The Ottawa free trader., 1884-01-05

state of probation and preparation for
higher state Of exis,ence-human life
becomes something reasonable and worthy
Of an infinitely wise and beneticent Crea'
tor. There is an earnestpess and cogency
in the reasoning of Mr.. Nordhotf, yet con-
ceived in terms 40 plain and familiar as to
address itself to ali minds, that to many
who find themselves troubled wiih.douots
It cancot tail to lmpart cleare! views anu
serve as an important aid to faith.
OLD MEXICO AND HER LOST PROVINCES A
Journey in Mexico, Southern CallforDia
and Arizona by way of Cuba. BY william
Henry Bishop. New York: Harper u Bros
Chicago: Jansen, NcClurg & Go. Ottawa;
for sale py Hapeman Il Graham. 81 Oo.l
There is no portion Of the North Amer
lcan continent more rich in resources, or
DOS sessed of a more delightful climate and
aboundlng IN more attractive Inducements
in every way for human habitation, than
old Mexico, with this only draw back-'he
irredeemable baseness of its population.
Like the "Ceyion's Isle" of Bishop He
Der. 1t is a land
Where every prospect pleases
And only man 10 vile"
For half q century it has been the scene
OF incessant civil wars, pronunciamIentos
and revolutions, .wo-lhIrds OF its popuIa-
ton in state OF degraded peonagc aud
the other third, with trifling exceptions,
banditi or the partners or associates OF
bandit,l During the last decade, howeV-
er, the country has enjoyed the exceptional
blessing of something like stable govern
ment with q semblance Of law and order.
These haye attracted to il "a well English
and French as American capital and ell
terprise, resulting in the building OF rail
roads, opening of mines, establishment OF
commercial house, and generally awaken
ing o wide interest IN the country. The
very general desire for information in re-
gard to it thus excited, Is intelligently
and satisfactorily met by the volume be
fore US. In 1881 Mr.. Bishop landed at
Vera Cruz, and thence proceeding by
way of the city of Mexico, made leisurely
tour of the country visiting It's leading
provinces westward and northward, and
completing the journey by passing through
Arizona and California. While he does
not wholly slign, the teeming and interest.
ing historical and archaeological riches Of
the region through which he passes, he de
votes himself mainly to description or
its present condition, its attractions, re-
sources and capabilities, and its laws and
usages, especially with reference to the ac-
QUESTION and tenure Of property by for
eigners. The character and condition of
the present inhabitants ls also largely
dwelt upon, their habits OF life and availa-
bility as laborers and their disposition to-
wards foreigners, especially Americans;
and while the situation In that respect IS
not without Its drawbacks, he regards i, as
upon the whole hopeful. The book is very
pleasantly written, and aside from the
simply utll,tarian point of view, Is SUN.
ciently lively and entertaining TO make it
ve,y pleasant reading as a mere book OF
travels.
LYRICS or THE HOME LAND. By Eugene J.
Hall. Chicago.
Mr.. Eugene J. Hall, II Michigan ave-
nue., Chicago, puts forth for dime "a pages
of original matter adapted forreadings or re.
citations or school parlor or entertainments.
The sample number before US comprises
fifty selections suited for entertainments.
Amusing, with a wholesome, jolly humor,
they ale such as inspire a love of the beau
uful and true, and stimulate to self-reii.
ant, heroic, unseltish activity In life"
The little dime book, or the large three
dollar one, I'm course OF preparation,) will
quickly give answer 10 the questions What
shall l read at the Literary Society, or the
Church Entertainment" "What is there
;ha, is fresh and clever, nice yet amnsings"
MosAIcs OF GRECIAN HISTORY. The Histor-
ica Narrative with numerous Illustrated
Poetic and Prose Selections. A Popular
iDuTst VI auInE III oItCldu
Literature. By Marcus Wilson and Rob !
er. Pierpont Wilson. New York: Harper,
& Brothers. Chicago Jansen, McClurg &
Co. Ottawa: for sale by Hapemau & GrS ;
ham. $3.50.
Though Charles Francis Adams mayl
decry the study of The Greek language as
loss oi time and lis mythology Us antigua
ted rubbish, the truth abides that III all
tha, pertains 10 human progress and re.
tinement, to The highest atiainments in lit
eraturc and art, from this same Greece
came the models which still form the stand.
ard OF taste in every civilized nation on
earth But the study Of Greek history Is a.
vast field. Its legendary period, how
weird and unique; its mythology, how
far reaching aud wonderful; Its systems of
government, laws, institutions, wars,
amusements, literature and arts, separated
into departments, each ic sufficient in IT.
self tor life study. No man who has
anything else TO do in this lifescan there
fDrr undertake. IN ulas,er (,raal. li.tpry