Two Years in Upper India. By JOHN C. LOWRIE, one of the Secretaries of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 285 Broadway. 1851. pp. 276.

MR. LOWRIE with his wife, and the Rev. William Reed, with his wife, were the first Missionaries who were sent by the Presbyterian Church in its distinctive capacity to India. But Mrs. Lowrie died soon after their arrival at Calcutta. Mr. and Mrs. Reed were compelled by the ill-health of Mr. Reed, to return to this country, before the establishment of the mission. Mr. Lowrie, however, went forward with the enterprise. He ascended the Ganges to Lodiana, where he opened a school and laid the foundation of a mission which has been uncommonly blessed. From Lodiana, he made a journey at the invitation of Rangit Singh to Lahor, the principal city in the Panjab, or the country between the Sutlej and the Indus. He also spent one summer in the Hill country, situated between the snowy Himalaya mountains and the Plains of India. But Mr. Lowrie's health failing him, he was obliged to relinquish his missionary labors and return home; but not before he had the satisfaction of welcoming other laborers into the field which he had so judiciously laid out. This volume contains an account of his residence in India-of his voyage up the Ganges, his tour to Lahor, his visit to the Hill country-and two or three chapters of a general kind on India and the Hindoos, and a chapter on the present flourishing state of the mission. The book contains much information in a small space, and there is a prevailing good sense and judgment through the whole of it.

Jamaica in 1850; or, the Effects of Sixteen Years of Freedom on a Slave Coloony. By JOHN BIGELOW. New York and London: George P. Putnam. 1851. pp. 214.

THERE are few questions more interesting at the present time than the questions connected with the civilization of the inferior races of men. Whether they are destined under the providence of God to become extinct by the necessary progress of the superior races, as has already happened more than once in the history of the world; or whether, by the divine influences of Christianity, they are to be elevated and brought to stand on the same level with the most civilized nations; or whether, by intermarriage, they shall become other, though at the same time, the same distinct races-these are specimens of the questions to which we refer. Some of these questions are, perhaps, in the process of solution at the Sandwich Islands, at Liberia, and in the West Indies.

With respect to West India emancipation, this book is by far the best of those that have been written on that subject, which have come within our observation. It contains the results of much careful and judicious observation, and the opinions founded upon these observations are well considered and rational. It is the most calm, and the most philosophical discussion we have seen on the subjects involved in emancipation.

We are glad to see that this book is published in London. As a piece of composition, it will equal anything that comes from the English press, and we think English philanthropists may be benefitted by looking at this subject from the American point of view.

Responses from The Sacred Oracles; or, The Past in the Present. By RICHARD W. DICKINSON, D.D., author of "Religious Teaching by Example; or Scenes from Sacred History," etc. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 285 Broadway. New Haven: T. H. Pease.

FROM an examination of several chapters in this work, we cordially commend it as an earnest, elaborate, able, and useful treatise. It presents a series

of biographical pictures, taken from the Scriptures, as of Asa and Amaziah, Herod and Cornelius, and from the view taken of the originals of these pictures by inspiration, deduces lessons of virtue and religion for the living. It contemplates-to borrow the author's own figure—the Bible as a great mirror, in whose truthful sketches of character we may behold our own images, and in whose divine messages to the individuals of whom it speaks, may be found divine responses to ourselves. The book exhibits careful research as well as distinguished ability. It is elaborately written, and, we think, well fitted to enlarge the reader's knowledge of the Scriptures, and make him a better man. It is published in handsome style, leaving, so far as regards paper and print, nothing to be desired.

The Soldier of the Cross; A practical exposition of Ephesians vi, 10-18. By the Rev. JOHN LEYBURN, D.D. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers. 12mo, pp. 339. New Haven: T. H. Pease.

THIS Volume is an attempted exposition of that passage of the Epistle to the Ephesians, in which the apostle sets forth Christian duty under the figure of a warfare. The passage is one capable of being illustrated, by a proper hand, with great interest and profit. In regard to the present attempt, we can only say that while the contents of this volume would be very acceptable and edifying, if delivered, as we suppose they were, as a pastor's weekly lectures, they would have been worth more as a book if they had been compressed into half their present size. In these days, when so many books are presented to the attention of the public, no author can expect to be read extensively who does not study conciseness.

Religious Progress; Discourses on the Development of the Christian Character. By WILLIam R. Williams. Boston: Gould, Kendall & Lincoln, 59 Washington street. 1850. New Haven: T. H. Pease.

THIS book is founded upon the following passage of Scripture. "And beside this, giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." These several Christian virtues are dwelt upon in as many consecutive lectures, and their connection with each other explained. The views expressed are elevated and scholar-like. A truly Christian spirit pervades the whole work. It contains also a good deal of eloquent writing. It gives us much pleasure to commend such a book to the attention of our readers.

The Illustrated Domestic Bible. By the Rev. INGRAHAM COBBIN, M.A. New York: Samuel Hueston, 139 Nassau street. Nos. 1-14. New Haven: J. B. Peck, Sunday School, Tract and Bible Depository.

WE have hitherto unintentionally neglected to notice this new and excellent edition of the Bible. The plan includes the following particulars: Notes; Reflections; Improved Readings; the Metrical form of the Poetical passages and Books; Pictorial Illustrations of Eastern Manners and Customs; The Chronological Order of the subjects; New Headings to the Chapters; and Questions to assist in family reading.

It is obvious that these are very great helps to the profitable study of the Scriptures by the English reader. As far as we have examined, they have been well done.

The editor concludes his preface as follows: "The editor has now lived to enter his seventieth year; his labors must be approaching their end, but to

the last moments of his life, his most pleasing recollections will be, that with feeble health he has been able to devote so large a portion of the closing hours of time to the word of God."

Christian Consolations. Sermons designed to furnish comfort and strength to the afflicted. By A. P. PEABODY, pastor of the South Church, Portsmouth, N. H. Second edition. Boston: Wm. Crosby and H. P. Nichols. 1851. 12mo., pp. 367.

THESE Sermons are from the pen of a writer in the Unitarian denomination, whose productions we always read with pleasure and profit. Pure in style, earnest in thought and feeling, faithful and fervent in the enforcement of the doctrines which he believes, and approaching very nearly to what we believe to be the true Gospel, he has our best wishes for himself and his works.

Addresses and Proceedings at the Semi-Centennial Celebration of Middlebury College, held at Middlebury, Vermont, August 20, 21, and 22, 1850. Middlebury: Justus Cobb. 1850. pp. 179.

THE semi-centennial celebration at Middlebury, last August, was an occasion of great interest to the college. The alumni assembled in great numbers, and were animated with the right spirit. We have an account in the pamphlet before us, of all the exercises and doings. In the address of Dr. Hough upon the deceased alumni-and which is written certainly with commendable impartiality-we find names of which any college might be proud; Sylvester Larned, Carlos Wilcox, Pliny Fisk, Levi Parsons, Rollin C. Mallory, Silas Wright; and among those still living, some of whom were present on the occasion, there are not a few with respect to whom the "serus in cœlum redeas" readily suggests itself to the mind.

A General View of the Fine Arts, Critical and Historical. With an introduction by D. HUNTINGTON, N. A., A. M. New York: Published by G. P. Putnam, Broadway. 1851. pp. 472.

In the short introduction of Mr. Huntington, the reader is informed that the author of this work is a lady, "who, while employed upon it, was practically engaged with the palette and colors." The writer treats of painting, sculpture, architecture and music. The treatise, however, is not an essay on these several arts, but an historical account of them, by means of biographical notices of the most distinguished artists. For example, we have first an account of the most celebrated painters among the ancients, and then among the moderns, these latter being arranged under the several schools of painting. The work is, of course, mainly a compilation, but the materials have been well selected, and it is well written.

History of Propellers and Steam Navigation. With Biographical Sketches of the Early Inventors. By ROBERT MACFARLANE, editor of the "Scientific American." New York: G. P. Putnam. 1851. 12mo, pp. 144.

THE author of this neat volume, well printed and amply illustrated, has undertaken, as his preface states, to give a history of steam navigation, and, while exhibiting the various contrivances and inventions for the purpose of propelling vessels, to guard those of inventive disposition against a waste of time and ingenuity, by showing them how many contrivances and expedients have already been proved to be worthless. This undertaking is very commendable; and the book before us, while defective in literary style, and by no means a full and complete treatise upon the subject to which it relates, is yet a valuable contribution to the history of steam and the inventive power of

mankind. It is worthy of a place in almost any general library, and to the mechanic and to those interested in mechanical pursuits, must be a work of great interest. The chapter relating the experiments of the Commissioner of Patents-Mr. Ewbank-is particularly worthy of consideration.

Elements of Natural Philosophy. By W. H. C. BARTLETT, LL. D., Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy in the United States Military Academy at West Point. Section 1. MECHANICS. 8vo, pp. 632. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co.

THIS is the first of three volumes which are to appear successively, and to embrace the subjects of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, in a form adapted to the use of university students. The present volume is devoted to Mechanics, but under the head of Mechanics of Fluids, embraces also what is usually given in works on natural philosophy under the heads of hydrostatics and pneumatics.

The work is, to a great extent, a compilation from French and German writers, but evinces good judgment and taste in the selection of materials, precision in its definitions, a thorough knowledge of the subjects of which it treats, and a perspicuous, though somewhat prolix style of composition. The want of time, we apprehend, will seriously interfere with its use in our colleges, where so many different departments severally press their claims upon the attention of the students; but for institutions like the Military Academy at West Point, where great preponderance is given to mathematical studies, and as a foundation for the profession of civil engineering, we are of opinion that this work will be found to be one of high and peculiar merit.

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The Horticulturist, and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste. Edited by A. J. DOWNING, Newburgh, author of "Landscape Gardening," "Designs for Cottage Residences," "Fruits and Fruit Trees of America," "Country Houses," etc. Albany: Luther Tucker, 407 Broadway. New Haven: F. Trowbridge.

WE have frequently commended the writings of Mr. Downing to the attention of the readers of the New Englander. We believe, however, we have never noticed the Horticulturist, a monthly journal started by Mr. Downing and just commencing the seventh year of its existence. And now we need only say that in the departments of horticulture, pomology, landscape gardening, rural architecture, rural economy, and the like, it stands unrivalled. We think its circulation through all the intelligent families of the land, would be a public benefit.

The Cultivator, a Monthly Journal for the Farmer, Gardener, and Orchardist. Illustrated with designs for farm buildings, portraits of domestic animals, figures of fruits, implements, &c. Albany: Luther Tucker, 407 Broadway, New Haven: F. Trowbridge.

THIS is considered the best agricultural journal in the country, and is sold at the very low price of one dollar a year. Its contributors are among the most practical and the most scientific writers we have on these subjects.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

We have found it difficult to notice works which are published in successive numbers. We shall hereafter merely report the progress of such publications, after we have once informed our readers of the character of the work. There are also some books which, either from being well known, or for other reasons,

do not require an extended notice; these we shall merely place under the present head.

Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution; or, Illustrations, by Pen and Pencil, of the History, Scenery, Biography, Relics and Traditions of the War for Independence. By BENSON J. LOSSING. With six hundred engravings on wood, by Lossing & Bartlett, chiefly from original sketches by the author. New York: Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff street. 1850. Nos. 8-10, pp. 512. Farmer's Guide to Scientific and Practical Agriculture. Detailing the labors of the farmer in all their variety, and adapting them to the seasons of the year, as they successively occur. By HENRY STEVENS, F. R. S. E. Author of the "Book of the Farm," etc. Assisted by JOHN P. NORTON, M. A., Professor of Scientific Agriculture in Yale College, New Haven. New York: Leonard Scott & Co., 79 Fulton street, and 54 Gold street. 1850. New Haven: T. H. Pease. Nos. 10-14. Vol. I, pp. 673. American Appendix, pp. 40. Vol. II. pp. 176.

Dictionary of Mechanics, Engine-Work, and Engineering. OLIVEr Byrne, editor. New York: D. Appleton & Co. New Haven: T. H. Pease, 83 Chapel street. Nos.15-23. Vol. I. pp. 960. Vol. II. pp. 144. Daily Bible Illustrations; being Original Readings, for a year, on subjects from Sacred History, Biography, Geography, Antiquities, and Theology. Especially designed for the family circle. By JOHN KITTO, D. D., F. S. A., editor of "The Pictorial Bible," "Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature," etc., etc., SAMUEL, SAUL and DAVID.

The Psalms Translated and Explained. By J. A. ALEXANDER, Professor in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. Vol. III. New York: Baker & Scribner, 145 Nassau street. 1850. New Haven: T. H. Pease, 83 Chapel street. This volume completes this valuable work.

Lectures on the Pilgrim's Progress, and on the Life and Times of John Bunyan. By GEORGE B. CHEEVER. Eighth edition. New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, No. 285 Broadway. 1851.

Memoirs of the Life and Ministry of the Rev. John Summerfield, A. M. By John Holland. With an Introductory Letter by James Montgomery. Abridged with additional Letters and Reminiscences. Published by the American Tract Society, 150 Nassau street, New York.

The original memoir of Summerfield is well known. This is an abridgment of that work, but with the addition of about thirty original letters and fifty pages of reminiscences.

Lectures Adapted to the Capacity of Children. By Rev. ALEXANDER FLETCHER, of Finsbury Chapel, London. Selected from the London edition and revised. In two volumes. Published by the American Tract Society, 150 Nassau street, New York.

The author of these sermons preached for sixteen years to the children of the Sunday schools in London, his audiences being sometimes four thousand. It will, we doubt not, prove to be a very valuable work.

Christian Melodies. A Selection of Hymns and Tunes designed for Social and Private Worship, in the Lecture-room and the Family. Edited by GEORGE B. CHEEVER, D. D., and I. E. SWEETSER. New York: A. S. Barnes & Co., 51 John street. Cincinnati: H. W. Derby & Co. 1851. History and Geography of the Middle Ages for Colleges and Schools. (Chiefly from the French.) By GEORGE WASHINGTON GREENE. Part I. History. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1851. pp. 454.

This book deserves, and we trust will receive, a trial, amidst the general complaints of the deficiency in good manuals for instruction in history. It seems well adapted to the purpose, and was constructed by those who have had experience in teaching.