Sketches for Scamps. By the Hon. Ernest Pomeroy. (Digby, Long,
and Co.)—The author of these slight sketches is by way of being a New Humourist, and he has no doubt an eye to the lighter and slighter aspects of life, as well as a command of smoking- room jocosities. He has much to learn, however, and not a little to unlearn as well. Too much, indeed, of his rather deadly-lively fun lies in his titles,—such titles as "Uncle Josh (a trifle for the little ones)," and " Seeing the Doctor (a rake's romance for regular wrong 'uns)." Mr. Pomeroy is decidedly seen at his best in his first sketch, " Mary." The story is the old one of a pretty housemaid who, being not very strong-willed, allows herself to be courted and kissed by a host of lovers, and finally marries one to escape the importunities of the others. Here Mr. Pomeroy is comparatively natural. If he sticks to nature, and can refine away his vulgarities, he may yet achieve something in light literature.
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