"The meanest flow'ret of the vale, THESE lines of that true poet, Grey, always conveyed to our mind the most charming idea of a simple and refined taste, united with a cheerful temper and kind feelings; such as every woman should seek to cultivate, if she does not naturally possess. What we would, at this time, more particularly urge on our young friends is the cultivation of a taste for the beauties of nature. Foreigners say we are, as a people, sadly deficient in this taste. They ascribe the indifference, which they assert prevails, to the wonderful, sublime, and romantic scenery with which our country abounds, to the selfishness and vulgarity of feeling fostered by our republican institutions. When only wealth is sought and valued, refinement of taste will not be appreciated, nor the sense of the beautiful understood. It is said we only view Niagara as a great water power for machinery, and visit the White Mountains to look at the notch for a road. These accusations have been, no doubt, partially true, or rather the useful has been thought so important, that the beautiful has been too much neglected. We have just begun to learn that the greatest advantages may be gained by uni. ting them; that trees, for instance, actually make the grounds which they ornament, more fertile. The love of Nature is a cheap, safe, and pure pleasure. When the contemplation of a beautiful flower is sufficient to bring a smile of happiness over a fair face, we feel sure that the heart is rich in sweet impulses, which need but discipline and a right direction, to flow forth in gentle and beneficent virtues. "Who loves not Summer's splendid reign, The belle of the pent up city may almost be pardoned, if she does envy the country maiden's rural privileges. To be able to range at will among the fresh flowers and bright fruits, to explore the green pavilions of the old woods, and recline on the shady bank of some gentle stream, and listen to the soft music of its lapsing waters-these are delights that country life in summer may command. And if the study of botany have been at all pursued, how much interest it will add to our rural excursions. In such communions with nature the heart is made better and more strong to resist the temptations with which the world and its votaries beset the path of life. When all around us is so peaceful and lovely, can we be otherwise than placid and thankful for the innocent enjoyments the good Creator has placed within the reach of all his rational creatures? And though we must soon say, to use the words of the sweetest of nature's lyrists "Thou art bearing hence thy roses, may we so have improved the time as to feel that though the rose has gone, its perfume-the sweet, cheerful, and devout thoughts it was formed to inspire-is shrined in our heart of hearts. TO CORRESPONDENTS. The following articles are on file for publication. The Past. Where shall the Beautiful rest? The Dying Girl. The Banished Son. The Land. The Memory of the Dead. A Singular Story-not without a Moral to the Wise. Would that we could give all our correspondents the same good account of their articles. It is to us a most unpleasant office to condemn. But true kindness to the writers as well as justice to our readers, requires that we be careful to admit only what is very good. The character of the "Lady's Book" requires that a high standard of moral and literary excellence be sustained. We feel sure that those who favour us would prefer that their articles should be laid aside, rather than published to the injury of the work. We, therefore, respectfully decline the following: Matilda-A true Story. Fickleness-A Sketch. Domestic Helps and Domestic Hindrances. Chapter 1.We cannot accept any article till we see the whole. From this specimen chapter, we infer the story will be too long for our purpose. We now come to the Muses' department, and as it is idle to dream of repressing the tide of song, which overflows our free country, we shall only aim at turning aside the rills which would inundate our little parterre. Life's Flowery Path.-Too flowery. The Polish Exiles.-The subject is worn out. The Heart's Lament.-There is considerable merit in this poem; we insert one stanza. And still I deem in brighter spheres And as 1 gaze on the deep blue heaven, My soul breathes forth a prayer, The Exile, and The Return, by the same writer. We advise her to persevere in her studies, till she attain that excellence it is evident she admires. Reason's Conquest over Love.-Fanciful and rather pretty, but not very correct in rhythm or metre. The Memory of Mrs. AB, etc.-Good thoughts; and here are two of the best stanzas. The Gospel, gift of love divine, Makes man in God's own image shine, Blest one, if o'er this earth thy smile Lovely Things.-Not the best poetry the writer can produce. Island Queen!-The famous "tea-plot," the few boxes of the fragrant leaves, which were thrown into Boston harbour by a few fearless individuals, hastened, if it were not the immediate cause of the struggle, those great events which resulted in the establishment of our national independence. And if every tea-plant of the East had been rooted up and destroyed for ever, in consequence of this heroic act of the brave "Boston Boys," we should still have reason to thank God that he had permitted it to grow and produce its leaves. But no such fatality has happened to this exhilarating and prolific vegetable. The Creator has caused it to flourish and yield its increase, for wise and important purposes; the extension of our commerce, the improvements made in our naval architecture, our national wealth, and the increased respect which is paid as an independent people, may, in no small degree be said to be due to our extended traffic in this one single article of which our author treats in his interesting volume. Does any reader think we over-rate the importance of the tea-trade? Let them bear in mind, that it is hardly two hundred years since the traffic commenced. About the middle of the 17th century, a small parcel of tes was carried into Holland, by the Dutch East India Company, and two pounds and two ounces were imported into England, as a present to the king-now, it is computed that no less than A Mother's Lament-Cannot be accepted-it has been before fifty or sixty millions of pounds are annually brought into published. Two letters, signed "Franklin," and an essay, signed "W" have been received. We agree with the writer (the papers were, we presume, all from the same hand) that the influence of American ladies is of vital importance in correcting the evils of "speculation, luxury and extravagance" which have so prostrated the country. We have done, and shall continue to do what we can to awaken the attention of our fair readers to the advantages of encouraging the industry of our people, and cultivating the taste for "American fashions with beautiful American materials." EDITORS' BOOK TABLE. Tea-its Effects Medical and Moral. By G. G. Sigmond, M. D. In noticing this elegantly written volume of 144 pages, published in London, we aim not to alarm any sociable tea-party. It is true that Dr. Sigmond speaks freely and confidently of the injurious effects of some kinds of tea on particular consti. tutions; but it is evident that he has not yielded to the tetotalo mania. His mind is too well balanced, and too much accus. tomed to sober observation and reflection, to be exclusively occupied by one single dietetic idea, and to be rendered in. sane by its vain endeavours to comprehend it. In speaking of the tea-plant, Dr. Sigmond has treated of its history, its botanical relations, and its agricultural and com. mercial importance. The limits of our notice will not permit us to quote his interesting observations on the history and botanical character of the tea-plant, and our readers must be satisfied with a glance at its commercial importance. In regard to this point, speaking of Great Britain, he observes "Individually and nationally we are indebted to the tea plant. A curious, if not an instructive work, might be written on the singular benefits which have accrued to our coun try from the preference we have given to the beverage obtained from this plant, above all those that might be derived from the rich treasures of the vegetable kingdom. It would prove that our national importance has been intimately con nected with it, and that much of our present greatness, and even the happiness of our social system springs from this unsuspected source. It would show us, that our mighty empire in the East, that our maritime superiority, and that our progressive advancement in the arts and sciences have materially depended upon it!" Europe and America for consumption. Dr. Sigmond properly observes that although water is the great beverage of animals, and the support of vegetables, it will not, in all cases, suit the human constitution. In some countries, and in many cities and towns, the water is bad and unwholesome from its various impregnations; and in such places, people find it necessary to tincture the water with some kind of stimulating extracts. In such cases, tes has been found a favourite beverage and a promoter of the health and vigour of the mind and body. "In almost all warm climates," says our author, “those who have previously lived in more temperate regions, constantly sip or drink large draughts; but if the first of these habits be acquired, and a bland, slightly bitter fluid, such as tea, be employed, health will be promoted, and the comfort it produces will become apparent." Still the Doctor allows people may injure themselves by drinking tea which is very strong-he thinks black tea far less likely to be hurtful than green-but recommends moderation in the use of both kinds. We would advise our readers, who may wish to become better acquainted with the history of the tea-plant, to consult this work of Dr. Sigmond, (we hope it will be republished in America) which will well repay the trouble of a perusal. Master Humphrey's Clock goes steadily, and increases in interest as it advances. The Young Maiden. By A. B. Muzzey. Boston: William We thought the subject of advice to young ladies had been exhausted, the number of works of this description, having within the last two years, increased to quite a library. We accordingly took up "The Young Maiden" with somewhat cynical feelings, determined to look for faults, or at any rate not to be easily pleased. It is due to the author to acknow ledge, as we cheerfully do, that we were disappointed. The book is good, very good. There has not, in our opinion, been one work on the subject, better deserving the favour of the public, with the exception of "Woman's Mission"—a reprint from an English author. We would commend this book of the Rev. Mr. Muzzey as one to be studied by those who would understand the "true sphere of woman," and the reasons for placing her empire at home. It is impossible, in a short no tice, such as we must give, to attempt a synopsis of the work; If the above sentiments be true in regard to Great Britain, the table of contents will show, in some degree, the cours and we believe them to be so, how much more significant are pursued by the writer. There are fourteen chapters, headed they as regards our own country. If the tea-plant has been "The Capacities of Woman"-" Female Influence"-" Female the means of the extension and present greatness of the British Education," "Home"-" Society,"-"Love"-" Single Life" empire-it has done more for America. It has been the source, "Reasons for Marriage"-"Conditions of True Marriage"the very parent, as it were, of a new empire here, whose "Conduct during Engagement"-"Trials of Woman and her extent, resources, and capabilities far outstrip those of the Solace" (an excellent chapter)-and “ Encouragements." We think it would be a good mental and moral exercise for our young friends, those who cannot, at present, enjoy the privilege of reading the "Young Maiden," if they would take the heads of the chapters and write out what they consider should be the expositions of each subject. What, for instance, my dear young lady, would be your opinions on "Single Life?" Can it be a desirable life? and how best can it be rendered useful and happy? What "Reasons" would you give for "mar. riage?" and how "conduct during engagement?" If you cannot well answer these questions, read the "Young Maiden." Things by their right Names, and other Stories, Fables, and Moral Pieces, in prose and verse. Selected and arranged from the works of Mrs. Barbauld, with a Sketch of her Life by Mrs. S J. Hale. Boston: Marsh, Capen, Lyon & Webb. pp. 263. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. This is one of the Juvenile Series of the "School Library," now being issued by the above publishers. Our opinion of Mrs. Barbauld's writings may be inferred from the part we took in preparing this volume. We are sure it will be a popular one with all young readers; and a profitable one in all families and schools. It is beautifully printed, and the utmost care has been taken to render it perfect in its typography; and notes explanatory of all terms and allusions which might perplex the youthful reader, have been added. Greyslaer, a Romance of the Mohawk. By C. F. Hoffman. 2 vols. Harper & Brothers, 1840. Carey & Hart, Philad. The scene of this novel as the title indicates, is laid chiefly in the vicinity of the beautiful and picturesque Mohawk. The time chosen is the commencement of our revolution, and the period that immediately preceded it, and the characters many of them, are personages of historical prominence. Among them are the famous Brant and his son John. To those who are acquainted with Mr. Hoffman's abilities the mention of these materials will naturally suggest, what is the fact, that Greyslaer is an exciting, interesting, and vigorous production, full of graphic description and stirring incidents. Combe on Infancy, edited by Dr. Bell. Carey & Hart, 1840. This is an admirable treatise for parents and especially for mothers. In a plain, familiar, and easy way it describes the condition of infancy in its physiological traits, and points out the proper means of management. The notes and the supplemental chapter by Dr. Bell, of this city, add greatly to the value of the work. Keble's Christian Year: 1 vol. 18mo. Lea & Blanchard. A sweet collection of poetry and fervent piety, in which the beauties of religion are heightened by the graces of the muse. The volume is edited by Bishop Doane, who has supplied a number of useful explanatory notes. Woman and her Master, by Lady Morgan. 2 vols. Carey & Hart: Philadelphia, 1840. There is no subject upon which a greater degree of interest is beginning to be felt than the intellectual position of woman. The progress of civilization, so necessarily dependent on her influence, requires that this should be ascertained and settled; and the tendencies of the age sustain the great demand. No social organization can be perfect until woman has received that place in it to which by nature and by reason she is alike entitled, and not only so, but her rights must be universally understood and acknowledged. She must take her stand side by side with man, not as his dependent, but his equal: his companion and not his slave. We do not mean to say that in the noisy clashings of polemics, or the turbulent strifes of politics she should take any direct part, nor enter into those jarring controversies to which man is so prone; but we do avow that in all the social and intellectual relations of life, she should not only be allowed to participate, but her participation should be that of entire and absolute equality. Lady Morgan in the really clever book now under notice has assumed the position we have just stated, and she enforces it with no little vigour and skill. Tue character of her work which is comprehensive, embraces a view of the condition of woman in all ages and countries; and while she painfully exhibits the deep and cruel degradation to which she has too often been exposed, she proves also both by argument and illustration that in every period, and under every form of the social compact, she has been a most important agent in the melioration and civilization of the world. Lady Morgan's style is occasionally too diffuse, and in some instances she has suffered herself to be led into a panegyric upon the undeserving, but altogether her book is a very pleasant one, and contains much desirable information. Memoirs of the Court of England, during the reign of the Stuarts, including the Protectorate. By John Heneage Jesse. 2 vols. Lea & Blanchard, Philadelphia, 1840. These volumes contain much curious information. Numerous anecdotes gathered from the gossipping chronicles of the period are given, and much light is shed not only on the personal characters of the different members of the royal family, and their favourites, but also on the political history of the times. Mr. Jesse seems to have consulted all the accessible authorities, and several letters are now published for the first time in his collection. Dr. Bethune's Address before the Artist's Fund Society, is a very sensible and eloquent production. The advice it em. spirit in which it is composed is free and independent. bodies is sound-the criticisms it offers are judicious, and the Life and Travels of Mungo Park. 1 vol. Harper & Brothers, New York, 1840. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. The very name of this volume will procure for it attention and perusal. Every body has heard of Mungo Park, and sympathised in his wanderings. His simple-mindedness, his devotion, his untiring efforts, make him an object of much greater general regard, than many of his fellow labourers who possessed abilities of a higher order. His melancholy and mysterious death invests his story and name with a degree of romance. History of the Fine Arts. By B. J. Lossing. Harper & Brothers, New York, 1840. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. An excellent book, and one that deserves to be carefully nately deficient. The Arts though yet young among us must, studied. In this branch of knowledge our people are unfortu before a great while, become of the highest importance, and all who can should make themselves familiar with their his tory. To this end this volume is well adapted, and supplies in a condensed form much useful and curious information. Natural History of Quadrupeds. Harper & Brothers, New York, 1840. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. This compilation is seasonably published as the want of such a work for a text book was beginning to be felt in many of our schools. It is illustrated by numerous engravings. Love's Progress. Harper & Brothers, New York, 1840. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. This is a story of the affections: a tale of mingled mirth and sadness, but full of truth and nature. It is designed to illustrate the strength of woman's attachment: the holiness of her zeal: her unselfish labours; her deep and enduring fortitude, and it accomplishes this design by a narrative full of interest, and occasional touches of the most exquisite pathos. A New Home: Who'll Follow? or Glimpses of Western Life. By Mrs. Mary Clavers: 1840. New York, C. L. Francis. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. The fact that this work has reached a second edition is sufficient evidence of the estimation in which it is held by the reading community; and it has been so generally praised by by all classes of critics that there is but little opportunity left for further commendation. It is indeed a most agreeable volume, abounding in the liveliest and most vivacious sketches, and at the same time conveying a very large amount of the most valuable information. The basis of the work is fact: to make the filling up more attractive the writer has ventured upon a little fiction. This is not permitted, however, to interfere with its accuracy in geographical or topographical subjects, nor with its general truth of character. Scenes in the Life of Joanna of Sicily. By Mrs. E. F. Ellet. Boston: Marsh, Capen, Lyon & Webb. pp. 236. Carey & Hart, Philadelphia. The author of this interesting work holds, deservedly, a high rank among our literary ladies. Her translations from the Italian and German have been much praised. Her "Characters of Schiller" is a work highly esteemed for its elegance of style and just critical taste. The present volume will not derogate from the fame of Mrs. Eilet, though we wish she had taken some other scene in history. Few more interesting, we are persuaded would be found, but this has already been appropriated. The author of "Miriam," published not two years since, a volume entitled "Joanna of Naples," a choice little volume, which we presume Mrs. Ellet had not seen when she prepared hers. Both works abound in beauties; we do not know to which we should award the preference, were it our duty to decide between them. Mrs. Ellet's is the most true to history, and her descriptions of the magnificent scenes of the "Vindication" and the "Coronation," are exquisite pictures. The real life of Joanna, Queen of Naples, was a romance of wilder and more thrilling interest than imagination has invented. But the state of so. ciety at that period was most deplorable, or such scenes could never have occurred. Who that reads this interesting work would wish to exchange our comfortable common-sense, common-place world, for the splendour which barbarian ignorance and lawless physical force then threw around the few who wielded power? We wish Mrs. Ellet would turn her atten. tion a little more to her own country: she describes the past so beautifully, that we are anxious she should draw a portrait of the present. "The Well Bred Boy; or New School of Good Manners," is the title of a very good little book, prepared by a Boston lady for the young. We commend it to the notice of mothers. Poems: by Mrs. Follen, pp. 192. This unpretending work has been some months before the public, and received the praise of several impartial critics. We could hardly claim such a title, did we now take up the volume with the intention of reviewing it. But in truth we only write to commend it. We hope every lady who can afford the expense, will purchase a copy. And sure we are that the hearts of our readers will respond to our appeal, when they recollect that Mrs. Follen, the widow of the late lamented Dr. Follen, who perished in the Lexington, is now dependent on her own literary labours. This work, and the preceding are published by William Crosby & Co., Boston. The Poems are beautifully printed. DESCRIPTION OF FASHION PLATE. FIG. 1.-Coloured silk skirt, the bottom trimmed with three folds, figured mull spencer, bishop sleeves, with sash to match the dress. Chip bonnet, ornamented with flowers. FIG. 2.-White skirt trimmed with a broad flounce-spencer similar to that in figure 1-pink sash-straw bonnet, ornamented with roses and pink ribands. CHIT CHAT OF FASHIONS. At a late drawing room held by Queen Victoria, Lady Dinorbin, late Miss Smith (no relation to our Mr. Smith,) wore the following splendid dress. Costume de Cœur, a splendid white pompadour satin train, sprigged with rich gold and coloured boquets, and trimmed with rich gold dentelle; a rich white India muslin dress, embroidered with fine gold, and trimmed with two volants of rich gold dentelle, over white satin. Head-dress, plume of feathers, with rich gold dentelle lappets and diamonds. The dress of D'Israelis' wife was also very rich, at the same time remarkable for its simplicity. A manteau of rich pale green satin, lined with white, and trimmed with blonde; body and sleeves a Medicis, superbly ornamented with a profusion of the finest diamonds; petticoat of tulle, embroidered in a novel and beautiful style, forming boquets of various colours. A head dress of feathers and blonde lappets; ornaments, a splendid suite of diamonds and emeralds. The Queen's dress-white net over rich white satin, trimmed with blonde flounces and flowers; the body and sleeves splendidly ornamented with diamonds and blonde; train of silver tissue, richly brocaded in colours, (of Spitalfields manufacture,) trimmed with silver and blonde, and lined with white satin-Head dress, feathers, diamonds, and lappets. The Duchess of Northumberland.-Manteau of superb lilac satin glace, lined with silk, and ornamented with a bouffant of satin, with a deep fringe of pearls surrounded with a flouscing of Spanish point lace; corsage of the same, decorated with magnificent point lace, intermixed with pearls; stomacher of diamonds; skirt of lilac aerophane over a rich satin slip of the same colour, glace, tastefully trimmed with flounces of point lace and fringe of pearls. Head-dress, feathers and point lace lappets, and magnificent tiara of diamonds; necklace and ear rings en suite. Caps are more or less ornamented with flowers. There are other pretty coiffures, between a cap and a turban, the crown is that of a cap; but in place of the blonde border there is a roll of gauze, exactly such as would be to a turban-it may be with or without a falling end. The flowers adopted to these caps are hop-blossoms, in every possible colour. They are placed as low as where the cap-string should come on each side. Indeed all the trimmings are worn unusually low at the sides. Hats. The hats are getting smaller, and a more becoming shape. The front and crown seems all of one piece, and towards the back the form gradually slants, so that the back of the crown is even lower than the bonnet. These little bonnets sit very round and comfortable to the face; they come very long at the sides; the trimming is as simple as possible, or quite the contrary. S me have flowers and lace; others only a trimming of the material. Sleeves. The plain, tight, long sleeves are coming in again decidedly, notwithstanding all that has been said against them; it must be admitted that they are sadly disadvantageous to some figures, viz., to those remarkably tall and thin, or to those inclined to embonpoint and low in stature. Head Dresses.-One of the prettiest caps that has appeared for some time, is composed of rose-coloured gauze; the caul is so very small that it does little more than cover the knot of hair behind. The front is formed of three rows of gauze bias, quilled full, and encircling the caul in such a manner as to form a diadem on the summit of the head, descending at the sides, and turning up at the back of the caul. A full knot of satin riband, with floating end, adorns one side, and a rose, with buds and foliage, ornaments the other. We said nothing in the July number of No. I. of our Origiginal large sized Steel Engravings-but our friends of the Press have done it for us. Are not twelve such Engravings in a year worth more than $3? The present number is also marked by a plate, equally as beautiful, but on a different subject. Our object is to give a variety. The next will be a View of Fairmount-our own Fairmount-and, if it is possible, will be still finer than Constantinople. By looking at this latter engraving with the hand partially closed, the effect of the distance is perfectly magical-the boats seem to stand out from the picture. The most ridiculous and absurd stories are told by some of our papers, of the celebrated dancer, Mad. Elssler. We deem it a duty we owe ourself as a Philadelphian, to say that there is but little truth in their account of the fulsome adulations which have been paid her. She has been seen and liked-has drawn good houses-been called upon by some few persons, and will be forgotten in a week after she has left us, for the next new lion. |