The Portland daily press., 1881-03-05

& Co.; Portland: Hoyt, Fogg & Donham.)
This valuable work is included in Messrs APP
pletons International Scientific Series, which
has proved its fitness to popular needs, and
meets with the approval it merits. Dignifed,
but not too technical treatment of practca
scientific topics characterize the series, and
the present volume is no exception to the rule.
Beginning with physiological notes upon the
structure and functions of the human eye,
Prof. LIE Conte passes to a minute and fully
illustrated consideration of binocular vision.
ingly ingenious and original; and this admira-
able and brilliant treatise is a genuine addi-
ton to the literature of optical science.
Mr.. William j. Rolfe adds to his edition of
Shakespeare's Plays two volumes, containing
respectively ALPS Well that Ends Well, and
the Tanning of the Shrew. The frank, clear
and effective quality of Mr. Rolfes critical
notes, the good sense and reasonableness of
his theories, and the careful and reliable FASH
ion of his editing cannot be too highly COM
mended. His edition of Shakespere's plays
deserves to become standard authority.
The recent discussions whether Chinese i'm
migration shall or shall not be permitted, is at
present bearing fruit of various volumes more
or less intimately connected with the vexed
question. Among these DR.. w. A. p. Martins
work, The Chinese, their Education, Philoso-
ply and Letters New York: Harpers; Port
land: Loring, Short & Harmony, is one of the
ripest and most valuable contributions These
essays indeed were not written with any view
to influencing the international relations of
our own country with China, having beer. pre-
pared for the American Oriental Society dur
ing period covering twenty years-but no
doubt the increased popular interest in the
Chinese people has encouraged their publica-
ton. In no manner can the relations of the two
nations be better aided ON their way to adjust
ment than by writings which shall give our
people to undertand the national ideas and
customs OF the jealously guarded kingdom of
the Celestials. Prof Martin, in his quality of
President of the College at Pekin, has remark.
able advantages for observing and understand
ing the literary conditions of China. His pa
pers are varied and interesting in their sub
jects, and are charming and full of interest.
The readers liking and respect for the lit
erature and traditions of this curious
people will be greatly increased by this vol
ume, and it is impossible to deny to the deli
cate poetic fancy; the profound, If often mis.
taken, philosophy, the literary enthusiasm of
the Chinese place among the attributes of
high civilization. Prof. Martins work is full
of interest to the usual reader as we'll as to
the specialist in Oriental science, and cannot
fail to strengthen popular liking and apprecia-
tion of the Chinese nation.
Another volume on the Chinese question
this one a direct discussion of it's by Hon.
George f. Seward, late U. s.. minister to
China (New York: Charles Scribners Sons;
Portland: Loring, Short & Harmony. 1t is
said to be the case that continued sojourn in
China results in hearty liking for the people
of that nation, and Mr.. Seward has followed
this precedent. He has carefully studied the
Chinese people and their institutions with
view to the immigration question; and has
been glad to believe that our country will not
be constrained to a course of international ac-
tion at variance with the free spirit of our con-
stitution. He considers that the evils Of Chi
nese immigration have been greatly over-rated;
that the Chinese are useful to our people on
the Pacific coast; and that existing treaties
and ordinary legislation will correct any
troubles that now exist. He says, and his
knowledge of his subject is not to be doubted,
that the Chinese are not so anxious to leave
their own country, to which they are bound by
singularly close ties of tradition and sentiment,
as to threaten any dangerous degree of exodus
to TIE United States. The advantages of Chi
noc 1ah in hn;
ing, and other industries is carefully set forth,
and also the objections to the Chinese are con-
sidered. Mr.. Seward hints that he is prepared
to write upon the political and commercial
views OF the question; and the practical, mod
crate and humane tone Of the present work,
and the writer's full acquaintance with the re-
latiOns of his subject, make it very desirable
that he give the public the benefit of whatever
further views he may feel disposed to publish.
Such discussion as Mr.. Stewards will not fail
70 lead to wise and peaceable conclusions
Parlor Varieties. By Emma E. Brewster.
Boston: Lee & Shepard; Portland: Bailey &
Noyes) is small volume of plays and charades
intended for home and school use. They are
silly, stupid and vulgar in tone.
The Lost Casket. (New York: G. p. Put
nams Sons; Portland Loring, Short & Har-
mon) belongs to the series of Transatlantic
Novels, and is from the French of +. de Bois-
gobey 1t is a somewhat exciting and power
full novel, dealing with the Nihilist movement;
and. not precisely in accord with American
tastes, is nevertheless strong and dramatic
work of fiction. The translation is only toler-
able.
Ernestine. By Wilhelmine Won Hillern.
(New York: William s. Gottsberger; Portland:
Loring, Short & Harmony is novel greatly to
be enjoyed by lovers of German fiction. Its
high tone, admirable treatment of the "wo-
mans rights" question; and the careful devel-
opment of characters stamps this novel as a
work of much talent and originality. 1t has
genuine force and vitality.
Lenox Dare. By Virginia f. Townsend,
Boston: Lee & Shepard Portland: Loring,
Short & Harmony is pleasant and readable
story by favorite writer. Miss Townsend's
novels are heathful and agreeable, and she
has a large circle of friendly readers to welcome
each new work from her PEN