18 APRIL 1835, Page 17

TALES OF THE WARS OF MONTROSE.

THE half-dozen tales contained in these volumes are represented as traditions of real events which occurred in the time of the Great Rebellion. They consist chiefly of personal adventures; but both historical characters and historical actions are intermin- gled with individual narrative, and the author contrives to bring Upon the scene some of the most striking persons who figured in Scotland during the period. The tales themselves are readable; they possess a homely sort of interest, and have a dry though not

rich humour; but they lack the higher qualities of imagination, and of a nice perception of character, whilst they exhibit small ex- cellence in constructive skill. The style is quaintly affected, though it is perhaps intended for a rustic simplicity ; and there is minuteness in detailidg small facts, which gives an air of pettiness rather than reality—though this last was undoubtedly the object aimed at. These defects are perhaps natural to the Shepherd, but it is possible that they have been designedly aggravated. He seems to have taken the old memoirs for his model, without reflecting that they are valued not fur, but in spite of their literary execution. We read them as pictures of the times, as portraitures of indivi- duals, and sometimes for their facts or information; but rarely for the satisfaction they yield to our taste. Their value depends upon our opinion of their truth; if we thought them fictions, they would cease to please.