speedy formation of Sailors' Homes, seems to
be the outlay necessary in the shape of buildings, &c. On this point
we offer, with deference, a suggestion of our own. It is, that hulls
of large old ships be bought and fitted up as _floating-homes_. Such
establishments would accommodate a large number of seamen in a very
comfortable manner, and could be kept up at an exceedingly moderate
annual outlay for repairs. Surely the proprietors of the docks in our
large ports could, and would afford a convenient mooring-place at a
merely nominal rent.

In conclusion, we may mention, that an establishment of a kindred
nature to Sailors' Homes is the 'Asylum for Distressed Seamen' in
London. It is supported by voluntary contributions, and receives
destitute seamen of all nations. It lodges 100 inmates, and provides
them with two good meals daily. It were to be wished that similar
asylums were established at every port in the empire.

The philanthropist, Thomas Clarkson, shortly before his death,
proposed that all public-houses for seamen's lodgings should be
licensed under strict special regulations. This, we think, would be a
step in the right direction; but there is nothing like a regular
Sailors' Home. Nevertheless, even in the large ports, licensed
lodging-houses would be exceedingly useful as auxiliaries to the
Homes.

UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.

STORY OF ELIZA.

_Uncle Tom's Cabin_ is the title of an American work, respecting which
it is alleged that fifty thousand copies, weighing fifty-five tons,
were disposed of in the short period of eight weeks. So high a degree
of popularity could not rest on an insufficient foundation.[2] The
book is a species of novel or story, designed to portray in vivid
colours negro-life in the slave states of America; and such is the
graphic and truth-like way in which the authoress, Harriet Beecher
Stowe, has strung the whole together, that the production has not only
enlisted the sympathy of the Abolitionists, but roused something like
a sense of shame in the holders of slaves--hitherto impervious to all
remonstrance on the subject. A cheap London reprint of this somewhat
interesting book enables us to give a slight sketch of its character.

Uncle Tom is a middle-aged negro slave, on the farm of a Mr Shelby, in
Kentucky; he has learned to read, is pious and exemplary, and his hut
is resorted to for edification by old and young in the neighbourhood.
Tom is married, has several children, a