THE DIARY OF A LOOKER-ON.
The Diary of a Looker-on. By C. Lewis Hind. (Eveleigh Nash. rya. 6d.)—The author explains that he republishes here contribu- tions made to various journals, &c., that these contributions were papers transferred from his diaries, and that the collections appear now divided into months, according to the dates of the original writing. The resulting volume is obviously of a kind which it is very difficult to appreciate. There is the fact that matter meant to be read in instalments has actually to be read en masse,—the exigencies of a reviewer's work compel him to this kind of consumption. He cannot sip ; he must take draughts. Our general impression, after as much reading as time permitted, was that when Mr. Lewis Hind was writing about art he was always worth listening to, and this impression was made before observing that art is Mr. Hind's special subject. Then there was the feeling that he has an eye not only for the picturesque, but for the human. Humanity appeals to him even in aspects which are not precisely engaging. In this respect he is truly catholic. And on occasion, whatever his subject, he can tell a good story. Here is one of the millionaire who was determined to discover "the secret of the old masters." He bought a Titian for .650,000, and proceeded to peel it. "Imagine his delight and excitement when he discovered beneath the Bacchus an underlay of a silvery tint, and beneath that a red foundation on which the design was incised. Breath- lessly he removed it, and disclosed a full-length portrait of George III.!" We warmly recommend the book to our readers, all the more readily because they can do the " sipping " which we cannot.
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