National Republican., 1883-03-16
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A RED.LETTER DAY AND OTHER POEMS.
By LuCrus HARDWOOD FoorE. Boston: A. Will
lhms " Co.
A new star has flashed upon the poetlcal
horizon, and II comes from the Golden Gate
of the Pacific coast. For beauty of dCscrip-
tion and exquisite little bits ofword painting
and breezy freshness Of depicting in Ian
guagc the most poetic the charms of valley,
hill, dale, and mountain, interspersod with
the fragrance of flowers, the hum of birds, and
the balmy breath of tho hills and uplands, a
treat is in store for the reader of this dainty
little poem " A Red-Letter Day." while the
Gel Rio Sacramento" alono ought to mako
tho writer famous. The book is full of gems
and the author Mr. Foote Il poet who will
make his mark, if he has not done so already.
LITERARY NOTES
"The Autobiography of flames Nasmyth," edited
by Samuel Smiles, recently published in "lIarper's
franklin Square Library" will shortly be issued
by Harper & Brothers In a duodecmo edition.
Mr.. W. W. Newelrs work on the Games and
Songs OF American Children" soon to be pub.
lished by Harper & Brothers, is book of uncom-
mon interest. It contains elaborate descriptions
of the amusements-to the number of one hum
dred and sixty-whch are in vogue among
children in the various sections OF the United
States together with the text of the songs, recita-
tions, jingles, formulas, and the melodies which
constitute the most fascinating portions Of many
iavorite games. The collection has been made
from direct observation, and with scrupulous re-
gard to fullness and accuracy. The point of view
from which the author looks at this apparently
trivial subject is that of the student of folklore
Examined in that light the childish pastimes of
the country prove to be an important aud Gu.
rious branch of the history of the manners
and customs of the various periods In which
they originated, aud especially of medieval
times. With admirable skill Mr.. New
ell analyses the various games, explaining
their illusions, and by reference to social states
and habits of the olden time imparts meaning and
conference to expressions used in familiar sports
which appear to be nothing more than arbitrary
and unintelligible jargon. Thus he illustrates
the fact that the faith and fashion of half n
thousand years ago" unconsciously furnish the
amusement of the youth of the present day. MIR.
Newell devotes special attention to the COMPARE
sou of American games with those which are
played by the children of the different countries
of Europe, and endeavOrs TO show that the former
supply the necessary material for exhibiting the
relation between the old English pastimes-from
which the American games are Immediately de.
rived-and the sports of the continent He has
pursued his investigations In broad and scien.
tifc spirit, and has produced work which will
be Of great value 10 the student Of history and of
social customs. well as to all who ure interested
In observing and stimulating by encouragement
and direction the innocent and healthy sports Of
childhood. Few books also are more worthy of a
place in the libraries Of children since
1t supplies information which can not but add
zest and enjoyment to their recreation, and at the
same time create desire to know more about the
periods and communities to which they owe their
most popular means of amusement.