Litchfield enquirer., 1873-04-10
lContributed.l LITE RARY.


 erts Bros.) is the second number of the "Aunt Jos Scrap Bag" series, and is writ ten in the same lively and graphic style that was so charming in ''Little Women." The book tells of 3 year spent in South. ern France and Italy, closing with visit to London, by three single ladies, "Miss Lavinia" (Miss AlcotD being the elder, and acting as very indulgent duenna to the other two. The episode which gives a name to the book was three weeks trip from Dinan to Lyons, burdened with no luggage that could not be folded and coaxed into the embrace of three large and strong shawl-straps, the regulation "White Mountain trunks having been forwarded to Lyons by express, while the travellers loitered as they pleased, at quaint old French towns not named in guide books. This easy, capable. inde- pendent style of doing things character izes the three ladies during the entire journey-although this was their only re- sort to Shawl-straps-and fully proves that self-respecting Americans go where they please, and do what they like, even on the propriety-ridden continent of Flu rope, where no unmarried woman dares to be seen out of doors in the quietest places ill broad daylight, without her Jonne, or some other proper escort. Any who de- sire book of travels of the old-fashioned "Griscom's Year in Europe style, con- taining an exact enumeration of the panes of glass in the windows of each cathedral visited. together with other facts of sim liar edifying nature. will be disappointed. While the lovers of thrilling adventures" and hair-breadth escapes" will equally re- main ungratifed. But those who like a simple, truthful, mirthful account of scenes and people as seen by pair of very observing womanly eyes, will enjoy this unpretending little volume. It is 'eminently suited to beguile the weariness of an hour or two in the cars, or logy summer afternoon at home. A book to be quickly read, heartily laughed over, and-speedily forgotten. But what is long remembered nowadays? Nothing that is merely entertaining; of this we want constant change. We only remem- Der great, original works, or the humbly practical sort for which We have daily use. like the little book which lies next on our table.
 THE HOME, BY FRANK R. AND MIRIAM STOCKTON. c. ?. Put,aan,'s Sons. The association of the names of a hus. band and wife on the title page of a work about nome is in itself agreeable, and pleasantly prepares us for the pages which follow. It does not, however. deal with sentimental questions, but with those external appointments which do so much to..render home delightful. Like the others of Putnam's Handy Book series to which it belongs, it is intended to be a work of daily practical usefulness, and we think all who desire to make their homes l comfortable and attractive, both those just beginning housekeeping, and those of more experience. will here find many practical suggestions 4 carefully pre- pared price list of almost every article es- sential in the furnishing of home forms an important feature.
 SEVEN AUTUMN LEAVES FROM FAIRY LAND.
 ". Y. Williams, Boston.
 In spite of all modern inventions in the way of moral and religious stories for children, nothing has yet taken in their hearts the place of the old-fashioned fairy tale. To gather around one an eager group of bright, listening young faces, one has only to announce thecoming fairy story. It need not be original; it must not be instructive; but it must be marvel.