Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Critical Notices Of The Literature Of The Last Three Months,
measure the sickness which prevails at seasons , to the want of energy and activity in the people . Mr . Heap ' s journal of an expedition to California , * for the purpose of making arrangements for the better protection and colonization of the Indian tribes , is an interesting work . The journey alone lasted 100 days , the direct distance being 1 , 900 miles , extended to upwards of 2 , 500 , from the difficulty of obtaining supplies . Although this volume is wanting
, perhaps , in the recital of perilous adventure , the journey seems to have been attended Avith considerable risk and some positive danger—the Indian tribes not being very sincere in their manifestations of friendship . The account , however , precise and particular as it is on topographical matters , would serve as an excellent companion or guide-book for any one bent on taking a trans-continental trip to explore the Rocky mountain , or trace the source of the mighty Colorado and its tributaries . We have
another work by an American , on the " Valley of the Amazon , " an exploration undertaken , we are afraid to say , with some ideas of ultimate annexation . Mr . Herndon , too , has some very decided notions on the subject of slavery , deeming compulsory labour the only kind fit for southern climes in that hemisphere . Some time ago we noticed an account of an explanation of this glorious river by a Mr . Wallace . In all essentials , and indeed in the natural capability and richness of the countries which this river waters , both travellers agree . The climate is healthy , and the
navigation , although now difficult , presents no difficulties which an application of engineering skill could not easily overcome . " A Volunteer ' s Indian Scramble , " f is a lively , amusing book , somewhat too lengthy perhaps , but nevertheless interesting and very readable . Mr . James , who , by-the-bye , is the friend and companion in arms of Major Edwardes , is a good hand at descriptions , and paints war-scenes with a soldier ' s brush . He was present at the siege of Moultan , served in the Punjauband indeed everywhere else where he could learn there was a
, chance of hard knocks , distinction , or promotion . Interspersed with some graphic accounts of journeys and expeditions undertaken in search of game , and some well-drawn pictures of the exotic nature by which the traveller was surrounded , and through which his path lay for weeks together . With an eye for nature Lieut . James seems to have made good use of his time , and his accounts of hill-stations , mountain-passes , and river scenery are really excellent . We cordially reeommend the book to
our readers who are anxious to get an insight into Indian life , such as it is—in the camp , and on the march either after Afghans or tigers . Of a very different description is the production of our sweetly effeminate friend Henry E . Chorley . J We do not mean to be personal . We do not even pretend to the acquaintance of Mr . Chorley , and still less should we presume to his friendship . But his book is effeminate ; his descriptions are effeminate : and in spite of externals , the author must himself be effeminate to have written it . Not but what " Modern German Music " is a decidedly clever book ; and where Mr . Chorley forgets him-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Critical Notices Of The Literature Of The Last Three Months,
measure the sickness which prevails at seasons , to the want of energy and activity in the people . Mr . Heap ' s journal of an expedition to California , * for the purpose of making arrangements for the better protection and colonization of the Indian tribes , is an interesting work . The journey alone lasted 100 days , the direct distance being 1 , 900 miles , extended to upwards of 2 , 500 , from the difficulty of obtaining supplies . Although this volume is wanting
, perhaps , in the recital of perilous adventure , the journey seems to have been attended Avith considerable risk and some positive danger—the Indian tribes not being very sincere in their manifestations of friendship . The account , however , precise and particular as it is on topographical matters , would serve as an excellent companion or guide-book for any one bent on taking a trans-continental trip to explore the Rocky mountain , or trace the source of the mighty Colorado and its tributaries . We have
another work by an American , on the " Valley of the Amazon , " an exploration undertaken , we are afraid to say , with some ideas of ultimate annexation . Mr . Herndon , too , has some very decided notions on the subject of slavery , deeming compulsory labour the only kind fit for southern climes in that hemisphere . Some time ago we noticed an account of an explanation of this glorious river by a Mr . Wallace . In all essentials , and indeed in the natural capability and richness of the countries which this river waters , both travellers agree . The climate is healthy , and the
navigation , although now difficult , presents no difficulties which an application of engineering skill could not easily overcome . " A Volunteer ' s Indian Scramble , " f is a lively , amusing book , somewhat too lengthy perhaps , but nevertheless interesting and very readable . Mr . James , who , by-the-bye , is the friend and companion in arms of Major Edwardes , is a good hand at descriptions , and paints war-scenes with a soldier ' s brush . He was present at the siege of Moultan , served in the Punjauband indeed everywhere else where he could learn there was a
, chance of hard knocks , distinction , or promotion . Interspersed with some graphic accounts of journeys and expeditions undertaken in search of game , and some well-drawn pictures of the exotic nature by which the traveller was surrounded , and through which his path lay for weeks together . With an eye for nature Lieut . James seems to have made good use of his time , and his accounts of hill-stations , mountain-passes , and river scenery are really excellent . We cordially reeommend the book to
our readers who are anxious to get an insight into Indian life , such as it is—in the camp , and on the march either after Afghans or tigers . Of a very different description is the production of our sweetly effeminate friend Henry E . Chorley . J We do not mean to be personal . We do not even pretend to the acquaintance of Mr . Chorley , and still less should we presume to his friendship . But his book is effeminate ; his descriptions are effeminate : and in spite of externals , the author must himself be effeminate to have written it . Not but what " Modern German Music " is a decidedly clever book ; and where Mr . Chorley forgets him-