the former. The narrative is not so interesting, but the characterization is of a higher order, or rather of greater power. The writer in this book has wisely avoided a plot involving difficult questions of moral casuistry, but she has not succeeded in making a very interesting one. There is, however, ample compensation for the narrative, in the remarkable power with which the numerous characters are drawn. So much is this faculty the forte of the author, that she draws characters, as it were, on a separate canvass, and pastes them on her picture; for, surely, the "three curates" are of no more earthly use to the plot than they are of heavenly to their parishes; and so, if not otherwise, from their not blending with the perspective of the painting, they appear as mere caricatures. "They come like spirits to depart."

Saroni's Musical Times. New York: Saroni & Co., 251 Broadway.

The thirteenth weekly number of this exThe encellent musical journal is before us. terprise is conducted by the editor, Mr. Herman S. Saroni, with a becoming spirit and independence. The criticisms of concerts and new music are clear and free from pedantry, and show a thorough knowledge of the subject, and a taste equally cultivated and suited to the age and the day. Without any scientific knowledge of music, we are able to speak well of this publication, and to say what we have said of it with confidence. Although it is not always necessary to be a musician to judge whether another person is so or not, (the arts being not merely for those who cultivate them scientifically, but for those also who only enjoy their effects,) it must we think, be conceded that a public critic of music ought to have a thorough knowledge of it. Mr. Saroni's qualifications in this respect are understood to be of a high order. In other respects the Musical Times is creditably, not to say skillfully conducted. Each number, besides the editorial and critical department, which is always entertaining to persons interested in the movements of the musical world, contains a diversity of matter, tales, anecdotes, essays, and notices of pictures and picture galleries, &c., selected, not at random, but with a view always to the interests of art and artists. In addition to the letter press, itself well worth the subscription ($2 per annum), the subscribers receive a selection of the best music of the great composers, printed for the journal. These sheets bound up together at the end of the year will make a volume of choice music, a great deal of it not to be found published elsewhere.

The Musical Times has already become popular in New York and elsewhere. Its patronage is rapidly increasing. We wish every success to the enterprise.