supplements to WIDE AWAKE.  These, consisting of seven series on distinctly different subjects, have now been brought together into the present annual.  The leading series is entitled “Tales of the Pathfinders,” and is from the pen of Arthur Gilman, M.A.  It deals with the early American pioneers, and presents vivid pictures of some of the more striking incidents in our history.  Another series, by Mrs. Sarah K. Bolton, is made up of “Little Biographies” of distinguished men.  Another, by that eminent traveller and writer, Felix L. Oswald, has for its subject “Days and Nights in the Tropics,” and is full of descriptions of plant and animal life in the warmer regions of South America.  “In Case of Accident” consists of instructions what to do in case of accident or injury when a doctor is not at hand, and is from the hand of an experienced physician.  “Ways to Do Things” teach the boy reader how to construct ferneries, bookcases, how to bind magazines, how to make a toy railway and train, how to make curious kites, how to make and pitch a tent, and a variety of other things.  All this information is for the boys, of course, but the girls will find as much to amuse and interest them in the various articles descriptive of “Anna Maria’s Housekeeping.”  A supplementary series, “What to Do About It,” answers to the needs of both boys and girls.  The volume is capitally illustrated and handsomely bound.

PLEASANT AUTHORS FOR YOUNG FOLKS.  By Amanda B. Harris.  Boston:  D. Lothrop & Co.  Price, $1.00.  This volume embraces a dozen papers upon English authors, whose writings are to be recommended to the young, and which are of themselves delightful reading for the young and the old alike.  Their hearty appreciation of the subjects written upon give them the charm of sincere feeling.  The writer is in perfect sympathy with the authors she discusses.  She gives enough of personal anecdote and gossip to put young people on the footing of familiar acquaintance with those whose works she would have them read.  There are delicious bits of criticism made simply by telling what she has herself found to admire or enjoy in their books.  One sees just how she has come to have her favorites.  Older readers may learn from her how they can form a refined and discriminating taste, and what pleasure this will give them.  The young cannot fail of cultivating such a taste unconsciously if they read what is here recommended.  Some of the “pleasant authors” mentioned in this book would be thought too heavy for young folks at the present day; but our ideas of juvenile literature have been formed upon too low a standard.  This little work on authors is an admirable example of what such literature ought to be—­a book that any boy or girl of ten can read with profit, and can keep ready at hand for reference and for reperusal through the many years of a long life.  The list includes such names as Scott and Lamb and Jane Austen and Kingsley and Ruskin and Miss Mitford, some of which have been honored now many generations.  The book will do good service for the young by pointing out to them good sources of pure and elevated entertainment.