Hooper's Western Fruit Booh. By B. J. Hooper, of Cincinnati. From the press of Moore, Wilstach, Keys & Co., 1857.

As a concise descriptive catalogue of fruits, the plan of this work is adapted to the purpose for which it was designed. Without entering into the minute and elaborate descriptions which enable the Pomologist to identify varieties, it gives such prominent characteristics of each kind as will answer ordinary practical purposes of the cultivator.

We regret that the author did not designate the quality of each fruit by the epithets recommended by the American Pomological Society - "good," "very good," " best." This, however, will probably be done in a subsequent edition, at which time, no donbt, a careful revision will be made, and sundry errors (some of them typographical) contained in the present edition will be corrected. For instance, the Sheldon Pear is not a foreign variety, but a native of New York; Beurre Preble is stated (at page 125) to be "not very good," and (at page 130) as being "worthy;" Doyenne du Cornice is printed "Doyenne de Cornice;" " Triomphe de Jordoigne" should be Triomphe de Jodoigne; "Camel's Favorite" should be Cornell's Favorite; the "Bannet" Raspberry should be Barnet; the Cushing Raspberry is not of a "cream color," nor is the French; both are crimson varieties.

Welcoming as we do every attempt to impart reliable information on the topics treated in this work, we yet have a duty to perform to our readers; under this impression, we must be permitted to point out a few peculiarities of the author which it would have been well if he had avoided. Book making is evidently a new business to Mr. Hooper, and such being the case, he will probably not take amiss a few remarks that occur after an examination of his work.

However excellent the plan with which the writer set out, he has fallen into a rambling and confused mode of treating his subject which is anything but satisfactory. As an instance (at pages 160-61), in describing the "Glout Morceau" Pear, we have an account of the " Winter Nelis" at more extent than the pear under consideration; on turning to Winter Nelis, very little is said about it, and there being no index, a reader anxious to know all about the latter, will have to search a long time to find what he wants.

Under the head of " Kirtland Pear," we are treated to the following rambling "remarks:" -

"Raised by Dr. Kirtland, of Cleveland, Ohio, a good Pomologist, a man of very scientific attainments, and of versatile talents. Texture, line, melting, juicy, and rich. Flavor, aromatic, sweet, and in the highest degree delicious. Tree, hardy and productive. Obtained from the seed of Seckel- Dr. Kirtland has been most successful in raising very valuable and delicious cherries from the seed (which will be noticed in their proper place), as well as some other fine seedling fruits. He is always indefatigable in the pursuits of horticulture and science/'

Indeed, Mr. Hooper luxuriates on the Pear topic, and crowds, irrelevant subjects under the descriptions, which should have been placed in a separate chapter. As an example, take the following, under the head of Seckel Pear: -

"'Best grafted on the apple (a singularity), reserving part of the apple branches, to give large size and flavor.' So says Mr. Gabriel Sleath, an experienced horticulturist and cultivator, and one of the pioneers of Cincinnati, en flowers and fruit, with Jas. Howarth, and, to be in good company, may I be permitted to add the author here!"

In naming the " Doyenne Gris Hiver Nouveau," the short description is eked out as follows. As it complimente oar own labors, we oaght to be satisfied, but why we are introduced in this particular place puzzles as a little; and we again have to regret that there is no index to point out to admiring thousands this brilliant gossip about the " Winter Gray Doyenne," which reads thus: -

"The GrayDoyenne is described, by Col. Wilder,in the Horticulturist, tint established by Downing, and which leading work has also been well conducted ever, since, by good theoretical as well as eminently paotioal men. It is now in good hands, and has, as ft deserves, a large circulation, and still increasing, as may be expected from the gloriously growing interest in horticulture and agriculture in all parts of the Union. Men are beginning to get their eyes open, at length, to their highest welfare, happiness, and wealth. Fruit should comprise one-third of the human diet, at least".

Here we hare, in half a page of "remarks" on the Gray Doyenne, Colonel Wilder, the Horticulturist, Downing, Barry, the present conductor, large circulation, horticulture, agriculture in all parts of the Union, men with their eyes getting open, human diet, good theoretical as well as practical men, welfare, happiness, and wealth, etc. etc. We ask Mr. Hooper if this is following good models of book making? and we ask him to place such remarks, in the future editions, in a preface, or, in fact, anywhere but in their present places. Another objection to its taking a position as a Western Fruit Book, will be found in its extreme local character. Everything is tested by "Cincinnati" experience; opinions are given as those of one section of Ohio only, and we are left to conjecture as to what will suit other " Western States." The time for all the rest of the great West, cannot be regulated by a Cincinnati clock. Mr. Hooper will do well to remember these particulars, which we mention in all charity, and as in duty bound.

We have seen bat one copy of the work, and this was accidentally picked up on the shelves of a public library, and sent oat to us.

The few fruit illustrations are very creditable; the portraits of the Cincinnati savant we are less able to recognise. Surely, the expression of Mr. Longworth's face has been altered in the engraving process; Mr. Ernst we should not be able to distinguish; Dr. Warder looks well and young, and as active aa ever. The fruits on the table around which those gentlemen are grouped, are more natural, but, as it was not the season, probably, there is an omission of the strawberry, pistillate, and staminate, for which this part of our parish is so famous, and where, while we write, this pleasant febrifuge is doubtless in its usual abundance.