The Sun.
London, England, 1859-01-06 00:00:00

LITEP.ATURE.

Colburn's United Sertdee' Magazine.
There is au interesting article on Madagascar,
which alludes to the probable French expedition
there which engaged•public attention a short time
ago. lt is said that little is known concerning it,
, " and yet many details of its history.are interesting.,
the-country itself beautiful and fertile, and invested
by Arabian tradition with the -halo 'of -romantic
fiction." An entertaining account is given of the
island and the various customs that prevail there.
In conclysion, it is Said—"ln the short sketch that
'we have thus presented to- our readers; one fact
rises prothinently.to notice, that • barbarous as the
Malagasy may be, there instill in his idiosyncrasy
An. element of improvemtnt that. cannot fail to
awaken our sy mpathies,and raise our hopes :that,
in time to come, when princes -suCh as Radama
shall hnve arisen up amsongst them, their island
may no longer be' an almost unknown spot, but a
place where civilisation may flourish, and Christia-
nity lead the natives to a high and noble destiny.?
In some remarks made on the Anglo-Indian armies
it is stated that a great difference existed in the
'discipline 'obServed in the Bengal and Madras
armies, and that while the disaffection was general
in the Bengal, scarcely a whisper was raised against
the Madras army ; hence it is argued that while
the extremes•of rigidity and laxity are to be avoided,
a,severe discipline is certainly the safest, in pre-
sence of corrupting influences and mutiny." " The
Azimghur Field Force" is continued; the accounts
are forcibly given, and the writer promises to pre-
sent the public with another instalment on a future
occasion,, We also meet with "A Narrative of a
Residence in China," which gives an account of the
operations before, and capture of, the city of Can-
ton, in. December, 1857—a subject which is suitable
fora the present time. In common with many other
periodicals, this magazine contains an article on
".lapan and the Japanese," in which, after entering
into various descriptions and details relative to the
place,,it- is observed that the Japanese are a pro-
gressive people, but neither more virtuous nor
more innocent than we are, and that those who are
pleased .with the accounts of their simplicity may
rest assured that " there is no danger of the Asiatic
islanders being corrupted by the English."

The Mechanics' Magazine.

This valuable magazine has been enlarged and
improved, and somewhat altered in size and shape:
While restricting itself to the circulation of scien-
tific news and information, it is now more suited to
the comprehension of the uninformed or inexperi-
enced reader. It has been condensed and classified,
and the valuable intelligence it always contained
is presented in a clearer and simpler form. At
the same time its scientific value has been increased
rather than diminished, and it is rendered more
comprehensive in its character, which is proved
by its new sub-title of " Journal of Engineering,
Agricultural Machinery, Manufactures, and Ship-
building." The number of branches of practical
science which it thus includes is considerably
increased, a fact that will no doubt widen its circle
of readers in proportion. We quote a paragraph
froM the Editorial address :

" More than thirty-five years have passed since the first
number of the Mechanics' Magazine appeared, with its
memoir of James Watt—its diagram of two solemn brick-
layers in a diving-bell—its portrait of a winged enthusiast
flying in the air (downwards, of course)—its cure for a
cold—its Tantalus's cup, with a despairing Tantalus in it
—and its poetical Address to a Blacksmith on his birthday!
Very small and very crude was that first three-penny sheet,
with its sixteen pages only, poetry included. .But
and crude as it was, it proved to be the beginning of a pub-
whiCh has unquestionably exerted great influences
Upon modem science—him formed the model for scientific
journalists throughout the world—and has now taken a
novel form, only that it may give a fuller development to
the energy which belongs to it. Nor was that first number
the •precursor of great literary influences alone. For
in its pages, Mr. Robertson, its founder and editor;
took the lead in the establishment of the Loridoa
Mechanics' Institution; and virtually of all • those
kindred institutions which now. abound in the land.
All the friends of the magazine were of late, however;
agreed in believing that thetinfe had come when a change
in its form and size was eminently desirable. Its page was
too contracted for the engravings of many modern machines,
and its literary department afforded' insufficient scope for all
the demands of modern science. A want of a weekly
scientific paper, handy in size, copious in information, and
sound and reliable in its teachings was felt ; and we were
looked to as the most proger persons to supply the want:
We have wide:l-taken the task cheerfully, and the mere pre-
Ihninary announcement of our intention in the matter has
brought us so :much support that our success: is already
assured. We hope and believe that this first number of our
new series will confirm our present friends in their friend!.
ship ,for us, and bring us many riew ones." .

It only remains for us to commend this new and
improved series to the favour of the public, and to
assurethem that they will findthe:quality. of the
paper, type, and. all minor arrangements, fully
commensurate with, the improved character of the
magazine:s

Miseeilaneoms .31aga:ines.
Titan opens with a paper on the mariages de
convenance which cause so much domestic misery in
France. It also contains Ow conclusion' of the story
of " The Clubs and the Secret Police," which ends
in a satisfactory manner to the reader, though we
fear, one not often met with in real life. A pleasing
domestic story entitled " Two Christmas. Times,"
would be still more agreeable with Out the extraor-
dinary adventures at the conclusion. "A Chapter
on Recent Poetry" will repay perusal, and an ac-
count of the human hair and its restoratives is not
devoid of entertainment.—Tait's Edinburgh Maya-
dinei
has a memoir of Linmeus, gvint; an interesting
sketch of his life and' labours. " Marian," and

" Scenes from the Drama, of Life," are two attrac-
tive tales. The political articles do not display
much originality. " Cash and Credit" is the title
of an essay which commends itself to the attention
of the wealthy and thoughtless.—,Arewton's London
Journal has its usual list of recent patents and
reports of the engineering institutions. The intro-
ductory paper is on the comprehensive subject of
" Our JVlercantile Prospects. —Le Follet has .a
variety of charming costumes suitable to the gaieties
'of this festive seasen.—The indefatigable Charles
Lever is bringing his serial of Davonport Dunn to
a cenclusion. We shall notice it at greater length
on its conclusion.— Cassell's Illutrated Paper fully
deserves the public estimation in which it is held.
The variety and quality of its contents might gratify
the most fastidious readers. Useful instruction in
French and natural philosophy increase its recom-
mendations.—The Welcome Guest is another
of those widelY-disseminated cheap family
journals which are so deSerVedly popular.
Its Christmas number, with the attractive title of
" The Wedding Riiigs of 'Slirimpington" will be a
favourite with many readers of good old-faShioned
love-stories. The names of Augustus'Mayhew, 0.
A. Sala, and Adelaide Proctor; among the contribu-
tors, testify its animation and originality.— Willis's
Price Current is, an invaluable circular for: those
who wish to replenish or complete their libraries.
In addition ,to the list of new books Published
during the month, and .the catalogue of second-hand
books in Messrs. Willis and Sotheron's establish-
meld, adver;isements of books and volumes wanted
are inserted, so that a convenient medium is esta-
blished for the completion of imperfect sets of rare
works. The library of the late John Harley is also
in. the catalogue of this month.

Moore's Irish Melodies. People's Edition. Part

11. Longman.

This admirable edition of Moore's delightful melo-
dies is progressing satisfactorily. The number
before us contains thirteen airs, foremost amongst
them being the beautiful one, " The Xeeting of the
Waters." It is followed by worthy companions,
and the lovers of true melody wedded to verse
which, if not immortal, is most sweet and pathetic,
have cause to be thankful to the enterprising pub-
lishers who have placed such a collection within
the popular reach.

The Photographic Almanack for 1859-
Among the peculiarities of the almanacks for the
season is the great number which are devoted to
special classes of readers. Thus the Photographers
have an almanack for themselves, giving the annals
of Photography for the past year, an account of
the improved processes, and other information
connected with the art. Miscellaneous intelligence
is also given, with the usual list of royal birth-
days, &c.

A young Scotch lady, a native of Glasgow, has
just made a brilliant debutoa.tthtehecoGnrasenndratOoreraaantdPaafries.
gained the first prize for singing at 'the annual
Miss Thomson wits a pupil t
w
bl. hm t
mcoonenotuh,s.saf
fo
She was consequently en-
gaged at the opera, and came out a few days ago in the
that esta is en .
atolniiclde' ill Rossini s " Guillaume Tell." The
intrthe°isrsiacc'ounts of her success, and
Parisare unanimous in their opinion of her merits.
icjtoeurrn of
journals concur M
' ACTION FOR LIBEL AGAINST THE "LIVERPOOL
MERCURY."—An action was brought yesterday, in the
Liverpool Court of Passage, against the proprietors of the
Liverpool Mercury, for publishing a report which it was
contended by the plaintiff, Mr. Simon, a licensed victualler,
andalso a clerk in the office of the Liverpool Daily Post, hiul
Lrought him into odium and contempt, and injured him ma-
terially in his business as a licensed victualler. The alleged
libel was contained in the report of a trial which took place
in the Liverpool County Court some time ago, and in which
Mr. Simon was the plaintiff. The reporter, in his report of
the case, made Mr. Simon state that he was a member of
the Harrington Club, which consisted of a number of gen-
tlemen, who at that time met daily and dined at the house
of Mr. Simon. The members of the club, believing them-
selves slighted by Mr. Simon representing himself as a
member of the club, waited upon the editor of the !Vertu? y,
and asked if the report was a true one. The editor stated
it was, and the reporter who transcribed the notes said
10
too. Upon this the Harrington Club quitted Mr. Simon 'S
House and have not since returned to it. Theq
t
ani
club leav-
ing
which Mr. Simon estimated his loss through the
his house was £ICO per annum. The jury found a ver-
dict for the defendant. '