The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-01 00:00:00

MAGAZINE DAY.

BLACKWOOD.—" A Visit to the Cities and Camps
of the Confederate States" is the first article met
with, and will prove a very entertaining paper to
all who desire to become more familiarly acquainted
with the subject of which it treats. The writer was
a " witness of many interesting events," as he truly
remarks, having been present at the bombardment of
Charleston, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, &c. The various
accounts of this period, so rife with historical incident and
exciting adventure, are very skilfully sketched to us ; and
altogether, a more appropriate sketch could not at this
juncture be offered to our perusal. " Tony Butler" is ra-
pidly approaching completion, and the individuals who
have formed the component parts of it are all assembling in
Italy, where the denouement appears very likely to take
place. One of the most amusing passages in the story is
that in which Skeffington finds himself overreached. The
easy, impertinent effrontery and good-humoured offhand
dashing of the young attache sinks into nothing before the
burly and indomitable insolence of that arch adventurer,
M'Lasky. It is an apt illustration of many an event in
life. The introduction of the Garibaldian epoch, as it may
be called, into the story, serves to enliven it, and imparts
additional interest to the proctrdings. On the whole, this
narrative presents us in its varied sketches with a good
deal of life, not confined to carpet knights and drawing-
room damsels, but relating to actual characters struggling
on in the jostling crowd, or wearily tracing their way in
the mazes of life's labyrinth. The conclusion of the
"Public Schools Report" brings "Winchester and
Shrewsbury" before us. It is desirable to have
these matters brought before the reader of periodicals in an
attractive and yet a comprehensive form, for it is one of the
social questions of the day which requires solution without
loss of time, whether the course now pursued and the train-
ing put in practice are the most efficient and best calculated
to benefit the youth of this generation. It is also interest-
ing to trace the different customs in vogue at the several
establishments referred to, and the suggestions called forth,
and the information elicited by the searching interrogatories
of the Commissioners. One of the best proposals that seems
to have been made was that of Dr. Moberly, of having one
"grammar" in common for the "public schools," One
remark met with in the course of the various quotations is
worthy of notice. "'rho schools of England will be good
or bad acc,:;;aing to the wishes of the homes of England.'
is strictly true, and while so much effort is being made
Ito improve the training of the schoolboy, it is to be trusted
. .

that the important element of home influence will not be
found wanting, for its absence will occasion a blank that no
other substitute can supply. "My Latest Vacation Excur-
sion" is an account of some travels in the Tyrol. It is t0.1.c1
in an agreeable style, and may tempt other travellers to
bend their steps in the same direction. " Aunt Ann's
Ghost Story" is rather a novel kind of thing that will
amuse those who delight in such thrilling sketches. The se-
cret is well kept to the end, and the dreary castle in Russia
seems transformed into an abode in fairy land, while the
mystery lasts. Cornelius O'Dowd continues his cotnl,re-
hensive observations, and in this instalment we meet with
some striking things, In one of his many disserta-
tions on society and its incidents, ho announces his
discovery of the cause of the disease known as the "par-
sons' sore throat." It is brought on "by men persisting in
preaching in an assumed, unnatural voice." There may be
some foundation in this assertion, and the arguments rela-
tive to it are well sustained. "Mr Ranting." furnishes the
lively satirist with an opportunity of coming down with his
criticism pretty strong, and greatly to the purpose. He ex-
patiates upon the inconsistency of making such a fuss, and
taking up so much time in discussing the question of how
to lose flesh, when so many are unable to keep body and
soul together, A fine idea is suggested to those desirous of
becoming thin, namely, of providing themselves with a pub-
lication which presents one with the information of cheap
living, This will settle satisfactorily the question in a short
time, An amusing suggestion is mtv"e in the course of
those remarks, and that is, should " Bantingism" become
the rage what is the dinner-giver to do ? Will he select
suitable guests for his entertainments, by having one day
for his fat friends and another for his thin ones, or how
else can he adjust the d:fficulty presented by the fact that
some will not partake of the dishes of an ordinary enter-
moat ?

CORNEEILL.—" Armadale" is continued at some
length, and increases in mystery as it proceeds.
This tale bids fair to equal, if not to excel, the past
productions of its author in wonderful delineations
of life and striking expositions of character. Now
Mr Brock becomes alternately an object of pity
and amusement as we peruse the record of his sad perplexi-
ties. "The Bars of France and England" form the subject
of a paper that many may like to peruse, and just now is
particularly appropriate on account of the recent visit to
our shores of the distinguished French advocate. It is truly
stated here that " Englishman in general know, perhaps,
less than they ought to know of the French Bar." It is
curious to notice that the arrangements of the bar form an
exception to the other institutions of France, which are for
the most part centralised, whereas the bar is localised. One
difference between the practice of the professions in the two
countries is certainly in favour of France. " You may go
to your avocet, in the first place, without having recourse
to an attorney," As it is justly observed, this gives him a
more personal interest in the case, and divests it of much
of the technicality with which it is regarded by an English-
man. " Wives and daughters" become more developed in
this instalment, the marriage actually takes place between
Gibson and Clare, and we are left to divine the miseries that
will ensue therefrom to the unfortunate young stepdaughter.
Molly is worthy of a better fate, and there is an honest
independence about her that resents the familiar and imper-
tinent patronage of Lady Harriet. This story brings for.
ward in a natural manner some of the small events upon
which depend so much of the comforts of life and the hap-
piness of homes, and here and there we find a graphic touch
or two which aptly depicts a person or describes an occur-
rence. " A Convict's Views of Penal Disciplir.e" furnish
some suggestive motions that will interest those who devote

time to the consideration of this subject. Some of the

observations here met with are striking in their way, and
form a curious contrast to the more suppositious tone which

characterises the descriptions given of such existence by
those who have hnd no near experience of thew.

'` Salvors" is an article that brings curious things
to light, and will astonish not a little those
who have not much previous acquaintance with such trans-
actions. The last article is on a subject that is certain to
ensure interest, " John Leech." A very pleasing sketch is
given of his career, mingled with regrets at the premature
termination of a life valuable to the public and so honour-
able to his own reputation. It is truly said of his position
as an artist that "it had the disadvantage of being unfit
for the higher exercise of pictorial genius; while, on the
other hand,lit had the advantage of appealing quickly to the
prodigious multitude, and of thus enabling the artist from
week to week, for twenty years, to play directly, and with-
out intermission, on the hearts of a whole nation." This
is a privilege that many would not exchange for more stir-
ring fame and more striking reputation in after times,
There is something very attractive to any one struggling
for his existence in thinking that his labours associate him
with the world around him in an intimate and friendly
form, and the truth of this remark cannot be gainsaid,
that though John Leech was little known to sight, ho was
for a private person the best known man in England, and
his death was a death in our homes.

TEMPLE BAR.—" the Doctor's Wife is here
brought to a conclusion, and roost readers will be
struck with the impressive manner in which this
story is ended. Even as George Gilbert's honest
purpose and guileless disposition ennobled him
at last, so did Roland Lansdell's real nature shine
through the mists that had so long obscured it. It was an
awful awakening for one so long bound in the meshes of
the world's allurements to find himself face to face with
Nature in her solitude, as he looked up at the stars that
shone down upon him, and spoke of worlds to which he
was hastening. An impressive lesson is also given by
Isabel's calmness and composure when her dreams seemed
realised, and her gloomy careworn career was exchanged
for a life of luxury and a fortune of considerable extent.
Sho required the presence of duties which made life solemn
and took away the vain imaginings of her romantic girlhood
to replace them with the realities of life and the solemnity
of death. It must be allowed that this tale is the west
finished of any penned by its author. It has a meaning in
its seeming trivialities, and a clue exists in its mysteries
which seems to lead from the false to the true, and from
apparent confusion all resolves itself into order, and the
mission of life is clearly put before us. "Broken to Har-
ness" is nearly concluded, and is almost more dramatic) in
its latesi sketches. The history of Kate Millais' career is
a very real one, but doubtless she has many prototypes in
real life among those who have been cast away ty cruel
relatives and disowned for divers reasons. " Paid in Full"
continues its exciting scenes, and promises to be a success-
ful tale of the sensational stamp. A new story is com-
menced in this number entitled " Chantrey." It promises
well so far, and for a first portion of a tale is attt active and
interesting. "The Streets of the World" brings Cologne
before us, and in the sketch of the Thurnmarkt the reader
will meet with the amusing variety and drollery of descrip-
tion so rife in the sketches of this writer. Several
other subjects in prose and verse complete the contents of
this number, and furnish that variety with which this
periodical generally abounds.
MACMILLAN'S.—The thirteenth part of "A Son
of the Soil," which opens the current number
ntirratvs come important instances. Alice Mere-
dith's father appears unexpectedly upon the scene,
and carries off -his daughter in dire displeasure,
abruptly disposing of her engagement with Colin.
Although the young champion of dames is naturally wroth
at so ungracious a return for his devotion, he secretly ex.
periences a degree of relief, which the reader shares with
hint. at being released from the fetters with which his
Quixotic chivalry has bound him. Lord Hobart contributes
a long and somewhat ponderous paper on Intervention, that
great problem of modern statesecen. The editor continues
his reminiscences of "Edinburgh in other Days,''and especi-
ally describes Ax, chalmers's class-rem, and the wonderful

influence which was exercised by that eloquent lecturer
upon his young audience. Henry Kingsley continues his
story of " The Hillyars and the Burtons" in its usual quaint
and somewhat discursive strain. Serious changes are
apparently impending over some of the actors. " The
Influence of an Historical Idea" is the title of a paper which
traces the progress of the Holy Roman Empire from the
days of Charlemagne to Napoleon. Miss Mulock finds a
kindred subject for some, not always smooth, but stirring
verses, in the often told but never exhausted story of the
wreck of the Birkenhead. She tells two little odes how—
" -- each in his place
Obedient to command,
They went down with the sinking ship.
Went down in sight of laud."
and having called fortu their answering tears, she adds—
" Nay, dry theta. If wo could but seo
The joy in angels' eyes
Over good lives or heroic deaths
Or pure self-sacrifice,
We should not weep o'er these that sleep,
Their short, sharp struggle o'er,
Under the rolling waves that break
Upon the Afric shore."
Christina Rossetti also contributes a few verses, but they
are scarcely of her usual order.

THE ST. JAMES'S,—We find this magazine re-
taining its improved character, and giving us
several interesting papers. Most readers know
something about the work of that wonderful little
insect who busies itself in the construction of coral
reefs and islands, but they will not be sorry to learn some
further particulars of its doings. The size of some of these
structures is marvellous considering the nature of the
architect. The largest known coral reel is the " Great
Barrier" that runs for a thousand miles parallel to the
coast of Australia. Others less gigantic have attained a
remarkable growth. " The barrier reef of New Caledonia
is 400 miles long. The Maldine Archipelago, in the Indian
Ocean, is 470 miles long, and averages 50 miles in breadth.
It consists of a very large number of coral islands and
islets, the largest of which is 88 miles in length by
about 20 miles in breadth." "My First Brief" tells the
tale of a very awkward case of mistaken identity ; and "The
Wehr Wolf" is a new adaptation of the old legend. " A
Little Box for you, Sir," is the title of a narrative of a prac-
tical joke. Captain Drayson has an account of a voyage
along the coasts of South Africa, and Dr. Sceifern
proves himself a troublesome customer to the spi.
ritualists, There is a lively paper on Compiegne
and its reminiscences, and an amusing chapter on the deri-
vation of old signs. The writer tells an amusing anecdote
of the landlord of a popular German inn known as the
" Grey Ass." The Elector of the State once passed a night
at it, which so delighted the host that he discarded the old
sign-board and put up the Elector's head for the sign. A
rival thereupon took up the sign of the " Grey Ass" and
preyed a dangerous competitor, whereupon the perplexed
courtier, divided between his patron and his customers,
painted beneath the Elector's likeness—" This is the ori-
ginal grey ass Miss Bradden's story of " Only a Clod"
proceeds with interest. Julia Desmond reveals herself in
her true colours, and the idolised Maude makes her first
acquaintance with real sorrow.
THE BRITISH ARMY AND NAVY REVIEW.—The
first article is on Franco-Arab life, and is full of
characteristic anecdote. " Dumouricz as a Soldier
of the Revolution" is highly interesting, and replete
with incident and adventure, The article is to be
continued in another number, and the writer is
evidently well versed in his subject. The account of the
trial and death of Admiral Byng will be read with melan-
choly reflection, He was sacrificed to save a worthless
Minister, who richly deserved his fate. It was of him that
Voltaire made the celebrated satirical remark that the
English had put an admiral to death—pour encourager lts
attires. When Byng received the order of suspension in
Gibraltar Bay, he took off his Admiral's uniform and threw
it into the sea. It is remarked in this article as a singular
and melancholy fact, that " In the very month of
June, 17A, when the order had gone to Gibraltar
to arrest Admiral Byng, and bring him home to his
trial and death, one of the admiral's nephews, Robert Byng,
was among the 123 victims who perished from suffocation
in the black hole of Calcutta." The article on " Our
Transport Service" we recommend to the Board of Admi-
ralty and the especial consideration of her Majesty's Go-
vernment, England may become wise and economical after
she has spent her money I A paper on the Scots Fusilier
Guards will be read with interest by the army. " The De-
fences of Canada" contains useful advice to the colonists,
and there is the usual supply of professional intelligence.

GOOD WORDS.—Mrs. Wood's interesting story
of "Oswald Cray" concludes with the year, and the
cloud that has so long hung over good patient Sara
is at length finally cleared away. The pride of
Oswald receives a severe shock in his discovery of
the injustice of his suspicions of Dr Davenal, and all ends
happily, save• for poor misguided Mark and Caroline.
Anthony Trollope conies forward as the contributor of a
peasant story, Isaac Taylor continues to trace the history
of his "Family Pen." William Gilbert completes his no
count of the London Jews. The Dean of Canterbury turns
his steps homeward from his rambles on the Continent,
and Mr Goose terminates his "Year at the Shore." Added
to these we have a reply to the theories of Henan, by Pro-
fessor M'Cosh ; some thoughts on the end of the year, by
the editor, and a cal ital paper entitled "Getting up the
Ladder," which tells how a j )urneytnan bricklayers' jour-
neyman became a master builder, giving the story in his
own words, so that " Good Words" ends the year with un-
flagging energies.
THE ENGLISHWOMAN'S DOMESTIC.—This is
very cheap and useful seriii for our fair housewives,
combining fashion, housekeeping, needlework, and ro-
mance, in most approved fashion. The patterns given are
doubtless very valuable to skilful needlewomen, and it
would be well for the comtort and health of a very large
class, as well as for the order of small households, if mis-
tresses who keep only ono maid sould read and reflect on
the just and sensible article entitled " Joan of All Trades."
The suggestions made to lighten their labours by never de-
manding persunal attendance from them, by relieving them
of all responsibility of providing or arranging, and by not
expecting perfection in all departments from the head and
hands that have scarcely time to do the duties of ono de-
partment properly, are so wise as well as kind, that it is
surprising they are not oftener heeded.

'THE SIXPENNY.—A multitude of stories and
sketches, as usual, meet us in this magazine. The
first and most important describes the evil wrought by one
ill disposed and crafty nature. "Barry O'Byrne" and
"The Dobbs Family in America," are both continued, and
among the general articles, papers on " Pearls," " Polite-
ness," and "Christmas" find a place.
THE BOY'S OWN, AND THE BOY'S MONTHLY.
Beeton.—Mr Beeton preserves his reputation as a
purveyor of serial literature for boys, and these two maga-
zines are full as usual of that class of reading which speci-
ally delights young adventurers.

THE SUNDAY.—This is an ably conducted and
high principled magazine, belonging to the serious school.

Cassell s Library Edition of" Don Quixote." Part I.
Cassell's Illustrated " Galliver's 7ravels." Part I.
Th 9 public are much indtbted to Mr Cassell for
his issue of these really beautiful works, which are
worthy of a place in any library in the kingdom, and aro
yet published at so lowa price as to put them within the
reach of the working man. The illustrations to " Don
Quixote" are by J. Gustave Dord, and are many of them
admirable. Both works arc printed on toned paper, and
are got up in really elegant fashion. We congratulate both
the public and the publi:hcr on their appearance.