The Peak of Derbyshire. By John Leyland. (Seeley and Co.)—
This is one of those admirable tourists' companions—something more and better than ordinary guide-books—of which Messrs. Seeley and Co. have published a good number during the past few years. Mr. Leyland is a delightful writer, but, unlike so many delightful writers, he has not been above following a definite and easily understood plan, when treating of what are now tolerably familiar districts. He has described them by their rivers and watersheds. Naturally, the first dealt with is the Valley of the Derwent, which is followed to its source in the Peak. The Wye and the Dove are next traced to their springs, mention being made of the more interesting places that lie within their water- sheds. Finally, we have a description of the less-known courses of the Goyt and the Etherow. When it is further noted that Mr. Leyland does full justice to Matlock, Buxton, and Ashbourne, to Haddon Hall, Chatsworth, and the three great caverns in the Castleton or Peveril district—the Devil's Hole, the Speedwell Cavern, and the Blue John Cavern—the merits of the letterpress of this book may be generally estimated. Mr. Leyland avails himself very freely of the works of previous writers on the same subject ; but his volume is thoroughly fresh, and as full of " go " as of freshness. The introductory chapter, which is mainly historical, is an exceptionally excellent piece of work. The illus- trations, which are executed by Mr. Albert Dawson an]. Mr. Herbert Railton, are worthy of the letterpress.
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