The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-04-08
PRICE 3 CENTS.
Recent Publications.

Popular Astronomy. By Simon Newcomb,
III. d. (New York: Harpers) In the present
edition of this valuable and deservedly popular
work, the author has added chapters concern
ing the transit of Venus, some cometary dis
coveries and other notes, so that the reader
may be possessed of the latest facts and theories
concerning the heavenly bodies as viewed from
the earth. Thus the fourth edition improves
upon the third, which, however, had received
such additions beyond the subiect.matter Of
the second as science, up to its date, had af-
forded. Professor Newcomb writes in digni-
fed style happy medium between the read
ing-made-easy and the oyer-technic4 He &C.
lects with great judgment the portions OF his
subject which will instruct and please the pop
ular mind-that is to say, the intelligent body
of readers not specialists In science, but desir-
ing sound, clear and sufficiently minute &C.
quaintance with the course and progress Of
modern knowledge. The history and philosc-
ply of Astronomy are fully treated, while Its
technical side is made less prominent, and
glossary is added to explain the terms which
might not otherwise be understood. Ancient
Astronomy the System according to Coperni-
Gus, Gravitaton, Practical Astronomy, the So
lar System and Stellar Universe are heads an
der which are grouped interesting and fully IL
lustrated chapters.
Science and Culture. BY Thomas Henry
Huxley, LII. D., f. R. S. (New York: d. Ap-
pleton & Coz. A volume made up OF thirteen
essays, written during the past seven years by
Professor Huxley delivered before various so
cieties and clubs, and which afterwards ap-
peared in magazines and reviews. The range
of their topics is that in which Professor Hux.
ley is at home and effective, aud the large ellen
tsLe of readers that he is sure Of addressing with
each fresh volume will welcome the present
collection of essays.
The Brain and Its Functions. By J. Luys,
Physician to the Hospice de la Salpetriere
New York: d. Appleton & Co.; Portland:
Hoyt, Fogg & Donham). This volame of
the Scientific Series treats of the anatomy Of
the brain, the sensibilities and properties Of
the nerves and of cerebral processes and phe-
nomena. 1t is especially suited to scientists,
but the general reader will find the work clear
in style and containing passages Of interesting
notes upon mental conditions.
Physical Education. By Felix L. Oswald,
M. d. New York: D. Appleton & Co.; Port
land; Hoyt, Fogg & Donham) This volume
contains some good suggestions as to fresh air.
exercise, etc., but is very greatly discounted BY
its excited and unbalanced style and its crotch
ETY. theories; and it lacks the moderate and ja- q
dcious tone which science and observation
would give to the remarks of reliable and
sound practitioner
Money Making for Ladies. By Ella Rod
man Church (New York: Harpsrs). A very
readable and attractive little volume, giving
hints as to various ways in which ladies may
WORK and increase their limited income, with
out entering the ranks of professional workers
1t frequently happens that home duties or 9th
or reasons may prevent woman from giving
the time needed for steady work at profession
or trade, or for leaving her house for tho durs-
ton OF business hours. 1t is for the benefit OF
such partially employed women that Mrs.
Church writes this friendly little book, and
points out various suitable occupations in
practical and eminently pleasant manner. 1t
is full of good suggestions, aud will win for the
author thanks and liking OF many women who
will profit by its hints.
The Rose. By III. B. Ellwanger New York;
Dodd, Mead & Coy. This tastsfa! volume is
written in the interests OF rose cultivators, by
practical florist 1t gives plain and careful
directions as to soil, planting and pruning of
rose bushes the insects and diseases that at
tack them, and the choice OF varieties as re-
CARDS beauty of flower, hardness, ETC., conclud-
i oF~-.u
This volume will be found indispensable to
professional or amateur rossrians.
Eunice Lathrop, Spiustsr (New York; G. p.
Putuams Sons: Portland: L9ring, Short &
Harmony, is remarkably bright. piaaant and
readable story. 1t is said to be written by Mrs.
Annette Lucille Noble, whose former novel,
Uncle Jacks Executors, was so deseryedlya
favorite. The same unforced liveliness, grace
and distinctness are to be found in the authors
newer story and, except for the episode OF the
murder trial, which is sensational element
rather out of the line of the quiet brightness Of
the rest of the novel-readers will enjoy the
somew hat rare pleasure of a story almost with
out incident and with no attempt at over
subtle characterizations, but full of healthy
and natural life.
A Tallahassee Girl (Boston: j. r. Osgood
& Co.. Portland: Loring, Short & Harmony.
This addition to the Round Robin Series
amounts to little as a story but will serve very
pleasantly as guidebook to Florida. As to
the fiction, it has an inexperienced air and is
rather vaguely outlined, but its pictures of
Southern landscape are good, and novel:read-
ers can pass an hour or two agreeably enough
in following the fortunes OF the Tallahassee
Girl.
Esau Runswick. By Katharine s. Macquoid
New York: Putnam's; Portland: Loring,
Short & Harmony. A finely touched story of
quiet English life, written in Mrs. Macquoid's
sympathetic and practised style. Il is novel
worth reading once and again
Her Picture. Boston: Roberts Brothers;
Portland Loring. Short s. Harmon) A re-
ally bewtching novel of Continental society,
not thoroughly good form, but at once dashine
and innocent. The compliments which the
hero and contre-hero offer to the heroine are
more direct than ingenious; the heroine has ne
ambitions of the toilette beyond dress by
M. Worth; the novel falls short OF being .
fine flower of fiction, but is of the very pretti
est of muslin roses of the Parisian milliner.
It is full of life and charm, and is by far the
most entertaining novel yet published in the
popular series to v hich it belongs.