RESOURCES OF THOMASTON, MAINE.

ITS LIME AND LIMESTONE.

We have always heard a great deal about the quantities of lime manufactured at Thomaston, (Me.,) but had no definite knowledge of the actual extent to which this business is carried on in that quarter, until we met with the "Lime Rock Gazette."

Thomaston, in the county of Lincoln, state of Maine, is bounded east by Penobscot co., and west by St. George's river. It contains excellent limestone, from which, in 1840, about 350,000 casks were manufactured. It is estimated by Haskell, that there are $14,000,000 worth of limestone within twenty feet of the surface; and more than half a million of dollars are annually received from the sale of lime. The state prison is situated on the banks of the St. George river, and the convicts are employed chiefly in cutting and preparing for exportation a fine blue granite, found on the banks of the river. In 1840 the town contained 90 stores, 2 fulling mills, 3 grist mills, 1 saw mill, 1 pottery, 2 printing offices, 2 weekly newspapers, 1 college, 3 academies, 166 students; 27 schools, 2,423 students.

There are now in that town 132 lime-kilns, which, during the summer season, are in continual operation. Each kiln will yield, on an average, at every separate burning, 400 casks of lime, and is burned, during the season, 12 times-thus making the whole amount of lime manufactured at that place 600,000 barrels! About 27 cords of wood are consumed in burning a kiln, the price of which, during the past season, has been $3 per cord; and in the process of manufacturing the rock into merchantable lime, a large number of laborers are continually employed.

The following table will show the estimated expense of manufacturing the lime of the last season, (1845,) together with its average sale at the kilns, and expenses of exportation:

This is a good mode of transmuting rock into silver and gold.

128,304 00

$381,744 00

$411,845 00

126,720 00

$538,560 00

AD VALOREM DUTIES ON WINES.

Several of the principal wine importers and merchants of New York, have addressed a memorial to Congress adverse to the substitution of ad valorem for specific duties on foreign wine. The memorial sets forth, “that an ad valorem duty upon wine, whether assessed upon the invoice value or upon the actual market price, presents great difficulties, and highly detrimental consequences to the fair dealer and to the revenue; as, if levied upon the cost of invoice, the dishonest merchant would undervalue the article without fear of detection, it being quite impossible to ascertain the price of such an article as wine, the value of which depends not only upon the often disputed taste or flavor, but frequently upon the reputation of particular brands, and when imported upon American account, is seldom or never purchased for cash, but obtained in barter for staves, flour, or other American produce; or is exported to this country for sale on account of the proprietors of the vineyards. That if the duty be assessed upon actual market price, the same difficulties present themselves to ascertain the value, which is constantly changing, of numberless qualities of any given denomination of wine; besides, the mode of levying the duty and its amount should of necessity be uniform in all the ports of entry in the Union, and this uniformity could not be obtained, if, as often happens, the value of wine were thirty per cent higher in New Orleans than in Boston."

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-History of the Later Roman Commonwealth, from the end of the Second Punic War, to the death of Julius Cæsar, and the reign of Augustus; with the Life of Trajan. BY THOMAS ARNOLD, D.D., late Regius of Modern History, in the University of Oxford, and Head Master of Rugby School. Two volumes of the English Edition, complete in one. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: Geo. S. Appleton.

This volume, which embraces a republication of the portion of Roman History contributed by Dr. Arnold to the "Encyclopedia Metropolitana," between the years 1823 and 1827, forms a most valuable part of our historical literature, and is not unworthy of accompanying the two previous volumes -the fruit of the matured years of a mind deeply imbued with all the elements of progress. Dr. Arnold, in the present work, carries the reader through a long and important era, from the close of the Punic War, to the final establishment of the empire under Augustus, and at the same time furnishes him with a clear and consecutive narrative of the events of this period. As a continuation of the two former volumes of the early history, recently republished here by the same house, which carries it down to the period of Gibbon, it will be prized by every one who can appreciate the erudite, clearminded and benevolent-hearted author. Dr. Arnold combined in an eminent degree, theological orthodoxy with the most enlarged catholic liberality-which placed him at an equal distance from a narrow bigotry on the one hand, and a cold and sneering infidelity on the other. The narrative is clear and distinct, and the philosophical deductions are generally natural and just. Every page bears the impress of the finished scholar, and the sound-headed, pure-minded man. Dr. Arnold's history of Rome is now generally admitted to excel all others.

2.-The Oregon Territory: its History and Discovery; including an Account of the Convention of the Escurial; also, the Treaties and Negotiations between the United States and Great Britain, held at various times, for the Settlement of the Boundary Line, and an Examination of the whole Question in respect to Facts, and the Law of Nations. By TRAVERS TWIss, D. C., F. R. S., Professor of Political Economy in the University of Oxford, etc. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton.

The professed object of the author of this volume, in instituting the present inquiry into the historical facts and negotiations connected with the Oregon Territory, was to contribute to the peaceful solution of the question at issue between the United States of America and Great Britain. That it may have this effect, is the earnest desire of all intelligent, Christian men, whether living under the government of the "model republic," or that of the "limited, constitutional monarchy" of England. Mr. T. thinks, and not altogether without truth, that the case of the United States has been overstated by our writers and negotiators. The same, perhaps, may be said of the same class of men on the British side of the question. The searcher after truth and justice will read both, and weigh well the facts and the arguments of each, before deciding on the merits of the respective claims. 3.-Twenty-Four Years in the Argentine Republic; embracing its Civil and Military History, and an Account of its Political Condition before and during the Administration of Governor Rosas; his Course of Policy; the Causes and Character of his Interference with the Government of Montevideo, and the Circumstances which led to the Interposition of England and France. By Col. J. ANTHONY KING, an Officer in the Army of the Republic, and Twenty-Four Years a Resident of the Country. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton.

Colonel King, whose narrative is recorded in the present volume, was associated with the leading men of the Argentine Republic, during its most troublous times; served for a long time in its army; travelled over almost every part of it, and was a resident in it for nearly a quarter of a century. These, and other circumstances, have enabled him to impart a more thorough information of the condition of the people, their politics, habits, customs, religion, &c., &c., than has ever, to our knowledge, before been given to the world. Aside from the valuable information the work contains, on subjects of use to the statesman, both in this country and Europe, the apparently faithful statement of occurrences which took place during Col. K.'s residence there, the incidents connected with his personal history and experience, possess an interest almost, if not quite as romantic, as a work of pure fiction.

4.-The People. By M. MICHELET, member of the Institute, author of "Priests, Women and Families," "History of France," &c. &c. Translated by G. H. SMITH, F. G. S. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: G. S. Appleton.

M. Michelet is well known to the French people as a voluminous and powerful writer, and this volume contains his own peculiar views of the state of society, especially relating to the condition of France. "I have made it," he says, "out of myself, out of my life, and out of my heart "-the true method of book-making. It is replete with profound thought, flowing from the observation and experience of the author, who deeply sympathizes with the people, because he knows their life, their labors, and their sufferings, by interrogating his own memory. The life of the people, their social condition, etc., are described in a masterly manner, and the brilliant clearness, and vivid freshness of his style, must fascinate every reader. It is one of the few books that should be read by all.

5.-An Introduction to Entomology; or, Elements of the Natural History of Insects: comprising an Account of Noxious and Useful Insects, of their Metamorphoses, Food, Stratagems, Habitations, Societies, Motions, Noises, Hybernation, Instinct, etc., etc. With Plates. By WILLIAM KERBY, M. A., F. R. S., and L. S., Rector of Barham, and WILLIAM SPENCE, Esq., F. R. S. and L. S. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

The first American, from the sixth London edition, of this work, was corrected, and considerably enlarged, by the authors. We have been greatly interested in running over the pages of this treatise. There is scarcely, in the wide range of natural science, a more interesting or instructive study than that of insects, or one that is calculated to excite more curiosity or wonder. Entomologists calculate the number of the species of insects at four hundred thousand, or even more, perfectly distinct from each other; while, for all the other classes of animals together, thirty thousand species would be considered a high estimate. The minute and curious habits and peculiarities of the different species of insects brought to our view in this work, go to demonstrate that the works of the Creator are great, and worthy of our attention and investigation-the least in the scale, as well as the highest; the most minute and feeble, as well as those that exceed in magnitude and might. The popular form of letters is adopted by the authors, in imparting a knowledge of the subject, which renders the work peculiarly fitted for our district school libraries, which are open to all ages and classes. 6.-The Modern British Essayists. Vol. II.-Talfourd and Stephen. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. This volume embraces the contributions of two of the best British essayists of the present day. Of the critical and miscellaneous writings of Talfourd, this is the second American edition; with, however, several additional articles, never before published in this country, embracing his contributions to the New Monthly Magazine, London Magazine, Retrospective Review, Edinburgh Review, &c.; Speeches in Parliament on the copy-right question, and the eloquent and classic speech delivered in the Court of the Queen's Bench, in defence of Moxon, for the publication of Shelley's works. The critical and miscellaneous writings of James Stephen, consisting of eight papers contributed to the Edinburgh Review, are exceedingly able-models of their kind; and possess a standard value that entitles them to a prominent place among such a collection of British essays.

7.-My Shooting-Box. By FRANK FORESTER, (HENRY WILLIAM HERBERT, Esq.,) author of the "Warwick Woodlands," "Marmaduke Wyvil," "Cromwell," "The Brothers," etc., etc. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.

This forms the third volume of “Carey & Hart's Library of Humorous American Works;" and it affords us pleasure to say that, thus far, we have wit and humor, without the indelicate inuendoes, and obscene jests, that too often creep into such works. Herbert maintains that field-sports are not only not incompatible with refined tastes, elegant habitudes, and gentle manners, but most congenial to them; and, at the same time, admirably calculated to produce good feelings between the gentry of the cities and the yeomanry of the country. The sketches are generally graphic and racy, and the wood-cut illustrations of Darley admirable.

8-Lives of Distinguished American Naval Officers. By J. FENIMORE COOPER, author of "The Spy." "The Pilot," etc. Vol. II.

This, the second volume of a series of naval biographies, the first of which was noticed in a former number of this Magazine, embraces comprehensive memoirs of John Paul Jones, Melanchton Taylor Woolsey, Oliver Hazard Perry, and Richard Dale-men distinguished in the naval service of our country, who have accomplished their mission, and gone to their rest. The world, however, is beginning to tire of blood-stained glory; and the enthusiasm and heroism of great men will, in the future, find vent in promoting the moral and social progress of the race.

9.-Memoirs of the Pretenders and their Adherents. By JOHN HENEAGE JESSE, author of "Memoirs of the Court of England," "George Selwyn and his Contemporaries," etc. In two volumes. Philadelphia: J. W. Moore.

These two volumes form the first and second numbers of "Moore's Select Library," to be published monthly, and consist not only of the best English books and translations, but of original works of merit, by American authors. The design, as we infer from the editor's statement, and some twelve volumes which are announced as in press, will embrace a wider range of subjects. Besides, the works selected, thus far, are calculated to elevate the mind of the reader, while they afford instruction and amusement. The present volume possesses a good deal of historic interest, and is almost, if not quite, as replete with romantic incidents, as a work of pure fiction.

10.--Scenes and Adventures in Spain, from 1835 to 1846. By Poco Mas. Philadelphia: J. W. Moore's Select Library, No. 3.

This volume describes some of the more interesting scenes and incidents which came under the ́author's observation during a sojourn of five years in Spain; at a period, too, when that interesting but distracted country was passing through one of the many ordeals to which it has unhappily been subjected. The writer has confined himself, as far as possible, to the scenes and adventures which he witnessed, or was personally concerned in-there being afforded him an opportunity of tracing an outline of the habits, customs, and characteristics, as they were spread out before him in the different parts of the country which he visited. His descriptions are graphic, and his style agreeable ; and, on the whole, we consider it an interesting, and at the same time instructive book.

11.-The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius, with Illustrations concerning the Navigator, and the Discovery of the New World. By C. EDWARDS LESTER, and ANDREW FOSTER. New York: Baker & Scribner.

The account of the life and voyages of the navigator from whom the American Continent has derived its name, will hardly fail to interest the student of history. In the present volume, the authors have exhibited in a satisfactory form, the circumstances which attended the career of this eminent explorer; and in the introductory remarks there is presented to us a condensed general view of the state of the commerce of the world previous to the discovery of America. The most authentic sources of historic evidence, throwing light upon the topic, appear to have been carefully consulted; and we have also a narrative of the travels of Marco Polo, as well as that of the fellow voyagers of Americus, besides documents illustrating the subject of the biography presented in the collection of Navarette. Whatever may be the opinion of the learned respecting the justice of the claim of Vespucius to give the name to this portion of the world, it must be admitted that the compilers have executed their work in a very appropriate manner; and have portrayed the character and services of the navigator in a seemingly accurate form. They acknowledge in their preface that they have consulted the volumes of Mr. Irving upon the "Life of Columbus," and "The Companions of Columbus," so that we may weigh the comparative merits of the two individuals in relation to our own continent. 12.-Napoleon and his Marshals. By J. T. HEADLEY. In 2 vols. New York: Baker & Scribner. There are those who worship Napoleon for his amazing genius-his unparalleled power of embracing vast combinations-his tireless energy-his ceaseless activity--his ability to direct the movement of half a million of soldiers in different parts of the world, and at the same time reform the laws, restore the currency, and administer the government of his country. To this class, Mr. Headley belongs -and he accordingly appears as his apologist. Another class look with horror at the rivers of blood 'that flowed during his eventful career, and view him only as the selfish and ambitious despot. The truth, probably, is to be found between these two extremes; and the philanthropic mind is led to look upon him as an instrument in the hands of Providence, raised up for the accomplishment of wise designs-to fulfil a mysterious mission. Mr. Headley has availed himself of almost every source of information, and written in a vigorous style a book that will be read and admired by the democracy of numbers in what "Blackwood" sneeringly calls the "model" Republic.

13.-Slavery Discussed, in Occasional Essays, from 1833 to 1846. By LEONARD BACON, Pastor of the First Church in New Haven. New York: Baker & Scribner.

The author of this volume, who is a very able, and we doubt not conscientious writer, has presented his views with a characteristic boldness of style that distinguishes the most of his productions, discussing the question largely in a moral point of view, and portraying the many deplorable evils connected with the system; he points out what he conceives to be the duty of the people, and especially the church to which he belongs, upon this vexed question.

14.-Collections of the American Statistical Association. Containing Statistics of Population in Massachusetts. Prepared by JOSEPH B. FLINT. Vol I. Part II. Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown.

The comparatively modern science of statistics is beginning to attract to itself a general interest: and some of the principal powers of Europe are adopting it as a favorite source of knowledge. Sweden early directed its attention to the subject, and there is now a statistical department, or bureau, connected with the governments of Prussia, Austria, Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Naples, and Sardinia. A statistical society is also established in Saxony; and France has organized a society of universal statistics, which is under the protection of the king. Great Britain has likewise published, under the auspices of the board of trade, annual volumes embracing most valuable information of this kind. The recent work of Mr. Macgregor, who is understood to be at the present time the secretary of that board, embodying the statistics of the United States, embraces a much greater variety of statistical matter connected with our own country than any other volume upon the same subject. The present work contains the second part of the first volume issued by the American Statistical Association, and it embraces statistical tables of the early population of Massachusetts, illustrated with appropriate historical information, gleaned from authoritative works. It can hardly be doubted that the enterprise of this society will be attended with beneficial results-for the most valuable species of knowledge is that of facts.

With Notes, and a Supplementary 15.-Treatise on the Physiological and Moral Management of Infancy. By ANDREW COMBE, M. D., Boston: Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, etc. Chapter. By JOHN BELL, M. D., Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, etc.

Saxton & Kelt.

A new edition of a work that has passed through a great number in England, and the United States. It is addressed chiefly to parents, and to the younger and more inexperienced members of the medical profession; but it is not to them alone that the subject ought to have attractions. The study of infancy, it is well said by the author, considered even as an element in the history and philosophy of the race, is fertile in truths of the highest practical nature and importance.

16.-Theological Essays. Reprinted from the Princeton Review. New York and London: Wiley & Putnam.

This is an octavo volume of more than seven hundred pages, handsomely printed, and neatly bound in muslin. The topics here discussed, by some of the ablest pens in the Presbyterian denomination in the United States, are considered by a large class of divines of great importance in theology. They involve the questions agitated between what is technically termed the "Evangelical scheme," on one hand, and "Infidels, Papists, Socinians, Pelagians, Arminians, and Enthusiasts," on the other. "Ia reproducing, for the use of clergymen, theological students, and accomplished laymen, dissertations which have a polemical aspect, it is by no means intended to revive old controversies; yet it is the persuasion of those who make this publication, that the value of the truths contended for cannot well be overrated." "Transcendentalism," which seems to be diffusing some of its ideas, at least, among the most discordant systems, forms the subject of one of the twenty-three essays contained in the volume. It, on the whole, forms a very fair specimen of the religious literature at Princeton School, of the theologians and scholars.

17.-Works of the English Puritan Divines. Vol. II.-Bunyan. The Greatness of the Soul, and the Unspeakableness of the Loss thereof; No Way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ: the Strait Gate. By JOHN BUNYAN. To which is prefixed, an Introductory Essay on his Genius and Writings. By Rev. ROBERT PHILIP, author of "The Life and Times of Bunyan." New York: Wiley & Putnam. Bunyan is undoubtedly one of the best specimens of the old Puritan divines, and the present volume is a fair specimen of his peculiar genius, and antique style. Mr. Philip, in his able and ingenious critique, which occupies about fifty pages of the volume, says there was more power about Bunyan's intellect, than his spiritual admirers generally suppose; for it commands or wins the admiration of men who have no spiritual discernment, and no taste for devotion. He "picked and packed words," as he calls his Saxonisms; but not for their beauty or point as composition, nor as specimens of his own vein, but because they were wanted to arrest attention, and were likely to rivet instruction. It is well remarked, that both new and beautiful lights may be thrown around the old facts, by devotees. Dr. Cheever has attempted this in his lectures on the "Pilgrim's Progress," and Carlyle has done it for Oliver Cromwell.

18.-Monograph of the Dollar; Good and Bad. By J. L. RIDDELL, M. D., Melter and Refiner, in the United States Branch Mint at New Orleans, and Professor of Chemistry in the Medical College, Louisana. New Orleans: B. H. Norman. New York: Wiley & Putnam.

This is a large octavo volume, illustrated with fac-simile figures of four hundred and twenty-five varieties of the dollar, and eighty seven varieties of half-dollars, including the genuine, the lawstandard, and the counterfeit ; giving their weight, quality and exact value-which will enable the inexperienced to detect those which are spurious. The "impressions" of the coin are illustrated with notes and remarks on the description, weight, value and impression of coins, and counterfeits. To the banker and broker we should consider the work indispensable, while to the curious collector of coins it will prove useful and interesting. By a note appended to the present volume, we notice that the author is engaged in the preparation of a "General Atlas of Modern Coins," upon the plan of the present. Such a work, illustrated with fac-simile figures, will be found useful, not only in giving the authentic and exact quality, and value of the multiform varieties of hard money, but also in affording valuable and ready means in distinguishing the genuine from the spurious. 19. Recollections of Mexico. By WADDY THOMPSON, Esq., late Envoy Extraordinary, and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Mexico. New York and London: Wiley & Putnam. The peculiarly belligerent position of our own government toward that of Mexico renders this work of especial interest at the present time. The official residence of Mr. Thompson, as minister in the country which seems destined to continual revolution, afforded him ample opportunity to acquire a correct knowledge of the character of the people, and the prominent local circumstances of the Mexican nation. The author advances no claim to minute exactitude of detail, and assumes for them the credit only of "Recollections and Desultory Dissertations," remarking in his preface that he can say, in the words of an affidavit to an answer in chancery, "that the facts stated as my own knowledge are true, and those stated on the information of others, I believe to be true." He has, however, performed more than he has promised, and has exhibited a view of the geography, population, products, and political relations of that nation, which is peculiarly required during the present juncture of affairs, springing from our existing entanglement with that unhappy priest and chieftainridden country.

20.--Poems. By THOMAS HOOD. New York: Wiley & Putnam's Library of Choice Reading.

Hood, by his humor and his humanity, has endeared himself to the lovers of the former, and the friends of the latter. His kindly soul has left its earthy tenement, but his genial spirit remains, to awaken the misanthropic, and gladden all beneficent and kindred hearts. This collection of his serious poems was made in fulfilment of his desire-among, we are informed, his last instructions to those who were dearest to him. His words and works are worth treasuring; and we earnestly commend this beautiful collection to all who can appreciate the good and true in literature and humanity.