The Sun.
London, England, 1854-04-20 00:00:00

HAY MARKETS.

SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, 2/ 15s to 5l Os ;
.clover
ditto, 3/ 15s to 61 Os ; •and straw, 11 16s to 21.2 s per load.
A. moderate supply, and a sluggish demand:
'-CultunaL424l3.--.llleadow hay, 21 16s to 51 5s ; clover
ditto, 3/.15s to 610 s; and straw, 1/ 16s to 21 4.14 per ]oad.
Supply good, and trade rather dull.
W RITEOLUPEL.—Ideadow hay, 21 15s to Si Os; clover
ditto, 3/ 15s to 6/ 6s ; and straw, 1116 s to 21 2s per load.
Trade rather dull.

MEAT MARKETS.
NIVIGATIO AND LEADENHALL.—The general demand
was steady, at this market to-day, as follows
Beef, from .-3s Od to 4s 4d ; Mutton, 3s 4d. to 4s. 4d ;
Lamb, 5s 4d to 6s &I; Veal, 3s 10d to 58 4d ; Pork, 3s 4d
to 4s 8d per 81bs, by the carcase.
SOUTHALL, APRIL 19:—The general demand ruled
steady at this day's market, at full quotations, which
were—Beef, from 3s 4d to 4s 2d ; Mutton, 3s Gd to
5.1 0,1; Lamb, 5s 4d to 6s 8d ; Veal, 3s 10d to 5s Od
Pork, 38 4d to 4s 6d per 81bs, to sink the offals.
ROMFORD, APRIL 19.—T0-day's market was 'well sup-
plied with each kind of stock, at fair request, as fol-
lows :—Beef, from 3s 2d to 4s 2d ; Mutton, 3s 6d
to 5s Od ; Lamb, 53 6d to 7s Od.; Veal, 3s 8d to 5s Od. ;
Pork, 3s 4d to 48 6d per 81bs. Quarter old. Store Pigs,
21s to 27s each.

LITERATURE.

The Physical ,Atlas. Part I: By Alexander Keith
Johnston. A new and enlarged edition. Black-
wood. _ _ _

This costly and remarkable work partakes of
something more than the dignity of a national pro-
duCtion. It extends .in importance beyond the
limits of 'our own vast empire, and embraces the
whole globe in- the grasp of its comprehensive
delineation. Alexander Keith Johnston is already
known to the world as one of the most experienced,
one of the most skilled, and one of the most accom-
plished of modern geographers. He has in the
production, of which the instalment before us is the
reissue, placed the crown upon his scientific -repu-
tation. If in so doing he has not, actually enlarged
the boundaries of human knowledge, he has at any
rate wonderfully systematised it. Ile has thereby
completed a movement in the general scheme of
education so marked, so important, so thoroughly
and actually appreciable, that a new department of
study has been introduced into the schools of En,
land, of India, and, of America, since the date of
the work's original publication Than this, per-‘
haps,
,"there. never has .been a. more brilliant tribute'
of admiration spontaneously offered by the oust();
dians-Of learning to aoyo.ltume restricting its attrac-
tions -to the varietyngfei snitnforiztion. and to the
novelty of its
been rewarded for his labours in
thre. Johnston has
production of
"The Physical Atlas,' by the earnest commenda-
.
tion of some of the 6,eatest intellects u g his
-
contemporaries—by the eniogi s of-Baron al°
uni
boldt, the venerable author of Cosmos, those
also of Mrs: Somerville, a woman who . t
and b
is clone°
-what Madame de Stael was to-Literature.
The scope of the work is almost as remarkable as
as its novelty. Its novelty is such that it is avow-
edly the first work of its class ever produced in the
United Kingdom, while it is essentially different in
many respects;" in its construction, as well as in its
subject-matter and appearance," from anything of
(speaking within limits) a similar kind already
printed on the Continent, Its scope,' again, has
been, in some sort, admirably indicated in one
large sentence in the prospectus. The sentence
runs as follows :—" Its (The Physica/ Atlas's)-ob-
ject is to exhibit and explain, in a popular and at-
tractive manner, the results of the discoveries and
researches of travellers and philosophers in all the
important branches of Natural Science, embracing
an investigation into the laws which regulate the
formation of the surface of the globe, the succes-
sive changes which this surface has undergone, the
varied influences of climate and temperature to
which it is subjected, the effects of these several
conditions on the existing species of plants and
animals, as exemplified in their geographical
distribution, and the combined action of
the whole on the present races, national cha-
racteristics, means of subsistence, commercial
pursuits, religious peculiarities, health and pro-
gressive improvement of man." So that the " Phy-
sical Atlas" really does embrace all the branches
of natural philosophy. It really refers, besides
geography, to botany, zoology, ethnology, geology,
and meteorology : having regard also, strange
though it, may seem at a superficial glance, to sub-
jects of an ethical, a sanitary, and alinercantile cha-
racter—not overlooking in all this broad range
the science of political Government. Completed
in its original form, " The Physical Atlas" led, as
we have before intimated, to the opening of a new
branch in the general system of education—in other
words, conduced directly to the introduction of
the study of physical geography. The supervision
of a work of so vast and manifold a character would
have necessitated in its editor, of course, the
knowledge not only of a skilful geographer, but
the comprehensive and all-embracing erudition of
an encyclopt-edaist. Mr. Johnston from the out-
set- contrived to overcome the whole of the more
important difficulties in the way of any such new
and hitherto unattempted compilation by calling
to his aid such men as Sir David Brewster and.
Sir Roderick Murchison. Assisted by the ad-
vice of these and 'other gifted collaborateurs, the
author of " The Physical Atlas " was ulti-
mately enabled to complete his great work in a
manner that commanded on all sides an unani-
mous expreSsion of satisfaction.- Expensive
though the work necessarily was from its very na-
ture, as well as from its novelty, we cannot feel in
any way surprised that already the first edition of
it should have been exhausted. Another, and a yet
more splendid edition, has for some- time been
announced as forthcoming. Within the last few
days it has actually commenced its periodical ap-
pearance. Already we have taken occasion care-
fully to examine the initial part, or first instalment
of the republication. And every essential re-
spect we find the work giving ample promise of
proving itself worthy of its author's reputation,
and of the Messrs. Blackwood's establishment. It
is not unworthy of being inscribed to Baron Hum-
boldt. It is almost worthy of the science of which
in its original form it may be said to have
been inaugurative. Part I. contains three of
the magnificent plates of the "Physical Atlas,"
brilliantly but delicately coloured, and accompa-
nied by explanatory letterpress, Firstly, there is
the one representing -the distribution of Marine
Life, compiled by the learned President of the
Geological Society, Professor Edward Forbes.
Secondly, there is the one displaying to us at a
glance the Mountain Systems of Europe, con-
structed on the basis of contour lines by Dr. H.
Bergaus and Mr. A. K. Johnston. Thirdly, there
is one portraying the geographical distribution of
the Currents of Air, Trade Winds, Hurricanes,
&c., With their effects on navigation—an elaborate
engraving; prepared directly under the author's
personal and 'minute supervision. When com-
pleted, the new edition of "The Physical Atlas" will
be accompanied by a comprehensive and elaborately
compiled index, affording every facility for instant
reference._ In commending this remarkable work,
and that, moreover, in the strongest terms of eulo-
gium, we are conscious that we are speaking of a
volume distinguished by no ordinary merits, but
really and truly of a phenomenon among publica-
tions.

Nanette and her Lovers. By Talbot Gwynne,
author of " The School for Fathers," the ' Life
and Death of Silas Barnstarke," &c. Smith
and Elder.

Many times before now has the author of this
work appeared before the public, and he has
generally met with great success. It is not likely
that "Nanette" will deteriorate from his renown or
fall short•cf its predecessors in attaining a reputa-
tion. The whole course of the narrative is natural
and life-like; everything .is in keeping with the
events in question. Although only peasants are
before us as dramatis personw, and the, chief por
tion of the scenes is laid in a retired village in
France, at the'time of the revolution. It would be
difficult to suppose a more pleasing sketch, or a
more interesting heroine than the simple Nanette.
Charpentier is
_amusing at the first part ofthe story;
and even afterwards, when he has degeneratedinto
a ganibler and a drunkard, he holds out a warning,
and presents a fit consummation to so despicable
a career.. Arfene is a very admirable cha-
racter, but he is not so striking a portrait
as either his . rival or the object of their at-
tachment. A very amusing and ludicrous little
individual figures in these pages in the person
of Daridollo, whose conceit • and cowardice about
equalled each other. Several stirring passages
appear; in which:some of the military exploits in
Italy. under Napoleon aro ably recounted. The
chief charm and_ engrossing interest will not he
found in the gay city or the glorious, battle plain,
biit will hover around and centre. in the calm and
peaceful spot Where dwelt- the heroine. Nanette's
•
whole' life was a harder fight than any that the
faithleSS lover had to ',wage against. the enemies in
the field, but she passed. through every trial the
better,and the purer. The only consolation, when I
every earthly hold seemed falling from her, was the
.Saying of her beloved cure, who had perished in the
revolution, that, if not now, at least hereafter, all
would be for the good of the righteous. It was
given to the faithful follower of his precepts, how-
ever, to find, even in this world, that her suffer-
ings wore the end her greatest blessings, and
'.that the source of her sorrow was, at last the cui
gin of the love and happiness
crow' ned the
meridian of her life. After a stormy and a sultry
noon, the evening of her day was peace. The fol-
lowing passage describesv one of the most painful of
giving Nanette's trials.---c, g up her cruel lover. The
scene is in a mud cottage, but feeling and devotion
invest it with a romance, and the heroism of self-
sacrifice throws a halo over the day-dream of the
peasant maiden :

" Nanette sat alone in her little bed-room ; the sweet
scent of woodbine spreading through it from the open
window.

" She was slowly and carefully writing her last letter
to Antoine ; the visionary. Antoine of her heart ; a being
who would never see it : it would be read by the real
Antoine ; a creature of whom Nanette would never have
been able to form the least idea. How little she ima-
gined, when she had with such delight and perseverance
learnt to write under the teaching of Maitre Charpentier,
in order that she might correspond with her fiance; how
little she then imagined that she should ever write such
a letter as the one she was now engaged upon.
" Nanette's task was finished ; she read her work over,
folded it, and directed it in her best hand.
" She then listened: Her mother was sleeping-, and
Nanette softly descended the ladder into the room below.
There she opened her oak chest, from which she took
the silver cap she was to have worn at her wedding.
Ten years had passed away since that wedding was to
have taken place ; and the silver embroidery of the cap,
despite Nanette's care, was somewhat tarnished : besides
which, the lace and muslin had grown rather yellow.
" She looked too on her wedding garments ; thinking,

as she did se,- on ptist',scenes, -arld'77t feelings, now
for-ever gone.
" Nanette took the cross, Maitre Charpentier's gift,
from the paper and cotton in which it reposed. The
gold was as bright as ever ; shining brilliantly beneath
the light of Nanette's candle.
" Ah !' she thought, as she looked on it, the things
of heaven remain for ever bright and lasting, whilst
those of earth tarnish and pass away.'
" Nanette slowly returned the cross to its envelope ;
little wotting, that her mind had entertained a poetic
sentiment. -
" Then she took the packet of Antoine's letters from
the chest : letters so carefully preserved-; whilst her's
to Antoine had served him to show off, and to light
pipes with. Not one of Nanette's was then in ex-
istence.
" She reed the first and the last of theie epistles, and
shed many tears over them ; then locking up her chest,
she sought her bed with a sad heart, yet with an ap•
proving conscience.
" On awaking the following morning, Nanette took
from beneath her pilkkw, the letter she had written the
night before.. Having read it over; several times, she
found nothing to alter, either in that, or her resolution.
" Nanette left the letter with her mother ; begging
her to read it and -think ever-the step she was about to
-take, whilst she'yroceeded to her hard work in the corn-
field.- ,
" In the-course of that -day, the tears often stole down
her-brown cheeks as she reaped ; but - she strengthened
ler heart by 'reflecting that she was obeying the voice
of her
_conscience :.a voice which, from childhood, she
had reskied Should never call to her'in vain.
" Everithing is for the best to the righteous ; if not
in this world, at least in that which is to come.' "

The Heir of Vallis. By William Matthews. 3 vols.
Smith and Elder.
.This is not an ordinary work ; in fact it is out of
'the usual range of romances, and differs essentially
from the stories of the present day.. Its plot is
exceedingly intricate, and the personages are so
numerous that it is with difficulty that the reader
can remember all the varying interests and con-
flicting claims at once. It is arranged with great
skill, and the many striking scenes and effective
tableaux that appear are shadowed forth with most
artistic power. It is impossible to give an account
of the story, for it could not be done in a 'summary
sketch. It is sufficient to say that the long-lost
and deeply-lamented heir is in disguise for many
years, and hence all sorts of falie stories are abroad
in regard to his disappearance. Two old county'
families--the Nevilles and the Napiers--live near
each other, and are on friendly terms. However
it is in consequence of the weakness of the father'
and the vice of the son, in the house of Neville,
that all the calamity befals the heir of Vallis, which
is the name of the Napiers' property. An Italian
woman is introduced into these eventful pageS, who
is filled with all the burning jealousy and vindic-
tive spirit of revenge that forms the worst feature
of the children of her land. In the. wonders and
mysteries before us, the most interesting person is
the Captain Currary, who is also under an assumed
name, and figures as " Langton" before his un.
known cousins. It is to be questioned if many.
would not prefer a less brilliant work, provided it
were easier to ,peruse, and less awful in some of its
details and descriptions. It must not be taken up
to beguile a few spare hours, or resorted to as an
amusing subject for a wearied mind ; but to those
who can appreciate and admire the evidence of un-
deniable talent in construction and composition
these pages will afford a desirable study.

Doint ; or, the Songs and 4egends of Roumania.
By E. Grenville Murray. Smith, Elder, and
Co.

The universal excitement which has recently
Prevailed respecting the fate of the provinces of
Moldavia and Wallachia will probably lend to this
collection of their national songs and legends an
extrinsic interest. Indeed, to most readers, the
introduction will prove the most :attractive part of
the volume. A slight sketch of the early history
of the country is given. Flaving been long op-
pressed and miSgoverned, t4eip was no literature
except a few religious treatises. The fashionable
_language was a_mixture of Sela.vonic, Greek, Turk-
ish, and Latin, but the ancient Rouman dialect
was still -to be Ind among the lower classes. But
forty years ago a change took place. - The national
language, which is Sc soft-and, musicaLas .to have
been called the golden tongue, was revived, and.
ni -any writers have contributed to it. But, un-
happily,, the censorship is 'severe, and after 1848
almost all 'poets; historians, or novelists, indeed
almost all authors Of any: class, were banished.
Of this class, of political refugees and exiles
the author writes with much earnestness and feel-
ing. Excepting the Red Republicans and such
characters, he asserts that it is some of the best and
bravest of foreign lands who are houseless banished
wanderers. He remarks on their unforiunate po-
sition, and the difficulty which all foreigners ex-
perience in finding employment, and that the edu-
cation of the higher classes abroad is extremely
unpractical.
The legends are something of the, imaginative
and allegorical kind of eastern romances. They'
are graceful and poetical, :with much similarity be-
tween them. As a specimen of a literature almost
unknown to us they present a striking novelty.