INTRODUCTION. 161 



deserts of Egypt to the land of Edom, and have laid open to our observation the 

 city of the dead. Of the American travels of Stephens, and the noble spirit which 

 prompts his researches into the antiquities of Central America, ^ve could not 

 speak with too high praise.* 



In the department of classical learning, the state has one student preeminently 

 distinguished, Charles Anthon of Columbia College. His fame is not only widely 

 diffused throughout the United States, but his acquirements and labors are justly 

 appreciated by the scholars of Europe. His critical and learned commentaries 

 upon the works of the more popular classic authors are too familiar to need a 

 reference. As the author of a classical dictionary, more accurate and extensive 

 than any heretofore published, and as a diligent inquirer in the great department 

 of the affiliation of languages, he has won for himself the highest rank among 

 American classical scholars. 



In the department of translations from modern languages, doctor A. Sidney 

 Doane, distinguished for his writings upon medical subjects, has won for himself 

 high reputation. 



We are not altogether without historical romance. In this department may 

 be mentioned Paulding's " Dutchman's Fire Side," Cooper's " Spy " and " Pio- 

 neers," and Hoffman's " Greyslaer." In other departments of fiction, the Sketch 

 Book, Bracebridge Hall, the Conquest of Grenada, and other works by Irving ; 

 the numerous productions of Cooper, the writings of Paulding, the graceful 

 romances of Theodore S. Fay, and Indian Sketches and the Hawk Chief, by John 

 T. Irving junior, have been received with much popular favor : while in satire, 

 Knickerbocker's History of New- York, by Irving ; Saknagundi, by Paulding, 

 Irving and others ; the Bucktail Bards, by Duer, Bonner and Verplanck ; and 

 the Essays of Croaker & Co. by Drake, Halleck and Clinch, are very agreeable 

 productions. 



It must be confessed that a popular taste for poetry has not yet been created. 



* Notes on History and Travels, were received from George Folsom, Esq. 



Intr. 21 



