12 DECEMBER 1891, Page 26

Kate Greenaway's Almanac for 1892. (Routledge and Sons.)— This is

a pretty little book, charming within and without, and of a size that may be conveniently carried in a purse. The illustra- tions are in Miss Greenaway's well-known style. Each month is represented by a female figure. But we may suggest that their characteristics might with advantage be transposed. August's basket of apples and pears should be given to September, who in turn should hand over her grapes to October ; while October's sheaf should be given to August. The French Republican calendar gave to these months the names of Messidor, Fructidor, and Vindemiaire respectively ; and but that the vintage hardly concerns us in England, these names suit our average climate fairly well. October did carry sheaves this year, but it was a disaster; the less even September has to do with them, the better. —We have received some specimens of The Dainty Series of Christmas Cards from Mr. E. T. W. Dennis, Bar Library, Scar- borough, pretty little bits of landscape with appropriate mottoes from the poets.