This volume is beautifully printed--and we are happy in being able to say, conscientiously, that its neat external appearance is its very least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the Preface--can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Sketches and Stories here offered to the public"--says Mrs. Hale--"have not entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor--but the author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if so, she should have said it more explicitly)--or does she allude merely to novelty of manner or of matter? We think that some of these sketches are old acquaintances of ours. The volume consists of fourteen different articles. The Lloyds--The Catholic Convert--The Silver Mine--Political Parties--A New Year's Story--Captain Glover's Daughter--The Fate of a Favorite--The Romance of Travelling--The Thanksgiving of the Heart--The Lottery Ticket--An Old Maid--Ladies' Fairs--The Mode--and The Mysterious Box. The Silver Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole--but they are all written with grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America, and bids fair to attain a far higher. WESTERN SKETCHES. _Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the West. By James Hall. Philadelphia: Harrison Hall._ Mr. Hall has made himself extensively known by his Tales and Legends, as well as by his labors in the editorship of the _Western Monthly Magazine_. From his long residence in the West, and from his undoubted abilities as a writer, we should suppose he would be excellently qualified to write precisely such a book as he has written. His object in the present publication seems to be not so much the furnishing of topographical or statistical details, as the sketching of character and life in the West, _prior to the close of the late war_. To those who are at all acquainted with Mr. Hall, or with Mr. Hall's writings, it is superfluous to say that the book is well written. Wild romance and exciting adventure form its staple.