The Eneid of Virgil, translated into English. By JOHN D. LONG. Boston: Lockwood, Brooks & Company. 1879. [12mo. pp. 431.]

Although Gov. Long describes his translation of Virgil's Æneid as " a busy man's work and not a scholar's," yet it seems to us to possess such striking merits as to entitle it to a high rank among the best versions of the great Latin Epic.

We imagine that it was the author's intention to furnish a translation for the use of the general reader rather than of the student. A requisite of a translation having such an object in view is, that it should be made interesting to those not familiar with the original. This is one great merit of Pope's translation of the Iliad, and has given it a permanent place in literature in spite of its unfaithfulness to the original. Mr. Long seems to us to have been especially successful in this respect, and by the freshness and beauty of his style has made the Eneid almost as interesting, judged as a story only, as Scott's " Marmion." While accomplishing this result he has closely followed the original, unlike Dryden, who in his translation of the Eneid, perhaps influenced by the requirements of rhyme, so altered and expanded the original, that, while admiring the genius of the translator, we miss the simplicity and beauty of Virgil's style, very much as we miss the charm of Chaucer's Tales in the same author's paraphrase of them.

Mr. Long has wisely, we think, chosen for his metre the pentameter, the heroic measure of English poetry, as more nearly reproducing the effect of Virgil's hexameter, than would the English hexameter, which is more rapid and less stately in its movement, and therefore less in the heroic style. His verse in the narrative portions is generally smooth and flowing, while in the more elevated passages he displays a power of vigorous and pathetic writing which confirms the reputation which we understand he has long had among his personal friends for poetic talent. We notice an occasional use of obsolete and unusual words which appears to us questionable in point of taste, and we doubt whether the lively effect produced by the introduction of colloquialisms is not more than offset by the loss of dignity and beauty of style. We must not omit to notice the remarkable excellence of the manner in which the volume is produced, the beauty and appropriateness of the binding and clearness of the type rendering it equally pleasing to the eye, and easy of perusal. T. B. PECK.

The Mound Builders: being an Account of a Remarkable People that once inhabited the Valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi: together with an Investigation into the Archaeology of Butler County, O. By J. P. MCLEAN, Author of A Manual of the Antiquity of Man," and " Mastodon, Mammoth and Man." Illustrated with over One Hundred Figures. Cincinnati Robert Clarke & Co. 1879. [Cloth. 12mo. pp. 233. With archæological map. Price $1.50. Sold by A. Williams & Co., Boston, Mass.]

This is a genuine contribution to the literature of an interesting subject. The existence, antiquity, character, works and fate of such a pre-historic race upon our continent, furnish a theme to challenge the attention of the antiquarian, scientist and poet. It startles us to think of a people, numerous, ingenious, powerful, cultivating broad fields, building vast works for war or for religion, and waging mighty wars, and passing to oblivion in a past so remote that the most ancient of the Red Men is a child of yesterday in comparison. But even this does not satisfy our author. It is quite clear to him that the Mound Builders were succeeded by another distinct people whom he names the Villagers, whose cultivated gardens are super-imposed upon the long abandoned earthworks of the earlier race; and who, in their turn, vanished. Of the conclusiveness of the author's reasoning upon this and other questions, we are not prepared to speak. It is frankly conceded that one who has mastered a subject by thorough study can see the real force of arguments which are Greek to a novice. But in this work, "it is clear," and kindred phrases, remind us of the experiences of a certain college class under the instruction of our Jearned mathematical professor. Whenever a particularly emphatic "now you see" flashed from his voice and eyes, his pupils were very sure of some point which most of them did not expect to see at all. The tone in which our author affirms that "the recent origin of man has been sufficiently exploded," smacks of dogmatism and scarcely inspires confidence. But as a volume recording careful observations and faithful descriptions, this work must have real value.

Two thirds of the volume are devoted to a general account of the Mound Builders, describing their enclosures, defensive and sacred mounds, works of art, mining operations, civilization, antiquity and fate. On the latter point the author inclines to

the theory of a migration southward, and a connection with the ancient Mexicans. The latter part of the book describes more minutely the archæology of Butler Counly, Ohio, in which the works of these Builders abound. The illustrations are numerous, and serve their purpose well. H. A. HAZEN.

Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1877. Washington: Government Printing Office. 1879. [8vo. pp. 644.]

The above report for 1877, although late in being printed and distributed, is welcome to the friends of public education throughout the country. It contains the summaries of educational statistics in the different states, considers the schools for the colored race, the statistics of colleges and secondary schools, the degrees conferred, the libraries of the country, and the charitable and reformatory institutions. We commend what the commissioner has to say about the value of school and college catalogues, their great historical value and the desirability of every institution which issues one, as well as a few of the large public libraries, keeping a complete file of the same. The commissioner thinks there is no excuse for the continued publishing of what are termed "triennial" catalogues in the Latin language. Gen. Eaton shows by his report what is being done for the education of the people, and how much land still remains to be possessed in this direction. The volume has a good index.

W. S. A.

The Place of the Practical Man in American Public Affairs. By HAMILTON AN DREWS HILL. Boston: A. Williams & Co., Washington Street. 1879. [8vo pp. 20.]

66

This is a paper read before the American Social Science Association, at its annual meeting in Saratoga Springs, Sept. 11, 1879. Mr. Hill shows that the country would be benefited by a larger representation of business men, of high character and properly trained, in the legislative and executive departments of government. "At the present time," he writes, the president of the United States, the vicepresident, every member of the cabinet, with one exception, and nearly all the high officials in the government, are lawyers. In Congress five-sevenths of the senators and three-fourths of the representatives are members of the same profession; while one might count the business men on the fingers of one's two hands." It was different during the revolution and in the early days of the republic.

The subject is ably handled, and the paper is very suggestive.

J. W. D.

The Building and Voyage of the Griffon in 1679. By O. H. MARSHALL. [Buffalo, N. Y. :] Bigelow Brothers, Publishers. [1879. 8vo. pp. 36.]

....

In August last two centuries were completed since the Griffon, a small vessel, projected and built by the adventurous Chevalier de la Salle, sailed from Niagara on a voyage of discovery on the upper lakes. This paper, which is devoted to a history of the Griffon till her loss in Lake Michigan on her return voyage, was read nearly seventeen years ago, Feb. 3, 1863, before the Buffalo Historical Society. It has been revised and enlarged, and was printed in the Publications of that society in August, 1879, the bi-centenary of the event. From that serial the present pamphlet is reprinted.

Mr. Marshall has long been known as a student of the history of French discovery in the west, as is shown by a paper in the New York Historical Society's Collections, over thirty years ago. The present tract bears evidence of his usual research.

J. W. D.

Sketch of the Early History of Banking in Vermont. [Boston: 1879. Paper, 8vo. pp. 28.]

The author of this pamphlet is George P. Reed, of Boston, whose life of the Hon. John Read was noticed in the REGISTER for April, 1879 (ante, xxxiii. 262). This sketch was written several years ago, and was read before the Vermont Historical Society. It relates more particularly to the Vermont State Bank, the first banking institution in that state, and the only one to the year 1818, when private banks were chartered. It was established by an act of the legislature in 1806, and went into operation the same year. It consisted of two branches, one at Woodstock and the other at Middlebury. It began in February, 1806, to issue bills which were of various denominations from fifty cents to three dollars. Its active existence was only about a dozen years, though its affairs were not all settled till 1845. This monograph is a useful addition to the financial history of New England.

J. W. D.

The Huguenots in the Nipmuck Country, or Oxford [Mass.], prior to 1713. By GEORGE F. DANIELS. With an Introduction by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. [Motto.] Boston: Estes & Lauriat. 1880. [Cloth, 12mo. pp. 168. Price $1.25.] This work of Mr. Daniels is one of the finest historical studies which has appeared for some time. It is upon a subject full of interest. It is the story of

a brave few who came to our shores and went back into the wilderness to endure the hardships of frontier life, privation and the assaults of the savage. This company of Huguenots arrived in Boston in 1686, and settled on land granted by President Dudley and others in the present towns of Oxford and Charlton. These settlers were earnest, brave and pious. Their labors in the wilderness testify of their industry. But many things were against them. The Indians chiefly were at work making inroads upon the new made settlements, and coming upon New Oxford murdered some of the people, who after enduring much returned to Boston, where they could be more secure. There were some thirty families in all; and among them those to be remembered by Boston especially are the descendants of the Beaudoin [Bowdoin] and Faneuil families, and by the readers of English literature, Mrs. Sigourney [Sigourné]. Rev. Dr. Abel Holmes, in 1830, prepared a monograph which was published in the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, entitled 66 Memoir of French Protestants Settled at Oxford [Mass.], 1686." The history of this settlement has been sought into by others, only briefly however, and Mr. Daniels, with an evident love for the undertaking, has prepared this work. It was fitting that Oliver Wendell Holmes, son of the Rev. Dr. Holmes, should write the introduction. This book is written in a fine style, graphic and every way fascinating. It displays care and painstaking on every page. It has an excellent index. A. TITUS, Jr. The Dover (N. H.) Physicians. Read before the New Hampshire Medical Society, June 17, 1879. BY JOHN RANDOLPH HAM, M.D., of Dover. Concord: Printed by Evans, Sleeper & Evans. 1879. [Paper, 8vo. pp. 22.]

Dr. Ham has performed a serviceable labor in compiling the biographies of these seventy-five Dover physicians, ranging from the year 1631 to the present time. The author is a zealous and painstaking antiquary, and must have bestowed much labor in collecting the materials used in the sketches. Of few of these physicians had biographies been printed, and the facts in the lives of most of them were scattered and difficult to obtain.

J. W. D.

Bibliotheca Americana. 1878. Catalogue of a Valuable Collection of Books and Pamphlets relating to America. With a Descriptive List of Robert Clarke & Co.'s Historical Publications. For sale by Robert Clarke & Co. Cincinnati. 1878. [8vo. pp. 262 64. Price 50 cts.]

Bibliotheca Americana. Catalogue of a Valuable Collection of Books and Pamphlets relating to America. Supplement for 1879. For sale by Robert Clarke & Co., 65 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati. 1879. [8vo. pp. 92.]

The Bibliotheca Americana" of Messrs. Robert Clarke & Co., for 1878, contains nearly seven thousand titles relating to America, and is a valuable aid to librarians and private collectors of Americana." The Supplement contains recent additions and new books, also books reduced in price, which Messrs. Clarke & Co. can supply. It is sent gratis to the old patrons of the firm.

J. W. D.

Presentation of the Statue of Washington to the City of Newburyport. [Newburyport:] Printed by order of the City Council. 1879. [Paper, 8vo. pp. 75. For sale by A. Williams & Co., Boston. Price 25 cts.]

The name of Washington should never grow old. Mr. Daniel Ingalls Tenny, loving the place of his birth and his country, and possessing an abundance of this world's goods, was pleased to present to the city of Newburyport, a superb statue of Washington. It is an honor to the place. It reflects credit to the artist, Mr. J. Q. A. Ward, and places Mr. Tenney among the public benefactors.

This pamphlet gives an account of the unveiling of the statue on the 22d of February, 1878. The chief address on this occasion was by the Rt. Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D.D., bishop of Rhode Island, whose address was full of enthusiasm and heartiness. The work has a view of the statue, a portrait of Mr. Tenney, of New York city, the donor of the statue, and other illustrations. It will be prized by the citizens and natives of Newburyport.

A. T. JR.

King's Pocket Book of Cincinnati. Edited and published by Moses King, Harvard College, Mass. [1879. Cloth, 18mo. pp. 88.]

We have here, alphabetically arranged, a variety of interesting facts relative to Cincinnati, past and present. The dictionary form has advantages over other forms for a handbook about our cities; as we can refer at once to the subjects about which we wish to obtain information without being subjected to the delay of consulting an index. Mr. King has had experience in preparing such works. His "HandBook of Boston" was noticed in the REGISTER for April last (ante, xxxiii. 265).

J. W. D.

Barnes's One-Term History. A Brief History of the United States for Schools. [Motto.] A. S. Barnes & Co., New York, Chicago and New Orleans. [1879. 12mo. pp. 298+xlvi. Sold by Nichols & Hall, Boston.]

This work, which was first issued in 1871, has recently been thoroughly revised and brought down to the present time. It has been extensively introduced as a text-book into our public schools, and seems well adapted for the purpose. It is written in a clear and simple style. Maps and pictures are used to impress the events on the scholar's memory and make the subject attractive to him. It has an excellent index, a rare merit in school books.

J. W. D.

Biographical Encyclopædia of Massachusetts of the Nineteenth Century. [Memoir of the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Ph.D.] New York: Metropolitan Publishing and Engraving Company. 1879. [Royal 4to. pp. 13.]

Memoir of Marshall P. Wilder. By JOHN H. SHEPPARD, A.M. .... Boston: David Clapp & Son, Printers. 1867. [8vo. pp. 54.]

Sketch of the Life and Services of Marshall P. Wilder. Boston: Alfred Mudge & Son, Printers. 1871. [Royal 8vo. pp. 27.1

Address delivered at the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the Massachusetts Horticul tural Society, Sept. 12, 1879. By MARSHALL P. WILDER, Ex-President of the Society. Boston: Franklin Press: Rand, Avery & Co. 1879. [8vo. pp. 27.] Address at the Seventeenth Session of the American Pomological Society, held in Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 17, 18, 19, 1879. By MARSHALL P. WILDER, President of the Society. Published by the Society. 1879. [8vo. pp. 23. Printed by Tolman & White, Boston.]

In a life of more than four-score years, Col. Wilder has been active in organizing and furthering enterprises for the benefit of his fellow men. Few men can look back upon so fair a record.

The three memoirs whose titles are given at the head of this notice are all that have appeared separately, though we have before us a list of a score and upwards of biographies printed in books and periodicals. The pamphlet whose title heads the list is reprinted from the " Biographical Encyclopædia of Massachusetts, an elegant quarto just issued. The second pamphlet, by the late Mr. Sheppard, was reprinted from the REGISTER for 1867, and the third was written for Boston Past and Present," by Arthur Gilman, A.M., of Cambridge.

During the last few years Col. Wilder's mind has been unusually active, and though early last year he met with a severe accident (ante, xxxiii. 357), we are happy to state that he has nearly recovered from it. His intellectual powers do not seem to have been affected by it, as the two addresses, whose titles we give, amply prove. His address before the New England Historic, Genealogical Society, delivered at the last annual meeting, and printed in the REGISTER for April, 1879, has been pronounced by good judges the best that he has delivered to this society. We hope his long and useful life will be prolonged many years.

J. W. D.

St. Aspenquid of Mt. Agamenticus. An Indian Idyl. By JoпN ALBEE. Portsmouth Published by Lewis W. Brewster, 1879. [Paper, 12mo. pp. 24.] Mr. Albee is well known as a writer of graceful prose and verse. Living where the noble river of Pascataqua falls into the ocean, a region not only picturesque and abounding with historic incident, but fertile in tales of the olden times and Indian legend, he has become thoroughly imbued with the spirit of antiquity and poetry that broods over the place. Not many months since he wrote an exquisite sonnet on "Champernowne's Grave," on Cutts Island, gracefully blending the present with hoary age.

St. Aspenquid [See Farmer & Moore's Hist. Coll., iii. Ap. p. 85; Preble Genealo

gy, p. 12] and Accominticus-as I prefer to write it out of deference to Capt. John Smith, who first put this Indian name into English spelling-are inseparable. The story of St. Aspenquid-the only saint in the Indian Calendar-is neatly and prettily told, and will find many sympathetic readers. A new and fresh interest C. W. TUTTLE.

in that whole region starts up on reading this fine poem.

A Historical Memoir of Billerica in Massachusetts, containing Notices of the Principal Events in the Civil and Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Town, from its First Settlement to 1816. By JOHN FARMER. Published by Request. Amherst, N.H.: Printed by R. Boylston, 1816. [8vo. pp. 36. Reprinted for G. M. Elliott, Lowell, 1879. Price $1.]

This is one of the earliest publications of John Farmer, the well known New England antiquary, of whom a memoir and portrait will be found in our first volume. The book has long been one of the rarest of our local histories, and has commanded a very high price when offered for sale. We believe that it has brought from ten to fifteen dollars. Mr. Elliott has reprinted a small edition of the work, and has produced a perfect fac-simile of the original, even to the blue-paper covers and the stitching. Many collectors will be glad to add this to their rarities.

J. W. D.

Antiquarian Papers. Ipswich, Mass. 1879. [Sm. 4to. No. 1. October: No. II. November; each pp. 4. Published by the Rev. Augustus Caldwell, P. O. Box 159. Ipswich, Mass.]

Historical Sketch read at the Sixtieth Anniversary of the First Parish Sabbath School, Ipswich, Mass., Sunday, June 30, 1878. By Mrs. EUNICE C. COWLES. [8vo. pp. 12.]

Under the title of " Antiquarian Papers" the Rev. Mr. Caldwell has commenced a small monthly periodical devoted to antiquarian matters relative to Ipswich, which he has distributed gratis. He writes us: "It is not intended for circulation out of Ipswich. I thought if the people there could have their attention called to their early history, it might quicken an interest, and be a stepping stone to something better and more substantial." Ipswich is one of our oldest towns, and many in all parts of the union trace their ancestry to it. We hope the work will have many subscribers besides those in Ipswich. In future there will be a charge of ten cents a year. Mrs. Cowles's historical sketch of the First Parish Sabbath School in that town is an important addition to the history of Sabbath schools in this country, as well as to the annals of the town. Few Sunday schools, we think, can show a continuous existence of sixty years.

J. W. D.

Wide Awake: an Illustrated Magazine for Young People. ELLA FARMAN, Editor. D. Lothrop & Co., Publishers, Boston. [Sm. 4to. Published Monthly. Pp. 62, each number. Price $2 a year.]

The December number of this really "wide-awake" magazine has been published, completing a volume. It is filled with interesting matter for young people. We are indebted to the publishers for the use of the steel-plate of the portrait of Amos Lawrence, Esq., used in the REGISTER.

J. W. D.

Cincinnati's Beginnings. Missing Chapters of the Early History of the City and the Miami Purchase; Chiefly from hitherto Unpublished Documents. By FRANCIS W. MILLER. Cincinnati: Peter G. Thompson, Publisher. 1880. [Cloth, 12mo. pp. 235. Price $1.75.]

Everything concerning the begining of so important a city as Cincinnati is valuable; and this volume, which relates the incidents in the early history of that place in the words of the actors in those events, is gladly welcomed. Much has been written and printed relative to the North West Territory and its settlement; and the interest in the subject seems to increase rather than lessen. The Ordinance of 1787," passed for its government, and the part which this ordinance played in the struggle between freedom and slavery, has made the main features of its history familiar to the nation. Every new fact in its annals is appreciated.

The principal source of information in this volume seems to have been the letters of the Hon. John Cleves Symmes, the father-in-law of President Harrison, from which large and interesting extracts are made. Judge Symmes was the founder of the settlements in the Miami country, which included what is now Cincinnati, and the statements in these letters are of the highest authority.

J. W. D.