The Sun.
London, England, 1856-02-11 00:00:00

L ITERATURE.

The North British Review.—M. Tealet's admi-
rable collection of State Papers, &c., relating to the
History of Scotland in the Sixteenth Century, have
originated the opening article, which is written in
a philosophical spirit, and will bo welcome alike to
the archaeologist and the reader of history. The
writer points out the effect of the French alliance
on the history- and- institutions of Scotland, and
glances at its influence on the habits and manners of
the Scottish people. On the latter head, after noticing
its effect on Scottish architecture, he remarks--
" If you look to the French influence on the for-
mation of absolute national character, we believe
that England imbibed more of it than Scotland.
. In the one case it was a family union—an
admixture of blood ; in the other it was a mere
partnership." As to social habits, he is of opinion
" it would be a vain task to seek for the effects of
French influence on the social habits of the Scots-
men of the present day ;" and that " a search after
the festi,re customs which it may have bequeathed
to us would perhaps be more productive." The
bolding of the great winter festival alike by the
French and Scotch on New-year'slday and not at
Christmas is noticed, and a similarity in the names
of the festival and the rhymes with which it is cele-
brated is pointed out. A useful article on " Colour
Blindness," indicates, among other things, the dan-
gers arising from that defect, and the necessity,for
a reform in the system of signalling. Dr. George
Wilson's work on the subject has been taken as the
groundwork of the article. " Scottish Schools for
the Middle Classes" deals boldly and thoughtfully
with a subject of much interest to the classes in
question. The writer agrees with Professor Blackie
in thinking that the reason why provincial schools
do not fulfil their duties is because in general
they are miserably below their work, and that the
Edinburgh schools, though thoroughly up to their
work, still cannot fill their places properly, be-
cause, as he elsewhere expresses himself, " the
Professors of the Faculty of Arts in the Scottish
Universities are supported in a great measure by
poaching on the schools, and are only saved from
starvation by making a compact with disgface."
The remedies indicated are—imitation of Edin-
burgh and the better endowment of the Univer-
sities. "Bunsen's Signs of the Times" is noticed
with warm eulogiums ; and " Mettray and Red
Hill" supply another contribution to a very pro-
minent subject. The litterateur and the lover of
the drama will peruse with satisfaction a paper on
" Rare Ben Jonson,'' in which interesting parti-
culars of his life and times are harmoniously com-
bined. " Recent Sermons" will introduce some
readers to three of the more eloquent and able of
our modern divines, and add to the estimation in
which they were previously held. A paper on
" Hotels andLidging-houses," and a review of the
"Italian Character and Italian Prospects," make
up the list of articles, and will well repay perusal.

The Journal of the Royal Agricultural So-
ciety of England: John 'Murray. The six-
teenth volume and thirty-sixth number of this
invaluable journal, in which the researches
of science and the treasures of experience are ably
brought to bear on the promotion cf agriculture
and the breeding and preservation of stock. In-
telligent farmers and others interested in the im-
provement of the soil, who, are not already sub-
scribers, have but to peruse this volume to be satis-
fied that it would be to their interest to become so,
se suggestive and full of useful information are its
contents. A prize essay by Clare Sewell Read, of
Barton Hall, Brandon, " On the Farming of Buck-
inghamshire," opens the volume, and will be read
with much interest. It is accompanied by an out-
line of the geology of that county. Besides the
above, papers "On Diseases of Sheep, d5c.," on
" The Chemical Changes in the Fermentation of
Dung," on the "Autumn GleaUing of Stubbles,"
"On Agricultural Weeds,'] and " On the Value of
Artificial Manures," maybe pointed out as worthy
of au attentive perusal.

The British Workman, and Friend of the Sons
of Toil, for 1855. Partridge and Co.---A penny
illustrated publication, issued monthly, anti in-
tended "to promote the health, wealth, and hap-
piness of the working classes." Among its more
striking features are biographical sketches of cele.
brated men belonging originally to the working
classes ; striking appeals, both to the eye, head,
and heart, on the particular vices to which the
British workman is exposed ; hints to wives and
mothers for, making., home happy and educating
their children ; and storiettes forcibly illustrating
the benefieial results of sobilety, thrift, diligence,
and perseverance. The engravings, which are nu-
merous, are -fairly executed ; and altogether,
though we cannot, concur entirely in the views of
the editor, "The British Workman" may be de-
scribed as a cheap and attractive serial, calculated
to be of essential service to the class for which it is
designed:- From the first yearly part now before
us we gather that the circulation falls short by
one-half of what is required to meet the cost of
production, and that the editor appeals to the in-
dustrial community for their further support to
enable him to carry out his undertaking. A little
effort- on the part of subscribers, he is of opinion,
mould meet the necessities of- the case. "Surely it"
will be made.

I .New View of the Eastern, Question. By the
author of "Russian Turkey, or a Greek Empire."
Edward Stanford.

A second letter to Lord John Russell, on the
settlement of the Eastern Question. The writer
appeals to his lordship on behalf of the Greek
Christians in the East, who, in his opinion, have
nothing to hope from France or Austria, the
champions of the Latin Church, and endeavours
to show that " a Greek Empire, under guarantee
of the Western Powers, to be created by the retire-
ment back to Asia of the Turks," offers the only
satisfactory solution of this much-vexed question.