MERCANTILE USAGE.

A custom has obtained in Liverpool, (England,) that on all ordinary bills of lading. no matter what their wording is, even the words "freight paid on delivery" being introduced, the amount is paid less three months discount, except where a specific clause is put in, making the freight payable on delivery less discount. A short time ago a vessel called the Zodiac, from Alexandria, arrived at the port of Liverpool, and, her bills of lading being indorsed to Messrs. Wm. Rathbone & Co., they obtained the portion of the cargo consigued to them, the freight upon which was £446 68. Messrs. Rathbone tendered the captain £441 0s. 11d., being the full amount of freight less discount for three months, which was refused. This amount, however, was subsequently received without prejudice, and it was agreed that the decision of a competent tribunal should be taken on the legality of the custom. The case was heard at the Court of Passage on Monday. The assessor ruled that evidence was admissible, not to contradict, but in explanation of, the written document, and, this evidence having estab lished the existence of the custom, a verdict was returned for the defendants, Messrs. Rathbone & Co. The legal point, as to whether the custom could overrule the written agreement, was reserved for consideration by the assessor, who intimated that, if either parties were dissatisfied with the decision, every facility would be given for carrying this important question before the higher courts.

THE EVIL OF LENDING MONEY.

The "Notes of Life," by Henry Taylor, a new work, recently published in London and republished in Boston by Ticknor, Reed & Fields, we find the following brief pas sage on lending money to a friend :

Never lend money to a friend, unless you are satisfied that he does wisely and well in borrowing it. Borrowing is one of the most ordinary ways in which weak men sacrifice the future to the present, and thence is it that the gratitude for a loan is so proverbially evanescent for the future, becoming present in its turn, will not be well assisted in doing it an injury. By conspiring with your friend to defraud his future self, you naturally incur his future displeasure. Take to heart, therefore, the admonition of an ancient courtier :

'Neither a borrower nor a lender be;

For loan oft loseth both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry."

THE LABOR MARKET IN AUSTRALIA.

The following is quoted from the Melbourne Argus:-Married couples (without family,) per annum, with rations, £60 to £75; ditto, with family, £55 to £60; shepherds, with rations, £40 to £45; hutkeepers, with rations, £35; general useful servants, with rations, £55 to £60; bullock drivers, with rations, £1 10s. to £2 per week; bullock drivers for the roads, £4 to £6 per week; gardeners, per annum, with rations, £60 to £70; cooks, £2 to £3 per week; bush carpenters, with rations, £55 to £65; stock keepers, with rations, £50 to £60; grooms, with rations, $40 to £45; carpenters, 20s. to 25s. per day; blacksmiths, per annum, with rations, £80 to £100; general farm servants, weekly, £1 to £1 10s.; compositors, 23. per thousand; pressmen, £4 to £5 per week; shearers, £1 10s. to £1 15s. per 100, and rations; washers, £1 10s. to £1 15s., and rations; seamen for London, £50 for the run home, or £14 per month; coasting, £10 for the run, or £12 per month. Female servants: thorough servants, per annum, £25 to £35; housemaids, £25 to £35; laundresses, £25 to £30; nursemaids, £20 to £26; cooks, £35 to £40.

MERCANTILE AND MARITIME LAWS OF ENGLAND.

At a late meeting of the London Banking Institute Mr. Leone Levi read a paper on the state of the mercantile, maritime, and bankruptcy laws of the United Kingdom, in the course of which he stated that the common law was uncodified, and had to be collected from about 1,200 volumes of reports. The statute law was ranged in order of date in 38 quarto volumes, extending over 32,900 pages. In these volumes the civil, criminal, constitutional, and ecclesiastical laws were all jumbled.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-Daily Bible Illustrations: being original readings for a year, on subjects from sacred history, biography, geography, antiquities, and theology. Especially designed for the family circle. By JOHN KITTO, D. D. Evening series. The Life and Death of our Lord. 12mo., pp. 433. New York: Robert Carter.

This volume is substantially a history of Christ, reduced from the four Gospels, and so related as to comprise an interpretation of the incidents recorded. The "Readings" are so connected with each other that they may almost be perused as a continuous narrative divided into chapters. The work does not consist of a selection of topics, which was to a degree precluded by the desire to produce all the incidents in our Lord's career, but some circumstances have been set forth in more full detail than others, either on account of their paramount importance, or from the illustrative matter they involved, or the explanations they required. In the course of this work Dr. Kitto has often, in a quiet way, endeavored to meet various exceptions which have been taken to particular points in the Gospel history, but this has not been made a formal part of his undertaking. The reputation of this author is already well established with the public; and the wide and steadfast favor with which his works are received by religiously inclined readers, is a substantial testimonial of their interest and value.

2.-Philosophy of Mysterious Agents, Human and Mundane; or the Dynomic Laws and Relations of Man. Embracing the Natural Philosophy of Phenomena_styled "Spiritual Manifestations." By E. C. ROGERS. 12mo., pp. 336. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

We have in this volume the result of a long and patient inquiry into those mysterious phenomena which, from the earliest ages, have been found to be associated with human beings; but which have either been regarded as the superstition of the ignorant, or have merely received a flippant explanation, or been used as the materials of a mystical philosophy. Still, the subject is not without its importance. The mysteries of Alchemy have been transformed into the precise laws of Chemistry, and the fearful wonders of Astrology have assumed the sublime principles of Astronomy. The author of these pages contends that these mysterious phenomena are either the productions of spirits of another world, or of causes lying within the sphere of this world, and that the most thorough and candid investigation can decide this. This he has attempted, and has aimed to adopt and closely follow a strictly scientific method in his investigations. The result is a work not merely to be read but to be studied; and which from its merits is entitled to a favorable consideration in all quarters. 3.-Speeches in Congress.-By JOSHUA R. GIDDINGS. 12mo, pp. 511. Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

The author of these speeches entered Congress some fifteen years since, and during that time has distinguished himself for his speeches on the slavery question. In compiling the present volume he has selected only such of his speeches as refer to that subject, omitting such portions as relate to other questions, or which constitute a reargument of some point previously examined. Those who are desirous of knowing the views of the author upon all questions touching slavery, which have been presentted to the consideration of Congress, will find them in the present volume clearly and distinctly set forth.

4.-American Missionary Memorial, Including Biographical and Historical Sketches. Edited by H. W. PIERSON, A. M. With numerous Illustrations. 8vo., pp. 504. New York: Harper & Bros.

This volume contains a series of portraits and the biographical sketches, by various eminent clergymen, of twenty-nine of the first missionaries of various denominations. It furnishes us also with a history of the early organization of the American Board. The friends of missionaries will peruse it with great interest. The fullness of its details and the truthfulness of its pictures of the labors, trials, and last hours of these devoted men, will enlist the sympathies of all readers. It serves in an excellent manner to preserve many valuable facts, which might otherwise soon be lost.

5.-White, Red, Black. Sketches of American Society in the United States, during the Visit of their Guests. By FRANCIS and THERESA PULSZKY. 2 vols. 12mo., pp. 331 and 343. New York: Redfield.

The authors of this work were the companions of Kossuth in his tour through the United States, thereby enjoying a greater facility to become acquainted with the policy and society of the new world than is granted to most travellers. Madam Pulszky kept a diary, the greater part of which has been incorporated in these volumes. It does not comprise many particulars of American habits and manners, but the more important and serious features of our society. The writers distinctly disavow any responsibility on the part of Kossuth for the views here expressed. Few books on the United States are worthy of more attention than this one. The high reputation of Mr. Pulszky, both as a scholar and a public man, which he has long enjoyed both in his own country and England, the absence of all malice, ill-will, or even disrespect, will secure for him a more favorable reception than that to which the book of a mere stranger is entitled. For ourselves, we find many things which are not stated in the manner we would express them, but they chiefly relate to points respecting which a foreigner may claim some favor.

6.-Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley; With the original narratives of Marquette, Allouez, Membre, and Anastase Douay. By JOHN GILMSAY SHEA. 8vo., pp. 264. New York: Redfield.

This is the first appearance of the narratives of the missionaries of La Salle's expedition and those of Marquette, in a form published from the original manuscripts, and in accessible shape. In a word, it contains the complete accounts of the early exploration of the Mississippi. If we regard the men by whom the exploration was 11 ade, the period at which it was made, and the scenes and events of the voyage, it is entitled to a place in the attention of the public, scarcely inferior to that obtained by the narratives of the most renowned explorers. The descriptions possess an absorbing interest, especially if we contrast the Mississippi of those early days with the Father of the Waters of the present day. The Indian villages on its borders, the habits and customs, and treatment of the explorers by the savages are extremely well described, and present us with pictures of aboriginal life which otherwise would have been lost to the world. A copy of the original map of Marquette accompanies the work, which is a very striking object.

7.-The Complete Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. With an Introductory Essay upon his Philosophical and Theological Opinions. Edited by PROF. SHEDD. In seven volumes. Vol. 1, 2, 3, and 4. 8vo., pp. 483, 551, 488, and 500. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The first of these volumes contains an Introductory Essay by the editor, and the "Aids to Reflection," and "Statesman's Manual." The second contains "The Friend." The third, the "Literaria Biographia;" and the fourth, the "Lectures upon Shakspeare and other Dramatists." The admirers of this accomplished man will be gratified at the appearance of this edition, which is, on the whole, in good taste and handsome style. The Introductory Essay describes the position of Coleridge as a Philosopher and Theologian, and defends his claims to the character of an able man. It is written in a clear and spirited style, and shows an intimate acquaintance with modern systems of philosophy.

8.--History of Greece. By GEO. GROTE, Esq. Vols. 9 and 10. 12mo., pp. 388, 612. New York: Harper & Brothers.

In these volumes, the history of Greece is taken up at the close of the Peloponnesian War, and continued through the periods of the march of the ten thousand in Asia, the Corinthian War, the Peace of Antalkidas, the subjugation of Olynthus, the contest with Thebes, and the conflict with Sicily. This work is now published by the Messrs. Harpers, of this city, who have become the proprietors of the Boston edition. We have frequently had occasion to speak of its very superior merits, its high appreciation of democratic principles, its learning, research, and eloquence. Every volume, as it advances, confirms our views, and shows this to be the most valuable history of Greece in modern times.

9.-Pictorial Life and Adventures of Davy Crockett. Written by himself. Embellished with spirited and beautiful illustrations. 8vo., pp. 193. Philadelphia: J. B. Peterson.

10-A Gazetteer of the United States of America; Comprising a Concise General View of the United States, and Particular Descriptions of the Several States, Territories, Counties, Districts, Cities, Towns, Villages; their Mountains, Valleys, Islands, Capes, Bays, Harbors, Lakes, Rivers, Canals, Railroads, &c.; With the Governments, Literary and other Public Institutions of the Country. Also its Mineral Springs, Waterfalls, Caves, Beaches, and other Fashionable Resorts; to which are added Valuable Statistical Tables, and a Map of the United States. By JOHN HAYWOOD. 8vo., pp. 861. Hartford: Case, Tiffany & Co.

The author of this valuable work has been engaged for many years in preparing gazetteers of the New England States, which have proved very acceptable. In the compilation of this work, he has gone over the whole ground occupied by other works of the kind, questioning, doubting, and obtaining accurate information from the most reliable sources at every step. The standard authorities which have been consulted are the general and local gazetteers of former dates, numerous county and town histories, the historical collections of the several States, the American Almanac, congressional and State documents, reports of corporations, topical and coast surveys, journal of the most intelligent tourists, guide books, maps, geographical, geological, and statistical works, &c.

11.-Great Truths by Great Authors. A Dictionary of Aids to Reflection; Quotations of Maxims, Metaphors, Counsels, Cautions, Aphorisms, Proverbs, &c., &c. From Writers of all Ages and both Hemispheres. 8vo., pp. 564. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co.

The English compiler of this work has collected into a narrow compass, and arranged in a form convenient for reference and consultation, several thousand of the most remarkable utterances, in prose and verse, of the great among all nations, but chiefly of the great men among the Anglo-Saxon race. The American edition before us, is not only an entire reprint of the English, but has been enlarged and enriched by several hundred extracts from the writings of such men as Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Ames, Wirt, Clay, Calhoun, Webster, Story, Bryant, Longfellow, Everett, Prescott, and many others. It is decidedly the best collection of the kind extant, and altogether forms a mine of thought of inestimable value to every one.

12.-Hand-Book of Universal Geography; being a Gazetteer of the World, based on the Census of the United States, England, and France, for 1851. Edited by T. C. CALLICOTT. 8vo., pp. 855. New York: G. P. Putnam. This volume belongs to the series of Putnam's Home Encyclopedia. Johnston's Dictionary of Geography has served for its basis, which has been enlarged and improved by the addition of the townships and counties heretofore omitted, and corrected in accordance with the returns of the most recent census. It is probably more full and complete than McCulloch's, or any other work of a similar character. The system of abbreviation is easily understood, and the accuracy of the work, so far as we can judge, is of a high order. It is an indispensible addition to the series of volumes to which it belongs, and we are glad to find it no whit inferior in merit to either of the others.

13.-The Miseries of Human Life; An Old Friend in a New Dress. 12mo., pp. 182. New York: G. P. Putnam.

Here is a graphic picture of the minor miseries to which human life is ever subject. The alternation of smiles and tears is as constant and as decided as the general division of the earth's surface into land and water. The trials of Mr. Testy and Mr. Sensitive are ever unvaried. Here every supposable instance of provocation is collected, and the degree to which it is proper to be enraged at each, plainly hinted if not prescribed. Our old friend under his new face will be welcome in all quarters.

14.-History of the Valley of the Mississippi. By ADOLPHUS M. HUNT. 12mo., pp 286. Cincinnati: Moore & Anderson.

This work is compiled from authentic documents relating to the history of the Mississippi Valley, even of the latest date. The details possess much interest for students of our Western History. The book is evidently prepared with care, and is entitled to reliance, as an authority for the facts stated.

15.-Woman's Life; or the Trials of Caprice. By MISS EMILIE CARTER. 8vo., pp. 209. New York: Garrett & Co.

16.-The Merchants' and Bankers' Almanac, for 1853. Containing: I. List of all the Banks in each state, city, and town-Names of President, Cashier, &c. II. List of Private Bankers in all the prominent cities and towns, U. S. III. List of Banks and Private Bankers in London. IV. List of Private Bankers in Europe, Asia, South America, &c. V. Commercial and Exchange Tables of all Nations. VI. Miscellaneous Information. New York: Published by J. SMITH HOMANS, Editor of the Bankers' Magazine.

This volume will be found highly useful to merchants, because it embraces the commercial and exchange tables of nearly all countries with whom we are engaged in trade. To the banker and the money dealer it is useful, because it furnishes, in a small compass, an accurate list of our moneyed institutions throughout the Union, and a list of private bankers in the leading cities of Europe and the United States. The fac similes of recent French, English, and American coins will be found interesting to all classes. For the convenience of patrons at a distance, the volume is issued so as to be transmitted per mail.

17.-A Digest of the Laws, Customs, Manners, and Institutions of the Ancient and Modern Nations. By THOMAS DEw, late President of the College of William and Mary, 8vo., pp. 663. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This volume was originally prepared in the shape of lectures, in the historical department of the literary institution over which the author presided, and during his lifetime it was printed for the use of the students, but never published. It is a careful, laborious, and instructive digest of the laws, customs, and civilization of ancient and modern nations. In this respect, it differs from all compendiums now in use in schools and colleges. This will be found more particularly true of the chapters on the Refor mation, the Papal Power, the English Constitution, and the French Revolution. There is no question that a work of this high character has long been needed, and that it will prove an excellent and valuable substitute for a large number of works now in use, and which are scarcely anything more than chronologies.

18.-Daisy Burns. A Tale. By JULIA KAVANAGH. Three volumes in one. 12mo. pp. 472. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

The author of this work is one of the must successful writers of fiction of the present day. Her pen is touched with fire, and the characters she portrays possess & strength and energy, combined with elevation and dignity, which few can describe. The scenes of her stories are full of interest, and are always lively and attractive. The volume before us is one of her most meritorious productions, and although somewhat lengthy, yet no reader will regret it or desire it to be abridged.

19.-The Heir of Redclyffe. By the author of "The Two Guardians," &c. 2 vola 12mo., pp. 313 and 312. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

This is one of the most graphic and powerful tales of the day. Its object or moral, is to show the triumph of principle over prejudice, and the high order of character which is developed by an early adherence to rectitude in all things. It is written in a polished and vigorous style, and will produce quite an impression.

20.—A Winter in Madeira and a Summer in Spain and Florence. By JOHN A DIX. Fifth Edition. 12mo., pp. 377. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

These are very pleasant sketches of what the author saw in a brief tour in Madeira and Spain, and are as fresh and novel as if they described events just taken place. For the countries to which they relate present no novel features in a long series of years. The volume has been received with much favor, and four editions have been called for in a very short time.

21.-Jeames's Diary; a Legend of the Rhine: and Rebecca and Rowena. By Wx. M. THACKERAY. 12mo., pp. 295. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

These humorous stories, from the pointed pen of Thackeray, form the best volume of Appleton's Popular Library.

22.-A Fortnight in Ireland. By SIR FRANCIS HEAD. 12mo., pp. 215. New York: G. P. Putnam.

The reader will recognize Sir Francis in every page of this book. Active, observing, spirited, pungent, and flashy, he gives us many graphic sketches of the beautiful Emerald Isle.