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other professional men, and thus every community
o>ijoy within itself a Faculty of Teachers—not illy
nullified to impart instruction in such themes as we
have named. With these evident materials for oral
instruction in the reach of all, how, we are led to
enquire, can there be so little improvement of them 1
Why are there not such Lectnres as we describe, in
every town in the South 1 The answer would be too
humiliating for our pen; and we leave the question
Avith every reader for solution. We propose, then,
that those who desire to have their sphere of knowl
edge enlarged —their field of observation extended,
; .iid their sources of happiness increased —unite in
c ime manner, according with their wishes and con
venience, for the purpose of enjoying oral instruction
ii the Physical Sciences, or in any of the afore-men
tioned departments of knowledge.
We know that wherever such organizations have
been effected, the result has been happy—and we
believe that they are preeminently adapted to dif
fuse that knowledge which, from its very essence, is
the natural antagonist of idle superstitions and pop
ular fallacies.
If the objection should be urged, that professional
men have not the leisure to prepare such lectures as
we suggest —an objection certainly not always of
force —we would meet it by proposing that the
teachers —for there are frequently several in a town
—shall be encouraged to deliver courses of lectures
iu their school-rooms—open to the public for a mod
erate fee —sufficient, however, to provide them with
the appliances of successful instruction, and to com
pensate them, in some degree, for the valuable time
expended in this public service.
We arc not advocating an impracticable scheme.
()n the contrary, it is one eminently available, and
still more eminently needed, throughout the South.
We have no disposition to hide the truth from our
people, that there is a woful lack of such intelligence
among us —that we are far, very far, in the rear of
our Northern brethren in matters of mind! It is
not pleasant, certainly, to remind them of their defi
ciencies, but we were unjust to them and untrue to
ourself, as a Literary Journalist, if we failed to de
clare the fact, and to reiterate it in their hearing
’until they are aroused to a sense of the evil, and to
active measures of Reform!
We have faith to believe that a brighter day is
rvbout to dawn upon the Southern mental horizon.
The conviction of our deficiencies is fastening itself
upon the minds, and finding utterance in the ad
dresses of our public speakers and writers. As our
people are impulsive and ardent, we may bope that
when they are moved to action, it will not be in
vain. We desire —most fervently desire —to see the
South asserting her intellectual freedom —shaking
off her literary vassalship, and standing forth in all
the pride and glory of her native mental resources.
When shall this picture be realized 1 When shall
we have our own literary organs—our own books —
our own poets —our own teachers — our oivn mind! —
When 1 Upon you, young men of the South, it de
volves to bring about this “ consummation most de
voutly to be wished.” Yon must stamp upon the
age a character of intellectuality! or it will be like
the present and the past —a blank! The South de
mands of her sons intellectual regeneration. As one
means to effect it, wo urge the establishment of Pop
ular Lectures, in every place where the population
will justify it. Try it, dear readers, and let us know
the result!
€fje Slntcrtcau s3criotrtcal s3r*ss.
Blackwood’s Magazine. L. Scott & Co.’s Re
print for November.
This is a capital number of Maga, and we have
hngered over its pages with more than common in
terest. First, we have a spirited sketch of the Ger
man Parliament, which is followed by a very pleas
ant notice of a work on the “ Satires and Caricatures
of the Eighteenth Century,” in which much amu
cing correlative information is embraced. We were
deeply interested in looking over the “ Parcel from
Paris”— a title under which Professor Wilson has
given us one of bis inimitable papers—the subject of
Nvhich is French novelists and feuilletonists of the
present day. It affords us graphic descriptions and
vivid portraitures of the wordy Dumas —the daring
Madame George Sand—the amiable and unexcep
tionable M. Karr—with glimpses of the insufferable
Paul de Koek, and several others. The latest issues
tho Paris press are dissected with a rapid and
F '>ilful hand, and agreeable passages quoted there
from.
“ Life in the Far West,” a capital series of pa
P e VB, i3 concluded in this number by the lamented
(loath of its author, Lieut. George F. Ruxton, who
died recently at St. Louis. The other papers are,
one on the Naval War of the French Revolution —
the Memoirs of Castlcreagh—What is Spain About!
ftnd “ Conservative Union.” Blackwood deals but
sparingly in verse—the present number containing
omy two pieces, one of which is afervent“ Call” on
t P°°r of England to emigrate, both for their own
fr'ood and for tho good of the mother-land.
§©®lfa S& S3 &> Uiur SIB A &
£f)c 2Lfter;ir eiiorltr.
On Dit. —Mr. Ilallam, tho distinguished author,
is to fill tho Chair of Modern History at Oxford.
Mr. Dickens’ next Christinas Story is entitled,
“ Tho Haunted Man and tho Ghost’s Bargain.”
Lamartine is preparing a History of the Revolu
tion of 1848, which will be a work of extraordinary
interest.
Strauss, the eminent musical composer, is to visit
this country with his artistes. The Literary World
humorously tells us that Strauss “has been ejected
from his A iennoise (very nice, is it!) Gardens, by
that rough old officer, Sheriff Revolution.”
Ihe Parisian papers announce Madamoiselle Ra
chels’ purpose of visiting this country. The fine
arts and the drama do not like the revolutionary at
mosphere of Europe!
The Smithsonian Institution. —Tho National
Intelligencer reports the rapid progress of the build
ing, and also the arrival of Dr. Hare’s extensive and
splendid Chemical Apparatus.
The Bible vs. Infidelity.— We learn from the
Literary World, that in Gibbons’ house, which is
now a Hotel, 4000 Bibles were sold last year by an
Agent of the Bible Society.
It is also stated, in an English journal, that the
first meeting for the organization of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, was held in the house of the
infidel Hume!
New Books Published.— The Appletons have
issued “Acton, or the Circle of Life,” by Dr. Bett
ner.
Little & Brown have ready their invaluable
“ American Almanac” for 1849.
Picknor & Cos., of Boston, have published anew
and enlarged edition of the Poetical Works of Dr.
O. W. Holmes, the Tom Hood of America.
A Magnificent Dictionary.— We mentioned,
recently, that Messrs. J. B. Lippincott & Cos., of
Philadelphia, were binding a copy of Webster’s
New Quarto Dictionary for presentation to the
Queen of Great Britain. We have recently had
the pleasure of a visit from Mr. W., of that house,
who gave us a description of the volume as comple
ted.
It is bound in heavily and richly panelled boards,
covered with the finest morocco—the sides, backs,
and edges of which are ornamented with the most
exquisite tool-work. In the centre of one side, in a
hexagonal space formed by the panels, the initials
Y. R., with the crown, are wrought in gold, crim
son, and blue figures. The opposite ends of the book
are illuminated by anew and curious process, with
the national devices and mottoes of the United
States and Great Britain—while the front of it ex
hibits, in the same manner, the flags of the two na
tions gracefully intertwined, and in the very centre
of it stretches the olive-branch of Peace. This
work is of the most brilliant and novel kind. The
devices are all in t?ie richest colors upon a ground of
gold. Tho two sides are united by a massive gold
clasp, elaborately ornamented.
The interior is as splendid as faultless typography
on fine hot-pressed paper can make it. The dedica
tion is printed in gold and colors in the finest style
of this recherche art. It is probably the most splen
did book of the age, and a proud specimen of Ame
rican skill. It was bound for the publishers, Messrs.
Merriam, of Springfield, Mass., who will have it
conveyed immediately to England, and duly tender
ed as an American gift to Her Majesty, Queen Vic
toria.
<Dttr CSossiji Column.
At this time, our State University is in recess,
and the members of the Faculty are, like the stu
dents, “ scattered abroad.” The excellent and re
vered President, Dr. Church, is passing the vaca
tion in Florida.at the residence of his son-in-law,near
Quincy. Recent letters convey tho gratifying in
telligence that his health is improving rapidly. We
only give utterance to the wishes of thousands, when
we express tho hope that he may realize permanent
benefit from his visit to tho “ Land of Flowers.”—
Professor Jackson is in Alabama, enjoying tho so
ciety of his children, with all the zest of his warm
heart. Professor Brantly is at the North. He
was recently at Hamilton College, N. Y., on a visit
to Dr. Mandeville, the popular author of a series of
works on Reading and Oratory. The Radiator,
published at Clinton, says, in a late number —“The
Rev. Mr. Brantly, (Baptist.) Professor of History,
Moral Philosophy, and Belles Lettre3, in tho Uni
versity of Georgia, preached an able and interesting
sermon in the College Chapel last Sabbath morn
ing. It was delivered entirely extempore ; and was
throughout characterized by deep thought, purity,
elegance, and force of diction, and fervent religious
sentiment.” Dr. Le Conte is on the sea board,
invigorating himself for the exacting labors of his
important professorship. Professor McCay is seek
ing, in change of scene and air, to renew the failing
health of his amiable wife—and many kind wishes
follow them in their wanderings. Professor Wad- j
del is with his family at home, and in tho absence
of Professor Jackson, presides over the department
of Flora. lie has recently secured, in the Green
house of the Botanical Garden, a collection of rare
plants from that, prince of horticulturists, Buist, of
Philadelphia. Professor Wood and Mr. Fulton
are both, we believe, hither and thither, as fancy
leads. And thus have we glanced at tho “ wherea
bouts” of our College Faculty. Six weeks hence
they will, we trust, be all at their posts, to resume
their duties with their wonted fidelity Our
correspondent, “ Flit,” gives us this week a very
graphic sketch of Boarding Houses in New York.—
It will afford to some of our readers, donbtless, new
ideas as to tho manner in which thousands live in
our great cities “Punch” has a picture of
the great Sea Serpent unfolding its horrid length
and appearing in the form of Liberty to a boat load
of royal personages, who look aghast at the spectre.
Tho boat sails under the name of “L’Ancien Re
gime.” Louis Phillipe is at one extremity of the
boat, discrowned and looking uncomfortable, while
other European Sovereigns appear to be little more
at ease. . . , . Our exchanges arc certainly wel
come to copy our items under the title of “The Lit
erary World,” some of which we denominate
“ Gleanings.” For others, however, we respectful
ly represent that they cost us pains and labor to pre
pare them, and surely it is cheap enough for our
contemporaries to have them on credit As
our pen is moving, dear reader, wo are conscious of
a smile of pleasure stealing over our features, while
the dulcet harmonies of “ the viol and the lute” are
falling on our car like the refreshing summer rain
upon tho heavy-eyed flowers. Ilow full of beauty
tho language of Shakspeare—
“ Oh, it came over me like the sweet South
That breathes upon a bank of violets
Stealing and giving odor.”
VVe are speaking of a serenade, for it is nigh “tho
witching hour,” and our lamp burns low. ’Tiscer
tainly a beautiful tribute to pay to a friend, or, it
may be, to
“ A nearer one yet, and a dearer one”—
the offering of melody—the music of tho heart
poured out in audible sounds that -woo for entrance
into the scarce reluctant ear. Now, do not suppose,
reader, that we are vain enough to imagine the
compliment paid to ourself. Oh no ! wo are well
aware that were we not happily in the vicinity of
that sex which Dryden calls “the porcelain clay of
human nature,” no music would have greeted our
ear, but the “voices of the night” so graphically
and categorically described in a recent Poc-um !
We do not the less, however, appreciate the harmo
ny, that it was not wakened for us especially. Like
the poor dervish who thanked tho Cadi for a sight
of the magnificent jewels he wore upon his person,
which he enjoyed, as he said, without the trouble of
taking care of them—we, in like spirit, thank tho
serenaders for a treat which it costs us nothing to en
joy. May they live long, and pursue the gentle
tenor of their way to the end of Life’s measure!
€>uc 3300 ft (Eafcle,
Publishers and Authors who desire to have thei
Books noticed in this Gazette are requested to send cop
ies to Editor through Stringer Townsend, New-York’
or Carey &c Hart, Philadelphia.
The Works of Washington Irving. New Edi
tion, rewised. Vol. I—Knickerbocker’s New York
—l2mo. pp. 462. Vol. 2—Sketch-Book— pp. 462.
Filiform edition—to be completed in 12 vols. N.
York: Geo. P. Putnam.
We have little more to do, at this time, than to
announce the appearance of these two volumes of
Mr. Putnam’s handsome edition of our American
Goldsmith, the graceful and delightful Irving. No
more acceptable service, wo are persuaded, could
have been rendered to tho public than that underta
ken by Mr. Putnam ; and we have no doubt the sale
of thi3 series of volumes will be unexampled in the
history of American hooks, thus handsomely re
warding his enterprize. Need wo say aught to our
readers to commend to them Irving’s inimitable
History of New York, under the old Knickerbock
er—a work abounding with pleasant satire, spark
ling wit, and imagination of the highest order, and
one which cannot be read without sincere pleasure 1
What shall wo say of the Sketch Book ! What
need we say, when its exquisite delineations and
charming pictures are so familiar to readers of taste 1
We sincerely think, that for beauty, fidelity, pure
feeling, and chastened humor, the Sketches of Geof
fy Crayon are unsurpassed, if not really inimitable.
Irving’s style is a model of taste and elegance. We
have afforded our readers a specimen of the Sketch
Book on our first page.
Mr. Putnam has published of the Sketch Book an
edition deluxe, which we commend to those who
are choosing appropriate books for their pa rlor book
cases or tables. It is printed in octavo, on beaati- !
ful paper, and is illustrated by Parley, whose name
is a guarantee of the fitness and elegance of the !
plates. We especially admire tho picture of Rip
Van Winkle waking from his famous sleep! Hi
bewilderment is eminently amusing. Such editions
of such books are welcome evidences of refined taste.
May they greatly multiply amongst us!
Collections of the Georgia Historical Socie
ty. Vol. 111, Parti. Bvo. pp. 88. Savannah.
Printed for tho Society.
We are indebted, for a copy of this work, to the
courtesy of Wm. B. Hodgson, Esq., at whose ex
pense and under whoso superintendance it has been
published. It is ono of a number of Ms. volumes in
tho possession of tho Society, prepared by Col. Benj.
Hawkins, tho earliest agent of the U. S. for Indian
Affairs. The Society appointed a Committee to
examine these Mss., which reported their value as
material for the early history of Georgia, and ro
commended the immediate publication of the one
under notice, which is entitled, “ A Sketch of the
Creek Country in tho Years 1798 and 1799.” Tho
Society have bestowed its funds in the erection of a
handsomo Hall—Mr. Hodgson generously offered
to defray the expense of carrying out tho recommen
dation of tho Committee.
In tho nine years which have elapsed sinco the
Georgia Historical Society was founded, it has pub
lished two large volumes of its Collections and Tran
sactions, which possess no common interest, and
handsomely attest tho zeal and efficiency of the So
ciety.
To the “Sketch of tho Creek Country,” Mr.
Hodgson has prefixed a briof notice of tho author’s
official career, including some of his letters—also, a
brief but comprehensive view of the great “ Croek
Confederacy,” which very fitly introduce the cu
rious and elaborate work of Col. Hawkins.
Wo congratulate tho Historical Society upon its
progressive condition, and rejoice to find, in its con
nection, private liberality so judiciously bestowed.
The Moral Instructor ; or Culturo of tho Heart,
Affections and Intellect, while Learning to Read.
Parts I, IT, 111 and IV. By Thomas if. Palmer.
Boston: Wm. D. Ticknor& Cos.
It will bo readily conceded that this is a valuable
scries of reading books, if it accomplishes what it
proposes in tho titlo page—* tho cultivation of the
heart, affections and intellect.’ Wo have examin
ed the several parts with some care, and are pleased
with the system developed—that of combining mo
ral teachings with every lesson. This is done, too,
in a way well calculated to win the attention of th®
little reader. The parts are judiciously progressive,
and in the fourth part wo have a continuous narra
tive, entitled, “The Yankee Boy, or Incidents in
the Life of Frank Reed making a book which a
boy or girl would require but little urging to read
attentively. These books aro well adapted to their
aim, and we cordially commend them to parents and
teachers.
An Address, Delivered before tho Amosophic and
Phi-Gamma Societies, Cokesbury Institute, S. C.
By A. Means, A. M., M. D. Charleston. Print
ed by Burgess & James.
Tho design of this anniversary oration was “to
enforce the importance of sanctified learning and
home institutions to the South,”—a design at once
noble and important. Ono of the ablest and most
chaste writers of our country has written a volume to
illustrate the truth that Christianity is “ theconser
vative principle in our Literatureand, with this
truth, the eloquent author of the Address seems to
have been fully impressed. It breathes a pure and
elevated spirit, which it were well for us if it perva
ded to a far greater extent than it does—tho educa
ted mind of the South.
It bears, moreover, the unmistakeable stamp of
interest in, and zeal for, tho advancement of the
South in the ennobling pursuits of intellectual ex
cellence. May its echoes reverberate all over our
beautiful territory, and awaken its slumbering sons
to a ense of their duty to themselves, their country
and their generation.
—— ■ i >
The French Revolutions, from 1789 to 1848.
ByT. W. Redhead. Vol. 1. 12mo. pp. 320.
Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln.
What an exhaustless theme is the French Revo
lutions, giving rise to volumes without number!
And yet a succinct and condensed history of them,
in their intimate connection, prepared by an en
lightened and honest writer, has been a desidera
tum, which, we are well inclined to think, will b®
supplied in tho work of Mr. Redhead. Had th®
book come to us without premonition, tho names of
‘ Chambers’ as Publishers, and of Gould, Kendall &
Lincoln, as re-publishers, would have commanded
our attention for it. It was unan
nounced. We were looking for its appearance with
interest, and we have not been disappointed in look
ing over, somewhat carefully, its beautifully printed
pages.
The work is unencumbered with useless details,
or with mere political speculations. It is a nama
tive at once connected —sufficiently excited for its
exciting themes —candid, aud exceedingly graphic.
The first volume brings the historical view to the
close of the year 1793, embracing an eventful period
of five years. We arc very sure this work will in
struct ar.d gratify the intelligent reader, and we
commend it to all who are desirous of obtaining ro
liabl 3j;fe mat Yu c .icerning the events it records.
239