, and
to learn the secret of method by which it was embodied. In like manner,
the young writer can not yield himself to the seductive charm of Mr.
Irving's golden periods, and follow the liquid, melodious flow of his
enchanting sentences, without a revelation of the beautiful mysteries of
expression, and a new sense of the sweetness and harmony of the language
which he is to make his instrument. He may be entirely free from conscious
imitation, but he has received a virtue which can not fail to be
manifested in his own endeavors. If he be a man of original genius, like
Ik. Marvel, he may not indicate the source from which his mind has derived
such vigorous impulses; but his obligation is no less real; though instead
of reproducing the wholesome leaves on which his spirit has fed, he weaves
them into the shining and comely robes that are at once the dress and the
adornment of his own thoughts.

_Florence Sackville_ (Harper and Brothers), is the title of a highly
successful English novel, dedicated to the poet Rogers. In the form of an
autobiography, the heroine relates the incidents of her life, which are
marked by a great variety of experience, including many passages of
terrible suffering and tragic pathos. The story is sustained with uncommon
power; the characters in the plot are admirably individualized; showing a
deep insight into human nature, and a rare talent for depicting the
recondite workings of passion. A lofty and pure religious sentiment
pervades the volume, and deepens the effect of the thrilling narrative.

_Clovernook_, by ALICE CAREY. (Published by Red field). The author of this
series of rural sketches enjoys a well-earned reputation as a poet of
uncommon imaginative power, with a choice and expressive diction. Her
specimens of prose-writing in this beautiful volume will serve to enhance
her literary fame. They consist of recollections of Western life,
described with great accuracy of detail, and embellished with the natural
coloring of a picturesque fancy. Few more characteristic or charming books
have recently issued from the American press.

A new edition of that quaint, ingenious allegory, _Salander and the
Dragon_, by FREDERIC WILLIAM SHELTON, has been published by John S.
Taylor. We are glad to find that the originality and fine moral painting
of this remarkable work have found such just appreciation.

_The First Woman_ is the title of an instructive essay on the female
character, by Rev. GARD