13.-Manners and Customs of the Japanese, in the Nineteenth Century; from the accounts of recent Dutch residents in Japan, and from the German of DR. PH. FR. VON SIEBOLD. 18mo. pp. 298. New York: Harper & Brother.

It is correctly remarked, that there is no people with any claims to civilization, of whom so little is known as of the Japanese. Their policy in regard to foreigners is more jealous and exclusive than that of the Chinese, the Dutch being the only Europeans allowed to trade with them, and their intercourse being extremely limited, and subject to severe restrictions. Within the last two or three years, several publications have appeared in Holland, by members of the Dutch factory, descriptive of the institutions, character, &c., of that singular people. These, however, have not been translated, and this is the first attempt to present to the American reader a compendium of the curious and interesting facts which they contain. The volume before us, from the English edition, has, we are informed, been carefully revised and corrected. It forms the 132d number of the Family Library now publishing by the Harpers, and will, we think, from the novelty of its matter, and on other accounts, be found a valuable addition to that useful collection of works. 14.—The World in a Pocket-book, or Universal Popular Statistics; embracing the Commerce, Agriculture, Revenue, Government, Manufactures, Population, Ar my, Navy, Religions, Press, Geography, History, Remarkable Features and Events, Navigation, Inventions, Discoveries, and Genius of every Nation on the Globe. An ample Political, Commercial, Agricultural, Manufacturing, Historical, Geographical, Statistical, and General Synopsis of the United States; with the Census of 1840, and tables of the State and Presidential Elections, Interest, Usury Laws, ect. etc. By W. H. CRUMP. 12mo. pp. 192. Philadelphia: J. Dobson. 1841.

It would seem, after giving the copious title quoted above, to be a work of supererogation on our part to present a detail of the contents of this really comprehensive and valuable collection of statistical facts. Mr. Crump, the compiler, is one of the most industrious and scientific staticians in the United States, as this little manual amply demonstrates. He has here brought together a mass of information in a small compass that must render his book a perfect vade mecum on all subjects of interest to statesmen, political economists, farmers, manufacturers, merchants, and mechanics, and in short, all classes of society. 15.-The Motive Power of Organic Life, and Magnetic Phenomena of Terrestrial and Planetary Motions, with the application of the ever-acting and all-pervading agency of Magnetism, to the nature, symptoms, and treatment of Chronic Diseases. By HENRY HALL SHERWOOD, M. D. 8v. pp. 196. New York: H. A. Chapin & Co. 1841.

The title of this work indicates its character; and the author has presented the subject to the reader in a plain, concise, and simple manner, divested entirely of the abstruse metaphysics in which it has been heretofore involved. Magnetism is here shown to be instrumental both in the powers of organic life, and in all planetary movements. The approximation of the earth's axis to the plane of the ecliptic, accounts, it appears, for the changes which our world has undergone, and the imbedding of ancient animals by its changes. The work is illustrated with numerous well-executed engravings, which, with the remarkable character of the subjects treated, must insure for it an extensive reading.

Alphabetically arranged, and Selected by the late Rev. 12mo. pp. 507. New

16.—Anecdotes, Religious, Moral, and Entertaining. interspersed with a variety of useful observations. CHARLES BUCK. From the ninth London Edition. York: Dayton & Saxton.

This is a new edition of an interesting book, which has been out of print in this country for some years. The high estimate, hitherto placed upon its merits by the religious community, has induced the present publishers to issue a neat edition, at a price that will materially facilitate its general circulation.

17.—The Book of the Seasons; or the Calendar of Nature. By WILLIAM HOWITT. From the Tenth London Edition. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. This volume, beautiful in style, sentiment, and in its mechanical appearance, is designed to promote that general acquaintance with nature, which is so highly to be desired, and for which we hope to see a growing taste evinced, in this country as in England. The plan pursued by Mr. Howitt, has been to furnish an original article on the general appearance of nature in each month, drawn entirely from his own regular observations, through many seasons, and to superadd a great variety of facts from the best sources. To these he has added a complete table of the migration of birds; a copious list of garden plants, which come into flower in the month; a botanical calendar, including a select number of the most beautiful or interesting British plants, and an entomological catalogue of about three hundred of the most common or remarkable insects; a notice of rural occupations; and, finally, one of angling.

18.-Plain Sermons, by contributors to the "Tracts for the Times." In two volumes. 12mo. pp. 336, 350. New York: J. & H. G. Langley. 1841. These volumes contain seventy-two discourses, designed to explain and en. force the doctrines and duties of Christians, as held by a large portion of the Church of England. They come out here under the sanction of Bishop Onderdonk, of the Protestant Episcopal church in New York, who recommends them to the members of his diocese, "for private and family reading," and "authorizes the public reading of them, together with such others, as he may from time to time appoint, by lay readers within said diocese." One of the objects of the publication of these sermons in connection with the controver sial "Tracts for the Times," as stated in the preface, is to bring before all persons, whether friendly or opposed to these views, that beautiful truth of the Messiah, that "if any one will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." An admonition which, amid so much unhappy contention and dispute, we might, many of us, be too apt to forget.

19.-Ruins of Ancient Cities; with general and particular accounts of their rise, fall, and present condition. By CHARLES BUCK. 2 vols. 18mo. pp. 360, 360. New York: Harper & Brothers. 1841.

These two volumes form the 134th and 135th numbers of the valuable Family Library, in course of publication by the enterprising firm named in the title page. The sad memorials presented to our contemplation in the ruins of ancient cities, strikingly exemplifies the mutability of human concerns, and give a high moral value to these volumes. The author appears to have consulted, in the preparation of the work, the best authorities, and has succeeded in enriching his pages with the greatest possible variety of information; and on the whole produced a very useful, amusing, and no doubt accurate work.

20.-Anti-Popery; or Popery Unreasonable, Unscriptural, and Novel. By JOHN ROGERS, Member of the Society of Friends, and Counsellor at Law. With a Preface, Notes, and Index, by Rev. C. SPARRY. 12mo. pp. 315. New York: D. Fanshaw. 1841.

"This work," says Mr. Rogers, "relates to Popery, the whole of Popery, and nothing but Popery; and therefore will," he hopes, "be acceptable, or unobjectionable to the whole protestant world, and even to the whole Christian world that oppose the plan of papal Rome." It is written in a sententious, clear, and forcible, though quaint style; and possesses great logical precision.

21.-Happiness, its Nature and Sources described, and mistakes concerning it cor rected. By J. A. JAMES. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1841.

This little treatise comes to the reader with the high pretension, and a higher it cannot have, of pointing out what true happiness is, where it is to be found, and how it is to be obtained.

22.-A Token of Affection-Poetry of the Heart-A Token of Remembrance—A Token of Friendship-Pure Gold from the Rivers of Wisdom. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1841.

It has heretofore been considered high praise for the American publisher to equal in typographical elegance, the best works of the English press; but however startling and improbable it may appear, we have no hesitation in saying, that these four volumes of the "Miniature Classical Library," of D. Appleton & Co., are an improvement on the English edition of the same series of books. The volumes were compiled by the author of "Affection's Keepsake," and comprise the best works of our best English authors; and it may be stated, as an evidence of the estimation in which they are held abroad, that some of them have passed through eight or ten editions.

23.-The Rose: or Affection's Gift for 1842. Edited by EMILY MARSHALL. Illustrated with ten highly finished engravings: New York: D. Appleton & Co. 18mo. pp. 216.

It appears to have been the object of the editor, in preparing this little annual for publication, to render it directly subservient, not only to the entertainment, but to the real instruction and permanent benefit of the young. With this object in view, the pieces admitted generally possess the requisite qualities of utility as well as beauty. It is altogether a very excellent annual, and must prove a most acceptable offering for the young at the approaching Christmas and New Year.

24.-Confessions of an English Opium- Eater. Being an Extract from the Life of a Scholar. From the last London Edition. 12mo. pp. 190. Boston: Wm. D. Ticknor. New York: J. & H. G. Langley. 1841.

The re-appearance of this highly wrought, spirit-stirring narrative, attributed without denial to De Quincy, will be received with a cordial welcome, by those who perchance became acquainted with it twenty years since in the pages of the London Magazine, or whose knowledge of it is only traditional. Its authenticity is, we believe, considered unquestionable. We esteem it not merely as an interesting record, but, in some degree, useful and instructive. 25.-The Cause and Cure of Infidelity,—including a notice of the author's unbelief and the means of his rescue. By the Rev. DAVID NELSON. New York: John S. Taylor & Co. 12mo. pp. 352. 1841.

This treatise is well calculated to excite the curiosity, awaken the attention, and stimulate the inquiry of the vigorous minds of the west, where the author's life has been chiefly spent. Abstruse argument is here brought down to the apprehension of men in general. Facts drawn from history, science, and observation, are placed in a strong light, and there is an earnestness, a personality running through the whole, which, to use the language of the President of Centre College, Kentucky, gives to the written argument much of the interest and power of an oral address.

26.-Astronomy for Schools, upon the basis of M. Arago, of the Royal Observatory, Paris. By W. H. HOSKINS, A. M. 12mo. pp. 323. New York: H. A. Chapin & Co. 1841.

In this book, the leading truths of the science of which it treats, are illustrated without mathematical demonstrations. A correspondent, in whose judg ment we place confidence, says, "it is a work of singular merit, as a school book, for seminaries, or for general reading. The want of such a treatise in our common schools, is now most effectually supplied, and there can be no doubt that its peculiar advantages will introduce it into all our schools."

27-Rocky Island, and other Parables. By SAMUEL WILBERFORCE, M. A., Archdeacon of Savoy. New York: John S. Taylor. 18mo. pp. 196.

This volume contains six parables, the design of which is to convey religious instruction to the minds of children. The writer is a son of Wilberforce the celebrated statesman and philanthropist.

27-History of Christianity, from the Birth of Christ to the Abolition of Paganism in the Roman Empire. By H. H. MILMAN. With a Preface and Notes, by JAMES MURDOCK, D. D. pp. 528. Harper & Brothers.

This is a very valuable work, and full of interest, not only to the biblical scholar and divine, but to every class of readers. Ecclesiastical history has for the most part been treated of so little, in connection with political events, and so little in reference to its relation to the progress of society, that a most important view of it has been kept in a great measure out of sight. It was reserved for the learned author of this volume to strike out a new path in this department of historical research; to give us the history of Christianity upon a wider and more liberal scale; pointing out its vast temporal results; and tracing its influence and effects on the civilization and improvement of the world. This he has done, so far as he has gone, in a masterly manner; and when he shall have completed his design, by bringing his work down to a late period, as he promises to do, it will present an argument for Christianity, hitherto comparatively little dwelt on, which it will be impossible to risist or over

turn.

28.-The Settlers at Home. By HARRIET MARTINEAU. New York: Appleton & Co. 18mo. pp. 210. 1841.

Miss Martineau has never done better than in this little work. Appleton has done well in making it one of a series of Tales for the People and their Children. In every point of view "its beauty makes us glad." It is printed with clear, large type, on serviceable as well as handsome paper, and done up in the neatest style. But this is the smallest of its many recommendations. The plot of the tale is exceedingly simple, and yet deeply, almost painfully, interesting. We like for children-yes, we feel it right to demand for them-a narrative no way complicated or improbable. The subject of this is only a fact of historythe inundation of a Datch settlement in England during the commonwealth times-drawn out in an individual case, with the fidelity and richness of description which characterizes the author of Deerbrook. But, still more, the moral of the book-one of the very noblest which could employ the moralist's pen-steals upon the heart so unostentatiously and sweetly. There is none of the usual parade about saying a very good thing-no flourish of drums to make the heralded peerage more conspicuously insignificant-no drawing down of the countenance, as if about to preach something very unnatural and not a little overstrained. Her moral of the victory which a forbearing and gentle spirit always obtains over the roughest nature, flows along so naturally narrative, one cannot doubt the fact, or weary over the inference, or skip the Christian philosophy. In most childrens' books, the child is driven, by the invincible pedantry and inimitable dullness of the reflective part, to omit it altogether. Here the precept and the practice are the same. As Providence teaches us chiefly by examples of living virtue, the "Settlers at Home" would convince us of the safety, dignity, and duty of Christian love, by the happy result of the controversy between Roger and Oliver. We commend the story most heartily to "The People and their Children."

the

29.-Lectures on the Sphere and Duties of Woman, and other Subjects. By GEORGE W. BURNAP. Baltimore: John Murphy. 1841. 12mo. pp. 272. 30.-Lectures to Young Men on the Cultivation of the Mind, the Formation of Character, and the Conduct of Life. By GEORGE W. BURNAP. Baltimore: John Murphy. 1841. 12mo. pp. 224.

These volumes are exceedingly able, timely, and striking. That to young men contains three lectures additional to those first published; one of which drew favorable notices from every quarter on its appearance in our pages. The volume addressed to the ladies, though it omits physical education and legal rights, is worthy to go forth a fellow-laborer with that to the young men, and both are, as far as we know, the best books on their subjects.

MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES.

THE POETRY OF BOOKKEEPING

The Honduras Observer thus describes the art of bookkeeping:-
Attentive be, and I'll impart

What constitutes the accountant's art.
This rule is clear; what I receive

I debtor make to what I give.

I debit Stock with all my debts,

And credit it for my effects.

The goods I buy I debtor make

To him from whom those goods I take;
Unless in ready cash I pay,

Then credit what I paid away.
For what I lose or make, 'tis plain,

I debit Loss and credit Gain.
The debtor's place is my left hand,
Creditor on my right must stand.
If to these axioms you'll attend,
Bookkeeping you'll soon comprehend,
And double-entry you will find
Elucidated to your mind.

METHOD OF COLLECTING A DEBT.

We were much amused the other day, (says the editor of the St. Louis Bulletin,) on our way home, at the shrewdness of one of our city merchants, who was on a collecting tour through the western part of Missouri. The boat we were on landed at a small town, and the merchant repaired to the house of one of his debtors. On inquiring of the good lady for her husband, she expressed her regret that he had just left town, and would not, “positively, be back for a week." The merchant regretted that very much, as he "had some money" for her husband.

has

LADY.-You have ?-well-really-let me see-John, are you sure that your father gone ?-go, see-perhaps I'm mistaken-run quick, and tell your father, if you can find him, that a gentleman is here who wishes to pay him some money.

The boy ran-full speed for his daddy.)

LADY. I hope I am mistaken-husband was telling me this morning he expected some money from St. Louis. Money is so scarce these days, and people are so negli gent in paying their debts. Jane, bring the gentleman some water, quick now-stop, come here—(in a whisper, but audible to the merchant,)—tell Sarah to bring some of those largest and best apples, do you hear?-now, run, quick! When did you leave St. Louis, sir?

MERCHANT.-Last Monday was two

LADY.-(Running to the window)-There's husband, as true as I'm born-I really was afraid he'd left.

MERCHANT. (Husband enters, puffing and blowing)—My dear Gful you had left.

I was so fear.

HUSBAND.-(In an under tone)—I wish to Heaven I had! (To the merchant)—Ah, Mr., how are you?

MERCHANT. Very well-pleasant day-all well-hark! the bell is ringing-not much time to talk-I have a little business-(presents two or three bills)—would be very glad if you could settle them to-day.

HUSBAND.-Ah, ah-yes, sir-well, I don't know-Colonel Winston promised to be here to-day, who owes me some borrowed money-hard times when will you leave, probably? (Bell rings again.)