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with greater care and better judgment, than those of any volume which has preceded it. Although abounding with humorous incidents, sallies of wit, and flashes of genius, together with graver and more serious matters, nothing has been admitted which is calculated to cast a single sneer or inuendo against virtue or religion; and in this respect it is eminently adapted to every family and individual.

Instructors of youth and popular lecturers who would give information on the various topics of which the volume treats, will find it a valuable auxiliary in the enforcement and illustration of their communications to others. It should find a place in every library in the country.

Children, their Hydropathic Management in Health and Disease.

**In a late number a critical notice of this work appeared, endorsing it more fully than accords with the views of the editors, neither of whom has any "predilections" for the "hydropathic treatment of disease." The article was written by a friend to whom we often intrust the preparation of our critical notices, and to whose views, as a general thing, we can cheerfully subscribe. The mistake of the writer, in the present instance, consists in making the editors endorse his own individual opinions, and thus committing them on a point in which they differ materially from himself. The error was not discovered in time to prevent its going abroad with the full and unqualified endorsement of the editors. We consider this explanation due to the reader and to the public, no less than to the editors themselves.

The History of Palestine, from the Patriarchal Age to the Present Time; with Introductory Chapters on the Geography and Natural History of the Country, and on the Customs and Institutions of the Hebrews. By JOHN KITTO, D.D., Editor of the “Pictorial Bible," "Pictorial History of Palestine," "Cyclopædia of Biblical Literature,” etc. With upwards of two hundred Illustrations. 12mo, pp. 426. Boston: Gould & Lincoln, 59 Washington street. 1852.

The distinguished author of the above work is one of the most deeply interesting and instructive writers of biblical literature of the present age. His style is easy and natural, his descriptive powers of the highest order, and his narrative striking and graphic. Although not the most extensive, his "History of Palestine" is one of his most popular and instructive volumes, and one that cannot fail to be read with profit, not only by the biblical scholar, but the student in literature, the teacher in the Bible-class and Sabbathschool, and every person interested in the history of the customs, manners, and institutions of the Hebrew nation, from the time of Abraham, through all its various forms and vicissitudes, to the final dispersion of that peculiar people.

This work is one of much labor and research, and was prepared by the author expressly for its present purpose, the whole being illustrated by the results of such acquaintance with Oriental customs as his former residence in the East enabled him to acquire. As a valuable illustrated compendious history of Palestine and its former people, we think it is not exceeded by any work that we have read, and it deserves a place in every library and Sabbath-school in the country.

America as I found it. By the Mother of MARY LUNDIE DUNCAN. 16mo, pp. 440 New-York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 285 Broadway. 1852.

This is one of the best volumes of "first impressions" of America, its institutions, customs, churches, people, &c., &c., that we have seen. The distinguished writer is favor ably known to the public through her former interesting "Memoirs," and the “Children of the Manse." This volume is perhaps more interesting to the general reader, as it is a record of the "unpretending traces of what fell under the every-day experience" of one who "visited America with cordial feeling and ardent expectation," and was not disappointed. She very generously remarks: "A nation so prosperous does not need or condescend to wish for adulation. It is far above flattery; but it demands justice, and in several instances has failed to obtain it from English tourists."

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We are decidedly pleased with the familiar and charming tone of the book. The authoress in all instances designs to be "just, candid, and kind;," admiring and blaming with equal simplicity, yet uniformly regardful of the feelings of those for whom she writes, and never offending by even an approach to harshness or invective. Her benevolence, love, and heaven-born charity, are only equalled by her purity and loveliness. The book is published in the Messrs. Carters' usual beautiful style, and embellished with a striking portrait of the writer; and we need scarcely to remark, that those who

miss an opportunity of supplying themselves with this excellent volume, will have lost a most agreeable pleasure in its perusal.

Hudson River, and the Hudson River Railroad.

This is the title of a neat, convenient, and very interesting illustrated pamphlet of 50 pages, containing a complete map of the Hudson River and vicinity, with the Railroad, and all the villages through which it passes, from the city of New-York to Troy. The map is on a large scale, and every locality is minutely laid down, and all the peculiar features and historical incidents connected with each described with spirit and accuracy. Independent of being a complete directory of the whole route, both river and railroad, it is a very agreeable travelling companion, affording much historical and local informa tion in regard to the various points deserving especial notice along the route. It is very neatly embellished with woodcut views of the principal objects of interest upon the line. Published by W. C. Locke & Co., 135 Nassau street, New-York; and Bradbury Guild, 120 Washington street, Boston.

Manual of the Corporation of the City of New-York, for 1852. By D. T. VALENTINE, 12mo, pp. 504.

If perseverance and the examination of documents, ancient and recent; if skill in the preparation and arrangement of statistical tables; if conciseness, and at the same time completeness of detail, touching population, finances, schools, religious and political institutions, &c.; if the publication of well drawn maps and charts, illustrating the past as well as the present the whole well printed, on good paper, and well bound; if all these combined entitle one to be regarded as a successful author, Mr. Valentine may stand in the first rank among his fellows, and demand for this volume a higher meed of praise than can be claimed for most volumes of this description.

A Practical System of Rhetoric, or the Principles and Rules of Style, inferred from examples of Writing; to which is added a Historical Dissertation on English Style. By SAMUEL P. NEWMAN, Professor of Rhetoric in Bowdoin College. 60th edition. pp. 311. New-York: Mark H. Newman & Co., 199 Broadway. 1851.

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Few works reach the sixtieth edition. All the world" must be mistaken for once if this is not a capital book. But works of this description are used chiefly by the more educated of the community, and hence the verdict in its favor is the more worthy of confidence. We knew the author well when living, and can testify to the respect paid to his virtues and his talents, as well as to his practical skill in teaching. The plan of this work is good, its style easy and clear, and we see not why it should not be printed yet another sixty times.

Lessons in Modern Farming, or Agriculture for Schools: containing Scientific Exercises for Recitation, and Elegant Extracts from Rural Literature, for Academic or Family Reading. By Rev. JOHN L. BLAKE, D.D., author of Farmer's Every-Day Book, General Biographical Dictionary, and Family Encyclopædia of Useful Knowledge. pp. 432. New-York: Newman & Ivison, 199 Broadway. 1852.

Dr. Blake does every thing well. He is a remarkable man, abounding in the knowledge of men and things; and thus knowing what is needed, is eminently competent to supply the deficiency. This book is exactly what it professes to be. No reasonable man, who has read the title, will be disappointed in its perusal.

Manual of Astronomy, and the Use of the Globes, for Schools and Academies. By HENRY KIDDLE. New-York: Newman & Ivison, 199 Broadway. 1852.

This little work, of 130 pages, is systematic and lucid, unusually full in problems for the use of globes, and is worthy of attention from teachers and committees.

Arithmetical Tables and Exercises, for Infant Schools. By JAMES B. THOMSON, A.M. pp. 96. New-York: Newman & Ivison, 199 Broadway. 1852.

A little work well adapted for those for whom it was designed. It includes processes in what used to be called simple and compound quantities.

EDITORS' JOTTINGS.

THE HARLEM RAILROAD.-About twenty years since, a road was commenced and finally finished to Harlem, a suburb of NewYork, distant eight miles from the City Hall. It passed through solid rock of from ten to thirty feet in depth, and, at that early period, was the most expensive in its construction of any road in the Union. At the period of which we write, we believe Harlem was regarded as the terminus of the road for all future time. But "times change, and we change with them." The road subsequently crossed the Harlem river, and made a little progress into Westchester county. A few years witnessed still further progress, and still a little time longer found the road making rapid progress northward along the western boundaries of Connecticut and Massachusetts; when, in February last, the road was opened to ALBANY, 160 miles, and now runs trains daily to and from that ancient Dutch city, and capital of the Empire State! So impossible is it to set bounds to progress in this age of steam! The Harlem Railroad is to the eastern counties of this State, and the western counties of Massachusetts and Connecticut, what the Erie road is to the southern counties of New-York. It opens a means of transport whereby all marketable products can reach the great metropolis of the nation in a few hours; and, in addition, has opened one more route of travel between New-York and Albany.

The travel on the Harlem Railroad is supposed to exceed that of any other road in the world! A train passes over it on an average every twenty minutes during the twenty-four hours of the day; and some idea may be formed of the excellent and careful management observed, from the fact that, on the 4th of July last, seventy-eight long trains passed over Harlem bridge without the occurrence of a single accident.

It was our pleasure recently to pass over this road. Our principal object in doing so was to inspect it, and to give our readers the result of our observations. We can say in all candor, that we saw much to commend, and nothing to condemn. No road in the country of the same width has a better track, or one over which the traveller passes with greater ease. The engines are of the best make, and of the largest class. About a dozen have been put upon the road within a year, as also a large number of substantial and beautiful cars. The company has, with commendable lib. erality, constructed large and commodious

depots at all the stations on the road for the accommodation of passengers, some of which are fine specimens of architecture, taste, and beauty.

As already intimated, the road has had much to contend with, and its final success is owing, in a great measure, to the persevering efforts of GOUVERNEUR MORRIS, Esq., its First Vice-President. Mr. Morris has clung to the enterprise through all its vicissitudes, and at times when many men would have abandoned it to its fate.

We may also mention in this connection MADISON SLOAT, Esq., its experienced and able Superintendent, whose every energy is employed for the advancement of the road, and to whose far-seeing plans it is indebted for the many suburban villages which now so thickly stud it along its pathway. All these villages (and their name is legion) are indebted to Mr. Sloat for their success, he having often made arrangements for the frequent and economical transit of passengers over the road, against the advice and counsel of those whose wisdom many would have regarded as superior to his. The policy of Mr. Sloat has been liberal and well directed, and the public no less than the road are now reaping the advantages of his seasonable efforts.

In our

The conductors are gentlemen. Messrs. Woodman, Blacklidge, Marks, Coutant, Jones, Ward, Macy, Kilkpatrick, Edwards, Sharp, McAnana, and all others whose names may have escaped us, are obliging and attentive to their passengers, and faithful to those whose interests they represent. recent tour it was our good fortune to ride with Mr. MACY, both in going out and returning. Mr. Macy is a sociable, well-informed gentleman, and relieves travelling of all its tediousness by his frank and engaging conversation. The road passes through several places connected with revolutionary and other interesting associa tions, which Mr. Macy points out, and on which he converses to the pleasure and gratification of every intelligent traveller. We commend those of our readers who may wish to go to Albany to the special care of Mr. Macy. If at all like us, they will desire to improve the acquaintance by repeating the ride, as we shall do at no distant day.

The success of the Harlem Railroad is no longer an experiment, as it was a few years since. It has more cars, more engines, makes more frequent trips, and carries more passengers, than any road of the same

length in the known world. Long may it be as wisely and as prudently managed as it now is, promoting the prosperity of the rich farming country through which it passes, and adding to the wealth of the two cities with which it is connected.

FALLOWING-MODE OF COVERING A GREEN CROP, &c.—When a large growth of buckwheat or other green crop is to be turned under, it is often covered but imperfectly. A writer in the Germantown Telegraph describes a novel method of doing this work, which may be worth the experiment, for that portion of the crop which is not thoroughly covered will of course be lost to the farmer. This writer says:

“I take a piece of chain of the size of a common trace chain, and of about 22 inches in length, (more or less according to the height of the beam of the plough,) having a swivel in the middle, and, fastening one end of this by means of a hook or leather strap to the underside of the beam of the plough, and about six inches forward of the post of the mould-board, I attach to the other end an iron ball of an oval shape and about three pounds' weight to drag in the furrow immediately before the turning land. By means of this contrivance, the growing crop is pros. trated and turned in; and the turning land falling upon it, it is completely buried in the furrow."

The American Farmer recommends that, when buckwheat is to be ploughed in, the seed be sown at the rate of a bushel to the acre. He also remarks that "if you have a field that you would like to get in wheat, and clover after it, but which you fear is too poor for the purpose, plough it up, after manuring, sow a bushel of buckwheat per acre on it, and when the buckwheat comes into bloom, plough it in, pulverize it, and you may seed it to wheat with the certainty of its yielding a profitable crop, and of being seeded to clover next spring."

"THE PLOUGH, LOOM, AND ANVIL The June number is well filled with interesting and profitable reading for the farmer and working man; though we think the space the editor still pertinaciously occupies with the discussion of a topic that belongs properly to the arena of party politics, might be appropriated to something much better adapted to the tastes and wants of his readers."-Gax. and Dem.

We earnestly desire to secure the approval of our friend of the Gazette and Democrat, and would do much that was inconvenient and even laborious to obtain it. But we would humbly ask if we are under

obligation to observe silence upon all subjects that are or may be the occasion of political or even of party action? Suppose the Reciprocity Bill, as it is called, will double or quadruple the number of competitors in the home market, in some great section of our country-are our mouths to be shut, and must we acquiesce in silence without a single protest, because demagogues choose to make a party question of it? Shall we be forbidden to inform the millions of producers in our country how and where to find consumers who will buy at remunerating prices, lest we shall offend some party tactitian? Must we withhold our honest convictions, and do hypocritical homage to that policy which throws thousands out of employment, and binds them down to inevitable poverty and want, for fear we may deprive some noisy politician of a seat in Congress or of an office Such are not our notions, and we can consent to no such restrictions upon our pens. The substantial interests of the country ought to be above party policy, and beyond the reach of party machinery; and we will do our best in opposition to any other rule of action.

CAOUTCHOUC-A NEW APPLICATION.It is said that Mr. Hodges, an Eng lishman, proposes to employ this enor mous elastic power in the raising of heavy masses. Short pieces of caoutchouc, called by the inventor power-purchases, are successively stretched and attached to the burden to be raised; when a sufficient number of these power-purchases is fixed to the weight, their combined elastic force lifts it from the ground. Ten of these apparatus, having individually a power capable of twenty-five kilogrammes, raise together two hundred and fifty kilogrammes. Each bearer is fifteen centimetres long, and weighs about forty grammes of vulcanized caoutchouc. If these ten bearers were stretched to the limit of their elasticity, (which is not that of their power of cohesion,) they would lift three hundred and twenty kilogrammes. This power, though obedient to the common law of mechanical forces, yet differs suffi ciently from known forces to be distinguished as a new power. The same principle is applicable to the towing of vessels; it can equally be made use of for raising the anchor, &c.

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By an inverse principle, the power-purchases may be employed as a power for projection. Thus a certain number of these agents might be attached to a cannon-tube constructed for throwing harpoons. This application would render important services in the whale fishing. The employment of a cannon charged with powder is imprac

ticable; because the noise frightens these creatures and makes them fly from it, and the seamen, to throw the harpoon by hand, are obliged, as is known, to proceed in light boats, exposed to great danger. This new process has been tried with success. An eighty-pounder thus charged has thrown a ball one hundred and twenty metres; other balls have been thrown two hundred metres and more. A bow, constructed on the same principle, and the cord of which only was elastic, threw an arrow of seventy-six centimetres to a distance of one hundred and seventy metres.

AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL CONGRESS.In compliance with a resolution passed by the American Pomological Congress, during its session at Cincinnati in October, 1850, it becomes my duty publicly to announce that the next session will be held in the city of Philadelphia, on Monday, the 13th of September, 1852. The Congress will assemble at 10 o'clock A. M., in the Chinese Museum Building, South Ninth street, below Chest

nut.

The Pomological, Horticultural, and Agricultural Societies, throughout the United States and Canada, are invited to send such number of Delegates as they may deem expedient. And the Delegates are requested to bring with them specimens of the fruits of their respective districts.

Packages and boxes of fruit for the Congress may be directed to the care of THOMAS P. JAMES, Esq., No. 212 Market street, Philadelphia, should the owners be unable to give their personal attendance.

The various State Fruit Committees will, on or before the day of meeting, transmit their several reports to A. J. DOWNING, Esq., general Chairman of the whole. The Chairman of each State Committee is authorized, where vacancies occur, to fill up the number of his Committee to five members.

W. D. BRINCKLE, M.D., President. Philadelphia, May 1, 1852.

GREAT CATTLE SALE.-George Vail, Esq., of Troy, N. Y., has sent us a circular of his annual cattle sale, which occurs on the 13th of October next on his farm. The cattle to be sold are Short-Horns, and are supposed to be the best herd of that breed ever offered for sale in America. There are about fourteen head of imported animals and their immediate descendants, bred by Mr. Vail, all possessing the blood in a high degree of the justly famed herd of the late Thomas Bates, Esq., of England. Few sales, probably, of this highly_approved breed of cattle are made in Eng

land which excel this herd in high blood and quality.

We take great pleasure in calling attention to this sale, and doubt not that many of our readers will avail themselves of the opportunity offered by it to improve the breed of their stock.

AGRICULTURE AT THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.-Four fifths of the active population of the United States are employed in the cultivation of the soil. Yet in a recent speech in Congress by Hon. E. Newton of Ohio, he says the Agricultural Department of the United States is "pent up in the cellar of the Patent Office, and cannot be found at mid-day without a candle," while despotic Russia boasts an Agricultural Institution with forty college buildings, occupying three thousand acres of land, and attended by several thousand students.

INSANE ASYLUMS.-State Lunatic Hospital, Worcester, Mass.-The expenditures of this noble institution for the last year were $52,662.48, with a balance in the treasury of $13,910.20. The Superintendant has a corps of 67 assistants engaged in the various duties of the hospital, more than 30 of whom are employed wholly as nurses or constant companions of the insane. Of the admissions during the year, 123 were males, 140 females. The whole number of admissions has been 3861. The whole number in the hospital in course of the year was 704. The number discharged during the year "recovered" is 111, "improved," 38.

Occupation. Of the above 263, 24 were farmers, 22 laborers, 10 shoemakers. No other occupation was so fully represented. Of the females, 39 were accustomed to active employment, and 6 to sedentary employment.

A document before us contains the following: The number of lunatics in 8 asylums, at the commencement of the year was 1991; at the close of the year, 2046, Received, 1263; discharged, 1208; recovered, 594; improved, 190; unimproved, 198; died, 223; eloped, 3. Total expenditures, $220,597. These asylums are at Brattleboro, Vt., Worcester and S. Boston, Mass.. Providence, R. I., Utica, N. Y., Philadelphia and Frankford, Penn., Stanton, Va. New-England has accommodations for 1626 lunatics, New-York, with the same population, for 964 lunatics, and the other States, with a population of about 16,000,000, for 1594.

A new State Asylum has just been occupied in Harrisburg, Penn. Another is in

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