McCarthy, Justin. History of our own times, from accession of Queen Victoria to Berlin congress: no. I, cont. v. I, 2. N. Y., Harper, 1879. 112 p. Q. (Franklin sq. lib., no. 57.) pap., 20 c.

This number runs from death of William IV. to the Inva sion of the Crimea and close of the war, with a survey of the literature of the reign. Saturday Review (Lon.): "This is a really good book on a really interesting subject, and words piled on words could say no more for it. Such is the effect of its general justice, its breadth of view, and its sparkling buoyancy, that very few of its readers will close these volumes without looking forward with interest to the two that are to follow.'

McCook, H: Christopher. Natural history of the agricultural ant of Texas. Phila., Acad. of Ñat. Sciences, 1879. 310 p. 24 lith. pl. 4°. $4.

McDougall, W. H., ed. Classical elocutionist: coll. of gems in poetry and prose, adapted for elocutionary exercises. N. Y., Aug. Brentano, Jr., 1879. 2+ 256 p. D. cl., $1.25. Mears, Rev. J: W. Heroes of Bohemia: Huss, Jerome and Zisca. Phila., Presbyterian B'd of Pub., [1879]. 350 p. map. D. cl., $1.25. Biographical and historical; lives of Huss, Jerome and Zisca, reformers of the 14th century, and account of the scenes in which they took part, and the persecutions they suffered.

same

Milleson, Ja., M.D. Embryonic system of nature complete scientific explanation of development and decomposition of celestial spheres, which are alike composed of commutable elements, possessing the properties and subject to the same laws under all circumstances. Indianapolis, Central Printing Co., 1879. 104 p. D. pap., $1. Morris, W: The story of Sigurd the Volsung and the fall of the Niblungs. Bost., Roberts Bros., 1879. 7+ 345 p. sq. D. cl., $2.50.

New edition from new stereotype plates, at a reduced price, of a work that has been for some time out of print. An epic, founded upon the Nibelungen Lied of the middle ages; thought by many critics to be the masterpiece of the author of "The earthly paradise." Motley, J: Lothrop. The rise of the Dutch republic: a history. N. Y., Harper, 1879. 3 v. 9579; 2 + 582; 2 + 664 p. por. O. cl., $6.

Important standard work, first published in 1855; embraces the period from abdication of Charles V., 1556, tɔ death of William, Prince of Orange, 1584; prefaced by historical introd., 92 p. Index. North American Review (1856) called it "a most valuable contribution to history and letters;" Westminster Review (1856), a history as complete as industry and genius can make it... all the essentials of a great writer Mr. Motley eminently possesses;" Edinburgh Review (1857), "It does honor to American literature, and would do honor to the literature of any country in the world." Author, b. 1814, Dorchester, Mass.; d. 1877. Printed in clear type, on fine paper, with broad margin, uncut edges; bound in plain vellum cloth with paper label.

Perry, J: T. Sixteen Saviours or one? the gospels not Brahmanic. Cin., P. G. Thomson, 1879. 147 p. sq. S. cl., 75 c.; pap., 50 c. Reviews, originally published in Richmond (Ind.) Telegram, of two sceptical works, "The Sixteen Saviours" and The Bible of Bibles," by Mr. Kersey Graves; analysis and refutation of the various points they cite as against Christianity.

Pratt, C: E.

The American bicycler: manual for the observer, learner and expert. Bost., Houghton, Osgood & Co., 1879. 4 + 211 p. il. S. cl., 75 C.

Historical sketch (100 years) of velocipedes; account of bicycle in its present form; improvements made on; suggestions for learners; rules for riding and racing; laws and courtesies of the road; with information relative to races, courses, time, clubs, rules, meets, and runs, etc.; review of 1878; foreign summary; literature. Index.

Sabin, Jos. Dictionary of books rel. to Am. from its discovery to present time. Pts. 61

62,

McClean to Markham. N. Y., J. Sabin's Sons, 1879. 191 p. O. (Bibliotheca Americana.) pap.,

Shairp, Principal J: C. Rcbert Burns. N. Y., Harper, 1879. 3+ 205 p. D. (Eng. men of letters, ed. by J: Morley.) cl., 75 c.

Brief biography, for the general public, of the celebrated Scottish poet (b. 1759, d. 1796); chapters on: Youth in Ayrshire; First winter in Edinburgh; Border and Highland tours; Second winter in Edinburgh; Life at Ellisland; Migration to Dumfries; Last years; Character, poems, songs.

Shakespeare, W: Complete works; collated and compared with eds. of Halliwell, Knight, Collier and others; with life, by C: Knight; il. from original drawings, chiefly pors., in character, of Am. actors. Phila., W: T. Amies, [1879]. 1468 p. Q. (America's standard ed.) cl., $5; shp., $6; hf. tky., $7.50; full tky., $8.50.

Spear, S: T. The law of extradition, international and interstate; cont. extradition treaties and laws of U. S., several sections of English extradition act of 1870, and extradition regulations and forms. Albany, N. Y, Weed & Parsons, 1879. 8°. shp., $5.

Taylor, Bayard, life, etc., see Conwell, R. H.
Tellor, Lloyd V.

Diseases of live stock, and their most efficient remedies; incl. horses, cattle, sheep and swine. Phila., H. C. Watts & Co., 1879. 460 p. 8°. cl., $2.50; leath., $3.

Thackeray, W: Makepeace. The four Georges : sketches of manners, morals, court and town life. [New issue.] N. Y., Harper, 1879. 5-205 p. Tt. (Harper's half-hour ser., no. 104.) pap., 25 c.

4 lectures on George I., II., III., IV., delivered in U. S. in 1855-56.

Ward, Lester F.

Haeckel's Genesis of man; or, history of the development of the human race. Phil., E: Stern & Co., 1879. 64 p. O. рар., 30 с.

Review of Haeckel's "Anthropogenie;" exposition of his views and those of the advanced German school of science; reprinted from Penn Monthly of April, May, July, 1877.

Warner, Susan, Miss. My Desire. By author of "Wide, Wide World." N. Y., Rob. Carter & Bros., 1879. 629 p. D. cl., $1.75. American religious novel; the story of Desire Burgoyne, a quaint, earnest New England girl; her love experience is detailed at length, showing the influence it has in developing the strong religious side of her character. Scenes laid amid the simple life of a New England farm, and fashionable society in Philadelphia; character sketches of New England people, very graphic.

Waterford, Me. History of Waterford, Oxford Co., Me., compr. hist. address, by H: P. Warren; record of families, by Rev. W: Warren; centennial proceedings, by S: Warren. Portland, Me., Hoyt, Fogg & Donham, 1879. 371 p. 8°. cl., $2.

Weir, Ja. W. Home worship ser. of topical prayers for use in the family circle. Phila., Presbyterian B'd of Pub., [1879]. 318 p. D. cl., 75 c.

"Studies in prayer," under 63 headings, intended to guide and help readers by suggesting trains of thought and forms of expression in prayer; author late of Harrisburg, Presbyterian Church, and superintendent of Sunday-school; Pa., where he was a ruling elder in the Market Square wrote "The closet companion."

Wilder, Burt G., ed. Emergencies: how to avoid them and how to meet them. N. Y.,

G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1879. 36 p. il. T. pap., 15 C. Little book to be carried in pocket; contains brief practical advice as to treatment of accidents by fire or water, gas, poisons, etc.

Wright, Julia McNair. On London bridge: a true story. N. Y., National Temp. Soc. and Pub. House, 1879. 88 p. il. S. cl., 40. c. Illustrating vice of intemperance; hero a thriving business man, whose drinking habits lead him to suicide.

PUBLISHERS' PRIORITY CLAIMS. From the New York Commercial Advertiser for the week ending May 13.

MAY 7. Harper & Bros. :-My Lords of Strogne.-Norstone.Who is Mary ?-Round the World in Six Months.-Holidays in Eastern France.-Little Margaret's Ride to the Isle of Wight.-All the World's a Stage.-A Woman of Mind. Crossford.-The Cat and Battledore.-Excursions into Puzzledom.-The House of Lys. -The Unequal Marriage.-A Debt of Love.-The Zulus and the British Frontier, by Captain Lucas.-The Agamemnon, translated from Eschylus, by the Earl of Carnarvon.-Sport in British Burmah.-Ula.-The Odyssey of Homer, trans

5.00

lated by General Schomberg.-Londoniana.-Rambles in Northwest America.-Pictures of the Past.-Tales from Euripides.-Over the Border.

A. D. F. Randolph & Co.:-Kept for the Master's Use, by F. R. Havergal.

MAY 8.

J. B. Lippincott & Co.:-A Broken Blossom.-How He Won Her.-Catching a Tartar.-The Black Squire.Stonedell Lodge.-Our Vicar.-A Mountain Daisy.-The Lady of Treferne.-The Queen of Two Worlds.-A Tiger Lily.-Lynton Abbott's Children.-The Last of the Kerdrecs.-Two Fair Ladies.-The House of Lys.-Pictures of the Past.-A Debt of Love.-Youth on the Prow.-The Marble Queen.

MAY 13.

Harper & Bros. :-Tales from Euripides.-The Unequal Marriage.-Bice.-Cousins.-Dellicia. Nell on and of the Stage. The Mystery of Rillard-Great Grenfall Gardens.-Orange Lily.-The House of Lys.-The Cat and Battledore.-An Accomplished Gentleman.-Norstone.A Son of Sweden.-The Master of Red Leaf.-Saul Weir. Our Vicar.

G. P. Putnam's Sons:-Children's Lives, and How to Protect Them a Nursery Handbook for ready reference, by William Lomas, M.D.

Geo. Routledge & Son :-The Art of Practical Whist, by Col. A. W. Drayson.;

The Publishers' Weekly.

F. LEYPOLDT, Bibliographical Editor. R. R. BOWKER, General Editor.

MAY 17, 1879.

PUBLISHERS are requested to furnish title-page proofs and advance information of books forthcoming, both for entry in the lists and for descriptive mention. An early copy of each book published should be forwarded, to insure correctness in the final entry.

The trade are invited to send "Communications" to the editor on any topic of interest to the trade, and as to which an interchange of opinion is desirable. Also, matter for "Notes and Queries." Notes from librarians will also be gratefully received.

In case of business changes, notification or card should be immediately sent to this office for entry under "Business Notes." New catalogues issued will also be mentioned when forwarded.

THE NEW POSTAL REGULATIONS. IN construing the Postal Act of March 3d, the Department has very wisely chosen to put forth an entirely new series of regulations, superseding the scattered and often incongruous rules and rulings hitherto in vogue by a liberally drawn and consistent postal code-a boon for which those using the post-office, of whom there are quite a number, cannot be too grateful. We give elsewhere a digest of the regulations, bringing into connection the various provisions necessarily placed apart in the regulations themselves, which will be found very useful as a practical guide for the ordinary business use of the mails. We have omitted simply those sections bearing on internal administration or on the franking privilege, etc., with which the business public is not concerned.

The Department, as represented by the two capable gentlemen who have personally executed the work, has spared no pains to obtain the suggestions of those best acquainted with the needs either of the publishers or of the business public, and they have very fully accepted these suggestions except where they seemed directly incompatible with the protection of the Department.

There are still imperfections in the postal law, for which remedy must again be sought in Congress; these are at present beyond reach

of the Department. In particular, the obnoxious old "section 99," as to carrier delivery offices, remains in force, with its absurd distinctions between weeklies and monthlies and its confusing tariff, though the Department has mitigated its absurdities by permitting copies not intended for carrier delivery to be delivered through the boxes at regular rates. It is to be feared that this well-meant provision may work some confusion in administration, and the only satisfactory solution is to get the thing out of the law. The postal reformers propose to fight it out on this line; if they can dispose also of the free county delivery and the franking abominations, they will have achieved a complete triumph.

There is one point on which the regulations seem to be silent, and which cannot safely be left to local practice-the disposition of shortpaid and unpaid matter. Some provision is

made in the law (which we include in the digest), but it is incomplete, and in fact there seems to be a contradiction between it and the Revised Statutes quoted in the regulations. It was proposed that the senders of unpaid or short-paid matter should be notified when known this general question seems the only one inadequately treated.

The tariff provisions of the act involve some possibility of embarrassing delay, as pointed out by Mr. Lea, in delivering dutiable printed matter; but this will be obviated at the larger offices by their excellence of administration. We trust Mr. Lea's admirable suggestion for a customs stamp may one day be adopted. The general principle adopted for the solution of the postal-customs duty seems the right one.

One important point is gained in the permission in lower-class matter of marks, by writing or otherwise, not in the nature of personal correspondence—the right principle of differentiation. This removes a very serious embarrassment of publishers and booksellers.

The new code, however, it should especially be noted, classifies manuscripts (whether for books or periodicals) as written matter, except they accompany printed proofs of same. This is in the interest of simplicity and postal revenue, but will be more grateful to publishers than to authors. Manuscripts are really merchandise, but it is difficult to draw the line between them and personal correspondence.

Very wide latitude has been given to the publishers of admitted journals and to newsagents, in regard to sample and free copies. Care has been taken in the definition of secondclass matter not to exclude any journals except those which are mere advertising circulars in disguised form. Provision is made for uniform decision in doubtful cases, and the Department

It is

IT having been finally decided that the charter members of the Booksellers' and Stationers' Provident Association should not be subjected to medical examination, the Secretary, Mr. Jos. F. Vogelius, care of Henry Holt & Co., 12 East Twenty-third Street, has sent to each a circular for signature and for the enclosure of the $2.10 for entrance fee and first death payment. very desirable that the Association should be put on its feet by prompt payment of this amount, and members should slip in the amount their first pay day. The Association starts with about three hundred members; if each of these, on the average, secures three new ones, the desired number of one thousand will be reached at once.

AN important preliminary step has been taken toward printing the British Museum Catalogue -which is as near an approach to the millennial "universal catalogue" as can be expected for perhaps several generations. There seems no reason why the plan now submitted should not be carried out, and for much less money than is expended by the British Government on projects of far inferior importance. We hope it will be undertaken, and that American libraries, publishers, and others will do their part by entering their subscriptions. The general catalogue of our own national library, thanks to Mr. Spofford's energy, is already in process of

printing.

WE shall hope to give in our next issue extracts from many interesting letters, etc., received by Messrs. Harper & Bros. in response to their copyright brochure, and a paper from Mr. J. W. Lovell, arguing for the royalty system, which, though in type, are crowded out of this issue for want of space.

DIGEST OF THE NEW POSTAL REGULATIONS.

In accordance with the appropriation of Congress and the directions of the PostmasterGeneral, a new series of regulations, based on the act of March 3d, has been promulgated by the Department, to supersede all previous rulings. These have been the work of Hon. A. H. Bissell and Thomas H. Kirby, who liberal character of the new code. are entitled to great credit for the clear and Its spirit may be judged by the general instructions accompanying:

old law, were rated with letter postage, are, un"Many classes of matter, which, under the der the new classification, to be rated as fourthclass merchandise, such, for instance, as drawings, plans, designs, specifications, original paintings in oil or water colors. Matter which ing a writen inscription in the nature of peris wholly in writing, or printed matter containsonal correspondence, and matter which is sealed against inspection, are alone, by their nature and the intent of the law, first-class matter. Printed matter, partly in writing, may be first or third-class matter, according to the nature of the written inscription thereon. If the inscription is of the nature of personal correspondence, the matter must pay first-class rates. An inscription not in the nature of personal correspondence may be written upon third-class matter without subjecting it to letter postage. Fourth-class matter includes everything not included in the other three classes, which is not by law and regulations excluded

from the mails. Postmasters should consider the presumption to be in favor of the admission of all unsealed matter subject to inspection at third or fourth class rates, and unless the matter is wholly in writing-when it must pay letter postage should not rate it up on account of written inscriptions thereon unless the inscription is clearly in the nature of a personal correspondence."

We summarize below a digest of the regula tions affecting publishers and the trade, based upon the act of which the full text will be found in the PUBLISHERS' WEEKLY of March 8th, 1879, p. 280, q. v. The regulations are given in full in a supplement to the Post Office Gazette, Washington, but the following digest, more convenient in form for practical use, includes later modifications of importance, up to May 16th, notably that permitting news-agents to send sample copies.

CLASSIFICATION.

First, written matter [3 cents per oz.]; second, periodical publications [2 cents per lb.]: third, miscellaneous printed matter [1 cent per 2 oz.]; fourth, merchandise [1 cent per oz.]. (Sec. 7, act, sec. I, reg.)

Mail matter is divided into four classes:

FIRST-CLASS MATTER.

Mailable matter of the first class embraces letters, postal cards, and all matter wholly or partly in writing (sec. 8, act, sec. 2, reg.). except such as is permitted in connection with printed matter or merchandise as not in the nature of personal correspondence (sec. 22, act, secs. 55 and 56, reg. See for definitions, sec. 22, act, secs. 55, 56, reg., below), and, by presumption, sealed matter. (Sec. 6, reg.)

Manuscript is not included in the above ex

The postage on first-class matter is 3 cents per half ounce, except for postal cards, sold at I cent each, and for drop-letters, which pay 2 cents per half ounce at letter-carrier and I cent per half ounce at other offices. (Sec. 9, act, sec. 3, reg.)

Any packages sealed, or otherwise closea against inspection, or containing writing other than that permitted by secs. 55 and 56 (below), is to be treated as a letter. (Sec. 6, reg.)

If one full rate is paid on first-class matter, it is to be forwarded, and the unpaid rate collected on delivery, by means of special department stamps. (See sec. 26, act, below.)

SECOND-CLASS MATTER.

Mailable matter of the second class embraces all newspapers and other periodical publications which are issued at stated intervals, and as frequently as four times a year, and are within the conditions named." (Sec. 10, act, sec. 7, reg.)

"First. It must regularly be issued at stated intervals, as frequently as four times a year, and bear a date of issue, and be numbered consecutively.

Second. It must be issued from a known office of publication.

["A known office of publication is a public

office for the transaction of the business of the periodical, where orders may be received for subscriptions and advertising during the usual business hours. Publications issued without disclosing the office of publication must not be forwarded unless prepaid at the rate of thirdclass matter." (Sec. 8, reg.)]

Third. It must be formed of printed paper sheets, without board, cloth, leather, or other substantial binding, such as distinguish printed books for preservation from periodical publications.

"Fourth. It must be originated and published for the dissemination of information of a public character, or devoted to literature, the sciences, arts, or some special industry, and having a legitimate list of subscribers: Provided, however, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to admit to the second-class rate regular publications designed primarily for advertising purposes, or for free circulation, or for circulation at nominal rates." (Sec. 14, act, sec. 8, reg.)

'Regular publications, designed primarily for advertising purposes, within the intendment of the 7th section, are defined to be

"1. Those owned and controlled by one or several individuals or business concerns, and conducted as an auxiliary, and essentially for the advancement of the main business or calling of those who own or control them.

"2. Those which, having no genuine or paidup subscriptions, insert advertisements free, on the condition that the advertiser will pay for any number of papers which are sent to persons whose names are given to the publisher.

"3. Those which do advertising only, and whose columns are filled with long editorial puffs of firms or individuals who buy a certain number of copies for distribution.

"4. Pamphlets containing market quotations, and the business cards of various business houses opposite the pages containing such quotations." (Sec. 9, reg.)

The decision is made by the local postmas

be referred to the office of the First Assistant Postmaster-General, thus providing for uniformity. (Sec. 10, reg.) A temporary permit shall be granted on first issue of publication, when said issue submitted is accompanied by affidavit of publisher as to its character. (Sec. 18, reg.)

The postage on matter of the second class, when sent by the publisher thereof, and from the office of publication, including sample copies, or by news-agents (see below), is made uniformly two cents per pound (sec. II, act, sec. 12, reg.), except in the case of county publications deliverable free (sec. 25, act, secs. 63, 66, reg., below), and except at carrier offices, under the present provisions for weighing and prepayment. (Secs. 13 and 14, reg.) Papers must be folded within the size of 8 x 11 inches. (Sec. 61, reg.) The old distinctions between newspapers and periodicals and between weeklies and monthlies are swept away, except for local distribution at free delivery offices, where, by the act, the old confusing distinctions are still retained. (Sec. 26, act, secs. 63 and 64, reg.)

A negative clause (sec. 67, reg.) is practically a regulation that "publications claiming or having more than one office of publication which do mailed from any or all their offices of publinot claim free county circulation," may be

cation.

COPIES MAILABLE AT SECOND-CLASS RATES.

Regular Subscribers.-" By section 8 subscribership is made one of the tests of the bona-fide character of a publication, and a postmaster may require a publisher to satisfy him that he has a legitimate list." (Sec. 16, reg.) "A regular subscriber is a person who has actually paid, or undertaken to pay, a subscription price for a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, or for whom such payment has been made, or undertaken to be made, by some other person. But, in the latter case, such payment must have been made or undertaken with the consent or at the request of the person to whom such newspaper, magazine, or periodical is sent. Consent is to be implied in the absence of objection by the party to whom the publication is sent." (Sec. 15, reg.)

Sample Copies.-"When once determined to be entitled to transmission as second-class matter, the distinction in favor of subscribership in the circulation of second-class matter... is abandoned, and sample copies. . . may, when sent from an office of publication or a newsagency, be forwarded in the mails at the same rates as to subscribers, to wit, at two cents per pound or fraction thereof." (Sec. 17, reg.)

["Sample copies of publications of the second class, which are entitled to transmission through the mails at two cents a pound, are defined to be copies sent to persons not subscribers, for the purpose of inducing them either to subscribe for or to advertise in the publication, or to agents, or to persons desiring to become agents, or whom the publisher may wish to induce to act as agents, to be used by them in procuring subscriptions and advertising. Any number of copies of any number of different editions of a second-class publication may be sent at any one time as sample copies. The primary design of a publisher in sending out sample copies is to increase the subscrip tion list and advertising patronage of his publi