Hitherto the American Hoyle has been the sole standard authority for games of skill and chance. As played in this country, all other Hoyles brought out on this side of the Atlantic being merely reprints of Eng lish editions, and containing very meagre allusion to the great variations from the old rules which nave been adopted and sanctioned here; and entirely ignoring some of our very best American games. The marked success of that work, and its recognition as a National umpire in all matters connected with games and pastimes, suggested the publication of a smaller, yet thoroughly complete, trade mam on the same plan, the cheapness of which should place it within the reach of those to whom the price of the larger book might be a serious objection.