Having spoken thus far of the "South-West," in terms of commendation, we must now be allowed to assert, in plain words, what we have before only partially hinted, that the Professor is indebted, generally, for his success, more to the innate interest of his subject matter, than to his manner of handling it. Numerous instances of bad taste occur throughout the volumes. The constant straining after wit and vivacity is a great blemish. Faulty constructions of style force themselves upon one's attention at every page. Gross blunders in syntax abound. The Professor does not appear to understand French. This is no sin in itself--but to quote what one does not understand is a folly. Turks' Heads _à la Grec_, for example, is ridiculous--see page 34, vol. i. Bulls too are occasionally met with--which are none the better for being classical bulls. We cannot bear to hear of Boreas blowing Zephyrs. POETRY OF LIFE. _The Poetry of Life. By Sarah Stickney, Author of "Pictures of Private Life." Philadelphia: Republished by Carey, Lea, and Blanchard._ These two volumes are subdivided as follows. Characteristics of Poetry--Why certain objects are, or are not poetical--Individual Associations--General Associations--The Poetry of Flowers--The Poetry of Trees--The Poetry of Animals--The Poetry of Evening--The Poetry of the Moon--The Poetry of Rural Life--The Poetry of Painting--The Poetry of Sound--The Poetry of Language--The Poetry of Love--The Poetry of Grief--The Poetry of Woman--The Poetry of the Bible--The Poetry of Religion--Impression--Imagination--Power--Taste--Conclusion. In a Preface remarkable for neatness of style and precision of thought, Miss Stickney has very properly circumscribed within definite limits the design of her work--whose title, without such explanation, might have led us to expect too much at her hands. It would have been better, however, had the fair authoress, by means of a _different_ title, which her habits of accurate thinking might have easily suggested, rendered this explanation unnecessary. Except in some very rare instances, where a context may be tolerated, if not altogether justified, a work, either of the pen or the pencil, should contain within itself every thing requisite for its own comprehension. "The design of the present volumes," says Miss Stickney, "is to treat of poetic feeling, rather than poetry; and this feeling I have endeavored to describe as the great connecting link between our intellects and our affections; while the customs of society, as well as the license of modern literature, afford me sufficient authority for the use of the word _life_ in its widely extended sense, as comprehending all the functions, attributes, and capabilities peculiar to sentient beings."