"The Westmann Islands, which are said the harbors, where they lay in a store of the to be distinctly visible from Hecla, must various necessaries of life, for which they have been hidden by the clouds when I was always pay in ready money. This is no there, for I could not perceive them at all. sooner done than they suddenly vanish, and On our way up the mountain, I had fre- no one can tell where they are gone. Noquently displaced the lava, either involun- body knows them; they never bring their tarily when I fell, or purposely, in hopes of wives and children with them, and never discovering some traces of heat; but I was answer any questions which are put to never successful in finding any spot which them about their residence or their mode of was even warm. The snow was a great life. Their speech is said to be somewhat annoyance to me, as it interfered with my more difficult to understand than that of the researches on this point. Neither did I see other inhabitants of Iceland. A gentleman, any smoke, although my whole attention for whom I have too much regard to menwas fixed on the mountain for several tion his name, once expressed a wish in my hours, and from its summit I could overlook presence that he had twenty or twenty-five all that lay beneath me. armed men at his command, when he would soon follow up this mysterious people to their secret recesses. On our way down, I found that the snow had not melted for the first five or six hundred feet. Below that distance the whole hill was smoking, which I attributed to the sudden re-appearence of the sun, as my thermometer now showed 52 degrees. I carefully examined the side of the mountain, and satisfied myself that the smoke did not proceed from fire, as the soil was cold wherever it was seen. "That peculiar glossy, coal-black, shining lava, which is never porous, is only found at Hecla and in its immediate vicinity; but the other varieties, jagged, porous and vitrified, are also seen there, though they are always black, as well as the sand which covers one side of the mountain. As the distance from this volcano increases, the lava loses that remarkable jet-like color, and assumes a shade resembling an iron-gray, or perhaps a little lighter, though it sometimes retains the gloss and brilliancy of the black." We add a short but interesting extract, descriptive of a mysterious tribe of people existing on the coasts of Iceland: A MYSTERIOUS TRIBE. "Before I take my leave of Iceland, I must relate a wonderful circumstance which "Those who profess to have seen them, maintain that they are taller and larger than the other Icelanders; that their horses are shod with horn, and that they have a great deal of money in their possession, which can only have been obtained by unfair means. But when I inquired who had ever been robbed by them, and when and where any such event had occurred, no one could tell. And as I doubt if a single individual could make a comfortable living in Iceland by rapine, much less do I believe that it would furnish the necessary support for a whole tribe." A Practical and Theoretical French This work professes to teach French, in a short period, without the aid of a master, by "combining theory and practice at the same time," to use the author's own words. I heard from a great many different quar- The method is certainly novel, and the clasters, and which is received as the truth not sification of the nouns, enabling the scholar only by the country people, but by those to determine the gender of each by its who are considered the well-informed class- termination, is undoubtedly far superior es of the community. "It is affirmed that the inland and inhos- to any plan, we ever before met with. pitable regions of this island are not, as is This will alone be found invaluable to the generally supposed, uninhabited, but that a perplexed student, and is of itself sufficient singular race resides there, who are ac- to recommend it. When the second part is quainted with all the pathways among issued, we shall be able to pronounce an these barren wastes. They are savages, who hold no intercourse with their country- opinion on the system, as a whole, which men, excepting in the month of July, when we are now, necessarily, in its incomplete they present themselves for a day at one of state, unable to do. Plymouth and the Pilgrims; or, Incidents Novelties of the New World; or, The Ad- Lincoln. In the preface of the latter work it says: Beginning with a brief account of Christopher Columbus, we have given the adventures of John and Sebastian Cabot, the discoverers of North America; Cortereal, the kidnapper of the Labrador Indians; Ponce de Leon, the romantic wanderer after the fountain of perpetual youth; These two volumes are the harbingers of Verazzano, the Florentine adventurer; Narvaez, the Floridian gold-seeker; Cartier, a promised series, and if their successors the discoverer of the St. Lawrence; De are equally worthy (as we doubt not they Soto, the proud cavalier, who discovered will be), a more desirable course of reading the Mississippi only to be buried beneath for young people and some not its waters; Frobisher, who carried home young would be profited by their perusal cargoes of worthless stone, under the imcannot be elsewhere met with. Ignorance the bold navigator among the icebergs of pression that it was gold ore; John Davis, of our own colonial and national history is the north; Hore, and his man-eating crew; inexcusable, and yet we have sometimes Weymouth, and his conspirators; Hudson, felt ashamed at the paucity of information who first discovered the great artery of on this subject communicated to our youth New-York; Champlain, the Canadian pioneer; Marquette, the gentle Missionary; La Salle, the indomitable explorer of the There is a charm in these works which Father of Waters; and Father Hennepin, will at once commend them to juvenile the discoverer of the Falls of St. AnAmericans, and we have no doubt they thony." in even the best schools. very will become favorites in our school libra- We were not a little pleased with the ries, as well as choice gift books for youth-striking contrast between our own and ful friends. The publishers announce that "this series of histories will be made up of interesting and important events which have occurred in the United States since the first settlement of the country; illustrating the trials and adventures of the early colonists both at the North and the South, their intercourse and conflicts with the natives, their peculiarities of character and manners, the gradual development of their institutions, sketches of their prominent men in both the Church and the State, incidents in the Revolution, with various other subjects of interest of more recent date. It is intended to be adapted to the popular mind, and especially to the youth of our country, illustrated with numerous fine engravings. "The object of the first volume is to give a plain and correct account of the prominent events which have occurred in the history of Plymouth, the oldest colony in New England. We, of course, have not given all the incidents, neither could we in a volume of reasonable size. We have confined ourselves to the more interesting and important." puritan times in reference to office-hunting, and would commend the following to the careful consideration of that army of locusts who do more to desolate the country than all other causes besides. It would be desirable to fall back on the good old times of unambitious puritanism : So small were the honors and emoluments of office, contrasted with its responsibilities, or so limited was the ambition of the Pilgrim fathers, that it seems not to have been an easy thing to find incumbents for the highest stations in the government. Bradford, we know, earnestly desired not to be rechosen governor. He thought the honors and labors of office ought to be distributed. But he was overruled, and kept in. In 1632 it was enacted, that if any were elected to the office of and governor, would not serve, he should be fined twenty pounds sterling! If he refused paying the fine, it was to be levied out of his goods or chattels. It was also ordered, that, if any were chosen to the office of council, and declined its acceptance, they should be fined ten pounds each. The only exception specified was in the case of one who should be chosen governor a second time, | volt from both; what then? am I to sit in after having held the office the preceding judgment upon her, and call her to account year. Such a one might decline without for eating pork or sausages? Again, she the liability of a fine, and then the compa- may wear a man's hat, while I prefer a ny were to proceed to a new election, bonnet; she may wear false hair to conceal 'except they can prevail upon him by en- a change in the circulations, while I think treaty.' Governor Winthrop, in his jour- the gray hair preferable; what then? shall nal, records, in 1633, Mr. Edward Wins- we intermeddle, be impertinent, and render low chosen governor of Plymouth, Mr. each other uncomfortable on these Bradford having been governor about ten grounds? Certainly not. It is simply a years, and now by importunity got off.' difference in taste, culture, or opinion; inWhat a wonderful contrast does all this volves nothing vital to either of us, and inpresent with that unprincipled scrambling deed concerns only ourselves individually, for office, that anxiety for public honors and if either of us were so sensitive to and emoluments, with which the country at the opinions of the other as to change our the present day is so rife! Who now de- habit except upon clear conviction, we must clines the office of governor? In what be irretrievably imbecile." portion of our land does a necessity exist for a law similar to the above, in order to secure incumbents for the highest local offices?" Hints on Dress and Beauty. By MRS. E. OAKES SMITH. New-York: Fowlers & Wells. The History of Palestine from the Patri- 66 We are most decidedly in favor of nonintervention as far as regards female attire, as we consider it one of woman's rights to enjoy the largest liberty in such matters, An invaluable book for Sunday School and because we have the firmest confidence teachers. Those entering a course of study in the general good sense and propriety of for the ministry would find it a desirable our countrywomen. If shortening the preparative for more elaborate works. Dr. skirts will tend to shorten the dress- Kitto is admirably qualified to write such maker's bill, we see no good reason to op- a book; concise, yet clear. Within a pose the measure, provided always that small compass, affording a large amount of delicacy and good taste are not outraged. information, drawn from every source-the We see no necessary connection between a latest writers as well as the more ancient reform in dress and the assumption of mas- are laid under contribution to furnish the culine prerogatives, however much the ul-materials. We cannot do our readers a traism of a few may indicate it. We will, however, let Mrs. E. Oakes Smith speak for herself: greater service than to give a brief outline of the contents: Historical and Physical Geography; Agriculture and Pasturage; Habits of Life; Literature, Science and Art; Institutions; History of Palestine. "It is much to be regretted that women will wear the heart upon the sleeve for daws to peck at 'will wear the soul outside of the body, to be blown upon by every wind of doctrine,' rather than be The Napoleon Ballads. By BON GAULcastled within, sure and steadfast, looking TIER. The Poetical Works of Louis Nafrom the loop-holes of retreat,' and judg- poleon, now first translated into plain. ing for themselves. My neighbor's way of English. New-York: G. P. Putnam. thinking or acting may be very well for her-it is her concern, not mine; but her A reprint of one of those numerous atway of thinking or acting will not do for tacks on the French usurper, which are conme. She eats pork and sausages-I re-tinually appearing in London, it being a forbidden pleasure to Gallic editors, but ap- some shape, we must perish.' I was the parently indulged in with great gusto by first awake, and glancing at the faces of my their co-journalists of outre-manche. Bon companions lying about in the bottom of the boat, I could not help shuddering. They had a strange and unnatural look—a miserable expression of pain and weakness. All that was familiar and pleasant to look upon, had vanished from those sharpened and haggard features. Their closed eyes seemed singularly sunken; and their matted hair, sun-burned skin, and soiled clothing, added something of wildness to the misery of their appearance. Gaultier is not the man to spare an ordinary subject--it will therefore be readily believed that he makes the most of so capital a theme as this offers. The onslaught begins in the title page, where the book is stated to be sold at certain places indicated in London and New-York, and "may be had of all French booksellers who have a weakness for Cayenne." The cuts are not first-rate, but the letter-press is, and the poem of “The Eagle," a parody on Edgar Poe's "Raven," is worth the cost of the volume. breathing hard, and started every now and Browne, who had slept beside me, was then, as if in pain. Johnny slumbered so peacefully, and breathed so gently, that for a moment I was alarmed, and doubted whether he was breathing at all, until I stooped down and watched him closely. The Island Home; or, the Young Cast- There were still no indications of a breeze. aways. Edited by CHRISTOPHER RO- A school of whales was visible about a MAUNT. Boston: Gould and Lincoln. quarter of a mile to the westward, spoutTo write such a book after Robinson ing and pursuing their unwieldy sport; but I took no interest in the sight, and leaning Crusoe shows at least moral courage. over the gunwale, commenced bathing my would be difficult to sit down and judge head and eyes with the sea-water. While without prejudice the production of the thus engaged I was startled by seeing an most talented writer who dared to attempt enormous cachelot suddenly break the wathe solitary-island-life literature of Defoe. head, which composed nearly a third of its ter within fifteen yards of the boat. Its If for nothing else, the Young Castaways entire bulk, seemed a mountain of flesh. are remarkable for the abundance of won- A couple of small calves followed it, and derful sights and scenes they encountered, came swimming playfully round us. For so much so, that, although there is quite a a minute or two, the cachelots floated quivein of philosophy and natural history run-etly at the surface where it had first ap It ning through the volume, it is as lively as a real story book. Our young readers would find it very agreeable to swing their grass hammock in the woods, by the side of a purling brook, and skim the pages of the "Island Home." peared, throwing a slender jet of water together with a large volume of spray and vapor into the air; then rolling over upon its side, it began to lash the sea with its broad and powerful tail, every stroke of which produced a sound like the report of a cannon. This roused the sleepers abruptly, and just as they sprang up, and began to We give, in the following, a sample of look around in astonishment, for the cause the style and language of the work; it is of so startling a commotion, the creature cast its misshapen head downwards, and one of many descriptions of remarkable throwing its immense flukes high into the events happening to the young sailors. air, disappeared. We watched anxiously The boys are in a yawl on the wide ocean, to see where it would rise, conscious of the and are perishing of hunger and thirst, perils of such a neighborhood, and that having been several days at sea without of the tail while pursuing its gigantic paseven a playful movement, a random sweep food or drink: "The first thought that flashed through my mind with returning consciousness in the morning, was, "This is the last day for hope-unless relief comes to-day in It time, would be sufficient to destroy us. came to the surface at about the same distance as before, but on the opposite side of the boat, throwing itself half out of the water as it rose: again it commenced lash the sea violently, as if in mere wanton dis- my mind in that moment of time! A play of its terrible strength, until far thousand little incidents of my past life, around, the water was one wide sheet of disconnected and trivial—a shadowy throng foam. The calves still gambolled near us, of familar scenes and faces surged up bechasing each other about and under the fore me vividly, as objects revealed for an yawl, and we might easily have killed one instant by the glare of the lightning, in of them, had we not been deterred by the the gloom of a stormy night. Closing my almost certain consequences of arousing eyes, I silently commended my soul to God, the fury of the old whale. Meantime, the and was endeavoring to compose myself for entire school seemed to be edging down the dreadful event, when Morton sprang to towards us. There was not a breath of his feet, and called hurriedly upon us to air, and we had no means of getting out of shout together. All seemed to catch his the danger to which we should be exposed, intention at once, and to perceive in it a if among them, except by taking to the gleam of hope; and standing up, we raised oars; and this, nothing short of the most our voices in a hoarse cry, that sounded pressing and immediate peril could induce strange and startling even to ourselves. us to do. But our attention was soon Instantly, as it seemed, the whale dived withdrawn from the herd to the singular almost pèrpendicularly downwards, but so and alarming movements of the individual great was its momentum, that its fluked near us. Rushing along the surface for a tail cut the air within an oar's length of short distance, it threw itself several times the boat as it disappeared. half clear of the water, turning after each of these leaps, as abruptly as its unwieldy bulk would permit, and running a tilt with equal violence in the opposite direction. Once it passed so near us that I think I could have touched it with an oar, and we saw distinctly its small dull eye, and the loose, wrinkled folds of skin, about its tremendous jaws. For a minute afterwards, the boat rolled dangerously in the swell caused by the swift passage of so vast an object, Suddenly, after one of these abrupt turns, the monster headed directly towards us, and came rushing onward with fearful velocity, either not noticing us at all, or else mistaking the boat for some sea-creature, with which it designed to measure its strength. There was no time for any effort to avoid the danger; and even had there A Book in a Corner. By LEIGH HUNT. been, we were too much paralysed by its imminence, to make such an effort. The The above form the May issue of Putwhale was scarcely twelve yards off-cer-nam's Semi-Monthly Library. The "Tour tainly not twenty. Behind it stretched a up the Rhine" is well known. "Whether the shout we had uttered caused the sudden plunge to which we owed our preservation. it is impossible to decide. Notwithstanding its bulk and power, the cachelot is said to be a timid creature, except when injured or enraged, and great caution has to be exercised by whalers in approaching them. Suddenly recollecting this, the thought of undertaking to scare the formidable monster had suggested itself to Morton, and he had acted upon it in sheer desperation, impelled by the same instinct that causes a drowning man to catch even at a straw. A Tour up the Rhine.--Parts 1 and 2. Poor Tom foaming wake, straight as an arrow. Its Hood is in his glory, and we hope shortly vast, mountainous head ploughed up the waves like a ship's cutwater, piling high to see all the works of this gifted and verthe foam and spray before it. To miss us satile writer re-published in a separate form. was now a sheer impossibility, and no earth- We are sure the speculation would be a power could arrest the creature's career. ly I Instant destruction appeared inevitable. profitable one, as Hood's productions deserve grew dizzy, and my head began to swim. a popularity equal to that of Dickens or while the thought flashed confusedly Bulwer. through my mind, that infinite wisdom had "A Book in a Corner, By Leigh Hunt," decreed that we must die, and this man- says the title-page of the companion volner of perishing had been chosen in mercy, to spare us the prolonged horrors of starvation. What a multitude of incoherent thoughts and recollections crowded upon ume. We have no fault to find with the work itself, it being a very pleasing compilation from the gems of other writers, but |