Critical Notices [pp. 509-544]

538 Critical N~~ices. [April,
York, etc., as far back as I ~ 15. This journal of travels illustrates
several pages in our colonial history, and contains much matter, in
relation to the redmen of the country, their habits and character,
which will be valuable to the student in aboriginal affairs.
Meagher's Speeches on the Legislative Independence of Ireland.
(Redfleld.) Thomas Francis Meagher, one of the most distinguished
of the Irish patriots of recent times, possesses most of the usual
traits of the Irish orator. lle is copious, passionate, intense; more
florid than comports with a sevei-e classic taste, but for this very reason more likely to be popular with his own and our people. An
exile, with defeated hopes and baffled fortunes, he is now among us,
winning his way to popularity by the equal modesty of his carriage,
and his graceful and spirited public lectures. In the volume before
us, the reader will find outline sketches of the late struggle of the
Irish patriots to attain, if not the perfect independence of their country, at least a political status in the British empire of which they
shall not be ashamed. The speeches are made in reference to this
object, but mostly in consequence of occasional events, under the
spur of legislation, necessity or social discontents The
Miseries of Human Lzfe, (Putnam & Co.)-the reprint of an old
work, with additions and alterations-are here employed to make
merriment. The petty annoyances of life constitute the capital out
of which our humourists make interest, and a bad pun is made to
reconcile us to a bad companion. Of course the philosophy of such
a practice is apparent, aiid we hope its policy also. For ourselves,
we confess to have found these "miseries" no ways pleasant. The
book is dull enough to make any reader miserable, provided he be
only not too dull for its enjoyment Interviews: memorable and useful; by SAMUEL llANs0N Cox, D.D. (llarper &
Brother.) This volume is chiefly designed for the religious reader.
The contents are of a sort to compel thought and perhaps provoke
discussion. The conversations, which include descriptions and anecdotes of the parties, are with the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, Rev. Dr.
Emmons, John Quincy Adams, with two pseudo apostles, and with
a fashionable European lady. They are preceded by miscellaneous
reflections. The volume exhibits good sense, general intelligence, a
certain familiarity with the classics, and will interest the thoughtful
reader as well as the theologian The American Mis