17 DECEMBER 1910

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The events of the past week, like those of its

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predecessor, show clearly that the idea of the exercise of veto power by the people on Bills referred to them is steadily gaining adherents. It would indeed be difficult to find...

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

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W E have dealt elsewhere with the political situation pro- duced by the return of a new Parliament of almost exactly the same political complexion as the old. For neither party...

The German Emperor attended the jubilee celebrations of the German

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Agricultural Society on Monday, and read a short address of welcome and congratulation. The Emperor, who is described as looking very well and giving every sign of good spirits,...

We hope that the exchanges of opinion with Germany may

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always be friendly, but we trust that the British Government will guard itself against the possibility of making a fixed association with German foreign policy the basis of an...

Last Saturday in the Reichstag Herr von Bethmann Hollweg spoke

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on both home and foreign affairs. On the subject of Anglo-German relations he said (we quote from the Times) :— " We find ourselves at one with England in the desire to avoid...

In home affairs the Chancellor declared war on Socialism. He

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denounced the Socialist doctrine that he was "the servant of the Reichstag,"—surely a very reasonable democratic senti- ment. He said that Herr Liebknecht had remarked during...

*** The Editors cannot undertake to return Manuscript, in any

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ease.

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In the Times of Wednesday, under the title of "An

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Imperialist Campaign," Mr. J. Casten. Hopkins, editor of the Canadian Annual Review, contributes an instructive article on Mr. T. P. O'Connor's visit to Canada in October. He...

- The inherent evils of Government trading and Government monopoly

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are well brought out by this attempt, for such it really is, to force men to use matches, rather than a patent contrivance, to light their cigarettes. The next step to protect...

The Hungarian Minister of Finance, Dr. de Lukacs, made - a statement

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last Saturday, when he declared that the Hungarian finances could not be put straight by economy alone. The year 1909, he said (according to the Times correspondent), had ended...

On Thursday the French Chamber hurriedly passed through all its

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stages a Bill for regulating the sale, use, and manufacture of portable cigarette-lighters. The Times correspondent says that the Bill professed "to place at the disposal of the...

The American Census Returns were published last Saturday. They show

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(we take the summary from the Washington corre- spondent of the Times) that the continental population of the United States is 91,972,266, as compared with 75,500,000 in 1900....

Mr. Carnegie has given 22,000,000 towards the promotion of the

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world's peace. The revenue of thin sum, which has been transferred to a board of trustees, including five American ex- Ambassadors, Dr. Elliot, and Dr. Butler, with Mr. Root as...

The Greek elections to the new Revisionary Assembly took place

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last Sunday, and resulted in a triumph for M. Venezelos and his programme of regeneration. The Times correspondent says that M. Venezelos's Government will have a majority of...

The Standard on Thursday contained an article describing a scheme

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for placing Paris in direct communication with the sea,—an idea which was first taken up seriously as long ago as in 1822. From the sea to Rouen the Seine is sufficiently deep,...

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But even supposing the House of Lords is swamped and

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reform put an end to, when will the Home-rule Bill be brought in, and what kind of Bill will it be ? Lord Dunraven maintains that the proposal of the Government is absolutely...

In his interesting evidence before the Divorce Commission on Tuesday

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Sir Edward Carson pointed out very justly that every new facility for divorce would lessen the blot on the character of the person divorced. The tendency would then be for...

We regret to record the death on Tuesday of Mr.

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F. W. Walker, who was High Master at St. Paul's School between 1876 and 1905. He was a schoolmaster of a type rather different from that to which Arnold belonged, which we are...

On Tuesday a verdict for £500 damages was returned in

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a libel action brought by Miss Alexandra Knollys, daughter of Lord Knollys, against Tohn Bull, Limited, Mr. Horatio Bottomley, M.P., editor of John Bull, and Messrs. Odhams, the...

On Thursday night Mr. Asquith spoke at Retford, and protested

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against the idea that, when the Government was returned with a majority of over a hundred, this was an inconclusive Election. He replied to Mr. Balfour's suggestion that he was...

On Wednesday the lock-out in the shipbuilding trade came to

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an end after lasting for nearly fifteen weeks. On two occasions the terms which had been agreed upon by repre- sentatives of the employers and men were rejected on being...

Lord Dunraven has issued a reply to Mr. Redmond in

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the columns of the Cork ;Tree Press. Mr. Redmond has announced that the veto is dead, and that his demand for Home-rule will be complied with at once. Lord Dunraven proceeds to...

Bank Rate, 4i per cent., changed from 5 per cent.

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Dec. 1st. Consols (2i) were on Friday 791—Friday week 79.

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TOPICS OF THE DAY.

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THE POLITICAL SITUATION. T HOITGH the elections are not completed as we write, there is little doubt. that the political complexion of the new Parliament will be identical with...

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"HOME-RULE ALL ROTTND."

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most notable thing said during the course of the Election has passed with comparatively little notice. This was Mr. Lloyd George's answer at Bangor on Friday week to a question...

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TURKISH FINANCE.

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A STATE which is reared on a foundation of unsound finance must come to ruin ; disaster may be delayed by numerous expedients, but the end is certain. A State which plunges...

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THE DECAY OF THE CONSTITUTION.

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I N writing a preface to a useful little book on "The British Constitution and Government" (P. S. King and Son, is. 6d. net) Mr. Hutchinson Harris has called attention to one or...

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A WOMAN SUPERTRAMP.

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" M Y people was the most respectable that could be ; the sort that tells you the theatre is the devil's front parlour, and cards is his picture-books, and they'd sooner see...

GERMAN NOTES ON ENGLAND.

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T HE critical method which was at once the strength and the weakness of Taine—bis way of generalising positively and confidently as soon as he had ascertained the origins and...

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ITU! WAYS OF ROOKS.

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A N interesting account was given to a recent meeting of the British Ornithologists' Union by one of the members, Mr. Griffith, of a remarkable flight of rooks. Mr. Griffith...

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

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THE REFERENDUM. [To THE EDITOR 01THZ "SPECTATOR.."] Sut,—You are in the fortunate position of a heretic whose heresy has overcome opposition and been received as part of the...

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[To 'THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Very many thanks for

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your publishing my letter under signature " Free-Trader " on the 3rd inst. May I just mention at the same time a point that possibly has appeared already in your paper How can...

[To TER EDITOR OF TER "SPECTATOR."]

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Sra,—May I give you—out of thousands that I feel sure might be quoted—one specific instance in proof of the fifth paragraph of your excellent article in the last issue on the...

HOME-R1TLE FOR TBilLAND.—A RETROSPECT AND A CRITICISM.

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[To THE EDITOR OY THE "SPECTATOR."3 Sin,—Now that Home-rule has been again adopted as part of the official Liberal programme, it may not be uninteresting to hear the criticisms...

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,FACTS ABOUT HOME-RULE.

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[To THZ EDITOR OP THE "Sr1.em0n."] Sfit,—You will perhaps let me lay before your readers some considerations as to Home-rule, because with England lies the arbitrament of the...

CANADA AND HOME-RULE.

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rro THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."' S,-Mr. T. P. O'Connor recently toured Canada preaching the gospel of Home-rule for Ireland. As a result he claims that Canada is...

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GLORIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

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[TO TILE EDITOR OF TIER " SPECTATOR:1 SIE,—Will you permit an American who loves Great Britain and all her Dependencies to ask why, in establishing Home- rule for Ireland, your...

SCOTCH POLITICAL OPINION.

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[TO THE EDITOR OF TEE " SPECTATOR:] Sue—Your correspondent Mr. James Anderson is evidently of that type of Scotch mind which thinks it has a monopoly of logic and common-sense....

NONCONFORMISTS AND THE RI:FICTION.

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[To TDB EDF:011 OF TRW " sercreroa. - 3 Ste,—In your issue of December 3rd " Nonconformist " states that nearly eight thousand schools in England are entirely supported by...

A 1dINISTERIALIST ON "THE PEOPLE.'

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[To THE EDITOR OP TRW `. SPECTATOR:1 Sru,—Just now we are being appealed to by many " friends of the people." A curious light is thrown upon some political professions of...

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INDECOROUS LANGUAGE.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sfu,—Will you allow me to call attention to the very grave effect which the use of vulgar and personal invective is likely to produce in...

THOMAS JEFFERSON AGAIN.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I was much interested in reading in the Spectator last week the letter from "J. R. S.," with its most apt quotation from Jefferson. The...

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOlt."]

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SIE,—Now that you have so effectually brought Mr. Lloyd George to book for his uncomplimentary references to the origin and constitution of the House of Lords, I trust you will...

GNEIST'S PROPHECY.

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[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECT•TOL."1 SIR,—Have you noticed Gneist's forecast of the present situation ? I enclose a short extract, but the whole chapter is worth reading.—I...

AN AMERICAN VIEW OF ENGLAND. [To THE EDITOR OF THE

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"SPECTATOR."] Sfa,—On Thursday last (November 24th) I had the pleasure of lunching with an Englishman, for thirty years a partner in a prominent shipping firm and an executor...

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THE CHEAP COTTAGE PROBLEM.

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[To THE EDITOR OF THE ..srEcTkrov.."] Sia,—Your correspondent of last week, "Q. V.," makes the common mistake of thinking that those who live much in the open air can dispense...

LINCOLN'S CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")

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Sin,—In the review of Sir Ian Hamilton's book, "Compulsory Service," which appeared in your issue of the 5th inst., you refer to the fact that during the American Civil War...

[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR:1 SIR, — Having built two

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small houses of concrete blocks in the early part of this year, I have since given my attention to the building of workmen's cottages at a cost of about £130. I am building a...

"BEAR" ELLICE.

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[To THZ EDITOR OF THE "Srscre:rox."1 SIR,—I am sorry to spoil an amusing myth, but the notice of Mrs. Ellice's death in the Spectator of the 10th inst. is some- what inaccurate...

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

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[To THE EDITOR OF TEN " SPECTAT011."1 SIR. — When reading your extremely interesting article on this subject in last week's Spectator I was reminded of Carlyle's remarks in...

A CORRECTION.

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[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR:1 you allow me to contradict a statement made by "L. H." on p. 1025 of your last issue ? John Bradshawe, President of the High Court of Justice...

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TRAINING FOR WOMEN IN SOCIAL ECONOMY.

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ITo THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sun,—At the present time when trained women are so much required to take up posts of all kinds, may I draw the attention of your readers,...

NOTICE.—When Articles or "Correspondence " are signed with the writer's name

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or initials, or with a pseudonym, or are marked "Communicated," the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the views therein expressed or with the Mode of...

POETRY.

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FOR, ENGLAND. Enter Youth (singing). WHETHER homeside turf or tropic forest cover them, Or under shade of ruinous walls they lie Forgotten, where they laid them down to die,...

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BOOKS.

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INDIAN UNREST.* IT is not often that a subject upon which the British people sadly needs to be informed is clarified by such a masterly treatment as is to be found in Mr....

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BRITAIN'S NAVAL RIGHTS.*

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TEN years ago Mr. Bowles published a valuable book in which he advocated the repudiation of the Declaration of Paris on the ground stated by the late Lord Salisbury : that under...

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THE POET LAUREATE OF THE RUINS.* THE Londoner of to-day

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knows nothing of the romance of a, ruin. For him Roman remains come to light only in occasional excavations, to be quickly hidden away again beneath a superstructure more...

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ROMAN LIFE.*

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SOME thirty years ago, during the month when Lord Beacons- field lay dying, the present writer lingered one radiant morn- ing on the belfry of the Capitol. He was alone ; for in...

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ESPIONAGE.*

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SPYING is neither "cricket" nor is it nice. It is a weapon of war, and a brutal, business weapon the value of which is less appreciated by us than by Continental nations. Still,...

THREE LECTUltES BY MR. HALDANE.* Tur subjects dealt with in

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these papers are of far wider scope than would be imagined from their title. So far as it is possible to summarise the lesson which they teach, they may be said to describe from...

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THE CAXTON SHA.KESPEARE.f

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THE publication of Vols. XV.-XX. brings to completion this very satisfactory edition of the great dramatist ; "the most important edition of Shakespeare that has appeared for...

EGYPT, OLD AND NEW.*

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SLR GASTON MASPEHO, who is Director of the "Service des Antiquites " in Egypt, makes an annual inspection of the region under his charge. His plan is to have his dahabeeyah...

NOVELS.

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TALES OF MEN AND GHOSTS.* Mits. Wriawroles new volume of short shories will not dis- appoint the anticipations of her admirers, though the level of merit is not so consistently...

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ArrrnoLocass.—A Book of Light Verse. Edited by R. M. Leonard.

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(Oxford University Press. as. 6d.)—So many anthologies are poured out by the press just now that it is hardly possible to keep pace with them. We must, however, find room to...

SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.

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[Under this heading us notice suck Books of the week as hays not been reserved for review in other forms.] The Land, the People, and the State. By Sir Gilbert Parker. (28 Maiden...

Let the Roof Pall In. By Frank Danby. (Hutchinson and

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Co. 6s.)—In this story all the principal characters are Irish, and the English reader, in order to understand the springs which move their action, must try to see all that...

Peers. House of Commons.

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Peers. House Commons. Navy ..„ ... 20 4 Viceroys ... 47 ••• 0 Army 211 69 Order of Merit ... 8 ••• 0 Auxiliary Forces 348 159 V.I). and S.S.0.... 32 ••• 7 Active Service ......

READABLE NOVELS.—The Wonderful Bishop. By Morley Roberts. (Eveleigh Nash. 6s.)—A

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series of amazing stories of London life. The hero of the first is a pugnacious Bishop.— The Noise of Life. By Christopher Stone. (Chatto and Windus. 6s.)—A modern story the...

Hardican's Hollow. By J, S. Fletcher. (Everett and Co. 6s.)—

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Though this novel is of much slighter texture than most of Mr. Fletcher's work, it has the romantic atmosphere to which he has acccustomed his readers. Perhaps the romance in...

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NEW Eerrrows.—Life and Habit. By Samuel Butler. (A. C. Fifield.

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5s. net.)—A new edition, with some additions by the author.—The Dynasts. By Thomas Hardy. Complete in 1 vol. (Macmillan and Co. 7s. 6d.)—An Amateur Angler's Days in Dovedale. By...

The Bay's Book of Airships. By Harry Delacombe. (Grant Richards.

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6s.)—Mr. Delacombe, who has been assisted by DU. E. J. Partridge, divides his book into three parts. In the first he treats of balloons ; in the second of airships which are...

The British Journal Photographic Annual and Photographer's

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Daily Companion. Edited by George E. Brown_ (H. Greenwood and Co. Is. 6d. net.)—This is the "jubilee edition," and the editor very naturally draws attention to the growth of the...

Animals Worth Knowing. By Jennie Chappell. (S. W. Part, ridge

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and Co. 2s. 6d.)—We warmly recommend to our readers these "True Stories of the Intelligence of Animals and Birds,"— the title is surely just a little odd. The dog naturally...

We have received from Messrs. Hudson and Kearns some specimens

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of their very useful Date Indicating Pads. These vary in size and price, The Bankers' Edition (8s..) coming first, and that marked No. 6 bringing up the rear. All these are for...

Evans' Recipe Cookery Book. (Evans Brothers. is. net.)—Here we have

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a third and improved edition of a very useful book. It contains new recipes, and—a more important matter—" hints upon roasting, boiling, pastry making, cake making, &c." The...

GIFT-BOOKS.

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Pauline's Picture Alphabet. By Lady Bell. Illustrated by Hilda Broughton. (A. L. Humphreys. 2s. net.)—Nursery readers will, we are certain, welcome with enthusiasm Lady Bell's...

The Dover Boys. By Gertrude Hollis. (Blackie and Son. 2s.

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6d.)—The brothers Barney, who are of " Seinte Marie College of Winchester," as well as of Dover, are ill content with the prospect of life which they see before them at home,...

Hero Tales of the Par North. By Jacob A. R:is.

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(Macmillan and Co. 6s. net.)—We cannot allow that Gustav Vasa, and Gustavus Adolphus, to take two out of the "four great Northern Kings," are "little more than names to the...

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Beasts and Birds. By C. von Wyss. (A. and C.

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Black. 18.6d.) -The author begins by describing the "animal visitors in our garden," such as worms -and insects, and goes on with familiar English creatures, both tame and wild,...

The Mysterious Twins. By Brenda Girvin. (Cassell and Co. 3s.

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6d.)-This is certainly, an amusing story, but surely a little farcical. However, the resemblance of twins and the strange vonseiauenees that come from it have supplied a plot...

Mr. Torrocks' Lectors. Illustrated in Co/our by G. Denholm Armour.

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(Hodder and Stoughton. 10s. 6d. net.)-The Lectors (representing "Lectures" in ordinary speech) are extracted from the "Handley Cross" of R. S. Surtees (1802-1864). The book...

The Magic City, by E. Nesbit (Macmillan and Co., 6s.)

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; and More about Jock, by E. K. Crawford (J. MaeLehose and Sons, 3s. 6d. net), are both stories hi which the children's real lives are diversified by thrilling dreams,...

Teddy and Trots in Wonderland, by Agnes Grozier Herbertson (Ward,

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Lock, and Co., 3s. 6c1.), is a republication from the "Wonder Book." Such titles of the chapters as "The Blue China Country" and "The Land of the Brown Mugs" will show the genus...

A Lady of Mettle. By Dorothea Moore. (S. W. Partridge

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and 5s.)-We do not remember to have seen the Duke of ;41-loncester in fiction before,-we mean the sickly lad who was the only child of the Princess Anne that gave any promise of...

Two Boys in the Tropics. By Elise Haldeman Figyelmessy. (Macmillan

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and Co. 6s. net.)-Two boys from Pennsylvania are taken by their parents to Equatorial South America, and see, as might be expected, not a few things to astonish them, a puma...

The Life of Queen Victoria. By Alice Corkran. (T. C.

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and E. C. Jack. is. 6d. net.)-The boys and girls who read this will get a definite impression of the greet Queen and her times. It is well written, and though parts of it are...

The Little King. By C. Major. (Macmillan and Co. 6s.)-Mr.

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Major has given us a vivid picture of the childhood of Louis XIV. The descriptive passages are chiefly in a good English style, but the dialogue is an almost literal translation...

Children of Jamaica, by I. C. Maclean i and Children

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of Japan, by J. H. Harvey Kelman. (Oliphant, Anderson, and Ferrier. 18.6d. net each.)-These are two excellent little books, written from the point of view of a missionary. The...

Overdue. By Harry Collingwood. (Blackie and Son. 3s. 6d.) -How

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did the emigrant ship Mercury' come to be overdue? First her captain and two mates met with fatal accidents, and then a Socialist passenger persuaded his fellows to join him,...