The reader will perceive that this is one of those stereotyped blunders, so common in Sir A. Alison. The following examples are taken from his "History of Europe from the Fall of Napoleon:"

"The designs of Providence extend to the extension and dispersion of the species."

"The Whigs were fain to obtain the aid of any power which could aid them in gaining a majority."

"The preparations for the grand expedition to South America, which had been so long in preparation, went on without intermission."

"Nicholas undertook and successfully carried through a still more difficult undertaking."

"The concourse of strangers attracted by its celebrity, its monuments, its galleries, its theatres, and its other attractions, was immense."

"These ulcerated feelings arose from disappointed ambition, rather than patriotic feeling."

"Ministers had information of their designs from the information of Edwards."

"One only ray of hope remained to the royal family from the situation of the Duchess de Berri, which gave hopes that an heir might yet be preserved for the monarchy and the hopes of the assassin blasted."

"The Irish or Celtic character has in general been found deficient in that practical turn and intuitive sagacity, which is necessary to turn them to any good purpose."

"The contraction of the currency and consequent fall of the prices of agricultural produce fifty per cent., fell with crushing effect upon the country."

"Ireland, a purely agricultural state, upon which the fall of 50 per cent. in its produce fell with unmitigated severity."

"Verona exhibited more than the usual union of rank, genius, celebrity, and beauty, which are usually attracted by such assemblages."

"It led to one result of a very important character, and which, in its ultimate results, was very prejudicial to the Government."

"In addition to these there was superadded a still more fatal and indelible source of discord."

"On the other side she touches those states divided by the divisions of religion and race."

"In a few weeks he was at the head of 1,500 troops, chiefly horsemen, at the head of which he entered Jassy."

"They consented to maintain such troops in them as might be deemed necessary to maintain their tranquillity."

"A supplementary vote of 37,000,000 francs was voted to the government without opposition."

"The foundlings, when they grow up, find they cannot, from the want of considerable proprietors, find employment in the country."

"Guizot has embodied in his views a more extensive view of human affairs."

"It is not the least of the many attractions which permanently attract strangers to the French capital."

"The grant has produced the magnificent addition which now adds so much to the effect of that noble structure."

"By these appointments the long-established dominion of the Tories, established by Mr. Pitt in 1784, was subverted." "The constituents of the boroughs were persons renting tenements, rented at from £10 to £20."

"Earl Grey was deluded in regard to the influence which would direct these boroughs, by the same general delusion which was then so general."

"If any proof of it were requisite, it would be proved in the fact that forty-two petitions against returns were presented in 1832."

"They then adopted the following resolution, which with some difficulty was adopted, and sent off to the Duke."

"So general was the feeling on this subject, that it was made the subject of a distinct pledge to the electors."

"Two great sins-one of omission, and one of commission— have been committed by the states of Europe."

"Twelve persons were seized in the cathedral under the most suspicious circumstances, but five only were convicted, and that only of the minor offence of concealing a conspiracy, which was only punishable with imprisonment."

"This act of grace embraced persons of all religious persuasions, not those only who had embraced the Lutheran creed."

"Important restrictions fettered the powers of the central assembly, and almost nullified its powers.”

"It was universally found in Germany that there were a dozen applicants for every vacant situation, how humble soever, that fell vacant."

Society was seated on as solid a basis, as its external appearance appeared tranquil and unruffled."

"In many of his works we see a complete acquaintance with the secret springs of evil which are ever springing up in the breast."

"His inmost soul was filled with the thrilling thoughts which emerge as it were through the chinks of thought."

"At their head was a large part of the Chamber of Deputies, headed by Marshal Clausel."

"A place not less important in working out moderation of conduct, after the Reform Bill had passed, must be assigned to the conduct of the Government."

"Such was the pitiable state of weakness to which the British naval force had been reduced by the ceaseless reductions of previous years."

"It soon appeared that these diplomatic courtesies meant more than appeared on the surface."

"The terrible War of Succession had now arrived at such a point that the royal authority seemed on the point of being destroyed."

"The Government were extremely disconcerted by this acquittal, the more especially as the evidence, especially against the military, was so decisive."

"The few who regarded them in their true light were regarded as mere dreamers."

"This proposal was no great violation of the liberties of the subject, for it only proposed to subject military persons to the trial of their military superiors."

"At the same time a grant of £100,000, which had been granted to the sufferers in St. Vincent, was extended to £1,000,000, and made to extend to the sufferers under the Jamaica insurrection."

But enough for the present of these platitudes !

The writer who, next to Sir Archibald, exhibits most examples of this sort of phrase, is Sir Walter Scott, in whose works, especially his "Life of Napoleon," it is of frequent occurrence.

Among the numerous devices resorted to by authors in our day, in order to secure unmerited popularity and importance, may be reckoned the adoption of mysterious, out-of-the-way "titles" for their works. Some titles are studiously farfetched; others are mere pegs to hang a subject upon. Some promise more than they perform; others less. Your popular author knows enough of his craft to be convinced that the maxim, omne ignotum pro magnifico, holds good even in this

age of discoveries; and that a book with a plain, honest name will not sell, while one with a startling title is almost certain to become attractive. "Have you read the new novel ?" inquires young miss of some female friend; and as we no longer live in an age when the question might be answered without reference to the name of the book, her friend naturally replies: "Which ?"— "Why, Kaloolah, my dear."—"Kaloolah! pray what is that?"-"Oh, then, you have not read it. Beautiful! most interesting! and what a funny name, too! It was the curiosity to see what might be found under such a strange title that stimulated me to become acquainted with the work; and right glad I am of my venture. Do get the book and read it: you will really find it most interesting." Where is the young lady that would not be anxious to read an interesting work with a strange title, so as to be able to name it, and talk of it to her companions? From this category, however, I must except the Book of Travels known by the name of "Eōthen." The author of that very able work stood in no need of such meretricious aids to popularity.

It is melancholy to think how honest people are defrauded of their money in consequence of the fallacious titles that are now commonly adopted for the worthless literature of the day. The use of false titles ought to be made punishable at law,