gaudy day, and remain dry the rest of the year; but it wells out continually. His is the eloquence that charms mankind; and how much nobler a superiority does it confer than power, or even that high office to which he has just been chosen, not elevated; for Edward Everett is among the few who confer new honor upon station.

The Poetical Works of Mrs. Felicia Hemans; complete in one volume; with a Critical Preface. Philadelphia: Thomas T.

Ash.

The preface to this neat edition was written by B. B. Thatcher, Esq., a man of genius, who is not only capable of appreciating, but of producing the bright thoughts of poetry. In a moment of critical ferocity, we were unnecessarily harsh with regard to some funny verses of his in the Token; we ought to have remembered that the best poets are sometimes at fault; witness Mr. Bryant's attempts at wit, thrown in like pieces of glass among his gleaming diamonds. Mr. Thatcher has attained a highly-respectable rank among American writers; and that he is deserving, every reader of this preface will agree. It displays good taste, deep feeling, and a competent ability to edit even these works of the first English poetess of this or any other age.

The volume is very clearly and beautifully printed; but, probably owing to the distance of the editor's residence from that of the publisher, some errors have been overlooked, which, as they do not materially impair the value of the work to the public, we shall be happy to designate by private communication, that they may be corrected in a future edition. One or two pieces have inadvertently found a place here, which we know not to be the production of Mrs. Hemans; and one or two, which, from their distinctive marks, we confidently guess not to be her's. They were found, no doubt, in the newspapers, attributed to Mrs. Hemans. Some lines, by a friend of our's, which would never have attracted notice with his humble name, were, by some sapient editor, given to Mrs. Hemans, and straightway they flew, from paper to paper, from Wiscasset to Appalachicola, as one of the most graphic and exquisite effusions of her glowing pen.' So much for the prejudice of a popular name!

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The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. A Tradition of Pennsylvania. By the Author of Calavar' and The Infidel.' 2 vols. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea and Blanchard.

WE parted last with Dr. Bird at Mexico, whither he had transported us in imagination; and little did we then think that we should meet again so soon, and in so familiar a scene. Our author has forsaken the days of chivalry for the humbler era of the eighteenth century, and in place of the haughty Castilians and their barbarian adversaries, we behold the true-hearted sons of America in their Pennsylvanian valley. Dr. Bird does not claim for his story the merit of being 'peculiarly American.' It is rather, he says, a domestic tale, treating of incidents and characters common to the whole world.' It describes the fate of a singular family,

who, having suddenly attained to wealth, settle in the Hawk-Hollow,' whence they are driven by a train of extraordinary misfortunes.

In this novel, Dr. Bird displays a power and beauty inferior in no respect to those which won an enviable reputation for 'Calavar' and 'The Infidel.' The same thrilling interest is imparted to the plot; there is an equal fertility and truth in the descriptive pictures of natural scenery, and the same wild energy in dialogue and action. But, in the construction of the plot and the delineation of some of the principal characters, there is a tendency to exaggeration, which is clearly evident upon a second reading. The author occasionally imposes too heavy a tax on the credulity of his readers. Oran Gilbert would make a better hero for a melodrama than a tragedy. There is a similar exaggeration in some of the comic characters. Affidavy and Captain Loring are examples. We are afraid these blemishes arise from hastiness in composition; for the same hand that created them, drew with exquisite skill the gentle Catharine, the energetic Harriet. Hyland Falconer, Sterling, and, not least in our estimation, the gallant Captain Caliver, who, with his horse Skycraper,' figures in one scene with great distinction. There are a few pieces of poetry interspersed through these volumes, but they do not lead us to regret that our author has chosen the career of a prose-writer. That the verses are above mediocrity, we are not inclined to deny ; but still they do not ring like sterling metal.

The Magnolia, 1836. Edited by Henry W. Herbert. NewYork: Monson Bancroft.

The literary merit of this volume is far higher than that of any other annual, except two, ever published in this country. The Memorial,' edited by F. S. Hill, and issued ten years ago, contained more sprightly, smart, and agreeable papers than every volume of a similar kind which had been previously issued in this country. The reason may be found in the facts, that the editor was himself a man of taste and talent, and selected his pieces on account of their intrinsic value, not for the names of their composers. This annual, as it was worth the price asked for it and no humbug, failed, of course; it was published only two years, and may be had now, we dare say, single or by the dozen. The Talisman' the fictitious editor's name was Herbert, we think was the best volume of the kind, without exception, ever published here or in England. It made its appearance two or three times, and, though not pelted off the stage, was compelled to retire. Like a wellwritten comedy, full of delicate points, its parts beautifully adapted, its wit fine and subtle, its action calm and graceful, it was uncomprehended, and after running a few nights was silently condemned by the groundlings, who, for the most part, are capable of nothing but gaud, glitter, tinsel, clap-traps and noise. We were not told that the plates were American subjects, by American painters, engraved by American artists, and that the papers were written by celebrated authors—from expresident Adams down, down, down, (readers are requested to repeat this word a thousand times) down to S. G. Goodrich. "The Talisman' stood simply on its intrinsic worth. Though conducted by men, whose names might have sold a dozen editions, such an appeal to the public purse was disdained. An anonymous editor appeared as its sponsor, the articles were all anonymous. They were magnificent;

but what of that? Had they been written by young misses at school, and fathered by illustrious contributors, they would have been esteemed fine.

One William C. Bryant, an individual of very fair talents, was the principal real editor of the annual to which we refer, and he was aided by a Mr. Halleck-FitzGreene Halleck, a youth of promise-and by Gulian C. Verplanck, Esq., a person of considerable intelligence. Notwithstanding, however, the respectable abilities of these gentlemen amateur-authors, the 'Talisman' was not popular. The Atlantic Souvenir,' conducted by Mr. Gilpin,

(John Gilpin was a citizen
Of credit and renown,')

and 'The Token' at first published, then edited by S. G. Goodrich, were excessively admired. So similar were these two in character, that nothing but a literary matrimony was wanting to their perfect success. This desirable union was accordingly brought about by the guardians; and Mr. 'Token,' a spruce dandy, led to the altar Miss Atlantic Souvenir,' an affected damsel - and they two became one. The lady had the advantage in years; but that they have been happy together, may be inferred from the fact that little else than soft nonsense has been whispered between them since the honey-moon.

One word more, in praise of 'The Talisman.' We will mention that which should cause it to be placed, like a classic, on the library shelf of every lover of poetry. In it was first contained that most exquisite of all fugitive pieces - 'The Evening Wind'; who cannot repeat it?

'Spirit that breathest through my lattice!'

6

But we must talk about The Magnolia.'

ness,

6

Gentle lady, on your morning lounge, step aside into the bookseller's and turn over its gilded leaves, after having sufficiently admired its tasteful exterior. The landscape engravings you will think beautiful; but, having just consulted ́your mirror, you cannot, after seeing a face so much fairer than any here, apply the same epithet to the portraits. There is 'The White Plume,' very gracefully waving over a countenance not very youthful in its expression. The Young Mother' you deem an interesting subject, badly treated. She is to be commended for so fondly caressing such a homely little son. Amy Cranstoun' is a very good likeno doubt. The tombstone, after which the cherub Innocenza' was engraved, must have been very poorly cut. The best landscapes - and they are all tastefully chosen and finely engraved -are the Ruins of Jamestown' and a View on the Katskill.' The prospective is fine. Boys on the Ice,' from a painting by Fisher, is a charming picture. Lake George, near Ticonderoga,' is faithful and clear. We should like to see the original picture of The Bride of Lammermoor.' It is a most thrilling subject, splendidly treated; think you not so, gentle lady? Then take home the volume. It will awaken many delightful associations; and you will find the tales, of interest sufficient to repay even your devoted perusal. The poetry, though not of distinguished excellence, is readable; the introductory verses, and others by the editor, exceedingly pretty.

One thing is true: New-York has this year produced, by far, the finest specimen of literature and taste. Boston and Philadelphia have been surpassed. Yet, be

fore stating concisely wherein lies the superior merit of The Magnolia,' we beg leave of our good-natured cousins of the newspaper press to disclaim any prejudice or favoritism about the matter. We trust that eight thousand copies of the 'Token' may be sold as usual. We wish its worthy publisher all success. We nevertheless hold the literary talents of its editor in sovereign contempt; and shall take occasion to expose his empiricism in books still further. That our opinion of his annual, severe as it was, was perfectly fair, may be argued from our having plied the lash most lustily on the shoulders of an author, (Mr. Thatcher) whom a high personal esteem would prompt us to praise.The Gift,' edited by Miss Leslie, we consider decidedly inferior to The Token'; but refrained from any expression of our opinion, from a willingness to extend towards a literary lady a courtesy and forbearance which was not due to a gentleman.

'The Magnolia' is the best annual that has appeared, because it has the best editor, the best papers, and the best pictures. When the same writers have contributed to the three, they are brightest in these pages. Witness Miss Sedgwick's story, Mr. Mellen's poetry. Moreover, the articles by the author of ' A Year in Spain,' of The Yemassee,' of 'The Brothers,' do honor even to these authors; and A Night on the Enchanted Mountains,' by the author of a Winter in the West,' is a sketch which would, of itself, entitle 'The Magnolia' to a conspicuous place among the flowers of literature.

An Exposition of the Mysteries or Religious Dogmas and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians, Pythagoreans, and Druids. Also, An Inquiry into the Origin, History, and Purport of Feeemasonry. By John Fellows, A. M. New-York: printed for the author, and sold by Banks, Gould and Co. 1835. 1 vol. 8vo., pp. 403.

If the title of this learned and curious work were not sufficiently explicative, the following clear exposition, afforded in the Introduction, would sufficiently declare its object: The intention of this work is to endeavor to unravel the intricate web in which the mystery (of freemasonry) is involved, by tracing the order back to its source, and, by showing its intimate connection and similitude to institutions more ancient, put it beyond a doubt, that it sprang from and is a continuation of the › rites and ceremonies observed in those establishments.'

Indebted, as we feel, to the author's politeness for a present of his book, the narrow limits of this journal will not allow us to enter into a review of its subjects. Its general scope and tenor, however, may be gathered from a few observations; which we would premise with the remark that, the work will be found highly valuable, not only on account of the luminous ray which it sheds over the obscurity of the Masonic institution, but as a spacious depository of useful and recondite knowledge.

That the writer, as a freemason, is extremely liberal, may be judged from his own reprobation of the oaths imposed upon members. He considers a total abandonment of the oaths, at the present day, requisite. He says that the mysteries, from which the institution was derived, created, and that the custom of the times when it was established, sanctioned the most horrible oaths. The argument used,

that these oaths are no longer necessary, is, we think, effectual against the existence of Masonry itself.

At a time when superstitious customs prevailed, the society, as a secret bond between individuals, might have been necessary and highly important; but in the general intelligence of the age and under the light of liberal Christianity, there can hardly be any reason why individuals should bind themselves to mutual support. We do not mean to impugn their perfect and indefeasible right to do so; we simply question the necessity. As for this war of extermination which has been waged against Masonry, no reasonable observer of passing events can doubt for a moment that its object is political. There is no doubt that the antimasonic party would be as fiercely kept up, if every single Mason should renounce his creed, and the last crumbling fragment of this tremendous institution be swept from the earth.

Mr. Fellows displays the greatest liberality towards the opponents of Masonry, not doubting that many have been actuated by the purest motives. Wishing to teach and to convince, he does not set to work in the manner of a modern political editor, by calling those who differ with him, knaves, villains and unhanged scoundrels, and then politely request them to believe what he is about to say. He is, on the contrary, mild and persuasive; and instead of knocking down his antagonist preliminary to dragging him forward, he takes him gently by the hand and tries to lead him in the path.

We have called the volume useful in other respects than as it teaches the origin of the mysteries and ceremonies of Masonry. A glance at the subjects, fully and satisfactorily treated in the first four chapters, which occupy more than half the work, will show this fact. The first chapter explains the Dogmas and Customs' of the ancient Egyptians. Among the rare works cited, is the Abbe Pluche's "History of the Heavens.' All the included topics-comprising a full account of the worship of the Egyptians, their religious rites and observances, and the derivation from these of many customs descended to us—are treated in the most interesting and instructive manner. We have next a dissertation on the origin, nature, and object of the ancient mysteries.' Then follows an examination of Virgil's Sixth Book of the Eneid, in which it is shown that the allegorical descent of Eneas into hell is no other than an enigmatical representation of his initiation into the mysteries. The importance of the next chapter lies in the sketch presented of the life and doctrines of Pythagoras, the founder of the sect that bore his name; and the doctrines and customs of the Druids, the priests of the ancient Britons.

It is truly anomalous in this utilitarian age-in which the demand seems to be, that every work which does not treat on science, should simply contribute to amusement to witness the production of a voluminous treatise, like this, on subjects employing in their investigation indefatigable research, and, in their full demonstration, long assiduity and labor.

Legends of a Log-Cabin. By a Western Man. New-York: George Dearborn. pp. 276.

These are among the most spirited and entertaining stories with which we are acquainted. There is a truth and freshness about them which inspire a lively interest. We cannot but imagine that the incidents recounted must have in reality