CURRENT LITERATURE.
On Expression in Nature. By W. Main, M.D. (Sonnenschein.) —Dr. Main tells us that the reading of some rules on the relation of a particular direction of lines and expression directed his atten- tion to this study. These rules were that lines tending upwards suggested power and progress ; downward-tending lines indicated weakness and sadness ; and horizontal lines indicated repose and peace. Dr. Main proceeded to put this to the proaf, and has made from the results an interesting little volume. The application of the rules was completely satisfactory, and, indeed, many examples among trees, men, and beasts explain their principle clearly enough. Among animals, the dog is a capital example; the dejected dog is nothing but down-tending lines, head, ears, and tail ; the alert dog has an upright head, erect tail, Jc.c. Trees furnish beautiful examples of what we may call this artistic law. The cedar, with its level branches, gives tho idea of stately calm; the ash, the lime, and the weeping-ash give the idea of gentleness and sadness. The elm and the oak give the impres- sion of strength and sturdiness. Of course, Dr. Main develops these rules in connection with the human face, where, however, he found some discrepancies, perhaps due to contrary and unsus- pected lines. This is an interesting book, and to some people will prove very fascinating.
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