POOLE'S SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS.
-0er turning over the papers in these volumes, we recognized many of them as old acquaintances. This is some proof of merit, for mere mediocrity is soon forgotten. The best qualities of the col- lection are its variety, and the amusing nature of its contents: the worst defects—a love of strong contrasts, and a want of keep- ing. The author carries his dramatic habitudes into the more refined walks of literature, and pays no more regard to the con- sistency of things than if he were suddenly converting a rake at the end of act the fifth. These faults, however, are frequently modified by circumstances. In pieces intended to be furcicalt such as" Preparations for Pleasure, or a Pic-me," the breadth is ot no consequence, if indeed it be not a merit. In the actual reim- niscences of the author, lie is restrained by the reality of his matter, as in his very interesting Recollections of certain French Actors.
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