14 JULY 1838, Page 18

THE PROGRESS OF PUBLICATION Is still inclined towards the safe

and the solid, rather than to the belles lettres, or to any thing which requires genius, or long and thoughtful labour. Compilation, avowed or latent, is the leading character of the volumes profusely spread upon our table,—save where an individual has a hobby, and does not grudge the cost of showing the world how he can ride it. It is impossible to shut one's eyes to the fact, that, in despite of the march of intellect, literature partakes just now a good deal more of manufacture than mind.