Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-10
NO. 29O.
New Publications.

| The December (Christmas) Magazine Of
| American History is one of the most attrac-
tive issues of this excellent periodical that
has yet appeared. II contains four historical
essays on Christmas and its observances in
various parts of early America and among
different natioualities. John Esten Cooke
contributes the leading article on 'Christmas
Time in Old Virginia" illustrated with por-
/ traits of the Pages, Carys, Pendlet0ns and
Nelson's of the s.Old Dominion" with pic
lures of ancient churches and historic houses;
Norman McF. Walker. of New Orleans, fol-
lows with a picturesque description Of "The
Holidays in Early Louisiana, among the
Creoles; John Reade, +. r. s. c., of Mon
treal, tells us Of "Christmas-T Tide in Canada,
among the earliest French settlers; and Mrs.
Lamb, editor of the Magazine, writes Of the
| ..Christmas Season in Dutch New York"
Then comes an article by Horatio Hale, M.
A., entitled "A Huron Historical Legend;
an interesting sketch of "Colonel David
Crockett of Tennessee" by General Marcus
]. Wright of Washington; and paper which
will be widely studied by specialists and an
tiQuarians-'Quivira, N Suggestion"-by DIR.
Cyrus Thomas. The third chapter Of the
Private Intelligence Papers Of Sir Henry
Clinton occupies the department Of Original
Documents, together with two unpublished
letters of special interest. The other de-
partments-Notes, Queries, Replies, Socie-
ties and Book Notices-are, as usual, over
flowing with good things.
James r. Osgood & Co. published "Red
Letter Days Abroad" by John l.. Stoddard,
author Of the "Stoddard Lectures" We
have no doubt that every one who has
heard one of Mr.. Stoddard's lectures,
will desire to possess copy of his "Rsd-Let
ter Days Abroad" and well they NAV, for
there is the same aptness of thought, vivid
ness of description and literary finish. We
are first taken through "Sunny Spain" (and
Spain just now is being much printed about,
volume after volume, upon its comparatively
little known scenery and people, coming
from the press We read about Toledo,
Cordova, Seville, the Alhambra, Granada
and Gibraltar. Nothing could be better than his
wOrd-pictures of these historic and romantic
cities and places. And they are beautified
by accompanying wood-engravngs of orig
inal design and remarkable excellence. These
supply the places of those provided by the
magic lantern at his public lectures. Next
he portrayes the performance Of the
Passion Play at Ober-Ammergau in
1880, which drew together about
two hundred thousand men and
women, through motives of mixed curiosity
and piety-the former largely prevailing.
His account of the play, his portraits of the
leading characters who participated in it, his
pictures of scenes from the play, and his de-
scriptions of the peculiar surroundings, all
are replete with the deepest interest. The
volume concludes with description of the
two leading ''cities of the Czar"-.St. Peters
burg and Moscow. The same distinguishing
characteristics mark these as the proceeding
papers. No narrative could be smoother,
and at the same time more vigorous. We
take pleasure in drawing especial attention
to "Rod- Letter Days Abroad" as = most ap-
propriate gift book for the approaching sea
son. Its merits varied and striking,
and its beauty so apparent, that it should, and
doubtless will. prove one Of the most popular
volumes of the year.
Mrs. Lizzie +. Cotton has issued q second
edition Of "a New System of Bee Manage
ment." This interesting work has met With
a large demand. The keeping Of bees for
profit is a growing occupation, and those who
are engaged in it will find much valuable in
| formation in this little volume.
D.Loth-op & Co. publish" Psrlor Comedies, :"
by Charles X. Talbot. The two little dramas,
"No Questions Asked" and "More Than
They Bargained For" which make up this
volume, are sparkling and full Of movement,
and can be arranged esily for parlor or school
presentation. They do not depend upon CON-
plicated stage arrangements or scenery for
interest, but upon the breezy dialogue and
the frequent dramatic stu ations. Aside from
its admirable adaptation to use in parlor
theatricals, the book will be full Of interest
to the general reader. The illustrations are
fine, and the outside harmopizes with the
10 Al,