24 JUNE 1876, Page 20

Florimet Tones. By T. U. (Sampson Low and Co.)—There is,

at least, this novelty about FlorimelJones,—the scene is laid in Newfound- land. Unhappily, life in Newfoundland seems to be just as sensational as it is in less temperate climates. Edward Villiers is exactly the same ruffian that is produced so plentifully in the Old World, and it is rather disappointing to find him in full force among the simple community of the island of Cod. John Smith, the wise and good, who is a counter- poise to the iniquities of Edward Villiers, is happily less common. "For him, the mighty problem of existence, of animal and vegetable life, of sentient matter, developed to its extreme limit in the intellect, in the soul of man, presented itself with grave and solemn import." These things, we are told, "fretted and vexed his understanding." But they made him interesting. And they had their compensation. "With the softer sex, this interest, stimulated by the profundity of his observa- tions and the supreme self-possession of his manner, would deepen into sentiment and high regard, thus paving the way for more powerful emotions." This disposition of the softer sex leads to some incon- venience. Two of them fall in love with the philosopher, who, we are bound to say, is not altogether consistent with himself. "T. U." de- clares in his preface that "criticism, however adverse to his modest venture, will only stimulate him." We do not wish to stimulate him, and shall therefore say no more.