A System of Physical Geography. By W. M. Warren.-Sampson, Low, Son, and Co.-This system of Physical Geography was prepared for the use of schools in America, and contains a description of the natural features of land and water, the phenomena of the atmosphere, and the distribution of vegetable and animal life, to which is added a treatise on the physical geography of the United States, In the appendix a pronouncing vocabulary is given, and several useful tables. The text is illustrated by numerous engravings, maps, and charts. The author says: "The principal authorities relied upon in the preparation of the present work, in addi ion to those already enumerated (Humboldt, Maury, Guyot, and Mrs. Somerville), have been the magnificent folio edition of Johnston's Physical Atlas, Ansted's Physical Geography, and the works of Petermann and Milner. The arrangement of the latter authors, has been generally adopted in this volume, and in some cases their language has been used. The article on the ocean, especially on the currents and navigation, would have been very imperfect without the aid obtained from the investigations of Lieut. Maury, furnished to the world in his 'Sailing Directions.' Interesting deductions on the Winds of the Northern Hemisphere have been drawn from the work of Professor Coffin, published by the

Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Kane has kindly furnished the information by which we are enabled to designate on the map the location of his winter quarters, and the nearest point to the North Pole attained by his recent expedition. The treatise on the Physical Geography of the United States is new, and entirely original in its arrangement. Much of the information on

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which it is based was obtained from the Army Meteorological Register,' and the Report of the Explorations and Surveys for the Pacific Railway.' matter of this work is well arranged, and the most important part of the text set in larger type, so as to distinguish it from that which is only explanatory. The several chapters wind up with a section of recapitulation, and an extensive series of questions. In recommending this work, we feel certain of its being more popular, from its clear arrangements and enticing illustrations,than many of our English books on the same subject.

Outlines of the History of Rome. By H. White, M.A.-Oliver and Boyd. -ln adding to the existing school manuals of Roman History, Mr. White offers as a reason, the fact that most of the smaller treatises are mere abridgements of works that are now obsolete. His object, therefore, was to write a concise account, which should embody the results of our better acquaintance with that part of ancient history. Considering the narrow limits of a small manual, we think the writer of these Outlines" has been very successful in giving prominence to the leading events.

The Church Education Directory-National Society's Depository, Westminster. This is an issue of a new and enlarged edition of this useful work. For the benefit of those who do not know its character, it may be stated to be a compilation of educational information, for the guidance of clergymen and promoters of national and parochial schools; also for teachers, pupil-teachers, and candidates for training. This large body of information is arranged under the following heads:-1. Educational Institutions. 2. Inspection and Organization. 3 Training Schools, &c. 4. On obtaining aid for Schoolrooms and Houses. 5. On obtaining aid for the support of Schools, 6. On obtaining aid for books and apparatus. 7 School Associations, &c.; and an Appendix containing several recent Minutes, and a complete set of Examination Papers, Male and Female, for the year 1856. The information thus collected and arranged is a sufficient recommendation of this “Directory," to all parties connected with church schools.

The Epistles Analysed, with Introductory and Explanatory Remarks. By J. Thurlow.-G. J. Stevenson.-The analysis referred to in the title of this work, is to be taken in its lower sense, that is, the writer proposed to himself to give only an analytic summary of the contents of each epistle, set out in a tabular form, in division and subdivision, with references to the chapters and verses, where such divisions begin and end. This method of setting out a subject is of value, especially for young people, -it is to a given subject, very much of the same value, as a map is to a country. It draws attention to the leading ideas, and forms a good framework, wherein the pupil can afterwards place the knowledge he may acquire. The introductory remarks are such as refer to the general condition of the several churches addressed, and the special purpose designed to be served, by the epistle sent. These remarks are drawn from acknowledged authorities. Mr. Thurlow prepared this work with particular reference to the wants of pupil-teachers, and to them it may be commended as a useful little book,

Composition and Elocution. By S. Neil.-Houlston and Wright.-Mr. Neil characterises his work as a collection of hints, though not a mere compilation. It was prepared to aid those who have but little time to study more elaborate treatises. We take this tractate to be very superior to most we have seen on the subject, and recommend it accordingly

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What is to be done with our Criminals? By C. Pearson. - Hall and Virtue. This pamphlet contains a letter to the Lord Mayor, together with the writer's speech, upon the same subject in the House of Commons. Mr. Pearson, the solicitor of the city of London, is pretty well known for the great interest he has, for many years, taken upon the question of the disposal of our criminals. In the "Letter" before us, the writer gives a full exposition of three systems of prison punishment. "1. The system of past days, or the cheap and cruel system. 2. The present, or the expensive and effeminate system The future, or the self-supporting and manly system." After criticising, with considerable severity, the "effeminate system," Mr. Pearson goes on to develope his own plan-"the labour and appetite system." The chief features in this scheme are, "toupply criminal offenders of all classes with motives and means to deliver themselves by their own industry and continuous good conduct, from the consequences of their own crimes; to provide them with opportunities and inducements to make their peace with Heaven; to arm society with powers of self-defence against crimes of violence and plunder, by compelling hardened criminals to maintain themselves by labour in industrial prisons, from which they cannot escape, and will not be released till they have fulfilled the purpose of their confinement." This scheme makes full provision for both moral and intellectual instruction. Few persons, unpledged to existing systems, will deny to Mr. Pearson the merit of devising a plan, fitted alike to benefit the criminal, and protect the rockets of the rate-paying public. We wish for this tract an extensive circulation, and the more so, as just now, the public mind is moved on the subject.

Popular Amusements. By E. Corderoy.---Nesbit and Co.-This is one of a course of lectures delivered before the Young Men's Christian Association in Exeter Hall. First in order the lecturer treats of the English Amusements of olden time, then of the changes following the Reformation, and lastly of those amusements which form the staple of "Life in London" to too numer us a class. The historical part of the lecture is thin, but very good so far as is given, the main force of the lecturer being reserved, for notices of the character and influences of the theatre, opera, Vauxhall and Cremorne Gardens, gambling, dancing, &c. Mr. Corderoy, with good opportunities for estimating the deteriorating influences of London amusements, lifts up his voice of warning, in tones of earnest truthfulness With every disposition to allow to youth a fair share of that mirth and diversion which befits their stage of life, we nevertheless go with the lecturer in his reprobation of the popular amusements of London No one but those long resident in the metropolis, and observant of the habits of youths from the provinces, can have any conception of the modes by which thousands of well educated and promising young men are drawn into the fearful vortex of vice. We commend this book to schoolmasters; it deals with a subject proper to their vocation, and one which will pay them well to study thoroughly. Teachers might do much in setting the tone of popular amusements by fostering a taste for innocent pleasures in their pupils; and they would do so if they were better "up" in the history of the question, and its immense influence on the morals of a nation.