17 OCTOBER 1835, Page 20

Bachelors' Maydays, with some Thoughts of a Theoretical Philanthropist, is

a collection of tales, set in an autobiographical framework. The subjects are taken from the commonest occur- rences of common life; and the execution displays an amiable spirit with the results of some observation. The narrative part is too minute and too wiredrawn ; and the "thoughts," with which the stories are intersprinkled, suspend the march of events with- out any countervailing advantage. One tale Must be excepted from these remarks : " Toniotto and Maria," apparently a trans- lation, is written to illustrate the effects of the Conscription ; and is a beautiful though homely picture of the rustic virtues and affections amongst the Italian peasantry.