25 NOVEMBER 1876, Page 23

CURRENT LITERATURE.

Fictile Ivories in the South Kensington Museum. By J. A. Westward, M.A., F.L.S. (Chapman and Hall.)—This forms the supplement to Mr. Maskell's handbook, which we have already noticed, and is a descriptive catalogue of the valuable collection at South Kensington, arranged in chronological order. In the preface is a description of the method employed in the manufacture of these excellent imitations, which have been carried by the author to such a pitch of exactness that experts have been deceived by them. Probably the most valuable part of the hook is the appendix, wherein are described all the important original carvings in foreign collections, after a personal inspection by Mr. Westward, whose powers of comparison are admirably adapted to this part of his labours. It is to be regretted that the illustrations to this part of the work are not so numerous as those in the work itself, although they are more needed by those interested in the subject.— We have also to notice the descriptive Catalogue of the Dyes Collection, In the same museum, containing lists of the paintings and miniatures, drawings, prints and etchings, rings, and other miscellaneous objects bequeathed by the Rev. Alexander Dyce, the well-known Shakespearean scholar. The prefaces are by Samuel Redgrave, George William Reid, sad Charles C. Black.