The steady progress which sound Archæology is making in this country is shown, and the benefits which will accrue from such progress to those who are desirous of investigating the early history of this island and its inhabitants is rendered evident, by the fact, that discoverers of primæval remains no longer endeavour to build upon those remains some strange theories which have no foundation beyond the fancy of those who pen them. On the contrary, Archæologists are now content to give us plain and distinct particulars of the discoveries they make, and to leave to future labourers the task of comparing the different objects, and of evolving from such comparison those trustworthy illustrations of our early history which are so highly to be prized. The truth of these remarks will be seen by a glance at the interesting volume entitled _Fairford Graves; a Record of Researches in an Anglo-Saxon Burial-place in Gloucestershire_, in which Mr. Wylie narrates, with much clearness and simplicity, the result of a very interesting series of excavations made at Fairford, on the site of a Saxon necropolis, more particularly of those made at the commencement of the past year. These discoveries furnish some very valuable materials towards a more complete history of the Anglo-Saxon civilisation than we yet possess; and Mr. Wylie deserves the thanks of his brother antiquaries for his well-directed zeal on the occasion, and for the judicious manner in which he has told his story. The work is very profusely illustrated; and is one of the best contributions which have recently been made to the history of our primæval antiquities. We have received, and read with great pleasure, _Two Introductory Lectures upon Archæology, delivered in the University of Cambridge_, by the Rev. J. H. Marsden. We are not sure that these lectures are not privately printed; and in that doubt should have passed them without notice, had not their merits, as the production of a scholar and a man of taste, seemed to us such as to make it desirable that they should be placed within the reach of all whom they are calculated to interest. They are the first-fruits of Mr. Disney's munificent donation to the University of Cambridge. We have received the second volume of Bohn's reprint of _The Literary Works of Sir Joshua Reynolds_, edited by H. W. H. Beechey, which completes the work. No President ever filled the Chair of the Royal Academy with greater benefit to the students than did Sir Joshua; and this cheap and useful edition of the invaluable legacy which he bequeathed to them is well calculated not only for their use, but for more general circulation, now that the arts of design are receiving such deserved attention in this country.