PEEL'S MOTIVES FOR ADVOCATING FREE TRADE.

The Dean of York, a personal friend of the late Sir Robert Peel, has written a very brief but comprehensive memoir of that distinguished statesman's life. Of the Premier's motives for advocating free trade, the Dean relates:—

"Another important step taken by the late Premier brought upon him the opposi tion of almost all his relatives. I allude to his advocacy of free trade. Although ap proving the measure myself, as taught in his father's school, I ventured to point out to him that, by his bringing forward the bill, he would lose the friendship of many good men whom he valued; that the fame which, as a political leader, he had acquired would be sadly tarnished. He made this characteristic reply:-"I have been a long while in making up my mind on this subject. I long thought that free trade was unwise and injurious; but, after a serious and unprejudiced investigation, gathering information from many quarters inaccessible to any but to a minister of the crown, I am convinced that the happiness-perhaps the existence of thousands and tens of thousands depend upon having a free interchange of the necessaries of life. Can I allow any consideration of consequences, which may or may not happen to an individual, to have the slightest weight in determining a matter of such universal interest? Ruat cælum !"

Here, again, we see that firm determination to pursue the course of which he approved, in despite of every opposition, which marked his whole character through life.

EPITAPH ON A LINEN DRAPER.

The subjoined epitaph on an itinerant linen draper is from a tombstone (so says our English informant) in Hampstead churchyard. Who will, after reading this and the lines of "the early-closing shopkeeper to his customers," say that there is no poetry in trade, or that trade is without its poets :

Cottons and cambrics, all adieu,

And muslins, too, farewell!

Plain, striped and figured, old and new;

Three quarters, yard or ell.

By yard and nail I've measured ye,

As customers inclined;

The churchyard now has measured me,

And nails my coffin bind.

So now, my kind and worthy friends,
Who dealt with me below,

I'm gone to measure Time's long ends

You'll follow me, I know.

IMPORTS OF RIVER PLATE HIDES INTO GREAT BRITAIN.

The import for the year 1850 exhibits a great falling off, being 163,000 against 202,000 for 1849. The import of Rio Grande salted is relatively much smaller, being only 35,000 against 80,600 in 1849, and 105,200 in 1848. The united stocks are 37,200 against 71,400 last year; and as there is every prospect of a still further decrease in the supplies for the year 1851, owing to the drought at Buenos Ayres, and the warlike preparations in Rio Grande, combined with an increased demand for the continent of Europe, owing to the military movements there, and as the stocks of leather in this country are said to be unusually light, importers are exceedingly firm, and in some instances holding for a further advance, although prices are fully d. per pound higher than in November last. Present stock 29,700 consisting of 22,750 heavy ox, 5,100 light, and 1,850 cow.

A NOVEL SPECULATION.

It is stated, in a late London paper, that a party has entered into an arrangement with the London and North-Western Railway company, to make use of certain portions of the interior of their railway carriages for the purpose of posting bills and trade announcements in them. He has purchased this privilege by paying to the company the sum of £1,200 for the year.

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-History of Greece-First, Legendary Greece-Second, Grecian History, to the reign of Pisistratus at Athens. By GEORGE GROTE, ESQ. Vol. 1. 12mo., pp. 513. Vol. 2, pp. 466 Boston: John P. Jewett & Co.

The history of Ancient Greece is not a mere relation of bold adventures and heroic exploits; of conquests won over man, or wild beasts, or terrors of nature; it commences with the first dawn of the intellectual powers of the human mind; it describes their awakening, unfolding, growth, and perfection; the strong and invincible reason now grasping the highest themes, or dallying with the nicest points; the ethereal and delicate fancy; the sublime and luxurious imagination; the delicate touch of the painter and sculptor; these are the powers and faculties which made Ancient Greece, and which have stored her land with the highest treasures that mankind has ever gathered. The true historian of Greece, therefore, has this province before him. If he cannot comprehend it; if he cannot, with rapturous and unspeakable admiration, loiter over it, then the task is not for him-the duty is for another. Society will endure no more collections of tales, or narratives of exploits, under the term of Grecian History; but with volumes on the intellectual history of that remarkable nation, it never can be sated. It is for this reason that we see some of the brightest minds of Europe employed upon this subject, and the works of one author does not interfere with, or diminish the value of those of another. In the instance which is before us, the learned author seems to have felt an embarrassment from the clearness and distinctness with which he viewed and appreciated the high character of his work. Grecian historythe history of a people by whom the first spark was set to the dormant intellectual capacities of our nature, Hellevic phenomena, as illustrative of the Hellevic mind and character was the idea which engrossed him, and which he has attempted to present with justice in these pages. It is not for us to say, from a perusal of only two of the eight or ten volumes of this work, how well the author has achieved his purpose. Having beheld only the commencement of the structure, we cannot decide of its completion; but surely, where such an enthusiastic spirit is displayed, such stately grandeur in going forth, such industry, such materials, and such lofty purpose; yet, withal, such distrust of one's own powers, evidently arising from magnificent conceptions of the task before him, we wish not to speak of our anticipations of the entire work, or to appear as too far moved from respectful moderation, in regard to the transcendent splendor of this history. Two volumes have thus far been issued by the American publishers, and six in England. It is printed in very handsome style, and furnished at a cheap price.

2.-The United States; its Power and Progress. By GUILLAME TELL POUSSIN, late Minister of the Republic of France to the United States. Translated from the French, by L. DU BARRY, M. D. 8vo., pp. 488. Philadelphia: Lippencott, Grambo & Co. This truly great work is one of the best that has ever been presented to the American people on the Power and Progress of the nation. The first part of it contains a running sketch of the settlement of the country, and its growth, to the period of the work. Leaving, then, these facts as the foundation of the structure which he is about to survey, the author rises to commence his task, with the experience of a great man, and the intelligence of a statesman. Nowhere have we seen the power of the nation delineated with such masterly clearness and fulness-its means of national defenceits spirit of conquest-the climate of the United States-the population-religioneducation-agriculture-commerce-manufactures-working classes, &c., &c., are discussed and estimated in a cool, philosophical, and just manner. No man, or no foreigner, has had better opportunities for a knowledge of this great subject, than the author, who was, some years since, appointed by our government a member of the Board of Topographical Engineers, to examine the physical resources of the country for national defense. His work is written in a succinct and forcible style, and the translator seems to have preserved, to a happy degree, the spirit of the original. We trust it will find its way into the hands of every intelligent citizen.

3.-Love and Ambition. A Novel. By the Author of Rockingham. 8vo., pp. 160. New York: H. Long & Brothers.

4.-A New Classical Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography, Mythology, and Geography. By WM. SMITH, L. L. D. Revised with Corrections by CHARLES ANTHON, L. L. D. 8vo., pp. 1039. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This work opens with a preface, by the American editor, in which it is stated that classical learning has found its proper abode in Germany, and that nothing of any value, except a few straggling chips, has for a long time made its appearance in England. This is quite a compliment to the classical scholars of this country and England; it serves, however, very well as a basis from which to infer the value of this compendium of the historical and archæological researches of German scholars. The work is full and copious; a perfect storehouse of facts and details, without end, relating to persons and places in ancient Greece and Rome. It contains much that should more properly have been omitted, and which, strictly speaking, is out of place in a work of this kind. It is likewise, deficient in that neatness, simplicity, and polish which ever marks the work of the true scholar. At the same time, this work is unquestionably an improvement, in many important respects, over previous ones, and is the best that can be had for the use of students.

5.-Nile Notes of a Howadji. 12mo., pp. 320. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This volume does not claim to be, in a literal sense, a book of travels; it, however, notes the scenes and incidents which the author saw and experienced, sufficiently to inform the reader of his progress from spot to spot up the River Nile. More than this as a book of travels it is not. Its charm and real merit consist in the soft, smooth, and gently gilded manner, with which the writer reveals to us the impressions, feelings, reveries, and almost dreams that float through his mind, and which were awakened by the scenes around him. Such of our readers as possess a delicate perception, an airy fancy, and the luxuriance of an Asiatic imagination, will revel in the pages of this volume. While there may be others of less exquisite sensibilities who will hardly relish the work.

6.-Foreign Reminiscences. By HENRY RICHARD, Lord HOLLAND. Edited by his Son. 12mo., pp. 230. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The period embraced in these reminiscences extends from 1791 to 1815, and among the personages to whom they relate are Mirabeau, Lafayette, Talleyrand, Napoleon, and others of less note. It abounds in anecdotes and entertaining particulars which have not been given to the public, and which are the more interesting as they relate, mostly, to the events occurring in the time of Napoleon. They are written in a lively and agreeable style, and will be found quite interesting.

7.—Mary Erskine. A Franconia Story. By the Author of the Rollo Books. 12mo., pp. 202. New York: Harper & Brothers.

As stories for the young this series, of which the above is one, are admirable. Their aim is to improve and elevate the moral sentiments at a period of life when the impressions which are received are the most permanent. They are written in a charming style, and are sure to fascinate the youthful reader by their interest and simplicity. 8.-The Decline of Popery and its Causes. An address delivered in the Broadway Tabernacle. By REV. N. MURRAY, D. D. 8vo., pp. 32. New York: Harper & Bro

thers.

This is one of the addresses which have appeared in consequence of Archbishop Hughes's discourse on the "Decline of Protestantism." seeking to produce an impression only, it is excellent. controversy between Catholicism and Protestantism, it permanent place.

As a mere popular address, But with regard to the great neither has, nor aspires to, a

9.-London Labor and the London Poor. By HENRY MAYHEW. With Engravings 8vo., pp. 48. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This is designed as the first part of a graphic and quite interesting account of the social condition and earnings of the poorer classes of the British Metropolis. The writer has enjoyed every advantage for information, and after a perusal of his pages, no one can fail to exclaim, "truly, one-half the world knows not how the other half lives."

10.-Time, the Avenger. By the author of the Wilmingtons, &c., &c. 8vo., pp. 139. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This volume, which belongs to the Harpers' Library of Select Novels, is one of the choicest of them, and is sure to afford entertainment to almost every reader of novels.

525

11.-The Closing Scene; or Christianity and Infidelity contrasted in the Last Hours of Remarkable Persons. By Rev. ERSKINE NEALE, M. A. From the third London edition. 12mo., pp. 662. Philadelphia: R. E. Peterson.out

This book cannot fail to be read with interest, apart from the general object which the author had in its preparation. The manner in which men of distinction, whatever may have been their faith, have approached that last and final event, which is appalling to physical nature, from the utter desolation which awaits it, and which is startling to the soul of man by the novelty and indistinctness which attends its future being, always possesses an attraction for every one. The persons of whom mention is made in these pages, are Paine, Locke, Frederick of Prussia, Bolingbroke, Blanco White, Charlotte Elizabeth, Volney, Mrs. Hemans, Hume, and a large number of others, who have been engaged in every pursuit of life. The sketches are brief and pointed, and written with considerable merit. The author, in some instances, appears almost too intent upon the particular object before him, to do that full justice to the merits of the character under consideration, which a more enlarged view would have enabled him to take. The work, however, is such a one as the public should be in possession of. 12.-American Institutions, and their Influence. By ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE. With notes, by JOHN C. SPENCER. 8vo., pp. 460. New York: A. S. Barnes.

This is the well-known and able work which was published a few years since under the title of "Democracy in America." It is now issued in its present form, in order to be used in schools and colleges, as the most systematic treatise which we possess upon the philosophy of American institutions. The views of the work, are, in general, correct. It is the most comprehensive and general survey of the principles of our political systems which we possess, by an author of sufficient genius to comprehend them, and talent to discuss them in a clear and instructive manner. In practical results, there are some defects and errors in the conclusions which are inferred, but these are of small moment. The introduction of the work, as a text-book, in public institutions, cannot fail of securing many advantages to young men.

13.-The Memoir and Writings of James Handasyd Perkins. Edited by WILLIAM HENRY CHANNING. 2 vols., 12mo., p.p. 527 and 502. Boston: Wm. Crosby & H. P. Nichols.

The contents of these two volumes consist of sketches of the life of the late Mr. Perkins of Cincinnati, and a selection from the various elegant productions of his pen. He went from Boston to the West with the design of selecting a farm, commenced the study of law in Cincinnati, and after some years closed his life in the capacity of a clergyman of the Unitarian order. During his life he was a man of eminent usefulness, of the highest integrity to the world, and honesty to himself; an earnest seeker after truth, and bold in its avowal. His articles in the New York Review and North American Review, are among the best that have appeared in their pages. He had a rich imagination, a powerful judgment, comprehensive memory, exquisite fancy, witty, humorous, and satirical at will. It is from such a mass of materials, the outline of which we have thus briefly shadowed, that Mr. Channing, with uncommon skill and felicity, has produced these two charming volumes. They are attractive as the portraiture of one who possessed a highly cultivated mind and heart, and especially as arrayed in the rich diction and glowing imagery, and animated by the fervid spirit of the accomplished editor.

14.-Normal Schools and other Institutions, agencies and means designed for the professional education of Teachers. Part 1st. United States and British Provinces. By HENRY BARNARD. 8vo., pp. 225. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co.

This is the second of the series of essays which the author was appointed to prepare by the Legislature of Connecticut on topics connected with the condition and improvement of Common Schools. It contains much that is instructive and valuable in relation to these schools, and deserves universal circulation.

15.-American Unitarian Biography. Memoirs of individuals who have been dis-
tinguished by Writings, Character, and Efforts, in the cause of liberal Christianity.
Edited by WM. WARE. Vol. II, 12mo., pp. 452. Boston: James Munroe & Co.
The memoirs contained in this volume are of John Pierce, Joseph Tuckerman,
Channing, Story, Buckminster, Frisbie, Parker, Thatcher, Forster, Bartlett, and Howe.
They consist generally of a rapid sketch of the leading incidents in the lives of these
divines, and are very happy specimens of biographical writing.

16.-The Art Journal. Vol. III. New Series. London and New York: George Virtue.

The numbers for January and February, of the current year, of this unrivalled work were received together; that for January having been delayed by the non-arrival of the Atlantic. We have so often born testimony to the great merits of this Journal, that it would be a work of superrerogation to attempt any new elogium at this time, if, indeed, we have not already exhausted every word and phrase in our vocabulary. The numbers before us contain, besides the usual number of engravings from the Vernon Gallery, and other illustrations and literary contributions, a mass of information pertaining to the great Industrial Exhibition, which is to come off in May next; and those which are to follow during the year will, in consequence of that event, be greatly enhanced in value and interest. The Art Journal will monthly represent the exhibition of 1851, by several hundred wood engravings of the choicest of the objects it will contain. The volume of the work for 1851 will undoubtedly furnish the most accurate descriptions, and the pictorial illustrations of the prominent articles in the exhibition attainable. The success of this work, not only in Europe, but in our own country, affords abundant proof that the liberality, taste, and judgment of the proprietors is justly appreciated and rewarded.

17.-Phreno-Geology: the Progressive Creation of Man, indicated by Natural History, and Confirmed by Discoveries. By J. STANLEY GRIMES. 12mo., pp. 121. Boston: James Munroe & Co.

This book will take a portion of the public by surprise, in consequence of the positions which it assumes, and many may be disposed to turn from it as absurd; yet it has much thought and force of argument, and is the result of laborious investigation. The author asserts that the creation of man took place at a long period ago, and that the conformation of his brain was in harmony with the geological condition of the earth at that period; and that this conformation has subsequently changed in a corresponding degree with the geological structure of the earth; that his countenance is the result of the circumstances in which he was placed-in a word, animals are merely modified vegetables, that through circumstances acquired consciousness, and by the exercise of consciousness, the faculties of the mind originated, and the phrenological organs have been developed.

18.-The American Edition of Boydell's Illustrations of Shakspeare. Part 29. New York: S. Spooner.

This part contains two designs, the first of which is from the Drama of “Love's Labor Lost." The engraving is a superb one. It represents a part of the first scene of the fourth act, where the Princess is seeking pastime with her attendants by hunting in the royal park. It was painted by William Hamilton, and engraved by Thomas Ryder. The other design is from the second scene of the first act in the drama " As You Like It." It is most exquisitely executed. The moment of representation is that in which the administration of manly virtues inspires the fair heroine to forget her feminine modesty, and to present a token of esteem to a youth for whom the passion of love had already begun to awaken in her bosom. The merit of these plates we have often mentioned. They are of such incomparable excellence as to be not only unequaled by any other illustrations of the kind, but they are admirable specimens of the perfection of the arts of painting and design.

19.-Practical Mineralogy, Assaying, and Mining; with a Description of the Useful Minerals, and Instructions for Assaying and Mining according to the Simplest Methods. By FREDERICK ÖVERMON. 12mo., pp. 230. Philadelphia: Lindsay &

Blakiston.

In a country like the United States, which abounds in valuable minerals, no work can come amiss, which aims to impart to the mass of the people a knowledge of the most useful of these minerals. Such is the object of this book. It is divided into three parts; the first explains, in the most simple terms, the appearance of minerals; the second describes the manner of determining their value, or assaying; and the third relates to practical mining. It is written in a popular style, and is quite free from technical terms, at the same time that it appears to be highly practical in its character. 20.-The Moorland Cottage. By the author of Mary Barton. 12mo., pp. 168. Boston: Crosby & Nichols.

This charming little tale will be read with pleasure and profit by every one who is gratified with a pure taste, elevated sentiments, and a lively, animated style of narrative.