“ Their instincts will usually be correct. They are no hypocrites in their pleasures. They know what they like, and they turn with confidence to books which come out recommended by the right name, It is certain that a great deal of what is written form them misses its mark and falls flat and unappreciated. Ballantyne they could always trust, and their choice of him as a chief favourite is no small proof of their discernment and of their literary good sense. ”

“ They take us with them to all parts of the habited and uninhabited globe, We follow with rapt attention the fortunate of their young heroes over sea and land. The scene is laid sometimes at home, more often in far distant countries, but the type is everywhere the same. It is the triumph of energy and courage and perseverance over dangers and difficulties by the way. ”

“ They have become a critical race, with rules and canons of their own construction to which books must conform if they are to read them. They are a gregarious race, too. The word is soon passed from one to another of them what books are and what are not to be read, and though they may not always follow the best guides, it is something that they will submit to be guided, and most important of all that, pick and choose as they will, they will find nothing mischievous of debasing in any of the books written for them and likely to come into their hands. ”