18 APRIL 1896, Page 25

The Sin - Eater, and other Tales. By Fiona Macleod. (Patrick Geddes

and Co.)—Does the reader wish to sup full of horrors ? Here is his chance. If his taste lies especially in the direction of " blugginess," let him read how Manus MacCodrum was killed by the seals. The "Daughter of the Sun" is equally dismal— indeed, this quality is maintained with quite admirable con- sistency—but it is less strongly coloured. The author dedicates his book to "George Meredith." Let him remember that only Achilles can wield the Pollan spear.