department of
his art, that of so combining his words and images that they make music to
the soul as well as to the ear, and convey not only his feelings and
thoughts, but also the very tone and condition of the soul in which they
have being, he likewise excels.' The reviewer illustrates these remarks,
by citing the 'Psalms of Life,' the 'Saga of the Skeleton in Armor,' 'The
Village Blacksmith,' etc., which were written by Mr. LONGFELLOW for the
pages of this Magazine, and adds, that our poet indulges in no 'wild
struggles after an ineffable Something, for which earth can afford but
imperfect symbols. He appears perfectly satisfied with his work. Like his
own 'Village Blacksmith,' he retires every night with the feeling that
something has been attempted, and something _done_.' There is a subtle
analysis of the style of that first of comic poets, HOLMES, for which we
shall endeavor to find space hereafter. Of the writings of the late
lamented WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK, the reviewer remarks, that they 'are all
distinguished for a graceful and elegant diction, thoughts morally and
poetically beautiful, and chaste and appropriate imagery. They exhibit
much purity and strength of feeling, are replete with fancy and sentiment,
and have often a searching pathos and a mournful beauty, which find their
way quietly to the heart.' The poetry of our friend and correspondent
WHITTIER is warmly commended: 'A common thought comes from his pen 'rammed
with life.' He seems in some of his lyrics to pour out his blood with his
lines. There is a rush of passion in his verse, which sweeps every thing
along with it.' The remaining references are to the lady-poets, Mesdames
BROOKS, CHILD, SIGOURNEY, SMITH, WELBY, HALL, ELLET, DINNIE, EMBURY,
HOOPER, the DAVIDSONS, etc. The whole article is well considered; and we
cordially commend it to the attention of our readers. The remaining papers
are upon PALFREY'S admirable 'Lectures on the Evidences of Christianity,'
'Trade with the Hanse-Towns, the German Tariff-League;' 'GERVINUS'S
History of German Poetry;' 'Debts of the States,' an excellent and most
timely article;' 'PRESCOTT'S History of Mexico;' 'SAM SLICK in England;'
and a valuable dissertation on Libraries, based upon the catalogue of the
library of Brown University.

JOSEPH C. NEAL'S 'CHARCOAL SKETCHES.'--Right glad are we to welcome from
the teeming press of Messrs. BURGESS AND STRINGER a new edition of these
most humorous and witty sketches