Flowers and Festivals; or, Directions for the Floral Decoration of
Churches. By W. A. Barrett. (Rivingtons.)—Mr. Barrett gives us a number of extremely pretty designs for church decoration, with practical directions for their employment. There is something rather odd in the dedication of his book " to the wives and daughters of our parochial clergy, who, like those who were first at the Holy Sepulchre, are foremost in a very good and useful work." And among the popular customs enumerated in his historical notes we find some curious statements. For instance, the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's used to observe the feast of that saint by coming into church with garlands of roses on their heads. This and similar facts are cited by Mr. Barrett in support of the practice of floral decoration. We think, however, that he has made out his case without them, and that the beauty of the designs at the end of his book will recommend them to all artistic eyes.
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