NOTES ON BOOKS, ETC.

The Men of the Time in 1852, or Sketches of Living Notables, is intended, as we are told in the Preface, "to bring together in one muster-roll the people who take the lead in doing the Work of the World, in literature, in politics, in art, and in science,—who are influential in their generation, either in thought or in action." The idea is a good one, and the book will eventually supply a want which all have felt. We say "eventually," because both Editor and Publisher must be aware that no first attempt of a work of this nature can at all approach perfection. We do not complain that, within the small compass of the present volume, we find many names we should scarcely have looked for in such a selection; but we would, for the purpose of improving the next edition, point out the omission of many very important ones. In the field of learning, antiquarian and historical, we miss all mention of Ellis, Hallam, Mahon, Maitland, Madden, Palgrave, Kemble, Thorpe and Wright. In other classes again we meet with similar omissions. We find Robert Owen, but not Professor Owen; Southwood Smith, but not Sir Harry Smith; Faraday we have, but not Wheatstone; the Bishops of Exeter, Oxford, and St. David's, but not the Bishops of London or Ely. We have Pusey, but neither Hook, Bennett, Close, nor Newman. We have George Dawson the lecturer, but not Cowden Clarke the lecturer. Such are some of the instances of omission which have occurred to us, and which will no doubt be supplied in a new edition. May we add our hope that in such new edition as ample justice will be rendered to all "men of learning" as is in the present one rendered to all "men of the press."

When we find that the new issue of Bohn's Illustrated Library consists of the first volume of a revised and enlarged edition of The Battles of the British Navy, by Joseph Allen, Esq., R.N., we are almost disposed to imagine that this indefatigable publisher had seen with prophetic eye that in the opening of 1852 Mr. Cobden's theory of universal peace would lose favour, and that John Bull would resume his old love for the "blue jackets." Be that as it may, such a work as the present, popularly written, handsomely illustrated, and published at a moderate price, which would at all times be a boon, is not likely to be less welcome at a moment when there is a general feeling abroad, that England's best securities for that peace which all would preserve, "like her best bulwarks," are "her wooden walls."

Sir Joshua Reynolds was a painter among painters, and a man of letters among men of letters; and as long as the literature of this country endures, his name will be held in remembrance and in honour. In giving, therefore, to the world a new edition of The Literary Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first President of the Royal Academy; to which is prefixed a Memoir of the Author, with Remarks on his Professional Character illustrative of his Principles and Practice, by Henry Williams Beechey, Mr. Bohn has conferred a boon, not only upon the professional student, but upon all who would acquire a knowledge of the presiding principle which regulates every part of art, and who can appreciate the eloquent and admirable manner in which the great president conveyed that knowledge.

When a glimpse of sunshine warns us of the approach of spring, and that our young friends are bethinking them of the country and its varied pleasures, when they will again—

"—— hear the lark begin its flight,

And singing, startle the dull night,"

we are reminded of a long-delayed wish to call their attention to Gosse's Popular British Ornithology, containing a Familiar and Technical Description of the Birds of the British Isles, as a means of turning their pleasant rambles to a source of profitable instruction. With this scientific, though concise and popularly written volume, profusely illustrated as it is with coloured figures of the most remarkable British birds, as their guide—and a little patient observation—an amount of knowledge of birds and their habits will soon be acquired by them, which will prove a source of never-ending enjoyment, and give new zest to every fresh visit to the woods and fields.

BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES
WANTED TO PURCHASE.

GREGORY'S (DR.) SECOND MEMORIAL TO THE MANAGERS OF THE ROYAL INFIRMARY, EDINBURGH.