Our Lady of August and the Palio of Siena. By
William Heywood, B.A. (Enrico Torrini, Siena. 4 liras.)—Mr. Heywood gives a brilliant account of the town of Siena, a turbulent place once.on terms of fierce hostility to Florence, now quiet enough, not to say dull. But Mr. Heywood, as a resident, sees what the occasional tourist does not see. Once a year the sleepy town wakes up to the fierce excitement of the "Polio," which is practically a horse race, though it is something more. Nothing could more strangely recall the old Blue and Green factions in the Circus of Constantinople. Districts in the city furnish the com- peting steeds. Between these there is a traditional separation or even enmity. A girl of one Contrade will seldom marry a youth from another. If such a case happens, the wife goes to her father's hcme on the day of the contest, lest she should be found rejoicing or lamenting over the wrong horse. The book is printed in Florence, we see, and is very creditable for its correct- ness,
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