of my critique, or of the works themselves. However, I will mention a few, requesting you to put your veto upon my not writing any more on this subject, if you find it at all tedious. I have lately waded through four out of six thick 8vo volumes of Dr. Franklin's "Life and Works." I would say of them that they are a bed of oysters from which the diligent searcher might collect many pearls; but a great portion of the work is interesting only to the statesman and the philosopher. "Babylon the Great" is a very fine picturesque portrait of London and its inhabitants in the present day. If you have commenced, or rather resumed, romance reading, I would recommend to your notice "Tales of the O'Hara Family," as possessing great interest. Lady Morgan's "Florence M'Carthy" I like very well. Miss Porter's "Village and Mariendorpt" is also a very amusing work. But if you want something in the grotesque style, read Hogg's "Winter Evening Tales," and, above all, Blackwood's Magazine. It is without exception the most delightful emollient I know for the gloom and dulness too often concomitants of severe study. I never miss reading it shortly after it makes its appearance, and there is inevitably some article, long or short, that proves a sure provocative of laughter and delight.
Your remarks on my progress in knowledge are, I think, more the effect of your good wishes than of your firm belief in my acquirements. However, I am obliged to you for the kindness and good wishes displayed by you in this respect, and will merely observe that I am nearer the summit of stenographical excellence than when I last wrote. I find you blame me for not giving you any idea what my proceedings will be after my apprenticeship expires. Though the time now draws so near, I must confess that I am more undetermined than when I parted from you. ... I spent most of my last Hull fair at your father's. I need not say that at times I felt the want of your presence as the enlivener of the social board, and the mainspring of joy and cheerfulness. My bodily health is in general better than I could have supposed it would have been at this season of the year. I may speak in the same terms of my leg. ... Hoping we may meet again soon, or if not, that we may congratulate each
