A Few Plain and Plausible Hints on the Formation of a Royal Marine Rifle Legion. By CALEB. Author of the "Poetic Negligée." W. Clowes and Son, Charing Cross.

This is a very funny pamphlet, with very funny pictures. Indeed, the droll author goes about so very pleasantly to teach us how more certainly to maim, wound, and kill each other, that we must look upon a shot through the thorax, à la Caleb, as a very amusing affair. In this brochure he is very often right, and still more often wrong. That the dress of the marines should be altered we will willingly concede, and, that they should be supplied with rifles, would perhaps be an improvement. But, as soldiers in action, they are nearly useless, almost totally so as marksmen. In working the guns they are of admirable service, and in all along shore expeditions. When ships come into action, there is nothing like a man visible to each other, not even the tops of their hats. There is no mark for musquetry to fire at, excepting from the tops, and musqueteers there are generally in the way, cannot, from the motion of the ship, take a steady aim, and, when men are there placed, it is a temptation to indulge in vindictive feelings towards their own officers. The marines cannot fire with effect even into the enemy's port-holes, for without they fire from their own, it is impossible that they can fire in a right line upon them. Though Caleb has missed his mark nine shots out of ten, yet, upon the whole, he deserves credit for his manner of firing, and his quips, and cranks, and queer jokes, make his little book very palateable. The coloured engravings, or rather etchings, are well done, and tend to make the affair altogether a lively piece of amusement.

The New Year's Token; or, Christmas Present. William Darton and Son, Holborn Hill.

None will more sincerely congratulate the editor of this annual on his self-gratulations, on his success, than ourselves; and we assert that that success is fully deserved. The selection of the letter-press matter is most judicious. There is no piece in the little volume that has not its peculiar excellence. The lines by Mrs. Abdy, on seeing the portrait of a girl in the attitude of prayer, are beautifully touching. Mary Howitt's contributions are of a singular merit. But the pictorial department falls much below the scriptorial. Indeed, we cannot look at some of the lithographic drawings without risibility-for instance, that Brobdignagian specimen of simplicity, flinging out her gigantic limbs, opposite page 129. For the formation of an elegant taste, it is as necessary to place good models of the fine arts before little boys and girls, as in the inculcation of good morals, it is incumbent to offer them nothing but the purest compositions. The plate of the "Swans" is the only one we like. The "Idler" is well designed, but the execution is dreadfully woolly and ragged, or we are unfortunate in having a miserable impression. The printing in oil colours promises future excellence. At present the effect is too gaudy. Had the illustrations of this annual been on a par with its poetry and prose, it would have been able fairly to compete with any of its cotemporaries. The editor may take our strictures amiss. We cannot help it. We find the public our best patrons, and, to the utmost of our power, we will always do justice between it and those, who, like ourselves, seek its favour.

The Mechanic's Calculator, comprehending Principles, Rules, and Tables, in the various Departments of Mathematics and Mechanics, useful to Millwrights, Engineers, and Artisans in general. By WILLIAM GROIs, Civil Engineer. Second edition. Blackie and Son, Glasgow.

An excessively useful book, that fully answers the pretensions put forward in the title. It commences with an abstract of arithmetic, proceeds to geometry, gives a concise yet clear view of the conic sections, and then, after mensuration, the principia of motion. The remarks on the tables of the relative strengths of materials are highly valuable. We do not know a better or a more useful companion than this work would prove to all persons going out to new, or thinly-inhabited countries. The science of the screw, the economy of the powers of the lever, and the best construction of windmills and water-wheels, are all treated upon skilfully. It is really an emigrant's vade mecum. We do not say this inconsiderately. If we must find a fault, it shall be with the be-wigged and be-ruffled portrait as a frontispiece, that dangles so affectedly its hand with its jewelled little finger in the face of the spectator.

The Poetical Works of John Milton. Edited by SIR EGERTON BRYDGES, BART. With Imaginative Illustrations, by J. M. W. TURNER, Esq. R.A. John M'Crone, St. James's Square.

The fifth volume of this well-appointed edition is opened by an acute dissertation on the versification of Milton, which should be attentively

read. notes.

This is followed by "Sampson Agonistes," attended by copious "Comus, and Arcades," part of a mask, complete the book. The frontispiece is an exquisite specimen of art: it is "L'Allegro," engraved by E. Bacon, after Westall. It is a pleasure to contemplate it. The rising of the water-nymphs under the shadow of the majestic castle of Ludlow is one of Turner's most poetical and happiest efforts. To look upon it must assist a dull imagination, and fire a quick one. We should think that this very judiciously-produced edition will satisfy the public demand for some time. We can conceive a more splendid one, but not one more adapted to general consumption.

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. By ADAM SMITH, LL.D. With a Commentary, by the Author of "England and America." Charles Knight, 22, Ludgate Street. This second volume is occupied by that much-argued subject “rent,” and the variously understood operations of " currency." The commentaries upon Adam Smith's text are clear-seeing, and, as political science increases, absolutely necessary. We have read them with much attention, and, we trust, with some profit. We have our own peculiar notions both on rent, and metallic and paper currency, but which it would be doing injustice to promulgate hastily, and to explain which, even cursorily would require too much of the space we usually devote to these notices. We confidently state that this is the very best edition of this great political economist's works: we will say more, that they cannot be justly appreciated or read to advantage without the accompanying remarks of the talented author of " England and America.”

Statistical Inquiry into the Present State of the Medical Charities of Ireland, with Suggestions for a Medical Poor Law, by which they may be rendered much more extensively efficient. By DENNIS PHELAN, Surgeon to the Co. Tipperary Gaol, and to the House of Industry, &c. &c. Hodges and Smith, College Green, Dublin; Longman, Rees, and Co., Paternoster Row.

We have read this work with deep interest, and find it written with modesty, great perspicuity, and extreme diligence. It breathes an air of honesty throughout. Ireland has ever been the land of abuses; and it seems, that in proportion to the destitution of the majority of its inhabitants, is the misapplication of the funds, originally devoted to relieve it. It is a shocking state of things. In the capital itself, we find that every other inhabitant has been relieved as a sick pauper. As to the author's suggestion, of establishing a medical poor law, we hardly know what to say. Without it were accompanied by a general poor law, we should find, in times of scarcity, (and such times, when are they not in some portions of Ireland?) the whole inhabitants of districts flocking to the hospitals, with no other real ailment than that very horrid one-starvation. We recommend to statesmen, and to all members of parliament, a deep consideration of the contents of this able work. It embraces subjects too multifarious for us even to notice; but the general question is so momentous, that while it excites our deepest sympathy, we wish to call to it the most universal attention. How many dreadful epithets can we not justly apply to unfortunate Ireland! Agitated, half rebellious, half starved, over crowded, priest-ridden, impoverished, and we find that we may add to all these, too generally speaking, disease-stricken Ireland. Agitation has much to answer for.

The Gypsy. 3 Vols. Longman and Co., Paternoster Row.

It has been generally acknowledged that Mr. James, as an author, approached nearer to Sir Walter Scott than any other at present before the public. There is a very rare descriptive power in his writings, which constituted one of the principal charms of the Genius of the North. In "The Gipsy" we think that Mr. James has been more successful than in any other work yet published; there is more mind in it, more analysis of the human heart; it has not the gorgeous description of some of his writings, but it has deeper feeling and research. We have not space to quote, or we might prove to the reader that we are fully warranted in our opinion of these three volumes. When our notices are very short, they generally are very favourable, or quite the contrary. We shall therefore conclude by recommending "The Gipsy" as a work of high interest, worthy of Mr. James, and certain to be enrolled with the standard literature of the country.

Reminiscenses of an Intercourse with George Berthold Niebuhr, the Historian of Rome. By FRANCIS LIEBER, Professor, &c. &c. Author of the "Stranger in America," &c. Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street.

Niebuhr was of that stuff of which great men are made. The architect of his own fortune, he obtained high rank and extended celebrity, without ever departing from his simple frankness of manner, and natural

integrity of heart. This volume is introduced by a rapid, and, considering the subject, too succinct a biography; and the reminiscences which follow are really delightful. They consist of anecdotes, which have all the concentration of aphorisms, and of aphorisms that have all the piquancy of anecdotes. This work, which is all too short, cannot be read without instruction, or dwelt upon without pleasure. If it do not have a very wide circulation, we shall be as much disappointed as mistaken.

The Oratorical Class-Book, with the Principles of Elocution simplified and illustrated by suitable Examples, intended for the use of Public and Private Seminaries. By A. N. HARTLEY, Teacher of Elocution. Fifth Edition, improved. Blackie and Sons, Glasgow; Simpkin and Marshall, London,

Long before we left school we were tired of Enfield's Speaker, good and venerable though it be. We suspect the world is tired of it also, by this time. It contained a good selection, but it was neither sufficiently numerous nor various. Like a spoiled child, the public wanted a new book, and here is one to their entire satisfaction. In whatever mood the youthful actor may chance to be, he will here find some fitting vent for it. The accentuation of the words is uniformly correct. It will also form a very pleasant book for desultory reading. As far as our recommendation can benefit it, it has it most heartily.

The Works of Alexander Pope; with a Memoir of the Author, Notes, and Critical Notices on each Poem. By the Rev. G. CROLY, LL.D. Rector of St. Stephen's, Walbrook. Vol. IV. A. J. Valpy, M.A., Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, London.

In this race of elegance and utility among the principal booksellers, in producing works of classical notoriety, it would be difficult to give the palm to any of the competitors. If one production is a little more splendid than its rivals, those rivals have some other counter-balancing advantage. Mr. Valpy, with his Pope under his arm, is certainly not the last in this praiseworthy course. The Fourth Volume has a well-engraved and significant frontispiece, by Warren, after Witherington, of "January and May." The vignette title-page, by the same artists, is also very good. The most recommendatory feature of this edition consists in the applicability of its notes, and the acumen of its critical notices. The work is edited in a very superior manner.

School Stenography; a System of Lineal Short-Hand, illustrated by a Set of Engraved Copies and Specimens, with Directions for Teaching and Learning the System. By DANIEL CADMAN. Simpkin and Marshall, Stationers' Court.

We must make short work of this short hand. We have no time to try it; but it seems to us, from the instructions, to combine simplicity with despatch, as most of the consonants are formed by little marks belonging to each of them, thus being easily remembered, and springing naturally from the usual method of writing. We believe that every good short-hand

writer has his own system, which would be unserviceable to any but himself. It is not the writing it, but the reading of it, in which the difficulty consists. By a little practice, every man may soon be enabled to understand his own marks. Those who wish to become short-hand writers, would perhaps do well to take a lesson from this work.

The English Boy at the Cape, an Anglo-African Story. By the Author of "Keeper's Travels." 3 Vols. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane.

This is a very interesting Robinson-Crusoe sort of a tale, and would form a most suitable Christmas present to youth of both sexes. From it, much more than mere amusement will be gained. The information it contains of the manners of the inhabitants, the topography, and other peculiarities of Southern Africa, is correct and valuable; and the moral that is throughout inculcated, is not the least of its excellencies. Many a cheerful hour will these volumes prove the delightful cause of passing. There is something in the simple, unostentatious, yet impressive style of the narrative, that has pleased us much, and we are certain will please the unsated taste of juvenility still more.

The Lay of the Lady Ellen, a Tale of 1834. By HARRY CHEster, Esq. Saunders and Otley, Conduit Street.

In this metrical tale there is much easy verse, but not so much as to make it hard reading. It is the romantic poetry of the modern drawing-room, if any thing so gothic as romance can be applied to so artificial an arena. The mechanism of the versification reminds one of Scott's Marmion; but in the poem nothing more fatal is shed than tears, by a first-rate belle, that

"One by one, and large, and slow,

Down her cheeks are seen to flow."

If we overlaid this elegant trifle with high panegyric, Mr. Chester would have cause to think that we were laughing at him. It is a pleasing morceau, containing some good points, and its chief excellence is, that it never descends below mediocrity; but at times takes a far flight above it. To wile away a listless hour, and to shed over it a tender pensiveness, we know no poem more capable than this.

The Historical Keepsake; a series of Tales, chiefly illustrative of important and interesting Events in British History. Second Series. Revised by WATSON DALBY. T. Hurst, St. Paul's Church Yard. This, the first of the annuals for 1836 that we have received, made its appearance on the first of October. This is truly taking time by the forelock. But we cannot exactly class it with the beautiful bevy that rejoice in the title of "Annuals," for it hath not on a wedding garment. It comes decorated with wood-cuts; and, we confess it with reluctance, these cuts require to be cut again—that is, cut up. The letter-press is very good: the binding and gold lettering are also comme il faut. Those who wish to give their minds a treat, and care not for the splendid illusions of the fine arts, will find this a very suitable and seasonable volume.