A Daughter of the Pens. By J. T. Bealby. (T.
Fisher Davin.) —Mr. Bealby seeks to disarm criticism by telling us in his preface that his book does not profess to be a novel, but " only a story." In fact, it is a thread of narrative utilised for stringing together studies of life and character, the prominent features, mental and physical, of the Fen-folk, as they were in the last century, while the Fens were yet undrained," morasses smothered under thickets of gigantic reeds," and of the agitation which was the result of the enclosure. The Fens in summer, the Fens in winter, when skating rose to the dignity of a national pastime, are described_ In short, many varieties of men and things assume in Mr. Bealby's pages a graphic form. Possibly a number of short stories might have set off his material to better advantage, but we have no right to prescribe Mr. Bealby's method for him. He knows his subject, and must deal with it as he thinks best.
The sixth volume in the "Christian Classics Series" (R.T.S.) is The Writings of St. Patrick, a revised translation, with notes by the Rev. C. H. H. Wright, D.D. Dr. Wright published this volume in a shorter form in collaboration with Professor Stokes. It is now taken over by the R.T.S. The editor gives an in- teresting account of his efforts to secure a non-polemical edition under the joint care of himself and some Roman Catholic scholars. Bui the eminent person whose aid he invited, insisted on being allowed to point out that St. Patrick, in using the word sacerdos, implicitly stated the Roman doctrine of the Mass. The volume contains a brief sketch of the Saint's life, the " Genuine Writings," in which class are included "The Hymn or Breast- plate," " The Confession," and the " Epistle to.Coroticus," various " Doubtful Remains," poetical versions of the hymn, notes, &c.
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