AN experiment was recently made at an Austrian wood-pulp factory, to determine how quickly it was possible to make a newspaper from a tree. Three trees were felled in the presence of a notary and witnesses at 7.35 A. M. The trees were then taken to the factory and cut up into short pieces, which were stripped of their bark and converted into mechanical pulp. This was placed in a vat and mixed with the material necessary to form paper, and the first leaf of paper came out at 9.34 A. M. Some of the sheets of paper were taken, the notary still watching the proceedings, to the printing-office, about three miles away. The printed newspaper was issued at ten o'clock. Thus it took two hours and twentyfive minutes to convert a tree into a newspaper. LITERARY NOTES. THE value of THE LIVING AGE, this old eclectic weekly, to every American reader, as the freshest and best compilation of gleanings from the field of British periodical literature, has been long recognized. With a desire to give the best the world can offer, the publishers have arranged for the introduction of certain 66 New Features," so widening its scope as to embrace translations of noteworthy articles from the leading publications of France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other continental countries. In addition a monthly Supplement will be given, containing three departments devoted to American literature, viz.: Readings from American Magazines, Readings from New Books, and a List of the Books of the Month. 66 THE year 1897 will be a Red Letter Year in the history of SCRIBNER'S MAGAZINE. The publishers offer, among other good things, "London as seen by Charles Dana Gibson,” Soldiers of Fortune," by Richard Harding Davis, and series of articles on the Conduct of Great Businesses," and “ Undergraduate Life in American Colleges." Mrs. Helen Watterson Moody will contribute three or four articles on woman, entitled "The Unquiet Sex." W. D. Howells, Geo. W. Cable, and others, will contribute articles for the lighter portion of the maga 66 THE Christmas number of THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE has an extremely readable account of Christ and His Time," by Dallas Lore Sharp, written for the average reader and profusely illustrated with reproductions from the famous paintings of the world. The table of contents includes, also, a charming little reminiscence, by Grace Le Baron, on Dr. Holmes, entitled, "In the Autocrat's' Library." Mr. Winthrop Packard has an illustrated humorous sketch of an experience in Ireland, under the title of "The Sacking of Doe Castle." Contributed by Mr. Arthur T. Winslow is a depiction of the humorous side of monastic life, under the name of "Beneath the Monastery Bell," illustrated with reproductions from the works of some famous painters. "THE Engineer in Naval Warfare" is the title of an effective and well considered symposium presented in the opening pages of the NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW for December. It is intended as a reply to the articles published under a like heading in the REVIEW for May last. In this instance the contributors are: Rear-Admiral John G. Walker, U. S. N.; Captain A. T. Mahan, U. S. N.; Captain R. D. Evans, U. S. N.; and Lieutenant S. A. Staunton, U. S. N. Among other articles are: " Some Memories of Lincoln "; "Penal Colonies," by Major Arthur Griffiths; "American Bicycles in England," by Geo. F. Parker; The Duty of the Republican Administration," by Hon. Jas. H. Eckels; "Has the Election Settled the Silver Question?" by Hon. Wm. J. Bryan. "THE Progress of the World," the editorial department of the REVIEW OF REVIEWS, touches in the December number on a great variety of topics of national and international significance. After devoting several paragraphs to a lucid and instructive analysis of the results of the Presidential election, the editor proceeds to review the history of the efforts to obtain arbitration of the Venezuelan boundary dispute with Great Britain, explaining the attitude of the United States in the controversy; discusses the merits and demerits of the Cleveland administration now drawing to a close, criticising with especial vigor the President's Turkish policy; describes the latest phase of the European situation, with reference to the Eastern question and the Franco-Russian alliance; comments on Lord Rosebery's resignation and the resulting complications in English politicsmaking altogether a most interesting and valuable summary of the world's important doings for the month just passed. A STRONG list of contributors is presented in APPLETON'S POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY for December. Mr. David A. Wells resumes his papers on the Principles of Taxation" in this number with a discussion of the justification and the limitations of the taxing power, which will undoubtedly clear away many foggy ideas on these points. Mr. Herbert Spencer contributes an article on "The Relations of Biology, Psychology, and Sociology." Dr. Andrew D. White gives a synopsis of the recent book by Prof. E. P. Evans on “Animal Symbolism in Ecclesiastical Architecture." In "Possession and Mediumship" the psychology of demonism and spiritism is set forth by Prof. W. R. Newbold. ON petition of the creditors of the Arena Publishing Company made Oct. 1, 1896, before Judge Dunbar to appoint a temporary receiver, A. D. Chandler, Esq. was appointed for the protection and adjustment of the interests of the creditors during a reorganization of this company. The Arena Company will be recapitalized by experienced businessmen, and placed in new hands and on a firm financial basis, the magazine to be an open court for the promulgation of all authoritative and important opinions. With the reorganized company THE ARENA will be enabled to extend its growth and add to its reputation now so well established, in the success of which all readers and thinkers feel a personal interest on account of the national influence which this publication has attained. THE December CENTURY continues to emphasize the Christmas traditions of this magazine, not only by papers and poems bearing directly upon the Christian festival, but by others breathing the spirit of the common human feelings. The frontispiece of the number is a Study for the Head of Christ," from the painting of "The Last Supper" by DagnanBouveret, exhibited at the Salon of the Champ de Mars last spring. 66 The Christmas Kalends of Provence," by T. A. Janvier, with illustrations by Louis Loeb, is the product of intimate acquaintance 66 THE Complete novel in the December issue of LIPPINCOTT'S is The Chase of an Heiress," by Christian Reid. The scene is in Santo Domingo, a region hitherto unfamiliar to fiction. The Whipping of Uncle Henry" is a tale of Georgia before the war, in that original and effective vein which is peculiar to Will N. Harben. Pauline Shackleford Colyar tells a Thanksgiving story of "Two Old Boys." "How Timmy Saved the Piece," by Livingston B. Morse, records a remarkable event in theatrical annals of the humbler sort. WHAT SHALL WE READ? This column is devoted to brief notices of recent publications. We hope to make it a ready-reference column for those of our readers who desire to inform themselves as to the latest and best new books. (Legal publications are noticed elsewhere.) AMERICAN ideas of the Chinese are vague and indefinite, but the reader of Mr. Ralph's Alone in China will find that they are after all much like other people, possessing the same qualities which 1 ALONE IN CHINA, and other Stories. By Julian Ralph. Harper & Bros., New York, 1897. Cloth. $2.00. 2 In Sister Jane, Mr. Harris writes in a more serious vein than usual. The story comes very opportunely at this season of goodwill to man, for the heroine displays true charity to rich and poor alike. The book is admirably written, with here and there touches of the quaint humor that characterizes the author. Few writers have a stronger hold upon the reading public than Charles Dudley Warner. Whatever comes from his pen, whether story or essay, is sure to contain the best possible food for reflection. The Relation of Literature to Life3 is made up of a series of essays devoted to showing the connection between our literary, educational and social progress. One paper, on "The Novel and the Common School," ought to be placed in the hands of every teacher and every parent in the land. Life on the ocean wave in all its varied phases is graphically described by Lieut.-Commander Kelley of the U. S. Navy, in The Ship's Company. ↑ The Chapters on “ Midshipmen, Old and New,” and Superstitions of the Sailors," are particularly interesting, and it may be news to the legal profession to learn that lawyers are looked at with disfavor on 66 sailing-ships, as sure to bring ill luck. The book is most attractive in every way and is beautifully and profusely illustrated. No one was more prominently identified with the formation and early history of the Republican party than William H. Seward, and the story of his life covers the most exciting and critical period of our national existence. Mr. Lothrop's biographical sketch is fair and unprejudiced. While recognizing, appreciatively, Seward's many noble qualities, he does not overlook his weak points, and the reader is given an admirable insight into the real character of the man. Whatever may be one's political affiliation, he will find this book exceedingly interesting. 2 SISTER JANE: Her Friends and Acquaintances. A narrative of certain events and episodes transcribed from the papers of the late William Worman. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York, 1896. Cloth. $1.50. 3 THE RELATION OF LITERATURE TO LIFE. By Charles Dudley Warner. Harper & Bros., New York, 1897. Cloth. $1.50. 4 THE SHIP'S COMPANY and other Sea People. By J. D. Jerrold Kelley, Lieut.-Commander, U. S. N. Illustrated. Harper & Bros., New York, 1897. Cloth. $2.50. 5 WILLIAM HENRY SEWARD (American Statesmen Series). By Thornton Kirkland Lothrop. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York, 1896. Cloth. $1.25. NEW LAW-BOOKS. A TREATISE ON THE LAW OF REAL PROPERTY as applied between Vendor and Purchaser in Modern Conveyancing; or Estates in Fee and their Transfer by Deed. By LEONARD A. JONES, LL.B. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, 1896. Two volumes. Law sheep. $12.00. A new law-book by this distinguished author is always an "event" in legal literature. Whatever comes from his pen is the result of long and careful research, and his works are always clear, comprehensive and accurate treatments of his subjects. This treatise on the law of real property is a most successful effort on the author's part to state, as he says, with considerable fullness the law of the topics" on which he writes, and "to state it with such completeness as to make the treatise valuable to the courts and to practicing lawyers." All this has been accomplished, and the profession owe Mr. Jones a deep debt of gratitude for his efforts in their behalf. We are willing to assume the role of a prophet so far as to predict that it will be many a long year before a better work on the law of real property will be published. By THE LAW OF EVIDENCE in Civil Cases. There is no question but that the legal profession is ready for a new standard work on the law of evidence. Not that the old familiar text-books on the subject have not well stood the test of time, but a disinclination on the part of editors of later editions to alter the original text has necessarily confined the many changes in the law to the "notes," and to them the reader must go to ascertain the law as it exists to-day. Whether this new treatise by Mr. Jones is to fill this long-felt need time alone will demonstrate, but from a careful examination of the work it seems to us in every way an admirable guide for lawyers in the trial of civil cases. It is written in a remarkably clear and comprehensive style, and is an exhaustive exposition of the law as it is to-day. It is no hastily thrown together collection of digests of cases on evidence, but bears evidence of careful preparation on the author's part. The volumes are a convenient size (4 x 6 inches) for ready reference. We regret that no table of cases cited is included, but that perhaps is a matter of taste. We cordially commend the work to practitioners and students at law. A TREATISE ON THE MODERN LAW OF CONTRACTS, including a full consideration of the Contracts and Undertaking of public and private Corporations as determined by the Courts and Statutes of England and the United States. By CHARLES FISK BEACH, Jr. The Bowen-Merrill Co., Indianapolis and Kansas City, 1896. Two vols. Law sheep, $12.00 net. Mr. Beach is one of our most indefatigable law writers, and the wonder is that he is able to accomplish so much in so satisfactory a manner. This work on contracts appears to cover the subject thoroughly, and while we have had no occasion to test its accuracy, we doubt not it is to be relied upon as a correct and exhaustive statement of the present law. We advise those of our readers seeking a treatise upon the subject to carefully examine this book. A TREATISE ON THE LAW OF CONTRACTS. By SAMUEL S. HOLLINGSWORTH, late Professor of the Law of Contracts and Corporations and Pleading at Law in the University of Pennsylvania. Prepared for the press by Randolph Sailer of the Philadelphia Bar. Rees, Welsh & Co., Philadelphia, 1896. Cloth, $5.00. This is a very complete and exhaustive treatise upon the law of contracts and worthy to take a place beside the recognized standard works upon the subject. The arrangement is admirable and in every way adapted to the needs of both practitioner and student. One feature of the work strikes us as most worthy of imitation by other writers: the author is content to prove his propositions by a few well selected cases, and does not feel it necessary to add a mass of cumulative evidence upon the point. We cheerfully commend the treatise to our readers as one which will prove a valuable addition to their libraries. |