to good taste, a better indication of a well established business, than a warehouse like that of Messrs. Cary & Co., in which, while every convenience in the business arrangements is provided, beauty of appearance is not neglected.

These arrangements are very complete. Connected with the salesroom is a well lighted basement, of the same ample dimensions. Here may be found the modern conveniences (which become rather indispensable in such a building) of gas and Croton fixtures, and hot air furnaces of the most approved style. Under the street in Cliff-street is a vault detached from the building, affording the amplest security against fire.

One would think that a warehouse so large would afford "ample room and verge enough" for a business of any extent in articles of no greater bulk than combs, brushes, buttons, thread, needles, beads, pins, pens and perfumery. But did the reader ever consider how many varieties there are of the single article, a brush, varieties not merely use. ful but necessary? In the catalogue of Messrs. W. H. Cary & Co., we find fifteen or sixteen different kinds, without reference to the different materials of brushes of the same kind. Of what a vast variety of materials are combs manufactured! In the catalogue are mentioned tortoise shell, ivory, horn, German silver, brass, iron and wood, and styles varying from the plainest to the most exquisitely finished. There are beads of every style and material, of coral and of glass, suited alike for the most fastidious child of luxury and for the rude taste of the savage, such as the African trader finds a ready market for. Here is a vast storehouse, a museum, in which are to be found in every variety of material, size, ornament and finish, all those many articles which we term fancy goods, but many of which are as necessary to comfort, decency, and even health itself, as the bulkier staples. When we consider how numerous these articles are, we feel no surprise that it takes one of the largest warehouses in the country to hold them all.

Time and space will not allow us to enumerate one-half of the articles to be found there. We should have to copy at length one of their catalogues, which are printed in English, French, and Spanish, to give a complete idea of the extent of Cary & Co.'s establishment. We will only add that almost every travelling merchant in the country might drive up his wagon, or bring his pack to this warehouse, and fill them there with everything to suit the varying tastes and necessities to be met with on the longest trading peregrination, without going farther, or a second call.

Messrs. Cary & Co. are not only dealers in, but also manufacturers of, many of their articles, such as combs, of every kind. They also supply other manufacturers with tortoise shell, ivory from India and Africa, pearl shell, and materials of the kind.

Nor are their operations confined to the home market, including the south and west, and (since the treaty with Mexico) not excluding California. They send their valuable merchandise to the West Indies, to South America, and to Africa.

Next to the satisfaction of conducting one of the largest, if not the very largest business of the kind in the country, must be that of having so beautiful an edifice to conduct it in, a building uniting every convenience in its business arrangements, with all the elegance and ornament compatible with the rules of store architecture, and giving evidence at once of the good taste and wealth of the proprietors. But a personal inspection of the building and premises will afford a much better idea of the utility and beauty of the structure, and of the extent of this branch of trade, than any statements, with pen or pencil, that we can give in the pages of the Merchants' Magazine.

THE PHILADELPHIA MERCANTILE LIBRARY COMPANY.

The twenty-sixth anniversary of this flourishing, well-managed institution took place on Tuesday, the 9th of January, 1849-THOMAS ROBBINS, ESQ., presiding, and WILLIAM

BORGH acting as secretary. The report of the Directors, an able, business-like document, which we shall endeavor to publish in the next number of the Merchants' Magazine, was read and accepted, and the following gentlemen were elected directors for the ensuing year:-Thomas P. Cope, Isaac Barton, Charles S. Wood, Joseph Patterson, Robert F. Walsh, John J. Thompson, J. L. Erirnger, William L. Schaeffer, William E. Bowen, Joseph C. Grubb, Marmaduke Moore, William Ashbridge, W. C. Patterson. Treasurer, John Fausset.

The President of the Company, THOMAS P. COPE, Esq., one of the most eminent and worthy merchants of Philadelphia, has, we believe, occupied the chair of this institution for many years, if not from its start; and we rejoice to notice, by the following resolution, adopted at the annual meeting, and the correspondence between that gentleman

and the committee, which we also subjoin, that the services of the venerable President are fully appreciated. The compliment paid to him in procuring two portraits, to be preserved among the members of the Company, is alike creditable to him and his associates. The following resolution, presented by Samuel C. Morton, Esq., was unanimously adopted, to wit:

Resolved, "That the thanks of the members be, and they are hereby tendered the Board of Directors, for their having caused to be placed in the Library Room the admirably executed portrait, by John Nagle, of our highly valued President, THOMAS P. COPE, ESQ., and that they be requested to furnish for publication with the proceedings of this meeting, any correspondence which may have taken place in connection therewith."

The following is the correspondence referred to in the resolution :

THOMAS P. COPE, ESQ.

Philadelphia, August 18th, 1847.

DEAR SIR:-The undersigned have been appointed a committee, in behalf of your CoDirectors of the Mercantile Library Company, to request you to sit for a portrait, to which the Directors purpose assigning a permanent place in the Library Room.

We trust, esteemed sir, that you will respond favorably to the wish of your fellow Directors, who, through the undersigned, have made the necessary arrangements with the distinguished artist, Mr. John Nagle, who is prepared to carry out their wishes at any time that may best suit your convenience.

It has long been a desire of the Directors to procure for the institution the lineaments of one who is so intimately connected with its history.

This desire is largely shared by the members, who, in common with the directors, are solicitous that those who come after them may possess the pictured resemblance of one whose career as a Philadelphia merchant illustrated for more than half a century all the eminent qualities that should ever accompany that tiine-honored appellation.

The cheering example which your career affords the young, showing, as it does, that intelligence, industry, and probity beget, as their legitimate fruits, the prosperity of their possessor, and the esteem of mankind, will not be lost upon future times, when your name will have become an honored tradition, indicative of all the virtues. Then the struggling and care-worn merchant, surrounded by business perils, and beset by insidious temptations, may nobly surmount his difficulties, and stand erect in stainless integrity at the recollection of departed excellence.

It is, however, unnecessary for us to dwell upon those traits which for more than fifty years have identified your name, not only with the mercantile enterprise, but with every scheme of general usefulness, and with every benevolent institution of our fair city. As your co-directors in the "Mercantile Library Company," we would, however, bear testimony to the zeal with which you have uniformly promoted the welfare of the Company. As one of its founders, and during the greater part of its existence, its respected President, your kind countenance and judicious counsel have greatly aided to place the Company in its present flourishing condition. Your fellow members of the board have noticed with constant admiration, that neither advanced age nor inclement weather, nor varied engagements, have ever detained you from its meetings; thus evincing your deep interest in the association, and affording an example which has not been without its proper influence.

Your answer at an early day is respectfully requested by

Your friends,
ROBERT F. WALSH,

WILLIAM L. SCHAFFER,Committee.

The subjoined is Mr. Cope's reply: :Calcin Hook, Eighth Mo. 23d, 1847. MY DEAR FRIENDS:-Your letter of the 18th instant came into my possession yesterday, at this my quiet retreat, and I can truly say that I am deeply affected by the flattering kindness of its contents.

Unambitious and undeserving of the distinction you propose to assign me, permit me to add that, if the possession of my portrait can confer pleasure on gentlemen with whom I have been so long and so agreeably associated, I should, in my own estimation, justly incur the odium of ingratitude, were I, from any fastidious notion of my own, to refuse compliance with your request.

I expect soon to return with my family to the city, when I will cheerfully submit myself to your disposal. Your sincere friend, THOMAS P. COPE.

TO ROBERT F. WALSH, WILLIAM L. SCHAFFER, Committee.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-The History of England from the Accession of James II. By T. BABINGTON MACAULEY. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The Brothers Harper have brought out, simultaneously with its appearance in England, Macauley's history of that kingdom from James II. to the beginning of the present century. The London Athenæum thus speaks of this great work:

"Great expectations were raised by the announcement of this work, and assuredly they will not be disappointed. If the author exhibits here less of that sparkling brilliancy which lends such a charm to his historical and biographical essays, he compensates for its absence by displaying greater power in the analysis of evidence, and in detecting the import of facts which had stood isolated, and had, therefore, to a great extent been neglected. As in his former works, Mr. Macauley shows skill and acuteness in the delineation of character. He seizes not merely on those salient points which serve to trace the outline of mental feature, but on the more minute and delicate traits which give to the portrait individuality and expression. He renders us as familiar with the men of the Revolution as if they had been personal acquaintances. We estimate this quality highly, because the course and the consequences of the Revolution of 1688 were guided and molded more by the character of the persons engaged in it, and less by the mere force of circumstances, than any event of equal magnitude recorded in history.

2.-History of Alexander the Great. By JACOB ABBOTT. With Engravings. 18mo., pp. 278. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This volume, the third of Mr. Abbott's historical series, is devoted to the life of Alexander the Great, who, in the brief period of twelve years, ran through a series of exploits "which were so bold, so romantic, and which led him into such adventures in scenes of the greatest magnificence and splendor, that all the world looked on with astonishment then, and mankind have continued to read the story since, from age to age, with the greatest interest and attention." This admirable series of histories is designed for young persons between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five, who wish to become acquainted with the leading events in the history of the old world and of ancient times, but who, coming apon the stage in this land and at this period, have ideas and conceptions so widely different from those of other nations and of other times, that a mere republication of existing accounts is not what they require. The story of Alexander, as here told, is peculiarly well adapted to answer the purpose intended by the author.

3.-Benjamin Franklin: his Autobiography; with a Narrative of his Public Life and Services. By Rev. H. HASTINGS WELD. With numerous Designs by J. G. CHAPMAN. 8vo., pp. 512. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The first number of this illustrated Life of Franklin, comprising his Autobiography and a Narrative of his Public Life and Services, by H. Hastings Weld, has just been published. The Autobiography of Franklin is replete with lessons of wisdom and instruction for young men setting out in life; the publishers could not, therefore, render a more acceptable service to the rising generation than that of re-producing the work in its present beautiful and attractive form; for, to use the language of Lord Brougham, "his memoir is the most natural, ingenious, and interesting autobiography in our language." The illustrations are the best of the kind we have ever seen, and the engraver has done full justice to designs of Chapman. The work will be completed in eight parts, and altogether form a beautiful octavo volume of more than five hundred pages.

4.-The American Ladies' and Gentlemen's Manual of Elegance, Fashion, and True Politeness. By CHARLES WILLSON DAY. 18mo., pp. 154. Buffalo: George H. Derby & Co.

This work, the production of an American, was originally published in London, where it passed through twenty-two editions, and has, we are credibly informed, been made the standard of modern society in England. It has been attributed to Count d'Orsay. To settle this erroneous statement, the real author has been induced to put his name to this American edition. We agree with the author in his brief prefatory address to the American public, that "it can hurt no one, but benefit many, for them to compare the usages of polished nations with their own; and to consider whether a common sense application of the ordinary observances of good society, as practised in older countries, cannot materially elevate, in the social scale, the aspiring and the successful." We commend it to all who are desirous of rendering themselves acceptable to fashionable society.

5.-The American Statesman. Edited by ABIJAH INGRAHAM and WILLIAM J. TENNY. The plan of this paper, which was commenced on the first week of the present year, differs essentially, in many of its features, from any other journal published in this or any other country. Although neutral in party politics, its editors discuss with fearless ability every great question of political and social reform that engages the attention of the statesman, or agitates the minds of the masses. The editors, whatever may be their views, have no fear of truth, but lay before their readers the strongest arguments brought forward on all sides of all important questions; so that a "subscriber to the American Statesman' will have before him in a single sheet all the important political matter that he would get, should he subscribe for the principal leading and influential journals of both parties." It includes in its plan the record of "important documents relating to National Legislation; also, the annual Messages of the Governors of the several States, and other documents relating to State Legislation." Another valuable feature of this journal is, the full information it gives of the condition of the arts and sciences, especially such as relate to the practical affairs of daily life. Indeed, no journal heretofore published in this country, covers so broad a field of investigation, or is so comprehensive in its scope. The editors and proprietors, Messrs. INGRAHAM and TENNY, are gentlemen of large experience, liberal views, and great industry; and if merit, moral and intellectual, are the requisites of success, and we believe they are, when properly understood and appreciated, the circulation of their journal will not be surpassed by that of any other in the United States. 6.-Modern Accomplishments, or the March of Intellect. By Mrs. CATHARINE SINCLAIR, author of "Modern Society," "Charles Seymour," etc. 12mo., pp. 276. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers.

It was scarcely necessary for Mrs. Sinclair to apologize for the employment of an imaginary history to illustrate and enforce religious duty, by reference to the Great Teacher, who sanctioned it, by his use of parables. A pure mith may embody as great a truth, as the most undisputed solution of a mathematical problem. The design of this domestic story, which we state in her own language, is to separate the essentials of religious conduct from its excrescences,-to distinguish feeling from imagination,-to contrast the hypochondriacal fanaticism of a disordered faney with the purifying influence of what she considers an enlightened faith,-to show how frequently well-intentioned persons "know not what manner of spirit they are of,"-how the Christian temper may be substantially contravened, while its dictates are professedly obeyed;-and finally, how the language of scripture may be perversely misquoted to support a line of conduct, which its benign and gentle principles uniformly condemn. Its teachings, if heeded, will doubtless benefit the morals of many readers.

7.-American Text-Book for Letters. By NATHANIEL DEARBORN. Boston: Nathaniel Dearborn.

The design of this beautiful work is to furnish the most correct method of producing the various letters now in use with the pen, brush, chisel, or graver; and may, therefore, be considered an indispensable handbook for the penman, the painter, the sculptor, and the artist. Mr. Dearborn is one of the oldest and best engravers in the city of Boston; and the present work, which has cost him much time and money, reflects great credit on his industry and skill. It has already passed through several large editions, and received the highest commendations of the press, and of distinguished individuals of taste and dis. crimination. It is at once a copy-book for schools, and a manual, more perfect in its kind than anything we have ever seen for all persons engaged in any of the arts which require the formation of letters. It also embraces Pitman's system of Phonography, and complete rules for a correct understanding of all the principles evolved in the work.

8.-Grayslaer; a Romance of the Mohawk. By CHARLES FENNO HOFFMAN, author of "A Winter in the West," "Wild Scenes of the Forest and Prairie," etc., etc. Fourth Edition. 12mo., pp. 539. New York: Baker & Scribner.

In this work, which has already passed through four editions, Mr. Hoffman has succeeded in blending the historical novel with the domestic love tale, stamping "the unity of a dramatic poem by a continuous moral purpose, devolved through the action of sentiment wrought up to a climax of passion." The wild border annals of the State of New York, it seems, afforded the historical materials, and the criminal trials of Kentucky furnished the elements of a strange tale of ill-regulated affections. We have long desired to possess this, and the other volumes of Mr. Hoffman's writings, in a form worthy of preservation in our library; and we thank the enterprising publishers for the handsome style of its publication.

9.-University Sermons. Sermons delivered in the Chapel of Brown University. By FRANCIS WAYLAND, President of the University. 12mo., pp. 328. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln.

This volume contains twenty-one sermons, written at various intervals during a period of four years, and with the exception of two, originally prepared for, and delivered in the college chapel, before the officers and students of Brown University. The exception treats of subjects at present of universal interest, and consists of two sermons on the revolutions in Europe, written immediately after the accounts were received of the events to which they relate. The design of the learned author in the preparation of most of the discourses was "to present a plain exhibition of the way of salvation by Christ." They bear the impress of the able logician, the accomplished scholar, and the sincere Christian, and contain views on some points of Christian doctrine and ethics, that Christians of most of the sects into which Christendom is divided will gladly accept, although differing with the learned divine in regard to some of the prominent dogmas inculcated in the collection. The Christian and philanthropic views of the preacher touching the revolutions of Europe will command the respect of many who do not sympathize with his theological sentiments.

10.-The Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, in New England, in 1620. Reprinted from the Original Volume. With Historical and Local Illustrations of Providences, Principles, and Persons. By GEORGE B. CHEEVER, D. D. 12mo., pp. 369. New York: John Wiley.

This is an interesting and valuable contribution to the New England historical literature. The Journal of the Pilgrims, which occupies the first one hundred pages of the volume, is a fac simile reprint from the London edition of 1622. In the "historical and local illustrations of Principles, Providences, and Persons," occupying full two-thirds of the volume, Mr. Cheever attempts "to trace the wonderful providential discipline of God with the colony of Plymouth, and to some extent with that of Massachusetts, showing the constant action of those principles of piety for which they suffered, under the supremacy of which they labored, and by which they were successful."

11.-The Young Patroon; or Christmas in 1690. A Tale of New York. By the Author of "First of the Knickerbockers." Pp. 142. New York: George P. Putnam. This story, we are told, was written prior to its recent predecessor, "The First of the Knickerbockers," noticed in a former number of this Magazine. The scene of the story is laid in the city of New York; the time, more than a hundred and fifty years ago. The author is evidently a lineal descendant of the Knickerbockers, and describes his worthy fathers, the founders of the great metropolis, the explorers of these majestic rivers, the hospitable, humane, generous, stubborn, obstinate old smokers of Manhattan,' with a vividness that would almost convince the sceptical that the author was a resuscitated Knickerbocker. We trust he has more of the same sort for "home consumption." 12.-The Universal Guide to Health, by a Rational Course of Food and Diet. By ANDREW COMBE, M. D., author of "Combe's Physiology," etc. 12mo., pp. 310. Buffalo: George II. Derby & Co.

The works of Dr. Combe enjoy, deservedly, a world-wide reputation. No writer has done more to advance the moral and physical interests of mankind in our time. The present work, which, since its appearance in 1836, has passed through seven American editions, is essentially a continuation of the work first published by Dr. Combe in 1834, under the title of "Principles of Physiology applied to the Preservation of Health and to the Improvement of Physical and Mental Education;" and the object the same, namely, "to lay before the public a plain and intelligible description of the structure and uses of some of the more important organs of the human body, and to show how information of this kind may be usefully applied in practical life." It is a handsome, readable edition of a very excellent and useful work.

13.-The Prisoner's Friend: a Monthly Magazine devoted to Criminal Reform, Philosophy, Literature, Science, and Art. CHARLES SPEAR, Editor and Proprietor. Boston: Published by the Editor.

This work is now published monthly in the octavo form. Its design is indicated in the title quoted. Its editor is deeply imbued with the reformatory and philanthropic spirit of the nineteenth century, and he brings to bear, upon all matters pertaining to criminal reform, a deep and abiding faith in that Gospel, which teaches us that the only efficient method to overcome evil is by doing good. Philosophy, literature, science, and art, in the head, hands, and heart of the editor, are all consecrated to the cause of Humanity. God speed and prosper his noble mission!