28 MARCH 1908, Page 27

Hymns Ancient and Modern : Transferred Tunes. (W. Clowes and

Sons. 5s. net,)—This volume may be described as supplementary to the edition of 1904. The tunes have been transposed into a lower key to suit the needs of weekday services and of churches where the musical material is scanty. This will, of course, be of considerable use. It is idle, however, to pretend that the hymn system is quite satisfactory. With a service-book practically unchangeable, it is the more necessary to have a free outlet for new development in the direction of hymns, and anything that hinders this must be regarded as of doubtful value. Is it not a fact that the publishers of Hymns Ancient and Modern are bound not to publish any new hymn, however admirable ? The Canon is closed.