and
Romance_, (Harper & Brothers.) It appears from the preface, that Mr.
Gayarre has had excellent opportunities for the collection of materiel
for a really good book of the sort indicated by his title; but this
performance is utterly worthless, or worse than worthless, being neither
history nor fiction, but such a commingling of the two that no one can
tell which is one or which the other. The uncertainty with which it is
read will be disagreeable in proportion to the interest that it excites;
and, knowing something of the colonial history of Louisiana, we are
inclined to think that a book quite as entertaining as this might have
been composed of authenticated facts. Indeed the _Historical Collections
of Louisiana_, by Mr. French, (published by Daniels and Smith,
Philadelphia,) must be to even the most superficial reader a far more
attractive volume.

* * * * *

The _Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution_, by BENSON J. LOSSING,
(Harper & Brothers,) is a work that cannot well be praised overmuch.
There have been an immense number of illustrated and pictorial histories
of this country, all or nearly all of which are worthless patchwork; but
Mr. Lossing's is a production of equal attractive interest and value.
The first volume only has been completed; one more will follow with all
convenient haste, ending the work. The letter-press is written from
original materials, the drawings of scenery are made from original
surveys, the engravings are executed, all by Mr. Lossing himself; and in
every department he evinces judgment and integrity. The Field Book will
not serve the purposes of a general history, but to the best informed
and most sagacious it will be a useful companion in historical reading,
while to those who seek only amusement in books, it may be commended,
for its pleasant style and careful art, as one of the most entertaining
works of the time.

* * * * *

We are glad to perceive that Mr. J. H. INGRAHAM, author of _The
Southwest, by a Yankee; Burton, or the Sieges_; and a large number of
the vilest yellow-covered novels ever printed in this country, has been
admitted to the deaconate in the Episcopal church at Natchez, and
intends shortly to remove to Aberdeen, in the same state, to found a
society in that city.

* * * * *

Mrs. Judson ("Fanny Forrester") left Calcutta in January for the United
States, by way of E