Page:Notes and Queries - Series 12 - Volume 7.djvu/148

 120 NOTES AND QUERIES. [12 s. vn. AUG. 7, 1020. one association which destroys pleasure in any great work of art : and which, once established, persists- long. It is the association of anxiety. Any work studied for examination purposes tends to contract that association. It is not to be helped a great part of what is most splendid in literature must be submitted, in the student's mind, to this eclipse. But since we seem to have done well enough so far in literature examinations without the Bible, is it not a pity to dim its glory yet further in eyes of youth by a fresh unfortu- nate use ? Let it be read, indeed, just as Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch intends, only let nothing temporal depend upon proficiency therein. The finest essay to our thinking is that on the value of Greek and Latin. We do not remember to have seen the case for the old classical lan- guages anywhere put so persuasively, with so evident and keen a realisation of what their con- tribution to western civilization has been and still is, combined with so clear a view of present conditions, and the claims of the newer literatures. It will be seen that the general argument of this set of lectures is exceedingly simple simple, one might say for much of it, to the point of self- evidence. But the book is none the worse for that : it gives the same satisfaction and affords the same subtle instruction as does an abundance of rich, ornamental detail disposed upon an element- ary fundamental design which ensures grace and order without distracting the eye. The detail in this case. quotations, jests, lively turns of speech, touches of passion, illuminating phrases is rich indeed. All the sa,me we return to our first complaint. Any reader must rise from these pages with excellent ideas as to what he ought to choose to read. But the important or a twin important thing is how to read when he has got the rightly chosen thing before him. It is an all but uni- versal oversight, this neglect of the point of contact, the very point to which all the rest is in fact but introductory. We hoped Sir Arthur would prove an exception in regard to this curious short- coming. But no ! We have here a most alluring survey of the fair fields in which the art of reading is exeVcised : but the art itself has barely been touched upon. And yet it is for want of good hints how to comport themselves there that so many people either shrink from entering that magic realm, or, having strayed there awhile to little purpose, abandon it with discouragement and ennui. The Enr/lish Historical Review for July strikes us as being among the best of recent numbers. The Editor contributes an important article on the Schools of Chartres and Paris in the time of John of Salisbury. Mr. William Miller writes on the Venetians in Greece 1848-1718 ; and Mr. G. Davies discusses the question of the genuineness and the import of the Nairne papers. Some of our correspondents may like to have their atten- tion drawn to Mr. G. II. Wheeler's note on the Itinerary of Anton ine. Other subjects discussed are the Forgery of Fines 1272-1376 (Mr. II. G. Kichardson) ; Proceedings in the Star Chamber (Mr. C. S. Kingsford) and Royal Charters to Winchester (Mr. V. H. Galbraith). bitirarn. MABEL PEACOCK. WE regret to learn that Miss Mabel Peacock, daughter of the late Edward and Lucy Peacock, of Bollesford Manor, Brigg, born on May 9, 1856, passed to her rest after a long illness, on Satur- day, July 17. She was laid to rest in the graveyard at Grayingham, a mile and a half from her home. The results of all Miss Peacock's literary activity have not yet been given to' the world, as her Lincolnshire folk-lore collections are only in part in print as yet. She was however authoress of the following : ' An Index of Royalists whose Estates were Confiscated During the Common- wealth, 1879 ' ; ' Tales and Rhymes in the Lindsey Folk-Speech, 1886 ' written conjointly with her brother Max, but published in the sister's name. ' Tales Fra Lincisheere,' 1889 ; an edition of Bunyan's ' Holy War,' and ' Heavenly Foot- man,' 1892, with introduction and notes ; ' Lincolnshire Folk-lore,' 1908, along with Mrs. Gutch, but only from printed work ; and ' Lincoln- shire Rhymes,' 1907. She was a good naturalist as well as a keen f olklorist. Her sense of humour was quick and her fancy ever ready, as her writings themselves bear witness. She was for many years a frequent contributor to our columns. fn EDITORIAL communications should be addressed to " The Editor of ' Notes and Queries ' "Adver- tisements and Business Letters to " The Pub- lishers" at the Office, Printing House Square, London. E.C.4. ; corrected proofs to the Athenaeum Press, 11 and 13 Bream's Buildings, E.C.4. IT is requested that each note, query, or reply be written on a separate slip of paper, with the signature of the writer and such address as he wishes to appear. CORRESPONDENTS repeating queries are requested to head the second communication "Duplicate." WILD BARBELL (12 S. vii. 30, 53, 98). SIR WILLOUGHBY MAYCOCK writes : "If MR. HART- ING will have another look at the bibliography attached to my letter in ' N. Q.' of July 17 he will see that I did not omit, as he alleges, ' Society in the Elizabethan Age ' by Hubert Hall." SUBSCRIPTION RATE for Twelve Months, including Volume Indexes and Title- Pages, 1 10s. 4d., post free. BOOKS. 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