SCHOOL-BOOKS.
The University Shakespeare : King John. Edited by Benjamin Dawson, B.A. (Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.)—This is one of a series of the plays edited and annotated by members of the New Shakespeare Society, and intended for the use of students and teachers preparing for the University Local Ex- aminations. The introduction, consisting of bibliographical, historical, grammatical, and metrical sections, is well and care- fully compiled, though we cannot understand why the " Pictorial History of England" should be especially quoted, and foot- noted as an authoritative text-book. The notes, which are below the text on each page, are pithy and show research. The new dictionary, so far as published, has been used most judi- ciously, and the only fault we have to find with the notes is that they are too few, many passages which would present difficulties to boys under sixteen being passed over. A special feature is their attention to metre, which is more fully treated than in any other text-book we are acquainted with, and is further aided by typo- graphy. There is a glossarial index which, if it were fuller and did it contain more philology, would considerably enhance the value of the book.—We have also to notice A Parent's Manual, by the Rev. U. Z. Rule (Wells Gardner and Co.), which is now in its third edition, but has been so long out of print, and so largely rewritten, that it may be treated as a new book. We can recommend it as a valuable aid to parents in the religious training of their children from the earliest years, not merely in the way of judicious advice, but in the various forms of devotion contained therein.—The Teacher's Manual of Drill, by Mary E. Hudson (Griffith, Ferran, and Co.), which, though apparently written for girls, contains much which would be found useful for boys, especially in the pole, dumb-bell, and club exer- cises.—Examples in Arithmetic, by Charles Pendlebury, M.A. (Deighton, Bell, and Co.), a reprint of the examples from the second edition of his "Arithmetic for Schools."—Differential Calculus. By J. Edwards, M.A. (Macmillan and Co.)—An elementary treatise well stocked with applications and examples, written clearly, and well printed on good paper. A very good differential calculus for students.—Elements of Dynamics. By Rev. J. L. Robinson, B.A. (Rivingtons.)—A well-arranged text- book, well supplied with exercises. The proof of the " Theorem of Moments " by Varignon is the thing of all others which a student learns and appreciates, and we are glad to see it. Algebra. By F. G. Landon, Inspector of Schools. (Isbister.)—In giving numerous fully worked out examples, Mr. Landon has done that which the private student feels the want of more than anything else.—Lonyntan's Commercial Mathematics. (Longman.)—Some examples of the commercial application of arithmetic and algebra. —Numerical Examples in Practical Mechanics and Machine Design. By R. Gordon Blaine, M.E. (Cassell and Co.)—A series of well- arranged and useful examples, which very properly seem intended for practice and not theory.—The Mechanic's Workshop Handy- Book. By P. N. Hasluck, A.I.M.E. (Crosby Lockwood and Son.) —A very well-written treatise on the practice and theory of the workshop, comprising brass-finishing, alloys, tempering, lacquering, tools, grinding, and the working of drills, two or three tables, and an index.--21 Course of Practical Instruction in Botany. By F. 0. Bower, D.Sc., and S. H. Vines, D.Sc. Part II. (Macmillan and Co.)—This is devoted to lower types than those treated of in the first part, and includes Bryophyta and Thallophyta (Algae and Fungi). The directions for analysis seem to us clear and not overloaded with details, while the selection of only well-known types makes it possible for the student to get good hold of his subject.
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