Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-03
LITERARY NOTES.

IN hEAICO: and Lie Among the Next
in the Calibbees," Y Dung tolks' History of Mcx-
Mexico: Ill The Border sat with thu 1so SuiH us
tIat.ons mainly from the Authors Photographs and
VIM Ballantyne& Son.
The promise held out by the title page of this
book is well kept by the six hundred and fifty
odd pages which follow; but most serious OBJ
lection to it is its bulk, which is great enough to
have been divided into two or three handsome
volumes, each large enough for convenience and
comfort in reading. The author spent some
thing like a year in travel and exploration. and
about twice that length of time in studying the
history and customs Of the people, so that he
may be regarded as peculiarly well equipped for
his task The plan of the book is that of per-
sOnal narrative OF travel and observation, and
as the style of the author ssp!rited and graphic
with keen appreciation OF humor, the result is
book Of more than ordinary interest and value
with just enough of the early history of the
country to be entertaining to the general reader,
and forecast of its future that can hardly fail
to arouse his enthusiasm. In short, it is a book
that can be read With pleasure and profit, and
one that well deserves the favor with which it
has been received.
Record of Mrs Rebecca r. Pomroy's Fxperisnce
In War-Iim By ANNA L. BoYDEN. Boston: D.
LOthrop 4 Co.
A record of the noble and self-sacrificing eff
VA
the states Necessarily it is a sad book, and
there is considerable repetition in it, but most
of the narrative is intensely interesting Espe-
cially is this true of the interviews of Mrs. Pom
roy with Mr.. Lincoln. whose family she nursed.
and with whom her relations were intimate
Her memory must be warmly cherished in the
hearts OF hosts of soldiers for over seven hun
dred of whom she cared, one way and another.
during the war, closing in death the eyes OF
fhQn ni.yl,f of of H.
came out of the war with shattered health is
not to be wondered at; but that She with others
like her, has received no pension or other re-
cognition from the nation is a reproach to it
and disgrace to its legislative body.
STORIES BY AMERICAN. AUTHORS. Volumes I.
and H. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons Wash
1nston: VIM. Ballantyne Son.
Barring the color of the covers, we see no
reason why this new series should not be pop
ular, not alone with travellers and frequenters
OF pleasure resorts, for which it appears to be
specially adapted but with the general reading
public One great merit of the stories chosen is
their brevity; that they are good need not be
SAID IN so many words. when the list of authors
comprises such names as Bayard Taylor Harriet
Prescott Spofford Rebecca Harding Davis,
Frank r. Stockton. VIM. Henry Bishop. H. C.
Bunner and Mary Agnes Thicker. Volumes to
follow will have stories by Fitz James O'Brien
Mrs. Mary Hallock FoOte, +. ID. Millet, Mrs
Burnett. Henry James. Edward Bellamy, George
Parsons Lathrop, Miss WoOlsOn, and other
equally well known and popular writer's
CALLED PACK BY HUGH CONWAY. New York
Henry Holt & Co. Washington: A. Brentano & Co
'Called Back Is an interesting story, well
told. There is something SO entirely new and
striking in the plot, so out of the common rut
OF modern romance, that, in spite of certain
lmprObabitles. the attention of the reader is
held from the beginning to the end The scene
changes from London to Italy, thence back to
London, and from there to Siberia, where the
solution Is given, and all the descriptions seem
painted from life, SO fOrcible clear and simple is
the authors style. Hugh Conway" is q new
name and probably fictitious one. but another
story from the same pen will be sure of a warm
welcome.
THE PAGANs. By AnLo BATES New York: Henry
Holt l. Co.
The title of this story. which constitutes No.
of the american Novel Series" is taken from
that of suppostious club in Boston, the men,
bers of whicf'd not believe in anything.-not
even in themselves. The characters, of both
sexes, are artists, musicians and writer's. and
their talk is full of liberalism. skepticism and
what may be called advanced thought The
story is not without interest and it contains
some brilliant passages, though much of the wit
seems rather strained, and the moral such as it
may be said to have. is not to be commended.
THE I,i LIFE AND POEMS OF THEODORE WIN
&G1. Henry Holt K Co. Washington: A BFen'ano
This affectionate record of the short life of
brilliant writer and gallant soldier will not COM
mand the attention it would have received if
placed before the world twenty years ago. but
1t will nevertheless be welcomed by a LARGE
circle of sympathetic readers, who have not for
gotten the promise of great career cut off SO
suddenly In the early days OF the late rebellion.
And to the rising generation it should not be
less welcome. since its perusal can hardly fail to
inspire them to better things.
JUDITH. A Chronicle of Old Virginia. By MARION
HARLAND. anthor Of 1.-THE Hidden Path" etc IL
tano Co. - ~
This charming picture of ante beUnn DAYS in
the Old Dominion is in many respects one of the
very best of its authors literary efforts 1t is
good thing to have life-like record like this of
those times before all the events have grown
dim and the actors passed away. The story is
told In such an easy natural way that the reader
Is faln to believe that it is all true,-as indeed
much of it is.-and many of the scenes and
episodes are sketched with admirable effect
THE UNITED STATES ART DIRECTORY AND
in the Wepd an 1s Guide dr All Of
ested in the Progress Of Art in AmeriSa By r.
Brcntano Brothers.
Excellent as was the first issue of this publica-
tiOn. the volume for the present year is far
better. 1t contains nearly everything that can
be of interest to those in any wise connected
with the fine arts in this country, Systematically
arranged, with classified index that makes
the information contained in it available to the
most inexperienced seeker after knowledge
BETHESDA. By BARBARA ELBoN New York: Nc
MILAN 20. Washington: A. Brent.no & Co.
The author of this story is beginner, and of
the intense school, as to style. 1t is therefore
not without weak points, and the moral is some
what questionable; but it IS nevertheless an
effort of considerable power. and while it can
not be called complete success it may GER
tainly be regarded as promise of better things
later on.
fair offset to what may be called the dudery
of the present day is the growing disposition on
the part of both old and young to seek rational
enjoyment and health in outdoor recreation,
and particularly to avail themselves of the adj
vantages afforded by our virgin forests with
their delightful lakes and streams. To those SO
inclined the little volume entitled "WOOdcraft."
published by the Forest and Stream, Publishing
Company, will be at once source OF pleasure
and information. Its author is '.Nessmuk." an
old and popular contributor to that paper. who
knows perhaps as much about camping, hunt
ing. fishing, ETC.. and their attendant charms. as
any person in the country. and what he knows
he tells in very entertaining way.
The announcement is made that with the
May number The ART amateur is to be intro
duced in England, after the manner of Ha'per's
and The Century. This may seem to be a bold
fhnrn 10 hord <o,,1 o,,l