THE WHITE ROSE OF YORK.
THE splendid embellishments of the Annuals have eclipsed the beauty of their literary contents ; and left the latter to boast of attractions in the celebrity of their authors, which have not always been borne out by the originality or excellence of the writing. The most eminent names have not in every instance been attached to the most striking productions. "The first sprightly runnings of the flask" of some new but rich vintage, are better than the lees of one more famed. Here we have an Annual that disclaims embellishment, and rests its pretensions upon the solid ground of its literary matter. Though not without several popular names, it makes us acquainted with others, of whose popularity the pro- ductions it contains will be but the seeds. The defect of Metro- politan Annuals has been the want of distinctive difference of character: here is one from the Provinces bearing the stamp of individuality.
The White Rose of York is the first of its race;,and its vigorous stock promises to be the parent of a succession of blooms. The freshness of this simple wild flower is as welcome to the satiated sense, as the fragrance of the briar, borne on the healthy breath of heaven, after the heated and perfumed air of the conservatory. It will no doubt be the forerunner of a series of County Annuals; whose appearance will be looked for as eagerly as the- return of the Musical Festival. The contributors should be either residents or natives of the county ; and the subjects be suggested by local scenes, incidents, or traditions,—as is mostly the case with the present. This limitation gives character to. the Volume, and wakes
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