6 NOVEMBER 1897, Page 13

publishes here a commonplace book which he has put together

in the course of his studies during the past forty years. It is a very curious mixture, of which no better description can be given than that which Martial gives of his own epigrams," Bona, mediocria, mala plura." Commonly this difference of quality is not of essential importance. But when the subjects are such as, are here discussed, or, it may be, dismissed, the crudities, fre- quently refuted libels, and unfounded attacks which Mr. Smith has mixed with better things, spoil the book.