most
fascinating but corrupt society on earth have led her on and sustained
her; yet she, by the light which her own high intellectuality has
developed, is changing her course, if the examples furnished by her
writings are true. Her later works are greatly improved in their moral
tone; yet there is no diminution, but an increase of mental power.

Among the very extensive catalogue of French women justly famed, the
selection by the writer in the "International" proves that he takes his
views from what he hears;--if he would but read more, and gossip less,
he would be amazed as "knowledge unrolled its ample page before him." We
will not trouble him with the Reformers of Port-Royal, who certainly did
some things greater than acting plays, for, to appreciate these ladies,
requires an acquaintance with the theological and political history of
their era. We will pass over the exalted patriot and gifted woman,
Madame Roland, whose intellectual greatness, unsurpassed by that of any
man of her times, or by any woman now living in France, was based on
moral virtue; but it seems a pity he should not know of Madame de
Sevigne, because even schoolboys have really heard of her. The wit,
learning, true sentiment, and graceful style of Madame de Sevigne have
won the approval of critics and moralists; intellectually great, she was
a model of domestic virtue. In one of her celebrated letters, she says
we must distinguish between "_un ane et un ignorant_"--one is "ignorant"
from want of instruction, _ane_ from want of brains. Would it not be
well for the writer in the "International" to heed this distinction?
AEsop has a very pertinent fable on the living ass kicking the dead lion.

* * * * *

TO CORRESPONDENTS.--The following articles are accepted: "My Flowers, my
Gem, and my Star," "To Susan," "Halcyon Day," "My Book," "The Coronal,"
"Perseverance," "My Summer Window," "Reaping," "Sonnet," "The Country
Grave-Yard," "To Oliver Perry Allen, U.S.N.," "To Nina," "To Helen at
the South."

"A Tale of the Backwoods" would be accepted, were it not for the
condition annexed. We should not be able to publish it at present. Will
the author inform us if he is willing to wait? The like reason--want of
room--compels us to decline a very large number of MSS. this month.

"F. H." is informed that we have returned her MSS. through "Adams'
Express." We sincerely hope we may not be again troubled from that
source. If an