tropolis
of the South; betraying a quick insight, a genial appreciation of what
is manly, and fairness in regard to every thing. We have had need of
such a book, for hitherto we northerners have generally known less of
our southern neighbors than even Professor Bowen knew of the Hungarians,
before Mrs. Putnam enlightened him. We are sorry that Mr. Hall, to whom
we are indebted for "The Manhattaner in New-Orleans," intimates that it
is the last book for the preparation of which he will ever have
withdrawn his attention from the law.

* * * * *

"ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING, MARGARET FULLER D'OSSOLI AND GEORGE SAND,"
is the title of an article in which the characters and genius of these
three remarkable women is discussed, in the last number of _The
Palladium_, a new English monthly.

* * * * *

IKE MARVEL'S "Reveries of a Bachelor," (printed by Baker & Scribner),
appears to be the "book of the season." All the critics praise it as one
of the choicest specimens of half-romance and half-essay, that has
appeared in our time. But for ourselves--we have not read it.

* * * * *

The subject of "Junius" is again discussed in "Junius and his Works,
Compared with the character and Writings of the Earl of Chesterfield,"
by W. Cramp, just published in London.

* * * * *

PARKE GODWIN'S beautiful story of "Vala," suggested by the career of
Jenny Lind, has been issued in a luxurious quarto, by Putnam.

The Fine Arts.

GIFT FROM THE BAVARIAN ARTISTS TO KING LOUIS.--The artists and artisans
of Munich have combined to make to ex-King Louis of Bavaria a gift such
as monarchs have not often received. It consists of a writing-desk and
album. The desk is of oak varnished, adorned with rich carving, and with
locks and the Bavarian arms in gilt bronze enamel. The carving contains
the most charming figures representing the various arts and trades. The
album is bound in crimson velvet, the clasps and ornaments of gilt
bronze. On the outside is a medallion, designed by Widnmann, set in
brilliants, representing King Louis surrounded by artists. A smaller
medallion stands in each corner, one representing architects with plans
and models by Hautman; sculptors and bronze workers with the statue of
Bavaria, by Halbig; historic painters by Esseling; and landscape and
genre painters by Widnmann. Between the two