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Historical Account of the Crimea . By W . B . Babker . London Trubner , Paternoster-row . —From the endless variety of books upon this subject , we select for our present commentary one compiled from the best authorities by a gentleman of considerable literary repute . The author gives the following interesting narrative of the manners , customs , habits , and religion of the Tartar race , and which we have great pleasure in extracting , and also in cordially recommending the work as one which should at the present juncture be universally read : —

" It is impossible to conceive a greater contrast than that which exists between the habits of European nations and those of all Eastern countries . The phlegm of the Dutchman is vivacity itself compared with the perfect torpor and insouciance of the Tartar , who will sit in the same posture smoking his long pipe and drinking coffee from morning till night , with , perhaps , the single distraction of an occasional nod-of-the-head . The summum bonum of Tartar felicity is the ' far niente . Their cafe ' s are usually built in the form of kiosks , and , in the country , are shaded by large trees , and ornamented with trellis work , about which vines are allowed to creep . They are so situated as to command extensive and

picturesque views , which the guests do not , however , appear greatly to appreciate or enjoy ; and they abound in even the smallest villages . Occasionally a story-teller , who narrates his tale in a monotonous discordant chant , or a dancer , who performs his task with a grave uniform motion , enlivens the scene and brings a transient smile upon the otherwise immobile faces of the dignified assemblage , whose appreciation of the efforts of their entertainers is testified by a quiet motion of the head . If a Tartar can obtain the means of passing life in this manner , his ambition is satisfied . He has few wants that are not easily supplied ; and he will make an incredibly small quantity of food suffice for nourishment , although he will indemnify himself for this abstinence on the first opportunity .

" The Tartars inherit much of the spirit of their early ancestors , and have little attachment to home . Their active life is passed mostly on horseback , and they are consequently very expert equestrians . They have been reproached with cruelty and a spirit of plunder ; and , were this true , which it is not , they possess the counterbalancing virtues so often found in a state of society not highly civilized—good faith , disinterestedness , hospitality , and a generosity , even towards their bitterest enemies , which would do credit to the most polished nations .

" The women rarely go abroad ; and their lives are passed in the fulfilment of their household duties and in the education of their children , that of the girls in particular being mostly conducted at home . The sexes are separated at a very early period of life , and the girls are betrothed as soon as they reach three or four years of age , —their settlement in life being managed entirely by the parents of the future bride and bridegroom . The marriage ceremony is performed with the gravity and decorum which distinguishes all their acts . Of course there is little question of anything but convenience in these unions , but they seldom result in the unhappiness which might be expected .

" The superiority which the male sex arrogates to itself is shown on every occasion . There is none of the gallantry , respectj or deference which women command among the civilized nations of Europe . It is seldom that a Tartar rises or stands in a woman ' s presence , and he never does so but out of deference to the rank of her husband . The morals of the Tartars are , at least , respectable ; and the punishment which awaits any lapse is very severe . The marriage vow is rarely broken ; in fact , the respect of Tartar women for their husbands is only

equalled by the honour which the children pay to their parents . They never permit themselves to sit until haying asked and obtained permission ; and take every occasion of kissing the hands of their father , mother , and other relatives , and asking their benediction . Even the most abandoned are anxious to escape the disapprobation of the authors of their being . A superior in age or authority never rises to salute an inferior : and yet all willingly and gracefully accord the