Summary of Volume XVII
By Editor
As the testimony of another volume closes with this number, let us look over the field and note the amount of matter that has been presented. From the fact that its testimony has come to us gradually, and at stated intervals, we may be apt, some of us, to lose sight of what it would amount to if brought together in the aggregate. An enumeration of the items of the volume now closed, gives the following result: There have been presented, of poetry, 56 pieces; articles, on almost every variety of subject, 343; notes, paragraphs and items, 155; letters, and extracts from letters, 209; making a total of 760 separate pieces. The price of the volume has been one dollar; and those who are in the habit of accurately marking the returns which they receive for all monies laid out, will at once perceive that they have been given seven separate pieces, and three-fifths, for every penny. But we need not enter into any such calculation as this; for to every lover of truth, that truth and the agencies employed to carry it on, are not to be estimated by mere dollars and cents. It has in their eyes a far higher value than any such material and carnal things. One marked feature of our correspondence has been the communications from new contributors, those who have, "for the first time," spoken through the REVIEW. There seems to be no lack of acquisitions to our ranks in this respect; and if all who commence in the good work would continue, we should soon have, with the new ones who are continually coming up, original matter enough for the whole paper each week. We hope for a no less number of volunteers in the future; and we hope moreover that those who have already started, will not be content to slack their hand after running well for a season.