If there be any serions object sought, to be established in the pages we have just perused-and we confess, that in all our reading, we seek something of that sort-it would seem to be to controvert the popular belief, that there exists such a thing as a natural instinct, which, aside from habit and education, prompts the mutual love of parents and children. Perhaps that belief is erroneous, yet it is consoling; and if the work before us were of sufficient consequence, we would here attempt to argue the point. But the strictures of novel writers are ephemeral, while the popular opinion we have alluded to, is deeply rooted in the hearts of men, and will endure long after the book in question, and its authors, together with this review and the reviewer, are lost sight of and forgotten.

THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS; or THE ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS. Translated and arranged for family reading; with explanatory notes. By E. W. Lane, Esq. From the second London edition. Illustrated with six hundred wood-cuts by Harvey, and illuminated title by our Jones. 2 vols. Harper Brothers.

It is probable that these world-renowned romances have, in their effect upon the imagination, produced more influence directly and indirectly upon the fortunes of the world than almost any other work of fiction. The ideas imbibed by the youthful mind in relation to the splendor of the East are with difficulty thrown off in after life, and the imagi nation is with reference to the Asiatic world always tinged with the fictitious wealth and supernatural agency which has enchained the youthful mind and enchanted the senses. Much of English enterprize in Asia may be traced to a stimulus from this source, and the ideas of eastern glory that beset the early career of Napoleon were doubless consequent upon the strong impress his mind had received. Certain it is that declining age loves fondly, after disappointed hopes and crushing reverses, to recur to the gorgeousness which the Arabian Nights lent to his early thoughts. The new edition of the Messrs. Harpers is superb, and illustrated in characteristic style, forming altogether the most beautiful as well as the cheapest edition.

THE REPUBLIC OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; Its duties to itself, and its responsible relations to other countries. Embracing also a review of the late war between the United States and Mexico, its causes and results; and those measures of government which have characterized the Democracy of the Union. D. Appleton & Co., 200 Broadway, N. Y.

This is an important work, and should be in the hands of every citizen. It is in duodecimo form, of 332 pages, and is a most clear and able exposition of democratic principles as identified with the welfare and progress of the country as a nation, and of its inhabitants as citizens of the first Republic of the world. It gives a most succinct and clear account of the late war, its causes and origin, and of the great principles involved in free trade and constitutional currency.

DUFF'S NORTH AMERICAN ACCOUNTANT; Embracing single and double entry Book-keeping, practically adapted to the inland and maritime commerce of the United States. By P. Duff, merchant. Harper Brothers.

This is a very able and practical work, and has the advantage of most works of the kind in clearness of diction.

LAYS AND BALLADS. By Thomas Buchanan Read. D. Appleton & Co., 200 Broadway. This is a beautiful collection of considerable merit; we purpose at a future time a longer notice, more in accordance with its worth.

THE FIRST OF THE KNICKERBOCKERS. A Tale of 1673. George P. Putnam, 155 Broadway. This work is, by the author, as befits its name, dedicated to Washington Irving. Esq. It is a well-conducted and lively tale of the first settlers, the scene being laid on Manhattan Island in the time of Charles II., when the province was about passing into English possession, and the interest is well sustained.

A HISTORY OF VIRGINIA from its discovery to its settlement by Europeans to the present time. By Robert R. Howison. 2 vols. Drinker & Morris, Richmond, Va.

The early history of the several states that formed, in their independent character, our glorious Union, has been much neglected both by writers and students, and the material for forming correct and ample details of their early progress is fast slyping into e' livin. It is with the greatest gratification, therefore, that we engetter works like this of Mr. Howison, which combines much valuable information, enbe died from sources becoming daily less accessible to the may, in relation to the early tires of V. - a. aa'e wich has acted so important a part in our Laticrali career, and whose some tive Liven tole bu character to federal institutions, as well as to those of the several i. W states NOW! h many of them have migrated. The history of that noble state, as me. I 1. by Mr. Ex... son, is a key to the work ag of our institutions in otter section au sukoneets ༠༢༣ མ ༔ ཎྜ which ought to receive more attention from our collegiate vmth tum, the republics in the old world, the examples of which must have ter down ant future progress than the condition sad in vements of the y anders of this Rejub c. shall take occasion to make a more extensive review of this GeneTVIJA WOIK.

We

THE SHIPMASTER'S ASSISTANT AND COMMERCIAL DIGEST: Contaling information, des eauty for merchants, owners and masters of ships. by Joseph blunt, Conselor at Law. Harper Brothers.

Although this is a work necessary to the bashew of those engaged in meation, it is no less so to the statesinan and the lawyer. It contains a va dety of informative

to commercial matters, of use as matter of reference to all who engage in pubice, and it should form a part of every library.

THE WORKS OF WASHINGTON IRVING-Life and Voyages of Columbus. New edition revised. George P. Putnam, 155 Broadway.

In accordance with the desigs previendly anonsoned. Mr. Putnam bu ale is lord the third volume of this standard edition of Tevizz's worke The priest pa the third of the set, and first of the Life of Columise The

of the Life ..

for January 1, with the maps. It is a what a charm the style of
around the drvest details, and when it becomes the rel'in of dere
of that wonderful mind of Columbus in its progress tow

interest becomes intense, even to those farm Dar we the story. The editin
pleased to learn, sought after with an avidity that dates be still spreading
of the gifted author.

ed