The Sun.
London, England, 1865-09-05 00:00:00

PERIODICALS.
- -

THEloNni.—Aubrey de Vere for once utters
his thoughts in prose, and this time they are
" Thoughts on St. Gertrude." Lady Georgiana
Fullerton brings at length to a close her charming
old-world story about " Constance Sherwood."
.We
purposely content ourselves with the announcement
of the fact that this tale is finished which has been
so long adorning simultaneously the pages of The
Month and of Le Correspondant—as we purpose,
very shortly, noticing the work in its entirety, now
that it has been separately published in the ap-
proved three-volumed form by Mr. Bentley, the
Queen's publisher. A graceful criticism, entitled
" Poetry of Church Festivals, Seasons, and Ordi-
nances," contains within it the following beautiful
tribute to a good man, the Rev. JOHN KEBLE, and
to an exquisite book, his world-famous volume
called The Christian Year:—
" The Christian Year has rich merits as a volume of
poetry ; but its wonderful popularity, and the effect that it
has produced• on the religious feeling of England, is not
due to its poetical merit. Had Mr. Keble been less of a
poet he might not have attained so great a success; but he
has sho .vn as great, or even greater, power in some of the
pieces in his Lyra Innocentium—a book which never has
had, and never will have, in the present state of feeling in
this country, any influence that can be compared to that of
the Christian Year. In his earlier volume he gave religious
minds in England just what they wanted: he opened to
them a new source of soothing and gentle feeling at a time
that they were weary with excitement, and athirst for
something more satisfying and refreshing than the evan-
gelical school could give them. He caught up the quiet
and practical tone of the Prayer-book, nine-tenths of
which is either simple Scripture or translation from
the Catholic Breviary, and brought it home in a set
of sweet and graceful poems, which people were to
read Sunday after Sunday, and festival after festival.
No wonder the book soon made its way; it came like the
sound of some simple ancient chant ringing through the
aisles of a cathedral to ears that had before been accustomed
to the nasal vulgarisms of a conventicle. Gradually it be-
came a household book ; good people made a sort of
- Anglican Lnitation of Christ. Its popularity still continues,
and shows no sign of decrease, though it must now be not
far short of forty years since the first edition was issued.
All the best minds of Anglicanism, of every shade of
opinion, have felt its influence—Dean Stanley quotes it as
well as Dr. Pusey. It was as well known at Oxford as
Butler's Analogy ; and though it never reached the lower
classes of society, who are seldom Anglican by choice, it
has toned the feelings, and to some extent formed the cha-
racter, of thousands in every class but the lowest. A pre-
late who was fond of would-be witticisms gave it the
rather ill-natured name of the ' Sunday puzzle ;' but the
term itself indicates the habit into which people fell of
making it their spiritual reading' once a week. The aim
of the author wag entirely attained."
Several other articles of merit lend their varied
interest to this Month of September.
THE FORTNIGHTLY—for the first half of Septem-
ber, being number Eight of the new periodical—is
chiefly remarkable for its opening criticism, or
' rather inquiry, as to whether the Paston Letters are
Authentic ? The accomplished writer, Mr. Herman
Merivale, of the Colonial-office, decidedly thinks
not ! He contents himself, however, simply, with
questioning their authenticity, and giving his reasons
(many of them, as it appears to us, only too cogent)
for so thinking. The majority of the rest of the
current number of the Fortnightly—barring a
learned disquisition on " Mr. Grote's Plato," by the
Editor himself—by right of his Biographical
History of Philosophy, a competent reviewer of
the Greek Historian's new work (a work of
which Mr. Lewes speaks, with a dry humour, as at
once exhaustive and exhausting)—barring that one
scholarly criticism and Mr. Merivale's already men-
tioned inquiry as to the authenticity of the Paston
Correspondence—the present number of the Fort-
nightly is not nearly, to our mind, as satisfactory
as any one of its seven predecessors. True, there is a
charming legend about King Solomon, charmingly
related in verse, by Robert Lytton—whence derived
this legend, unless from the young poet's own
imagination, we cannot conjecture ! Yet, side
by side with a poem like- that of "The Apple
of Life," by Owen Meredith—what upon earth
have we here in The Fortnightly by way of most
incongruous companionship ? Among other things
—an audacious pawgyric upon Bishop Colenso I
A couple of maundering chapters in continuation

of Mr. Anthony Trollope's tepid love story,
entitled " The Belton Estate !" A loose jumble
of snippings from old plays and diaries already
familiar to most of us—being alarmingly entitled
Part 1., by Robert Bell, of " Social Amusements
under the Restoration !" And, to crown all,
a singularly priggish and pragmatical paper
about "Liberals and Conservatives," by Vis-
count Amberley. Among the curiosities of the
number, in the shape of one of the minor notices of
new books, there is one through the medium of
which the writer of it (Mr. Anthony Trollope)
might almost be said to have indulged the writer
under review (Mr. James Hannay) with a nauseat-
shower bath of syrup and vinegar odiously com-
bined.

BLACKWOOD.—There is an interesting sketch here
given, entitled " Memoirs of the Confederate War
for Independence." This is the first part only, but
we are already introduced to striking scenes. It is
written by Heros von Bordse, chief of staff to Gen.
Stuart. The reader will find the details well worthy of
perusal, although they are melancholy to dwell upon, when
we recall the sad sequel to the heroic endeavours of the
Southerners. Miss Marjoribanks is continued, and this in-
stalment is very eventful, the character of the heroine is
becoming rapidly developed, and we find that she is free
from those low motives, and that spirit of envious detrac-
tion which too often greatly disfigure the careers of the
stars of society. In the next number we shall perhaps
meet with a grand scene or two, and at any rate the de-
nouement must be a striking one, as so nanny complicated
events have occurred, and so many mysterious persons
have flitted over the scene. "Piccadilly; an Episode of
Contemporaneous Autobiography," is concluded. This
extravaganza of social life is a very brilliant affair, and re-
lated with vigour and vivacity; it forms a good criticism on
the machinations and manoeuvres of some notable perso-
nages who dabble in matters which they cannot under-
stand. Lady Broadbrim will serve as a prototype to many
now sunning themselves in the brief glare of the world's
prosperity, but anon to be found drifting amid the breakers,
and given over to despair. "Switzerland in Summer and
Autumn" is a pleasing sketch of the life led in that locality.
There is generally something entertaining to be met with
in any description of Swiss scenery, and the present is no
exception to the rule. " Sir Brook Fosbrook" is continued,
at some length, and the scene between young "Fan" and
his irascible grandfather is very well drawn. Poor Len-
drick's letter is a touching instance of the truth of the
saying, that they wander wide who seek for life's joys
away from home. "Jacks in Office" are smartly portrayed
in the bumptious manners of the "plump and self-satisfied
gentleman," who condescended to wait upon his Excel-
lency in the capacity of private secretary. "Our Political
Prospects" is an article on the events of the day, which
takes a hopeful view of the future, on the whole, although
it does not exaggerate the state of the case regarding
party matters of interest and importance. It is said that
the Conservatives defeat is not an overthrow. "They will
rally again, and again make a short fight for the new posi-
tion which their leaders shall select." It is said of the
Liberals that they are disunited, and differ so greatly from
each other that they cannot fail sooner or later to collapse,
and will not succeed in achieving a marked and decided
success. There is an impressive sketch of one whose
writings have often graced these pages, and no one will be
surprised to meet a tribute to the memory of William
Aytoun in this magazine. It is done in the best possible
manner, and in a genial spirit of appreciation and regard.
It is satisfactory to hear from those who knew him best
that Mr. Aytoun's career was a successful and happy one.
The inevitable parting that must take place when the
shadow feared of man is seen is robbed of its worst sting
and greatest victory, when such grateful reminiscences of
past days come once to the survivors as here are chroni-
cled, for death itself cannot dim the memory of a life that
has not been lived in vain.

COLBURN'S UNITED SERVICE.—" Modern Field
Engineering" is a practical essay on the modern
improved ideas of how fields are to be fought and
won, detailing several very obvious combinations
in the art of war. " The Crimean War—Alma
and Inkerman," gives a graphic account of the
operation in those eventful struggles. The activity and
rapid firing of the French skirmishers with their Minis
rifles decided the fate of the battle almost before it was
begun, for in an hour and a half they destroyed the gun-
ners and horses of the Russian artillery, for, as a Russian
officer said, " they came on us at the Alma like serpents,
and killed our men without our being able to see them.'
One of the greatest merits of the French was to ignore the
old system of regulations just as Napoleon upset the Aus-
trian armies by a sudden assault, overpowering and chang-
ing all their rules of etiquette, and winning his victories
by a new and common-sense mode of prompt simplicity in
action. "The Breakwater and Fortifications of Hartland"
is continued, and not yet finished. That grand idea of Mr.
Rendolf, like his Holyhead Harbour, is just one half the
size it ought to have been. Nature offered room and verge
enough for a magnificent work, but the petty demon of
niggard economy slipt in and marred a grand national idea
by circumscribing it to the dimensions of a private under-
taking. It partakes too much of the character of a paltry
job. "Oswald Hastings" is at last married, and no doubt
happy. "Recollections of Sandhurst," and "The Organisa-
tion of Cavalry" are
.both interesting to the young soldier.
and " Christmas Eve in the Tropics" is full of fun and
quaint drollery. Here is a parody on " Scots wha hae."
" Scots wha hae on whisky fed,
Scots in public-houses bred,
Now's the time to raise your head
As high as it can be. •
" Now's the nicht and now's the hour,
See approach your spcuse's power,
See her face is dark and dour,
To crush your liberty.
" Wha when listening to the law
That comes frae woman's foolish jaw,
Should care for her a single straw,
Shall nae drink wi' me.

By the headache's morning pains,
By the curtain lecture's strains,
I'll break my wife's confounded chains,
But I will be free.

" I'll let the domineerer know
That I'll not be henpeeket so,
I'll hae a gill afore I go,
And drink to liberty."

CORNHILL.—" Wives and Daughters" is con-

tinued at great length, and Molly Gibson shows
herself to great advantage. The gradual develop-
ment of the character of this young girl is very
nicely done, and we discover the immense supe-
riority of tin, one step-sister over the other as we
become more familiar to their ways. The mystery of
Guthio's acquaintance with Mr. Preston is now explained
to Molly, and in her endeavours to extricate her sister
from the toils of that dangerous man she has involved
herself in a very awkward affair. Matters are ap-
proaching a crisis, and, in the midst of all, Mrs.
Gibson goes on in a manner that is enough to
drive one distracted. Osborne Varnley's health is getting
very precarious, and here another climax is at hand. The
domestic details of this story are told so naturally that it is
quite fascinating to peruse, and no one who takes it up is
likely to lay it down until the close. " Armadale" is also
very eventful in this number, and the wily Miss Gwilt is
nearly found out. Allan gets himself into great difficul-
ties, however, by his rashness, and gains a bad name at
Thorpe Ambrose. Some dark mystery is evidently in-
volved
with Miss Gwilt, which time only will clear up.
He shows a good courage, at all events, to face the diffi- '
culty, and prepares to face his detractors. " Harvest " is
an appropriate sketch, which contains much interesting
matter, and furnishes details that may prove useful in-
struction to many respecting the usages of country
life at this juncture. " The Atlantic Telegraph"
is the theme of discourse, and the writer takes a
hopeful view of the eventual success of the exploit.
Amid the many Job's comforters to be met with it is a
satisfaction to find some are more sanguine ; and, indeed,
why should not the prophecy be fulfilled which says that
no one who has witnessed the recent operations of the
Great Eastern " can doubt of the very speedy establish-
ment of telegraphic communication between Europe and
America across the Atlantic, and of its rapid development
by the facilities which the monster ship so singularly
possesses for work her designer and builder never intended
or contemplated. "The Social History of the Navy" is a
well-written article on a.subject that just now engages a
great deal of attention, and which, as is here stated, is
more appreciated by the public than some are aware of.
" Benvenuto Cellini" is a sketch that is sure to attract
many readers, for, as the writer remarks, "no name in
the history of Italian art is more renowned." There is
always something very interesting in the details of such
characters, and we may find much to awaken thought and
inspire ambition in the chronicles of such a career. " My
Persecutors" is a very amusing sketch of the doings of
some teetotallers who desired to make a man virtuous
against his will, and made his life a martyrdom becausehe
would not take the pledge. They overreached them-
selves at last in many instances, and were guilty of the
excesses they pretended to condemn. Altogether this
number of the Cornhill is a very entertaining one, and pre-
sents us with a good deal of variety.
THE SHILLING MAGAZINE.—" Phemie Keller"
proceeds on her brilliant but uneventful career,
being transformed by five years of wealth and idle-
ness into a selfish and callous fine lady. Evidently
the author means to rouse her out of her listless
prosperity by some sudden darkening of her too
cloudless sky. It is a well written story, and shows that
the writer has studied life and character rather than the
mere art of novel-writing. Bonamy Price contributes an
essay on the worth of a classical education, which he up-
holds very strongly. In these days, when the claims of
scientific study and living languages are not likely to be
overlooked, it is well that some amongst us should be found

to do battle on behalf of those older and sterner branches
of learning which have developed many an accomplished
scholar, and trained many a vigorous and enlightened
mind. Mr. Price does not indeed despise the suggestions
of school reformers, and perfectly agrees with their desire
to combine direct and useful knowledge with the study of
Greek and Latin, but ho argues strongly and convincingly
on the beneficial effect of the sound mental training secured
by the old classical pursuits. Another paper on education
though under very different circumstances, is the second
part of Sir John Bowring's interesting article on " Educa-
tion in China," a subject with which he is well qualified to
deal. The origin of the Foundling Hospital, in Lamb's
Conduit-street, by good old Captain Coram, is the subject
of a very attractive paper. Many curious instances of the
early experiences of the charity are cited. " The Knight
of the Knife" is a thrilling chapter of Irish biography a
generation or two back. "The Auction-rooms of Christie
and Manson," and the sales there in 1835, will interest the
antiquary ; and the novel-reader is plentifully supplied, for,
besides this opening story, there is a further instalment of
" The Wild Flower of Ravensworth," and a tale called
" Maurice Clifford."

THE VICTORIA.—The translation of Professor
Laboulaye's learned and elaborate work on the
Civil and Political Status of the Female Sex, from
the time of the Romans downwards, is continued,
and occupies a considerable share of the contents.
" Trouble at Thornhill" is continued, and its name is cer-
tainly appropriate, for the story is full of dark plots and
intrigues, and complicated mysteries hidden under the
guise of English domestic life. " Written for my Daughter"
is another story, certainly not a very attractive one. " A
Day's Walk in North Devon" is a record of a country
ramble, with which some passages out of "The Short and
Simple Annals of the Poor" are mingled. "A Good Work"
is the title of a very interesting account of a visit to the
Hospital of Sick Children, in Great Ormend-street,
charity which appeals most forcibly to our tenderness and
humanity. Surely all who can in any way aid to lighten
the heavy burden of the poor little sufferers, who, through
no fault of their own, languish in decline, or undergo
painful operations, will gladly help in this "good work."
The Social Science department is, as usual, specially de-
voted to the interests of "strong-minded" ladies.
MACMILLAN.--The most attractive feature to the
readers of Macmillan will probably be the narrative
of the Atlantic Telegraph Expedition, with facsimiles
of charts lithographed on board, which give a very
clear idea of the course of the vessel, the soundings,
the number of miles paid out, &c. The story in its main
features we all, of course, know, but in such a momentous
history it is well to have the account of more than ono
spectator of the eventful struggle. " Palgrave's Travels in
Arabia" form the subject of a lengthened paper, and " Gal-
way, the City of the Tribes" is discussed in a pleasant
and well-written narrative of a visit to the beautiful sister
kingdom. The interesting story of "The Dove in the
Eagle's Nest," by the author of the "Heir of Redelyffe"
proceeds with spirit and animation. Very important
events are chronicled in these chapters, and hints are given
of more important ones to come. The young Brown and
his brother are now knighted, .and sworn to follow the
King of the Romans against the Turks, while the reader
has still cause to hope that the missing Cherbard may yet
come to life, and fulfil the gipsy's prediction. " Cradock
Howell" is also continued, and, though diffuse and occa-
sionally extravagant in style, it is vigorous and original
in its character.

COLBURN'S NEW MONTHLY.—The prospects and
possibilities of the Canal of Suez are discussed at
full length in the opening paper. It is followed by
the continuation of Mrs.Bushby's story of " Wood-
bury," which certainly does not improve our ac-
quaintance. Francis Jacox finds a good subject in
square men in round holes, and vice versa; while "The
Unknown Land" is a paper treating of the capabilities of
North-West. America—capabilities becoming daily more
valued by the thoughtful and far-sighted colonists.
" Idalia," by the author of " Granville de Vigne," proceeds
in its half-dreamy, half-worldly fashion, and the heroine
preserves her secret and her power. There are several
other papers of varying events and interest.

BENTLEY'S MISCELLANY.--A story of the seaside
is quite appropriate to the season, and so " The
Rival Yachtsmen" will be suitable reading for the
beach or the deck. " A Fatal Adventure on the
Matterhorn" records the perils and disasters of
twenty years since, and prove the dangers of that
mountain to be of no recent date. " About Coming to
Believe One's Own Lie," is the title of an essay, which
gives the writer good scope for his discourse. The editor's
story of " The House of Seven Chimneys" is brought to a
conclusion in this number, and the legend, which gives its
name to the romance, is duly recounted by Philip before
Prince Charles leaves Spain.

THE ECLECTIC.—" Friends, and their Ways," is
the opening paper, which shows us some of the
higher and better qualities which dieinguish the
sect. " The Problem of Jamaica" is carefully
considered. The causes of the decadence of the island and
its probable cures are treated of with much care. Lady
Duff Gordon's delightful letters from Egypt receive a cor-
dial notice, and other miscellaneous subjects are treated of.
NEWTON'S LONDON JOURNAL.---The "Partner-
ship Laws" and the " Atlantic Cable" are the topics
of the month. All the customary information respecting
patents, notices, and provisional protections is given.
SCIENCE GOSSIP. No. IX.—This is an admirable
little serial, which conveys popular scientific instruc-
tion in such simple language, and with such excel-
lent illustrations, that he must be dull indeed who
should fail to comprehend it. While deep study of nature's
laws and secrets is reserved to the few, there is no reason
why every one of ordinary intelligence and education
should not acquaint himself with the rudiments ; and the
" common air, the sea, the skies" contain enough wonders
to strike the most superficial observer, and teach him to
know something about them.

LE FOLLET.—The fair despot who rule half the
world by the name of Fashion shows us her last new
devices, and instructs us in her new laws in these
very brilliant pages. The vagaries of dress are somewhat
startling, but this kindly exponent contrives always to
exhibit them in the most graceful guise.
THE BRITISH ARMY AND NAVY REVIEW. New
Series.—The lovers of field sport will find'the first
article, " Under Two Flags," one after his own
heart. It is by " Onida," and is penned in a glow-
ing and most exciting style, full of life and true to
nature. There is a little too much of the Ring
slang, but it is all in the true vein of steeple-chasing run
wild, but with plenty of cool courage and a determined de-
votion to win. "Malta in the 18th Century" gives a vivid
picture of the departed glories of the famous Knights and
their chivalrous Master, with all the quaint formalities of
that mimic royalty and romantic splendour. Malta was a
gem in the ocean of those times when great guns and for-
tifications were a dream of the future. " Scenes of Franco-
Arab Life and Horsemanship" are continued. The 17th
chapter contains more descriptions of animated Arab life
and dexterous horsemanship. The Arab is as much at
home in the desert as the sailor on the deep. Each becomes
careless of life from familiarity with danger. Escape from
accident is so common as to become a second nature to
their adventurous and daring temerity. The Arab horse
is so well trained that he seems to know his rider's mind
by intuition, and acts with marvellous sagacity. He is
withal so gentle that his very wildness seems tame to his
master. At full gallop he will instantly stop as if it were
on the very verge of the precipice. Should accident or
necessity compel his rider to dismount suddenly, he needs
but to throw the reins over his horse's neck, and the ani-
mal will stand still at the instant, and remain immovable
in the same spot for hours till his master makes him feel
the curb again. How invaluable would such training be
to our fair riders in Rotten Row ! Articles on "Military
Literature," " The Royal Navy," "How Wellington Won
his Spurs," and "The late Admiral Martin White," with
other good papers, complete the number. It seems that
Admiral White became eminent for his survey of the Eng-
lish and Irish Channels and the Bay of Biscay to the
"edge of soundings," for which he received the thanks of
the Admiralty and that of the French Government, his
charts of the Channel and nautical instructions being con-
sidered as a sort of finger-post to the seaman, whether in
the navy or the merchant service.