When we find that the new issue of Bohn's _Illustrated Library_ consists of the first volume of a revised and enlarged edition of _The Battles of the British Navy_, by Joseph Allen, Esq., R.N., we are almost disposed to imagine that this indefatigable publisher had seen with prophetic eye that in the opening of 1852 Mr. Cobden's theory of universal peace would lose favour, and that John Bull would resume his old love for the "blue jackets." Be that as it may, such a work as the present, popularly written, handsomely illustrated, and published at a moderate price, which would at all times be a boon, is not likely to be less welcome at a moment when there is a general feeling abroad, that England's best securities for that peace which all would preserve, "like her best bulwarks," are "her wooden walls." Sir Joshua Reynolds was a painter among painters, and a man of letters among men of letters; and as long as the literature of this country endures, his name will be held in remembrance and in honour. In giving, therefore, to the world a new edition of _The Literary Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first President of the Royal Academy; to which is prefixed a Memoir of the Author, with Remarks on his Professional Character illustrative of his Principles and Practice_, by Henry Williams Beechey, Mr. Bohn has conferred a boon, not only upon the professional student, but upon all who would acquire a knowledge of the presiding principle which regulates every part of art, and who can appreciate the eloquent and admirable manner in which the great president conveyed that knowledge. When a glimpse of sunshine warns us of the approach of spring, and that our young friends are bethinking them of the country and its varied pleasures, when they will again-- "---- hear the lark begin its flight, And singing, startle the dull night," we are reminded of a long-delayed wish to call their attention to Gosse's _Popular British Ornithology, containing a Familiar and Technical Description of the Birds of the British Isles_, as a means of turning their pleasant rambles to a source of profitable instruction. With this scientific, though concise and popularly written volume, profusely illustrated as it is with coloured figures of the most remarkable British birds, as their guide--and a little patient observation--an amount of knowledge of birds and their habits will soon be acquired by them, which will prove a source of never-ending enjoyment, and give new zest to every fresh visit to the woods and fields. BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES WANTED TO PURCHASE. GREGORY'S (DR.) SECOND MEMORIAL TO THE MANAGERS OF THE ROYAL INFIRMARY, EDINBURGH. HERON'S (SIR ROBERT) NOTES. First Edition. Privately printed. COBBETT'S STATE TRIALS. 8vo. Vol. VIII. 1810. ARNOTT'S PHYSICS. 2 Vols. ISR. CLAUDERI DISPUTATIO DE SALE SUB PRÆSIDIO SAGITTARII. Jenæ, 1650. CRESCENT AND THE CROSS. Vol. I. Third Edition. MACKINNON'S HISTORY OF CIVILISATION. Vol. II. 1846.