4 APRIL 1891, Page 28

New Studies in Old Subjects. By J. A. She,wel-Bayley. (Elliot

Stock.)—This is an interesting volume dealing with many sub- jects. The author seems to delight in taking his readers from one region of thought to another. After he has entertained us with facts about "Implements of War," from the ballista which did such damage to the Flavianists at the Battle of Cremona—or Bedriacum (2), as it might be more properly called—down to the armament of the 'Trafalgar,' he tells us the story of "Good Queen Bertha ;" of the "Venerable Bode;" of "St. Hilderferth," Bishop of Meaux (672-680), a great worker of miracles on the insane ; of Thomas Becket and his shrine ; and of various other persons and things, " Pews " being one of the most entertaining. objects of his curious erudition.