabilities: an Aid to Faith. By the author of "Proverbial Philosophy." 12mo., pp. 106. New York: Wiley & Putnam. Few there are of our readers, we imagine, who have not at some time been delighted with those thrilling tales, "The Twins and Heart" and the "Crock of Gold," or who have not been instructed by a few lines from that well of thoughts, "The Proverbial Philosophy." Tupper's name has been so favorably known to the public, that a natural curiosity arises with his desirers to learn what uext of beauty, of love, and of kindness, he will communicate to them; and in this little work we see with how much of care one can reason with the sceptical, showing them that if they consider probabilities simply, then the great doctrines of the existence of a God, etc., etc., might reasonably be expected. It is but a small work; but in its few pages, there is stored much truth-much food for thought. The style is somewhat Carlyleish. 22.-The Spaniards and their Country. By RICHARD FORD, author of "The Hand-Book of Spain.” Nos. 94 and 95, of the Library of Choice Reading. New York: Wiley & Putnam. It is not till we take up a work like this of Mr. Ford's, that we discover how much may be learned of a people and their country in a book of travels. Not a page is wasted here in idle narrative, but it is all a mass of facts, and we carry away from its perusal more vivid impressions than are often derived from far more voluminous works. And yet, so far from wearying us, we part from him at last with regret, relieved, however, by the satisfaction derived from the consciousness of time well spent. Let any one, who suspects us of extravagance or partiality, take up the work and examine for himself, and before he is aware, he will be carried away with it, nor will his interest flag to the last-such is the peculiar vivacity of Mr. Ford's style. We know of no one book which gives us so full, clear, and accurate views of that remarkable country and its still more remarkable inhabitants. 23.-Chronicles of the Cid; from the Spanish. By ROBERT SOUTHEY. First American Edition. 8vo., pp. 486. Lowell: Daniel Bixby. The Chronicles of the Cid is wholly a translation, says Mr. Southey; but it is not the translation of any single work, but comprises three, the first of which was printed in 1552. The translator omitted such parts as relate to the general history of Spain, and incorporated with it whatever additional circumstances, either of fact or costume, are contained in the Cronica General, or the Poema del Cid. The poem is to be considered as metrical history, not metrical romance. The writer, whose name unfortunately has perished, is pronounced by Southey the Homer of Spain. The style of the translator resembles the Scriptural. It is a work that will interest the scholar and the antiquarian, and is, in every respect, one of the finest specimens of typographical elegance that we have seen; resembling in its appearance the handsomest productions of the British press. 24.-The Architect. By WILLIAM H. RANLETT. 4to., Nos. IV. and V. New York: W. H. Graham. We have heretofore expressed our opinion of this valuable publication. No. IV. contains two views, viz: a perspective view of the English cottage style, and a perspective view in the Grecian style; and in No. V. we have the celebrated Tudor style, which arose in England under the auspices of Henry VII. Each number has six plates, from handsome drawings on stone, in the first style of tinted lithography; and at the close of the number we find complete specifications and directions for building, and full estimates of the quantity of materials and labor required in their erection. 25.-An Analysis of the Principles of Equity Pleading, containing a Compendium of the Practice of the High Court of Chancery and the Foundation of its Rules; together with an Illustration of the Analogy between Pleadings at Common Law and in Equity. By D. G. LUBE, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister at Law. Second American, from the last London Edition, with Notes and References to American Cases. By J. D. WHEELER, Esq., Counsellor at Law. New York: Banks, Gould & Co. This work is a republication of the English edition, embracing the important topics of pleading and practice in equity, with notes and references to American cases. The American editor, in his preface, states "that those subjects are admirably condensed within the limits of this small volume; and yet they are so full in detail, that nothing of importance is omitted." The volume, itself, is compiled in a very condensed form; and, from the importance of the subject of equity jurisprudence in the various States of the Union, and the seeming value of the work, we doubt not that it will be favorably received by the legal profession. 26.-Lives of Edward Preble and William Penn. 12mo., pp. 408. Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown. This volume constitutes the twelfth number of the second series of the American Biography, conducted by Mr. Jared Sparks. The first sketch is the life of Edward Preble, by Lorenzo Sabine. Its subject was a prominent naval commander, originally from the State of Maine, and a commodore in the navy of the United States. From this well-compiled biographical sketch, it would appear that he maintained a high reputation during a long and active life, and performed signal services for his country. The life of William Penn, by George E. Ellis, exhibits the prominent facts connected with the career of the distinguished founder of Pennsylvania. The author has collected, from the abundant materials within his reach, the circumstances connected with this eminent individual, and has exhibited them in a clear and condensed form. We would here commend this valuable series of American Biography, as exhibiting authentic and judiciously compiled sketches of distinguished Americans, which may be consulted with equal pleasure and profit. 27.-Memoirs and Correspondence of Jane Taylor. By ISAAC TAYLOR, author of the "Natural History of Enthusiasm," "Fouchism," etc. 18mo., pp. 274. New York: Carter's Cabinet Library. The name of Jane Taylor has been associated with some of our earliest intellectual pleasures, if not with our first impressions of virtue and piety. Her writings have instructed the young, while they have afforded the purest, because most intellectual, delight. This little volume embraces a simple and appro priate memoir of her life, together with much of her private correspondence. Written by one who knew her intimately, it undoubtedly furnishes a correct delineation of her genius and her virtues. 28.-Correspondence between a Mother and her Daughter at School. By Mrs. TAYLOR and JANE TAYLOR. 18mo. New York: Robert Carter. For the purpose of conveying instruction to young people at school, the method of letters from a mother was adopted, as the most natural and convenient, and as most likely to engage the attention of those for whose use the volume is designed. The letters should be read by every boarding-school miss in the country. 29.-The Wyckliffites; or, England in the Fifteenth Century. By Mrs. Colonel MACKAY, authoress of the "Family at Heatherdale," etc., etc. 12mo., pp. 429. New York: Robert Carter. This story, founded on historical data, of a secular as well as religious character, does not treat of Wyckliffe's personal history, nor of the times in which he lived. Its design is to illustrate the tenets he taught, and to exhibit the influence they continued to exert over a succeeding generation; and with this view Mrs. Mackay has blended them with a historical narrative of the fifteenth century. The Wyckliffites had not only to endure reproach as heretics; and to risk the dangers that attended it;-they had also to bear their part in the troubles of their country, both in public and private life: and, although it brings to light no new facts, but simply revives the old, it presents them in a new and more attractive form. 30.-Physiology, Animal and Mental: applied to the Preservation and Restoration of Health of Body, and Power of Mind. By O. S. FOWLER, Practical Phrenologist, Editor of "The American Phrenological Journal," " Education and Self-Improvement," etc. 12mo., pp. 312. New York: Fowler & Wells. The moral tendency of Mr. Fowler's works, without, so far as we have seen, a single exception, is decidedly beneficial. Although not an elegant or finished writer, Mr. Fowler understands the art of enforcing truth with an eloquence and power quite irresistible. Phrenology is the key with which he unlocks the mysteries of human nature; and, with its principles as a guide, studies humanity in all its relations. In the present treatise, he shows that power of mind depends on vigor of body; and that the moral virtues are influenced-almost controlled-by physiological conditions. We should be glad, our limits admitting, to present an outline of the contents of this work; but must be content with merely commending it to our readers as well calculated to teach us how to "restore and enhance the blessings of health and life-and, above all, to promote moral excellence and intellectual progression." 31.-Encyclopædia of English Literature, &c. Edited by ROBERT CHAMBERS. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. We expressed our opinion as to the value of this work in the March number of this Magazine. We have since received two additional numbers, (III. and IV.,) which only tend to enhance our estimate of its excellence. It is a library in itself, embracing a practical history of English literature from the earliest to the present time. 32-A Universal Gazetteer; containing Statistical and Other Information of all the more Important Places in the Known World, from the most Recent and Authentic Sources. By THOMAS BALDWIN, assisted by several other Gentlemen. Third Edition. With an Appendix, containing more than Ten Thousand Additional Names. Accompanied by a Map, exhibiting the Canals and Railroads of the United States. 12mo., pp. 648. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blackstone. The distinguishing feature of this Gazetteer is, that it furnishes a uniform standard of pronouncing the names of cities, towns, &c. Heretofore, very little attention has been paid to geographical orthoepy; and this is, we believe, the first attempt to furnish a correct standard. The condensed form in which the information touching the most prominent or considerable places in the world is presented, is a feature that will enhance its value to most persons, who, in general reading, find it necessary to consult a Gazetteer. To the student of geography, it would seem to be indispensable. 33.-The Book of Travels in Africa, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time. Compiled from the best authorities. By JOHN FROST, LL. D., author of the "Book of the Navy," ""Book of the Army," etc., etc. 12mo., pp. 252. New York: D. Appleton & Co. This book, like the former compilations of Dr. Frost, is designed for popular reading;-rather for the million than the student. It imparts a general view of the progress of discovery in Africa, connected with particular travels and adventures of the most conspicuous of the several enterprising men who have explored the interior of that vast and almost unknown continent. The numerous embellishments, scattered over its pages, are from sketches by Major Denham, and render the work interesting and useful to the reader, and at the same time more effectually impress on the mind a knowledge of the general subject. 34.-A Complete Key to Mitchell's School Geography, containing Full Answers to all the Questions en the Maps, etc. By JAMES E. CARROL. 12mo., pp. 455. Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. Although intended chiefly for the aid of teachers, this work may be consulted with advantage by private students of geography, and also by parents giving instruction to their children at home. Besides full answers to all the questions on Mitchell's maps, it contains much additional information, derived from the most recent and authentic sources; besides a great amount of statistical information, which will render it valuable as a cheap and convenient book of reference. 35.-Twenty-Six Years of the Life of an Actor and Manager: interspersed with Sketches, Anecdotes, and Opinions of the Professional Merits of the most Celebrated Actors and Actresses of our day. By FRANCIS COURTNEY WEMYSS. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 402. New York: Burgess, Stringer & Co. The life of an actor is generally rich in incidents, and there are few so grave as not to be more or less interested in the anecdotes of the green-room. Mr. Wemyss, in the present volume, has something to say of nearly all the European actors who have appeared upon the stage during the last twenty years. Booth, Edmund Kean, Forrest, Macready, James Wallack, Anderson, Charles Kean, Cooper, Hamblin, Conway, Keene, the Woods, A. A. Adams, Hill, Madame Vestris, Lydia Kelly, Celeste, Fanny Kemble, Mrs. Austen, Mrs. Knight, Ellen Tree, and Fanny Elssler, all figure prominently in the work. The criticisms are not always just, but there is an air of truthfulness in the narrative that inspires the reader with confidence in its general fidelity. 36.-Valentine M'Clutchy, the Irish Agent; or, Chronicles of the Castle Cumber Property. By WILLIAM CARLETON, author of "Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry," "Fardorougha, the Miser," "Jane Sinclair," etc. 12mo., pp. 408. New York: D. & J. Sadlier. This novel has been pronounced the most powerful production of its author. It was written to exhibit a useful moral lesson-to startle the hard-hearted landlord and flagitious agent into a percep tion of their duty. It exhibits, in bold relief, the two great curses of Ireland-bad landlords and bad agents; and it shows the negligent and reckless absentee how those from whose toils and struggles he derives his support are oppressed, and fleeced, and trampled on in his name. The narrative of the story, a truthful picture of Irish life, is well sustained. 37.-The Judson Offering, intended as a Token of Christian Sympathy with the Living, and a Memento of Christian Affection for the Dead. Edited by JOHN DOWLING, D. D., author of "History of Romanism," etc., etc. 18mo., pp. 294. New York: Lewis Colby & Co. The recent visit of the venerated pioneer of American missions to the East, the Rev. Dr. Judson, suggested the idea of preparing the present volume. It consists of a variety of sketches, narratives, and poems, from different pens, all bearing on the subject of missions, and connected more or less with the design of the book. The editor has aimed to avoid everything of a controversial character, and thus endeavored to render it an acceptable offering to the friends of missions, without distinction of denomination. The selections are made with taste and judgment, and possess a fair share of literary excellence. 38.-Tremayne's Table of Post-Offices: containing an Alphabetical List of Post Offices through the United States; Distances from Washington, D. C., and State and Territorial Capitals, respectively. Also exhibiting the Post-Offices in each State, as well as County. With an Appendix of the United States and British Tariffs. 12mo., pp. 321. Philadelphia: Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co. The contents of this work are explained in the title. It contains, besides, however, the Post-Office Law, and all the regulations of that Department of interest to the public. Its value to publishers, merchants, and indeed all who have occasion to correspond with different sections of our extensive territory, is sufficiently apparent. ART. CONTENTS OF NO. V., VOL. XVI. ARTICLES. I. THE PROGRESS OF WEALTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, FROM 1790 TO 1840. By JESSE CHICKERING, M. D., author of "A Statistical View of the Population of Massachusetts, from 1765 to 1840 ". ........ II. ANNUITIES, LIFE INSURANCE, TONTINES, ETC.-No. II. By J. F. ENTz, Accountant........ PAGE ........ 445 III. COAL AND IRON TRADE OF THE OHIO VALLEY. By Hon. CHARLES WHITTLESEY, of Ohio...... ........ IV. UNITED STATES COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS WITH MEXICO: With Reference to the Effects of the Tariff of Duties and Port Regulations imposed on Mexican Ports in the Military Possession of the United States............. 450 455 458 V. MERCANTILE BIOGRAPHY-THE LATE DAVID RICARDO, ESQ., M. P. By J. R. 469 VII. COST OF WHEAT-GROWING IN THE UNITED STATES.............. VIII. COMMERCE OF FRANCE IN 1844: A General Review of the Commerce of France, with its Colonies and with Foreign Powers, during the year 1844.. 472 476 EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRATED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: Loan of the United States' Federal Government-An Evidence of Power and Resources of the Nation-Value of the Precious Metals in England-Consumption of Breadstuffs, and Bullion in the Bank of England-Prices of leading Imports in London-British Government Loan--Irish Land System-Imports and Duties at New York for Four Months, 1846, '47-Prices of Exchange at New York and New Orleans-Exports of Breadstuffs to England--Receipts of Produce-United States Mint, etc., etc........ ..... 490-496 COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS. Tariff of Duties on Imports and Tonnage, and Regulations for Collecting the same in such of the Ports of Mexico as may be now or hereafter in our Military Possession by Conquest, prepared by the Secretary of the Treasury, and accompanying his Report to the President of the United States, dated 30th March, 1847.. 497-504 Passengers in Merchant Vessels-Treasury Circular to Officers of the Customs, in regard to an Act of Congress to Regulate the Carriage of Passengers in Merchant Vessels.... Deficiency, Damage, Leakage, and Breakage-A Treasury Circular....... Port Regulations of the Province of Macao............... 504 .... 505 505 JOURNAL OF BANKING, CURRENCY AND FINANCE. Coinage of the United States Mint and Branches, in 1846....... Foreign Currency, Weights and Measures........ Rates at which Foreign Money or Currency are fixed by Law of the United States..... French Tobacco Contract........... MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES. The Good Merchant, from Parker's "Sermon of Merchants". PAGE 506 507 507 507 508 509 509 510 Commercial Value of the Microscope-Method of Detecting Frauds in the Adulteration of Musk.... 511 Imprisonment for Debt in Massachusetts.... Commerce and Navigation of the United States, for the year ending June 30, 1840. Import and Consumption of Sugar in the United States, in each year, from 1801-'46, inclusive.................. Imports from France into Texas, and Imports from Texas into France, in 1844..... 486 529 JOURNAL OF MINING AND MANUFACTURES. Manufacture of Railroad Iron in the United States...... 530 Iron Mines and Manufacture of Iron in Belgium. By R. C. TAYLOR, Esq., of Pennsylvania......... 531 Russian Gold and Platina in the Uralian Mountains........ 532 Agates from Oberstein and Idar. By L. FEUCHTWANGER, M. D........................... ................. Ship-Building in New York..... American Manufactured Duck.-Manufacture of Marble by Casting..... Steam Communication between England and New Orleans... RAILROAD, CANAL, AND STEAMBOAT STATISTICS. Troy and Greenbush Railroad, Passenger and Freight earnings from 1845-'46........ 537 THE BOOK TRADE. Notices of 41 New Works or New Editions, published since our last........ 538-544 |