By Harriet Stewart Miner. Boston: Published by Lee and Sheppard, and in New York, by Charles T. Dillingham. Price, $15.00.

The most magnificent work of its class ever issued in our country, and will do more perhaps than any thing that has appeared to make orchid culture widely popular. There are seven great families of orchideae, and in the twenty-four plates given selections are made from all these, and thus is given a general idea of all the family. The species illustrated are, Dendrobium Devonianum, D. Ainsworthia, D. nobile, Masdevallia Veitchii, Cattleya Trianae, C. Chocoensis, C. Mossae, C. Lod-digesii, Laelia autumnalis, L. Dayeana, Phalae-nopsis Stuartiana, Oncidium Barkeri, Calanthe Veitchii, Aerides quinquevulnerum, Odontoglos-sum Roezlii album, O. triumphans, O. Alexandras, Lycaste aromatica, Vanda suavis, Cymbid-ium Hookerianum, C. niveum, C. Haynaldium, and C. Spicerianum. The colored lithographic plates are all drawn by the authoress and are given here in quarto size. The lithography is very well done. Practical facts, philosophical speculations, classical allusions, poetical references, and various thoughts suggested by the subjects form the text, which is beautifully printed on heavily calendered, gilt edged paper.

Possibly critics in the various departments of literature might want to qualify or add to what has been said by the authoress, but all will say that her attempt to offer a very beautiful and interesting work has been a signal success.

For weddings or birthday presents, Easter gifts or memorial gifts of any kind, nothing we are sure would be more appreciated than a copy of this book; while those who have a collection of orchids, or desire to have one, will surely want this beautiful book in their libraries.