Having written quite a dissertation upon hunting and game, we feel somewhat called upon to incite something upon dogs — the life of sport, the agent without whose aid it could not exist. The genuine sportsman loves his dog next to his wife and children, if he have any. Some have even been accused of loving them a great deal better. It may be so, for we have observed that the majority of ladies are by no means fond of dogs, and we presume it a because they are jealous of them. They feel a secret consciousness that they divide, if they do not absolutely steal away, the affections of their lords and masters, and anything that does that is sure not to be a favorite.

We never saw a sportsman who did not, at the time, possess, or had not at some period of his career possessed, a dog superior to all other dogs that ever existed. Every man has innumerable anecdotes to record of his dog.--Every one gives you some dozen instances of his wonderful sagacity. They all tell you, that at such a time they owned a dog who had as much sense as a man. You assent in silence, with the conviction that some of them have a great deal more than some men. Some of them have dogs which can do everything but talk, which, again, is more than the masters can generally do. One dog, you will be told, understands conversation, wherein we confess they surpass our humble selves. Another knows how to draw a conclusion; an effort to which we are at times very far from being equal ourselves. That you may not doubt, examples of this dog logic are always ready at hand, and they are always vouched for by the owner, with a vehemence proportioned to the importance of the subject. Lord Byron, being a himself, pronounces dogs better than men. Many sportsmen will prove that they are at least smarter.

The races of dogs are almost as innumerable as the races of mankind. You have well-bred dogs and dogs of no breeding at all, intelligent dogs and dogs without any brains' sharp dogs and dull dogs, cross dogs and good-natured dogs, bob-tailed dogs, long-tailed dogs, and dogs without any tail, hounds, bloodhounds, greyhounds, pointers, setters, bulls, mastiffs, Newfoundlands, poodles, St. Bernards, terriers, curs, and fices. These are a few of the generations, but they branch out into innumerable secondary breeds and classes. We intend only to deal with pointers and setters.

It was said long ago by a person who took great delight in field sports, "treat your dog like a gentleman, if you want to make anything of him." This is true of all dogs. It is more strictly true, perhaps, of pointers, than of any others. They must be treated with the utmost kindness, kept warm, fed well, and placed on a footing with the family. Like Viola, in the play, they are exceedingly "compatible to good treatment." They are the most sensitive of dogs, the most easily cowed by harsh treatment, and the most grateful for kindness. Beat a pointer unnecessarily, kick him, scold him, give him never a word of encouragement, and his spirit is soon broken.--He becomes worthless, lazy, and sheepish. He loses the erectness of his walk and the spirit of his carriage. He comes crawling up to you with averted eyes, and countenance resembling that of a felon. Indeed, you must keep a sharp look-out, lest he become a felon in deed as well as in look. If you will kick your pointer, you should at least secure your sheep-pen.--On the contrary, if you treat him well, he is always full of life and spirit. He starts up when he hears your voice, and shows his pleasure by a thousand antics. He becomes your constant companion and your most useful servant. You soon become as proud of his society as he is of yours. Take him out in the field, and he is worth a hundred half starved, ill-conditioned, badly-treated dogs.

Byron wrote an epitaph on a Newfound-land dog. We do not see why we should not bestow a posthumous notice on a few pointers we have known. And first upon Carlo, a dog that belonged to Mr. Narcissus W. Miller now Clerk of Goochland county. Poor Carlo! He has now been under the sod more than thirty years, yet his master has not forgotten him to this day. He was a most gentlemanly dog, yet somewhat over dignified, we may almost say surly, in his deportment. He allowed nobody else to fondle him, and resisted all attempts as an insult. He could be induced by no persuasion to follow any but his master, even in the field, and he would obey nobody else. He was a dog of remarkably rapid movements, and was as good at a single bird as at a covey. He was very remarkable in one respect; when he found a covey, and bad stood a considerable time without being observed by the huntsmen, he would steal off, find his master, and make him understand by his motions the state of affairs. He was the only dog we ever saw that would take no notice of a hare, although it started up directly under his nose. He could be sent back to any distance for anything that was lost, and never failed to recover a dead or wounded bird. He was a beautiful dog, stout chest, large head, eyes full of intelligence, white, with a large liver spot on his back, forming as perfect an eclipse as could be made by mathematical instruments.

Another of our intimate acquaintances in the canine world was Ludo, a large, beautiful white and black pointer, belonging to Dr. Wm. S. Scott, now of Fredericksburg, but at the time we speak of living in Goochland. Ludo was a magnificent dog in all respects, No dog of his day could find more birds, and he was fully as good at single birds as at coveys. He was not fond of following strangers, but we got him out once, and happening, unfortunately, to miss several times, he took it in such high dudgeon that he tucked tail and incontinently trotted off home.--Nor could we ever prevail on him to follow us again. Considering the low esteem in which he evidently held an indifferent shot, it has always been a mystery to us how his master obtained a sufficient ascendancy over him to break him as he was broken. He must have taken to it naturally.

Dr. Erasmus Powell, at present of this city, but formerly of Goochland, had a dog to which he irreverently gave the name of Maffitt, after the celebrated Divine John New Land Maffitt, of whom, for aught we know, he might have been an admirer. Maffitt was not at all inferior to the last-mentioned, in the field, and he was infinitely superior to him in social qualities. He had an infinite number of tricks which he played off for the amusement of his master's guests, whom he appeared to consider his own. His hospitality, indeed, was unbounded. Nothing could exceed the joy with which he hailed the arrival of a visitor. He was, we think, the most pleasant companion of the dog kind we ever met with. His heart was as open as day. There was no such thing as ill-nature in him' if only the company happened to be to his liking, for, with all his hospitality, he was particular about his associations, and had his likes and dislikes as strong as an orthodox Christian. Maffitt was a beautiful black and white dog, built alike for speed and endurance

These were all fine dogs, we should say; indeed, very fine. But the finest we ever saw in the field, we think, was one that belonged to Mr. Peter W. Grubes, and was named Zach, after General Zachary Taylor, How he came to be so fine a dog we could never understand. Dogberry tell us that "reading and writing come by nature," and so, we suppose, came Zach's accomplishments; for, though his master is a great fisherman, we do not understand that he is equally expert upon the wing. Accomplished, however, Zach was, in a degree beyond any other dog we ever saw in the field. He could quarter the ground better, move faster, find more birds, and scare up fewer before the huntsmen came up, than is conceivable by anybody that never saw him. He was all yellow, built like a greyhound, and a perfect model of symmetrical beauty. He came of a race that had long been famous for their achievements in the field; but he, we suspect, was superior to all of them. His

A correspondent of the London Times, describing one of the great mantua-making establishments in that city, says.

Etiquette and the Usages of Society, containing the most approved rules for correct deportment in fashionable life, &c. By Henry P. Willis. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald.--A small volume that may be carried in the pocket and may be of use to those who have any fashionable vanities.--For sale by Woodhouse & Co.

Hide and Seek. A Novel. By Wilkie Collins. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald.--Mr. Collins has gained quite a reputation among novelists of the day; especially for his "Woman in White." For sale by Woodhouse & Co.

Where There's A Will There's A Way. By Alice B. Haven. New York: D. Appleton & Co.--The author of this story for young readers is better known to them as Cousin Alice, who has been much esteemed and quite popular amongst them. The little people are making a fine beginning for Christmas presents, and we do hope that in spite of the clouds that lower upon the country, there may be no interruption to their innocent joys on the approaching anniversary.

The Young American's Picture Gallery; illustrated by 500 engravings. D. Appleton & Co, New York.--Another pretty present for our young friends. For sale by Woodhouse & Co.

Hopes and Fears;or, Scenes from the Life of a Spinster. By the author of the "Heir of Radcliffe," "Heartsease," &c. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Two volumes. For sale by Woodhouse & Co.

The Adventures of James Capen Adams,Mountaineer and Grizzly Bear Hunter of California. By Theodore Hittell. Illustrated. Boston: Crosby, Nichols, Lee & Co.--This is a book of intrepid achievements and hair-breadth escapes of the noted Capt. Adams. --Barnum had the tact to introduce some grizzly bears into his museum, and to employ Capt. Adams to exhibit them. But the old hunter bore with him some fatal wounds, received in his fierce struggles with the wild animals of the forest and mountains, and of these he recently died in New York. For sale by Starke & Cardoza.

Jack in The Forecastle; or, Incidents of Early Life. By Hawser Martingale. Boston: Crosby, Nichols, Lee & Co.--"Hawser Martingale" is the homme de plume of Capt John S. Sleeper, of Boston, a journalist of considerable reputation, who has had a great deal of experience in life on the ocean. His stories have been generally very entertaining. For sale by Starke & Cardoza.

Grimm's Popular Tales And Household Stories.--First and second series. Boston: Crosby, Nichols & Co.--This edition of the popular stories of the brothers Grimm, in two volumes, is very well gotten up and illustrated. They will afford our young friends a vast deal of entertainment. For sale by Starke & Cardoza.

Life And Religion Of The Hindus; with a sketch of the author's Life and Experience, By Joseph Gargoolt, (Baptised

Money matters, we may say, are a little easter, but trade is no better, and merchants and businessmen generally are awaiting the issue of events in national affairs.

The determination of the Banks relative to what notes shall be considered bankable, and what not, has relieved the business community very much. We give below a list of the Banks whose notes are bankable here:

All the Banks located in Richmond, and the branches of such as have branches.

Bank of Commerce, Fredericksburg.

Bank of Howardsville, Howardsville, Albemarle.

Bank of the Old Dominion, Alexandria.

Bank of Rockbridge, Lexington.

Bank of Rockingham, Harrisonburg.

Bank of Scottsville, Scottsville.

Central Bank of Virginia. Staunton.

Danville Bank, Danville. Va.

Farmers' Bank of Fincastle, Fincastle.

Merchants' Bank, Lynchburg.

Monticelio Bank, Charlottesville.

Southwestern Bank, Wytheville.

Branch of the Bank of the Valley, Staunton.

Branch of the Bank of the Valley, Christiansburg.

Exchange on New York, we quote at 7@8 per cent. premium; on Philadelphia 4@5; on Baltimore 4.

Specie is quoted at 5 per cent.

North Carolina notes, we learn, find ready sale at 5 per cent discount. Those of the Miners' and Planters' Bank of Murphy sell at 20 per cent discount.

South Carolina Bank notes are still 10 per cent below par; but, as formerly stated, there are few in circulation.

The Baltimore American's commercial report of Nov. 26, says:

The Philadelphia Ledger of Monday says:

The N. Y. Journal of Commerce, of Monday afternoon, says:

--[By Telegraph.]

New York, Nov. 27.--Money easier, but unchanged. Stocks lower, but better after the adjournment of the Board — Centrals 73 ¾; Virginias 78; Missouri 67.

--The first of these Chamber Concerts, under the direction of Messrs. Rosier, Crouch and Metz, took place, as announced, at Mrs. Pellett's School-room, on Thursday evening, before a select, discriminating, and appreciative audience. The programme contained the following names: Hummel, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Cornelli, Mazzinghi, and DeBeriot — a sufficient guarantee. for the refinement of taste, in making the selections. The manner in which these compositions were executed by the Directors, requires no commendation from us, their world-wide reputation being too well known. Mr. F. W. Rosier, as the poetic translator of most of the standard German Vocal Lyrics in this as well as the old country — an essentially theoretic, highly cultivated musician. Mr. F. Nichols Crouch, one of the most popular and prolific song-writers of the age — the composer of "Kathleen Mavourneen," a ballad published in every civilized community and translated into all languages — a man possessing, in his own right, the quality of poet, musician, author, singer, and instrumentalist-one whose qualities are deep set, requiring familiar acquaintance with, before springing the mine. wherein lies concealed the treasures of his master mind. We are given to understand that this gentleman proposes making the South his future home, and with us, in our midst, he will complete his National work, "Life in the West." some sketches from which the attentive auditory were delighted with at the Soiree on Thursday night--more particularly "The Seaman's Burial," an unpretending, effective song for a bass voice, full of poetry, melody, and true to nature, and so graphically sung by himself as to call forth tears from many a sparkling eye — no greater compliment could an author desire — His voice is commanding, sympathetic, and strictly musical, well cultivated, and of great compass, the peculiar charm of his singing consisting in his clear enunciation, the perfect case with which he renders his passages, and the truthfulness of the sentiment. The same characteristic applies to his playing on the Piano Forte and Violoncello at which he appears equally at home.--From Mr. John Metzwe augur much. He is a young man, full of promise, evidently making his debut in an arduous profession, beset with shoals and quicksands, where many, well intentioned and deserving, too often founder for the want of able advisers. Under the direction of the gentlemen above named, he commands every advantage, practical experience and reputation, and we predict for him, if he will copy their example, a noble and an enviable career. He is young, full of enthusiasm, very prepossessing, and with his ability as Pianist and Violinist, must enlist the favorable opinion of his hearers. His touch is brilliant, and his rendition of his author masterly. Sincerity is all that is wanting, and that will exhibit itself the more he practices under the guidance of his seniors.

As performances calculated to disseminate a correct musical taste in our community, we affirm these "Musical Soirees" unexampled. not only in the mode, the manner and the execution, but in the performers themselves. There is a prestige about them for excellence rarely met with, and we cordially endorse them as worthy a large share of public patronage. The subscription lists are stiff open, and by reference to our advertising columns, it will be seen where tickets are obtained. Thursday evenings are the nights appointed in every week for these Soirees.

--It is not important to the public that Shuttle Sewing Machines. or Rotary Hook and Bobbin are reduced in price, but the announcement that the Grover & Haker Machine, legal and genuine, is now within the reach of all, will delight thousands of families throughout the land. Welcome and long desired deliverance has come at last from fastening unfastened ends of "Locked-seams" that are anything but locked — rewinding bobbins, adjusting pads, and repairing the weekly ravages of the wash tub on these delectable seams.

In buying, be sure the machine you select sews from two spools, and is licensed to make the Grover & Baker stitch. No other stitch will stand washing.

--A Daily Union Prayer meeting is hold at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association in Goddin's Hall.

Christians of all denominations, and strangers visiting the city, are cordially invited to attend.

no 12--1m

An adjourned meeting of the stockholders of the Richmond and York River Railroad Company will be hold at West Point, in the county of King William, on Wednesday, the 12th day of December next, with the view of electing a President of the Company, and of adopting such