23 MARCH 1867, Page 22

Romances of the Old Town of Edinburgh. By Alexander Leighton.

(Edinburgh : W. P. Nimmo.)—These are odd quaint stories, which seem Romances of the Old Town of Edinburgh. By Alexander Leighton. (Edinburgh : W. P. Nimmo.)—These are odd quaint stories, which seem

to have some foundation of legend, though the superstructure is due to Mr. Leighton. But the way in which these old heir-looms are set in newfangled pinchbeck detracts from their ancient worth. A few drops

of old wine are mixed with new milk-and-water, and shaken up in a new bottle. Thus, though there is something curious in each of the stories, there is a great deal in each that is mere twaddle, and the legendary part comes in rather awkwardly, like an old bachelor uncle at A children's fancy dress party.