Produced by Judith Wirawan, David Kline, and The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE. VOLUME IV. DECEMBER, 1851, TO MAY, 1852. NEW YORK: HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, 329 & 331 PEARL STREET, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1852. ADVERTISEMENT. The Fourth Volume of HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE is completed by the issue of the present number. The Publishers embrace the opportunity of renewing the expression of their thanks to the public and the press, for the extraordinary degree of favor with which its successive Numbers have been received. Although it has but just reached the close of its second year, its regular circulation is believed to be at least twice as great as that of any similar work ever issued in any part of the world. The Magazine will be continued in the same general style, and upon the same plan, as heretofore. Its leading purpose is to furnish, at the lowest price, and in the best form, the greatest possible amount of the useful and entertaining literary productions of the present age. While it is by no means indifferent to the highest departments of culture, it seeks primarily to place before the great masses of the people, in every section of the country, and in every walk of life, the most attractive and instructive selections from the current literature of the day. No degree of labor or expense will be spared upon any department. The most gifted and popular authors of the country write constantly for its pages; the pictorial illustrations by which every Number is embellished are of the best style, and by the most distinguished artists; the selections for its pages are made from the widest range and with the greatest care; and nothing will be left undone, either in providing material, or in its outward dress, which will tend in any degree to make it more worthy the remarkable favor with which it has been received. The Magazine will contain regularly as hitherto: _First._--One or more original articles upon some topic of general interest, written by some popular writer, and illustrated by from fifteen to thirty wood engravings, executed in the highest style of art: _Second._--Copious selections from the current periodical literature of the day, with tales of the most distinguished authors, such as DICKENS, BULWER, LEVER, and others--chosen always for their literary merit, popular interest, and general utility: _Third._--A Monthly Record of the events of the day, foreign and domestic, prepared with care, and with entire freedom from prejudice and partiality of every kind: _Fourth._--Critical Notices of the Books of the day, written with ability, candor, and spirit, and designed to give the public a clear and reliable estimate of the important works constantly issuing from the press: _Fifth._--A Monthly Summary of European Intelligence concerning Books, Authors, and whatever else has interest and importance for the cultivated reader: