Victoriano Agüeros was born September 4, 1854, in the pueblo of Tlalchapa, in the State of Guerrero. His father was a Spaniard, his mother a Mexican. Young Victoriano was given good opportunity for education, being sent, at twelve years of age, to the Capital city where he attended the _Ateneo Mexicano_. In 1870 he was qualified to teach in primary schools. In 1877 he entered the National School of Jurisprudence and was admitted to the practice of law December 19, 1881. He commenced literary work when but sixteen or seventeen years of age, signing his productions with the name “José.” Using this _nom-de-plume_ he published his _Ensayos de José_ (Essays of José) in 1877. This was followed by _Cartas Literarias_ (Literary Letters) and _Dos Leyendas por José_ (Two Legends by José). Shortly after he published a series of articles--_Escritores Mexicanos Contemporaneos_ (Contemporary Mexican Authors)--in the literary journal, _La Ilustracion Espanola y Americana_, of Madrid. This was reprinted in book form and gave the author deserved credit. _Confidencias y Recuerdos_ (Confidences and Recollections) completes the list of Agüeros’s books. Renouncing law for literature Señor Agüeros became editor of _El Imparcial_ (The Impartial) but shortly after, on July 1, 1883, he founded and has ever since, conducted, _El Tiempo_ (The Time), the most conservative of the periodicals published in the Mexican capital. During the twenty years and more that have passed since then his pen has been well employed. His editorials are always carefully written and--though ultra-conservative--are marked by thought and judgment. No modern Mexican writer uses Spanish in a more accurate and graceful way. As a literary critic he ranks high, though it is difficult for him to see aught of good in the radical and liberal movement of the day or in those who are its exponents. Deploring the neglect of the national literature by Mexican readers Señor Agüeros is attempting to arouse new interest by publishing, in uniform style, the works of the best authors under the general title _Biblioteca de Autores Mexicanos_ (Library of Mexican Authors). The series has passed its fiftieth volume, is being well received, and is serving a most useful purpose. THE DAY OF THE DEAD.