New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-11-21

"
real LIE almost unknown to the popula,
reader, but also impart to it all the charms
OF an artless and perfect idyl. "Nurse and
Patient," by DIR. s. Weir Mitchell, whose
authority on matters touching the nervous
constitution stands unrivaled, is a vigorous
appeal in favor of professional nursing. The
author dwells at much length upon the
dangers to which those are exposed who,
burdencd with the weight of an anxious
sympathy and trammeled by the fears, doubts,
and ignorance which accompany inexperi-
ence, undertake the care of relatives suffer-
ing from prolonged, dangerous, or compile
Gated maladies. His remarks upon the care
OF the insane are very pertinent and very
just. :" A Day or Two in Southside Virginia. {"
by Richard B. Elder, is a light, humorous
sketch, which serves as vehicle for the ex-
preston OF the authors conviction that there
is much need of Northern capital and North
ern enterprise in the lower counties of the
old Dominion. Landowners in England"
oy Reginald Wynford, furnishes an attrac-
tive and concentrated description of the most
OBVIOUS features of the land question in
England, discourses briefly upon the policy
OF the great landholders, and abounds in
personal references and anecdotes of an in
terestlng character. The article in the pres
ent issue devoted to the Private Art Col
lectlons of Philadelphia forms the con-
Guiding paper of the series, and, like its pre-
deccssors, is distinguished for critical ability,
breadth of knowledge, and fuency of ex-
preston. The main attractions of the
present issue in the domain of fiction
are the concluding chapters of "The Strange
Adventures of a Phaeton," and short
tale entitled "Her Story" from the pen
Of Harriet Prescott Spofford. The serial
Of Mr.. Black has won for him many admirers,
and IS likely to increase the solidty of the
foundation upon which his reputation as a
novelist rests. "The Strange Adventures
Of Phaeton." whilst possessing many of
those qualities which rendered " A Daughter
Of Heth" so popular, has the additional adj
vantage of being more engaging in its char
acters and more wholesome in it's tone. Mrs.
Spofford's story is full of a painful interest
which both fascinatcs and depresses the
eader's mind. Tho heroine, who recounts
20 friend the tale of her woes, is delicate.
sensitive woman, who has been goaded into
insanity by the most CALLING of domestic
wrongs. The accuracy with which the pas
'ionate feelings, wild fancies, profound grief,
md confused hopes of the poor victim are de-
1eloped, proves that Mrs. Spoford possesses
unusual skill in morbid literary anatomy.
There are only two poems in the present
number, but both of them display more than
ordinary merit. Martins" by Emma Laza-
us, is the product of reflective and cult
rated fancy, and does credit to its young and
alented author. "Colima," by Albert S.
Evans, is pleasing sketch in verse, touched
With warmth of color appropriate to the
subject. "Our Monthly Gossip" among a
'ariety of timely and anecdotical pieces,
contains some very interesting "reminiscences
II the Able List by the Lady Blanche
Murphy.
The promises which are made concerning
he new volume of the Magazine are of the
most appetizing character. A new serial
tory ~ George Macdonald, entitled "Mal-
olm," and esteemed the masterpiece of it's
uthor, will constitute the leading attraction
the way of fiction. A profusion of beauti- |
ul Illustrations, engraved in highly artistic
manner, will embellish each issue, and every
department. of the Magazine will be managed
With sedulous care and liberality of enter
rise which can scarcely fail to secure an
nipple reward.