31-A History of Long Island, from its First Settlement by the Europeans, to the year 1845, with Special Reference to its Ecclesiastical Concerns. By NATHANIEL S. PRIME. New York: Robert Carter. This volume, a thick duodecimo of 420 pages, is divided into two parts, 124 of which are devoted to its physical features and civil affairs, progress of population, etc., and the remaining 295 to its intellectual, moral and religious condition, from its first settlement to the present time. Until within a few years, Long Island was scarcely known, beyond the map, to non-residents; and we venture to say, that more strangers have passed over it in one day, since the completion of the Long Island Rail Road, than in a century before. It was so far removed-so difficult of access, and presented so few inducements to wander through its forests, and ride through its sands, that for the space of two hundred years it has remained in a great measure terra incognita to almost the whole world. Mr. Prime has furnished a very valuable book; and while he has given an interesting account of its religious history, he has also given a very comprehensive view of the population, resources, &c. of the island. 32.--The Poems of ALFRED B. STREET. Complete edition. New York: Clark & Austin. The poems embraced in this volume have been mostly published in periodicals. Three or four-" Nature," "The Frontier Inroad," "Moranna,” and “The Freshet," are quite long, while the remainder are of the usual length of fugitive pieces. They are generally descriptive of the outward world, and nature in its varied aspects. The author exhibits more than ordinary power of description, and a sentiment of worship for, and deep sympathy with nature, showing, as he states in his preface, that he has spent much time in the beautiful and picturesque scenes of his own state, and that he has drank deeply from that everfresh fountain, and read and understood the language the Deity has everywhere written. Most of the pieces exhibit versatility, introducing many new objects of beauty in rich language and original imagery. The volume is handsomely issued, and while it adds another, will do no dishonor to American poetic literature. 33.-Poems. By FRANCES S. OSGOOD. New York: Clark & Austin. In the numerous and varied poems of this collection, we discern the outpouring of a buoyant, joyous spirit, a sportive playfulness of fancy and sentiment, which wishes to see and make the world in the same good-humor as herself. We should place the volume in the same rank among poetry that we should classify among the different phases of humanity, a happy, romping child, flying among the sports and pleasures of life, now trampling the lilies and roses under its feet, and anon chasing the butterfly in summer gardens, without a cloud upon its spirits. There is much beauty in these short poems, and their author is justly a favorite; for a spirituality, not too sublimated, and still human, appealing to our sympathies with the joyful and sometimes the tender, by delightful images and beautiful language, runs through them all. 34.-The Chainbearer, or the Little Page Manuscripts. By J. FENNIMORE COOPER, author of "Miles Wallingford," "Pathfinder," etc. New York: Burgess, Stringer & Co. This novel is a continuation of "Satanstoe," the scene of which, it will be remembered, was laid in the period previous to the old French war. The characters which figure in the "Chainbearer," are the descendants (with the lapse of one generation) of those who figured in "Satanstoe." The plot is well carried on, and the story rendered characteristic of Cooper, by the introduction of the Indian and negro. The design of the series is to touch the question of anti rentism; the application, probably, of the characters of "Satanstce" and the "Chainbearer" to the circumstances and principles of that exciting subject, being intended for the last. The contrast between those descended from Puritan and Dutch forefathers, is also well kept up. 35.-Rambles by Land and Water, or Notes of Travel in Cuba and Merico; including a Canoe Voyage up the River Panuco, and Researches among the Ruins of Tamaulipas, etc. By B. M. NORMAN, author of "Rambles in Yucatan," etc. New York: Paine & Burgess, A considerable part of the field here surveyed has been occupied by previous travellers, and most of the objects which they present have been observed and treated of in an attractive form, but not, as we recollect, in a more agreeable style. But the field is wide, and Mr. Norman has succeeded in gathering materials of sufficient interest to form a very readable and instructive volume. We have seldot met with a book of travels, over so wide a range of country, and touching so many interesting incidents and topics, presented to the reader so comprehensively. The volume contains several engravings of the curious relics of antiquity. 36-The Gem of the Season. Edited by J. H. AGNEW. With Twenty Plates by SARTAIN. New York: Leavitt, Trow & Co. With Sartain's splendid mezzotints, twenty in number, and of the highest elegance, design, and execution, selections from some of England's best poets, neat binding, beautiful paper and print, this annual really deserves to be called a "Gem." The subjects of most of the engravings are grand in character; of which," Napoleon at St. Helena," "Milton Dictating to his Daughters," "Trial of Queen Katharine," "Hector and Andromache," "The Last Man," are striking instances. The preface claims that it is the best that has appeared this side of the water, and hints rather inviduously at England. Certainly, we have rarely if ever seen more tasteful specimens of engravings, with more beautiful and appropriate poetical illustrations. 37.-Geraldine, a Sequel to Coleridge's Christabel: and other Poems. By MARTIN FARQUHAR Tupper. Boston: Saxton & Kelt. New York: Saxton & Huntington. All who have read Coleridge's artistic poem, must judge whether Mr Tupper has added or detracted from the merits of that masterly production, by his "Geraldine." To us, it seems a completion of an unfinished statue, in which the second artist has happily caught the spirit of the first. The same measure and supernatural vein of description, vivid contrast of the beautiful and the hideous, and especially, wonderful adaptation of words to produce an image for the sense, corresponding to that produced upon the mind by the idea, are apparent in both. As to the remaining poems of the volume, although we recognise the marks of style and thought, which distinguish the rhymed philosophy by which Mr. T. is so well known, yet some abound in deep touches of passion and sentiment, establishing the versatility of Mr. Tupper's powers, and claim as a poet of no mean rank. 38.-Montezuma, or the Conquest of Mexico, a Historical Romance. By EDWARD MATURIN. In two volumes. New York: Paine & Burgess. The principal characters and incidents of this tale, are taken from Mr. Prescott's History of the conquest of Mexico, which is almost a romance itself in interest. These, Mr. Maturin has filled up with lively subordinate characters, corresponding well with the history of the time. The plot, as far as it depends upon his invention, is ingeniously contrived, but throughout the whole there predominates a marvellous spirit, expressed in a classical, ornate style. The historical events connected with Cortez and his followers, and the weak, vacillating character of Montezuma, offer a fair field to the fiction-writer, and, on the whole, Mr. Maturin has discharged his task in a skilful manner. It belongs to the genius of our country thus to take the materials for their romances from the wide storehouse of the American continent. 39.-Zenosius; or the Pilgrim-Convert. By Rev. CHARLES CONSTANTINE PISE, D. D., author of " Aletheia," "St. Ignatius and his First Companions," etc. Dunigan's Home Library. New York: Edward Dunigan. Zenosius, from the Greek, signifies a pilgrim. The design of the story is to elucidate the spirit and character of the Catholic church-to portray, in the person of Zenosius, the hero, "the movement which is going on among eminent and pious Protestant churchmen, towards Rome." It is, of course, sectarian; but Dr. Pise is too much of a gentleman and scholar, and possesses too much of the charitable spirit of the Christianity of its founder, to be illiberal towards those who may entertain different views of the church to which he belongs. It does not profess to be controversial, but explanatory. 40-The Maiden: a Story for my Young Countrywomen. The Wife: a Story for my Young Countrywomen. By T. S. ARTHUR, author of "Sweethearts and Wives," "Lovers and Husbands," " Married and Single," etc. Philadelphia: E. Ferrett & Co. These two volumes are to be followed by a third, by the same author-"The Mother," etc. Their object is to exhibit woman in the conditions of maiden, wife, and mother, under the trials and temptations that surround her, and to show that a love of virtue and truth makes for her a protecting sphere, guarding her safe through every danger. They appear to us to be well calculated to fulfil the beneficent mission designed for them by the author. 41.-Manual of Diseases of the Skin. From the French of M. CAZENARE and SCHEDEL, with Notes and Additions by THOMAS H. BURGESS, M. D., etc. Revised and Corrected by H. D. BULKLEY, M. D., Lecturer on Diseases of the Skin, etc. New York: J. & H. G. Langley. This treatise is purely scientific in its classification, terminology, and information. It embodies the results of long experience and accurate observations, and we can, on the highest Aliopathic medical authority, recommend it to both practitioners and students, as combining faithful and graphic descriptions of all diseases of the skin, and sound principles for their treatment. 42.-The Sufferings of Christ. By A LAYMAN. New York: Harper & Brothers. The author of this volume informs the reader, in his preface, that his "effort, in every page and in every sentence, will have sought to exalt and magnify the glorious atonement." He asserts and maintains, by a show of argument, that "the expiatory agonies of our Lord reached not only his humanity, but his very Godhead." It is written in a singularly clear, nervous, and forcible style. BOOKS IN PAPER COVERS, PUBLISHED SINCE OUR LAST. In 43.-Elenor Wyllys; or, the Young Folk of Longbridge. A Tale. By AMADEL PENFEATHER. two volumes. Edited by JAMES FENNIMORE COOPER. Philadephia: Carey & Hart. [We have not found time to read this story, but as the "editor has great confidence in the principles, taste, and intelligence of the real author," we think we may venture to recommend it to the numerous admirers of Mr. Cooper.] 44.-A Peep into London Society. By "PUNCH." With Ten Illustrations. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. [This work furnishes a graphic caricature of fashionable life in London, and indeed many of its features will not be found altogether inapplicable to the scribeism of this country. The ten illustrations of Leach, almost tell the story conveyed in the letter-press. They are capital.] 45.-Love and Mesmerism. By HORACE SMITH, Esq., author of the "Brambletye House," "Adam Brown," "Arthur Arundel." Harpers' Library of Select Novels, No. LXVII. New York: Harper & Brothers. [The very popular writer of "Rejected Addresses," after a long silence, comes again before the world of fiction with these two productions, the first of which was embodied in an unfinished draina by the author, and is full of interest, the vein being romantic, but still probable; the other exhibiting a pure and beautiful character in English common life, who held a communication with the spiritual world.] THE MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE, Established July, 1839, BY FREEMAN HUNT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. VOLUME XIV. ART. CONTENTS OF NO. II., VOL. XIV. ARTICLES. PAGE 1. The United States' Census of 1850: With Reference to the Political Rela- II. Influence of Commerce in the Affairs of the World,... V. Louisiana: its Agricultural and Commercial Interests,..... 115 122 129 141 145 152. VII. The German Zollverein and the Hanse Towns. Commercial Policy of the 159 163 168 MERCANTILE LAW CASES. Cases decided in the Supreme Court of Louisiana, at the close of the last Term, 1845, prepared by the Reporter of the Supreme Court of that State,......... 170 EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUSTRATED WITH TABLES, ETC., AS FOLLOWS: State of the Commercial World-United States Finances-Revenue and Expendi- ture of New York State Canals-New York Cana! Debt-Debt of Pennsylvania -Quantities of Iron transported over Two Lines of Railroad, from Philadelphia to New York-Debt of Michigan-Michigan Railroad Earnings-Finances of Maryland-Debt of South Carolina-Kentucky State Debt-Kentucky Sources of Revenue-Amount of Bonds issued by the State of Georgia-Territorial Debt of Florida-Taxable Valuations, and Debts of the States of Oaio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland-Canal Tolls of the States of New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, etc., etc., etc...................... Port Adelaide, South Australia,..... Sunken Rock-Chincha, or Guano Islands...... Rio Grande San Pedro--Decree of the Government of Cuba,.. Victoria Rock off Anglesea-Variation of the Needle,....... Imports and Exports of the United States, in 1844 and 1845,. Navigation of the United States, in 1844 and 1845, . Statistics of the American Whale Fishery, from 1838 to 1846,.. Importance of Mercantile Library Associations,.. Consumption of Sugar in Different Countries,..... First Trading Establishment on the Columbia River,...... Arnold's History of Rome-O'Callaghan's History of New Netherlands,.......... Kip's Holidays in Rome-Wilson on the Skin-Burdett's Chances and Changes,. Hemans's (Mrs.) Poems-Montgomery's Poems-Caldwell's Elocution,.... Colton's Life of Clay-Williams's Almanac-Picture of New York,. Carlyle's Cromwell-Bennevento Cellini-Hugo's Rhine,.. Hazlitt's English Poets-Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered,... Cheever's Pilgrim of Jungfrau,..... Dick's Practical Astronomer-Mosse's Atlas of the Human Body,. Pilgrim's Progress-Mackenzie's Paul Jones-Talfourd's Tragedies,. Perdicarris's Greece of the Greeks-Warren's Physical Education,...... Jamieson's (Mrs.) Characteristics of Women-Standard Drama,... Hannemann's Chronic Diseases-Coleridge's Aids to Reflection,. Headley's Alps and the Rhine--Voltaire and Rousseau on God,. HUNT'S MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE. FEBRUARY, 1846. Art. I.-THE UNITED STATES' CENSUS OF 1850: WITH REFERENCE TO THE POLITICAL RELATIONS OF THE EASTERN AND WESTERN STATES. THE most important political subject before the American people, at the present time, is the approaching change in the geographical centre of power in the country. While we are intent upon minor interests, we are giving little heed to the fact, that, in a very brief period, the seat of the growing power in these states will be completely changed. Neither the annexation of Texas, nor the formal possession of Oregon, can be compared, in its influence upon the Atlantic states, with that numerical superiority which, at the very next census, will make the west the dominant portion of the Republic. Let no one suppose that this change will be rather nominal than reala change in the place of power, and not in the governing influences. Most important changes must take place, and these it behoves the people of the east well and early to consider. Commercial, maritime, and manufacturing interests, have hitherto had the principal attention of the government. A large part of our legislation has been directed to the fostering of one or the other of these interests, or to the settlement of their conflicting claims to favor and protection. Agriculture is, no doubt, at the east as at the west, the great business of life; but it is, nevertheless, true, that partly from want of concentration among those who pursue this occupation, and partly from the nature of the employment itself, these interests have received but a small share of consideration from the government. This state of things must and will cease. Agriculture is not merely one of the western interests; it is that which absorbs and swallows up every other. Manufacturers and merchants, from being congregated in cities and manufacturing establishments, exert, at the east, an influence out of all proportion-greater than belongs to their relative wealth and numbers. They act in masses, and their appearance is rendered, in this way, much more imposing, and their real power greatly strengthened. But manufacturers at the west are too insignificant to claim or receive a separate attention; and the moment |