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
relieves, representing in some way the character of his un-
rivalled genius, would, if placed there, be visible all day
and may day to every posterity, without jealous guardian-
ship; would be saluted by every student as he passes on
to pursue his own studies, and by the tens of thousands
who yearly visit the Galleries, and would be where it
shoud be, at the very gate of that realm over which the
memory of Shakapere reigns supreme." Amid the many
props sals that have been made concerning the right and
firtii:;; mode of doing honour to our immortal bard, this
seems the most desirable tribute that can be offered, and
one that well accords with the 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 Painting," which offers some valuable hints, and
furnishes altogether a careful study for the consideration
of the reader. The "Reaction from Pre-Raphaelitism" ie
a good definition of that system, and the lovers of art wilt
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
Peintre National de le 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.
The opening article in this quarterly is a paper
on " Acclimatisation Societies," which it is re-
marked that we have hitherto underrated the im-
portance 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 Rose, 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 ao well
merits.

THE UNITED SERVICE commences with a cliaptcr
on " The New Scheme of Naval Pay," in which the
writer explains the difference between the old and
new system. This is followed by 50 interesting
account of " A Trip to Meade's Army "n the
pahannock," by an officer of the Royal EngiLeere,
He gives a very succinct account of what ha saw and heard,
and some of his adventures are very amusing. He was well
received by all partieg, and was treated with groat courtesy by
General Meado and 4tieN• When riding over tho fortiti •
cations at wa,bingtonoon "riv rig at Arlington HeOlte,
of the house once occupied by Geuoral
his enemies. On the subject
hzee g, iv
nowes a
i n description
the
possession
of the defences of our dockyards against irouplated
the author contends that forts are tar superior to ships for
that purpose, and far less expensive. He goes on to calcu-
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