14 MAY 1881, Page 26

In the Ardennes. By Katharine S. Macquoid. (Chatto and Marius.) ,

—Mrs. Macquoid with her pen, and Mr. Macquoid with his pencil, have given us a very charming volume. Of its merits as a guide- book wo cannot speak. Mrs. Macquoid has already, we think,. acquired a good character for practical sagacity, and the faculty of giving good advice in matters of travel, by her book about Normandy. Taking, then, this ability for granted, we may say that of the literary value of this volume there can be no doubt. Descriptions of scenery, —and the Ardennes contains within easy reach of England some that is very beautiful,—sketehos of life and manners, historical and legendary narratives when occasion suggests them, the and such like matters make up the volume, and all is given with a vivacity and fullnees which never allow the reader's attention to grow fatigued.. Our readers are now at a "measurable distance" from a summer holiday. Let some of them, but by no means too Many of them, seek it in the charming country of the Ardennes.