HARPER'S

NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

VOLUME II.

DECEMBER, 1850, TO MAY, 1851.

NEW YORK:
HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
329 & 331 PEARL STREET,
FRANKLIN SQUARE.
1851.

ADVERTISEMENT.

In bringing the Second Volume of the New Monthly Magazine to a close, thePublishers would avail themselves of the occasion, to express their profound appreciationof the favor with which it has been received, and their earnest wish to renderit still more deserving of the enlightened patronage of the American community.They commenced the publication with the firm conviction that it could be made themedium of valuable information and mental enjoyment to the great mass of readers,and that it would accordingly be sustained by their generous and cordial support.Nor have they been deceived in their anticipations. The Magazine has found awider circulation with every monthly issue. The encomiums with which it hasbeen welcomed by the universal voice of the press, and the verdict of intelligentreaders, are a gratifying proof that the Publishers have succeeded in their endeavor toadapt it to the wants of the public mind. Encouraged by the experience of the firstyear of this extensive literary enterprise, they are determined to spare no effort toinsure the succeeding volumes of the Magazine a still wider and more favorablereception among all classes of readers. They intend it to be a strictly nationalwork. Devoted to no local interests, pledged to no religious sect or political party,connected with no favorite movement of the day, except the diffusion of intelligence,virtue, and patriotism, it will continue to be conducted with the impartiality andgood faith, which it is equally the duty, the inclination, and the interest of the Publishersto maintain. In addition to the choicest productions of the English press, theMagazine will be enriched with such original matter as in their opinion will enhanceits utility and attractiveness. The embellishments will be furnished by distinguishedartists, and selected no less for their permanent value as vehicles of agreeable instructionthan for the gratification of an æsthetic taste. With the ample literary, artistic,and mechanical resources which the Publishers have enlisted in the New MonthlyMagazine, and their ambition to give it a character of genuine, substantial, reliableexcellence in every department, they may assure its wide circle of patrons that itssubsequent issues will more than justify the distinguished reputation which it hasattained at this early period of its existence.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.