startling comment upon the selfish hollowness of fashionable life and principles.

THE PARIS SKETCH-BOOK, by the same clever author, forms two volumes of the same series; papers upon leading incidents and topics of conversation in the gay French capital, at the time of Mr. Thackeray's visit. George Sand and the disciples of the new school are admirably discussed, in a fire of scorching satire; French actors and dramas, authors and fashions, are clearly hit off in succeeding papers.

To the gayeties of the collection also belong "THE INGOLDSBY LEGENDS," a volume that has been the subject of much criticism and controversy abroad, and abounding in strong, racy wit of prose and verse, the pretended ghost stories serving as vehicles for the author's natural drollery. Some have raised the cry of coarseness; and we must say there is, at least, considerable daring in the conception and execution; but the wit is undeniable, and we leave cavilling to the reader.

To the "GAYETIES AND GRAVITIES OF HORACE SMITH," no objection can be made. The author of "Rejected Address" was a moralist as well as humorist; and the fine vein of sentiment which pervades what he has written reminds us of Lamb, Hood, and our own Neal; Eince

"The root of some grave, earnest thought is understuck so rightly,

As to justify the flowers and fruit of the waving tree above."

"My Kettle," "The Chapter on Noses," "Lips and Kissing," "The State and Post Nuptial Journal," are among the good things bound up in these pages.

For travels-and what is a family library without its travels and adventures?-we have "HUC'S JOURNEY THROUGH TARTARY, THIBET, AND CHINA," comparatively untrodden ground, and described with naïve simplicity and freshness by the tourist, a Catholic priest, on a perilous and romantic expedition. It was accomplished in the years of 1844, '5, and '6, and a full journal kept of adventures, perils, manners and customs of the people, etc. etc., from which the present volumes are condensed. It is a valuable as well as entertaining record.

The "London Times," "whose leaders are finished essays," and the "Quarterly Review," have furnished two delightful volumes of criticisms and essays. We have already quoted. in our "Centre-Table Gossip," a paper entitled, "The Art of Dress," from the last, a paper which we commend to our lady readers in full. "Music" is also admirable. The essays from the "London Times" are not, as might be supposed, only of political or passing interest. They have been carefully selected, and commend themselves to the cultivated reader. The "Appleton Library" has claims to the attention of every household that eschews useless light reading.

NOVELS, SERIALS, PAMPHLETS, &c.

From Lippincott, Grambo & Co., Philadelphia: "Wa verly Novels." Abbotsford edition. "Guy Mannering; or, the Astrologer." Handsomely printed and illustrated. The second volume of the edition has also been received, containing "The Antiquary," "The Black Dwarf," and "Old Mortality." The best edition published, and very cheap.

From W. B. Zieber, Philadelphia: "Chambers's Pocket Miscellany." Vol. 2. Price 20 cents.

From John Murphy & Co., Baltimore, through T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "The Spaewife; or, the Queen's Secret." A story of the times of Queen Elizabeth. By Paul Peppergrass, Esq., author of "Shandy Maguire." Part 1. This work is to be completed in four parts, at 25 cents. It is from the pen of an able and practiced writer, who, however, is very evidently no admirer of the "good Queen Bess."

From T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "Viola; or, Adventures in the Far West." By Emmerson Bennett, author of the "Prairie Flower," to which the present work is "a companion." Price 25 cents.-"The Necromancer; or, the Mysteries of the Court of Henry the Eighth." Printed from the advanced sheets purchased from the author in London. By George W. M. Reynolds, author of the "Mysteries of the Court of London."-" The Gypsy's Daughter." A Novel. By Mrs. Grey, author of the "Gambler's Wife," etc. etc. Three English volumes complete in one. Price 25 cents. We recognize in the incidents of this work, and in their relation, the imagination and the pen of a very superior writer.

From George P. Putnam, New York, through Lippincott, Grambo & Co., Philadelphia: "The Napoleon Ballads." By Bon Gaultier. The poetical works of Louis Napoleon, now first translated into plain English. These ballads are very clever satires on the man who is himself a living satire on the republican progress of France.

From Harper & Brothers, New York, through Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia: No. 172 of the "Library of Select Novels." "Pequinillo: a Tale." By G. P. R. James, Esq., author of " Aids and Obstacles," etc. etc.

From Dewitt & Davenport, New York: "Kate Penrose; or, Life and its Lessons." By Miss Hubbuck, author of "The Wife's Sister," etc. This is a novel of very superior merit, chaste and agreeable in style, as well as in its morality and sentiments.

From Hermann J. Meyer, 164 William Street, New York, through W. B. Zieber, Philadelphia: Vol. 1, Part 1, of "Meyer's Universum." This is the commencement of a half-monthly publication, illustrated with engravings from drawings by the first artists. It will contain forty-eight plates in the first volume, and is sold at the low price of twenty-five cents each part. The work will present views of the most remarkable places and objects of all countries, in steel engravings by distinguished artists, with descriptive and historical text, by eminent writers in Europe and America. Edited by Charles A. Dana.

INFLUENCES OF THE "LADY'S BOOK."-Our good friend of the "Arkansas Traveller," after saying that "Godey seems -and justly, too-to be the universal favorite of the ladies," adds the following expressive sentence: "Those hus bands who do not lay this popular work on their wives' centre-table, should not be furnished with good dinners and clean shirts. The neglect is unpardonable." Now we do most solemnly assure our friend that the last idea that could ever enter our head or our heart, would be that of carrying dissensions into families, and especially of creating unhappiness between man and wife! Our book is emphatically the "Lady's Book," and hence it is next to an impossibility that it should ever teach anything unbecoming a lady; and therefore we hope, nay, we feel confident that its influences, present or absent, will never deprive a good husband of a good dinner, or of the luxury of a clean shirt. It does seem, however, without any intention on our part, that such things do happen, and that the only means of preventing results so disastrous, is for the husband to subscribe without delay.

A short time since, we received a very agreeable letter from one of our old subscribers, who had previously declined renewing his subscription, assuring us that he found it impossible to get along good-humoredly in his family circle without the "Book." Soon after it was discontinued, he said his wife had, on one occasion, positively refused to mend his clothes, when her aid in that branch of housewifery had been suddenly and urgently required, unless he would consent to send forthwith for the "Lady's Book." He had the good sense, he tells us, to submit at once to the demand, and inclosed the amount of two years' subscription, informing us, at the same time, that he had been convinced that the "Book" was a promoter of peace and cheerfulness, which he had found absolutely essential to the well-being of his family. We give these facts, in connec tion with the opinions of the "Arkansas Traveller," simply expressing the hope that no prudent husband will go without a good dinner, a clean shirt, or without a darn or a patch on his clothes, on our account! The "Book" is always at the command of our friends.

BELMONT HALL, SCHOOLEY'S MOUNTAIN, N. J.-This fashionable and favorite summer retreat, having undergone a thorough repair, was opened for visitors in the early part of the season, under the judicious management of Mrs. E. A. Hinchman. The great celebrity of the springs, on ac count of their medicinal qualities, and the romantic beauty of the scenery by which they are surrounded, together with the established ability of the lady in charge, will doubtless attract a crowd of visitors, anxious to escape from the heat and enervating influences of our large cities during the

warm season.

STEAMBOATS GENERAL M'DONALD AND THOMAS POWELLThese swift and splendidly arranged steamboats are now employed in conveying passengers between Cape May and Philadelphia. Better boats, or finer accommodations, could Lot be required or expected by the most careful and timid of the travelling public. G. H. Huddell, Esq., fills the place on this and the Baltimore Railroad and steamboat lines, which is filled with so much ability, and with such

great confidence and satisfaction to the public, on the New York lines, by W. H. Gatzmer, Esq. With such men to manage and to select, the conveyance of travellers, whether by steamboat or railroad, is always performed, by all concerned, as a responsible and conscientious duty, which looks as well to the comforts as to the safety of the passengers.

IMITATORS.-We thank our new friend of the "Burlington (N. J.) Gazette," for the very flattering notices he has been pleased to take of the "Lady's Book" since his devotion to the tripod. We particularly appreciate his allusion to imitations and imitators in his notice of the June number. We certainly have had enough of both to contend with for the last twenty years; yet, as our friend very justly remarks, have not only pursued our course unmoved and unchecked, but are still able to project something new every month for the benefit of those same imitators. By the way, it is rather a disagreeable fact to reflect upon, that in this country imitations are so numerous and so unblushingly made of everything that is not secured to the originator by copyright. No matter what new business a man may originate, what new path he may strike out from an old and worn-out road-no sooner has he opened his wares than an imitator and a competitor seats himself beside him, having filched his "thunder," and very likely his good name-no sooner has he entered on his new path than he finds it crowded with "envious imitators," anxious and determined to crush him if he does not get out of their way, or if he does not do as we have done, keep them continually in the rear by supplying them with something new to arrest and engage their powers of imitation. But the evidences of this curse of the times is not confined to literary, commercial, mechanical, and agricultural enterprises; we behold the same servility in the senate, in the pulpit, in the rostrum, and the lecture-room; nay, we behold them at every turn, among the monuments of our otherwise beautiful cemeteries. Laurel Hill, among other places, affords some sad specimens of the coolness, we had almost said the shamelessness, with which imitators can appropriate to themselves the chaste and original designs of others, until there have been raised so many monuments of similar structure and emblems, that they remind us of the verses that appear from day to day among the death notices in the "Ledger," without any other alteration than that of the name of the lamented deceased.

A DELIGHTFUL TRIP.-It does not always happen that the further we go from home, the greater will be our pleasure. We, too, have been abroad in our time, as well as others of our countrymen, some of whom affect to have been entranced and enraptured with Italian, Swiss, and all sorts of foreign scenery. We have always thought that our own Schuylkill, if not so classical in its reminiscences as the Arno, or the Thames, or the Tiber, is nevertheless more beautiful and refreshing than either of them-a brighter, purer, clearer stream, and surrounded by scenery far more picturesque and enchanting than they are. If any one doubts us in this matter, let him step on board the steamboat Washington, Captain Green, or the steamboat Frederick Graeff, Captain Cline, at Fairmount, and proceed to Laurel

Hill, the Falls, and Manayunk. If, after completing the voyage, the traveller is not pleased and delighted with the limpid stream, and the scenery on the banks and shores of the Schuylkill-if he does not confess that they are as charming and as enchanting as any he has ever witnessed abroad, then it will be our turn to doubt-either his judg ment or his love of country.

But we have a few words to say for the kindness and the attention paid to passengers, especially to the juvenile travellers, who are generally the most numerous class on board, by the worthy captains of these steamboats. They are not only extremely careful of children, providing for their safety in every possible manner, but they are also very accommodating in their charges, generally compounding the expenses of the little parties in such a manner að to reduce them much below the regular fare. It is really amusing to see these boats, omnibus-like, moving from shore to shore whenever a passenger presents himself at any point on the route, the momentary stoppages serving rather to increase the interest in the voyage. They always have on board a plentiful supply of that greatest of all luxuries and refreshments at this season of the year, pure, cold ice-water. To Messrs. Bender and Wright are we indebted for this enterprise.

WEST POINT HOTEL.-This popular and healthy retreat during the summer months was opened early in the season by Mr. Cozzens, a gentleman well known throughout the country as one of the most accomplished, agreeable, and accommodating hotel-keepers in that or any other region. The location of the hotel is delightful, affording the most picturesque scenery the eye could desire, and the purest air the lungs could inhale, and full, withal, of revolutionary and patriotic remembrances, dear to the heart of every American. It is exactly the spot to which the young statesman and soldier should retire for a while, to study the political and military history of the "Old Thirteen," and where the student of nature may seclude himself from the world, and calmly reflect upon the beauty and sublimity of all her works, thus nerving the minds of each to renewed and vigorous efforts in their respective pursuits. Meantime, the visitors will find Mr. Cozzens to be attentive, assiduous, and unremitting in his efforts to make his house not merely the resting-place of the stranger, but the quiet and hospitable home of all who enter his doors.

SATURDAY EVENING POST.-This is the oldest, and has always been one of the most popular of the Philadelphia weeklies; and, we believe we may add very justly, one of the most prudent, consistent, and really meritorious in its character. It has, from its very commencement, maintained a high moral tone, while its literary department has evinced the management of able and discreet minds. Under its present editors and proprietors, the former reputation of the "Post" has not only been fully sustained, but it has been made to excel, in its varied excellencies, and consequently in its popularity, any past period in its existence. More faithful, industrious, and independent caterers for the public, through the medium of the press, we presume are not to be found engaged in its arduous duties in any other city of the Union.

BALM OF THOUSAND FLOWERS.-This is the name of a new article for the toilet, extracted from plants and flowers, and which is of the most agreeable perfume and peculiarly pleasant in its operation. It would be impossible, in a brief notice, to detail all the uses to which it may be applied, or one-half the benefits which are said to result from its application. Suffice it to say that it imparts, as we

have been told, a delightful softness to the skin; removes cutaneous eruptions; is an emollient for the hair, giving it a soft and glossy richness; it is not surpassed by any dentifrice for arresting the decay of teeth, in preserving them, and rendering them clean and white as alabaster; for shaving, also, it is superior; and, in short, answers the purpose of some half a dozen compounds now designed for the toilet, the nursery, and the bath, and for all which it has been recommended by the faculty of London and Paris. Peterson, 98 Chestnut Street, is the agent here for Fetridge & Co., of Boston, the patentees of this celebrated compound.

LACEMAKERS OF BOHEMIA.-Recent intelligence from Europe informs us that at present great misery exists among the lacemaking population in the mountain villages of Bohemia. It is stated that the unfortunate people descend in bands upon the low country to beg for subsistence, many perishing of hunger by the wayside. This destitution, and the consequent sufferings, are caused by the famine which has prevailed in several of the most populous districts of Germany. But it is not perhaps generally known, even among those who most highly prize the delicate fabrics of the lacemakers, that those fabrics are made at the cost of sight, of health, and of life. In order that the threads or fibres, of which the finest laces are formed, may sustain sufficient strength to hold together during the operation, the lacemakers are obliged to perform their tasks in damp cellars, into which only a single concentrated ray of light is admitted from above; and, consequently, so destructive upon the sight and the health is the occupation, that they seldom come from their cells until one or both are destroyed. How few of our fashionable ladies reflect upon this melancholy fact, while decorating their persons with the produc tions of impoverished and life-killing labor!

NEW OPERA HOUSE.-Many of our readers are aware that an act was passed by the last Legislatures of New York and Pennsylvania, authorizing companies in the cities of New York and Philadelphia to erect new Opera Houses on large and magnificent scales, competing with the very best in London or Paris. So far, the movement in both cities is an excellent one; but then there are some of the details, as we have seen them published, which, in our opinion, will prevent the success of any such undertakings. One of the articles before us, in relation to the proposed opera house in Philadelphia, says that, "in order to meet the tastes of all classes of visitors, the house will contain boxes with elegant drawing-rooms attached to each, private inclosed boxes, open private boxes, public boxes, single chairs and sofas, and the boxes varying in capacity from four up to twelve seats." In addition to these exclusive classifications of seats, and of the visitors, we have been told that the stockholders are to form still another class, with their families, who shall be entitled to seats set apart expressly for their convenience. Now, we do not mean to raise a question of precedence, or of equality, in this republican land, but we do intend freely to express the opinion that all such distinction in places of public resort for amusement must fail of receiving the adequate support. In the present state of American society, it will be found impossible to arrange a theatre for classes, without leaving the impression on the mind that the class that occupies the first class boxes are, indeed, assuming to be the first class people; that those occupying the second class boxes are, consequently, a little inferior; and so on down to an imaginary inferiority, which, after all, is only to be discovered in the depth of purses, or in the honesty and prudence which keep certain people within their actual means.

In all attempts to construct or to sustain places of amuse

ment on such principles as have here been laid down, we can see only disappointment and failure. For saying this, we have the example of the Astor Opera House before us, and we have also some reminiscences of the silly attempts that were made a few years since to classify the arrangements, and consequently the visitors, of the Chestnut Street Theatre. The fact is, until we have a law-established nobility, and a permanent aristocracy, such as they have in England and on the continent of enslaved Europe, no such distinctions will be tolerated. Not that there will be a war proclaimed against those who make the attempt; but because the self-respect which is inherent in every American heart will not permit those who attend public theatres or opera houses to submit to classifications, made by those who can only assume to be above them to-day, but who may be far below them, in point of fact, to-morrow.

In these remarks, we beg to be understood as not making the least reference to the worthy and highly respectable gentlemen whose names are included in the act of incorporation. We have been speaking only of the objectionable features of the proposed plan and classifying arrangements of the house, and drawing our arguments from ascertained and long-established public opinion.

In regard to the proposed New York opera house, the same objections have been forcibly urged by a cotemporary. Alluding to the Astor Place Opera House, he says, "The monopoly of the best seats by certain subscribers and stockholders of the Astor Place Opera House, has been the great objection and great drawback to that establishment. To the masses of the rest of the community, it has an appearance of exclusiveness and monopoly which will not be tolerated by them. The stockholders in the new opera house must place themselves on the same level with the rest of the community, and not arrogate any particular rights to themselves, merely because they may have subscribed to, or been stockholders in the speculation."

THE AZTEC CHILDREN.-Along with many thousands of our fellow-citizens, we have paid several most agreeable visits to those diminutive, but perfect specimens of humanity, the Aztec children. As to the origin of these singular little beings we do not feel called upon to give an opinion. They may be just what they are represented to be, or they may have sprung from a very different source. But, whatever else they may be, they are at least very great curiosities, and most wonderful representatives of the diversified family of man. Without waiting, therefore, to make any philosophical inquiries into their beginning, the probable design of their creation, or the end for which they were born into the world, we pass to the simple fact that they have been here in our midst, and have been viewed with astonishment by all beholders. Without being dwarfs, they are certainly the smallest specimens of humanity, fully and even beautifully developed, that have ever been seen or described, except through the imagination of Swift, who, were he consulted by a spiritual medium, would probably recognize them as the veritable offspring of some of his old friends in Lilliput. They have the senses in the ordinary perfection; they are intelligent, playful, and happy; and seem fully to understand that they are the points of attraction which bring together so many curious and admiring people. But what more can we say in regard to these little curiosities, when we see that the learned Medical Convention of Pennsylvania, before whom they were exhibited, could do no more than unanimously resolve that they were highly interesting specimens of diminutive human beings, well worthy the attention of the naturalist and physician. Truly, we have nothing more to add to this explicit declaration than the assurance given

by a cotemporary, to the effect that the exhibitors are gentlemen of the most perfect urbanity, and ready to answer all questions relative to the children under their charge. There is nothing repulsive in their appearance; on the contrary, they are rather pleasing objects to contemplate.

OUR neighbors, Wagner & McGuigan, have sent us their business card, very beautifully printed in colors, from their lithographic and steam power printing establishment, Athenian Buildings, Franklin Place. We greatly admire the figures and the coloring of the card, and sincerely hope that the spirit of its motto-"Encourage American Arts"will be amply realized by the encouragement extended to their skill and industry. We have before us a fine specimen of their art, in the portrait of Colonel Thomas B. Florence, representative in Congress from the third district.

WE have been favored with several very finely drawn and colored plates from P. S. Duval, of Philadelphia. They were drawn on stone by C. Schuessele, and printed in colors by Mr. Duval, and are very beautiful specimens of the perfection to which the lithographic art has attained. The principal figures are those of Washington and Lafayette, and the "Death Cry," and two most gorgeous representations of flowers. Such efforts to excel will doubtless receive the approbation and patronage of the American public.

WE have received several numbers of the "Massasoit Balance and Waltham Advocate," published at Waltham, Mass., by our old and excellent friend, J. F. Kelly, Esq. and Company. Of the company we profess to know nothing, but presume it to be excellent, otherwise our friend would not have fallen into it. Of the principal we can say truly, that he is a good-hearted, clever fellow, a man of talents and of singular humor, and therefore deserving of all the encouragement and prosperity he can receive, through a long list of gentlemanly, paying subscribers to his very neatly printed and ably edited paper.

FITZGERALD'S CITY ITEM.-The other day, this beautiful and ably conducted weekly came to us clothed in a new suite of type, and printed upon white and firm paper. The "ITEM" is now one of the largest and handsomest of our weeklies. All who take an interest in business, literature, the fine arts, music, and the drama, are recommended to subscribe to it. On these, and kindred subjects, it has ever been regarded a first-rate authority. Every family, every gentleman and lady of taste and leisure in the country, should take "Fitzgerald's City Item." It is furnished at the moderate price of two dollars a year, in advance. Address Fitzgerald & Co., 46 South Third Street, Philadelphia (post-paid).

SEVEN MILE MIRROR.-This beautiful picture, or series of pictures, ought to be seen by every person. While in this city, it attracted crowds. Some of the principal scenes depicted are Falls of Niagara, Chippewa, Shores of the St. Lawrence and its numerous Islands, Quebec, Falls of Montmorence, a Snow Storm, &c. The incidental parts are well managed, the light and shade beautifully diversified.

THE sale of the "scrap plates" advertised on our cover has been so great, that we have been obliged to publish a second edition. This will account for the delay to those who have remitted. Several plates have been added, and we again offer this unique collection for fifty cents. The "Michigan Whig," in noticing these engravings, says: "GODEY'S GALLERY OF SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS, FROM PIC

TURES BY THE FIRST MASTERS.-This is the title of a collection of some thirty or more beautiful engravings, colored and plain, apparently selected from amongst the most choice which have appeared in the 'Lady's Book.' A more tasteful present for a lady could hardly be devised. The impressions are good, and the collection would form an invaluable contribution to an album, or an appropriate and elegant ornament for a drawing-room table."

A YOUNG AUTHOR ASKS OF US ADVICE.-We commence: In the first place, pay postage on your communications. To be continued.

We have reason to feel proud of our immense increase for the last three months. It shows that the public, like individuals, never can forget their first love, The "Freeport Journal" says, "Godey's magazine now contains more and better reading than any of the Philadelphia magazines, and it is needless for us to say that, in embellishments, it always has been the best."

The "Danbury Times" comments in this wise: "Godey now gives as much reading matter as other magazines, with the addition of fine steel plates."

WE copy a few from the many complimentary letters daily received. Our exchanges are always true to us and themselves. They have stood by us for twenty-two years, and we most heartily thank them.

No. 1 is a most excellent letter; it contains two points, one complimentary to the "Book," and the other a superb hint to those who owe.

"GREENSBORO', Md.

"MR. L. A. GODEY-SI: If I were bidden to a marriage or a feast, I doubt much if I would defer my attendance until the eleventh hour; but infinite more delight and profit have I derived from the periodical visits of your valuable 'Book' than the gayeties of one, or even many evenings, however delightful, could afford me; and still I find myself giving suitable acknowledgments only at the last moment. I have thereby not only done you, but myself injustice; for I can never enjoy the reading of a paper or book entirely, with the ghost of a three dollar bill due obtruding itself upon my imagination. I believe the terms are three dollars, if paid within the year, and now, as the twilight of the year is closing around us, I remit you six dollars, my subscription for the past and coming year.

"As good wishes cannot be obtrusive, allow me to say, I hope this gem of the monthlies has a long race yet to run, pleasant and profitable to both readers and editors!

"Respectfully,

No. 2 is a comparative letter:

M. A. T."

"EAST PITTSTON, Maine. "MR. GODEY-DEAR SIR: I have the pleasure of sending you four subscribers, to be added to the list of six I sent you before. This will make a club of ten; and I have a prospect of obtaining more.

"Already the merits of 'Godey' and 'Graham' are compared and discussed, most scientifically, by our good people, and I am happy to say the ladies are unanimous in favor of the former. How could it be otherwise? "Yours, &c.,

J. T. S."

TO MAKE CAKES THAT WILL KEEP FOR SOME TIME.-Mix two pounds of flour, one pound of sugar, and one ounce of cara ways, with four or five eggs and a few spoonsful of water. to make a stiff paste; roll it thin, and cut it to any shape. Bake on tins lightly floured. While baking, boil a pound of sugar in a pint of water to a thin syrup; while both are hot, dip each cake into it, and put them on tins into the oven to dry for a short time; and, when the oven is cooler still, return them there again, and let them stay four or five hours.