The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-06 00:00:00

PERIODICALS.

COLBURN'S UNITED SERVlCE.—Foremost among
the contributions now appearing from month to
month in this distinguished organ of the military
profession—foremost among the contributions to
it, in interest, at any rate, if not in importance,
are the chapters here given in periodical continua-
tion of Captain W. W. Knollys's enthralling story
entitled " Oswald llastingv, or the Adventures
of a Qieen's Aide-dei-Camp." That there
is interest in it of a sensational character
even, the animated account of "A Duel," given in
the eleventh chapter closing the present instal-
ment, sufficiently attests. The readers of the
United S,rvice will look forward with eager curio.
sity to the continuation of the narrative of Oswald
'lasting's, by its accomplished author—who is
now, we observe by announcement, upon the
eve of making
the public,
in a separate form of publication, as an
author, with his maiden work, a novelette, en-
titled " Misses and Matrimony." " Notes on tho
Maories" is penned in a kind and generous spirit-,
and we cannot but hope that the suggestions of
Colonel Alexander may be brought to bear good
result. "The Defence of England against Invasion"
is a capital short article, full of military points and recom-
mendations of a very practical character. A circular rail-
way, 15 miles distant from London, would be a very service-
able mode of defence in war, and be of excellent commercial
use for local purposes of facility iu everyday life. "Mace..
donia and her King" we recommend to the Greeks and their
King of the present day. "Reminiscences of Foreign Ser-
vice" is full of a soldier's hopes and fears, with all the
vicissitudes incident to a military life. "Manning the
Navy" justly exemplifies that if you want work to be well
done you must do it yourself, or pay well for getting it done.
As to the article ou "D3nmark and Germany," all we can
say is, that we cordially agree in the opinion of the writer,
that the peace now concluded ends one of the most unjusti-
fi dole wars that perhaps ever occurred in the history of
nations. Let us hope that the day of retribution is not far
distant for both the great German butchers. "Practical
Hygiene" is an. excellent article on the food of the soldier
and men generally. Altogether the present number is
well got up, and replete with exellent matter.
DUBLIN.—The story of " Uncle Silas and Maud
Ruthyn" is concluded, and it finishes iu a very
dramatic style. The passages which relate to the
adventures of Maud, when under the care of Ma-
dame de la Rougierre, are most exciting in in-
terest, and the plot is laid with skill and dexterity.
There is a poetical justice in the awful fate of the French-
woman, and it is ono of those curious retributions which
sometimes occur in life to notice that her very eagerness
to revenge her old wrongs upon Maud caused her own
fearful doom. Altogether, this story has much in it to ex.
cite the attention of its readers : it is no mere sketch to
be taken up to wile away an idle hour, but a record of
deep feelings, strong passions, and deep dangers, such as
go far to make up the tragedies of life, whose consequences
we wonder at and deplore, while they never trouble them-
selves to investigate the causes. There is another story
commenced, called " Who is the Heir ?" which promises
to become very exciting as it proceeds, and some of the
characters are ably sketched. The father and his two sons
are depicted very carefully, each in his distinctive style, and
already a mysterious event has occurred which threatens
to undermine the prosperity of the proud Mauleverers.
An interesting article appears on "The Style of Bslz .c
and Thackeray." It is carefully written, and will be
found to have rendered ample justice t, the two great
men under disquisition. It is truly said that Thackeray's
delineation of women was as bad as his descriptions of
men were masterly. It is curious to notice that
both these writers had to endure ten years
of obscurity struggling for fame, until by a
lucky chance each suddenly arrived at eminence. A very
interesting paper is that on the Circassians, and after per-
using its records one is more than ever struck at the
cruelty and inhuman persecution of their Russian perse-
cutors. It is at all times a sad spectacle to witness the
extirpation of a people, but when a noble, gallant race is
doomed to destruction, the sentiments of pity are changed
to those of horror and indignation at their fate. " Slides of
Fancy's Lantern," "Story-telling among the Gael" are
worthy of notice, and there are some good verses called " A
Doggerel in a Dormant Window."
FRASER.—A leng'hened paper on the condition
and prospects of the sister country opens this
number. It is remarked in the course of it that
much good would be done by the Q Teen or the
young Prince and Princess visiting this part of
their dominions. Such an event would deeply gratify the
enthusiastic Celts and go tar to confirm their loyalty,
while its effect on the material pro,peut of the country
would be most beneLial. " The .Drama in Paris" gives a
lively account of our continental neighbours and their
theatres, and the article on Victor Hugo's " Vie de Shak-
spore" takes us into their literary world. The writer does
not spare the English failure of the 23d April, but enters very
fully into the French writer's enthusiasm for his subject.
"A Campaigner at Home" is, as ho always is, well worth
reading. This month he disc ourses on the characteristics
of Montrose and Dundee, gathering fresh information
about them from some old papers which will interest the
antiquarian. "Poor Letty's Lave Story" comes to an
abrupt conclusion, which is the less to be regretted, as
Horace was clearly unworthy of her, A.K.H.B, finds a
congenial subject in the thoughts and reflections suggested
by a review of ten years and the changes of opinion and
feeling which they have brought about. Kayo's History of
the Indian Mutiny gives rise to a sensible and thoughtful
article on our relations with India and its people. We can
hardly over estimate the responsibility attaching to us from
our peculiar position in the country. "Gilbert Rugge" is
continued, and the hero's love-making proceeds as yet very
hopefully, though certain indications of Captain Huns-
ford's character indicate mischief. The notes on Diplomacy
and Diplomactic History are brought to a conclusion. The
writer thinks the direction of foreign affairs should be mere
in the hands of the Parliament. There are other papers of
interest, including an article on the " Curiosities of the
Patent Office."
COLBURN'S NEW MONTIILY.—The writer of the
interesting account of Cochin China and Cambodia
which appeared last month in this magazine, con.

tinues his account of European colonisation by a
description of the New Caledonians which is very
well worth reading, Francis Jaeox (who is a most inde-
fatigable contributor to this serial and to Mr. Bentley) takes
for his subject the Archbishop of Granada, whose incon.
sistcnt vanity cost Gil Bias dear. It is not difficult fur
thewritoirs,witnanceoensi: though
him typically, to find a good many
notable
—ough sometimes men of genius have
been ready to forestal rather than to resent the friendly
warning which told them of failing powers. Alexander
Andrews continues his discussion of Cotton Possibilities,
and treats of the capabilities of the Gold Coast of West
Africa and of Italy. In the latter country the tells us that
the cultivation is believed to be 900 years old, having been
introduced by the Saracens in the ninth century, and in the
11th century it formed one of the chief agricultural pro-
ducts of the shores of the Adriatic and lonian Seas. So
lately as the wars of Napcloon I. and the continental
blockade, Italy supplied a great part of Europe with her
cotton. It is not wonderful, therefore, that the Italian Go-
vernment and peoplo should turn with energy to the renewal
of the cultivation. "A Visit to Mauritius" is another very
readable paper, giving
is an amusing sketch, sho ging
an account of an island and a people
but little known among us. " The Capucin and the Poet"
how vanity may mislead ;
and there are other Papers of various merits, including a
somewhat severe criticism on the Laureate's new work.
" Srrathmore" is continued with increasing interest, and
the plot thickens. Lueille's happiness is gracefully drawn,
but a double shadow lurks in the background, which will
•
too surely overthrow it.
THE CHRISTMAS NUMBER OF "LONDON SOCIETY"
—but just now published—presents to its readers
and purchasers an extraordinary variety of attrac-
tions in the way of light literature and lively
illustration. After the Editor's Cordial " Christmas
Greeting"—rythmical by the way—there is the
Train"),
certainly illustrated,
very we can hardly say
(called " Christmas Eve in
t
astwofold attraction,Lemonto begin with, of a seasonable
amusingly by George Cruik-
shank That alone, we take it, is worth far more than the
seasonably,
aso Nightn
abl y
bu
cost of the whole of this Double Number—a cost amount-
ing to no more than ono shilling 1 Then, Adelaide Claxton
illustrates very prettily, and with a good deal of hu
mour here and there, mingled with the prettiness
of her pencilled sketch—" Christmas Belles." We
have, besides this, a good old Christmas Carol, bight,
Christmas Eve at the Old Hall--a story called "Blue
Boy," illustrated by lt. "10Y—the " Story of a Christ•
mas Fairy," told (from behind the scenes) by the author of
"David Garrick," and embellished by J. 1). Watson—" A
Sprig of Holly" gathered for us by the author of "Denis
Donne," and illustrated by E. J. Poynter —an
account penned, by the author of Christmas with the
Baron," informing us " How Goldsworthy Brothers
Spent Christmas Day," a narrative, illustrated both
by Ellen Edwards and William M'Connell—a description
of "A perillons journey," embellished by J. A. Pasquier—
Jack Elsei's account of "Christmas in the Streets, and
with Mr Punch," illustrated by 0. Da J.
Byron's record of the Columbine's Christmas Dinner,"
illustrated anonymously—and Mrs T. K. Hervey's written
account, and Mr Marcus Stone's pencilled illustrations, of
"Twelfth Night Characters." Surely enough and to spare
in the way of a shilling's worth of seasonable amusement !
LONDON SOCIETV (For December).—Of course,
at Christmas time we must expect this gaily-dressed
serial to be brighter and gayer than ever,both within
and wi thout,aud accordingly we find stories, sketches,
and illustrations in plentiful profusion. The first
tale in the book, " The Story of Noel Rashleigh's Wed-