15 OCTOBER 1898, Page 25

Roadside and River. By H. Mead Briggs. (Elliot Stock.)— These

"Gleanings from Nature's Fields" have, possibly, just a little too much of the didactic in them. There are "sermons in stones," but the stones are best left to preach them without any intermediary. Nevertheless, Mr. Briggs has written a pleasing book. He is a hearty lover and keen observer of Nature, and it is good to wander in his company by wayside and streamside.