four years, the owner refusing to sell for less than it originally cost. The results are as follows: The price in 1825 was, we believe, 1s. 9d. per lb.; the cost, with interest, warehousing, &c., when sold, 10s. 6d. The price realized was 74d. The article, when sold, was of excellent quality, and in good condition. We believe that the neighborhood of Manchester furnished the sensible speculator."

EXCERPTS FOR BUSINESS MEN:

OR, THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS ON BUSINESS, FROM" ACTON."

THE SHREWD MEN. Men who are so shrewd and well-practised in the ensnaring arts of business that no one can possibly circumvent them, are very often self-circumvented in their efforts to surpass others. Nothing is more common than for those persons to deceive themselves, whom nobody can deceive. Thus the simple and the wise are brought at last to occupy the same level, for the cunning of the wise is taxed for the simplicity of the simple. Moreover, in business, as in politics, the crafty are not the profound.

OVERREACHING IN BUSINESS. In dealing, we must in most cases submit to the dealer. The advantage is naturally on his side, but he takes double advantage of an advantage; and frequently, if we buy only an egg, or an oyster, something extra must be paid for the shell; if a bundle, a trifle for the string; and twenty per cent more for the rent of the store. If we have a knack of buying without money and are booked, then the double and single entry process is served upon us.

A BAD BUSINESS. Khol, in his travels in Russia, observes, that while at Moscow he happened to take a stroll through one of the markets of that city. He saw there a man, who sold frozen fish by the pound. Friend," said he to him, "how do you come on in your business?" Thank God," replied the man, "very badly."

DISCOVERY OF ANCIENT COINS IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT.

A most curious and interesting discovery of coins of the 14th century was recently made by the workmen employed in erecting some buildings at the back of the premises of Messrs. Perress and Dallimore, drapers, of High-street, Newport. They consist principally of the pennies of the reigns of Edward I., II. and III., of the mints of London, Canterbury, York, Durham, Berwick, Newcastle, Lincoln, St. Edmund's, Bristol, Dublin, and Waterford, intermixed with many of the reign of Alexander of Scotland. About 2,500 are in the possession of Mr. Perress, and it is known that very many more were taken by the workmen, previously to his becoming aware of the discovery. So large a horde of coin, of one period, has not before been discovered in the island, and is equalled only by that brought to light some few years since at Buriton, in Hampshire, and which consisted exclusively of pennies of the Conqueror. From the circumstance that all the coins now found are immediately anterior to the time of King Richard II., the period of the deposit may not unreasonably be referred to the burning of Newport by the French, in the second year of the reign of that monarch.

LIVERPOOL TRADE WITH AFRICA.

We learn from late Liverpool papers that it is in contemplation by some Liverpool merchants to form an African Company, with a capital of £100,000, in 2,000 shares of £50 each. The following is from the programme - Deposite 10s. per share. Liabili ty to extend only to amount of shares. No dividends to be made until a reserve fund of £50,000 has been accumulated. A call of £10 per share to be made as soon as the committee are formed; and a further call of £10 in three months afterwards, a call of £10 in nine months, and the remainded as the committee may appoint as requsite or required. To be under a committee of management of five individuals to be selected from the shareholders. Operations to com-mence when 1,000 shares are subscribed for."

CATTLE IMPORTED INTO ENGLAND FROM IRELAND.

It appears from the London Inspectors of Imports and Exports, that in 1848 there was imported into Great Britain, from Ireland, 189,960 oxen, bulls, and cows; 9.992 calves, 324,179 sheep and lambs, and 106,407 swine, and in 1849, 196,042 oxen, bulls and cows, 7,080, calves, 255,682 sheep and lambs, and 110,787 swine.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1-A Copious and Critical English-Latin Lexicon, founded on the German-Latin Dictionary of Dr. Charles Earnest Georges. By the Rev. JOSEPH ESMOND BIDDLE, M. A., of St. Edward Hall, Oxford, author of a Complete Latin-English Dictionary," &c., and the Rev. THOMAS KERCHEVER ARNOLD, M. A., Rector of Lynden, and late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. First American edition, carefully revised, and contianing a copious dictionary of proper names, from the best sources. By CHARLES ANTHON, Professor of the Greek and Latin languages in Columbia College Royal 8vo., pp. 754. New York: Harper & Brothers.

A slight inspection, as is well remarked, in the preface to the London edition of this work, will show that it aims at a far higher standard of accuracy and completeness, than any of its English predecessors. Indeed, says the same authority, it can hardly be said to have had any predecessor in its kind; for no English Latin Dictionary hitherto published, has ever professed to give any account of the use of words set down, their synonymical distinctions, the niceties connected with their employment by classical writers, with such remarks and corrections as a cursory glance at any important word in this work will prove that it has at least attempted to supply. The learned, and almost Herculean labors, in the department of classical literature, and the eminent success of Dr. Anthon, the American editor, in former works, are circumstances well calculated to inspire confidence in the character of the present enterprise.

2.-The Whale and His Captors. By the Rev. HENRY T. CHEEVER. Harper & Brothers.

This little work, which may be properly considered a biography of the largest animal in the world, will gladden the heart of many a youth, whose young mind, filled with the imaginary delights of a sea life, eagerly seizes upon every description of its perilous incidents. It would be fortunate, were they always to find so much truth as in this; the dangers, “disagreeables and disgustings," properly added, which is usually felt by boys of a certain age to go to sea. Not only is it an excellent work, full of interest for youth, for whom its many excellent engravings particularly adapt it; but it will be found instructive to more mature minds. The first chapter condenses the facts and figures of the whale fishery, from which, among other statistics, we find that six hundred and ten vessels, amounting to 196.113 tons, are engaged in the American whale fishery, being much less than the number employed in 1844, though no reason for this diminution is stated. The crude value of the fishery was, in 1848, $7,392,488. 3-Fairy Tales from all Nations. By ANTHONY R. MONTALBA. With twenty-four illustrations. 12mo., pp. 359. Harper & Brothers.

The materials of this collection of tales were selected, as we are informed, from more than a hundred volumes of the fairy lore of all nations. Accustomed as we have been to travel in the dusty paths of every-day life, it is not surprising that our taste does not permit us to appreciate fairy tales, although in imagination we sometimes wander into the regions of the supernatural. Still we are inclined to think with Mrs. Embury, that an attractive fairy tale, so thoroughly pervaded by a fine moral truth, that the youthful mind cannot but imbibe its influence, is of far more effective benefit than an overstrained moral tale, where improbable incidents, and exaggerated ideas of excellence, tend to give false views of life, and its duties. The volume contains some thirty tales, from almost as many different languages, including the Arabic, Slavonic, Hebrew, German, Sweedish, Sanskrit, Hungarian, Norman, Bohemian, Franconian, Italian, &c. The admirable illustrations of Richard Doyle, add not a little to the attractiveness of the collection.

4-The History of Alfred the Great. By JACOB ABBOTT. 12mo., pp. 270. New York: Harper & Brothers.

It is the design of this volume, to exhibit, in a popular and compressed style, the biography of a prominent king of England, and one of the principal founders of the British monarchy. The narrative of these facts associated with his career, and which is found in the more extended historical works regarding that country, is here set forth in a clear and comprehensive form, and the book is illustrated by several engravings, which portray, in some degree, the character of the period of which it treats.

5.-The Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith. Including a Variety of Pieces now first Collected. By JAMES PRIOR, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, author of the Life of Goldsmith, Life of Burke, etc., etc. In four volumes. 12mo., pp. 586. New York: George P. Putnam.

Prior to the appearance (in 1837) of the present collection of the miscellaneous works of Goldsmith, a writer who has long taken his stand, both in verse and prose, as an English classic, but one attempt, anonymous, had been made in that direction. It proved, however, to be quite imperfect, as all who will take the trouble to compare it with the carefully edited collection of the indefatigable Prior, whose immense research and scrupulous fidelity are so highly and deservedly commended by Irving, will readily perceive. The first volume of Mr. Putnam's edition, before us, contains all the essays and papers of Goldsmith, which appeared in “The Bee,” a weakly paper commenced October 6th, and terminating with the eighth number, November 24th, 1759, on diverse subjects, the inquiry into the state of the polite learning in Europe, and the prefaces to his histories and various other works, etc. Both the old and new materials collected by Mr. Prior, and embraced in this edition, are accompanied with brief notes, clearing up the local and temporary allusions in which they abound, and which another generation would have rendered it impossible for any diligence to explain.

6.-Orations and Occasional Discourses. By GEORGE W. BETHUNE, D. D. 12mo., pp, 428. New York: George P. Putnam.

The author of this volume enjoys a wide reputation in this country as a pulpit orator, and a public lecturer. It contains twelve discourses, orations and addresses delivered before literary, and other societies. The third, in the collection entitled “Leisure, its Uses and Abuses," delivered before the Mercantile Library Association in 1839, was originally published in the first volume of the Merchants' Magazine. Although they are not marked for any extraordinary degree of originality of conception, there is a grace and scholarly elegance in their composition, that will commend them to readers of a refined and cultivated taste. The admiring friends of the author will not object to the "repetition of some main thoughts, in several of the discourses.” 7-Success in Life; a Series of Books, Six in Number, each Complete in Itself. The Successful Merchant, Lawyer, Mechanic, Artist, Physician, Farmer. sist of Biography, Anecdotes, Maxims, &c. By Mrs. C. TUTHILL. New York: George P. Putnam.

To con

The present volume is the first of a series of books, designed to illustrate the causes and principles of success in the various professions and occupations of life. It is entitled "The Merchant." Each chapter is devoted to a distinct subject, but all bearing upon the author's design of exhibiting those principles of action and traits of character which go to form the upright, enterprising and successful merchant. The materials are derived from the mercantile biographies that have from time to time been published in the Merchants' Magazine, and other sources. These she has contrived to work up into an agreeable and instructive volume, that is well calculated to stimulate the young who aspire for distinction and success in mercantile pursuits.

8.-The King of the Hurons. By the author of the "First of the Knickerbockers," and the "Young Patroon." New York: George P. Putnam.

The King of the Hurons, says the author, is a story of civilized rather than savage life, notwithstanding the seeming indication to the contrary contained in its title, and those of its readers who are familiar with the events of the age in which its scenes are supposed to have occurred, will readily remember the historical personage from whom the idea of its principal character has been derived. The deserved popularity of the previous tales of this comparatively new candidate for public favor, will doubtless secure for the present work a wide circulation-but not wider than it deserves. 9.-Oliver Goldsmith; a Biography. By WASHINGTON IRVING. With Illustrations. New York: George P. Putnam.

We noticed this charming book, on its appearance, some months since, when published in connection with the complete works of Mr. Irving. The present edition is more ample in its dimensions, and is copiously and beautifully illustrated with scenes drawn from the varied life and occupations of the clever, kind-hearted Goldsmith, graphically portrayed by Prior, and his last and most graceful biographer, the author of the present volume. It affords another illustration of the taste and liberality evinced by Mr. Putnam in the production of elegant books.

10.- Women of the Old and New Testament: a Series of Portraits. With Characterestie Descriptions. By several American Clergymen. Edited by WILLIAM B. SPRAGUE, D. D. Eighteen Original Designs engraved expressly for this Work. 4to. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

44

This is one of the most magnificent publications ever produced in the United States. Elegant and beautiful as was the "Women of the Bible," issued some year or two since, by the same enterprising publishers, this is an evident improvement on that work, in all that constitutes artistic beauty and completeness; and, as we are informed, the uncommon favor with which that work has been justly regarded by those most competent to estimate its merits, induced the publishers to offer to the public another of the same general character. The former work was confined to the characters supplied by the Old Testament, while the present has taken the larger number of its subjects from the New. The volume before us contains twenty-eight plates, from drawings by G. Staahl, engraved in the highest style of the art, as follows:-" Virgin and Infant Saviour;" "Sarah;" "Elizabeth;" Miriam;" Anne the Prophetess;” “Rahab;" "Herodias;" "The Levite's Wife;" "Zepporah;" "The Canaanitish Woman;" "The Witch of Endor;" "Daughter of Jairus" Widow of Nain;"" Michael;" "Martha" "Mary Magdalen," and "Bathsheba." The letter-press illustrations are furnished by living divines of different denominations, as follows:-W. Ingraham Kipp, D. D.; Erskine Mason, D. D.; William B. Sprague, D. D.; Rev. Charles Wadsworth; Rev. E. N. Kirk; Rev. B. A. Wood; E. Haller, D. D.; N. S. S. Bemen, D. D.; Right Rev. J. P. H. Henshaw, D. D.; John Todd, D. D.; Thomas Smyth, D. D.; Samuel Hansen Cox, D. D.; Right Rev. J. H. Hopkins, D. D.; Rev. J. F. Stearns; Rev. Robert Hallam; Nicholas Murray. D. D., and Rev. R. S. Storrs, jr. The sketches are something more than a mere outline of the history of the individuals to whom they relate. “They aim to bring out those great lessons of truth and wisdom which, in some form or other, lie embodied in all their characters, and which are adapted to form the mind to virtue, usefulness, and immortal felicity." They of course exhibit great diversity of style; but are probably among the best efforts of their authors. The engravings would do credit to that model of artistic excellence, the "Art Journal;" and the letter press, paper, binding, &c., afford a fine illustration of the tas e and liberality of the publishers, and are in perfect keeping with the general excellence of the work."

11.-Hearts and Homes; or Social Distinction.

A Story. By Mrs. ELLIS, author

of the "Women of England." 8vo., pp. 714. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Few writers of domestic tales, designed to illustrate the moral and social virtues of every-day life, in the present day, have succeeded in securing so wide a circle of readers, as the author of the present volume. Though more elaborate than any preceding work from the same pen, it will, we presume, be read with equal interest by all who have been gratified and instructed by like labors in the same department of literature. Without exhibiting any remarkable degree of vigor, or portraying any fine spun transcendental ideas of life, her writings inculcate those ordinary every-day morals and manners so intelligible to the popular mind, in England and the United States."

12.-The Four Gospels; Arranged as a Practical Family Commentary for Every Day in the Year. By the author of " Peep of Day," &c. Edited, with an introductory preface, by STEPHEN H. TYNG, D. D., Rector of St. George's Church, New York. IIlustrated with twelve highly-finished engravings. 8vo., pp. 548. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

Dr. Tyng recommends this work "in a very cordial and unqualified manner,” as well calculated to open the precious and imperishable blessings of the Gospel to those who familiarly use it." The comments on the Gospel are of course in harmony with the religious tenets and sentiments of that earnest divine, and eloquent and popular preacher.

13.-Home Recreation; a Collection of Tales of Peril and Adventure, Voyages and Travels, Biography, Manners and Customs, Poetry, and other Entertaining Sketches. A new Gift-Book for Young Readers. By GRANDFATHER MERRYMAN. With Colored Illustrations. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The design of this work, as may be inferred from the title, which we have quoted at length, is to interest as well as amuse; to excite the imagination through the medium of the feelings. It embraces in its range of subjects almost every variety of reading, tales of adventure and peril, voyages and travels, biography, natural history, sporting and hunting sketches, new riddles, poetry, and a variety of miscellany.

14.-Poems and Prose Writings. By RICHARD HENRY DANA. In two volumes. 8vo., pp. 443 and 440. New York: Baker & Scribner.

These volumes contain the prominent efforts of one of the most distinguished poets and classical prose writers in this country. The poems and prose writings in the first of these volumes, with a few additions, were embraced in a collection published in 1833, including the series of tales published under the general title of the IDLE MAN. The second volume, now first published in a collective form, embraces articles upon several subjects, which have been contributed to the North American Review, and other leading periodicals. It is a gratifying feature of the recent enterprises of our publishing houses, that the labors of our more eminent authors are thus incorporated in a permanent form. It is by such means that their actual merits can be most properly appreciated. The leading efforts of high genius, are admired, like beautiful works of sculpture, or painting, and such authors as Dana, Willis, Bryant, Longfellow, and Lowell, are brilliant gems, worthy of enduring caskets. The handsome style in which these volumes are produced, is creditable to the taste and liberality of these enterprising publishers.

15.-The Brilliant: A Gift for 1850. Edited by T. S. ARTHUR. 8vo., pp. 300. New York: Baker & Scribner.

We regret that this annual was received too late for notice in our December issue; for it is the first appearance of a new candidate for public favor, and merits such encouragement as will secure its annual visits. Brilliant binding, beautiful pictures, fine paper, and clear and handsome print, although constituting the material of the book, so far as its manufacture is concerned, is by no means its chief excellence, or its most valuable characteristic exquisitely beautiful, and artistic as are its illustrations, “not the less excellent and beautiful are the literary portions." All the engravings, fifteen in number, are line and stipple, the works of eminent artists, and finished in the most elaborate style. If any of our readers have delayed, in this "festive season of the year, when kind feelings flow forth in gifts, tokens, and remembrances," to "supply the demand" thus suggested, we will venture to recommend them to examine a copy of the Brilliant," and leave the decision to their taste and judgment, confident that the result will be such as to meet the approbation of the worthy publishers. 16.-Sacred Scenes and Characters. By J. T. HEADLEY, author of "Sacred Mountains," &c. With original designs by Darley. New York: Baker & Scribner. The Bible, like fine gold, is capable of a wide expansion. Its comprehensive truths furnish material for an almost infinite variety of illustration. It is full of scenes and sketches given only in outline, the filling up of which, is left to the inspiration or the imagination of the reader. In the present work, Mr. Headley, leaving the fields of dogmatic theology, and of ethics, takes some of the striking or remarkable scenes and characters of the sacred historians, and expands them into glowing pictures, not, however, forgetting the great truth each outline is designed to illustrate or enforce. The high-wrought, and, withal, graceful and graphic style of the author seems peculiarly well adapted to the scenes selected, some of the most thrilling and pathetic that the wonderful book, on which they are based, embraces. The book is published in the style of the annuals, in so far as its typography and external appearance are concerned, and is beautiful enough in its material form, and pure enough in its spiritual essence, for the drawing-room, or "center-table," of any of our most orthodox friends.

17.-The Miscellaneous Works of the Rev. J. T. Headley, with a Biographical Sketch and Portrait of the Author. 2 Vols., 12mo., pp. 322 and 319. New York: John S. Taylor.

These two volumes embrace the prominent contributions of the author to the leading periodicals of the day. Mr. Headley's productions enjoy a wide popularity. Few writers possess, in a more eminent degree, the faculty of impressing their own glow of feeling upon the minds of their readers. He carries his reader along with him through his high-wrought, and sometimes thrilling scenes. The reader does not find time to stop; and if he stumbles, we stumble too, and are up again and on. Mr. Headley's delineation of the character of Napoleon, in the " Waterloo" miscellany, is not the Napoleon of his later, and more elaborate account of that extraordinary man. The former was written for the "Christian Parlor," and the latter to meet the wants of the popular mind. Few writers of the present day have attracted more attention. The present volumes contain some of his happiest efforts of the descriptive character.