in which the same subjects are discussed, have long commanded the admiration both of friends and foes; and it is a proud proof of the ascendency of literature in our own day, that these several reviews are the most powerful political auxiliaries, or rather engines of the several parties, which, in such a state as ours, divide public opinion between them on questions of national interest. It may be added that there are other respectable publications, bearing the name also of reviews, especially the Monthly and the Eclectic, which are conducted with various degrees of ability, but all employing more or less the same arts of criticism, and making criticism subservient to purposes foreign to itself, though captivating to the world of idle and capricious, as well as curious and intelligent, readers. By these, as well as by the magazines and newspapers, such variety and abundance of extracts from new books are regularly copied into their own pages, as almost to supersede the use of the originals; whatever is most valuable in each being thus gratuitously furnished to the public. To authors of high powers this practice is eminently serviceable, as by these means they are earlier and more advantageously introduced to favour and fame than they could otherwise have been by all the arts of puffing and the expense of advertising.

On the whole, therefore, periodical publications of every order may be regarded as propitious in their influence to the circulation of knowledge and the interests of literature; while truth, however perverted in some instances by passion and prejudice, is more rapidly, effectually, and universally diffused by the ever-varying and everlasting conflicts maintained in these, than the same quantity with the same force of evidence could be developed in bulkier volumes, by a slower process, and within an incomparably more contracted circle. Works, however, of the largest kind, and the most elaborate structure,

in every department of learning, abound among us; cyclopedias without measure, compilations without number, besides original treatises, which equally show the industry, talent, and acquirements of authors in all ranks of society, and of every gradation of intellect. Nor are there wanting works of history, voyages and travels, divinity, law, and physic, of sterling value, and worthy of the British nation, which in arts and arms is second to none in the world. The majority of these publications exhibit 'the same characteristic features as the more fashionable and fugitive ones previously delineated: namely, strong excitement in profession, ambitious display in execution, and excessive gratification in the entertainment which they provide. The books of every era must resemble those who wrote, and those who read them. Great expectation must be met with proportionate effect; and (unreasonable as it may appear, and as it is) if the effect be not beyond both, a degree of disappointment is experienced on the one hand, and a measure of failure on the other.

Such, according to the best judgment of the writer of these imperfect remarks, is the present state of literature in this country, especially of popular literature, including poetry, the drama, works of imagination, and the periodical press. Of its future progress or decline it is unnecessary to offer any conjecture. It does, however, seem to have approached a crisis, when some considerable change for the better or the worse may be anticipated; when literature in England will return to the love of nature and simplicity, or degenerate into bombast and frivolity.

THE END.

OCT 1 8 1916

PUBLISHED BY

HARPER & BROTHERS, No. 82 CLIFF-STREET NEW-YORK.

been taken to render them perfect in Domestic Duties; or,

An Elementary Treat

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Polynesian Researches
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Treatise on Shadows The Comforter;

and Perspective. By CHARLES DAVIES. 8vo.

or,

Consolation for the Afflicted. 12mo.

Davies' Elements of A Treatise on the Mil

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Tables for Surveyors. Carefully prepared. 12mo. Brown's Dictionary of the Holy Bible. From the last genuine Edinburgh Edition. 8vo.

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Sermons on Important
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Present State of Christianity in all Parts of the World. By the Rev. F. SCHOBERL.

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Life of Lord Byron.

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