Philadelphia, Jan. 21. Ther 33° The Climate — There is far less moisture in the air of Philadelphia than in that of British cities in winter, and more electricity. The climate is so stimulating, that wine is unnecessary, and to many persons disagreeable. On 11th January, I mentioned the circumstance of my collection of drawings and casts being on board of a schooner which was then frozen up in the Delaware. The ice-boat has succeeded in cutting a clear way in the river, and the vessel has arrived. I find that the boxes have been on deck all the voyage, and these not waterproof: Nevertheless there is scarcely any damage done even to the drawings. A small portion of water has entered and been frozen after reaching the first layer. In Dr Franklin's days, the English considered the climate of America more damp than that of their own country, and he, with his usual sagacity, expresses doubts whether the opinion be correct, at least in regard to Philadelphia. Whatever may have been the state of matters then, the air is now certainly drier in the American city: But much of the forest has been cleared since that time.

Godliness profitable unto all things.—The Boston newspapers contain a circular, dated 19th December 1838, addressed by the Commissioners appointed by the Western Railroad Corporation, to the clergy of Massachusetts, pointing out to them “the moral effects of rail-roads,” and earnestly requesting them “to take an early opportunity to deliver a discourse before your congregation, on the moral effect of railroads on our wide extended country.”