The Sun.
London, England, 1864-09-01 00:00:00

MAGAZINE-DAY,

BLACKWOOD.—The story of the " Chronicles of
Carlingferd" is brought to a conclusion in this
soonth's number, and the result at last arrived at is
so far satisfactory. This story would have been
better had it been more concentrated and the minor
details not so elaborately dwelt upon. At the same
time, it well sustains the author's previous reputation as a
novelist, end brings before us some very well-defined cha-
racters. One feels a sort of satisfaction in Frank Went-
worth sue seeding to the Rectory of Carlingford, and thus
becoming independent of his family, who did not use him
well by any means. There is much in this simple
record of every day events to attract attention and
interest. The writer has considerable power in de-
lineating character; and the petty jealousies, the small
-vexations, and the minute cares of daily life are all naturally
put before us, The trifles that make the sum of human
things are too often neglected by the narrator of existence
in fictitious tales, and this conduces greatly to the unreality
which. we often witness in works of a really superior charac-
ter in other respects. Cornelius O'Dowd continues his
varied criticisms on divers subjects. The smartness and
repartee which are so distinctly visible in this writer's pro-
duction, make their perusal a source of great entertainment,
and car mot fail to prove attractive to the reader, no matter
what his special tastes may be. Tony Butler is more
eventful in this instalment than it has been hitherto, for
the hero enters the duties of his mission, and fails most
eleregiously at the first start. The consequences of his
eenlucky adventure are not yet disclosed to us, but the
great ignorance displayed by Tony is really surprising.
However, it is by these absurd blunders, and great want of
perspicuity, that so many serious mistakes occur; and the
manner in which Il`Ciieleey contrives to possess himself of
the despatch bag is very ingenious. " The Alphabetical,,"
is the title of a paper which is curious enough in its way,
It alludes to that class of' works whose contents are arranged
• according to the letter of the alphabet. It is observed that
thits belontes to modern times, and that simple as it now
RE ems to our accustomed eyes, "Rome could no more pro-
duce such an article than she could print it if it were made."
We meet with some instructive and interesting passages in
this article which may give some valuable hints to those
who study and compile to a great extent. It is mentioned
that it is an error to imagine that only new works of refer-
ence are valuable, the old aro often more fitted to the nature
of the task before us. " Letters from the Principalities"
concern Prince Couze's coup d'elat. Some of the details of
this personage are very ludicrous; he has changed his
Cabinet t wenty times in five years, and the Chamber three
times, bemuse they had the impertinence to ask for a
budget. " The City of Gold" contains some very wise re-
flections on the subject of the present system. It is thus
forcibly argued. " When the usual supply of gold is tem-
porarily diminished, why should our usual credit system be
restricted in proportion and totally suspended? Of what
use is credit, but to take the place of payments in coin ?
Was it not for this purpose, and for this alone, that credit
and paper money were adopted ?" These are truths that
must, one day be acknowledged.
DUBLIN,-_'l Ydxley and its Neighbourhood" in
this number partakes of tho sensational style, for
a ome fearful events aro recorded therein, and the
'story is evidently approaching a climax. Lizette
is a pleasing girl, but rather too tame and yielding
for the circumstances in which she was placed.
Lady Bend gives a good representation of what a girl
ro ay become who makes a wretched marriage in order to
obtain rank and wealth, " September—a Day by the Sea,"
is pleasing sketch of holiday making, which may tempt
nearly to follow the advice here tendered, and betake them-
selves to the seaside. " Maud Ruthyn and Uncle Silas" is
continued at some length, It is one of those intricate and
elaborate narratives in which the author excels, and it reveals
sore a painful phases of life to the notice of the reader. "Irish
Das-non
Die-oenology and Fairy
Ekez,th Lore" presents seine entertaining
es, and forma an agreeable variety to the general
run of topics discussed in periodicals. Many readers
be glad of this opportunity of extending their knowledge
on this attractive subject, which is here discussed in an in-
teresting form. "A Triad of French Writers" brings
foreign literature to view ; and it is a good feature in
this magazine that it endeavours to put before us a glimpse
at other ataininents than those achieved at home. Charles
de Bernard is one here cited, and his observed that of those
called to their account during the last half century, there
are few blessed with such abilities, M. Edmund Abchet and
Madame Gasparin are the others chosen for notice in this
portion of the foreign criticism. " Galleng-a's Invasion of
Denmark" is a very readable article ; and although all re-
lation to that unhappy war possesses a painful association,
still most readers will be glad to have an opportunity of
informing themselves thereupon. The feeling that should
exist in the perusal is well particularised here. It is said
that the work concludes with days of mourning. We
feel the same disappointment as when the novelist gives
the victory in the battle of life to the unprincipled, and
when the virtuous retire from the stage in tears,
and foul
wrong prosprirs." There aro some verses met with which
diversify the contents and add attraction to the perusal of
the znagaz'.ne. They are entitled "Rabelais' Feast," and
"The Bragundy Flask."
FRA,SER.—Fraser this month is hardly up to its
usual standard. We have a very lengthened article
of Dr. Newman's " Apologia," a second paper on
the Report of the Commission on Public Schools,
a nd a second part also of "N
)iplotnatio otes on D plornacy and
History," all somewhat solid reading.
'Then there is an essay on the duties of a parish priest, and
eaamination into the " Philosophy of the Poor Laws,"
by Mise FranceseCobbe, so that he who seeks for the plea-
sent and discursive
reading usually so plentifully found
month look elsewhere,
bn the drab-loured leaves. roust assuredly this
Our old friend, the " Campaigner
at Home," comes, it is true, as a seasonable change, and
the continuation of " Gilbert Rugge,,, indicates two or three
passible romances, but the whole character of No. 417 is
certainly not lively, treading, indeed, on the heels of dul-
ness. Several of the articles are sensible and to the pur-
pose, however, and Miss Cobb°, who Lae tackled a some-
what raduous subject, is well wet th hearing upon our Poor
law system. She ie disappointed, as well she may be, at
the Report of the Committee on Poor Relief, which leaves
many evils untouched, and asks very justly how it can be
expected that busy shopkeepers and farmers meeting for a
ft.,/ hours once 4 week, can efficiently regulate the affairs of