13 FEBRUARY 1897, Page 22

The Washer of the Ford. By Fiona Macleod. (Patrick ,Geddes,

Edinburgh.)—Our author has dived deep into the ancient Celtic legends, and she has given us some stirring and weird tales of Vikings and bloodshed generally. The early monks appear occw sionally, and meet with the fate that the Viking usually mete,

out to all strangers. There is much fascination in some of these

legends—" The Annir-Choille " and "The Song of the Sword "— though the smell of blood is somewhat overpowering; and "Fiona Macleod" has a vigorous pen, and delights in word-painting. Readers with Celtic proclivities and fairly strong tastes will derive pleasure from these legends and the brilliant hues with Which our author has wrapped her scenery and figures.