that he fiddled while Rome burned, but Mr. Charlesworth tells us that even Nero had his good points. "He sent instructions for the erection of shops and shelters along the military road through Thrace, and in the first years of his reign had made proposals for something like the establishment of free trade throughout the whole Empire." In reading this book constant reference has to be made to the map, and it is much to be regretted that no maps have been included. Round the World with Rod and Rifle. By Major P. M. STEWART. Introduction by Colonel J. L. SLEEMAN. Illustrated by R. CATON WOODVILLE London: Thornton Butterworth, Ltd., 1924. Price 21s. net. During his seven journeys'round the world the author had ample opportunity of hunting big and small game, and angling for all sorts of fresh and salt water fish, and his interesting and sometimes exciting experiences are here recorded. But while his book deals in the main with sport, there are fascinating glimpses of the countries, peoples, animals, etc., he has seen, and these will be much appreciated by the reader. Few creatures that run, fly, or swim, are excluded from his bag, but Major Stewart, so far as lay in his power, "waled them wi' judicious care,” and one cannot but admire the honesty with which he confesses to failure to procure specimens on numerous occasions through faulty shooting and to the possession of nerves when in tight corners. Pithily written, this captivating book is hand somely illustrated. The Making of a Mountaineer. By GEORGE INGLE FINCH. London: One wonders what the pioneers of Peaks, Passes, and Glaciers would say to this book. Their first feeling, we think, would be one of wonder that the art of mountaineering had advanced so much; and their next, one of generous admiration for this marvellous record of good work well done. The progress of mountaineer ing as a craft from the early days of Tyndall, Whymper, Stephen, and Moore, by Dent, Collie, Carr, and Mummery-to mention only a few British climbers-is' intensely interesting, and the time is surely ripe for a revision of the Badminton Mountaineering, bringing up to date what has been done during the present century. Any one can understand why Captain Finch's chapters on Corsica and the Himalaya are absorbing, but the bulk of the book is about the Alps, and this portion gives at least as much pleasure as the rest. It is a common remark that nothing new now remains to be done in the Alps, but the author very truly says that although all the obvious climbs have been accomplished, some still remain to be discovered by a discerning eye. These he has himself substantially diminished. In a sense all the climbs described are new, for they were carried out without guides. It is in this respect that Captain Finch has at least equalled the best of his predecessors, and a careful study of this lucidly written book will show how he has done it. Amongst new or partially new routes are the west ridge of the Bifertenstock, the north face of the Dent d'Hérens, and a climb up the east face of Monte Rosa, to say nothing of his holding for a time, along with Geoffrey Bruce, the height record on Everest. We have no doubt that this book will be read by climbers with interest, and we have little patience with those who would condemn the author for rashness. He makes it clear that every new route was carefully studied beforehand, and the possible dangers calculated. We recommend the chapter on the Dent d'Hérens as specially good evidence of his careful reconnoitring, sound reasoning, and the real caution that underlay his boldness. After all, mountaineering, like foxhunting, without risk would be very poor fun indeed; one has to see that the risks taken are not the result of foolish bravado. The book is very well produced, and it has a number of instructive and beautiful illustrations. EDUCATIONAL. A Geography of Australasia and New Zealand. By B. C. WALLIS, B.Sc., F.R.G.S. London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1924. Price 6s. This book is one of Messrs. Macmillan's series of "Practical Modern Geographies," and is specially suited for the work in Secondary Schools. It is divided into two parts, the first of which deals generally with Configuration, Climate, Productions, Communications, and Trade, while the second takes up the individual states under the same headings. There is an abundance of practical exercises and questions at the beginning and end of each chapter. Naturally in a country "where practically the whole of human endeavour is at the mercy of a great succession of anti-cyclones which progress like giants from west to east across the island continent," climate and its influence on the occupations and lives of the people takes a prominent place, but indeed all sections are admirably done. The outstanding features of the book are a methodical treatment throughout, an accuracy and detail of description which, never at any time laboured, is aided by a wealth of illustration and statistical matter not usual in such school text-books. There is a general index and an index of place-names. Africa. By EVANS LEWIN, M.B.E. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1924. Price 3s. This book-the latest addition to the valuable "Certificate Geographies" published by the Oxford University Press-is primarily intended for the serious student of geography who is preparing for examination, and the author, who is Librarian of the Colonial Institute, has made the utmost use of the sources of information which his official position puts at his disposal. A more complete and detailed treatment of this continent could not be desired by any student. The treatment of most of the subjects dealt with from the "continental" standpoint has much to commend it. Special stress is laid on economic conditions as being of greatest interest for civilised peoples. Photographic reproductions and carefully drawn diagrams are freely used, and a comprehensive index completes a most valuable text-book. Africa, Australia, and the Islands of the Pacific. By NELLIE B. ALLEN. Boston: Ginn and Co., 1924. In this book the author does for Africa and Australia what she has already done for other parts of the world in this valuable series of "Geographical and Industrial Studies." Her powers of vivid description and the clarity of her visualisation, assisted by beautiful maps and a profusion of photographic illustra tions, make geography a living reality to the pupil fortunate enough to use this text-book. Great emphasis is laid on the economic resources of the countries dealt with. Each chapter is followed by numerous suggestions for further study, and exercises designed for pupils doing individual work. An appendix of world statistics affords a useful means of making comparisons with continents already studied, and there is also a full index. Elementary Commercial Geography. By HUGH ROBERT MILL, D.Sc., LL.D., and FAWCETT ALLEN. Cambridge: University Press, 1924. Price 4s. Teachers of geography will welcome this new edition of Dr. H. R. Mill's wellknown Commercial Geography. The book has been largely rewritten and is now put forward as the work of joint authors, but the original arrangement has been retained, and the teacher may rely on the information being as accurate and up-todate as is possible in these days of rapid changes. The Individual Geography: A Four Years Course of Assignments. By H. B. PRIEST. London: Geo. Philip and Son, Ltd., 1924. Price 9d. each. Messrs. Philip are ever to the front in providing the most up-to-date aids for the geography teacher, and in these little books the requirements of schools working on the Dalton plan are fully met. All teachers interested in such schemes of individual work should see this series. Visual Geography: Wonders of the World. By AGNES NIGHTINGALE. London: A. and C. Black, Ltd., 1924. Price 18. This latest addition to Miss Nightingale's well-known visual series deals with the most famous scenes and buildings that are to be found in the world to-day. This practical method of teaching introductory geography could hardly be bettered for young children, and the subjects here dealt with have been most thoughtfully chosen. Principles of Human Geography. By ELLSWORTH HUNTINGTON and SUMNER W. CUSHING. London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1924. Price 15s, net. This is a new edition of a well-known American text-book. First published in 1920, it has already reached a third edition. For advanced students of geography we know of few books so interesting and so stimulating as this excellent manual. The publication of a new edition has enabled Professor Huntington to bring this book thoroughly up to date. The Mediterranean Lands: An Introductory Study in Human and Historical Geography. By MARION I. NEWBIGIN, D.Sc., F.R.G.S. London: Christophers, 1924. Price 58. 6d. net. Since the time of Reclus a number of important contributions to the geography of the Mediterranean region have been published; and most of them have dealt successfully with the geographical controls and influences exerted upon the history and progress of Man. But we have only to recall these writings-such as the works of Vidal de la Blache, Fischer, Myres, Philippson, and Semple-to realise that for one reason or another they leave ample room for a book such as Dr. Newbigin's latest work. This would be true even if the book were but a compilation from authors such as those instanced, since most of their writings are not easily accessible. But Dr. Newbigin's volume presents no mere résumé of the works of others, but the results of long consideration of the peculiar complex of geographical elements in which our Western civilisation has been cradled. Moreover, these results are offered to us in simple and attractive language. The importance of this cannot be stressed too much when the educational value of the book is estimated. In this country there are still passing from school and university very many individuals whose knowledge of the classics and of ancient history is greatly superior to their appreciation of geography. To them and to the classicists who are to teach their successors this volume may be specially commended. And perhaps we may believe, without undue optimism, that classical and historical teachers in Britain are now ready to welcome this thoughtful study which links so satisfactorily their own subjects with the methods and results of natural science. Dr. Newbigin is a geographer, not a historian with a geographical bent; but in view of the nature of her subject she has done well to arrange her chapters so that the westward progress of civilisation with its oscillating margins is presented in its historical sequence. And the advantage which the reader has from this arrangement is greatly increased in that the first three chapters are devoted to the geography of the region as a whole its peculiar physical features of relief, climate, water supply, and vegetation, and the ways in which Mediterranean Man has adapted himself to the environment. The seventeen pages given to "the Human Response" are admirable. The topics discussed are fundamental: the significance of the essential food crops, the modes of cultivation, the origin and results of transhumance, and the siting of towns; and they are convincingly presented. In regard to the last-named, however, the conscious avoidance of malarious land is illustrated by reference to Macedonia; and it would seem that a better example might have been given, for in that country-at least in its southern part-the majority of the population live on the plains, never far from the mosquitoes' haunts. In the Introduction the conditions precedent to advance of civilisation are stated essentially as fixation, with facilities for accumulation of surplus-leading to leisure, local security, freedom of movement, and control of communications. This is well justified by examples given in the body of the work. In the concluding summary the author seeks geographical reasons which may have contributed to or even determined the decline of the successive cultures and states, each associated with a definite part of the region. This question is not fully argued, but the subjects mentioned are suggestive: loss of touch between the component areas; the initial advantage of favoured areas tending to be dissipated by exhaustion of the soil in which renewal is slow; malaria as a cause or a consequence of neglect ; maritime lines of communication as leading to eventual disruption; Mediterranean basin not a natural unit, and even under Rome only temporarily a political unit. In conclusion, it must be said that the results of the author's own observations in various parts of the region have been introduced with excellent effect throughout the work; and mention must be made of the numerous sketch-maps. These are not intended to replace atlas and large-scale maps, but they are well drawn, clear, and are genuine illustrations of the text. A. G. O. BOOKS RECEIVED. EUROPE. Dear Auld Reekie: Camira Pictures of Edinburgh. By FRANCIS CAIRD INGLIS. Royal Svo. Pp. 32. Edinburgh The Homeland Association of Scotland, 1925. Price 1s. net. Banff and District. Edited by EDMUND I. xvi +388. Banff: 1919. By ALLAN EDWARD MAHOOD, M.B., F.R.C.S. (Eng.). Pp. The Blue Guides: Normandy. Edited by FINDLAY MUIRHEAD and MARCEL MONMARCHÉ. With 13 Maps and Plans. Crown 8vo. Pp. xxvii + 129. London : Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1925. Price 7s. 6d. net. Deutschland: Kurzes Reischandbuch. Von KARL BAEDEKER. Mit 24 Karten und 73 Plänen. Crown 8vo. Pp. xxx + 453. Leipzig: Karl Baedeker, 1925. Modern Turkey. By ELIOT GRINNEL MEARS, M.B.A., F.R.Econ. Soc. Demy 8vo, Pp. xiv +779. New York: The Macmillan Co., Ltd., 1924. Price 25s, net. Turkey in Travail: The Birth of a New Nation. By HAROLD ARMSTRONG. With 8 Illustrations and 2 Maps. Crown Svo. Pp. 280. London: John Lane, Ltd., 1925. Price 8s. 6d. ASIA. The Great Betrayal: A Survey of the Near East Problem. By EDWARD HALE BIERSTADT. Crown 8vo. Pp. xv+ 345. Illustrated. London: Hutchinson and Co., 1924. Price 15s. net. My Journey down the Tigris: A Raft-Voyage through Dead Kingdoms. By Dr. S. GUYER, Ph.D. (Zurich). Translated by JOSEPH MCCABE. Illustrated. Crown 8vo. Pp. 251. London: T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., 1925. Price 12s. 6d. net. Picturesque North Africa. AFRICA. Illustrated with 240 Photogravure Plates. Royal 4to. Pp. xii + 240. London: Jarrolds Ltd., 1925. Price 25s. Arabella in Africa. By Sir FRANK SWETTENHAM, G.C.M.G. With Drawings by REX WHISTLER and MARY FORSTER-KNIGHT, and a Sketch-Map. Crown 8vo. Pp. 236. London: John Lane, Ltd., 1925. Price 8s. 6d. net. AMERICA. Crown 8vo. Pp. xvi+ Heaton's Commercial Handbook of Canada, 1925. 709. Toronto: The Heaton Publishing Company, 1925. Handbook of Canada. Issued by the Local Committee on the Occasion of the Meeting of the British Association. Crown 8vo. Pp. 449. Toronto: 1924. The Geography of the Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. By DARRELL HAUG DAVIS. Demy 8vo. Pp. x + 180. Frankfort: Kentucky Geological Survey, 1924. Down the Grand Canyon. By LEWIS R. FREEMAN. Demy 8vo. Pp. 371. London: William Heinemann, Ltd., 1925. Price 258. net. GENERAL. Ancient Warriors of the North Pacific: The Haidas, their Laws, Customs, and Legends. By CHARLES HARRISON, F.R.A.I. Illustrated. Demy 8vo. Pp. 222. London: H. F. and G. Witherby, 1925. Price 158. Green Islands in Glittering Seas. By W. LAVALLIN PUXLEY. Demy 8vo. Pp. 316. London: George Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 1925. Price 12s. 6d. The Encyclopedia of the British Empire. 3 vols. Edited by C. W. DOMVILLEFIFE. Crown 4to. Bristol: Rankin Brothers, Ltd., 1925. Price £3, 38. Opal: The Gem of the Never-Never. By T. C. WOLLASTON. Demy 8vo. Pp. 164. London: Thomas Murby and Co., 1924. Price 10s. 6d. net. The New World: Problems in Political Geography. By ISAIAH POWMAN, Ph.D. With 238 Maps and 65 Photographs. Revised and Enlarged Edition. Large Crown 8vo. Pp. vi+741. London: George Harrap and Co., Ltd., 1925. Price 21s. net. Handbook of Commercial Geography. By GEO. G. CHISHOLM, M. A., B.Sc. (Edin.). Tenth Edition, revised. With Maps and Diagrams. Demy 8vo. Pp. xv+825. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1925. Price 258. A History of Commerce. By CLIVE DAY, Ph.D. Revised Edition. Crown 8vo. Pp. x+676. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1924. Price 148. |