Sketches of Eton. Etchings an Vignettes by R. S. Chattock,
and Descriptive Notes by W. W. Wood. (Seeleys.)—Mr. Chattock's etchings are, for the most part, very pleasing, "The College from the River" being one of the best ; and "Maidenhead Bridge," in which neither the foliage nor the architecture is well rendered, perhaps the least praise- worthy. The notes which Mr. Wood, an old Etonian, has added are readable, and certain prejudices allowed for, sensible. Etonian so far at least resemble the citizens of the United States that they alone can understand. " their peculiar institutions." Among other things, the self-government of the boys is praised by our author. Outsiders, who are not permitted to forget the great dictum that "Waterloo was won in the playing-fields of Eton," may be permitted fo suggest that a good thing was carried to excess when boys, checked in their righteous anger against something that offended their artistic tastes—it was, we have heard, a tradesman's sign—took up one of their masters and hung him by the hands over the bridge or some similar place. Yet this is a rumour of Eton proceedings which this present writer has heard from credible _authority within the last five years. Seriously, Eton licence is a most damaging thing, not only to English education, but to the whole tone of English life.
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