New Books.

Memoirs of a Brother. By THOMAS HUGHES, Author of "Tom Brown's School-Days." Boston: James R. Osgood & Co. 1873.

THIS book, although originally intended for the relatives and friends, and especially for the younger members of the family, of Mr. Hughes, cannot fail to interest every one who reads it. Few persons, in this country at least, were aware, before the appearance of these memoirs, that Thomas Hughes had an older brother George, who began life almost as brilliantly as the author of "Tom Brown," and who possessed the same traits of character which have given his younger brother so prominent and honorable a position. In the opening chapters of the book, Mr. Hughes, with characteristic modesty, recounts many of his brother's exploits at home and at Rugby, always ascribing to him a courage and intellect far superior to his own. It might be supposed that much of this praise was due to the affectionate admiration of a brother, but the simplicity and earnestness with which it is bestowed compel us to believe that it is deserved. A short time after leaving Oxford, where he distinguished himself both as a scholar and as an athlete, George Hughes established himself in London, intending to follow the law; but he was soon compelled, principally by the illness of his wife's mother, to relinquish his profession. After living in Italy for some time, he returned to England, and took up his residence for life on his country estate. It is this part of his life, perhaps, which is most interesting, for we have here presented to us a character supposed to be almost extinct, - the country gentleman. Mr. Hughes may stand as a representative of the most thoroughly developed Englishman; manly to the last degree, taking a vigorous interest in every reform, bringing up his children with reverence for Church and State, and for their own minds and bodies, and preserving among the poorer inhabitants of his vicinity that almost unattainable mean between too great and too little familiarity.

Although the book is, as we have said, very interesting, the main purpose of the author is not to afford amusement; it is rather, as in his other works, to inculcate, by the force of example, manly and Christian character, and thus do honor to the memory of his brother.

WE have received from the publishers, White, Smith, and Perry, the "Evangeline March," composed by Mr. Edward E. Rice, of this city, for Mr. J. Cheever Goodwin's burlesque, "Evangeline," to be produced in a few weeks. It is a bold, spirited composition, and extremely effective as arranged either for the piano-forte or a full orchestra. It has been played at some of the theatres for the past fortnight with great success. The air of the trio is very sweet and pleasing, and the combinations in harmony throughout, many of them novel and ingenious, give the piece a very different character from the tum-ti-tum marches which are everywhere published with such lavish profusion.