16 DECEMBER 1905, Page 22

We have received from Messrs. Hudson and Kearns several examples

of their Blotting Pads and Diaries. The largest and most complete is called "The Banker's Edition." Probably the best adapted for general use, if a pad only is wanted, is No. 6 (2s.) ; but No. 8a (7s.) has a space for "engagements." All are furnished with an inch rule, a convenience which journalists will especially appreciate. The size of the first-mentioned pad is 27 in. by 11 in. ; of No. 6, 17 in. by 101 in. ; of No. 8a, 23 in. by 13 in.— Messrs. Welker send us a number of diaries strongly and hand- somely bound in cloth or leather. These are either fast or re- newable, and they vary in size, in the contents of the page, and in the completeness of the apparatus with which they are furnished. The prices range from 9d. to 10s. 04., while copies for presentation in more ornamental bindings go up to 17s. 6d. The crocodile should have the satisfaction of knowing that his skin heads the list. It is not easy to choose, but we should say that No. 4 (31 in. by 3i in.) is as convenient as any. The simple diary can be purchased for Is. in cloth, or 10s. 6d. in Russia, with pockets, pencils, and bound so as to be serviceable. We observe a " quarterly " diary. The advantage here is the slenderness of the volume. When one quarter is finished, the diary for the next can be inserted.—We have also to acknowledge the receipt of a great variety of diaries and pocket-books from Messrs. T. De In Rue and Co. Here also we have the quarterly " arrangement. The Condensed Diary and the Traveller's lades Diary may be mentioned as especially handy. The Portable Diary and Memorandum Book has a variety of pockets, pencil, and "cleanable slate" (a great thing for the present-day politician). This is suggestively bound in green.—The S.P.C.K. sends us a very useful publication, The Churchman's Almanac, in a variety of shapes, with or without space for diary, and either bound or unbound, for private use or for the prayer-desk. The Churchman's Remembrancer is on a somewhat larger scale, as befits what is to serve as "The Clergyman's Official Diary."—Finally, we note an assortment of calendars, to be hung up or otherwise used, with special adornments, dm., from Messrs. Ernest Nister. There is a large choice of these, with much variety of character and size, but all, we may say, good of their kind, whether this is sacred or secular, grave or gay.