The ferment of innovation in the minds of the Judeans at that time, was not unlike that which, some two thousand years later, agitated the continent of Europe after the spread of the French Revolution and its doctrines. A new and foreign standard of perfection was set up: whatever was Greek, was elegant, and beautiful, and desirable; whatever was not Greek, or opposed to its predominance, was superannuated, bigoted, contemptible. Even minds sincerely attached to Jewish faith and Jewish nationality, did not altogether escape the contagion. And it is during this rich adhere to the Law and doctrine of Moses, but period that we must place the production of works seek to adorn and popularize them by the help of Grecian muses and philosophy. Indeed, the desire to approximate externally as much as possible to the usages of the Greek world, without renouncing, internally, the essentials of Judaism, produced a JudeoGrecian literature, which, in point of time, extended over nearly three centuries, and continued till the destruction of Jerusalem, (70 c. E.), after which every trace of it disappeared from among the Jews; so that, at present, this literature is only known to us from fragments that have been preserved by Gentile writers. Dr. Philipson, the learned and enterprising Rabbi of Magdeburg, in Germany, has lately collected and pub lished these Greek fragments. Among them we find tragedies on biblical subjects, by a writer named Ezekiel; an epic poem by the elder Philo, the subject of which is Jerusalem and the fortunes of its people; the history of the patriarch Jacob, versified by Theodotus. The writings of Aristobulus, of the sacerdotal family of Aaron, who is said to have lived at the court of the first Ptolemy, (325-884 B. c. E.), and fragments of which are preserved by Eusebius, (Præp, Evang. vii.), are by Philipson considered as of doubtful authenticity. But the letter of Aristens-of which we spoke in our account of the Septuagint-is, by the acute critic of Magdeburg, declared to belong to the period of the Maccabean wars, and, most probably, to be the work of an Alexandrian Jew. The two first books of Maccabees, preserved in the Apocrypha of the Bible, are among the more important productions of this JudeoGrecian literature, the last and greatest of which are formed by the writings of Philo and Josephus. Dr. Philipson dwells at some length on the error of assuming that the Septuagint, the writings of Philo the younger, and of Josephus, were isolated efforts which had neither predecessors, connecting links, nor successors. It is true that, except to a few ripe scholars, these works were all that was known of the writings of Hellenists; but the fragments preserved fully prove that there was a continuous series of works written in Greek by Jews, at the head of which stands the Septuagint, and the last of which is the history of Josephus. And it is a remarkable circumstance, that the whole of this literature, tragic, epic, historical, or philosophical, treats of biblical and Jewish subjects only. It may, therefore, be considered as a concession made to the innovating spirit of the times, which required that even Judaism itself should, to some extent, assume a foreign garb, and deck itself out with foreign graces.

This passage will interest all lovers of ancient literature. These volumes abound in interesting One episodes concerning historical characters. which we shall now extract is to our thinking On the one side we have a highly dramatic. haughty Roman citizen, a commissioner from the supreme senate of the seven-hilled city-on the During his stay in Egypt, some Samaritans, enraged, other the proud and ambitious Antiochus, King of probably, that they had not at once obtained the same Syria, withal a tributary of the all-powerful commonIt was the time of immunities as the Jews, set fire to the house of Andro-wealth-the period, 168 B. C.

nation by way of eminence; and among his own peo-
ple, the Jews, he is the only one who had that honor.
Next to this great chief the character we dwell
upon with most interest is his descendant, the beau-
tiful "Mariamne," the wife of the crafty, cruel usurper
Herod. Her history is tragedy of a high order.
But the soul becomes surfeited with all the blood
that is shed in those volumes. Whether the Jew,
the Egyptian, the Greek or the Roman is the victor,
human slaughter is the rule. Barbaric pomp, savage
ferocity, unbridled lust, and blind idolatry, were the
general characteristics of the time. From Jew and
Gentile alike we turn for relief to the meek, lowly, and
reviled apostle of peace-the sacred Nazarene. It
does not become us in this place to do more than
consider HM in His relation to the history of the
period. Of Him Dr. Raphall has but one paragraph
in his history. Treating of the time of Pontius Pi-
late, occurs this passage:

I was during the administration of Pontius Pilate that the events related in the historical books of the Christian Scriptures are said to have occurred, and it was from before his tribunal that the founder of the Christian faith was led forth to execution. We do not feel called upon to enter into this subject, for, at its origin, and during its infancy, Christianity has no claim on the attention of the Jewish historian. It is in its day of power, when, full-grown, it chooses to abuse its strength and to emulate the worst deeds of those varnished Pharisees whom its founder so justly condemns. It is then that Christianity enforces its painful claim on the reluctant notice of him who relates the tear-bedewed and blood-stained events of the Jewish history.

Whilst we deplore with the author the persecution that his people have undergone at the hands of unworthy Christians in violation of every precept of Christianity, we cannot agree with him that in "its origin and during its infancy Christianity has no claim on the attention of the Jewish historian." Such was not the opinion of Josephus, that greatest historian of the Jewish people, who was born about four years after the death of Christ, and was himself of the highest "course" of the priestly order. He has left us this remarkable passage, in which no doubt of "the events related in the historical books of the Christian Scriptures," is covertly hinted as is unworthily done by Raphall in the

above extract.

In Book 18 of the Jewish antiquities, chap. 3, sec. 3, he writes:

resolving it in a soup-kettle; then taking it into his
internal laboratory, where active little feelers select
such delicate morsels as may be required for his sus-
tenance; the remainder being rejected. If this hap-
pen very often and regularly; if the plant be per-
mitted to eat up the earth, and when it is just done
enough to afford food to the soil in return, it be
taken away, the soil loses all its fat and becomes
lean and incapable of nourishment. For all mode-
rate and reasonable demands the earth is competent
enough, but when a small spot in New York or Mi-
chigan, not only supplies those who live upon it,
but helps to feed some folks in California, ever so
many miles away, it is too severely taxed, and at
last gives out. The land becomes exhausted, as it is
expressed: there is, no doubt, abundance of dirt; but
the peculiar properties essential to vegetable life are
taken away, and the little seed with all its efforts
can obtain no nourishment, and dies after a very
brief existence. When the land is sparsely settled
and the people have no commerce, as soon as one
spot ceases to be fertile, another is selected; but of
course this plan is impracticable where the price is
one hundred dollars an acre. Something must be done.
If we could discover of what the earth has been
robbed, it might be compensated. We could restore
its strength. But to detect wherein it has become
deficient requires more than superficial observation.
Indeed, we can tell by analysis only that which it
contains, and must look to the plant itself to ascertain
of what that is composed, so that the elements con-
tributed by the soil may be returned. Then Man
becomes an analytic chemist; and, in this application
of the science, an agricultural chemist. The purpose
of this book is to state the results thus far obtained.

Dr. Stöckhardt calls chemistry the philosopher's stone; it is the transmuter of metals; and, if judiciously employed, may change not only earth and air and minerals into gold, but even that refuse, no less offensive to the ears of some, than to the noses of all. Chemistry has its disagreeabilities. For instance, if a lady, while inhaling the delicious perfume from an eau-des-mille-fleurs-scented cambric, should learn that it was extracted from the dreadful dirtiness of the cowyard, her perfect enjoyment would be interfered with. On the other hand, the farmer who has a most depreciating estimate of all such kick-shaws as cologne, when informed that this muck, spread upon his land, will increase the yield of corn or Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, potatoes, inclines to look upon chemistry with conif it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of descending approbation. Agriculturists have been wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the generally the last to recognize the value of science truth with pleasure. Ile drew over to him both many as applied to their pursuits; the evidences of its of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] operation are not so manifest as in other depart Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the princi-ments of industry. In manufactures and the arts pal men among us, had condemned him to the Cross; those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold, these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.

Of course, the authenticity of this celebrated testimony has been fiercely attacked. It has been likewise sufficiently defended. Apart from this consideration, all-important though it be to the Christian, the work of Dr. Raphall will well repay the student, as well as the general reader for the time devoted to its perusal.

Chemical Field Lectures. A Familiar Exposition of
the Chemistry of Agriculture, addressed to Farmers.
By Dr. JULIUS A. STOCKHARDT, Professor in the
Royal Academy for Forestry and Agriculture at
Harand, Saxony. Translated from the German.
Edited, with Notes, by ARTHUR HENFREY, F. R. S.,
F. L. S., Member of the Royal Agricultural So-
ciety, Professor of Botany in King's College,
London. To which is added a Paper on Irrigat-
ing with Liquid Manure. By J. J. MECHI, Esq.
London Henry G. Bohn. New York: Bangs,
Brother & Co.

If a little seed be placed in the ground under favorable conditions, it becomes at once an analytic chemist. From the air, from water, and from the soil, it extracts that food which is necessary to its development; not taking any one entire, but analyzing them, and selecting the particular element it desires. It must have carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen; and these it obtains from various sources. It must he kept warm and have breathing room; and if no little bird, obedient to its instinct, devour the little seed or plant, acting upon its instinct it will grow up and put forth leaves, flower and seed, then die and be devoured by the air, earth and water, as it had devoured them. That is, of course, if when it has grown-up, no lord of creation should take it away or other chemical operations. Perhaps, partially

annually in Saxony, besides which was consumed 100,000 cwt. of bone-dust annually, as well as great quantities of other manures, among which may be mentioned woollen rags and clippings, such as form refuse in paper and cloth factories. On seaboard lands they employ seaweed and fish; and marl, lime, &c., are very common fertilizers. So important has manuring come to be considered, and so well has its judicious use repaid the cost, that every available means is being adopted to increase the quantity, and also employ that which had previously been permitted to go to waste. Artificial preparations are manufactured, and designs proposed by which the sewage of large towns may be used. Ships are constantly engaged in conveying guano many thousand miles, and immense quantities of other matter are stimulating commerce. Upon all topics connected with manuring, this book has something valuable to state, and its statements are made in a style clear and simple. Mr. Mechi's plan o irrigation is communicated in a paper at the close of the volume, and is worthy of attentive consideration. The book is one of "Bohn's Scientific Library," part of a series of publications which, viewed in relation to either their instrinsic or commercial value, are hardly to be estimated—a publishing enterprise probably without a parallel.

Elements of Psychology; included in a Critical Examination of Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding, and in additional pieces. By VICTOR COUSIN. Translated from the French, with an introduction and notes. By Caleb S. Henry, D.D. Fourth improved edition; Revised according to the author's last corrections. New York: Ivison & Phinney, 1856.

The peculiar style in which the philosophical treatises of Germany have been written, adapts them peculiarly to the German mind, and precludes their popularity. M. Cousin, on the contrary, endowed with extraordinary eloquence, for one who thinks closely and profoundly, and possessing the power of surpassing clearness in statement, has been almost universally read, not only in France, but here and in England. To a more extensive acquaintance with his views, this fourth edition of Professor Henry's admirable translation will contribute in no slight degree, besides tending to another most desirable end, the separation of truth from error in Locke's system, and the overthrow of the pernicious evils in Esthetics and Moral Philosophy, which have sprung from adherence to the doctrines of that able writer.

The school to which M. Cousin belongs, is termed the Eclectic. This term has given rise to some misapprehension of his system. Prof. Henry has given the following excellent statement of the sense in which it is to be here understood, as distinguished from an arbitrary selection, and heterogeneous commixing. Eclecticism, as Cousin holds it," he remarks in his introduction," supposes a system, sets out with a system, and applies a system. It takes a system as the criterion of the truth or falsehood of all actual systems which it subjects to historical aud critical analysis."

its effects are immediate; but in agriculture, its
results are sometimes long delayed, and from the
nature of things, not always what had been de-
sired. This latter is the fault, not of the science,
but of its application-a fact not always admitted.
We all know what a beautiful color ultramarine is,
and we believe it is a tolerably cheap pigment. At
one time this was worth literally its weight in gold.
It was a rare stone of a beautiful blue, quite une-
qualled. A German chemist analyzed it, and having
ascertained of what it is composed, combined the
constituents, which he obtained from other sources, To elucidate this, Prof. H. further explains: "This
and, in fact, manufactured the article. As we have system is properly called Rational Psychology:
alluded to the perfume on a lady's handkerchief, we psychology, because although psychology is not the
may also state that many other articles of apparel whole of philosophy, it is its foundation, the point
soaked in liquids, a slight application of which to tains in itself the whole of philosophy; rational, be
have, in the process of manufacture, been thoroughly from which it sets out, and the principle which con-
their made-up state would cause their instant con- cause in the psychological analysis of the facts of
signment to the old-clothes bag. We need not en-consciousness, not only is the sensibility found with
large upon the benefits of chemical science. The its sensations individual, contingent, variable, but
object of illustration is to show the husbandman also reason; and, in the psychological analysis of
into it for the purpose of promoting his own in- reflection, are marked with the character of univer
some analogies which may induce him to inquire reason, rational principles, which, to the view of
tion of barren land, but to enriching fertile land, and and which impose themselves upon the intelligence,
It is applicable not alone to the recupera- sal and necessary convictions of the human mind,
by its aid plants can be fattened with quite as much not merely as necessary forms of thought, but also of
certainty as pigs. A common experiment consists in absolute truths, truths in themselves independent of
wrapping the bulb of a hyacinth in horn shavings or our intelligence, and so legitimately conduct us to a
watering the earth in which it grows with a solution sphere of reality lying beyond ourselves. Rational
of glue; the plant will attain a size nearly double Psychology, therefore, contains not only psychology
what it would otherwise have reached. Every far- proper, but also ontology, and logic which explains
mer employs, with more or less economy, that fertil- and justifies the passage from psychology to outol
izing manure which is contributed by his cattle, and ogy; it contains, in short, the whole of philosophy.
such vegetable matter as can be put to no other use.
But in some countries, as in Saxony, where they
have very few cattle, the land is fed entirely by for-
eign matter.

terests.

We know very well that in the Pacific Ocean are several islands upon which is the accumulation of bird-droppings for thousands and thousands of years; in some places, more than a hundred feet deep; a dry, pungent earth, of which the quantity, in 1850, was estimated to be 26,725,000 tons, more or less. This was used (1850) to the extent of 30,000 cwt.

Now it is in relation to the application of Rational Psychology to the history of philosophy, that Cousin denominates his system eclecticism; it is the method by which a system is applied to the criticism of all other systems. It goes upon the ground that a truly complete and correct system of philosophy will explain the whole history of philosophy, and will be itself justified by the history of philosophy. For, all the great systems that have appeared in history, however subversive of each other, contain each some portion of truth, and consequently something in com

mon with the comprehensive system by which they are judged. Eclecticism is therefore a method both philosophical and historical. Rational Psychology at once explains and is verified by the history of philosophy. Three things are accordingly to be distinguished in eclecticism: its starting-point, its processes, and its end; or, in other words, its principles, its instruments, and its results. It supposes a system as its starting-point and clew through the labyrinth of history, its instrument is a rigid criticism sustained on solid and extensive erudition; its primary result is the decomposition of all systems; and its final result the reconstruction from their materials of a new system which shall be a complete representation of human consciousness as unfolded in history, and, at the same time correspond to the results of rational psychology."

It will be interesting to give M. Cousin's own views of the happy results to be derived, as he believes, from a wise eclecticism, understanding the few words the characteristics of the great systems word in the above sense; especially as it gives in a of Philosophy. He says:

The Novels and Miscellaneous Works of Daniel
De Foc. With prefaces and Notes, including those
attributed to Sir Walter Scott. History of the
Plague in London, 1665; (to which is added, the
Great Fire in London, 1666; by an anonymous
writer.) The Storm, 1703; with the Essay, in
verse. The True-Born Englishman: a Satire.
London: Henry G. Bohn. New York: Bangs,
Brother & Co.

its character than the great plague which desola-
No event which history records is more awful in
ted London in 1665. The utter helplessness of man
is so forcibly impressed upon our convictions that,
with all its sadness, a wholesome lesson is convey
ed. The peculiar style of De Foe, his minute partic-
ularity and homely simplicity, are admirably ad-
apted to such a narrative as this, which, next to
Robinson Crusoe, may be considered his master-
piece. Though he has given us no more, perhaps,
than an ingenious weaving of the threads of imagi:
substantially true.
nation in a warp of fact, his relation is, no doubt,

It would have been difficult to
increase the horrors of such a period, and to us his
account seems to be qualified by great moderation.
This dreadful pestilence is estimated to have car-
ried off nearly 100,000 of the inhabitants of London,
within a year. By the superstitious mind of that time,
various occurrences were accepted as prognosticat-
ing the plague, though they were probably not
generally so received until after the event had war-
ranted the prediction. It was asserted that a blaz-
ing comet hung for months over the town.

respect to any one elsewhere issued; but if there is a reason why such a periodical must be inferior, the reason will be an excellent one for not supporting it, but supporting the better instead. Northern and Eastern magazines very generally fail if not conducted with tact and ability, and we cannot see why Southern magazines should be exempted.

Its

The Literary Messenger is very well edited, and really deserves the generous assistance of Southern will be. The leading article, literary men. It can be improved, and we trust it "Africa in America," is able, temperate, and has a definite object. object is to vindicate the colonization scheme, in which it finds the only hope for all the difficulties which result from the negro question; and in a passage says, "The present indications are, that by the time the resources of Liberia shall have been developed, and she shall have acquired a capacity of assimilating large numbers of our free blacks, the pressure upon them from a combination of causes will have become so intense, that a spontaneous movement will take place to Africa, like that of the pauper population of Europe to our own shores. A million and a half of poor Irishmen migrated from Ireland in five years. An exodus like this would Liberia would probably not compulsorily exclude soon carry our 400,000 free blacks to Africa." As whites, there would be no impediment in the way of amalgamationists to settle there, and thus all the

desired results might be obtained. The article does not directly meet the slavery question, but refers especially to the condition of free negroes.

1856.

All philosophical questions being reducible to three great questions, in regard to the objective, to the question concerning the absolute and the reality of existences, in regard to the subjective, to that of the actual, and that of the primitive, the weakness of the human mind, which is seen in the strongest intellects, did not permit Locke, and Reid, and Kant, to bestow their attention equally upon these three questions. It was directed respectively to one. Locke, Reid, and Kant took each a different question; so that by a fortune sufficiently remarkable, each of the three great questions The authorities of London used the most vigorous which make up metaphysics became the special object efforts to check the ravages of the pestilence, but Home. By ANNA LELAND. New York: J. C. Derby, and the exclusive possession of one of the three great without avail; for it slowly passed from end to end schools of the eighteenth century. The school of Locke of the unhappy city. Whenever the existence of a seeks after the origin of knowledge [the subjective primThe authoress of this volume attaches more imitive; the Scotch school of Reid seeks rather after the case was detected, the house was at once barred up, actual characteristics which human knowledge pre-marked with a great red cross, and vigilantly guard portance to its being "founded on fact," than it deserves. A novel which discloses the personal expesents in the developed intelligence [the subjective act- ed by a watchman, who permitted no egress. Deaths ual; and the school of Kant is occupied with the soon became so numerous, that the ordinary formal-riences of one's own life, must necessarily obtrude legitimacy of the passage from the subjective to the ities of burial could no longer be observed. It was matter, which a very refined sensibility would be objective [the objective logical-transcendental logic]. Let impossible to prepare coffins, or dig graves in suffi-anxious to conceal. At any rate, it would make me explain: I do not mean to say that each of these cient number. three schools has taken up but a single problem; 1 In this emergency, great pits, cap- public the concerns of others to an inexcusable exmean that each of them is more especially occupied able of holding several hundred bodies, were made, tent. Autobiographies, except of those whose promwith a particular problem, and is eminently character- into which the dead were deposited. One of these inent position is undisputed, are the results of an ized by the mode in which that problem is resolved. pits contained 1114 bodies. indelicate egotism, a craving for notoriety, highly obCarts passed regularAll the world is agreed that Locke has misconceived ly through the streets, preceded by a bellman, call notwithstanding the conventional deprecation of the jectionable. We consequently prefer to believe, many of the actual characteristics of human knowledge; ing, "bring out your dead! bring out your dead!" Reid does not conceal that the question of their origin Infected people often escaped into the streets in de- preface, that this book is not the relation of actual is of little importance in his view; and Kant contents lirium, and sometimes, anticipating their fate, preci- this lady really intends to describe her mother's himself with indicating in general the source of human knowledge without investigating the special origin of pitated themselves into the dreadful receptacles of each of those intellectual principles, those celebrated death. So predominant became the dread of disso- death, her father's second marriage, and all the pecucategories which he established. Now it seems to me lution that all the ordinary intercourse of life was liarities and domestic business of her uncles, aunts, and that in following this parallel division of the questions affected. Parents fled from their children, and hus- cousins, and shall consequently accept this as purely and schools of philosophy, the history of philosophy bands deserted their wives; the worst and the best it would have no interest whatever: as a work of a work of imagination. If it were a relation of facts, might be viewed under a new aspect. In the three passions were stimulated to their highest manifestagreat modern schools we might study the three great tions. Nurses hastened the end of the sick, that fiction, it can only excite surprise as to the wherefore philosophical questions; each of these three schools, partial and incomplete in itself, might be extended and they might the sooner seize upon their effects; the of its publication. It is very dull, hopelessly conenlarged by the vicinity of the others; opposed, they dead were stripped of their clothes, and rioters and fused, and as a work of art entitled to no considerawould reveal their relative imperfections; brought to- robbers paraded the streets. On the other hand tion whatever. There is certainly no harm in writgether, they would mutually supply what each one is were exhibited the most glorious courage and self-ing such books, but there is exceeding bad judgment deficient in. It would be an interesting and instructive sacrificing philanthropy. Every precaution which in publishing them, as very amiable and well-disspectacle to show the vices of the modern schools by the imagination could suggest, was taken to escape posed writers are thus subjected to unpleasant critiengaging them one against the other, and to bring to- infection. People no longer shook hands with each cism, which, for their sakes, we, for one, would be gether their several merits into one vast central ECLEC- other. Tradesmen kept pots of vinegar in which to willing to avoid, but for the sake of literature, are TICISM which should combine and complete all three. The talent for story-writing is The Scottish philosophy would demonstrate the vices steep the money they received, and their customer's compelled to utter. a very common one, and the demand for stories is of the philosophy of Locke; Locke would serve to helped themselves to avoid the danger of another's question Reid on the subjects which he has too much touch. Many families, having laid in a supply of neglected; and the examination of the system of Kant provisions, barred themselves in their houses, and would introduce us into the depths of a problem which remained until the pestilence had passed away. has escaped both the other schools.

We cannot at present enter into an examination of Cousin's views, as we purpose to do on a future occasion. The present volume is but a small part of his works. It will be found valuable, beside its intended purpose, as an admirable training for the mind, being the examination of the writings of a very superior mind, and the refutation of their errors, by one thoroughly qualified for the task.

The Notes of Prof. Henry in this volume will be found very valuable by the student. They give just such explanations, suggestions, and statements of the present positions held in metaphysical controversy, as help materially to a right estimation of M. Cousin's teachings. To know what others have thought and taught is absolutely necessary to the forming of correct and comprehensive views. Without such adjunctory knowledge, the mind, when first brought into contact with a system of philosophy, is apt to imagine that in such a clear, powerful statement, the ultimate of truth is reached, forgetting that one-sided truth is as insufficient, if not as mischievous, as positive error.

After the plague had begun to abate, the city of London was nearly destroyed by a great fire. It broke out on the 2d September, 1666, and swept over a surface of three hundred and seventy-three acres, consuming thirteen thousand two hundred houses, eighty-nine parish churches, and destroying property to an amount estimated at £10,730,000.

The "True-born Englishman" is a satire directed against the "Know-Nothings" of De Foe's time.

Occurrences.

We should hesitate to assume that

We

adequately supplied; yet it appears that mature
people having committed an immensity of nothing
to paper, with a very childishness that would be
laughable were it not pitiful, imagine they have
done something wonderful, that when known must
astound the world. "Home" is a case in point. It
moral teaching, but as dull as a directory.
is very well written, grammatically; excellent in
found it impossible to distinguish one cousin from
another, Nabby from Bessy, uncle this from uncle
that, and names (not characters) are introduced on
every page. When will this great truth be gene-
rally received, that though one may be able to write
ever so much, there is no moral obligation to print,
It seems that every one who can construct the skele-
ton of a plot, and fill it up with alphabetical combi
nations, believes the public will be delighted with
his cruel experiment. As to the fine writing in
"Home" it is too stiff entirely, and is hopelessly de-
ficient in that grace without which it can never
interest.

Derby & Jackson. 1856.

We are pleased that the publishers of this periodical have been enabled to continue it. They are, we observe, in hopes that sufficient support will be secured to relieve it from all embarrassments and The Lost Hunter: a Tale of Early Times. New York; insure its permanency. The present number is unusually good, and gives promise for those which are to follow. Notwithstanding the sectional character of this magazine, it must prepare to compete with the best wherever published, and if it cannot do this successfully, it will have no right to complain of insufficient patronage. There is no reason why a Southern periodical should not be equal in every

An almost certain objection to all novels is found in the commencement. The first twenty pages often the first fifty-are so many bores: these the experienced novel reader generally "skips," opening where the action or interest begins, and thereby seldom loses any thing; for these pages are filled with certain preliminary details, at which we are usually

satisfied to guess, or pleased to learn from subsequent circumstances. Perhaps we might not be so well inclined to do this, if not sure that the author had told us these things. We might then give an additional instance of the difficulty of pleasing human beings, by expressing dissatisfaction at his course. Be this as it may, certainly, not very sensible is that author who aggravates this chronic objection, by innumerable pages of dull preface or apology, which has not even for its excuse the circumstance that it must be read for the sake of the story. The author of the Lost Hunter has done this, and this is the only particular in which his book differs from the crowd of novels.

An old maniac, two or three Indians, half a dozen village loafers, and a small circle of respectable vilInge society, are the persons of his story. None of them have any individuality. The story is nothing to speak of. The writing is smooth, and nothing more; and this makes a novel. We think we have had more than our forty days of this deluge. It may be, that by a universal drowning out of all intellectual life, there is to be a subsequent vivification, and, for the sake of this, we can wait. But, in our uncertainty and ignorance, we shall, perhaps, be excused, if we pray for a cessation.

Union with the Church, the Solemn Duty, and the
Blessed Privilege, of all who would be saved. By
Rev. H. HARBAUGH. Second edition. Philadelphia:
Lindsay & Blakiston. 1856.

In this little volume, of 125 pp., the author has concentrated most potent arguments, for a public profession of religion, and for belonging to some Christian Church; and he endeavors to prove that it is "the duty of all men to connect themselves in a regular, public, and orderly manner, with the Church of Christ." The principal objections are then considered, such as the doubt concerning the true church, the number of unworthy professors of religion, the argument against outward forms, one's own demerit, reliance upon others, and distrust of our resolution.

cles more or less valuable to the general reader.
"Primary Schools" is a sensible paper that demands
attention.

deavored to set an example of fearless and thorough criticism, and intend before long to illustrate the beauties of puffing, by specimens extracted from publishers' notices; for we hold that every one who circulates a

The Quarterly Law Journal. January. J. W. Ran- report or opinion becomes responsible for its truth. dolph, Richmond, Va.

The first number of this periodical has just reached us, and as it is the first number, we shall wait until another is published before thoroughly considering its merits. It will suffice to say, that in most respects it is well got up. Perhaps our objections may not apply hereafter. This is the only law periodical of the kind in the Southern States, and we should certainly think it was much needed.

With very few exceptions, the most prominent publishers in the country have signified their approbation of the course pursued by the CRITERION, and their desire that it may succeed in its work of reforming the abuses which have insinuated themselves into their profession. After the first few numbers had appeared, we received many letters from publishers in other cities, expressing their great interest in our enterprise, and up to the present time there has been no diminution of regard. It is manifestly to the interest of respectable publishers that a literary and critical journal, honestly and fearlessly conducted, should be established. Whether the CRITERION is such an one must be decided by their own judgment. But there are some, of more or less importance, who profess to despise criticism; who desire to remove every obstacle which prevents them from flooding the country with trash, and who, not un naturally, dislike to have the miserable system on which their business is conducted exposed. Active hostility on the part of some, and silent discourtesy on the part of others, have characterized the relations of a Pocket-Book for Railroad and Civil Engineers. few publishers with the CRITERION. It is a necessary Containing new, exact, and concise methods for but often disagreeable consequence of all occupations laying out Railroad curves, switches, frog-angles, which depend upon the public, that they become amenaand crossings; the staking out of work, levelling; ble to public criticism. We do not hesitate to criticise the calculation of cuttings and embankments, the opinion of a judge, the doctrine of a preacher, and earthwork, &c. By OLIVER BYRNE, Civil, Military the speech of a statesman. A book, which is more imand Mechanical Engineer. New York: C. Shep-portant than any one of these, cannot escape the ordeal,

In the second part, he presents "the positive arguments in favor of a regular public profession of religion," such as that the church is of divine origin, and enjoined as a duty, also, from the examples of the first Christians; and that, because," according to the Scriptures, we are united to Christ through the Church," and 'because it is impossible to obey Christ in all things, without it." Other reasons are urged, which are unnecessary to offer in this connection. The book is written in an earnest, persuasive, and impressive style.

hard & Co., 1856.

From the number of professional works which the author of this neat little publication has produced, we may fairly presume that he is very well qualified to furnish valuable instruction in all departments of engineering. In reference to his qualifications for the present work, he says, "he commenced his practical operations with the construction of the first railroad of our modern system, and after passing through the different practical gradations, became the chief acting and consulted engineer of many extensive lines of road." Mr. Byrne's experience is therefore abundant, and we hope the present manner of conveying it may be found of practical utility. The "Pocket-Book" is admirably gotten up, and the text fully illustrated with diagrams.

A System of Moral Science. By LAURENS P. HICKOK,
D.D., Union College. Schenectady: G. Y. Van
De Bogert, 1853.

Empirical Psychology; or, The Human Mind as given
Union College. Schenectady: G. Y. Van De
in Consciousness. By LAURENS P. IIICKOK, D.D.
Bogert, 1854.

We have received the above by the politeness of the publisher, and commend them as old and favored acquaintances of our own, to the appreciation of our readers. They are the works of one who thinks for himself. We shall examine them fully at a later period.

New York Teacher. February.

This periodical, which seems well adapted to the wants of young teachers, contains a variety of arti

condemnation of its publisher as of its author. The and from its character may often involve as severe a business of a publisher is therefore a legitimate subject of public comment; it is a necessary attendant upon his vocation, and he who is unwilling to submit to it has clearly mistaken his position. We have had some experience in the last few months, and can bear witness to the earnest desire of most booksellers to relieve the trade from all unpleasant imputations; but there are some certainly, who, governed by their own cupidity, have very little regard for the means by which it may be satisfied. Others solace themselves with issuing long moral precepts in such mediums as may be at their disposal, and then carefully avoid any risk of just criticism. Such men tremblingly send a book to the CRITERION, and if it should be unfavorably noticed, withdraw all countenance from the paper thereafter. Now, we respect all the courtesies and decent conventionalities of life, but we shall not hesitate to explain, in very unjournal holds with regard to each publisher who at mistakable language, the precise position which this tempts to cast discredit upon it. There is no intention on our part to pursue any course which may savor of threat. We know very well that the confidence of those who alone are capable of appreciating this paper, is to be gained only after long and unremitted labor, and we should be very deficient in temper and judgment were any mere neglect to excite acrimony on our part. But we are determined that no injustice toward us shall escape our attention.

a

The whole matter of books and book reviews deserves the most careful consideration. We have en

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

FOREIGN.

From the London Publishers' Circular.

New editions of popular Educational Works, as will be seen from our present number, are abundant, and in many instances they conform to the multum in parvo principle which is so desirable.

The following works of Dr. William Smith are in preparation :-"Historical Atlas of Ancient Geogra phy," forming a companion volume to the "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities," 4to.; and a copious "English-Latin Dictionary," in 8vo. and 12mo., are both in the press.

Among the latest works on the War are "Notes on the late Expedition to the Russian Possessions in Eastern Siberia, and of a Visit to Japan," &c., by Captain B. Whittingham, R.E., post 8vo.; "Our Tent in the Crimea," by Two Brothers; 46 Kars and Erzeroum," by Lieut.-General Monteith: Dr. Sandwith's "Journal of the Siege and Defence of Kars," will appear shortly.

Our Poets, usually numerous at this period of the year, are few at present: A collection of "Psalms and Hymns," by the late Josiah Conder, two hunLump of Gold," by Mr. Charles Mackay, has just dred in number, is preparing for publication; "The appeared; also "Dies Consecrati, or a New Christian Year with the Old Poets."

In Biography:-" Political Life of Sir Robert Peel," by Thomas Doubleday, 2 vols. 8vo.: "The Memoirs of the late Samuel Rogers," consisting, it is said, of five volumes, in the possession of Mr. Moxon, Writings of Dr. Ralph Wardlaw, of Glasgow,” in a may be expected: "The Memoirs of the Life and few days.

In works of Fiction, we have "After Dark," by W. W. Collins, 2 vols. post 8vo.; Amberhill," 2 vols. post 8vo.; "Maurice Elvington," 3 vols. post 8vo.; "Beyminstre," by the Author of "Lena," &c., 3 vols.; "Lady of Fashion," by the Author of "The Flirt," 3 vols.

Serials:-Part 1 of Stainton's "Manual of British Butterflies and Moths" will be published on the 1st of March, and will be completed in about thirty monthly parts; "The Musical Gazette," a new weekly journal, is announced to appear early: "The promises an enlargement of twenty-four pages from Literary Gazette," under new editorial management, the first week in March: an Index to the first twelve volumes of "Notes and Queries" is in a forward state of preparation.

66

In connection with the Fine Arts, we may state that Vol. 4 of Ruskin's "Modern Painters" will ap pear in February, and Vol. 5, concluding the work, in the course of the year; an engraving of the Bombardment of Sweaborg, from a picture painted by publication; " Waifs and Strays from a Scrap-Book, an eye-witness, J. W. Carmichael, is preparing for Fifteen Photographs from Original Sketches," by E. V. B., is announced by the Photographic Institution; Lithozographia, or Aqua-tinta Stippled Gradations produced on Stone," by Joseph Aresti, imp. 8vo. ciples and Maxims of Jurisprudence," 1 vol. 8vo., nearly ready; also Part 2 of The Angel in the House, "The Espousals:" a new work by Mr. Danby Seymour, in the press; also, "The Journal of the late Sir George Catheart during the Kaffir War;" "The Mercantile and Maritime Guide," an important work, said to be preparing a work on the English Cavalry in one large volume, in the press: Lord Lucan Operations in the East during the period of his con mand: Fairburn's Useful Information for Engineers," 1 vol. 8vo., will be ready early in February: Macaulay's "Essay on Hallam's Constitutional History of England" will form a volume of the "Travthe Rev. F. D. Maurice, crown 8vo., is announced eller's Library," on the 31st inst: The Moral and Metaphysical Philosophy of the Middle Ages," by for March; "Cyclopædia of the Physical Sciences," by Professor Nichol, with numerous illustrations, post 8vo., in May: also a "Treatise on Glossology," by Sir John Stoddart, crown Svo.; "The Chinese and their Rebellions," by T. T. Meadows, 1 vol. 8 vo., with maps; a second edition of "The English in Western India," by P. Anderson, A.M., 8vo. : a work on the M.R.S.L., is in the press: Vols. 2 and 3 of Sir F "Genesis of the Earth and of Man," by R. S. Poole, Palgrave's "History of Normandy and of England" Ottoman and Venetian Domination" is in the press: are nearly ready: Finlay's "History of Greece under

In general literature we have Phillimore's "Prin

"Transactions of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society during 1855;""Signs of the Times," by the Chevalier Bunsen, translated from the German; “European Revolutions of 18-18," by Edward Cayley, 2 vols. crown 8vo.

LITERARY GOSSIP.

"a

in 1535, published an English translation of the
Bible.

Among the fine art collections to be sold, we notice
upwards of 200 specimens of enamel works, by the
late H. P. Bone, and the curious objects of art that
belonged to the late Colonel Sibthorp, who possessed

an excellent taste in such matters.

his writings and discoveries."

The following items are from the Weekly Gossip of the

Athenæum :

Dr. Sandwith, who has just arrived in England, has a work in the press on the siege of Kars. It will be ready in a short time.

The Rev. E. Atkinson, B.D., has been elected Master of Clare Hall.

The subject of the first Brisbane Prize, open to the PRESCOTT'S WORKS IN ITALY.-The Revista Contem-competition of all men of science, is a "Biographical poranea, a literary review issued at Turin, the Notice of a Scotchman, eminent in Science, includAthens of modern Italy, announces the reception of ing an estimate of the influence and importance of Prescott's Philip II., which is pronounced by a writer apparently familiar with the subject, monument of thorough study and research, worthy of the author's fame. The style (it is added) is clear, flexible and dignified, at the same time picturesque and severe, critical and dramatic. This celebrated American, born in Massachusetts in the year 1796, is also a connoisseur in our literature, and among his essays are two on Italian poetry, first published in the North American Review. We hope to be able hereafter to announce an Italian translation of his Philip II., as we announce to-day the publication at Florence of a Compendium of the History of Peru, before the Spanish Conquest, derived from Mr. Prescott's work." The translator, in this instance, made use of the Madrid edition, published in 1851. It is well known that Mr. Prescott's works have been translated into Spanish; and, making allow ance for the difference between the ideas of that country and those that prevail in Anglo-Saxondom, they are considered there as authority in historica matters-Boston Journal,

Mr. William D. O'Connor, of Boston, is reported to be the author of "The Ghost," a Christmas story which appeared in Putnam for January. Mr. O Connor is also the author of a powerful article in Harper for December, "The Knocker," and of one in a previous number called "Loss and Gain: a Tale of Lynn," which was received with great

favor.

We hear that the Rogers Diaries are not so nearly ready for the press as rumour had it. Mr. Moxon the publisher, but not, it seems, executor, of the Poet-has a volume of Table Talk in the press, taken down by Mr. Dyce. This volume is nearly ready for the public. The Diaries kept by Mr. Rogers himself, some of the choicest morsels in which are reports of conversations with the Iron Duke, are at the disposal of the Poet's relatives, the Messrs. Sharpe: Rogers, it is said, left no instructions as to the particular disposal of his papers. Samuel Phillips, we believe, had at one time a commission from the poet to write his Life; but the young critic passed away, like so many other contemporaries, before the aged poet was gathered to his fathers. No successor to the task was ever named by Rogers. Prince Lucien Bonaparte has been elected a member of the Institute of Sweden.

The state of the Catalogues of the printed books in the British Museum is a subject on which literary men continue to address us. One Correspondent writes:-"The printing of the Catalogue of the British Museum was stopped on the grounds of expense and the necessary incompleteness of a catalogue of a continually growing library. The per. fection of library management, we were told, was to catalogues in the library itself. be found in the completeness and accessibility of the Allow me then to ask, Do the authorities at the Museum carry out their own principle? And one who wishes to ascertain whether a printed book is, or is not, in the British Museum, must consult-1, The King's Catalogue, in five volumes; 2, The Grenville Catalogue, in seven volumes; 3, The old interleaved Catalogue, partly printed and partly in manuscript, in eightytwo volumes; and, 4, Mr. Panizzi's New Catalogue, in three hundred volumes. All these Catalogues have been compiled upon different principles, the cross-references vary, and what with additions at the tops and bottoms of the pages, and a vast body of interleaved matter, to wade through No. 3 is-to say the least of it-as troublesome as to search in any three ordinary catalogues. Under such circumstances, who can wonder at the cases which continually occur of persons being unable to find the entries in the catalogues of books which turn out to be really in the Library! Is there not a remedy? It seems to me there is a very simple one. scribe the contents of the four Catalogues into one general Catalogue, alphabetically arranged. To do so would be little more than clerks' work. The be placed in the Library from time to time as comtranscript might be made at once in triplicate, and pleted. If the authorities will not give us a printed Catalogue, they are bound by their own principles, properly understood, to give us one general Catalogue, and not to throw upon us the multiplied chances of mistake and oversight-to say nothing of time wasted and patience lost-which are inseparable from the present state of confusion.-O. R."

Tran

"The cheapest ing to its Prospectus) is advertised as being about newspaper in the world" (accordto appear at Cork on the 4th of February. It is to be a daily paper, and the subscription is to be a shilA work on the coup-d'état of December 2, is said ling per annum! It is to be called The Bizarre to be in preparation, by M. de Maupas, former French Gazette, and is to be connected with the great inMinister of Police, who took so prominent a part interests of " Charity," and "Literature," and the the affair. M. Scribe, the famous dramatic writer, more volatile associations of "Fortune" and "Fun." is to close his literary career with one more comedy, A charitable society, which is to last only for two to be called "La Dernière Pièce." An important days, has started the publication; and it is stated On the 12th of January M. Chacornac, of the Imseries of works, comprising a collection of the Latin that its policy will be Good Humour; its objects to inscriptions of the classic ages, has just been com- publish and record the decisions of the Lottery perial Observatory at Paris, discovered a new menced in Paris, at the expense of the French gov- Wheel,-to cast around the pleasures of a charitable planet, the brilliancy of which he compares to that Born one of a star of the ninth or tenth magnitude. "Inscriptions Romaines de bazaar the charms of a literary grace. ernment the first, Its position is in the constellation of Cancer, some degrees day, to die the next,-its life, it is hoped, will be as brilliant as brief. The project has a pleasant air southward from the nebulous star Præsepe. of novelty. Cork has produced many humourists, like Arthur O'Leary, Doctor Maginn, and the perennial Father Prout; and the facetic of this Bizarre Gazette may possibly be amongst the pleasantest of the bright ephemerides of a city, whose inhabitants were once called by a keen observer "a reading and semi-literary race.'

ap

l'Algérie," by M. Léon Renier, will contain about 5,000 inscriptions, which, with the letter-press, will form two volumes in the largest quarto; two numbers, containing nearly 600 inscriptions, have peared; the second collection, "Inscriptions Chrétiennes de la Gaule, antérieures au huitième siècle," by M. Leblant, is in print; the third series will include all Latin inscriptions of old Gaul, to the sixth century. To the credit of the French government, we may also add, that a liberal sum of upwards of 100,000 francs is annually expended upon this magnificent undertaking. The continuation of the "Histoire Littéraire de la France," is proceeding under the auspices of the Institute, and the twenty-third volume, bringing the work down to the close of the thirteenth century, will shortly be published.

Despite the disasters of war, Russia has her agents actively employed in adding to the riches of the imperial library: an acquisition has just been made in this manner, at Brussels, of a manuscript copy of da Vinci's "Treatise on Painting," with original designs by Poussin. M. Herzen's "My Exile" has been reprinted at Hamburg, and is now circulating through Germany. The oldest newspaper in Holland, the Harlemsche-Courant, has just celebrated its two hundredth anniversary. Mr. Macaulay is said to have examined its earlier numbers for his History of England. The American Ambassador in Switzerland is varying his diplomatic functions with literature, and is engaged upon a "History of the Helvetic Republic."

The invaluable services of the Photographic Art, in producing fac-similes of old documents, are attested by M. Claudet, who states that whatever alteration takes place in the paper by old age, the tint never becomes so purely yellow as to reflect no more photogenic rays than the ink itself; blue ink should not, however, be used.

Accounts from Rome state that the famous Albani

Library, one of the most celebrated collections of books in Europe, founded by Cardinal Nerli, is about to be brought to the hammer.

A memorial window has been placed in Coverham parish church, Yorkshire, to Miles Coverdale, who,

"

Herr Theodore Mügge has published a new novel, entitled, "Erich Randal," the scene of which is placed in Finland during the years 1807 to 1809,

the period when Finland, from a Swedish crownland, became a Russian province. The manner in which Herr Mügge has turned to account the political complications leading to this event is said to be highly creditable to him. His descriptions of national life, nature and scenery, are written, the German critics assert, with truth and poetical intuition. Another German novel, "Soll und Haben," by Herr Gustav Freytag, has recently had a considerable success. It has run, in so short a time as half a year, through no less than four editions,—a very uncommon thing with German novels.

A new Museum is projected under fair auspices. It is to be called The Scriptural Museum; and its purpose is to afford a series of illustrations of Bible history, geography, and manners. Mr. Bonomi has ent his cabinet of Egyptian Antiquities and his Sketches of Assyrian Sculpture to the Society-a good beginning most assuredly. The Society, of which the Earl of Chichester is President, and the Rev. D. Edwards Secretary, propose to embrace the following subjects in their collection:-Landscape The youth of Imperial Paris do not appear to ac Scenery of Palestine-Models of Jerusalem--Pro- quiesce in the system of silence to which their ductions-Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral-Illus- seniors bow with a shrug. M. Nisard still finds the trations of the Civil and Ecclesiastical Polity of the pupils of the Ecole Polytechnique ungrateful and Hebrews-Military Discipline-Sacred Antiquities of unaccommodating. He pleads, he storms, he prays, the Israelites, Assyrians, Egyptians-Tabernacle- but without appeasing the wrath of the consistent Temple, Proseucha, and Synagogues-Dress of Priests students. They will not hear a man lecture on morHigh Priests and Levites-Temple Vessels-Musical als, who has abandoned his old opinions for a profes Instruments-Domestic Antiquities-Tents, Houses, sor's chair and a government pension. One day last and Furniture-Dress-Coverings for the Head, week forty of the young fellows were arrested, and Phylacteries, Raiment of Camel Hair-Signets, Rings, when the audience were thus carried off to the preSandals-Literature, Science and Art-Writing Matefecture, the Minister of Public Instruction dressed rials and Implements-Sinaitic and other Inscrip- out 120 of his men in ordinary attire and sent them tions-Manuscripts-Poetry-Painting and Music to the lecture-room as an audience for poor M. Agricultural Implements-Arms and Chariots of Nisard. It is thought in Paris that the École PolyWar-Weights, Measures, Coins and other Articles technique will have to be closed by order of governrelating to Commerce-Treatment of the Dead, and ment, ere peace is restored and the system of silence Funeral Rites. It is proposed to establish a library is securely established in the most renowned school in connexion with the Museum; and also to organize of Paris. courses of lectures on the topics illustrated by the articles in the Society's collection.

The public seems about to commence an agitation for the opening of the British Museum. A few days ago a meeting was held in Bloomsbury, when the Rev. M. Bailie moved that a memorial be sent to the Trustees praying for the immediate opening of the Museum on the six working days of the week. Complaints, "not loud but deep," carnest com

"The second portion of an important and valuable work," says our Neapolitan Correspondent, "is about to make its appearance from the press of Nobile, published by De Wen, Naples. The author is our distinguished antiquary, Signor Fiorelli, who has more lately been known by his observations and illustrations of the rare works of Art found by the Count of Syracuse in Cumæ. The object of the work is to give fac-simile copies of the Inscriptions