The articles of which this volume is made up were originally written for Fraser’s Magazine, under the alias of George Fitz-Boodle. They have all the unreined heartiness of wit and humor for which that periodical was once so celebrated, and are as worthy of Thackeray’s genius as the “Yellowplush Correspondence” itself, which was written for the same magazine. From sly and searching satire to mirthful caricature, there is hardly a region of the ludicrous which this little volume does not occupy and illustrate. It forms one of the series of Appleton’s Popular Library. * * * * * _The Eagle Pass; or Life on the Border. By Cora Montgomery. New York: Geo. P. Putnam. 1 vol. 12mo._ This volume belongs to the original and copy-righted series of Putnam’s Semi-Monthly Library, and like the other numbers, is placed at the low price of twenty-five cents. The authoress of the present work has written a very entertaining narrative of her experiences of Texas border-life, and, with shrewd powers of observation and a tact for character peculiarly feminine, she combines manly qualities of thought and courage. Her description of Peon slavery is worthy the attention of statesmen. * * * * * _Stories from Blackwood. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1 vol. 18mo._ (_Appleton’s Popular Library._) These stories are entitled “The First and Last Dinner,” “Malavolti,” “The Iron Shroud,” “The Avenger,” “The Announcements and Three Rooms”, “Nicholas Dunks,” and “Fortune-hunting Extraordinary.” Few of these are any better in plot or style than the ordinary run of tales contributed to American magazines. “The First and Last Dinner” and “Nicholas Dunks,” are perhaps the best in the collection. * * * * * _The Lives of Wellington and Peel. From the London Times. New York: D. Appleton & Co._ (_Appleton’s Popular Library._) _1 vol. 18mo._ The life of Wellington, in this volume, was published in The Times the day after his death, and was written, it is said, six years ago, to be used as soon as needed. It is quite a long and able summary of the events of the duke’s memorable career, and will be read at present with great interest. The life of Peel is also well-written and discriminating. * * * * * =SIPS OF PUNCH.= [Illustration: =KENSINGTON GARDENS. A POSER FOR PAPA.= “La! Pa, dear! What is the meaning of ‘Koelruteria Paniculata;’ and why should such a little tree have such a very long name?”] * * * * * [Illustration: =Harry (_to Tom._) There’s one great bore about a Watering-place--they sell such horrid Cigars.=] * * * * * [Illustration: =The Advantage of Sitting next to a Family Pew.=] * * * * *