_The Wellfields_ is a falling off from _Probation_, which in its turn was a distinct falling-off from Miss Fothergill's initial story, _The First Violin_. The characters are dim, intangible, remote, possessing no reality even at the outset, and as they progress becoming even more estranged from our belief and sympathy. Jerome is too feeble to arouse even our resentment, which we mildly expend on Sara instead for displaying grief for so poor a creature. When an author publishes one successful book, it should be a matter of serious thought whether it is not worth while to make such a triumph the crowning event of his or her destiny, lest Fate should have in reserve the tedious trials which await those who are compelled to hear that their sun has set. Mrs. Walford's last book has, in a measure, retrieved a certain reputation for interest which her _Cousins_ had lost. In _Troublesome Daughters_, however, one looks in vain for the fulfilment of the promise of _Mr. Smith_ and her delightful _Van: A Summer Romance_. In _Brigitta_ we find enough of Auerbach's charm to like the story, simple as it is. It recalls his greater books only by the fidelity of the tone and the clearness of the pictures. Xander is well drawn, and the tragedy of his life, portrayed as it is by those few strong touches which reveal the real artist, is profoundly impressive. ------ _New Books Received._ Geo. P. Rowell & Co.'s American Newspaper Directory, containing Accurate Lists of all the Newspapers and Periodicals published in the United States, Territories and the Dominion of Canada, together with a description of the towns and cities in which they are published. New York: George P. Rowell & Co. The Skin in Health and Disease. By L. Duncan Bulkley, M.D. (American Health Primers.) Philadelphia: Presley Blakiston. The Confessions of a Frivolous Girl. Edited by Robert Grant. Vignette Illustrations. Boston: A. Williams & Co. The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield. By Major J.M. Bundy. New York: A.D. Barnes & Co. The Mystery of Allanwold. By Mrs. Elizabeth Van Loon. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson & Brothers. Political and Legal Remedies for War. By Sheldon Amos, M.A. New York: Harper & Brothers. Mary Anerley: A Yorkshire Tale. By R.D. Blackmore. New York: Harper & Brothers. A Selection of Spiritual Songs, with Music for the Sunday-school. New York: Scribner & Co. [Footnote 1: I use here the official nomenclature of Pennsylvania: by whatever title the local officials are known in the various States, the general fact is of course the same in all.] [Footnote 2: In some tests given in Richards' _Treatise on Coal Gas_ (p. 293) the following results were shown: Obstruction of light by--