27 DECEMBER 1884, Page 23

Children of All Nations. (Cassell and Co.)—These chapters have, we

are very properly told in the preface, for the most part appeared in Little Folks. They certainly are worthy of collection and repub- lication, and indeed make up a very charming volume. The first chapter is on "American Children." We doubt, indeed, whether "the district school system is the pride of all Americans." It is certain that the proportion of illiteracy in the States is discreditably large. This, however, is too serious a matter to be discussed in this connection. We are taken to France, Russia, Germany, Poland, &c., in succession. Nor are we kept to Europe. The British Colonies and India are visited, and a chapter on " Strange Children," by Mr. Henry Frith, finishes the subject with a collection of curiosities.