in the chair. If we may look upon this special Reading as an experiment in the introduction of sacred subjects in "Penny Readings," it must be acknowledged to have been a most triumphant success, every one seeming pleased with the entertainment, many openly declaring it the best Reading ever given in Peel. The Readings, on January 18th, included Tennyson's "Lady Clara Vere de Vere" (Mr. Graves); "The Wreck of the Hesperus' (Mr. Cain); and Sam Lover's "King O'Toole and St. Kelvin." The admissions are 1d. and 6d. "PENNY READINGS" LIFE-BOAT. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-The object of this note is to invite respectfully the conductors or committees of the "Penny Readings" movement throughout the country, to contribute the proceeds of one entertainment towards providing a life-boat for some part of our coast which may be in need of one. The present stormy weather, and recent calamities at sea, remind one of the dangers, and sufferings, and sorrows connected with seafaring life. Attendants at our Readings would, doubtless, be pleased to be helpful even in a small degree in mitigating such calamities as are constantly occurring around our coasts; and the act would confer a lasting honour on the "Penny Readings" movement. Our village is, indeed, a poor one-the inhabitants being colliers chiefly; but their dangerous calling enables them to sympathise with others who are exposed also to danger. I am bold to say that if my suggestion finds favour in the eyes of yourself and those engaged in our movement, Newhall will send up four hundred and eighty pennies to the treasurer who may be appointed to that post-yourself, I venture to propose. Our Readings here are held weekly; our largest room always crowded with pleased listeners. But several publicans complain that their business on reading nights is almost nil. I am, Sir, January 19, 1866. Your obedient servant, M. CROSSE, Incumbent of Newhall, Burton-on-Trent. [We shall be happy, on the resumption of our Penny Readings," to assist in the movement suggested by the Rev. Mr. Crosse, and in the meantime commend it to the thoughtful consideration of our friends and correspondents.-ED. P.R.] ** Secretaries of Reading Societies will oblige by forwarding reports of their proceedings up to the close of the present season, and by intimating the date at which they will re-com mence. TO OUR READERS, SUBSCRIBERS, AND CORRESPONDENTS. To acknowledge a success is at all times a pleasing duty; to admit that that success has been beyond one's most sanguine expectation must be doubly so. This is, however, the position in which the Editor and Publishers of "Penny Readings, in Prose and Verse," find themselves. They believed that they were supplying a real want when they started their publication; the avidity with which it has been purchased has proved the correctness of their judgment. All this success could not have been achieved without the hearty co-operation of others: this they beg most warmly to acknowledge. Authors, whose names rank among the very highest in English literature, have cheerfully given permission for extracts from their works to appear, while the most important firms in the publishing trade (with but few exceptions) have likewise laid them under deep and lasting obligations. The Editor has also to thank many esteemed Correspondents for friendly suggestions made from time to time, of which he has not failed to avail himself. The Six Volumes now published will comprise the First Series of "Penny Readings," containing upwards of four hundred selections in prose and verse. During the summer months, when the Reading Societies are closed, and their members are enjoying the sports and pastimes of the village green, the Editor will remain at his post, preparing for a new campaign, ransacking the treasures of ancient, and selecting appropriate pieces from the best modern, authors, in order that the Second Series may be in every way equal to the First. The Publishers beg to repeat that, notwithstanding their great success, the "PENNY READINGS" will only be issued during the WINTER MONTHS, that being the period when these meetings are in vogue. NEW POPULAR SERIES OF BOOKS. In fcap. 8vo, price ONE SHILLING each, 256 pp., PENNY READINGS, IN PROSE AND VERSE, SIX DISTINCT VOLUMES, For the use of Members of Literary and Scientific Institutions, Recreation Societies, Mutual Improvement Associations, Mechanics' Institutes, Young Men's Societies, Working Men's Clubs, and all kindred Societies, and for the General Reader. Compiled and Edited by J. E. CARPENTER, TWELVE YEARS PUBLIC READER, LECTURER, AND ENTERTAINER at the PRINCIPAL LITERARY INSTITUTIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN. A COMPANION TO THE "PENNY READINGS." In fcap. 8vo, cloth boards, price ONE SHILLING each, 256 pages. Two Volumes (each sold separately). Sunday Readings, in Prose and Verse, Edited and Arranged by J. E. CARPENTER. Devoted in the main to Sacred Literature, but blended with Moral and Instructive Pieces of a Secular Character, all by Eminent Authors. Price ONE SHILLING, boards, HOW WE ARE GOVERNED; OR, The Crown, the Senate, and the Bench. BY ALBANY FONBLANQUE, Jun. REVISED TO THE PRESENT DATE BY W. A. HOLDSWORTH, Esq. This "masterly treatise "should be circulated throughout the length and breadth of the land, and generally used in all Schools and Colleges. In 160 concisely written pages it gives information which every man should know who has the interest of the Government of the People of Great Britain and her Colonies at heart. Its diffusion everywhere must be the means of eventual good to all who carefully read the book. Bedford Street, Covent Garden. In royal 32mo, price One Shilling, LANGUAGE OF OF FLOWERS: A CARD PACKET IN ENVELOPE. Twelve Specimens of Flowers, with Motto, beautifully printed in Colours. "Worth its weight in Gold. Excellent."-The Press. In cloth, 1s.; leather, 1s. 6d.; 288 pp., THE MODEL READY RECKONER. Commences at 1-16th and extends to 30,000 Number. This Ready Reckoner contains the greatest quantity of calculations ever given in a book of its size and price. A complete Census of all Towns and Cities in England, Ireland, or Scotland (above 3,000); Interest, Commission, and Wages Tables, Commercial Forms, and the Bank of England rate of Discount for Thirty Years. WARNE'S CHEAP LETTER WRITERS. In fcap. 8vo, cloth boards, price One Shilling, THE COMPANION LETTER WRITER: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO CORRESPONDENCE And, price Sixpence each, cloth limp, THE BUSINESS LETTER WRITER. In 48mo, price Sixpence, cloth gilt, and gilt edges, with THE MODEL LETTER WRITER. Bedford Street, Covent Garden. A VALUABLE WORK FOR EVERY AGRICULTURIST. In demy 8vo, price 10s. 6d. half-bound, 640 pp., FARMER'S THE CALENDAR. BY J. CHALMERS MORTON, AUTHOR OF "THE PRINCE CONSORT'S FARMS," "THE CYCLOPÆDIA OF AGRICULTURE," "FARMER'S ALMANACK," ETC. A systematic Work on Farm Practice, accompanied by Explanations and References to Theory when necessary; but mainly and intentionally descriptive of actual Experience and Work in Field, Fold, and Farmery. It is fully illustrated with Wood Engravings of Buildings, Land Drainage, Machinery, and Plants. Mr. J. CHALMERS MORTON, from whose pen it comes, has long been well known as an agricultural writer, and by the description of Farm Practice in all parts of the country, which, during the last eighteen years, has been given in his paper, "The Weekly Agricultural Gazette." There is thus ample guarantee that the readers of this volume have not only the most trustworthy, but the latest agricultural experience laid before them in its pages. Amongst the GENERAL CONTENTS will be found— I The whole work of all kinds of Farms is described in monthly succession, as step by step it occupies the attention of the Farmer throughout the year. 2. The Cultivation of all kinds of Soil-their Drainage, Tillage, and Manuring. 3. The Cultivation of all Farm Crops-food for man or beast-including the lesson of actual experience on the different varieties of each, and on the cultivation proper for each. 4. The Breeding, Rearing, and Feeding of all the Live Stock of the Farm, including a full account of the several breeds of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs; of their respective peculiarities and merits; of the Management required by each; the value of the different foods and processes employed in the meat manufacture; with in formation on Marketing, Localities, and Prices. 5. The Use of all kinds of Agricultural Tools and Machinesfor Hand-work, Horse-labour, and Steam-power respectively; and the Economy of their employment. 6. The relation of the Farmer to the Landowner, the Labourer, and the Soil, including all questions of Rent, Lease, Tenant's Rights, Wages, Permanent Improvements of Land by Buildings, Roads, Drains, Fences, &c.; and its Current Cultivation by Implements, Plants, and Animals, receives full and systematic narration, 7. The Influence of Weather, which overrides and influences all, is given in great detail, month by month, in reference to 30 or 40 stations in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Bedford Street, Covent Garden. |