Landmarks, and other Poems. By J. J. Piatt. (New York
: Hurd and Houghton.)—We reviewed some time ago an earlier volume of Mr. Piatt's verse; that which now lies before us possesses some of the char- acteristic merits which we then pointed out, though it does not indicate advance. The features and sentiment of life in the Western States of America are Mr. Piatt's special subject, and he treats it in the seven poems, the "Landmarks" which give a name to his volume. None of these seems to us equal to the "Pioneer's Chimney" of the former volume ; they are inferior in definite interest, nor are they versified with equal skill. The "Two Harvests,—a Mound in the Prairies," contrasting the new with the ancient aspect of the great plains of the West, is, perhaps, the best ; but it is obscure, and the poet fails to mako his point distinctly. Some of the occasional poems are very graceful, but then this is a crop which we can produce in great plenty at home. Here, however, is the way in which Mr. Piatt works the familiar thought of the " Music of the Shell ":—
e Take up these little sea-shells, Dear, And press them closely to your ear; Their vague and desolate monotone Saddens you with its ceaseless moan, As if the ocean, imprisoned there, Moved with a vast but dumb despair.
Deep in those cells of subtle sound Some boundless spirit seems prison-bound, Murmuring of shores where wrecks are strewn
And ghosts of tempests walk alone, Yet, over all—from all apart—
You hear the beatings of your heart.
Take now these poems vague'with woe, Found with the sea-shells long ago; Within you hear the sounds that swell From restless seas and haunt the shell; But listen, and your heart shall let New music silence old regret"
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