him of his goods, and left him as one dead, in his house on Circus-street. It was long before this old man recovered, and when he did, his intellect was a wreck, and nothing save his business habits were left to save him from total insanity. Since then he has followed the business of selling socks.

But it were unjust to the old man to give so imperfect an abstract of his history. Let us roll back the tide of time some quarter of a century, and a tall, fine looking gentleman, may be observed walking down Broadway, in New York. Fair ladies ogle him as he passes, and feel flattered when he smiles on them. And is it strange ? -for the smiler of that day is a wholesale merchant of princely fortune! After that changes came. The merchant, broken in fortune, removed to New Orleans, and his remains may now be found in the muttering sock seller of the Poydras Market. There is a strange tale of love connected with the old man.

AN ENTERPRISING WOMAN IN CALIFORNIA.

We have before us, says the Boston Traveler, a private letter from a lady, though a hard-working woman, in California. It would interest our readers, we have no doubt, as it has us, were we at liberty to publish it entire. The writer appears to keep a restaurant or eating-house, in a mining village. Among her visitors she accidentally discovers the son of an old Connecticut acquaintance, and finding he was endeavoring to induce his father and mother to visit California, she writes this letter to encourage them forward. After an introductory explanation of who she was, and where they became acquainted with each other, she goes on to say :

"I have made about $18,000 worth of pies-about one-third of this has been clear profit. One year I dragged my own wood of the mountains and chopped it, and I have never had so much as a child to take a step for me in this country. $11,000 I baked in one little iron skillet, a considerable portion by a camp fire, without the shelter of a tree from the broiling sun. But now I have a good cooking stove, in which I bake four pies at a time, a comfortable cabin, carpeted, and a good many Robinson Crusoe' comforts about me, which, though they have cost nothing, yet they make my place look habitable. I also hire my wood hauled and chopped. I bake on an average about 1,200 pies per month, and clear $200. This, in California, is not thought much, and yet, in reality, few in comparison are doing as well. I have been informed there are some women in our town clearing $50 per week at washing, and I cannot doubt it. There is no labor so well paid as women's labor in California. It is hard work to apply one's self incessantly to toil, but a few years will place you above want with a handsome independency. I intend to leave off work the coming spring, and give my business into the hands of my sister-in-law. Not that I am rich, but I need little, and have none to toil for but myself. I expect to go home some time during the present year, for a short visit, but I could not be long content away from the sunny clime of this yellow land. A lovelier or more healthy climate could not be, and when I get a few friends about me, I think I shall be nearly happy again.

HONESTY IN BUYING AND SELLING.

Some are not honest in buying or selling. Their rule is, to buy at all times as cheap as they can, and sell as dear as they can. This is a wicked rule. We often trade with those who do not know the worth of the thing bought or sold. It is cheating them, to make the best bargain we can. Sometimes we trade with those who are in great want, and we fix our own prices, and make them much too high if we sell, or too low if we buy. There is a fair price for everything. Let that be paid or taken for everything. He who is just and true, and loves his neighbor as himself, will soon find out what a fair price is. Almost all men use too many words in buying and selling; and when too many words are used, there is almost always a lie somewhere.

CONSUMPTION OF OPIUM IN ENGLAND.

The quantity of opium entered for home consumption in 1850 amounted to 42,324 lbs., and during the year 1851, it had increased to 50,368 lbs., being an increase of 8,044 lbs. over that of preceding years. It would, therefore, appear that as dram drinking decreases opium eating increases.

ANECDOTE OF HEALTH INSURANCE.

A thin, cadaverous looking German, about fifty years of age, entered the office of a Health Insurance Company in Indiana, on the first day of May, 1852, says the Daily Courier, and inquired

"Ish te man in vot inshures de peeple's helts ?"

The agent politely answered, "I attend to that business, sir."

66

Vell, I vants mine helts inshured; vot you sharge?"

"Different prices," answered the agent, "from three to ten dollars a year; pay ten

dollars a year and you get ten dollars a week in case of sickness."

66

Vell," said Mynheer, "I vants ten dollar vort."

The agent inquired his state of health.

"Vell, I ish sick all the time. I'se shust out te bed too tree hours a tay, unt te doctor says he can't do noting more goot for me."

"If that's the state of your health," returned the agent, "we can't insure it. We only insure persons who are in good health.”

At this Mynheer bristled up in great anger.

"You must tink I'se a tam fool; vot you tink I come pay you ten dollar for inshure my helt, ven I vos vell.”

The ginger of Commerce is the produce of a plant growing in both the East and West Indies. In its appearance it resembles a reed, but the stems arise from a root similar to the root of the garden sweet flag, or iris. Like the root of this flower, that of the ginger plant spreads and increases in size every year. From the upper surface of the ginger root arises, in the spring, a green reed-like stalk, about two feet and a half high, which bears narrow lance-shaped leaves. The flowers of the plant, which are white and liliac, grow on a separate stem. The ginger we employ as a spice is the root, to obtain which the plant is cultivated in much the same way potatoes are, and when the stalks have withered, the roots are dug up. The best and soundest of them are selected, scraped quite clean, and carefully dried in the sun, when they are ready for exportation and use. The inferior roots are scalded in boiling water instead of being scraped; and these when dried form what is called black ginger, a very inferior kind. The color of black ginger, as it is termed, is yellowish grey on the outside, and orange brown within. In shape it is thick and knotty. The best or white ginger, being scraped in preparing it, is less in size, not being so thick or knotty; its color is of a light yellow, and its taste is much more pungent and aromatic than that of the black kind.

INCREASE OF THE BRITISH IRON TRADE.

The entire make of pig iron in 1750 was 30,000 tons. It may now be estimated at 2,250,000 tons-a progressive increase of 100.000 tons per annum. The exports during the past four years have been-1848, 657,005 tons; 1849, 729,164 tons; 1850, 808,262 tons; and 1851, about 912,655 tons. At the commencement of 1851, the demand for Welsh railway bars rapidly increased, particularly for America, and extensive orders were taken, at prices ranging from £5 to £5 78. 6d. per ton, and these prices were sustained until near Midsummer. From that time to September orders were effected at an average of about £4 12s. 6d. per ton, when the market sank into a very dull and inanimate state, and, up to the present moment, has shown no signs of immediate revivification. From recent inspection of most of the rolling-mills in South Wales, the weekly output of finished rails is estimated at 10,000 tons; and this amount is somewhat confirmed by the shipment of iron at the ports of Newport and Cardiff, which, in the past year, has amounted to about 550,000 tons.—Mining Journal.

THE PRODUCTION OF WINES IN OHIO.

The production and sales of Catawba Wine in the vicinity of Cincinnati, is getting to be an extensive business. The Cincinnati Gazette is informed that the value in material, land, and labor, at present involved in the culture with a few miles of that city, is full half a million of dollars.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent. By GEORGE BANCROFT. Vol. 4, 8vo., pp. 462. Boston: Little & Brown.

Although the fourth volume, in the order of the history of the United States, yet this one is of special interest, as opening with the commencement of the revolutionary period. It begins with scenes of the year 1748, and closes with those of the year 1763. Those small and irritating disputes which took place during the earlier years of this period, and fermented passions which gradually burst into a terrific flame, are here presented to the reader with greater clearness and distinctiveness than can be found in any other work. The author seems readily to apprehend the point at issue in every struggle, and holding this prominently before him, his narrative is embellished with the description of the characters who were actors on the occasion, the language they used, and with representations, to some extent, of their feeling. Thus history, in his hands, is not simply a narrative, but it approaches as nearly to the active and speaking scenes of life as modern taste will permit. A work of this kind can never become tedious, or wearisome to the reader; every page is new and fresh. Such preeminently is the fact with this history. In regard to the manner in which the principles of the revolution are viewed and discussed, it is unnecessary to speak. The well known sympathies of the author are a sufficient guaranty that justice will be done to those of popular liberty, while the infuriated struggles of power always to retain its ebbing forces, are drawn with a fidelity that will present an image of the hideous specter to all posterity. As a whole, we regard the work as first among American histories, for its masterly delineations, for its eloquent passages, its burning thoughts, its jus: views of popular principles, and its glorious anticipations for more in the

future.

2.-A Treatise on the Criminal Law of the State of New York; and upon the Jurisdiction, Duty, and Authority of Justices of the Peace, and Incidentally of the Power and Duty of Sheriffs, Constables, &c., in Criminal Cases. By OLIVER LORENZO BARBOUR, Counsellor at Law. 8vo., pp. 870. New York: Banks, Gould & Co. The object of this treatise is sufficiently indicated in its title. The first edition, published in 1841, was exhausted several years since. The new constitution, and the legislation consequent thereon, has made important changes in the organization of the Courts of New York, as well as in the method of administering the criminal law, and rendered a thorough remodeling of the work necessary. This the learned author has done, by examining every page, correcting such errors and omissions as were discovered, and adding new matter, to the extent of one entire book, and several chapters; besides referring throughout the work to the recent English and American cases and text books. On the whole, this edition is greatly improved, and reflects, in an eminent degree, the present state of the criminal law, as far as its plan extends, which appears to be as comprehensive as the subject will admit. This volume, like all the works of those eminent law publishers, Messrs. Banks, Gould & Co., is produced in a handsome and substantial style.

3.-A New and Improved French and English and English and French Dictionary &c. By A. G. COLLOTS, Professor of Languages and Literature, late Professor in the University of Oxford, England, and author of a complete course on the French Study. 8vo., pp. 1,324. Philadelphia: C. G. Henderson & Co.

This dictionary is composed from the French dictionaries of the French Academy, Laveaux, Boiste, &c., from the English of Webster, Johnson, Richardson, and from the dictionaries and works of science, literature, and art of Brande, McCulloch, Ure, and others, and contains a great number of words not to be found in any other dictionaries. An examination of its pages has convinced us that it is the best French dictionary of its class that has yet been published. The most marked feature, and that which imparts to it value to the American reader, is the fact that it is more full and complete in the clear definition of terms used in art, science, and Commerce. To the importer engaged in the French and European trade, it must prove an indispensible vade mecum. It is not a mere reprint of other dictionaries, but an original compilation of all former dictionaries.

4.-Austria in 1848-49; being a History of the late Political Movements in Vienna, Milan, Venice, and Prague, with Details of the Campaigns of Lombardy and Navarre, a full account of the Revolution in Hungary, and Historical Sketches of the Austrian Government and the Provinces of the Empire. By WM. H. STILES, late United States Chargé. With Portraits. 2 vols., 8vo., pp. 391 and 444. New York: Harper & Brothers.

No American possessed better opportunities for the preparation of such a work than Mr. Stiles, our late minister to Austria. These advantages he has most industriously and carefully used. He witnessed the rise, progress, and final catastrophe of the revolution in Austria. He embraced the means afforded by his official residence in Vienna to collect materials from all sources to illustrate the general history of the times. By constant reference to official documents, some of which were in the imperial archives, and to public authorities, and by his own observations, he has presented us with what appears to be an exceedingly faithful picture of the eventful struggles in Vienna, in Milan, in Venice, and in Prague, as well as details of the campaigns in Lombardy, Piedmont, and Hungary. The history of the empire in former years is also sketched at some length. This was necessary to a clear understanding of the causes of the revolution. Those who are interested in the general tendency of events in Europe will find these extremely interesting volumes. They are free from all partisan spirit, calm, sensible, and discriminating in observation, and in excellent taste. The style of the author is clear, forcible, and manly. His work, while it will do him much honor by its excellence, will prove far the most valuable on the subject before the public.

5.-The Works of Stephen Olin, D. D., LL. D. 2 vols., 12mo., pp. 422 and 475. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The contents of these volumes are sermons and sketches, and lectures and addresses. The author was a man of unusual cultivation of mind, and his works are of a superior order. As one of the most able and eminent of the Methodist persuasion, his influence has been remarkably felt upon the standard of scholarship in that body. The subjects of these discourses and lectures are of almost every variety connected with moral subjects, which can interest the thoughtful and reflective mind. They are written in a forcible and earnest style, and come within the apprehension of all readers. 6. The Principles of Courtesy; with Hints and Observations on Manners and Habits. By GEO. W. HARVEY. 12mo., pp. 300. New York: Harper & Brothers. "It is the design of this work," says the author in his preface, "to illustrate and enforce the duty of Christian courtesy." He also warns readers against the sentiments of many writers on this subject, as being worldly and low. Of course, there is no subject upon which so little of real value has been written as this of Christian courtesy and charity. In these pages the author treats of the "spirit" and the "forms" of courtesy at considerable length. His work may be considered as a valuable addition to the scanty materials we possess on this subject, which is destined, in a future age, to arrive at such a pre-eminent place in human estimation.

7.-Romanism at Home. Letters to the Hon. R. B. Taney. By KIRWAN. 12mo., pp. 272. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The author of these pages acquired some reputation a few years since by the suc cess among Protestants of certain letters by him, which were addressed to Bishop Hughes. This work is of the same stamp. It presents many of the antiquated follies into which Romanism in the Old World has fallen, with all the keenness and sharpness with which a smart opponent would attack them. Of course, there can be no apology tolerated among intelligent men for some of the ridiculous practices here stated.

8.-Woodreve Manor; or, Six months in Town. A Tale to suit the Merits and Follies of the Times. By ANNA H. DORSEY. 12mo., pp. 334. Philadelphia: A. Hart. Readers will find this quite an interesting and agreeable tale; there may be some parts in which it is somewhat overwrought, but these are few and far between.

9.-Elementary Latin Grammar and Exercises. By DR. LEONARD SCHMITZ, F. R. S. E. 16mo., pp. 246. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard.

Beginners in the study of the Latin language will find this a very simple and intelligible work on the rudiments of that language.

1013

We have received the first two volumes of the works of LYMAN BEECHER, D. D. The series will, when complete, occupy some five or six volumes, which will be published chiefly in chronological order, indicating the exigencies which occasioned their production, and their adaptation to the state of things at the time. The first of the two volumes before us consists of lectures on political atheism and kindred subjects; together with six lectures on intemperance. The second volume contains a series of sermons delivered on various occasions, including sermons on the government of God; the Remedy for Dueling; a Reformation of Morals practicable and indispensable; the Bible a Code of Laws; the Design, Rights, and Duties of local Churches, &c., &c. Dr. Beecher's lators as a public, moral, and religious teacher, extend through a period of fifty years, and of course include facts and instructions, which might not otherwise be noticed on the page of secular or ecclesiastical history, and which will, in coming ages, when their antiquity shall have magnified them, be eminently worthy of preservation, as exhibiting the image and body of the times; and stand forth the testimonials of a glorious progress in all the elements of the moral and political civilization of the world. The volumes are beautifully printed on a bold-faced type, and cover some four or five hundred pages each.

11.—Boydell's Illustratious of Shakspeare. Parts 39, 40, and 41. New York: S. Spooner.

The first illustration of these parts is taken from King Henry VI., Act 2, Scene 3, where Talbot summons his followers before the Countess of Auvergne. The next is from the following scene of the same play, in which the challenge is given to pluck "a red or white rose." The evil spirit addressing Brutus," as represented in the play of Julius Cæsar, is a fine engraving. It displays, in a striking manner, the difference in the style of the art at the time these engravings were executed, and at present. There is a force, a manly strength of expression which has now given place to that which is finer, softer, and more polished. The next illustration is a scene between Antony and Cleopatra," from the play of that name. It is remarkably well executed. In the next illustration of a scene in the play of Troilus and Cressida, the matron is quite a dumpy figure; almost too much so for a lady dallying with a lover. The representation of all the figures is quite stately, and such as well becomes a class of nobles. We have often spoken of the merits of these plates, and of the success of the restoration. Those who have not examined them have certainly not seen something very fine.

12.-A Rhyming, Spelling, and Pronouncing Dictionary of the English Language. By J. WALKER, author of the "Critical Pronouncing Dictionary." 8vo., pp. 706. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston.

In the United States, so prolific in rhymsters, if not of poets, such a dictionary as this must be regarded as a desideratum of no small importance. This is just the thing for all who desire to acquire the art and mystery of writing words or putting down one's thoughts in rhyme. In this dictionary the whole language is arranged according to its termination-every word is explained and divided into sylables exactly as pronounced, and words liable to a double pronunciation are fixed in their true sounds by a rhyme. Words difficult of pronunciation are rendered easy, by being classed according to their endings, &c. It also embraces a copious introduction to the various uses of the verb, with critical and practical observations on orthography, syllabication, pronunciation, and rhyme; and for the purposes of poetry is added an index of allinable rhymes, with authorities for their usage from our old English poets. 13.-History of England, in Verse, From the Invasion of Julius Cesar to the Present Time, with Illustrative Notes, Chronological Chart of the Kings of England, Table of Cotemporary Sovereigns, and a Table Descriptive of the Present Condition of Great Britain. By HANNAH TOWNSEND. 16mo., pp. 146. Philadelphia: Lindsay

& Blakiston.

This little work has been prepared under the impression that verse is more readily retained in the memory than prose, and thus historical incidents may be more easily remembered. The idea is to some extent just. In this instance, the versification has nothing to commend it unless it be a little more euphony than mere prose.

14.-Bible Temperance against Ultra Teetotalism. By SHELDON BUCKINGHAM. 8vo., pp. 127. New York: Angel, Engel & Hewitt.