the past winter proved to be

one.

a fair average

Of a verity, these things are marvellous and amusing, and there are plenty more of the same kind to follow.

CHAPTER III.

INSTITUTIONS AND LYCEUMS OF NEW ENGLAND-THEIR CHA

RACTER AND THEIR ADVANTAGES-A

HOUSE OF PRAYER

TURNED INTO A DEN OF THIEVES-LAUGHING FORBIDDEN -THE LAITY MISTAKEN FOR THE CLERGY-A MEXICAN'S

SKULL TURNED TO A GOOD ACCOUNT-MORE JOKERS THAN

SIR THOMAS MORE AND ANNE BOLEYN-LIBRARIES

AND

BOOKS-AN EVENING WITH LONGFELLOW, AT ONE OF THE HOMES OF THE AMERICAN POETS-"THE DAY IS DONE."

THE literary character of the New England community constitutes its main distinction from many other States, and gives it a very enviable position in a foreigner's estimate of America. It is the fashion to class Boston, the chief town in it, under the denomination of the "City of Notions;" but we respectfully suggest that it would be quite as

well if those who bestow the title would carry out its import at home. Her notions are based upon those principles of right and sound sense which learning delights in establishing. The State of Massachusetts has given birth to many eminent men of departed days, and at this moment can claim, as its offspring, or its resident people, Longfellow, Lowell, Sprague, Hawthorn, Whipple, Emerson, Holmes, and a long list of others, whose mental acquirements reflect upon it the highest honour and renown. Its seats of learning, and its various institutions, Lyceums, and literary associations, claim the eulogy of every tongue, and require, in some measure, especial notice. Having been intimately mixed up with many of these establishments, not only a feeling of gratitude, but a strong impulse of observation, induce us to devote a page or two to this particular matter.

There is no country that can boast, either in number, in character, or in position, of such institutions for the acquirement of universal knowledge, as those which are already established, to say nothing of those in course of establishment, throughout the whole extent of New England. In the States constituting this part of North America, there is scarcely a village that has not some insti

tute for the delivery of lectures, the formation of a library, and the study of various acquirements; while in all their cities and large towns there are at least two and sometimes three.* Lecturing is the prevailing pursuit of the public at large, and has become so popular, that places of ordinary amusement are comparatively deserted. It is strong evidence of a correct taste, and possesses a powerful influence in the manner in which it operates, more especially on the middle classes of society. We must not be understood to infer that the literary institutions of New England possess a very striking advantage over those of our own country which are in active operation; but still they have peculiarities and carry out in their intentions, and in the fulfilment of those intentions, precepts that are well worth following, as well as benefits that are worth bestowing. A brief outline of their constitution may not be altogether without interest.

The principal institution in Massachusetts, from which so many others derive their form of government, and by whose system they are chiefly regulated, is "The Mercantile Library Association," of

* We have been told there are upwards of three hundred in the six States.

Boston, whose members comprise, to the number of something like 2300, most of the young employés in that city. Its funds have been very largely contributed to by personages of such consequence as the Lawrences, Appletons, Sturgis's, Cushings, Shaws, &c.; but its annual resources spring from the contributions of the whole body. Its affairs are directed by committees selected from that body, the representatives of which are mostly under twenty-five years of age. An extensive library of some 13,600 volumes, a reading-room, with above one hundred of the popular journals (weekly and semi-weekly) and magazines of the day, the most of them sent gratuitously, a saloon for recitation, and other official apartments, constitute the household establishment; while for their course of lectures they have rented the recentlyerected Music Hall (owing to the increased number of their contributors), in which we had the honour of lecturing before upwards of 3000 auditors. They have an annual income of more than 7500 dollars, besides funded property to the amount of 19,250 dollars, and have been enabled to give this past season a double course of lectures, for which they paid a handsome remuneration to various profesThe smaller establishments of smaller towns

sors.