DEATH OF LORD MACAULAY.-This well-known writer died in London on the 28th of December last, in the sixtieth year of his age. He was one of that brilliant coterie of essayists who made the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews so famous in the earlier decades of this century, and who established the modern canons of literary criticism. Not so philosophical as Mackintosh nor so racy as Sydney Smith, without the pathos of Wilson or the critical analysis of Jeffrey, he is superior to them all in the beauty of his style, the vigor of his imagination, and the skillful grouping of his thoughts. Though Macaulay was distinguished as an orator, a poet, and a historian, his power as an essayist has made his name famous, and he will be known more in this character than any other. As such, he probably had no rival in the whole course of English literature; and his fondness for this species of composition makes even his history read more like a series of essays, all of them brilliant and profuse of ornament, than a strictly-impartial or unbiased narrative.

Macaulay's style is clear and transparent, and it is questionable whether a single ambiguous or involved expression can be pointed out in the whole of his writings. There is a melody in his diction which even poetic numbers can scarcely surpass; while withal is a richness, a vigor, and a continuity which few writers have ever attained to. Of Macaulay's conversational ability, the prodigious power of his memory, his wonderful and extensive research, his minute investigation, and his unwearied diligence, marvelous stories are told. He had amassed an immense amount of material for the composition of his History, but the labor grew upon him as he advanced; and at last he leaves his work like the unfinished statue of some ancient artist, grand though but a fragment.

SEWING MACHINES.-The first patent for a successful sewing-machine was issued in this country, in the fall of 1846, to Elias Howe, jr., of Cambridge, Mass. Since that time nearly three hundred different patents have been granted; all of them of any practical value using the principle covered by the patent of Mr. Howe, which is the mode of making what is termed the "lock-stitch." Very few machines were manufactured prior to the year 1853; and as all the parties making sewing-machines using the feature just mentioned, are compelled to pay Mr. Howe a fee for each machine sold, and are also compelled to make quarterly returns to him, stating under oath the number sold, his books give a reliable account of the entire number sold by the different manufacturers. From this source, we learn that the total number of machines sold by Wheeler & Wilson, from 1853 to the end of last year, is 38,991; by Grover & Baker, 24.818; by I. M. Singer & Co., 23,353; and by Ladd & Webster, 3,352. The sales by Wheeler & Wilson in 1859 were 21,306; Singer & Co., 10,988;

Grover & Baker, 10,280; Ladd & Webster, 1,788; all others 1,881.

The use of the sewing-machine has already become far more extensive than the most sanguine anticipated. They are common in the family, and fully supply the wants of the needle in the household, and have become indispensable to the dressmaker, tailor, seamstress, and manufacturers of ready-made clothing, shirts and collars, skirts, hats, caps, ladies' gaiters, boots, shoes, harnesses, and upholstery; and every other manufactory, where the needle and thread are used, has been benefited by this invention. Many new branches of industry have been created, and their pursuit rendered highly remunerative.

Contrary to the predictions of many on the first introduction of sewing-machines, the sewing girlsthose whom necessity compels to earn their livelihood by the use of the needle-have been greatly benefited by this invention. Thousands of them have found better remuneration and lighter toil. It is no uncommon thing for those who, toiling night and day, could earn only one or two dollars per week, to now receive from three to ten dollars per week for operating a sewing-machine two-thirds as many hours, and with lighter labor. Indeed, many girls who own their machines have earned more than ten dollars per week.

ORIGIN OF AMBER.-Amber is found in many countries. It is particularly abundant on the shores of the Baltic; but is also found in Sicily, the Indian Seas, China, Siberia, North America, Madagascar, etc. The following facts show that the origin of amber goes back to the tertiary epoch, and that it is to be assigned to a resin, which flowed from the trunks of certain trees at that era: 1. We find amber in beds of tertiary lignites, in the form of numerous fragments, lying between the trunks of amber-trees. It is true that this substance has never been found adhering directly to any of the trunks; but the position of the fragments seems to admit of no doubt. 2. The analogy between copal and amber evidently indicates a similar origin. Their consistency, their color, their nature, and the fact that they both inclose organic remains, prove this resemblance, and concur in showing that amber, like copal, and many modern resins and gums, has flowed from the trunk and branches of a vegetable. It is probable that the large and irregular masses are the produce of the trunk, that the smaller ones have come from the branches, and that those which have a slaty structure have been formed by a series of layers. The great quantity thrown up by the Baltic Sea is probably owing to the existence of a considerable bed, situate in the south-west quarter of the present basin of that sea, toward 55° north latitude, whence the winds convey it by diverging to the different points of the coast of Prussia. This must have been the principal place where Baltic amber was formed, and the site

of the forest which produced it. This forest probably flourished on a low island, which marine currents, issuing from the north, submerged and destroyed.

CLOCK-MAKING.-The manufacture of clocks was commenced in this country about 1815, by Elias Terry, of Plymouth, who made wooden clocks, whittling out the wheels with a knife. The running was regulated by a heavy bag of sand, and was wound up by a ball at the other end of the cord. Terry used to make two clocks, swing them across his horse, and ride off in search of a market. Very soon he introduced the use of "brass movements," using old kettles, because brass was scarce. When he undertook to make two hundred clocks, people laughed at him, they thinking it would be impossible to sell them. In 1823 Hon. Chauncey Jerome commenced the business, and with progressive improvements the business now stands more perfected than any other in the country. In 1829 a wooden clock cost $11-now a much better one can be bought for $1.50. The business previously transacted by C. Jerome & Co., is now done by the New Haven Clock Company. In 1857 the Company commenced to make casings. Then it was thought wonderful that it turned out 75,000 elocks. In the year just ended the Company turned out 150,000 complete clocks and 176,000 finished

movements.

POPULATION OF CHINA.-The last census of China, in 1858, made the population over four hundred millions. In 1757 the census gave only 190,348,328; in 1780 it gave 277,548,431; in 1812 there were 361,693,179; and in 1841, the second last census accessible, 413,457,311. If any reliance can be placed upon the accuracy of these returns, the population of that empire has rapidly increased within the last century. It is not easy to reconcile these facts with the notion so often expressed, that China is in a state of decadence, and requires to have its life renewed by an infusion of foreign elements.

PAPER-MILLS.-Books and newspapers have multiplied to such an extent in our country that it now takes 750 paper-mills, with two thousand engines in constant operation, to supply the printers, who work night and day. These mills produced 270,000,000 pounds of paper the last year, which immense supply sold for about $27,000,000. A pound and a quarter of rags are required for a pound of paper, and 340,000,000 pounds were therefore consumed in this way last year.

TOYS.-The great majority of toys are made at Grunhainscher, in Saxony. The glass comes from Bohemia. The bottles and cups are so fragile that the workman has to labor in a confined and vitiated atmosphere, which cuts him off at thirty-five years of age. All articles that contain any metal are the produce of Nuremberg and the surrounding district.

MEXICAN CIVILIZATION.-The population of Mexico is about seven millions of souls, in only one million ef whom does white blood predominate. Six millions a. Indians, few of whom are Christians, and the greatest part of whom have never heard of Christianity. It is scarcely strange that a country with such a population fails in every attempt to rise to a

condition of that order which nothing but universal civilization can fully sustain.

THE JEFFERSON CITY UNIVERSITY.-We had prepared a notice of the laying of the corner-stone of this institution and of the speech of General Gardenhire for our last number, but it was crowded out. We now recur to the subject simply to commend this great enterprise to the sympathy and aid of our readers. The hope which we expressed in a notice of the University in our December number has not been realized. Under the head of "Religious Persecution in Missouri," the following has been going the rounds of the secular press: The Legislature of Missouri has again refused to charter a college at Jefferson City, on application of the conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The vote was 82 to 22 to dismiss the bill. Last year it was 92 to 16—so we gain a little. We are glad the trustees have passed a solemn resolution to present the charter at every session till granted, and if not granted within the lifetime of the present board, the duty will be transmitted to their successors. The issue is joined in Missouri between education and slavery, religious freedom and slavery, the common rights of citizenship and slavery, and it will never be abandoned by the friends of social order and progress till liberal principles shall triumph.

LADIES' SKATING.-Among the many delightful customs which we have introduced from father-land, one has of late become very popular with our ladies. We refer to skating. The notion that outdoor sports is an unladylike accomplishment must have originated in ignorance, and we are glad girls are beginning again to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine for their exercise without the reproach of immodesty or hoidonhood. Upon the frozen lakes and streams of the winters in northern Germany and Scandinavia, women as well as men engage in the healthful and invigorating exercise of skating, and oftentimes travel from one place to another in this way, rather than ride in wheeled vehicles or in sleighs. The art of skating has been learned by many young ladies in our towns and cities, and facilities are afforded them for practicing it on the pools in some of our city parks. As an evidence of the increasing popularity of skating, we quote from one of the eastern papers the following statement: No less than six hundred thousand pairs of skates have been sold in New York during the last fall. This is by far the largest number ever known to have been disposed of there in The supply of English skates was nearly exhausted before winter set in.

one season.

DEATH OF PROFESSOR ESPY.-Our older readers will recollect the interest which was felt a few years since in Professor Espy's theory, and his lectures on the causes of storms. But little attention had been paid by our citizens to meteorology. A few, however, made the weather their peculiar study, and among these James P. Espy, whose death occurred in this city a few weeks ago, stood preeminent. Whatever may be thought of his views of storms, there can be no doubt that his studies have materially aided scientific research.

(1.) GOTTHOLD'S EMBLEMS; or, Invisible Things understood by Things that are Made. By Christian Scriver, Minister of Magdeburg in 1671. Translated from the twenty-eighth German edition, by the Rev. Robert Menzies, Hoddam, England. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. Square 12mo. pp. 316. Price, $1. For sale by G. S. Blanchard, Cincinnati.-We have already expressed our appreciation of this unique production by making numerous selections from the English edition for our pages. The work first appeared in Germany nearly two hundred years ago. So great was the popular favor it then received that it speedily passed through twenty editions. We wonder that it has only within a few years been translated into English. We have had many translations of works from Germany, misty, dark, perplexing, and inspiring doubt; here is one that may be placed beside Baxter's "Saints' Rest," and Doddridge's "Rise and Progress." For sharp insight into the Bible and the world of nature, for a ready apprehension of their teachings, and for quaint expressiveness of style, we know not its equal. Even the Calvinistic dead flies now and then found in the ointment are lost sight of in the grateful influence of the work upon the mind and heart. We can say with a cotemporary that if any more pure gold like this can be found in the old mines of Germany we hope it may soon be dug out and brought to light. The American publishers have issued it in a style that comports with the character of the work.

(2.) SPRAGUE'S ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN PULPIT. The sixth volume of this great work-a lusty 8vo of 860 pages-is before us. The design of Dr. Sprague is to furnish a biographical sketch of the distinguished ministers of each Christian denomination. These are to be classified so that the representatives of each denomination will appear in separate volumes by themselves. The present volume is devoted to the Baptist denomination. It begins with Hansard Knollys in 1638 and Roger Williams in 1639, and in chronological order comes down to John Lightfoot Waller, LL. D., in 1840, comprising 170 of the most eminent divines of that denomination.

Dr. Sprague is now engaged upon the volume devoted to the Methodist Church. From his catholicity of spirit, his fine discrimination, and his persevering effort, we are led to anticipate a volume of rare interest to us as a denomination as well as to the Christian world.

(3.) CHRISTIAN BELIEVING AND LIVING. Sermons by F. D. Huntington, D. D., preacher to the University, and Plummer Professor in Harvard College. 1 vol. 12mo. 528 pp. Boston: Crosby, Nichols & Co. Cincinnati: George S. Blanchard.-Dr. Huntington has been long known as one of the most able and eloquent divines of the Unitarian school. Of late a large public interest has been excited with reference to him on account of his supposed tendencies toward

evangelical faith. It would seem that he began a thorough Unitarian in the convictions of his reason,

but soon found that in the soul there were wants and cravings not satisfied by its doctrines and life. From this starting-point, by study, prayer, reflection, and earnest faith in the Divine, he has gradually emerged from the Christian deism of philosophical Unitarianism into the light of evangelical faith. If there was any doubt about his position heretofore, these sermons on "Christian Believing and Living" will dispel that doubt. Here, at least, he stands forth an evangelical man, receiving and vindicating the great doctrines of the Trinity and the atonement. The preparatory discipline, through which his acute and well-trained mind had gone, prepared him to make a presentation of the cardinal truths of Christianity with a freshness, originality, and force rarely found in works of this description. The student minister will do well to make this one of the text-books in his course of study.

(4.) SKETCHES OF NEW ENGLAND DIVINES. By Rev. D. Sherman. New York: Carlton & Porter. Cincinnati: Swormstedt & Poe. 1860. 12mo. 443 pp. $1.Twenty-one biographical sketches, illustrative of ministerial life and character, reaching back as far as 1585, and bringing us up nearly to the present time. Among them appear Jesse Lee, Hedding, Fisk, Hibbard, Bridge, Pickering, Merritt, and Olin. The sketches are well prepared, and the volume a valuable acquisition.

(5.) THE EIGHTEEN CHRISTIAN CENTURIES. By Rev. CinJames White. New York: D. Appleton & Co. cinnati Rickey, Mallory & Co. 1 vol. 12mo. 538 pp. This is a republication from the second Edinburgh edition. It is an attempt to condense all European history since the advent of Christ into a single volume. Of course it can be only compendious and elementary in its character. And even as such it is necessarily crowded and superficial. As a history it appears still more mechanical from the arbitrary century divisions. Yet, while the work should not take the place of the more extended and philosophical histories of these ages, we can recommend it as one of the most valuable compendiums we know of.

(6.) MYRA; or, a Grandmother's Story of her Early Days. By Mrs. C. M. Edwards. 18mo. 147 pp.

(7.) WIDOW DAVIS AND THE YOUNG MILLINERS. 18mo. 110 pp.-Are Sunday school books issued by Carlton & Porter.

(8.) THE TRUE EVANGELIST. By Rev. James Porter, D. D. 16mo. 162 pp. The main subject of this book is to explain, guard, and defend the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is accompanied with an introduction by Rev. Abel Stevens, LL. D.

(9.) HARRY'S SUMMER IN ASHCROFT, with illustrations. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1860.-Another delightful book for boys. Next summer it will make a pleasant companion for them when they go to the country, telling them how they may find employments and amusements to make their visits agreeable. For sale by Rickey, Mallory & Co., Cincinnati.

(10.) NOTES FROM PLYMOUTH PULPIT. By Augusta Moore. New York: Derby & Jackson. 12mo. 310 pp. $1.-Our readers will recognize in the editor one of the gifted contributors to our pages. The work is made up of memorable passages from the sermons of Mr. Beecher, taken as they fell from the lips of the speaker. It is evident that the writer caught the very spirit of the living, thinking, feeling minister. As a whole it constitutes the best daguerreotype of Henry Ward Beecher extant. We know not who the western agents are, but it ought to be on sale with every bookseller in the country.

(11.) RAINBOW's JOURNEY is one of the capital series of "Stories of Rainbow and Lucky," by Jacob Abbott. New York: Harper & Brothers. Cincinnati: Rickey, Mallory & Co.

(12.) HIDDEN TREASURE; or, the Secret of Success in Life. By Miss Sarah A. Babcock. 12mo. 264 pp. New York: Carlton & Porter. Cincinnati: Swormstedt & Poe.

(13.) THE STILL HOUR; or, Communion with God. By Austin Phelps, Professor in Andover Theological Seminary. Boston: Gould & Lincoln. Cincinnati: George S. Blanchard. 16mo. Pp. 136.-Devotional books are often apt to be dry, not because of their subjects, which are always of the highest importance and interest, but from the arid and barren style in which they are written. The little volume whose title we have given is not of this class, but in a happy and interesting manner delineates the various modes of worship, distinguishing between the formal and spiritual, and suggesting the only right methods of fulfilling the Scriptural command to worship in spirit and in truth. Its perusal will not fail to awaken attention, and prove both instructive and interesting.

(14.) GREAT FACTS: a Popular History and Description of the most Remarkable Inventions during the Present Century. By Frederick C. Bakewell. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Cincinnati: Rickey, Mallory & Co. 12mo. Pp. 307.-What Beekman's History of Inventions was with regard to the state of science and art at the date of its first publication, this volume is, in smaller compass, to the condition of scientific industry now. It contains brief accounts of the principal inventions and discoveries of the present age, written in a simple yet correct style, and grouping them so as to set forth their most distinctive features without flourish or declamation. The book will prove valuable for reference in the absence of larger works of a similar character, and will answer the purpose of a cyclopedia for the subjects which are included in it.

(15.) SEVEN YEARS AND OTHER TALES. By Julia Kavanagh. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Cincinnati: Rickey, Mallory & Co. 12mo. Pp. 423.-Miss Kavanagh's writings do not belong to the sensation school, but rather to the didactic; that is, to the class of fiction written to enforce some moral precept or teach some useful lesson. "Seven Years" is one of this kind.

(16.) HISTORY OF PETER THE GREAT, EMPEROR of RUSSIA. By Jacob Abbott. With engravings. New York: Harper & Brothers. 18mo. Pp. 368. For sale by Rickey, Mallory & Co., Cincinnati.-The bistory of Peter the Great is more wonderful, more romantic than romance itself. The adventures and events of bis remarkable life are narrated here in a

style so clear and fascinating that he who takes up the volume will not willingly let it drop.

(17.) AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF DAN YOUNG: a New England Preacher of the Olden Time. Edited by W. P. Strickland. 12mo. 380 pp. New York: Carlton & Porter. This is another contribution to the biographical department of our Church literature. It is written in a clear and strong diction, and combines much of our early Methodistic history both in the east and the west, enlivened by the stirring incidents of the early times. One peculiar feature of the book, adding immensely both to its attractiveness and its intrinsic value, is the description of the personal appearance of many of the early heroes of Methodism, and the portraitures of their character, given from personal acquaintance and actual observation. Those most thoroughly read in Methodist history will here find much that is new. We bespeak for the volume a large circulation.

(18.) SELF-HELP, with Illustrations of Character and Conduct. By Samuel Smiles, author of the "Life of George Stephenson." New York: Harper & Brothers. Pp. 363. For sale by Rickey, Mallory & Co., Cincinnati. This is an excellent book for the youth of our country. We would that it could be scattered broadcast. Its origin will best illustrate its design and character. Some fifteen years ago a few youth met in a room of a cottage in one of the northern towns of England for the purpose of mutual instruction and improvement. Their number increased, till at length it reached a hundred young men, who, being determined to press onward in the work of self-culture, obtained an old dingy apartment for their meetings. In that large room they assembled at evening to teach each other geography, arithmetic, history, chemistry, modern languages, whatever any one of them knew. Becoming ambitious they applied to the author of this work to address them and "talk to them a bit," which was, in fact, the opening of a course of lectures. In the volume before us we have the substance of a course of lectures on self-culture, abounding with illustrative facts and incidents gathered from the memorials of hundreds of eminent men who made themselves by persevering application and industry.

(19.) RESTATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE: in twenty-nine sermons. By Henry W. Bellows. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Cincinnati: Rickey, Mal

lory & Co. 12mo. 434 pp.-Dr. Bellows has attracted special public attention from being the grand projector of the Broad Church, as it is called. These discourses seem less designed to develop the fixed doctrinal views of the author than to show his unfixedness. Indeed, he says of himself, "Not wishing to appear any more fixed or consistent in my views than I really am, I have been careful to select discourses from both poles of my experience, and with a total disregard to superficial agreement and coherency." The text of the first sermon-" Seeking rest, and findeth none"-expresses evidently the condition of the author. We doubt whether the reading of these discourses will help any one into any better state.

(20.) HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, from the discovery of the continent to the close of the first session of the Thirty-Fifth Congress. By J. II. Patton, A. M. 8vo. 806 pp. New York: D. Appleton & Co. For sale by Kile, Cleveland & Co., Indianapolis, agents for Ohio and Indiana.-We have at least two elaborate histories of the United States-Hildreth's and Bancroft's each worthy of its theme. Then we have innumerable compends or school histories-most of them admirably adapted to their place and purpose. Between these two classes there is a wide field designed to be occupied by the work before us. who have not the money to purchase, nor the time to read the larger histories, will find in this book just what they need. It is written in a style simple and perspicuous, and yet sufficiently elaborate for historical purposes. So far as we have found time to examine, we find it alike pleasing and truthful in narrative. We know of no work which will so well supply this acknowledged want of our national lit

erature.

Those

pp. 25 cents net. Cincinnati: Western Book Concern.This little volume came into our hand just as we were closing our number. We have time for only a cursory examination, and just twenty-eight lines of space in which to express the results, so far as now reached. The inquiry of Professor Harris relates simply to the powers of the General conference-not the justice, wisdom, or expediency of exercising those powers. His aim is to ascertain what those powers are. He thus wisely discriminates: "What are the powers of the General conference, and what will be a wise and discreet use of these powers, are questions totally distinct. It can never be expedient for the General conference to transcend its powers. It may be equally inexpedient to do some things for which its powers are ample."..." Were it settled beyond all cavil that the General conference has full authority to pass a rule excluding all slaveholders from the Church, it does not follow of necessity that such a rule ought to be made." From this excerpt our readers will gather the single aim of the argument. We judge from the outline that the Professor adheres to his text, and follows up the argument closely. Of the conclusiveness of the argument we shall not venture to speak 1

till after a more careful examination.

(24.) PAMPHLETS.-1. The New Sabbath School Manual. By S. B. Wickens.-2. The Heavenly Conqueror. A Sermon by Rev. William Morley Punshon.- -3. An Itinerant Ministry. A Sermon by the Rev. S. Clements, jr., of the Detroit annual conference. 4. Catalogue of Mt. Allison Ladies' AcademyNew Brunswick. Rev. John Allison, A. B., Principal, with eight teachers. -5. Holiness, the Need of the Church. A Sermon by Rev. G. C. Wells, Troy conference.- -6. Address before the Julia Dumont

(22.) THE PATH WHICH LED A PROTESTANT LAWYER TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. By Peter H. Burnett. 8vo. 741 pp. Cincinnati: New York: D. Appleton & Co. Rickey, Mallory & Co.

(23.) THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, with a Special Application to the subject of Slaveholding. By William L. Harris. 18mo. 156

7. The Christian Rule of Life. A Sermon preached at
the funeral of Mrs. Hannah L. Stearns, of Rouse's
Point, New York. By Rev. Angelo Canoll.-8. I
Report of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at Columbus,
Ohio, for 1859.- -9. Report of the Asylum for Idiots,
Columbus, Ohio, 1859.-10. Report of the Central
Asylum for Lunatics, Columbus, Ohio, 1859.-
Sermon, occasioned by the Death of Mrs. Eliza M'Intyre.
By Rev. Wm. B. Sprague, D. D.-12. Report of the
Commissioners of the Ohio State Library, 1859.

at will is one of the prerogatives of genius; and it is a highly-valuable "institution," and convenient withal. But like some other good things it is a monopoly of the guild, else I would dream too, and tell you my dreams. Very probably I should be as nearly correct as many of them are in claiming the dreamer's privileges, for certainly some of my cogitations are very dream-like, incoherent, reckless of the proprieties of time and place, and generally fantastical. You may therefore receive this my lucubration as day-dreaming or night-dreaming, as you please; nor shall I inform you whether I was in