The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-14

as the quality of its theme per-
mits. The coquetry of Priscilla is very
brightly depicted. as also the beautiful
personality of Barbara Standish. If the
tone of the story is trifle academic, it has
the merit of careful adherence to history
and will be found a very readable sketch of
life in the New England of the Pilgrims.
Boston; Houghton & Miffiin; Portland:
Loring, Short & Harmon. Price $1.25)
Golden Days of 40. BY Kirk Munroe.
Here is a nobly-propvitioned and richly
bound volume for the boys, containing
strong and graphic storysof the times of the
Argonauts who went west for the Golden
Fleece The wild country, the daring ex-
ploits, the sudden changes of fortunes, the
strange admixture of men led to California
by the desire for wealth or driven there by
the instinct to cut loose from their old
identity, rendered the time of the discoveries
OF gold in that territory a most dramatic
period However fully Mr.. Bret Harte has
availed himself of its literary material, the
lead has not yet petered out, and MIR.
Munroe has struck pay gravel in his new
book. Rough and adventurous as is the life
which he depicts, there is nothing in the
book which will offend the Judgment of
manly and honest young fellow and buyers
OF Christmas gifts may trust safely that
their young friends will come to no harm
under Mr.. Munroe's guidance. The volume
is well illustrated in photogravure. New
York. Dodd, Mead & Co; Portland; Lcring,
Short & Harmon. Price $2.25)
Witch Winnie BY Elizabeth w. Champ
ney. 1t might be question for debate
which is most enjoyed, story of adventure
for the boys or story of boarding life
for the girls Mrs. Champney's Witch
Winnie is of the latter class, and has all the
elements of popularity. 1t is also story Of
one of the groups of "Kings Daughters" and
the efforts of Witch Winnie and her nine
friends to help the poor of Ricketts, Court
are narrated in lively and sometimes
pathetic manner. Mrs. Champney's stories
have not the delicate and choice quality of
Miss Coolidge's katy" books; but they
are bright, warm hearted, risky, and we'll
intentioned, The accompanying vignettes
White q Allen)
Dorymates. BY Kirk Monroe Another
book for boys from the rapidly productive
pen of Mr.. Munroe- this time sea story.
1t relates to the adventure of little
waif found floating in cask at sea
and picked up by the skipper of
Gloucester fishing schooner. The boy grows
up in the care of the captain and his wife;
sails out to the Banks for the fisheries and
and is kidnapped and taken aboard whaler.
This is but the beginning of Breeze Nc
Clouds adventures; of course his identity is
established finally and all ends WELL Boys
will be delighted with the free salt-sea spirit
OF the story, which is in every way to be
commended. 1t appears in book form with
the same excellent illustration by Mr.. Smed-
| ley which accompanied it as serial in Har-
| pers' Young People. New York: Harper &
Brothers; Portland: Loring, Short & Har-
mon. Price $1.O0)
Deb and the Duchess. BY l.. |. Meade.
1t cannot be said to be natural this odd
little story; but it is entertaining, full of the
comical fancies and speeches of Deb and
Michael and their friends There are a
rather melo-dramatic tramp and his half
Mexican daughter Carmina who also come
into the story to supply the necessary shades
to the picture, and the tale ends sadly enough
with the violent death of poor little Duchess
| Carmina. 1t is hardly wholesome book.
| yet for older people at least, it may be rec
commended as giving some very quaint pic
lures OF childhood The illustrations, by
NJ E. Edwards, are dainty and graceful, and
the cover, dotted with golden primroses, is
very tasteful. New York: White and AL
len.)
Notes of Lessons for Young Teachers. By
John Taylor.
Mr.. TaylOr's little manual may be unre-
servedly commended. 1t is we'll designed
and arranged; written in a clear and direct
manner; and based upon experience and
| sympathy. 1t will be found good friend to
many young teacher, struggling amid the
| difficulties Of school instruction and manage
| ment. Mr.. Taylor explains the art of giving
lesson, points out its essential features, its
plan, the treatment of its subject matter;
and offers excellent hints in regard to the
preparation of lesson by the teacher, and
the tactful and magnetic manner which as
sures the attention of pupils. Perhaps the
holidays may come to an end less to the re-
| greet of teachers who, during the Christmas
vacation, prepare their minds for the Janua-
ry term by reading Mr.. Taylors pleasant
and helpful handbook. Boston School Sup
| ply Co.: price 80 cents)