sirable Uniformity in Schools." Next year it will be thirty years since Dr. Eliot became president of Harvard College. The volume before us is a notable memorial of the remarkable work of these thirty years. (Century Co., N. Y. $2.00.) To systematize the various combinations and tints of the three primary colors and bring them to a mechanical basis of measurement would seem a difficult matter, but this result has apparently been reached by Mr. Louis Prang, whose leadership in the art of color reproduction has always been recognized both here and abroad. While such a system can be of little value to the artist, being intended more for textile workers and decorators, it may nevertheless be studied to good advantage by all who handle color or colored materials, and who wish to know how a certain combination or tint may be duplicated and its exact position in the color scale. (Louis Prang, Boston. 50 cents.) * * THE great interest now being shown in the study and protection of our domestic birds is very gratifying, because it indicates a healthy sentiment, the cultivation of which cannot be too highly commended. This interest has manifested itself in the formation of Audubon societies and in the unusual number of books recently published relating to bird life and presenting ornithology in a popular form. There are, however, but few of the latter that contain illustrations which are true representations of the birds for which they stand. accomplish this successfully requires the nicest use of color as well as correct drawing, and most processes for color printing have failed in absolute fidelity to the original. Το Thus most pictures of birds are misleading, even those found in many scientific works claiming technical accuracy. It is, therefore, a pleasure to find that the Singer Manufacturing Company has begun the publication of a series of beautifully lithographed cards, reproductions of water-color drawings by the celebrated bird delineator, Mr. J. L. Ridgway of Washington, D. C. These are notable for accuracy of drawing and of color, creditable alike to artist and to printer, useful to the student, ornamental to the home, and a prize for the collector. As fast as published they can be obtained without cost upon application to any of the Singer Company's offices, which are to be found everywhere. THE usual great assortment of Christmas cards comes from the Taber-Prang Art Co. The drawing and coloring are so perfect they would make admirable models for art classes, aside from their uses for pretty sentiment. A new effect this year seems to have been obtained by color printing from half-tone blocks, and it is especially effective in the Audubon Calendar (50 cents), and the Engagement Calendar (75 cents)-the latter a most convenient daily reminder. THOSE Who are obliged to be satisfied with translations only of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" must feel the inadequacy of those now before the public. In the haste to meet the demand the work has been done hurriedly, carelessly or without a sufficient knowledge of the French language. Gertrude Hall's attempt has grave faults; even her own Introduction reads like a bad translation. But, notwithstanding, the generous nature of the hero shines through all. It is plain to see that his swagger is the direct result of his physical blemish, and, so regarded, becomes really pathetic. The vermillion cover, with gilt corner ornament, is exceedingly pretty, and the pages are printed in clear type which is a pleasure to read. (Doubleday & McClure, N. Y. 50 cents.) * * FEW people can afford to turn their mindsany more than their bureau drawers-inside out for public inspection. Charles M. Skinner, in "Do Nothing Days," should have had the blue pencil run through some of his pages, and the rest, very good ones, too, would have given genuine satisfaction. Mr. Skinner treats of things people in general like to know about, as "some cheap delights," "a few dollars' worth of Europe." Then he knows the animal life of the town, the desert and the sea, and loves hills, mountains and skies. His enthusiasm is contagious. (J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia. $1.50.) * * THERE may be timid souls who will find aid and comfort in "The Starlight Calender," the fifth in a series. The compiler, Kate Sanborn, has gone far afield, and gathered in from the ancients as well as from the most modern of moderns. If the number of extracts show predilection, then it is evident that Tennyson is Miss Sanborn's favorite poet. She has quite forgotten Shakespeare, but has remembered Kate Field, Lilian Whiting, and E. P. Roe. Popular prejudice would be in favor of a complete extract upon each page for diurnal use. It is always easier to cavail than to do, but one wonders why on May 4th the signature Dr. Holmes appears, while on the 7th his initials are accorded him, and August Ist his entire name is vouchsafed. Emerson, Dr. Storrs and others appear under similar obvious changes. (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston. $1.25.) Is a fluid beef prepared from the choicest BOVRIL Contains both the stimulating and the nutritious SOLD BY ALL FIRST-CLASS DRUGGISTS AND GROCERS. Steuben Hornellsville, N. Y. Intended for the special benefit The Highest Surgical Skill; Trained Nurses and Attendents; A Health-building Diet; A Health-preserving Atmosphere; Sufferers from chronic diseases who need the means and appliances the DR. J. E. WALKER, Hornellsville, N. Y. DENTIFRICES but ONLY ONE DR. SHEFFIELD'S PARCHEEST BIG.. The Royal Game of India No household complete No home happy without it No Parlor Table Game has ever been published which has had so great a sale. For twenty years the best families have had it in their homes, and so enjoyed it that now it is always called for when the question arises, "What shall we play?" The best game ever published. Sold by leading Book, Stationery, Toy, and Department Stores in the United States, or mailed postpaid, by SELCHOW & RIGHTER, 390 Broadway, N. Y. FOUR FINEST TRAINS |