A Student of Nature. By R. Menzies Fergusson. (Alexander Gardner.)—We
have here the memorials of a very promising young clergyman of the Church of Scotland, the Rev. Donald Fergusson, who died, apparently of overwork, at the age of twenty-seven, and only shortly after he had been " settled" in the important parish and congregation of Inverkeithing, in Fifeshire. Whether he had the capacity to rise to an important position in his Church it is of course impossible now to say ; but bis story as here told, with loving piety and excusable amplitude, by his brother, indicates clearly enough that although he hesitated at one time between the Church and journalism, he was "diligent in business and fervent in spirit" when he had made his choice. Some of Mr. Fergusson's sermons, which are here given, are notable for simplicity and obvious sincerity, if they cannot be said to be distinguished by theological profundity. He was also, what his brother has termed him, " a student of Nature," and in certain sketches of wild life which are here reprinted he figures as a follower, Longo intervallo, of Jefferies, whom Mr. Henley has not inaptly characterised as "a reporter of genius." Though this book is too long, there are many good things in it.
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