Crags and Craters. By William Dudley Oliver, M.A. (Longmans- and
Co.)—The "crags and craters" which Mr. Oliver describes are in the island of Reunion, otherwise Bourbon. The island is volcanic, with two formations, the new, which contains the active crater in the S.E., and the old, in which there are various craters that have been long extinct. The volcano is not very formidable. Eruptions take place commonly twice in the year, but it has a bad name in the island. When you have exhausted your vocabulary of abuse the last reproach is " Product of the volcano." Reunion is described as a most beautiful island, hut its condition is far from satisfactory. It is sadly impoverished by absentee landlords. It grows more and more unhealthy every year. The coolies, in Mr. Oliver's opinion, are not well treated. On paper the regulations are admirable, but they are not carried out. In fact in 1882 the British Government suspended emigration to the island, in consequence of the refusal of the French to accept proper conditions. And suspended it still is.
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