Book Notices.

A DAY IN ANCIENT ROME.-Messrs. D. C. Heath & Co., Boston, have issued a new edition of Professor Shumway's, "A Day in Ancient Rome," of which nearly forty thousand copies have already been sold. The great success of this book is chiefly due to its reliability and interesting style. Starting along the modern Corso (the ancient Via Flaminia), the reader is taken across the Campus Martius, with its Pantheon, over the Capitoline, across the Forum, Palatine, etc., gathering up, as he goes, history, biography, topography, archæology, interspersed with illustrative citations, and charmingly illustrated, so that he may see faces and places (not only in their present condition, but in restorations). There are 59 illustrations (17 full-page). Such vivid bits of imaginative reproduction, as the triumph and the reception at Domitian's, lend a reality to the picture, which is quite foreign to ordinary typographical or historical works; while the illustrations are new, not hackneyed. Every student of Cicero, of Horace, or of Tacitus, will find it invaluable. Mailing price, 80 cents.

ELEMENTS OF ENGLISH. An Introduction to English Grammar, for the use of schools. By George Hodgdon Ricker, A. M. The Interstate Publishing Com pany, Chicago and Boston. Price 30 cents.

Its

It is certainly a very neat and attractive book in its external appearance. bright, red cover, its clean white page, relieved by a choice variety of type, make it attractive even to a child.

The author says: "This little book has been written with the hope of making this branch of school study less difficult, more attractive and more useful to young pupils. The work is elementary. It is designed to be used in the lower grades of schools, and to prepare the pupil for the study of larger works on language and grammar. It consists of a series of lessons, treating of the parts of speech and their uses, of the simple sentence in its various forms, fully illustrated by practical exercises composed of common words in daily use. It also contains practical lessons on spelling, capital letters and punctuation. Directions for letter-writing are briefly and clearly stated and illustrated. The principles of analysis and synthesis are concisely stated, followed by brief methods of parsing."

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An examination of the book shows the author's claim to be correct, as to the matter it contains. The whole subject is gone over within the compass of a hundred pages, and more than half the space is occupied with exercises of a practical kind. It is concise and simple in its definitions. It omits needless technicalities, yet does not ignore the distinctions and uses of the various parts of speech. As an introduction to English grammar it is sure to command the attention of teachers.

The Interstate Publishing Co., Boston and Chicago, have sent us a series of draw. ing and reading cards called The Magic Pear. Beginning with the form of the pear as a basis, it is shown how, by a gradual addition of simple auxiliary lines, various forms may be built up on it-as, the elephant, the cat, the owl, etc. With each is connected an easy reading lesson, which the child is expected to use as an aid in learning to read. Price, 15 cents.

KRUSI'S DRAWING MANUAL FOR TEACHERS. Graded Course-Analytical Series. By Herman Krüsi, A. M., Instructor in the Philosophy of Education at the Normal and Training School, Oswego, N. Y. New York: D. Appleton & Co.

1887.

In this volume are discussed clearly and fully the principles of design. This discussion is followed by special directions adapted to the author's graded course; and a treatment of the several orders of architecture. The instructions are simple and complete. The work is an invaluable aid to teachers and students of drawing.

HOME AND SCHOOL SONGS. An Illustrated Song Book for Children. By Louis C. Elson, Editor Musical Herald, Chicago. The Interstate Publishing Co. Price, 40 cents.

This book contains twenty-three bright songs, with piano accompaniment, for little children, and "A Children's Operetta for Summer Entertainments," called DragonFly Day. Each of the songs is accompanied by a beautiful full page illustration. Altogether it is a well gotten up book.

LITTLE DIALOGUES FOR LITTLE PEOPLE. Indianapolis, Ind.: Charles A. Bates. 1887. Price, 10 cents.

This little volume is filled with pleasing dialogues for very little people. Many useful facts of science and many valuable moral lessons are taught in the simple "chats" in which the wee ones engage. It is well adapted for use in the low primary grades.

THE GOLDEN LEGEND, by H. W. Longfellow, with notes by Samuel Arthur Bent, A. M. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. In two parts. Price, 15 cents each.

Longfellow's estimate of the story upon which the Golden Legend is founded, is shown by the following extract:

"It seems to me to surpass all other legends in beauty and significance. It exhibits amid the corruptions of the Middle Ages, the virtues of disinterestedness and self-sacrifice, and the power of Faith, Hope and Charity, sufficient for all the exigencies of life and death." Published in this cheap form, this fine poem becomes accessible to all classes, while the notes serve a useful purpose in explaining obscure allusions and enabling the reader to form a true picture of medieval life.

Publishers' Notes.

W. H. Harrison, Jr., Publishing Co., of Chicago, have, in press, a valuable treatise on Orthoepy, the Science of Pronunciation, by Prof. E. B. Warman, A. M., of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Chicago, one of the leading Orthoepists of

America. This treatise goes more thoroughly into the details of articulation, enun ciation and pronunciation than any work published. The book contains an appendix of over 5,000 words that are apt to be mispronounced, giving the correct pronunciation of each word and the authority for the same. The author has given many years of earnest study and research to this subject, and has prepared a work that will commend itself to every one.

The publishers of The Home and School Supplement, 50 Bromfield street, Boston will have ready on April 15th, "One Hundred Lessons in Business,"- -not a bookwhich promises to be very sensible and practical. Price $1.

The April number of The Home and School Supplement contains an excellent portrait of George W. Cable. The May number will contain a portrait and sketch of T. B. Aldrich.

Messrs. Ginn & Co., announce for publication in April, THE ART OF READING LATIN: HOW TO TEACH IT. BY WILLIAM GARDNER HALE, Professor of Latin in Cornell University.-The method described and urged in this pamphlet (now tested by a considerable experience in the writer's teaching) bases itself directly upon the Latin order (the method is of course the same for Greek), that is to say, upon the actual process of statement of the thought; and shows, in some detail, how it is to-day possible for any properly trained mind of ordinary power to comprehend a Roman sentence without translation, being guided by those same indications of meaning, of one kind and another, scattered through the Roman sentence, which were sufficient. on a single reading or hearing, to convey its full contents to the Roman mind. The method, being so determined, leads the student by the most direct way toward a true reading power, and toward a resulting enjoyment of the language which may prompt to the continued exercise of that power; and for this reason, the consideration and support are invited of all who believe in the value of a true acquaintance with the literatures of Greece and Rome.

Messrs. D. C. Heath & Co., Boston, will issue at once, in their series of "Monographs on Education," a paper by Prof. J. F. Genung, of Amherst College, on The Study of Rhetoric in the College Course. The book is the outcome of the author's close and continued inquiry into the scope and limits of rhetorical study as pursued by undergraduates, and of his application of his ideas to the organization of a progressive rhetorical course. The first part defines the place of rhetoric among the college studies, and the more liberal estimate of its scope required by the present state of learning and literature. This is followed by a discussion of what may and should be done, as the most effective practical discipline of students toward the making of literature. Finally, a systematized and progressive course in rhetoric is sketched, being mainly the course already tried and approved in the author's own classes.

D. C. Heath & Co., Boston, will publish, May 1st, "The Earth in Space; a Manual

of Astronomical Geography," by Edward P. Jackson, A. M., instructor in Physical Science, Boston Latin School. This little book has been made as simple and perspicuous as possible, to meet the growing demand for such a text-book in Grammar Schools. Numerous original cuts add very greatly to the ease with which principles, usually regarded as difficult, may be comprehended by young pupils. It has been submitted to the criticism of many practical teachers, whose suggestions have been of great assistance. Following is the Table of Contents: I. Spherical Form of the Earth. How we know that the Earth is Spherical. II. Departures from the Spherical Form.-How we know that the Earth is Flattened at the Poles. III. Latitude and Longitude. IV. Zones. V. Dimensions and Distances.-How we know these. VI. The Sun's Rays and the Earth's Atmosphere-Gradual changes in Light and Heat during the Day and the Year. VII. The Earth's Daily Motion.-How we know that the Earth Rotates.-Apparent Daily Motion of the Heavens. VIII. The Earth's Yearly Motion.-How we know that the Earth Revolves. IX. The Inclination of the Axis.-The Sun's Declinations.-The Change of seasons.-The Variation in the Length of Day and Night. Appendix.

GENERAL LOGAN'S SECOND BOOK.-General Logan, at the time of his death, had completed his second book, "The Volunteer Soldier of America," and it was ready for the printer. So soon as it was generally known that it was in existence, publishers from all parts of the country wrote to Mrs. Logan making offers for its publication. Not a few called in person, and used their best influence to get the work, into which it was understood that the dead hero had put so much thought and strength and affection. It was his last and best tribute to the one interest he loved most-the volunteer soldier. From Philadelphia, New York and Chicago, came publishers, urging their special advantages, and pleading for the opportunity to sell the book of the hour. Mrs. Logan, eager and anxious to do the best thing for the book's future, talked with her friends, and compared the offers of the various publishers. It transpires that an enterprising Chicago publisher, Mr. R. S. Peale, has secured the prize, and has given to Mrs. Logan the same terms General Grant received for his Memoirs. Mr. Peale is of the firm of R. S. Peale & Co., of Wabash avenue; he is a young man of push and sagacity, and his triumph over the best known publishers in the United States is a matter of congratulation to the Chicago public. Mrs. Logan favored his offer, because she preferred the book should be published in Chicago, and also from the fact that Mr. Peale controls the largest subscription organization in the country. The work is destined to have a notable fame. It is a history of military education in this country, exhaustive and remarkable. General Logan has reared his lasting monument in this effort for the beloved volunteer soldier. It will raise the prestige of the citizen soldier to the higher plane, where General Logan always insisted his pedestal should be. It is to be illustrated in the full sense of that term, and will contain many pictorial reminiscences of historic battle-fields. Mrs. Logan's interests are well cared for in the contract. She receives two-thirds of the profits of the book, and will be fully protected in every respect. The manuscript gives every evidence of the most careful preparation, and it would seem that General Logan must have had some knowledge of the fact that he was doing his last service for the soldiers when he wrote this wonderful story of valor and fortitude and heroism.

The Magazines.

SCRIBNER'S MAGAZINE for April, Volume I, No. 4, containing the first installment of the Unpublished Letters of Thackeray, illustrated by reproductions from the Novelist's own Unpublished Drawings; Fac Similes of his Letters, etc., etc Contents: Portrait of William Makepeace Thackeray. Frontispiece. Engraved by G. Kruell, after the crayon drawing by Samuel Laurence. A Collection of Unpublished Letters of Thackeray, with an introduction by Jane Octavia Brookfield. Illustrated by reproductions of Unpublished Drawings by Thackeray. (To be continued in further numbers) "No Haid Pawn," a Story, Thomas Nelson Page. The Story of a New York House, IV, H. C. Bunner. Illustrated by A. B. Frost. Modern Aggressive Torpedoes, Lieutenant W. S. Hughes, United States Navy. Illustrated from photographs and drawings furnished by the author. Fortune, Elyot Weld. The Residuary Legatee; or, The Posthumous Jest of the late John Austin. Part Third. The Administration, J. S. of Dale. Remembrance, Julia C. R Dorr. Reminiscences of the Siege and Commune of Paris. Fourth (concluding) paper. The Downfall of the Commune, E. B. Washburne, exMinister to France, with illustrations from portraits and documents in Mr. Washburne's possession, and from drawings by T. de Thulstrup, J. Steeple Davis, and A. M. Turner. The Quiet Pilgrim, Edith M. Thomas. American Elephant Myths, W. B. Scott, with illustrations. The Old Earth, Charles Edwin Markham. Seth's Brother's Wife, Chapters XIII-XVII, Harold Frederic. Tedesco's Rubina, a Story, F. D. Millet. English in our Colleges, Adams Sherman Hill. 25 cents a No.; $3 a year. Charles Scribner's Sons, Publishers, 743 and 745 Broadway, New York.

THE MARCH WIDE AWAKE has for frontispiece one of Hassam's "wet-day pictures," entitled "A Late March Afternoon." Garrett, too, has some characteristic work both in his strong drawings for Mrs. Harriet Prescott Spofford's ballad, "Blind Milton," and his fanciful sketches for Miss Guiney's "Fairy Folk All." W. L. Taylor is represented at his best by an irresistible little fellow in cap and ulster, accompanying the poem by Abigail Adams Foster, entitled "Just Seven Years Old." Sandham's Mexican drawings illustrate Fred Ober's serial," Montezuma's Gold Mines." Merrill's spirited pen-and-ink sketches, depict scenes in Mr. Talbot's comedy-serial "Romulus and Remus," and Mrs. Champney's Indian serial, "Howling Wolf and his Trick-Pony." One of Kemble's Southern pictures illustrates the La Rose Blanche Story, of "The Dish Rag Bonnet," a story most pathetic, most humorous; and Beard has made two or three good drawings for C. F. Holder's paper on "The Coral Country." But perhaps the most interesting features are among the unillustrated articles which include the last of "the Longfellow papers." "Longfellow and the Children," by Rev Samuel Longfellow; a delightful botanical paper by Grant Allen, entitled "A New England Flower:" a little Roman Adventure by Mary Densil, called "Nan's Bambino ;" a good story by Penn Shirley. "A Boy's Lawsuit;" also a sketch of a Western school-girl editor, "Colorado Wasp." There are still other interesting features: "Bits of Talk," by Rose Kingsley, Margaret Sidney and Annie Sawyer Downs, a fascinating piece of biographical writing by Mrs. Bolton about Pansy" (Mrs. G. R. Alden), with portrait; some carpentry for boys; some "Search-questions" for historical students, "Tangles" for the ingenious, and other poems and other pictures and other stories. Only $2.40 a year. D. Lothrop & Co., Publishers, Boston.

THE SOUTHERN BIVOUAC for April opens with the first paper, by General E. M Law, on "The Fight for Richmond." General Law tells his story with great clearness, and it will be read with interest, especially at this time, because of the controversy concerning the conduct of General McClellan. Mrs. Patty B. Semple contributes an article on "Sidney Lanier." A short article repeats what General Jackson said to General W. G. Harding relative to his duel with Dickinson. Henry W. Cleveland has, in the April BIVOUAC, a story which illustrates the devotion of an old slave to his young mistress, and describes a great flood in the Mississippi. P. S. Hunter has a pleasant out-of-door paper on "Virginia Birds." The concluding paper on John Cleves Symmes contain an excellent portrait of the theorist. In "The Surrender of Fort Donelson," M. M. Casseday tells how it was that General 8. B. Buckner, third in command, was left to surrender the fort The article by Judge Hines on "The Northwestern Conspiracy" deals with the operations on the lakes, and tells of the capture and execution of John Y. Beall. Thomas Canebrake has a review of Tennyson's latest poem, which is both appreciative and suggestive. The Editor's Table has an article on Henry Ward Beecher, and one on Mr. Cable and the negro. Danske Dandridge, William H. Hayne, and Charles J. O'Malley have each a poem suitable to the season. Mr. O'Malley's "To a Mocking-bird in April" is worthy of special notice.

EDUCATION.-William A. Mowry, Editor, is always earest and progressive in the cause of education. The February No. opens with a strong article by General T. J. Morgan, of the Rhode Island Normal School, entitled "Causing to Learn," which will be of special interest to students of Psychology. "Journalism as a Profession," by E. J. Carpenter of the Boston ADVERTISER, will give to many readers new ideas of the work of a reporter on a large metropolitan daily, and will show that in newspaper work one must learn to do by doing. "The Ordinance of '87," by John Eaton, LL.D., President of Marietta College, Ohio, recalls the action of the Continental Congress. This article is of special significance, in view of the approaching Centennial. "The Query Club" discusses the "Abolition of War.' The "Editorials,' ་་ Current Literature,' "Miscellany," and other departments,

give piquancy and zest to this excellent Magazine. $3 a year. 50 Bromfield street, Boston,Mas.