All night long the wind had whistled and shrieked from the northeast, flattening the waves and swirling their half-formed combs into the air, and then hurling them in a broadside of icy sleet across the deck of the doomed vessel. Somewhere off in the distance could be heard the dull reverberations of a foghorn, and the ghostly clang of a bell buoy; but above these and the shrieking of the storm rose the terrible crunching and grinding and gnawing of the jagged reefs as they tore their way through the metal sheathing and the strong oak planks and timbers.

As the night wore away the vessel yielded little by little to the inevitable. Her masts fell and her more vulnerable portions were wrenched apart and scattered upon the wild turmoil of the sea. One by one her crew were swallowed up in the mad vortex; and when the storm swept by and gray dawn appeared, there were only isolated bits of wreckage tossing among the floating windrows of seaweed which the storm had torn from the bed of the ocean. As the sun rose above the horizon two men making their way across the sand dunes from different directions. When they met upon the beach they paused and acknowledged each other's presence.

were

"A hard night," said one, whose

red face and rough dress seemed to indicate that he was a farmer.

"Yes, a terrible night," agreed the other, as he shaded his eyes and gazed anxiously out to sea. He was

a tall man, whose shoulders were bent with age, and whose long white hair was swept about his face by the wind.

"You are a stranger here?" interrogated the red-faced man.

"Yes, my son's vessel is expected, and I came down to meet him. Did you hear a signal of distress during the storm?"

"I wa'n't sure, but thought so."

All about them the beach was covered with great masses of seaweed which had been brought up by the waves. The red-faced man's eyes glistened as he looked around.

"It has been a grand night's work," he said, exultingly. "This is my land, and the seaweed will be worth a hundred dollars to me, clear."

One of the most interesting books for American Catholics which has been published in recent years is "Our Lady of America," by Rev. G. Lee, C. S. Sp. The clear and simple narrative, recounting the apparitions of our Blessed Lady to the Mexican Indian, Juan Diego, in the year 1531, the wonderful appearance of the now famous picture of our Lady of Guadalupe upon his cloak, the erection of the magnificent temple of Guadalupe, in which the miraculous painting is preserved, the prodigies performed at this renowned shrine through the intercession of the Mother of God, the formal approval of Rome, especially through Benedict XIV. and Leo XIII. of the Guadalupan facts, and the faith of the entire Mexican people in the truth of the Guadalupan apparitions-all these things are related with a simple power which carries conviction. The whole spirit of the work is admirably expressed in the opening lines, "I believe that the Mother of God appeared on this continent, and spoke to its people, and left there a wondrous memorial of her visit." We heartily commend this book to American Catholic readers as a work which is replete with solid instruction and deep edification. We have no doubt that many will be surprised to learn from its pages that America, from its very discovery, I might say, has rejoiced in a miraculous manifestation of the power of our Blessed Lady, which rivals in its claims upon our reverence the wonders of Loretto or Lourdes. Baltimore: John Murphy & Co.; $1.00.

The most complete exposition of the question at issue between Catholics and Anglicans with regard to the mooted question of the validity of Anglican orders is the "Vindication of the Bull Apostolicae Curae," written by the bishops of the Catholic hierarchy of England in defence of the Papal settlement of that vexed question, and in reply to the answer of the Anglican bishops issued shortly after the Canterbury conference. The whole point in dispute is thoroughly discussed from its historical and theological standpoint, and the labors of former controversialists are summarized and put in the clearest and most convincing way. Though small in compass, this brochure presents an ex

haustive and comprehensive discussion of the whole subject, and will be eagerly read by all who wish to become acquainted with the status of this celebrated theme of controversy. London, New York: Longmans, Green & Co.; 35 cents.

"Catholic Fractice at Church and at Home" is a valuable little manual of instructions and explanations, supplying to Catholics a complete guide and unfailing source of information. How to act under all circumstances connected with the exercise of one's religion is told in language so simple and clear that even a child may understand. It defines the duties of parishioners to their pastor, to the church, home and family, and must prove an important aid to clergymen. Every home should have a copy of this comprehensive little book, the headings of the chapters are in themselves sufficient testimony of its value, and of the scope of its work. Among the more important are the following:

The Parish, Baptism, Private Baptism, Holy Mass, Postures and Actions at Mass, Mass Offerings, Obligation to Hear Mass, The Word of God, Public Prayer, Congregational Singing, Holy Communion, Confession, Annual Confession, Sick Calls, Calling the Priest, Preparation of the Sick Person, Preparation of the Sick Room, Articles for the Sick Room, Administration of the Last Sacraments, Assisting the Dying, Funerals, Matrimony, the Marriage Ceremony, Holydays of Obligation, Fasting and Abstaining, Fast Days in the United States, The Support of the Pastor, Instruction of Children, The Parochial School, The Sunday School, Religion at Home, Blessings and Blessed Articles, Articles of Devotion, The Principal Devotions, Vespers, Benediction, Plenary Indulgences, The Forty Hours' Adoration, The Way of the Cross, The Rosary, The Scapular, Novenas, Pious Organizations in the Parish, Conduct toward the Pastor and Others of the Clergy.

The author, Rev. Alexander Klauder, has supplied a need much felt in many families, and has earned the gratitude of many, who by studying "Catholic Practice at Church and at Home," or even by referring to it when emergency arises, will be helped to observe properly the external exercise of

their religion. Angel Guardian House, Boston. Price, 25 and 50 cents.

The foibles of middle-class society in London, the utter forgetfulness of the best and purest ideals of life, brought about by the false views of life, which gradually claim dominion over the minds of drawing-room devotees, furnish the subject matter of George Gissing's interesting novel, "The Whirlpool." The story opens with a pleasing picture of the hero, Harvey Rolfe, a confirmed bachelor, who finds all the pleasure in life, which he craves, among his books, with an occasional recreation at his club. This easy, quiet and withal happy life is crossed by the shadow of a vain, superficial woman, who destroys the repose of the bachelor's life and drags him into the whirlpool of society. The flatteries of society turn her head, unfit her for the duties of wife and mother, the petty intrigues and whisperings disturb the peace of the household, old friends are estranged, and the folly of deserting the common, every-day duties of life for the vanities of a shallow, insincere society is graphically set forth for the reader's observation. The characters are drawn with a bold, free hand. The power of analysis displayed shows a deep insight into character, and the interest of the story never flags. New York, London: Frederick A. Stokes & Co.; Boston: Little, Brown Co.; $1.25.

Within beautiful covers of white and gold, Margaret B. Downing lovingly traces the annals of Loretto Academy, Florissant, Missouri, in a splendid souvenir volume, entitled "Chronicles of Loretto." The golden jubilee of Loretto, celebrated on June 21, 22, 23, 1897, occasioned the present volume, which is truly a labor of love, a heart offering from one who is intimately acquainted with the spirit of the Florissant Loretto and feels the strength of the bond which unites its children to the old and sacred sanctuary beside the banks of the Missouri. A charming account of the life of Rev. Charles Nerinckx, the founder of Loretto, with his sublime trust in Divine Providence, opens the volume, while the other parts are devoted to the history and development of Loretto at Florissant and the splendid jubilee exercises which were celebrated in thanksgiving for its fifty years of usefulness. Incidentally, we learn much of the early history of Catholicity in Kentucky, Missouri and the far West, and our unstinted admiration goes out to those

pioneers of religion who performed such herculean labors for the faith in the most trying circumstances. All these things are told in the volume before us with a grace of style which captivates and with a literary touch which makes the whole story one grand prose poem. Beautiful illustrations adorn the pages, giving the reader an idea of the beauties of the Florissant Loretto, while portraits of some of the noble men and women to whom Loretto owes its present greatness are given during the course of the narrative. There is also a fac-simile of the poem written by Maurice Francis Egan in honor of the golden jubilee festivities. New York, Akron, Chicago: D. H. McBride & Co.

"Idylls of Old New England," by Clarence Hawkes, with illustrations by R. Lionel De Lisser and Bessie W. Bell, is a beautiful volume of poems which treats of New England scenes and thoughts inspired by them. The author, who became blind at twelve years of age, shows a wonderful faculty of interpreting life and giving e. pression to high and noble thoughts in simple, moving language. Another characteristic, which stands forth prominently in these short poems is the display of hard common sense, so typical of the old New Englander, whose thoughts the author is putting into verse. The author of these striking poems is intensely human, and has learned the secret of playing upon the chords of the human heart. We recommend this beautiful volume as a desirable addition to every family library. The illustrations are numerous and beautiful, and portray New England scenes. Picturesque Publishing Co., Northampton, Mass.; $1.50.

A volume of short poems by Teresa Beatrice O'Hare, entitled "Songs at Twilight," and dedicated to Right Rev. Bishop Watterson of Columbus, has recently appeared. These poems range over a wide variety of subjects and form a series of simple strains expressing the thoughts of the author in simple, heartfelt language. Many little gems of thought will be found scattered through these simple verses, while the tone of all is deeply religious. The Columbus Printing Co., Columbus, Ohio.

"Ide Songs and Sonnets," by Harrison Conrard, is a volume of short poems, in which the author proves himself the possessor of a rich fancy and deep poetic instinct. His smoothly flowing verses, ex

"The Acolytes' Companion" is a ceremonial and prayer book combined, with rules and regulations for establishing and governing a sanctuary society. The author is a member of a religious community, and has taken his compilation from approved sources. Besides the prayers for Mass, there are instructions for sanctuary boys at High Mass, Pontifical Mass, Vespers and the different functions of the ecclesiastical year. It is a book which every sanctuary boy should have, and will be welcomed by all who have charge of the training of boys for the service of the altar. St. Louis: B. Herder; cloth, 50 cents; French morocco, $1.00.

We are in receipt of a new publication, "The Little Month of St. Joseph," published by the Brothers of Charity of the House of the Guardian Angel, Boston. It is an illustrated brochure of seventy pages, containing exercises for each day of the month of March, a novena to St. Joseph,

the seven joys and sorrows of St. Joseph, the devotion to the Cord of St. Joseph, and other prayers, to which is added a list of indulgences, with which these various devotions have been enriched by Popes Pius IX. and Leo XIII. The price of the book is ten cents by mail. It has the imprimatur of the archbishop of Boston. Those who wish to obtain this little book of devotion and help a deserving charity should address Brother Jude, 85 Vernon street, Boston.

The poetry and prose in the Fifth Reader of the series "Stepping Stones to Literature," published by Silver, Burdett & Co., Boston, are of a very high order. There are poems that have become classics, which all children will be glad to learn and remember; of these are Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade." Scott's "Love of Country," "America," "The Old Clock on the Stairs," "The Song of Steam," "The Death of the Flowers," "The Old Oaken Bucket," Miss Procter's beautiful "Legend of Bregenz," and Browning's "Pied Piper of Hamelin." These are favorites which never grow old.

"The Traveler's Daily Companion" contains the prayers for a journey, taken from the Roman Breviary, besides short forms of daily prayers, Mass devotions, etc. The volume is so small that it easily fits the upper vest pocket, and may be continually carried about without causing the slightest inconvenience. Benziger Bros., New York. Price, five cents.

New Music Received.

From Flanner's Music House, Milwaukee, Wis.: For Piano-Calve Waltzes, Milwaukee Carnival March. Vocal-"[ Can Forgive, but Not Forget." "When Love Was Young."

From Louis H. Ross & Co., Boston, Mass.: For Piano-Carnival Bells Waltzes, by Louis D. Sprette; Twilight Whispers, by George H. Ryder; Union Two Step, Malcolm Edwin Nichols. Vocal-"Love Me, Sweet," words by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, music by George F. Ormsby. Cradle Song, words by E. E. Rexford, music by Kate Vannah.