New-York, have also lent their valuable aid. The "Dahlia" has made a fine commencement, and we do not see why it should not long live and flourish among the favorites of the season. THE TOKEN. In our notice of the last number of this Boston Annual, so long and deservedly a favorite gift-book, we expressed our regret at its inferiority to previous volumes. We are now most happy to welcome The Token for 1842, in more than its original beauty of execution, and brilliancy of matter. The work has passed into the hands of Mr. D. S. Williams, who seems to have spared neither care, time nor expense in rendering it worthy of tasteful patronage. The typography is as neat and attractive to the eye, as any specimen of printing which has ever fallen under our notice. It reflects great credit upon the press of S. N. Dickinson. The engravings are superb. Taken collectively, we doubt if they have been surpassed in this country. There is a fine female head from a portrait by Paige—a very striking Winter landscape-The First Ship,' a beautiful affair, by Chapman-a lovely view of Rockland Lake, so well known to those familiar with New-York scenery, and several other excellent specimens of the Art. The contents are of a superior order. The Editor's apolo gies in the preface are quite gratuitous. He laments the paucity of good humorous writers in this country. The fact is they are rare every where. The general tone of the articles in The Token, is well adapted to the taste of American readers. The pleasing vein of speculation, the quiet but eloquent moralizing, and the elevation of sentiment which pervades the prose articles, cannot but gratify every reader of cultivated and refined intellect. Longfellow has furnished some spirited translations from the German. Percival seems to have awoke from his long silence, to adorn the pages of this Souvenir. He has contributed several songs and imitations, possessing much lyrical sweetness. Among the other writers, are Greenwood, Peabody, Mrs. Seba Smith, Park Benjamin, H. T. Tuckerman, McLellan, Mrs. Gilman, S. G. Goodrich, George Lunt, J. R. Lowell, J. L. Motley, J. T. Fields, etc. In point of literary merit, and chaste elegance of execution, as well as embellishment, The Token is the best Annual of the season. - They are very prettily illustrated with wood cuts, and admirably fitted to engage the sympathies and improve the minds of children. The Rollo Books can be purchased at any of the Bookstores in Richmond. PANTOLOGY; or a Systematic Survey of Human Knowledge: By Roswell Park, A. M.: Philadelphia: Hogan and Thompson, 1841. We doubt if any single volume ever published in this country can boast contents of more various and sterling value than this. It may be called a chart, whereby the navigator on the vast sea of human knowledge, may learn cision. Professor Park, with the greatest research and how to direct his course with the greatest safety and preliterature and art. The results of his observation and study care has made a scientific survey of the records of science, are arranged in the work before us, with great felicity and literature, we have an epitome of what has been written on order. Under the head of each science and branch of the subject, an analysis of its relations and history, and finally a record of the most important works and writers in the department referred to. The great convenience of such a condensed commentary upon Arts and Letters is obvious would investigate, and turning to the appropriate page of at once. We have only to find in the index, the subject we the Pantology, we are, at once, furnished with the essence of the matter. The Teacher, Editor, Author, and Student will find in such a work an invaluable companion. It should be found on every library table. In our country, time is so precious to the professional man, that he can ill-afford to pass a whole morning in searching a public institution for specific information. The expense of the best Encyclopedias places them out of the reach of most of our young scholars. The volume before us supplies, in this regard, a great deficiency. It is concise without being superficial. Within the compass of little more than five hundred pages, we have the most authentic and full information as to the sources and classification of Human Knowledge. It is, as the author proposed it should be, "a guide-book" to those who are seeking wisdom. Here the lecturer can at once ascertain where the facts, he seeks, are to be found. The student of belles lettres is furnished with an account of the standard authors in that sphere, of all times and countries. The inquirer into Natural Science will learn where the THE ROLLO Books. We have taken occasion, from time to time, to invite the attention of our readers to valuabest revelation of the wonders of creation, exist. Such is ble books in the juvenile department of literature. Every parent of sense and conscientiousness, needs not to be the comprehensive character of this work. The author reminded of the importance of this subject; and such, we deserves the thanks of the community for so invaluable a are confident, will not be averse to turn from the weightier compend. We commend it to those who have any intematters discussed in our pages, to note what we have to rest in the education of youth, to young men whose academical studies are proceeding or completed, to every man say of books intended for the young. The Rollo Books who would read to advantage and pursue his literary or form a juvenile library by themselves. They are written scientific inquiries understandingly and to good purpose. by Mr. Abbot, a gentleman whose experience in teaching well fits him for the task he has undertaken. His aim is The mechanical execution of the work is worthy of its inessentially a moral one. He interests the minds of chil-trinsic value. The typography, paper and binding are exdren by conforming to their apprehension, and under the cellent, and the cuts well-designed and appropriate. The guise of attractive narrative, imparts many a useful lesson, volume will undoubtedly become a standard directory in and depicts many an excellent example. These little books Literature, Science and the Arts. To give some idea of are most pleasing in their dress and execution. The idea the style in which the various information of this manual of interesting children in some character, and then address. is conveyed, we subjoin three extracts taken at random. ing them on various subjects, under that form, has been (This work will be found at the Bookstore of J. W. Ransuccessfully proved by the success of Peter Parley. Avail- dolph & Co.) ing himself of a similar idea, the author of these books, sists in sowing or planting the seed, in ground properly preAGRICULTURE. "The Cultivation of Vegetables, conearries the little hero through all the stages of infant expe-pared; in fostering their growth, by stirring the soil and erarience. The manner in which this is done may be indicating noxious plants, or weeds; and finally, in gathering ferred from the title of the volumes; viz: Rollo learning and preserving the products of this labor. The plants thus to Talk; Rollo learning to Read; Rollo at School; Rollo cultivated are mostly grains, esculent roots, and grasses, at Work; Rollo at Play; Rollo's Experiments; Rollo's Correspondence; Rollo's Travels; Rollo's Museum; Rollo's Vacation. Each of these agreeable stories is written in a simple style which is adapted to the subject in hand. for the food of men and domestic animals; or flax, hemp, tion of fruits and garden vegetables, is reserved for the suc cotton, and other plants, useful in the arts. The producceeding branch of Chreotechnics. Grains, including wheat, rye, barley, and oats, are cultivated by ploughing, manu ring, and barrowing the ground; then sowing the seed | tails, the moral lessons, the episodes of eloquent reflection, broadcast, that is, scattered over the whole surface, and are unrivalled. The volume is issued in the style of the slightly covering it with the harrow; after which, no farther labor is required till the harvesting; when the ripe Rejected Addresses," recently published by the same grain is cut with the sickle or cradle, bound in bundles, and house. It has long been out of print, and will doubtless stored till perfectly dry; then separated from the straw or meet with a rapid sale. culm, by threshing and winnowing. Similar to this is the cultivation of rice, in the wet lands of our Southern States. Maize or Indian corn and potatoes, are planted in hills, or rows, usually three or four feet apart and they require repeated hoeings, to subdue the weeds and accumulate the earth around the roots. The top stalks of maize, should not be cut until the kernels are formed in the ears; other wise the plants would be unfruitful. The field, or common turnip, may be raised by scattering and covering the seed, in ground well tilled, without farther cultivation. BRITISH EAST-INDIA COMPANY. "The first British East India Company, was chartered by Queen Elizabeth, in 1600; and twelve years after, it obtained a foothold at Surat, by permission of the great Mogul. In 1634, the English also obtained from him a station on the Ganges, and, in 1700, they built Fort William, at Calcutta. In 1708, the company was rechartered, and rival claims and pretensions united. Three Presidencies were formed at Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay; with separate councils. Their political power began with the Carnatic war, in 1748; in which the English and French took sides with opposite parties of the natives. In 1756, Surajah Dowlah, nabob of Bengal, took Calcutta; but Col. Clive soon regained it; and, by the battle of Plassey, made Meer Jaffier nabob; obtaining from him large concessions. By the peace of 1763, France resigned most of her Hindoo possessions to the British; whose most formidable foe, thenceforward, was Hyder Ali, chief of Mysore: but he was defeated in 1780; and Tippo Saib, his son, made peace soon after. Tippo afterwards renewed the war; but was again brought to terms by Lord Cornwallis, in 1792; and in a third war, the sultan Tippo was slain, and Seringapatam taken by Gen. Harris, in 1799. The Rajah of Nepaul invaded the British possessions, in 1815; but he was defeated by Lord Hastings, and lost a large portion of his territory. Thus has risen the British power in India, which, we hope, may aid in regenerating the east." OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. "To Physical Geography belongs a description of the different races of men; of which there are five principal: the European, or white; the Asiatic, or yellow; the American, or red; the Malay, or brown; and the African, or black; all of which are here arranged according to their degree of civilization. By the degree of civilization, is meant the progress of any race or people in arts and refinement. Of these degrees, we may reckon five; the enlightened, civilized, half civilized, barbarous, and savage; of which we have no room here to speak farther. The European or Caucasian race is characterized by a lighter complexion; a more oval face; and generally by a greater degree of intelligence and refine ment, than the other races possess. The Asiatic or Tartar race, has a more yellow complexion; a face nearly square, with dark and straight hair, full cheeks, and small eyes; and this race ranks second in intellectual power and improvement. The Malay race, much resembles the Asiatic; but has a brown or tawny complexion, and is generally inferior to the Asiatic race, in the mental scale. The American or Indian race, is characterized by a copper-colored complexion, straight black hair, low forehead, and very prominent cheek bones; and this race is generally found in a half civilized or barbarous state. The African, or Negro race, is distinguished by a black or dark complexion, short, curly hair, receding forehead, and prominent cheeks; and it holds the lowest place in the scale of improvement," CONFESSIONS OF AN ENGLISH OPIUM EATER. Being an extract from the Life of a Scholar. From the last London edition. Boston: William D. Ticknor; 1841. This remarkable little work first appeared about twenty years since, in the London Magazine. It was published in the form of a series of papers, and for a long time confidently attributed to Coleridge. De Quincy, however, is now generally admitted to be the author. No one can read these "Confessions" without deep interest. They bear the stamp of genius and scholarship;--they evince feelings of genuine goodness and intensity. The melancholy de THE VICTIM OF CHANCERY. New-York; 1841. Perhaps some of our readers have fallen in with a small volume published last Summer, called "A Week in WallStreet." It sold very well, and it appears the author has been encouraged to write another book, to expose the arbi trary exercise of Chancery powers, and the evil conse quences thereof. It should be read by the legal profession. The story is said to be based upon facts, and will interest all who have ever had occasion to think of the subject of which it treats. It is neatly executed, and contains 208 pages. RAMBLES and REVERIES. We announced in our last, that our well-known contributor, H. T. Tuckerman, was about to issue a volume of his miscellaneous writings. They appeared a few weeks since in New-York, under the above title. The publisher is Mr. James P. Giffing, successor to Samuel Colman, 56 Gold-Street. The work con. sists of one volume duodecimo, and contains 436 pages. The first part comprises foreign sketches and tales, viz: A Day at Ravenna; The Cholera in Sicily; The Capuchin of Pisa; San Marino; Turin; Love in a Lazzaret; Florence Revisited; The Thespian Syren; Modena; A Journey; Genoa; Bologna: Lucca; Leaf from a Log. The second part is entitled "Thoughts on the Poets," and is made up of the Essays which have heretofore appeared in our pages. The third part is of a miscellaneous character, including the following articles: The Bachelor Reclaimed; Hair; Eye-Language; Art and Artists; The Weather; Manner; Pet-Notions; Loitering; Broad Views. The volume is inscribed to Charles F. Hoffman of New-York. Messrs. Lea & Blanchard, of Philadelphia, will publish early this month, a neat duodecimo volume entitled “TALES AND SOUVENIRS OF A RESIDENCE IN EUROPE, by a Lady of Virginia." This volume is the production of one whose graceful sketches have heretofore adorned the pages of the Messenger. It is in part composed of articles which have already appeared in our pages. Many of our readers will at once recognize the writer as the accomplished lady of one of our most distinguished political men. THE COMPLETE WORKS OF MARY RUSSELL MITFORD have likewise been published by Mr. Crissy in the same manner. We hardly know whether Mrs. Opie or Miss Mitford is deserving of most praise. Miss Sedgwick, who visited Miss Mitford last year, informs us that she still lives in the quiet little village of Alresford, where she was born in 1789; with "a soul-lit eye, and hair as white as snow, a wintry sign that has come prematurely upon her, as like signs come upon us, while the year is yet fresh and undecayed;" that "her voice has a sweet, low tone, and her manner a naturalness, frankness, and affectionateness, that we have been so long familiar with in her other modes of manifestation, that it would have been a disappointment not to have found them.” "Our Village," which has been two or three times republished in this country, in four velume editions, has won for Miss Mitford the reputation of being the Claude of village life in England. It is a series of admirable sketches of character in a country town Belford Regis, Country Stories, and Papers from Finder's Tableaux, are of the same general character, and have been uniformly praised by "all classes and conditions" of critics. | Father and Daughter, Poems, &c. &c. Mrs. Opie is the most Miss Mitford's more ambitious efforts have been a series of original and vigorous of the female authors of the time; tragedies,-Rienzi, The Two Foscari, Julian and Charles she is said by good critics to be little inferior to Godwin in the First, which have been represented in England and in the power of displaying the workings of the passions; and this country with distinguished success. They are among if she falls short of Miss Edgeworth in her delineations of the best specimens of dramatic writing produced in this domestic character, she excels her and all other contempocentury. The works of Mrs. Opie and Miss Mitford should raries in the freshness of her conceptions, and in the faculty form a portion of every lady's library, of creating intense interest. Her works are eminently moral in their tendencies, and may be placed in the hands of the young with confidence that their teachings will be THE AMERICAN ANNUALS, for 1842, are much superior eminently serviceable in forming the character of the mind to those for previous years. The "Gift," published in and heart. We are pleased that the demand for such books Philadelphia, by Carey and Hart, is one of the most splendid-warrants their republication in such excellent style. ly ornamented volumes ever printed in this country, and—a THE SPEECHES OF HENRY LORD BROUGHAM, upon Questions relating to Public Rights, Duties, and Interests, with Historical Introductions, have been published by Lea & Blanchard, of Philadelphia in two very large and excellently printed octavo volumes. The period to which they relate, extending from 1810 to 1840, has been one of the most interesting in British history. In this period Lord Brougham was a distinguished actor, and upon its character and events he exercised an important influence. His speeches, embraced in this collection, relating to great public questions, will go down, with those of Burke, to after ages, and secure for their author a place in the same rank with that illustrious statesman and orator. The historical introductions in this edition, explanatory of the times and circumstances in which the speeches were made, and tracing occasional sketches of contemporaneous character, throw such light upon the subjects as to enable any one to enter understandingly into the merits of each case; and are in themselves among the most interesting productions of their author. While this work will constitute a valuable addition to any library, it may be considered indispensable in that of the lawyer or politician. PALMER ON THE CHURCHES. "A Treatise on the "AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES AND RESEARCHES INTO THE Church of Christ; designed chiefly for the use of students in Theology, by the Rev. William Palmer, M. A.. of Wor- ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE RED RACE," is the title cester College, Oxford, with a preface and notes by the of a new work from the pen of Mr. Alexander W. BradRt. Rev. W. R. Whittingham, D. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Maryland," has just appeared from the prolific press of Messrs. Appleton, of New-York. It is a very learned and able work, indispensable to the Episcopal student of theology, and of great value to all members of that denomination, who wish to know the character and grounds of their faith, and particularly the difference between it and that of the Roman Catholic church. Its author belongs to the "Oxford School" of theologians. It is in two volumes, printed in the most excellent style, like all the publications of Messrs. Appleton, MRS. OPIE. The complete works of this charming writer, have, within a few weeks, been issued in three very large and closely-printed volumes by Mr. J. Crissy, of Philadelphia. Mrs. Opie is now about seventy years old; but we learn from the recently published "Letters from Abroad" by Miss Sedgwick, that she continues to be one of the brightest ornaments of the literary circles in London. The father of Mrs. Opie was Dr. Alderson, an eminent physician of Norwich; and her husband, who died in 1807, was Mr. Opie, the painter. Of her works, the "Illustrations of Lying" are probably best known among us, as they have passed through from twenty to thirty editions in this country. Most of her other productions have been republished here; but Mr. Crissy's is the only complete edition of her writings extant. It comprises, beside the Illustrations of Lying, Adeline Mowbray, Madeline, Simple Tales, Temper or Domestic Scenes, Tales of Real Life, Valentine's Eve, ford, published in New-York, by Dayton & Saxton, during the last month. The first part of it contains descriptions of the most important of the ancient remains found on the American continent. It treats of the antiquities found in the United States, including the tumuli, mounds, fortifications, relics of pottery, implements of warfare, &c., and concludes, from a comprehensive survey of these data, that their authors were all of the same race; that they were extremely numerous, far advanced in civilization, dwelt in large cities, and under a regular form of government, were of great antiquity, and originally proceeded from Mexico. It then proceeds to a consideration of the ruins in Mexico and the Provinces adjacent, the pyramids, the ruins of Tuzcuco, Fluexalto, Mitlan, Palenque, Copan, and other ancient cities; and the mounds, roads, baths, acqueducts, &c. found in Kru and other portions of South America. In the second part, to elucidate the history of the red race, the author reviews the contents of the preceding pages, and proceeds to examine the traditions, languages, customs, and institutions of the various tribes; and to trace their origin, he compares them with the people of several parts of the oriental world. He concludes that the inhabitants of both continents had a common origin; that all the ancient remains in North and South America, though of various nations, and differing in minor details, possess strong analogies, which indicate that they had one original and civilized source; and that the aboriginal race is not descended from any nation now existing in the Eastern hemisphere, but is a primitive one which migrated to America at a very early period, in all probability soon after the dispersion. It will be observed that Mr. Bradford differs from Mr. Stephens, Thomas Ward, M. D., whose contributions to the Newwho supposes the antiquities of Mexico to have had a re- York American, under the signature of "Flaccus," have cent origin. His work is ingeniously reasoned, and con- been much praised for their sprightliness and wit. ains much curious information. THE AMENITIES OF LITERATURE, by the elder D'Israeli, is one of the most entertaining books of the year. It has been published in New-York, in a very handsome edition, in two volumes, by Messrs. Langley. "Contributions to the History of English Literature," would perhaps have been a more descriptive title for the work, as it consists principally of articles on the superstitions of the Druids, the Saxon language, the Gothic romances, and kindred subjects; sketches of Chaucer, Gower, More, Wyatt, Ascham, Sydney, Spenser, Shakspeare, Raleigh, Bacon, and others who are less distinguished; a good history of the English drama, &c. &c. Those who have read the "Curiosities of Literature," and the "Miscellanies of Literature," by the same author, will welcome these volumes as they would communications from a long absent and unforgotten friend. D'ISRAELI is the most industrious literary antiquarian, and the most pleasant, gossiping chronicler, of our day. "PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BIBLE," is the title of a work recently published in New-York, by Mr. Robert Sears, which has met with extraordinary success. It is in two octavo volumes, and contains more than four hundred well engraved views of places in the Holy Land, and illustrations of remarkable events in sacred history, from sketches by recent travellers, and pictures by the old masters, with interesting letter-press descriptions. It is said that more than ten thousand copies of the work have been sold, and additional volumes are in press, which will probably be no less successful. Harper and Brothers have given us a very neat edition of "Pocahontas, and other Poems," by Mrs. Sigourney; and will soon publish the Poems of Fitzgreene Halleck, not included in " Fanny and other Poems," published a year or two ago. This collection will embrace all Mr. Halleck's more serious poems, hitherto published, and "The Minute Men," and other original pieces. The imprint of the Appletons, appears on " Arthur Carye," etc. A new satirical work by the author of a " Vision of Rubeta," in which the editors of New-York, and many other persons "of note in their own bailwick," are dealt with in no gentle manner. The "Vision of Rubeta" was published in Boston in 1839; it is a beautiful specimen of typography, and the four hundred octavo pages of which it consists, are filled with obscenity, the vilest description of wit, and "shows" of scholarship; it is understood to be by a Mr. Osborn, the author of “Fifty Years of the Life of Jeremy Levis," and was intended mainly to satirize Colonel Stone of the New-York Commercial Advertiser, and Mr. Charles King, of the New-York American, though many other characters are introduced. Ex-secretary Paulding is preparing a new edition of "The Backwoodsman and other Poems," which will be printed uniform with the last impression of his novels. Miss Elizabeth Bogart, the "Estelle" of the New-York Mirror, has in press her collected writings. Mr. John Keese is engaged on "The Life and Poetical Remains of the late Lucy Hooper." While Mrs. Sigourney was in London last summer, a collection of her poems was published, in two duodecimo volumes, by a well-known house. Mrs. Brooks, whose pieces under the signature of "Norna" were popular many years since, is understood to be editing the "Memoirs and Poetical Remains of the late James G. Brooks," her husband; and we understand that F. W. Thomas, the author of "Clinton Bradshaw," etc., "INCIDENTS OF A WHALING VOYAGE," to which are has in press a poem entitled "The Adventures of a Poet." added observations on the scenery, manners, customs and The poems of Mr. Bryant have recently been republished missionary stations of the Sandwich and Society Islands, in London in "Smith's Standard Library." We are gratiis a work of considerable merit recently published by Ap-fied to learn that the works of Richard H. Dana and Heury pleton & Co., of New-York. The author, who is a son of W. Longfellow will appear in the same series. Professor Olmsted, of Yale College, took passage in a whale ship for a whole voyage, in consequence of ill-health, and was an eye-witness of what he describes. His journal is written in an easy, familiar style, and like the "Two Years before the Mast," by Mr. Dana, will doubtless have a great circulation; for the whaler's life, like the samphiregatherer's, is full of peril. We have made some calculations from statistics collected by ourselves on this subject. They reveal the startling result, that those who procure 'oil for our lamps,' encounter dangers greater than those of the most bloody warfare. Upon an average, one-tenth of those who engage upon a whaling voyage, are destroyed by the whales, lost in boats, or perish in some manner during the voyage, by the dangers of their calling. Mrs. Katherine A Ware, a native of Rhode Island, and formerly editress of the "Bower of Taste," a monthly miscellany published in Boston, has recently resided in England, and we perceive that a volume of her poems, lately published, has been favorably noticed, in the critical journals. Some of the London publishers are now, probably, able to answer the query of the “Quarterly," "Who reads an American book?" Several new works, by American writers, have appeared since our last number was issued, for which we have not now space for extended notices. Among them are, "Letters of John Adams, second President of the United States, POETS AND POETRY.-Messrs. Lea and Blanchard, of to his wife," published by Little & Brown of Boston; "The Philadelphia, have just issued in a beautiful volume, to Seaman's Friend, containing a Treatise on Practical Seamatch their edition of the writings of her sister-edited by manship, a Dictionary of Sea Terms, Customs of the Mer Washington Irving-the "Poetical Remains of the late Lu- chant Service." &c., by R. H. Dana, junior, author of cretia Maria Davidson, collected and arranged by her Mo-Two Years before the Mast," published by the same ther, with a Biography by Miss Sedgwick." It is necessary house; "The Eagle of the Mohawks, a Tale of the Sevento say but little in regard to the character of this work. The remarkable and early-developed genius of Lucretia Maria, and Margaret Miller Davidson, must be familiar to all American readers. The biography of Lucretia, by Miss Sedgwick, is a beautiful history of an angel's life. teenth Century," in two volumes, by the late Dr. J. L. E. W. Shecut, of South Carolina, published by P. Price, New York; "The Merchant's Widow, and other Tales," by Mrs. Sawyer, same publisher; "Autobiography, Reminiscences, and Letters of John Trumbull, from 1756 to 1841," one volume octavo, published by Wiley & Putnam, New-York; "Confession, or the Blind Heart, a Domestic Story," by the author of "The Kinsman," "The Yemassee," &c., in two volumes, published by Lea & Blanchard, Among the works recently issued in New-York, we notice, "The Sermons and Poetical Remains of the Rev. B. D. Winslow, edited by the Rt. Rev. George W. Donne, Bishop of New-Jersey," from the press of Wiley and Putnam. The same publishers have in press, the Poems of Philadelphia. PUBLISHED MONTHLY, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM-THOMAS W. WHITE, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. VOL. VII. RICHMOND, DECEMBER, 1841. ADELAIDE GORDON: A TALE OF THE MISSISSIPPI. BY MISS CHARLOTTE M. S. BARNES. CHAPTER I. "Wo to the youth whom Fancy gains, Winning from Reason's hand the reins; 'Pity and wo! for such a mind 'Is soft, contemplative, and kind; And wo to those who train such youth, While on the stithy, glows the steel!"- Scott. "Some dream that they can silence, when they will, "The storms of passion, and say "Peace, be still;" "But "thus far, and no further," when addressed NO. 12. laide had some nonsensical notions, yet they were both, on the whole, very good girls." A connection of theirs, a man of high standing, died in embarrassed circumstances, and with their usual kindness, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon extended every aid and attention, that regard could bestow, on the widow and her son, inviting them to reside in their house, and retaining them there for some years, until Harry was old enough to enter into business. But truly, the blessings shown to the widow, were repaid ten-fold. From her first sojourn in their dwelling, she had displayed towards the children great affection, which by Clara was reciprocated. The instruction which a refined, intelligent, and truly pious woman imparted, were, by heaven's grace, productive of good fruit. Adelaide, though she respected, cared but little for her relative. She shrunk from gratuitous and affectionate counsels which might have benefited her, but which she regarded as almost intrusive. The widow died, and left a daughter's sorrow in Clara's heart. Mr. Gordon, a worthy and respectable merchant, had lived for many years in New-York, where he was justly regarded as an honest man, and a kind Young Harry Wilmot, now an orphan, went husband and father. His wife, a woman of plain forth into the world to toil for his bread. The manners and warm feelings, had, like himself, risen sisters grew in stature, years, and beauty. Clara, from a grade of life far inferior to that in which like many girls of enthusiastic temperament, posshe was now placed. Like many persons thus sessed deep feelings and great firmness of purelevated, they overrated the value of school edu- pose; while Adelaide was in disposition more giddy, cation; they considered it the acme of all advan- and less firm of resolution; her passions too were tages, not only for success in the world, but for strong, and her temper not always even. She was the entire formation of character and principles; addicted to "castle-building." She had from early and such education, they supposed, could be best childhood indulged an inclination for reverie, which acquired in a boarding-school. To the first in the augmented with her years. Every hour unoccucity, therefore, they sent their twin daughters, Ade-pied by necessary pursuits, she would devote to laide and Clara, who there learned all requisite her own beautifully sketched visions of future hapaccomplishments and a thorough initiation into those branches which form an elegant, intelligent, woman of the world. events in which her parents, or her sister, were interested, could excite her feelings so warmly as the dreams of her own romance. piness. By degrees, she found such delight in these musings, that she felt impatient when aroused from them; and after being interrupted, would reBut can a mistress, whose time is daily divided turn to them with increased appetite. No tales of among forty or fifty young persons, form their cha-actual wo, no relation of a friend's happiness, no racters solidly, and teach them to love piety, and to make religion practical? Surely not. It is the instruction at home, the silent, but powerful influence of example—the apt reflection or illustration It may be asked, what harm was there in the caught at the moment,—the "line upon line, and indulgence of these dreams? No other harm than precept upon precept, here a little, and there a that which must arise from idle reverie: the habit little," the lessons imperceptibly inculcated in the of so enlarging upon our own fancied cares, as to long social evenings, these are they that make the impair that interest and sympathy for others, and groundwork of education. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon for the every-day occurrences of life, which the knew nothing of this. Quiet by nature, with no exci- Almighty has implanted in us for the general benefit table or romantic feelings, no keen sensibilities, no of mankind: the habit also of dwelling so intenseacute penetration, they esteemed each other, were ly upon our own feelings, and of analyzing their fond of their children-took them duly to church, subtilities, of so enhancing their importance on all and sent them duly to school; and often declared that trivial occasions, as to make the heart more sus“though Clara was as merry as a cricket, and Ade- ceptible to outward impressions, and less able to VOL. VII-103 |