COUNTRY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.-We are indebted, we may presume to the author, for a volume of some two hundred pages, published by order of the Senate of the United States, entitled 'A Memoir, Historical and Political, of the Northwest Coast of North America, and the Adjacent Territories; illustrated by a Map, and a Geographical View of those Countries. By ROBERT GREENHOW, Translator and Librarian to the Department of State.' We alluded recently, in a notice of the North-American Review,' to the indifference of the United States touching our Northwest possessions; and we would take this occasion to commend all those who seek information in relation to this important subject, to a perusal of the clear and well-written memoir before us. It relates principally to the southern and middle portions of the northwest coast of this continent, and the adjoining territories, which have for many years formed the subjects of discussions between the governments of the United States, Great Britain, and Russia; and is designed to show the origin, nature, and extent of the several claims, in order to afford the means of correctly estimating the justice of each. In prosecuting these objects, it was found necessary to trace the whole progress of discovery and settlement, not only in the territories above mentioned, but also in those farther north, in which the exclusive right of the Russians to form establishments has been recognised by the other powers, and in the region called California, on the south, which constitutes a part of the Mexican republic. Expeditions for the purposes of discovery, trade, or settlement, and disputes between the governments or the people of distant civilized nations, have afforded, as yet, the only materials for the history of this section of America; and those materials have remained scattered through the annals of other countries, the journals of voyages and travels, and official or private reports and letters, the correctness of which could not be ascertained without great labor and research. Accounts of all these expeditions and discussions are here presented, arranged in the form of a regular narrative, so as to embrace a complete history of the western portion of our continent - if it be allowable to speak of the history of a country which still remains almost entirely in a state of nature. The work is, however, not strictly a history; nor is it merely an argument in support of the title of the United States to the possession of the territories in dispute. The writer has given a clear and distinct view of the pretensions of each of the claimant powers, and of the circumstances on which they are based. In illustration of the memoir, a geographical account of the western section of North America has been prefixed to it, together with a map of those countries, drawn from the best authorities which could be procured. The geographical account is necessarily compressed; the map, however, is much fuller than any other of that part of the world which has yet been published.

SCENES IN NATURE: 'SOCIAL EVENINGS.' The enterprising house of MARSH, CAPEN, LYON, AND WEBB, of Boston, are laying the juvenile community under great obligations to them, for the many excellent works for youth which are from time to time proceeding from their prolific press. 'Scenes in Nature, or Conversations for Children on Land and Water,' and 'Social Evenings, or Historical Tales for Youth,' now before us, well deserve the praise which they have elicited from the public press. The first, in an attractive conversational style, gives an account of the most remarkable objects in nature, accompanied with good engravings on wood. We remark that the sketch of Niagara Falls is illustrated by the description of the Rev. Mr. BASCOM, written a few months since for the KNICKERBOCKER. The author pronounces it one of the best pictures of the Great Cataract he has ever encountered. The 'Historical Tales' are from the pen of our correspondent, Miss M. E. LEE. They are very agreeably written, and their subjects selected with judgment and good taste. In short, in execution and tendency, the volume is unexceptionably excellent.

'NEW-YORK MIRROR.' — A new volume of this neat and well-known journal is about commencing; and the veteran proprietor, GEORGE P. MORRIS, Esq., promises to enhance those claims upon the public favor, which he has grown gray in perpetuating. We perceive that our respected neighbor has a set of soulless persons upon his books, of whom he speaks in terms of fervent indignation :

'In some cases, the money has been forwarded in letters with the postage unpaid; in others, the bills enclosed have been at a heavy discount; and in others again and this is a large amount — the bills are still due. The consequence of these things is almost ruin to us; they have paralyzed our exertions, destroyed our tranquillity; and the perplexities that have arisen, have sometimes nearly broken our heart. Surely the laborer is worthy of his hire; and no one with correct ideas of honor or honesty, would withhold such a sum, so justly due, nor endeavor to make it less, by taxing us with postage or discount.'

The 'blanket-sheets,' those huge omnium-gatherums, it has been publicly 'feared,' would impinge upon the circulation of our worthy contemporary; but the public, it should seem, have willed it otherwise; the old literary favorites, the 'Albion' and the 'Mirror,' not only maintaining their ground, but, as we learn, increasing in general diffusion.

HARPER'S FAMILY LIBRARY.-We welcome the last number of HARPER'S FAMILY LIBRARY, as a most useful addition to the vast stores of various knowledge contained in that cheap yet invaluable series. It is entitled an 'Outline History of the Fine Arts,' and embraces a view of the rise, progress, and influence of the Arts among different nations, ancient and modern, with notices of the character and works of many celebrated artists. The subject matter is treated in five divisions, namely: Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Engraving, and Miscellany; and is illustrated by numerous engravings on wood. The aim of the writer, which he has successfully carried out, was to compress within a small compass, and present in a perspicuous manner, and a cheap form, a mass of information respecting the history of the progress and influence of the Fine Arts, which has hitherto in this country been widely scattered in detached fragments, and thus rendered unattainable to the great majority of readers, and especially youth.

'SCENES IN THE LIFE OF JOANNA OF NAPLES.'

- Another well-printed volume from the press of Messrs. MARSH, CAPEN, LYON, AND WEBB, Boston, written by an old correspondent of this Magazine, Mrs. E. F. ELLET, now of South-Carolina. The sketches, thirteen in number, are intended to illustrate, by a coloring of the manners of the age, some of the most striking events in the reign of QUEEN JOANNA; facts, which are indeed stranger than fiction. 'The resemblance,' says the writer, 'between the life and catastrophe of the Queen of Naples, and MARY STUART, of Scotland, has been frequently remarked, and enhances the interest of her story to English and American feeling, while it must stimulate curiosity, to trace the causes that produced events so similar. Mrs. ELLET may be assured that she does not flatter herself vainly, in the modest belief, that to youthful readers, who shrink from the task of exploring a work of history, or of unmixed biography, her pleasant volume may prove both agreeable and useful.

THE LATE REV. DR. KIRKLAND. Our thanks are due to the accomplished author for a copy of one of the most beautifully-executed pamphlets we have ever seen from the American press, devoted to 'A Discourse on the Life and Character of the Rev. JOHN THORNTON KIRKLAND, D. D., LL. D., formerly pastor of the church on ChurchGreen, Boston, and late President of Harvard University,' delivered in the church on Church-Green, in May last. We shall aim to embrace another occasion to lay before the reader some of the interesting and valuable lessons inculcated in this sketch of the life and character of a ripe scholar and a good man; but must content ourselves for the present with warmly commending the 'Discourse' to the heedful attention of our readers.

AMERICAN BIBLICAL REPOSITORY.

We have before us the late numbers of this work - - a publication conducted by ABSALOM PETERS, D. D., and devoted to biblical and general literature, theological discussion, the history of theological opinions, etc., - and are agreeably surprised to find in them many articles in which we had been greatly interested, in a transplanted form, without being aware of their original source. The paper upon 'American Literature,' by Rev. LEONARD BACON, from which we quoted an admirable passage in our April number, is from the 'Repository,' as well as the articles upon 'Modern Elequence,' and the Comparative Moral Purity of Ancient and Modern Literature,' which have been much quoted. We cannot doubt that the 'Repository' is well sustained. It were a reflection else upon the intelligence and taste of the religious and reading public. New-York: WILLIAM R. PETERS, No. 89, Nassau-street.

THE AMERICAN REPERTORY,' heretofore noticed, sustains the promise of its opening numbers. It should be in the hands of every scientific man, and every mechanic. Among its selections we remark the following: 'Any human being who will have the presence of mind to clasp the hands behind the back, and turn the face toward the zenith, may float at ease, and in perfect safety, in tolerably still water; ay, and sleep there, no matter how long. If not knowing how to swim, you would escape drowning when you find yourself in deep water, you have only to consider yourself an empty pitcher; let your mouth and nose, not the top part of your heavy head, be the highest part of you, and you are safe; but thrust up one of your bony hands, and down you go: turning up the handle, tips over the pitcher.'

'CABIRO.' Mr. GEORGE H. CALVERT, Baltimore, favorably known to the literary public by his translation of SCHILLER'S 'Don Carlos,' has recently given to the world two cantos of a gossiping, colloquial, half-satirical poem, after the world-renowned model of BYRON, which he has entitled 'Cabiro.' Although we cannot greatly admire this or kindred imitations of the Great Bard, wherein that which was easy and graceful in his plastic hand, is stiff and forced in that of his followers, as if all that were sought for was an odd rhyme to match the end of a line, thought too often to be dashing when it is only stiltish and unnatural - yet we must concede to Mr. CALVERT an abundance of pleasing poetical images, and not unfrequent exhibitions of excellence in poetical execution, which promise well for his reputation. We shall look with some interest for the succeeding cantos.

TRANSCENDENTALISM OF THE GERMANS. Mr. JOHN OWEN, of Cambridge, (Mass.,) has republished, in a neat pamphlet, two articles from the Princeton Review, concerning the Transcendental Philosophy of the Germans and of COUSIN, and its influence of opinion in this country. These articles, as is justly claimed, are distinguished alike for their ability and their Christian spirit. They give a correct and strong impression of the character of those speculations to which they relate, and afford much information within a small compass. By fairly exhibiting the extravagancies that have of late had their origin in Germany, they are adapted to rouse from their delusion such as have been beguiled by what they do not understand.

'RECORDS OF ELD.'- We are indebted to the publishers, Messrs. JAMES MONROE AND COMPANY, Boston, for two Discourses, delivered in September last, on occasion of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Gathering of the Congregational church, Quincy, Mass., with an Appendix. By WILLIAM P. LUNT.' We are glad to perceive that other portions of our country are beginning to emulate the laudable example of the NewEngland states, in the preservation of historical records, such as those before us; which are full of interest, and which form a valuable addition to the state and town records of Massachusetts. The 'Discourses' are beautifully printed, and illustrated by one or two neat engravings on wood.

NEW WORKS BY THE AUTHOR OF 'CLINTON BRADSHAW,' - Messrs. LEA AND BLANCHARD, Philadelphia, have in press a novel, in two volumes, by the popular author of 'Clinton Bradshaw,' F. W. THOMAS, Esq., of Cincinnati, of which we have heard exalted reports, from the most capable judges. Capt. MARRYAT, among others, who perused the author's Mss. while in this country, has pronounced a high eulogium upon the plan and execution of the work. Mr. THOMAS has also prepared for the press an extended poem, which he has christened 'The Adventures of a Poet.' We have perused it entire, and can promise our readers a treat of no ordinary description, when it shall be given to the public, in the course of the ensuing autumn. Mr. THOMAS, with but little of the exuberant pretension of certain of his would-be eminent brother romancers, has yet talent and genius sufficient to win fairly, and maintain honestly, a reputation destined to last - without the aid of clap-trap titles, self-puffery, deception, or ludicrously exaggerated accounts of profits and sales - at least five years, without becoming stale with the public, cheapened in the market, and falling into rapid decadence.

"THE PROUD LADYE, AND OTHER POEMS,' is the title of a small volume from the press of Messrs. WILEY AND PUTNAM, and the pen of Mr. SPENCER WALLACE CONE. It was our intention to have illustrated a few brief remarks upon the book, with two or three extracts, which pleased us exceedingly; but our space limits us to the mere remark, that with agood deal that is not greatly beyond the level of admissible verse, there are mingled in this little collection many poetical gems, which will survive, and with honor, four-fifths of the rhymes that are dignified, in this age of puffery and pretension, with the name of poetry.

THE 'GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE,' issued monthly at Philadelphia, as we gather from the 'Brother Jonathan,' is offered for sale; 'the proprietor being about to engage in a more profitable business.' Mr. E. A. PoE, a spirited writer, and hitherto the principal editor of the miscellany in question, announces his retirement from its supervision. He has issued proposals for a new monthly magazine, 'to be executed in the neatest style, after the manner of the KNICKERBOCKER,' to which he promises to bring great additions to the literary aid he has hitherto diverted into a different channel.

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Daguerreotype VIEWS. — Mr. GOURAUD, now at Boston, has succeeded in effecting some very important improvements in the Daguerreotype apparatus, by which the whole is greatly simplified, and supplied at a far cheaper rate than heretofore. His Daguerreotype minatures are now taken in perfection, without inconvenience to the sitter. Mr. GOURAUD, in addition to a large collection of beautiful Parisian views, recently received from Mr. DAGUERRE, at that capital, has himself obtained several very perfect representations of the 'Old Cradle of Liberty,' at Boston, and of Bunker's-Hill. It was to the enterprise of Mr. GOURAUD that our citizens were first indebted for specimens of this extraordinary invention; and we trust he will be substantially remembered by the public.

FINE PORTRAIT OF HENRY CLAY.- Mr. L. P. CLOVER, Broadway, has just published a large and finished portrait of HENRY CLAY, in mezzo-tint by SARTAIN, from the well known painting of LINNEN. It is one of the best likenesses, and altogether the best picture, of this distinguished American statesman, that we have ever seen.

Salt-Water BATHING. - Let every man, who would know the luxury of HEALTH; firmly-braced nerves, hearty appetite, and a clear head; visit our friend Dr. RABINEAU'S 'Salt Water Floating Baths,' moored at Castle-Garden. Their delicious coolness and beneficial effects cannot be overrated.

More Gossip with Readers and Correspondenta. — A greater number of Original Papers' will be found in the present issue, than was ever before encountered in any one number of the Knickerbocker. They have been selected expressly for the season; and it is hoped will not prove burdensome in the perusal, during the fervid summer-heats. For the immediate future, we may confidently say, in the prophetic language of the almanac-makers, (and not under the head of far-off Apogee,')' Expect pleasant reading about these days! Having had glimpses into certain sketch-books' and port-folios of four or five of our most distinguished and popular contributors, we speak but the things which we do know.' We know not when we have been more vexed, than at the unaccountable loss of an admirable reminiscential poem, on the demolition of Trinity Church, from the lively, sparkling pen of Mr. Field, one of the editors of that pleasant little diurnal, the New-Orleans Picayune;' and the author, beside many agreeable prose articles, of those free-andeasy and widely popular rhymes, bearing the signature of Straws.' Mr. Field is now abroad; and should this paragraph meet his eye, in London or Paris, we shall feel greatly obliged to him, if he will transmit us another copy of the article in question. ... We are indebted to a friend in Philadelphia for some timely reflections upon a recent occurrence in that city, which has created a wide and general interest. We reserve, for obvious benevolent reasons, the closing comments of the writer, for future consideration; contenting ourselves for the present, with the felicitous opening: ' As I was the day before yesterday looking down upon our beautiful city, from the steeple of the State-House in Chesnut-street, probably one of the finest bird's-eye metropolitan views in our country, I remember longing for the power, but for a single moment, of Asmodeus, to penetrate the roofs of the countless dwellings spread out on every hand; to feel the beatings, as it were, of the vast pulse of humanity that was throbbing around me. As I descended, the heavy bell of the town-clock pealed forth the hour; and my mind, still clinging to the thoughts which had occupied it, began to ponder upon the probable events which had taken place within the hour, among my acquaintances and friends, upon whom, alike unknowing and unknown,' I had been looking down. One day has sufficed to develope three occurrences, within that brief period, which I can never forget. In the broad walk, in the square below, my excellent friend Col. was promenading slowly, enjoying the day with a zest known only to sympathetic hearts like his, when suddenly, as by a flash of lightning, his right arm dropped palsied by his side, and one of his lower limbs refused its wonted office. At that moment was affixed the seal to his ' bond of Fate ;' thenceforth to drag a maimed life' to the grave!

Sixteen years a maiden,

One year a wife;
One hour a mother,

And this is the touching history of poor Mary H.

And so she lost her life!"

whose spirit was passing to heaven, even as that clock was giving out the hour. We were at school together at W. Both were young, and she was beautiful, and had a loving heart. But I will not speak of that. She was another's. God has received her sinless soul! And at that very hour, E, whom I thought I knew well; whose heart, but a little while before, was beating high with hope, and joy at his near approaching union with a lovely and virtuous girl, whose affections were centered in him; E, his anticipations blasted, his physical frame racked with the agony that gnawed at his heart, was entering a gloomy prison, with no prospect before him save another still more revolting, with all its nameless accessories of pain! And this was E, that was so seeming generous of manners so bland, of features so ingenuous and so pleasing! Alas! what is this book of the countenance good for, which, when we have read so long, and thought we understood its contents, there comes a countless list of heart-breaking errata at the end!' 'J.G.' solicits a correspondence with this Magazine, under the belief that he

...

has discovered the true nature of the electric fluid, or electricity, and the cause of magnetic polarity. He proposes to furnish us with papers on Electricity and Magnetism; on the rise and decay of different tribes and races of men and vegetables; and on the changes that have taken place, and are still operating, on the surface of the earth. Under this last head, he believes he can satisfactorily account for the fossil remains, petrifactions, trees, and other substances, that are found imbedded in the earth. The 'Polarity of the Magnet' he considers of great importance; since, if his conclusions shall be confirmed by the experiments of philosophers, it will tend to elucidate many of the operations of nature that are at present involved in mystery. He makes no pretensions as an experimental philosopher, but avers that the conclusions to which he has arrived are mere deductions of his own, produced by careful reading and reflection. A sample of his matter and style is essential to a proper judgment in the premises. ... M. T. Z.,' of Norwich, Conn., has our thanks. But for two or three blemishes, one of his 'Sketches' would have appeared in the present issue. The gentleman to whose care he desired his MS. committed for revision, is absent from town; and previous to placing it in his hands, we shall venture to segregate an anecdote of Guzzling Pete,' a half-witted country wight, and the town's jest, who came home one rainy Saturday night, so darkly, deeply, beautifully blue,' that he went to bed with his hat and boots on, and his old cotton um brella under his arm. He got up about two o'clock the next afternoon, drunk with last night, and took his way to the meeting-house. Rev. Dr. B- was at his 17thly,' in the second of six divisions of a very comprehensive body of Hopkinsian divinity, when Guzzling Pete' entered the church, with an egg in each hand. He saw, as through a glass darkly, and with evident commiseration, a man in black, very red in the face, for the day was oppressively warm, who seemed to utter something with a great deal of vehemence, while a considerable number of those underneath him were fast asleep; among them Deacon C, with his shiny-bald head leaning against the wall. Pete, unobserved by the minister, balanced his egg, and with tolerable aim, plastered its contents directly above the Deacon's pate! Hearing the concussion, the worthy divine paused in his discourse, and looked daggers at the maudlin visiter. Never mind, uncle,' exclaimed the intruder: jest you go on a-talkin'; I'll keep 'em awake for you!' By this time the congregation were thoroughly aroused. 'Mr. L,' said the reverend pastor, with a seeming charity, which in his mortification he could scarcely have felt, and addressing a ' tiding-man,' near the door, Mr. L, won't you have the kindness to remove that poor creature from the aisle? I fear that he is sick.'' Sick?' stammered our qualmish hero, as he began to confirm the fears of the clergyman by very active symptoms; 's-i-c-k? - yes, and it 's enough to make a dog sick, to sit under such stupid preachin' as your'n: it's more 'n I can stand under! Yes, take me out; the quicker the better!' The Dissertation upon the Oratorical Excellence of Cicero,' it is feared would not prove very entertaining to a large portion of our readers. That celebrated gentleman was certainly a very respectable ancient; but the world has already heard something of his cleverness from several pens. 'A Ride with Death,' with revision, will appear in our next number. The author has evident 12

VOL. XVI.

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