gives to the book a gentle charm that it might not otherwise have possessed. Price $1 00.

THE LIFE OF EDWARD IRVING, Minister of the National Scotch Church, London. Illustrated by his Journals and Correspondence. By Mrs. Oliphant. The lives of clergymen, generally speaking, present few incidents calculated to render the record of them universally attractive. The life of the subject of this biography could not rightly be called an exception to the general rule. Nevertheless Mrs. Oliphant has invested the history of the comparatively uneventful career of the pious and eloquent Irving with attractions which will go far to procure for it a wider circle of readers than usually falls to the lot of works similar in character. We know of no more striking picture of an earnest, faithful, indomitable, hard-working minister than this interesting volume affords. Price $3 00.

From SHELDON & Co., New York, through SMITH, ENGLISH, & Co., Philadelphia:

MIRIAM. By Marion Harland. Marion Harland is one of the few American authoresses whose names and fames have had something more than an ephemeral existence. The public acknowledged her genius when, a few years ago, Alone," was issued from the press. Other authors have made as brilliant commencements, but have neglected to follow them up altogether, or their second efforts have been such signal failures, that their names were quickly buried in obscurity. But not so the gifted lady of which we speak. We have now her fifth work before us, though we trust it is far from being the climax of her literary labors. "Miriam" is a truly womanly book, but bearing throughout its pages the evidence of the pen of a high-souled, intelligent, and Christian woman. The character of Miriam is a noble conception, and ably illustrated. She is altogether different from the namby-pamby class of girls which novelists too frequently consider as being especially qualified for heroines. Miriam is characterized by energy, strength of purpose, dignity, and rare intellectual gifts, combined with qualities which are considered as being more especially feminine. And, most wonderful, most commendable, she is no beauty. What Miriam is as a woman, such is Neale Thorne, the hero, as a man. A lively variety to the theme is the little chatter-box, Mrs. Fry, with her many good intentions, and her frequent journeys to the "valley of humiliation." The story is ingeniously arranged; and though everything is not just as you might wish it-for instance, you wish Mrs. Hartley might open her eyes to the true character of her graceless son- still the reading of the book affords one intense pleasure. The prestige of Marion Harland's name is a sufficient guarantee for its merits, while we believe this work will be pronounced better than her previous ones. Price $1 25.

SERMONS. Preached and Revised by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon. Seventh series. The admirers of the Rev. Mr. Spurgeon will find in this volume twenty-two sermons, exhibiting, in a marked manner, all the peculiarities of style and thought which have rendered their author so popular. Price $1 00.

AMERICAN HISTORY. By Jacob Abbott. Illustrated with numerous Maps and Engravings. Vol. IV. Northern Colonies. The series of little histories to which this volume belongs, promises to be most useful and instruct ive, as well as entertaining. It presents to the youth of our time a source of information of which they should not hesitate to make a good use. The contents of the VOL. LXVI.-9

present volume comprise a full account of the early settlement of New York and the New England colonies. We should be better pleased with these histories, had not Mr. Abbott, evidently acting upon some peculiar notion of his own about the dryness of such things, almost entirely discarded the use of dates. Price 75 cents.

From TICKNOR & FIELDS, Boston, through PETERSON & BROTHERS, Philadelphia :

EYES AND EARS. By Henry Ward Beecher. This book is a collection of short sketches, essays, etc., origi. nally written for newspaper publication. They are lively, amusing, and sentimental by turns, and not unworthy of a reading; though we almost wonder at their being thought of sufficient importance, by either author or publisher, of being preserved in book form. Articles written thus on demand, from week to week, should be read at once, as soon as prepared, or else, however brilliant and sparkling they may have been, like sodawater, they are apt to become insipid when the effer vescence has passed off. Price $1 25.

THE POEMS OF OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. A choice little volume in blue and gold, containing the complete poetical works of this famous American humorist. Let those who wish to laugh, as well as those who wish to make a valuable addition to their poetical library, be grateful to Messrs. Ticknor & Fields for the means of gratification afforded them. Price 88 cents.

From T. O. H. P. BURNHAM, Boston, through J. B. LIPPINCOTT & Co., Philadelphia:

THE VICTORIES OF LOVE. By Coventry Patmore, author of "The Angel in the House," etc. The admirers of the author of that exquisite little domestic poem, "The Angel in the House," will find many of the characteristics in the present volume which gave to that work its chief attraction. Coventry Patmore, however,

does not seem to us an improving poet. His first work is, to our mind, his best. In "The Victories of Love," he has adopted a style of rhyming that is entirely too easy for the purposes of poetry. If the various epistles which form this present volume had been given to us without rhyme, and with no attempt at metre, they would certainly have sounded better, and, in all probability, would have pleased a larger number of readers than they will in their present shape. Price 50 cents.

From J. E. TILTON & Co., Boston:

THE ALDEN BOOKS. Illustrated. By Joseph Alden, D. D., comprising—

THE CARDINAL FLOWER; and Other Tales. THE LIGHT-Hearted Girl; a Tale for Children. THE LOST LAMB; and THE BURIAL OF THE FIRST BORN. The Reverend author has done faithful service in the cause of family happiness by devoting his thoughts and time to the preparation of this series of books for the young. The stories are very interesting, full of wise sentiment and cheerful hope; they are entertaining as Fairy Tales, yet instructive even to mature Christians. The style is simple and natural, and the words so fitly chosen that while the youngest reader can comprehend the meaning, the scholar's taste will feel the books are from the pen of a good and learned man. The publishers have made up the set in beautiful style.

REWARD CARDS, from the same publishers, are pretty and useful in Family instruction and Sunday Schools.

From CARTER & BROTHERS, New York:

VESPER. By Madame the Countess de Gasparin. Our readers will remember the notice of a former work by this fascinating writer-"The Near and the Heavenly Horizons"-in our Table of last February. This new book, "Vesper," has the same tender sentiment of love for God's works and trust in his mercy, which made the first work so charming. Madame de Gasparin paints in words, and this charming little book will find, as her other one did, thousands of readers. It deserves them.

NED MANTON; or, The Cottage by the Stream. By A. L. O. E. We need not waste words in commending a book for children which has the initials of this popular writer. We think her books among the best which are found in our Sunday Schools, and for Sunday reading.

LITTLE WALTER OF WYALUSING. By a Guest in "the old castle." This is an American book, the story of a little boy, whose short life of less than seven years has formed a very interesting sketch. The touching trait is the tender love which the character of this child awakened in the hearts of all who knew him.

Godey's Arm-Chair.

GODEY FOR JANUARY.-The first number of the sixtysixth volume-a holiday number. We give a list of the prominent embellishments: "A New Year's Gift," which is an engraving we think will be understood and appreciated. A further notice of it will be found elsewhere.

"New Year," an emblematical plate of the past and present season. If this picture were not otherwise beautiful, it would be valuable to every family for the very admirable likeness of Washington, taken from Stuart's celebrated painting. Our Fashion-plate contains five beautiful figures; these plates praise themselves. The "Daisy travelling or winter hood," is the best piece of color printing we have ever given. We publish in this number the "Old Sewing-Machine." In the February number we shall give the "New SewingMachine." In addition to the above will be found dresses, hoods, crochet-work, braiding and embroidery patterns, fancy ties, braided slipper, headdresses, toilet pincushions, cloaks, an alphabet of letters, pocket for la dy's dress, pincushion, and about fifty other articles, designed expressly for the ladies' work-table. This is a specimen of what we mean to do this year. With thanks for former favors we wish all our old friends a Happy New Year.

THE PRICE OF CLUBS.-Owing to the increased price of paper, unprecedented in this country, we shall be obliged to advance the price of clubs, commencing with the issuing of the February number, as follows: One copy, 83. Two copies, 85. Three copies, $6. Five copies, $10. Eleven copies, $20; no extra copy given. Even at this price there will be no profit on clubs. We can give our readers no idea of the panic in paper. One month it will be one price, the next month twenty per cent. will be added to the price, and the next twenty more; and what will be the eventual price it is at present impossible to say. Canada clubs of five subscribers only, and no extra copy, $11 25, which includes the postage. Our price to dealers will also be increased. THE PRICE OF NEWSPAPERS.-The Rockport Republic has the following in reference to the increase of the price of newspapers:

"Most of the large daily newspapers in Western New York have advanced the price of the issues. An editor of a leading New York daily informed us last week that the publishers in that city would soon follow suit. Many of the country journals have also been published at increased prices. The advance is caused mainly by the advance in printing stock.”

We ask attention to our advertisement for 1863, published in this number. It is but a faint outline of what we will do, but will give some general idea of what the Lady's Book will be. In fact, it is hardly necessary for us to publish any advertisement. Our subscribers and the public know that we will publish the best lady's book in the world: and they have known us so long that they are willing to trust us, even without any promises on our part. We are thankful, very thankful for the patronage we have received for the last thirtythree years; and we can only add that, having found that fulfilling every promise made has been the best policy, that plan we shall still continue to pursue.

MARION HARLAND.—We call attention to the first portion of the story of "Husks" in this number. We think that our subscribers will say, when they have finished the story, that it is her best.

FROM present appearances this will be our largest subscription year. We wish that the price of paper would allow it to be a more profitable one.

NOTICE TO THOSE WHO SEND US DRAFTS OR CHECKS.Be particular, when you purchase a draft or check to send us, that the same has the proper stamp affixed to it by the person from whom you procure it.

Extracts from the Law.

"Stamps must be affixed to all documents by the party issuing the same."

"The person using or affixing a stamp must write thereupon the initials of his name, and the date when used."

"The penalty for making, signing, or issuing any instrument, document, or paper of any kind without the same having thereon a stamp to denote the duty is $50, and such a paper will be invalid and of no effect."

Any check on a bank, or sight draft, over $20 requires a two cent stamp; $20 and under no stamp is required.

CLUB RATES.-Godey's Lady's Book and Harper's Magazine, one year, $4 50. Godey's Lady's Book and Arthur's Magazine, one year, $3 50. All three of these magazines, one year, $6. Godey and Madame Demorest's Quarterly Book of Fashions and Patterns, one year, $3.

Literary ASSOCIATIONS.-We now commence in time to warn our subscribers against sending their money to any association purporting to furnish the Lady's Book as part of the inducement to subscribe, and promising them great prizes in some future drawing of a lottery. We will not be responsible in any way. We will also add that we have no agents for whose acts we are responsible. We only send the Lady's Book when the money is sent direct to us.

▲ GENTLEMAN in England once died suddenly while he was writing a letter to his brother. When his executor found the letter among his papers, he finished and signed it as follows: "While I was writing this, I fell dead. Your affectionate brother,

OUR MUSICAL COLUMN.

Ar this writing the city is being Gottschalked, and concerts and soirees rule the day. Opera is looming up, however, and the year will not go out without permitting us a taste. But, while waiting for the legitimate, who shall forbid us enjoying the burlesque, as it is found at the Eleventh Street Opera House? Everything is well managed there. Even Dambolton's famous troupe, which used to set the London élite crazy, were nothing compared with Carncross & Dixey's. Carncross is a sweet singer; and Dixey-well, we heard a lady say there is but one Dixey. And then the Burlesque Monster Concert, got up in the style of Jullien's! If there could be a better mimic of Jullien in all his remarkable exaggerations as an impresario than Frank Moran-we beg his pardon, Signor Moranio-we should Like to see him. Caricatured or not, there is good music down Eleventh Street. Their overtures and choruses would shame some orchestras and singers we have heard at the Academy.

The Operatic World.-For the purpose of familiarizing young piano players with the best music from operas, Firth, Pond, & Co., of New York, are now issuing a fine publication with the above title. Each number is complete, and contains two or three gems from some opera. Those we have seen are La Favorita, L'Elisir d'Amore, Anna Bolena, Satanella, Luisa Miller, and Nabucodonosor. Price of each 25 cents, on receipt of which we will purchase and mail to any address.

New Songs and Ballads.-H. Tolman & Co., Boston, have just published a pretty song, Minnie Ray; a beautiful ballad, Can I Go, Dearest Mother? by Covert; Angels, my Darling, will Rock thee to Sleep, sung by the Barker family; The Angels' Call, song by Oechsner; and Ferdinand Mayer's arrangement of We are Couring, Father Abram, or Three Hundred Thousand More, adapted as a song or quartette. Price of each 25 cents.

The new songs from Firth, Pond, & Co.'s press are Mother, Oh Sing me to Rest, in the style of Rock me to Sleep, 25 cents. I'll be Home To-Morrow, new ballad by S. C. Foster, 25. Come in and Shut the Door, and The Last Broadside, two beautiful songs by Fred Buckley, of Buckley's Opera Troupe, each 25. Oh Let me Shed one Silent Tear, author of Cottage by the Sea, 35. Comrades, Touch the Elbow, same author, 25. There's Beauty in the Summer Flower, an exquisite quartette by Laurence, 10 pages, 50 cents.

New Pieces, etc.-The same publishers issue splendid variations on the army air, Marching Along, by Grobe, 10 pages, 50 cents. Himmel's Battle Prayer, transcribed by Julius E. Muller, 35; and a charming bagatelle by G. Wm. Warren, Harry's Music Box, 25 cents.

The popular air, Adams and Liberty, as played by the military bands, is published by H. Tolman & Co., who also issue at the same price (35 cents) a fine transcription by Baumbach of Louis' exquisite nocturne, Departed Days; at 25 cents, Perini's Hilton Head Waltz; at 40 Magdalena, new fantaisie, by the author of The Maiden's Prayer; and at 50 cents a splendid new set of waltzes by Strauss, entitled Gedankenflug (stray thoughts), 11 pages.

New Music by the Editor.-We have just published new editions of our own songs, Beautiful Valley (third edition in a few weeks); Poor Ben the Piper (seventh edition); O Lady, Touch those Chords Again; The Minstrel's Grave; and The Passing Bell, or Home Returning from

the Wars. Price 25 cents each, or we will send the five to any address for $1 00.

The Musical Editor will continue to purchase and mail any music ordered, or will cheerfully give any information requested concerning music. In these Christmas and New Year holiday times especially our friends making presents should draw largely from the above list, or the lists in past numbers of the Book, as a fine assortment of music makes one of the most acceptable of presents, Address, at Philadelphia,

J. STARR HOLLOWAY

SEND ME A SPECIMEN NUMBER.-We never hesitate to send a specimen when we think that it is honestly asked for; but here is another attempt at imposition. A man writes to us from a town in Ohio, for specimens of Lady's Book, Arthur, and Harper. He also wrote to Mr. Arthur for specimens of Arthur's Magazine and Lady's Book. Thus far we know. No doubt he has also written to the Messrs. Harper, and the Atlantic and Knickerbocker for specimens, and probably to every other magazine in the country. If any publisher wants his name, we will send it to him.

A NICE SITUATION FOR A LITTLE BOY-in the parquet of a theatre, behind a lady with a very fashionable bonnet on of the present style.

THE FOSTER HOME.-This institution, situated at the corner of Twentieth and Hamilton Streets, has accomplished a large amount of good under the care of the benevolent ladies who have it in charge. It provides for the wants of many children who would otherwise be left to suffer. Among others, the children of fathers who are doing duty as soldiers, who otherwise would be left to suffer, and probably become outcasts. It cares for the children in such a way as to make them useful members of society. Would any lady visit the establishment, she would become at once convinced of its utility; she would see how happy the children are, how well they are cared for. The war has necessarily increased the demand for its beneficent agencies, and it is now considerably straitened for funds. With a largely increased family, and the winter season approaching, its means are nearly exhausted, and in thts state of things an appeal is made to the benevolent to come to its succor. The ladies who manage the "Home" do not feel that they can apply personally to the publie, and they trust that this appeal will be successful, and that the power and usefulness of the “Home” may be strengthened by liberal donations. Persons wishing to contribute may leave the funds at the office of the Lady's Book, 323 Chestnut Street, or with Mrs. GopEY, No. 1517 Chestnut Street.

LITERARY NEWS.-Our readers will be pleased to hear that we have made arrangements with Marion Harland, the well-known author of "Alone," "Hidden Path," "Moss Side," "Nemesis," and "Miriam," for a series of stories. Every number for 1863 will contain a story from her pen. This is a compliment to the Book, as she writes for no other magazine. The stories will be copyrighted, so that they may not be found anywhere but in the pages of the Lady's Book.

POSTAGE ON THE LADY'S BOOK.-Postage for three months, if paid in advance at the office where it is received, four and a half cents.

MAKE UP YOUR CLUBS.-Remember that the Lady's Book is the best work for ladies published in this country. We have more than one thousand private letters testifying to this fact, and the press throughout the country is unanimous in saying that the Lady's Book is the best magazine of its kind in this or any other country. The difference in the club price of the Lady's Book and that of other magazines is only a few cents, and for these few cents you get nearly one-third more reading and engravings, besides other more expensive embellishments that a low-priced magazine cannot afford to give. Clubs must be for the Lady's Book alone, with one exception, and that is “Arthur's Home Magazine." One or more of that work can be introduced in a club in place of the Lady's Book, if desired.

Any person, with a very little trouble, can get up a club for the Book; we have frequently been so informed by ladies-the work is so popular. It is but to call and get a subscription. Clubs are always in time, as we are able to supply numbers from the beginning of the year; yet we Like them sent in soon, to know how many we shall print. Remember, that a work with 150,000 subscribers can give five times as much as a work with only half that number, and the embellishments can also be made of a very superior character.

Our terms are made plain and explicit, so that they may be easily understood. We are often asked to throw in an extra copy. In no instance can this be done, as our terms are so low to clubs that it cannot be afforded. A shopkeeper would look amazed, if a purchaser should ask him to throw in an extra yard because she had purchased twelve. And yet we are asked to add an extra copy because twelve have been ordered. It cannot be done.

SANFORD has opened a very pretty place of amusement under Concert Hall, Chestnut Street. The performances are very good, but we have one piece of advice, both to Sanford and Carncross & Dixey-give us more negro melodies; we don't want to hear a stalwart looking negro singing love songs. Bad enough to hear a white man giving utterance to such songs as "Love me, dearest," "I'll love thee ever," "Fondly I'll love thee." We go to hear negro minstrelsy, and don't want white folks' songs. As the old negro said when reproached for throwing in the water a fine black fish he had caught. "When I fishes for catties, I fish for catties."

NOTES of all solvent banks received in payment; but when the amount is $10 and over, drafts had better be sent. A sight draft of $20, and under that amount, requires no excise stamp.

New Table ORNAMENTS.-Ladies are introducing a new and beautiful ornament for the parlor mantel or centre-table. They take large pine burs, sprinkle grass seeds of any kind in them, and place them in pots of water. When the burs are soaked a few days they close up in the form of solid cones, then the little spears of green grass begin to emerge from amongst the lamina, forming an ornament of rare and simple beauty.

AN advertisement to this effect appeared in one of the papers: "A citizen wishes to find the sum of $50,000. If any one will tell him where to find it, he will give him half of the money.”

OUR very able musical editor, Mr. Holloway, opens the year with a piece of music of his own composition.

CLUB of $10.

Your magazine is a welcome monthly visitor, without it I don't know how I could procure the Fashions in time. Most of the other monthlies are, I find, behind you in the Fashions. M. M., New York.

DEAR SIR: I have had your Lady's Book for two years, and would not, on any account, be without it, and so I have been telling my friends; and have succeeded in getting up a club. Please accept my warmest thanks for your useful and elegant Book. Miss R., Mass. Club of $10.

Accept many thanks for the pleasure you have given us during the year. Though we feel the depressing influence of the times, we cannot yet feel that we can give up the Book which always comes with so pleasant and cheerful a greeting. MRS. R., Ohio.

I enclose $10 for the Lady's Book. It is a welcome visitor to me, for it has gladdened my household for four years, and it has improved every year. I hope it will still continue to be the best magazine published.

MRS. H., Conn.

A BIT OF GERMAN ROMANCING.-In a book published at Berlin, under the title of "Schultze and Müller in London," is the following passage: "At a quarter to six we went to the great Post Office. As to-morrow is Sunday it was to-day an extraordinary crowd, and especially the squeeze was tremendous round the news paper-box, when as the Englishman says, the newspa pers are thrust in in bales; and it is, indeed, on a grand scale, since the Times alone has 16,000,000 subscribers. I warned Schultze not to go so near the crush, but he did not hear me. As he was standing there there come a great shock of newspaper boys running with bales of newspapers and throwing them in at the window. A bale of newspapers hits Schultze on the head; he loses his balance and tips head-forwards into the bureau ; half a dozen officials immediately seize him, stamp him in the stomach, and the unhappy Schultze is dispatched as an unpaid newspacket to the provinces. At this moment the box is closed with a snap. I rush against it and cry, *Schultze! Schultze!' But it was too late. Your unhappy son-in-law was already packed in the post-cart, and went off with the bale of newspapers to the South-Eastern Railway. I run into the bureau of the postmaster, and demanded back your son-in-law. 'Is your friend addressed?' he asks. 'No,' I answered. Very well;' says the Englishman, 'Mr. Schultze will remain for six months in the bureau, and, if no one applies for him, he will be burned as a dead letter.'"'

A CAUTIOUS MAN.-As a pedestrian tourist was lately proceeding towards Trenton, he asked a man who was breaking stones by the roadside how long it would take him to reach that place. The man looked at him without speaking and then resumed his work. The question was repeated with the same result, and at last the traveller walked on. He had not proceeded more than a hundred yards when the man called after him and made a sign for him to return. When the pedestrian reached the stonebreaker, the latter said to him, "It will take you an hour to reach Trenton." "Then why did you not tell me so at first?" said the traveller. 'Why," replied the man, “it was necessary for me first to see at what rate you walked, and, from the way you step out, I am now able to say that you can do the distance in an hour."