PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

The meeting of Parliament has not reduced the number of publica- tions, but it seems to have diminished their weight and mark, excepting Mr. Mill's treatise on "Liberty." Of the rest, so far as the interest of a practical subject is concerned, Mr. Swainson's volume on New Zealand is the most important book of the week ; but in the execution he may perhaps be found to have fallen too much into controversy and disqui- sition, or to dwell too much on topics long since exhausted, as the geography, topography, and natives of the islands. "The Life and Times of Carey, Marshman, and Ward," is a species of history of Pro- testant missions in India from about 1793, when Carey first sailed for India, till 1837 when Marshman died ; the biography of the principal missionaries being connected with the narrative. It is a workmanlike affair ; but the materials are not new ; and the period is too removed from the present time to have much bearing upon passing events. The author, Mr. Marshman, denies that the missionary efforts, or changes in the Hindoo laws, touching marriage, converts, &c., have had anything to do with the late mutiny, or any former disturbances. The discussions in the third volume of the Chevalier Bunsen's learned and elaborate work on Egypt, have for the most part reached the earliest historical period of the world. The chronology of the Jews, Chinese, Phcenicians, Assyrians, in reference to that of Egypt, with the Greek traditions upon the same subject, constitute the bulk of the volume.

This question is preceded by an examination of Egyptian history from the monuments, &c., as it approaches what may be called chronological times. There are, too, several disquisitions of a more special kind. One of these refers to Mr. Homer's geological researches in relation to the monuments, and a discovery of pottery. From the results of these in- quiries the Chevalier is satisfied that "Egypt was inhabited by men who used pottery about 11,000 years before the Christian era." He also concludes "that man existed on this earth about 20,000 years B.c., and that there is no valid reason for assuming a more remote beginning of our race." These and some other theses connected with the Deluge, "will be established in the fourth volume of this work."

Mr. Hare's "Treatise on the Election of Representatives" is some- what late in its appearance. When the hostile forces are in actual pre- sence, waiting but the signal for conflict, the time has gone by for dis- cussions as to the regulation of military departments, the nature of weapons, &c. But had the publication taken place earlier, the result would per- haps have been the same. Mr. Hare's views are ingenious ; but his pro- posals have too much the character of schemes to influence the popular mind. One of his leading ideas is to provide for the representation of minorities, or rather to prevent them from being swamped. His mode of effecting this is to allow an elector to change his constituency, and to vote for a Member other than in his place of residence, or where his (original) qualification arises. This matter and various other matters are to be settled by the Queen in Council, subject to act of Parliament, and to be worked out in practice by Orders in Council. Mr. Whitworth's "Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects" is a collection of papers or addresses read to various scientific bodies, two of them as long ago as 1840-1841. The most popular in subject, and perhaps original as to publication, is a paper on "rifled fire-arms."

BOOKS.

On Liberty. By John Stuart Mill.

New Zealand and its Colonization. By William Swainson, formerly, and for upwards of fifteen years, her Majesty's Attorney-General for New Zealand. The Life and Times of Carey, Marshman, and Ward. Embracing the His-

tory of the Sertunpore Mission. By John Clark Marshman. In two volumes.

Egypt's Place in Universal History: an Historical Investigation in five Books. By C. C. J. Baron Bunsen, D.Ph., D.C.L., and D.D. Translated from the German, by Charles H. Cottrell, Esq., M.A. Volume III.

A Treatise on the Election of Representatives, Parliamentary, and Municipal. By Thomas Hare, Esq., Barrister-at-law.

Miscellaneous Payers on Mechanical Subjects. By Joseph Whitworth, F.R.S.

Two Journeys to Japan, 1856-7. By Kinahan Cornwallis, Author of" The New El Dorado ; or British Columbia," Ike. Illustrated by the Author. In two volumes.

Tram"- 's Bibliographical Guide to American Literature. A Classed List of Books Published in the United States of America during the last Forty Years. With Bibliographical Introduction, Notes, and Alphabeti- cal Index. Compiled and edited by Nicholas Triibner.—Mr. Triibner deserves much credit for being the first to arrange American biblio- graphy according to the received rules of the art. He began the labour in 1855, and the first volume was published in that year, constituting, in fact, the earliest attempt on this side of the Atlantic to catalogue American books. The present volume, of course, is enlarged, and is more perfect in every respect. The method of classification is exceeding- ly clear and useful. The name of the author is printed in bold type, with the place, and date of publication, and also the price. The volume contains a carefully prepared Index. The section of" bibliographical pro- logoniena" comprises the most complete of American book-lists extant. Full tables are given of the contents, of the transactions and me- moirs of the various philosophical societies, a resume not hitherto at- tempted even in the United States. Mr. Edwards contributes an account of the public libraries of the United States, well written and containing much excellent information. Before the lists which form the body of the book,_ there is a survey of American literature, by Mr. Benjamin Moran. It is divided into distinct parts with regard to chronological, philosophical, and historical arrangement. This portion of the work, although complete and large in its survey, is compressed into a comparatively limited space, 122 octavo pages, and it is composed with equal care and good taste. Where authorities are given for opinions on American literature, they are European, and mostly English ; American praise of American books being carefully avoided throughout. The chapter forms a lucid statement of what Americans have accomplished in literature, stated with a fullness of detail not to be found elsewhere, and with a total absence of pretension. There is a separate chapter of the history on foreign writers in America, in which a distinct line is drawn between native and immigrant authors. Also chapters on the introduc- tion of printing, the remuneration of authors, the book trade and its ex- tent, newspapers and periodicals, &c. In short, it presents the actual state of literature as well as the course of its development from the be- ginning. Into the subject-matter of this section we shall have to look hereafter ; we are now simply explaining the composition of Mr. Triib- ner's most valuable and useful book.

The Literary and National Year Book for 1859.—A very useful an- nual, containing a vast mass of information connected with education and literature. There are lists of the new books and new editions published in the course of the past year, not only English, but Foreign and American. Articles which appeared in the Quarterlies, maps, engravings, &c., follow, and then come lists of paid and gratuitous lecturers. The newspaper and periodical press—English, Irish, Scotch in full, Colonial and Foreign in more or less of detail succeed. As for information directly or indirectly connected with education, it occupies nearly eighty pages, and is really an extraordinary display, for the number of colleges, schools, societies, institutions, and the like that exists in this "favoured country." The compiler pleads guilty to probable errors, and asks for corrections; so we furnish one that concerns ourselves. The reduction in our price has not been noticed ; the Spectator still stands at 8d. an- stamped.

The Christian Statesman and our Indian _Empire. By the Reverend G. F. Maclear, B.A., &c.—This essay obtained the Maitland Prize for 1868, the theme being "the legitimate sphere of Government counte- nance and aid in the promotion of Christianity in India." We make no doubt it was the most deserving of the competing productions; but like many other prize essays it neither adds to our information, nor guides us to a new conclusion. Mr. Maclear runs over the usual topics of the ob- ligations which Christian faith imposes on Christian government and Christian rulers ; and does it in the style of a sermon. He then takes a retrospective survey of Anglo-Indian history, and Christian missions, mainly to show that the Hindoos do not feel aggrieved by attempts at conversion, or the mingling of religious with secular education. He dwells upon the obstacles which caste interposes, though he thinks they are made the most of; and he intimates truly enough the aid we should derive from educated Hindoo women, if we could get it. But the only really practical conclusions we arrive at, besides an encouragement of missions and religious education, are the maxim, first we think advanced by the Times, that in our secular dealings with the natives we should ignore caste altogether, and that we should furnish the people with a vernacular literature. The last a work of great difficulty and scarcely to be carried out by Government.

Concise History of England in Epochs. By J. Fraser Corkran, Esq., Author of a History of the French Constituent Assembly.—" To convey a broad and full impression " of the history of England " in its great epochs " is the object of Mr. Corkran. This he has accomplished by rapidly touching upon the well-known salient points, and occasionally by the justness of his characteristic terms, in summarily describing an epoch, rather than by any comprehensive grasp of his subject, or any new con- clusions he has drawn from modem researches. The little volume is a useful survey of English history, especially if read as an introduction, to be followed by more elaborate works. The facts appear correctly stated, but there is one strange error. Mr. Corkran says that Henry the Seventh executed the Earl of Derby for Warbeck's conspiracy, on the evidence of Sir Robert Clifford and Sir William Stanley. It was Sir William who was executed ; and what renders the error more remarkable is, that the story, which was dramatic in itself, is very dramatically brought out both by Bacon and Hume ; Bacon entering at length into the whole business, and with a fulness of politic remark rare even in Bacon.

Oceola. By Captain Mayne Reid, Author of "The Scalp Hunters," &I In three volumes.—The scene of Captain Mayne Reid's new romance of" Oceola " is laid in Florida, about the time of the Indian war waged under Scott. The scenery and natural phenomena of that wild region, constitute what a painter would call the background of the piece ; as its various classes of "representative men" and women form the dramatis person:a ; including planters of various characters, good and bad, "low whites," negro and mulatto slaves, and Red Indians. These elements being mixed together with love, villainy, and rivalry to con- stitute the interest, and an Indian war to give scope to fighting, abduction, and pursuit, there is no deficiency of story. Strictly, however, the fiction is rather a novel of adventure intended to surprise by the startling incidents and strongly-marked characters indicative of a wild and semi- barbarous mode of life, than by a closely connected tale, where the interest is centered upon a few persons, and arises from passion not " situation."

Although as different as difference can be from Mr. Murray's "Prairie Bird," yet that powerful story of planter and Indian life seems to have furnished Captain Reid with his general idea. The soldier, however, is more inordinate in his occurrences and adventures than the civilian ; and much more melodramatic. A truthful picture of the fron- tier settlements of Florida we are afraid " Oceola " cannot be called ; every thing is too exceptional. But it is a stirring succession of cha- racters and adventures, with sufficient vraisemblance to give an idea of far-off Southern life in America.

The Fate of Folly. In three volumes. By Lord B , Author of "Masters and Workmen," "Naples," &c.—The " stat nominis umbra" Lord B has returned from travels to his first love, and produced "The Fate of Folly." Instead of the former economical or philosophical style of fiction, however, "my Lord" has now tried his hand on a kind of Minerva Press novel, whose materials aro of the old- est. There is a weakminded proud old baronet, who has quarrelled with his son ; as ho had long before done with his own brother. He has also resigned himself to the arts of a near relation, one Dillon, a lawyer. Of course this man is the rogue of the piece, and sticks at nothing to foment the quarrel, or even remove the heir. The story is readable, and not without amusement and interest in its way ; but neither its matter, style, nor class rises above that of the circulating library, though the novel is good of its kind.

Examination Papers and Division Lists, Itc., for the Examination held in June 1858. [University of Oxford].—The interest attached to this publication is rather curious than practical, unless for intending candi- dates "not members of the University," who think they can foretell the future from the past. It strikes us that Oxford was somewhat easier than Cambridge ; but after all much is proposed that cannot properly be answered ; because many of the questions do not elicit practical know- ledge, but the dexterity, shall we say, of a ready writer ? Here we have the senior candidates in music called upon to define music, to define har- mony, to distinguish between harmony and melody—a thing the greatest masters who daily practice each might not be able to do in words, be- cause definition is not their business. There are thousands of practical musicians who know every form of notes when they see them, and can play them at sight, but they cannot tell you neatly and logically what a musical note is.

Half-hours with the Microscope. By Tuffen West.—A description of the microscope and the manner of using it, with directions for making experiments and observations on vegetables and animantia, or rather parts of both classes. The text is accompanied by illustrations of the objects to be viewed.

The flow of verse is no longer dependent upon the seasons : spring, summer, autumn, winter, are alike to the modern bard. Hail, rain, snow, or blow, cannot check his heat; and though few real poems appear there are often books of verse which exhibit power, spirit, and even freshness, and deserve fuller notice than it is possible to give them in these Parliamentary days. Mr. Holland's Bitter Sweet is of this kind. The foundation indeed is not equal to the superstructure raised upon it ; for there is the form of a dramatic poem, and the substance of a volume to enable a wife, whose husband has taken to tippling, to narrate her sufferings, and in so doing to dispossess another wife of her groundless suspicions against a most excellent husband, owing to his going about doing good rather too secretly. But the pictures of American rural life in New England are fresh and striking ; though it might be critically objected that the blank verse of the author is scarcely fitted for his theme. The subjects of the poem are at the best, of an everyday kind among persons in middle life ; but the manner is of that rather artificial drawingroom style of poetry which we think the late Mrs. Hemans originated ; and which adapted by her imitators to everything is scarcely fitted for anything except the conventional genteel. Mr. Mao Kellar's Lines for the Gentle and Loving is also an American book; and like the previous volume owes its chief attraction to American imagery and ideas, coupled with a certain easy freedom of diction. The poems are occasional, and mostly on themes of an everyday or domestic character, expressed with simplicity and poetical feeling, if not with much poetical spirit or literary finish. Naturalness is their most strik- ing quality. They seem to be the genuine effusions of a mind that pours forth its sentiments or reflections on domestic incidents or common occurrences ; not exactly in imitation of Poe and Longfellow, but some- times suggesting them. The Nary and other Poems of Mr. Buchanan, does not support the promise of that future excellence which friendly critics anticipated from his "Lyrics." In a preface where humble-mindedness does not pre- dominate, the author refers his readers, not to "Mary," or a longer poem called "The Graves," but to his sonnets and minor pieces. These no doubt are better for the reader, inasmuch as they are shorter • but we question whether, length for length, they exhibit more poetry or more finished workmanship. Mr. Buchanan's mind is not devoid of vigour and power, but he scarcely exhibits that something which we feel to be poetry, though we cannot define it ; and he is prone to let himself run to seed. As a first production there would have been pro- mise in his book. As a second designed to fulfil the expectations of a hopeful first, it is rather a failure.

Shots at Shadows is a political and literary "Satire, but--a Poem." Members of Parliament and critics are the general theme of Proteus, but Mr. Disraeli, and our excellent contemporary the Atheneum are his principal subjects. There is glibness and smartness in his verse, but he must not call his production a Satire." It wants all that a satire re- quires; and among other things depth of thought, accurate delineation, and power of expression.

The Poems by the author of " small as is the book, may be considered a new edition with additions. As regards scholastic culture, and the tone and finish which it imparts, this little collection may be placed at the head of the whole. But with the merits the poems have the drawbacks that often accompany classical study. The ideas are drawn from books as much as from life. In "England in India 1857," for example, the poet leaves the courage and heroic patience of the suffer- ers, and the fiery anger that animated the avengers, for the Greeks and the Vega.

Bitter Sweet; a Poem. By J. G. Holland, Author of" The Bay Path," Sm. Lines for the Gentle and Loving. By Thomas Mac Kellar.

Mary, and other Poems. By the Author of" Lyrics."

Shots at Shams. A Satire ; but—a Poem. By Proteus.

Poems. By the Author of ..17riel."

The " Russia " of the following brace of reprints is the collection into a volume of a series of clever and observing letters that recently appeared in the Continental Review. The "River Lee," is a revised and extended reprint of some topographical papers from the Irish Literary Gazette. .Russia. By a Recent Traveller in a Series of Letters, originally published in the Contsnental Review.

The Elver Lee, Cork, and the Cork onions. By Bryan A. Cody.

NEW SERIAL.

27w English Cyclopedia of Arts and Sciences. Conducted by Charles Knight. Part I.—When this undertaking shall be finally completed the public will be able to procure a new and revised edition of the "Penny Cyclopedia" with the aditional information brought down to the latest date, either in an entire circle of arts and sciences, or such brnehes of it as may suit their purpose. Biography embracing history, Geography in the extended sense which modern practice has given to the term, and Natural History are already completed. When the last month of 1860 shall arrive, they may obtain "the Arts and Sciences," of which the part before us is the commencement. To enumerate even the leading subjects that will be comprised in this work would require a long list, and, to mention the names of the eminent men who contributed to the original publication, or who now appear as "contributors and revisers" to the present would demand another equally long. From the nature of the articles as far as AL, the illustra- tive wood cuts are not so numerous as they usually are, when the real originator of the application of wood engraving to popular exposition is the conductor. But those in alto relieve and some few other papers are of great excellence. They have not, indeed, the smooth prettiness and minute finish that is growing into fashion, but they impress the charac- ter of the object by breadth and boldness. Among the more striking papers may be mentioned Abstinence, Academy, Acoustics, Agriculture and its agricultural accompaniments, together with Alchemy, Alcohol, and Alphabet.