conversion of Alda to the Christian faith, and the effect of that faith upon heart and life, is a well-chosen and affecting subject; a few hymns and sacred poems are scattered through the little volume, which, though they have no pretension to superior merit, and are purposely kept down in style, in order to suit the narrative, are such as we should expect from Miss Agnes Strickland's pen, which in our estimation never wants mending.

The T'Hakoorine, a Tale of Mandoo. By Captain James Abbot.-Mandoo is the ruined Moslem capital of Málwa: of which the circuit exceeded thirty-five miles, and comprised the entire summit of a table mountain. The poem itself, founded on one of the legends with which the place abounds, is versified with spirit and ease, though sometimes deficient in correctness of rhyme, and too luxuriant in description. When we find an author writing so well, our advice is to try and write better.

The Orphan, or the Principles of Religious Education vindicated. By the Author of Poetic Sketches, &c.-A pleasing little story, the moral of which is unexceptionable, and the vehicle in which it is conveyed alluring to young minds.

The contents of this volume, we are told, appeared originally in the form of three essays, to which the Hulsean and Norrisian prizes were adjudged by the University of Cambridge. This high approbation renders our praise superfluous: yet we would add, that we can see in the arrangement of the arguments, the judicious choice of the authorities, and the fairness of the statements, sufficient reasons for the honour conferred on it. In a short space, it contains a refutation of the most specious sophisms of infidelity.

The Chief of Glen Orchay, &c.-This Poem is too long, nor do we like the short tetrameter metre, which brings the rhyme too constantly into the versification. This we consider a blemish in Scott's poems, for it leaves to the poet little else than the rhyme to consider. The verse itself is too short for much variety of harmony. Instead of satisfying himself by writing long poems tolerably well, the author should concentrate his powers, and endeavour to write short ones, with

arguments, and eccentric in his orthography. The Papists would find it difficult to refute his reasoning, and the grammarians would not find it easy to agree in his derivations.-Seriously, Mr. Rogers's work is that of a serious, zealous mind, aware of the fearful enemy he encounters, and attacking him in a panoply of unassailable truth. We must, however, remonstrate strongly against the manner in which he has spoken of Mr. Newman and Dr. Pusey, both of whom are as strong Anti-Papists as himself, and both have expressed themselves to that effect. We have seen this passage with great sorrow. With regard to his dilemma of Pseudomenos, p. 320. "There was a famous problem among the Stoics called the Pseudomenos, which was to this purpose :When a man says, I lie,' does he lie, or does he not? If he lies, he speaks truth; if he speaks truth, he lies: many were the books that their philosophers wrote to solve this problem. Chrysippus favoured the world with no fewer than six; and Philetas starved himself to death in his attempt to solve it."

When Chrysippus and Philetas failed, we cannot hope to succeed; but we should say, when a man says "I lie," and that saying is unsupported with any fact or proof, no proposition is in truth made, and there is no subject for discussion at all. With regard to the Grecian dilemma, p. 319, it appears to us that the bargain itself was never intended to come under the sentence of the judge, and could not be affected by the decision of the court; and the whole question seems to be, which is to decide, the private bargain or the legal decision, for both cannot, being contradictory to each other.

The Register of Parliamentary Contested Elections; compiled by H. S. Smith (of Leeds). 12mo.-This is a manual which will be very interesting, contains the numbers and results of 2000 and even useful, at the present period. It contested elections, being all, we presume, that have taken place in England within memory, or of which the records remain. In many cases the plumpers and split votes are specified; the colours used by the candidates; and the returning officers' charges. After page 120 are inserted "the whole of the uncontested Elections since the passing of the Reform Bill, a

thought and labour can bestow.

Anti-Popery, or Popery unreasonable, unscriptural, and novel. By John Rogers. Mr. Rogers is alike forcible in his

work in a future edition." An index of names is only wanting to render its utility complete.

The Ladies Magazine of Gardening, No. 2, 3, 4, 5. By Mrs. Loudon.-This very elegant and useful Manual of Floriculture is continued in a manner that will ensure its success. Besides a very curious and copious account of flowers, the second number contains views and descriptions of the rock-garden of Mr. Wells at Redleaf: and a very interesting history of the Camelia, by which it appears that the first plants were introduced into England about 1740, just a century ago, two specimens of the single red being sold by the Jesuit Kamel for a large sum to Lord Petre. The next plant was in the possession of Mr. James Gordon, the nurseryman at Mile End, where it remained till 1837. It is said that the Camelia has never attained a greater height in England than 12 feet; but in Italy or Naples, a plant grew the height of 20 feet in seven years, and in ten years it was upwards of 30 feet. The third number has a plate of the splendid daubentonia tripetiana, which is hardy enough for a green-house, where it will probably flower nearly all the year. The fourth number has a very interesting paper on gold and silver fish. It appears that they were first brought from China by the Dutch, about 1611. The French have so completely naturalized this fish in the Mauritius, that it is served at table with the other kinds of Carp, which it generally resembles in taste, though it has a more delicate flavour. Gold fish live a long while, some looking still young at sixty years of age. They never breed in clear water, and seldom grow when kept in glass vases. In the fifth number there is a good paper on window-gardening, and an interesting account of the plants in flower in the best nurseries. Supposing Mrs. Loudon were to give us an account of the most curious and choice plants in the great conservatory in the Horticultural Gardens?-a delightful treat for her country readers.

Charles Lever, or the Man of the 19th Century. By Rev. W. Gresley, A.M.If the Englishman's library consists of works like the present, it will prove a national blessing: our feelings and our opinions are with the author throughout; as regards the ultra-protestants of the establishment, the dissenters, the socialists, the discontented, and radical, and chartist, or "6 quocunque gaudet nomine," the observations are most useful and most just. We think the Chapter on Discontent might be separately printed in a cheap form for common distribution, with advantage. The present state of the social system is assuredly alarming, and all classes of society have been deeply to blame in proGENT. MAG. VOL. XVI.

ducing it. The higher, by their former neglect of the lower, not only in towns and manufactories, but even in rural districts; the lower, by their savage threats of retaliation, and their senseless propositions for the amelioration of their state; and more guilty than all are those, who from their stations of influence, are fanning into fresh' fury the furnace of sedition, and goading a reckless population to increasing discontent, and urging them to measures that must only increase the evils under which they suffer.

A Summer's Morning. By Thomas Miller. The style of this little Poem pleasingly reminded us of parts of Beattie's Minstrel; but it wants correction, chiefly of single expressions: the selection of the imagery and of the moving pictures before the eye, is poetical and natural.

PAMPHLETS.

The Controversy between Tract No. XC. and the Oxford Tutors.-The object of this tract, is to show that the doctrines advanced in the former No. XC. of the Oxford Tracts, had been equally held in the previous numbers, and that any censure for erroneous doctrines which applies to that, is equally applicable to them. In fact, that the whole system of the theology in these tracts, is consistent throughout. The author is directly opposed to the Oxford system, and has given his reasons on many separate points.

The Construction of the Ark as adapted to Naval Architecture, &c. By W. Rodford, R.N.-The purpose of this pamphlet is in the first place to show the scientific principles on which the ark was constructed, and its adaptation for modern life; and the second, to evince the advantage and superiority of iron steam vessels over wooden, and of vessels of large size over smaller. The author calculates that a large iron steamboat would make the voyage from Calcutta to London in 40 days, carrying 4000 tons, and traversing the subject ocean at the rate of 300 miles a day.

Sermon on Education. By Rev. W. F. Faber, M.A.-A noble discourse, full of religious truth, apostolic doctrine, just estimates (just because measured by the one only true standard) of the present state of society, political, literary, religious; discussing rapidly but solidly the causes and effects of existing errors of opinion and evils of practice, and presenting a view of the social system of the country, and the tendency of prevailing habits, studies and pursuits, well worthy of the most profound attention.

K

The

composition and language are excellent: we do not quote passages, we wish the whole to be read by the mind, and re-read by the heart.

By

The Tamworth Reading Room. Catholicus. A republication of some letters in the Times, containing a very just and clear rebuke of the philosophy of Sir Robert Peel, in his address on the establishment of a reading room at Tamworth; showing how clearly his sentiments and expressions agreed with those of Lord Brougham on similar occasions, and representing the absurdity of expecting the promised fruits from a system, apparently as well suited for the populace of pagan Rome, or Athens, as of Christian England. Verily, it is a house built on sand.

Sermon in the Abbey Church at Bath, on behalf of the National Society. By Rev. T. Lathbury, M.A.-A good dis

course.

Dictionary of Science and Art and Literature. Edited by W. T. Brande, Nos. I. and II.-The object of this work is to be a condensed and improved Cyclopædia, a work much wanted; large and expensive Encyclopædias, like the Metropolitan, being only within the purchase of a few. The execution of this number appears to us worthy of the high reputation of the editor and his assistants, and we heartily wish it success.

Further Appeal to the Government and People against the proposed Niyer Expedition. By R. Jamieson, Esq. - This pamphlet will not be easily answered.

Life and Exploits of Commodore Napier, chiefly by himself. Third edition.

Sir Charles seems very like a Hero, Egyptian valour 's down to zero, And Ali looks as black as Nero. Verses for a Poor Man. Part I. Durham.-Many of the verses are by no means poor, ex. gr. xxiii.

Some Inquiries into the Effects of Fermented Liquors. By a Water Drinker. Third Edition.

The argument is, without any strife,
That fermented and spirituous liquor

Will shorten a man's or woman's life By making the circulation quicker. Dover, a Poem. By Sir R. P. Jodrell, Bart. Dedicated to the Rev. T. F. Dibdin. We do not approve of the following rhyme, and hope Dr. Dibdin will not authorize it:

Shall I recall what time the sons of Mars, Europe invaded, spontaneous flew to arms; though there are the same letters in each

word. The work is handsomely printed and illustrated, and we are pleased to see that Dr. Dibdin is not only going to compile a history of Dover, but that he is endearing himself to the town by his munificent donations!

A Lecture on Mental Improvement. By W. F. Barlow, M.R.C.S. delivered at Tunbridge Wells.

The Family Reader of the New Testament. By Rev. J. E. Riddle, M.A.-An useful publication.

History of the French Revolution. By D. W. Jobson. A respectable compilation from the established authors, as De Staël, Lacratelle, &c. but listen to the nonincomes, i.e. that of the French clergy, sense of the following note, p. 61. "Their were reduced to one fifth of their former amount. These reduced emoluments Archb. 2000l. Bish. 1000l. &c. will appear contemptible to a number of the English hierarchy, but they considerably exceed the WAGES of the primitive Apostles!'' We hope for the credit of the book, that this annotator will be dismissed from the task, to fulfill which he is so incompetent.

Alice, or the Rye-House Plot; in three Acts. By W. P. Isaacson, of Newmarket. -The proceeds of the edition of this play are to be given to the Newmarket Town

Racing Fund. It is dedicated to the members of the Jockey Club, and has a prologue by General Grosvenor. The play

does no discredit to the author or his patrons, and we hope it will sell well enough to put a handsome sum in the pockets of the Racing Fund.

Revival of old Church Principles, &c. -Reprint of letters between Lucius and Clericus in the Morning Post on the subject of Catholic tradition, and authority in matters of faith, 1841.

Regulus, a Tragedy, by Jacob Jones, Esq.-Mr. Jones seems to have been very unfortunate in not being able to make his tragedies acting plays. Why, we do not know. The present tragedy, if somewhat important and secondary parts abridged or curtailed in length, and some of the least altered, would act as effectually, we think, as many contemporary productions. Mr. Jones has poetical thoughts, and poetical language; but perhaps his compositions have not that finish which he would give them if assured of a favourable reception from managers. The best thing he can do is to revise them carefully, and print them in a collected form, and we feel sure that he will receive the reward of his honourable labours in Melpomene's cause.

ROYAL ACADEMY. Architecture.

It is rather pleasing to witness a decided improvement in church architecture apparent in the designs which are comprised in the present year's exhibition. So much has lately been written on the necessity of erecting churches on church principles, and the subject has been so forcibly pressed on the attention of all parties concerned, that it would have betrayed a great contempt for public opinion if societies and their architects had obstinately refused to listen to the many remonstrances that have been made, and the excellent advice which has been given through so many channels, and had persisted in the perpetration of the abortions which have appeared in the designs of the churches, and in many cases very expensive ones, which were built under the guidance of the Church Commissioners. Unfortunately, however, the change has been made when the evil is almost past remedy. Deprived of the ample funds formerly appropriated to church building, in very few cases can a sum be obtained at all adequate to the execution of any good design, and all that can be done is to shew what could have been effected if the resources were available at the present moment which were applied to the production of the many structures around the metropolis, which, in consequence of a want of proper control, are rather to be regarded as eye-sores than as ornaments to the land.

The scantiness of the funds allowed in the erection of the series of new churches now in progress has at least produced this result; the estimate in general is so trifling that a certain class of architects, who succeeded in all cases under the old competition, have not thought it worth while to enter the field. The retirement of these architects with their solitary idea, the constant reproduction of which in every quarter of the metropolis seemed to create an impression that the whole of the laboured and dull designs were the production of one hand, has allowed a more numerous class to enter the field, and a variety is produced in the designs, and at the same a greater correct

ness.

In many, the mark of genius would evidently have developed itself more fully, had it not been cramped by the want of resources.

The following are among the most striking of the designs:

957. South-east view of the new Church now erecting at Attleborough, in the pa

rish of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, from the designs and under the superintendence of T. L. Walker.

958. North-east view of the same Church.

This is a simple design. The structure is not of large dimensions. The style is the lancet architecture of the end of the thirteenth century. We notice it more particularly from the circumstance of the tower rising from the ground, and not from or out of the roof of the structure, and that it is situated at one angle of the front of the building. There is also a chancel, which, although of small dimensions, is better than none: it consists of a semicircular apse, and a niche for the sanctus bell is placed on the eastern gable of the nave. The entire design possesses great character. The following is also the production of the same architect.

971. South-west view of the new Church now erecting at Friars Mount, Bethnal Green, under the Building Committee of the Bethnal Green Churches Fund.

This committee has erred in undertaking too much. The task of building ten churches in a single parish was one of sufficient magnitude without the encumbrance of parsonages and schools. The utmost which the most sanguine supporter of the fund might reasonably expect would be the gathering of a fund very inadequate to the erection of the churches: the abstraction of so large a portion as will be required for the houses and schools, and their sites, will inevitably inflict great injury in the designs of the churches.

The present structure, of which the west front is shewn, appears to be in the Longobardic style. The design consists of a centre flanked by two towers, which, in unison with the practice followed by the early designers, are crowned with a low pyramidal roof. The arches are semicircular, and appear to be turned in red brick.

Mr. Walker also shews his acquaintance with the ancient domestic architecture by the designs

1014-1088. Interior of the Governor's Dining-room at the New Hospital or Almshouses now erecting at Bedworth, Warwickshire.

The two subjects exhibit views of the hall from opposite extremities. It is a pleasing old English apartment, in the style of the fifteenth century, with mullioned windows, containing armorial bearings in circles, in stained glass. The timber roof is supported on arched beams with

pierced spandrils. The gallery at the lower end of the hall, and the fire-place at the upper, with the wainscoting of the side walls, are features which are common to the old English dining halls, and are judiciously introduced into the present de sign.

1000. Claygate Church, Surrey, recently completed. H. E. Kendall.

This is in a degree an imitation of the Norman style. The steeple is situated at one angle of the building, another evidence that architects are abandoning their old and stale ideas of uniformity. When the tower is of a small dimensions this situation is always convenient. The breaking up of the elevation into three portions, a square and octagon tower, and then a spire, is far from being in accordance with good taste.

1042. Interior of East Stower Church, Dorsetshire. G. Alexander.

This is a pleasing and very judicious design, in the Norman style. It is a cruciform church, without aisles, forming, in common with so many of our ancient churches, a true Latin cross. Above the intersection of the nave and transepts is a low square tower. In the interior the arches which sustain the tower are made to divide the church in length into three portions, the usual arrangement of the old Norman churches. The font, which is circular, stands at the west end of the nave. The pulpit is placed against the south-eastern pier of the chancel, and the nave is occupied by open seats, instead of pews. The design, it will be seen, is in accordance with church principles. The roof is of timber, the trusses of the nave filled in with arches, and the chancel ceiled in the form of a half octagon. The entire design is pleasing, as it shews how effective the cruciform plan can be rendered.

1093. Perspective view of a Chapel of Ease for the parish of Horsham, and Boys' National School, erected 1840. W. Moseley.

The chapel is of lancet architecture. The elevation made into a nave and aisles, with gables. The school house is situated at a short distance, and built in the Tudor style. The same architect exhibits

1095. Parish Church about to be erected for Kingston, Portsmouth.

The architecture of this design is also of the lancet variety. It is a cross church, with a tower and spire at the intersection of the nave and transepts. It is not altogether faultless, but it is pleasing to witness another instance in which the cruciform arrangement is adopted.

1145. Model of Clapton Church, now building. E. C. Hakewell.

In this design the cruciform arrange. ment is attempted, but the entire design wants unity: it is broken into too many parts. The porches, projecting staircases, transepts, nave, and choir do not harmonize; appearing rather as a group of buildings, than as one design. The tower or turret at one angle of the choir is too fanciful, and wants importance. The ar. chitecture is of a lancet variety.

987. Perspective view of St. Stephen's Church, Bath, now erecting. Jas. Wilson. No place in the kingdom exhibits a greater number of vicious designs in the pointed style than Bath; and although it possesses a cathedral church, which, though late, is still a pure example of the pointed style, yet even the false taste of the city has not allowed this ancient structure to retain the original integrity of its design. If, therefore, an ancient building is wantonly suffered to be injured, what can be expected from the designs for a new church? There are several truly carpenter's' gothic structures already in Bath, and the present is so far behind the advances made in modern times, that the architect appears to have wished to perpetuate the former errors; overloaded with pinnacles, broken into small parts, and faulty in detail, the present is quite worthy to stand by the side of All Saints, Christ Church, Bathwick Church, and some other equally faulty structures of the same character.

951. Perspective view of Great Marlow Church, Buckinghamshire.

Which appears and reappears in each successive exhibition as a sort of standard design, no doubt highly valuable in the eyes of the architect. In this bungling composition three arches are made to assume the functions and bear the appearance of a Grecian portico, above which is a square tower, with a spire, all executed in a bald style; and the design is finished throughout with an horizontal line, a striking proof of the knowledge possessed by the architect of the principles of gothic architecture. It is lamentable to reflect that an ancient church should have been destroyed to make way for such a deformity.

1082. Interior of the Basilica, San Lorenzo, Rome. H. Hart.

The present view is serviceable by shewing how easily galleries may be introduced into a church without inflicting any injury on the design, and may also be made ornamental. On each side the choir is a composition of columns in two stories of the Corinthian order: the lower story is a colonnade (not, it is to be admitted, quite classical in its proportions), surmounted by an entablature. From the cornice rises