All who are concerned in the matter are referred to the "gentle shepherd" above. The pamphlet, be it remarked, is gratuitous, and "what is more free than a gift?" A GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY. By W. H. THORNTHWAITE. 12mo. Horne, Thornthwaite, and Wood. This is a very excellent practical guide to the study of Photography, now so popular. It is very copiously and neatly illustrated throughout; and it is so clearly arranged, that any person can understand it. Directions are of course given for obtaining views, portraits, &c. These are both simple and concise. There is also a very interesting explanation of the action of light on prepared surfaces of paper, glass, and metal; and all the recent improvements are added, in the Calotype, Daguerreotype, Collodion, Albumen, and Waxed Paper pro cesses. Not the least interesting portion of this pretty book is that devoted to the subject of stereoscopic pictures. Its cost, we should add, is a bagatelle; and its introduction among schools and families will be general. THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. By GILBERT WHITE. Nathaniel Cooke. What! another edition of Gilbert White's "Selborne ?" Yes; and a most superb edition, too (within and without)-eclipsing even those beautiful editions (legion!) already extant; and issued at a price that will enable every boy and girl in England to procure it. Half-a-crown only! Half-a-guinea would be little for it. The exquisite illustrations are alone worth more than that sum. Nobody now dares own that he has not read "White's Selborne !" We cannot, to day, as our columns are already overburdened, attempt to do justice to this book. But we will not lay it aside, even pro tem., without giving part of the preface, written by the Editor (Sir William Jardine): There is perhaps NO WORK of the same class that has gone through more editions than White's "Selborne." It originally appeared in 1789, four years before the author's death, in the then fashionable quarto size; an octavo edition, in two volumes, was published under the charge of Dr. Aitkin in 1802, to which various observations were added from White's journals; and a second quarto edition was again published in 1813, with notes by the Rev. John Mitford, several of which are copied into the present volume; after these, the edition projected and published by Constable in his "Miscellany" was the first to render the work better known and more popularly desired. When the disarrangement of Mr. Constable's affairs took place, and the "Miscellany" had passed into other hands, this edition assumed several forms, and was illustrated by woodcuts, some of them engraved for it, while some were inserted that had previously been used in other works on natural history. The demand for the work, however, still continued so great, as to induce Mr. Van Voorst, and others, to speculate upon fresh reprints, some of them very beautifully and Mr. Jesse have all contributed their share to illustrated; and the Rev. L. Jenyns, Mr. Bennet, the explanation of White's letters, and have been assisted by some of the first men of the day, in regard to such subjects as did not so immediately form a portion of their own studies; and Herbert, many useful and instructive notes. we owe to Messrs. Bell and Owen, Yarrel and The call now for another edition of "The Natural History of Selborne," after so much has been illustrated and written about it, shows the continued estimation in which the work is held, and the confidence of the publishers in its value. What is the cause of this run after the correspondence of a country clergyman? Just that it is the simple recording of valuable facts as they were really seen or learned, without embellishment, except as received from truth, and without allowing the imagination to ramble and assume conclusions the exactness of which it had not proved. He at the same time kept steadily in view the moral obligations upon himself as a man and a minister, to benefit his fellow-creatures by impressing upon them the beneficence of the Creator, as exemplified in His works; and the cnotentment and cheerfulness of spirit which their study, under proper restrictions, imparts to the mind. And of this man we have handed down what can be gathered from a short sketch by his scarcely any biographical recollections, except brother, or that may be interspersed ainong his letters; and these are very few, as he was not given to write of himself or his private affairs. Gilbert White, at one time the recluse and almost obscure vicar of Selborne, had no biographer to record all the little outs and ins of his quiet career; he was not thought of until his letters pointed him out as a man of observation; and it is only since they have been edited and re-edited, hope of finding some memoranda of the worthy that every source has been ransacked, with the vicar and naturalist. The sketch which his brother John appended to the octavo edition of his works in 1802, is the only memorial of his life; and as it is authentic, and very short, it is best to print it as it was ori ginally published. The same modest and retired habits never tempted him, so far as is known, to sit for any likeness; and no portrait or profile remains to recall the features of one whose writings have been so much and so widely read. Gilbert White was the eldest son of John White of Selborne, Esq., and of Anne, the daughter of Thomas Holt, rector of Streatham, in Surrey. He was born at Selborne, on July 18th, 1720; and received his school education at Basingstoke, under the Rev. Thomas Warton, vicar of that place, and father of those two distinguished literary characters, Dr. Joseph Warton, master of Winchester School; and Mr. Thomas Warton, poetry-professor at Oxford. He was admitted at Oriel College, Oxford, in December, 1739; and took his degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1743. In March, 1744, he was elected Fellow of his College. He became Master of Arts in October, 1746, and was admitted as one of the senior Proctors of the University in April, 1752. Being of an unambitious temper, and strongly attached to the charms of rural scenery, he early fixed his residence in his native village, where he spent the greater part of his life in literary occupations, and especially in the study of nature. This he followed with a patient assiduity, and a mind ever open to the lessons of piety and benevolence, which such a study is so well calculated to afford. Though several occasions offered of settling upon a college living, he could never persuade himself to quit the beloved spot, which was indeed a peculiarly happy situation for an observer. He was much esteemed by a select society of intelligent and worthy friends, to whom he paid occasional visits. Thus his days passed tranquil and serene, with scarcely any other vicissitudes than those of the seasons, till they closed at a mature age, on June 26th, 1793." And thus he was born, lived, and died in his native parish and village, respected by those around him; contented in his own mind, and endeavoring to fulfil his various duties as a clergyman and member of society. A grave stone, as unobtrusive as his life, marks upon the turf of the churchyard the place of his interment. GLENNY'S GARDEN ALMANAC FOR 1854. Cox, King Street. The name of GEORGE GLENNY and a flower-garden are synonymous. Mr. Glenny is a practical man, and goes to the root of his subject. Hence the value of his observations. Let us illustrate what we say by appending his admirable HINTS FOR LADY GARDENERS. Ladies, who are fond of plants and flowers, must take a few hints and treasure them in the memory, for they know they every now and then find a plant sickly, and often dead. The causes are various. Too much water keeps the roots always cold; colder than the atmosphere, and the plant gets chilled. Also, where saucers are used, and the water is allowed to remain in the bottom, no air can get to the roots, and they perish with rot. Too little water only goes part of the way down the ball of earth, and all below it continues dry, and perishes for want of moisture. The natural consequence is, that, as the plant only has the support of the upper fibres, it becomes starved, and, after a vain struggle, dies. Now it is necessary to moisten the whole ball of earth alike, whenever water is given. Therefore, when you apply it, see that it runs through the bottom into the saucer, and pour it from that (as often as any comes through), till it is quite dry, and do not water again till the soil is nearly dry again. But it is possible to water until it runs through at the bottom; and yet not moisten the earth. When the soil dries, it shrinks and leaves the side of the pot, thus making a vacancy. Apply the water, without pressing down the earth, to it close to the side, and it will run through fast without sinking into the soil at all. Therefore, before watering, always press the earth close to the side of the pot (if it be not so already) all the way round; in order that the water, when applied, may only escape by going through the entire soil. The difference between winter and summercold weather and hot-dictates no difference in the quantity of water to give at each watering; but, in winter time, it is possible that watering once in two or three weeks may be often enough, while in summer time, once a day may be hardly sufficient. There is but one way to water things properly, and that is, to be guided by the state of the soil. It may be dry on the top before it wants water; but it ought not to be dry half-an-inch below. And it would be well to look over the plants daily in summer, though they will not require so frequent an inspection in winter. Another point is worth attention; water should be given of the same temperature as the atmosphere in which the plants are growing. In summer time, it is highly improper to use well-water it is many degrees colder than the atmosphere; and if there be none but well-water, let it stand in the open air a day,- -or rather keep a tub, or open pond, always supplied, to water from. Air is essential to plants, and no opportunity of giving them all you can, on all favorable days, should be omitted. In winter time, when they are in the house, the windows should be opened as much as possible, when the weather is short of frost. Light, too, is necessary; and when plants have only a front light, they should be constantly turned, otherwise they will grow one-sided. This especially applies to plants in the windows of dwelling-houses. We are too apt to put the best side to the light, and so make the opposite still worse. The rule for shifting plants from one sized pot to another, should be the roots reaching the side, beginning to cross each other, and form a surface of fibres next the pot. Now and then the ball of earth should be turned out and examined. By turning the plant downwards, and tapping the edge of the pot on any steady substance, the ball will come out. Therefore, one of the hands should cover as much of the surface as possible. Putting the fingers on each side of the stem, the ball then comes into the hand without difficulty or force. Heavy pots cannot be managed by ladies; but a man-servant can get the ball of earth out in a lady's presence, and replace it, or put it in a larger one. If it be a geranium, it may be sunk lower in the new pot; but if a heath, or any other hard-wooded plant, it must not be potted a shade lower. The soil (which is frequently bad and fatal to plants in the hands of private people,) should be light and rich. The use of common garden mould, or any that first comes to hand, has caused thousands of deaths. Generally it is sour and clammy, and especially when taken from London gardens. Where there are but a few plants, it is better to buy two or three barrows' full at a nursery, ready for use; but if there be many, get half a load of loam, a quarter of a load of peat turf, a quarter of a load of well decomposed dung (from an old melon or cucumber bed). Let a laboring-man mix them together; chopping the peat turf to make it go through a coarse cinder-sieve. When thoroughly mixed, keep it together for use. There is not a plant but will grow in this compost; although, if we were growing heaths and hardwooded plants, we should mix it with half its bulk more of peat sifted, for the plants will grow still better. Pruning of plants (as some call the regulation of the shoots) should be confined to the stopping, or taking the ends off, of shoots inclined to grow too long for the rest of the plant, or to push out on one side. In small plants, the pinching off the ends of shoots causes other shoots to come, and makes the plants bushy. In fact, the plant can be grown any shape or form by encouraging growth where you want it, and cutting or pinching back the shoots where you wish to get rid of it. The time to prune a plant into a good shape is, directly it has done blooming and before it begins its new growth, because the new growth is where the bloom for the next year comes, in epacrises, camellias, acacias, hoveas, chorozemas, and many other plants. Geraniums are exceptions to general rules, for they are always growing, and those who wish to get them bushy must keep on pinching the ends off the shoots as soon as they are two inches long, until Christmas time, and some may be continued till March. They may then be allowed to go up to bloom, when there will be a truss or bunch at the end of each shoot. These general hints will save the life of many a favorite plant. The book is so full of useful instruction, that we shall no doubt often have to recur to it. Meantime, we subjoin the needful operations for the season: GENERAL REMARKS-JANUARY. Hedges. Cut, trim, and mend; box edgings make; plant trees, shrubs, make gravel walks. Draining-Do this in the winter months. THE FLOWER GARDEN.JANUARY. Bulbs.-Lose no time in planting; they ought to be in. Tulips.-Protect carefully from frost and wind. Auriculas-Cleanse from dead leaves; give air, and seldom water; they must not be kept damp. Carnations and Picotees in Pots.-Keep dry and give air. Pinks and Heartsease in Beds.-Cover with litter; in frames, give air, and water seldom : dampness is death. Hyacinths in Beds.-Cover with mats or litter. Ranunculuses and Anemones.-Protect from bed. Cauliflower Plants.-Protect from frost and wet; give air. Lettuces and Salads must be kept comparatively dry. Winter Crops.-Hoe between the rows; earth up the stems. Celery.-Earth up, and in hard frosts protect with litter. Small Salads, Radishes, &c.—Sow in hot-beds, or under glass. Cucumbers and Melons may be begun now, if not before. Rhubarb or Seakale.-Force, with hot stable dung. Fennel, Mint, &c.-Pot up and put into moderate heat. THE FRUIT GARDEN-JANUARY. Prune and nail; plant trees; destroy insects. BOYS AND THEIR RULERS; OR, What we DO AT SCHOOL. Nathaniel Cooke. All of us know something of "Hic, hæc, hoc." Let us inquire further about it, by all means; for it is dear to each one of our active memories. Genitive hujus, too, comes in "nicely" in the detail; and reminds us of scenes o'er which we love to ruminate. This is a delightful Christmas book; equally interesting to boys and masters. It is full of fun-natural, not forced; and the illustrative scenes and sketches of the boys,-their doings and their misdoings, draw forth peals of laughter. They are capital. It would be cruel in us to say more about this book. It ought to find an immediate place on the family table. FLOWERS OF THE GARDEN OF KNOWLEDGE, -PRINCE ARTHUR'S ALPHABET. Cooke. This is the third book we are called upon to notice to-day, from the establishment of Mr. Nathaniel Cooke. We would say a word or two here about the philanthropy of that gentleman. It hardly needs be remarked, that Mr. Cooke is,--or was, jointproprietor with Mr. Ingram in that grand national periodical, the Illustrated London News. He has amassed a fortune therefrom. Long may he live to enjoy it! But how does he spend that fortune? It deserves to be chronicled. He is producing, week after week, books of intense interest to the million; and issuing them in a style and at a cost perfectly incomprehensible. Profit to himself-if any, must be very remote; whilst the immediate benefit derivable from his exertions by the reading public is immense. If Mr. Cooke be not a philanthropist, in the true meaning of the word, then do we err exceedingly in judgment. The Paternoster-Row publishers cannot do not attempt to compete with him. He leaves them far, very far, behind. They grumble, of course. What of that? Of the book before us, we need say little. "There is no royal road to learning," we admit; but an incitement to learning like this, rendered so enchanting to the eye by its numerous well-executed illustrations, and so interesting to the mind by its pleasing style of composition-wins a child's heart at once. Books got out in this style (and at a mere nominal expense), go far towards " forming" the mind even of an infant. The eye is at once captivated by copies of birds, animals, insects, &c., and the attention thus arrested, progresses healthily. We repeat it, this Alphabet is a nursery gem; and all parents should procure it for their children's library. Mr. Cooke has "oceans" more of these labors of love in hand. We shall glory in introducing them, one by one, as they see the light. THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON ALMANAC, for 1854. Published at 198, Strand. This Almanac fully sustains its high character of former years. Indeed, the woodengravings of the Months are even better than ever. The information is very varied; and the getting-up every way worthy of the establishment whence it is issued. The astronomical department, in particular, deserves mention. It is full of interest. Music. DAVIDSON'S MUSICAL TREASURY. Peter's Hill, Doctors' Commons. We have received from Mr. Davidson such a multitude of songs, waltzes, quadrilles, ballads, and polkas, that to enumerate them would be impossible. 66 A happy idea was it, to christen this issue a treasury." Let us add the word "inexhaustible" to it, and some notion may be formed of its value and extent. And what is the cost of each of these really beautiful, popular, and admirably-composed pieces of music? In most cases, threepence; in a few cases, sixpence; and in rare cases, one shilling. Really, society owes Mr. Davidson a weight of gratitude that they will not find it easy to repay. Already are these polkas, quadrilles, &c., in the hands of our fair friends, who are practising them early and late—to be ready! for Christmas. Loud, even now, are they in their songs of mirth; and they promise us "such a treat!" What with the Edinburgh Quadrille, the Dublin Quadrille, and the Zurich Waltz; that sweet ballad, "The Voice and the Flower," together with others too numerous to name, this number of OUR JOURNAL promises to be "musical" indeed! Well; let us hope that there will be no "discordant notes" amongst us,-then will three hearty cheers be raised for " Davidson's Musical Treasury!" HAIL! PRINCE ALBERT. W. Sprague, 7, Finsbury Pavement. This is an ode in honor of Her Majesty the Queen, H.R.H. Prince Albert, and the Royal Family, written and arranged by James Turner. It is a most loyal effusion. The words are full of feeling, and the music is admirably adapted to give them the most powerful effect. This ode, well played and efficiently sung, will be listened to with great delight. SOON I SHALL HEAR MY MOTHER'S VOICE. BY HELEN HETHERINGTON. Soon I shall hear my mother's voice! My lips are pale to-day, I know, Let not our fears be known; The grief I dare not own. I'll check the anguish of my heart, I'll talk to her of those we love, Perchance 'twill soothe my pain ; And when she hears, with anguish wild, Where tears for ever cease; Beneath the tall yew tree, A SONG TO THE SEASON. BY BARRY CORNWALL. If life be ever pleasant, "Tis in merry hours like this; If life be ever gloomy, "Tis as when we, long ago, And not one of us could lend him Ah! Life has many changes, Sunny seasons, winter rains; WEDNESDAY-EVENING CONCERTS. WE are glad to find that public taste inclines kindly towards these entertainments. The concert given on Dec. 7th was very numerously attended, and went off with considerable eclat. The audience were evidently "fond" of music. The excellence of the programme satisfactorily accounted for the attraction. It was another "Night with Mendelssohn." The two great features of the former selection the pianoforte concerto, No. 1, and the symphony in A major-were retained; the over ture and the vocal music were changed. The whole was admirably performed, and enthusiastically received. such advocates for natural simplicity that we must be excused if we speak pointedly when we have occasion to do so-alas, how seldom! The second part, which began with the overture to Semiramide, and ended with a march from La Donna del Lago, also included the Polacca from Spohr's opera of Faust, which was played with great spirit by the band. Among a multitude of minor things, we can only mention that Madame Amedei (the new contralto with the beautiful voice) confirmed her previous success, by her really clever singing in the grand recitative and aria of Arsace, "Eccomi alfine" (Semiramide); that Miss Thirlwall made a further advance in public opinion by her execution of Rode's air; that Mr. Chipp (of Her Majesty's private band), produced a legitimate effect in a fantasia on the violoncello, composed and executed by himself; and that a new and clever song, entitled The Hound and the Horn," by Mr. Lovell Phillips (a composition of decided merit), was sung by Mr. Weiss and most favorably received. The hall, as we have before said, was crowded; and the concert went off with unflagging spirit. WHAT DO WE LIVE FOR? THERE is nothing created but what is destined to perform some part in the great work of creation. No man nor woman was ever born to do nothing. No flower that blooms, nor star that decks the Heavens, was simply made to be of no utility, or to hide away itself from the face of Nature, but rather destined to perform some particular work. The great end of life is happiness;" for all nature converges to this point-happiness based upon the moral and intellectual powers of men; not the mere selfish pleasure of life. Life hath something more for its object than the mere The selection of vocal music was parti- heaping together of gold. We live; but it should cularly interesting. Two of the "Six Songs, be to promote the well-being of our fellow-man, to Op. 57"-"Of all the pretty darlings in the enrich his mind with knowledge, to lead his world," and "What means this strong emo-wavering footsteps to the shrine of wisdom, and tion ?" were respectively sung, and well there to fraternise with his fellow-men in searching sung, by our old friend Miss Poole, and Miss after the elixir of life-true happiness. Fanny Ternan. The graceful ballad called "The Garland was given, with much taste, by Mr. Perren. The Savoy ballad, "With my mandoline "-so quaint and full of character-was entrusted to Miss Poole. We hardly need say she did it ample justice. Nor must we omit to speak of the beautiful duet, as beautifully sung by the lovely JOSEPHINE BROUGHAM and her equally lovely sister ELISABETH. We mean the duet, "I would that my love could silently flow.". It was listened to with delight, and received with rapturous applause. It well deserved it. These young ladies have such a pure taste, and sing so very sweetly together, that it is really a treat to hear them warble. We are We live; but it is not for selfishness. It is not to persecute and to wrong, but to shield and to protect. It is not to spread misery and to foster vice; but to cherish virtue, and to stem the impetuous torrent of human degradation. It is not for sowing the seeds of discord, and nourishing the germs of chicanery; but for unity of action, and succoring honesty and truth. Thus alone can we arrive at perfection. Teach every man that he has a great duty to perform, and life has some charm for him. It is thing that Mawworms would make us believe it is. no longer the wearisome, dull, and monotonous No! a brighter world opens before him, replete with loveliness. Oh, how great a pleasure it is to live only for the purpose of doing good to mankind! To love,-and be loved! |