24 MARCH 1888, Page 21

The Van Guelder Papers. Edited by "J. T. I." (G.

P. Putnam's Sons.)—We are reminded—of course, it is meant that we should be reminded—of Diedrich Knickerbocker. Possibly the late "Mr. John gnod," who "prepared to write a history of Long Island," is as mythical a being as Diedrich himself. However this may be, such a story as that of " Obed Groot," which tells us how a miser was brought to a better mind by the apparition of a spectre hunt, is quite in the familiar style, though perhaps it has a somewhat more serious intention than is to be found in the original. Two stories of a tragical kind, "Harry Blake" and "John Moore," are added. "A Visit of St. Nicholas" is a pretty little love-story, and "Little Sharpshins" a pathetic sketch of child-life.