We make these remarks, because we are not entirely satisfied ourselves, with _all_ the articles either in prose or verse, admitted into the present number. We did not think, however, that any of them deserved exclusion. In some of those which are published, may be perceived undoubted indications of genius,--and in the rest, evidences of high capacity to excel.
In noticing some of the pieces, we hope it will not be supposed that we pass sentence of inferiority upon such as we omit to mention. Our object is to ask the particular attention of the reader to those which have afforded us peculiar pleasure.
It is with unalloyed satisfaction, that we continue the very able and interesting account of "_Tripoli and the Barbary States_." The author has thrown around authentic narrative, all the charms of romance; and we perfectly agree with a contemporary editor in this city, that he has reached in a very high degree the interest and dignity of the true historic style.
The description of _Howard's Bottom_, under the head of "_Western Scenery_," will be at once recognized as the production of a practised and polished pen.
If the "_Hints to Students of Geology_," by an able proficient in the science, shall serve to stimulate the languor which prevails in Virginia on that subject, we shall be more than gratified.
In the "_March of Intellect_," by V, there is a singular mixture of the serious and comic--of truth and caricature--which may not perhaps be agreeable to all readers. All, however, will concede to the author, vigor and fertility of mind,--with much of the "_copia verborum_" in style. We should have taken the liberty to apply the pruning knife to the luxuriant foliage of the "_Seasons_," from the same pen,--had we not feared doing some injury to the fruit. The author has only to cultivate his fine talents, in order to attain a high rank in the art of composition.
There is a good deal of humor in the description of a Virginia "_Fourth of July_,"--and we hope the writer will repeat his effort. In the local and distinctive traits of our national manners, there is a wide field for the pencil.
With the "_Essay on Luxury_," by B. B. B. H. we have taken some liberties, and crave his indulgence if we have been too free. Sometimes the finest thoughts and strongest reasoning, suffer injustice by inattention to style.