THE BOOK TRADE. 1.-The History of the United States from the adoption of the Federal Constitution to the end of the Sixteenth Congress. By RICHARD HILDRETH. Vol. I., 8vo, pp. 704. New York: Harper & Brothers. If we consider that the history of the United States can naturally be divided into two parts, the first colonial and revolutionary, and the second embracing the period subsequent to the adoption of the Constitution, the place occupied by this volume will be readily discerned. It is the first volume of the second part, or the fourth of the entire history by the same author, and comprises the particulars of the Administration of Washington. The merits of this work are already well known to the public. It is one of the best which has appeared on this subject, and is characterized by that simplicity of narration, impartiality of statement, and directness and comprehensiveness of views which the lapse of time is always certain to attach to the historical details of every people. The present volume appears to be prepared with a surprising disinterestedness of spirit, and from the language used and facts stated it would not be possible to detect in the author's breast the existence of the slightest inclination to either of the parties, or men of the early days of the Republic. It is full of facts and they appear to be almost entirely of that class which form the life and soul of national affairs. They are presented to the reader, without the embellishments of an ornate style, a glowing imagination, or a spirited narrative, but calm and cool as the features of the sculptured marble. 2.-Malleville, A Franconian Story. By the author of the Rollo Books. 18mo., pp. 219. New York: Harper & Brothers. This is the first of a series of tales which is designed to exert a moral influence on the hearts and dispositions of youth, by presenting, for their perusal, entertaining pictures of happy domestic life, and expressing such sentiments and feelings, as it is desirable to manifest before children. It is issued in a very handsome style, with several embellishments, and will be found to be one of the most successful books of the kind, which has recently appeared. 3.-The Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey. By his Son. 8vo., pp. 579. New York: Harper & Brothers. This volume comprises the "Life of Southey," which has been issued in numbers by the Messrs. Harper, and which is now completed. No one who is in the least familiar with the character and writings of this distinguished poet, can fail to be delighted with it. It is exceedingly full of his correspondence, which is, in truth, the best exponent of the man. These letters possess all that excellence of composition, that delicacy of thought, and sprightliness of spirit, so abuudantly manifested by Southey. The memoir is truthful, candid, often too minute and full of details, but yet agreeable, and valuable. 4.-The History of Pendennis: His Fortunes and Misfortunes, his Friends and his Greatest Enemy. By WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERY. With illustrations on wood by the author. Vol. 2., 8vo., pp. 372. New York: Harper and Brothers. This volume completes this entertaining work, which has been published in numbers by the Messrs. Harper. The author is excelled by few writers in the admirable delineation of character, or in the smoothness and easy flow of his periods, or in the pleasure and satisfaction which a perusal of his work will afford to his readers. 5-Boydell's Illustrations of Shakspeare. Part 28. New York: S. Spooner. This part contains two splendid plates. One represents a scene in the "Two Gentlemen of Verona," and the other a scene in "The Comedy of Errors." We have so often alluded to the successful restoration of these ancient and magnificent plates, that it is unnecessary for us to repeat it. They furnish, unquestionably, the richest and most beautiful illustrations of Shakspeare which have ever appeared, at the same time that many of them contain very correct portraits of the most distinguished personages in England of that day. The artists by whom these designs were made and engraved, were the most eminent of their time, and seldom have had superiors. Apart from their other innumerable attractions, the plates are of inestimable value as a specimen of art in a former day. 6.-The Memorial. Edited by MARY E. HEWETT. Imperial octavo, pp. 346. New York: George P. Putnam. This beautiful volume consists of the contributions of the friends of the late Mrs. Frances Osgood. It is printed on superb paper, and contains a fine engraving of Mrs. Osgood, and one of each of her children. The contributors are very numerous, and each has furnished one of his finest pieces. Willis contributes a fragment of a poem, which is as deli cate and airy as the fragrance of a lily; and Griswold furnishes a beautiful biographical sketch of the departed, which is as perfect, and tasteful, and imaginative as any that has dropped from his pen. Hawthorne has written a charming tale in his best style, and Goodrich, Street, Mrs. Sigourney, G. P. R. James, Magoon, Neal, Mrs. Embury, Bayard Taylor, and a host of others have contributed either verse or prose for the volume. It is edited with much tact as well as taste, and, while it is a most beauti ful and thrilling memento of friends over the loss of a pure and genial spirit, it is, perhaps, the best specimen which we possesss of a certain class of writers, whose compositions are marked by all that is polished and delicate, and smooth in language, and fanciful, and gentle, and happy in thought, with a small inheritance of the powerful, the strong, the manly in soul. 7.-Lavengro; the Scholar, the Gipsy, the Priest. By GEORGE BORROW. 12mo., pp. 550. New York. George P. Putnam. This work is well worthy of a perusal. It will be found full of entertainment and instruction. The scenes are laid so near to our own day that one almost feels a personal interest in them. The author of the "Bible in Spain" has heretofore had such a reception from the public as to ensure him a welcome whenever he presents himself. 8.-Nobody's Son; or the Life and Adventures of Percival Mayberry. Written by himself. 12mo., pp. 225. Philadelphia: A. Hart. This fatherless and motherless son had quite a trying and boisterous life until he reached the years of discretion, at which period his lively and graphic story terminates. 9.-Mississippi Scenes; or Sketches of Southern Life and Adventure; including the Legend of Black Creek. By Joseph B. Cobb. 12mo., pp. 250. Philadelphia: A. Hart. These scenes are sketched with much vigor and pleasantness, from events that have taken place in Mississippi. The characters are drawn from life, and are marked with strong and distinctive features. The book is written with considerable felicity of style, and will be found agreeable for the views of life in the South West which it presents. 10.-Letters from Three Continents. By M., the Arkansas Correspondent of the Louisville Journal. 12mo., pp. 350. New York: D. Appleton & Co. These graphic and delightful letters, abounding in good sense, quaintness, originality of observation and wit, with a delicate taste, are written from distinguished places in Europe, Asia Minor, and Egypt, by an Arkansas man. With much purity and beauty of style, and elevation of thought, they form the most agreeable book of the kind that has lately been issued from the press. 11.-Appleton's Mechanic's Magazine and Engineer's Journal. Vol. 1, No. 1. 8vo., pp. 64. $3.00. This is a new enterprise, which will be carried out with all the talent and excellence that may be necessary to render it the first magazine of the day in scientific and practical mechanical knowledge. It is designed to lay before the public all the important practical scientific knowledge that may be found throughout the workshops and publications of Europe, as well as in this country. It abounds in practical illustrations, and will be of high value in elevating the thoughts and aims of the mechanics, at the same time that it will inform and instruct the intelligent scientific man. The editor is Mr. Julius W. Adams. It is issued in very handsome style. 12.—First Lessons in Composition; in which the Principles of the Art are developed in connection with the Principles of Grammar. New York: D. Appleton & Co. No subject is found so tedious to the young scholar as English Grammar, but by this book he is put at once to the construction of sentences on the true principles of Grammar. He is then led on through its pages with so much simplicity that an apprehension of Grammar and correct composition is quickly obtained. It appears to be admirably prepared for the instruction of youth in our schools. . 13.-Consumption of the Lungs, or decline: the causes, symptoms, and rational treatment, with the means of prevention. By T. H. YEOMAN, M. D. 12mo., pp. 103. Boston: James Munroe & Co. The prime object of this treatise is to acquaint the public, as a mass, with the true nature of this insidious and fatal disease. In this respect it is prepared with much judgment and intelligence. All the leading features of the disease, such as its causes, its symptoms, its stages, are described with great clearness and simplicity. We should think the general circulation of this work could not fail of being attended with the best effect among a large portion of the community. 14.-Home Ballads: A book for New Englanders. In three Parts. By ABBY ALLIN. 12 mo., pp. 238. Boston: James Munroe & Co. This little volume of ballads is quite entertaining. The pieces are spirited, and many of them sparkling; the versification is smooth and easy, and often leads the reader along as with a jovial hand. The author has a pen for the tender and sentimental, which, in some instances, is admirable. The dedicatory piece is quite delicate, and written in an easy flowing style. 15.-First Lessons in Botany. By THEODORE THINKER. 18mo., pp. 141. New York: A. S. Barnes. This little work is worthy of a place in the hands of every child. It treats of a beautiful science in so simple and attractive a manner that it cannot fail both to instruct and entertain. It abounds in cuts by way of illustrations, which, together with the text, render the subject as easy of apprehension as can be desired. 16.-Poems of Sentiment and Imagination, with Dramatic and Descriptive Pieces. By FRANCES A. and META V. FULLER. 8vo., pp. 264. New York: A. S. Barnes. These poems by the "Sybilline Sisters" are very pleasant and sentimental. As a collection it partakes of uniformity both in thought and versification, which diminishes the force of their impression upon the reader, and the charm of their sentiment. The writers are both capable of higher and more beautiful achievements, as some future year, we trust, will prove. 17.-On the Use and Abuse of Alcoholic Liquors in Health and Disease. Prize Essay. By W. B. CARPENTER. 12mo., pp. 261. Boston: Wm. Crosby & H. P. Nichols. This essay obtained the prize of one hundred guineas which was offered in England in 1848, for the best treatise on the general subject of its title. It is now published by the Massachusetts Temperance Society, with the addition of copious notes and explanations. The author is a medical gentleman of learning, intelligence, and large observation. It should be extensively circulated and generally read. 18-Celebrated Saloons, by Madame GAY-and Parisian Letters, by Madame GIRARDIN. Translated from the French. By L. WILLARD. 18mo., pp. 260. Boston: Wm. Nichols & H. P. Crosby. By GASPER MONGE. Translated from the These are very pleasant sketches of social scenes in Paris. They contain the relation of many striking facts in the lives of some noted individuals, especially of Napoleon, which are not met with in other writings. 19.-An Elementary Treatise on Statics. French by W. Butler. 12mo., pp. 216. The term Statics, as used in this work, means, the science which treats of the equilibrium of forces applied to solid bodies. The work is strictly a theoretical treatise on mechanics, and it is prepared with all that clearness, precision, and well-digested arrangement which characterize the French writers on this and kindred subjects. It cannot fail greatly to aid the student of this branch of Natural Philosophy in the acquisition of a clear and explicit knowledge of it. 20.-Ether and Chloroform; their employment in Surgery, Dentistry, Midwifery, Therapeutics, &c. By J. F. B. FLAGG, M. D. 12mo., pp. 189. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. New York: John Wiley. The object of this volume is to present a sketch of the discovery and introduction of Ether into medical use, and to furnish to the public generally, the results of experience in its application. It will be found to contain much that is interesting and instructive on the nature and use of this important agent for the relief of pain in surgical operations, or in cases of midwifery. 21.—“ Napoleon at Waterloo." New York: John Neale, Print Publisher, Carmine-st, This is a beautiful steel engraving of the large size, and it is quite spirited and lively. The portrait of Napoleon is a side view, and unusually striking and correct, if we may judge of the best portraits of that hero. The engraving is very finely executed by Kayens. The same publisher has recently issued a number of very finished and beautiful engravings, among which we notice a fine portrait of Jenny Lind, and another of Anna Bishop. The execution of these is quite creditable, and likewise that of the steel engravings entitled "Lord, Have Mercy Upon Us," and "We Praise Thee, O God." The well-known engravings entitled "The First Prayer in Congress," "Washington Delivering his Inaugural," "The Spirit of '76," "The Declaration of Independence," "Boston Abbey," &c., were issued by the same publisher, and were marked with far more than ordinary merit, and have been received with uncommon favor by the public. 22.-A School Dictionary of the Latin Language. By Dr. J. H. KALTSCHMIDT. 12mo., pp. 477. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard. We have never before seen a dictionary for young students in the Latin language which was worthy of a place. It is of a small and very convenient size for use; it is printed on clear and handsome type, and presents quite a beautiful appearance; but its contents are more important than all its other features. It gives the root of every word, whether it is a Greek or Latin one, and its definitions are concise, elegant, and remarkably correct, and adapted to the peculiar shades of meaning which it is often desirable to express. These are followed by examples which are taken from the text books in most common use by students, and which are the standard works of the language. 25.-A Simple Method of Keeping Books, by Double Entry, without the Formula or Trouble of the Journal. Adapted to the most extensive Wholesale, or smallest Retail business. By GEO. N. COMER. Sixth edition, 8vo., pp. 104. Boston: Tappan, Whittemore & Mason. This is an admirable work of its class. It is so simple, so clear, and so practical, that it cannot fail of high appreciation. The author was formerly a clerk in the house of Baring & Bros., and this treatise has already been republished in London, with a change of currency. Every teacher and every clerk should obtain a copy of it. 24.-The Old Red Sandstone: or, New Walks in an Old Field. By HUGH MILLER. Illustrated with numerous engravings. 12mo., pp. 288. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. This is one of those books which should be held in high estimation. It contains the latest investigations in a portion of the field of geological science, and is full of information and instruction. But that which constitutes its peculiar charm, is the admirable clearness of its descriptions, the sweetness of its composition, and the purity and gracefulness which pervade it. 25.-Shakspeare's Dramatic Works, with Introductory Remarks and Notes. No. 32. Illustrated. Boston edition: Philips, Sampson & Co. The present number of this fine edition contains the play of Cymbeline, with a wellexecuted engraving of “Imogen,” and maintains the same tasteful and handsome appearance with the previous ones. 26.-The Illustrated Domestic Bible. By the Rev. INGHAM COBBIN, M. A. Nos. 14 and 15. New York: Samuel Hueston. These numbers bring the work to the end of the book of Jeremiah. The illustrations are some of them meritorious, while others in the present numbers are far-fetched, and out of good taste. Their typography and general appearance is quite neat. 27.-The Farmer's Guide to Scientific and Practical Agriculture. By HENRY STEPHENS, F. R. S. E. Edited by JOHN P. NORTON. New York: Leonard Scott & Co. This is the fourteenth number of this work. It is, in many respects, one of the best books for the farmer's use and instruction that is published. 28.—The Dove and the Eagle. A Poem. 12mo., pp. 27. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields. There is much smoothness and beauty in the versification of this poem, and a vein of truth pervades its sentiments, which will render it attractive to every reader of taste. CONTENTS OF NO. IV., VOL. XXIV. ARTICLES. PAGE 1. THE UNION, PAST AND FUTURE: “A BRIEF REVIEW," REVIEWED. By M. R. H. GARNETT, Esq., Author of "The Union, Past and Future: How it Works and How to Save it," of Virginia...... II. THE DUTIES, OMISSIONS, AND MISDOINGS OF BANK DIRECTORS. PArt I.— THE DUTIES OF BANK DIRECTORS. A Director should possess a good theory of Conduct-Direct Compensation to Directors fairer than in Indirect-No Director should assume Antagonistic Duties-The Executive should be single, not multiform-Appointment of the Executive-The power to be granted to the Executive-His Salary-The Supervision of the Board over the Manager-Supervision in relation to Business Principles-Liabilities and Resources Supervision founded on Results. By A. B. JOHNSON, Esq., President of the Ontario Branch Bank, and author of a “Treatise on Banking," etc. etc... III. THE CURRENCY OF NEW ENGLAND, AND THE SUFFOLK BANK SYSTEM: CONSIDERED WITH REFERENCE TO THEIR EFFECTS UPON THE PROSPERITY OF MAINE, AND TO THE SUPERIORITY OF THE FREE BANK SYSTEM OF NEW YORK.--No. II.--By Hon. F. O. J. SMITH, of Maine..... 403 431 439 IV. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK: A SKETCH OF THE JOURNAL OF MERCANTILE LAW. 452 Authority of a Master, and rights of a Petty Officer in a Whaling Voyage.... 457 458 459 460 Blunt's Ships Masters' Assistant and Commercial Digest..... COMMERCIAL CHRONICLE AND REVIEW: EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRATED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: The Spring Business-Specie in the Banks, and in the Treasury of the Government-Accounts from California-Want of a Mint-Large Borrowers-Coin in the United States-Imports at the Port of New York-Increase of Capital-Plank Roads-Railroads and Canals, their Distance, Cost, and Revenues-Movement in the New York Canals-The Bank Movement-Total Move ment of New York State Canals, with Bank Circulation, for a Series of Years-Redemption of Country Notes in New York City, etc., etc.... 462-466 26 VOL. XXIV.-NO. 1V. |