The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-05 00:00:00

THE QUARTERLY REVIEW. No. 227.—He must
be a reader of singular and isolated tastes who does
not find something to attract his attention in the
current number of the Quarterly. From Rome to
the British Colonies, from glacial theories to the source of
the Nile, from the Natural History of the Bible to the
vagaries, of modern spiritualism, we are carried on in quick
succession. The opening essay on the "Resources and
Future of Austria" is lengthened but interesting. At the
present conjuncture the attitude of Austria leads us to hope
better things from her than might have been looked for a
few years since. The writer of the essay in question anti-
cipates the possibility of,a brilliant future for an empire
which he admits has hitherto never attained that impor-
tance to which its size, population, and resources entitle it.
The disconnected unsympathetic character of the dif-
ferent peoples who compose the Empire, has probably had
much to do with Austria's political failure. There is no
bond of union, no animating spirit to inspire her statesmen,
generals, or population. The article on " Glacial Theories"
will be read with much interest by all Alpine wanderers,
and, indeed, by the numerous class who prefer to climb
Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa by deputy, to look on the
Mer de Glace through the eyes of others, and to gather
Alpine roses in the pages of some of our quick-witted and
sure-footed travellers, who are well content to give the less
ambitious world the benefit of their arduous experience.
We commend the essay on our "Colonial System" to the
careful perusal of Professor Goldwin Smith and his fol-
lowers. The writer sums up his arguments in these words:
—" The day may come, when rich, populous, and self-
dependent colonies, grown into nations, will claim a disso-
lution of partnership. When that day comes, let us part in
peace. But, till then, let us fulfil our appointed task by
laying carefully the foundations of civilised, peaceful, and
friendly nations. Let us not inflict that wound upon our
own social order and prosperity, which would follow the
abandonment of those great fields of enterprise, or that
deeper wound on honour and good faith which would be
struck by the desertion of the helpless and confiding." The
career of Washington Irving is briefly sketched in an article
that does him justice. It may be guessed that the Quarterly
does not look very favourably on the pretensions of
modern spiritualism, yet an essay on Mr. Home's
" Incidents of My Life " and Mr. Howitt's enthusiastic
"History of the Supernatural" is written with calmness
and moderation. The evidence brought forward by the
spiritualist and so unhesitatingly accepted by his eager dis-
ciples, is:carefully sifted and enquired into, as a judge would
weigh the conflicting statements made before him. This is
a mode of argument which warm partisans sometimes find
more difficulty in dealing with than with a shower of hearty
abuse. Among the remaining contents may be mentioned
a discourse on sacred trees and flowers, a paper which is
full of curious and interesting information.
THE NEW REVIEW, No. IV.—This new candi-
date for popular favour continues to preserve the
prestige of its first appearance, and in the variety
of its subjects, the vivacity of its style, and the
ability with which it is conducted, it is a formidable rival
to many of its predecessors. Among the most attrac-
tive papers in the present number, is an article on
Modern Eloquence, in which the varying styles and capa-
bilities of our leading orators, Parliamentary and forensic,
are aptly described, and their rival claims generally adjusted
with great fairness. " Critics and Reviewers " is anothe r
readable paper, while we have an agreeable specimen of
criticism itself in a notice of Miss Yonge's recent work
on " Christian Names." The Manchester School will not
read the article bearing the somewhat singular title of
" Richard Cobden, King of the Belgians," with any great
satisfaction. Other articles of varying merit and interest
fill up the number, among them being of course the usual
Parliamentary Review, recording in this instance, the
incidents of the closing weeks of the session.
COLBURN'S NEW MONTHLY .—". The Shadow
of Ashlydyat" is now approaching its ter-
mination. We are here introduced to Prior's
Ash, with its shutters closed, in consequence of
Thomas Godolphin's funeral. Connected with this mourn-
ful theme are some very impressive passages. It is truly
said that life wears very different aspects to some from what
it does to others, but the true wisdom consists in discerning
which is the most profitable passage to another state. " The
broad sunshiny road of pleasure, down which so many seem
to travel, is not the safest road to a longer home, nor the
best preparation for it." This is a peculiarly melancholy
tale, and so much so that the authoress acknowledges it as
this new and solemn pageant appears on the scene. She
observes, however, that according to their experiences the
readers will judge it. " How trae it will be to some, let them
tell. I could relate to you many of actual life far more sorrow-
ful. But take courage, you who are well-nigh wearied out—
remember it is on earth's battle-field that Heaven's crown
is won." Sin, sorrow, and suffering could not be better
described to us in their ghastly effects, and with their
attendant train of evils, than in the sketches before us,
" The Shadow of Ashlydyat" will sink deep into
the memory of those with whom life is no jest
" Sir William Wallace" is the theme chosen for
discussion by Sir Nathaniel this month. As may be
supposed, it furnishes a very interesting article.
Several opinions are quoted from many celebrated
authors, which add considerably to the entertainment
afforded by this epitome of the career of one who must
be celebrated wherever the patriot's deeds are
chronicled. Carlyle has said that the true fighter's death

is no victory over him, and that his work ever truly
lives. "An Artist's Study in the Quartier Latin" is con-
cluded in a second part. It is written with feeling, and
contains some good portions. The description of the death
of Petit Jean is affecting. " Strathmore" continues its
romantic episodes and marvellous events at some length
This tale is of foreign character, like its predecessor.
" Memoirs of Victor Hugo" is a readable paper in relation
to the work on that subject recently published. " The
Sources of the of the great geographical
question of the day, concluding by stating that it is to be
hoped that the name " Victoria" will be finally given to the
actual " Caput Nili." " The Confederate Justification"
strongly condemns the practice of slavery and denounces
the arguments of its upholders.
ralare"liceofnteolutdheesretandiesrsmofonththis,
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whCiochßivmHuTsLtLb.—e
periodical, since, notwithstanding its great ability,
it is decidedly heavy in its style ; and also its events
are most painful, and its characters far the most part un-
attractive. " Medical Etiquette" is a paper that furnishes
us with some .striking anecdotes on this subject. It is
written by one well versed in this topic, and will doubtless
be instructive to many. "Farmers" is a readable paper.
It is said that the " British Farmer" still survives as a dis •
tinct type, though in some instances he has disappeared.
Some just remarks are made regarding the supposed infla-
ence of a country life in rendering the imaginative faculties
more intense ; but it is truly stated that, to do this, the
mind must have been previously prepared for the effect,
The routine of a farmer's life in a great measure tends to
deaden his appreciation instead of quickening his percep-
tion of the beauties of nature. After discussing their vari-
ous peculiarities, the conclusion arrived at is, that farmers
are " a good sort" as a class. There is less affectation than
in any other class of the community, says the writer, and
very likely he is right in his remark. " The farmer gene-
rally has good sense, good nature, and is always hospitable.
He is not usually the kind of man one would care to travel
with to Rome or Athens; but in his own house and his
own fields he is often a capital companion, and always an
unexceptionable host." " Mrs. Archie" is a very smartly
written sketch. The events of the story are certainly not
probable, but they are possible, and the whole tale is so
adroitly sketched, and the characters are so quaintly de-
scribed, that the reader is sure to be delighted with this
charming narrative. The warfare of the two aunts is
most ludicrous, and the numerous strange rencontres
ors continued, moat
that take place in the dining•room at Glenrig at night
idleg tove h'
are most laughable. It is just the story altogether to
wile away an
li n
andagreeably.simple "The
"Johnny Small
House at Al
Eaves" quite comes out. His escapade with Crosbie is
perhaps foolish ; but the ebullition of passion is per-
fectly pardonable, and one feels more respect for the
youth after his rencontre than before. If the feeling
that prevented Johnny from going on as if Crosbie
had done nothing disgraceful were more prevalent in
society, much harm would be avoided. The laissez aller
style of procedure smuggles over wrong deeds, till at last
it fairly sanctions them. Crosbie's wretchedness is ex-
treme; and it would be well if all such despicable cha-
racters suffered as acutely. When a man reaches a point
where he dare not explain his conduct or blame those
who insult him, he is sunk low indeed; and to such a
depth of degradation has Crosbie been reduced. "On a
Medal of George the Fourth" is an interesting little
paper, that suggests many striking subjects for reverie
in its wandering topics and meditative style. False ap-
pearances are well discussed, and it is tally observed
that "some have more serious things to hide than a yel-
low check behind a ruddle of rouge. Another kind of
artist will try to take you in by wearing under his waist-
coat, and perpetually thumping, an immense sham heart.
Dear Sir, may yours and mine be found, at the right time,
of the proper bize and in the right place. And what has
this to do with half-crowns, good and bad. Ah, friend I
many a coin, battered, and clipped, and defaced though it
be, will be proved to be Sterling Silver on the day of the
great assay."
TEMPLE BAR.—" John Marchmont's Legacy" is
continued at some length, and in this instalment
there are many important events. In the first place,
Edward Arundel receives some vieito re, his sister