PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

BOOKS.

The History of Barbados; comprising a Geographical and Statistical' Description of the Island, a Sketch of the Historical Events since the Settlement, and an Account of its Geology and Natural Productions. By Sir Robert H. Schomburgk, Ph. D., &c.

The Book of Beauty; or Regal Gallery, 1848. Edited by the Countess of Blessington.

The Keepsake, 1848. Edited by the Countess of Blessington.

Adventures of an Angler in Canada, Nova Scotia, and the United States By Charles Leman.

The Lives of the Lord Chancellors and Keepers of the Great Seal of Eng- land, from the Earliest Times till the Reign of King George IV. By John Lord Campbell, LL.D., F.RS.E. Volumes VL and VII.

A Treatise on the Succession to Property vacant by Death; including In- quiries into the Influence of Primogeniture, Entails, Compulsory Partition, Foundations, &c., over the public interests. By J. R. Inulloch, Esq., Member of the Institute of France.

Journal of a Residence at the College of St. Columba, in Ireland. With a Preface. By the Reverend W. Sewell, B.D., Fellow and Tutor of Exeter College, Oxford.

Journal of a Residence at the Cape of Good Hope; with Excursions into the Interior, and Notes on the Natural History and the Native Tribes. By Charles J. F. Bunbnry, F.L.S., Foreign Secretary of the Geological Society.

.3fidsumraer Eve; a Fairy Tale of Love. By Mrs. S. C. Ilall.

The Speeches of the Right Honourable Charles James Fox, in the House of Commons.

[This volume contains the entire and nnmutilated speeches of Fox, so far as the reporter's art in his day could present them. And though we must receive them. as the maimed and imperfect representations of the great orator's efforts, they are a valuable.and to the critic or public speaker an indispensable publication- Foster remarked that the style of Fox was like the daylight; he presented ques Cum to the mind just as the natural light exhibits things to the eye. This trans- parency goes farther, and applies to the whole orator. The total absence of art, or at least its apparent absence, is the thing which most strikes the reader, and probably was a great cause of the effect of Fox's speeches. By "art," we do not mean the acquired methods of arrangement, much less tricks of rhetoric, but the seeming absence even of a mode of study or a tonal inquiry. Fox appears as if he had merely considered, not studied the subject, and was uttering his spon- ;meow opinion. His manner corresponded with this apparent artlessness of his matter, and the practical conclusions that seemed of necessity to follow. The style has all those "careless inimitable graces" which, in Hume, were at once the admiration and despair of Gibbon, coupled with a force, and when he pleased with a sarcasm, which the historian had not so highly cultivated. Brilliancy, rhetoric, point, philosophy, declamation, finish, may be sought elsewhere; but the gentle- man's style of oratory must be studied in Fox—not the "fine," or the "finished," or the " modern " gentleman, bat the old English gentleman, whose training was too thorough, whose position was too fixed iu the very nature of things, to render him afraid of a homeliness or the slave to a form. The student who would write like a man of this school must go to Chesterfield or Malmesbury; he who would speak like him must saturate his mind with the speeches of Charles James Fox.] Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborough, with his original Correspondence: collected from the Family Records at Blenheim and other authentic sources. By William Coxe, M.A., F.RS., &c. A new edition, revised by John Wade, Author of "British History Chronologically Arranged." In three volumes. Volume I. (Bobn's Standard Library.)

[Mr. Bohn has added to his Standard Library, Archdeacon Coxe's Life of Marl- hmmgh, with some advantages over the original edition. The correspondence, so copiously introduced by the Archdeacon, is printed in a smaller type, so as not to impede the continuity of the narrative, as the reader can pass over the let- ters if he pleases; and Mr. Wade the editor has added some useful notes and illus- trative matter in correction or elucidation of Coxe, sometimes drawn from the various works on Marlborough, or his Dotchesa, which have been published since the Archdeacon's work. The cheapness of this edition is a striking feature: the mere text, including the notes, will cost fewer shillings than the original cost guineas; and with the original atlas of maps and plans, published separately, the price will only amount to one twelfth of the first edition.]

Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending an Account of his Stu- dies and numerous Works, in chronological order; with his Correspondence and Conversations. By James Boswell, Esq. With copious Notes and Biographical Illustrations, by Malone. [Such are the effects of accuracy and industry pursued con amore and employed on an interesting subject, that Boswell's Life of Johnson, so far from palling by repetition, seems to acquire fresh attraction on each new recurrence to it. The variety of persons, the number of the anecdotes, the wit and wisdom of the inter- locutors, and the faithful felicity with which Boswell has reported or rather pre- served the "manners and the mind," not only interest the reader by the literature, but almost place him amid the scenes. Mr. Washbourne has done a good ser- vice in reprinting Malone's edition in a single double-column volume.] The Land We Live In; a Pictorial and Literary Sketch-book of the Bri- tish Empire. Volume I.

[The numbers of Mr. Charles Knight's last enterprise, collected into a handsome folio volume, and telling better, we think, in the collection than when appearing singly. Having more before us, we better catch the scope of the work and ap- preciate its variety and use. Hampton Court, the Isle of Thanet, Canterbury, and several similar places, show its utility as a guide-book for the tourist or sight-seer, in addition to its more solid information on such matters as Man- ehester--Govemment Offices.]

Six Old English Chronicles, of which two are now first Translated from the Monkish Latin Originals: Ethelwerd's Chronicle, Asser's Life of Alfred, Geoffrey of Monmouth's British History, Glides, Nennins, and Richard of Cirencester. Edited, with Illustrative Notes, by J. A. Giles, D.C.L., &c. (Bohn's Antiquarian Library.)

[These chronicles are ably edited, and some of them translated, by Dr. Giles; whose laborious enthusiasm in old English history is untiring. The most gene- rally interesting of the chronicles are Asaer's Life of Alfred, and Geoffrey of Mon- month's History, not more for the romance of some of its parts than for the fabu- lously daring character of others.]

Tables showing the legally appointed Weight of British Gold and Saver Coin manufactured pursuant to Mint Indenture, dated 6th February 1817; and the Remedy as to weight allowed thereon. Constructed for the use of the Goldsmiths composing the Jury of the Pyx; with Considerations on the Remedy as to Fineness, and Suggestions for altering the same. By James H. Watherston, Goldsmith. [An account of the Pyx of the coinage which took place at Goldsmith's Hall des ring the present year, by one of the Jury who sat on it. Alter stating the quan- tities done, and giving a report of the weights and fineness, Mr. Watherston breaks out in admiration of the beautiful precision and unparalleled accuracy to which the manufacture of coin at the Royal Mint of England has been brought. The "remedy " is an allowance of 12 grains to the pound troy of gold, and I penny- weight to the pound troy of silver, for variation from perfect mathematical accu- racy in the individual pieces. Mr. Watherston shows the working of this in the particular instance— "It has been already shown that a variety of gold coin, amounting to 9,545L which was submitted to the Jury on the 16th March 1847, should have weighed 204 lbs. 3 oz. 9 dwt. 20 grs., and that it really did weigh 204 lbs. 3 oz. 10 dwt., making a difference of four grains only on this large amount. This, In itself, is enough to excite the highest admiration ; but, when the whole is reduced to grains, (the de- nomination in which the remedy Is granted,) and the reader Is reminded that upon every 5,768 grains i or pound troy) the law of the land allows a variation in weight, either under or over, of twelve grains ; and that all the variation which the offi- cers of Her Majesty's Mint have actually made on the average, upon a coinage of 7,177,7701. its., is four grains only in every 1,176,716 grains, and this too in favour of the public ; then it is, as the writer conceives, that the admiration of the whole civilised world should be excited at the surpassing wonder of the performance." Mr. Watherstou gives tables of the value of gold, from 1 grain to 107,009 lb. 1 oz. 2 dwt. 231 gr. (5,000,0001.); and of silver, from 2 grains to 303,030 lb. 8 oz. 12 dwt. 17gr. (1,000,0001.) The little book may be useful to future Pyx Juries, and also fbr reference in the countiughouses of bankers and merchants.] On Poisons, in relation to Medical Jurisprudence and Medicine. By Al- fred S. Taylor, F.R.S.

[This is a companion or sequel to the author's well-known work on Medical Ju- risprudence; and treats the question of poisons and poisoning, especially in rela- tion to criminal proceedings, in a very elaborate manner. The subject is divided into two sections: the first considers medical evidence in reference to poisoning, and evolves all the questions to be raised and the points to be attended to by the practitioner; the second part examines the several kinds of poisons, arranged ac cording to their classes—as narcotics, non-metallic irritants, and the various kinds of irritants. In the course of examining the subject, a great deal of curious in- formation is brought together, not only as regards the medical effect of poisonous substances, and the treatment, but in reference to criminal cases, as well in this country as abroad. Mr. Taylor also makes some proper allusions not only to the fallacious arguments, but the false statements, which of late have so dishonour- ably distinguished the "honourable" profession of the bar.] The Pocket Formulary and Synopsis of the British and Foreign Pharma- copoeias; comprising standard and approved Formuke for the Preparations

and Compounds employed in medical practice. By Henry Beasley. Fourth edition. Corrected, improved, and enlarged.

[Various improvements and additions have been introduced into the fourth edition of this useful book; but the most important is the insertion of formulae and pro- ceases for the new remedies that have come into use since the previous editions were published.] The Anglo-Saxon Version of the Life of St. Guthlac, Hermit of Croyland. Originally written in Latintby Felix, commonly called of Croyland. Now first printed from a MS. in the Cottonian Library. With a Translation and Notes, by Charles Wycliffe Goodwin, M.A., Fellow of Catharine Hall, Cambridge.

[There is said to exist only one manuscript of the Anglo-Saxon version from the original Latin of the life of St. Guthlac. This version, or rather this abridgment,

for the Latin story is curtailed, Mr. Goodwin has printed, with a translation on the opposite page, and illustrated the original text by notes, chiefly of a critical character. As an exercise in Anglo-Saxon, the publication will be of use; and the description of the demoniac visitations to which the Saint was exposed in his hermitage are curious instances of superstitious credulity. The lite, however, strikes us as being deficient in raciness. The supernatural incidents have an air at once of commonplace and caricature, as if they were rather the inventions of some follower than the actual delusions or dreams of a bewildered and heated mind driven to the verge of insanity by solitude and asceticism.] Scenes and Sketches from Life and Nature; Edgbaston; and other Poems. By Thomas Bagg, Author of "The Deity,' &e. [The principal piece in this volume is " Edgbaston," a descriptive poem of one of the suburbs or outskirts of Birmingham; in which history, topography, landscape, and the gradual changes superinduced from the age of the Britons and Saxons, tall the once wild wood became a rem in urbe for the well-to-do of Brummagem, are successively handled. Since Denham's Cooper's Hill there is not much difficulty in the structure of a local poem; but there may be judgment shown in the choice of a subject that shall combine variety, contrast, and incidental topics; all which are found in " Edgbaston." The execution is natural and poetical, if not very fiery; praise that may be extended to the greater part of the " other poems" of the title.] The Pictorial Book of Ballads, Traditional and Romantic. With Intro- ductory Notices, Glossery, and Notes. Edited by J. S. Moore, Esq. Vo- lume H.

[The chief object of the editor in this selection appears to have been to bring to- gether a readable collection of ballads: for they are drawn from all quarters and all ages—genuine, restored, and modern—black letter, Percy, Ritson, Scott, Hogg, and Delta. The " pictorial " part of the " book" consists of an illuminated titlepsge, with head and tail pieces.]

Transactions of the Royal Society of Literature of the United Kingdom. Second series. Volume IL [This volume contains two-and-twenty papers, on subjects too limited or too archaeological in their character to have a general interest, or to require notice unless in a classical journal or publication devoted to the fine arts.] A Handbook of the History of the Spanish and French Schools of Painting. Intended as a Sequel to "Kugler's Handbook of the Italian, German, and Dutch Schools of Painting." By Sir Francis Head, Baronet. [A good general view of the history and character of the French and Spanish schools, with biographical and critical notices of the principal painters, and some account of their works. It is a clever and animated compilation.]

Essays, Lectures, and Orations. By Ralph Waldo Emerson.

[A very neat edition of the completeprose works of Emerson, which hitherto have appeared in separate publications.]

Perforated Planisphere; which when held to the light exhibits the Stars as luminous points, thus giving a correct and vivid representation of the Heavens, by means of which the names of the various Stars and Con-. stellations are easily learned; with a Moveable Horizon. Constructed by

James Mollison. •

An Outline of Astronomy, illustrating the nature and use of the Perforated Planisphere; with various Problems and Questions. By James Mollison. [The Perforated Planisphere consists of two circular boards of thick and solid card: on the larger board the constellations of the heavens are laid down; the stars being marked by perforations, which by a reflected light show as dark spots, or by a transmitted light as luminous points. The absurd figures of the mythic constellations are omitted, the boundaries of the astronomical constellations being marked by a simple line. Over this board is another, with a circular opening it, smaller than the board beneath, and eccentric to it: by the shifting of this upper board, each part of the stellar system is displayed in succession; and figures are used to indicate the time at which each part would appear above the horizon. The apparatus is ingenious, simple, and intelligible, and will much facilitate the early lessons of students.]

ILLUSTRATED WORKS AND PRINTS.

Tom Jones. By Henry Fielding. Part I. (Kenny Meadows's Illustrated British Classics.)

[A very handsome edition of Fielding's admirable work; well printed, on good paper, crammed with wood-cuts of the most approved fashion and neatest execu- tion; and all for a most moderate price. The designer is Mr. Kenny Meadows; whose style is so mechanical that he may be held to be excluded from criticism as it applies to real art. However, he is a favourite with wood-cutters, because his defined and sweeping lines suit their material; and he helps them to turn out the work with all the more mechanical qualities of neatness, "effect" in printing, &c. He also appears to take pains, in the present instance, with the costume of the period; and some scraps of landscape, or even a figure or two here and there, have more life than usually warms his well-appointed lay-figures.]

Roberts's Sketches in Egypt and Nubia. With Historical Descriptions by William Brockedon, F.R.S. Lithographed by Louis liaghe. Part VIIL [The present part contains six prints—three let into the text, and three of the larger size tinted. The smaller prints represent a "Group of Nubians at Wady Kardassi"; the "Fortress of Ibrim, Nubia,"—an indented shore, with rocky cliffs, whose craggy surface receding into the distance is beautifully imitated; and a pair of " Colossi at Wady Saboua,"—much more skilfully chiselled than pare Egyptian sculpture, and evidently owing a part of their comeliness to Greek art. The larger prints are views of "Fragments of the Great Colossi in the Memnon- ium"; the "Approach to the Fortress of Ibrim, Nubia," by the broad and dreary Nile; and the "Ruins of the Memnonium' "—a yellowish-grey desert, with the white rains in the distance, standing forth in front of a dark thunder-cloud—a very fine effect.] The Juvenile Verse and Picture Book. With numerous Illustrations wood.

[A very handsome book in its embellishments, typography, and binding; with an excellent selection of poems adapted to the youthful, or for that matter to any age. It will form a capital gift-book of the season.]

Engraving of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and H. R .11. the Prince of Wales. Engraved by Mr. Ityall, from the Original Picture by Mr. R. Thorburn.

[Mr. Thorbarn's miniature is one of the most masterly of his paintings, and the best portrait of Queen Victoria—animated and elevated in expression without being affected or idealized. The portrait of the Prince represents a charming boy, I in whom the amiable and the intelligent contend for supremacy. The engraving des tut as scarcely coming up to the original: iu5Lhe endeavour to equal the force and solidity of Thorburn s style, the copy has become rather black and heavy; but it is effective, and conveys the essential features.]

SERIALS.

Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains. Part L (Murray's Home and Colonial Library.) History of the Prussian Monarchy from its Rise to the Present Time. By Leopold Ranke. Translated by 14ofessor Daimler. Volume I. Part II. Cosmos: a Survey of the General Physical History of the Universe. By

Alexander Von Humboldt. Volume IL No. V.

• ALMANACKS.

The Parliament Almanack, for 1848.

The Illuminated Golden Gift Almanack, for 1848. The Catholic Directory Almanack and Ecclesiastical Register, for 1848.

Music.

A Sekction of ,Esop's Fables, Versified and set to Music; with Symphonies and Accompaniments for the Pianoforte.

(Fables are not promising subjects for lyrical poetry or musical expression; but aue anonymous authors of this selection have made more of the materials than could well have been expected. The verses of the little songs or ballads are neat and lively; and the composer of the music is evidently a good musician. The melodies are simple, agreeable, well diversified, and very prettily accompanied; and the book, being in perfectly good taste, will furnish a pleasant amusement to young performers.]