Wings Without Feathers. By J. A. Lefroy. (Walter Smith and
Innes.)—This is one of the most entertaining little books that has ever come in our way. Little Willie, the hero of the story, is a quite delightful child. Not that any rational person would like to have so strange a creature for their own, but to read about, he is almost incomparable. His ruling passion is to be furnished with wings. This passion he cherishes thoroughout the history ; but it does not prevent him from giving his mind on occasion to other things. He starts, for instance, on a tour of visiting in the parish,—his father, it must be understood, is the Rector. This chapter, with the description of the reception that his home mis- sionary efforts meet with, is excellent. So is his faithfulness in reproving his godfather for not having taught him his Catechism —a matter in which he feels deficient—and for not having "taken him to hear sermons." The author, too, knows how to mix pathos with her humour. The transition from the fun of the " missionary " chapter to the earnestness of that which follows, is very effective. A very modest volume this, but far surpassing in merit most of its contemporaries.—Another story touching a subject of the same kind is That Bother of a Boy. By Grace Stebbing. (Jarrold and Sons.)—This, too, is entertaining, and the entertainment is not unmixed with instruction. But "Master Ned" really gets into too many scrapes. To follow him through them makes a sensitive reader uncomfortable.
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