The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-12-24

where he makes number of the most ex-
quisite water-color sketches; then he gives
us, ALSO from out the abundance of his
heart and his memories of the southland,
his STORIES which never fail to charm the
reader. Mr.. Smith was over 45 before he
gave to the world any literary work; since
that time he has been a regular contribu-
tor. recent review said In regard to his
Immensely popular book, Tom Grogan,"
that readers of 1t a couple of years ago lit
tie dreamed that the troubles and trials
which came to this woman contractor in
this piece of fiction would so soon be the
actual experience of a woman in real life.
She, also, took up the work of her husband,
who died, and experienced identically the
same rebuffs as the memorable heroine in
TON Grogan." In his new work, 1.-The
Other Fellow" Mr.. Smith has given us a
number of short stories, which are charac-
terized by the authors most conspicuous
and best loved attributes. "a Kentucky
Cinderella is one of the best in the book.
Aunt Chloe's" recital is filed with that
alternating humor and pathos which is 50
charming. 1t proves that the author has
not forgotten the charm and beauty of the
old life in the south, If the north and for
eign shores do claim much of his time.
1.-THE Other Fellow" is most attractively
bound and illustrated.
"Holly and Pizen''-By Ruth McEnery
Stuart
This is another volume of short stories
by a southern writer-a native of New Or
leans. Mrs. Stuart's books are great favor
ties wherever read and writer depicts
the negro character with more minute
fidelity than Mrs. Stuart. The wondrous
characters of her stories live in the minds
and hearts of her readers like some real
person known in life; and they have been
known and loved in the numberless black
friends of the old life in the south. Holly
and Pizen," the initial story of the book,
is filled to overlooking with the sweetest
humor and delicacy of thoughtful interpre-
tation. 1t is one of the most unique stories
the author ever wrote, and fully worth the
price of the volume. The wonderful abli-
ties of "Uncle Uriah' as healer and his
subtle way of requiring the diseases of
others assumed by him to 'nave the proper
nourshment an usage" is delicious. in
deed. These are stories to read and re-read
for they soften and delight and shed mel
low radiance over the heart that makes
life happier and sweeter and brighter
Essays: Educational and Historic'-By
the Author of Leaves from the Annals of
the Sisters of Mercy"
This is a splendid volume, replete with
interest and information. The title of the
dozen or more essays in the book are upon
some of the most interesting subjects and
the essays contain much information which
is here for the first time made known. The
opening essay treats OF Education in Lou
iSiana in French Colonial DAYS" that in
teresting time in the history of the pro-
vince when Bienville was soldier-governor.
Many intensely interesting facts are here
related. The charm of the writer's facie
pen depicts the scene with so much vivid
nessss and truth that the history and
events are made exceedingly real to the
reader. Then the author writes of educa-
tion in Louisiana in Spanish colonial days.
One of the most delightful essays in the
book is devoted to Alabama: Here We
Rest" which, according to The following
tradition, accounts for the way Alabama
received its understanding name
band of Indians, who quilted Mexico
during the upheavals consequent on the
arrival of the famous ship-burner, Cortez,
wandering eastward in search of a new
home, reached the noble river now known
as the Alabama. Their chieftain, charmed
with the gorgeous beauty of the forest
scenery, gave the signal to halt, and, draw
ing up under the shade or a magnificent
oak, struck his spear in the ground and ex-
claimed with enthusiasm: 'Alabamar
which, being interpreted, means: Here we
rest"
In the essay, Forty Years in the Ameri-
can Wilderness" the author tells much of
the inner life and character of Mormonism,