the only resemblance to Sturm, of which the reader will be reminded probably. And this we can hardly consider an advantage. Artificial divisions of this kind, so minute and so fixed, allowing no variation for the nature of the topic treated, are generally of doubtful wisdom. We suppose, however, indeed all know, that there is a large class of readers to whom such divisions are a decided convenience, if not a solid advantage. And they are precisely the readers, for whom these books as now published are designed. To be read by families as such, or by teachers to their schools in the way of moral and religious exercises, a chapter or marked portion each day of the week, and thus a volume in a season, and the entire work in the year, -the arrangement is admirable. Every one, who knows the habits of those families who read but little, and wish that little to be of a moral and instructive character, will see what a temptation is offered, and what a security gained, by just such a plan as this.

But the matter of these volumes we value more than the form. We have read them with great pleasure, and greater profit than we usually expect from such compilations. The attempt to blend science with religion has so often led, though by no means necessarily, to the misrepresentation of the one or the other, and the effort to give to the whole a popular and yet thoroughly scientific character has so many times utterly failed, that we look upon such plans with distrust. The success, if such it be, of the most voluminous and seemingly one of the most popular writers of the day, Thomas Dick, has not been such as to lessen this distrust. We have a strong conviction that this work of Duncan, with the additions and modifications of Dr. Greenwood, will be found more trustworthy and valuable, than any of the kind that has yet appeared. It is not original, but professedly a compilation in great part. The extent and variety of subjects are immense, and at the first glance almost terrific. There is not only something on almost every topic belonging strictly to Natural History, but portions of Astronomy, Geology, Agriculture, Architecture, Food, and Clothing, beside the treatment of very many religious subjects for the Sunday reading. This immensity of field prevents, of course, thoroughness of investigation, or completeness. Completeness is not the characteristic of the work. It is not the design. But the want of it is not felt as an evil. Where there is not full instruction, there is useful suggestion, which is often better. And VOL. XXVII. -3D S. VOL. IX. NO. III.

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to many minds, to the common reader and the young generally a vast deal of information will be conveyed; information of the best kind too, both as connected with exalted and delightful themes, and yet more, as being remarkably accurate.

For this last trait, accuracy, of which alone we can further speak, the credit is due, in no small degree, to the American Editor. Dr. Greenwood is known to be not only a lover, but a practical observer and student in several departments of Natural History. He was therefore every way qualified to prepare this edition, and adapt it to its place. One of the entire and best papers for Sunday, on "Spiritual Transformation," is from his pen. His careful hand appears in important alterations, and his good taste and discrimination in the occasional insertion of fine passages from some of our own writers, and the substitution of a few unexceptionable religious papers, in place of those that might offend some particular faith or feeling. This last change, however, has been very infrequent, for there were but few calls for it; yet it was sometimes necessary, in compliance with the promise of the Board of Education, that nothing should be admitted offensive to the sentiments of any religious denomination. In his regard for this promise, the present Editor, to use his own words, "has carefully and conscientiously abstained from introducing any of the peculiar opinions of the denomination to which he himself belongs." Indeed, the whole religious character of the work is high and pure. It must do good. The need of such reading, in our community and country particularly, is well set forth in the following passage from the American Preface, of which we would gladly insert much

more.

"Its influence is to lead the mind to the religious contemplation and study of the exquisite and marvellous fabric on which we stand, and with which we are placed in mysterious contact. A happy and needed influence. We have, in this country, enterprise enough, and men of enterprise; politics and politicians. enough; new ideas and theories in plenty; sufficient agitation and sectarism. What we especially want, is more calmness, and contentment, and refinement, and more of that knowledge which tends to inspire them. We want more quiet students of God's works, earnest though quiet, who may diffuse abroad a portion of that peace with which their own hearts are imbued, and of that information which will insensibly but surely operate to correct the crudities, and soften down the rudeness, and put to silence

the quackeries of the times. Such a work as the present is well adapted to infuse the necessary tastes; to give an impulse and direction to the dormant love of Nature which exists in almost every bosom; to show the reader, by glimpses here and there, how full of interest, even in what had seemed before the most uninteresting quarters, is the world in which he lives; and to cause his soul to harmonize with the order and music, which have been breathed into that wondrous world by its invisible Creator."

These four volumes on the Seasons are now furnished by the publishers, separately from the series, to those who do not wish or are not able to purchase the whole. This is an advantage; and we understand the other works, which make part of the series, will also be published and sold separately. They cannot be afforded, however, at the same price as the entire series, or in as durable binding. For it must be allowed that the price of the School Library, as such, is exceedingly moderate. We may not be competent to judge, but we should pronounce it, as did the prospectus, "cheaper than any other series of works that can be procured at home or abroad," when we consider the character of the original works, the labor and learning bestowed upon the improvement of these editions, the beauty and durability of the mechanical execution, and not least, the unanimous sanction of such a board of examiners, with Edward Everett at their head. We must express our earnest hope, that the patronage, absolutely needed to sustain so great an enterprise, will not be withheld.

We have been the more exact in noticing these books, and this scheme, because they are to be viewed, not by themselves, but in connexion with the whole cause of popular education, and the generous efforts now made for its furtherance and elevation. Some of the States have made appropriations of various sums to their several school districts, expressly for the purchase of school libraries. It is a yet nobler charity, to create for them, or select and put within their reach, the best books for such libraries. In fact, the plan was first suggested, as we believe, by the repeated applications made to the Board of Education, or their secretary, to recommend and furnish a list of books for this purpose. Here we see at once the call, and the obvious utility. Yet we have heard that it was formally objected, at some public meeting, that these books, or any like them, were not needed! that the common village and school libraries were good enough! and, most amusing of all, that no

man, or body of men, has the right to dictate what shall be read! Having been unable to learn of any more sensible or formidable objections than these, we enter into no defence. The single doubt, under which we have labored ourselves, has arisen from the high intellectual character of the works so far issued too high, we have feared, for the object. But it is said, in reply, that this larger series is designed for teachers and parents, more than for children; and that the Juvenile Series will meet the other want, and obviate the objection. But two or three of the Juvenile Series are yet prepared; too few to speak or judge confidently of the result, but of a character to encourage the best hopes not only for our schools, but for our common Juvenile Libraries, now so numerous, and for the most part so indifferent. The whole plan, if completed, will give us fifty uniform volumes of each series. And as to amount of matter, these first ten books contain over four thousand pages, making an extra volume above the promised average. In every way, therefore, we think the public are well served, thus far. As to the future, if the Board and the publishers will bear the suggestion, we hope they will keep to known and approved works, rather than take the risk of original productions. To this suggestion, we should give the form of a stout objection to original works, if there were any necessity imposed upon school districts or committees to take these books, be they what they may. Such an opinion has prevailed, and we wonder not at the fears it awakened. Happily it has no foundation. Neither the State nor the Board of Education assume any authority in this respect. The legislature has authorized a certain expenditure by each school district, by law or tax, for the purchase of libraries, but left the selection wholly optional. This should be known. And we give it in the words of the Board, in their second annual report. "It will remain entirely optional, with the school districts, in availing themselves of the authority conferred by the act of 12th of April, 1837, whether they will purchase the books recommended by the Board. It is by law left with the discretion of the districts, what rules and regulations may be adopted for establishing and maintaining the libraries authorized to be formed; and the Board have as little inclination as right to encroach on the exercise of this discretion."

E. B. H.

ART. VII. Undine, from the German of Baron de la Motte Fouque. New York. 1839.

THE whole character of this production is peculiar, and, for the most part, singularly beautiful. It has long been considered a master-piece in this department of German literature, and has gained the admiration abroad of such men as Coleridge, and in our own country of many eminent scholars. Indeed it has an originality, which renders it wholly unique; and, with all its strangeness, there is a remarkable simplicity and a genuine pathos which touches the heart. It is a fiction, yet it contains truth. It is both natural and supernatural. It may seem to contain no particular moral, yet it has spiritual power, and is well calculated to purify and elevate a thoughtful mind.

A work of so much genius has naturally attracted attention, and several sketches and abstracts, bearing the same name, have been published both in France and England. We believe, however, that this is the first thorough translation; but whether it be so or not, it is, on many accounts, a work of rare merit. It bears the mark of ripe scholarship; and while it is avowedly a close translation, it is written throughout with classic purity, and enters so entirely into the peculiar spirit of the work, as to render it not so much a translation as a reproduction.

We feel at liberty to state, that it is the work of the Rev. Thomas Tracy, an American scholar, who apart from the bustle and excitement which characterize New England, is able to commune in retirement with the gifted minds of the old world, and unlock the inestimable treasures of thought which are hid in foreign tongues. He has shown a delicacy of taste, a soundness of judgment, and a power of language, which in every way qualify him greatly to enrich the literature of his country.

The literature of Germany seems at the present time to be awakening the wonder of the world. The depth of erudition, thoroughness of research, boldness of speculation, and profoundness of thought which it discloses, have called forth the amazement of some, and the veneration of others. In that country, minds of gigantic strength have been at work, searching to the depth all the kingdoms of Nature, Imagination, and Thought; piercing through the outward forms of things, overthrowing conventionalisms, and boldly pressing forward, even through Choas and Night, for the everlasting principles of Truth. The