caricature; and
it is not less singular, that, while the complaints of popular critics,
in effect, affirm that there is fidelity enough in the picture to enable
even obtuse minds to fit the copy to the original, they at the same time
vehemently assert that the whole portrait is a libel. A just
admeasurement of a demagogue's ability is thus always abated by the
imputation of partisan falsehood or prejudice; and whosoever declines to
join in the adulation of a temporary idol, may consider himself
fortunate, if he escape with only the reproach of envy. Sketches of
contemporaneous character--if they seek recognition among the masses,
must, therefore, not reduce the altitude which blind admiration has
assigned, nor cut away the foreign lace, nor tear the ornaments, with
which excited parties have bedaubed their images of clay. And, yet, so
prone are men to overrate their leaders, that no estimate of a prominent
man can be just, without impugning popular opinion.

There is probably no other ground quite so perilous as politics, unless
it be literature: and, as yet, the west is comparatively barren of those
"sensitive plants," literary men. But any attempt to delineate society,
by portraiture of living characters, even though the pictures were
purely ideal, would, upon the present plan, involve the suspicion (and
perhaps the temptation to deserve it), indicated above. Before venturing
upon such uncertain paths, therefore, we must display a little
generalship, and call a halt, if not a council of war. Whether we are to
march forward, will be determined by the "General _Orders_."

THE END.

J. S. REDFIELD,

110 AND 112 NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK,

HAS JUST PUBLISHED:

[Illustration]

_EPISODES OF INSECT LIFE._

By ACHETA DOMESTICA. In Three Series: I. Insects of Spring.--II. Insects
of Summer.--III. Insects of Autumn. Beautifully illustrated. Crown 8vo.,
cloth, gilt, price $2.00 each. The same beautifully colored after
nature, extra gilt, $4.00 each.

"A book elegant enough for the centre table, witty enough for after
dinner, and wise enough for the study and the school-room. One of
the beautiful lessons of this work is the kindly view it takes of
nature. Nothing is made in vain not only, but nothing is made ugly
or repulsive. A charm is thrown around every object, and life
suffused through all, suggestive of the Creator's goodness and
wisdom."--_N. Y. Evangelist._

"Moth