238 
Analyses of Books, 
[April, 
Longman's Magazine , No. V., March, 1883. 
In the current number of this magazine we come upon a few 
matters which we may legitimately notice. “ Bits of Oak 
Bark,” a rural trilogy of Richard Jefferies, betrays the close and 
accurate observer of the fields and the woods. In its second 
part, “ The Legend of a Gateway,” we read how a lady heard 
the gallop of her lover’s horse in the lane, and heard his pecu- 
liar whistle at the Gateway at the very moment when he was 
crushed to pieces at a level crossing some twelve miles away. 
Not a word reveals whether the quaintly-told story is an out- 
growth of the writer’s imagination, or a legend which it might be 
impossible to trace to its source, or an ow’re true tale which 
could be verified with all the details of time, and place, and 
names. We can but repeat in comment that the introduction of 
such incidents in popular literature points to a decided change 
in the public taste. To what does this change point ? 
The same writer makes a passing remark worthy the notice of 
those who still maintain that beauty exists for man’s entertain- 
ment. “ I thought how the apple tree in blossom before us 
cared little enough who saw its glory. The branches were in 
bloom everywhere, at the top as well as at the sides ; at the top 
where no one could see them but the Swallows. They did not 
grow for human admiration : that was not their purpose.” This 
reflection is the more significant as coming from one who is 
assuredly not collecting evidence against the old teleological 
school, which viewed everything in Nature as existing for man’s 
use or delectation. 
“ Health in a Health Resort,” by Dr. B. W. Richardson, 
though containing many valuable suggestions, leaves, after all, 
a deep feeling of sadness in the mind. For to what end is it to 
lengthen life unless the quality of life could be altered ? After 
all, it is better to die of swift zymotic diseases than of softening 
of the brain, heart affections, albuminuria, general debility, — the 
outcome of worry and competition ! 
The Mason College Magazine. Edited by Students of Mason 
College, Birmingham. Vol. I., No. 1. January, 1883. 
Birmingham : Cornish Bros. 
We have great pleasure in welcoming this young contemporary. 
It appears that about two years ago the students of the Mason 
Science College felt themselves led to form an association for 
