25 JANUARY 1902, Page 13

Johnnie Courteau. By William Henry Drummond. (Putnam's Sons. 5s.)—Charming is

a much misused word, but we can find no other to express the peculiar quality of these French-Cana- dian verses. They deal with the life of a simple and wonder- fully lovable country population. In Mr. Drummond's work humour, pathos, and poetry combine to throw their spell over the reader. It would be difficult indeed to read " The Curt; of Calumette," or " Leetle Bateese," or "The Hill of St. Sebastiez " out loud. Their author knows the secret of laughter and tears, The illustrations are worthy of the letterpress.