Franciscan Days. By A. G. Forrers Howell, LL.M. (Methuen and
Co. 3s. 6d.)—Mr. Howell has translated and arranged these extracts from "Ancient Franciscan Writings" so as to give a reading for every day in the year. It will be noted that the term "Franciscan writings" is used as including works which came from the pen, not of the Saint, but of one or other of his disciples. The genuine works of St. Francis would not have been adequate to the purpose; such as are utilised in this volume are marked by an asterisk. We cannot help saying that some of the extracts seem not a little foolish. There is a story, for instance, of the cruel sow that killed a lamb, and was cursed by the Saint: "Let no man nor beast eat of thee ! " he cried- Nor does St. Francis appear to advantage when he begins a discourse with the words : "Ye think me a holy man, but know that I have eaten my meal seasoned with lard,"—oil, it seems, did not suit him. These things would not be out of place in a biography ; but as a daily portion for spiritual sustenance they are not appropriate.
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