novelty to the discussion of subjects familiar to us in the works of the moralist and divine.

Literary Gleanings. By an Invalid. The Gleanings are from the best sourcesas Shakspeare, Dryden, Johnson, Scott, Byron, Burns, Cowper, Rogers, Coleridge, Chalmers, and Hannah More; as well as from many authors whose works are but little known, yet whose sentiments are well worthy of republication. Miss Fanny H. Henslowe is the granddaughter of the late Sir John Henslowe, many years chief surveyor of the navy, and daughter of an officer who has received a medal for his services in Spain. The selection has been formed under much bodily affliction, but this appears to have given a beneficial tone to the Gleanings, which are made with much judgment; and we doubt not will be beneficial to Miss Henslowe's "Sisters in Affliction," to whom this neat little manual is dedicated.

The Monthly Volume. Nos. 39 and 40, 12mo. pp. 192.-The first of these volumes, entitled "The Court of Persia," is from the pen of Dr. Kitto. It treats the subject" in connexion with scriptural ," and thus forms a sequel to the usages, "Life of Cyrus," which was No. 16 of the same series. Oriental manners and usages alter so little, that the present state of Eastern nations often serves as a commentary on their past history, as in the present instance. Thus Esther vi. 1. is illustrated at p. 104, by the custom of the Persians, who generally rise during the night, take coffee, or some refreshment, and then lie down again. They sometimes find it difficult to sleep after this, and we may remember that it was in the latter part of the night, on towards morning, that the sleeplessness of king Ahasuerus caused him to order that the records of his kingdom should be read to him." The heads of the chapters are, Principles of Eastern Government, Legislative Funcions, Judicial and Executive Functions, State Punishments and Rewards, a Royal day, State Ceremonies, a Coronation, the Royal Household. Not only juvenile readers will be interested in this volume, but all may derive both knowledge and amusement from it.-No. 40 transports us from warm to frigid regions, for its title is "The Northern Whale Fishery." It is written by Captain Scoresby, the author of "The Arctic Regions (No. 38; see April, p. 395), and abridged, with some modifications and additions, from the second volume of the author's celebrated work on that subject, first published at Edinburgh in 1820. Mr. M'Culloch says

GENT. MAG. VOL. XXXI.

of it, in his "Literature of Political Economy, " that "this standard work comprises all that most persons can wish to know of the subjects of which it treats." (p. 234, chap. viii.) To many readers the subject must be new, at least in its details, and, as it results from a genuine acquaintance with the scenes described, it deserves an extensive circulation, which it will doubtless obtain.

We

Use and Abuse; a Tale. When the author of this tale will make his adventures more probable, his characters more natural, his imagery more simple, and his language more like that of common life, then we shall read his works with greater pleasure than we have done this. think that he would derive great advantage from the study of the writings of Defoe, who could recite the most tragic incidents, and paint the strongest passions, in the manner that made them most affectingthat is, in the language of nature and truth.

66

The Queen's Isle.-Chapters on the Isle of Wight, wherein Church Truths are blended with Island Beauties. By the Authoress of "Edith Aubrey." 12mo. pp. 62.-Edith Aubrey is a pleasing little tract" of which the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel have signified their approval by inserting it in their Quarterly Papers. The present writer has, also published "Verses for Infant Schools," and two songs set to music by Alex. Lee, one of which is "My beautiful Isle "the same island to the praises of which she has now devoted her pen, with an amiable and zealous earnestness to advance at the same time the cause of religion, especially in its field of missionary exertions. "The affectionate enthusiasm of my feelings towards this darling Isle," she remarks, "would be increased, were it possible, by the idea that its mountains and its valleys, its woodlands and its sea-girt shores, might speak another language besides that of their own unutterable beauty even the celestial language of holy and imperishable truth." Her efforts will not fail of producing their good fruits in minds attuned to her own trains of thought: and in an historical point of view this little book will hand down to after-times many interesting events and circumstances in the ecclesiastical history of the Isle of Wight during the present generation.

Adventures in Borneo: a Tale of Shipwreck. 1 vol. post 8vo. pp. 260.-A custom has prevailed of late of dressing up works of fiction in the disguise of truth,

4 L

that we think should be checked before it has proceeded too far. Among these must be classed "Omoo," "Typee," &c. which appeared a short time back, and which are told so exceedingly like truth as to impose on the unsuspecting reader, and, were it not for a reckless flight of imagination which the author every here and there indulges, in spite of his habitual caution, are apt to deceive even the more watchful critic. To these we regret to add the "Adventures in Borneo ;" for, were it not for this drawback, we should recommend it with pleasure as an amusing work of imagination. The story is pathetic; and, though the main incidents have often been drawn upon in various shapes, by former writers of romance, yet there is freshness in the author's method of relating them, and the interest is well maintained throughout. It is no detraction from the talents of the author to say that the worst parts of the book are its title of "Adventures in Borneo,"-instead of any other savage island,—and the clap-trap dedication to the Rajah of Sarawak.

Bibliotheca Londinensis. By Thomas Hodgson. 8vo.-This volume is intended

as a Key or Index to "The London Catalogue of Books," the utility of which has been acknowledged both by the booksellers and their customers for many years, and has consequently been reproduced in frequent editions, the last of which appeared in 1846. The present classified index is now provided for the first time. It comprises thirty-six thousand books, all of which have either been published during the last thirty years, or have remained "in stock" on the booksellers' shelves during that period. They are arranged alphabetically under forty-five divisions of subjects. With this statement we shall have made a sufficient representation of the useful labour accomplished by Mr. Hodgson, and shall have established his claim to the thanks both of the dealers and readers in books.

Questions for Law Students on the Second Edition of Mr. Serjeant Stephen's New Commentaries on the Laws of England. By James Stephen, esq. Lond. 8vo. A useful elementary book, compiled with care and judgment. It may be safely recommended to the class of students for whom it is designed.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.

April. 25. The Burney prize, for the best English essay, "On some Moral or Metaphysical Subject, on the Existence, Nature, and Attributes of God, or upon the Truth and Evidence of the Christian Religion," has been adjudged to J. Todhunter, B.A. of St. John's College (Senior Wrangler 1848). Subject:-"The doctrine of a Divine Providence is inseparable from the belief in the existence of an absloutely perfect Creator." (We were, then, in error in p. 401, in supposing that the first prize-subject was announced this year.)

KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON.

April 20. The annual general meeting of proprietors took place, the Archbishop of Canterbury, President, in the chair. The report was very gratifying. Since the last meeting, 1291 students had entered, and many who had received their education there had risen to distinction in society. A Professorship of the Law of Nations has been instituted, and a department for the instruction of youths in tended for the army and East India Company's military service, is being formed. The paid professional singers for the choir

were dispensed with; and twelve young gentlemen, having natural organs suitable for the office, are to be trained as choristers. The finances, though still burdened with a heavy debt, are in a prospering condition as regards revenue and expenditure. The income was 36,0937. 138. 6d.; the expenses 33,5617. 138.; balance 2,5321.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE.

ob.

April 26. At the anniversary meeting of this Society, Henry Hallam, esq. the President was in the chair, and addressed the meeting in a brief but eloquent manner. Mr. L. Hayes Petit, after some feeling and well-expressed servations on the four years' presidency of Mr. Hallam, on the services he had done the Society, and on his high literary character, moved a vote of thanks to him, which was seconded by Sir John Doratt, and carried by acclamation. A request was made, and acquiesced in, that the address should be printed. The meeting then proceeded to ballot for the President, Vice-President, and Council for the ensuing year, when the following noblemen and gentlemen were elected :President, the Marquess of Northampton. Vice-Presidents, the Dukes of Rutiand and

Newcastle; the Earls of Clare and Ripon; Lords Bexley and Colborne; H. Hallam, W. R. Hamilton, W. M. Leake, and Louis Hayes Petit, esqs. ; and the Rev. J. Hume Spry, D.D. Council, Rev. Dr. Bosworth, Beriah Botfield, esq.,* the Ven. Archdeacon Burney,* the Rev. R. Cattermole, B.D. (Secretary), the Rev. H. Clissold, M.A., J. P. Collier, esq., P. Colquhoun, esq., Sir John Doratt, M.D. (Librarian and Foreign Secretary), H. Egerton, J. Hogg, W. Jerdan, C. A. Smith, H. Fox Talbot, J. Godfrey Teed,* and W. Tooke (Treasurer), esqs., and the Rev. J. Wright.* Auditors, Newell Connop and A. J. Valpy, esqs. Clerk and Collector, Mr. Nathaniel Hill,

[Those marked * are new Members of Council.]

THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 30. The annual meeting of this Society was held in the Museum of the Society, Hanover-square; Sir John Boileau, Bart. in the chair. Mr. Mitchell, the secretary, read the report, from which it appeared that the receipts amounted to 10,0897. 18s. 9d. among which were 2,6451. 68. annual subscriptions for the last year; 4,0401. 3s. 6d. admission to gardens, 1,6831. 178. 7d. sale of stock, &c. The sum of 9,8241. 8s. 2d. had been expended, which left a balance in hand amounting to 2651. 10s. 7d. As many as 143,630 persons have visited the garden establishment, an increase of about 50,000 over the number of visitors of the previous year. Several buildings have been erected for the accommodation of the animals, &c. of which the society now possesses 1,335viz. 383 mammalia, 851 birds, and 101 reptiles. A camel, a lion, &c. presented by the late Viceroy of Egypt, are shortly expected, having been placed on board ship, under the superintendence of Mr. C. Murray, the British Consul in Egypt.

THE CAMDEN SOCIETY.

May 2. The annual meeting of this Society was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, Lord Braybrooke, the President, in the chair.

The Report of the Council, whilst admitting a diminution of numbers, arising in part from deaths (no fewer than twentyeight having occurred in the Society during the past year), and partly from the circumstances of the times, (which have been fatal to some other societies of a like character,) expresses a confidence in a continuance of support "amply sufficient to maintain the Society in its course of usefulness, and to prove the wide interest still felt in the objects for which the Society was instituted." The Society's in

vested stock arising from compositions, paid in lieu of annual payments, now amounts to 9117. 10s.

The Council have, during the past year, added the following works to the list of those to be published by the Society:

1. The Chronicle of Queen Jane and of Two Years of Queen Mary. To be edited by John Gough Nichols, esq. F.S.A.

2. A Selection from the Porkington MS. in the possession of W. Ormsby Gore, esq. M.P. To be edited by James Orchard Halliwell, esq. F.R.S.

3. Household Roll of John of Brabant, Son in Law of King Edward the First. To be edited from the original in the Chapter House, Westminster, with a Translation and Notes, by T. Hudson Turner, esq.

The books issued for the past year have been

1. Camden's Visitation of Huntingdonshire, made by Nicholas Charles, his Deputy. Edited from the Original Visitation preserved among the Cottonian Manuscripts, by Sir Henry Ellis, K.H., F.R.S., Sec. S.A. (reviewed in our Feb. Magazine).

2. Smith's Obituary, from 1628 to 1674 also edited by Sir Henry Ellis, from the Sloane collection of MSS., and undertaken at the suggestion of Sir Charles Young, Garter King of Arms, who, having had a transcript made for his own use, kindly placed the same at the service of the Council.

3. Certain Considerations upon the Government of England. By Sir Roger Twysden, Kt. and Bart. Edited from the unpublished Manuscript by John Mitchell Kemble, esq. M.A. &c. This work was pointed out to the Council by Mr. Kemble as one of the most valuable treatises existing on the subject to which it relates; and they express their conviction that it derives additional value from the masterly Introduction, in which Mr. Kemble has furnished an outline of the author, Roger Twysden, "one of the most laborious and judicious Antiquaries that the seventeenth century produced;" and in which will be found an animated sketch of that distinguished and powerful class, the Country Gentlemen of England of 1640, the class that produced Cotton, Spelman, Twysden, and others.

The Council conclude their Report with alluding to a change which has gradually come over the character of the Society's publications, the result of causes over which they have had comparatively little control, but one they believe to be generally agreeable to the Members; it is the purely historical nature of the later Camden Publications. Since the establishment

of the Camden Society, similar societies have been instituted for the publication of works more immediately connected with our early national poetry and drama. Their success has been at once a proof of the soundness of the principles on which the Camden Society was founded, and a warning to the Council to devote the means at their disposal to illustrate, not so much the poetical and literary, as the political and social history of the empire.

After passing the usual votes of thanks to the officers, the editors of the past year, and to Sir Charles Young and the Rev. Lambert B. Larking, for their several contributions of MSS. the meeting proceeded to the annual elections, when the Council and officers were re-chosen, with the addition of John Bruce, esq. F.S.A. John Mitchell Kemble, esq. M.A. and Fred. Ouvry, esq. F.S.A. in lieu of the members retiring by law; and for auditors, John Yonge Akerman, esq. Sec. S.A. George L. Craik, esq. and Edward Foss, esq. F.S.A.

The first volume of the new year's publications, viz. Inedited Letters of Queen Elizabeth and of King James VI. of Scotland, between the years 1581 and 1594; from the Originals in the possession of the Rev. Edward Ryder of Oaksey, Wilts, and a MS. formerly belonging to Sir Peter Thompson; edited by John Bruce, esq. F.S.A., is nearly ready for delivery.

THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY.

April 26. The eighth annual meeting of this Society was held at the Craven Hotel. The report made special allusion to two memorable occurrences which have recently tended to revive the interest manifested towards the works and literature of the great period the Society has undertaken to illustrate. The sale of the house and tenements at Stratford-upon-Avon was too interesting and too important an event to those concerned in illustrating all that belongs to the personal history or the works of Shakespeare not to engage the attention of the members of the Council

44

very earnestly; and the completion of the purchase of that house for the nation has occupied a very great deal of the efforts and time of the members of the Council, though not in their official capacity. The premises at present are invested in the Committee appointed to carry out the purchase, and about four hundred pounds are still required to place it in the hands of national trustees.*

The purchase by the President, Lord Ellesmere, of the Chandos Portrait of Shakespeare, from the gallery at Stowe, is a matter of considerable interest to the Society, as, from the liberal permission of its noble possessor, every member will have the opportunity of possessing a highly finished engraving from this the most generally acknowledged representation of the Poet. Mr. Samuel Cousins, the mezzotinto engraver, has undertaken the work, and the size of the plate, exclusive of margins, is ten inches by eight. A certain number of artist's proofs, and proofs signed by the Director, are to be struck off, at advanced prices; by which means the other impressions are furnished at a very slight expense to the Socety, and it is hoped will not interfere with the usual number of books supplied for the annual subscription. To accomplish the object as perfectly as possible, and to bring it distinctly within the original purposes for which the Society was established, the Director, Mr. Collier, has undertaken to accompany the portrait with an account of all the known and acknowledged representations of the Poet,-a work at any time highly interesting in itself, but appended to such an illustration, doubly so. It is expected that the print will be ready for delivery in the course of the present season; but, should this not be the case, it will, at all events, be included in the subscription of the present year.

the

By direction of the General Meeting last year, a new and separate subscription was opened, under the designation of Heywood and Dekker Fund," for the republication of the works of those early

dramatists, under the superintendence of the Council. The list has not yet filled in a manner to warrant the commencement of such an undertaking; but the Council are unwilling to abandon a scheme which they still hope to carry out in the course of the present year.

The books issued for the subscription of the year 1848, are:

1. The Moral Play of Wit and Science. Edited by J. O. Halliwell, esq.

2. Extracts from the Registers of the Stationers' Company, of Works entered for Publication between the years 1557 and 1570. With Notes and Illustrations, by J. Payne Collier, esq. Vol. I.

Another and important volume still remains due on the subscription of the last year, namely,

Inigo Jones's Designs for Masques at Court, now first engraved from the Original Drawings in the possession of his Grace the Duke of Devonshire. Edited by J. R. Planché and J. Payne Collier esqrs. with a new Life of Inigo Jones, by Peter Cunningham, esq. together with an engraving from an original portrait of Inigo Jones, by Vandyck, presented to the Society by Major Inigo Jones.

The fourth volume of the Society's Papers has been issued as the first publication for the subscription of the present year, 1849; the second volume of the "Extracts from the Registers of the Stationers' Company," is passing through the press, and several others are in various stages of progress; one of the most interesting is a volume of the Names, Lives, and Characters of the original Actors in the Plays of Marlowe, Greene, Peele, Lodge, Nash, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher, Chapman, Dekker, Webster, Heywood, Middleton, Massinger, Ford, &c. alphabetically arranged, by J. Payne Collier, esq. V.P.S.A. &c. Some others, not yet produced, were named in our last report (June 1848, p. 638). The vacancies in the Council, occasioned by the retirement of five members according to the laws of the Society, were filled by the names of John Bruce, esq. F.S.A., W. O. Hunt, esq. Swynfen Jervis, esq. Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, Bart. and Thomas Thomson, esq. M.D. The Auditors elected for the year are Joshua W. Butterworth, esq. F.S.A., B. H. Smart, esq., and George Smith, esq.

ART-UNION OF LONDON.

April 24. The usual annual meeting of this association was held in Drury-lane Theatre. Mr. Godwin, the hon. secretary, read the report, which, after detailing the attempted interference of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade in the arrangements of the association, which has hitherto led to no positive result, proIceeded to state that the total amount subscribed for the current year is 10,3917. 178. The engraving and illustrated work obtained by each subscriber of the past year were" The Prisoner of Gisors" and the "Allegro and Penseroso" of Milton, which have elicited none but gratifying expressions. It may be mentioned as a striking illustration of the result of association, that 6s. 3d. of each subscriber's guinea sufficed to produce these worksworks which, if published in the ordinary way, could not have been purchased for the whole amount of the subscription; and that-after paying for illustrating and printing the report, printing almanacs and prospectuses, the cost of the general meeting and the exhibition of prizes, a proportion of the cost of the charter, the reserve of two and a half per cent. to provide a gallery hereafter, and the ex

penses of carrying on the large operations of the Society-half the total amount subscribed was distributed in the shape of prizes. With the funds then allotted 137 works of art were purchased from the various public collections. They were exhibited in the Suffolk-street Gallery for four weeks, and visited, as heretofore, by an immense number of persons without any accident or injury. The engraving for the present year, Sabrina," by Mr. Lightfoot, from the painting by Mr. Frost, A.R.A. is ready for electrotyping. In addition to this, each subscriber will receive an engraving, after a design in basso relievo by Mr. J. Hancock, "Christ entering Jerusalem," submitted in competition for a premium of 1007. offered for the purpose. In reply to the advertisement of this premium 25 designs were sent in, several of them having great merit. To one of these, "the Death of Boadicea," by Mr. Armsted, the Council awarded an honorary premium, and have arranged to produce a certain number of copies of it in bronze, by the electrotype process, to be distributed hereafter as prizes. Copies of the prize design in bronze will also be made. The satisfaction with which the Illustrations of Milton