21 MARCH 1891, Page 23

A Consideration of Gentle Ways. By Edward Butler. (Elliot Stock.)—Mr.

Butler made a success in "For Good Consideration." Bsit it does not always happen that one good volume of essays will be followed by another of equal merit from the same pen. Of all kinds of writing, the essay is most apt to degenerate. It is so easy to write, so hard to write well. If any one wants to see how low a writer of real ability can fall, let him read Parables and Apologues."