The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-05-22
THE u MON.


New Publications.
We indebted 10 friends Taylor Maury, OF
this city, tor number OF Interesting publications recently
issued from the press of Putnam of New York.
specimen number, which received some time
since, led US to anticipate elegant work in the "Hins
on Public Architecture" by Robert Dale Owen; and
are happy to state that this beautiful publication (of
which we have received the entire volume) has in
all respects answered expectations Though partly
devoted TO the purpose Of gratifying public curiosity in
regard to the architectural details of the Smithsonian
Building, the committee have also in this work carried
out the great principle of their institutonlhe diffusion
OF useful knowledge.
We have other occasions spoken OF the propriety of
cultivaing popular taste for architecture and other
branches OF the arts, giving the stamp of elegance and
refinement to any nation Though fond of those classic
models which for ages have been the admiration of the
world still have earnestly wished for something
and original which might descend with the Egyptian, Gre
clan, Roman, and Gothic remains, memenoes of
American inspiration and genius In this connexion
we happy to that Mr.. Owen has transferred to
his elegant pages of the happes conceptions of the
celebrated architect, Latrobe:
THE natural productions OF country sometimes
advaniageouy furnish original materials for architectural
ornaments Our maize leaf is not less graceful than the To-
us OF Egypt and the acanhus of Greece and the pillars
the lower vestibule of the Senate the Capitol
(their clustered shafts representing bundle OF reeds or
stalks of Indian corn and their capitals composed Of the
and leaf OF the Plan must be regarded as hap
by inspiration of Latrobe."
We pleased learn that the design for pillars
will be introduced in the principal porch OF the Smithso
man building We quote Mr. Ovens idea of the Difficult
ties attendant the task OF supplying the wants of the
New World in architectural originality:
'The chief difficulty will be preserve the and
happy medium between TOO much and too tle OF ima-
passion disturb, prejudice lead asrsy which
neither blindy venerates the old because it is old,
s strains after the ne" Tor '' mere sake Of nov
The numerous wood-cut illustrations are to be desig.
mated most elegant and highly credable to the pub
fishers and only to be regretted that the style
had not been adopted throughout the work Some OF the
Autographs which have been introduced, 1--WE presume to
diminish tire cost of the work0 though excellent do not
bear the stamp of elegance with the other ustra
tons The object of the work is excellent and perfectly
carried out; and we are happy to add that 1t will pro-
duce great satisfaction throughout the land not only for
It's architectural excellence, but for the perfect idea
conveys OF that beautiful ornament of city, the Smith
sonan building Whilst speaking of that edfce, we
hope the architect will pardon the mention of defect,
which struck whilst attending the recent lectures of
President Hitchcock
The lecture room perfect model of its kind and in
it's construction the principles of acoustics have been well
applied, yet it is one-thrd too small for the audience
which would be drawn by such lecturers the learned
President
Landscape Gardening and Rural Architecture. BY A. J.
Downing. Geo p. Putnam, New York.
No country in the world presents many natural ad
vantages the gardener and rural architect
they have but to enter the forest and most beautiful sy
spring if by magic beneath their hands
The tastes too, of people for rural pleasures
and even the toll merchant and professional man,
after years spent in the anxious worship of mammon,
will suddenly withdraw from his cares and labors, and
seek repose In suburban residences and pleasures To
such as these the work OF Mr. Downing already known
as the author of Cottage Residences'o will be most
acceptable as directing their tastes in the right channel,
knox and
pies for their guidance
In passing through various portions OF our country
have noticed with pleasure villas and cottage
residences sprngng in the suburbs OF our large towns
and cities yet the pleasure produced by this evidence OF
taste has been tempered at the sight of architectural in
copgrues caused by ignorance OF the practical parts OF
design.
Mr. Downing's book, predict, therefore, will be
obtained and consulted by all those thus occupied either
professionally for their own amusement This work
also comprises the general principles OF landscape garden
ing with its details-the cultivation of trees, suitable
decoration of grounds, and the formation OF artificial
pieces OF This, the 4th edition, has been revised,
enlarged and newly and beautifully illustrated by
merous plates.
Elements of Oratory. BY John A. Getty, A. NJ
We have in this little work valuable acquisition for
schools and academies Although it has been thought that
the natural gift of oraory remarkable in this country
from the fact of so many distinguished men having attain
ed without previous study and cultivation OF its
rules, still we must look upon this work extremely
valuable to the rising generation The explanation Of
the various terms OF rhetoric clear and concise and
their illustrations drawn from the best modern and
ancient authors To complete the work, Mr.. g. has APP
pended translation OF the first book Of Quntilian's In
stitutes of the Orator.
! Among other things in which we think the present
ration more fortunate than their predecessors, is the
publication of excellent reatses for schools and we doubt
not that many eminent of the present day would
have been more brilliant had their elementary education
been thus carefully begun We hope therefore, that this
little work may be of TO those who, in after years.
are to assume the high places in our land.
| The IDserstaLt<rs. By Frank Forester.
Mr. Herbert is already well known as writer, that
we have but little say Of this, his last publication. All
his old admirers, and the generators of feldsports,
whether with dog and gun, fishing rod and reel, will at
once procure the work, and in his lively narrative and
graphic description flight their battles DER again."
We have also to acknowledge the reception of Turn
bulls Genius of Italy, Ingersors History of the Late
VAR and The Gold Mines of the CHA, by Weber; and
regret that of time prevents their immediate notice
[By last evenings Southern NALL
The Overflow at New Orleans.
We regret being compelled to record the continued
of the water in the of the city, and sequen
crease Of damage The flood above the New Basin was
about the same last night stated in our evening ed
Il h,,h h,,.