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'In considering the copy-right question, it seems plain that one thing might and should be done, for the benefit of all parties; and that is, the duty on English books should be reduced or abolished. This matter has only to be placed in its true light, and congress will see the heavy injustice of the present enormous tax on literature in the shape of duties. As a branch of the revenue, it is paltry; but the tax falls on those who can least afford it, viz., literary men. The chief ostensible reason for the duty, is the protection of American editions ; but I think it can be clearly demonstrated, that this reason is groundless, and that there would be just as many or more books printed in the United States, if the duties on foreign books were abolished. For instance : suppose English editions untaxed – how many new novels at a guinea and a half would be imported, while they can be re-printed in New-York for fifty cents ? All these light works of the day, smaller books of travels, etc., which are now re-printed, would continue to be so, if there was no duty at all. But there are many heavy works, scientific, theologieal, and others, which will never be re-printed, but which are wanted nevertheless, by practical men connected with these various pursuits. Books should be free - free as air; and I am inclined to imitate O'Connell, and 'agitate' the matter, till it is 'mended in the senate chamber.

'Beside the Corn Laws and the Franchise, the good people here have another bone to pick, which they are beginning to dislike. Strong disaffection is evidently growing up toward the profuse cereinonies, lordly dictation, and exclusive privileges, of the Established Church. You saw, no doubt, the letter to the Bishop of Exeter from one of his cnrates, the Rev. Mr. Head. "The Times' and the tories of course denounced it as 'abusive' and 'ungenılemanly,' but others, even of the church' people, warmly applauded it. This bishop (PhilPOTTS,) seems to be specially unpopular.

“With all due respect for appropriate forms and ceremonies in public worship, an American, even if an Episcopalian, must feel that many of those in the English churches are useless, if not ridiculous. The dignitaries at the door, with cocked hats and gold-laced robes, (what they are there for, I have never discovered,) another, with a long pole, specially appointed to escort the preacher to the pulpit and open the door for him ; a clerk, (or clark!) perched up under the desk to chant in a doleful whine, the amens and responses and to give out the hymn; and perhaps two or three others beside the preacher to read the different parts of the service. And most vilely they do read it. Any school-boy of ten years old who could not read better than three-fourths of these learned divines, would be at the foot of his class. As to the internal regulations of the 'parish,' I am not yet initiated; but you are well aware that all denominations in England must pay tithes to the Church,' whether they support their own or not; and that no one here can be legally born, married, or buried, out of the pale of this stately establishment, if they presume to dissent from its dictates !

"The queen is still rusticating at Windsor, and the 'dowager' has gone to winter at Malta. I have been told, by one conversant with court affairs, that the secret of Lord Melbourne's very constant attendance at the castle of late, is a 'match' on the tapis between himself and no less a personage than the Duchess of Kent. He is a widower, about sixty; the Duchess perhaps forty, and very good looking. The Viscount seems inclined to hold on to the premiership, at any rate; but if he retains office, it can scarcely be owing to any excess of talent. It is said to be settled, also, at least by the cabinet, that the royal Victoria herself is really to give her hand, if not her heart, to her cousin, Prince George of Cambridge. This arrangement would probably please all parties, except the disappointed continental princes. The favored heir-apparent to a share in the throne, has just gone abroad; and they say' another august ceremony will be performed on his return, two years hence. You may take these rumors for what they are worth.

Yours truly,

X. Y. z.'

'We have perused, and for the most part with critical attention, the volumes named below. A lack of time and space, however, prevents more than the mere 'record,' which the title of this department indicates, of their general character.

'AN EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY INTO THE INTERIOR OF AFRICA,' is the title of two volumes from the press of Messrs. CAREY AND HART. The reader follows the traveller, Capt. ALEXANDER, through the hitherto undiscovered countries of Great Namaquas, Boschman, and Hill Damara; and but for certain minuteness of detail, and the introduction of divers small matters, he will find the journey interesting, and his company agreeable. There is certainly much of new and valuable information in the volumes, and hence we may commend them as worthy of general perusal. The same publishers have issued, in two volumes, 'NAPOLEON'S MEMOIRS; Evenings with Prince Cambarces. By Baron LANSON.' It needs but the thousand and one passages from this work, which have found their way into American journals from English periodicals and newspapers, to attest the romantic interest and agreeable variety which are their na tional and literary characteristics.

'MANUAL OF CONCHOLOGY, according to the system laid down by LAMARCK, with the late improvements by M. de BLAINVILLE. Exemplified and arranged for the use of Students. By THOMAS WYATT, M. A.' This is a beautifully-executed volume, from the press of the Brothers' HARPER, illustrated by thirty-six colored plates, containing more than two hundred types, drawn from the natural shell. The whole is a free translation of LAMARCK's system, simplified, and will be found greatly to facilitate the study of a beautiful and interesting science, by divesting it of numerous technicalities, and by dividing it into four classes, to each of which are assigned its various families, to each family its genera, and to each genus its living species; thus making it plain, and within the reach of the meanest capacity. The work is an easy introduction to the science, being unincumbered by numerous divisions and subdivisions, which only serve to perplex and hinder the student. The publishers, we remark, have in press a work by the same author, on Natural History, for the use of schools, in which is comprised a synopsis of all the branches of that beautiful study.

'BABYLON.' - A poem by a young writer, C. W. EVEREST, Esq., of Hartford, (Conn.,) thus entitled, and containing certain pencilled passages, having been 'clandecently' taken from our table or apartment, we are unable to do more than record our remembrance of its merits and defects. With a good deal of imagination, ease of rhythm, and correct measure, there were associated occasional negligences, which we had designed to point out, in a spirit of candor and kindness, to the clever and promising young writer. One or two songs, in a measure differing from the main poem, we call to mind, as especially felicitous, while to the whole may be awarded, under the circumstances, much encouragement and praise. We may look with confidence, if we do not misjudge, for a higher and more sustained flight, from one whose spring is so full of promise.

PELAYO: A STORY OF THE GOTH. - This latest novel of the popular author of 'Mellichampe,' 'The Yemassee,' 'Guy Rivers,' etc., reaches us, by some inadvertance, not to say negligence, at so late an hour, that we are unable to notice it in detail. We have given it, however, a cursory examination, and are free to say, that such novelreaders as kindle at passionate language, and stirring dramatic incident, will find in these volumes a welcome treat. The writer has departed, in some few instances, from what is usually received as history, yet not so materially as to take from his work the character of a historical romance. The volumes are distinguished, in their externals, by the neatness which is a characteristic of all the works from the press of the publishers, the BROTHERS HARPER.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN. The 'juvenile portion of the community' are not a little indebted to Mr. JOHN S. TAYLOR, Park-Row, for the many beautiful, entertaining, and instructive volumes, which he is from time to time putting forth, for their pleasure and improvement. Among his late issues, are two, which are especially intended as Christmas presents. They are entitled 'Stories from Scripture,' and 'Moral Lessons and Stories,' and are beautifully printed, and illustrated by that prince of wood-engravers, ADAMS, in his best style. Both in externals and matter, they deserve warm commendation. The same publisher has issued two little books, of a similar character, entitled "The Lofty and the Lowly Way,' and the 'Triumph of Faith, and Songs of Heaven.'

RELIGIOUS ANNUALS. We had intended an elaborate notice of two native annuals, of distinguished merit, the CHRISTIAN KEEPKSAKE, and the RELIGIOUS SOUVENIR; but important avocations have prevented. The first-named, and the largest volume, is edited by Rev. JOHN A. CLARK, Philadelphia, and illustrated in the first style of American art. Its literary contents, it may be remarked, are in good keeping with its externals. The 'Souvenir' is edited by Mrs. SIGOURNEY, which is an abundant guaranty for the excellence of its literary department; while the engravings and typographical execution sustain the high character which the work has hitherto enjoyed.

'EVENINGS AT HOME.'-THE LIFE OF CHRIST.- 'Evenings at Home, or the Juvenile Budget Opened,' is the title of a handsome volume, of some four hundred quarto pages, most liberally and beautifully ornamented and illustrated, by ADAMS; the contents, varied and interesting, by Dr. AIKIN and Mrs. BARBAULD. This is, in every respect, a very agreeable and handsome Christmas-Gift. Its publishers, the BROTHERS HARPER, have also issued, in a similar dress, and with a like number and character of adornments, 'The Life of CHRIST, in the Words of the Evangelists: a complete Harmony of the Gospel History of our SAVIOUR; for the use of young persons.'

'THE MIDDY, Or Scenes from the Life of EDWARD LASCELLES,' is the title of a novel in two volumes, from the press of Messrs. CAREY AND HART. We have little hesitation in pronouncing it one of the best sea-novels of the season. The style of the work is good, the descriptions graphic, and the grouping of the incidents artist-like and dramatic. The many imitations of 'Peter Simple,' which have been spawned upon the public, have made us suspicious of this species of composition; but a few such works as the one before us, would go far toward mitigating the most confirmed distaste.

'THE CHRISTMAS GIFT,' published by APPLETON, is one of the cleverest annuals of the season. It is absolutely crowded with various delightful pictorial conceits, from the pencil of CHAPMAN. We need only say of its literary contents, that they bear incontestable evidence of having been furnished by one who has before contributed to American literature an equally pleasant 'Salmagundi.'

'COUNTRY STORIES.' Here are twelve charming stories, by Miss MITFORD, each one of which is worth more than the trifling sum demanded for the volume. A cheerful spirit, a fine eye for the beautiful in nature, and the graceful pen of a ready writer, have so long been associated with the name of this clever authoress, that it were a work of supererogation to commend her sketches to favorable acceptance.

EXHIBITION AT THE BARCLAY-STREET ACADEMY.-The fine pictures by DUBUFE, of 'Don Juan, Haidee, and Lambro,' The Circassian Slave,' 'St. John in the Desert,' and 'The Princess of Capua,' have already been mentioned, in terms of deserved praise, in these pages. To this distinguished collection are now added, "The Destruction of Jerusalem,' a noble production of WICHELO, and 'The Revolt in Paris,' by GIRAUD.

CHESTERFIELD.-The Brothers' HARPER have published, in a large and handsome volume, of six hundred and fifty pages, 'The Works of Lord ChesterFIELD, including his 'Letters to his Son,' etc.; to which is prefixed an Original Life of the Author. First complete American edition.' The mere title of this work, indicates its character.

THE FINE ARTS: 'DUNLAP EXHIBITION,' STUYVEesant Institute. - Here are upward of two hundred pictures, very many of them of the rarest beauty and value, from the pencils of eminent masters, which we should be glad to notice in detail, but for the fact, that we have small space, and would at once direct the reader to the exhibition, which will remain open only a brief period after this Magazine is issued. In addition to the works of modern artists, who (with numerous distinguished possessors, and patrons of the art,) have contributed liberally of their best, there are eminent productions of COPLEY, WEST, STUART, and others, altogether making a collection, which it is better worth a dollar than twenty-five cents (the small sum demanded) to procure a sight of. The proceeds are to be devoted to the printing of the valuable history of the 'New-Netherlands,' which was warmly commended in our November number.

PAINTING. In a brief notice, in our last number, of the labors of Mr. HITE, (whose exquisite miniatures of children have excited the admiration of all who have visited his rooms at the Astor House,) we referred, incidentally, to Mr. PoWELL, who, 'upon young shoulders carries the weight of years,' in the matter of art. His portraits deserve all the encomiums which they have received. The picture of Miss TREE, at the Stuyvesant Institute, in color, drawing, and general effect, is such as to cause many to doubt that it is the production of a young gentleman, not twenty years of age; but such is the fact. Yet, excellent as is this portrait, it is not his most felicitous effort. Mr. POWELL'S rooms are at No. 90 Chambers-street.

'AUDI ALTERAM PARTEM.'- Having given, in our October number, a review, from the pen of J. FENIMORE COOPER, ESQ., of LOCKHART's Life of SCOTT, we could not, in justice to another correspondent, decline a communication which takes antagonist ground, and aims to rebut the alleged facts and arguments of the first-mentioned article. Both sides of the question are now before our readers, with whom we leave the decision of the

matter.

MUSIC AND PRINT ESTABLISHMENT.-Messrs. DAVIS AND HORNE, the latter so well known to the public as a delightful musician and vocalist, have opened an establishment at No. 411 Broadway, for the sale of piano-fortes, musical instruments, music, fine prints, etc. The professional skill and knowledge of the parties, will be a sufficient guaranty of the excellence of their commodities.

TO READERS AND Correspondents. - Numerous communications, with several from favorite contributors, bide their time for the new volume, the first number of which, in a new and handsome dress, will appear on the first of January proximo. In addition to the articles and series of articles mentioned in our last, we shall present, in the course of the volume, a spirited manuscript poem, by JOEL BARLOW, author of the Columbiad,' written in 1782, and never before published, together with a series of papers, of the most interesting character, from the private journal of a distinguished professional gentleman of New-York, kept during the years 1794-5-6-7,embracing all the prominent topics and occurrences of that eventful period, together with collateral disquisitions and reflections, of a valuable or entertaining character. The writer was the companion of all the chief men of his time, the KENTS, the MITCHELLS, the WOLSEYS, the JOHNSONS, the DUNLAPS, the WISTARS, with JAMES BROCKDen Brown, GOODWIN, etc.; and the literary performances and social movements of these choice spirits, are faithfully recorded. The author of 'The 'Kushow Property,' 'Hans Carvel,' etc., will accept our thanks for his very acceptable favors; the first of which will appear in our next number. Numerous articles of poetry await their turn, or are under advisement for decision.