I do not know whether _The Scar_ (HODDER AND STOUGHTON) first saw publication in any of our popular dailies, but from internal evidence I should be strongly inclined to suspect it. At least Miss RUBY M. AYRES has written an admirable example of the class of tale, beloved of our serial public, in which new every morning are the tribulations of the elect, only to vanish with startling suddenness in the last days of June or December. For example, _Mark_, the hero, begins as the misunderstood son of one of those widower-fathers who in such stories dwell for ever behind the locked doors of studies, leaving in this instance _Mark_ to be the victim of an aunt whose lack of sympathy approaches the pantomimic. All the usual results follow, even to the acquisition by _Mark_ of a faithful hound, which the least experience of sentimental fiction would have caused any insurance company to refuse on sight. When therefore _Aunt Midian_, following her appointed course, effaced this friend-of-man, I confess that my grief was to some extent tempered by a recognition of the inevitable. Of course, however, _Mark_ does not remain for long in what I might call these dog-days of his young affection; love, strong, passionate and not too slavishly restricted to a single object, soon has his world going round as fast as the most exacting reader could desire. For the decorous details of this delirium I need only add that, if you want them, you know where to go to find them. * * * * * Had I been asked to godfather _Smith and the Pharaohs_ (ARROWSMITH) I should have refused to stand, unless its name was changed to "Barbara who Came Back," for the tale of _Barbara_ is by far the best in this book of short stories. It would be boastful--as well as untrue--to say that I have read all of Sir H. RIDER HAGGARD'S many books, but as far as my experience of them goes I find a delightfully fresh quality in this tale. It may be old-fashioned and over-sentimental, but in spite of these defects it has a very definite charm, and its conclusion makes a curious and legitimate appeal to the emotions. All the other stories are well up to standard, and it is amazing that an author who has written so much still shows no symptoms either of weariness or vain repetition. * * * * * Those who appreciate Miss C. FOX SMITH'S familiarity with the ways and moods of sailormen and her flair for the true sea-tang will welcome the new collection of poems which she has brought out under the title, _Ships and Folks_ (ELKIN MATHEWS). Most of these verses have appeared in _Punch_, and no further commendation is here needed. * * * * * [Illustration: _Christmas Card Artist (of the Old School)._ "GOOD HEAVENS! CAN IT BE POSSIBLE THAT SUCH THINGS _ARE_?"] * * * * * Transcriber's notes: Page 465: Tristan d'Acunha--this spelling also appears in the next issue of 'Punch'.