joke, of the kind that ought to be made a criminal offence. - W. H. H.]

THE SCRAP BASKET.

I have an illustration of the care that is necessary in the use of words and phrases. In · preparing some matter on technical subjects, I had occasion to send a chapter for criticism to a Southern gentleman who is an expert on the subjects of which the chapter treated. In this chapter I used the phrase, "War of the Rebellion" without the slightest thought of the significance it might convey to a considerable portion of our worthy citizens. It called forth the following, with which I am in hearty accord:

"This correction is the only one of any importance, a civil statement against which, as an old Confederate soldier, I enter a mild protest. The "War between the States " sounds at the distance of twenty-six years rather better than the "War of the Rebellion," — especially when it is remembered that our supreme court has long ago decided that it was not a rebellion, and, therefore, could not hang Jeff Davis. But apart from political reasons, scientific and popular ends would require the laying aside of such obnoxious terms, especially when it is expected for the book to be a national publication and meeting a national demand. I trust you will not regard the above as offensive. I do it with the purest motives, and with the hope of ultimately excluding from our text-books phrases and expressions calculated to keep the two sections of this country apart."

"Clipping."— Is the word " clipping," as used in the article, "One Woman's Way with Scrap-books," in the November WRITER, correct? During my connection with the Charleston (S. C.) News and Courier, in 1886, I heard the late Captain F. W. Dawson, then editor of that paper, say sarcastically to one of the reporters, in calling his attention to the fact that the word "clipping" was on the "prohibited list": "Country newspapers may clip, but we cut." R. A. SMITH.

OMAHA, Neb.

BOOK REVIEWS.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF JOURNALISM. By Franc B. Wilkie. 324 pp. Cloth. Chicago: F. J. Schulte & Company. 1891. The reminiscences of almost any newspaper man of experience, so varied is the journalist's experience, and so frequent his opportunities for seeing life where it is darkest, busiest, and most exciting, would necessarily make an attractive book, for non-professionals as well as for members of the craft. It is rarely, however, that great editors, even if they should be so unmindful of traditional propriety as not to "die in the harness," ever find the time, much as they have the inclination, to give to the world the connected narrative of a busy life, in and out of the editorial sanctum. It is probably undeniable that if any one among the great American editors of the day should put on paper even a portion of the sum of his professional experiences with men and movements during a quarter of a century, he could make a book of interest the most absorbing, and of historical value of the first importance, to say nothing of the quality of humor and anecdotal interest such a book would possess. It is, therefore, a reason for congratulation that one journalist of long and active experience has given us a book which records the more interesting facts from a career of thirty-five years in his profession. Mr. Wilkie's chief engagements have been with the Chicago press, more notably with the Times of that city, under the late Wilbur F. Storey's pro

prietorship. His reminiscences of Mr. Storey will be of interest to all journalists who understand how conspicuous a figure the editor was in Chicago newspaperdom during the war period and later. Characteristic anecdotes are told of him and of his conduct of the Times, and there are also anecdotes and reminiscences of other Chicago journalists. L. F.

A BACK NUMBER TOWN. Text and Illustrations by Frank Raymond Russell. 64 pp. Cloth. Buffalo: The Courier Company. 1891.

Fine plate paper, attractive ivory cloth binding, tastefully lettered in gilt, well-drawn illustrations, and handsomely printed text make "A Back Number Town" one of the most attractive publications of the year. The volume is a large oblong quarto, and the text and illustrations are printed only on the right-hand pages, the opposite pages being left blank save for titles and ornamental designs. The "back number town" is Lewiston, N. Y., near Niagara Falls, where there are many picturesque houses and historical relics of more than passing interest. Mr. Russell has drawn some charming illustrations, and his descriptive text is no less interesting than his artistic pictures. His book will be especially interesting to all who have visited Niagara and vicinity, and it will undoubtedly lead many to turn aside from the beaten path of travel, and visit the picturesque town which he has so charmingly described both with pencil and with pen.

W. H. H.

THE LATHBURY CALENDAR FOR 1892. With 12 Fac-similes of water-color designs by Miss M. A. Lathbury. In box, 75 cents. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company. 1891. This dainty calendar for 1892 is made of twelve strips of cardboard joined by ribbons run through at either end, each card having a water-color design suited to the month to which it refers. Miss Lathbury's designs are artistic and well conceived, and the effect of the whole calendar is exceedingly attractive. It will ornament any room on the wall of which it may be hung.

W. H. H.

WATCHWORDS; FROM JOHN BOYLE O'REIlly. Edited by Katherine E. Conway. 60 pp. Cloth. Boston: Joseph George Cupples. 1891.

Whoever loves John Boyle O'Reilly, man and poet, will be deeply interested in the tasteful and well-selected collection of his poems and prose writings which his comrade in editorship has given to the world. Much of O'Reilly's verse will stand the test of time, and already it has been recognized by a leading publishing house as entitled to rank with the productions of America's favorite authors and poets. The unique dress in which the book is brought out shows that it is intended chiefly for a gift-book. Miss Conway's prefatory estimate of O'Reilly and his writings is a well-considered piece of work.

O. M.

FRIENDS: A DUET. By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. 255 pp. Paper, 50 cents. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, & Company. 1891.

This prolific author in this novel writes of some of the darker aspects of life, in a style that shows deep feeling and strong dramatic power. The scene is laid in Boston, and the characters are well drawn, and interest the reader. The love story is handled with great expertness, and the climax is peculiarly affecting. Miss Phelps has few equals in writing of the emotions.

L. F.

PRACTICAL PUNCTUATION. By James F. Willis. 99 pp. Paper, 40 cents. Philadelphia: James F. Willis. 1891.

Proper punctuation is as necessary to good literature as is good grammar, and in order to ensure easy understanding of a subject by the reader, it is quite indispensable. Yet punctuation is among the last things thought of by many writers in preparing their manuscripts. Mr. Willis' little pamphlet compactly illustrates the principles of good punctuation, and is positively a valuable book of its kind. L. F.

ATLANTIS ARISEN; OR, TALKS OF A TOURIST ABOUT OREGON AND WASHINGTON. By Mrs. Frances Fuller Victor. Illustrated 412 pp. Cloth. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. 1891.

The publishing of information about a region to Easterners comparatively unknown was the motive which actuated the author of this elaborate work. The book is almost entirely descriptive, and has numerous well executed illustrations. It cannot fail to be instructive.

L. F.

WHO? WHEN? AND WHAT? Famous men and events of six centuries, 1250-1850. 55 PP. Paper, 50 cents. New York: A. Lovell & Company. 1891.

This handy little book epitomizes the great men and their deeds and the great happenings of the six centuries ending with the year 1850. Accompanying it is a chart, which gives, at a glance, the name of the man, when he lived, and what he did to achieve immortality, and also -quite as important—who were his contemporaries. For quick and sufficient reference the book has a special value. It is certainly worth possessing purely for its unique concep

tion.

L. F.

GESTURES AND ATTITUDES. By Edward B. Warman, A. M. Illustrated. 422 pp. Cloth, $3.00. Boston: Lee & Shepard. 1892.

The student of Delsarte, or the general reader who wants to be posted on the principles of Delsarteism, can find an abundance of instructive facts in this tasteful volume. The book is written by a master of his subject, and is comprehensive in its scope, intelligent in its details. Full-page outline pictures of students in an endless variety of attitudes, expressive of thought and feeling, are included, with explana

tions regarding the proper accomplishment of the movements. The effect of the book upon the reader is to impress him with the marvellous capabilities of the human form divine in the way of expression, and also with the fact that such expression may be reduced to an exact science.

L. F. THE PERFUME-HOLDER. By Craven Langstroth Betts. 49 pp. Cloth. New York: Saalfield & Fitch. 1891.

This new poem by the translator of the songs from Béranger, published a few years ago, is gotten up in a dainty dress of ivory cloth, and is printed on hand-made paper, with rough edges and wide margins. The poem itself tells a vivid story of Oriental life, rendered in heroic verse, and is fascinating reading.

L. F.

THE FLAMING METEOR. By Will Hubbard-Kernan. 270 pp. Cloth. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Company. 1892. Purely on account of his radical, and even sensational, opinions on social and religious topics, this poet's verses would command attention. He is a man of many words, versatile and original in his conceptions, a pessimist at heart, and fearless in the advocacy of his beliefs. Yet on other grounds, those of merit, is his poetry noteworthy. While his verse lacks the refined and delicate diction of the masters, yet it is always forceful and rich in rhythmic melody. We may not applaud his sentiment, yet we cannot but praise the rounded sweetness of his tone, which is always full, and resonant, and melodious. He has been uncommonly prolific, although he is still young, and among the poets of the West he deserves to rank among the first. The book has a frontispiece portrait of the author.

L. F.

A YEAR IN PORTUGAL. George Bailey Loring, M. D. 306 pp. Cloth, $1.50. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. 1891.

The late ex-Minister to Portugal, always a charming writer, in this book, which he fortunately finished before his illness and death, describes his life at the Portugese capital, and in the other cities of the country, and also narrates his experiences in travelling. He gives a view of the life of an American Minister abroad, and lets light in upon the condition of Portugal, and of her people. The work is an interesting acquisition to the books of foreign travel.

L. F.

THE SARDONYX SEAL. By Belle Gray Taylor. 316 pp. Cloth. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. 1891.

Descriptive power and facility in making her characters talk in a bright and spirited style are two characteristics of this author which appeal at once to the reader. Pen pictures of Nature have been done time and again, but Miss Taylor possesses the true sense of the picturesque, which she utilizes when she writes of Normandy's romantic coast with rare effect. Her story is permeated with an atmosphere of jolly good humor, and an unstudied quaintness

of character, scene, and incident, which makes it one of the most readable books in current fiction. L. F.

A PAGAN OF THE ALLEGHANIES. By Marah Ellis Ryan. 297 pp. Half Morocco, $1.50. Chicago: Rand, McNally, & Company. 1891.

The author of this book is a writer of fair ability, whose great faults are prolixity and inadequate character depiction. She would find that careful revision of her manuscript, with condensation always in view, would please the reader, and thereby contribute to her literary success. The story of this book is rather interesting, but its effect is marred by certain errors of style and treatment, which it is hoped experience will tend to eradicate.

O. M.

THE FEAST OF THE VIRGINS AND OTHER POEMS. By H. L. Gordon. 366 pp. Cloth, $1.50. Chicago: Laird & Lee. 1891.

This cumbrous volume is the work of a poet of the Northwest, who wrote his chief poem on what was supposed to be his death-bed. It saved his life, so he confesses. Most of his inspiration sprang from his residence among the Indians in the Dakotas, but this is no excuse for giving to the world a collection of poems having so little to recommend them. The illustrations are no better than the poetry.

L. F.

THE MUNICIPAL PROBLEM. Amos Parker Wilder. A Paper Read Before the New Haven Chamber of Commerce. 78 pp. Paper.

A more intelligent and exhaustive analysis of the evils of municipal government in America, and the reasons therefor, has not recently been published than this one by the editor of the New Haven Palladium. Although a young man, Mr. Wilder has thoroughly mastered his subject. Deep insight, sound reasoning, and thoughtful appreciation of obstacles to be overcome in the purification of municipal politics characterize the paper, which is creditable alike to him and to the profession of which he is a valued member.

O. M.

THE GOOD THINGS OF LIFE. Eighth Series. 64 pp. Cloth. $2.00. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company. 1891.

The publication of the annual collection of the best pictures from Life has come to be looked for from year to year, and the growing series of oblong quarto volumes is one that cannot fail of being prized by its possessor. A steady improvement in the quality of the pictures is noticeable each year, and those included in the Eighth Series are the best that have yet been published. They give added interest to the witty little dialogues which they illustrate, and almost invariably they are happily conceived and skilfully executed. The best of the work in this year's volume is by W. de Meza, whose wash drawings reproduced in

half tone are exceptionally delicate and lifelike. His illustration of "An Opportunity" is by far the best thing in the book, and it is almost photographic in its accuracy. "Van" also contributes some excellent drawings, and the work of all the artists represented is of a high standard. The pictures, printed on heavy plate paper, appear to better advantage than in Life, and the volume is bound in a tasteful cover.

W. H. H.

IN BISCAYNE BAY. By Caroline Washburn Rockwood. Illustrated. 286 pp. Cloth. New York: Dodd, Mead, & Company. 1891.

The pleasure trip to Florida of a party of Northern people is made in this book the basis of a breezily told story. The love story is delightful, being handled with peculiar delicacy and charm, while all the characters are just what they should be in such a story, good-humored first and always. More than thirty-five excellent full-page pictures of Florida land and water life and scenes are in the book, which is also beautifully printed and bound.

L. F.

TALES FROM TOWN TOPICS.

224 pp. Paper, 50 cents. New York Town Topics Publishing Company. 1891. THE QUINTESSENCE OF IBSENISM. By G. Bernard Shaw. 170 pp. Paper, 25 cents. Boston: Benjamin R. Tucker. 1891.

THE DUCHESS OF POWYSLAND. By Grant Allen. 327 PP. Paper, 35 cents. Boston: Benjamin R. Tucker. 1891. CULTURE: A MODERN METHOD. By Elliott E. Furney, M. D. 322 pp. Cloth, 50 cents. St. Louis: I. H. Brown & Company. 1891.

ELTON HAZLEWOOD. By Frederick George Scott. 146 pp. Cloth, 75 cents. New York: Thomas Whittaker. 1892.

From the White-Smith Music Publishing Company, 62 Stanhope street, Boston: Vocal -"The Heart's Sorrow," Will C. King; "Song of the Nightingale," Ambrose Davenport and Carl Zeller; "A Job Lot," Charles Brighton, arranged by John S. Baker; 'He is Irish" and "Little Maggie Magee," Loren Bragdon; "De Double Weddin'," Frank Addis Kent; "Mother Dear," Gilbert à Beckett and E. Audran; "Minstrel's Song," Thomas Moore and J. W. Glover; "I Heard an Angel Voice Last Night," Charles E. Bray; "The Shepherd's Song," Mrs. E. C. Whitney and E. H. Bailey; "Ring, Sweet Bells," J. R. Higinbotham; "Christmas Carols," thirty-four numbers. Piano-"Dolores Valse," Theodore Moelling; "On to Glory" and " Jolly Youth Galop," Paul Keller; "Pelican Schottische," Albert Blitz; "C. B. and Q. Waltz," J. N. Goo man; "Chappies' Polka," Florence Fare; "Miss Helyett," duet, B. M. Davison; "The Emperor's Review," duet and for four hands, Richard Eilenberg; "Col. Goetling's Grand March," for two banjos, mandolin, and guitar, F. E. White.

HELPFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

[Under this heading it is intended to describe any handy little contrivances that may be of use in any way to literary workers. Facts about home-made devices particularly are desired. Paid descriptions of patented articles will not be printed here on any terms; but this shall not hinder any one from letting others know gratuitously about any invention that is of more than ordinary value to literary workers. Readers of THE WRITER are urged to tell for the benefit of other readers what little schemes they may have devised or used to make their work easier or better. By a free exchange of personal experiences every one will be helped, and, no matter how simple a useful idea is, it is an advantage that every one should know about it. Generally, the simpler the device, the greater is its value.]

Making Typewriter Type Stick. - I recently made an accidental discovery connected with the use of a typewriter, which your readers may find of practical value. In some of the typewriters the letters have a disagreeable fashion of dropping out. The amateur typewriter tinker has some difficulty in inserting and keeping in place permanently a type which has once dropped from the type bar. If the end of the type is treated with a little Canada balsam, such as is used in holding in place microscopic objects, and which can readily be obtained at any place where optical

With Portrait. Editorial.

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. Christian Union for December 5. TO MR. ANDREW LANG. An Open Letter. Gleason White. Christian Union for December 5.

HENRY JAMES. Reprinted from Murray's Magazine in Eclectic Magazine for December.

THE "INTERVIEWER ABROAD. Edward DoWDEN. Reprinted from Fortnightly Review in Eclectic Magazine for December.

ADVERTISING IN VERSE. John S. Grey. Printers' Ink for December 2.

THE NEW YORK SUN AND MR. DANA. With Portrait. Paper and Press for November.

JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY AS A POET OF HUMANITY. Open Letter. George Parsons Lathrop in Century for December. THE COUNTRY EDITOR AS HE IS. Caroline Gray Lingle. Kate Field's Washington for December 9.

THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WRITERS. W. A. Engarde. Inland Printer for December.

A VISIT TO J. G. WHITTIER'S HOME. Queries Magazine for December.

JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL. Henry James. Atlantic Monthly for January.

THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF. With Portrait. Colonel A. K. McClure. Lippincott's for January.

A LITERARY CONVERSATION. Julian Hawthorne. Lippincott's for January.

MAURICE THOMPSON. Portrait. Chautauquan for January. OLD-TIME MAGAZINES. Will J. Lampton. Cosmopolitan for January.

THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS AT WASHINGTON, T. C. Crawford. Cosmopolitan for January.

ABOUT BEAUTIFUL BOOKS Brander Matthews. Cosmopolitan for January.

PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF NATHANIEL HAWTHOrne. First Paper. Horatio Bridge. Harper's Magazine for January.

MARY E. WILKINS. By the Author of "Quaker Cousins." Reprinted from the Bookman in the Critic for January 2. ILLUSTRATIONS IN LITERATURE. William A. Coffin. Reprinted from Scribner's Magazine in Public Opinion for January 2.

THE INTERPRETER IN LITERATURE. Julian Hawthorne. Lippincott's for January.

Re

POE, THE HAMLET OF AMERICA. Henry Austin. printed from New Orleans Times-Democrat in Public Opinion for January 2.

WALT WHITMAN. Portrait. Arena for January. HAMBLIN GARLAND. Portrait. Arena for January. ANDREW LANG REPLIES TO AN AMERICAN CRITIC'S CRITICISM ON BRING SLATED. Reprinted from Illustrated London News in Journalist for December 26.

THE CREATIVE FACULTY IN WOMEN. Sidwell N. Breeze. Critic for December 26.

FRENCH NOVELS AND FRENCH LIFE. Andrew Lang. North American Review for January.

THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR. Sir Edwin Arnold, Gail Hamilton, Agnes Repplier, Amelia E. Barr, Rev. Dr. C. A. Briggs, Julian Gordon, and Dr. W. A. Hammond. North American Review for January.

THE FIGHT IN FICTION. Arnold Houltain. Week for December 25.

Toronto

POETRY AND MELODY. Elissa M. Moore. Kate Field's Washington for December 30.

RUDYARD KIPLING. Francis Adams. Reprinted from Fortnightly Review in Eclectic Magazine for January.

A STUDY OF MR. GEORGE MEREDITH. J. A. NewtonRobinson. Reprinted from Murray's Magazine in Eclectic Magazine for January.

Review of Reviews for

THE BOYHOOD OF EDGAR A. POE. No Name Magazine for January.

ST. NICHOLAS AND ITS EDITOR. With Portrait of Mary Mapes Dodge. Review of Reviews for December.

AN AMERICAN NOVELIST. With Portrait of Edgar Fawcett. Peterson's Magazine for January.

THE LIGHT OF ASIA AT HOME. With Portrait of Sir Edwin Arnold. Florence Grey. Home Maker for December.

HERMAN MELVILLE. Titus Munson Coan. Literary World for December 19.

MR. HOWELLS' WORK AS A CRITIC. Reprinted from New York Tribune in Public Opinion for December 19.

THE NEW YORK PRESS CLUB. Brooklyn Standard-Union for December 5.

AMERICAN ILLUSTRATORS. With Portraits. R. H. Titherington. Munsey's Magazine for December.

COLONEL PERRY S. HEATH. With Portrait. Press and Printer for December 26.

MAKING FRIENDS WITH AN EDITOR. Reprinted from Ladies Home Journal in Press and Printer for December 26.

Eugene L. Didier.