MESSRS. CASSELL'S ANNUALS.—Messrs. Cassell publish a. bulky set of volumes
which have become old friends in many
families. They are upon much the same lines as those issued by the Religious Tract Society. It is perhaps a meticulous, even if not a mistaken, criticism to say that Messrs. Cassell's ambitions are a shade lower. However, their volume of Chums (Ss.), which contains nearly a thousand pages, offers plenty of enjoyment to boys. There are innumerable short stories and several longer serials and plenty of articles of practical advice upon all kinds of subjects—how to make many useful things, how to use one's fists, and so on. It is copiously illustrated.—Then for girls there is the Girl's Realm Annual. This contains two long serial stories, one of "the '45," and plenty of short ones, some little plays, verse, and some music. Among the useful articles dressmaking and sewing are duly prominent. It is fully illustrated with drawings and photo- graphs.—Then come the British Boy's Annual and the British Girl's Annual (58. each). Both of them have a good supply of short stories and a long school story and serious articles. They are illustrated in colour and in black-and- white.—For younger people there is Little Folks (3s. 6d. or 5s.). This volume contains two serials in prose and one in rhyme, besides short stories and editorial advice. The periodical competitions are to the fore.—For still smaller folk there is Cassell's Annual (5s.). There is less to read here, but there are nearly two hundred coloured pictures of animals, dolls, and their owners. Their brightness should attract children, who may not mind their crudity.
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