TAHITI: ITS POPULATION, AGRICULTURE, ETC.

By the French brig-of-war Alcibiade, which arrived at Honolulu, in February, 1858, late dates were there received from Tahiti. The Polynesian in summing up the news, says :—

Peace and prosperity seem to reign over the island and its dependencies. A census of the population of the islands, Tahiti, Moorea, and Tetiaroa, was taken on the 1st of September, 1857, and the result was:-Tahiti, 5,980; Moorea, 922; Tetiaroa, 54-total, 6,906. For the past year there were 111 deaths, 144 births, of which 85 were boys and 59 girls, and 50 marriages.

In September last, Tamatao, son of H. M. Queen Pomare, was crowned with great ceremony King of Raiatea and Taha.

The agricultural productions of the island are receiving the attention of the government. Premiums have been offered, viz. :-1.000 francs to every inhabitant who, from the day of the ordinance, shall clear and plant four hectares of land with either sugar-cane, coffee, or cotton; 6,000 francs to the first who shall manufacture in his own mill 25,000 pounds of sugar. Besides, premiums on exportation are allowed, viz. :-5 francs on 100 kilogrammes of sugar, and 20 per cent on the market price of cotton and coffee raised on the island. Different premiums, ranging from 100 to 500 francs, are to be given for various other agricultural products.

TRADE IN OSTRICH FEATHERS.

The subjoined paragraph is credited, by the newspaper from which we derive it, to the Annales du Commerce Exterieur :

Leghorn, after the decline of its commerce with the Levant, remained the .great entrepot of ostrich feathers, and did business in that article to the amount of about 1,200,000 francs annually. But since the establishment of steam navigation, London has gradually become the principal center of that branch of trade, and Leghorn now only does business to about half the preceding amount; a part of the diminution is, however, owing to the decline which has taken place in prices. Seven-eighths of the ostrich feathers which Leghorn receives come from Egypt, and the rest from Tripoli and Aleppo. About three-fourths of the whole sent to Paris, and the remaining fourth to England. White feathers are worth from five to twenty times more than black ones. All feathers, white and black, are sold by weight, except, however, the very finest sorts, which are disposed of according to quality. The price of white feathers varies from 150 francs to 300 francs the Tuscan pound, (nearly 12 ounces,) and of black from 30 francs to 85 francs. The trade in ostrich feathers requires a good deal of experience, as it is easy to be deceived in the quality when they are not prepared. Four or five houses are engaged alone in the trade at Leghorn, and their profits are large. The dealers at Paris are beginning to obtain from London the ostrich feathers which the latter get from the Cape of Good Hope. They already procure from that city marabout and bird of paradise feathers which come from Calcutta, and vulture and heron feathers which come from Brazil.

COMERCIAL VALUE OF OLD PICTURES AND STATUES.

The Giornale di Roma of the 31st December, 1857, stated that the total value of old pictures and statues exported from the Roman States in the course of 1857, was 25,666 scudi, (the scudo is 5f. 35c.) The value of modern pictures and scultures exported was 222,362 scudi, making a sum of 182,808 scudi in all. This, compared with the export of 1856, shows an increase of 117,746 scudi.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Abridgment of the Debates of Congress from 1789 to 1856. By THOMAS H. BENTON. Vol. six, 8vo., pp. 774. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This work of the indefatigable author, whose death the nation has so lately been called upon to mourn, together with the "Thirty Years' View," by the same hand, will be of inestimable value to the American statesman and politician. It condenses, in a few volumes, at a reasonable price, the efforts of the great minds which have made such deep impressions on the people of this country and of the other nations of the civilized world. The present volume of the Abridgment commences about two years after the termination of the second war with Great Britain, which commenced in 1812, and closed in February, 1815. Although the agitating questions of embargo, non-intercourse, and war, had passed away, yet it will be seen by the reader, that many highly interesting and important questions were discussed in the four years this volume embraces. The National Bank, Missouri Compromise, and Revision of the Tariff, had, each of them, a conspicuous place in the halls of Congress during those years. We are glad to see that the seventh volume of the Abridgment of the Debates, to 1856, is in press. This is a work which every man should have in his library. Many have written the history of their own times, but the instances are exceedingly rare where the writers could say, with so much force as Col. Benton in this case, pars magna fui. He stood face to face with the distinguished statesmen who have honored our country and established for themselves an undying fameClay, Calhoun, Webster, Grundy, Hayne, John Quincy Adams, with a host of others, dead and living, of the men of gigantic intellect. Of Col. Benton's peculiar opinions we have nothing to say we speak only of his works, and mention these circumstances to show how reliable they are, coming from one who was part and parcel of the matter which he has laid before the public.

2.-Fowler's English Grammar. The English Language in its Elements and Forms; with a History of its Origin and Development. Abridged from the Octavo Edition. Designed for General Use in Schools and Families. By WILLIAM C. FOWLER, late Professor of Rhetoric in Amherst College. 12mo., pp. 381. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This text-book is designed to convey a thorough knowledge of the principles and laws of the English language. In his preface, the author refers to the very favorable reception of his larger work, and states that, in order to make the present work a standard one, he obtained valuable assistance in making selections from the larger work, and in emendations and additions, from Prof. Francis A. March, of Lafayette College. He has also incorporated several sections from the work, entitled "Philological Studies," of Prof. Josiah W. Gibbs, LL.D., of Yale College. The author has for many years been eminent in his profession, and we consider that the work is worthy the attention of teachers, to whom it is particularly dedicated.

3.-Life Thoughts, gathered from the Extemporaneous Discourses of HENRY WARD BEECHER. 12mo., pp. 269. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.

This little work-the note-book of a member of Mr. Beecher's own congregation-composed of extracts taken indiscriminately from among the many Sabbath sermons and Wednesday evening lectures of this very able divine, will be found eminently interesting, from the many crystalized truths and beautiful thoughts which the inspiration of the moment is wont to infuse into the discourses of this truly able man, which, with an occasional exception, have till now found no record, as well as from the laconic manner in which they are given, each striking thought being distinct and separate from the rest, and each, in turn, striking off some new flower or fruit from the tree of knowledge.

4.-The Works of Tacitus. The Oxford Translation, Revised, with Notes. Vol. I. The Annals. Vol. II. The History, Germany, Agricola, and Dialogue on Orators. 12mo., pp. 464, 496. New York: Harper & Brothers. Bohn's Classical Library, from which this edition of Tacitus is reprinted by the Harpers, has attained a high celebrity, as comprising faithful translations of the principal Greek and Latin Classics. Each work is given without abridgment, contains valuable suggestive notes, and is rendered complete by a copious and accurate index. Of this series, Harper & Brothers have now brought out, uniform with the English originals, eighteen volumes, including those of Tacitus, and they will hereafter increase the list. These translations supply a necessity felt by the general reader, not acquainted with the ancient languages, who has a laudable desire to obtain a knowledge of the history which they have preserved. To all who are not familiar with Greek and Latin, a good translation of any classical work is very valuable. That of Tacitus, now referred to, appears to be as nearly literal as it can be, and at the same time preserves the compact style of this most eminent historian.

5.-Elementary German Reader, on the plan of Jacob's Greek Reader; with a Full Vocabulary. Composed, compiled, and arranged systematically by Rev. L. W. HEYDENREICH, Graduate of the University of France, and Professor of Languages in the Moravian Female Seminary at Bethlehem, Pa. 12mo., pp. 164. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This book is divided into two parts; the first, entitled "Introductory Grammatical Exercises," embraces all the variable parts of speech, which are introduced in successive special chapters. In the second, the same principle is pursued as in the first, viz. :-to present a proper gradation from the simple to the more complicated and difficult. The author does not claim originality for his work, but trusts he has made a judicious arrangement of existing materials. His chief aim is to extend the study of the German language, but also had in view the design of furnishing" the schools of German districts with an elementary text-book for translation into English, and to disseminate the national language, the knowledge of which is so indispensable to our American German population, both to fit them for the business pursuits of life, as well as to enable them to fulfill the duties of good citizens." The work is accompanied by testimonials of its value from teachers and clergymen who speak German and who recommend it highly.

6.-Poems. By HOWARD H. CALDWELL. 12mo., pp. 134. Boston: Whittemore, Niles & Hall.

This is, we believe, the first collected issue of the poems of the author, who is a native and resident of South Carolina. There is considerable variety in the subjects of the poems. We have read with interest the "Ode written for the Celebration of the Battle of King's Mountain," which was held October 4, 1855, on the battle-field, when Hon. John S. Preston delivered the oration, and Hon. George Bancroft made an able address, vindicating the importance of this victory in the Revolutionary struggle. The versification of the poems is generally smooth and natural, and their sentiments, etc., indicates a cultivated taste.

7.-Practical Mineralogy, Assaying, and Mining; with a Description of the Useful Minerals, and Instructions for Assaying and Mining, according to the Simplest Methods. By FREDERICK OVERMAN, Mining Engineer, author of "Manufacture of Iron," and other works of Applied Sciences. Fourth Edition. 12mo., pp. 230. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blackiston.

The fact that this treatise has reached its fourth edition, is indicative of its intrinsic worth. We commend it to all who are interested in the subjects to which it is devoted. Its valuable information is clearly expressed in popular language, so that all who choose may understand it.

8.-Biographical Sketch of the late General Sir Henry Havelock, K. C. B. By the Rev. WM. BROCK. 18vo., pp. 305. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

This work, though containing much that is entertaining respecting this Christian soldier who has been so actively engaged in India for the last thirty years, is but a prelude to the memoir which is expected from the pen of John Marshman, Esq., whose long residence in India, with his extensive knowledge of eastern affairs in connection with his own personal friendship and fellowship with the late Sir Henry Havelock, render him peculiarly adapted. The present work contains a narrative of his early life, training, etc., together with his own fragmentary memoranda covering a space of twenty-two years, from 1827 to 1849, together with a narrative of the memorable hundred days in which, with vastly inferior numbers, he successfully combatted the barbarous fanaticism of the Sepoys under Nana Sahib, and his victorious march and relief of his suffering and beleagued brethren in Lucknow, whose heroic devotion have but few parallels in history. Altogether it is a very readable book, and gives the reader a very exalted opinion of the man whom Lord Hardinge designated as "every inch a soldier and every inch a Christian."

9.-The United States Insurance Almanac for the Year 1858. Vol. III. Edited by G. E. CURRIE. 8vo., pp. 156. New York: G. E. Currie. The compiler of this contribution to business literature has for several years edited and published the U. S. Insurance Gazette, and that journal is the largest and best of its class in America. The Almanac contains the principal laws of the several States on Insurance, Statistics of Insurance Companies in America and Europe, several Legal Decisions on Insurance, &c., with other valuable statements, some of which have no connection with the special object of the work. 10.-The Garden: A Pocket Manual of Practical Horticulture; or, How to Cultivate Vegetables, Fruits, Flowers, and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. With an Exposition of the Nature and Action of Sods and Manures, the Structure of Plants, and the Laws of Vegetable Life and Growth, etc. By the author of "How to Write," "How to Behave," etc. New York: Fowler & Wells.

This is a practical work, so clear and simple in style that everybody can understand it; convenient in form and size and low in price; while, at the same time, it is thorough and reliable.

11.-History of the Express Companies: and the Origin of American Railroads. Together with some Reminiscences of the latter days of the Mail Coach and Baggage Wagon Business in the United States. By A. L. STIMSON.

We have received the first part of this work, (an octavo pamphlet of forty pages,) which promises to be a very valuable addition to the history and literature of business. The author justly considers that the facts concerning the express interest are well worthy of being put upon record, and we are gratified to see that this task is being accomplished. The first part narrates the origin of the first Package Express, commenced by W. F. Harnden, March 4th, 1839.

12. Adele: A Tale. BY JULIA KAVANAGH, author of "Nathalie," "Rachel Gray," etc., etc. Three Volumes in One. 12mo., pp. 574. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The author of this work is one of the most excellent female writers of fiction of the present century, and, as such, her previous works will vouch for the character of this, her last production. We form some idea of its contents from the lines, quoted from Wordsworth, upon the title page: "She dwelt among the untrodden ways.... A maid, whom there were none to praise, and very few to love." The publishers have issued the volume in handsome style, uniform with their other works by the same author.

13.-Sartaroe: A Tale of Norway. By JAMES A. MAITLAND, author of "The Watchman," "The Wanderer," "The Lawyer's Story," &c., &c. 12mo., pp. 443. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson & Brothers.

The chief incidents of this tale were suggested by the recollections of a tour on the western coast of Norway, undertaken by the author several years ago. An old and well known (in Norway) Norsk legend suggested the catastrophe upon which the plot hinges, and certain occurrences which transpired while the author was visiting Norway, provided a hero for the story, &c. The tale is pleasant, well written, and interesting. This work has attained unusual notorie ty, from its being accompanied by a spurious recommendation of it, purporting to have been written by Washington Irving; who, however, did write a note favorable to it, and who permitted the author to dedicate it to him. This fact has, we believe, been quite injurious to it, and serves as a warning to others. At the same time it is but just to state, that both author and publishers have published their statements that they had been imposed upon by parties unknown.

14.-Disturnell's International Railway and Steamship Guide for 1858. 16mo., pp. 215. New York: Disturnell & Co.

This comprehensive manual for the traveler, gives, according to its title-page, "the railroad and steamboat routes, time, distances, fares, and connections throughout the United States and Canadas; also, the ocean steamship and packet arrangements, list of hotels, &c.; with a map, engraved on steel, of the United States and Canadas, showing all the finished canals and railroads." It differs from Dinsmore's monthly issues, in its omission of those time-tables that are subject to frequent changes, but gives the usual starting time of the through trains, with full statements of distances, fares, etc., with other permanent information. An edition is issued every two months.

TO THE PUBLIC.

OFFICE OF HUNT'S MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE,
NEW YORK, April 29th, 188

By the immutable laws of change the entire interest of this Magazine having passed into the hands of the undersigned, after a connection with it for the last sixteen years, we deem it our privilege to state that nothing of the vigor or energy which the late FREEMAN HUNT, for more than eighteen years, devoted to the success of this journal, will be lost sight of in his demise. Having secured the editorial services of THOMAS P. KETTELL, Esq., whose well-earned reputa tion, as a financial writer, it is unnecessary to speak here; and numbering, as it does, among its contributors minds of the first ability in every part of the country; freely admitting into its pages articles advocating antagonistic doctrines and opinions upon all disputed points, thereby infusing into it a NATIONAL spirit and character, and possessing arrangements for procuring information of the most extensive character, and that knowledge which a long experience can only give, we can offer the surety that no effort or expense will be spared to keep this journal not only the vade mecum for that most enlightened class—the MERCHANT, but a standard work of reference for the Statesman and Business Man, in whatsoever particular, as a record of the trade of the world.

The outstanding debts and accounts having passed into our hands, all remittances and communications of a business character are in future to be addressed to us as the Publishers and Proprietors of Hunt's Merchants' Magazine and Commercial Review.

Respectfully, yours,

GEO. W. & JNO. A. WOOD.