Before we conclude we beg to give the author one word of advice, which we trust he will acccpt in the same friendly, benevolent spirit in which it is offered. He announces to us on one of the fly-leaves of this volume that the two pieces we have just glanced at "are the first of a series of nineteen, which, with the exception of two, are now completed and ready for the press." This is followed by the titles of ten tragedies and seven comedies! We have no doubt that Mr. Osborn is as much at home in comedy as he is in tragedy; nay, we think he is more successful in exciting laughter even when he does not mean to do so, than he is in drawing forth tears when most tragically inclined. At the same time, we would advise him to withhold his "Silver Head" and "Double Deceit " (comedies) until the people are much more predisposed to laughter than they are at present, and have more time and money to spare. 1. Snow Flakes: A Chapter from the Book of Nature. 4to, pp. 146. 2. Frank's Search for Sea Shells. 24mo., pp. 852. Boston: American Tract Society. These two volumes deserve to stand side by side in the most select family library. Each is devoted to a particular series of the beauties of nature; and it is difficult to decide to which we should give the preference for the just admiration it excites for the works of the Creator, even in what we are wont to regard as their simplest forms. A snow flake is a beautiful object to look upon under any circumstances; but it is only when viewed with the microscope that it reveals to us those chaste and elegant outlines in which Nature surpasses the highest perfection of art. In the first volume, at the head of these remarks, there are several finely executed engravings, which represent a large variety of snow-crystals sketched at different times during the last century by navigators and scientific men. The specimens thus given are taken principally from those described by Dr. Nettis, Captain Scoresby, and Mr. James Glaisher, of Lewisham, England-gentlemen whose skill and accuracy in this curious department of science have secured for them a European fame, which is now extended, by this tasteful and attractive volume, to the New World. The plates, which are really worth the price of the whole volume, are each accompanied by appropriate passages in poetry and prose, selected from various authors who have written more or less on the beauties of the snow. Among these selections is a fine poem from the Dublin University Magazine, entitled "The Spirit of the Snow," which many of our readers will remember; but it is one of those happy effusions replete with beauty, grace and melody which have an enduring freshness for the lover of 14 poetry. Other gems of similar water are Longfellow's "Winter," Whittier's "Pass of the Sierra," Bryant's "Snow Shower," and Eliza Cook's "Time of Snow." It always affords us sincere pleasure to examine a book of this kind; and we are satisfied that there is no intelligent person to whom we recommend it who will not feel disposed to thank us for doing so. The transition from the Snow Flakes to the Sea Shells presents an agreeable contrast. In the one as well as in the other we see the hand of the same all-wise Artificer. Beautiful beyond description as the snow. crystals are, they are not more so than many of the shells which are found on the seashore and on the banks of large rivers. None but those who have paid some attention to conchology can fully appreciate this fact, or form any approximate idea of the pains taken by the Creator in at once adorning and protecting creatures which, were they not thus distinguished, would often seem unworthy of the least attention. Apart from the curious and interesting information which this little volume contains it is admirably calculated to dispose the youthful mind to study and reflection; and yet it is by no means what is understood by the phrase "child's book." Except the experienced naturalist or conchologist, there is no one so old or so learned but that he can pass an agreeable hour in comparing the descriptions in "Frank's Search" with the pictorial illustrations. The table of contents is well arranged, and the study of the volume is still more facilitated by an alphabetical pronouncing index. 1. Gracie's Mission. A Tale of Norway. By HELEN WALL PIERSON, author of "Bertha," ," "Edith Vaughan," &c. 16mo., pp. 255. 2. Bessie at Stony Lonesome; or, Charlie's Mission. Margarethe and Waldemar." 18mo., pp. 316. By the author of 3. Auntie's Christmas Trees. The Child's Gift-book for the Holidays. 18mo., pp. 308. New York: Gen. Prot. Epis. S. S. Union. 1867. It would be a superfluous task to analyze books like these; were there anything profound or complex in their construction, they would be unsuitable for the purpose for which they are designed-namely, the instruction and amusement of children. A curiously woven plot, requiring an effort of the understanding to unravel, would be a positive defect in such books; elaborate portraitures of character would be equally needless. All that is required in writing for the young is to embody good principles and useful lessons in simple but attractive language. There may be an excess of wisdom in such books; as for philosophy, it would be out of place. Those who would succeed in making lasting impressions on the young by means of books must, above all things, aim at simplicity in language; but this alone will not do; there must be vivacity and sprightliness. The most thoughtful child is repelled by a lugubrious style; he may listen to a dry sermon without falling asleep, but he cannot be induced to read it; if an effort is made to force him the probability is that he will take a dislike to all books. The writers of these three volumes seem to understand all this; for they speak to the little ones, not like philosophers, or learned people, but they assume for the occasion the language and mode of thought of the children themselves, only taking care to be more correct, and more suggestive in each. Those addressed in "Grace's Mission" are not mere children; accordingly the story is constructed with more art than that of either of the other two; there is also more delineation of character, and the young reader is made to depend more on his own understanding-he has to reflect and understand more, yet by no means so much as in a novel, or in a didactic work intended for adults or even for those who are not expected to possess more than ordinary intelligence. We do not mention this as a defect; on the contrary, we regard it as a merit, since we should address all whom we would instruct in a language which is familiar to them. "Bessie at On the same principle we like the two smaller books. Stony Lonesome" is designed for a younger class than "Grace's Mission," and it is simpler in proportion. The author is already agreeably known in connection with "Margarethe and Waldemar;" but we think the present volume will prove still more popular. In no other which we have examined for some time are the precepts of religion and morality clothed in a more attractive garb. Although "Auntie's Christmas Trees" is intended for the holidays, it may be read with profit at any season. In none of the three do we find any thing sectarian; indeed, it is characteristic of this Society to be well disposed and conciliatory toward all Christian sects; that commendable spirit pervades all its publications. The Sabbath at Home: an Illustrated Religious Magazine for the Family. March, 1867. Boston: American Tract Society. Judging by the numbers we have seen, the title of this monthly describes its character without any affectation or exaggeration. The number before us contains sixty-five neatly printed double-column pages of reading matter, embracing a considerable variety of pieces in prose and poetry which are at once entertaining and instructive. Indeed, we do not think that any intelligent person who took up the present number of "The Sabbath at Home" and examined it carefully-not omitting to glance at its pictorial illustrations in passing-would have any hesitancy, let his theological views be what they might, in presenting it to his family as a source of useful knowledge and harmless amusement which, from its simplicity of language as well as cheapness, is within the reach of all. TO THE FOURTEENTH OF THE VOLUME National Quarterly Review. Ave Maria, noticed, 188-190. Alfieri, his life, writings, and influence, article Bingham, Wm., his Grammar of the Latin Lan- Boyle, Robert, his influence on science and lib- an author, ib.-John Boyle, his writings, 66, his youth, 69-acquisitions, ib.-established - to, 309-311-title of nobility, forgery of, 337. Cromwell, Oliver, his character and govern- |