CANADIAN VERSE.
A Treasury of Canadian Verse. Edited by T. H. Rand. (Dent and Co. 4e. 6d. net.)—The best poems in this anthology are those relating to scenery and the passing of the seasons, though in the patriotic poems a high note is struck. Among the rare exceptions to this rule Mr. Roberts must be mentioned, whose "Recessional" epitapht for a sailor and a husbandman, and a lullaby entitled "Sleepy Man" show a far wider range of thought and a greater command of metre. Mr. Pollock's swinging verse in "The Trial of Gold," describing the struggles of the Yukon rush, is a thing to be admired. "The Habitant's Jubilee Ode." by Mr. Drummond, is written in a dialect that reminds one of the negro patois, but we suppose it must be considered a dialect. There is more English than French in its make-up. With this proud and loyal Jubilee Ode should be mentioned "This Canada of Ours," in which Mr. Edgar has infused a fervour which is enhanced by a most happy lilting refrain. "The Egyptian Lotus" of Mr. Eaton is a stately little poem, awakened by the sight of a lotus growing in Western waters. Mr. Lampman has, greatly daring, essayed the mystery of life suggested by "The Railway Station." "John A'vor's Last Lay," the regret of a knight about to become a Carmelite, has a wonderful touch of Nature in it. "Freres, let me keep my lute." Still, though the historical feeling and sentiment are patent in many that we cannot possibly mention out of the hundreds, the poems on Nature seem to us the most representative and the happiest efforts of Canadian poets. E. Pauline Johnson's " The Song my Paddle Sings" has a movement, a charm, a rhythm as of a breeze that fascinates the reader. Again, in the "Song of the Thaw," "The Silver Thaw," and " Chinook " of Messrs. Kerning. ham, Roberts, and Stafford we realise the beauty of. manifesta- tions which do not always attract the poet. And now we may mention "She just keeps house for me," by Jean Blewett ; "In Matabeleland," by Mr. Baylis; and Mr. Macfarlane's "A Grave in Samoa," as embodying a sentiment that appeals to all of us, whether we live in Scotland or Samoa, Australia or America.
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