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Windsor to White River, 17 miles; White River to Wells River, 39 miles ;-305 miles.

The annual report of the Connecticut River Railroad states the cost at $1,588,874. The receipts of the year are as follows:-From passengers, $88,637; freight, $71,807; mails, express, &c., $4,798-total $165,212; being an excess of $41,290 over the corresponding year. The expenditures are $79,955, of which $53,558 have been laid out on new engines and cars; leaving a surplus of $86,797 to be divided, after paying interest to the amount of $10,620, and reserving $39,884 for other contingencies, two dividends of 4 per cent each.

MERCANTILE MISCELLANIES.

MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON.

We are indebted to the government of this Association for a copy of its twentyninth annual report. It is a comprehensive, business-like document, and exhibits the prospects and present condition of the Association in a favorable light. No institution of the kind in the country has been managed with more skill and judgment, and no one has contributed so much to the moral and intellectual character of the mercantile class in the city of Boston. During the past year, the officers seem to have done all in their power to perpetuate and increase the prosperous condition of its affairs. The institution has made no retrograde steps from the high position it occupied when the ruling officers assumed its government; but on the contrary, they seem to have increased its usefulness and success, far exceeding all previous years. At the close of the year, eleven hundred and forty-five members were reaping its benefits. Five hundred and seventy-nine volumes have been added to the library during the year, 71 by donation, and 478 by purchase, at an expense of $373 73. The Library has been thoroughly examined, and a new catalogue issued, soon after the commencement of the official year. The whole number of books belonging to the Library at this time is 5,819 volumes. It appears by the secretary's report, that the finances of the association are in a healthy condition. The receipts during the year, from all sources, amounted to $3,879 23, and the expenditures to $3,727 80, leaving a balance in the hands of the treasurer of $151 43, and the association wholly free from debt. The increased expenditures, since the association moved into new rooms, has prevented any increase of the invested funds during the year, which now amounts to $16,100. The funds, as we understand, are to be invested in the erection of a suitable building for the use of the association. During the last year, the sixth annual course of public lectures proved eminently successful. The demand for tickets was unprecedented, every one being sold within a few days after the first announcement of the course. The whole number of the tickets issued was 1,300, of which 1,100 were taken by members. The receipts from the lectures amounted to $1,527, and the expenditures for the hall, lectures, &c., to $1,411 51, leaving a net profit to the association of $115 49. The reading-room of the association is supplied with 89 newspapers, 28 daily, 61 weekly and semi-weekly, and 21 quarterly and monthly reviews and magazines. The exercises of declamation and debate in this association are ably conducted. Valuable additions have been made to the collection of coins and curiosities.

The report closes with the following well-timed, and pertinent remarks :—

In conclusion, the government would tender to the members their thanks for the confidence that has been reposed in them, and for the sympathy they have received during the year. As we compare the condition of the institution at the present time

the popularity it has attained with the community, and its elevated character, with its condition but a few years since, when it was suffering for aid and support, a lesson is taught us, that the same exertions that were then made to place the Assocition in the high position it now occupies, must now be made to sustain it there.

Let us all unite, then, and by our interest and zeal, show to those who have transmitted the institution to us with an unsullied reputation, and to those who have so liberally aided us by their benefactions, that their trust has not been misplaced, and that we will use every exertion to sustain and elevate the MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

The following is a list of the officers of the association for 1849-50:

John Stetson, President; William H. Kennard, Vice-President; Levi L. Willcutt Corresponding Secretary; Charles H. Allen, Recording Secretary; Charles G. Chase, Treasurer. Henry C. Allen, L. B. Jewell, George S. Blanchard, L. H. Tasker, E. C., Baker, S. P. Butler, C. B. Patten, and D. C. Hammond, Directors. D. N. Haskell, Thomas J. Allen, E. C. Codwin, Warren Sawyer, and Francis G. Allen, Trustees. George H. Briggs, John Stetson, W. H. Kennard, Charles H. Allen, and S. A. Dix, ·Committee on Lectures.

IRON WAREHOUSE FOR CALIFORNIA.

One of these structures has been erected at Manchester, says Wilmer and Smith's Liverpool Times, and is now ready for shipment to California. The erection is 60 feet long by 24 feet wide; it is 10 feet in hight to the under side of the eaves, and is covered by a roof with strongly-trussed principals of iron of a T section. To these principals, and to the uprights at the sides and ends of the structure, are bolted the plates, which average 5 feet long by 2 feet 6 inches, and the eighth of an inch in thickness. The joints of these plates are made to lap over each other and fasten with bolts. The foundation consists of a strong frame-work of timber, on which are screwed cast iron molded bases about six inches deep, running all round the exterior. The window sashes, ventilators, skylights, and gutters are of cast iron, and the doors and shutters are of wrought iron strongly framed. The whole is put together with bolts, in such a way that it can be taken to pieces and packed in small compass for shipment, and it will require little trouble in the re-erection at San Francisco, every piece being marked to show its place. We are informed that the iron was only received from the maker a fortnight before the structure was completely fitted and fixed.

THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF A NAME.

M. Alexis Benoit Soyer, says the Boston Chronotype, the presiding cook of the Reform Club, in London, has become so famous that his name alone has a high money value. Of this the law reports of the late London papers give an amusing instance. One Piper and Gibbs entered into a partnership for the manufacture and sale of a beverage invented by Piper, and called "Tortoni's Anana." Afterwards a Mr. Baker joined the concern bringing a capital of £1,000. Still they were not content. Tortoni was not the name to make mens mouths water for their divine drink. So they induced M. Soyer to join on the understanding that he was to have one third of the profits for allowing the drink to be called SOYER'S NECTAR. It appears that the concern is so flourishing that the other partners wished to cheat the inventor out of his share of the gains, and hence a suit.

NO ENJOYMENTS FROM ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH.

If a man is a fool to expect wealth by dishonest means, he is a still greater fool if he expects that wealth so acquired will afford him any enjoyment. Enjoyment did I say? Is it possible that in such a case any man can expect enjoyment? What! enjoyment for you-you who have attained wealth by falsehood-by deception-by extortion-by oppression-you expect enjoyment? Listen-listen to the hearty denunciations of all honest men; to the awful imprecations of those you have injured; to the reproaches of your family, whose name you have dishonored; to the accusations of that conscience whose voice you have stifled, and to the wrathful thunder of that heaven whose laws you have outraged! Listen to these-these are the enjoyments that will attend your ill-gotten wealth-" He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool."

THE BOOK TRADE.

1.-European Life and Manners; in Familiar Letters to Friends. By HENRY COLMAN, author of "European Agriculture," and the " Agriculture of France, Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland." 2 vols. 12mo., pp. 360 and 392. Boston: Charles C. Little & James Brown.

The letters embraced in these two volumes were not, we are told by the writer, designed for publication, and were evidently written (as they purport to be) to the author's numerous friends in the United States during the five or six years (from 1843 to 1848) he spent in England and on the continent of Europe in gathering information for his great work on European agriculture; but his friends have preserved them, and on his return expressed a strong wish to possess them, and that is given as the reason for their publication. In our view, they are far more interesting than the studied ef forts of the author writing for the public, instead of the individual friend. First impressions, if not always to be trusted, are generally more vivid and more exact; besides, there is a freshness in the familiar, off-hand correspondence of an intelligent, enthusiastic traveler, like Mr. Colman, that we look for in vain in the mere book-maker, who weighs every expression, and who is constantly in doubt as to the propriety of "jotting down" this or that particular circumstance or incident. It seems to us that no previous writer ever furnished so accurate and so minute an account of European life and manners; and we are inclined to think, that in reading these letters, the untraveled American will be able to gather a more accurate knowledge of social life in Europe, and particularly in England, than he can obtain from any other source, and more accurate than he would be likely to get in the ordinary method by traveling over the same ground, unaided by the singularly favorable auspices which Mr. Colman enjoyed. Mr. Colman avoids dwelling upon the miserable condition of the lower classes of European society, and very naturally expatiates with delight on the extraordinary and most exemplary kindness and hospitality which he everywhere experienced. This hospitality presents, he says, in English life and society the most beautiful traits of character, and makes one proud of his descent from a race of men so truly noble, so generous, so kind, so polished, and so enlightened; and "it must," he adds, "excite to reciprocity, and a generous emulation in kind offices, as well of a public as of an individual character, the golden chain by which two great nations, sharing the same blood, speaking the same language, and allied by innumerable common interests, can be bound indissolubly together."

2.-The Earth and Man: Lectures on Comparative Physical Geography, in its Rela tions to the History of Mankind. By ARNOLD GUIOT, Professor of English Geography and History, at Neufchatel, Switzerland. Translated from the French by Professor Agassiz of Harvard University. 12mo. pp. 310. Boston: Gould, Kendell & Lincoln.

This volume contains twelve lectures, delivered by the author, by invitation, in French, in one of the halls of the Lowell Institute, in Boston, between the 17th of January and the 24th of February of the present year. Professor Agassiz, of Harvard University, a friend of the author from childhood, as a fellow-student in college, and as a colleague in the same University, bears the most unequivocal testimony as to the attainments of Guiot; and in regard to these lectures, says that "several of the most brilliant generalizations developed in them, are his; and if more extensively inculcated, will not only render the study of geography more attractive, but actually show it in its true light, namely, as the science of the relations which exist between nature and man, throughout history; of the contrasts observed between the different parts of the globe; of the laws of horizontal and vertical forms of every land, in its contacts with the sea; of climate;" &c. Other gentlemen of the highest character and attainments, as Professor Ticknor, Charles Sumner, Professors Benjamin Pierce and Felton, who heard or have read the lectures, are equally decided in their expressions of approval. With such testimonials, it would be a work of supererogation on our part to attempt to add anything by way of commendation. We may, however, be permitted to allude to the style of printing, and the illustrations accompanying the text, as excellent, in every respect.

3.-The Book of the World, being an account of all Republics, Empires, Kingdoms, and Nations, in reference to their Geography, Statistics, Commerce, &c. &c., together with a brief outline of their Rise, Progress, and Present Condition. By RICHARD S. FISHER, M. D. Illustrated with maps and charts. Two vols. royal 8vo. pp. 614705. New York: J. H. Colton.

The "Book of the World" is intended to supply to the merchant and scholar a work to which they may refer for the most recent and reliable information on the present condition of the world. We have inspected its pages with considerable interest, and are happy to state that its pretensions and merits have been sustained throughout. The arrangement of the subjects treated is one that, while it preserves a strictly scientific context, is easy of reference. The first section treats of the world as a whole, its extent, divisions, population, &c., after which follows, under separate sections and subsections, minute accounts of its several parts, the first volume being confined exclusively to descriptions of North America, the West Indies, and South America, and the second to those of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceanica, and the newly discoved Polar lands. In these sections the details of the statistics and economy of each nation are separately considered. The work, as a whole, may be said to constitute a library within itself. There is no point scarcely, in art, science, literature, economy or, history at all appropriate to the subject treated upon, which, on reference to the work, will not be found fully elucidated, and the aim of the author seems to have been to condense into as small a space as possible the entire circle of human knowledge. We cannot take leave of these volumes without expressing our admiration of the beautiful style in which they are got up. The illustrations, consisting of maps and charts, are excellent, and the typography without a fault. On the whole, indeed, it is not only a creditable work, but one that seems to have engaged in its production the energies and talents of the author, the typographer, and the publisher, who, individually and collectively, have made it truly a welcome addition to our standard commercial literature. We bespeak for it a successful career.

4.-The life and Writings of De Witt Clinton. By WILLIAM W. CAMPBELL, author of "Border Warfare." New York: Baker & Scribner.

The career of De Witt Clinton was both brilliant and useful. From his first entrance into public life until his death, it was his good fortune to be the constant recipient of station, which favor he repaid by a steady and unceasing devotion to the advancement of the prosperity of his native State. That great achievement of modern times, the Erie Canal, stands as a proud monument to his memory, and the present generation are now reaping the benefit of his foresight, wisdom and energy. Every thing connected with this distinguished man possesses great public interest. The present volume contains an interesting sketch by Mr. Campbell, whose attainment as a scholar are well know, and many of the writings of Clinton, for the first time published, among which is his interesting private journal kept during the survey of the route for the canal. The book forms a valuable contribution to the literature of the present day. 5.-The Universal History, in a Scries of Letters; being a Complete and Impartial Narrative of the most Remarkable Events of all Nations, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time; forming a Complete History of the World. By G. E. HEBBE, LL. D. Vol. II. Ancient History. New York: Dewitt & Davenport.

We noticed in terms of high but deserved commendation the first volume of this work, which was completed in parts some months since. The second volume before us opens with some preliminary remarks on the history of the Hebrews, and is devoted mainly to the history of the "chosen people of God," chosen, as many other people have been, as instruments to execute some great purpose. Dr. Hebbe, however, discards the superstitious and ignorant appellation of the term "chosen people," to denote that the Hebrews were the particular favorites of the common Father of all mankind. His views of history are natural and philosophical, and he has succeeded in investing the present undertaking with an unusual degree of interest. With access to the best attainable data, we have every reason to believe that it is as reliable as it is convenient to render such works.

6. The second part of George Virtue's Pictorial Edition of the Poetical Works of Lord Byron contains two beautiful illustrations, namely, "The Witch of the Alps" and "Neuba, the fierce, the faithful, the adored." The engravings are highly finished, and, with the illustrative notes, impart a value to the present edition of Byron that cannot fail of securing for it the favor of all persons of a refined and cultivated taste.

-Treatise on Epidemic Cholera; being Lectures delivered under the Authority of the Eaculty of Medicine of Paris. By AMBROSE TARDIEU, M. D., Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine; Physician of the Central Bureau of the Hospital of Paris. Translated from the French by Samuel Lee Bigelow, M. D, with an appendix by a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. 12mo., pp. 286. Boston: Ticknor, Reed & Fields. New York, G. P. Putnam.

This work embraces not only a general historical sketch, but a comparative history of the various epidemics of cholera anterior to 1830, and from that year to 1832, and to 1845 and 1848, together with a description of its symptoms, complications, secondary operations, course, duration, termination, and forms. One chapter is devoted to the pathological anatomy of the disease; another to the influencing cause; another to the diagnosis; another to the treatment; and the last to the sanitary measures. From the large per centage of the cases which prove fatal, we are lead to infer, that whatever light experience may have shed upon other parts of the subject, but little progress has been made in the matter of its successful treatment. The elaborate exposition of the sanatary measures adopted in France, England, and Russia, can hardly fail, however, to furnish some useful suggestions, relating to the formation of public boards, or committees of health, or to carrying into effect the measures of those already existing. In addition to the original translation from the French by Dr. Bigelow, we find an appendix, prepared by a Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society, occupying almost as many pages as the work itself.

8.-The Genius of Italy; being Sketches of Italian Life, Literature, and Religion. By Rev. ROBERT TURNBULL, author of "The Genius of Scotland," etc. 12mo., pp. 332. New York: George P. Putnam.

The object of Mr. Turnbull in this book is not, it would seem, so much to write incidents of travel, or descriptions of scenery, roads, public buildings, and that "sort of thing," with which most volumes on Italy are filled to repletion, as to furnish some idea of the real character and spirit of the Italian people, to give brief, vivid glimpses of their life, literature, and religion, as these are embodied in men and books, in history and usages. In order to do this with greater freshness and interest, the author takes his readers along with him through the principal parts of the country, especially the larger and more influential cities, indulging only in such occasional descriptions of scenery and localities as may furnish a sufficient background for his observations, or a becoming frame-work for his portraits. The plan is similar to that pursued in his "Genius of Scotland," published a year or two since, with perhaps less of description and incident, and more of history and biography, general observation, and reflection. This work, though more carefully finished and containing a greater amount of informa tion, possesses a similar character, and will, we presume, be read with equal, if not greater interest at the present time.

9.-Visits to Monasteries in the Levant. By the Hon. ROBERT CRUZON, JR. With numerous wood cuts. 12mo., pp. 390. New York: Wiley & Putnam. The present book of travels in the East consists of the reminiscences of the author, written and printed some ten or fifteen years after the journey, when, as our friend of the Literary World remarks, time and experience, much reflection, and probably frequent narrations, had washed away, in the siftings of the memory, all the common earth and grosser particles, to leave the last golden product. The same authority pronounces it a book of gentlemanly, liberal, scholarly interest; resembling, in some of its features, Beckford's Spanish Excursions, and the vivid eastern reminiscences of Eothan in others. It contains a series of adventures in Egypt in 1833, and introduces the reader to the monasteries near the Natron Lakes, the Convent of the Pullery, the ruined monasteries of Thebes, the White Monastery, &c., &c. The costumes are from drawings made at Constantinople by a Maltese artist, and are all portraits representing the costumes worn at the present day in different parts of the Turkish empire. On the whole, we regard this as one of the most interesting works on the East that have been published, and one that will take a permanent place among the standard books of Eastern travel.

10.-The Nursery Book: for Young Mothers. By MRS. L. C. TUTHILL. New York: George P. Putnam.

This little volume, and we speak on the authority of one in whose judgment we place the most implicit confidence, a well educated and sensible mother, contains many valuable hints touching the training of the nursery, in all its relations to the physical, intellectual, and moral progress of the infant and the child.

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