New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-07

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u. pp> 81 Charles scrbner
The favorable opinion of this truly nationa
worn. which We expressed IN our previous no
lice is amply confirmed by the examination
Of the second volume 1t possesses the character
,,tes Of thorough impsrtialty, fine literary ap-
rrecstion. and discriminating fairness ofjudgment,
which are the essential requisites for success in
work aiming at a comprehensive and complete
survey Of q specific portion OF literature lie
rrns.ut volume commences with sketch of Mr..
PsuldinS one of the oldest surviving veterans III
the field Of American letters, who at the age OF
s.,veutysix is still hale and cheerful enjoying his
rl,sssnt country residence on the banks of the
Hudson and surrounded by his grandchildren,
preserving the freedom of his rural tastes in the
midst Of his tranquil retirement. Within the last
ten years he has paid but two visits to the city,
and his daily routine may be described in his own
words 10 the editors of these volumes: 81 smoke a
little. read little write little ruminate little
srumble little, and sleep great deal. was
once great at pulling up weeds, to which have
mortal antpathy, especially bull's-eyes, wild car
Nks and toad-hax-alias, butter and eggs But
nv working days are almost over. lind that car
rying seventy-fye years on my shoulders ls pretty
nearly eausl 10 the same number of pounds, aud
instead of laboring myself sit in the shade and
watching the abors of others, which find quite
sufficient exercise
The editors aptly observe that il is a pleasing
moral coincidence which has been remarked that
uoof the foremost names in our national literature
and art should be associated with that of the great
leader, in war and peace, of their country" 10
each of these lustriOus names, Washington Allston
and Washington Irving, anample space is accorded,
rieh in biographical details, and in appreciatve
suggestions on their characters. The peculiar trait
In Mr. AllstOn's social habits, which spread such
delightful fascination over the circle of his friends,
is ftly alluded to in brief paragraph. Those
who had the privilege of friendship or even an
acquaintance with AustOn speak with enthusiasm
of his conversational powers. He eXceiled not
only in the matter but the manner OF his speech
His fine eve, noble cOuntenance, and graceful ges-
ture were all uncOnsciOusy brought into play as n
warmed with his subject, and he would hold his
hearer by the hour as Xedly with disquisitiOn on
morals. as BY series wild tales of Italian ban
dtti. Allston gave his best to his friends as well
az 10 the public and some of his choicest literary
composition is doubtless contained in the CORE
sondence he maintained for many years with Cole
ridge, Wordsworth, SOnthey, Lamb, and others
among the best men of his and OF all tlme.' Inc
notice of Mr.. Allston is enriched with series OF
"Reminiscences by his friend Washington Irving,
mostly relating TO fresh and happy period OF his
life.
first became acquainted writes Washington Irving
IN us with Washington AlstOn, early IN the Spring oil
1905 He had lust arrived from France, from Sicily
and Naples i was then not quite twenty-five years
Of age-he little older. There was something to me
nexpresbly engaging in the appearance anu man man
pers Of Allston. do not think have evcrbeen more
completely captivated on INST acquaintance. lie
was Of light and graceful FORM with large blue eyes
and black silken hair waving and curling around
male expressive countenance. Everything about nm
bespoke the man of intellect and refinement His con-
versaton was cOpiOus, animated and highly graphic,
warmed by genial scnsibhty and beneyolence, ana
enhyened az times by chaste ana gentle hunioi'
youpg mans intimacy took place immediately between
us and we were much together during my brlei So
iourn at Rome. lie taking general view OF the
place before settling himself down to his professional
studies. We visited together some OF the hneSt COZ.
eotions of paintings and he taught me how to visit
them 20 the most advantage guiding me always 10 Tue
masterpieces, and passing by the Others without
notice. Never attempt TO e0oy every picture IN
wear 10 bestow upon it. You may Is well attempt to
'Sn;ov cvcry dish in orl.mayors feast, Both mind
and palate get COMPOUNDED by great variety and
ro,id succession even of deiCacies. The mind can
only take in a cent ain number of images and impress
sions distinctly; by multiplying the number you
weaken each, and render the whole confused ana
vague. Study the choice pieces 10 each cohectiohi
look upon else and you VIII aiterwatu nnu 'hem
hanging up in your memory:
He was exQ1istely sensible to the graceful and the
beautiful and took great delight i'll paintings which
excelled IN color; yet he was strongly moved ana
reused by objects of grandeur | wei recollett the
admiration with which he contemplated the sublime
statue of Moses 10y Michael Angelo, and his mute awe
and reverence entering the stupcndOus pile OF 81
P,tcr Indeed the sentiment of ycneratiOn 80 charac
terstic Of the elevated and poetic mind continu-
poIe countenauco would flush; he would breathe quick
aud almost gasp in expressing his feelings when
s.ted by any object Of grandeur and subhmity.
We had delightful ramt!,s together about Rome
and H. epyirops one of which came near changing
nv whole course of life. We had been visiting a
stately villa with its gallery of paintings, ITS marble
halls, its tenaced gardens SIT out Win statues ana
fountains, and returning TO Rome about sunset
The bandness Of the air the serenity OF the sky the
transparent purity of the atmosphere, and that name
kss charm which hangs about an Italian landscape,
lad derived additional effect from being enjoyed ia
company with AlktOp and pointed out by him VITA
The enthusiasm of All artist As listened TO bm and
gased upon the landscape, drew in my mind con-
tras. between our different pursuits and prospects.
Tie 10 reside among these delightful scenes sur
f"nnded by masterpieces OF ali, by classic and historic
ynopumsuts 10y Of COngenia minds and tastes en-
guged Like h,m ia the constant study of the sublime
and besrinel. was to return home to the dry sndy
Of The law, for which had relish, aud, rs feared,
hot little talent.
sa'tehiy tie thought pressrnd j,self, why might