Lancaster Gazette

As a proof to what extent the spirit of rivalry exists among the London booksellers, in embellishing their annuals, it said that The Keepsake, alone, cost Hurst, Chance, & Co. six thousand pounds; the Forget Me Not cost Ackerman nearly as much; and The Bijou £3000. Notwithstanding the magnitude of these sums. it is probable that large profits were realized by the publishers from the sale of their beautiful works, the popularity of which has given them a circulation through England, and wafted them across the Atlantic. What would an American bookseller think of expending twenty-five or thirty thousand dollars to gratify the public taste ? and still more if, in doing so, he should reap a harvest of wealth? The truth is, our publishers need more spirit to produce, and our people more liberality to encourage, 'specimens of American talents and genius, which shall neither disgrace our press nor do injustice to our enterprise.—Nat. Philanthropist.

It has been too prevalent a practice in the United States for those whose wealth enables them to encourage the meritorious exertions of the enterprising, to observe with indifference any attempt at excellence, and to look with coldness upon every book which is presented to them for support, without inquiring whether it is deserving of encouragement.

There are many, too, who are able to act in a more liberal manner, who purchase those works which are the cheapest, without regard to their neatness or elegance, who prefer that which sells at half price, although its value may not be one-eighth of that for which full price is charged.

It is depressing to the spirit of enterprising publishers to observe mean productions preferred to those upon which they have lavished every attention and expense, and their efforts to render their works worthy of support are checked.

But we think perseverance in a determination to deserve encouragement will finally triumph over those who are continually throwing into the market such miserable books, and that he who ever aims at perfection in his publications will reap the greatest reward.

It is gratifying to perceive that narrow-minded principles are fast giving way to more liberal and generous feelings, and that the fostering hand of encouragement has been extended to those individuals who have lately manifested so laudable a zeal in rivaling the beautiful performances of the English, and we sincerely hope they will not relax in their endeavours, or fail to find support from a liberal public; we may then look forward to a period, not very far distant, when we shall be on an equality with that country which has been for so long a time unrivalled in bringing forward works with taste and elegance, illustrated with such superb specimens of art; for we believe the soil of American genius is as fertile as any other, and that it only needs cultivation to produce the fairest flowers.