The Sun.
London, England, 1860-03-09 00:00:00

MISCELLANEOUS MAGAZINES.

The Eclectic has a lengthened article on Mr.
Darwin's celebrated work on the origin of species,
The theories set forward in that remarkable book
are thoroughly examined and discussed. Thomas
A'Becket forms the subject of another paper, which
gives a succinct summary of the story of the am-
bitious Archbishop. A memorial paper on the
eminent essayist and historian whom England hat
lately lost, pays an earnest tribute to his memory.
The National Magazine maintains its i►.riproved
character. Mr. Roebuck is this month, the subject
of the Parliamentary sketch dr'.wn by the able
hand of the editor. Mr. Copping continues his
novel of " Sundown," and other tales are given,
with several miscellaneous papers of varying merits.
The woodcuts are somewhat improved ; among
them is an engraving of the charming picture of
an Avenue which was lately exhibited. 7he
Church of England Monthly Review is an excellent
periodical, of sound religious principles, which was
much wanted by members of the Established
Church. An article on " Practical Preaching" has
much in it worth reading. This magazine is by no
means prejudiced or narrow-minded in its charac-
ter; and although, of course, chiefly devoted to the
consideration of religious questions, it is not devoid
of topics of literary and social interest. Once a-
eek offers its usual varieiy of contents. Thd
prominent feature in the monthly part is the com-
mencement of a new tale ley George Meredith. We
cannot compliment the author of the story entitled
"The Pythagorean," for, although certainly origi-
nal, the repulsive horrors of the tale could only
suit a morbid taste. Many animated sketches, on
a wide range,of subjects, are to be found in this
number. The keen practical sense of Miss Marti-
neau,
and the lively pen of Samuel Lover, are also
pressed into the service. Good Mords is a new
religious periodical, of a very able character. The
circulation of the earlier nuuibers is reported to
have been immense. Newton's London Journal has
its usual articles on current events, affecting the
patent laws, and an extensive list of recent
patents, together with the reports of scientific in-
stitutions, and lists of grants under the new law.
I e Follet is full of startling changes in ladies'
toilettes, which, as usual, it sets before us with all
the attractions of art and taste. Messrs. Longman
continue their people's edition of Moore's Memoirs,
abridged from the first edition. It is to be com-
pleted in ten monthly parts, of which the third is
now ready. The cheap edition of Moore's National
Airs has now reached a conclusion, and we heartily
commend it to all musical amateurs, for the excel-
lence and variety of its contents, and the modera-
tion of its price.

LIVERPOOL, Wednesday.—The Montreal Ocean
Steamship Company's screw-steamer North Briton sailed
to-day for Portland, with the United States' and Canadian
mails and passengers. The Liverpool, Philadelphia, and
New York Company's steamer City of Manchester sailed
the same day for New York, with mails for the Unitel
States and 100 passengers. On Saturday next the Cunard
mail steamship Canada will be despatched for New York
with the mails for the United States and North America.
Letters may be pasted till 9 a.m., and via Queenstown till
9.30 p.m,
KENSINGTON-GARDENS.—A writer in a contem•
porary says : —The advocates of the suspended plan for
spoiling Kensington-gardens, and tampering with the evils
of the Serpentine, appear to be endeavouring to support
that plan by allegations that the method adopted in the
similar case of St. James's-park has failed to supply pure
water. It is true that the water in the western parts of the
lake in St. James's-park is often impure, and almost always
stagnant. But what is the cause ? A piece of stupidity,
which must be seen to ba credited,n,was perpetrated there.
large quantity of beautiful water, clear as crystal, is
pumped from Duck Island into the lake; but, instead of
entering the lake at its upper end, and passing from the lake
at its lower end, the fresh water is poured into the lake
within a few yards of the place of exit. The consequence, of
course, is, that the cleanest, instead of the dirtiest, water is
constantly running away into the sewers, and the upper part
of the lake retaiva its contents almost without change.
Letters from Valparaiso.of the 14th of January
state that Chili continues quiet, and that business ha, lately
been active. The Caatow-house revenue for 18593 not-
withstanding the iatortuption to commerce caused at the
begbaninvf the year by flab revolutionary movements, is
§Wrii BlYg ex`:.eCled that of 1858 by about £60,Q00.