anonymous articles as much as possible, throws a great responsibility
on him. Whether the system of attracting readers rather by the names of the contributors than by the merit of the articles is likely to improve periodical literature is another question. The present condition of the drama is not any great encouragement to introduce the star system, and that scrupulousness of mind which objects to publish anonymously is perhaps indulging its indolence rather than making a sacrifice to right. Tender consciences-and it is they alone who feel these pangs -would probably be far more careful to avoid uncharitableness and in- accuracy, for which they were irresponsible, than they are when openly attacking an adversary able to reply. Be this, however, as it may, an editor must have much greater difficulty in keeping up to the mark the compositions of any of his contributors who may be disposed to be indolent when they are men of established reputation than when they are not. Such men are apt to think themselves above criticism. Nevertheless Dr. Macleod seems to us to have succeeded very well in this arduous undertaking, and the variety of his monthly bill of fare is as remarkable as its excellence.
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