14.-The Complete Works of N. P. Willis. New York: J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall.

The publication of no volume can reflect more honor on our literature than this. For the first time, all Mr. Willis' works are before us, in an elegant octavo volume, embellished with a fine portrait of the author, engraved for Graham's Magazine on steel, and dedicated to his editorial associate and friend, General Morris. It contains all his prose works, viz.: "Pencillings by the Way," "Letters from under a Bridge," "High Life in Europe," "" American Life," "Inklings of Adventure," "Loiterings of Travel," Ephemera," the " Lecture on Fashion," with the Sacred Poems," "Poems of Passion," "Miscellaneous Poems," "Lady Jane," and his two plays of " Tortesa the Usurer," and Bianci Visconti." Save the Ephemera," none of them require comment, for they have given their writer a deathless fame, and laurels which need not the breath of his friends to keep fresh and green. The“ Ephemera," containing selections of paragraphs contributed to the Mirror, have that peculiar finish and individuality, that gives a permanency to papers only intended to record passing daily events, which, since Addison, none have exhibited. Who, of Willis' " parish" of admirers, on both sides of the Atlantic, will not rejoice for his sake and their own, that his productions can now be read together, and the results of his brilliant imagination, his fine genius, his taste, humor, savoire faire in literature, society, in every thing where God has given his noblemen a field for high attempting, are here clustered like diamonds and gems richly set, whose brilliancy dazzles all, and wearies none.

15.-The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley. First American edition complete, with some remarks on the Poetical Faculty, and its Influence on Human Destiny, embracing a Biographical and Critical notice. By G. G. FOSTER. New York: J. S. Redfield.

To speak of Shelley, or his poems-of his unlikeness to other poets or other menof his strange beauty in that loneness in which he stands-of his soaring genius mounting to the highest heaven, and in that fearful elevation fluttering and rejoicing at the dizziness, and anon descending into the abysses of our being, and bringing up the gold and jewels from the wrecks strewn there-sad, not that the world abused him, but that it was too far beneath him to deserve his teaching; to dilate on these would be with our short limits, a mockery and profanation, and yet a luxury, which we leave to better pens and more fitting journals. Mr. Foster's admiration for Shelley's genius, is not an overwrought enthusiasm for his subject, but the earnest, genuine sympathy of a true man, with a kindred spirit. The critical portion exhibits a student's appreciation of their beauties; and with the short notice of his life, this preface forms a rich interpreter of the treasures they usher us into beyond. It is not out of place to commend the beautiful binding and pearly paper, with its clear, distinct print, (too small, perhaps,) for the volume richly deserves it.

16.-The Dream, and other Poems. By the Hon. Mrs. NORTON. Francis' Cabinet Library of Choice Prose and Poetry.

17.-A Child of the Islands, a Poem. By the Hon. Mrs. NORTON. Francis' Cabinet Library, etc., etc. New York: C. S. Francis & Co.

These volumes, the first containing the recent miscellaneous poems of Mrs. Norton, and the second her poem written with reference to the young Prince of Wales, come to us in a very attractive form. Mrs. Norton's poetry has been much and justly admired for merits of its own partly, and partly perhaps from the interest connected with her personal sorrows and difficulties. The first named volume exhibits great versatility of poetical power, and the pieces most to be admired besides the Dream," are the "Mother's Heart," "German Students' Love Song," "Twilight," and the " Dying Hour." The poem in the other volume, however, does by far the most credit to her genius and her heart. In that she makes the "Child of the Islands" a type of the fortunate class, and contrasts their brightness with the darkness of the lower; and the infant prince is made the subject, from his innocence, to foster a kindness of feeling between the higher and lower classes. The poem exhibits the philosophy and true sympathy of the author with the infirmities of human nature. It would be dif ficult to select works more appropriate, or better calculated to promote the high and holy aims of a true literature than the volumes thus far embraced in the " Cabinet of Choice Prose and Poetry."

18-A Brief History of the Condition of Women in Various Ages and Nations. By L. MARIA CHILD, author of Philothea," "The Mother's Book," "Letters from New York," " Flowers for Children," etc, etc. Revised and corrected by the author. In two volumes. Francis' Cabinet Library. New York: C. J. Francis. The popular author of this work does not exhibit, as she states in her short preface, an essay upon woman's rights, or a philosophical investigation of what ought to be her social relations; but she gives an accurate, and for the magnitude of the object, somewhat detailed history of the condition of woman, commencing with the Jewish, and following it down through the Babylonian, Carian, Trojan, and Syrian, down to our own age and country. In addition to the characteristics of a nation or class, she gives many individual instances, which are in themselves interesting in description, as well as concise and condensed. The book evinces much historical research, and embodies many important facts. It is a work that we can heartily commend, as one that should find a place in every family library.

19.-The History of the United States of North America, from the plantation of the British Provinces, till their assumption of National Independence. By JAMES GRAHAM, LL.D. In four volumes. Second edition, enlarged and amended. Phil. adelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1845.

We are indebted to Mr. Josiah Quincy for the republication of this invaluable addition to our historical literature, as well as for much information respecting its eminent writer. Its merits, as a history, could not be well enumerated in a notice as such limits as our pages admit of, nor could we speak of the well-known learning, talents, or virtues of its author. For the latter, we must refer to his interesting me. moir, by Mr. Quincy, which was published both separate from this work, and is also prefixed to it, compiled from his extended correspondence. The history is here published in four elegant octavo volumes, with a fine portrait of the author. How much we are indebted to him, as Americans, can only be learned by a perusal of it, regarded as it has been by such men as Judge Story, Jared Sparks, Judge Savage, and William H. Prescott, the historian, as abounding in “laborious research and merit, and written in a faithful and elevated spirit." It is a work of standard value and enduring interest, and should find a place in every public or private library in the country. We earnestly commend it to the notice of those who have the selection of works for our School District Libraries.

20.-Stable Talk, and Table Talk; or, Spectacles for Young Sportsmen. By HARRY HIEOVER. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

This is a medley for the sportsman, furnishing rules for the training and curing of his horse, and also hints for his management on the turf, blended with broad anec. dotes, jokes, and humor, which makes it just fitted to answer the purpose suggested by its title. The writer is evidently a sportsman in feeling, by nature, and by cultivation, and writes for those sui generis. The wit is sometimes broad, but polish would be out of place in the scenes he describes. Still the author is nice in points of honor, and his beau ideal of a gentleman, though characteristic, not too low. The preface is one of the most sarcastic, pungent things, we have lately read; and the sporting world will welcome this addition to their literature, and give it all the credit it deserves.

21.-The Snow-Flake for 1846. A Gift for Innocence and Beauty. Edited by T. S. ARTHUR. Philadelphia and New York: E. Ferrett & Co.

This is an almost faultless annual, and rarely surpassed in elegance of publication or taste in choice of contents. The contributions are from some of our most popular writers, among whom we would mention the gifted editor, T. S. Arthur, George P. Morris, Henry P. Hirst, Fanny Forester, Mrs. Elizabeth Oakes Smith, Mrs. E. F. Ellet, etc., etc. The first is a translation from Kotzbue, of "The Quakers," the scene of which is laid in the American Revolution, and the principal characters were General Howe, his suite, and three Quakers. It is interesting, from the scenes and author. There are several delightfully written tales, of which we have not room to enumerate the titles or names of their authors. They deserve the highest rank as short fictions, and are accompanied with many choice poetical contributions. The chief attractions of the volume are the beautifully executed engravings. The frontispiece, “Lady Helen," engraved by Robinson. is the most life-like, speaking countenance, we have ever seen from any artist. The title-page and "Edith Bellenden," from the same engraver, are unsurpassable. The "Gleaner," by Heath," The Smuggler's Boat" and "Crew," by Brannard, in fact, all of them are very fine specimens. Paper, gilding and binding, are appropriate to such beauties of art and genius.

22.-The Romish Church and Modern Society. Translated from the French of Prof. E. QUINET, of the College of France. Edited by C. EDWARDS LESTER. New York: Gates & Stedman.

23.-The Jesuits. Translated from the French of M. M. MICHELET and QUINET, Professors in the College of France. Edited by C. EDWARDS LESTER. New York : Gates & Stedman.

The first of these translations contains the lectures of Prof. Quinet, and the second is the joint labor of himself and his well-known coadjutor, Prof. Michelet. Their purpose was to controvert the growing influence of the society of Jesuits, and, by the exposure of their plans, deceptions, and true spirit, as well as in what consisted the secret of the greatness of the Romish Church, they have given a powerful direction to public sentiment, and been one of the influences which have aided to drive the Jesuits from France to Italy. Nothing can be more encouraging to the progress of intellectual freedom, than the action of these men, and the spirit displayed in these volumes of true appreciation of Christianity, the historical research, and philosophical deductions which they embody, as well as the applicability of much of the advice to the Jesuitism of our land, should make them welcome to all.

24.-Leaflets of Memory; an Annual for MDCCCXLVI. Edited by REYNELL COATES, M. D. Philadelphia: E. H. Butler & Co.

There is a substantial, rather than delicate richness about the outward appearance of this annual. In addition to a few fine engravings, of which we could hardly speak in terms of too high commendation, the title pages, etc., are illuminated—a rare mode of ornament, particularly in annuals. The contributions are chiefly from the pen of the editor, Dr. Coates, and Henry B. Hirst. They are principally tales of a light character, with the addition of two or three poems. Although the tales are rather lengthy than numerous, the volume is above the ordinary size of annuals, owing to the superior paper on which it is printed. It is, on the whole, the most desirable gift book of the season, emanating from the Philadelphia press, at least, that we have had an opportunity of examining.

25.-Love's Token Flowers. By EMMA C. EMBURY. New York: J. C. Riker.

This handsome little volume contains the names of more than sixty of love's token flowers, each illustrated with an original poem of the gifted author, whose fancy has beautifully associated love and poetry with flowers; thus spiritualizing truth far more effectually than all the reasonings of science.

26.-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 Railroad, 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.

27.-The Poems of ALFRED B. STREET. Complete edition. New York: Clark & Austin.

The poems embraced in this volume have been mostly published in periodicals. 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 ever-fresh fountain, and read and understood the language the Deity has everywhere written.

28.-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 lillies 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 buman, appealing to our sympathies with the joyful and sometimes the tender, by delightful images and beautiful language, runs through them all. 29.-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 the negro. The design of the series is to touch the question of anti-rentism; the application, probably, of the characters of "Satan-toe" 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.

30.-Rambles by Land and Water, or Notes of Travel in Cuba and Mexico; 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 and 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 seldom 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.

31.-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 invidiously at England. In truth, we have rarely if ever seen more tasteful specimens of engravings, with more beautiful and appropriate poetical illustrations.

32.-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

in the volume, although we recognize the marks of style and thought, which distinguish the rhymed philosophy by which Mr. Tupper 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.

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 Relations of the Eastern and Western States. By WILLIAM KIRKLAND, Esq., of New York,....

II. Influence of Commerce in the Affairs of the World,... III. The Boston Post-Office. Location-General Method of Conducting the Business of the Office-Increase of the Business of the Boston and other PostOffices Salaries of the Clerks-English Steamers-Penny Postmen-Hints to Letter-Writers, Publishers of Newspapers, etc.-Private Boxes and Accounts-Dead Letters-Franking Privilege-Increase of Speed in Travelling, etc. By an Ex-CLERK IN THE BOSTON POST-OFFICE,... IV. The Bear Valley Coal Basin and Bear Mountain Railroad. By T. E. SICKELS, of Pennsylvania,.........

V. Louisiana: its Agricultural and Commercial Interests,..... VI. Progress of American Manufactures. New Manufactures in the Eastern States-American Cutlery-Improvement in Cotton Spinning-Manufacture of Silk in the Eastern and Western States-Machinery for the manufacture of Carpeting-Manufacture of Pins in Connecticut-Buttons and Pens-Discovery in the manufacture of Iron-Axes-American and Foreign Hemp -Whitney's Rifle Factory-Progress of Invention, etc.,.....

115

122

129

141

145

152

VII. The German Zollverein and the Hanse Towns. Commercial Policy of the Zollverein towards the United States and the Hanse Towns. By Professor J. L. TELLKAMPF, LL. D., of Columbia College, New York,.. VIII. The Progress of the West: Considered with Reference to Great Commercial Cities in the United States. By J. W. SCOTT, of Ohio,...... IX. The Silver Mines of Mexico-Laws Regulating the Mines of Mexico,....... 165 X. Mercantile Biography.-The Late Abijah Fisk, of New Orleans,.......

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 8

VOL. XIV.-NO. II.