18 NOVEMBER 1837, Page 15

The appearance of the Abnanacks reminds us that the sand

of the year-glass is nearly run out, and that we shall soon have to turn it up again, by changing our calendar. A dozen of the cheap Almanacks—principally TILT'S neat and comprehensive penny sheets, for the hat, the desk, and the waistcoat-pocket, with the penny and threepenny books of OLIVER and Bovn—are before us; but the heap of sand in the glass is not more barren of the future than they : beyond the planetary changes they tell us nothing of what is to be. Net so with a new one—The 'leather Almanack, by P. MURPHY, EST ; who boldly prognosticates the state of the weather on every day in the ensuing; year: not vaguely, after the manner of astrologer Mooas, but definitely as the barometer—" Fair—Rain—Changeable—Frost—Wind- Storm !" These prophecies are founded on meteorological calcula- tions, having for their data the influence of the moon and the ope- ration of certain principles, which the author evolves in a scientific essay at the end. The main feature of his theory is, that electri- city and magnetism are the sources of temperature electricity producing heat, and magnetism cold. In glancing over the inci- dents that full up the blank spaces of the calendar, the arbitrary and unsatisfactory nature of the selection strikes one very forcibly. Birth and death days of eminent individuals, and great events of ages past are too numerous to be given with any thing like com- pleteness in one year's calendar; but by classifying them, each almanack might be made to possess a distinct character, suited to the pursuits and opinions of persons of every class. A chrono- logy of the past year would be useful: the calendar need not be punished till the beginning of the new year.

The Parliamentary Almanack is a good specimen of one class; though the memorable days in the calendar are of a very mis- cellaneous selection. It gives lists of the Peers, in the order of rank and seniority ; and of the Commons, arranged according to counties; reigning Sovereigns, Lords-Lieutenant. Officers of State, Ambassadors, Parliamentary Officers, and the Public Oakes.

HANNAY and DIETRICKSEN'S Almanack conta'ne a variety of general information, with a full account of the planetary phas- nomena, and a more numerous array than usual of days celebrated

by remarkable events. •