BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9711, 5 January 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS.

Christmas and New Year Cards.— have just received from Messrs. Raphael Tuck and Sons, of 72 and 73, Coleman* street, London, a beautiful series of Christmas and New Year cards, etc. They are composed of over 1000 separate sets, varying from two to three designs in each set, and the absolute novelties in design have been turned to the best possible account of skilful artistic treatment, exquisite colouring, and superb printing. Among the artists whose works embellish the collection may be mentioned Marcus Stone, R.A., Dandy Sadler, A., Maud Goodman, G. Wefcherboe, R. 1., Dudley Hardy, Raven Hill, G. Haifce, R. 1., Alice Havers, W. S. Coleman, Harriet M. Bennett, j Herbert Homitz, Helen Jackson, Albert Bowers, G. L. Seymour, Annie and Bessie Simpson, and Paulino J. Gunter, and others. Each year this celebrated firm have made a series of advances and surprises in art, , which could only be accomplished by the ample resources at their command. The style of mounting and general finish is in every respect worthy of the Gharming works of art, which, by their enterprise, are now brought actually within the reach of the million. They have spread broadcast the refining influences of the fine arts in order thab the general public may share in what formerly could only be enjoyed by tho few. The collection under notice is one of infinite variety, of well-nigh universal novelty, reaching a higher artistic level, and having a wider scope than has ever yet been attempted. The principal feature of the year is the introduction of Black and White works of art as tokens of greeting. It was a bold stroke to cast entirely loose from old traditions, and to embark in this entorpriso on the extensive scale and superb style indicated by the samples which we have received, and which are simply unique in design and finish. Macmillan's Magazine : Macmillan and Co., 29 and 30, Bedford-street, Strand, London.—We have to hand the December number of this popular magazine. The initial article is "A Conversation with Napoleon at Elba." The memorandum of the conversation was originally published in pamphlet form in March, 1823, nearly two years after Napoleon's death in May, 1821. Napoleon's interlocutor was Lord Ebrington. What probably made Napoleon specially anxious to create a favourable impression on him was his relationship to Lord Grenville, than whom tho dethroned Emperor had no enemy more resolute, nor any whom it might profit him more to conciliate. The memorandum is interesting as showing Napoleon's views on various questions of importance at that time. Mr. A. Ainger contributes an article entitled, " Poetic Mediocres," arising out of a lecture delivered at University College, Bristol. " Madras seen from Marseilles," by Mr. J. W. Sherer, is very readable. " Madame Tromaine : A Sketch from the North-west," is the story of an Indian girl who mates with an officer at an Indian outpost, is brought to Washington, enjoys society, and after her husband's death again betakes herself to the savage life of her people on the frontier. There is a page on " The Encouragement of Home Industries," in which the writer thus sums up his conclusions : " Let us as a nation always buy in the best market, and we may rest assured that in the long run those among our industries which are carried on under the most favourable conditions, will be the ones stimulated to export the commodities in which payment will ultimately be made." The first of a series of articles on " Cromwell aud the House of Lords," is commenced in this number. The serial literature is as interesting as usual. Phil May's Illustrate® Winter Annual : Walter Haddon's Central Publishing Offices, Bouverio House, Salisbury Square.—There is an amusing article, " Should Irascible Old Gentlemen be Taught to Knit ?" from tho pen of Sarah Grand. Sarah answers thequestion,in her narrative, with a decided affirmative. " Bohemian Life in Paris," by Robert H. Sherard, gives a graphic picture of life in the gay capital of France. " A Girl who never Married," is a st»ry well told. Tho various articles are amusing and entertaining, and the annual is capitally illustrated throughout by tho redoubtable Phil himself. Australian Photographic Journal : Printed by Edward Leo.and Co., Marketstreet, Sydney.—ln the leading article the editor states thab during the past year vaststrides have been made in the art, and a great impetus given to photographic developement generally throughout; Australasia during tho year " A Singular Experience in Lantern Slide-making," by G. Thome, is a weird story, which is strange if true. " Spiritualistic Manifestations as produced by Mr. Earnest Hosking in the Opera House, Sydney," is a photographic imitation of Mrs. Mellon's materalised spirits. The following passage will interest some of our readers

The International Slide Exchange, advocated by us, is gradually resolving itself into a tangible organisation, although wo must really request the executives of the various Australasian societies to be " up and doing," and as requested in our September issue, to communicate with us on this subject. _ From New Zealand we have the pleasing intelligence that "one set of slides from Nelson" has been forwarded to Mr. Josiah Martin, the editor of the Mew Zealand Photographer, who has kindly consented to act in conjunction with us in organising this "slide exchange," and that the Auckland set has been selected ready for forwarding. We are also pleased to note the increase of photographic societies throughout Australasia during the past year.

Baks to British Unity, or a Plea for National Sentiment), by the Hon. T. D. Wanlies, M.L.C., Victorian—Scottish Home Rule Association, Princes-street, Edinburgh.— This work was originally published in 1885, to defend and maintain the national honour of Scotland against the attacks of Englishmen, who, contrary to the Treaty of Union, seemed to think that Scotland is merely an English province. All public men now see that the unjust attempt to Anglicise the United Kingdom, and to treab with indifference the national sentiment and the national interests of the throe nationalities is doomed to failure. Men who thus act are the real enemies to British unity. The writer goes into the history of the union of Scotland with England, and why the name of Great Britain was adopted. His remedy for the "bars to British Unity," is that there should be an insistance on the fulfilment of the conditions of the Treaty of Un ion of 1707, so far as they are connected with the honour of Scotland, and that they are fully and faithfully observed in every direction where the Government has influence, and by everyone over whom ib has any control, so that the Empire may be " British " rather than " English." The author closes thus : As regards such an issue, the feeling and the attitude of the Scottish people may, 1 think, be summed up and expressed in these words : —They will proudly wear the British uniform, but they willas the Irish people have done and are —reject) with disdain the English livery." ■ The Speech of Maw and Holy Writ : Wm. R. Grey, London.—The author, after dwelling on the historic value of the Bible, and the Higher Criticism" applied to science, proceeds to refer to language as a Divine gifb given to man at his creation. After alluding to the time when " the people were of one speech," he goes on to deal with the question of " the confusion of tongues." Several other chapters follow on " The Ape and Evolubion," the " Enigma of Life," and " The Borderland of Instinct." The subjects involved are thoughtfully treated. Flocks and Herds By E. Herberb Fison, F.C.S., etc. . Published by Wyman and Sons, Limited, London, W.C. This little book of just under 100 pages, is a concise history of the sheep and its wool in all countries, with a special chapter upon the frozen mutton industsy. The book is well printed and nicely gob up, and contains aboub 30 illustrations of a good class. Though ib cannot bo expected thab lengthy descriptions can be given in such a small book upon such a large subject, the author has nevertheless contrived to condense a vast amount., of really useful information into his little brochure, and there are few flock masters who will nob be benefited by its perusal. Sheep diseases, as .well as management, are briefly dealt with. The author as a man of recognised standing in scientific circles. - " •