Heroines in Humble Life. By L. G. Seguin. (Religious Tract
Society.)—The founder of the Monthyon "Prizes for Virtue" was a French nobleman, the Baron de Monthyon, who, after serving under Louis XV. and XVI., emigrated at the time of the Revolu- tion, and lived long enough to return to France after the Restora- tion. He died in 1820, leaving his property to various useful objects, among which was the foundation of annual prizes " for acts of virtue and heroism in humble life." £800 is annually distributed, after careful inquiry, by the French Academy, which has the management of the fund. The local authorities nominate, their nominations being verified by signatures of credible wit- nesses. In these pages Miss Seguin tells the story of some of the recipients of these prizes. We regret to learn that she did not live to complete her work. " Henriette Garden " is a story of filial devotion that would be incredible, had it not been so well vouched for. A more selfish father than Monsieur Garden, a more unselfish daughter than Henriette, can never have lived. Filial piety is, indeed, a favourite virtue with the French. Jean Vigier is another example of it ; he devotes himself to restoring his mother to the position from which her husband's folly or mis- fortune had lowered her. The other stories are of a similar kind.
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