The Sun.
London, England, 1849-02-08 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS EVE.

This is a beautiful little tale translated from the
German. It will prove an agreeable and valuable
addition to many a juvenile library. Little Anton,
the hero, a poor friendless child, is on a Christmas
eve received into a benevolent family, and ultimately
becomes a great painter, and proves the benefactor in
their day of need of his early benefactors. The story
is more interesting than the generality of such tales.

FIRST STEPS TO ZOOLOGY. By R.

Patterson.

This little volume, as its name indicates,
teaches the rudiments of zoology. It is em-
bellished with more than two hundred illustrations,
and while the letter-press can give instruction in a
valuable sense to youths of all ages, the pictures will
render it invaluable in the nursery. Insects, birds,
beasts, fishes, and reptiles, are here both depicted and
described. There are few studies so generally in-
teresting to children as that of the animal kingdom,
and for young and old there is scarcely a more bene-
ficial subject of inquiry than the admirable wonders
of nature.

GARDENING FOR CHILDREN. By the

Rev. C. A. Johns.

A delightful little book, written in a very interest-
ing manner, and containing pictures and descriptions
of a variety of flowers, with minute directions for the
juvenile florist. Neither is the kitchen garden nor
the tool-house forgotten. As spring advances all
children who have the happiness of possessing "gar-
dens of their own"—and for a child such a possession
is a happiness—will, we doubt not, be most grateful
to the kind friends who may present them with a
copy of Mr. John's " Gardening for Children."

FINE ARTS.
THE ART JOURNAL.

In fulfilment of its ambitious programme for 1849,
the Art Journal continues its series of engravings
from the original paintings in the Vernon Gallery.
For February, we have a representation, by R.
Staines, of Leslie's " Sancho and the Duchess," one
of the most conspicuous and attractive productions in
the whole collection. And, in addition to this gro-
tesque incident, from "Don Quixote," there is an en-
graved copy of Stanfield's " Venice." Roffe's plate
of the " Blue Bell," from the basso-relievo of West-
macott, is exquisitely beautiful. There are also, as
among the " pa3sages from the poets," two excellent
woodcuts, in illustration of the " Sluggard's Home,"
by Dr. Watts, and of " The White Doe of
Rylstone," by Wordsworth. The most interesting
contribution in the number, however, is that relating
to the career of the great French painter, Paul
Delaroche, portraying, among his works, his
chaste and masterly embodiment. of " Fame."
the " Execution of Lady Jane Grey ;" and his cele-
brated group of "The Young Sons of Edward con-
fined in the Tower." Two clever wood engravings
bring vividly before us the faces of Sir William
Charles Ross, the distinguished miniature painter,
and of John Henry Foley, whose youthful labours
have already placed him in the very foremost rank
among the most eminent sculptors of the age. Mrs.
S. C. Hall makes a pilgrimage to " The Tomb of
Thomas Gray," the account of her wanderings about
Stoke Pogis being embellished with sketches from the
faithful and picturesque pencil of Mr. Fairholt. The
same industrious artist resumes his serial description
of ancient ships. Of all the original designs for
manufacturers, the most dainty are those for the gas-
bracket, the wine glass, and the decanter—the de-
canter especially. The door-handle appears to us
rather painful than otherwise. Altogether the Art
Journal has not degenerated.

JEvrs' WESTERN FREE SCHOOL FOR BOTS.--A
ball in aid of the funds of this excellent institution took
place last night at Willis's Rooms. It was well attended,
and dancing
was kept up with spirit till a late hour.
We are authorised to contradict the announcement
that appeared in the morning papers of Monday, stating
that Mrs. Nesbitt was about to become lessee of the Strand
Theatre.