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"Notes" on the New Testament, and on the books of Isaiah, Job, and Daniel, which were commenced by the learned and laborious commentator more than twenty years ago. It will be found highly useful to theological students, and to readers of the sacred Scriptures generally.

ROMANISM AT HOME. Letters to the Hon. Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the United States. By Kirwan. The author of this book is the Rev. Dr. Murray, a native of Ireland. In these letters, addressed to the Chief Justice of the United States, a native Roman Catholic, Dr. Murray, in his own peculiar style, describes what he saw in his own country and in Rome, of the effects, as he thinks, of that religion as well upon the State as upon the people.

From A. HART (late Carey & Hart), corner of Fourth and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia:

THE YEAR-BOOK OF FACTS IN SCIENCE AND ART: exhibiting the most Important Discoveries and Improvements of the Year, in Mechanics and the Useful Arts; Natural Philosophy; Electricity; Chemistry; Zoology and Botany; Geology and Geography; Meteorology and Astronomy. By John Timbs, Editor of the "Arcana of Science and Art." The title of this book, with the great respectability of the London and Philadelphia publishers, will be a sufficient guarantee to the reader for the useful character of its contents.

From CHARLES SCRIBNER, New York, through A. HART, Philadelphia:

HUNGARY IN 1851, WITH AN EXPERIENCE OF THE AUSTRIAN POLICE. By Charles Loring Brace. The facts embraced in this interesting volume were collected by the author during a journey through Hungary, pursuing which he had unusual advantages for observing thoroughly the conditions and feelings of the masses of the Hungarian people.

THE HOUSEHOLD OF SIR THOMAS MORE. There is a great deal in this little volume to attract the attention of Christian fathers, and to suggest noble sentiments to judges, statesmen, and to all in authority.

From JOHN S. TAYLOR, New York, through A. HART (late Carey & Hart), Philadelphia:—

FANCIES OF A WHIMSICAL MAN. By the author of "Musings of an Invalid." This is another sparkling volume from the pen of a keen observer of human nature in all its phases. It abounds in terse and rapidly-flowing sentences, embracing a greater amount of wisdom and sound morality, and evincing a deeper philosophical inquiry into the habits and follies of the creature man, than is generally attained by those who set themselves up for reformers and authors in these modern times, when all things are brought to early maturity through the wonderful agency of steam and gas-light.

From J. S. REDFIELD, Clinton Hall, New York, through W. B. ZIEBER, Philadelphia:

The

LEGENDS OF LOVE AND CHIVALRY. The Cavaliers of England; or, the Times of the Revolutions of 1664 and 1688. By Henry William Herbert, author of "The Roman Traitor," "Marmaduke Wyvil," "Cromwell," etc. This volume, besides much that is new, embraces several tales of peculiar interest, selected from the early productions of the author. The latter, however, have been carefully revised and retouched; and, having been thus subjected to a judgment now matured, and to a pen guided by experi ence, will doubtless be received by the public, and by the author's numerous admirers, as most acceptable memorials of his genius, and of the purity of his style.

VOL. XLV.-9

From GOULD & LINCOLN, Boston, through W. B. ZIELER, Philadelphia:

CHAMBERS'S POCKET MISCELLANY. Vol. 1. Each volume complete in itself. This is an unbound volume of one hundred and eighty pages, and is the first of a series recently commenced by the Messrs. Chambers, of Edinburgh, with whom the American publishers have made arrangements for early reprints in this country. The work, as we are told, will consist of amusing articles from "Chambers's Journal," supposed to be out of print, and is intended, in these days of cheap and rapid travelling, cheaply and rapidly to help the traveller along by affording him light and entertaining reading. Price 20 cents.

From DERBY & MILLER, Auburn, New York:

MEMOIR OF ADONIRAM JUDSON: being a Sketch of his Life and Missionary Labors. By J. Clement, author of "Noble Deeds of American Women." This work has been before the public for some time, but still retains its great interest, which must continue and increase, with the friends of foreign missions.

THE LIVES OF MRS. ANNE H. JUDSON AND MRS. SARAH B. JUDSON, with a Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Emily C. Judson, Missionaries to Burmah. In three volumes. By Arabella W. Stewart. This is a most valuable companion for the volume to which we have just referred, affording evidences of Christian zeal on the part of three devoted women, which may, indeed, challenge comparison in modern times.

SUMMERFIELD; OR, LIFE ON A FARM. By Day Kellogg Lea. A most excellent book, in which fiction is made to subserve the interests of morality and religion. Indeed, we have not seen a book for a long time, in which the quiet and social virtues have been more impressively illustrated than they have been by the author of "Life on a Farm." We know enough of farm life ourselves to induce us to believe that it is not always free from those cares, and from that solicitude engendered by ambition, which are the great annoyances in other states of life. To correct and to regulate these has been the principal object of the author, and we think his success will be complete with all rational and considerate readers.

GOLDEN STEPS TO RESPECTABILITY, USEFULNESS, AND HAPPINESS. Being a Series of Lectures to Youth of both Sexes, on Character, Principles, Associates, Amusements, Religion, and Marriage. By John Mather Austin, author of" Voice of Youth," "Voice to Married," etc. Ten thousand copies of this valuable book have had a ready sale.

THE YOUNG LADY'S BOOK; or, Principles of Female Education. This is a very good book, calculated to establish in the mind of the inexperienced a sound and womanly discretion. It is very much to be regretted that the appearance of works of this description is so few and far between. At the same time, it must be confessed that authors are as much to blame, if not more than the public, with respect to the due encouragement of such practical works as the one before us. Public taste and public morals would, in our opinion, finally prove obedient to the careful moulding of such authors, were more of them to enter the field with the same amount of courage and good-will.

WHAT I SAW IN LONDON; or, Men and Things in the Great Metropolis. By D. W. Bartlett. This appears to be an unprejudiced review of men and incidents as they were presented to the author's judgment during two years' residence, at different periods, in the city of London. Without doing injustice or giving offence to any one, the author appears to have manfully sustained the character of his country.

THE LIFE OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE, FIRST

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From JAMES MUNROE & Co., Boston and Cambridge:-THE WORKS OF SHAKSPEARE: the text carefully restored according to the first editions, with Introductions, Notes, original and selected, and a Life of the Poet. By Rev. H. N. Hudson, A. M. In eleven volumes. We have now before us volumes three and four of this series, comprising eight plays, viz., "The Merchant of Venice," "As You Like It," "All's Well that Ends Well," "Taming of the Shrew," "A Winter's Tale," "Comedy of Errors," "Macbeth," and "King John." The merits of Shakspeare need no eulogy; two hundred years of glory are sufficient to stamp the value of his writings. But the manner in which this edition is prepared by the editor, and got up by the publishers, is deserving of great commendation. As a work for schools and families, this edition will be found better adapted than any other we have examined. The volumes are convenient in size, and the printing clear.

THE GREEK GIRL: a Tale in Two Cantos. By James Wright Simmons. The story is well described in the preface: "A Greek maiden, of gentle birth, but parentless, whom the casualties of Eastern warfare had reduced to the condition of a Mohammedan slave, and who, by a similar casualty, is restored to her original and far more appropriate character, that of a heroine," is the centre and attraction of this poem. There is no lack of stirring incidents, and the descriptions are striking, and often powerful. Some errors in sentiment might be pointed out; but then we have no room for extracts to show the many beauties. Ours is only a notice; the work deserves a review. For sale by A. Hart, Philadelphia.

FRESH FLOWERS FOR CHILDREN. By a Mother. With engravings. A very nice little book, which the young will love to read, and profit by the reading.

THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON; with Biographical Sketches of his Mother and Wife. Relations of Lafayette to Washington; with Incidents and Anecdotes in the Lives of the two Patriots. The world will never tire of Washington, and if that were possible with the old, this charming volume will endear his memory more deeply in the hearts of the young. It is a book replete with interest, every page having its separate charm. It should be in every school library, and on the centre-table of every family-room in the land.

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK. By the author of “A Trap to Catch a Sunbeam," "Old Joliffe," etc. etc. The series of little books to which this belongs have had a wide popularity in England as well as in our Republic. The first published, "A Trap to Catch a Sunbeam," was a charming story. This last book has the like aim of doing good and teaching how to be happy, that stamps all the writings of the author. It will be popular.

COMPANIONS OF MY SOLITUDE. By the author of "Essays Written in the Intervals of Business," "Friends in Council," etc. The foregoing productions of this writer have been so excellent, that we took up this volume expecting to be pleased; and it has equalled-indeed, exceeded our hope. Full of deep and probing reflections on the

present aspects of society, the work is yet more valuable for its suggestions which reach the future conditions of humanity. The style is pure as the thoughts it serves to make more beautiful; and, altogether, these "Compa nions" will cheer the solitary, or add zest to the social meetings of "friends in council." The author has that earnest purpose of doing good which never fails of its mark; and the publishers deserve the thanks of the community for bringing out, in their liberal style, these attractive and valuable books.

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NOVELS, SERIALS, PAMPIILETS, &c.

From T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "Arrah Neil." A Novel. By G. P. R. James, author of "Richelieu," etc. Three volumes complete in one. Price 25 cents.-" Falkland." A Novel. By Sir E. L. Bulwer, author of "Lucretia," etc. Only cheap edition ever printed. Price 25 cents."The Mob Cap, and other Tales." By Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz. This large volume contains nine of the most popular tales of the authoress, Mrs. Hentz, whose numerous works of fiction, blended as they have been with practical and useful lessons in manners and morals, have placed her name among the first female writers of our country. Price

50 cents.

From Stacy & Richardson, Boston: "Crayon Sketches and Off-Hand Takings of Distinguished American Statesmen, Orators, Divines, Essayists, Editors, Poets, and Philanthropists." By George W. Bungay.

From Harper & Brothers, New York, through Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia: "Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution." This ably conducted work has reached its twentysecond number.-"London Labor and London Poor." By Henry Mayhew. Part 18. Price 121⁄2 cents.-"The Daltons; or, Three Roads in Life." By Charles Lever, author of "Maurice Finney," etc. This is a work of more than ordinary interest, though we may not be prepared to enter into all the author's views.

From Lippincott, Grambo & Co., Philadelphia: "The Milliner and the Millionaire." By Mrs. Dr. Hicks, of Virginia, authoress of the "Lady-Killer," etc.

From Bunie & Brother, New York, through T. B. Peter son: "Remorse, and other Tales." By G. P. R. James, Esq.

From A. Hart (late Carey & Hart): "Woodreve Manor; or, Six Months in Town." A Tale to suit the merits and the follies of the times. By Anna Hanson Dorsey, author of the "Student of Blenheim Forest," &c. Price 50 cents. This is a tale of more than usual interest to the American reader.-"Clifton; or, Modern Fashion," etc. A Novel. By Arthur Townley. Love, law, and politics are here thrown together, and mingled with the usual incidents connected with those interesting matters, and in the free and easy style which always finds admirers.

"The Lantern." Publication Office 149 Fulton Street, New York. This is a very amusing publication; witty and sarcastic, ut retaining a position above vulgarity, and marked by no evidences of malice or scurrility. Its woodcuts have been justly compared to those of the London

Punch.

From Long & Brothers, New York: "Wau-Nan-Gee; or, the Massacre of Chicago." Those who are fond of investigating the characters of the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent will find in the volume here presented an amount of information in respect to the peculiarities of that race which will greatly interest them.

Godey's Arm-Chair.

READER! you may not be aware of the fact, but this first day of July is, indeed, the birthday of "Godey's Lady's Book!" Twenty-two years ago this day, we commenced the publication of a magazine which had but few friends or admirers when first ushered into life, but which has lived and prospered, while many others, apparently of a more sturdy stock, have breathed awhile in sorrow, then early sickened, and finally died in utter neglect. We mention this fact, not because it ministers to our vanity, but because it inspires us with the most lively sentiments of gratitude.

To be able to say that, for twenty-two years, we have been the publisher of a literary magazine, dependent entirely upon the public taste and judgment for its existence from month to month, has not often fallen to the lot of any one man in this or in any other country.

It was said of Apollo, that they always made him with a young face, never growing older. We hope not to be accused of flattering the "Lady's Book" when we say that, although it has reached a respectable age as a magazine, it has fallen behind none of its youthful rivals, but that it is as fair, sprightly, and as clear of wrinkles as any of them. And as for progress, the best evidence our readers can require that we have never been behind the progress of the times in which we have lived, either in literature, in the arts, or in the fashions, will be found by examining our volumes, as they have accumulated from one to forty-four!

But enough of this, dear reader, lest we should be accused of excessive self-complaisance, when we only desire to remind you of the past years of our existence, and to assure you that whatever of the future may be left us, will be devoted with equal zeal, industry, and gratitude, to your amusement and edification.

We have attempted, besides our usual plates, to give a novelty in this number-printing in colors on a powerpress. It shows the capabilities of our office, and the ingenuity of our workmen. The subjects are also part of our great design in publishing this work-to give articles of utility and beauty. It will be seen that the subjects are such as can be made by any carpenter, and from the woods of almost any person possessing a small country estate.

SOME OF OUR VARIOUS DUTIES.-We have lately had the following orders from our friends of the press: To get a situation for a young lady as forewoman in a millinery establishment; to get all the information necessary to put up a line of telegraph; to show how to cultivate sweet potatoes, and where to get seed; to hunt up a young man who had left his native village, without the consent of his parents, to see the sights in Philadelphia; to obtain a set of surgical instruments; to put in suit several bills against one of the advertising agencies; to buy a lot of type, nearly four hundred dollars' worth; to get a first-rate Adams's press; to have a calculation made what it will cost to print a law-book; do. a periodical; to ascertain about the late invention of fastening on horse-shoes without the use of nails. We have had no request to find a wife for any young gent, because a good wife can as soon, perhaps a little sooner, be found in the country than in the city. However, if any one wishes us to try, we will do so.

No. II. of "Everyday Actualities," by Hinckley, appears in this number. We are pleased to find that this department gives such general satisfaction. There is no end to the store of them we have on hand.

WE have recently published the following articles, which may be considered among the useful and instructive: Upon Needles; Gloves; Honiton Lace-Making; Watches; Steam; Fans; Bleaching Cotton; The Stars; Wild Flowers; The Conservatory; article upon School Teaching; on Letter Writing; History of Boots and Shoes; Calesthenics for Ladies; The Phantascope, &c.

MR. BAILEY, the editor of the "Lancasterville, S. C., Ledger," who is a gentleman of talent and a most able editor, publishes the following, touching that most excellent family paper, "Arthur's Home Gazette:"

"A friend has kindly sent us the numbers of Arthur's Gazette,' containing the conclusion of Mr. Haven't-time,' and Mr. Don't-be-in-a-hurry,' which will enable us to finish the story next week. The subjoined letter was not sent for publication; but, to show in what estimation Arthur's Gazette' is held by our friend, and, at the same time, for the purpose of doing Mr. Arthur what service we can, we give it a place in our paper:

"CAMDEN, S. C., April 9, 1852. "R. S. BAILEY, ESQ.-DEAR SIR: In your last paper, I see you want some numbers of "Arthur's Home Gazette." I take pleasure in supplying you with those you wish, and the two numbers received since. In this package you will receive numbers 28, 29, 30, and 31.

"I am glad you like that paper so much; it is, in my estimation, one of the very best family newspapers in the United States: so valuable do I consider it, that I take two copies, one to file, and one to give any friend who may desire it, or to whom I may recommend it, and wish to furnish them with a specimen. If my influence could have that effect, every housekeeper in America, who is able to pay for it, and can read it or have it read, would be a subscriber. Mr. Arthur's teachings have such a tendency to smooth down, soften, and purify the roughness and unevenness of our natures, that, if any honest man will tell me, after reading it carefully one year, that he is not wiser, better, and more virtuous, I will agree to refund the subscription money, and in sorrow set him down in my mind as a case most hopeless of improvement.

"I have taken the paper from its commencement, and have the file complete, which I prize highly. Ita circulation now is over eighteen thousand copies. "Hoping that your "Ledger" may prove a benefit to the people of my native district,

"I remain, yours respectfully,

J. R.'"

WE copy the following from an exchange. If we knew the author, we certainly should give him credit for it:

"A SOLEMN WARNING.-I once called upon a sick person whom the doctor had given up as a gone case. I asked him if he had made his peace with everybody. He said he thought he had squared up. I asked him if he had forgiven all his enemies. He replied yes. I then asked him if he had made his peace with his printer. He hesitated a

moment, and then said he owed him something like about two dollars and fifty cents, which he desired to have paid before he bid adieu to the world. His desires were imme

diately gratified; and from that moment he became convalescent. He is now living in the enjoyment of health and prosperity, at peace with his conscience and the whole world. Let him be an example for you, my friends."

The only alteration requisite in the above to suit this meridian is the amount.

RAPID PROMOTION.-For the first time in our life, we have been honored with a military title. Colonel Godey! Muskets and bomb-shells! Isn't it terrible! But our dear friend, the editor of the "Oquawka Spectator," must excuse us. His line of promotion has been too rapid; having first commissioned us as a major, and very soon after raised us to the rank of colonel, has quite overcome our sensibili ties. But why or wherefore these military honors have been thus suddenly and unexpectedly showered on an individual so unmilitary in his profession and his habits as we are, we are greatly at a loss to conjecture. Were we a political leader, or an aspirant for office, or a regular fighting man in the editorial corps, we would probably know how to appreciate the value of such titles, whether deserved or not, in all sham-battles and bloodless combats for place, power, or fame. But, as we

"Never forsook our peaceful dwelling,

Or went about a colonelling,"

we really feel abashed at this coupling of our modest name with such dignified, gunpowder, and broadsword appellatives as major and colonel. Spare us your military commissions, dear sir, and we shall at all times be prepared to fulfil any commission you may confer upon us in relation to the "Lady's Book," or in the accomplishment of any other peaceful matter of business you may desire us to attend to in this city of brotherly love. Meantime, we tender you our thanks for your kind notices of our "Book." Your business reference that "Godey always keeps his promises," was more valuable and consoling to us than would have been the military title of field-marshal, or that of commander-in-chief of all the forces!

DRESSES OF THE QUEEN AND MRS. ABBOTT LAWRENCE AT THE LATE DRAWING-ROOM.-The queen wore a train of white poplin, embroidered with small wreaths of the rose, thistle, and shamrock in colors; the petticoat was of white satin. The head-dress was composed of feathers and a wreath of red roses. Mrs. Lawrence wore a train of green velvet, Jined with pink glace, and trimmed with point de Venise; dress of pink chiné moire antique. The head-dress was composed of feathers, point de Venise lappets, and the ornanents were a profusion of diamonds and emeralds.

WOMAN IN HER VARIOUS RELATIONS. BY MRS. L. G. ABELL, author of "Gems by the Wayside," etc. We have before noticed this delightful work; but we refer to it again, as there were several errors in our former notice. It is published by Wm. Holdridge, 140 Fulton Street, New York.

MR. SMITH AND HIS PEW-HOLDERS.-The rightful and legal owners of pews in our popular churches, especially on popular occasions, such as when a popular preacher is advertised to occupy the pulpit, are frequently perplexed and annoyed at finding themselves excluded from their seats by those who have had the good fortune to arrive a little in advance. In all such cases, either their piety must triumph over their politeness, their curiosity prove stronger than their courtesy, or they must stand up in the isle, or

countermarch to the door, and thence to their homes. But Mr. Smith, a venerable gentleman, and a veteran in Christianity, had a way of his own in conquering all such appa rent difficulties. Walking up the isle of his church, in his usually solemn and quiet manner, one Sabbath morning, when a brilliant discourse was expected from an eloquent preacher, on arriving at his pew-door, he found it so nearly filled by a party of strangers, that the person who had taken command of the door deemed it advisable to refuse him admittance. Without giving the least intimation of his authority, the courteous and good-natured Mr. Smith simply motioned to the door-keeper and his inside compa nions to close up, and thus make room for the unknown applicant for admission. But this truly modest request was resisted by looks and shrugs, which plainly said to Mr. Smith, "No room for outsiders here;" and, had he entertained the least doubts as to their determination to keep him out, they were at once removed when he attempted to open the pew-door, by the gentleman telling him, "Sir, there is no room, and you cannot come in here." "Ah," said Mr. Smith, in a gentle whisper, "that is very strange, considering that I pay seventy-five dollars a year for this pew; and myself and family, numbering in all one more than are now seated, occupied it last Sabbath in great comfort." "Ah," in turn, exclaimed the gentleman within, and was about making his exit in great confusion; but this the good old Christian prevented, by quietly insisting on his remaining in the pew, and judging for himself of its capacity to accommodate all within, and the supposed stranger who had been ordered to remain without. We think, if we have told this anecdote intelligibly, that it will be found to convey two lessons in Christian churchgoing morality. But we leave that to the moral discernment of the reader.

"A PROPER HINT."-The "Le Roy Gazette," N. Y., approves the hint we gave some time since to our exchanges, to place the State, as well as the name of the town in which they are published, at the heads of their papers. We are glad to receive the assistance of the "Gazette" in this matter of reform, because, if it is ever accomplished, it will give great relief to a venerable personage who sits near us, and whose special duty it is to examine our exchanges. The old gentleman's temperament is not so irritable now as it was formerly, or we fear we should be obliged to listen to some heavy imprecations against such of our editorial friends as imagine everybody to be acquainted with their location, merely on account of the fact being familiar to themselves. It often happens that our assistant is griev ously perplexed, and has to examine through all the advertisements, and even then does not always succeed, but has to guess at the name of the State. When our friends shall take the trouble to examine the list of post-towns in the United States, and assure themselves of the vast number of towns in every State which bear the same name as does that in which they reside, they will see the necessity of making the required designation. We beg them to do it for our old friend's sake.

"A WORD IN PRIVATE."-Our friend of the "Sandy Hill Herald," after a very kind notice of the "Lady's Book" for May, puts this question to us very seriously, but in private," "Did you tell the truth when you said you were happier now than when a boy?" We certainly did tell the truth, as we always do, and, as our friend knows, or ought to know, we always have done, when conversing or making promises to our readers. The fact is, Mr. Herald, we have some very disagreeable reminiscences of our school-boy days, and such do not leave the impression on our mind

that the old school system was much to be preferred to the new. Under the old system, they whipped the boys out of all regard for their books, and out of all veneration for their teachers. That was the oppression of the past. The oppression practised at this time is in forcing the mind, at a too early age, to effect the comprehension of things above its capacity. This is attempted by exciting the emulation, or the ambition of the pupil, until it excites a degree of feverish anxiety that proves injurious to his bodily frame and destructive to the mental faculties. But, as we have touched on this subject in another article, we have only to assure our doubting inquirer that the present period of our life is much happier than any which we can remember to have passed in our boyhood or school days.

Though tending, like all created things, to the sear and yellow leaf, we have a cheerful, a grateful, and, of course, a happy heart. We have, indeed, our troubles of business, our little disappointments and vexations, like the rest of the business world; but we have, too, our quiet home, with none to disturb the equanimity of our temper, or to make us afraid, and where we enjoy all the endearments of childhood, and all that affectionate consideration which our years and our family position entitle us to-blessings which we hope our doubting and inquiring friend may enjoy now and hereafter, in at least as large a proportion as has fallen to our share!

HIGH DUTCH vs. LATIN.-Our good friend of the "Mountain Banner,” Rutherford, N. C., lately gave us some trouble in translating one or two lines from Virgil, which he had quoted in a delicate compliment he was so kind as to pay to the "Lady's Book." In return, we conveyed to him an equally delicate compliment in original High Dutch. But, unfortunately, before our lines reached him, he had taken his departure from home, leaving his amiable "better half" to take charge of the columns of his paper-a charge which, we are happy to bear witness, has been fulfilled with great dignity and unquestionable talent. The Indy editor, however, assures us that, if we were "not a little startled" at the Latin quotation, the absent editor will be worse than "startled" when he beholds our eight lines of High Dutch. To our great discomfort, we are also told that she is "confident the editor's brain will be haunted by day and by night with

'Heil dir! höflichen Schüler,' etc.,

until he is relieved by the author."

We therefore hasten, with all the alacrity and anxiety of friendship, to rescue the editor from his perilous state of doubt and suspicion, and from all suffering on our account; and, to effect this, present him with a poetical translation of the High Dutch, which we hope will make our compli ment better understood, if not more acceptable, than it was in its original form:-

"All hail, O courtly scholar!

Hail thou of bards the friend! Thy toils for wreaths of honor May all success attend!

Thy name live on forever,

From every tarnish free; And, as to-day 'tis honored, Hereafter may it be!"

By the way, we perceive our friend absented himself for the patriotic purpose of attending a political convention, from the duties of which he expected to return home invigorated for the struggle before him. We hope that he has not only returned home invigorated, but with a nomination in his pocket for governor, or, at the least, for a seat in Congress!

"PREMATURE CRAMMING."-Punch, not long since, had a very good article in rebuke of the present method adopted for the education of young children, and of forcing on their minds the investigation of subjects belonging to the highest branches. He begins by saying that somebody has started what may be called, with reference to the alphabet, a capital idea, by proposing to teach children their letters through the medium of lozenges. Instead of appealing to the eye, the inventor appeals to the mouth, and thus the sweets of education are made, not simply a name, but a luscious reality. In these days, when premature cramming is so common, it is something to invent a plan for causing instruction to go down agreeably. A thirst for knowledge is an excellent thing; but the Alphabet Lozenges will encourage not only an absolute hunger, but a right-down greediness for learning. Some may doubt the propriety of blending instruction with the lollipop, and allowing the influence of the cane to be superseded by that of the sugarstick. We think that a wholesome effect might be produced by conveying information in a medical form, and we throw out the hint for combining salubrity with science, by the invention of the multiplication pill, a geographical black dose, and an ointment to be rubbed in for the purpose of rubbing up a knowledge of history.

We have copied this sarcasm of Punch, because we think it quite as applicable to the "cramming" system of education enforced in this country as to that pursued in England. When we meet, as we often do, in our public squares, on a fine, fresh morning, a number of pale-faced, emaciated boys, with packs of books strung to their necks, heavy enough for a robust colporteur, or a vender of periodical literature, we involuntarily sigh over the memory of the past, and, at the same time, deeply commiserate the sufferings of those children who are following after us under the heavy afflictions of what Punch calls a premature cramming. The poor, woe-begone little fellows pass through those walks, where all is sunshine, greensward, and noble trees, in the branches of which the birds are warbling their sweetest notes, intent only upon lessons which, perhaps, are far beyond their capacities, with no thought, and apparently no care for the cheerfulness and the beauties of nature which surround them. They remind us more of the past race of anxious patriots and perplexed statesmen who resorted to the shades of the "State House yard" to consult and to meditate on the destinies of their country, and the fearful question of independence, than of the human buds and blossoms, and tender plants, which still require the cheerful voice and the careful hand of affection to sustain and conduct them to that state of life which it is necessary for them to reach before being oppressed with the weightier branches of education. But few of those children who are early pressed down under the trammels of the schools— who, for a time, are an admired and astonishing race of infant philosophers, linguists, and logicians—but few of them, we fear, ever arrive at a sound and vigorous maturity, either of mind or body.

CHEAP OCEAN POSTAGE.-We are indebted to the Hon. Mr. Sumner, of the Senate of the United States, for a copy of his resolution directing the Committee on the Post-Office and Post-Roads to inquire into the expediency of reducing the postage on foreign correspondence. The remarks of Mr. Sumner were brief and cogent, and the probability is that the great boon of cheap ocean postage" will not be long deferred. Meantime, however, we should like to know what has become of the proposition to reduce the postage on American periodicals, reviews, magazines, newspapers, etc. etc. As the matter stands at present, there is a great deal of correspondence carried on between Europe and this

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