18.-The History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles the Fifth. By WILLIAM ROBERTSON, D. D. With an Account of the Emperor's Life after his Abdication. By WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT. In three volumes. 8vo., pp. 618, 604, 565. Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co. Dr. Robertson's history of the reign of Charles V. is one of the few standard historical works which will forever have a place in well-selected libraries, and which are essentially necessary to secure what is called a finished education. Robertson's work is mainly what it purports to be, the history of the emperor's reign. It is a work, as Hume has said, " composed with nobleness, with dignity, with elegance, and with judgment, to which there are few equals." His account of the emperor's life after his abdication is disposed of in some six or seven pages and these few pages contain many inaccuracies. But Dr. Robertson had no access to such authentic sources of information as would have enabled him to correct these errors. Such information was to be derived from documents in the archives of Simancas, which, in Robertson's day, was closed against the native as well as the foreigner; and it was not until within a few years that the scholar has been permitted to enter its dusty recesses, and draw thence materials to illustrate the national history. Several eminent European writers have availed themselves of the opportunities thus afforded, and have published elaborate works, exhibiting Charles's character and conduct in his retirement. But it was due to the great merits of Dr. Robertson's work, and to the reputation which it enjoys, that the results of these researches should be consolidated, and formed into a continuation of the history of the emperor's reign. For this task, it will be admitted, that no one possesses qualifications superior to those of Mr. Prescott. His narrative occupies about one-third of the third volume, and is written in that lucid and elegant style which is the characteristic of all of Mr. Prescott's histories. As a picture of the closing years of Charles V., it leaves nothing to be desired. The era of the emperor, and the events here treated, are of the most marked interest. It was during his administration that the powers of Europe were formed into one great political system, in which each took a station, wherein it has since remained, with less variation than could have been expected, after the shocks occasioned by so many internal revolutions and so many foreign wars. Here we have the record of those great transactions in his reign, the effects of which were universal and continued to be permanent. This edition is exceedingly well printed, and the first volume contains a portait of the emperor, after the original painting by the great TITIAN. 19.-Illinois as it is; its History, Geography, Statistics, Constitution, Laws, Government, Finances, Climate, Soil, Plants, Animals, State of Health, Prairies, Agriculture, Cattle-breeding, Orcharding, Cultivation of the Grape, Timber-growing, Market-prices, Lands and Land-prices, Geology, Mining, Commerce, Banks, Railroads, Public Institutions, Newspapers, etc. etc. By FRED. GERHARD. With a Prairie and Wood Map, a Geological Map, and other Illustrations. 12mo., pp. 451. Chicago: Keen & Lee. New York: Fowler & Wells. This volume probably furnishes the best general view of the history, geography, laws, government, &c., (as indicated in the title page,) that has yet been published. The author contemplates the preparation at some future period of a complete Gazetteer of the State. The present volume contains just that kind of information which every intelligent emigrant to one of the most desirable locations for successful settlement should possess. The progress which Illinois has made in all the elements of industry and civilization, is almost without parallel in the annals of even the great and almost marvelous West. 20.-Dog and Gun; a few loose Chapters on Shooting, among which will be found some Anecdotes and Incidents. By JOHNSON J. HOOPER, of Montgomery, Ala. 12mo., pp. 105. New York: C. M. Saxton & Co. This is a readable and instructive little manual for sportsmen, and will be found useful by those who once a year wish to post themselves up for a day's shooting. 21.-The Husband in Utah; or Sights and Scenes among the Mormons; with Remarks on their Moral and Social Economy. By AUSTIN N. WARD. Edited by MARIA WARD, author of "Female Life among the Mormons," 12mo., pp. 440. New York: Derby & Jackson. Maria Ward, the editor of the present volume, published her "testimony against the Mormon delusion," under the title of "Female Life among the Mormons." That book was not a history of the people, their progress, or their creed. It was simply a record of her personal experience-a transcript of events written from memory. The sucesss of that work has induced her to put forth another. It is the experiences and adventures of a man, who, taking a somewhat different and more philosophical view of the Mormons, corroborates the testimony of the author of the first-named work. Austin N. Ward was, as we are told, the nephew of Mrs. Ward's husband. Subsequently to her escape from Mormondom, he took the overland route for California, stayed among the Mormons for a time, went on to the Gold Region, caught cold in the mines, came home and died. He was unmarried, and in the distribution of his effects, his papers were given to Mrs. Ward, who hands them over to the public, without omitting a sentence " because it did not agree with her feelings and opinions," and "carefully preserving the thoughts and sentiments of the writer." Appended to the volume we have the "Spiritual Wife System," as "a revelation on the Patriarchal order of matrimony, or plurality of wives," as given to Joseph Smith, the Seer, in Nauvoo, July 12th, 1843, with several official documents" from Governor Brigham Young and other saints of the settlement in Utah, "the country of the Great Salt Lake." 22.--Isabel, the Young Wife and Old Love. By JOHN COVDY JEAFFRESON, author of" Crew Rise," &c. New York: Harper & Brothers. A reprint of an English novel, which has received its full share of praise from the British critics-enough at least to secure the approbation of American readers. 23.-Reading Without Tears; or a Pleasant Mode of Learning to Read. By the author of " Peep of Day," &c., &c. 16mo., pp. 136. New York: Harper & Brothers. The best and prettiest little manual for little ones beginning the alphabet of the language we have ever seen. 24.-The Torchlight; or Through the Wood. By HARRIET A. OLCOTT, author of "Isora's Child." New York: Derby & Jackson. The former romance of this lady was, we believe, successful, owing either to the genius of the author, or the liberality of the enterprising publishers, or both. We may safely predict for the "Torchlight," for like reasons, equal, if not still greater success. 25.-Massey's Exhibition Reciter, and Drawing-Room Entertainments; being Choice Recitations in Prose and Verse, together with an Unique Collection of Petite Comedies, Dramas, and Farces. Adapted for the use of Schools and Families. By CHARLES MASSEY, Professor of Elocution at Burlington College, N. J., and Mechanics' Society School, New York. 12mo., pp. 186. New York: Samuel French. THE IMPROVEMENT OF SEAMEN. ERRATA. In the article on this subject in our last number, by Dr. Bell, late of U. S. Navy, page 693, 8th line, instead of "constituted" read construed; page 694, instead of "$200,000" read $2,000,000; page 695, 11th line, instead of "geology" read geography. L COMMERCE AND TRADE OF SOUTHERN RUSSIA-Increase of Importations-Ten- dency of Political Economy-Relations to Western Europe-changes now Proceeding -The Black Sea and the Sea of Azof in a Geographical and Commercial View-Blended Asiatic and European haracter of ommerce Increase of Imports over Exports - Rank of the Russian Merchant-The Armenians - Resources of Southeastern Regions-Facts Concerning the Closing and Opening of the Sea of Azof The Coasting Trade- The Ports of Southern Russia in their True Relation to the Interior-- Effects of Steam Communi- cation - Competition of Certain Ports, even under the Present System, with Odessa -- redit of the Foreign Houses of Odessa and their Effective Capital-Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia in their Relation to Russian Trade- Relations of Odessa with Austria-The Course of Exchange-Future Influence of the British Bank of Constan- tinople-ommercial Operations in the East-Commercial Connections of Russia with various Asiatic Provinces -Transit Inland Routes - Working of Politics- ommercial Schemes of Russia-Russian Manufac ures-Russian Commercial Legislation-Acqui- sition of New Territory by Russia-Rivers and Railways-Our own Interests in Imports II. POLITICAL ECONOMY. CHAPTER Mixed Currency-Its Nature and Effects. By III GARBLINGS: OR, OMMER IAL COMMODITIES CHARACTERIZED. NUMBER 11. Wheat FlourTests and Adulterations-Moisture-Quantity of Gluten- Quality of Guten-Corn Meal-Rye Flour-Barley Flour-Oat Meal Pea Meal-Bean Meal- Buckwheat weal-Potato Starch and R ce Flour-Darnel or Tare Flour-Lime-Alum -Pipe lay Magnesia-Sulphate of Copper etc. IV. EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE. No. v. V. LITERATURE AND SO IETY. By A. B. JOHNSON, Esq., of New York.. VL CHAPTERS ON CALIFORNIA FISHERIES. CHAPTERS III., IV., and v. Statistics of Whale Oil and Bone received in San Francisco from the Indians - General Character of the Indians on our Northern Coast -Method of Whaling Practiced by them-De- scription of their Harpoons, Lines, and Buoys-Picture of the Indians on a Catch, etc.- More of the Indian Method of atching Whales-The Cutting-up-Pride of the Indians in Possession of the Eyes and Optic Nerves of the Whale Lesson Taught the Whites by the Indian Practice-Great Advantages of the Indian Method of Catching Whales- If adopted by the Whites it would Revolutionize the Trade- We have Borrowed the Clipper-ship from them, why not their Plan of Whaling!-Wha ing among the French and Germans -Improvement in the Whale-ship "Phoque"-Reflections on the General Subject-The Cod-fishery to be next Considered. By J. W. KUSSELL, of California.. 186 VIL THE TRUE MER HANT. By Hon. JOHN M. KIRKPATRICK, of Pennsylvania......... Seam n's Wages Of Voluntary Assignments in Wisconsin.-Unseaworthiness-Law of Louis- EMBRACING A FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES, ETC., ILLUS- TRATED WITH TABLES, ETC.. AS FOLLOWS: Prophecies of Evil Unfulfilled-The Weather and the Crops-General Abundance instead of Universal Desolation Success in any alling less Dependent upon General Currents of Pros- perity than upon Individual Judgment and Industry The Money Market-Depreciation of Stock Securities Errors in Railroad Management-Production of Gold and Silver, and the Statistics of Coinage-The Bank Movement-Imports at New Orleans-Imports and Exports at New York for June, for the Previous Six Months, and for the Fiscal Year, etc., etc.... 197 207 New York Cotton Market. By Charles W. FREDERICKSON, Broker, New York... Letter from London on the Currency.... The Savings of Industry: or, the Accumulations of Capital by Savings Banks.. Of Commercial Paper in New York State.-Savings Banks of Great Britain.-Novel Plea for a Japanese coin.-Some of the Coins of Antiquity. The Decimal Currency in Canada in 1858.-Circulation of Bank Notes in Tennessee. Schedule Containing a Comparison and Rate of Duties under the Old and the New Customs Tariff of the Brazilian Empire, to go into Operation the 1st of July, 1857, upon the Leading and Chief Articles of American Importation Of Intestates' Estates in Cuba.-Law of Missouri Relating to Flour Brands.. Commercial Regulations of New South Wales.-The Danish Sound Dues... Average Weight and Measure of Cotton Bales.—Of Fraud in Packing Produce in Ohio.-Spanish The United States Post-office Department-Rates of Postage from the United States to the Kingdom of Denmark, by the Bremen Line Reduction of Postage to British Colonies -Reduction of Postage to the Cape of Good Hope.... 233 American Tapestry and Velvet Carpets-Virginia Gold in England.. Manufacturing Dividends in Massachusetts.-Value of Iron Compared with Labor and Skill.- Centrifugal Force in Retining Sugar... RAILROAD, CANAL, AND STEAMBOAT STATISTICS. Suggestions and Statistics of Railroads and Canals. NUMBER I. Superiority of Railways over Canals-Table of Travel and Traffic Diverted to Railways-Reminiscences of the Past-The Best and Shortest Route to the West, by Railway, from the City of New York to the Lakes.. 251 Dividends on Railroad Stocks in Boston.-Lands Granted in Aid of Railroads.-Attachments HUNT'S MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE AND COMMERCIAL REVIEW. AUGUST, 1857. Art. I-COMMERCE AND TRADE OF SOUTHERN RUSSIA. INCREASE OF IMPORTATIONS-TENDENCY OF POLITICAL POLICY-RELATIONS TO WESTERN EUROPE -CHANGES NOW PROCEEDING THE BLACK SEA AND THE SEA OF AZOF IN A GEOGRAPHICAL AND COMMERCIAL VIEW BLENDED ASIATIC AND EUROPEAN CHARACTER OF COMMERCE - INCREASE OF IMPORTS OVER EXPORTS-RANK OF THE RUSSIAN MERCHANT THE ARMENIANS-RESOURCES OF SOUTHEASTERN REGIONS—FACTS CONCERNING THE CLOSING AND OPENING OF THE SEA OF AZOF THE COASTING TRADE-THE PORTS OF SOUTHERN RUSSIA IN THEIR TRUE RELATION TO THE INTERIOR-EFFECTS OF STEAM COMMUNICATION — COMPETITION OF CERTAIN PORTS, EVEN UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM, WITH ODESSA CRÉDIT OF THE FOREIGN HOUSES OF ODESSA AND THEIR EFFECTIVE CAPITAL-PRINCIPALITIES OF MOLDAVIA AND WALLACHIA IN THEIR RELATION TO RUSSIAN TRADE-RELATIONS OF ODESSA WITH AUSTRIA-THE COURSE OF EXCHANGE--FUTURE INFLUENCE OF THE BRITISH BANK OF CONSTANTINOPLE-COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS IN THE EAST -COMMERCIAL CONNECTIONS OF RUSSIA WITH VARIOUS ASIATIC PROVINCES TRANSIT INLAND ROUTES WORKING OP POLITICS-COMMERCIAL SCHEMES OF RUSSIA-RUSSIAN MANUFACTURESRUSSIAN COMMERCIAL LEGISLATION--ACQUISITION OF NEW TERRITORY BY RUSSIA--RIVERS AND RAILWAYS-OUR OWN INTERESTS IN IMPORTS AND EXPORTS. THE rapid increase of importation in the ports of the Black Sea, and the new movements, partly of a political, partly of a mercantile character -made by various governments interested in that direction-would appear sufficient to draw the attention of our merchants to the capabilities of Southern Russia-the facilities it affords to trade and commerce, and to the examination of such projects as exist for the extension of our own intercourse, with a view to profitable transactions. It is not to be questioned that the Russian government, which ever makes political interests paramount to commercial considerations, is disposed to regard the personal influence of the free citizens of the United States with less apprehension than the people of any other country, not excepting those of Greece; and that so far as the political policy which it upholds will allow, and so far |