The title of Mr. Conan Doyle's new book, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, is incomplete without the addition of, "And the D.D., or Dummy Doctor," who plays a part in the narratives analogous to that of "Charles, his Friend," on the stage. The book is, in many respects, a thriller, reminding one somewhat of The Diary of a Late Physician, by Samuel Warren. This volume is handsomely got up—too handsomely—and profusely, too profusely, illustrated. For both romancer and reader, such stories are better un-illustrated. A sensational picture attracts, and distracts. In this collection the Baron can recommend The Beryl Coronet, The Red-Headed League, The Copper Beeches, and The Speckled Band. The best time for reading any one of these stories is the last thing at night, before turning in. "At such an hour, try The Speckled Band, and see how you like it," says the Bold Baron.
The Baron's assistant dives into the Christmas Card Basket, and produces Raphael Tuck and Sons,—"Tuck," a schoolword dear to "our boys,"—who lead off the Christmas dance. Daintily and picturesquely got up, their Cards are quite full. Their Watteau Screens will serve as small ornaments afterwards. These "Correct Cards," with few exceptions, are not particularly for Christmas, but for all time. Here's Luck To Raphael Tuck!
"Todgers's could do it when it liked," and so can Messrs. Hutchinson & Co. at this Fairy Tale time, when they bring out three capital books, edited by Alfred H. Miles; i.e., Fifty-two Fairy Tales, Fifty-two other Stories for Boys, and Fifty-two other Stories for Girls. Why not Fairy Tales for a holiday task, and an examination in Fairy Lore, with a Fairy Lore Degree for the successful candidate?
Then come Blackie and Sons with Plenty from Henty—Mr. G. A. Henty—who at Christmas-time is anything but a "Non-Henty-ty." Beric the Briton, In Greek Waters, Condemned as a Nihilist!—"Go it, Henty!" The Baron cheers you onward.
The Thirsty Sword, by Robert Leighton. It's a killing story.
An Old-Time Yarn, by Edgar Pickering, about the adventures of Drake and Hawkins. Hawkins, mariner, not Sir 'Enry, the Judge. New yarn. Strong old salts—very refreshing.
The Bull Calf, brought out for John Bull Junior's amusement at Christmas, and seasonably illustrated by Frost, is a queer sort of animal of the Two Macs Donkey breed. Right for Nimmo to have some fun at Christmas, according to old example, "Nimmo mortalium omnibus horis sapit."
What's in a name? not the first time this question has been asked and answered—but 'tis impossible for the Baron to avoid quoting it now, when in consequence of its title, he was within an ace of putting aside The Germ Growers, under the impression that it was a scientific work on Bacillus and Phylloxera. On taking it up, however, the Baron soon became deeply interested, but was subsequently annoyed to find how the artful author had beguiled him by leading up to a kind of imitation of the In hoc Signo vinces legend, and had somewhat adroitly adapted to his purpose the imagery of one of the most poetic and sublime of ancient Scripture narratives; i.e., where the prophet sees the chariots of Israel in the air. One remarkable thing about the romance is the absence of "love-motive," and, indeed, the absence of all female interest. Here and there the Canon writes carelessly, as instance the following paragraph:—
"Then he got a little glass-tube into which he put something out of a very small bottle, which he took from a number of others which lay side by side in a little case which he took out of a pocket in the side of the car."
Apart from other faults, there are too many "whiches" here, and unlike his malignant hero, Davoli, the Canon doesn't seem to be well up in his "which-craft." Clever Canon Potter must turn out from his Potteries some ware superior to this for the public and
The Baron.
Reflection in the Mist.—You could have "cut the fog, it was so thick," is a common expression. But the fog, unwelcome as it always is, is not like an unwelcome acquaintance, who can be "cut" or avoided by turning down a street, or by pretending unconsciousness of his proximity.
Question for a Legal Exam.—If a farmer purchased a good milch cow reared at Dorking, what would be its (old style) legal produce? Answer or Rejoinder.—Why, of course, some sort of Surrey-butter.
CULTCHAH!
Suburban Belle (to her Dressmaker). "And I should like a Medici Collar to my Tea-gown. Do you understand? A Medici Collar—like that of the Venus de Medici!"
