Although not exactly within the compass of the present volumes, we may say a word in relation to the great Dictionary of Dr. Johnson. This is undoubtedly at the head of all similar works in the English language, and will stand as a monument of the author's genius, and unparalleled research and industry, so long as the an guage shall be spoken and read.

Previous to the completion of this work, no general standard for the English lan guage was acknowledged. The intention of the author was to supply this deficiency -in his own words "the chief intent of it is to preserve the purity, and ascertain the meaning of our English idiom." In fulfilling this task, Dr. Johnson accomplished what falls to the lot of few men in any undertaking. He made that work which was the first standard of the English language so perfect, that not one of all who foliowed him, has been able to improve it. Some few indeed have enjoyed an ephemeral celebrity; but while they are gradually sinking into oblivion, the value and beauty of this great work is becoming more and more appreciated. We cannot but admire the determination of Dr. Johnson to undertake this work, which he knew would add little or nothing to his literary fame during his lifetime. "I knew," says he, " that the work in which I engaged is generally considered as a drudgery for the blind, as the proper toil for artless industry; a task that requires neither the light of learning, nor the activity of genius, but may be successfully performed without any higher quality than that of bearing burdens with dull patience, and beating the tract of the alphabet with sluggish resolution."

There is one consideration alone which should entitle the works of Dr. Johnson to an attentive, and often repeated perusal. It is the perfection of style and elegance of diction with which they are written. In this they may be set down as models.

New York, September 1832.