12.-Two Lives, or To Seem and To Be. By MARIA J. MCINTOSH, author of "Conquest and Self-Conquest," "Praise and Principle," "Woman an Enigma," &c. New York: D. Appleton & Co. We should have no hesitation in employing the strongest language of commendation in regard to this book. It is a good one in every sense of the word. The interest of the narrative is sustained throughout, and it is written in an elegant and graceful style,—but after all, its chief excellence consists in its moral and social teachings, which will call forth a response from the "holy place" in every human heart. The writer of such a book requires no copy-right law to protect her from foreign authorship. 13.-Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology, with an Appendix on Water-Cure. By MARY S. GORE. New York: Harper & Brothers. The lectures of Mrs. Gore, delivered from time to time, have been listened to with interest, and not, we presume, without profit, to her countrywomen. They are, she states, the fruits of earnest study and inquiry, pursued through many difficulties. She commenced the study of water-cure in cases of female weakness in 1832, and, ten years later, its use in fevers, and continued her efforts till she obtained a knowledge of the practice of Priessnitz. Since then, she has practised water-cure with remarkable success. She is desirous, and pledges herself to do all in her power to educate women to prevent and cure disease. She says" Several brave and true women have already determined to qualify themselves for water-cure physicians, and the writer has reason to hope that she shall live to see at least one woman practising water-cure in each city in the Union." Although we are not converts, or wedded to any "universal panacea," we hope she may live to see many; for we believe that one kind and intelligent woman in sickness, is worth a dozen M. D.'s; and that water, in its various applications to the system, both as a preventative and a cure, is far more efficacious than the pernicious system of drugging, which, thank Heaven, is rapidly giving place to a larger experience, and the more liberal views of the Eclectic. We sincerely commend these lectures to the attention of women; as we feel quite sure that a careful study of them will be attended with the most important benefits to the race. 14.-Altorian; or, Incidents of Life and Adventure in the Rocky Mountains. By an Amateur. Edited by JAMES WATSON WEBB. 2 vols., 12mo. New York: Harper & Brothers. The reading public are indebted to Colonel Webb, of the Courier and Enquirer, for these highly interesting sketches of Indian habits, incidents of the chase, and descriptions of the regions where the scene of the narrative is laid. In the introductory "Dedication," from the pen of the editor, we are informed that they were written by a British officer, who visited the United States in 1832, between whom and Colonel W. a similarity of tastes and pursuits produced an intimacy, that gradually ripened into an enduring friendship. The dedicatory remarks of Colonel Webb are interesting, and should not be passed over; and the work "will be found, on perusal, one of the very few which exhibits the native of our forests as he was, and still is, where he roams uncontaminated by his intercourse with civilized man, in the boundless regions of the northwest." 15.-An Inductive and Practical System of Double Entry Book-Keeping, on an Entirely New Plan; having a General Rule, deduced from the Definition of Debtor and Creditor, applied to the Journalizing of all Transactions: containing Twelve Sets of Books for imparting a General Knowledge of the Science, with Numerous and Varied Entries, and Illustrating Single and Partnership Business, both Prosperous and Adverse ; also, Approved Forms of Auxiliary Books; a Set of Steamboat Books; a Vocabulary of Commercial Terms; Practical Forms for Keeping Books in Different Branches of Business; Commercial Calculations; Table of Foreign Coins and Moneys, of Accounts, etc. Designed for the Use of Private Students, Schools, and Practical Accountants. By A. F. & S. W. CRITTENDEN, Accountants. Philadelphia: E. C. & J. Biddle. The contents and design of this work are fully explained in the title-page, quoted above; which leaves us nothing further to say on that head. There have been many excellent books of this class published during the last five or six years; and it is, perhaps, fair to presume that the last is the best. The execution of the present work is highly creditable to all concerned; and, as far as we can judge, it seems to be well adapted to the purposes of imparting a thorough knowledge of the principles and practice of book-keeping, in all its varieties. The commercial tables, in the latter part of the volume, will add to its value as a reference-book for the counting-house. 16.-Prince's Manual of Roses, comprising the most Complete History of the Rose, including every class, and all the most admirable varieties that have appeared in Europe and America; together with ample information on their Culture and Propagation. By WILLIAM ROBERT PRINCE, Proprietor of the Linnæan Botanic Garden and Nurseries at Flushing, and author of the Treatises on Horticulture, on Fruits, and on the Vine. New York: Clark & Austin. The author of this book has enjoyed rare advantages of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the subjects discussed in this treatise. William Prince, the grandfather of the author, we are told, was the first American amateur who formed an extensive collection of roses by making importations; and his son, the father of the present Mr. Prince, continued to enlarge the collection annually, with the finest varieties obtainable from foreign climes; and formed, in connection with the author, a most perfect collection of our native species and varieties. Almost every variety of the rose is described, and all the necessary information for their culture and propagation is imparted in a clear and comprehensive manner. 17.-An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence administered in Courts of Justice. With an Account of the Trial of Jesus. By SIMON GREENLEAF, LL. Dy Royal Professor of Law in Harvard University. Boston: C. C, Little and James Brown. The well-known and high reputation of the author of this volume, as an acute, profound, and learned jurist, will insure for it a careful and respectful study. It has been prepared with the design of applying those severe tests of legal evidence which are used in courts of law, in order to establish the truth of the narratives of the four Evangelists; and it is, perhaps, unnecessary to state that he has executed the task with decided ability and success. The importance of the subject will scarcely be denied, and it is appropriately dedicated to the members of the legal profession. The North American Review for October, 1846, has an article of some twenty or thirty pages, based on Greenleaf's work, in connection with Strauss's "Life of Jesus,” which the writer opens with a very just comparison of these eminent scholars. Of the former, the Review says." It is the production of an able and profound lawyer-a man who has grown grey in the halls of justice and the schools of jurisprudence-a writer of the highest authority on legal subjects, whose life has been spent in weighing testimony and sifting evidence, and whose published opinions on the rules of evidence are received as authoritative in all the English and American tribunals-for fourteen years the highly-respected colleague of the late Mr. Justice Story, and now the honored head of the most distinguished and prosperous school of English law in the world." 18.-The Opal; a Pure Gift for the Holidays, for 1847. Edited by JoHN KEESE. With illustrations by J. G. Chapman. New York: J. C. Riker. This is the third year of the publication of this beautiful annual. The original plan of a work combining the highest order of excellence with the purest thoughts and sentiments, has been faithfully adhered to by the editor and publisher. And each new issue has afforded evidence of improvement, where there was room for it. The success which has marked the progress of this work, confirms the remark of a recent English critic, that a great change has occurred in the spirit of belles lettres writing of late years; and that to be popular, it must be adorned with moral grace, or dignified with just sentiments. The illustrations, nine in number, though of varied merit, are all creditable to the skill of the artist, who is scarcely excelled in his line. "Nature's Pet," on the illustrated title, is charmingly executed, in the countenances of the figures. "The Wasted Fountains," graphically delineates the emotions of the soul, under the circumstances, and happily portrayed in the spiritual and poetical letter-press illustration of Miss Ann C. Lynch. "The Summer Stream" and "The Sentinel" are capital. "The Widow," which is rather stiff, is accompanied by a poem on "Worship," however, that makes us forget any defect in the picture. It breathes, in the manly verse of Whittier, the great thoughts of a “pure and undefiled religion." We regret that we have not space to speak more at length of the different articles in prose and verse, none of which are below mediocrity, and many of them are equal to the best efforts of the best writers. Among the list of contributors, we may name Mrs. E, Oakes Smith, Ann C. Lynch, Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Mrs. Francis S. Osgood, and Longfellow, Tuckerman, Pierpont, Whittier, C. Edwards Lester, Rev. James Shroeder, Sprague, Olin, and Stone, all well-known and favorite authors, besides others of undoubted merit, whose articles have previously given so much satisfaction,-and we have no hesitation in adopting the remark of the editor, "that they are equal, in point of literary excellence, to the best efforts of foreign writers in a similar vein, and in many instances exhibiting a rare ingenuity of style and conception." On the whole, we consider it the Gift-Book of the season. 19.-The Memorabilia of Swedenborg; or, the Spiritual World Laid Open. New York: John Allen. It is well known, we believe, that Prof. Bush, an able theologian and learned scholar, has become a convert to the doctrines of the "New Church," and a believer in the alleged revelations of Emanuel Sweden borg. Dr. Wood admits, what few have ever denied, that Swedenborg was an honest man; and however much we may consider him mistaken, all who have the least knowledge of Dr. Bush, will not for a mo ment entertain a doubt as to the entire sincerity and honesty of his purpose in advocating the claims of this remarkable man. The "Memorabilia" consists of selections from the writings of Swedenborg, with notes and annotations by his learned disciple. These writings are published in numbers, under the general title of the Swedenborg Library." We have read several of the numbers, and we confess that we have been deeply interested in them, and we have no doubt that many who are not prepared to embrace his system, will find much that accords with their highest intuitions. 20.-Thoughts, Selected from the Writings of the Rev. William Ellery Channing. Boston: William Crosby & H. P. Nichols. The writings of the late Dr. Channing are full of the aphoristic style of expression, in which he both delighted and excelled. One of Dr. Channing's thoughts, which the compiler has selected as the motto, is happily illustrated in these "apples of gold in pictures of silver:"-" Sometimes a single word, spoken by the voice of genius, goes far into the heart. A hint, a suggestion, an undefined delicacy of expression, teaches more than we gather from volumes of less-gifted men." Every one has experienced the truth of this remark; and no one can read these detached thoughts without acquiring purer aspirations and higher hopes; and we earnestly trust it may "introduce some to an acquaintance with this great benefactor to our minds, who, through sectarian fears, might be repelled from the larger work." 21.-The Mayflower, for 1847. Edited by Mrs. E. OAKES SMITH, author of "Riches Without Wings," "Sinless Child," "Western Captive," "Trae Child," etc., etc. Boston: Saxton & Keit. This beautiful annual, edited by E. O. Smith, is one of the most interesting souvenirs we have seen. It is neatly executed, and illustrated by Sartain in his best manner. The literary contents, in point of variety and interest, far surpass the average contributions to works of the kind. The articles by Mrs. Oakes Smith are distinguished by a rare union of metaphysical insight and poetic beauty. Mr. Helfenstein has also done himself more than usual credit in the Mayflower. "Knickerbocker vs. Pilgrim," by C. F. Hoffman, is in the author's happiest vein, and charmingly unfolds many truths whose significance partial historians will do well to ponder. The poems are generally of a high order. Miss Sedgwick's sweet moralizing, and Mr. M'Cracken's rare wit, agreeably diversify the work; and we commend it to our readers as a truly valuable as well as tasteful gift-book. 22.-Lives of Eminent English Judges of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. Edited by W. N. WELSBY, Esq., M. A., Recorder of Chester. Philadelphia: T. & J. W. Johnson. The present work comprises a series of valuable biographical sketches of some of the most distinguished judges of Great Britain. The greater part of those sketches were prepared by the author, although a small portion was written by the late Edmund Plunkett Burke, afterwards Chief Justice of St. Lucie. The volume will commend itself to the attentive perusal of the members of the legal profession, as well as to all those who desire to become acquainted with those distinguished lights of jurisprudence, which have adorned the annals of the bench and bar of England. It is published in a handsome style, and will be found a valuable contribution to the legal, as well as the general library. It embraces memoirs of Sir Matthew Hale, Lord Keeper Whitelocke, Lord Nottingham, Sir John Holt, Lord Harcourt, Lord Macclesfield, Lord King, Lord Talbot, Lord Hardwicke, Sir William Blackstone, Lord Bathurst, Lord Mansfield, Lord Camden, Lord Thurlow, and Lord Ashburton. 23.-History of the Conquest of Peru by the Spaniards. By Don TELESFORO DE TRUEBA Y COSIO, author of The Life of Hernan Cortez," etc. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart's "Library for the People," No. IV. Although the days of bloody conquest are fast passing away before the lights of a truer civilization, and the "ancient divinities of Violence and Wrong are retreating to their kindred darkness," the histories and detail of events which have marked the onward steps of man through the wilderness of savage passions, will be read with interest, and not, perhaps, without profit, until long ages have created a new order of conquests and triumphs, and man be born again" to a new and a more divine humanity. The "Conquest of Peru" forms a part of the history of the race; and the account given of it in this volume exhibits many of those elements of character, as courage, heroism, devotion, etc., which shall, in the future, God-directed, shine with a lustre immeasurably transcending the pigmy conceptions of the present. Five volumes of this series of books "for the people" have been published;-twenty more, in the departments of history, biography, voyages, and travels, all of an interesting and instructive character, are announced by the publishers. 24.-The Scholar, the Jurist, the Artist, the Philanthropist. An Address before the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Harvard University at their Anniversary, August 27th, 1846. By CHARLES SUMNER. Boston: William D. Ticknor & Co. The idea of this discourse was most happily conceived, and beautifully and eloquently has it been developed by the mind of the author. Pickering, Story, Allston, Channing-men whose days were covenanted to "Knowledge, Justice, Beauty, Love, the comprehensive attributes of God"-are here represented as the "lowly and mortal ministers of lofty and immortal truth-as the Scholar, the Jurist, the Artist, the Philanthropist." Leaving the mere biographical details, Mr. Sumner portrays with great eloquence and power the varied, but harmonious mission of these men, and exhibits to our view those elements of character that constitute true sublimity. A more fitting theme for the occasion, and a mind more capable of appreciating its lofty inspirations of wisdom and goodness, could scarcely have been conceived. 25.-The Wedding Gift; or, The Duties and Pleasures of Domestic Life. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. This miniature volume includes two choice compilations for the conjugal pair, and the domestic retreat one entitled "The Marriage Ring; or, How to Make Home Happy," from the writings of John Angell James, a writer esteemed for his many practical writings, and the other a collection of some of the neatest fragments of poetry and prose to be found in the language, by different authors, but all relating to the affections and pleasures of domestic life. 26.-The Mourner Consoled; containing The Cypress Wreath. By Rev. RUFUS GRISWOLD. The Mourner's Chaplet. By JOHN KEESE. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln. Another miniature volume, embracing a collection of consolatory pieces, in prose and verse, designed for those who mourn the loss of children and friends. The "Cypress Wreath" is made up partly of short extracts in prose, with a few poems, and the "Mourner's Chaplet" entirely of poetry. The selections are generally in good taste; and the two works combined form a very appropriate offering of sympathy for bereaved friends. 27.-Chambers's Information for the People, a Popular Encyclopædia. First American edition. With Numerous Additions, and more than five hundred engravings. Philadelphia: G. B. Zeiber & Co. New York: Burgess, Stringer & Co. Three numbers of this work have already been published in this country, and it is to be completed in eighteen; making, altogether, eighteen hundred imperial octavo pages, in two volumes, of nine hundred pages each. The plan of the work is thus set forth in the publishers' advertisement: "The work will be edited by an accomplished American scholar, who, without impairing in the slightest degree the integrity of the original text, will add such notes, and make such corrections and additions as are necessary to adapt it to the wants of the American public. The plan on which the work is formed, is to select only the subjects on which it is important that a people, who feel the value of sound education, should be well informed. The minutiae of biography, topography, scientific technicalities, and other matters to which there may be only need for occasional reference, are dismissed; and thus, what usually fills the greater part of an Encyclopædia is at once got rid of. There only remains a series of articles on the most important branches of Science, Physical, Mathematical, and Moral; Natural History, Political History, Geography, and General Literature. All is given which, if studied, and received into the mind, would make an individual, in the common walks of life, a well-informed man-while, with a few exceptions, only that is omitted which is not needed as a part of the standing knowledge of any person, whatever, besides those for whom it may have a professional or local interest." We shall take occasion to refer to this valuable work in a future number of our Journal. 28.-The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature. To which are added, Two Brief Dissertations on Personal Identity, and on the Nature of Virtue. By JOSEPH BUTLER, D. C. L., Lord Bishop of Durham, and DANIEL WILSON, D. D., Bishop of Calcutta. With an Account of the Character and Writings of Bishop Butler. By SAMBEL FAIRFAX, D. D., Lord Bishop of Gloucester. New York: Robert Carter. This great work of Bishop Butler has ever been regarded by theologians a master-piece of argument; and, to quote from the criticism of that eminent prelate, the Bishop of Calcutta, there is in his writings a vastness of idea, a reach and generalization of reasoning, a native sympathy and grandeur of thought, which command and fill the mind. He grasps firmly his topic, and insensibly communicates to his readers the calmness and conviction which he possesses himself. Patient, silent, unobtrusive investigation, was his forte; and his powers of invention were as fruitful as his judgment was sound. Probably no book in the compass of theology is so full of the seeds of things, to use the expression of a kindred genius, (Lord Bacon,) as the “Analogy." 29.-Pithy Papers on Singular Subjects. By OLD HUMPHREY, author of "Observations," "Walks in London," "Country Strolls,' Thoughts for the Thoughtful," etc. New York: Robert Carter. This little volume, which contains some forty or fifty "pithy" papers from the pen of "Old Hum phrey," whose several publications have been noticed in the Merchants' Magazine, as they have re-appeared in this country, fully sustains the reputation of the author as a shrewd observer of human nature and human life, in their ever-varying aspects. It is written in a homely, sententious, Franklinlike style, and strongly marked with that individuality that rivets the attention, while it wins upon the hearts, of a large class of readers. 30.-The Discourses and Letters of Louis Cornaro, on a Sober and Temperate Life. With a Biography of the Author. By PIERO MARONCELLI, and Notes and an Appendix, by JOHN BURDELL. New York: Fowler & Wells. Cornaro was born in Padua in 1467, and died in 1565, in the ninety-ninth year of his age. So says the biography a statement that gives great force to his discourses and letters on a sober and temperate life. If a man with the lights of the fifteenth century could prolong existence, in the enjoyment of good health, to near a century, what ought not man to do in this respect, with all the superadded light which science and experience have furnished in this nineteenth century? 31.-The Count of Monte Cresto. BY ALEXANDER DUMAS. With elegant illustrations, by M. VALENTIN. 2 volumes. New York: Burgess, Stringer & Co. We have not read this last novel of Dumas; and, although it occupies nearly six hundred closely printed pages, it is asserted by the French reviews to have thrown " Hugo, Balzac, and Sue, in the shade." It is full of brilliant scenes, and the conception of the plot is both striking and original. So says one who has read it. 32.-The Floral Fortune-Teller, a Game for the Season of Flowers. By Miss S. C. EDGARTON. BOSton: A. Tompkins. Fortune-telling, in one way or another, is almost co-eval with time; and nearly everything in the heavens above, and the earth beneath, has been adopted as its oracle. The fair author of this little volume has consulted the "floral apostles" respecting the mysteries of our earthly destiny. The simplest flower of the valley, as well as the more pretending one of the cultivated garden, are, in her mind,"clothed with the mantles of prophets," and utter "a language that is as familiar as household words." Questions are propounded, and the answering oracles are "drawn from the purest wells of English" and German poetry. Shakspeare, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson, Goethe, Southey, Campbell, Burns, and many more, are all laid under contribution, and "come at call," with their inspirations, to aid the prophetess in her efforts to reveal the character and future fortunes of those who worship at her shrine. ART. CONTENTS OF NO. VI., VOL. XV. ARTICLES. I. THE COTTON TRADE. By Professor C. F. M'CAY, of the University of Georgia,.... ............ PAGE 531 556 565 539 III. NEW YORK RAILROAD LEGISLATION. By Hon. F. WHITTLESEY, of New York,.. 546 IV. COMMERCIAL CODE OF SPAIN, No. II.-THE LAW OF CARRIERS BY SEA. By A. NASH, Esq., of New York,..... V. THE PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRY OF CONNECTICUT. By JAMES H. LANMAN, author of the "History of Michigan," etc.,... VI. COMMERCIAL SKETCHES OF SIERRA LEONE: Location and Population-Merchant Service Articles of Export and Import-Business Transactions-German Houses-American Cargoes-Trading with Native Kings-Currency-Agriculture and other Products, etc., 572 VII. PRODUCTION AND EXPORT OF BREAD-STUFFS: A View of the Quantity of BreadCorn which the United States may Export this year, without impairing the supply necessary for Home Consumption. By JUNIUS SMITH, Esq., of New York,... VIII. LAW OF DEBTOR AND CREDITOR IN ALABAMA: The Law Respecting the Rights and Remedies of Debtor and Creditor in the State of Alabama. By Hon. BENJAMIN F. PORTER, of Alabama,.... 580 IX. MERCANTILE BIOGRAPHY: SKETCH OF THE LATE PRESERVED FISH. By CHARLES LANMAN, author of "Essays for Summer Hours,". MERCANTILE LAW CASES. Rights of Stockholders in Insurance Companies,......... Marine Insurance-Decision of New Orleans Chamber of Commerce,........ COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW, 575 582 585 586 EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRATED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: The Markets and Financial Affairs of Great Britain-Bank of England-Statistics of its Condition, weekly, from 1844 to latest dates in 1846-Statistics of the Railway Movement of England, Scotland, and Ireland-Corn Trade-Average Prices of Corn in England and Wales during each week in 1845 and 1846-Quantities of Grain imported and consumed in Great Britain-Receipts of Bread-stuffs on the Hudson and at New Orleans-U. S. Government Deposits in New York Banks-Banks of New York in 1846-U. S. Revenue and Expenditure in 1846-Operations of the New Tariff--Mexican War, etc.,.... 587 596 |