New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-16

RJsKIN RELICS Rv W G. CoIingwood with
FIFTY Illustrations by John Ruskn and Others
Pp 2S2. T. Y. Croweu & Co
This collection Of papers from the pen of Rus
kin's secretary offers many agreeable. If not
particularly important. "reminiscences Of the
author OF the STONES Of Venice" Mr.. Colling
woods point Of view a worshpper may occa-
sionally evoke a smile in the reader. but It is
good natured smile, not q cynical one.
TIE Ruslin here shown to US is amiable.
nature owing, truly religious man-one who was
often fantastic in his pursuit of ideals and some
times bit feminine. though not effeminate, in
the manifestations OF temperament. He never
tired Of seeking Nature in her workshops, and
enjoyed alike his discoveries in Alpine geology
end his patient study at home Of the scientific
secrets Of his big diamond-or even the making
OF "a temporary agate" by the diffusing Of
cream IN fruit Juice. HE was always looking
out for analogies" says Mr. Collingwood. and
could make bogus minerals too. One day.
showing his Jewels to very young lady, he
brought out Of its purple plush nook in the gilt
tering drawer a wonderful specimen. ropy, ar
borescent semi-transparent, lustrous. descant-
ing the while on stalactitic growth. chalcedony,
chrysoprase, hyalite. And what IS this caled?'
she asked Wax, my dear; I got II at the
candle myself" His friends description of
Rusl1in, happy in a journey through Switzer-
land and Italy. may well make the reader en-
vfous Of such powers Of enjoyment. "Ruskin on
a Journey" he says. was never bored unless he
was fl: he looked out Of window and poked you
I'D: Now put away that book; we are just
coming 10 the chalk Or, Are you looking out
for the great twist in the IimestoneT And the
changes IN the face Of the country. with new
flowers and varying crops. were continual
entertainment" High strung as was the mans
Temperament, he was not. Mr.. Collingwood tells
us the least tirnid-he used to walk planks and
look down precpices, too like regular steeple-
Jack and handle all sorts OF animals fear
lessly." He had a really passionate love OF
scenery. and HIS journals-which are not to be
published-are filed chiefly with descriptions of
landscapes. Stress is here laid on the fact that
Art was always a secondary thing TO him per-
sonaily. The way In which be sometimes dis
cussed Art is illustrated in story Of a summer
evening in an inn beside the Rhonc;
At table we had some debate about the picture.
would not have II that Nine. Vigee Lebruns por
trait OF herself and her daughter was charming
with bare arms Ike thatr'-which was quite his
usual way OF thinking about a much discussed
question OF art
/ It was during this journey that the two Wis
I tied St Demands birthplace. and Ito the sur
4 prise OF a bystsnder not wholly unsympathetic
/ Ruskin l1nelt down on the spot OF the great
saints nativity. and stayed long in prayer
he was little given. It is recorded. to outward
show OF piety, but IN his later years. at least
his faith was as strong It was simple He
knew the Bible, we are told as not many IL
) this generation know it. ''Once in his rooms al
oxford NIr. Collingwood remembers getting into
a difficulty about the correct quotation OF some
passage. Haven't you a concordanceg
asked I'm ashamed TO say have he said.