The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-07-01
LITERARY NOTICES.

BE-
Lee Sheppard: Boston.
The cultivation of fruit, but more especially Of the
grape lie just occupying 50, much attention that
there is eager demand for works like the present
Unfortunately those who have hitherto pretended 20
satisfy II have been, for the most part lily qualified for
the task The reatises got up the subject with the
exception of few leading have been characterized
by deplorable ignorance not only of chemistry but
sometimes even OF principles known TO the most ordi-
nary gardeners This may seem strange but IL is not
the less true and the explanation Of the fact simple
enough We have very few really scientific horticultur
sts among u.s. and these probably occupied that
they have bat little time for writing The publishers,
finding the field remunorave one endeavor to supply
the demand for such works by summonng TO their aid
Of the numerous hangers-on, who are always
ready 10 get up books for them at short
notice whether they have any competent acquaintance
with tho subject not We could point to scores Of
volumes produced in this way which utterly value
less Mr. Bakers book Is Of very different stamp II
would be strange indeed II with his training and exps
rence had to class In the category described But
few men who write on subjects 10 the study of which
they have devoted their lives make failures in their lit
erary enterprises There always something instructive
10 be cleaned from them and when lay down their
books We feel that the time spent In their
perusal has not been lost. We derive still
higher degree Of satisfaction from Mr.. Baker
treatise 1t exhibits not merely practical acquaintance
with the modes OF culture practsed in different countries
but with the important chemical discoveries that have
been made in connection with them of late years. In
particular the book especially valuable There
nothing, horticulturists aware difficult Of
requirement than thorough knowledge Of the influence
OF particular soils and climatic differences upon fruit
trees. Mr. Baker has undertaken to supply this by
series Of carefully prepared tables showing the adapta
blity Of the different kinds of fruit to the various States
OF the Union On the value OF such guide to new set
tiers, even TO old residents who have been laborng
the wrong direction is not necessary for to enlarge
II is sufficient to that time and money lost
by vague experimenting in this way than in almost any
department Of industry that know Of The
section devoted TO the transpantng Of trees win likewise
be found to contain good deal OF valuable information.
BY following the instructions laid down much vexation
and useless expenditure Of valuable time will be spared
Mr. Bakers book is that should be in tho hands
Of every horticultural and farmer throughout the
country. It is written in such a clear practical and
ineligible STYLE and Ia deliberately illustrated
it will form reliable guide In all OF doubt or
difficulty.
TIE GAME BIRDS OF THE COASTS AND LAKES OF
THE NORTHERN STATES OF AMERICA. BY Robert
B. Roosevelt. Carleton, publisher.
We took up with anticpations Of pleasure this now
work by the author of the best treatses that APP
peared in connection with the piscatory sports Of our
country. Mr. Roosevelts style is lively and he is
enjoyable companion, that If he were less in
sructive no would be scarcely less agreeable to
But there is in his present volume much that is
novel and solid. Many of the pcculIartes of the
eahcrcd tribes of forests and which escaped
the notice Of naturasts like Audubon and which only
ardent sportsman would have the patience TO study
out, noted with minuteness which is quite re-
markable Tho great charm Of the book lies however,
In the freshness and vivacty Of It's STYLE Like most
sportsmen, Mr. Roosevelt has hearty genial manner
expressing himself which at eniiss the attention
and carries one along with II in spite Of oneself With
. keen sense OF the udicrous he combines an ardent
love for the picturesque and every now and then
pass from some drol story 10 some charming local
sketch which wish had the faculty of transferring
TO canvas. plcasanter book for the country could
scarcely be desired. II will render all the keener the
sense of enjoyment derived from the change from city
life.
Our HEROES, DEAD AND LIVING. memorial
record OF all officers and men in the military and
naval service whose names have received honor
able mention, &c. Compiled by Thomas s.
Townsend, author Of the Encyclopedia of the
Great Rebellion. Charles B. Richardson. 1866.
Tho specimen number of this work has been sent TO
for notice. Its motive and plan are praseworthy;
but We question whether q paying speculation win
succeed II the publisher Is satisfied this point we
would encourage him by all to persevers with it.
KEY TO BUSINESS SUCCESS IN NEW YORK.
Snyder h Co.
great deal Of useful information IL compressed into
this small pamphlet Tho only exception that We note
10 the general accuracy or its the amount Of
capital set down required 10 carry daily news.
paper in New York On this point the compiler is eyi
dendy green.
SERIALS.
TEE NATIONAL QUARTERLY REVIEW. New York.
The June number Of this ably edited periodical opens
with carefully written paper Socrates and His
Philosophy In the conclusion which the writer ar.
riyesthat man has made approach 10 Christ
In the good he has rendered mankind than the Pagan
phlosopher-most people will concur who not in
fuenced by bgory. In addition TO articles on 1.-THE Sa
turnian System on "IIcne and his Work. ''Bhudd-
ism and is Inhuenccs,n 1.-THE South American Re-
pubics and tho Monroe Doctrine" 1.-THE Greek Tragic
Drama" and Partisan Reconstruction have an in.
tercsting paper entitled why the open Fails in New
York" The writer sets out with the statement that the
admirers OF the opera In metropolis arc much too
easily pleased. The director OF such an institution
he contends, should not only be man
Of education and taste, who knows how to treat
the public with decent respect but he should also pos
musical talent himself He very severe the ten
doncy Of opera directors 10 engage in controversies with
the press and thinks that argues an utter unnness on
the part OF such persons 10 have charge Of institution
like the Academy Of Music. Abroad, he says, where
Of Acknowledged genius TO be found the head
Of the Opens, such things Whom La Harpe
assaied Glucks operas with his trcnchant criticisms IN
prose and verse; the great composer put himself TO
expense 10 inform the public that he did advertise
the Journal d, Ia literature, Of which the critic ed
tor and proprietor Neither did Raneau-onc OF tho
most successful Of inpresarii and who knew how
TO compose well drecdenounce his critics in tho
Paris journals even when attacked in such severe lines
a. The following
Contre Ia moderne musque,
VOLTA ma derniare repque:
NJ " diflcile eat ie beau,
Cost nm grand homme que Rameau;
Mats VI lie beau, par avcnturc
S'etait que Ia simple nature,
nont Fart doit Sire ic tableau,
C'est un pauvre homme que Rameau.
To give idea OF the importance which is attached