Sunshine and Snow. By Hawley Smart. 3 vols. (Chapman and
Hall.)—If Mr. Smart does not improve, he does not manifestly deterio- rate, and this, considering the rapid rate at which he produces, is no slight praise. Ile must be allowed the credit of writing that particular kind of novel which may be called the sporting-military, with consider- able success. Mr. Cherriton, the audacious young subaltern, whom neither Generals nor great ladies can affright, and who regards life with a calm which anyhow simulates the tranquillity of virtue, is a character which, though not exactly original, is here worked out with consider-
able skill. He certainly may be compared to advantage with the
insouciant heroes with whom " Guide" delights to astonish her readers. The tone of tho story is generally wholesome and Bound, though it can scarcely be called elevated, and certainly is not likely to elevate. The world would soon become very rotten indeed, if it were not preserved
by the salt of virtues superior to those which Mr. Smart and his heroes delight to honour.
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