LITERATURE, AMERICAN, IN 1881.

(Boston, J. Bradley & Co.), deserve the highest praise. In the same connection may be named J. R. Gardiner's "English History for Young Folks, B. c. 55-A. D. 1880," in a revised edition for American students (New York, Holt). J. Otis's "Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus," and W. L. Alden's "Cruise of the Ghost" (New York, Harper & Brothers), are first-rate stories for boys. Miss L. E. Guernsey's "The Foster Sisters, or Lucy Corbet's Chronicle" (New York, Whittaker), is one of the best stories of the year for both boys and girls.

The literature of Fiction, as a comparison with last year shows, is as attractive as ever, and the supply keeps pace with the demand. American authors, too, hold their own in this department, and divide the honors with English and Continental writers. As productions of this kind number by the hundreds, it is of course impossible to do more than give a glance at a few of the noteworthy novels and stories of 1881. Henry James's "The Portrait of a Lady" (Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co.) is much admired, and also much criticised. Mrs. F. H. Burnett's "A Fair Barbarian" well sustains the writer's reputation (Boston, Osgood & Co.). The same publishers issue Miss R. T. Cooke's "Somebody's Neighbors," and W. D. Howells's "Dr. Breen's Practice," and "A Fearful Responsibility," each very effective in its way. Miss L. M. Alcott's "Little Women" series (Boston, Roberts Brothers), comprising eight volumes, appears in a new edition, and maintains its high place in American fiction. Rev. W. Baker's "Blessed Saint Certainty" (Boston, Roberts Brothers) graphically presents scenes and characters from frontier life; and "Cape Cod Folks," by Miss McLean (Boston, Williams & Co.), is really unique, and in some respects the best novel of the year. "The Bloody Chasm," by J. W. De Forest, and "Wild Work, the Story of the Red River Tragedy," by Mary E. Bryan (New York, D. Appleton & Co.), are pictures of American manners and events, and are full of exciting interest. E. P. Roe's "Without a Home" (New York, Dodd, Mead & Co.) is, like all his stories, written with a distinct purpose, and points out the terribly pernicious effects of the opium-habit.

A large number of novels by English writers are, as usual, republished in the United States. George MacDonald, a writer of rare power as an analyst and portrayer of character, furnishes this year "Mary Marston" (D. Appleton & Co.) and "Warlock O'Glenwarlock" (New York, Harper & Brothers). From the latter house also are sent out W. Besant and J. Rice's "Chaplain of the Fleet," a curiously interesting story of the condition of matters a hundred years ago in a well-known district in London; W. Black's "Sunrise" and "The Beautiful Wretch," both sustaining his well-earned reputation as a novelist; and R. D. Blackmore's Christowell," a story of unusual power.

W.

LITERATURE, BRITISH, IN 1881. 493

W. Mallock writes "A Romance of the Nineteenth Century," and in it presents a strikingly realistic picture of existing social conditions; Mrs. K. S. Macquoid gives a pleasing story in "Esau Runswick "; and D. C. Murray presents us with a somewhat singular production entitled "Joseph's Coat" (these published by Putnam's Sons).

Translations of works of fiction are very numerous. Victor Cherbuliez's "Saints and Sinners" (Noirs et Rouges) is a capital specimen of French life and manners (New York, D. Appleton & Co.); so also is André Theuriet's "All Alone"; F. Spielhagen's "Lady Clara Vere de Vere" well represents the popular German style of novel (same publishers). The "Spanish Fairy Tales" of Fernan Caballero are presented in a capital rendering into English by J. H. Ingram; Mrs. A. L. Wister translates from the German "The Eichoff's of Von Reichenbach, and “Severa," a novel of E. Hartner's (Philadelphia, Lippincott & Co.). H. H. Boyesen's "Queen Titania" and "Tales of Two Hemispheres (New York, Scribner's Sons) are stories of real merit. Professor R. B. Anderson has translated, with the approval of the author, Björnson's delightful "Synnove Solbakken," "Arne," and "A Happy Boy" (Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co.). The same scholar gives us, from the Icelandic, the Viking Tales of the North, i. e., "The Sagas of Thorstein, Viking's Son, and Fridthjof the Bold" (Chicago, S. C. Griggs & Co.). George Ebers's "Uarda, a Romance of Ancient Egypt," is a singularly striking production, carrying one back into hoar antiquity. Jules Verne, one of the most industrious and useful writers of our day, gives us "The Steam House, Part I, The Demon of Cawnpore,' and "Part II, Tigers and Traitors" (New York, Scribner's Sons). From the French also comes "A Nihilist Princess," by M. L. Gagneur (Chicago, Jansen, McClurg & Co.), and A. de Lamartine's "Graziella, a Story of Italian Love," new edition (same publishers).

Lit

LITERATURE, BRITISH, IN 1881. erature in Great Britain, in 1881, does not display equal activity with American literature during the same period. As we have shown on a previous page, literature in the United States is steadily increasing in almost every department of knowledge, there being about one thousand more books noted in "The Publishers' Weekly" for 1881 than for the year 1880. In England, however, according to "The London Publishers' Circular," there is a marked falling off, seeing that three hundred volumes less are recorded as being published in 1881 than in 1880. This decrease is attributed mainly to the great development of the periodical press, and the immense increase in the number and variety of daily, weekly, and monthly papers and magazines. No doubt, there is force in this statement, and we give it for what it is worth. At the same time it is worthy of note that this very cause, operating

in this country, if it has been effective at all, has produced a directly contrary result. In certain departments, such as science, travel and adventure, fiction, British literature seems to be as active as ever; and there is little or no diminution in works devoted to the discussion of critical and crucial questions of the day.

In theological and religious literature there is not much of moment to be noted. The Rev. T. K. Cheyne, in his "The Prophecies of Isaiah" (London, C. Kegan Paul & Co.), gives a new translation, together with a commentary and appendices. Mr. Cheyne is a follower of Ewald, the famous German critic, and has made the writings of Isaiah his special study. Dr. E. H. Plumptre contributes to the useful series, "The Cambridge Bible for Schools," a volume on 66 Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher." It is a charming work, replete with scholarship and high literary culture. The last two volumes of "The Speaker's Commentary on the New Testament" (London, John Murray), edited by Canon F. C. Cook, quite sustain the reputation of the preceding volumes. Some of the ablest talent and learning of the English Church finds place in this now completed work. Dr. W. Milligan, Professor in the University of Aberdeen, is author of a very valuable work on "The Resurrection of our Lord" (Macmillan & Co.). It ranks among the best productions of the year. "The New Testament in the Original Greek,” vol. i, Text; vol. ii, Introduction and Appendix (Macmillan & Co.), we have before alluded to, in connection with the revised version of the New Testament. The service which Drs. Westcott and Hort have here rendered to the best interests of biblical learning and criticism is beyond all praise. Under the title "Everlasting Punishment," being lectures delivered in London, Dean E. M. Goulburn furnishes a very timely and weighty contribution to the question which Canon Farrar, Dr. Pusey, and others have been discussing of late years. The second edition (London, Rivingtons) is revised and enlarged. Canon H. M. Luckok's "Studies in the History of the Book of Common Prayer" (Rivingtons) exhibits excellent scholarship and ability. It is a volume of superior merit on this topic. "The Old Testament in the Jewish Church" (Edinburgh, A. & C. Black) is the title of W. Robertson Smith's somewhat famous lectures on biblical criticism. These lectures are well known in America, and are variously esteemed by students of the orthodox or more liberal denominations. In this connection it should be stated that Dr. Littledale's "Plain Reasons against joining the Church of Rome" (Christian Knowledge Society) was found to be so severe and telling adversely to the Roman claims and assumptions, that it was necessary to provide an answer. This is supplied by Father Ryder, of the Oratory, in a small volume like Littledale's, entitled "Catholic Controversy: a Reply to Dr. Littledale's Plain Reasons" (London, Burns & Oates). It is acute

and able. Dr. J. Cairns's "Unbelief in the Eighteenth Century " (Edinburgh, Black) is a volume of moderate size, and is, on the whole, a useful if not very profound contribution to apologetics at the present day.

In History there are no special triumphs to record, no works of any great importance having appeared. Professor G. Rawlinson's "History of Ancient Egypt" (Longmans) is a work of real vaiue, and forms a fitting companion to his most important production, "The Five Great Monarchies of the Ancient World." J. A. Froude's "English in Ireland" (Longmans) appears in a new edition, to which Mr. F. has appended a concluding chapter dealing with Irish politics in the present day. "Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, of the Reign of Henry VIII," vol. v, arranged and catalogued by James Gairdner (Longmans), form a part of the valuable series of state papers begun by the late Dr. Brewer, Master of the Rolls. The present volume is admirably arranged and edited. Similar in character is the "Calendar of State Papers," relating to Ireland in the reign of James I, edited by Dr. C. M. Russell and J. P. Prendergast. F. W. Longman, in his "Epochs of History," gives a very readable and carefully prepared account of "Frederick the Great and the Seven Years' War." The Hakluyt Society sends out, as its latest issue, Father F. Alvarez's "Narrative of the Portuguese Embassy to Abyssinia during the Years 1520-27." It is translated by Lord Stanley of Alderley, and is an excellent addition to material for history. S. R. Gardiner and J. B. Mullinger, in their "Introduction to English History" (C. Kegan Paul & Co.), show forth the best fruits of sound judgment, scrupulous accuracy, and strict impartiality. The list of authorities is particularly valuable. In this connection E. A. Freeman's "Historical Geography of Europe" (Longmans) deserves special mention. It is worthy of his high reputation, and is a positive gain to historical and political science. The volume of maps accompanying adds not a little to the value and interest of the work. The first volume of C. A. Fyffe's "History of Modern Europe" begins at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, in 1792, and extends to the accession of Louis XVIII, in 1814. It is a vigorous and brilliant sketch, and promises well for the character and value of the volumes yet to come.

The Biography of the year is, as in previous years, varied and unusually full. John Morley, in his "Life of Richard Cobden " (Chapman & Hall), has furnished a very satisfactory memoir of the statesman, and made also an excellent addition to contemporaneous history and politics. Mrs. Hardcastle writes a life of her father, "John, Lord Campbell" (John Murray), being a selection from his autobiography, diary, and letters. It is a work of real merit. P. Fitzgerald's "Life of George IV" (Tinsley Brothers) gives pretty fully that

monarch's letters and opinions, and goes quite at large into a view of the men, manners, and politics of his reign. The subject of the memoir is of so unsavory a reputation that it is a matter of regret to find so much time and labor expended in preparing an account of his life and excesses. Living statesmen appear in Barnet Smith's "Life and Speeches of the Rt. Hon. John Bright, M. P." (Hodder & Stoughton). This, like his previous work, "Life of W. E. Gladstone," is a valuable and timely production. An interesting contribution to biographical literature is the third and concluding volume of "The Letters of Charles Dickens (Chapman & Hall). Professor E. H. Palmer does excellent service in giving anew an account of the Caliph "Haroun Alraschid," of" Arabian Nights" notoriety (Marcus Ward & Co.). Numerous biographies of noted phi losophers are among the valuable productions of the year. Professor Mahaffy's "Descartes " (Blackwood & Sons) is one of the best of these. To the series in which it appears, "Philosophical Classics for English Readers," belong "Bishop Butler," by W. L. Collins, and "Bishop Berkeley," by Professor Fraser. Both are useful and well done. In another series, "English Philosophers" (Sampson, Low & Co.), appear "Sir William Hamilton," by Professor W. H. S. Monck; "Adam Smith," by J. A. Farrer; "Hartley and James Mill," by G. S. Bower; and "Bacon," by Professor Fowler, the last being an unusually careful and satisfactory work. Valuable additions also are made to "English Men of Letters," in the volumes of this year, viz., G. Saintsbury's "Dryden"; F. W. H. Myers's "Wordsworth "; Professor S. Colvin's "Landor"; and Professor Masson's "De Quincey" (Macmillan & Co.). Nearly everything valuable in the department of biography is republished in the United States, and forms a part of American as well as British literature.

In the line of Travel and Adventure English men and women have shown themselves to be quite as active, daring, and persevering as their transatlantic cousins. Lady Anna Blunt gives "A Pilgrimage to Nejd, the Cradle of the Arab Race," etc. (Murray), a very interesting and instructive narrative of personal experiences and keen, shrewd observation. "To the Central African Lakes and Back" (Sampson, Low & Co.), by Joseph Thomson, is a well-told story, of both great interest in itself and also of superior value for enlarging our knowledge of the geography of Africa. G. B. Hill's volume, "Colonel Gordon in Central Africa, 1874-79" (De La Rue & Co.), is a fitting tribute to a distinguished philanthropist and traveler in the dark regions of the world. One of the most amusing books of adventure in the year's list is T. F. Keane's "Six Months in Mecca " (Tinsley Brothers). The writer is a young Englishman, who took the name of Hajj Mohammed Amin, passed himself off as a believer, and enjoyed rare opportunities for

seeing and hearing, under circumstances where no avowed Christian would be tolerated for a moment. The same writer's "My Journey to Medinah" is equally amusing, and displays an energy, sang-froid, and power of description that are almost irresistible. W. F. Rae, in his "Newfoundland to Manitoba " (Sampson, Low & Co.), furnishes a useful and attractive "Guide through Canada's Maritime, Mining, and Prairie Provinces." The accompanying maps and illustrations increase its value. Joseph Hatton's "To-Day in America" (Chapman & Hall) is lively and entertaining, as showing an intelligent Englishman's views of matters and things in the New World. Baron A. E. von Nordenskiöld's "The Voyage of the Vega round Asia and Europe" (Macmillan & Co.), translated by Alexander Leslie, furnishes the English reader with the valuable results of the famous Swedish navigator's labors in behalf of the literature of travel and discovery. The engraved portraits, the very numerous illustrations, the maps, etc., render these two volumes as unique as they are serviceable. The Hon. H. N. Shore's "The Flight of the Lapwing" (Longmans) is an account of a naval officer's jottings in China, Formosa, and Japan. It is a somewhat amusing book, but hardly anything

more.

Under the general designation Language and its relations we find about the usual activity displayed. The first volume of "The Imperial Dictionary of the English Language, a Complete Encyclopædic Lexicon, Literary, Scientific, and Technological" (Blackie & Son), by John Ogilvie, LL. D., edited and enlarged by C. Annandale, M. A., appears somewhat late in the year. The remaining three volumes are promised in the course of 1882. So far as it has gone it is a work of real merit and value in English lexicography. Philology is much enriched by "An English-Arabic Lexicon " (C. Kegan Paul & Co.), by G. P. Badger, D. C. L. It is a work greatly superior to any previous attempt in this direction, and bids fair to remain a standard for many years to come. Professor Jowett's "Thucydides," translated into English, with introduction, marginal analysis, notes, and indices (Macmillan & Co.), is an admirable companion to his previous work, the translation of Plato, and will make the great Attic historian better understood and appreciated than heretofore. In the same class of works is F. H. Peters's "Nichomachean Ethics of Aristotle " (C. Kegan Paul & Co.); the translation as a whole is remarkably well executed. Max Müller's "Selected Essays on Language, Mythology, and Religion " (Longmans) are among the choicest of his previous published essays in the four volumes called "Chips from a German Workshop." The present volume is full of interest and instruction. The first volume of a "Dictionary of the Anonymous and Pseudonymous Literature of Great Britain," by two Scotch scholars, Messrs. Halkett and Laing (Edinburgh, Paterson),

As usual, Science attracts thought and attention to a large extent. Although no specially great work has been accomplished, yet there is no diminution of zeal and perseverance in devotion to its interests and advancement. Dr. James Geikie's "Prehistoric Europe, a Geological Sketch" (Stanford), is a carefully prepared work on the geological and other changes which Europe has undergone since the period treated of by the author in his "Great Ice Age." A "Text-Book of Systematic Mineralogy," by Hilary Bauerman (Longmans), is an admirable little volume on this subject, forming a practical guide to students. In the 66 'International Scientific Series James Sully gives an interesting volume entitled "Illusions" (Paul, Trench & Co.). Its value to a scientific treatment of psychology is very considerable. H. Helmholtz's "Popular Lectures on Scientific Subjects" (Longmans), translated by Dr. Atkinson, contains some curious and useful matter. The American reprint (D. Appleton & Co.) has an introduction by Professor Tyndall. Joseph Parry's "Water, its Composition, Collection, and Distribution" (Warne & Co.), is, what it professes to be, "a practical hand-book for domestic and general uses." The author has brought together excellent data for considering and acting rightly upon this important topic. One of the most important works of the year is Henry Watts's "Dictionary of Chemistry and the Allied Branches of other Sciences" (Longmans). It originated in Dr. Ure's "Dictionary of Chemistry and Mineralogy," and is the outcome of nearly twenty years of labor to bring it to completion. In these five volumes and three supplements (equal, in fact, to nine volumes) there is furnished a complete history of the science down to the latest point of time. From the same publishers we have Dr. Ure's "Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines," edited by Robert Hunt, a standard work on the important topics to which it is devoted (D. Appleton & Co., New York, keep this work in sets, 4 vols., illustrated with 2,550 woodengravings, price $40). Dr. J. Rosenthal's "General Physiology of Muscles and Nerves"; Adam Wurtz's "The Atomic Theory," translated from the French; and the new revised edition of Dr. Felix von Niemeyer's "TextBook of Practical Medicine," translated from the German, are deserving of mention in this connection, as part of the scientific outcome of 1881. Louis Geiger, in his "Development of the Human Race" (Trübner & Co.), shows how to connect physiology and anthropology,

although the work as a whole can not be pronounced to be of any great weight. The second volume of Dr. F. M. Balfour's "Treatise on Comparative Embryology" (Macmillan & Co.) concludes a very laborious and learned work. The writer is a thorough Darwinian, and endeavors to bring all his facts into relation with the hypothesis of evolution and the survival of the fittest in the struggle for existence. Of lighter material, though not without real interest and value, is Elisée Reclus's "The History of a Mountain" (Sampson, Low & Co.), translated from the French. To this may be added J. A. Harvie-Brown's " History of the Squirrel in Great Britain (Edinburgh, McFarlane), an interesting and useful work, relating mainly to the squirrel in Scotland. Charles Darwin's latest contribution to science, "Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worins," is noticed on a previous page, among reprints (D. Appleton & Co.).

Passing from science to Poetry, the latter is of small account in British literature in 1881. A. C. Swinburne's "Studies in Song" (Chatto & Windus) appeared early in the year. At its close, he published "Mary Stuart, a Tragedy." This poet, being a legitimate successor of Shelley, has a reputation of a lofty kind with a certain large body of readers. The present poem completes the trilogy (with "Chastelard" and "Bothwell ") which the author began many years ago. It is dedicated to Victor Hugo, whom Swinburne calls his "beloved and revered master." D. G. Rossetti sends forth a volume entitled "Ballads and Sonnets" (Ellis & White) which is quite worthy of his welldeserved reputation. Miss C. G. Rossetti presents us with "A Pageant and other Poems" (Macmillan & Co.), which is a charming illustration of beautiful allegory and excellent skill in that difficult kind of poetry, the sonnet. Tennyson's "Ballads and other Poems," together with occasional short pieces in literary journals, are all that he has done for poetry in 1881. Browning and Morris have produced nothing of note this year. An interesting and well-executed volume is "English Odes," selected by E. W. Gosse (C. Kegan Paul & Co.). The selection includes, of course, magnificent odes from Spenser, Milton, Dryden, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Keats, etc. T. H. Ward's "The English Poets," with critical introductions, etc. (Macmillan & Co.), are noted on a previous page, in connection with American literature. They are admirably edited.

Works on Art, in its larger sense, are sufficiently numerous to show the general interest existing in this department of literary culture and enjoyment. A useful handy book, by M. B. Huish, is entitled "The Year's Art" (Macmillan & Co.); it contains a large amount of important and valuable matter for all concerned in English art and artists. The series, "Great Artists" (Sampson, Low & Co.), contains, in the last four volumes published, biographies, with illustrations, of Fra Angelico, Ve

lasquez, Gainsborough, Constable, and Sir D. Wilkie. The biographies are by different hands, and of diverse merit; but, as a whole, the series seems likely to be of permanent interest and value. Professor S. Colvin translates and edits Drs. Woltmann and Woermann's "History of Painting" (C. Kegan Paul & Co.). The first volume gives a comprehensive account of the early efforts of Christian painters and their forerunners in Egypt, Asia, Greece, and Rome. The second volume is to deal with their successors in the Renaissance. Messrs. Audsley and Bowes furnish a charming book on a subject just now of much popular interest; its title is "Keramic Art of Japan" (Sotheran & Co.). It is a very handsome volume, as well as a work. of solid value.

"Architecture,

Gothic and Renaissance," by T. R. Smith (Sampson, Low & Co.), is one of a series of popular treatises on this subject. It is clear, simple, and excellently well done. The Rev. R. St. John Tyrwhitt's "Greek and Gothic Progress and Decay in the three Arts of Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting" (W. Smith), is a book of real merit, and may be consulted by students and general readers to advantage. The writer's ability, taste, and learning are abundantly evident throughout the volume. In regard to music, there is "A Dictionary of Music and Musicians," by eminent writers, English and foreign, edited by George Grove, D. C. L., vols. i and ii (Macmillan & Co.), to be completed in three volumes. This is rightly considered to be a work of great value and excellence. It is well digested, candid, and thorough in its treatment of the subject-matter in hand; and it combines instruction and amusement in a capital manner. Numerous art text-books and art handbooks are published, and valuable illustrated biographies of the great artists and the great musicians are the product of the year. "The Magazine of Art" (Cassell & Co.) and "The Art Journal" (Virtue & Co.) continue to appear at regular intervals. They are rightly regarded as exercising a wide-spread and beneficial influence in behalf of art. H. S. Edwards's "The Lyrical Drama, Essays on Subjects, Composers, and Executants of Modern Opera " (Allen & Co.), is a very readable work, and contains much useful and interesting information. "The Great Musicians" (Sampson, Low & Co.) is the title of a collection of biographies, from the German of Wagner, Weber, Schubert, Rossini and his school. They are carefully prepared, and well calculated to meet the popular demand for condensed rather than expanded lives of distinguished men and women. Dictionary of Musical Terms," by Messrs. Stainer and Barrett (Novello & Co.), in its present abridged form, is very useful for students and others interested in music.

The sciences of Law and Medicine display about the usual activity this year. Most of the publications in the former relate rather to local and occasional matters, or to points in

VOL. XXI.-32 A

which her Majesty's subjects are specially concerned. No work of great moment has appeared devoted to topics of larger or extranational interests. Medicine, as in past years, has its earnest and able body of students and workers in behalf of suffering humanity. It is needless to attempt to enumerate here works in this department. A few are named on a previous page, under the general head of science. In Fiction the product of the year 1881 is very large. Generally it is of a good, respectable quality, some of it very superior, though, at the same time, it must be admitted that a great deal of poor, even worthless matter, finds its way into print. The amount of production keeps pace with the demand, and the appetite of readers for this kind of gratification seems to increase from year to year. The older writers share, to a greater or less extent, in this fondness of the public for fictitious and exciting literature. New editions of Scott, Miss Austen, Bulwer, Marryat, Thackeray, Dickens, etc., are called for; but it hardly admits of doubt that the crowd of new aspirants for honors and success in this field will be disappointed in any expectation of taking the place held by authors belonging to former generations. The conservative character of British ways of doing things manifests itself in the clinging to the fashion of publishing novels in three volumes, at corresponding cost; but there is evidence to show that the demand for cheap issues is making itself heard and felt. Probably it will not be long before the practice, now so common in America, of cheap republication of all kinds of books will come into vogue in England. The re-issue of Lady Brassey's "Voyage. in the Sunbeam" (Longmans), at the marvelously low price of sixpence, is significant in this connection; also, "The Ingoldsby Legends" at the same price, illustrated (Bentley & Son). "The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford, Dissenting Minister" (Trübner & Co.), is powerfully written, but rather sad and gloomy in its tone. It undertakes to discuss several of the deep and perplexing questions of human life and destiny, and delineates the struggles of a soul attacked by unbelief and despair, or, as the writer phrases it, "perplexed by many problems I have never solved, disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted, and blotted by ignoble conceptions which are a constant regret." Anthony Trollope, in his "Dr. Wortle's School (Chapman & Hall), and "Ayala's Angel" (same publishers), maintains his reputation for storytelling. The books named are amusing, ingenious, moderately exciting, and not deficient in skill and ability. "The New Virginians" (Blackwood) is of trifling merit as a novel; its main purpose seems to be to give vent to the writer's dislike of the North compared with the South of our country. Miss È. F. Poynter's "Among the Hills" (Hurst & Blackett) is a fair specimen of the every-day novel it is worth reading, if one has nothing better to do,