"The Good Time Coming."—Coming! In our blessed land it has come. Are not the means of happiness around us in inexhaustible profusion? All now needed is, that human energies be engaged as earnestly in working up these materials, and using these advantages for good, as men work for gold; and the wonderful, waited-for era is here.

Have we not steam for a Pegasus, lightning for a postman, and the glorious sun for an artist to help, or rather hurry onward, the work of improvement in all material things? and free institutions, free schools, and a free press, to aid, or rather force, mental development! and the open Bible, the Christian Sabbath, and the preached gospel to enlighten the soul!

Nothing seems wanting but heavenward faith and human endeavor.

Women have much, very much to do in this work. Home is the centre of happiness; the cradle of every heroic man is tended by woman's angel care; his soul bears the impress of her kindly teachings, as the daguerreotype plate shows the kiss of the sun in the picture it calls forth. Every mother should aim to make her son worthy of living in the "good time," and then it will be.

Oh, but there are terrible evils to suffer—evils that will forever surround humanity—poverty, pain, death! Can we have the "good time" on earth, while these inevitable evils haunt us?

Death is not an evil to the good, but only the seal of eternal, unchangeable blessedness. Poverty may be made the means of increased and exquisite happiness to society, when the true principles of Christian charity, and brotherly love, and gratitude are universally observed. Disease will lose most of its malignity when God's laws, impressed on our physical nature, are understood and obeyed; and pain has been mitigated, indeed, nearly annihilated, by the wonderful discovery of etherization, which seems now providentially brought to the aid of suffering humanity, so that all classes of mankind might find cause for rejoicing in the "good time." The aid of this Lethean balm in banishing the horrors of the hospital, can hardly be over-estimated; the merits of the discovery are yet but partially acknowledged; we must leave these themes to the medical corps—but the good results on humanity our sex ought most thankfully to acknowledge. This thought reminds us of a duty we owe our readers—an introduction to the home of one who has most certainly done his part towards helping on the "good time." The paper has been delayed for want of room; but it shall go in now, as a fit tribute for the New Year.

Etherton Cottage—A Visit there.—Our readers will remember an engraving of this beautiful cottage in our March number of last year. We gave then a slight sketch of the discovery of Etherization, and of the struggles through which Dr. W. T. G. Morton had fought his way onward to the completion of his great purpose; and how he had proved, by the testimony of the most honored members of the Medical profession in Massachusetts, his right to claim the discovery of the "AnÆsthetic and pain-subduing qualities of Sulphuric Ether." But great scientific discoverers, like great poets, are not always as happy at home as they are celebrated abroad. Fame is not always, we are sorry to say, synonymous with domestic felicity. Those who unite both, deserve amaranths among their laurels, and both are deserved by the owner of Etherton Cottage, as we think our lady friends will agree, when they go with us to that pleasant home, where we had the pleasure of spending a day during our last summer tour in New England.

West Needham, notwithstanding its poor prosaic name, is really a pretty, pastoral-looking place, surrounded by low, wooded hills, protecting, as it were, the fine farms and orchards, and the pleasant dwellings, everywhere seen in the valleys and on the uplands around. In twenty minutes after leaving the bustle of Boston, if the cars make good speed, you will reach this rural scene, where Nature still holds her quiet sway, except when the steam-horse goes snorting and thundering by.

Here, in the heart of this still life, Doctor Morton, some seven years ago, selected an uncultivated lot, covered with bushes, brambles, and rocks, and, by his own science and taste, and the strong arm of Irish labor, he has formed a home of such finished beauty as would seem to require, at least, in its gardens and grounds, a quarter of a century to perfect. His grounds slope down to the railroad embankment; but a plantation of young trees, and on the height above, thick groves, of a larger growth, hide the buildings from view as the cars pass on this great route from Boston to the West. From the station it is a pleasant drive through the shaded and winding way as you ascend the rising grounds to the south. Suddenly turning a shoulder of the knoll, Etherton Cottage is before you. The effect was fine, and what made the scene more interesting to us was the presence of another cottage nestled near by, smaller but equally pleasant-looking, where we knew Dr. Morton had settled his good parents. Here they live as one household, and from the windows of Etherton Cottage may be seen the dwelling of another member of the family, a sister, now happily married, for whom the Doctor also cared.

We might give a long description of these pretty cottages and beautiful grounds, but words are wasted to little purpose in landscape or architectural descriptions. So leaving the walks, arbors, flowers, and fountains, we will introduce you at once to Mrs. Morton, a lady whose attractions and merits we had heard much praised while in Washington last winter. She is, indeed, one of those true women who seem born to show that Solomon's old picture of a good wife and mother may now be realized. The Doctor seems very fond and proud of her, as he may well be; and their children—the eldest a girl of nine, the youngest a boy of three years, with a brother and sister between—formed a lovely group of more interest to us than all the "superb views" around. So we will just tell you, dear reader, of the family and their home pursuits, as these were revealed to us during that interesting visit.

We should say here that Doctor Morton has relinquished his profession, and now passes his summers entirely at this country residence, and his winters in Washington, where he hopes soon to gain from Congress some reward for his great discovery of Etherization. When this is granted, he intends visiting Europe, where he is urgently invited by the savans of the Old World. It will be a triumph for Young America to send forth a man so young, who has won such distinction. It seemed but a few years since we first saw Willie Morton, a clerk in the publisher's office where our own magazine was issued; and now we were his guest, in his own elegant dwelling, surrounded by every requisite of happiness.

His country life is just what it should be, devoted to rural pursuits and filled up with plans of home improvements. You only feel the presence of his inventive genius by its active operation on the material world around. Not a word is heard of "chloroform" or "ether" at Etherton Cottage; but various contrivances for obviating all defects or difficulties in bringing his domain into the perfect order he has planned, meet you at every turning, and all sorts of odd combinations appear, which, when understood, are found to contribute to the beauty or utility of the whole. In short, everything useful is made ornamental, and the ornamental is made useful.

Then the Doctor has a passion for surrounding himself with domestic animals. This we like; it makes a country home more cheerful when dumb dependents on human care share the abundance of God's blessings. So after dinner we went to the barn to see the "pigs and poultry." This barn, fronting north, was quite a model structure, built on the side of the sloping ground, combining, in its arrangements, rooms for the gardener (an Englishman) and his family, and the barn proper, where the horse and cow had what a young lady called "splendid accommodations." There was also a coach-house and tool-room, a steam-engine room where fodder was cut up, and food—that is, grain of several kinds—ground for the swine and poultry; also a furnace where potatoes were steamed. The water was brought by hydraulic machinery from a brook at the bottom of the grounds for use in the barn, and everything was managed with scientific skill and order.

The arrangements for the poultry were very elaborate. Their rooms were the first floor at the back or southern front of the barn; of course, half underground. This lower story had a lattice-work front, and within Mrs. Biddy had every accommodation hen life could desire. Into these apartments the troop were allowed to enter at evening through a wicket opening in this southern front; but in the morning the poultry all passed out into the north-eastern portion of the grounds allotted them, where was a pool of water for the water-fowl, and a fine range for all. Still, the green field at the south, the running brook, and the eventide meal made them all eager to rush in whenever the gate between the two portions of their range was opened. It was this rush we went to witness.

We stood in the main floor, near the southern or back door of the barn, which overlooked the green field: the little gate opened, and such a screaming, crowing, gabbling ensued, and such a flutter of wings, that for a few minutes it was nearly deafening. A pair of Chinese geese led the way of this feathered community. These geese, a present from the late statesman, Daniel Webster, to Dr. Morton, who prized them accordingly, were entirely brown, of large size, carrying their heads very high, and walking nearly upright; they sent forth shouts that made the air ring. They seemed to consider themselves the Celestials, and all beside inferiors. Next, came a pair of wild geese; one wing cut, and thus obliged to remain in the yard, they had become quite tame; but still, their trumpet-call seemed to tell their love of freedom. These, too, were brown, with black heads, and long lithe necks, that undulated like the motions of a snake, with every movement. Very unlike these were the next pair of snow-white Bremen geese, stout, fat, contented-looking creatures, only making the usual gabbling of geese which are well to do in the world. Among the varieties of the duck genus were several of the Poland species; snowy white, except the vermilion-colored spots on the head, that look like red sealingwax plasters round the eyes. These ducks made a terrible quackery. But the domestic fowl was the multitude: there appeared to be all kinds and species, from the tall Shanghais, that seemed to stalk on stilts, to the little boatlike creepers that move as if on castors. It was a queer sight, such an army of hens and chickens, rushing hither and thither, to pick up the grain scattered for their supper. And then the pride of the old peacock; he just entered with the rest, then spread his heavy wings and flew up to the ridge-pole of the barn, where he sat alone in his glory. It was, altogether, a pleasant sight.

But within the barn was a lovelier spectacle. From the centre beam hung a large rope, its lower end passing through a circular board, about the size of a round tea-table; four smaller ropes passed through holes near the edge of this round board, at equal distances, and were united with the large rope several yards above, thus forming four compartments, with the centre rope for a resting-place. In these snug spaces were seated the four beautiful children, like birds in a nest, swinging every way in turn as the little feet that first touched the floor gave impulse.

It was a lovely picture of childhood made happy by parental care for the amusements of infancy. The father's genius had designed that swing to give pleasure, as it had discovered the elixir for pain, by taking thought for others. With both Dr. Morton and his amiable wife, the training of their little ones seemed the great subject of interest. The children were well governed, this was easy to see, and thus a very important point in their instruction was made sure. They were also made happy by every innocent and healthful recreation. Their future destiny seemed the engrossing object of their parents' minds; to bring up these little ones in the fear and love of the Lord, their most earnest desire.

During the evening, the topic of education was the chief one discussed, and we parted from this interesting family fully assured that the good old Puritan mode of uniting faith in God with human endeavor was there understood and acted on. Miss Bremer might find, at Etherton Cottage, a charming illustration of her "love-warmed homes in America."

The Wives of England.—We are glad to see that attention has at length been called to the sufferings and injuries of that unfortunate class, the women of the lower orders in England. The recent murder of a woman by her husband, habitually given to beating her in the most cruel manner, with other flagrant instances of similar brutality, have called forth several warm remonstrances from the London press. During a recent session of Parliament, a bill was passed, making such offences punishable by lengthened imprisonment, but the law has been found inadequate. A late writer in the "Morning Chronicle" calls loudly for corporeal punishment, and says: "We have brutes, not men to deal with; the appeal must be made to the only sense they possess, the sense of physical pain. The law can and must lay on the lash heavily; the terror of the torture will soon restrain those on whom all other means have failed."

"The Times," in an indignant article on the same subject, dwells upon the indifference and supineness of neighbors and bystanders, during these scenes of violence, and ironically calls upon the draymen and carters of London, whose outraged virtue led them to apply the lash to General Haynau for whipping women in far-off Hungary, to stand by their own countrywomen. "If Lynch law is to prevail in England," says the "Times," "let it not exclude the defence of Englishwomen."

Though no advocate for Lynch law, we cannot but marvel that, in the breasts of Englishmen, that misdirected sense of justice which is at the bottom of all such illegal acts, should be so entirely wanting; and, as the purpose of the "Times," in its appeal to the draymen, is to arouse this feeling, and make a power of public opinion, we heartily agree with it. We must, however, dissent from the writers in both of these journals, when they advise recourse to corporeal punishment. You cannot lash a man into a sense of his error; you but degrade and brutalize him the more. Let the axe be laid to the root, begin with his moral nature. Educate him; elevate his character by teachings from the pulpit and school-room; take away his disabilities; teach him to respect himself, and he will soon learn to respect others. The hardened sinners who now pollute the earth by such misdeeds will, ere long, be called to their great account. Let England see that the generations now rising do not follow in their footsteps.

Our Friends.—A Happy New Year to all who are with us this glad morning. The Old Year has passed away, and with it much that we loved is gone. Let us hope the coming year will bring us many opportunities of doing good—and that God will assist our feeble endeavors to improve the time as it passes. Then the Year will be happy indeed.

Original and selected articles are before us in such profusion, as we open this wonderfully capacious receptacle of scraps and MSS., that the difficulty will be to stop when we once begin arranging this mosaic of literature. However, we have the year before us, and every month will require its pictures and precepts. Here are a few.

Mystery.—In the beauty of form, or of moral character, or of the material creation, it is that which is most veiled which is most beautiful. Valleys are the mysteries of landscapes.—Lamartine.

Unjust Acquisition.—What do we mean by unjust acquisition? It is not to be measured by its extent, but by its principle. Unjust acquisition is to take what is not your own; and who does that more than one of those poor gin drinkers, who has sold his morsel of bread to buy his own destruction, and then thinks another ought to be forced to replace it?—Mrs. Marsh.

Eclectics.—Eclectics, in philosophy, are for the most part les demi-esprits, who are incapable of viewing facts in their wholeness; just as the eclectics in politics are they who want the honesty to be quite pure, and the courage to be quite rogues. Such persons make systems from inconsistent scraps, taken from discordant philosophy, with the same taste as the architects of the Middle Ages erected barbarous edifices with the beautiful fragments of antiquity.—Lady Morgan.

Conversation.—There is scarcely any source of enjoyment more immediately connected at once with the heart and with the mind, than that of listening to a sensible and amiable woman when she converses in a melodious and well-regulated voice, when her language and pronunciation are easy and correct, and when she knows how to adapt her conversation to the characters and habits of those around her.—Mrs. Ellis.

Dreams of Youth.—Clouds weave the summer into the season of autumn; and youth rises from dashed hopes into the stature of a man.

Well, it is even so, that the passionate dreams of youth break up and wither. Vanity becomes tempered with wholesome pride, and passion yields to the riper judgment of manhood; even as the August heats pass on and over into the genial glow of a September sun. There is a strong growth in the struggles against mortified pride; and then only does the youth get an ennobling consciousness of that manhood which is dawning in him, when he has fairly surmounted those puny vexations which a wounded vanity creates.

But God manages the seasons better than we; and in a day, or an hour perhaps, the cloud will pass, and the heavens glow again upon our ungrateful heads.—Ik Marvel.

Right Preparation for Marriage.—We are thoroughly acquainted with each other's character, tastes, and habits; and both of us believe there is a singular, even an extraordinary degree of mutual adaptation in all our views, feelings, and wishes. Perhaps I might have mentioned that my dear friend is about six years younger than myself. Two months hence I shall be thirty-seven years of age. Our acquaintance has now been as much as seven years, and our avowed engagement about five. I regret that the union has been unavoidably deferred to so advanced a period of life; but I never wish I had been married very young. I do feel grateful to Heaven for the combination of valuable gifts I hope for in my beloved. Her conscience, intellect, and tenderness are the chief. In her society and co-operation, I do indulge a sanguine hope of improving in every respect, by a more quiet and pleasing manner than I have done in a given space during all these past years of gloomy solitude.—John Foster.

We will now give an original poem, fresh from the pen of one whom, from the lack, probably, of a "right preparation for marriage," does not seem to find her home—what it should be—the place of improvement as well as happiness. She shall have free space for her experiences. We hope her warnings may be heeded by all young lady teachers, and that they will not leave a sphere where they are contentedly useful even to be married, until sure, as good John Foster was, that there is a "mutual adaptation" in the connection.

THE SCHOOL-MISTRESS MARRIED.

Oh, for my little school-room, my green benches, my two cracked bricks!!!

To Correspondents.—The following articles are accepted, and will appear as soon as we have room: "The Interview," "Blessington's Choice," "The Last Night of Caulaincourt," "Twilight," "O'er bleak Acadia's Plains," "To O. L. H.," "There's Music," "Eventide," "Stanzas," "The Last Moments," "To a Coquette," "The Pet," and "To the Ladies' Friend, Mr. Godey." Several other articles are under consideration.

"The Fall of the Leaf," and "Autumn and its Memories." Will our correspondents please remember that we have to prepare our "Book" for each month at least two months previous to its date? Both the above articles are accepted; but we cannot publish them before March, when it will be the spring and not fall of the year.

The following manuscripts are declined: "Stanzas," "Elfie St. Claire," "To a Departed Sister," "Absence is no Cure for Pure Love," "The Last Indian," "Autumn Leaves" (this poem, intended for October, did not reach us till November, so was out of season), "The New Year, 1854" (these "Lines" are not exactly suited to our "Book." The writer's youth affords hope of improvement. The annuals for this season are all out), "Hatred," "The Mistake," "Singing Schools," "Absence," "Pride," and "A Fragment."

Literary Notices.

Books by Mail.—Now that the postage on printed matter is so low, we offer our services to procure for our subscribers or others any of the books that we notice. Information touching books will be cheerfully given by inclosing a stamp to pay return postage.

From E. H. Butler & Co., Philadelphia:—

THE BOW IN THE CLOUD; or, Covenant of Mercy for the Afflicted, is the appropriate title of a work which can hardly fail of a welcome to the homes and hearts of the sorrowful. It is divided into five portions, viz., "Affliction," "Resignation," "Comfort," "Leaning on the Cloud," and "The Sleep in Jesus," each of which is most skilfully and tenderly brought to bear on the particular kind of affliction under which the burdened soul may complain. The articles, original and selected, are chosen and prepared with great care, and the pious and eminent writers who have contributed to this volume insure its excellence. It is beautifully printed and illustrated; no other work of the kind within our knowledge unites such various merits.

THE WHITE VEIL: a Bridal Gift. By Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale. This book is beautifully got up, the publisher sparing no expense that could add to its embellishment. The contents are varied, comprising choice articles from eminent authors, and the sentiments of the wise and good of every age respecting marriage and conjugal love. We hope it will be the favorite gift-book of the season, and be always among the bride's treasures. pp. 324.

THE AMERICAN STATESMAN; or, Illustrations of the Life and Character of Daniel Webster. Designed for American youth. By Joseph Banvard. There have been such a variety of publications relating to Daniel Webster since his decease, that there hardly seemed room for another. But this neat-looking and well printed volume will be a welcome gift to the young American. There is room for this book, and a welcome, too.

From Harper & Brothers, New York, through Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia:—

THE HOMES OF THE NEW WORLD, &c. By Frederika Bremer. Translated by Mary Howitt. This work, hurriedly written during Miss Bremer's travels through our country, is a compound of journal and letters to her sister and friends in Sweden. It possesses much interest, but needed revision and condensation to make it what it should have been from its popular author. The letter to the Queen of Denmark will be read with deep interest. It is a synopsis of the opinions expressed throughout the book, which, on the whole, are favorable, and in a better spirit than English tourists have ever exhibited. We shall refer to the work again.

LOUIS XVII. His Life—his Sufferings—his Death. The Captivity of the Royal Family in the Temple. By A. De Beauchesne. Translated and edited by W. Hazlitt, Esq. Embellished with vignettes, autographs, and plans. Great care appears to have been taken to sustain the horrible events recorded in this volume, by the production of witnesses living at the time the work was written, and by the production of documents, the authenticity of which seems unquestionable. After this, we think that the Rev. Mr. Williams, and his credulous friends, will feel it to be their duty to postpone indefinitely their claims upon the throne of France. We hope the reverend gentleman, forgetting what appeared to be his high dignity and destiny, will throw himself at the feet of his poor Indian mother and acknowledge his undutifulness, and the scandal he has given by his vain attempts to repudiate her maternal authority.

LADY LEE'S WIDOWHOOD. From "Blackwood's Magazine." A cheap edition of a very delightful story, with which many of our readers have, no doubt, already formed some acquaintance.

THE YOUNG MAN'S INSTITUTE. We have here the Third Report of the Board of Trustees, and great progress seems to have been made. One question that occurred to us we could not solve by this report. Lectures are instituted. Are women permitted to attend? And can women have access to the libraries?

MORRIS'S POETICAL WORKS. We have had the pleasure to receive, with the "kind respects of the author," a copy of the beautiful edition of his poems recently published by Charles Scribner, New York; splendid, indeed, in paper, in printing, in its engravings and binding, but more admirable on account of its literary merits and its poetical gems, in which are chastely blended the most attractive sentiments of love, friendship, honor, and patriotism, enlivened here and there with a dash of wit, humor, or wholesome satire. As a song-writer, Mr. Morris has but few competitors in this or any other country. He possesses a peculiar faculty for expressing in heart-thrilling versification those domestic and national feelings which are common to every race and kindred of the civilized world. His productions, therefore, in that line of poetry, have attained a popularity as warm as it is general among all who speak the English language. They have also been translated into several languages of the European continent, and have thus not only spread far and wide the reputation of the author, but have contributed to perpetuate the fame of our country, and to extend the free spirit of our people, and a knowledge of the liberality of our institutions to the remotest nations. If it is true that the songs of a people form a prominent and reliable feature in their history, then may it be as truly said that our friend Morris has done his share in promoting the ends which all historians must necessarily keep in view. And as this elegant volume, so creditable to American art, genius, and feeling, could only have been produced by a heavy expenditure of time and money, we most sincerely hope that the author, and all who have had any hand in its beautiful illustrations, will meet with a quick and substantial reward for their patriotic labors.

From Lippincott, Grambo, & Co. (successors to Grigg & Elliot), No. 14 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia:—

THE UNDERGROUND MAIL AGENT. By Vidi. Illustrated with designs by White. This, as the reader will be most likely to judge from the title, is another of those works which have been published in rapid succession, setting forth the advantages and the disadvantages, the humanity and the inhumanity of a certain domestic institution. The object of the author has been to contrast the condition of those who live subject to the institution referred to, and to render its general aspects more favorable to their comfort and happiness, than is the condition of the same race of beings in the enjoyment of personal freedom. A tale of some interest, but of no great probability, is interwoven with the main design of the author.

From J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall, New York, through W. B. Zieber, Philadelphia:—

LIFE IN THE MISSION, THE CAMP, AND THE ZENANA; or, Six Years in India. By Mrs. Colin Mackenzie. In two volumes. This is evidently the work of a woman of good sense, amiable feelings, and acute observation, possessing, withal, a courageous Christian heart. Her close and well-written narrative will afford the reader a vast deal of instructive incident illustrative of varied life in India. Its minute descriptions of the domestic habits and manners of the oppressed and idolatrous natives, its continued references to the arduous duties of the missionaries, and its often indignant comments upon the tyrannical forms and practices of the Anglo-Indian government, will most fully command the attention of the reader to its close.

From Ticknor, Reed, & Fields, Boston, through W. P. Hazard, Philadelphia:—

MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE RIGHT HON. EDMUND BURKE; with Specimens of his Poetry and Letters, and an estimate of his Genius and Talents compared with those of his great Contemporaries. A new edition, revised and enlarged. By Thomas Pryor, Esq. In two volumes. This is a standard work, which no student of political history, no public speaker, no statesman should be without. The subject of this interesting memoir, Edmund Burke, was one of the most eloquent, liberal, just, and fearless men of the eventful times in which he lived. And yet he was remarkable for his modesty and unobtrusiveness—we might almost say for the humility of his character. On this account, if on no other, these volumes would form an important and instructive study for many of the young men of the present day, who are aspirants for literary, legal, or political honors. They will show to them how consistently the highest attainments in any or all these branches can be made to secure to their possessors the highest triumphs, without a single departure from the strictest propriety, and while sustaining a reputation as guileless as that of childhood.

LIGHT ON THE DARK RIVER; or, Memorials of Mrs. Henrietta A. L. Hamlin, Missionary in Turkey. By Margarette Woods Lawrence. In these memorials of a pious and amiable missionary lady, the Christian reader will meet with consoling examples of faith and resignation to the will of God under the severest trials and afflictions.

From Blanchard & Lea, Philadelphia:—

OUTLINES OF SCRIPTURE GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY: illustrating the Historical portions of the Old and New Testaments. Designed for the use of schools and private reading. By Edward Hughes, F. R. A. S., F. R. G. S., Head Master of the Royal Naval Lower School, Greenwich hospital; author of "Outlines of Physical Geography," "An Atlas of Physical, Political, and Commercial Geography," etc. etc. It will not be required of us by the observing Christian, who has read the title of this work, that we should say more than that it is all it modestly pretends to be. To the devout student of the Holy Scriptures it will impart a new and delightful interest. It will at once strengthen his faith and enlarge the sphere of his knowledge, rendering him familiar not only with the characters of the prophets and apostles, but familiar also with their places of birth, of their places of residence, of the routes they travelled, and of the scenes of their sufferings and triumphs. A great portion of the work is formed of extracts from the writings of religious and literary men, who have visited the interesting regions described, and in whose contemplations we have all the beauties of the sublimest poetry blended with the simplest truths of Scripture history.

From D. Appleton & Co., New York, through C. G. Henderson & Co., Philadelphia:—

THE LIFE OF WILLIAM PINKNEY. By his Nephew, the Rev. William Pinkney, D. D. Here is a work that will at once recommend itself to the American student and the general reader. If any good reason can be given why we should be familiar with the orators and statesmen of Europe, there can certainly be no excuse for our ignorance in regard to the same class of men whose names are an honor to our own country. Among the illustrious men who were the contemporaries of Clay, Webster, Calhoun, Marshall, and others, all of whom have passed away, was William Pinkney, the subject of these memoirs. Perhaps no one among his great competitors exceeded him in eloquence, and certainly none of them ever had greater opportunities of becoming acquainted with the statesmen and the diplomatic policy of England and of Europe, during one of the most eventful periods in history. This volume will be deeply interesting to our young men.

From L. K. Lippincott, No. 66 South Third Street, Philadelphia:—

THE LITTLE PILGRIM. A Monthly Journal for Girls and Boys. Edited by Grace Greenwood. This is the modest title of a neat and pleasant-looking periodical, which has just entered upon its career of usefulness, under the editorial charge of one well known to our readers. We are happy to see our fair friend engaged in an occupation so congenial to her heart as that of providing for the literary wants of the little ones. That Grace's reward may be commensurate with the worth and excellence of what she can and will do is our heartfelt wish, and one which, if granted, will find her "Little Pilgrim" a welcome visitant to every household in the land.

The terms of the "Little Pilgrim" are fifty cents a year, or ten copies for four dollars. Payment invariably in advance.

From G. P. Putnam, New York, through W. B. Zieber, Philadelphia:—

MR. RUTHERFORD'S CHILDREN. This is the first number of a juvenile series, to be published under the general title of "Ellen Montgomery's Book-Case." When we state that it is from the pen of the author of "The Wide, Wide World," "Queechy," etc., our friends will require from us no other assurance of its merits. We are glad to see our writers turning their attention to a better kind of literature for children. Books of this class, even from authors of moderate abilities, are acceptable; but, when they bear the impress of genius and talent, they are, indeed, invaluable. Under their influence, we confidently hope the rising generation will grow up pure in morals, with noble and affectionate hearts, and with minds well stored with things not brilliant only, but useful and entertaining. The engravings in the volume by which these remarks have been elicited are beautiful. The types with which it is printed are large and clear, and the paper exquisite.

WESTERN CHARACTERS; or, Types of Border Life in the Western States. By J. L. McConnell, author of "Talbot and Vernon," "The Glenns," etc. etc. With illustrations by Darley. This is a highly entertaining volume, written in a clear, forcible, and pleasant style, and valuable for the amount of interesting information it contains with regard to characters, some of which, a century hence, perhaps, will have no living representatives. As to the correctness of these "Types," we are not abundantly qualified to speak; but they seem to us to be accurate, and certainly are delineated with a skilful and vigorous hand.

From J. W. Moore, 195 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia:—

THE LIFE, EULOGY, AND GREAT ORATIONS OF DANIEL WEBSTER. We have already noticed the appearance of this volume, and spoken favorably of its character. It is sold wholesale and retail by the gentlemanly publisher, from whom we have received our present copy.

From Eli Adams, Publisher, Davenport, Iowa:—

THE PENNY MAGAZINE, of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. American republication from the English plates. Volume 1. Semi-monthly Parts, 1, 2, and 3. In this age, one is to be surprised only by something that is really surprising. We confess we were not a little astonished by receiving, from what was lately the backwoods, these finely printed numbers of a new edition of an old favorite. May success attend the efforts of the enterprising publisher!

CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Go to Henderson & Co., Corner of Fifth and Arch Streets, and there you will find the handsomest assortment in the city. They have sent us "Happy Days of Childhood," by Amy Meadows. It contains twenty-four splendid full-page engravings—pictures, really handsome embellishments, showing artistic skill and beauty, very different from those of any other house that we have yet seen. We have also received from Messrs. H. & Co. two large quarto Children's Books, each entitled "The Picture Pleasure Book for 1854," containing in each number five hundred engravings, and all executed in the most masterly manner. These are books that one feels gratified in presenting to children; they are complimentary to the donor's taste. Call at Henderson & Co.'s and see their superb assortment.

NOVELS, SERIALS, PAMPHLETS, &c.

From D. Appleton & Co., New York, through C. G. Henderson & Co., Philadelphia: "All's not Gold that Glitters: or, the Young Californian." By Cousin Alice, author of "No such word as Fail," "Contentment better than Wealth," etc. etc. If we did not recollect a happy event which took place some months since, we might, indeed, feel surprised at the accuracy with which Cousin Alice describes a voyage around Cape Horn, as well as the condition and habits of the miners and other worthy citizens of the gold regions. But, after all, our personal recollections have nothing to do with the real merits of the book, which are, indeed, of the first order, morally, intellectually, and in its vivid and truthful powers of description.—"Parley's Present for all Seasons." By S. C. Goodrich, author of "Parley's Tales," etc. This is a handsomely illustrated volume, containing twenty-five of Peter's pleasant tales for children.—"Busy Moments of an Idle Woman." This volume comprises several excellent tales.

From Dewitt & Davenport, New York: "Helen Malgrave; or, the Jesuit Executorship: being a Passage in the Life of a Seceder from Romanism." An Autobiography.—"The Monk's Revenge: or, the Secret Enemy." A tale of the later Crusades. By Samuel Spring, Esq.

From J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall, New York, through W. B. Zieber, Philadelphia: "The Blackwater Chronicle. A Narrative of an Expedition into the Land of Canaan, in Randolph County, Va.—a country flowing with wild animals, such as Panthers, Bears, Wolves, Elk, Deer, Otter, Badger, &c. &c., with innumerable Trout—by Five Adventurous Gentlemen, without any aid of government, and solely upon their own resources, in the Summer of 1851." By "the Clerk of Oxenforde." This book is mainly descriptive of a romantic and beautiful section of country, the advantages of which are imperfectly understood.

From Charles Scribner, New York, through A. Hart, Philadelphia: "Gustavus Lindorm; or, 'Lead us not into Temptation.'" By Emilie F. Carlen, author of "One Year of Wedlock," "The Bride of Ombery," etc. With a preface to her American readers by the author. From the original Swedish, by Elbert Perce. This is a very interesting domestic tale by a favorite author. The preface pays a handsome tribute to some of the best American writers, while the work itself sustains throughout a high moral and religious feeling.—"Tip-Top; or, a Noble Aim." A book for boys and girls. By Mrs. S. C. Tuthill, author of "I'll be a Gentleman," "I'll be a Lady," etc. etc. This is a most attractive little volume. The wholesome lessons it contains cannot fail to make a deep and salutary lesson upon the minds of youthful readers.—"Sparing to Spend; or the Loftons and Pinkertons." By T. S. Arthur. It has been truly said of Mr. Arthur, that he never writes without an aim, and that always a good one. The high moral aim of the present volume is "to exhibit the evils that flow from the too common lack of prudence, self-denial, and economy in young people at the beginning of life; and also to show, by contrast, the beneficial results of a wise restriction of the wants to the means." No one will rise from the perusal of this naturally written story without feeling himself strengthened in all good and honorable resolutions.—"The Little Drummer; or, Filial Affection." A story of the Russian campaign. By Gustav Nieritz. Translated from the German, by Mrs. H. E. Conant. This little work, which will greatly interest the youthful reader, is from the pen of a favorite German author.

From T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "The Countess de Charny." We have received the second and last volume of this charming work by Dumas. We would willingly have three or four more volumes.—"Ten Thousand a Year." By the author of the "Diary of a London Physician." In one volume complete. Price 50 cents.

From Bunce & Brother, New York, through T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "The Star Chamber: an Historical Romance." By Wm. Harrison Ainsworth, author of "Old St. Paul's," etc. etc.—"Jack Adams, the Mutineer." By Capt. Frederick Chamier, R. N., author of "The Spitfire," etc.

From Hermann J. Meyer, 164 William Street, New York: Nos. 3, 4, and 5 of "Meyer's Monats Hefte," a beautifully printed and illustrated German magazine.—Parts 6 and 7, Vol. 2, of "Meyer's Universum."—Parts 4 and 5 (East and West) of "The United States Illustrated; or, Views of the City and Country." With descriptions and historical articles. Edited by Charles A. Dana. This is a valuable publication, presenting some of the finest views on the American continent, elegantly engraved by the first artists.

"Ladies' Winter Book of Crochet Patterns." Miss Annie T. Wilbur has issued a pamphlet containing a large number of receipts for working crochet patterns. It is published by Moses H. Sargent, of Newburyport, Mass. The explanations are very minute, and Miss W. has herself worked every pattern that she has given in the book.

Chemistry for Youth.

Scintillations in the Atmosphere.—When a globule of sodium is thrown into hot water, the decomposition is so violent that small particles of the metal are thrown out of the water, and actually burn with scintillation and flame in passing through the atmosphere.

A Lamp without a Flame.—Procure six or eight inches of platinum wire, about the hundredth part of an inch in thickness, coil it round a small cylinder ten or twelve times, then drop it on the flame of a spirit-lamp, so that part may touch the wick and part remain above it. Light the lamp, and when it has burned a minute or two, put it out; the wire will then be ignited, and continue so long as any spirit remains in the lamp. Lamps manufactured on this principle are sold sometimes by the chemists.

Luminous Characters.—Take a piece of phosphorus and fix it firmly into a quill; with this write any sentence or fanciful figure or character on a whitewashed wall, and in the dark the characters will appear beautifully luminous. Care must be taken while using the quill to dip it in a basin of cold water frequently, or the repeated friction will cause it to inflame, to the manifest detriment of the operator.

Light produced from Sugar.—If two large pieces of sugar (loaf) are rubbed together in the dark, a light blue flame, like lightning, will be emitted. The same effect is produced when a piece of loaf sugar is struck with a hammer.

Green Fire.—Take of flowers of sulphur thirteen drachms, of nitrate of barytes seventy-seven drachms, of oxymuriate of potash five, of metallic arsenic two, of charcoal three. The nitrate of barytes should be well dried and powdered; it should then be mixed with the other ingredients, all finely pulverized, and the whole triturated until perfectly blended together. A little calamine may be occasionally added, to make the mixture burn slower.

The Protean Light.—Soak a cotton wick in a strong solution of salt and water, dry it, place it in a spirit lamp, and, when lighted, it will give a bright yellow light for a long time. If you look through a piece of blue glass at the flame, it will lose all its yellow light, and you will only perceive feeble violet rays. If before the blue glass, you place a yellow glass, the lamp will be absolutely invisible, though a candle may be distinctly seen through the same glasses.

Light from a Flower.—Hold a lighted candle to the flower of the fraxinella, and it will dart forth little flashes of light. This beautiful appearance is caused by the essential and inflammable oil contained in small vessels at the extremities of the flower, which vessels burn at the approach of any inflamed body, setting at liberty the essential oil, as that contained in orange-peel is discharged by pressure.

Brilliant Light from Steel.—Pour into a watch glass a little sulphuret of carbon, and light it; hold in the flame a brush of steel wire, and it will burn beautifully. A watch-spring may also be burnt in it.

Light from Flannel.—Shake flannel in the dark, and it will emit a light similar to that produced from rubbing the back of a cat.