The Family Messenger.—This old and sterling family newspaper, we see, has been brought out in a suit of new and beautiful type, and is otherwise improved and adorned. It has had, too, an accession of editorial force, and the new pen, with the aid of Mr. Seckel, its old editor, makes the sheet sparkle again. We predict for the old favorite a new lease of popular favor, and a circulation unequaled by any paper of its class. Various other additions, in the mechanical as well as the literary department, are still to be added, when the office is removed to the new building in Chestnut street—the movements of beauty on that delightful promenade, will, of course, be duly chronicled hereafter, in the piquant style of the editors.
A Powerful Novel.—We shall commence in the July number, a powerfully written story from the pen of H. W. Herbert, Esq., author of “Cromwell,” “Ringwood the Rover,” etc., which we pronounce the most brilliant of all the able novels of that accomplished and vigorous writer. It is entitled “Jasper St. Aubyn; A Story of Passion,” and for strength and beauty of expression, thrilling and intense interest, and high moral and tragic effect, our readers will regard it as the best story we have given them for many a day.
Birds Beautifully Colored.—We purpose to introduce into Graham’s Magazine, in the coming volume, a series of Wild and Cage Birds, exquisitely designed and colored, and our artists are already at work. We think that this feature of the Magazine will be highly popular with our readers, and as the plates will be accompanied with carefully prepared letter-press descriptions; they will be found useful to the many who cultivate a taste for these beautiful subjects. This, we have no doubt, will be imitated as every thing has been in the Magazine world which has originated with us.
The Oldest Magazine.—Our correspondent, “History,” is informed that he is right in his conjecture, that “Graham’s Magazine” was based upon “The Casket,” and hence is the oldest of the illustrated monthlies. It is our proud satisfaction that ours is the best, as well as the oldest Magazine. It does not require continued puffing, either hired or solicited, to make people aware of its existence.
Our Own Artists Abroad.—In order to keep the high position of this Magazine, as a work of art, fully up to the standard it has attained, we have sent our excellent engraver and designer, W. E. Tucker, Esq., to Europe to make careful drawings of such subjects as he may find upon the walls of the Academies, or in private collections, and to engage such American artists as he may find abroad, who may be useful in carrying out our grand design of being the first to introduce new subjects to the American eye. Our cotemporaries content themselves with re-engraving stale prints which may be found in the windows, or in using such cast-off English plates as may be offered here cheap; but the vast circulation and profit of this work returns to our readers in such liberal arrangements to keep them advised of the freshest and most beautiful works of art as may be found in the wide range of the world.
For several years our Fashion Plates have been brought freshly from Paris, and their beauty of design and coloring has been the subject of universal praise. Now, by having our own artists employed, both abroad and at home, we not only defy competition, but laugh at it.