_The Claims of Science_, by WILLIAM C. RICHARDS, is an Anniversary Discourse before the Literary Societies of Erskine College, South Carolina. It sets forth the value and importance of the physical sciences, both as the means of a generous intellectual culture, and the condition of great practical discoveries. The argument of the speaker is sustained with great vigor of statement, and a rich profusion of illustration. Familiar with the varied field of nature, he expatiates on her majesty and loveliness with the enthusiasm of a favored votary. The style of the discourse is chaste and polished throughout, and often rises into earnest and impressive eloquence. A second series of _Greenwood Leaves_, being a collection of letters and sketches by GRACE GREENWOOD, has just been published by Ticknor, Reed, and Fields. A sincere, genial, thoroughly individualistic production--overflowing with exuberant gayety--though dashed with frequent touches of bitter sadness--often wildly impulsive, but always kindly, human, and hopeful--with occasional specimens of sharp-shooting, though the polished, nimble arrows are never dipped in poison. It will be widely read for its spicy humor, its fine, frolicsome naivete, its gushing good-nature, and its genuine nobleness of tone, even by those who may now and then wish that she would leave political and social questions to the sterner sex. The same publishers have issued another work by GRACE GREENWOOD, entitled _Recollections of my Childhood_, intended for juvenile readers, and abounding in beautiful appeals to the best feelings of the young heart, illustrated by the reminiscences of personal experience. M. W. Dodd has published a translation from the German of HILDEBRANDT, of _Winter in Spitzbergen_, by E. GOODRICH SMITH, depicting the frozen horrors of that savage clime. It is a narrative of great interest, and will be read eagerly by young people, for whom it is intended. It is equally rich in attractiveness and in information.