A Country Schoolmaster : James Bleats. Edited by Robert . Wallace.
(Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh. 6s.)--James Shaw began life as an artisan, made an unsuccessful attempt at business on his own account, and then took up what was evidently his real calling, a combination of teaching and literary work. Professor Wallace has put together in this volume some of his writings, in prose and verse, together with biographical notices from his friends. His prose is clear and well expressed, and often highly interesting, for he knew much ; his verse, though it cannot be called powerful, is smooth and flowing. Here is a specimen from
"Snow" :—
" Snow, soft and bright, like a schoolboy's toy,
You are welcomed at first with a strange sense of Joy; But you scarce fall a day, ere you try to creep Over the mouths of the thin, hungry sheep.
As you circle with glee in the wind's embrace Like a death-sheet you cover the wanderer's face, While all manner of beasts are dumb with woe,
Like a highway of glory you choose to glow
Near the face of the sky, on the mountain's crest,
When sunset flames o'er the frosty West."
There are some vivid pictures of scenery, and some intelligent appreciations of the author's famous countrymen.—The volume just noticed will serve as an interesting illustration of the first essay in From Parish School to University. and other Papers, by G. A. Craig, M.D. (A. Taylor, Birmingham, 3s. 6d.), so far as this essay describes a Scottish schoolmaster's life. " Scottish Wit and Humour" is readable, but it is curious how large a proportion of these North British witticisms have a spice of the profane in them. The contrast between this and the habitual seriousness of the Scottish demeanour makes it effective. The following may pass. "You look very poorly this morning, John," said an artist to his model, " would you like a glass of whisky ? " " Thank you, Sir." " Will you have it just now, or will you wait till after the sitting ?" " Thank you, Sir, I'll have it the noo ; there's been so many sudden deaths lately!"
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