“Where The Pelican Builds,” And Other Poems [review, 22 September 1885]

[Editor: A review of Mary Hannay Foott’s book of poetry, Where the Pelican Builds and Other Poems. Published in The Mercury, 22 September 1885.]

“Where The Pelican Builds,” And Other Poems.

— This is the title of a small volume of poems, by Mary Hannay Foott, published by Messrs. Gordon and Gotch, Brisbane. The poem which gives the title to the volume is already well known, and has a pathetic simplicity about it which is sure to make it popular. We may say that the poems generally show very considerable poetic power and facility of versification. They are so good, that we feel aggravated that they are not just a little better. As fugitive pieces they are far beyond the usual average, but they are scarcely quite good enough to be regarded as a permanent addition to Queensland poetry. However, there is no reason why a poetess who has done so well should not do a great deal better.

Source:
The Mercury (Hobart, Tas.), Tuesday 22 September 1885, page 2