ATMOSPHERIC TELEGRAPH FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF PACKAGES.

The Special Committee of the United States Senate, to whom was referred the memorial of Ithiel S. Richardson, asking for an appropriation to test the feasibility of his proposed atmospheric telegraph, have recommended compliance with the request, and reported a bill authorizing the construction of a tube, under the supervision of the Postmaster General, on a direct line between Washington and Baltimore. This was the method pursued to ascertain whether the Magnetic Telegraph invented by Prof. Morse, could be availed of for the various exigencies of business and social intercourse by persons widely separated. It was apprehended that the force of the electric current would be spent, or that some unforeseen obstacle would prevent its transmission, beyond a very limited distance, till actual experiment had resolved the doubt. And a similar success is hoped for by the Committee in the present case, to dissipate the fears of those who predict a less efficient operation through a long line of tube, than that which is exhibited in the model shown at the Capitol, which they declare works admirably, and seems to have overcome all difficulties, and some which have long been supposed insuperable in the practical operation of the atmospheric tele graph. This model is described in the Report as follows:

"It consists of a horizontal tube of one inch clear diameter, one-half of which is straight, while the other half contains curves, designed to represent the sinuosities of the tube passing over uneven ground. One small air-pump, placed near its centre, and communicating with either end of it, exhausts it at pleasure from left to right, or from right to left. A piston, or plunger, three inches long, and fitting the tube loosely, but followed by several detached disks, or washers of leather, which accurately fit it, is inserted in one end of the tube, separated by a cut-off; and a few strokes of the pump produce in the tube a partial vacuum. The cut-off is then reversed, and the plunger set free on the side of the vacuum, relieved from the pressure of the air in the tube, and propelled alone by the pressure of the atmosphere, passes through in a time wholly unappreciable by ordinary means."

Mr. Richardson refers to a still more practical test of the working and capacity of his telegraph, in a tube a mile long, of three inches clear diameter, and following the elevations and depressions of an ordinary ungraded field; and the certificates he produces show that the mile was traversed by the piston or plunger, to which was attached a weight of several pounds, in much less than a minute.

If the tube be completely exhausted, the atmospheric pressure being about fourteen and three-quarter pounds to the square inch, the piston should pass through the exhausted tube at a speed equal to about six hundred and thirty-five miles per hour, modified by its weight and friction. But a perfect vacuum is not to be attained in practice. It is asserted, however, by the committee, that such a degree of exhaustion is easily attainable, as will secure a speed and power equivalent to the propulsion of fifty tons two hundred miles per hour. The mails which now consume twelve hours in passing between New York and Washington, may, in the opinion of the committee, be carried between those cities in two hours by the proposed atmospheric telegraph, and at a cost so diminished, that the Department might send six sets of mails where it now sends one, without increasing its expenses.

AN ITEM FOR COTTON BUYERS AND SELLERS.

There is now before the Legislature of Georgia a "bill for the protection, in certain cases, of planters and cotton sellers, which effectually settles for that State the disputed question whether in the sale of a domestic staple, cash' means ready money, or money that will not be ready until seven days after the article is sold." The first section of the bill provides that "after the passage of this act cotton sold by planters and commission merchants shall not be considered as the property of the buyer, or the ownership given up, until the same shall be fully paid for, although it may have been delivered into the possession of the buyer; any law, usage, or custom, to the contrary notwithstanding." Section second enacts " that any person engaged in the business of buying cotton, either on his own account or for others, who shall buy or engage to buy cotton from a commission merchant, and shall fail or refuse to pay for the same at the time agreed on, or shall if no time shall have been specified then when required, and shall make away with, or dispose of any cotton purchased and not paid for, shall be deemed guilty of fraud and embezzlement, and shall be liable on conviction to be imprisoned in the penitentiary not less than one nor more than five years, at the discretion of the jury trying the case,”—Charleston News.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Personal Narrative of Explorations and Incidents in Texas, New Mexico, California, Sonora, and Chihuahua, connected with the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission, during the years 1850, '51, '52, and '53. By JOHN RUSSELL BARTLETT, United States Commissioner during that period. In two volumes, with Map and Illustrations. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

Mr. Bartlett has divided his Narrative into distinct journeys, each complete in itself. The first is from Indianola, on the coast of Texas, via San Antonio and the Northern route, to El Paso del Norte, about eight hundred miles. A second to the Copper Mines of New Mexico, in the Rocky Mountains near the Rio Gila, where he resided several months. A third, to the interior of Sonora, and back. A fourth, from the Copper Mines along the boundary line south of the Gila to the Rio San Pedro, and thence through another portion of Sonora to Guaymas on the Gulf of California. Fifth, a voyage from Guaymas to Mazatlan and Acapulco, and thence to San Diego, and San Francisco. Sixth, various journeys in California. Seventh, a journey from San Diego, by the Colorado and Gila Rivers, to El Paso del Norte; and lastly, a journey through the States of Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, New Leon, Tamaulipas, and the south-western corner of Texas, to Corpus Christi, on the Gulf of Mexico. These several journeys embrace an extent of nearly five thousand miles by land. Mr. Bartlett furnishes what, we have no hesitation in saying, from our knowledge of his character, may be regarded an accurate and graphic description of the country, from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific. Every day's journey, the stream, lake, pond or spring-the mountain chains and their defiles--the plain and desert--the towns, villages, houses, ranchos, and farms where the traveler may obtain supplies-the spots where he may find grass for his animals, and where he can find none, are particularly set forth by Mr. Bartlett, who has aimed to render his book a useful guide to emigrant and other travelers. No work heretofore published covers so much ground; and replete as it is with interesting incidents, we regard it as beyond question one of the most practically useful works of travel that have ever been produced, and as such we cordially commend it to those who desire information touching the vast region of country described in its pages. The volumes are illustrated with sketches from engravings on wood, and six colored lithographs, executed in the best style of the art.

2.—The British Poets. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. New York: J. C. Derby. This liberal and enterprising house have commenced the publication of a series of the British Poets, and already issued four volumes, embracing the Poetical Works of John Milton, with Notes and a Life of the author, by John Mitford, in two volumes royal duodecimo. The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Rogers, with a Biographical Sketch and Notes, edited by Epes Sargent, in one volume; and the Poems, Plays and Essays of Oliver Goldsmith, M. B., with an Original Dissertation on his Poetry, by John Aiken, M. D., and an Introductory Essay by our countryman, Henry T. Tuckerman, Esq. A critical notice of these authors would be ill-timed, and out of place in the "book trade" notices of a commercial review. But we may speak of the mechanical character of the volumes before us, although this would be unnecessary if all our readers were familiar with the good taste and sound judgment displayed by Phillips, Sampson & Co., in their varied publication of valuable and standard works. They are printed on firm, snow-white paper, a large, bold, and handsome type, and neatly bound. But, perhaps, the best idea we can give of our estimate of their edition, may be conveyed by saying, as we do, in all sincerity and candor, that were we about to select for our library, the three authors embraced in this series, we should give this edition the preference.

3.-Farmingdale. By CAROLINE THOMAS. ton & Co.

12mo., pp. 392. New York: D. Apple

This is a New England tale, full of deep and tender pathos, well told, and moral in sentiment. It contains many well-drawn and graphic pictures of character. The Evening Post, good authority in matters of literature and art, pronounces it the best novel of the season.

4.--Katharine Walton, or the Rebel of Dorchester. By W. GILMORE SIMMS, Esq., author of "Yemassee," "The Partisan," "Mellichampe," The Scout," " Woodcraft,” 'Guy Rivers," &c. 12mo., pp. 474. New York: J. S. Redfield.

This romance constitutes a sequel to "The Partisan," and is the third of a series designed to illustrate an important period in the parish history of South Carolina, during the progress of the Revolution The "Partisan" and "Mellichampe" of Mr. Simms, occupied ground in the interior; "Katharine Walton" brings us to the city of Charleston, and a large proportion of the work and much of its interest, will be found to consist in the delineation of the social world of that city during the revolutionary period. Mr. Simms' delineations are so many careful studies, pursued through a series of years, and under the guidance of the most various and the best authorities. The matter is historical, and the portraits mostly of real persons. The descriptions of life, manners, customs, movements, and the social aspects in general, are drawn from sources as unquestionable as abundant. The anecdotes, the very repartees, though never before in print, are gathered from tradition and authority.

5.-Voices of the Dead. By JOHN CUMMING, D. D, Minister of the Scottish National Church. 12mo., pp. 302. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

6.--The Tent and the Altar: or Sketches from Patriarchal Life. By By JouN CUMMING, D. D., F. R. S, E. 12mo., pp. 345. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co. 7.--Scripture Readings. Sabbath Morning Readings on the Old Testament. By Rev. JOHN CUMMING, D. D. 12mo., pp. 385. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

Dr. Cumming is, perhaps, the most popular preacher of the Scottish National Church in London. As the "great gun" of orthodoxy and eloquence, almost every stranger who understands the English language goes to hear him. His el quence, as exhibited in these volumes, is graceful, flowing and original, and bis views of doctrine and duty will commend themselves to the most orthodox" minds of the day. He is a "live" preacher, and abating somewhat for the declamatory, he writes in a style really attractive and readable.

8.-The Art Journal. 4to. London and New York: George Virtue & Co.

This unrivaled Art Journal opens with an elaborate paper on the art treasures of Great Britain. It has nine articles on a variety of topics, most of which are illustrated with the finest engravings on wood, and three engravings on steel, of varied merit, but none falling to mediocrity, viz.: Hamlet in the Play Scene, engraved by C. Rolls, from the picture in the almost inexhaustible Vernon Gallery; the Garden, engraved by Bourne, from the picture of A. Watteau; the Death of Lord Nelson, engraved by W. Greatbach, from the picture by E. Slingeney er. We have almost exhausted our vocabulary of praise upon this work, and the fact (although an English production) that it has some three thousand purchasers and sub-cribers on this side the Atlantic, is highly creditable to the growing taste of the Americans for the fine arts.

9.-The Recreations of Christopher North. Complete in one volume octavo, pp. 307. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. New York: J. C. Derby.

Christopher North, alias Wilson, for many years the renowned editor of Blackwood, is no more. He departed this life during the present year. We recollect the pleasure, sometimes pensive, we experienced when a boy in reading his "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life," and we never shall forget it. We have never ceased to admire his genial spirit, his irresistible wit, and his rare humor. The present volume contains many of his best miscellaneous productions, some of which have in years past enriched the pages of Blackwood. As a standard essayist, this collection of his writings must find a place on the shelf of every judiciously selected library, as well as in the hands of every appreciator of English literature, pure and undefiled. 10.-The Modern Horse Doctor; containing Practical Observations on the Causes, Nature, and Treatment of Diseases and Lameness in Horses. By GEORGE H. DADD, M. D., Veterinary Surgeon, author of the "Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse," and the "Reformed Cattle Doctor." 12mo., pp. 432. Boston: John P. Jewitt & Co.

This manual contains the most recent and approved methods for the preservation and restoration of the health of that faithful servant and noble animal, the Horse. Dr. Dadd seems to understand his subject theoretically and practically, and we have no doubt has furnished the public with correct ideas. His horse pitality cannot in our judgment be questioned.

11-Greece and the Golden Horn. By STEPHEN OLIN, D. D., LL. D., late President of the Wesleyan University. With an Introduction by Rev. JOHN M'CLINTOCK. 12mo., pp. 323. New York: John C. Derby. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.

The present work was left in manuscript by the author, and has been prepared for the press by another hand. Dr. Olin's Travels in the East," published by Harper & Brothers, a few years since, (in the lifetime of the author,) has gained the rank of a standard work upon the lands of the Bible, and is regarded in many respects as the best work on those countries, for general readers, that has yet appeared. "Greece and the Golden Horn," characterized by the same excellent qualities, is equally interesting and instructive. In reading the present work we feel that it is the production of a comprehensive mind, possessed of a rare faculty of accurate and minute observation, combined with a severe and conscientious truthfulness. We have in its pages reality rather than romance-what the author saw and not what he dreamed. Dr. M'Clintock's Introduction is able, philosophical and just.

12-An Autobiography. My School and Schoolmasters; or the Story of my Education. By HUGH MILLER, author of " The Old Red Sandstone," "Footprints of the Creator."" First Impressions of England and its People." 12mo., pp. 536. Boston: Gould & Lincoln.

Burritt is a blacksmith, and working at the anvil has acquired a knowledge of more languages than almost any other man in the world. Miller, whose autobiography is before us, is a mason, and has made himself a first rate geologist. Both of them write books, and write them well. Mrs. Howitt has written a very entertaining life, though brief, of Burritt; we trust he will follow, in this particular, in the footsteps of his brother mechanic, and give the world some account of his "Schools and Schoolmasters,"--in other words his autobiography. This of Miller's, before us, is full of interest and instruction, and should be extensively circulated and widely read. It will do good, and be the means of inciting young mechanics and others to the high resolve, and the manly effort.

13.-Morning Stars of the New World. By H. F. PARKER. 12mo., pp. 414. New York: J. C. Derby. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.

Mr. Parker has selected for his series of sketches some of the most prominent and illustrious names connected with the discovery or early history of America. He has given us sketches of Christopher Columbus, Americus Vespucius, Ferdinand de Soto, Sir Walter Raleigh, Henry Hudson, Captain John Smith. Captain Miles Standish, Lady Arabella Johnson, John Elliot, and William Penn. The bringing of these names together in one volume affords the novel interest of a close comparison of each character with the others, and one which the author assures us is carried out with all the fidelity which an examination of colonial chronicles in the libraries of New York can insure. Mr. Parker claims for his sketches of the Lady Arabella Johnson and Miles Standish more completeness than any now existing. The sketches are comprehensive, and written in a graceful and attractive style.

14.-Essays on the Formation and Publication of Opinions, the Pursuit of Truth, and on Other Subjects. By SAMUFL BAILEY. 18mo., pp. 421. Boston: Ticknor & Fields.

The reading world are indebted to the publishers of this volume for some of the best and choicest works in the English language, and the present among the number. The present volume contains twelve essays on a great variety of subjects; the essay on the Pursuit of Truth occupies nearly one-half of the four hundred pages. If any one will take the trouble of rigidly perusing the first essay on The Formation of Opinions," and pursuing the main principle to all its consequences, he will find them of a magnitude and importance of which he was originally, perhaps, little aware. 15.-The Church before the Flood. By JOHN CUMMING, D. D., Minister of the Scotch National Church, Crown Court, Covent Garden, London. 12mo., pp. 384. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

Dr. Cummings is one of the most eloquent and popular preachers in the Scotch Church in London of the day, and is moreover a very prolific writer. The present work is divided into thirty-one chapters, and touches upon all matters bearing upon the "Church before the flood." It is written in an easy, flowing style, and sufficiently “orthodox” to meet the views of what is sometimes popularly termed the "evangelical" party.

16.-The Parent's Guide: Containing the diseases of Infancy and Childhood, and their Homeopathic Treatment. By JOHN LAURIE, M. D., Licentiate of the Royal College of Edinburgh, &c. New York: William Radde.

This work is designed for parents. It is divided into four parts. The first treats of the nursing of infants, artificial feeding, and weaning, of the period of weaning to that of education. The second, of physical education, as tending to the mental and moral development. The third, of mental and moral education, and of employment during the course of education. Part fourth pertains to treatments in the most common complaints of children, the diseases of the brain, and of the digestive and respiratory organs, fevers, cutaneous diseases, &c. The work has been edited, with additions, by Dr. Walter Williamson, and is admirably adapted to the use of families who use the homeopathic method.

Being the Prize Essay of the By the Rev. THOMAS PIERSON, Robert Carter & Brothers.

17.-Infidelity; its Causes, Aspects, and Agencies: British Organization of the Evangelical Alliance. Eyemouth, Scotland. 8vo., pp. 620. New York: This elaborate essay is divided into three parts. The first treats of infidelity in its various aspects, and embraces under that head, atheism, or the denial of the divine existence; pantheism, or the denial of the personality of God; naturalism, or the denial of the providential government; spiritualism, excluding the Bible redemption; indifferentisin, which denies man's responsibility; and formalism, or the denial of the power of godliness. Part second points out the various causes of infidelity, which are specified under the heads of speculative philosophy, social disaffection, the corruptions of Christianity, religious intolerance, and disunion of the church. The third part treats of the several agencies of infidelity, which are the press, the clubs, the schools, and the pulpit.

18.-Elementary Geology. By EDWARD HITCHCOCK, D. D., LL. D., President of Amherst College, and Professor of Natural Theology and Geology. A new Edition, with an Introductory Notice, by JOHN PYE SMITH, D. D., F. R. S. and F. G. S. 12mo., pp 418. New York: Ivison & Phinney.

This is a new and revised edition of a work that has already passed through twentyfour previous editions. The reputation of the author as a geologist, and the universal approbation bestowed upon the present work by leading scientific men at home and abroad, and the fact that this edition is adapted to the advanced state of the science in our time, will commend it to all who would become acquainted with the elementary principles of geology.

19.-The Religions of the World, and their Relations to Christianity. By FREDERICK DENISON MAURICE, M. A., Chaplain of Lincoln's Inn, and Professor of Divinity in King's College. From the third revised London Edition. 18mo., pp. 252. Boston: Gould & Lincoln.

In the year 1691, Robert Boyle directed by his will "that eight sermons should be preached each year in London for proving the Christian religion against Atheists, Theists, Pagans, Jews, and Mahometans, not descending to any controversies that are among Christians themselves." Mr. Maurice has divided his lectures into two parts -four lectures are devoted to the religions of the world, and in the succeeding four lectures, he shows the relations of the religions of the world with Christianity. 20.-Diseases of Females and Children, and their Homeopathic Treatment: Containing also a full description of the dose of each Medicine. By WALTER WILLIAMSON, M. D., Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. 12mo., pp. 256. New York: Wm. Radde.

This work contains instructions concerning the diseases of females, and the conduct to be observed during pregnancy, labor, and confinement; and also directions for the management of new-born infants, in accordance with the principles of the homeopathic school.

21.-The Master's House. Drawings from Nature. A well written, and in the main, truthful story of Southern life. The author thinks there are defects in our social and political systems that are working evil. He is undoubtedly right. The remedies, however, as he himself remarks, are neither instant in their operation, nor revolutionizing in their character.

A Tale of Southern Life. By LOGAN. Illustrated by 12mo., pp. 389. New York: T. L. McElrath & Co.