In presenting the ninth number of the Messenger to our readers, we take occasion to make some brief references to its contents. Besides contributions from old friends, to whom we have been formerly indebted, it contains _seven_ prose articles from new correspondents, some of whom are entirely unknown to us, all of whom are welcome to our pages. Of the sixth number of "_Sketches of the History of Tripoli_," it is only necessary to say that it is worthy of and sustains the character of the preceding numbers. The same may be said of the "_Letters of a Sister_," in which the vivacity that has elicited so much praise of the former numbers, is not diminished. The descriptions of Virginia scenery, in the article on "_The House Mountain_," and the "_Visit to the Virginia Springs_," are highly attractive. The former is remarkable for its graphic delineations and glowing imagery--the latter abounds with useful information, conveyed in an attractive style; and its writer describes the scenes he visited with great clearness. The third number upon the "_Fine Arts_," is an admirable article. The writer warms as he progresses with his subject. We would particularly recommend the article on the "_National Importance of Mineral Possessions_," &c. The application of general truths to our own peculiar situation, is made with much force in that article. Our stranger correspondent, _Anthony Absolute_, has very delicately satirized the opposers of the amusement of dancing. His style is evidently modelled after that of some of the numbers of the Spectator, and he is uncommonly happy in keeping up a vein of quiet humor throughout. His grave irony is highly amusing. The writer of an article on "_Recent American Novels_," seems to us to have expressed some opinions hastily, and to estimate the merits of some of our native writers incorrectly. He has surely overlooked the author of _Calavar_, in classing the successors of Cooper and Irving, as "dwarfish," and their efforts as "puny." He was not in fault in passing over the author of "_Horse-Shoe Robinson_," as that work had not appeared when his article was penned; and _Swallow Barn_ does not rank as a novel. We believe that Mr. Kennedy and Dr. Bird will prove themselves worthy successors to Cooper and Irving (so far as the latter may be considered a novel writer,) when the mantles shall fall from their shoulders--nor will Mr. Sims, the author of Guy Rivers and the Yemassie, (either of which, we apprehend, are superior to the Insurgents,) be far behind. The reviewer seems to us rather inconsistent in his allusions to Cooper, Irving, Paulding and Miss Sedgewick: But we have not room to particularize. With regard to the two former, the opinions of a _Young Scotchman_, in the interesting letter which we publish in this number, are worthy of attention. We are happy to say, that extracts from his "_Letters on the United States_," will be continued in the Messenger. We doubt not they will be read with avidity.