The Sun.
London, England, 1864-07-07 00:00:00

The Fine Arts Quarterly _Review. No. 4.

Some remarks are made on the subject of a Ter-
centenary Memorial of Shakspere, which are
worthy of attention. Amid the various plans pro-
posed it is suggested, in conclusion, that it appears
a suitable site for a statue of Shakspere is to be
fonnd in the area in front of the British Museum—" Our
noble and only temple of our literature and of ancient art,
a statue in bronze, placed on a grand pedestal, adorned
with two inscriptions, in English and in Latin, and two
relievos, representing in some way the character of his un-
rivalled genius, would, if placed there, be visible all day
and every day to every posterity, without jealous guardian-
ship ; would be saluted by every student as he passes on
to pursue his own studice, and by the tens of thousands
who yeariy visit the Galleries, and \soul' be where it
shculd be, at the very gate of that realm over which the
memory of Shakspere reigns supreme." Amid the many
proposals that have been made concerning the right and
fitting mode of doing honour to our immortal bard, this
seems the most desirable tribute that con ho offered, and
one that wen aueotus with +h. spirit and sentiment of
the people in doing honour to what is here justly called
" The Tercentenary Commemoration of England's First
Literary Son." There is an article on " Analysis and Syn
thesis in fainting," which offers some v;iluable hints, and
furnishes altogether a careful study for the consideration
of the reader. The "Reaction from Pre-Raphaelitism" is
a good definition of that system, and the lovers of art will
be interested in observing its dissertations. It is here truly
stated that Pre-Raphaelite work does not admit of medio-
crity. They who offer to tell the whole truth have need
of enormous knowledge. The expectations formed of this
school have been greatly overrated, and it is now found
how fallacious were the extravagant assertions at first made
concerning it. There is a paper on "Paul Delaroche,"
which is most attractive; it is written in a style and
spirit worthy o f the chronicles of him who was called
Teintre National de la France. The lives of painters are
always most interesting subjects of study, and this is an
epitome of an active and arduous career. It is said in
conclusion that the exhibition of his works in April, 1857,
was the "finest monument that could be raised to him.
It too eften happens that men of genius and talent are
judged with equity after their death, and so it was with
Paul Delaroche ; only then did France render full
justice to the great artist she had lost." "Art Ex-
hibitions in London" are considered. It is impossible
to overrate the immense variety met with in this work, and
for its general character, no less than its superiority in
style, it may take rank among the foremost productions
of its class, which the improving taste of the public in
this respect enables them to appreciate more fully, and
admire more heartily.

The Journal of Agriculture. No. 85. Blackwood.
Tae opening article in this quarterly is a paper
on " Acclimatisation Societies," in which it is re-
marked that we have hitherto underrated the im-
portince of such undertakings. It is followed by
an article on the dietary of the British labourer, in
which his ordinary food is disadvantageously com.
pared with the brose and "parritch" of his Scottish neigh-
bours, and the milk which constitutes the chief beverage
of the latter is regarded by the author to be a wholesome
substitute for beer. We apprehend, however, that such a
change would not be very easily made, and perhaps it re-
quires the keen air of the Scottish hills to render such a
diet palatable. " Salmon Literature" is discussed, and the
question has now assumed some interest to the general
public. "The Farmers'/Note-Book'" contains an account
of the effects of extra manuring upon turnips, and the agri-
cultural summary for the quarter and tables of average
prices of grain are given as usual. The transactions of the
Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, which are
appended to this journal, contain some interesting remarks
on the beech, its history, and peculiarities, the best method
of cultivating it, and the height, girth, and age reached by
the finest specimens extant. An essay on the comparative
value of the different grasses will be found practically use-
ful, and the record of " Proceedings in the Laboratory," by
Mr Anderson, chemist to the society, has some curious
information.

The Bose, the Shamrock, and the Thistle Magazine.
This pleasant miscellany goes on its way with
unabated spirit, and reflects credit on its fair
editress and compositors, for it is issued from the
Caledonian Press, which is similar in design to the London
Victoria Press, which has proved the astonishing fact of
women being capable of becoming expert typographers.
We have the usual variety of tales, sketches, poems, and
miscellaneous articles adapted to various tastes, and we
trust that the public will continue to accord this praise-
worthy undertaking the encouragement which it so well
merits.

THE UNITED SERVICE commences with a chapter
on " The New Scheme of Naval Pay," in which the
writer explains the difference between the old and
new system. This is followed by an interesting
account of " A Trip to Meade's Army nn the 1 3. sP-
pahannock," by an officer of the Royal E° gd
He gives a very succinct account of what he VW azii.)beeea.
r:,
and some of his adventures are very amusing. ge was well
received by all parties, and was treated with great courtesy by
General Meade and others, When
riding over the. fortifi.
cations at Washington, on arriv;ng at Arlington Heights,
he gives a description of the house once occupied by General
Lee, now in the possession of his enemies. i
On the subject
of the defences of our dockyards against ronplated ships,
the author contends that forte are far superior to ships for
that purpose, and far less expensive. He goes on to caleu-
late the probable expense of protecting the several ports,
and furnishes many useful details. " A History of the
Experiments at Shoeburyness" is continued, and the com-
mittee are blamed for not causing the larger guns to be
experimented upon before the 12-pounders, for that we are
already provided with good field artillery, but are deficient
in heavy guns for the navy. "The Soldier's Why and
Because" is continued, as is also the "Story of Oswald

ONCE A WEEK.—This serial professes to be a
miscellany of literature, art, science, and. popular
information, and its perusal wilt satisfy the reader
that it performs i!s promise well. There is a great
variety in the contents, and utility of information is skilfully
blended with interesting and attractive subjects. There
are several tales met with, which are sufficiently exciting
to win the approval of the lovers of the sensational class.
"A Painter's Courtship" is a very ingenious narrative. Tho
events ore improbable, but very skilfully introduced. The
Coast-guardsman's tale is a sketch that is peculiar, and
afnrds a warning as to the impotence of revenge. The
verses are above the average in merit ; and altogether this
publication well maintains its position among its contom
poraries, an] preserves its deserved reputation.
LUTTRELL OF A. RAN. By Chcrles Lever. Part
VIII —At the close of the ittst tiumkr we left Kate
cornfs)rtubly located with the old baronet,
Sir Within Wardle; Mr N.`-.K.rilizY having, much
against his inclinat on, departed for ltsly in charge
of Ada and Mademoiselle Heinzleman. Although more
than a year is supposed to have elapsed since the last
chapter, the reader is requested to take a brief retrospect of
what befell the lawyer on his continental trip. It would
seem that after the usual inconveniences inseparable from
foreign travel, he at length reached his destination, and
found that Sir Gervais Vyner was unwell and unable to seo
him. His quondam love, Miss Courtney, however, meets
him, and in the interview that takes place between them
Mr. M'Kinlay proves himself, if possible, to be a greater
blockhead and blunderer than he did when he dined with
Sir Within Wardle, and we quite agree with Miss Courtney
when she exclaimed, " I sincerely trust that you manage
the material questions confided to you with more ability and
tact than you do matters of social interest." That a man.
of M'Kinlay's supposed professional standing should be so
as he is represented appears unlikely. Mr. Lever
has, nevertheless, probhbly drawn his character
from real life, and so many knaves are to be met with in
the profession, it is but natural that a few fools may be
found. Kate O'Hara has passed upwards of a year at
Dobraden, acting pret'q much as the mistress, when Sir
William announced to her that he expected visitors—and
these by no means welcome ones—in fact, his heirs. Our
old friend, Mr Grenfell, appears again upon the scene, and
forms one of a partie cairee who dine at Dabraden. There
is considerable mystery attached to the histories of bcth
Kate O'Hara and Miss Courtney. In fact, we do not re-
member one of Mr Lever's novels in which some kind of
mystery was not apparent, Indeed, the complete suspense
in which the reader is held until the clever denouement,
possesses as great a charm as the author's vivid descriptions;
and we have no fear that "Luttrell of Arran" will prove
an exception to this rule. The illustrations are, as usual,
but in the second one a novelty in ornithology is presented
to us—namely, a hen pheasant with a long tail.

MR. ROMFORD.S HOUNDS, Part 111., by the
Author of " ELindley Cross," &c., commences with
a history of how Lucy Sponge followed Mr. Rom.
ford's hounds, and the consequences which resulted
in Mr. Romford having to resign the mastership of
the Heavysides Hunt owing to the supposed impro-
priety of the proceeding, the ladies being jealous of Lucy,
and saying that she was not fit for good society. This part
of the tale is not in good taste, for although the description
of the run is capital, the conduct of Lucy and Romford is
unnatural. It is not probable that a woman of good sense
and penetration would consent to take up her abode at a
country inn, to live among strangers, and act as whipper-
in to a man of Mr. Romford's character. Mr. Romford,
however, drops upon his feet, and soon attains another
appointment in the county, and this times takes a handsome
residence. As Lucy is now independent, she consents to
her mother coming to live with him as his housekeeper,
while Lucy passes for the widow of a defunct officer, the
brother of Romford.

HANDY GUIDE FOR THE DRAPER AND HABER-
DASHER--Pitman, Paternoster-row. This little
book will be found of great service to all who arc
interested in the drapery business, as it contains an
amount of information derived from actual exile.
Hence, which cannot but prove exceedingly valuable. It
will perhaps be the means of preventing, in some cases, great
loss, and in others ultimate ruin. A book with such au
object cannot fail to secure for itself that which it really
deserves, viz., the most extended circulation, especially as
its publishing price is a mere trifle.