The Sun.
London, England, 1851-03-10 00:00:00

MAGAZINES, &.c.—(CONTINUED.)
SII.4RPE'S.
Sharpe's Magazine now hulds a conspicuous place
among the most excelitnt of the lighter periodicals.
Well-written criticisuts and attractive fictions are
constantly to be found in its pages. "The House-
hold of Sir Thomas More." by the authoress of that
charming biography of'' Mary Powell," has just been
commenced; " Lewis Arundel" is drawing to a con-
clusion (and is also now making its appearance in
montnly parts in a separate form). A very in-
teresting article on " Africa," and a delightful
biography of Benjamin Franklin, are to be found in
this number, as also the commencement of an analy-
sis of the popular new work " Lavengro."

KNIGHT'S SERIAL PUBLICATIONS.
The monthly issues of the various serial publica-
tions of the indefatigable and enterprising Charles
Knight continue to deserve those commendations
which we have from time to time bestowed upon
them. Here, for the moderate sum of one shilling,
we have a beautifully printed and illustrated edition
of the Merchant of Venice, forming Part X. of
Knight's Pictorial Shahspere, and the conclusion of
the tirst volume oft hat valuable work. This first
volume, which contains the comedies of the im-
mortal dramatist, being thus brought to a conclusion,
at the very moment of Mr. Macready's retirement
from the stage, is very appropriately dedicated by Mr.
Knight to his fellow- labourer " in the honest endeavour
to diffuse more widely a more intimate knowledge,
and with that a deeper love of our great poet's works."
—lialf-Hours with the Best Authors presents us this
month with Crabbe's beautiful poem " Yes, there are
real mourners"—with a glimpse of " Sancho
P,lnza"—with some artistic observations by Sir
Joshua Reynolds—with Sir Philip Sydney's
defence of poesy—with extracts from Bulwer,
and Boccaccio, and Humboldt, and Ben Jonson
and many, and equally various, others ; nor must we
omit to particularize " The Duel," that most beau-
tirul and truly pathetic account of the death of poor
Lord Frederick Verisopht, so familiar to all the
readers of " Nicholas Nickleby." Full of cordial
and delightful eulogium are the introductory remarks
to this extract—to leave out the name of Charles
Dickens in a collection from the works of the best
authors, says Mr. Knight, " would be akin to the
famous omission in the Roman procession."—The
Pictorial Half-Hours, the Cyclopedia of Industry,
the Cyclopedia of London, and Knight's Excursion
Companion, are all in their several ways excellent,
and admirably well adapted to supply fitting infor-
mation to the stranger in London or the excursionist
in the country.

GENTLEMAN'S.
The opening paper of this number, on the
present state of English Historical Literature, ex-
poses the management of the State Paper-office as
one of such carelessness as regards the custody of im-
portant historical documents, and such obstructive-
ness to the efforts of those who have to consult them,
as to call imperatively for immediate interference ; we
trust that the attention of Parliament will be directed
to this important subject. Mr. Peter Cunningham
continues the interesting story of Nell Gwyn ; it is
brought down in the present instalment to the period
when Nelly quitted the stage. We have also some
newly discovered poems by Bishop Hall, and an ad-
mirable article on Socrates, besides several valuable
notices of recently published works and papers on
several antiquarian and genealogical subjects.

DOUGLAS JERROLD'S WORKS.
The number of this month contains another in-
stalment of " St. Giles's and St. James's."

CHRISTOPHER TADPOLE. By Albert Smith.
Another instalment of the reprint of this popular
tale has appeared this month.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Every month in noticing Ainsworth's we have to
particularise as its most excellent portions the bold
colouring and romantic design of the "Lancashire
Witches" and the practical good sense which charac-
terises the sketches of E. P. Rowsell.—The Sports-
man this month has a capital illustration—'` The
Bay Beat!" The beaten horse is still straining
every nerve, but the desperation visible in its eye
tells that it is conscious its efforts are hopeless.
Among the literary contents of the Sportsman is an
article by Harry Hieover on those all-important qua-
lifications " Tact and Taste."—The Farmer's Ma-
gazine, in addition to various original papers, gives
the article " On the Progress of Agricultural Know-
ledge during the last Eight Years," by Mr. Pusey,
illustrated by Professor Dove's chart, which appeared
in the Journal of the Royal agricultural Society.—
The London Journal of Inventions, as usual, abounds
in admirably well executed engravings of new
patent inventions.—Among the religious periodicals,
the Church of England Magazine preserves its
usual features ; the Rambler contains some well-
written articles, one in reference to Lord John Rus-
sell's Bill, is entitled " How shall we meet the Pro-
testant Aggression ?" A little brochure, called " A
Monthly Packet of Evening Readings for Younger
Members of the English Church, is likely to prove
both interesting and useful for young readers. It
contains fictitious tales, and religious instruction
written in a simple and attractive manner.—The series
of Penny Maps is continued in undiminished ex-
cellence.—The Belle Assemblee, under the judicious
management of Mrs. Newton Crosland, presents us
with a variety of pleasing tales and thoughtful criti-
cisms. In this number is an excellent article from the
pen of the editress.—Le Follet continues to preserve
its place as the most graceful exponent of fashion.
—Mrs. Ellis's Morning Call is chiefly rendered inte-
resting by the story of the Editress, " Self-deception ;
or, the History of a Human Heart." Some portions
of this tale are beautifully written. A sketch on
" Interesting People" in this number is worth reading.
—Chambers s Journal continues to maintain its high
character, and a selection of excellent articles under
the head of Chambers's Papers for the People,
neatly bound, which from time to time makes its ap-
pearance, increases the already weighty claims of the
Messrs. Chambers on the gratitude of the reading
public.—The People's Journal gives us an agreeable
variety of prose and poetry.—The Colonial Magazine
contains an interesting article on "The Present Sys-
tem of British Ernigration."—The Naturalist, a
monthly magazine illustrative of the animal, vege-
table, and mineral kingdonds, has this month made its
first appearance.

ROYAL MARINES.—PLYMOUTH, MARCH B.—C6
Commandant William Fergusson has, at his own request,
much to the regret of all ranks, retired, on the full pay list,
from the command of this division, after a service of up-
wards of half a century. His commission as a second lieute-
nant is dated Sept. 10, 1798 ; from which time up to 1829
he engaged in several severe actions, and received many dan-
gerous wounds. He was at the capture of Admiral Perrie's
squadron from Egypt, when in the pursuit of the French and
Spanish fleet, in 1799 ; was at the blockade of Molts, when
the Genereux and part of ker convoy was captured; in the
Queen Charlotte, when burnt oil' Leghorn ; and remained
three hours in the water, eighteen miles from the main land,
and received a severe wound in his breast from p h
art of the
wreck. In the numerous engagements in whic he subse-
quently took part he had many hair-breadth escapes, and
was instrumental on more than one occasion in turning the
tide of fortune in favour of his own service. He was pro-
moted to the rank of first lieutenant on the 29th of April,
1804 ; captain, 23d of February, 1814 ; brevet-major, 10th of
January, 1837 ;lieutenant-colonel, 10th of July, 1837 ; co-
lonel, second commandant, 9th of November, 1846; colonel-
commandant, 3d of April, 1849. He retires from the divi-
sion with tLe good wishes of all who have been in any way
conneted with him.
CINTOM'S FACILITIES IN SOUTHWARK. --- There
has been for some time past a movement on the part of the
wharfingers and others interested in the trade of the south
side of the Thames, with a view to obtain from the Govern-
ment increased customs facilities in regard to the landing
and warehousing
stating that, in reply to the memorials of the merchants on
of goods. We have the satisfaction of
the subject, the Government has consented to restore too these
wharfs the privileges of landing and warehousing freign
goods, with but one cr two exceptions.
THE ARMY AND NAVY CLUB HOUSE.—The oar-
case or shell of the building cost 18,500/. (Mr. Trego con-
tractor); the interior cost 16,500/. (Messrs. Smith and
Appleford contractors); in all 35,000/. exclusive of the fit-
tings. The comparatively small plot of land on which it
stands has cost the club 52,000/, and the total expenditure
may be called, in round numbers, 100,000/ —Builder.
IRISH WIT.—At the Theatre Royal Dublin, lately,
one of the " gods' called for a cheer for ex-mayor (Reynolds)
when a wag in the pit immediately called for another cheer
for the double X Mayor (Guinness), which caused a roar of
laughter.
A company has been formed for the manufacture of
sugar from beet-root in Ireland. They have secured all the
patents for improved methods of manufacture, and contem-
plate operations on a large scale.
The unfortunate woman, Mrs. Smith, who was
so much burned on Friday night, at No. 23, Skinner-street,
Clerkenw ell, expired during yesterday from the effects of the
injuries she had received.
SIR JAMES MATHESON AND THE LEWIS FISHINGS.
—We have pleasure in quoting from the Banffshire Jour-
nal:—" Sixteen boats have left Buckle and Purtknockie to
pursue the haddock and cod fishing off the island of Lewis.
Two of the crews have been engaged partly for the pur-
pose of instructing the native fishermen in the proper
mode of pursuing those branches of the fishery. They
have been engaged for this purpose by a Banffshire curer,
who intends, if encouragement offers, to settle permanently
in the island. He has received every countenance from the
spirited proprietor, Sir James Matheson, who is sensible of
' the great benefit that would be conferred on the island,
were the population instructed in the best means of taking
advantage of the store of wealth lying around their
shores."
ORIGIN OF HAUL/ QUINS.—In a note to his trans-
lation of Priscus' "1-listory f the Embassy sent to Attila by
Theodosius the Younger" (Hist. CiviEz. app. iii., vol. ii., p.
430, Bougue's edit. European Library), M. Guizot remarks,
alluding to the appearance of Zercho, a Moor, at Attila's
feast Is it not singular to find an harlequin at the court
of Attila? Yet such is the origin of these buffoons. The
colour of the black slaves, the strangeness of their face and
manners, caused them to be sought after as excellent
ministers of mirth ; to complete the singularity, Zercho asks
his wife at the hands of Attila, closely paralleling Harlequin
I demanding Columbine."... Notes and Queries.