19 OCTOBER 1878, Page 25

Between Me Gates. By Benj. F. Taylor. (Chicago, Griggs and

Co. ; London, Triibner and Co.)—Mr. Taylor describes California, but hardly makes us enjoy his description as he might. It is in truth somewhat fatiguing. The magnitudes of the place seem to have affected him He cannot be content to tell us what he saw in ordinary language. Everything must rise, it would seem, to the dignity of the topic or depart from the usual so as to match the eccentricity of the subject. There is brilliancy in the writing, but it dazzles rather than charms. Altogether we should say that we have hero a book of mach ability somewhat spoilt, but not spoilt so badly that it cannot be read with at least occasional pleasure.